Mini review: Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them by Newt Scamander (J.K. Rowling)

A brand new edition of this essential companion to the Harry Potter stories, with a new foreword from J.K. Rowling and an irresistible new jacket by Jonny Duddle.

An approved textbook at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry since publication, Newt Scamander’s masterpiece has entertained wizarding families through the generations. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is an indispensable introduction to the magical beasts of the wizarding world. Scamander’s years of travel and research have created a tome of unparalleled importance. Some of the beasts will be familiar to readers of the Harry Potter books – the Hippogriff, the Basilisk, the Hungarian Horntail … Others will surprise even the most ardent amateur magizoologist. Dip in to discover the curious habits of magical beasts across five continents …

‘No wizarding household is complete without a copy’ Albus Dumbledore

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Blog tour: Prisoner of Ice and Snow

Prisoner of Ice and Snow by Ruth Lauren

Summary:
Valor is under arrest for the attempted murder of the crown prince. Her parents are outcasts from the royal court, her sister is banished for theft of a national treasure, and now Valor has been sentenced to life imprisonment at Demidova, a prison built from stone and ice.

But that’s exactly where she wants to be. For her sister was sent there too, and Valor embarks on an epic plan to break her out from the inside.

No one has escaped from Demidova in over three hundred years, and if Valor is to succeed she will need all of her strength, courage and love. If the plan fails, she faces a chilling fate worse than any prison …

An unforgettable story of sisterhood, valour and rebellion, Prisoner of Ice and Snow will fire you up and melt your heart all at once. Perfect for fans of Katherine Rundell, Piers Torday and Cathryn Constable.

An evening with: Victoria Aveyard, Alwyn Hamilton, Laure Eve and Alice Broadway

Back in August I got the chance to finally meet Victoria Aveyard, author of the bestselling Red Queen series. I bought a ticket as soon as the event was announced, I’ve loved these books from the start and couldn’t pass up the opportunity to meet the genius behind them. A couple of weeks before the event Alwyn, Laure and Alice were announced.

The event was chaired by Rebel of the Sands author Alwyn Hamilton, they talked about their respective books, characters etc. and told the audience about the first book they remember writing when they were children. They all sound amazing, trust me! Alice revealed the title to Ink’s sequel (not sure if I’m allowed to say what it is here), Alwyn then opened up the floor to questions from the audience.

After the talk an Q&A there was a chance to meet the authors and get books signed. While I was waiting for the queue to die down I had a chat to Katie Webber, who is always lovely. If you haven’t read her debut, Wing Jones, please do! Victoria is one of the nicest people you’ll ever meet and kindly signed all my books, including my collectors edition of Red Queen and let me have a photo with her. I also got my copy of Ink signed by Alice and Fearsome Dreamer by Laure. Alwyn had already signed my copies of Rebel and Traitor, she’s always fun to chat to though.

Disney Book Tag

I was tagged by Rachel to do the Disney book tag, this was so much fun to do!

 

1. The Little Mermaid – A character that is out of their element, a fish out of water.

I’m going with Simon specifically in City of Bones, the poor guy was so out of his depth in that book.

2. Cinderella – A character who goes through major development.

Twylla from The Sin Eater’s Daughter trilogy, I don’t want to say much for those who haven’t read the books. She really grows and develops and by the end she’s unrecognisable!

3. Snow White – A book with an eclectic cast of characters.

I’m going with Throne of Glass for this one, from Baba Yellowlegs to Rowan, there’s so many different people throughout the series whose paths cross at some point.

4. Sleeping beauty – A book that put you to sleep.

Low Red Moon by Ivy Devlin, it was marketed as paranormal but there was pretty much nothing paranormal in it.

5. The Lion King – A character that had something traumatic happen in their childhood.

Suzanne from Beautiful Broken Things, her story is heart-breaking and was hard to read at times. The book is incredible!

6. Beauty and the Beast – A book that was a beast (a.k.a a big book that you were intimidated by but in the end found beautiful)

IT by Stephen King, despite being a huge horror fan I was unsure whether I would finish this 1000 page brick. I loved every page! – I get that this isn’t exactly beautiful, the second longest book I’ve read was ACOWAR and I wasn’t intimidated by its size.

7. Aladdin – A character who has their wish granted for better or for worse.

I can’t think of anything to put here, I’ll come back to it if I think of something.

8. Mulan – A character who pretends to be someone or some thing that they are not.

Aedion from Throne of Glass, I won’t say much as I don’t want to spoil it. You’ll know what I mean when you read it.

9. Toy Story – A book with characters who you want to come to life.

Throne of Glass, I love the characters and world, who wouldn’t want to hang out with  Celaena, Rowan and Chaol?

10. Disney Descendants – Your favourite villain.

I can’t say, its spoilerish for those who haven’t read A Court of Thorns and Roses.

 

I Tag: I don’t know who has been tagged already so I’m leaving it open to anyone who wants to do it.

Guest post: Sampler review – The Surface Breaks by Louise O’Neill

I was asked to read this sample and create a guest post by my sister, who though I would enjoy this retelling of ‘The Little Mermaid’. As a Disney fanatic with a three year olds love for princesses I was unsure how I would cope with changes to the version I had grown up with.

Providing two chapters- a mere 25 pages was enough to reel me in. I already see myself waiting for it’s release so I can read it in full. I enjoyed both the language and the writing style, it will be an easy book to get into.

Mini review: Throne of Glass colouring book by Sarah J Maas

Synopsis from Goodreads:
For the first time, fans of Sarah J. Maas’s sweeping New York Times bestselling Throne of Glass saga can experience the vivid imagery of her expansive world. Celaena battling the ridderak in the catacombs, Chaol in the gardens of the glass castle, Manon riding her wyvern through the Crossing, and many other favorite moments, characters, and objects come to life as readers explore the vibrantly detailed realm of Throne of Glass. Stunning original black-and-white drawings will bring fans deeper into the series than ever before-making this a must-have companion to Sarah J. Maas’s beloved books.

Mini review: Orbiting Jupiter by Gary D. Schmidt

Synopsis from Goodreads:

A heartbreaking story, narrated by twelve-year-old Jack, whose family is caring for fourteen-year-old Joseph. Joseph is misunderstood. He was incarcerated for trying to kill a teacher. Or so the rumours say. But Jack and his family see something others in town don’t want to.
What’s more, Joseph has a daughter he’s never seen. The two boys go on a journey through the bitter Maine winter to help Joseph find his baby – no matter the cost.