Top Ten Books of 2014 and Reading Goals 2015

Hello everyone! As it's the start of a new year I thought I'd look back on the books I read in 2014 and choose my favourite top ten. These books weren't necessarily released in 2014, but I did read them in 2014. I was lucky enough to read some fantastic books last year and these are ones I would definitely recommend.

10. Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead

Actually just the whole Vampire Academy series in general! I marathoned this series straight after finishing university and it was just what I needed. I really needed a light read after having to finish complicated texts and writing dissertations, and that's just what I found. The concept of vampires in this series was so unique and different and the storyline was incredibly addictive. It took me about five days to get through the whole series and I really loved it. The characters were well developed and the twists kept me reading. I'd recommend this to anyone who wants to read a pretty unique set of vampire books.

9. A Storm of Swords by George R.R. Martin

Again, I'd love to say the Game of Thrones series as a whole since I read them all this year, but this book definitely stood out. So many plot twists and such an intricate storyline. Martin knows how to write an amazing high fantasy novel with such incredible characters. I don't know how much more I can say about how good these books are. Just read them. Really, they're amazing. If you watch the TV show then you need to read the books. Don't be intimidated by their size, despite being very long novels they're really easy to read and very captivating.

8. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

This is a fantasy like no other I've read before, and I've read a lot of fantasy. It is an extremely meta book which parodies fantasy without making fun of it. It's incredibly witty with the most well developed characters I think I've ever read. The novels follow the life of a young man named Kvothe, who tells his life story to the Chronicler, starting from his childhood and up to his adult life. It's full of mystery, action and adventure and I'd recommend this to absolutely anyone who enjoys fantasy novels.

7. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

I have never read such a hauntingly beautiful tale than when I read this book. The story takes place in a mysterious circus which turns out to be the playing field for a competition between two magicians. The writing in this novel was incredibly beautiful and it painted such a vivid picture in the mind that there was no doubt as to what Erin Morgenstern was describing. The Victorian undertones suited this book so perfectly, as do the simple colours which say everything. I won't say any more but this beautiful book is something I would recommend to absolutely anyone.

6. The Assassin's Blade by Sarah J. Maas

The Assassin's Blade is a set of prequel novellas to the Throne of Glass series. The Throne of Glass series in itself is such an incredible set of fantasy books but I'll talk about them in a bit. The reason this set of novellas is on my list is because I've never ever been so affected by short prequel stories in my life before this. Even though I knew for certain what would happen in these books, having been made aware in the Throne of Glass books, I was still in shock at the end of the book. This genuinely left me a weeping mess as I felt so emotionally connected to characters I barely knew. This book and her ability to write such characters filled with depth shows how amazing a writer Sarah J. Maas is. I would suggest reading the Throne of Glass series for this book alone.

5. Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas

...Aaand here we are on The Throne of Glass series. This book is the third and most  recent in the series and, in my opinion, the best yet. I won't say too much as it is in the middle of the series and I don't want to spoil anything. The character development in this book is immense and it introduces new characters which I absolutely adore. It also introduces new elements which weren't in the other books which I love so much. I won't say much else but this series is incredible.

4. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell


Fangirl is an amazing contemporary novel which exhibits so many of the issues young adults have to go through. Not only does it explore these issues so thoroughly but it is also an incredibly geeky and fun book to read. I won't go into too much detail as I already have a written review on this which I'll leave a link to here if you want to read it!

3. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

This book follows a young girl in Nazi Germany during the Second World War and her story. I have never before read a novel with so much power, often using only a few words. Zusak’s perfect use of language can only be described as musical. His words are beautifully interwoven with the pages leaving a lasting effect on any reader.
The novel has a beautiful array of characters and imagery and it becomes so easy to believe you are right there. The perspective of death is so unique and means the reader is able to see the human race and the war in a different perspective. Hans Hubermann is such a lovely kind human being and I grew to love him as he was such a loyal character. Flawed but kind and loving. There is so much fear, trauma and hardship, yet impenetrable friendships and connections remain throughout the book. The ending of the book is heartbreaking and draining but beautiful and true. I have to say I was unable to read anything for several days after I read this because it was so powerful and stayed with me for so long.

2. Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

Ahhh. This book. This book. This book is just full of nostalgia. It is chock full of 80s references, in particular video games. If you're into video games and/or grew up in the 80s and/or any type of geek, you will adore this book as much as I did. This science fiction book is set only a few decades in the future, in a pretty much dystopian world where people escape reality through a virtual console called Oasis. People go to school through it, socialise on it and game on it. The creator of Oasis left easter eggs throughout this virtual world and, if found, they lead straight to his fortune. The story follows a young boy who is hooked on finding these easter eggs and studies 80s culture in order to do so. This book is just incredibly clever, witty and full of likeable characters. It's the most incredible science fiction book I've ever read. I can't explain how much I love this book. I read it in a single day and it's just so addictive. Just read it. Everyone should read it. Immediately after finishing this book I wanted to pick it up again, it is spectacular.

1. We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver 

I'm not sure I can even explain how much this book affected me. I had to study this book for university and I had been recommended it previously. This is probably the best book I ever studied. I don't want to describe the plot too much as it would spoil the book but I will say that it should probably only be read by mature readers as it contains heavy violence and mature topics.

It debates the main question of nature v. nurture and it follows the story of a child who does something atrocious. It explored so many themes associated with violence in America and it was incredibly powerful. I was stunned by the writing in this book and the psychological questions it raised. This book stuck to me so much and I couldn't think about anything else for days. I don't think I can explain this fully without giving away the plot and I would just suggest reading it. There is also a film of this book and its lack of dialogue probably makes it one of the most powerful film adaptations I've ever seen; it portrays the book extremely well in this way.

Reading Goals 2015

This year I'm hoping to read at least 100 books and I also want to do the 2015 Reading Challenge which is going around. You may have seen it already but I've posted it below if you haven't. The original link is here: http://www.popsugar.com/love/Reading-Challenge-2015-36071458

It sounds really fun and interesting; adding a bit more of a challenge to my TBR this year! I'm very excited for this year!

Bout of Books 12.0 Read-a-thon TBR

So today is the start of the Bout of Books 12.0 Read-a-thon. If you've not heard of this before, Bout of Books is basically a week long read-a-thon where you try to read as many books as you can in one week. I'll leave a link to their page here for anyone who wants to check it out: http://boutofbooks.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/bout-of-books-12-day-1.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed:+BoutOfBooks+(Bout+of+Books)

This read-a-thon is running from the 5th January - 12th January and I'm going to tell you about my TBR (to be read) pile for this week!

Ideally I'm trying to get through a few of my unread series this year so for this read-a-thon I'll hopefully be reading:

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

After the Ending by Lindsey Fairleigh, Lindsey Pogue

The Evolution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

Into the Fire by Lindsey Fairleigh, Lindsey Pogue

The Genius of Dogs by Brian Hare and Vanessa Woods

I've been desperate to read the Mara Dyer series for a long time now as I've heard fantastic things about the trilogy, so now I've finally got them all, I'm hoping to read them.

The Genius of Dogs is a book I started months ago and have not got round to finishing so this read-a-thon is a perfect time to finish it, as I was really enjoying it!

The After the Ending series is one I recently got on my Kobo (the first book being free) and it's a dystopian unlike ones I've read before and I'm hoping to power through the books that are out at the moment!

I'm aware that this is a fairly ambitious TBR as I do have a few things on this week but I'm hoping that Bout of Books will motivate me to get through as many books as I can this week! Good luck to everyone else taking part!

BOOK REVIEW: Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Genre: Young Adult Fiction/ Contemporary Fiction

My Rating: ★★★★1/2

Goodreads Page

Goodreads Summary:

Cath is a Simon Snow fan. Okay, the whole world is a Simon Snow fan... But for Cath, being a fan is her life—and she’s really good at it. She and her twin sister, Wren, ensconced themselves in the Simon Snow series when they were just kids; it’s what got them through their mother leaving. Now that they’re going to college, Wren has told Cath she doesn’t want to be roommates. Cath is on her own, completely outside of her comfort zone. For Cath, the question is: Can she do this?

Can she make it without Wren holding her hand? Is she ready to start living her own life? Writing her own stories?And does she even want to move on if it means leaving Simon Snow behind?

**Spoiler Free Review**

So, it had been a long time since I read a contemporary novel, what with being at university, and I didn't have high expectations for Fangirl when I first went into it. However, I was completely blown away by Rainbow Rowell's writing. This was my first Rainbow Rowell book and I was a bit worried about the hype surrounding her, as I didn't want to be disappointed and I certainly wasn't.

The book centres around Cath and Wren, twin sisters, who are starting College (or University to us English) and the difficulties that come with it. The main character, Cath, has to deal with family problems, from her father to her sister's independence, anxiety, friendships, and relationships. In between chapters however, we also get snippets of both the Simon Snow stories and of Cath's Simon Snow fanfiction. It painted a very real picture of fandoms and how important these things are to people in a way I completely related to.

The book painted a very real picture of what going to College and feeling alone is like. It also dealt with major issues many young adults go through when leaving home, in a brilliant way. I really related to the main character and I loved the notion of being able to read a story within a story. Every character in the book felt so realistic and I enjoyed the romance within the book too. It wasn't rushed or forced, like in many books, and the male character was extremely likeable.

The entire book had me smiling throughout and I flew through it in one day. It was a fantastic read that I'm sure I'll be fangirling over for a while.

 Although I absolutely loved the book, I did find the ending slightly too abrupt and I would have liked to have seen more of a conclusion (or perhaps, a sequel???). Despite this, I don't think that the ending took anything away from the rest of the story as it was brilliant.

I would highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys internet fandoms, contemporary fiction and general geekiness. It was amazing.

BOOK REVIEW: The Iron-Jawed Boy (Sky Guardian Chronicles #1) by Nikolas Lee

The Iron-Jawed Boy (Sky Guardian Chronicles #1) by Nikolas Lee

Genre: Middle-grade Fantasy/Sci-fi/Adventure

My Rating: ★★★1/2

Goodreads Page

Goodreads Summary:

Year 2300
Protea: Capitol of the Eldanarian Isle

Two hundred years have passed since the lands of the Outerworld humans were destroyed, save but a handful of rebellious cities. In their ruin, the last gods of Earth, the Illyrians, rose victorious. And ever since, it's with a cruel iron fist they've ruled over their subjects--desperate to keep their thrones.

**Spoiler Free Review**

I was happy to receive an ebook copy of The Iron-Jawed Boy from the author, Nikolas Lee, in exchange for an honest review.

I wasn't entirely sure what to think of the book when I first started it but I have to say the concept of the story drew me in straight away. The idea of Gods fighting a war with people who can use the elements, whilst simultaneously being set in the future, was definitely enticing.

The concept did remind of the Percy Jackson series but the storyline was nothing like it. I really liked the characters in the book; Solara was positively terrifying and Ion was a very likeable and believable character. I also enjoyed the back-story given the world. The setting was interesting and I hope to find out more about the world later in the series.

I do think I would have enjoyed this a lot more if I had read it at a younger age as I found it difficult to suspend my disbelief at certain things. I also found a couple of the concepts (such as the sweets) quite childish; however, I'm aware this was written for a much younger audience so, putting that aside, I found the rest of the book very good.

I loved the fight scenes, they were written incredibly, and many writers can't do that as well as Nikolas Lee can. I enjoyed the book and would continue the series if given the opportunity. I would definitely recommend this to people who enjoy a good middle-grade adventure story and who wanted something fun and light to read.

BOOK REVIEW: The Magic Trick by Levi Stack

The Magic Trick by Levi Stack

Genre: Fiction/ Historical Fiction/ Young Adult/Fantasy/Adventure/Mystery

My Rating: ★★★★1/2

Goodreads Page

Goodreads Summary:

STRANGE THINGS are happening in Aryk, almost as if history is repeating itself. New playing card graffiti sparks fear and rumors. There are whispers of a second rebellion—and of betrayers, assassins, and spies. And when a mysterious circus pitches their tents outside of town, Viktor is sure that he can’t trust its Ringmaster … or its Magician. 

**Spoiler Free Review**

After finishing and thoroughly enjoying The Silent Deal, the first book in the Card Game series, I was extremely happy to receive an ebook copy of The Magic Trick from the author, Levi Stack, in exchange for an honest review. To see my review of The Silent Deal, please click here!

I didn't think it would be possible for Stack to match the fantastic storyline and plot twists of the first book but he managed to do that and far more in the sequel to The Silent Deal. I absolutely loved the direction Stack took with the story. The characters developed even further and felt so realistic to me. They made the mistakes that any person makes and their assumptions often led them into more trouble.

The Russian setting is perfect for this book and the adventure and mystery is so alluring to the reader. Stack's research into this early-mid 1800's Russia is immense and creates such a vivid location for the reader. Again, Stack has a fantastic writing style and uses it to create plot twists and mysteries I could never have thought of. I loved the idea of the Trials and I found the classes an incredibly refreshing part of the story. Stack has a way of ending a novel, not on a cliffhanger like many rely on to draw readers back, but in such a way that leaves the reader wanting more. 

I have to say that the introduction of new characters was very interesting whilst the older character remained as witty and brilliant as ever. While I found part of the ending quite sad, I still really enjoyed the story. 

I am so excited for the next book and I will most certainly be getting it as soon as it comes out! I am loving this series.

BOOK REVIEW: The Silent Deal by Levi Stack

The Silent Deal by Levi Stack

Genre: Fiction/ Historical Fiction/ Young Adult/Fantasy

My Rating: ★★★★1/2

Goodreads Page

Goodreads Summary:

WHEN VIKTOR AND ROMULUS, two peasant boys, dig into their town’s strange past, they awaken the wrath of a mysterious overlord. As the blood brothers struggle to survive, their search for answers takes them through gambling parlors, fortune-teller dens, and moonlit forests full of monsters and men alike. 

**Spoiler Free Review**

I was happy to receive an ebook copy of The Silent Deal from the author, Levi Stack, in exchange for an honest review.

I wasn't entirely sure what to expect from this book when I first began it but it wasn't long before I was completely hooked on the story. I don't want to give too much of the plot away as I think going into this book without knowing everything is probably for the best. But what do you get when you combine Russia with gypsies, peasants, a mysterious overlord, thieves, fire-jugglers, playing cards and a little bit of magic? A brilliant story, that's what.

The book is set in Russia in the 1830s, a land of aristocrats and serfs. The main character, Viktor, lives in Aryk with a mysteries and hidden past which no-one talks about, but everyone knows it is related to the cards. When Viktor meets the strange forest-boy, known as Romulus, they dive head-first into the enigma of the cards to discover more of the town's past, and their own.

I absolutely loved the mystery and intrigue which surrounds the plot, it is quite literally a page-turner. Every time you think you learn something, another twist turns the plot in a new direction you couldn't have imagined. I was thrilled to find I couldn't predict any of the mysteries in the novel, and the one's I thought I had guessed right, were often wrong. I was left stunned and amazed by many the revelations and they kept me reading until the very end. Also the use of cards in the text was just brilliant and so cleverly interwoven in the plot.

The characters were so well-rounded, realistic and funny, often making the mistakes that a real child/teen would in naivety and innocence. I was behind the characters from the start and the introduction of the gypsy's made me even more in love with the characters. Also, despite his sometimes annoying nature in the book (which is definitely intentional), I found Belch's constant use of Shakespearean quotes  very funny.

I loved the setting of the novel, Russia in the 1830s is and incredibly interesting time-period and Stack creates a vivid picture of the time and its history. He clearly put a lot of research into the novel and it certainly pays off. The world in which Viktor lives feels both richly real yet incredibly fantastical. The descriptions make the world so vivid leaving the story, despite its fiction, feeling very real.

My only slight problem with the book was that parts felt a little rushed and I sometimes had to go back to see what had happened. However, I can't tell if this because I was reading so quickly, as I was caught up with the plot, or if it occasionally jumped ahead of itself. I also found the start a little difficult as it went through a couple of dream sequences fairly quickly and I became confused as to what was actually happening in the story and what was imagined. These are only minor concerns however.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I really can't wait to read the next book in the sequence. I would definitely recommend this to lovers of Historical Fiction and those who love the setting of Russia, as I do. I'll definitely be picking up a physical copy as soon as I can.

BOOK REVIEW: Requiem by Lauren Oliver

Requiem by Lauren Oliver

Genre: Dystopian/Young Adult Fiction

My Rating: ★★

Goodreads Page

Goodreads Summary:

They say that in the old days, love drove people to madness. The deadliest of all deadly things: It kills you both when you have it and when you don't.

**Spoiler-Free Review**

Requiem was dubbed the “exciting finale” to Lauren Oliver’s Delirium Trilogy when it was released earlier this year, seemingly promising to tie up all the loose ends and offer an exciting conclusion to the previous two novels: Delirium and Pandemonium. The trilogy offers a new and interesting take on both the idea of love and to dystopian fiction. Normally, I’m not really into the whole love story but in her first novel, the idea actually seemed to work. The novel is set in a world where the totalitarian government teaches that love is a disease called amor deliria nervosa and, at the age of 18, a mandatory surgical cure is used on everyone so they can never love and be infected with the disease.

I really loved this idea (ironically) and it was so different to any other dystopian fiction. After having read the previous two novels, and enjoyed them both, I was incredibly excited for Requiem; to finally know what happened to the characters and how the war between the cured and normal was resolved.

In the first book the characters were rather two dimensional in my opinion but the story was very well told. This incredible story progressed even further in the second novel where there was also a sudden character growth and the storyline became even more complicated and exciting, which made you care about everything in the books. However, Requiem seemed to regress, resulting in every character becoming less likeable and too two dimensional. Even worse? The actual storyline.

The entire book felt consumed by a love triangle and their petty squabbles rather than focusing on the society and war which had been built up in the previous book. This led to an even worse ending, that I was just stunned at. The entire novel had felt as though it was building up to a big climax, similar to The Hunger Games, where you discovered what happened to both the characters and the world they live in. Requiem had none of this. It ended with far too many loose ends that I couldn’t even count them. Furthermore, it lacked any closure or revelation about what had happened to the characters. Perhaps this was to make room for another book to come out? However, as far as we know, there isn’t.

Sorry to ruin this novel for anyone who has not yet read it, but I felt like it had to be known what a disappointment this was as an apparently “exciting finale” – which was neither exciting nor conclusive. I still really enjoyed the first two books in this series and would wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone, but be warned, the last novel might leave you more disappointed than if you never read it!

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