Alright so I've decided to kick things back off by doing a 'Thursday Tag post' the idea coming from Tyler - Rose over at The Reading Pile, I'm going to start this Thursday, right now! And this tag was found on Tyler's blog this morning 'The Book Sacrifice Tag', so, shall we begin? Here's the link to the original tag video by Ariel Bissett.

1) An Over-Hyped book: Let’s start this off with a Zombie Apocalypse! Let’s say you’re in a book store, just browsing, when BAM! ZOMBIE ATTACK. An announcement comes over the PA System saying that the military has discovered that the zombies’ only weakness is over-hyped books. What book that everyone else says is amazing but you really hated do you start chucking at the zombies knowing that it will count as an over-hyped book and successfully wipe them out?!

- Okay, for me this definitely has to be 'Born at Midnight' by C.C.Hunter. This book would wipe them zombies out in one. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it. But SO MANY people told me how amazing it was, so many YouTube videos hyped it, and many blog posts poured over it. And lets be honest, it was really just OK.

4) A Sequel: Let’s say you’ve just left the salon with a SMASHING new haircut and BOOM: Torrential downpour. What sequel are you willing to use as an umbrella to protect yourself?

- There aren't really any sequels I've disliked enough to do this, In fact even if I hated a book I couldn't ruin it! However I have to choose, so here goes: 'The Elite' by Kiera Cass, I enjoyed it, but it was slightly disappointing after 'The Selection' which I thoroughly enjoyed!

3) A Classic: Let’s say you’re in a lecture and your English teacher is going on and on about how this classic changed the world, how it revolutionized literature and you get so sick of it that you chuck the classic right at his face because you know what? This classic is stupid and it’s worth detention just to show everyone how you feel! What Classic did you chuck?

- Wuthering Heights, I have tried time and time again to read this book and get into it, and EVERY time I just lose focus, nothing about it grabs me! But I wont let it defeat me! One day I will complete it!

4) Your least favourite book of life!: Let’s say that you’re hanging out at the library when BAM global warming explodes and the world outside becomes a frozen wasteland. You’re trapped and your only chance for survival is to burn a book. What is the book you first run to, your least favourite book of all life, what book do you not fully regret lighting?

- Clockwork Orange. I had to study this book for my English Literature GCSE and I hated it. I enjoyed the story! But I could not for the life of me get my head round the stupid 'Nadsat' that Alex and his stupid little gang use. I hated it. So much. But maybe that was the point? Either way, BURN.

Charlotte's Secrets by Maryam Malik

Charlotte’s secrets, Demon’s love 

Synopsis:

As the dark ages reign over England, Julian, an ordinary village boy is condemned for Charlotte’s mysterious murder, his wife and to his surprise - a princess of royal blood. Oblivious of the presence of a centuries old demon, Julian is imprisoned in Elijah’s inescapable dungeon where he waits for the injustice of gruesome death. But when the young ban is rescued at the hands of an unexpected guardian…he learns of his role as salvatoris libeeret - the single truth that will alter his destiny forever. As alliances form, secrets unfold, and enemies reveal themselves, Julian must decide  who to trust and how far he is willing to go of the only woman he’s ever loved. 

My review: ****

This book is honestly one of the best debut novels I have come across.  The imagery, character development and writing style in general amazed me, everything seemed so vivid and real, which I really was not expecting from a debut. Julians love for Charlotte is very real, and you can’t help but love them for it. Julian is very much that character you cannot help but root for from the very beginning, his determination and what I can only call worship of Charlotte really makes you feel for him. 

As you know I am mainly a reader of Young Adult books so to delve into this book has really opened up a whole new reading world for me. The paranormal and magic was so easily intwined throughout the book, I worried it may feel somewhat out of place in what I first assumed would solely be a ‘historical romance’ however the whole thing flowed beautifully. My only one issue was that I would have loved to have read more about Watson and even the Queen. Especially from their perspectives. Fingers crossed for book 2 ‘Reign of a New Queen’ which I cannot wait to get my hands on!

'Robin in the Hood' By Diane J Reed

Robin McArthur has the perfect life, that is until it begins to fall apart, piece by piece. Her wealthy father is hospitalised after a stroke, her stepmother flees the country and to top it all off it turns out her father may not be as wealthy as she assumed and instead has been racking up million in debts. Robin is left with two choices, stay in a care home where she will most likely never see her father again, or risk it and sneak her dad out of the hospital and hit the road. but not before stealing a care and acquiring some well needed money. Robin finds herself flung from the high life to a backwoods trailer park brimming with magic, hope and most surprisingly to her, love. Cue Creek, Robins literal partner in crime, the typical bad boy you cannot help but love, which is really the last thing Robin needs. Creek not only steals her money but something much more precious, her heart.

I have to say the character building in this novel was brilliant! When I first came across this book I was skeptical about Robin as a person, I instantly assumed due to her background story that she would be shallow and spoilt, but much to my surprise Robin was strong,witty and clever, everything I admire in a female protagonist. Robin and Creeks love connection was absolute perfection, it was so real and clung to my heart the whole way. Definitely one of the most original modern day takes on a original fairytale, and by far a superb book! Definitely worth the read!  (4/5 stars)

I'm Back!

So these past few months I have been quiet busy going through the transition of 'Relatively carefree student' to 'Full time, slightly lost in orbit woman child' which apparently has left me with little time to actually review anything. But now I am slightly more settled into my current stage of life I am ready and raring to go! I currently have two new reviews ready to go live within the next week or so so stay tuned because they are absolute belters!

Thanks for sticking around!

Chelsea Jade (slowly regaining momentum and hopefully not so lost in orbit)

'Lobsters' By Tom Ellen and Lucy Ivison

'She's your lobster!' - Phoebe Buffay (Friends)

Ok I'm not going to lie as soon as I saw this title in the bookshop that episode of 'Friends' instantly popped into my head which meant I just had to buy it, I couldn't walk past it right?

Well I am extremely glad I didn't! This book is a shiny new contemporary gem amongst the usual teenage angst. A story of 'Sam and Hannah', two 18 year olds in search of 'the one' with only one summer to do so before university begins. 

This book will have you crying with laughter, cringing behind the pages and beaming from ear to ear. A must read for this summer!

I do advise a reading age on this book however of around 15-16 up dependent on the maturity of the reader. Other than that this is a perfect book for any gender or age (above 15) riddled with truth, friendship and vulnerability all of which is very realistic and relatable.

                                           *4 out of 5* 

'The Selection' by Kiera Cass

35 girls, one palace, one prince, one winner...and an army of rebels threatening their lives.

The selection, a competition that is designed to help the sheltered Prince Maxon find love. For many girls it's the chance of a lifetime, dazzling dresses, glittering jewels and a chance at a better life. For America Singer it is a chance to support her family and nothing more. That is until a surprising turn of events. But can America let go of her past and move on? More to the point can her past let go of her.

A stunning first book of the selection trilogy, with heart warming romance and friendship. What more could you want from a YA book?

*5 out of 5*

'Briar Rose' by Jana Oliver

Did your parents ever read you bedtime stories? Stories about a princess who is doomed until her Prince Charming comes to rescue her? Well so did Briars and now she has found herself in her own fairytale, except this isn't the kind of story her parents ever told...

Briar knows she is not to speak or even go near to Josh her ex-best friend who tried to save her life, but she doesn't understand why, not until her 16th birthday anyway when she is thrown into a fairytale land where she meets Mr Prince Charming Ruric who is in search for his princess. Briar is given many obstacles to overcome and finds friendship in the most unlikely places.

Jana Oliver's 'Demon Trapper' trilogy is still amongst my favourite books ever! And I must admit that this was no let down, I was skeptical at first as I am not usually one for the whole fairytale take on a story but this was definitely not your usual and predictable fairy tale.

4/5 I would definately recommend this book to young adults of about 12+ perfect for those who love a bit of romance mixed in with abit of action.