The Autumn Book Tag

Autumn is official here and I for one am so excited! It is my favourite season of the year, because everything becomes cosy again and people start getting excited for the Holiday season. I'm one of those people who enjoys the buildup to celebrations almost as much as the day itself so the Autumn season is the time that I thrive.

I decided to celebrate the start of the season with a book tag (as all good people do). I've done tags like this before, once in 2017 and once in 2018, so feel free to check them out as well. Also check out The Quirky Book Nerd because I saw this tag over on her blog.

1- What are your favourite things about Autumn?

I love everything about Autumn, from the hot drinks to the cold weather because it is perfect reading weather. When you're trapped inside from the rain what more is there to do than sit down with a good book and a cosy jumper?

2- What book reminds you of your school days?

I think a lot of people will agree with me when I say Romeo and Juliet because it seems to be required reading for almost everyone! I've lost counts of the amount of times I've read the play, acted out scenes or watched the movie adaptation but I do know it is far too many.

3- What cover reminds you of Autumn?

4- What is your favourite horror or Halloween story?

I don't read a lot of horror books (maybe it's a genre to get into?) but I recently read Lost Boy by Christina Henry and absolutely loved it. It is more of a retelling then a horror but there are definitely parts of that book that still haunt me now!

5- What is your favourite horror or Halloween movie?

The Nightmare before Christmas! I've been waiting for the Halloween season since about February so that I can watch it and get into the festive mood. 

Also confession: I've never seen Hocus Pocus.

6- What Autumn releases are you looking forward to?

Top of the list is The Starless Sea (which I think is at the top of a lot of people's list), closely followed by The Places I've Cried in Public. Both of these authors are in my top ten favourite writers so of course I am very excited that they are releasing books in the same month.

7- What Autumn movie release are you looking forward to?

I don't actually know too much about the movies that are coming out this Autumn, but I am looking forward to Joker. I love any story about a villain's background and the Joker is one of my favourite villains of all time.

8- What three books are you planning on reading this Autumn?

I just did a post about the top books I am planning to read this Autumn (which I'll link here), but three that I didn't mention on that post are Tess of the D'Urbervilles, Never Let Me Go and Just One Day.

What are you planning on reading this Autumn? What is your favourite horror story?

Let me know in the comments below!

And until next time, keep reading!

Netflix Book Tag!

I watch a lot of Netflix (naturally, it is 2019). In fact the only thing I do more than watching Netflix is reading, so this book tag is perfect for displaying my love for both my methods of procrastination to everyone. I had a lot of fun thinking of which books fit under these categories, and also looking at what was under each of these categories on my Netflix account!

This tag was created by A Darker Shade Of Whitney over on Youtube, so go check her out!

Recently watched: what was the last book you finished?

The Loneliest Girl in the Universe by Lauren James, which was an adorable and thought provoking sci-fi. Think Cress mixed with Passengers (the film). I don't usually read sci-fi books but this one captivated me from page one.

Top picks: Recommended to you based on another book you'd read

I was recommended Elsewhere by Gabrielle Zevin because I loved The Messenger of Fear by Michael Grant so much. I'm actually reading Elsewhere at the moment and I'm enjoying it (but definitely not as much as The Messenger of Fear). It talks about a similar concept (life after death) but the writing style is completely different and it isn't as scary as Michael Grant's book.

Recently Added: the last book you bought

I recently went on a mad charity shopping haul where I went around Canterbury (the big town near me) and grabbed all the books I wanted from each charity shop. Part of that haul included a really pretty edition of The Princess Bride by William Goldman that has an absolutely gorgeous black and white cover. Honestly, it is gorgeous and 100% the cover is the only reason why I bought the book.

Popular on Netflix: pick two books you've read and two you haven't which are getting the hype

Books I have read: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak and We Are Okay by Nina LaCour
Books I haven't read:  The Cruel Prince by Holly Black and Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

Comedies: A funny book

I usually laugh at anything John Green writes because his characters' sense of humour is very similar to mine. My personal favourite is Turtles All the Way Down, because it is absolutely ridiculous and very sarcastic.

Dramas: A character who is a drama queen/king

Doesn't every single character in a YA novel count? They're all so pumped up with teen angst that it is hard to find a character that isn't dramatic. However, if I had to pick one character that beats all the other characters I'd have to go with Belly from The Summer I Turned Pretty series because she is far more dramatic than most.

Animated: A book with cartoons on the cover

Is it weird that I can't think of a single book for this prompt? I guess the closest thing to a comic would be the new cover of Carry On, but I'm not sure if it actually counts. Does it?

Watch It Again: A book that you want to re-read

I really want to read the Infernal Devices series again, partially because I love Tessa and Will and partially because those books feel like home to me.

Documentaries: A non-fiction book you'd recommend to everyone

I rarely read nonfiction books; I think I've four or five in my entire life. I am trying to read more nonfiction this year and the next on my list is Hidden Figures, which was turned into a film recently. (I know this doesn't really answer the question but hey ho).

Action and adventure: A book that is action packed

The Enemy series by Charlie Higgins. This whole series is packed with action, which can only be expected from a zombie series. I love this series and am hoping to re-read it in the near future.

New releases: A new release that you are excited to read

I'm kinda pumped to read Two Can Keep a Secret by Karen. M. McManus, especially as its been announced as the Booksplosion book of the month for February. The blurb for this book gave me Riverdale vibes, so hopefully it will be a fun read.

What is one book you'd recommend to everyone? And what are you watching on Netflix?
Let me know in the comments below!

And until next time, keep reading!

Ringing in the New Year Book Tag

First post of a new year and I'm super excited! I love having a new year where I can start afresh, reflecting on everything that I achieved last year and looking forward to all the great books that I can read this year. I felt that this tag was the perfect final farewell to the books I read year as I get to gush about the books I enjoyed reading.

1- Best book/ series that you read in 2018?

How am I meant to choose the best book? I loved so many!

If I had to choose I would say the best book I read this year was foolish hearts by Emma Mills and the best series was 100% the Ruby Oliver series by e. lockhart.

2- Authors that you discovered in 2018 and plan to read more of this year?

For fluffy contemporaries it would have to go to Kasie West, for hard hitting books Margaret Atwood.

3- Most anticipated book turned movie?

There are far too many for this question so I'm just going to leave a list of my top few.

+ All the Bright Places
+ Little Women
+ Cats (the musical!!!)
+ Death on the Nile 

+ The Sun is also a Star
+ Chaos Walking series

4- Name a character you wouldn't have minded sharing a kiss with on New Year's

Kai from the Lunar Chronicles

5- What's on you TBR for 2019?

My TBR is all the books I own but haven't read yet! I'll leave a link to it here, but don't be alarmed by the number of books on it. I'm aiming to get to 0 by 2022 (weird date, I know) as part of group challenge with my friends  If you want to get involved let me know in the comments!

6- How many books do you aim to read this year?

I'm going to have a pretty hectic time this year, with A-levels and uni taking up the majority of my time, so I'm only going to aim to read 30 books this year.

7- Will you participate in the Goodreads reading challenge this year?

Of course! I love keeping track of my accomplishments throughout the year, watching the little bar fill up as I read. I'm a sucker for compliments and recognition, so the Goodreads challenge is a massive confidence boast.

8- Any New Year Resolutions?

I'm going to try and upload three posts every week this year, so let's see how quickly I break this resolution!

What are your resolutions? How many books are you going to read this year?
Let me know in the comments below!

And until next time, keep reading!

Books I'll Probably Never Read Tag

This week's tag is a little more negative than usual because I'm going to be talking about all the books I don't care about. Usually I try to only talk about the books I like, mainly because it is more interesting, but I thought this week would be a good time to reflect on some of the books that I don't want to read.

The tag was created by Marisa on her Youtube channel littlespider9, so go check her out!

1- A hyped book you never plan to read

I don' plan on reading The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins, even though multiple people have told me it is an excellent book. Psychological thrillers don't really interest me and I don't care much for the plot of this book.

2- A series you aren't going to start or finish

The Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Mass. 

Since reading the first book I've not thought about this series at all, and don't feel bad about not carrying on with it. Recently I've heard a lot of negative reviews about the series, and more people seem to be DNF-ing the series than when it first came out, so that doesn't motivate me to carry on reading.

3- A classic you aren't interested in reading

Silas Marner by George Eliot

I had to read it for GCSE and I got about three pages in before I went onto SparkNotes. This book drove me crazy and I never want to pick it up again.

4- Genres you never read

I'm always open to new genres and will give every book a try before giving up on it. There are a couple of genres, like Paranormal and Sci-Fi, which I rarely read but I'm always open to try it out again.

5- A book on your shelf which you probably won't read

I don't want to put any book under this category because I do want to read every book I own one day. However, a book I don't see myself getting to in a while is Zenith by Sasha Alsberg and Lindsay Cummings. I don't read a lot of Sci-Fi and the reviews for this book were quite negative (from what I could see). Maybe after I've explored the sci-fi genre some more I'll get round to it...

What is one book that you will never read? Have you read any of the books I've mentioned?
Let me know in the comments below!

And until next time, keep reading!

The Candy Book Tag

One of the main aspects of the new Westernised Halloween is the sweets that you collect whilst trick or treating. There are so many different types of sweets out there these days, and fortunately there are also a lot of different types of books. I always love matching food to books, so hopefully this tag will be just as fun.

I don't actually know who created this tag, but if you do please leave it in the comments. 

Apples: 

Ah. Healthy food. It is deep, meaningful and has probably won loads of awards but it isn't your thing.

 I actually love apples, and in a similar way I love deep and meaningful books. One book that did fall a little short for me was The Martian by Andy Wier. I really enjoyed the book as a whole, but there were several moments in the book where I truly believed I was going to have to DNF it. Maybe it is my absolute refusal to read sci-fi but there was something about the book that  made it less enjoyable.

Milk Chocolate:

A book you would recommend to everyone

I think The Book Thief by Markus Zuzak  is a great book to recommend to anyone. Although the book is about a girl, Leslie, the narrator is Death so anyone can enjoy it. It is a perfect introduction to the young adult genre for any reader, no matter what age or gender.

Black Jellybeans:

Why does these exist?

I think I have weird food tastes because I love the black jellybeans aka liquorice. However, a book that I wish was zapped out of existence is Me Before You by Jojo Moyes. I didn't enjoy this book at all and had so many problems with so much of this book.

Chocolate Kisses:

Awww this book has the cutest romance

The love triangle in The Infernal Devices trilogy is the cutest romance I've read in a while. Every single romance in this novel was adorable and I wish they could all be friends with me.

Gummy Spiders:

Eek! You made sure to check under your bed every night for a week after reading this scary one

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs terrified me and I actually had to sleep with the lights on for several nights because I was so scared. I would not recommend reading it at night!

Jumbo Lollipops:
This took you forever to get through but hey! You did it!

Most of the books I read for GCSE English took me forever to get through, but the one I remember taking me several months to get through was Spies by Michael Frayn. I spent about two months on this book and would have definitely put it down if my grade didn't depend on it.

Cotton Candy:
Admit it! You loved it when you were a child.

As a child I read every single book by Enid Blyton with Malory Towers and the Famous Five holding special places in my heart.I loved them so much as a child that I will probably read them to my children in the future.

Which book took you forever to get through? And which sweet is your favourite sweet?
Let me know in the comments below!

And until next time, keep reading!

Rapid Book Tag

A quick book tag this week because my life is a little hectic and I thought this tag would reflect the general tone of my life at the moment. Definitely not because I completely forgot I hadn't written a post yet so I'm doing this last minute instead of homework. 

Nope.

Anyways...onto the tag!

E-Book or Physical Book?

Physical 100%. I can't concentrate on e-books because I get distracted very easily and like being able to see what is on the next page before I read it.

Paperback or Hardback?

I want to be able to afford hardback books but I don't have the money for it. Plus paperback books take up less space which means I can justify buying more of them.

Online or in-store book shopping?

About 70% of my books are from charity shops so I don't really lean one way or the other. If I had to I would chose in-store book shopping because it feels more personal and the book seems to have more love in it.

Trilogies or series?

Trilogies. I get bored when reading series, or need a break from the world which leads to me putting down the book and then forgetting what happened, but that never happens with trilogies.

Heroes or villains? 

Morally, heroes. For fun factor, villains. Heroes are all a bit samey these days whereas all the villains I've read about are different, making the story more interesting.

A book you want everyone to read?

The Sign of One trilogy because it deserves more love than it gets.

Recommend an underrated book

I guess I did this in the last question but another underrated book that deserves more love is Listen to the Nightingale by Rumer Godden. It is a beautiful book that only has 126 ratings on Goodreads. Go read it! 

Last book you finished

Marly's Ghost by David Levithan. Would not recommend.

Last book you bought

The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey

Weirdest thing you've used as a bookmark

Not the weirdest thing but I am currently using the price tag from my skirt.

Used books: yes or no?

YES! 

As I've already said, about 70% of my books are second-hand and they're still in good quality. I love seeing what is left in the books from the previous owner.

Top 3 favourite genres?

Historical fiction, dystopian, realistic novels.

Borrow or buy?

Borrow. 

If I'm not sure about a book I always borrow it from the library instead of buying it, just to be on the safe side.

Characters or plot?

Characters because they drive the plot, so bad characters = bad plot.

Long or short books?

At the moment, short. Over 300 pages is a struggle for me currently.

Long or short chapters?

Short! 

I motivate myself to do homework by letting myself read a chapter between tasks and if the chapters are too long I end up not doing my homework.

Name the first 3 books you can think of

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood

Peter Pan by J.M.Barrie 

Secrets for the Mad by dodie

Books that make you cry or laugh?

Can I choose both? I love books that make me feel devastated about the characters misfortunes on one page and laughing about how they deal with their troubles the next page.

Our world or fictional worlds?

Both. Depends on the world.

Audiobooks: yes or no?

Okay, confession time. I've never listened to an audiobook.  I just can't get hooked in the same as when I'm physically reading a book. If you leave recommendation below maybe I'll find one that hooks me.

Do you judge a book by its cover?

Yes! Whoever says they don't is lying because we all do.

Book to Movie or Book to TV?

TV. That way the plot can be developed better and they don't have to cut out as many things.

A movie or TV show you preferred more?

P.S I Love You. I love both the book and the movie but I have happier memories of the movie than the book.

Series of stand-alones?

For contemporaries, stand-alones. Otherwise, series.

What is the last book you bought? And the last book you read?

Let me know in the comments below?

And until next time, keep reading!

The Fall Book Tag

It is finally Autumn again and I couldn't be happier. I love Autumn so much, it is colder, cosier and the world just becomes so pretty.

This tag, created by the Bionic Bookworm, is the Fall Book Tag which suggests it is created by someone American. I actually researched why it is Autumn in English and Fall in America, because I'm a word nerd and love to learn (I know, ultimate nerd). In short, autumn and fall were both used in England but because autumn is from Latin and English people spoke Latin for a lot longer than those who lived in America. 

Anyway...onto the tag!

Crisp Fall Leaves - A book that felt fresh and new

I generally read the same style and genre of book (because I'm not very adventurous) but one book that did feel new was  Daughter of Smoke and Bones by Laini Taylor. I don't read fantasy very often because I struggle to stay focused, but this book had me hooked.

Howling Winds - An ending that blew you away

This might not be very original but I'm going to say Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare. This book, and indeed the whole series, had so many twists and turns that everything in this book was surprising. I honestly was expecting the ending that came with this book and I spent a solid fortnight getting over the ending.

Comfy sweater - A book that gave you warm, fuzzy feelings

To All The Boys I Loved Before by Jenny Han is the warmest and fuzziest book I've ever read. Although Harry Potter makes me feel warm and fuzzy, TATBILB is loveliness in a book.

Bright colours - A book cover with yellow, red or orange on it

The most obvious book for this one is Illuminae by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff. It has all three of these colours on it and does scream autumn. Although the story doesn't have anything to do with autumn, being set predominantly in space, it is all the colours of autumn.

Leaf Fight - A book with non-stop action

Definitely The Sign of One by Eugene Lambert, the one book series I can't stop raving about. This whole series is jammed full of action and adventure which kept me gripped to the very end.

Pumpkin Spice - Your most anticipated read

I don't have too many new releases on my radar at the moment but one that I am very excited about is Broken Things by Lauren Oliver. I love Lauren Oliver's writing style and this book sounds so intriguing. I've been really into mystery books at the moment so this is right up my alley.

Which books remind you of Autumn? Which genre do you read the most at this time? 

Let me know in the comments below!

And until next time, keep reading!

My Life in Books Tag

Happy Birthday to me!

Happy Birthday to me!

Happy Birthday to MEEE!

Happy Birthday to me!

In case you haven't realised (because I was super subtle) it's my birthday. Well it's my birthday tomorrow but it's practically the same thing. So to celebrate I thought it would be fun to do a tag all about me and my love for books so you can get to know me a little better.

Let's go!

1- Find a book for each initial in your forename.

Messenger of Fear by Michael Grant; Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi; Am I Normal Yet by Holly Bourne

2-Count your age along your bookshelf- what book is it?

16- Northern Lights by Phillip Pullman

17 (for tomorrow!)- The Beginning Woods by Malcolm McNeill

3- Pick a book set in your city/state/country.

I couldn't think of any set in Belgium, but The 3 Serpents of the North Door by Saul Penfold is set in Norwich (where I was born).

4-Pick a world in a book you want to travel to.

Harry Potter (obviously) or Amulet by Kazu Kishubi

5- Pick a book that's your favourite colour.

The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson.

6- Pick a book you have the fondest memories of.

Either A Series of Unfortunate Events or Faceless.

7- Which book did you have the most difficulty reading?

1984 by George Orwell; it took me almost 4 years before I finally finished this book.

8- Which book on TBR would give you the greatest sense of accomplishment when you finish it?

The Sword of Shannara by Terry Brooks. It looks so massive on my bookshelf that I can't wait for the day I finally finish it!

What's your favourite book? When's your birthday?

Let me know in the comments below!

And until next time, keep reading!

The (Birthday) Cake Tag

It's my birthday next week and I'm super excited! There'll be presents, parties and the main attraction: cake. I love cake so much; it's the type of food you eat when you need to feel better after a long, hard week. So to celebrate cake I thought I'd do this tag.

I'm not too sure of the origins of this tag, but if you do know please leave a comment with where you found it. And now onto the questions!

Chocolate Cake:

A dark book you absolutely love.

It's not very dark but I loved The Wave by Morton Rhue. It was such a twisted story about control and obedience that I was terrifed of my teachers for months after reading it.

Vanilla Cake:

A light read.

I love contemporary books; they're so cheerful that you can't help but feel happy after you've read one. My favourite light read has got to be Lola and the Boy Next Door because it is so adorable, but also so realistic!

Red Velvet:

A book that gave you mixed emotions.

There have been a lot of books over the years that I've had mixed emotions about. However the one I always think of whenever someone asks me is Allegiant by Veronica Roth. I loved it when I first read but over time I started to spot the flaws in the story and now I'm not so sure about it.

Cheesecake:

A book you would recommend to anyone.

People ask me to recommend books to them all the time so I've gotten pretty good at guessing the types of books a person might enjoy. However I am absolutely awful at recommend a book to a big group of people because I just want everyone to read my favourite books. At the moment I think I would recommend the Amulet series because a such fun books to read.

Coffee Cake:

A book you started but never finished.

Most recently I DNF-ed After Alice by Gregory Maguire because the story just dragged on without any real excitement. I wish I could go back and get back the time I wasted trying to finish this book!

Carrot Cake:

A book with great writing.

So much choice! I'm going to go with The Book Theif by Marcus Zusak because the narrative in this book is absolutely beautiful. I loved the whole concept of this book and how delicate every sentence seemed.

Tiramisu:

A book that left you wanting more.

Basically any Rainbow Rowell book because I always have so many unanswered questions after reading one of her books. I grow too attached to her characters and then I want to find out every little detail about what happens after the books finish.

Cupcakes:

A series with 4+ books.

Most series I read have 4+ books (otherwise they're a duology/trilogy) but my favourite series has to be the Shadowhunter series. There are definitely more than 4 books in this series, and I don't think Cassandra Clare is ever going to finish this series!

Fruit Cake:

A book that wasn't what you anticipated.

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare. I was expecting to hate this book (having just given up on Twilight and all other supernatural books) but I was pleasantly surprised by it.

What is your favourite and least favourite type of cake? Do you prefer light or dark reads?

Let me know in the comments below!

And until next time, keep reading! 

New Year's Resolutions Book Tag

I only have two resolutions this year: read more and be happy. Whenever I come up with more resolutions I always break them, so I feel like these two are a good place to start. 

This tag was created by Emily and Shivalika so please go check out their original posts!

Get in shape:

A book that doesn't quite fit on your shelf correctly.

It's Kind of a Funny Story by Ned Vizzini.
This book is taller than all my books and sticks out more on my shelves so I've compromised by hiding it in my cupboard with the other awkward books I own.

Eat healthily:

A book you feel was good for you to read.

This might shock a few of you but I'm going to say Girl Online by Zoe Sugg. Sure it wasn't the greatest work of literature ever created but it helped me to come to grips with my anxiety whilst making me laugh at the same time!

Read more:

A book you keep telling yourself to read but haven't yet.

A lot of people are saying this but The Hobbit by J.R.R Tolkien. Seriously, I'll get to it one day, but I'm too busy right now...

Quit smoking:

A book you keep going back to even though you've finished it.

Harry Potter. This is really the only book/series that I've read multiple times, and the only book I want to keep re-reading even now!

Save more money:

A book you got for a great price.

I recently bought Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare for only £2 which made me so happy because everywhere else I looked it was £10!

Be more organised:

How do you organise your bookshelf?

My organisational method is very strange because it is different with each shelf. My top two shelves are series, then rainbow TBR books, then rainbow read books with a few TBR books scattered in there and then hardcovers with a few paperbacks as well!

Be punctual:

Shortest and longest time you've spent on a book.

Shortest time was 20 minutes when I read Amulet: The Stonekeeper.
The longest time was 3 months when I had to read Spies by Michael Frayn for school!

Go out more:

A book that isolated you from the outside world.

Literally any book I read that gets a four or five star rating. Or last books in a series. Or books by my favourite authors. Or first books in a series. 

Be unique:

Favourite book from 2017.

That's like asking a mother who is her favourite child! I'll have to go with Faceless by Alyssa.B. Sheinmel though because I haven't been able to stop thinking about it.

Be more personal:

Your most anticipated book of 2018.

The Long Forever by Eugene Lambert.
I have followed this series from birth and I can't wait for the  third book in this series!
(Also Eugene Lambert liked my review of Into the No-Zone!!)

Really, Resolutions?:
A book you promise to read this year.

I have absolutely no idea what I want to read next year! I just hope I can shrink my TBR to 100 books!


What was your favourite book from 2017? What book do you want to read next year? Have you done this tag? 
Let me know in the comments below!

And until next time, keep reading!

Jingle All The Way Tag

This tag was created by Lefty Reads so go give her some love!

4 days until Christmas! Who else is super excited?
I love listening to Christmas songs and basically just listen to them on loop throughout December. When I found a book tag that was all about Christmas songs, I knew I had to share a little festive cheer with all of you ! 

Jingle Bells

A fun, light hearted book/series

Although this book isn't my favourite book ever it was definitely a fun, light-hearted read. It does seem very long (500 pages!) but I flew through it in no time at all.

I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus

A book/series with a scandalous romance

I mean, this is the original scandalous romance. Everyone knows this story and everyone knows what makes this romance so scandalous.

I'll Be Home Again For Christmmas

A book/series that you are determined to re-read

I haven't read this book in 7 years but it still remains my favourite series of all time. I've been meaning to re-read it for years so hopefully I'll get to it soon!

Santa Claus Is Coming To Town

Your most anticipated read for 2018

His Fair Assasssians Book 4 is coming out in 2018! I haven't even finished reading the books that are out but I can't wait for this book to come out! Ahhhhhh!

Silent Night

A beautiful book/series that everyone knows

Both the cover and the writing is beautiful in this book. I'm pretty sure almost everyone in the book community has heard of this book, and love it or hate you can't deny that the cover is beautiful.

Winter Wonderland

A book/series with great worldbuilding

Basically all of Cassie's books have amazing world-building but City Of Bones was the book that started the awesome Shadowhunter adventures so I thought this one should get the spotlight.

Go Tell It On The Mountain

An under-hyped book/series that needs more attention

I meant this book in literally every post I write but Faceless is such a great book that I think more people should hear about it!

I Saw Three Ships

Favourite Triology

I know I've already mentioned this trilogy before in this tag but it is my favourite trilogy of all time currently. However The Infernal Devices is threatening to knock The Sign of One of the top spot!  

Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer

A book series with an underdog protagonist that rises up

I've only just finished this series but I absolutely love Violet as an underdog protagonist. I won't spoil anything in case you want to read this series but I love the character development she goes though.

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

A book that helped you through troubling times

This book has become such an important book to me and I've read it so many times that my copy is actually starting to fall apart. 

What's your favourite Christmas song? Which is your most anticipated book of 2018?

Let me know in the comments below!

And until next time, keep reading!

'Tis the Season Tag

My first Christmassy tag of month is definitely one of my favourites; it is such a simple introduction to one of the best seasons.

This tag was created by Richard so go check him out!

Do you have a favourite winter read?

I don't really have a specific book that I read in Winter although I do tend to read a lot of Christmas themed books. At the moment I'm reading Let It Snow and feeling very Christmassy!

Find a book with blue on the cover.

There are so many books I could choose for this one but to stay with a Christmas theme I'm going to choose My True Love Gave To Me. It is such a beautiful blue colour!

Find a book you would use as the star on top of the tree.

Fun random fact about me: our family has a koala star that we always place at the top of the tree.
I think Apple and Rain would make a good tree star because it is such a bright yellow.

Pick a fictional place that would be perfect for Christmas holidays.

My first thought was Narnia because have you seen Narnia in Winter? However I would love to visit Hogwarts at Christmas to see all the Christmas decorations. Plus there would probably be time for me to visit a snowy Hogsmeade!

Pick a fictional character you'd take on holiday with you.

I'd take Dash from The 12 Days of Dash and Lily because I think he would be perfect to help me stay in the Christmas mood all holiday.

Name one book on your wishlist this year!

Only one?! My entire wishlist is made up of books; how am I meant to choose my favourite?!
If I had to choose one I'd go with Secrets for the Mad by Dodie Clark because I honestly can't wait to get my hands on that book!

Favourite Christmas drink, treat and movie?

Favourite drink: Hot chocolate! Is there any other answer for that question?
Favourite treat: Being Austrian we always have an Austrian food on Christmas Eve which is a special treat for us.
Favourite movie: Father Christmas or The Snowman or Arthur Christmas.


What holiday do you celebrate? Which fictional place would you like to visit this Winter?
Let me know in the comments below!

And until next time, keep reading!

Autumn Reading Tag

Autumn is officially here in England. The leaves are turning red and falling all over the pavements, birds are flying to warmer countries and it is now socially acceptable for me to wear my Hufflepuff scarf to school. So what better way to celebrate Autumn than with a book tag?!

1- Are there any  book you are planning to read in the Autumn months?

    This month I'm planning to read lots of spooky, Halloween-themed books but next month I don't have too much of a plan.

2- September brings back school memories. Which required reading books did you love the most?

Animal Farm, To Kill a Mockingbird and The Phantom Tollbooth

3- October means Halloween! Name your favourite scary book and film.

For book I would have to go with Asylum by Madeline LaRoux. I'm not really a fan of scary movies but I'm always slightly scared when watching Stardust or Monster House.

4-With November it's time for Bonfire Night and fireworks. Name a book which kept you gripped.

This question confuses me so much because surely all books should keep you gripped. However one book that I read especially fast is Lola and the Boy next door (which I finished in about 4 hours).

5-What is your favourite cosy comfort read?

Harry Potter or Malory Towers

6-What hot drink do you choose when curling up a good book?

Throughout Autumn and Winter I drink hot chocolate and throughout Spring and Summer I drink tea.

Do you like scary books and films? Which one is favourite? Have you done this tag? 

Let me know in the comments below!

And until next time, keep reading!

The Ben 'n' Jerry's Book Tag

Summer is now officially over but as I'm trying to cling on to every last ounce of sun I've decided to do a book tag all about ice cream! Ben + Jerry's ice cream is my absolute favourite ice cream in the world so obviously I had to do this tag this week!

This tag was created by Aimal over at Bookshelves+Paperbacks so go give her blog so love!

Vanilla Caramel Fudge: A light, fluffy contemporary.

Lola and the Boy Next Door is the first book that springs to mind(closely followed by The Sky is Everywhere). This was my favourite of the trilogy and also the most summery!

Mint Chocolate Cookie: A new release you wish everyone would read.

So it isn't that new but Juniper Lemon's Happiness Index by Julie Israel. It is another amazing contemporary and debut novel (!) which I think everyone should read.

Karamel Sutra Core: A last  book in a series you were completely happy with.

I could go with Deathly Hallows, but I'm going to choose Light by Michael Grant instead. I remember reading this book for the first time and just thinking "That is exactly what I wanted to happen" before crying because my favourite series had ended.

Cherry Garcia: A book with a bittersweet ending

Sever by Lauren DeStefano.

Strawberry Shortcake: A book containing your OTP of OTPs

Currently Juniper Lemon's Happiness Index but it changes with every couple I read about!

Mil and Cookies: Two authors who could colabrate seamlessly

Jennifer Niven and Nicola Yoon. Prepare for the saddest contemporary yet!

Boston Cream Pie: A book that kept you up late

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs.

Chocolate Therapy: A book that calms you after  long day

Harry Potter or Amulet. Basically my comfort reads.

Coffee, Coffee, Buzzbuzzbuzz: An unreleased book you can't wait for

It Only Happens in the Movies by Holly Bourne or Sparrow by Sarah Moon

Which Ben + Jerry's flavour is your favourite? And what is your favourite contemporary?
Let me know in the comments below!

And until next time, keep reading!

The College Freshman Book Tag

The creators of this tag are  Dawlyn and Krista over at Little Blind Book Finds. Be sure to go check out their blog! 

Being English I have no idea what college is. For me you have primary school, high school, sixth form and then university. However I did some digging around and discovered that sixth form is the equivalent of college so I guess that means I'm in college.

And now onto the questions!

Roommates: 

Name a character you'd love to be roommates with and a character you'd hate to be roommates with.

I'd love to be roommates with Lola Nolan and all her crazy outfits, or Maddy from Everything, Everything because I love her bedroom in the film.

I don't think Hermione would be the best roommate to have. As much as I love her she would stress me out too much, always forcing me to do more school work!

Orientation:

Name a book you read to introduce yourself to a new genre.

The 'Gone' series by Michael Grant was the first YA book series I read. It was also my first dystopian novel ever; before then I'd mostly read children's books about fairies and elves. I'm really glad that this was my dystopian novel and I still love it all these years later!

Homesickness:

Name a book from your childhood that you love

My favourite book series growing was the 'Malory Towers' series by Enid Blyton and my copies are starting to fall apart from the amount of times I re-read it!

Any time that I feel ill or anxious or am missing home I pick one of the books in this series and just start reading. I think it is the only story I've memorised because I start literally anywhere in any of the books and know what's going on!

Choosing a major:
Name a book about a topic you are passionate about

I going to go with one of the most recent books I read and say 'Wave Me Goodbye' by Jacqueline Wilson. It is set in WW2, which is one of my favourite eras, and I adore history.

Join the club:

Name a popular book you thought you'd hate but ended up loving

'1984' is the first book that springs to mind. Having started it four times I was convinced that I was going to hate but after pushing through the first chapter I really loved this book.

The All-Nighter:

Name a book you stayed up all night to finish

Not quite all night but I stayed up past midnight finishing 'The Tattooed Heart' by Michael Grant.

The Night Before It's Due:

Name a popular book or series you put off reading for ages



I'm really bad at keeping up with series but the one I've fallen furthest behind with is The Mortal Instruments and every single book that comes after the original six books.

The Hangover:

Name a book that left you in a book hangover

I'm pretty lucky with the lack of book hangovers in my life. As soon as I finish a book I write a review and then I can move on from that book.

On a budget:
Name a book you bought even though you're tight on cash

This has never happened to me...yet. If I don't have money my parents are always there to support me and most of the books I buy are cheap, second-hand books that anyone can afford.

English 101:
Name a required reading book you loved

I've never had to do required reading for school! I self-studied for English Literature and the school had literally nothing to do with my reading so... When I was 9 we had G+T (Gifted and Talented) and I had to read Animal Farm, which is still one of my favourite books, so I guess that (?).

The Textbook:
Name a book you spent money on and ended up not enjoying

The Host by Stephanie Meyer. 

I tried reading it and just couldn't get invested in the story.

Office hours:

Name a book you read to get to know someone better

I rarely read non-fiction but I do want to read Hidden Figures because then I can finally watch the film. 

The Mean Professor:
Name a character you would hate to have as a teacher

Professor Snape or Professor Umbridge.

(Do I get extra points for picking actual teachers?)

Drop the class:

Name a book you thought you'd like but didn't

Champion by Marie Lu. Review here.

Life Lessons:

Name a book that made you reflect on your life

Wing Jones by Katherine Webber.
It really changed my perspective on some very important topics.

What subjects are you studying this year? Have you read any of these books? 
Let me know in the comments below!

And until next time, keep reading!