Lord of Shadows
Rating: 5/5
Buy or Borrow: Buy
Source: Copy via WHSmith

Sunny Los Angeles can be a dark place indeed in Cassandra Clare’s Lord of Shadows, the sequel to the #1 New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling Lady Midnight. Lord of Shadows is a Shadowhunters novel.

Emma Carstairs has finally avenged her parents. She thought she’d be at peace. But she is anything but calm. Torn between her desire for her parabatai Julian and her desire to protect him from the brutal consequences of parabatai relationships, she has begun dating his brother, Mark. But Mark has spent the past five years trapped in Faerie; can he ever truly be a Shadowhunter again?

And the faerie courts are not silent. The Unseelie King is tired of the Cold Peace, and will no longer concede to the Shadowhunters’ demands. Caught between the demands of faerie and the laws of the Clave, Emma, Julian, and Mark must find a way to come together to defend everything they hold dear—before it’s too late.

The Scarecrow Queen
Rating: 5/5
Buy or Borrow: Buy
Source: Amazon via Kindle

The final battle is coming... As the Sleeping Prince tightens his hold on Lormere and Tregellan, the net closes in on the ragged band of rebels trying desperately to defeat him. Twylla and Errin are separated, isolated, and running out of time. The final battle is coming, and Aurek will stop at nothing to keep the throne forever... Explosive, rich and darkly addictive, this is the stunning conclusion to Mel Salisbury's internationally best-selling trilogy that began with THE SIN EATER'S DAUGHTER.

I was once asked which book(s) had made an impact on my life. I sat and contemplated this for a while. Fragments of books entering my mind, words that have changed me, stories that have shaped me, hundreds of them whizzing around in my head. It was then that I realised that every book has impacted me. Every book I've ever read has changed me in some way, whether it be a monumental change or something small, books have the power to do that.

A series of books that have made the biggest impact in my life, is a series we're celebrating today: Harry Potter. Harry Potter awakens emotions in me that I didn't think possible to feel from books. I just have to read a quote from The Goblet of Fire and it will transport me back to the year I queued up at midnight outside Tesco to grab a copy on it's release date and sat up all night, devouring and savouring every page until I couldn't keep my eyes open any longer.

The world of Harry Potter was one that I always found comfort in. The kind of comfort that you get from lounging in your pyjamas, with a pizza and a tub of Ben and Jerry's ice cream; that's how the wizarding world makes me feel. (Although all of the above does sound good!)

It isn't just the books that changed my life, I had a thirst; a need for more. I travelled across the pond to venture into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando. To see my favourite parts of the books brought to life before my eyes, it was magical but I still needed more. I travelled to London to visit the Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio Tour. To taste the sweet Butterbeer, to pose outside the Dursley's house, to hop onto the Knight Bus; to feel like an extra on a Harry Potter set was just mesmerising.

I grew up with the characters, every year they got older, I did too and as they changed from children, to teenagers, to adults, I did too. Ron taught me about friendship and appreciating what we have in life, even if it isn't a lot. Hermione taught me that being intelligent wasn't a bad thing, but something to be proud of. Harry taught me that it's okay to be different and that your differences are what make you unique. He taught me about bravery and conquering your fears, no matter what the consequence might be. Neville taught me that standing up to your enemies is brave, but standing up to your friends is even braver. Severus taught me the dangers of love and how all-consuming it can truly be. Lily and James taught me about making sacrifices for the ones you love, something we all do in life.

These characters, their stories, they shaped me into who I am today. They instilled in me some of my most important values and beliefs. This was never just a "book series" for me, it was a huge part of my childhood and is still a huge part of my life now, as an adult.

Whenever I feel down or I need a pick me up. I pick up the books, I turn on the films, I play the theme tune and smile. Hogwarts is always there to welcome me home. That's what these books make me feel: I'm home.

So to JK Rowling, may we today raise our wands in honour of you. Young and old, man or woman, your books appealed to all ages and people from all walks of life. Thank you for giving me such enthusiasm and a passion for books from such a young age. Like you have to so many others, you filled my heart with warmth and magic on the darkest of days. It all started with The Boy Who Lived and you are The Woman Who Changed the Literary World.

And to end in true Harry Potter style. Fans all around the world will be asked today and for many years to come if we still like Harry Potter:

The Last Piece of My Heart
Rating: 5/5
Buy or Borrow: Buy
Source: Copy via Sainsburys

When life feels like a puzzle, sometimes it's the small pieces that make up the bigger picture... Join Bridget on a journey to put her world back together.

A successful travel journalist, Bridget has ambitions to turn her quirky relationship blog about the missing pieces of her heart into a book. But after a spate of rejections from publishers, she accepts an alternative proposition.

Nicole Dupré died leaving behind a bestselling novel and an incomplete sequel. Tasked with finishing the book, Bridget is thankful to have her foot in the publishing door, even if it means relocating to Cornwall for the summer and answering to Nicole's grieving husband, Charlie...

A Court of Wings and Ruin Review
Rating: 3/5
Buy or Borrow: Buy
Source: Copy via Amazon

Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin's maneuverings and the invading king threatening to bring Prythian to its knees. But to do so she must play a deadly game of deceit-and one slip may spell doom not only for Feyre, but for her world as well.

As war bears down upon them all, Feyre must decide who to trust amongst the dazzling and lethal High Lords-and hunt for allies in unexpected places.

In this thrilling third book in the #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling series from Sarah J. Maas, the earth will be painted red as mighty armies grapple for power over the one thing that could destroy them all.

Skinny. Over the years I've really learned to hate that word. I think from a young age, we're programmed to think that being labelled as "skinny" is a good thing. And when you're "skinny", people feel like it's okay to make derogatory comments about your weight/size. If I had a pound for every time someone had said something like, "oh there's nothing of you" or "I've seen more meat on a (insert small animal or small piece of meat here)", I'd most certainly be rich. Why does society find it acceptable to approach a smaller person and say that? Would you ever go to a larger person and say, "oh there's too much of you" or "god, you've got more meat on you than a whale". Can you imagine?

The Devil's Poetry
Rating: 4.5/5
Buy or Borrow: Buy
Source: e-copy for part of the blog tour (Released 13th June 2017)

Questions are dangerous but answers can be deadly.

Callie’s world will be lost to war – unless she can unlock the magic of an ancient manuscript. She and her friends will be sent to the front line. Many of them won’t come back. When a secret order tells her she can bring peace by reading from a book, it seems an easy solution - too easy. Callie soon finds herself hunted, trapped between desperate allies and diabolical enemies. The Order is every bit as ruthless as the paranormal Cadaveri. 

Callie can only trust two people – her best friend and her ex-marine bodyguard. And they are on different sides. She must decide: how far will she go to stop a war? 

Dare she read this book? What’s the price - and who pays it? 

I got asked to be part of the blog tour of this book and how could I say no? I love a good YA thriller and this book certainly didn't disappoint. I think YA thrillers are very far and few in between so when I find a good one, I do love to rave about it. (Alex Bell, I'm looking at you!)

1. What was the last book you read?

Lord of Shadows by Cassandra Clare

2. Was it a good one?

Of course! Isn't everything Cassandra Clare writes amazing?

3. What made it good?

The plot, the characters, the immersive world...everything.

4. Would you recommend it to other people?

YES. Already have done, to quite a few people.

5. How often do you read?

Most days.

6. Do you like to read?

More than anything.

7.What was the last bad book you read?

A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J Maas.

8. What made you dislike it?

It just wasn't what I'd envisioned and not as good as her previous writing.

9. Do you wish to be a writer?

I do, but I honestly don't think it will happen as I have great ideas but the inability to put them into words.

10. Has any book ever influenced you greatly?

Most books I read influence me in some way. You're not the same person you were before, after reading any book.

11. Do you read fan fiction?

I used to.

12. Do you write fan fiction?

Again, I used to but not anymore. I feel as though I've matured from the fan fiction world.

13. What’s your favourite book?

Modern - The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon
Classic - Dracula by Bram Stoker

14. What’s your least favorite book?

Half Lost by Sally Green (BECAUSE THAT ENDING)

15. Do you prefer physical books or ready on a device (like a kindle)?

I prefer physical copies but it's so easy to read on a Kindle, wherever you are. If I buy a book on Kindle and really like it, I'll end up buying the physical copy anyway.

16. When did you learn to read?

No idea, very early on though.

17. What is your favorite book you had to read in school?

The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton. My mum read those books to me from a very young age, so they have a special place in my heart.

18. What is your favourite book series?

The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon
or
The Dark Artifices by Cassandra Clare

19. Who is your favourite author?

Cassandra Clare

20. What is your favourite genre?

Definitely YA but honestly, I'll read most genres. I love a good romance, a chick-lit, thriller, crime...I just love books.

21. Who is your favourite character in a book series?

Warden from The Bone Season. I am so fascinated by him.

22. Has a book ever transported you somewhere else?

Of course, 95% of books I read do exactly that and that's the appeal of them.

23. Which book do you wish had a sequel?

After the Fire by Will Hill. I'd love to know more about Moonbeam's story after leaving the rehabilitation unit.

24. Which book do you wish DIDN’T have a sequel?

A Court of Thorn and Roses. Although the sequel was amazing, I honestly think it would have been better as a standalone book.

25. How long does it take you to read a book?

Depending on the length, it can range from an hour, to all day. It rarely takes me more than a day to read any book, if I really enjoy it.

26. Do you like when books become movies?

It depends on the book. I think it's being overdone now though.

27. Which book was ruined by its movie adaptation?

I don't think any book can be ruined because of its movie; I feel like people forget that they are two entirely different things, usually with a different take on the story.

28. Which movie has done a book justice?

A Monster Calls. I was sceptical about the movie adaptation but it was just as beautifully heartbreaking as the book.

29. Do you read newspapers?

Rarely.

30: Do you read magazines?

Rarely.

31. Do you prefer newspapers or magazines?

I don't really enjoy either.

32. Do you read while in bed?

Most of the time but I'll read anywhere.

33. Do you read while on the toilet?

If a book's that good...yes.

34. Do you read while in the car?

No, I get really bad car sickness.

35. Do you read while in the bath?

And risk getting a book wet? Never.

36. Are you a fast reader?

Yes, I've been told so.

37. Are you a slow reader?

Definitely not. See above question.

38. Where is your favourite place to read?

I love reading on holiday on a sun lounger.

39. Is it hard for you to concentrate while you read?

Sometimes, it depends on the book and how engrossed I am.

40. Do you need a room to be silent while you read?

Again, depends on how much I'm enjoying it. Definitely prefer silence though.

41. Who gave you your love for reading?

Jacqueline Wilson. She has always been an inspiration of mine, from a very young age.

42. What book is next on your list to read?

I honestly have no idea, I have quite a few to get through so I will probably do a poll on it!

43. When did you start to read chapter books?

I have no clue, I'd imagine from a very young age.

44. Who is your favourite children’s book author?

Jacqueline Wilson, Enid Blyton or Roald Dahl. The classics.

45. Which author would you most want to interview?

Giovanna Fletcher. I met her recently and she is just an absolute gem.

46. Which author do you think you’d be friends with?

Again, Giovanna Fletcher. Kate and Liz Corr (although I'd say I'm already friends with them and they are pretty awesome!)

47.What book have you reread the most?

Definitely The Bone Season, I've lost count of the amount of times I've reread that.

48. Which books do you consider “classics”?

Dracula, Lord of the Rings, Jane Eyre, The Great Gatsby, anything Shakespearean...those kind of things!

49. Which books do you think should be taught in every school?

Harry Potter. I honestly think so much can be learnt/taught from those books.

50. Which books should be banned from all schools?

No books should be banned, every reader should feel like they can read whatever they want.

Show Stopper
Rating: 5/5
Buy or Borrow: Buy
Source: Early copy via Scholastic (released 1st June 2017)

A dazzling, high-octane read filled with death-defying acrobatics, circus crowds with an appetite for disaster, and two forbidden teenage lovers trying to escape the shackles of their very different lives. Set in a near-future England where the poorest people in the land must watch their children be taken by a travelling circus – to perform at the mercy of hungry lions, sabotaged high wires and a demonic ringmaster. The ruling class visit the circus as an escape from their structured, high-achieving lives – pure entertainment with a bloodthirsty edge. Ben, the teenage son of a draconian government minister, visits the circus for the first time and falls instantly in love with Hoshiko, a young performer. They come from harshly different worlds – but must join together to escape the circus and put an end to its brutal sport.

This is an unscheduled post and I felt like I had to write this post in light of today's events. I did a poll over on my Twitter where the majority of you said you wanted me to write this post so here it is. I don't claim to know much about politics, nor have I really been interested in them over the years and I'm sure many of you reading this will be in the same position.

I know my audience is predominantly 18-25 year olds and it's to you, that I say thank you. Thank you for a record turnout of voting in our age bracket (72%!). Thank you for actively trying to make a change. Thank you for believing that we could do this together. No matter who you voted for, what we did was amazing.

I know we didn't get the result that we wanted but the Conservatives didn't either and that's what we've got to remember, and what we should be proud of. Theresa May was expected to win by a landslide and because of us, she ended up not even getting the majority of seats in this election.

It has been a rough 12 months, not just for the UK but for the rest of the world too. In a world that has elected Trump and a world where the UK has voted to leave the EU (both of which I'm sure many of you were against, like myself), I had very little faith in humanity and what was happening to the world. I want to thank Jeremy Corbyn for being the glimmer of hope that we needed.

Today was not just about Corbyn winning, in fact (although it would have been incredible!), we have to celebrate the things we have achieved today. So let's celebrate them! It has been a record turnout for voting - the highest since 1997! There are more female MPs than there has ever been before! A record number of young people voted. This election has also achieved something I didn't think possible at the moment - giving people hope. A country that is completely divided politically but is joining together for some of the things that matter most - now that is important.

Jeremy Corbyn, I want to thank you for being exactly what this country needed. His manifesto and beliefs were something I never thought I'd see from a politician in my lifetime and that is why I got so involved in this election and have found a new found passion in politics. I know he's not everyone's cup of tea but he's certainly mine and quite clearly, millions of others. He radiates what so many other politicians don't - authenticity. And a love for the working class.

I'm worried about this country now. With a coalition from the Conservatives and the DUP, we can only watch and wait for the chaos to unfold and hope for the best. Be proud of what we've achieved though and what we can continue to achieve, if we just stand united.

I am so proud to be a 23 year old in the UK right now. We may not have won but we're one step closer to a better future for us and our future generations.

This is a post that saddens me to write. This is a post for all the people that don't know enough about chronic illness or choose not to care about it. Or maybe for the people that are just curious as to how you continue living your life in the midst of a chronic illness. Or maybe you're "living" with a chronic illness but don't know how to live life to the fullest. Here are some tips that help me enjoy life as much as possible.

The Graveyard Book
Rating: 5/5
Buy or Borrow: Buy
Source: Copy via Waterstones

Nobody Owens, known to his friends as Bod, is a perfectly normal boy. Apart from the fact that he lives in a graveyard and educated by ghosts, and his guardian belongs to neither the world of the living nor the dead.

There are dangers and adventures for Bod in the graveyard: the strange and terrible menace of the Sleer; a gravestone entrance to a desert that leads to the city of ghouls; friendship with a witch; and so much more.

But it is in the land of the living that the real dangers lurk, for it is there that the man Jack lives and he has already killed Bod's family. 

Hello beautiful people! I want to share with you something I'm really excited about and proud that I'm doing. I want to raise money for charity and I want to read more books so I have decided to do a 24 Hour Readathon. All you have to do is read for 24 hours and have fun! This event will take place from 9am on Saturday 8th July - 9am on Sunday 9th July. The best part? You can join in from the comfort of your home! Myself and the lovely Rebecca (who will be raising money for a charity close to her heart, links to follow) will be hosting an action packed 24 hours. Whilst we (and hopefully many others) read, every hour, on the hour, a scheduled blog post will be going live on my blog and the guests that have offered to write blog posts for me have been overwhelming. From bloggers to authors, I know these posts won't disappoint! The topics range from fellow bloggers suffering with similar conditions to me, all the way to some of my favourite YA authors discussing disability in YA books! There will be something for everyone and I will also be vlogging the whole 24 hours for you all and live tweeting every so often to let you all know I'm still awake!

With authors like Samantha Shannon and Katharine and Elizabeth Corr already confirmed, I am so proud of how many people this could potentially reach and how much money we could raise with the help of you!

If you can spare a few pounds, please follow this link: justgiving.com/24hourreadathon and donate what you can. If you're unable to donate, join me in reading for 24 hours straight for a good cause. If you're unable to join in, just spread the word and involve yourself in any way that you can. There will be blog posts, Instagram posts, live story readings, giveaways and so much more to get me (and hopefully many others) through the 24 hours.

If any bloggers, authors, publishers (anyone!) reading this would like to get involved or donate books for giveaways etc...the more help the better! I'd love as many people doing this and getting involved as possible.

The schedule of posts and guests involved will be posted around the end of June and it definitely will not disappoint!

The charity I have chosen is STARS - www.stars.org.uk 

My story is posted on my JustGiving page and I'm sure many of you are familiar with it already but I'll post it here as well.