June Wrap Up

This post has just been sitting here unpublished for months. So I thought I'd just post it, at the time I put quite a bit of effort into it, I just never finished it. So, if you're interested, my June Wrap Up. In October.

So June was a very busy month for me, I had all of my uni assessments due in the last couple of weeks which was super stressful, because I'm not the most organised person. Somehow they were all completed, and I somehow was able to read some books at the same time.

The first book I read this month was:

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
★★★★★

 No, I am not a complete idiot. I *have* read TFIOS before. This was my third time reading the book as the movie was released this month! *Angel choir sings*. The book is amazing, the movie is amazing. If you haven't read/watched it yet (I would recommend you read it first, as always), you definitely should. Definitely one of the best books of our generation. And, just randomly, I hate the title stylised as TFiOS. I'm looking at you, John Green. [GOODREADS]

City of Heavenly Fire Cover Reveal!

Yesterday the cover for the final novel in Cassandra Clare's bestselling series, The Mortal Instruments, was revealed!

I really like the cover! It shows Clary from the back and a dark figure behind her, most likely Sebastian/Jonathan (correct me if I'm wrong). The Mortal Instruments definitely don't have the most attractive covers of any series, and the models used on the covers can often look corny and overly photoshopped. However, this cover doesn't show clear faces, which just makes it... cleaner. I love the Sebastian character, he looks evil and foreboding on the cover, and is a clear difference from all the previous covers. Clary is in quite a weak position from the back, so who knows, maybe this final book will follow in Allegiant's footsteps? The runes on her body look great, but don't match with the runes shown in the film, not that that's a problem. Also they've finally replaced the good old Stephenie Meyer quote on the front. Overall, I think the cover is great, and is making me super excited for the book to be released. This will look awesome on my bookshelf with all the other books!

City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare
Expected Publication Date: 27th May 2014

Top 10 Books of 2013

I have compiled a list of my favourite books I have read this year. I am so happy that I have been able to read 53 books in total this year, and it still freaks me out. This has been such a great year of reading, and I hope next year is too. So in sort of order...

10. Where She Went by Gayle Forman

The sort-of-sequel to If I Stay, Where She Went is from Adam's perspective as he visits New York and runs into his ex-girlfriend, Mia, as she performs a concert. The two go on a journey of the city, reflecting on their time together and apart. A more well-rounded novel than the original. Loved the city.

9. Legend & Prodigy by Marie Lu

Putting two books in a series together? I think that's allowed. Legend and Prodigy are great, easy to read dystopian novels set in a futuristic Los Angeles in the Republic of America. The plot follows the characters June and Day as they face the truths of the political situation they have found themselves in, as well as with each other. I just finished Champion, the final book (in 2014), and it is overall a great trilogy.

8. Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

This book was required reading for an English university course I did this year, and it was definitely my favourite. The writing is unique and interesting, despite having seen the film already, and already knowing the majority of the plot. Never Let Me Go questions life in the 21st century and is a sad and thoughtful tale of love, friendship and life.

7. Bloodlines Series by Richelle Mead

So I read the whole of the Bloodlines series this year (or what has been released so far). In order they are: Bloodlines, The Golden Lily, The Indigo Spell and The Fiery Heart. Each one just built on the previous to create a fantastic storyline with amazing characters. Bloodlines follows the Alchemist Sydney as she works to protect the Moroi Princess Jill in Palm Springs. This is a spin off series of the Vampire Academy series, and to be honest, it is a much better storyline. Many characters from the original series make appearances, including Rose, Dimitri, Lissa, Christian and Sonya Karp as well as the minor characters who the story focuses on this time. A great read, especially if you have read and loved Vampire Academy.

6. Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

Damn Cricket. Lola and the Boy Next Door is the sort-of-sequel to Anna and the French Kiss (which may also make an appearance in this list, if you haven't already scrolled down...). It follows Lola as she comes to terms with boys, her Dads, a returning mother and work in San Francisco. Characters from the original novel make a much-welcomed appearance, but this story can easily stand alone. Cricket Bell has returned to the house next door, and brings up everything Lola has kept hidden under her fluctuating fashion sense. A great teen novel with the usual dramas and lovable characters.