Tuesday 26 April 2016

Review: Magnus Chase and the Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan


Name: Magnus Chase and the Sword of Summer
Author: Rick Riordan
Pages: 489
Format: Hardback
Publisher: Puffin Books
ISBN: 9781785172724
Rating: 4.5/5

Magnus Chase hasn't had it easy these past few years. His mother was killed and he then ended up living on the streets running from police officers and social workers alike. Now he's being hunted by a man he's never met, a man who insist he's the son of a Norse god. Of course Magnus thinks he's insane, but is he..

I haven't read a great deal of middle grade fiction lately but I intend to read a lot more now. Magnus Chase is such a funny, likeable and witty character. I can't wait to read more about him. I ended up getting funny looks while I was reading this in public, it had me giggling all the way through. I love how eclectic the main group we followed were. Hearth, Blitz, Sam and Magnus. They were so fun to read about!

Now I'm a mythology nut so this book really appealed to me, though shock horror I know hardly anything about Norse mythology. This book has me wanting to do a silly amount of research though. The detail Rick put into the book was brilliant but not so much that it overpowers the actual story. His interpretation of Thor was fabulous. Move over Chris Hemsworth.

I found the idea behind this great I loved the idea. However, even though I haven't yet read the Percy Jackson series I found it very reminiscent of the first novel. The Lightning Thief, Percy is searching for a weapon and Magnus is on the hunt for a weapon. Both had a cast of characters assisting them with this. That's my only qualm with the novel. Otherwise I loved it!

I'll definitely be picking up more of his books soon!

Have you read this?

Katie x

Wednesday 13 April 2016

March Wrap Up


I did so much reading this month! Go me.

1. Trimalchio's Feast by Petronius 3/5

This was entertaining but so very very confusing. I had no idea what was going on or who was narrating it but it was fun to read.

2. Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen.

I'll have a review up of this one soon.

3. Trial by Fire by Josephine Angelini.

I'll have a review up of this one soon.

4. Fire Walker by Josephine Angelini.

I'll have a review up of this one soon.

5. The Reason I Jump by Naoki Higashida 3.5/5

This was such a moving novel. With assistance this book was written by an autistic boy who can hardly speak. Yet his words were so eloquent when written. The main reason this didn't get more out of five is because it isn't the sort of book I read. I never enjoy non-fiction as much.

6. Ink and Bone by Rachel Caine 4/5

This was such an enjoyable novel. The idea that no-one is allowed to have real books. Only copies. So clever! I just felt it took a while to get interesting.

7. The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black 4/5

Similar situation with this. It took a while to get started and then seemed to be over in a snap. However, I loved how folklore was interwoven in this.

8. Truthwitch by Susan Dennard.

I'll have a review up of this one soon.

9. Magnus Chase and the Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan.

I'll have a review up of this one soon.

10. East of West Volume 1. by Johnathan Hickman & Nick Dragotta 4.5/5

This is such an amazing graphic novel series. Following the four horsemen of the apocalypse. Just read it.

11. Chew Volume 2 by John Layman & Rob Guillory. 4/5

Just go read it.

Those are all the books I've read this month.

Katie x

Monday 11 April 2016

Review: Morning Star by Pierce Brown


Name: Morning Star
Author: Pierce Brown
Pages: 518
Format: Hardback
Publisher: Del Ray (US)
ISBN: 978-1-444-75905-1
Rating: 5/5 (In truth there isn't a number high enough)

I am decidedly concerned that I will never read a book that is as amazing, well crafted and heartbreaking as Morning Star. I could've read this in one sitting only moving for food but I wanted to savour it. Take a long time to fully process what was happening. I admit I had to put it down every now and again and emotionally recover. Seriously. Every time I turned a page I felt like I was holding my breath, seeing what torture Pierce could put his characters through next. My goodman I worry about your sanity.

Sevro. I feel like in every review I have to dedicate a part to Sevro. I will never be able to coherently express my love for him. However, he did piss me off at the beginning of the novel but I get it. He's allowed to be pissed. His story arc was absolutely amazing. I loved everything about it. In fact I loved all the journeys the characters went on. So much epicness.

I will forever commend Pierce on how he weaves facts into his book. Towards the end of the novel we briefly meet a character called Lucius au Sejanus who introduces himself as the head of the Praetorians. I had a geek out moment at 1 am being the Classical Civilisation nerd I am. At one point in Roman history a chap named Sejanus became Prefect of the Praetorian guard and pretty much caused chaos. He tried to marry into Tiberius' family to gain power. Little fact for ya there.

I have to say this is the best conclusion to a series I have ever read and is also one of the best series as a whole. Just go read the bloodydamn thing.

Katie x







Wednesday 6 April 2016

March Book Haul


Behold, pretty books. Look, I increased my TBR... again. Its an addiction, it really is.

1. The Infinite Sea by Rick Yancey.

Set in a world where "The Others" have invaded and are trying to wipe out the human race. Cassie is on a mission to find her brother. Ben just wants to survive.

2. Nod by Adrian Barnes.

Such an interesting premise one this one! Set in Canada, the majority of people can't sleep. The ones who still can have experienced the 'golden dream.' After six days of no sleep, psychosis will set in.

3. Station Eleven by Emily St.John Mandel.

This book follows a theatre troop before, during and after an apocalypse. I can't wait to read this one.

4. The Bone Queen by Alison Croggon.

A YA fantasy that follows a bard who has been exiled for unleashing the power of the Bone Queen. This is a prequel to the Books of Pellinor series.

5. Midnight Bites by Rachel Caine.

This is a collection of stories set in the Morganville world. (I MET HER. SHE'S SO AWESOME.)

6. Shadow Queen by C.J Redwine.

Essentially a retelling of Snow White.

7. Leviathan Wakes by James S.A Corey.

Not even gonna lie. After reading the Red Rising Trilogy I've been craving more sic-fi and I heard Pierce Brown (Author of Red Rising) mention this book in an interview. Looking forward to starting this.

8. Maresi by Maria Turtschaninoff.

Genuinely have no idea how to describe this. Fairytales, an abbey that allows women to live freely.

What books did you get this month?

Katie x