Awaken by Meg Cabot (Abandon #3)

(Yes, that is my cat. Say hi to Kattla)

Original Title: Awaken

Year Published: 2013

Published by: Macmillan Children's Books

Number of Pages: 348

First Sentence: "In school they told us to follow the rules."

Goodreads Rating: 4/5

Plot:

Seventeen-year-old Pierce Oliviera knew that by accepting the undying love of John Hayden she’d be forced to live forever in the one place she’s always dreaded most: the Underworld. The sacrifice seemed worth it, but now her happiness and safety in the realm are threatened. The Furies have discovered that John has broken one of their strictest rules and revived a dead soul. If the balance of life and death isn’t restored, both the Underworld and Pierce’s home on Earth will be wiped out by the Furies’ wrath. Pierce has already cheated death once . . . can she do it again?

My thoughts:

This is the final book of the Abandon trilogy. It was a good ending to the trilogy, but it also made me want more books with these characters. It picks up right after book number 2, which left us in the Underworld facing chaos. There is a really unexpected and dramatic start to this book which I can't go into detail of since it would only mean spoilers for you. In fact, there isn't really possible to do an in-depth review of the book without spoiling it. 

I will tell you this though. There is a lot of action going on, and all the loose ends are being tied up. We get to learn a lot more about Isla Huesos history, and a lot more background information which leads to so many aha moments. That is actually the main reason for why I gave this book a 4 instead of a 3. Because, to be honest, there are lots of things in these books that can be seen as quite bad (I mean, it's not the Princess Diaries). However, I really enjoyed them, hence the 4 rating. 

Do I recommend it? 

Yes, I do, along with the first two books. It is an enjoyable trilogy and worth reading. 

Is It Just Me? by Miranda Hart

Original Title: Is It Just Me?

Year Published: 2012

Published by: Hodder & Stoughton

Number of Pages: 323

First Sentence: "My Dear Reader Chum, a very hearty hello to you."

Goodreads Rating: 5/5

Plot:

Well hello to you dear browser. Now I have your attention it would be rude if I didn't tell you a little about my literary feast. So, here is the thing: is it just me or does anyone else find that adulthood offers no refuge from the unexpected horrors, peculiar lack of physical coordination and sometimes unexplained nudity, that accompanied childhood and adolescence?

Does everybody struggle with the hazards that accompany, say, sitting elegantly on a bar stool; using chopsticks; pretending to understand the bank crisis; pedicures - surely it's plain wrong for a stranger to fondle your feet? Or is it just me?

I am proud to say I have a wealth of awkward experiences - from school days to life as an office temp - and here I offer my 18-year-old self (and I hope you too dear reader) some much-needed caution and guidance on how to navigate life's rocky path.

Because frankly where is the manual? The much-needed manual to life. Well, fret not, for this is my attempt at one and let's call it, because it's fun, a Miran-ual. I thank you.

My thoughts:

This book is hilarious and a must read for everyone feeling like they are struggling with being an adult. I might just be 24, but I related to so many things in this book. If you have already seen Miranda's sitcom you will be familiar with her humour. It translates very well from screen to print, and I found myself laughing out loud several times. 

It is an honest book as well as being humorous. There are definitely moments where you feel second-hand embarrassment for miss Hart, but it all makes it easier to relate to this book. Miranda speaks directly to you as a reader as well, which makes it feel like you are sitting down and having a conversation directly with her. 

It is a very light-hearted book, so if you are looking for something profound that will teach you all the secrets of life, then look elsewhere. But if you are looking for something that shows that no, life does not magically get easy when you reach adulthood, but it's okay, enjoy it all while it lasts; then this is the book for you. 

Do I recommend it? 

Yes yes yes! Go read it now! 

Top ten tuesday -- books on our spring tbr list!

It is Tuesday again! Time for another list from the brokeandbookish! Yey! This week it is books on my spring tbr list, and there are many of those, rest assured. 

1. The Maze Runner by James Dashner. It has honestly been too long on my shelf, but since my future reading is decided through my tbr jar, I will see when the jar finally decides it's time for me to read it. 
2. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas. It seems like everybody likes this series, but I haven't gotten around to it yet. 
3. Divergent by Veronica Roth. I cannot believe that I haven't read this series yet and it is my goal to finish it this year. 
4. Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare. 
5. Frostfire by Amanda Hocking. I loved the Trylle Trilogy so I'm totally looking forward to reading this book. 
6. Legend by Marie Lu. 
7. Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo.
8. Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard. 
9. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss.
10. A Burnable Book by Bruce Holsinger.

That's the list. What 90% of these have in common is that they are currently collecting dust on my shelf and should have been read ages ago. So they are definitely on my spring tbr list along with so many other books. So many books so little time.

Finish That Series Challenge Update + a general update

Finish that series challenge update! I have now finished 5 series! Woot Woot! Sadly enough, I have realised that I want to add several more series to this list, but I won't until all the books that are already on here are read. 

My series

The Syrena Legacy by Anna Banks

• Of Poseidon
• Of Triton
• Of Neptune

The Maze Runner series by James Dashner

• The Maze Runner
• The Scorch Trials
• The Death Cure

The Sweet Trilogy by Wendy Higgins

• Sweet Evil
•  Sweet Peril
•  Sweet Temptation

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

•  The Hunger Games
•  Catching Fire
•  Mockingjay

Percy Jackson & the Olympians by Rick Riordan

•  The Lightning Thief
• The Sea of Monsters
• The Titan's Curse
• The Battle of the Labyrinth
• The Last Olympian

A Song of Ice and Fire by George R.R. Martin

• A Game of Thrones
• A Clash of Kings
• A Storm of Swords
• A Feast for Crows
• A Dance with Dragons

The Abandon Trilogy by Meg Cabot

• Abandon
• Underworld
• Awaken

Heather Wells series by Meg Cabot

• Size 12 is Not Fat
• Size 14 is Not Fat Either
• Big Boned
• Size 12 and Ready to Rock
• The Bride Wore Size 12

Black Dagger Brotherhood series by JR Ward

• Dark Lover
• Lover Eternal
• Lover Awakened
• Lover Revealed
• Lover Unbound
• Lover Enshrined
• Lover Avenged
• Lover Mine
• Lover Unleashed
• Lover Reborn
• Lover at Last
• The King

The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare

• Clockwork Angel
• Clockwork Prince
• Clockwork Princess

The Trylle Trilogy by Amanda Hocking

•  Switched
•  Torn
•  Ascend

Divergent Trilogy by Veronica Roth

• Divergent
• Insurgent
• Allegiant
• (possibly Four)

Throne of Glass Series by Sarah J.Maas

• Throne of Glass
• Crown of Midnight
• Heir of Fire
• Queen of Shadows

Ruby Red Trilogy by Kirstin Geir

•  Ruby Red
•  Sapphire Blue
• Emerald Green

The Watersong Quartet

•  Wake
•  Lullaby
•  Tidal
• Elegy

Sadly enough, I find myself in a rut at the moment. School has entered a hectic period and I just can't find the time nor the peace of mind to settle down and read. I am currently reading 3 (Eleanor & Park, Elegy and SOCIETY for SUPPER) books, but it's not going as fast as I wish it would. Hopefully, I will soon find both the time and peace of mind to get back into reading properly again. I do have some reviews that are waiting to be written so don't give up on me just yet :)

Emerald Green by Kerstin Gier (The Ruby Red Trilogy #3)

Original Title: Smaragdgrün

Year Published: 2014

Published by: Square Fish

Number of Pages: 480

First Sentence: "'That's going to leave a nasty scar', said the doctor, without looking up."

Goodreads Rating: 5/5

Plot:

Gwen has a destiny to fulfill, but no one will tell her what it is.

She’s only recently learned that she is the Ruby, the final member of the time-traveling Circle of Twelve, and since then nothing has been going right. She suspects the founder of the Circle, Count Saint-German, is up to something nefarious, but nobody will believe her. And she’s just learned that her charming time-traveling partner, Gideon, has probably been using her all along.

My thoughts:

I loved this book, and I thought it was an excellent conclusion to the trilogy. All the loose ends are tied up in a very good and satisfying way, and I put the book down with a happy little sigh. No really, I did. I even squealed happily and did a little mini-dance. Like I said, I loved it.

The mystery deepens but secrets are starting to be revealed, slowly but surely. We get to learn more about the history of the guardians, and also a little bit more about the other time-travelers. Lucy and Paul's history finally gets revealed and it is both beautiful and heartbreaking. Gwen starts to get a grip on the whole time-travelling business but struggles with her feelings towards Gideon, especially since she has found out that he has played her on the Count's instructions. Gideon himself also comes to some conclusions that change things drastically.

Sadly enough, I don't feel like I can do a proper review of it, because I don't want to spoil it. However, it is a fantastic ending to the trilogy like I said before, and the whole trilogy is just magical.

Do I recommend it?

Yes, I really do. Like I've said, many times now, this is a great trilogy and I would recommend it to anyone. 

“DON'T THINK OF IT AS DYING, said Death. JUST THINK OF IT AS LEAVING EARLY TO AVOID THE RUSH.”

By now, you probably now that the amazing British author, Sir Terry Pratchett, has died. He was my favourite author and I was deeply saddened to hear of his passing. From the moment I read Small Gods in my early teen years, I have loved Terry Pratchett and his writings. If you have read my blog before, you already know this. I keep on talking about Pratchett when mentioning my favourite books and authors. Because he is, and there is not a single one of his books that I wouldn’t recommend to you. I send all my love and condolences to his family during this difficult time. It is a hard blow for us all, but I cannot imagine what you are going through. You will be missed, but you will never be forgotten.

I have learnt so much from reading Terry Pratchett’s books. I was taught so many life lessons whilst reading his books. I learnt that the most unlikely person can be a hero. We all have magic inside of us and are capable of miracles. I learnt that there is always a happy ending, but sometimes it has to hurt a lot before you get to it. I learnt that we are all capable to deal with the hardships we are dealt, we just have to make the best of the situation. I learnt that friendships are so very important. I learnt that family comes in all shapes and sizes. I learnt so much and I know that there is still more to learn in the books I haven’t had the time to read yet.

So I want to thank you. Thank you for the amazing stories. Thank you for the life lessons I have been taught by reading your books. Thank you for the amazing characters. Thank you for all the laughs. Thank you for writing. Thank you for teaching me that we all have magic inside of us.

Thank you.

Underworld by Meg Cabot (Abandon #2)

Original Title: Underworld

Year Published: 2013

Published by: Macmillan

Number of pages: 309

First Sentence: “Pierce keeps having the most terrible nightmares.”

Goodreads rating: 3/5

Plot:

Seventeen-year-old Pierce Oliviera isn't dead.

Not this time.

But she is being held against her will in the dim, twilit world between heaven and hell, where the spirits of the deceased wait before embarking upon their final journey.

Her captor, John Hayden, claims it's for her own safety. Because not all the departed are dear. Some are so unhappy with where they ended up after leaving the Underworld, they've come back as Furies, intent on vengeance . . . on the one who sent them there and on the one whom he loves.

But while Pierce might be safe from the Furies in the Underworld, far worse dangers could be lurking for her there . . . and they might have more to do with its ruler than with his enemies.

And unless Pierce is careful, this time there'll be no escape.

My thoughts:

This is the second book in a trilogy of three. I liked the first book and I liked the second one as well. But that is about it. There is no wow feeling when reading these books. Yes, they are entertaining and worth reading, but they lack that umpf-feeling.

Pierce, once again, finds herself in the Underworld. This time there seems to be no way out. So she slowly starts to learn more about her new home and the other inhabitants there. I liked Pierce, although she can come off as whiny and selfish. Other than that, she is an okay main character.

I also have to say that I've come to realise when reading the second book that I have issues with the male main character. He is over-controlling and dominant, which is for Pierce's safety. He also literally tricks her into doing the one thing that will keep her in the Underworld. Come on! Do all YA-writers have to make their guys like this? There is nothing romantic about it, it is just someone who wants to control every step you take and that is verging on abuse. Write male characters who want to protect, yes, but also allow the woman freedom to make her own choices.

Despite this, the book is good. It is a really interesting take on the Hades/Persephone myth, and the whole basic idea of the book seems really great. It is too bad that the execution is rather lacking.

Do I recommend it?

Well, yeah, although you could probably find other books that are much better than this. It wasn't a complete waste of time though and I did find it really entertaining at times.