Top five series I own but haven't read

I'm usually very good at keeping up with series. I'll buy the first book and read it straight away, then go out and get the next books. But recently I've been falling behind as I read more and more stand alones. And I hate it.

This topic actually came at a perfect time; I've just reorganised my bookshelf and rediscovered old series that I'd lost on my bookshelf. Fresh, new series that I haven't even picked up the first book of. Series that I'm going to share with you.

Red Queen series by Victoria Aveyard

Reason for procrastination: Scared of the hype

I have no excuses except that I'm scared of the hype. Everyone went crazy about this book when it was released and I'm scared it won't live up to my expectations and that I'll hate it...

The Infernal Devices series by Cassandra Clare

  

Reason for procrastination: Haven't finished TMI

I looked online for the right order to read all of Cassandra Clare's books, to avoid the spoilers, and I finally came across Emma Books video that explains which order you should read them in. I'll be reading this series after I finish City of Glass and then I'll finally catch up with everyone else!

Matched series by Ally Condie

Reason for procrastination: Bad reviews

So when I saw this book in a cheap bookshop I was super excited. I'd heard about this series everywhere and wanted to be part of the dystopian clan. And then I went on Goodreads. 3.6 isn't a bad rating but you do have to scroll for a while before you find a review higher than 2 stars. Now I'm worried that I'll hate a book I used to love. Which is stupid!

The Chaos Walking series by Patrick Ness

Reason for procrastination: Intimidation

I actually remember this book coming out and taking over every single bookshop possible. My teacher kept on pushing this book on the class but, being the Divergent I am, I refused to read it. Last year I got sent the book and now I'm forced to read it. And I'll get to it...one day.

His Dark Materials series by Phillip Pullman

Reason for procrastination: Ummm *hides*

I have literally no excuse for not reading this book series. I've watched the film, I own the books, I've even started reading it...but somehow I just can't read it. I have no idea why but I've never got past the first chapter. Maybe it's because the book is high fantasy and that intimidates me a little. 

I need to pull on my big girl boots and just get on with reading these series. They've all been on my bookshelves for at least a year and they're books that I really badly want to read so I have literally no excuse (except for the ones I made up!) If you've read any of these books I'd love to now your opinions, and which series you recommend I read first. Are there any series you've been putting off reading? Let me know in the comments!

And until the next time, keep reading!

Wing Jones by Katherine Webber

Wing Jones by Katherine Webber
Release Date: January 5, 2017
Pages: 378
Rating: 💜💜💜💜💜
Buy it: Amazon | Book Depository

With a grandmother from China and another from Ghana, fifteen-year-old Wing Jones is often caught between worlds. But when tragedy strikes, Wing discovers a talent for running she never knew she had. Wing's speed could bring her family everything it needs. It could also stop Wing getting the one thing she wants.


Before I even start this review can we take a moment to appreciate the book cover...


Okay, onto the review.

This book was a beautiful coming of age story that touched my heart. The main character, Wing Jones, is such a role model throughout the book and copes with everything thrown at her. At the start of the book she was a little whiny and I was worried the book was just going to be a romance story. By the end she was an intelligent and kind girl who cared about others emotions, not just hers. She sacrifices everything to save her family and it was awesome!

I glad that there was such a high level of diversity in this book, and that Katherine Webber didn't shy away from everyday racism. There are no obvious racism but there are small comments that show a race boundary. I loved that Wing Jones was American, Ghanaian and Chinese because it is so a unique and different mix. It was especially interesting to see the three different cultures intertwine and interact with each other throughout the book.

The writing style was simplistic but effective. There were times when I forgot how old Wing is, and was wondering how a 12 year old was doing these things. It didn't take away from the story at all though, because the further in you get the more wrapped up you become in the book. It felt like I had a personal insight in to Wing's head as a little ghost, following her every action. This perspective made the story more gripping because it felt like it was happening to you.

I would recommend this book to literally anyone. Seriously. It was so awesome and definitely one of my favourite books I've read this year. It is inspiring, gripping and uplifting; everything you need in a book!

A-Z Book Tag

To round off my last week of exams I thought I'd do a nice and easy book tag.This tag was originally created by Jamie (link here), and I'm going to try to answer it to the best of my abilities!

Author you've read the most books from:

According to Goodreads this author is Enid Blyton, which isn't too surprising. I spent my childhood flying through all of her series, but I never realised I've read 64 of her books!

Best sequel ever:

There are so many sequels to choose! I think I'll have to go with Lies by Michael Grant because that book is amazing.

Currently reading:

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Drink of choice while drinking:
This depends on my mood and the time of the year: tea in winter, ice cold water in summer.

E-reader or physical books:

Physical Books! I don't even own an e-reader but I do own 600+ physical books.

Fictional character you would have dated in high school:

Joe from The Sky is Everywhere. He is a total sweetheart and I have a massive crush on him. If he'd even been in my social group I would have been over the moon.

Glad you gave this book a chance:

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Hidden Book Gem:

The Other Life by Susanne Winnacker

Important moment in your reading life:

Starting this blog. It didn't happen very long ago but I've become so much happier with my reading life since I started it.

Just finished:

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Mass

Kinds of books you won't read:
I usually read all types of books, but erotica is one genre I will never reach for. It is just too...sexy.

Longest book I've read:

Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix by the literal queen of literature.

Major book  hangover because of:

I'm one of those lucky few who doesn't suffer from book hangovers, no matter how much I loved it. I guess the only time I really suffered from one was when I finished the Gone series because it took up about two years of my life.

Number of bookcases you own:

Officially I own 5 bookshelves but I also have piles of books in my closet and under my desk, so really it's more like 7.

One book you've read multiple times:

Any Enid Blyton book. Yes, she somehow managed to make it on my list a second time but I studied her books back in prep school. Seriously, studied.

Preferred place to read:
Anywhere with a book. Although the bus is a perfect place to read.

Quote from a book that gives you all the feels:

"I didn't need to die for him to kill me"
from This Is Where It Ends

Reading Regret:

Not reading TMI when it was being released. I would have loved to have been there from the start.

Series you started and need to finish (only complete series):

The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer and The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare.

Three of your all time favourite books:

Night Owls by Jenn Bennett, The Bone Sparrow by Zana Fraillon, and Faceless by Alyssa B. Sheinmel.

Unapologetic fangirl for:

Holly Bourne. She is one of my only auto-buy authors and I will shout about her greatness until the day I die.

Very excited for this release:

2017- It only happens in the movies by Holly Bourne

2018- The Long Forever by Eugene Lambert

Worst bookish habit:

I think this would have to be that I have to finish a book after I've started it. In the last 5 years I've only DNFed 2 books and that was only after one of my friends literally forced the book out of my hand.

X marks the spot: Find the 27th book on your shelf:

The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness (which I haven't read yet)

Your latest book purchase:

I usually buy books in batches but the last book I added to my book notebook (say book one more time!) was Countless by Karen Gregory.

Zzz-snatcher book (last book to keep you up late):

To all the boys I've loved before by Jenny Han

Have you read any of the books on my list? Do you want to read any of the books on my list? If you do this tag please leave your link below so I can read it!

And until next time, keep reading!

Top 5 father figures in books

This post was inspired by the lovely ladies over at The Broke and Bookish!

Happy Father's Day! Or not... I checked a list of Father's days around the world and it looks like no one can agree when it is. Here in Belgium Father's Day has already passed, but for the UK Father's Day isn't until next week. Crazy, huh?

Anyway, to celebrate Father's Day I am picking my top 5 father figures in books.I feel like fathers don't get enough attention in the book community, so today I have decided to show off my favourite father figures. Notice how I say father figures, because not all the people on my list are actually fathers.

Atticus Finch from To Kill A Mockingbird

Even if you haven't read To Kill A Mockingbird, you've probably heard of what a great father Atticus is. He cares for both his children and sticks up for what he thinks is right. He also teaches Jem and Scout how to read an write, as well as other more important lessons like caring for everyone, no matter what. Let's be honest, he makes all of our top 5s.

Hans Hubermann from The Book Thief

Even though he wasn't Liesel's real father, Hans was definitely a good substitute father. Where Mama was harsh and strict, Hans was kind and compassionate. He was patient with her, giving her midnight lessons on how to read and write (a theme on this list!) when he discovers she can't do it herself.

Grandpa Joe Bucket from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

So he is technically a grandfather but Grandpa Joe is an amazing father figure to both his son and his grandson. Apparently a whole load of people actually hate Grandpa Joe, but I think he was very sweet. He cares about everyone in the family and saves his money to give to Charlie.

Mr Lancaster from The Fault In Our Stars

He doesn't get much love from the TIFOS fandom, because he isn't one of the main characters. But if you concentrate on him whilst reading the book you see that he is a considerate and caring father who looks after Hazel when she is upset.

Hagrid from the Harry Potter Series

Say what?! My choice from Harry Potter isn't Sirius Black? Yes, Sirius was a good father figure for a couple of books and taught Harry more about his parent's life. But Hagrid was there for Harry from the start. He was the one to collect Harry from Godric's Hollow, he contacted all Harry's parent's friends to create a scrapbook for him, he made him a birthday cake, he gave him hints about the Triwizard Tournament; honestly the list goes on forever. For these reasons Hagrid is the best father figure there is.

Everyone knows boys in books are better, but we can all agree that our dads are the best. So this Father's Day put down your book, and go spend some time with your family instead.
  I would love to know who your favourite father figures are and why, so leave a comment down below!

And until next time, keep reading!

Rebellion by Kass Morgan

Rebellion by Kass Morgan
Release Date: December 6, 2016
Pages: 352
Rating: 💜💜💜💜
Buy it: Amazon | Book Depository
The Colonists and the Earthborns are celebrating their first holiday together when, to everyone’s horror, they’re attacked by a group of strangers whose unusual battle cries fill the air. When Bellamy and Clarke discover that Wells, Octavia and Glass have been captured, they vow to get them back at all costs. But as they go after their new enemies, Bellamy and Clarke find themselves increasingly at odds, unable to agree on a plan to save their friends. 
Meanwhile, Wells, Octavia, and Glass are being slowly brainwashed by their captors with one goal: to grow their ranks and “heal” the war-ravaged planet.


Another story with a cult in it. Honestly it has become a bit of an obsession of mine, which could be unhealthy (possibly...) All cults aside I enjoyed this book much more than the previous two books, and managed to remember what happened in this one!

We get to see how the four main characters cope in stressful situations, having to react quickly to what is attacking them. We finally get to see them being strong, independent characters instead of whiny children. The evolution of all the characters from book one to this book is really incredible; maybe the best character development I've ever read.

The writing was once again astounding. Even though my journey with this book series was rocky I will always be in awe of Kass Morgan's writing style. She spun this world perfectly and captivated me; so much so that I almost missed my bus stop. Almost.

The ending was all I could have dreamed of and more. I won't spoil anything but Bellarke shippers will love the ending; I know I did! There were a lot of twists and turns, ups and downs but the book finally settled down in a way that surprising but not unpredictable. And yes, I cried like a little baby.

Overall it was a well-written conclusion to the 100 series. It wasn't an intense work of literature but it was an enjoyable read. I don't think this book is for everyone at all but if you love the T.V show you should give the series a try.

The Lonely Life of Biddy Weir by Lesley Allen

The Lonely Life of Biddy Weir by Lesley Allen
Release Date: April 14, 2016
Pages: 400
Rating: 💜💜💜💜
Buy it: Amazon | Book Depository

Almost too terrified to grip the phone, Biddy Weir calls a daytime television show. Biddy has a story to tell.
Abandoned by her mother as a baby, Biddy lives in her own little world, happy to pass her time watching the birds - until Alison Fleming joins her school.
Popular and beautiful, but with a dangerous, malevolent streak, Alison quickly secures the admiration of her fellow students. All except one. And Alison doesn't take kindly to people who don't fit her mould...


This book was so good yet so bad. It was beautifully written yet truly horrific. It was so mid-blowing and upsetting and I loved it.

Honestly it is very hard to review this book without giving anything away. Every single little detail in this book is important for the story progression. Your journey as a reader is intense, slowly watching Biddy grow up and learning to hate herself. She has so little happiness in her life that at times throughout the book I had to put it down to recover.

The only thing I feel is my duty to say is that the story could trigger some people. Biddy is mercilessly bullied by everyone in her school, and any glimpse of happiness is taken away from her. She turns to self harm to let out her anger and sadness, using pins to scar herself. I felt uncomfortable reading it, and actually had to skip over a couple sections.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested because it is a beautiful and fascinating book. If you do have triggers you might want to give this book a miss because it can be quite horrific at times.

Homecoming by Kass Morgan

Homecoming by Kass Morgan
Release Date: February 24, 2016
Pages: 340
Rating: 💜💜
Buy it: Amazon | Book Depository

The new arrivals are the lucky- back on the colony, oxygen has almost run out- but Glass's luck seems to be running out. Clarke leads a rescue party to the crash site, but she can't stop thinking about her parents. Meanwhile, Wells struggles to maintain his authority, and Bellamy must decide whether to face or flee the crimes he committed.

If you look at my Goodreads review you'll see I rated this 5/5.  So why did I mark it 2/5 here? Good question. The answer is I don't remember the book. As I'm writing this review 3 weeks has passed since I read this book and I don't remember a thing. Okay that's a slight lie; I do remember a few things, but only if I read the Goodreads synopsis.

When I read the synopsis I remember the story, and I'm happy with it. It filled my little fangirl heart with all the feels and makes me happy. But if I don't I can't remember a thing. So make of that what you will.

Sorry this review is so short, but I sat at my computer for 10 minutes, desperately trying to search my brain for any memory of this book. I'm usually a very positive reviewer, But I couldn't find the positives this time.