Showing posts with label throne of glass. Show all posts
Showing posts with label throne of glass. Show all posts

Sunday, 6 March 2016

Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas - review

Hey there!!

So last night I stayed up finishing the second novel in the Throne of Glass series, Crown of Midnight, and holy cow I cannot deal. Words cannot express how much I am loving this series!!

If you haven't read Throne of Glass, what are you doing, please please please go read it, and then read Crown of Midnight, and then come back and read this review! I was super late to the Throne of Glass bandwagon, but I am so glad that I finally picked it up. Anyways, back to the review...

SPOILER REVIEW:

I found the first half of Crown of Midnight a bit on the slow side, however you can see later on that this is totally necessary to lay the groundworks for the action in the second half. I am loving learning more about the Wyrdmarks, and the introduction of the Wyrdkeys is so interesting! I was seriously freaking out when Celaena found that the key was in the clock tower.

Next, let me talk about the incredible development of Celaena's character that goes on in this novel. I was so excited when I found out that Celaena wasn't really assassinating the king's enemies, but giving them time to leave! I thought I'd learnt most of what there was to know about her in Throne of Glass, but then there's that bomb drop that she is Fae. I mean, there were clues, and I thought she was just descended from them or something, but when she transformed into Fae in that other realm I was so surprised!! Not to mention the final plot twist on the very last page when Chaol discovers that she is the lost Queen of Terrasen. What?!?! I just want to start the next novel right now and find out what will happen now that she's away from the king for a while.

Of course, I must also discuss the relationship with Chaol. I've mentioned before on this blog that I am a Dorian and Celaena shipper, and I will stand by that. At first when her and Chaol got together I was like nooooo. But as the story went on, I could see how well they worked together and how beautifully their relationship was woven into the story. However, I still have an inkling that somehow Dorian and Celaena will end up together. I feel like they can understand one another because of how they grew up, always under someone else's control, being told who to be their whole lives.

So overall, I am totally obsessed with Crown of Midnight. Sarah J. Maas seriously knows how to tell an intricate fantasy story. So many new aspects keep arising and interweaving with the tale, it is a joy to read!!

Rating: 5/5

Let me know in the comments your thoughts on Crown of Midnight!!

Love always,

Ari

Sunday, 14 February 2016

Book Boyfriend Tag!

In celebration of Valentine's Day (or if you don't celebrate this day, it can just be to celebrate beautiful fictional boys!), I thought I'd do the Book Boyfriend Tag, originally created by Rachel Reads on YouTube. Check that video out here. Let's get into it...

1. Most romantic boy
I have two fictional boys for this, and they are Jem from The Infernal Devices series by Cassandra Clare, and Augustus Waters from The Fault in our Stars by John Green. Jem is just such a loving and caring person, and of course his violin skills are also swoon-worthy! Augustus is so wonderful to Hazel, and whilst he is into grand gestures, he also knows that the little things in relationships can be just as romantic.

2. Dark and moody bad boy with a good side
Jamie from Doon, by Cary Corp and Lorie Langdon. When Veronica first meets Jamie, he's very dark and moody, but later shows his lovely true colours!

3. Paranormal boy
Sam from Shiver by Maggie Steifvater. It's been a while since I've read this series but I always loved Sam's love for music and books, and of course being able to shift into a wolf is pretty paranormal!

4. Boy you want to tame
Falco from Venom by Fiona Paul.

5. Boy you friend zoned
Simon from The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare. I'm sorry Simon, but like Clary I would have to friend zone you! Simon is hilarious and kind, and would definitely be someone I'd love to be friends with.

6. Your soul mate
Dorian from Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas. He loves books. He is funny. He is flirty. He is kind. Hence why Dorian is my soul mate, for sure.

7. Boy you want to elope with
Jamie Fraser from Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. Jamie is such an interesting character who knows so much about the world. He treats Claire incredibly and always forgives her when she makes mistakes. Who wouldn't want to elope with him?!

8. Boy you'd venture anywhere with
Gansey from The Raven Boys by Maggie Steifvater. I feel like Gansey is the perfect answer to this questions, firstly just because I adore his character. And secondly, he is so interested in learning things about the world, particularly supernatural things. So it would be super cool to travel to different places with him!

9. Boy you'd want to be stranded on a desert island with
Ron Weasley from Harry Potter by (queen) J. K. Rowling. I absolutely adore Ron, and may even venture to say that he is my favourite character in Harry Potter... He would always keep me laughing on a desert island and when we decide we'd like to leave he could apparate us away!

10. Most badass boy
Jace Wayland from The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare. What could get more badass than fighting demons? Also, Jace is hilarious and super cute.

Let me know in the comments who your favourite book boy, or girl is. Also if you've done the book boyfriend, or girlfriend tag link it below, I'd love to check it out! Whether you're celebrating Valentine's Day or not, have a wonderful February 14!

Love always,

Ari

P.S. This post is scheduled, as I won't have time to write posts over the next two weeks due to college things, so I will read and reply to any comments after then! xx

Wednesday, 3 February 2016

January Wrap Up!

Hey hey!

I am very happy to say that I read a total of 8 books in January, most of which I extremely enjoyed.

Outlander by Diana Gabaldon - 5/5
I've posted a review of both the book and TV show of Outlander, which you can check out here if you're interested. But in short, this book is incredible and you need to go read it now. And after you've read it, you need to go watch the TV show which is also incredible!

Matched by Allie Condie - 4.5/5
I've heard mixed things about this series, but I saw it for a couple of dollars in a charity shop and thought I'd give it a go! I really appreciated the premise of this novel, and as a lover of dystopian novels found it very thought-provoking. Some of the characters I struggled to connect with and wished we could have learnt more of their backstories but all in all a very enjoyable read! Not sure that I will be continuing this series though, as I've hear terrible things about the second novel... Let me know what you think if you've read it.

The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simons - 5/5
This book. So many feels. An incredible historical fiction with one of the most beautiful romances I have ever read. Highly highly recommend, and I am definitely continuing on with this series.

Doon by Carey Corp and Lorie Langdon - 5/5
As a new obsesser of everything Scotland thanks to Outlander, I had to give Doon a go! Based on the play Brigadoon, this is the perfect adventure/romance in which two best friends stumble across another world. I found this a really heartwarming read.

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas - 5/5
So obviously I am seriously behind the times with this series, as it seems to be one of the most talked about YA novels in the book blogging/vlogging world. And now I finally understand why. I was a little unsure when I heard this was about an assassin, but holy cow it is addictive and I've now gone and purchased the rest of the series!

Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout - 3.5/5
I had heard some amazing things about this series, but I have to say that I was a little disappointed. To be fair, I'm not a huge lover of sci-fi, but I also found it very hard to connect with the characters. I found them all very angsty, and also found some of the writing a bit awkward. However, it was quite a gripping story so would recommend for lovers of aliens and romance!

Graceling by Kristin Cashore - 5/5
Another amazing fantasy adventure with a beautiful romance as a bonus! I especially loved the main character, Katsa. She was a strong female in various different aspects, however she had evident character development and we got to see her soft side as well.

The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken - 5/5
My last post was a review of this fantastic novel, which you can check out here if you'd like. This book was absolutely insanely wonderful and completely tore my heart into pieces. In a good way. Kind of. What I'm trying to say is read it!!

As you can see, I've given out a heckload of 5 stars this month. This is partly due to me being the kind of reader who generally enjoys everything I read. However it is MOSTLY due to the fact that I chose loads of amazing books this month! Highly recommend you check them out if you haven't already.

Let me know in the comments if you've read any of these, and what you rated them. Also let me know what you read in the month of January!

Love always,

Ari

Sunday, 24 January 2016

Book Blogger TMI Tag!

Hi there!
As my first post on pages of worlds, I thought it would be fun to do a little tag for you to get to know me a bit. First and foremost, my name is Ari and I'm from Australia. Obviously I haven't been tagged by anyone for this, but I first saw the tag on 'The little engine that couldn't''s blog.
 Anyhoo, let's get started!

How old are you?
I've recently (in December) turned 18. Woo, adult life!

What book are you reading?
I am currently reading the second book in the Outlander series, Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon. And holy dooley it is amazing.

What are you wearing?
A purple dress!

OTP
I find it impossible to choose only one, so I've narrowed down my faves:
Ron and Hermione
Dorian and Celaena
Tessa and Jem (I used to be Will and Tessa but lately have been leaning towards Jessa!)

Blogger or Wordpress?
Blogger at the moment.

Going outside being active or staying in and reading a book?
Reading a book, every time!!

What is the last book you read?
Graceling, by Kristin Cashore. Absolutely loved it, 5/5!

What is the book you're going to read next?
It depends on when my Book Depository order arrives, but possibly These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner.

Ebooks - yes or no?
Personally, no. Just because I've worked in an independent bookshop and seen the effect that they are having on the book industry. However, I do appreciate the appeal and don't have a problem with people using them.

Where do you prefer to read?
If I'm at college, in bed. If I'm at home, on the lounge in my office/library room.

Who is the last person you tweeted?
I'm relatively new to twitter so am not very active on there, but Diana Gabaldon #queen.

Whose blog did you last look at?
The little engine that couldn't, where I saw this tag!

Who is your favourite blogger?
Sasha Alsberg, from abookutopia!

Who is your favourite book-tuber?
Same as the last question, however I also love Andreya, from Little Yellow Bookshop.

What do you do when someone tells you reading is boring?
Stare at them uncomprehendingly.

Who is the last author you spoke to?
David Burton, the author of How to be Happy. I participated in a theatre course where he was running a scriptwriting workshop!

Who is the last person you texted?
One of my best friends who I went to high school with.

Who is your all-time favourite book character?
Aaaah how can I choose one?!? I'd ultimately have to go with Hermione from Harry Potter, because she really helped to shape me into the person I am today. As with so many other HP fans, she let me know that it's okay to love learning and reading, and for that I will forever be grateful to QUEEN Jo Rowling.

UKYA or USYA?
I really don't have a preference, and I think I probably read a balance of the two.

What is your preferred drink while reading?
Tea, tea and more tea!

If you hated reading, what would you be doing instead?
Probably painting or knitting. But seriously, it hurts me to think of a world where I hated reading.

How many bookshelves do you have?
Three, but they are crazy overflowing and it won't be long before I'll have to invest in another I reckon!

If you had the choice to meet all your favourite book bloggers, or all your favourite authors who would you pick?
My favourite authors, because that would mean meeting J K Rowling, and need I say more??

Insta-love: yes or no?
As a bit of a hopeless romantic, it doesn't really bother me as much as it seems to most other readers. However, it does need to be done well in order to not sound completely cheesy.

Favourite author?
Forever and always,  J K Rowling.

What is the number one book on your wishlist?
Cinder by Marissa Meyer! I've heard SO much about the Lunar Chronicles series on booktube and book blogs and I need to get my hands on them!!!

Do you prefer books with female or male protagonists?
Female, because I find them easier to relate to.

Which is your favourite book-to-film adaptation?
Apart from the entire HP series, which I feel like I am answering with for too many questions in this post, I would have to say Divergent, or The Fault in Our Stars. Also special mention to The Hunger Games series! (How freaking incredible was Mockingjay Part 1!!)

What is the last song you listened to?
Youth, by Troye Sivan. Absolutely love him.

Which do you enjoy reading more - positive or negative reviews?
While I do find negative reviews interesting, I prefer positive reviews, particularly of books I've read and loved so that I can fangirl with bloggers about them!

Who are you going to tag?
All of you!

Have a wonderful day, let me know in the comments if you've done this tag, or what your OTP is!

Love always,
Ari

 P.S. If you use bloglovin, you can follow my blog here. :)