July 2014 Wrap Up

Hello and good day,

Today I will be sharing with you all of the books I read in July, I don't own physical copy's of some of them as I either borrowed them from the Library or I read the ebook on my kindle.

The Books 

(In the Order I read them) 

The Dead Girls Dance by Rachel Cain:

Review

Rating: 4/5 

The Throne of Fire by Rick Riordan 

Rating: 3.5/5

Midnight Alley by Rachel Cain

Review

Rating 4/5

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

Rating: 5/5

A Storm of Swords: Steel and Snow by George R.R. Martin 

Rating: 5/5

The Moon and More by Sarah Dessen

Rating 3/5

Black Butler by Yana, Toboso 

Rating: 4.5/5

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell 

(Favourite contemporary book so far this year)

Rating: 5/5 

Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood by Marjane Satrapi

Rating: 3.5/5

Feast of Fools by Rachel Caine

4/5

Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout 

5/5 

(Favourite paranormal romance so far in my life)

I read 11 books in July which I was very happy about!!

Trees of Reverie Wrap up

Hello and good day,

Today I am going to do my Treesofreverie wrap up. I am going to share with all the books I read, the amount of pages and challenges and reading prompts I completed. 

Thoughts:

I was really busy during this readathon, with work and studying (as I am training to become a lawyer). Also I got really ill towards the end. However I still and I reached my goal of at least 5 books and 2,000.

Books I Reads:

Midnight Alley (Morganville Vampire #3) by Rachel Caine :

384 pages

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare:

485 pages

A Storm of Swords: Steel and Snow (A Song of Ice and Fire #3 part 1/2) by George R.R. Martin:

623 Pages

The Moon and More by Sarah Dessen:

453 Pages

Black Butler Vol 1 by Yana Toboso:

192 Pages

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell:

459 Pages

Persepolis: The Story of a childhood by Marjane Satrapi:

153 Pages

Feast of Fools (Morganville Vampire #4) by Rachel Caine:

367 Pages

Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout:

335 Pages

 Book Started

Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief by Rich Riordan:

107 Pages read

Books Read: 9

Pages Read: 3,558

Reading Challenges and Prompts completed

Read a popular or well-known book -  City Of Bones

Read a book you’ve heard a lot of good things about -  City Of Bones

Read a book from your Goodreads to-read shelf- Midnight Alley

Re-read one of your favourite books -  City Of Bones

Read a book you’ve been meaning to read - A Storm of Swords 

Read a book you’ve been avoiding  - A Storm of Swords 

Read a book you’ve had lying around unfinished- Midnight Alley

Read outside

Read out loud (read a minimum of one full page!)

Finish a book in a series you’ve not yet completed- Midnight Alley

Read a book in the Fantasy genre -  - A Storm of Swords 

Start a TBR Jar/box/etc.

Start a reading journal

Read a book from thebookishdragon's Book Lovers List -  City Of Bones#

Read a graphic novel or manga- Black Butler Vol 1

Read a book in one day- Black Butler Vol 1

Read something recommended to you by a friend- Fangirl

Read one of your best friend’s favourite books- Fangirl

Pick up a book that looks like a fun/light read -The Moon and More

Go to the library and borrow out the first book that looks good -The Moon and More

Read a book in the Contemporary genre-The Moon and More

So all in all, I think I did okay. How did you do? 

Harry Potter Facts

Hello and good day, 

Today I am going to be sharing with you some harry potter facts. Some of the facts are from the books and some are about what the films missed.

Quick Harry Potter Facts;

1- Fred and George Weasley were born on April Fools' day.

2- Ginny Weasley's first name is Ginevra, and she is the first female Weasley born for "several generations," says JKR.

3- Dragons can't be domesticated, no matter what Hagrid thinks.

4- The Hogwarts teachers do not stay at Hogwarts during the Christmas holidays. However, Filch, Hagrid, and Dumbledore do.

What The Film Got Wrong;

 1- James Potter was a Chaser on the Gryffindor Quidditch team (although the movie claimed he was a Seeker).

2- In the end of Harry Potter and the Philosopher Stone Harry, Ron and Hermione faced a series of challenges in order to save the stone but in the film Hermione's film challenge got cut.

3-In Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry receives “The Marauder’s Map,” which magically reveals the location of any individual at Hogwarts in real-time. But who the heck were “The Marauders?” It’s a good question, and one that the movies never answer. In the books we learn that The Marauders were a group of troublemakers consisting of Harry’s father and Sirius Black, Peter Pettigrew and Remus Lupin, who created the map so they could sneak around Hogwarts and accompany Lupin on nights when he turned into a werewolf. This, along with most other elements of James Potter’s backstory, is completely omitted from the film franchise.

 Okay there's some Harry Potter facts!

Review: Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson

Hello and Good day,

Today I am going to be reviewing a standalone novel: Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson .

Synopsis

. Cassie and Lia are best friends, and united in their quest to be thin. But when Cassie is found dead in a motel room, Lia must question whether she continues to lose weight, or choose life instead.

Genre: Young adult, contemporary, Mental health (anorexia).

Review

Anderson's portrayal of anorexia was spot on and really accurate, she really captured the truths and hiding expects of the disease really well. I also like how she portrayed Lia's emotions and feelings. However I did find the book trigger (as someone who suffers with EDNOS it affected me in ways I wasn't expecting) therefore I warn people to read this book with caution (and please remember if the book is triggering it's okay to put it down just as it's okay to go ask for help). 

I've heard mixed thoughts on the writing style, so people found it repetitive and 'long drawn', however I found it helped portray the true version of anorexia. Also I find the repetition shows of damaged Lia is and how she is constantly reminding herself of the self-destructing behaviour which is how a lot of people with metal illness think.  

Even though I found the book triggering, it was still a good read. I believe it may help people to understand how people with eating disorders and to some extent mental illnesses think and why they think this way, and how these thoughts lead to behaviours which a lot of people don't understand. 

Overall I give this book

4/5 stars

Top 10: Manga

Hello and Good Afternoon,

Today I will be sharing with you all, my ten favourite manga's to date. I'm sure as I continue to read manga's this will change but for now here are my current favourites,

The manga's

(In no particular order)

1- Death Note
Written by Tsugumi Ohba and illustrated by Takeshi Obata.

Genre: Detective fiction, Psychological thriller, Supernatural
Synopsis: It centers on Light Yagami, a high school student who discovers a supernatural notebook, the titular "Death Note". This notebook grants its user the ability to kill anyone whose name and face they know. The series centers around Light's subsequent attempts to create and rule a world "cleansed of evil" as "God" using the notebook, and the efforts of a detective known as L to stop him.
Volumes: 12

2-Naruto 
Written and illustrated by Masashi Kishimoto

Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Synopsis: It tells the story of Naruto Uzumaki, an adolescent ninja who constantly searches for recognition and dreams to become the Hokage, the ninja in his village who is acknowledged as the leader and the strongest of all
Volumes: 69 (to date)

3- Bleach
 Written and illustrated by Tite Kubo

Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy

Synopsis: Bleach follows the adventures of Ichigo Kurosaki after he obtains the powers of a Soul Reaper  —a death personification similar to the Grim Reaper—from another Soul Reaper, Rukia Kuchiki. His newfound powers force him to take on the duties of defending humans from evil spirits and guiding departed souls to the afterlife.

Volumes: 63 (to date)

4- Black Butler (Kuroshitshui)
Written and illustrated by Yana Toboso

Genre: Historical, Black comedy, Dark fantasy
Synopsis: The series follows Ciel Phantomhive, the thirteen-year-old head of the Phantomhive noble family and the business-savvy owner of the Funtom company, a toy manufacturer. Ciel has formed a contract with Sebastian Michaelis, a demon who has taken on the guise of Ciel's butler. In return, when Sebastian has helped Ciel finish all of his tasks, including avenging his parents' deaths, Sebastian will be allowed to consume Ciel's soul.
Volumes: 18 (to date)

5- High School of the Dead 
Written by Daisuke Satō and illustrated by Shōji Satō.

Genre: Horror, Harem
Synopsis: The story follows a group of high school students caught in the middle of a zombie apocalypse.
Volumes: 7

6- Vampire Knight 
Written by Matsuri Hino

Genre: School story, Romance, Supernatural, Action, Tragedy, Shounen-ai
Synopsis: Yuki's earliest memory is of a stormy night in winter, where she was attacked by a vampire... And then rescued by another, Kaname. Now 10 years later, Yuki Cross, the adopted daughter of the headmaster of Cross Academy, Kaien Cross, has grown up and become a guardian of the vampire race, protecting her childhood crush, Kaname, from discovery as he leads a group of vampires at the elite boarding school. But also at her side is Zero Kiryu, a childhood friend whose hatred for the creatures that destroyed everything he held dear leaves him determined never to trust them. This coexisting arrangement seems all well and good, but have the vampires truly renounced their murderous ways, or is there a darker truth behind their actions?
Volumes: 19

7- Absolute Boyfriend 
by Yuu Watase

Genre: Romantic comedy, Exotic boyfriend, Science fiction, Tragedy
Synopsis: Riiko Izawa has never had a boyfriend and she has been rejected by every boy she has ever had a crush on. When she returns a lost cell phone to an oddly dressed salesman, she mentions wanting a boyfriend. To thank her, he directs her to his company's website, Kronos Heaven. When she visits the site, Riiko finds it's a site to create your perfect lover. Thinking it's a game, she customizes and accidentally orders one. The next day, her new lover arrives. Following the instruction manual, she kisses him to wake him up which configures him to be in love with only her. She names him "Night." Three days later, she is shocked to learn that she only had him for a free trial for 72 hours. The salesman, Gaku Namikiri, tells her that she must now pay ¥100,000,000 for Night, however, they will waive the fee if she helps them to collect data about how women think and feel to help perfect future models.
Volumes: 6
8- Pokemon 

There are various manga's based on the anime and games

9- Sailor Moon 
 Written and illustrated by Naoko Takeuchi.

Genre: Magical girl
Synopsis: The series begins with a 14-year-old middle school student named Usagi Tsukino befriending Luna, a talking cat who reveals Usagi's identity as Sailor Moon, a magical "pretty soldier in a sailor suit" destined to save Earth from the forces of evil. Luna accompanies Usagi to assemble a team of fellow Sailor Soldiers, find their princess and the "Legendary Silver Crystal".
Volumes: 26

10-The Wallflower
Written by Tomoko Hayakawa.

Genre: Drama, Romantic comedy

Synopsis: The Wallflower is about a girl named Sunako who was called ugly by the first and only person to whom she confessed her love. This incident sparks a life change, and as a result Sunako shuns all forms of beauty, both in herself as well as in life. Concerned by her change for the worst, Sunako's aunt, the owner of a huge mansion where four very handsome high school students live (for free), demands the boys to transform her niece into the "perfect lady," and in return they will be able to continue living there for free. They are given a deadline and if they are unable to uphold their deal then they would have to either pay a lump sum of cash or vacate the premises.

Volumes: 25

So they are my top 10 manga's, what are yours? 

Let me know in the comments. 

TREESOFREVERIE READATHON Update #2 Days 5-10

Hello and Good Afternoon

Today I am going to be sharing with you the amount of books and pages I have read in days 5 to 10 of the TreesOfReverie readathon! you can find the host posts here, and you can find all my daily updates here!

Books I've Completed: 3

A Storm Of Swords by George R.R Martin

The Moon and More by Sarah Dessen

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Black Butler vol 1 (Manga)

Books Started

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn - 50 Pages

Pages read: 1,348

Total Pages Read: 2,534

Total Books Completed: 6

Challenges and Prompts completed so far:  

1. Read outside
2. Read out loud (read a minimum of one full page!)
3. Start a reading journal
4. Read a popular or well-known book
5. Read a book you’ve heard a lot of good things about
6. Re-read one of your favourite books
7. Read a book from thebookishdragon's Book Lovers List
8. Read a book from your Goodreads to-read shelf- Midnight Alley 
9. Read a book you’ve had lying around unfinished- Midnight Alley 
10. Finish a book in a series you’ve not yet completed- Midnight Alley
11. Read something recommended to you by a friend - Fangirl
12. Read one of your best friend’s favourite books
13. Read a book about books (kinda counts I guess)
14. Read a graphic novel or manga- Black Butler
15. Read a book in one day- Black Butler
16. Pick up a book that looks like a fun/light read- The Moon and More
17. Go to the library and borrow out the first book that looks good- The Moon and More
18. Read a book in the Contemporary genre- The Moon and More
19. Read a book you’ve been meaning to read- A Storm Of Swords
20. Read a book you’ve been avoiding- A Storm of Swords
21. Read a book in the Fantasy genre- A Storm of Swords

Books completed in total:

Midnight Alley By Rachel Caine

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

A Storm of Swords by George R.R. Martin

A Moon and More by Sarah Dessen

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Black Butler Vol 1 (Manga) 

Books Started: 

Gone Girl By Gillian Flynn - 50 pages

P.S: Sorry it's up late, I've got concussion, want to know how it happened check this out!

Midnight Alley (Morganville Vampire #3): Book Review

Hello, and good morning,

Today I am reviewing the third book in the Morganville vampire series: Midnight Alley

Synopsis

When Claire Danvers learned that her college town was run by vampires, she did what any intelligent, self-preserving freshman would do: She applied for a transfer and stocked up on garlic. The transfer is no longer an option, but that garlic may come in handy.

Genre: Young adult, paranormal (Vampire)

Review:

This series gets more eventful, intense and action packed with every new book! That being said I still find the books a quick and easy read. 

The introduction of Myrnin an old and very wise vampire, who is looking for the cure and needs Claire help in the research.  However, Myrnin is getting very ill mentally which makes the plot more intense and gripping. Also with Myrnin comes more knowledge of Morganville and the people inside.

Overall: 4/5 stars

Book that follows: