MY ANYTHING BUT SPOOKY OCTOBER WRAP UP

October 31, 2017November 15, 2022 ~ Ellyn ~ Leave a comment

Well, guess who officially feels like she’s fallen off the wagon! This month was a bit of a doozy, I started my new job, planned (keyword: planned) to do 3 readathons, started school again and got sick & missed a week off school. A lot happened, and in this time I have to say I definitely was not blogging as much as usual. Sorry about that, I’m trying to make sure it doesn’t happen again.

Anyway, here’s my October wrap up!

BRAVE NEW WORLD

Read 02/10/2017 ★☆☆☆☆

Nope. This was just not for me.
From page one I knew I was not going to enjoy this, there was nothing interesting about this and I hated every second of it. (Read this for school btw)

THE SWORD OF SUMMER (MAGNUS CHASE #1)

Read11/10/2017 ★★★★★

I loved this book. The first 100 pages were so/so but the rest of the book was fantastic. I did feel like Rick was trying a bit too hard to convince us that Magnus wasn’t Percy though, the guy doesn’t like blue and he isn’t a fan of the water. I see you, Rick. Mainly what I loved about this book though (apart from all the new mythology stuff I’m learning) was Hearthstone (I love him) and Blitzen, they have an awesome friendship and I can’t wait to explore it more in book 2!

You can read my review here!

THESE BROKEN STARS (STARBOUND #1)

Read 17/10/2017 ★★★★☆

Titanic meets Blue Lagoon. I seriously love this book.

ANNE OF GREEN GABLES (ANNE #1)

Read 21/10/2017 ★★★★★

I honestly forgot how much I loved this story, I love Anne and I love Dianne and I love Marilla and I love Matthew and I definitely love Gilbert Blythe. Somehow I have never read more than the first book so I will definitely be continuing the series soon.

LOST BOY

I will definitely be re-reading this sometime in the future and I will definitely be reading more of Christina Henry’s novels in the future also.

RTC

ANNE OF GREEN GABLES GRAPHIC NOVEL

Eh.

RTC

LUMBERJANES VOLUME 6

I loved this, I hadn’t realised how much I missed reading this series.

This was a pretty meh month in general, but I finally finish school next month so I’m hoping to get some more reading done next month.

What did you read this month? Did we read any of the same books?

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September Wrap Up | 2017

September 30, 2017November 15, 2022 ~ Ellyn ~ 8 Comments

Hey guys, today I’m coming at you with my September reading wrap up!

This month I didn’t really read much because I was on holiday, but I am still pretty impressed with the books that I did read. I managed to read 3 e-arcs which will have reviews coming out soon, and I also read a bunch of other books which I absolutely adored!

The Sandcastle Empire

Read 01/09/2017 ★★★☆☆ 3.5/5

It feels like I haven’t read a Dystopia in a while, and a good one at that, so this was a nice change. That being said, I felt the romance was sort of unnecessary and the plot twists were kind of obvious.

RTC

A Storm of Swords (part 2)

Read 03/09/2017 ★★★☆☆

This is definitely my favourite book of the series so far, I only have the next book on my shelves, but if the rest of the books are on this level I think I will continue with the series.

Born A Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood

Read 18/09/2017 ★★★★★

I loved this. This was definitely a shock to the system, it certainly puts my privilege in perspective, I may have a shitty situation in general, but it is nowhere what he had to deal with.

If There’s No Tomorrow

Read 19/09/2017 ★★★☆☆

I thought grief was handled really well in this book, and I enjoyed that the douchebag wasn’t a controlling douchebag, but apart from that, this doesn’t have much else going for it.

You can read my review here.

Stalking Jack The Ripper

Read 23/09/2017 ★★★★★

I LOVED THIS. I really didn’t know what I was diving into with this but I am so happy I read it. I will definitely be reading book two soon or for the Spookathon.

RTC

Editing Emma

Read 24/09/2017 ★☆☆☆☆

WOW, I really thought I was going to love this book but boy was I wrong. From page one I knew that this book and I were not going to get along. I completely abhorred basically everything about this and I am so mad about it.

What did you read this month? Have you read any of these books?

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August Wrap Up

August 31, 2017May 28, 2022 ~ Ellyn ~ 2 Comments

Hey guys, today I’m coming at you with my August wrap up! I only had one book on my tbr for this month and I actually managed to read it in the first week of the month so I was pretty chuffed with myself for that. I definitely read more books than I thought I would this month so I’m not gonna lie even though I didn’t read a massive load of books I am still pretty proud of myself.

This month the only book on my tbr was my arc copy of They Both Die at The End, and somehow I managed to read it, plus a whole bunch of other amazing novels!

Spider-Man/ Deadpool Vol 2

Read 02/08/2017 ★★★☆☆ (3.5/5)

I wasn’t a massive fan of the first half of this comic but I think it really picked up towards the end, that being said it ended on a cliffhanger. Considering the ending I feel like I should definitely be more excited about the next volume, I don’t know if I just wasn’t a big fan of this one or if I’m just too tired at the moment.

A Wrinkle In Time [Graphic Novel]

Read 05/08/2017 ★★★★★

I really loved reading this, it’s definitely one of my favourite children’s classics, and I’m kind of stunned by how many people didn’t even know about this until the movie trailer came out. That being said for the first 95% of the book there’s mainly only build up, and even the ending is pretty flat. I really don’t know what I love so much about this story, but whatever it is, I need more of it on my tbr.

They Both Die At The End

Read 06/08/2017 ★★★☆☆

I think I’m in the minority when I say this but for the first two thirds of this book I was pretty bored. I mean it took me a month to read the first half of this, but then I smashed out the rest of the book in a couple of hours. I really enjoyed this overall, and the ending left me speechless and running high on every type of emotion, I will definitely be picking up another Adam Silvera novel soon. Seriously guys, that ending, you have to read this book.

RTC

We Should All Be Feminists

Read 08/08/2017 ★★★★★

This was so powerful, I need to take a walk. Be back soon.

Sex Criminals Volume 1

Read 10/08/2017 ★★☆☆☆

I feel… unimpressed. I didn’t have high hopes or anything, but I did still think I would really enjoy it. While, the idea for this comic series is really interesting I was mostly bored while reading it and so I really don’t think I’ll be continuing this series.

More Happy Than Not

Read 14/08/2017 ★★★★★

I think I’m in love with Adam Silvera’s writing? Seriously, his books are so good and so thought provoking. Like They Both Die At The End, I’m going to have to sleep this one off and talk about it a lot to my friends for the next week or so.
I know I gave this a 5 star but I did have one problem with this that was constantly bugging me throughout the book, but I’m pretty tired so I’ll get into it in my review.

RTC

Down Among The Sticks and Bones

Read 18/08/2017 ★★★★★

I wasn’t expecting this to be as funny as it was, nor was I expecting to finish this book in one day. But hey, this series is just that good!

RTC

Books: 4

Comics/ Graphic Novels: 3

What did you read this month?
Have you read any of these books?

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July Wrap Up

July 31, 2017May 28, 2022 ~ Ellyn ~ 2 Comments

July Wrap Up | 2017

Hey guys, today I’m coming at you with my July wrap up. This month I did a lot better than I was expecting to, though that might have something to do with my sudden need to readathon. This month I participated in the BookTube-A-Thon which I had an absolute blast with, I even did some of the Instagram challenges!

Now, my wrap up for this month is a bit long so I totally understand if you skip to only the books you’re interested in. Let me know if you’ve read any of these books and whether you did the BookTube-A-Thon in the comments!

Lol yeah, I did not do well this month.

The Flash, Vol. 1: Lightning Strikes Twice

Read 01/07/2017 ★★★☆☆

I am not totally sure how I really felt about this volume. This reminds me a lot of the show, though I have to say I have recently fallen out of love with the series. I had a hard time getting into this volume as I wasn’t really digging the art but as the volume went on I really started to like it. I really enjoyed Godspeed and Avery so I’m hoping to pick up volume 2 soon.

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda

Read 03/07/2017 ★★★★★

I just full on fell right back in love with Becky Albertalli’s writing. I’m so glad I chose to re-read this before I picked up Upside, I am now 100x more excited to read it now! Also, this book never fails to reignite my love for Elliott Smith’s music!

Rocket Raccoon & Groot Volume 1

Read 13/07/2017 ★★★★☆

I really enjoyed this one. This volume was mostly just Rocket and Groot running around the galaxy and having adventures. Also Fantasy Football but for real…

I will definitely be picking up volume 2 soon!

100 Sideways Miles

Read 15/07/2017 ★★★★☆

I added this book to my tbr shelf (both physical and GR) way back when I first made my Goodreads account (early 2014) and when I was first introduced to Andrew Smith’s books. So it’s crazy to me that I have only got to this now, three years later. I only own three of Smith’s books, two down, one to go.

I really enjoyed this one, but I still think Grasshopper Jungle is my favourite…it’s just so weird. I must say I have missed how strange Smith’s works are and I am really excited to read his short story in BYLTHM and to eventually read Winger.

Rocket Raccoon & Groot Volume 2

Read 19/07/2017 ★☆☆☆☆

NOPE NOPPITY NOPE WHAT THE ACTUAL F**K

This series held such a high place in my mind and then this happened. This comic is part of a whole other series and as far as I’m concerned it can get the hell out. I came here for Rocket and Groot space shenanigans, not Gwenpool (one of my least favourite comic characters) or the Civil War II series.

ALSO I don’t think I have ever detested a character more than I have Gwenpool. She needs to go.

The Flash, Vol 2: Speed of Darkness

Read 20/07/2017 ★★★★☆

I wasn’t really expecting to like this because volume 1 was pretty meh and I am really exhausted lately but I actually really enjoyed this one. I’m hoping to read volume 3 when it comes out later this year.

Basically everything in this row and below I read in the BookTube-A-Thon!

American Gods

Read 23/07/2017 ★☆☆☆☆

Ngl I’m super proud that I managed to read this monster of a book in 20 days.

That being said, while the premise of the novel is really cool I pretty much hated every second of this book. This is the fourth of Gaiman’s books that I’ve read and it’s the fourth that I haven’t enjoyed. Everyone talks about how good his writing is, and I agree, but I also think that he’s just not for me. This book had so much potential but it was like when you order a really great salad but when you dive in, you know they made it wrong or maybe the chef was having a bad day. Either way, you shouldn’t have ordered the salad. I think that’s just how I feel about Neil Gaiman’s novels, this was it for me, the deciding novel, should I stay or should I go. Well, unfortunately I’m leaving, I’m giving up on you Gaiman, your books just aren’t for me.

I Hate Fairyland Vol 1

Read 26/07/2016 ★★★★★

Challenges:

Read a book in one day
A book you bought because of the cover

I loved this! Skottie Young has recently become one of my favourite comic people so I had a hunch that I would love this. Though this is ridiculously violent I was smiling the whole time. I will definitely be picking up volume 2 soon because this was absolutely fantastic!

Alex + Ada Vol 1

Read 26/07/2017 ★★★★☆

Challenge:

Person On the Cover

I’ve been meaning to read this for years, so when I was given volume 1 for my birthday this year I swear I meant to pick it up immediately, but of course I didn’t. The Booktubeathon was the perfect time for me to read this! I loved this volume and think this trilogy is centered around a really interesting question, and I cannot wait to get to volume 2.

The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue

Read 27/07/2017 ★★★★★

THIS BOOK IS AN ADVENTURE! I loved every second of this and rest assured if I had the time I would be picking this right back up and reading it again.

Amazing Spider-Man Vol 5

Read 28/07/2017 ★★☆☆☆

Challenge:

Read a book outside

Okay, so I jut want to start off by saying that unlike so many fans I actually don’t hate the Clone Conspiracy. That being said, I hated this volume of Worldwide. I found this volume confusing and very jumpy I couldn’t tell which storylines I was supposed to be paying attention to because there were so many of them, considering the series hasn’t been cancelled yet I was really expecting more from this volume.

The Hidden Oracle

Read 29/07/2017 ★★★★★

Challenge:

Read 7 Books

This was so interesting to read a second time round, especially now that I have the historical background for all of this.

Also, I really love Percy Jackson?

Hawkeye Vol 1

Wasn’t a massive fan of the art change but I did really enjoy this comic. If I saw volume 2 at the library I would definitely pick it up!

I also got 170 pages into the graphic novel of A Wrinkle In Time. I was hoping to finish it before 12 for the BookTube-A-Thon but couldn’t manage it because of all my assessment!

I seriously recommend this graphic novel, it’s a lot of fun and doesn’t take away from the story in any way!

Books: 5

Comics: 8

How was your reading month? Did you participate in BookTube-A-Thon?

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JUNE WRAP UP | 2017

June 30, 2017May 28, 2022 ~ Ellyn ~ Leave a comment

I actually did better than I thought I would this month, though I did not really read the books I had set out to. This was supposed to be an arc month for me but because it was also exam month I barely got any reading done.

Yeah…. I didn’t do too well this month. I think this is actually the fourth month in which I’ve failed to finish Dreadnought.

Rocket Raccoon & Groot Vol. 0

Read 03/06/2017

★★★★★

I feel like I just reached the peak of my life… this was everything I never knew I needed. I cannot wait to continue this, I have the biggest comic hangover now.

Paper Girls Volume 2

Read 04/06/2017

★★☆☆☆

I am confused and unimpressed. I doubt I’ll be picking up volume 3.

Amazing Spider-Man & Silk: The Spider(fly) Effect

Read 04/06/2017

★★☆☆☆

Meh. Honestly, I didn’t have high hopes going into this as I had never read a Silk comic and knew nothing about this one.

I didn’t like the artwork and found myself relly wanting to skip whole pages, it just wasn’t worth it for me.

Harry Potter – Hufflepuff Edition

Read 26/06/2017

★★★★☆

The Whispering Skull (Lockwood & Co. #2)

Read 01/06/2017

★★★★☆

Loved this. Great ending. Now, I must not wait 6 months to read the next book.

The Hollow Boy (Lockwood & Co. #3)

Read 13/06/2017

★★★★☆

WHAT WHAT WHAT I NEED BOOK 4 STAT

Driving Miss Crazy

21/06/2017

★★★☆☆

I was really enjoying this (I recommend it if you’re in a slump) but the last 5-10% was too cheesy for me.

RTC

Last Seen Leaving

27/06/2017

★★☆☆☆

Meh, I wasn’t expecting to love this story but I didn’t think I would find it as boring as I did, considering it’s a murder mystery.

RTC

Amt. Books: 5

Amt. Comics: 3

For a month where I’m supposed to only read arcs I read a lot of library books…😂

Have we read any of the same stuff? What did you read this month?

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MAY WRAP UP | 2O17

May 31, 2017May 28, 2022 ~ Ellyn ~ Leave a comment

This is going to be my new wrap up structure from now on and I’m really digging it, it feels a lot nicer than my old one. Let me know what you guys think!

This month I actually managed to do pretty well with following my TBR – I actually would have completed it this month if my library had gotten in Lumberjanes but for whatever reason they don’t have the new volume in the system yet.

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Young Avengers Volume 1 by Kieron Gillen

Read 01/05/2017

★★★☆☆

And now a year later I am finally re-reading this so I can continue the trilogy.
I didn’t love this as much as I did the last time, everything happened very quickly and with little explanation but I definitely still recommend it!

My review of Volume 1 (it’s from last year but I stand my pretty much everything I said)

Young Avengers Volume 2 by Kieron Gillen

Read 01/05/2017

★★★★☆

Finally getting some answers also WHAT. Volume 1 may have been somewhat of a let down but volume 2 was certainly not.

Young Avengers Volume 3 by Kieron Gillen

Read 30/05/2017

★★★★☆

PLOT TWIST I AM DEAD, SOMEBODY HAND ME A MISS AMERICA COMIC BECAUSE I NEED ANSWERS.

3.5? 4? I don’t know – it was all a bit rushed and I feel like the authors had a whole lot more they wanted to say. I will be forever sad that this got cancelled. Though I sound pretty solemn I do urge you guys to do yourselves a favour and pick up this trilogy.

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Amazing Spider-Man: Worldwide Volume 2

Read 04/05/2017

★★★★☆

I’ve noticed the writer seems to write mainly 1 plot comics. What I mean by that is, in his series, each book sort of has it’s own plot. Overall, this was better than volume 1 but I am hoping for more from the series.

Amazing Spider-Man: Worldwide Volume 3

Read 10/05/2017

★★★★☆

I always feel so bad when I read Spider-Man comics with MJ in them. I just really hate her in comics.

Every time she rocks up I just:

Amazing Spider-Man: Worldwide Volume 4

Read 12/05/2017

★★★★☆

This was pretty good but I still feel like the series is a bit everywhere plot-wise.

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Paper Girls Volume 1

Read 10/05/2017

★★★☆☆

Well, that was underwhelming.

I went into this with an open mind, knowing that it didn’t have the best reviews but is written by a really popular graphic novel author (BKV) but I’m sad to say that I was still let down. I do have volume 2 out from the library because I don’t want to give up on the series just yet, but this will definitely determine whether or not I continue on.

FINALLY SOME BOOKS!

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Eagle Strike

Read 14/05/2017

★★★★☆

OH SNAP, THAT ENDING THO!

These books are seriously easy to read, they are honestly the best thing to listen to when you feel sick and just want to be a marshmallow and colour in. I cannot wait to finally finish my re-read of this series and get to the new book!

Scorpia

Read 21/05/2017

★★★★☆

Sh**’s getting real, I am really enjoying re-reading this series!

Of Mice and Men

Read 25/05/2017

★★☆☆☆

I did not enjoy reading this but let me tell you this is the most fun I’ve ever had analysing a book.

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Veronica Mars: The Thousand Dollar Tan Line

Read 31/05/2017

★★★★★

I LOVED this!! I don’t recommend reading it unless you’ve seen the show and movie but damn, if you like Veronica Mars you NEED to read this! It’s perfect in every way, and I know it’s one of my top 5 reads of the year.

The Marvels

Read 30/05/2017

★★★☆☆

This was pretty meh, I was feeling like DNFing this but I also wanted to see how the story panned out. Of his three novels, I think this was definitely my least favourite.

Apparently I read a lot of comics this month. 😅

BOOKS READ: 5

COMICS READ: 7

What did you read this month? Have you read any of these?

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April Wrap Up | 2017

April 30, 2017May 28, 2022 ~ Ellyn ~ 12 Comments

April 2017

I really didn’t read too much this month which surprised me because for the first half of the month I was on holidays. However, I did have 3 assignments to complete so that may have contributed to my lack of reading. I will say that while I didn’t read too much I am still happy with what I read.

Amt. read: 10

Pages read: 2,549

Scythe (Arc of a Scythe #1) by Neal Shusterman
Finished April 03, 2017 | Pages: 435 | Rating: 4/5

Best.Ending.Ever.

Much Ado About Nothing (No Fear Shakespeare) 
by William Shakespeare
Finished April 14, 2017 | Pages: 238 | Rating: 4/5

Much Ado About Nothing? More like Everything is horrible and old people are really dramatic.

This was pretty enjoyable overall and really makes me want to rewatch the David Tennant and Catherine Tate version.

Strange the Dreamer (Strange the Dreamer #1) by Laini Taylor
Finished April 15, 2017 | Pages: 432 | Rating: 3/5

Honestly, this started out so strong, I was thinking 4.5 or 5 stars and then bam the romance. No thank you, please leave, this is not what I signed up for.

I should have a review for this up in May.

Waking Gods (Themis Files, #2) by Sylvain Neuvel
Finished April 17, 2017 | Pages: 320 | Rating: 3/5

The first book started out so strong, I had such high hopes for it’s sequel – so of course I’ve let myself down.

I really didn’t enjoy this, the characters were annoying and I was bored.

Amazing Spider-Man: Worldwide Vol. 1 by Dan Slott
Finished April 21, 2017 | Pages: 144 | Rating: 4/5

I really enjoyed this, though not as much as I thought I would. That being said I’m sure I’ll pick up volume 2 within the next week.

The Forests of Silence (Deltora Quest #1) by Emily Rodda
Finished April 22, 2017 | Pages: 131 | Rating: 3/5

My brother recently got really into the anime of this and for some reason I decided to only watch the final with him (bad idea) and I really enjoyed it so I decided to read the books over time. The only problem is I already know everything that happens.

Stormbreaker (Alex Rider, #1) by Anthony Horowitz
Finished April 22, 2017 | Pages: 256 | Rating: 3/5

Growing up this was one of my favourite series and today I was writing ablog post where I happened to mention this series and I suddenly got all nostalgic about Alex and his spying adventures. I am so glad I re-read this and I can’t wait to continue re-reading this series.

Point Blanc (Alex Rider #2) by Anthony Horowitz
Finished April 23, 2017 | Pages: 292 | Rating: 3/5

I think I probably enjoyed this one more when I was younger but I still really loved it. I didn’t intend to read this so close after I read book 1 but oh well, the series re-read is well and truly underway!

Skeleton Key (Alex Rider #3) by Anthony Horowitz
Finished April 24, 2017 | Pages: 352 | Rating: 4/5

These books shouldn’t be this addictive but they are! I’ve read three in three days and now as much as I want to continue I think I need to take a break.

Our Own Private Universe by Robin Talley
Finished April 26, 2017 | Pages: 384 | Rating: 3/5

Good start, boring middle to end, cool debate.

This was an arc (yes, I know it took me too long to read this) so I have to review this, my review should be up in the next month or two.

What did you guys read this month? Did you have a favourite read?

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March Wrap Up | 2017

March 31, 2017May 28, 2022 ~ Ellyn ~ 6 Comments

March 2017

Amt. read: 11
Pages read: 2,433

Caraval (Caraval, #1) by Stephanie Garber
Finished March 02, 2017 | Pages: 401 | Rating: 5/5

I loved this book very very much. This is definitely going to be in my top 5 of 2017.

RTC, hopefully in April but this has been a very hectic month so I don’t know.

Sleeping Giants (Themis Files, #1) by Sylvain Neuvel
Finished March 03, 2017 | Pages: 320 | Rating: 4/5

This is a really cool and original novel. It’s obvious that the story isn’t over though so I’m pretty excited to read the second book.

George by Alex Gino
Finished March 04, 2017 | Pages: 195 | Rating: 4.5/5

Thank god for good friends and understanding older brothers.

The Raven Boys (The Raven Cycle, #1) by Maggie Stiefvater
Finished March 05, 2017 | Pages: 421 | Rating: 4/5

I loved this. I got so much more out of the story the second time around, this is defintely worth the read if you can handle the writing and the strange plot.

The Dream Thieves (The Raven Cycle #2) by Maggie Stiefvater
Finished March 11, 2017 | Pages: 437 | Rating: 4/5

This book is amazing, I’m so glad I read it again because I’d actually forgotten so much that happened.

Spider-Man/Deadpool, Vol. 1: Isn't it Bromantic 
by Joe Kelly (Text), Ed McGuinness (Illustrations)
Finished March 11, 2017 | Pages: 437 | Rating: 4/5

I love this duo and I cannot wait to read volume 2! I have been raving about this comic for the past 2 weeks and if you enjoy comics I urge you to pick this up. (disclaimer: I do not ship Spidey-pool)

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander 
& J. K. Rowling
Finished March 17, 2017 | Pages: 128 | Rating: 5/5

Bless Newt Scamander’s cotton socks. I think it’s definitely safe to say that this is my favourite edition of the textbook so far. With the edition of the new creatures, the mentions of stuff from the film and Eddie Redmayne’s A+ narrating I found myself falling face-first right back into the world of Harry Potter.

Spider-Man: Miles Morales Volume 1 by Brian Michael Bendis
 Finished March 20, 2017 | Pages: 112 | Rating: 3/5

I’m not sure how I feel about this yet. I really enjoyed Miles Morales as a character but some of his choices really didn’t resonate with me, I also feel pretty iffy about his friend, Ganke who Miles seems to really appreciate.

For more spoilery thoughts, click me!

Jonesy Volume 1 by Sam Humphries
Finished March 17, 2017 | Pages: 112 | Rating: 4/5

This was a cute little story with awesome art, I cannot wait for the next installment.

RTC, hopefully in April.

The Bone Season chapter sampler (The Bone Season #1) 
by Samantha Shannon
 Finished March 21, 2017 | Pages: 19 | Rating: 3/5

Mini Review of Chapter 1:

I really enjoyed this but bloody hell was it hard to get into. It took me 3 goes to get into this, and I only read chapter one. I honestly don’t know, had I been sent the entirety of the book, whether or not I would’ve made it even a quarter of the way through. Eventually, I had to get the audio because I couldn’t even get through the first few pages. My lack of enjoyment for this book was probably because I’m currently in some of the most stressful weeks of the term at school, and just don’t have the mind space for a new world or a 7 book series.

However, I will say this, I am intrigued and the ending of chapter 1 certainly turned my tail up. I will probably pick this book up in a year or two, when I have more time to devote to it and more of the books are out.

Hamilton: The Revolution  by Lin-Manuel Miranda 
& Jeremy McCarter
Finished March 25, 2017 | Pages: 288 | Rating: 5/5

I tried to read this a few months ago and was loving it but didn’t have the time to invest in such a monumental and interesting book. But I saw it at the library the other day and figured I would listen to it and read along.

it was everything I wanted it to be and more, I am so glad I read it. If you are a fan of Hamilton you should probably pick this one up.

February Wrap Up |2017

March 1, 2017November 15, 2022 ~ Ellyn ~ Leave a comment

February 2017

Amt. read: 8
Pages read: 2,386

Lumberjanes, Vol. 5: Band Together by Shannon Watters 
& Noelle Stevenson
Finished February 01, 2017 | Pages: 112 | Rating: 5/5

I loved this volume! This was certainly less eventful than other volumes but it was no less entertaining. Volume 5 focussed more on the friendships and how maybe you should put your friends’ needs before your own. The artwork was amazing, as usual and I really appreciated the message.

Fifty Shades of Grey (Fifty Shades, #1) by E.L. James 
Finished February 05, 2017 | Pages: 356 | Rating: 2/5

Well, I never thought I’d see the day I read Fifty Shades. I wasn’t overwhelmed with love for this book but I’m going to read Darker because, hell I’m curious!

My review.

Fifty Shades Darker (Fifty Shades #2) by E.L. James
Finished February 06, 2017 | Pages: 373 | Rating: 2/5

This series is certainly something.

Update: I saw the movie, and honestly it was pretty amusing, there was some quite funny lines in the film and while I don’t think it was worth $16 I did enjoy it. It was a pretty ridiculous film, but then I would say the same thing aout the books.

My review will be out mid-March.

Bitch Planet Vol. 1: Extraordinary Machine (Bitch Planet #1) 
by Kelly Sue DeConnick...etc. 
Finished February 09, 2017 | Pages: 156 | Rating: 4/5

I loved this? I love what this comic stand for and all of the topics it brought up!

My review will be out early March.

Fifty Shades Freed (Fifty Shades #3) by E.L. James
Finished February 12, 2017 | Pages: 551 | Rating: 2/5

It’s over, I am free.

Macbeth (No Fear Shakespeare) by William Shakespeare & SparkNotes
Finished February 15, 2017 | Pages: 219 | Rating: 4/5

I read this for class and I loved it even more than I did last year.

My review from last year.

So You've Been Publicly Shamed by Jon Ronson
Finished February 19, 2017 | Pages: 278 | Rating: 3/5

This book was really interesting but I swear I was falling asleep while reading it (that could just be because I’m tired though.) I think the writing style just wasn’t for me, but I definitely recommend picking this up, it discusses a very contreoversial topic that I think is very important.

Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer
Finished February 23, 2017 | Pages: 341 | Rating: 5/5

Well, it took me a whole month to read ths but don’t let the time period put you off. I really enjoyed it! This book should be optioned for required reading in school in America. The things that go on in the meat industry are constantly being ignored by people who honestly have no idea and th people who simply do not care. This book is seriously important, I urge you all to at least give it a try.

Honourable Mention:

Caraval (Caraval #1) by Stephanie Garber

I am currently just over 200 pages into this book and had this month had a normal amount of days I definitely would have finished it.

UPDATE: Hey guys, for my school legal studies assignment I have to gather primary data – which I am doing in the form of a survey. The survey is on whether or not same-sex couples should be allowed to get married in Australia. Would you mind taking a minute to answer my survey?

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XPBTLLR

Thank you!

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January 2017 Wrap Up

February 1, 2017May 28, 2022 ~ Ellyn ~ 4 Comments

January 2017 Wrap Up

Guess who didn’t follow their January TBR!

I really wanted to start off this year with a bang. So naturally, I got too many hyped books out from the library and put wayy too much pressure on myself. I will probably come back to the books I didn’t get to this month but for now I think I will try to be more calm with my TBRs for each month.

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Books I Read in January:
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Steelheart (Reckoners #1) by Brandon Sanderson
Finished January 03, 2017 | Pages: 386 | Rating: 3/5

First book of 2017. I didn’t love this but I still really enjoyed it. I love the worlds that Brandon Sanderson creates so this was a treat for me. I’m interested to see where this story goes so I’m pretty excited for book two.

Mitosis (Reckoners #1.5) by Brandon Sanderson
Finished January 04, 2017 | Pages: 96 | Rating: 3/5

This novella didn’t really do much for the overlying plot of the series (as far as I’m aware) but it did give me a look at what the world looks like after the events of the first book. It was a short and fun novella, if you reallly enjoy the characters in this series and want something quick to read this is for you.

Another Castle: Grimoire by Andrew Wheeler, Paulina Ganucheau
Finished January 04, 2017 | Pages: 152 | Rating: 3/5

A story with brilliant art and a kickass heroine, what more could you ask for?

My review of this comic will be up further in the month.

Firefight (Reckoners #2) by Brandon Sanderson
Finished January 04, 2017 | Pages: 416 | Rating: 4/5

I guess I’m marathoning this trilogy?

This series is predictable. Ugh, I’m finding it pretty meh but at the same time I’m really enjoying it.

In Real Life by Cory Doctorow & Jen Wang
Finished January 05, 2017 | Pages: 175 | Rating: 4.75/5

LOVED THIS! I definitely recommend this – it shares an important message. The characters are relatable and the artwork is amazing, a must read for everyone, gamer or not!

Ms. Marvel, Vol. 1: No Normal by G. Willow Wilson
Finished January 06, 2017 | Pages: 120 | Rating: 4/5

I read this earlier in 2016 and really didn’t like it, I think maybe I was having a bad day or was too tired to properly read the comic but after rereading this I feel like I’ve read an entirely different story.

Calamity (Reckoners #3) by Brandon Sanderson
Finished January 07, 2017 | Pages: 421 | Rating: 4/5

Time flies when you’re having fun.

It feels like just yesterday I started Steelheart and now just over a week later I’ve finished the trilogy. I love all of Sanderson’s works and I’m excited to move onto some more of his series and standalones.

The Titan's Curse (Percy Jackson and the Olympians #3) 
by Rick Riordan
Finished January 14, 2017 | Pages: 294 | Rating: 4/5

DUNDUNDUN

I’m so happy that I randomly decided to pick this up yeasterday. I’ve been in a reading slump for the past week so I’m hoping I can dive back into my reading now – whether that means finishing this series or continuing on with A Darker Shade of Magic.

The Battle of the Labyrinth (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, #4) 
by Rick Riordan
Finished January 15, 2017 | Pages: 342 | Rating: 4/5

This is one of my favourites in the series, you can really see the characters growing up. So much happens in this book, the characters go through so much – plotwise and emotionally. We meet new people and we lose characters. I can’t wait to reread book 5, it’s been a long time!

The Last Olympian (Percy Jackson and the Olympians #5)
by Rick Riordan
Finished January 16, 2017 | Pages: 342 | Rating: 4.5/5

“Could be a problem for another generation of demigods, I agreed. Then we can kick back and enjoy.”

I suddenly got the urge to reread the rest of this series over the past few days and boy, am I glad I did! This series is soo much fun and now I kind of feel like rereading the Heroes of Olympus.

Zodiac Starforce: By the Power of Astra (Zodiac Starforce #1-4)
by Kevin Panetta & Paulina Ganucheau (Illustrator)

Finished January 21, 2017 | Pages: 136 | Rating: 4/5

I really, really loved this! This girl group is basically an all female, all badass group of power Rangers!

Ms. Marvel, Vol. 2: Generation Why 
by G. Willow Wilson (Goodreads Author), Adrian Alphona (Artist) & 
Jacob Wyatt (Artist)

Finished January 21, 2017 | Pages: 136 | Rating: 3.5/5

I enjoy these comics and I found the message to be really inspiring – it really resonated with me. However, I found myself skimming most of the second half.

Silver Surfer, Vol. 4: Citizen of Earth by Dan Slott

Finished January 30, 2017 | Pages: 144 | Rating: 4/5

I’m not going to lie, the reason I probably enjoyed this one so much and finished it so quickly (still in my reading slump) was because there was so much Spider-Man in it (there was squealing – you could say I’m a fan). Highly anticipating volume 5!

*cries* the power cosmic

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

Finished January 31, 2017 | Pages: 663 | Rating: 3/5

If I hear “You know nothing, Jon Snow.” ever again I will scream.

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Books I DNF'd in January:
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Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency (Dirk Gently #1) by Douglas Adams
DNF'd January 02, 2017

I really wanted to like this one but I think Douglas Adams just isn’t for me. I didn’t really like Hitchhikers and I am just bored by this. I only got an hour into this but honestly, I think I’ll just go rewatch the Netflix show.

A Darker Shade of Magic (Shades of Magic, #1) by V.E. Schwab
Dnf'd page 227 January 31, 2017

I have put this on hold, I know, what am I thinking? I have been reading this for over a month, I really enjoy this book but it’s taking me too long to read it and I am not feeling motivated to pick it up.