Spoiler-Free Review: Forever Geek (#6) by Holly Smale Title - Forever Geek (Geek Girl #6) Author - Holly Smale Release Date - March 9th 2017 Synopsis: My name is Harriet Manners and I’ll be a geek forever… Harriet Manners knows almost every fact there is. Modelling isn’t a sure-fire route to popularity. Neither is making endless lists. The people you love don’t expect you to transform into someone else. Statistically, you are more likely to not meet your Australian ex-boyfriend in Australia than bump into him there. So on the trip of a lifetime Down Under Harriet’s to-do lists are gone and it’s Nat’s time to shine! Yet with nearly-not-quite-boyfriend Jasper back home, Harriet’s completely unprepared to see supermodel ex Nick. Is the fashion world about to turn ugly for GEEK GIRL? It’s time for Harriet to face the future. Time to work out where her heart lies. To learn how to let go… *I was sent an e-arc copy through Netgalley for review* *All opinions are honest and my own* Review I'm going to try my best to keep this review as spoiler free (about the series on a whole) as I can, but if there are any spoilery parts, I will leave warnings! As many of you will know, I'm a huge fan of the Geek Girl series, so when I heard that Forever Geek was on Netgalley for request, I instantly went and requested it. I really didn't think I'd be accepted for it, but luckily I was! At the end of Head Over Heels, we are left with the knowledge that Harriet is going on a trip to the other side of the world (Australia) with her Grandmother, Bunty, and her bestfriend Nat. So it makes sense for Forever Geek to begin on their flight there. It'd been quite a while since I'd read Head Over Heels and I couldn't remember as much of it as I hoped, but the beginning of Forever Geek made it easy for me to just jump straight back in and luckily there were some links back to the previous book(s), making it a lot easier for me to get into. I feel that whenever I read these books, I almost forget I'm not there. The characters as always were so vivid and when starting Forever Geek, it felt like I was back with old friends. All the characters were as I remembered and this series is quite a comforting read for me. I loved the different characters involved in this book, many of which I wasn't expecting to be involved. There was more of a focus on Harriet's and Nat's friendship which I enjoyed, and also a big feature on the growing bond between Harriet and her grandmother. OId faces from previous books were reintroduced, many of whom haven't always got along with Harriet, but it was all a lot of fun! It felt like the perfect timing in the series to reintroduce old characters to end the series with and I was happy to see that Holly did relate back to how Harriet knew those characters and what had happened previously as I had forgotten about some of them. It was nice to see some more of Nick and also of Yuka and to find out more about what had happened since Harriet had stopped speaking to them. It was really interesting to read and see how those experiences had changed the way they acted. As this is the last book in the series, it was a sad read for me, but I honestly enjoyed it so much that I forgot that it was the last book until I'd finished it and realised that I was on the verge of tears. A lot happens in this book, some things sad and others good, but it was the perfect ending and I couldn't have wished for a better ending to to such a spectacular series. Overall, it was an emotional read, but it was one that I loved and will continue to love. Though this series may be over, it will forever hold a place in my heart and I just want to thank Holly for giving us such real characters to love and for continually outdoing each book with the next. I hope to read more books by you in the future! Rate - 5/5 BYE! GR - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32288152-forever-geek?ac=1&from_search=true BD - https://www.bookdepository.com/Forever-Geek/9780007574698 Amazon (UK) - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Forever-Geek-Girl-Book-ebook/dp/B01LXDQRPG/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1487884725&sr=1-1&keywords=forever+geek
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Mini-Reviews: The Sleeper and The Spindle by Neil Gaiman/Tinder by Sally Gardner Mini-Review: The Sleeper and The Spindle by Neil Gaiman Title - The Sleeper and The Spindle Author - Neil Gaiman Pages - 69 Pages Synopsis - A thrillingly reimagined fairy tale from the truly magical combination of author Neil Gaiman and illustrator Chris Riddell – weaving together a sort-of Snow White and an almost Sleeping Beauty with a thread of dark magic, which will hold readers spellbound from start to finish. On the eve of her wedding, a young queen sets out to rescue a princess from an enchantment. She casts aside her fine wedding clothes, takes her chain mail and her sword and follows her brave dwarf retainers into the tunnels under the mountain towards the sleeping kingdom. This queen will decide her own future – and the princess who needs rescuing is not quite what she seems. Twisting together the familiar and the new, this perfectly delicious, captivating and darkly funny tale shows its creators at the peak of their talents. Lavishly produced, packed with glorious Chris Riddell illustrations enhanced with metallic ink, this is a spectacular and magical gift. I've wanted to read this for ages and I went to my local library the other day and saw it there and I just couldn't help myself so obviously I borrowed it out. I know Neil Gaiman is quite a popular author as he's written a lot of different things, but I personally had never read anything by him, apart from the book I'm currently reading, which is M is For Magic, which is a collection of short stories. Therefore, this was my first proper experience with Neil Gaiman's writing. I enjoyed the writing style but I couldn't help but get confused at parts and quite lost in the text. I'm still slightly confused but I think I got the main gist of the story. Having the (brilliant!) illustrations also helped fix my confusion. The illustrations were so amazing and I really loved them. I'll insert some pictures below. Overall, I liked the plot of the story and the characters but didn't feel as if it lived up to my expectations. Rate - 3/5 GR - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23301545-the-sleeper-and-the-spindle?from_new_nav=true&ac=1&from_search=true BD - http://www.bookdepository.com/The-Sleeper-and-the-Spindle/9781408859643 Mini-Review: Tinder by Sally Gardner Title - Tinder Author - Sally Gardner Pages - 265 Pages Synopsis - A young soldier, a captive princess, witches, wolves and Death walk hand in hand in COSTA AWARD winner Sally Gardner's exquisitely written new novel inspired by the Hans Christian Anderson fairy tale, THE TINDERBOX, illustrated by David Roberts. Otto Hundebiss is tired of war, but when he defies Death he walks a dangerous path. A half beast half man gives him shoes and dice which will lead him deep into a web of dark magic and mystery. He meets the beautiful Safire - pure of heart and spirit, the scheming Mistress Jabber and the terrifying Lady of the Nail. He learns the powers of the tinderbox and the wolves whose master he becomes. But will all the riches in the world bring him the thing he most desires? Fairy tales are often the cruellest stories of all; in this exquisite novel Sally Gardner writes about great love and great loss. Just like with The Sleeper and The Spindle, I'd wanted to read this for ages so when I saw it in my local library, I just couldn't resist! Before going into this, I didn't really know anything about what it was about apart from that I'd heard quite mixed things about it. While reading it I couldn't really tell whether I liked it or not and at times, I really didn't feel like reading it but I managed to push through. I liked the storyline and found it to be quite different to things I've read recently and that in a way was refreshing but it felt like there was something lacking but I don't know what exactly. There was something missing and I think that changed my overall opinion on the book. Just like The Sleeper and The Spindle, this one is also illustrated but with smaller and more impactful (I think so anyway) illustrations. These were more creepy and really enhanced the underlined spooky feel. Overall, I enjoyed this but just like The Sleeper and The Spindle, this didn't reach my expectations. Rate - 3/5 GR - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18113422-tinder?from_new_nav=true&ac=1&from_search=true BD - http://www.bookdepository.com/Tinder/9781780621494 BYE!
Signed Book Haul! Hey Guys... This is quite an unusual post for me to write, because I don't think I've ever done one of these posts before, but in that last couple of months I've somehow collected quite a few signed books. I have a total of 5 books to mention below; 2 of these are preorders and then the other 3 I bought in Waterstones Piccadilly when I went to London at the end of October. Anyway, let's get into the book haul... The first of the signed preorders I got recently was Girl Online: Going Solo by Zoe Sugg, which is the third book in the Girl Online trilogy. I know there is a lot of controversy going around about this series, specifically the first book, but I did enjoy the first book and thought I'd at least give the other two a go. I am also a subscriber of Zoe, so I was obviously going to give the series a go. I loved the first book and do own the second book, but haven't yet read it, but I saw a signed copy of the third book on WHSMITH and just had to preorder it. I'm hoping to continue on with this series this month/early next year. Incase you don't know what this series is about I'll leave a Goodreads link to the first book. GR (GIRL ONLINE) -https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22510983-girl-online?ac=1&from_search=true GR (GIRL ONLINE: GOING SOLO) - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30340276-girl-online-going-solo?from_search=true BD (FREE WW SHIPPING) - http://www.bookdepository.com/Girl-Online--Going-Solo--3/9780141372174 The second signed preorder I made was for Username: Regenerated by Joe Sugg, the sequel to Username: Evie. If you didn't already know Joe is Zoe's sister and is also a youtuber that I watch, so when Username: Evie was released I did purchase it, but just havent yet read it. This was also a signed preorder through WHSMITH and so I just had to get it. I'm also hoping to read this series this month or early next year and because they're graphic novels, they shouldn't take me too long to get through. If you don't know what the series is about, I'll leave a Goodreads link below for the first book. GR(USERNAME: EVIE) - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25898265-username GR (USERNAME: REGENERATED) - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32075495-username?ac=1&from_search=true BD (FREE WW SHIPPING) - http://www.bookdepository.com/Username--Regenerated/9781473636941 The first signed book I picked up at Waterstones Piccadilly is Remix by Non Pratt. I'd wanted to read this book for so long, so when I saw a signed copy I just had to get it. Near where I live, I don't find signed copies too often in store, so you can imagine I got quite excited when I saw quite a lot of signed books in this Waterstones. Plus it was something like a 5 floor store as well. 5 whole floors full of books. I was in literal heaven, no joke. If you ever get the chance to go into that store, I really suggest that you do. Anyway, I'm not too sure what this book is about because I've forgotten, but I'll include a copy of the synopsis below. From the author of Trouble comes a new novel about boys, bands and best mates. Kaz is still reeling from being dumped by the love of her life... Ruby is bored of hearing about it. Time to change the record. Three days. Two best mates. One music festival. Zero chance of everything working out. I'm not sure when I'll read this, but I'm really looking forward to when I do. GR -https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21472663-remix?from_search=true BD (FREE WW SHIPPING) - http://www.bookdepository.com/Remix-Non-Pratt-Jimmy-Turrell/9781406347708?ref=grid-view The next book I picked up was The Map of Bones by Francesca Haig, which has a bit of a story behind it. When I picked it up I had a feeling it might be a sequel to something, but I read the synopsis and it had no mention of a previous book or that it was a sequel, It sounded really interesting, so I purchased it. When I got back home, I searched it up on Goodreads and it turns out it is the sequel to The Fire Sermon. I'm not sure when I'll read this book because I'm going to have to find/borrow a copy of the first book, The Fire Sermon first. GR (THE FIRE SERMON) -https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18109771-the-fire-sermon GR (THE MAP OF BONES) - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25814363-the-map-of-bones?ac=1&from_search=true BD - http://www.bookdepository.com/The-Map-of-Bones--Fire-Sermon--Book-2-/9780007563098 The last signed book I got recently was Saint Death by Marcus Sedgwick. This was the third and final book I got when in Waterstones Piccadilly. I've read quite a few of Marcus Sedgwick's books (mainly from the library) and I've come to love his writing a lot. When this book first came out I didn't really know much and didn't really think about buying it. Though, because he is one of my favourite authors I just had to pick it up when I saw a signed copy, so I'm very happy that I found this and can't wait to read it. Here's the synopsis: A potent, powerful and timely thriller about migrants, drug lords and gang warfare set on the US/Mexican border by prize-winning novelist, Marcus Sedgwick. Anapra is one of the poorest neighbourhoods in the Mexican city of Juarez - twenty metres outside town lies a fence - and beyond it - America - the dangerous goal of many a migrant. Faustino is one such trying to escape from the gang he's been working for. He's dipped into a pile of dollars he was supposed to be hiding and now he's on the run. He and his friend, Arturo, have only 36 hours to replace the missing money, or they're as good as dead. Watching over them is Saint Death. Saint Death (or Santissima Muerte) - she of pure bone and charcoal-black eye, she of absolute loyalty and neutral morality, holy patron to rich and poor, to prostitute and narco-lord, criminal and police-chief. A folk saint, a rebel angel, a sinister guardian. GR - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30177266-saint-death?ac=1&from_search=true BD - http://www.bookdepository.com/Saint-Death/9781444000528 Anyway, that was my signed book haul! Thanks for reading and if you've read any of the books above let me know what your thoughts are down below.
...BYE! Diverse February YA Releases! It's that time of month again where I share with you 5 YA books coming out this month. However, this month there is so many amazing diverse books coming out that I couldn't help but go a bit overboard. I've tried to include a mix of different diverse books. I've spent a few hours going through numerous sites and lists to find a good mix of books to show you. Some are more about LGBT+ and others features diversity in race, skin colour and more. Hopefully, this will help some of you find more diverse books to read this month. As some of you may know from my last new releases post, I'm trying to show more diverse books coming out each month. So, if you're wondering why some popular books aren't on this post, it's because of that. Anyway, let's get into the new releases! All About Mia by Lisa Williamson Release Date: February 2nd 2017 Synopsis: One family, three sisters. GRACE, the oldest: straight-A student AUDREY, the youngest: future Olympic swimming champion. And MIA, the mess in the middle. Mia is wild and daring, great with hair and selfies, and the undisputed leader of her friends – not attributes appreciated by her parents or teachers. When Grace makes a shock announcement, Mia hopes that her now-not-so-perfect sister will get into the trouble she deserves. But instead, it is Mia whose life spirals out of control – boozing, boys and bad behaviour – and she starts to realise that her attempts to make it All About Mia might put at risk the very things she loves the most. GR - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34103516-all-about-mia BD - https://www.bookdepository.com/All-About-Mia/9781910989104 Nowhere Near You (Because You'll Never Meet Me #2) Release Date: February 7th 2017 Synopsis: Following up her acclaimed debut, Because You'll Never Meet Me, Leah Thomas continues the stories of Ollie and Moritz in another heart-warming story of unique friendship. Ollie and Moritz might never meet, but their friendship knows no bounds. Their letters carry on as Ollie embarks on his first road trip away from the woods--no easy feat for a boy allergic to electricity--and Moritz decides which new school would best suit an eyeless boy who prefers to be alone. Along the way they meet other teens like them, other products of strange science who lead seemingly normal lives in ways Ollie and Moritz never imagined possible: A boy who jokes about his atypical skeleton; an aspiring actress who hides a strange deformity; a track star whose abnormal heart propels her to victory. Suddenly the future feels wide open for two former hermits. But even as Ollie and Moritz dare to enjoy life, they can't escape their past, which threatens to destroy any progress they've made. Can these boys ever find their place in a world that might never understand them? GR - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30038977-nowhere-near-you?ac=1&from_search=true BD - https://www.bookdepository.com/Nowhere-Near-You/9781408885376 Empress of a Thousand Skies by Rhoda Belleza Release Date: February 7th 2017 Synopsis: Empress Rhee, also known as Crown Princess Rhiannon Ta’an, is the sole surviving heir to a powerful dynasty. She’ll stop at nothing to avenge her family and claim her throne. Fugitive Aly has risen above his war refugee origins to find fame as the dashing star of a DroneVision show. But when he’s falsely accused of killing Rhee, he's forced to prove his innocence to save his reputation – and his life. Madman With planets on the brink of war, Rhee and Aly are thrown together to confront a ruthless evil that threatens the fate of the entire galaxy. A saga of vengeance, warfare, and the true meaning of legacy. GR - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30269126-empress-of-a-thousand-skies?from_search=true BD - https://www.bookdepository.com/Empress-of-a-Thousand-Skies/9780451478177 We Come Apart by Sarah Crossan and Brian Conaghan Release Date: February 9th 2017 Synopsis: From two acclaimed authors comes an emotional story told in verse about friendship, love, and overcoming unbeatable odds. Authors Brian Conaghan and Sarah Crossan have joined forces to tell the story of Nicu and Jess, two troubled teens whose paths cross in the unlikeliest of places. Nicu has emigrated from Romania and is struggling to find his place in his new home. Meanwhile, Jess's home life is overshadowed by violence. When Nicu and Jess meet, what starts out as friendship grows into romance as the two bond over their painful pasts and hopeful futures. But will they be able to save each other, let alone themselves? For fans of Una LaMarche’s Like No Other, this illuminating story told in dual points of view through vibrant verse will stay with readers long after they've turned the last page. GR - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25310356-we-come-apart?from_search=true BD - https://www.bookdepository.com/We-Come-Apart/9781408878859 Piecing Me Together by Renée Watson Release Date: February 14th 2017 Synopsis: Jade believes she must get out of her neighborhood if she’s ever going to succeed. Her mother says she has to take every opportunity. She has. She accepted a scholarship to a mostly-white private school and even Saturday morning test prep opportunities. But some opportunities feel more demeaning than helpful. Like an invitation to join Women to Women, a mentorship program for “at-risk” girls. Except really, it’s for black girls. From “bad” neighborhoods. But Jade doesn’t need support. And just because her mentor is black doesn’t mean she understands Jade. And maybe there are some things Jade could show these successful women about the real world and finding ways to make a real difference. Friendships, race, privilege, identity—this compelling and thoughtful story explores the issues young women face. GR - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25566675-piecing-me-together?from_search=true BD - https://www.bookdepository.com/Piecing-Me-Together-Renee-Watson/9781681191058?ref=grid-view American Street by Ibi Zoboi Release Date: February 14th 2017 Synopsis: On the corner of American Street and Joy Road, Fabiola Toussaint thought she would finally find une belle vie—a good life. But after they leave Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Fabiola’s mother is detained by U.S. immigration, leaving Fabiola to navigate her loud American cousins, Chantal, Donna, and Princess; the grittiness of Detroit’s west side; a new school; and a surprising romance, all on her own. Just as she finds her footing in this strange new world, a dangerous proposition presents itself, and Fabiola soon realizes that freedom comes at a cost. Trapped at the crossroads of an impossible choice, will she pay the price for the American dream? GR - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30256109-american-street?ac=1&from_search=true BD - https://www.bookdepository.com/American-Street/9780062473042 The Education of Margot Sanchez by Lilliam Rivera Release Date: February 21st 2017 Synopsis: Pretty in Pink comes to the South Bronx in this bold and romantic coming-of-age novel about dysfunctional families, good and bad choices, and finding the courage to question everything you ever thought you wanted—from debut author Lilliam Rivera. THINGS/PEOPLE MARGOT HATES: Mami, for destroying my social life Papi, for allowing Junior to become a Neanderthal Junior, for becoming a Neanderthal This supermarket Everyone else After “borrowing” her father's credit card to finance a more stylish wardrobe, Margot Sanchez suddenly finds herself grounded. And by grounded, she means working as an indentured servant in her family’s struggling grocery store to pay off her debts. With each order of deli meat she slices, Margot can feel her carefully cultivated prep school reputation slipping through her fingers, and she’s willing to do anything to get out of this punishment. Lie, cheat, and maybe even steal… Margot’s invitation to the ultimate beach party is within reach and she has no intention of letting her family’s drama or Moises—the admittedly good looking but outspoken boy from the neighborhood—keep her from her goal. GR - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26594801-the-education-of-margot-sanchez?ac=1&from_search=true BD - https://www.bookdepository.com/The-Education-of-Margot-Sanchez-Lilliam-River/9781481472111?ref=grid-view The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas Release Date: February 28th 2017 Synopsis: Sixteen-year-old Starr lives in two worlds: the poor neighbourhood where she was born and raised and her posh high school in the suburbs. The uneasy balance between them is shattered when Starr is the only witness to the fatal shooting of her unarmed best friend, Khalil, by a police officer. Now what Starr says could destroy her community. It could also get her killed. Inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, this is a powerful and gripping YA novel about one girl's struggle for justice. Movie rights have been sold to Fox, with Amandla Stenberg (The Hunger Games) to star. GR - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32075671-the-hate-u-give?ac=1&from_search=true BD - https://www.bookdepository.com/The-Hate-U-Give/9781406377286 Anyway, those were just some of the diverse books coming out this month. If you know of anymore, then please comment them down below so I can add them in. Also, if you know any that are coming out in future months then please let me know also, so I can include them in the next new releases posts.
BYE! |
AuthorHello and welcome to Books With Beth! I'm Beth and on this blog I share a mix of all my bookish thoughts through reviews, book tours and hauls. Have fun! Categories
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