Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Top 10 Favorite Books of 2015



I didn't read a lot of books on 2015, but I liked -loved- most of the books I read this year, so it was very difficult to choose the 10 books that I loved the most. This year, I discovered a lot of new books/series that I'm truly in love with until this day. In 2014, I mostly got into Sci-Fi/Dystopian, but in 2015 I got a lot into Fantasy. So this top 10 will be mostly filled with Fantasy books.

Without further do, let's get started:

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas:




I loved loved loved this book (I basically loved every Sarah J. Maas book that I read). I know in my review I said I didn't like the relationship between Tamlin and Feyre, but thinking of it, let's just act like I never said it. Okay? Okay. I love Rhysand too, though. No, but seriously, I ADORE this book. I'm so excited for A court of Mist and Fury.


Looking For Alaska by John Green




Of course, I had to put one of John Green's books, he's one of my favorite! But my favorite book of hims will be Looking for Alaska. This book is a work of art. I know a lot of you didn't like it, but for everyone who still didn't read it, just give it a try, you may like it.



Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson




I didn't expect to love this book at all. Well, it turns out I'm a little bit too much obsessed with it. Everything is perfect in this novel, from plot to characters to ending (even though I wanted more, because even if this book was 1k pages, I'd want more). I fell in love with Frank this book.



Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard




This. Book. I have no words for this one. It's so well developed and written. Just. Read. It. And let's not talk about the plot twist... So excited for Glass Sword!



Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas




Basically every Sarah J. Maas book is amazing. If you haven't tried the Throne of Glass series, what are you waiting for? Talking about Throne of Glass, my order of Heir of Fire is in the way, soon this pretty book will be in my hands.
I highly recommend this series, it's so amazing.



Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare




Feels. I don't know why I didn't try the series earlier. I'm currently reading Clockwork Princess and it's so good. It's probably going to be on my top favorite books of 2016. The Infernal Devices is a wonderful series, so if you're hesitating whether to read it or not, read it.



The Selection by Kiera Cass



I still haven't read The Elite (don't ask me, I really don't know why), but I read The Selection in 3 days. It was so good. It's an easy, simple, heart-lighted read, so I highly recommend it if you're on a reading slump. Also, I love Maxon from the bottom of my heart. AND the cover is beautiful, so that's a thing too -even though I was quite disappointed with the cover of The Crown.



Delirium by Lauren Oliver



I read this series back in February or March 2015, and I'm still not over Alex it. You know that feeling? Well, it was that amazing. Lauren Oliver's writing is wonderful. Alex is wonderful. I love him. He's probably in the top of my book boyfriends. I have no words to express my love. The other books were amazing too, but the first one will always be my favorite.



Cress by Marissa Meyer



I love The Lunar Chronicles. I'm still waiting for Winter to be translated -because the French covers are so beautiful- and I still have to read Fairest. But my favorite so far is Cress. It was 600 pages (French edition) of amazing plot and full action. So excited to see what Winter brings.



Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo




I just finished this book about 4 days ago, and...wow. This book was so good, action-packed, with amazing characters -when I say amazing characters I mean Nickolai. I'm so excited to jump into Ruin and Rising and Six of Crows.



Legend by Marie Lu




Okay, so I didn't love this book as much as the previous one. But I still loved how Marie Lu got to introduce the plot and the characters. I also loved how I got surprised because I expected less from this book, because I expected a typical love story between a "good girl" and a "bad boy", but it was more than that. I highly recommend this book -like every book in this post.





I really hope you enjoyed this year, and that you read a lot of great and amazing, and I hope you'll read other great books in the next year. 

What were your favorite books of 2015?

Sunday, December 27, 2015

Review+Discussion: Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo





Author: Leigh Bardugo

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (June 4th, 2013)

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 448

Synopsis:

PS: Do NOT read this if you have not read the first book in the series

Darkness never dies.
Haunted across the True Sea, haunted by the lives she took on the fold, Alina must try to make a life with Mal in an unfamiliar land, all while keeping her identity as the Sun Summoner a secret. But she can't outrun her past or her destiny for long.
The Darkling have emerged from the Shadow Fold with a terrifying new power and a dangerous plan that will test the very boundaries of the natural world. With the help of a notorious privateer, Alina returns to the country she abondoned, determined to fight the forces gethering against Ravka. But as her power grows, Alina slips deeper into the Darkling's game of forbidden magic, and farther away from Mal. Somehow, she will have to choose between her country, her power, and the love she always thought will guide her -or risk losing everything to the oncoming storm.

Spoiler Free Review:

PS: You can read this even if you haven't read Shadow and Bone.


I have trouble putting my feels towards this book into words
.
This book did not fail to impress me. Every page -every word-  of it was pure art. It got me gripped from the first page. Leigh Bardugo knows how to make me feel a LOT of feels while reading this book. I felt the way the characters felt, was on the edge of my seat every time something happens to one of them. I could not put the book down every time I picked it. I was curious to know what will happen next.

I loved each one of the characters; Alina, Mal, Nickolai.... NICKOLAI IS BAE. I love him so so much. He's just so genius and funny. He made me laugh every time.
I loved how the plot kept developing in such an amazing, wonderful way, and how everything that happens lead to the last scene. So amazing. So wonderful.

The writing style is amazing. Leigh Bardugo knows how to choose the right word in the right place, how to describe people, places and feelings, but also how to write action scenes. The actions and characters felt so real to me. It's so epic.

The world that the author build in these books is so complicated, and yet explained in such a good way. The Grisha world is so amazing, and it holds a special place in my heart.

This series has become one of my all-time favorite. I cannot describe my love for it. If you haven't picked the book (or the series) yet, just buy it, and read it, and come fangirl with me.

Favorite Quotes from this Book:

"When people say impossible, they usually mean improbable."

"I thought you wanted to go."
"I wanted you to ask me to stay."

"You know the problem with heroes and saints, Nickolai?" I asked as I closed the book's cover and headed for the door. "They always end up dead."

"Weakness is a guise. Wear it when they need to know you're human, but never when you feel it."

10 Amazing Quotes From Books


Do you ever read a passage from a book that makes you melt from its wonderfulness? Or hear/read a quote somewhere that makes you want to read a certain book? Because that happens to me. All .The. Time. Especially if it's an inspirational quote, or a romantic one.
That's why I thought why not make a post about some quotes I absolutely love from books I read.

"I love you, Alina, even the part of you that loved him.”
-Leigh Bardugo, Shadow and Bone

“Libraries were full of ideas–perhaps the most dangerous and powerful of all weapons.”
-Sarah J.Maas, Throne of Glass

“Real friends are the ones you can count on no matter what.The ones who go into the forest to find you and bring you home.And real friends never have to tell you that they’re your friends.”
-Morgan Matson, Since You've Been Gone

“Anyone can betray anyone.”
-Victoria Aveyard, Red Queen

“We live and breathe words. .... It was books that made me feel that perhaps I was not completely alone. They could be honest with me, and I with them. Reading your words, what you wrote, how you were lonely sometimes and afraid, but always brave; the way you saw the world, its colors and textures and sounds, I felt--I felt the way you thought, hoped, felt, dreamt. I felt I was dreaming and thinking and feeling with you. I dreamed what you dreamed, wanted what you wanted--and then I realized that truly I just wanted you. The girl behind the scrawled letters. I loved you from the moment I read them. I love you still.”

-Cassandra Clare, Clockwork Prince

"What kind of monster could possibly hate chocolate?”
-Cassandra Clare, Clockwork Angel

“One must always be careful of books, and what is inside them, for words have the power to change us.”
-Cassandra Clare, Clockwork Angel

“Eleanor was right. She never looked nice. She looked like art, and art wasn't supposed to look nice; it was supposed to make you feel something.”
-Rainbow Rowell, Eleanor & Park

“It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”
-J. K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Chamber Of Secrets

“Do not pity the dead, Harry. Pity the living, and, above all those who live without love.”
-J. K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
I got some feels while searching and writing these amazing quotes! That moment when you think: That author is a genius. Of course I didn't write all the quotes I love. There's so many other quotes I absolutely loved! I hope you loved these ones though.
Signature made by Ccovertocover





Help Me Improve My Blog!

This year was a really good year for me, I had so many good and memorable experiences, most important of them is that I started a blog! And I'm so happy about it, and I don't regret it at all.
That's why I really want to improve my blog in 2016, and I thought the best way to do so is to ask you about my blog, to see what you liked and what you didn't, and what you want me to do in the future (I have some new projects coming soon though, stay tuned ;) ).
I'd be so grateful if you filled out the form below so I can improve my blog, and see what you guys think of it.
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So, that way you will help me improve my blog not just for myself, but for you followers and readers too. I would like to make some new things, and I want your opinions about it all.

Review+Discussion: Legend by Marie Lu





Author: Marie Lu

Publisher: Penguin Teen (February 2nd, 2012)

Genre: Sci-Fi/Dystopian

Pages: 336

Synopsis:

What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths - until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias's death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

Spoiler Free Review:


To be honest, I didn't expect I'll love this book at all... But it turns out I ADORE it. (seems like I love every book I read these days...) I ended up reading this book in two days.
At first, when I read the synopsis for the first time, I didn't really like the idea there's a girl that hates a boy at first and then they start to love each other blah blah blah...  But then, when I started reading the book, I realized that it's different. I still agree that there IS a girl who hates a boy at first and then start to love him. But I loved it, which actually really suprised me.
The plot was so simple and well developped by the author. I really loved how the intrigue kept going through the book, how the characters got to meet each other through the whole story, and how they changed at the end of it. The thing is that, I didn't realize that they changed until I finished it. I loved that the characters did not change suddently, because it happens sometimes in some books; you turn the page and then the characters change completely, it's like you missed someting... I don't like it. I also liked the change of point of view from Day to June, I found it really original.
As for the writing style, hands down. IT IS SO AWESOME. It's easy but yet so original and amazing and wonderful... (I cannot put enough words)
I'm really looking forward to read Prodigy and Champion, and also The Young Elites and The Rose Society.

Review+Discussion: Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson







Author: Morgan Matson

Publisher: Simon & Schuster (May 6th, 2014)

Genre: Contemporary

Pages: 464

Synopsis:

Before Sloane, Emily didn’t go to parties, she barely talked to guys, and she didn’t do anything crazy. Enter Sloane, social tornado and the best kind of best friend—someone who yanks you out of your shell.

But right before what should have been an epic summer, Sloane just…disappears. No note. No calls. No texts. No Sloane. There’s just a random to-do list with thirteen bizarre tasks that Emily would never try. But what if they can lead her to Sloane?

Apple picking at night? Okay, easy enough.

Dance until dawn? Sure. Why not?

Kiss a stranger? Wait…what?

Getting through Sloane’s list will mean a lot of firsts, and with a whole summer ahead of her—and with the unexpected help of the handsome Frank Porter—who knows what she’ll find.

Go Skinny Dipping? Um…

Spoiler Free Review:

This book is probably the best YA contemporary book I've ever read. I'm not a HUGE fan of contemporary books, BUT this book was wonderful. I fell in love with this novel from the very first page! The plot was so simple but yet so original, the characters and their developement was so well done by the author that they change completely through the book, especially Emily, the main character.
I loved how every chapter ended. Overtime, the main character accomplish something good or bad, and it's like she takes a step forward, which is amazing.
I completely fell in love with the author's writing style. I loved the fancy music playlist and now I want to listen and discover new songs! I also loved the typography of messages and letters that Emily writes or sends.
The ending is so fantastic, I adored it! It's so amazingly done. The characters change completely from what they are in the beginning. It's fantastic! I love character developement!
I'll probably be obsessed with this book for a very long time!♥∞




Review+Discussion: Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard





Author: Victoria Aveyard

Publisher: Harper TEEN (February, 10th 2015)

Genre: YA Fantasy/Science-Fiction/Dystopian

Pages: 400

                                Synopsis: 

Mare Barrow's world is divided by blood—those with common, Red blood serve the Silver- blooded elite, who are gifted with superhuman abilities. Mare is a Red, scraping by as a thief in a poor, rural village, until a twist of fate throws her in front of the Silver court. Before the king, princes, and all the nobles, she discovers she has an ability of her own.
To cover up this impossibility, the king forces her to play the role of a lost Silver princess and betroths her to one of his own sons. As Mare is drawn further into the Silver world, she risks everything and uses her new position to help the Scarlet Guard—a growing Red rebellion—even as her heart tugs her in an impossible direction. One wrong move can lead to her death, but in the dangerous game she plays, the only certainty is betrayal.

Spoiler Free Review:

This. Book. Is. Amazing. I loved every single thing about this book: from the plot to the characters to the action to the plot twist...
The plot was so original. Some people say it's a typical dystopian book. It's true, I admit it. It did remind me of The Hunger Games and The Selection. But that does not mean you can't read it. Or that it's not original...
Mare is such a good character. I love her so much. She's going throught a huge character developement in the book. And I also love all the other characters in this book.
The writing style was simple and easy, but still awsome and wonderful.
AND THAT PLOT TWIST! That's one of the most mind-blowing books I've ever read in my life! The plot-twist got me like: WHAAAAAT?! Did that just happen?
Well, I probably said it one billion times, but I loved this book. You have to give it a try, guys. I highly recommend it. It's one of the best books I've read this year.

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Review+Discussion: A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas







Author: Sarah J. Maas

Publisher: Bloomsury Childrens (May 5th, 2015)

Genre: Fantasy/High Fantasy

Pages: 432

Synopsis:

Feyre's survival rests upon her ability to hunt and kill - the forest where she lives is a cold, bleak place in the long winter months. So when she spots a deer in the forest being pursued by a wolf, she cannot resist fighting it for the flesh. But to do so, she must kill the predator and killing something so precious comes at a price ...
Dragged to a magical kingdom for the murder of a faerie, Feyre discovers that her captor, his face obscured by a jewelled mask, is hiding far more than his piercing green eyes would suggest. Feyre's presence at the court is closely guarded, and as she begins to learn why, her feelings for him turn from hostility to passion and the faerie lands become an even more dangerous place. Feyre must fight to break an ancient curse, or she will lose him forever.

Spoiler Free Review:

Well, well, well... Throne of Glass is one of my favorite series EVER. I love it so much, it's amazing, wonderful and so so good (highly recommend it). That's why I thought why not read her other series, A Court Of Thorns And Roses? So I picked it up, and here are my thoughts...
This book was great. I loved it, the plot was so well developed. I loved the thing that it was inspired from Beauty and The Beast, but S. J. Maas didn't stick a lot with this classic (which I adore). She, of course, added her Fearies thing, and the curse was different from the curse in Beauty and The Beast.
The writing style was EPIC. S.J.Maas chooses her words so well, and makes you feel so much feels in ACOTAR, just like in ToG.
The only thing that I didn't like was the relationship between Feyre and Tamlin (I'm going to have a lot of hates because of this...). Actually, I liked it in the beginning, like the Tamlin's mysterious personality etc. But then, I felt like it became just passion, not love, if you know what I mean. I didn't like the sexual content, that's all (I always don't like it).






Review+Discussion: Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell





Author: Rainbow Rowell

Publisher: Orion Books (July 7th, 2014)

Genre: Contemporary, Romance

Pages: 336

Synopsis: 

Eleanor is the new girl in town, and she's never felt more alone. All mismatched clothes, mad red hair and chaotic home life, she couldn't stick out more if she tried.
Then she takes the seat on the bus next to Park. Quiet, careful and - in Eleanor's eyes - impossibly cool, Park's worked out that flying under the radar is the best way to get by.
Slowly, steadily, through late-night conversations and an ever-growing stack of mix tapes, Eleanor and Park fall in love. They fall in love the way you do the first time, when you're 16, and you have nothing and everything to lose.
Set over the course of one school year in 1986, Eleanor & Park is funny, sad, shocking and true - an exquisite nostalgia trip for anyone who has never forgotten their first love.

Spoiler Free Review:

It's been a while since I wanted to to read a Rainbow Rowell's book. I currently have Fangirl, E&P and Landline. As I felt I was going to get into a reading slump, I thought about picking up one of her popular and short book. I felt like E&P was the most adequate to this situation, and the story line was interesting, even though I don't really like Romance, that's why I picked it up. And to be honest, I was a little bit disappointed. I expected more from the book. It was good at the beginning, that part when you get to know more about the characters, etc. But then, when I got to the middle, the story was getting boring, and I felt like nothing really happened. I felt like the characters lived... a routine? I don't really know how to feel about this book. The love between E&P was pure, I loved it, you feel like there's true love happening between them, but still, I think that the book could have been shorter (although about 330 pages is short), or that the author could have added more action to the story.
I don't regret reading the book though. It made me learn a lot of beautiful things about love, true love and teenage love. And the quote that I absolutely loved from the book was:

Eleanor was right. She didn't look nice, she looked like art. And art wasn't supposed to look nice, it was supposed to make you feel something.

You probably already read that quote somewhere else, but I needed to write it too, because it's absolutely brilliant and genius.
I know a lot of people didn't like the ending. I personally loved it. I don't deny that it wasn't sad, it was, but I felt that this is the most adequate ending to the story. I think that what happens in the end should have happened, it was meant to be.
I hope you don't get angry about my opinion. Even though I didn't love the book, I'm definitely looking forward to read her other books; Fangirl, Landline, and why not Carry On? I hope these books will be as I expect them to be.

Fan Art #1



So as you can see, I decided I'll start to make some fan art, because why not? I've seen a lot of AMAZING designs for downloadable bookmarks, wallpapers, mugs, etc. and I wanted to make some too!
So I'm still not a professional in it, so tell me your impressions on this first bookmark. This bookmark is made with Canva, a website in which you can design graphics. It's really fun! It's the website in which I make my new header images too.

         

I love big books BOOKMARK 1
FRONT
I love big books BOOKMARK 2
BACK

You can download them, of course, and you can also print them. if you do, make sure to tag me or mention me so I can see my work -I really want to see what it looks like inside the book you're currently reading. That would be super cool, right?
I'm going to try and make more fan art in the future -that's why there's the #1 in the post. There usually will be bookmarks, but, if I get inspiration, I will also make wallpapers for phones and laptops. It's usually going to be quotes from/about books.








Which quote/book you want me to make a Fan Art of? Comment below!

Saturday, December 26, 2015

Review+Discussion: Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare


Author: Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Walker (March 3rd, 2011)
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Pages: 496

Synopsis: 

Magic is dangerous – but love is more dangerous still... When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray arrives in England during the reign of Queen Victoria, something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural fold stalk the gaslit streets. Friendless and hunted, Tessa seeks refuge with the Shadowhunters, a band of warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons. Drawn ever deeper into their world, she finds herself fascinated by – and torn between – two best friends and quickly realizes that love may be the most dangerous magic of all. 

SPOILER FREE REVIEW:

So the time has finally come when I finally decide to pick this book up. Did I regret it? Absolutely not. Although I read this book back in August (I know, I'm just posting the review), I still completely adore this book, and the Infernal Devices -I still need to read Clockwork Princess though- as a whole.
Good job, Cassandra Clare.
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I love Tessa Gray, she's an amazing character. I can relate to her in awkward situations. I also love Jem. He's so gentle, and sweet towards Tessa.
And Will... Oh, Will.
I love everything about this boy. His quotes, his love for books, and especially, his sarcasm. Seriously, his sarcasm is the best. I found myself laughing while reading the book, at how he can be funny in serious situations. I could write a whole post about William Herondale (good idea!).
Another funny character: Magnus Bane. This one is so funny too, although he doesn't appear much in the book.
I loved the plot, I found it so original. I love how Cassandra Clare can match Shadowhunters, warlocks, vampires, werewolves, and demons, in one book. That's amazing. And the plot kept progressing so fabulously, about Tessa trying to find her brother, and trying to find herself.
THE FEELS WHILE WRITING THIS REVIEW...
feels-gif
Anyway, if I say more, my feels will probably lead me to talk about spoilers. So I hope you enjoy this review. All I can say is that, if you haven't read this book yet, or are hesitating to start it, I highly recommend you to pick it up. JUST. START. IT.

Did you read this book? If so, what did you think of it?


I switched to Blogger



Hi everybody!

You're probably here because I shared this post on Twitter, Pinterest, and Tumblr. I was a Wordpress user, but I switched to Blogger.
Before starting a blog, I searched for the best website to make a blog, and everybody was saying Wordpress is the best, so I started a blog on Wordpress. I wasn't satisfied with it, but I told myself it's just the begining, maybe you didn't discover all the secrets of Wordpress. But it had been 6 months that I started it, and I still wasn't satisfied with it. I wasn't completely free in customizing and designing my blog, and I didn't like it.
So I started looking for other website to make another blog, and I found Blogger. After asking a lot of questions to Ccovertocover (sorry again Claire XD), I knew that with Blogger, you're free in designing your blog, and you just need a base theme. That's why I made one.
My blog now is still a little "empty", and I'm going to be importing my most important posts from Wordpress, so that will be a busy week. After that, I'll delete the other blog.
I'm so sorry for this change, but I'm trying my best to be satisfied with what I make.

-Maha