Day Twenty Three - The Miserable Mill by Lemony Snicket

Hey everyone! This morning I read The Miserable Mill by Lemony Snicket. I'm really getting to love these books and I like how quick they are to read. Here's the blurb:

Dear Reader,

I hope, for your sake, that you have not chosen to read this book because you are in the mood for a pleasant experience. If this is the case, I advise you to put this book down instantaneously, because of all the books describing the unhappy lives of the Baudelaire orphans, The Miserable Mill might be the unhappiest yet. Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire are sent to Paltryville to work in a lumber mill, and they find disaster and misfortune lurking behind every log.

The pages of this book, I'm sorry to inform you, contain such unpleasantries as a giant pincher machine, a bad casserole, a man with a cloud of smoke where his head should be, a hypnotist, a terrible accident resulting in injury, and coupons.

I have promised to write down the entire history of these three poor children, but you haven't, so if you prefer stories that are more heartwarming, please feel free to make another selection.

With all due respect,

Lemony Snicket

My Review:

I think this is definitely my favourite novel in the series and I think this was because it broke the pattern ever so slightly. There was definitely a rhythm set in this book series and it was interesting to see something a little new. 

I really liked how the character's broke out of their archetypes in this book and actually almost swapped roles. This was exciting mostly because it was unexpected and it's always nice to see something new. 

I'm really hoping that this will set a precedent for the rest of the series and I'm excited to see what new twists and turns might appear later on!

Finally, as always, I'd love to hear all your opinions. Have you read this book? If so, what do you think? Do you have any suggestions for other good books? Don't be a stranger!

Day Twenty Two - Time Riders by Alex Scarrow

Hey everyone! Today I read a book that I probably should've read forever ago. I actually met Alex Scarrow, the author of Time Riders, in 2015 and I was so excited by it then that I can't quite believe I ever shelved it! Here's the blurb:

Liam O’Connor should have died at sea in 1912.
Maddy Carter should have died on a plane in 2010.
Sal Vikram should have died in a fire in 2026.

Yet moments before death, someone mysteriously appeared and said, ‘Take my hand ...’

My Review:

The concept of this book was really interesting and I really liked the short choppy chapters as I felt that they really drew me in. Perhaps it would've been nicer to have a little more detail overall, but it would've been so easy to get lost in massive long rambling chapters. 

I really loved each character and the way that we found out slivers of their own personalities through the pasts. I loved the relationship that developed between Bob and Liam whilst they were on their mission as I found it really heartwarming. 

This book was exciting and perhaps at times a tad confusing, but it's clear that TimeRiders was always meant to be a series and I'm sure I'll be brought in even deeper by the next installment. 

Finally, as always, I'd love to hear all your opinions. Have you read this book? If so, what do you think? Do you have any suggestions for other good books? Don't be a stranger!

Day Twenty - Six Of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

Hey everyone! For the past couple of days, I've been ploughing through the novel Six Of Crows by Leigh Bardugo and I'm so glad that I did. It's definitely the best book that I've read this year! Here's the blurb:

Ketterdam: a bustling hub of international trade where anything can be had for the right price—and no one knows that better than criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker. Kaz is offered a chance at a deadly heist that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams. But he can't pull it off alone...

A convict with a thirst for revenge
A sharpshooter who can't walk away from a wager
A runaway with a privileged past
A spy known as the Wraith
A Heartrender using her magic to survive the slums
A thief with a gift for unlikely escapes 

Kaz's crew are the only ones who might stand between the world and destruction—if they don't kill each other first.

My Review:

If I could give this book more than five stars then I certainly would. The story is beautifully crafted and although I hadn't read the trilogy predating it that didn't matter at all; it was all so clear despite being set in such an incredibly complex world. 

I loved each and every one of the characters to the point where I'm sure I couldn't pick a favourite. I loved the depth that was put into every single character, even those that were really secondary to the plot. 

There was a twist and turn at every corner, making it truly impossible to be bored. Some of these you guessed which lead you with the dread of wondering when they would occur whilst others hit you out of nowhere. 

This novel was inspirational and totally one of a kind which is why I'm so glad that there's a sequel to engross myself with. 

Finally, as always, I'd love to hear all your opinions. Have you read this book? If so, what do you think? Do you have any suggestions for other good books? Don't be a stranger!

Day Fifteen - The Wide Window by Lemony Snicket

Hey everyone! Today I read The Wide Window by Lemony Snicket which is the third novel in the series and I'm absolutely hooked. I wish the series would go on forever! Here's the blurb:

Dear Reader,

If you have not read anything about the Baudelaire orphans, then before you read even one more sentence, you should know this: Violet, Klaus and Sunny are kindhearted and quick-witted, but their lives, I am sorry to say, are filled with bad luck and misery. All of the stories about these three children are unhappy and wretched, and the one you are holding may be the worst of them all.

If you haven't got the stomach for a story that includes a hurricane, a signalling device, hungry leeches, cold cucumber soup, a horrible villain, and a doll named Pretty Penny, then this book will probably fill you with despair.

I will continue to record these tragic tales, for that is what I do. You, however, should decide for yourself whether you can possibly endure this miserable story.

With all due respect,

Lemony Snicket

My Review:

This is the third book in the 'A Series of Unfortunate Events' series and it seems that I cannot tire from the adventures of the Baudelaires. Snicket has such a unique and interesting style of narrative that it's incredibly difficult to draw yourself away from it.

I love Josephine, simply because she's absolutely bonkers and I think that adds a really interesting layer to the story. Whilst Josephine is trying to be a good guardian, her fears really prevent her from doing so and it provides a massive frustration for the Baudelaires.

I loved the whole idea with Olaf's plan and I thought it's larger complicity made it more interesting than the previous two novels. Olaf, however, hasn't seemed to cotton on to the simplest ways of accessing their fortune. Oh well, it only adds to the drama and excitement. 

Finally, as always, I'd love to hear all your opinions. Have you read this book? If so, what do you think? Do you have any suggestions for other good books? Don't be a stranger!

Day Twelve - The Reptile Room by Lemony Snicket

Hey everyone! Today, I also read the second A Series Of Unfortunate Events book called The Reptile Room. Here's the blurb:

Dear Reader,

If you have picked up this book with the hope of finding a simple and cheery tale, I'm afraid you have picked up the wrong book altogether. the story may seem cheery at first, when the Baudelaire children spend time in the company of some interesting reptiles and a giddy uncle, but don't be fooled. If you know anything at all about the unlucky Baudelaire children, you already know that even pleasant events lead down the same road to misery.
In fact, within the pages you now hold in your hands, the three siblings endure a car accident, a terrible smell, a deadly serpent, a long knife, a large brass reading lamp, and the re-appearance of a person they'd hoped never to see again.
I am bound to record these tragic events, but you are free to put this book back on the shelf and seek something lighter.
With all due respect,
Lemony Snicket. 

My Review:

It seems that the second book in A Series of Unfortunate Events was even more tragic than the first and that is perhaps because we are given such a small glimmer of hope that the Baudelaire's might be okay. 

Uncle Monty is such a kind and well thought through character with more layers than I think I've seen from any of the other characters in this series so far. This was probably why the loss of him was so much more hard hitting than the thought of the Baudelaire parents perishing. 

In fact, the story was so exciting and moving that I only had a single qualm. My issue is with the way Snicket represents adults in his novels and whilst I know it serves a purpose for his story, it still irritates me. In the Baudelaire's world, all adults are absolute, complete idiots which is simply ridiculous. I cannot believe that these adults cannot recognise Olaf in his disguises that aren't even particularly complicated. However, I think I love the story far too much to allow something as small as that to take away from the experience. 

Finally, as always, I'd love to hear all your opinions. Have you read this book? If so, what do you think?Do you have any suggestions for other good books? Don't be a stranger!

Day Twelve - The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket

Hey everyone! I began a new series today and it was so good that I read the first two books. The series is actually called A Series Of Unfortunate Events and the first book is called The Bad Beginning. Here's the (shortened) blurb:

Dear Reader, I'm sorry to say that the book you are holding in you hands is extremely unpleasant.It tells an unhappy tale about three very unlucky children. Even though they are charming and clever,the Baudelaire siblings lead lives filled with misery and woe. From the very first page of this book when the children are at the beach and receive terrible news, continuing on through the entire story, disaster lurks at their heels. One might say they are magnets for misfortune. 

My Review:

The Bad Beginning is the first of thirteen books in Lemony Snicket's series named A Series of Unfortunate Events and it's certainly a cracking start. The books are far shorter than I am used to reading and are quite clearly geared towards pre-teens with the style of writing, but I still enjoyed it. 

Sometimes, I found the narrative in the book a little difficult to get on with. The chapters can be quite repetitive, we are constantly reminded about how the children are orphans and the fire for example, and Snicket has a habit of using long words and then explaining what they mean. I personally find this irritating, perhaps because I already know what those words mean, but I can understand how it can challenge a child's vocabulary etc. 

However the book certainly has it's merits, more than plenty of them in fact. I love how intricate Olaf's dastardly plans are, the adorable babbling of Sunny Baudelaire, Violet and Klaus' cleverness, even the narrator's tone of humour edging into the text. This book is outstanding and it had me gripped into my seat with each twist and turn.

Finally, as always, I'd love to hear all your opinions. Have you read this book? If so, what do you think? Do you have any suggestions for other good books? Don't be a stranger!

Day Eleven - Point Blanc by Anthony Horowitz

Hey everyone! Today I decided to read the second book in a series I've recently started and it definitely didn't disappoint! The book I read was Point Blanc by Anthony Horowitz. Here's the blurb:

On his second mission, Alex Rider must infiltrate the exclusive Point Blanc Academy. But the school hides a deadly secret. Can Alex alert the world to the truth before it's too late?

My Review:

Another exciting instalment of the Alex Rider series, Point Blanc had me gripped from the get-go just like it's predecessor. I absolutely love the series; it's so full of life and different twists and turns. 

Again, Alex was absolutely on point. I adore his wittiness but also his bravery and endeavour. In this book, however, I found the secondary characters much more interesting. Point Blanc boasted a much more entertaining and unpredictable villain and I liked the introduction of not only adversaries his own age but also a potential friend. 

The danger and suspense had only been amplified for the second story although I did work out what was happening far easier than in the first. I imagine that many will complain of the habit Horowitz's villains have for revealing their entire plan however in a way I think it makes sense. These men are quite clearly narcissists, probably very proud of their schemes too so why wouldn't they want to share them?

Finally, as always, I'd love to hear all your opinions. Have you read this book? If so, what do you think?Do you have any suggestions for other good books? Don't be a stranger!

Day Nine - A Quiet Kind Of Thunder by Sara Barnard

Hey everyone! I read a really good book today which I'm dying to tell you about. The book is called A Quiet Kind Of Thunder by Sara Barnard. Here is the blurb:

Steffi doesn't talk. 

Rhys can't hear.

They understand each other perfectly. 

Love isn't always a lightning strike. Sometimes it's the rumbling roll of thunder...

My Review: 

This was a truly heartwarming tale and I really loved following the story of Rhys and Steffi. Whilst Steffi and her condition weren't quite what I expected, I felt that it gave a little sense of realism to everything. 

For starters, I really loved the basis for this story and how much research has clearly gone into the making of this book. Whilst I know very little about selective mutism and social anxiety, I found that Barnard's portrayal made Steffi seem so very human by giving her dreams and ambitions like every other person. 

Steffi and Rhys' relationship is adorable but I like that they don't get along perfectly all the time. In their positions, it would be unnatural for thing between them to be hunky dory at all times. However, I feel like the fact that they both so desperately want to make things work between them is even more important, well I think so at least. 

I cannot express quite how much I love this book. It's one of my favourite teen fiction novels and I think that it sends out a really important and hopeful message. Things do get better.

Finally, as always, I'd love to hear all your opinions. Have you read this book? If so, what do you think ?Do you have any suggestions for other good books? Don't be a stranger!

Day Eight - Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz

Wow, it feels as if I haven't read a novel in ages and even this one is really short! I still seem on target for my 100 book goal however so all is well.

The novel that I read today was Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz, my first novel of this kind in a while. Here's the blurb:

When MI6 recognises his potential, Alex Rider is armed with secret gadgets and sent on his first mission. But the teenage spy soon finds himself in mortal danger. His first assignment may well be his last...

My Review:

I was wary of the length of this book when I first picked it up a few days ago. I thought that nothing interesting could possibly happen in so few pages, but boy was I wrong. This book was stuffed to the brim with never-ending action and I was gripped before the first few pages were over. 

Although I expected Jack to be a much bigger part of the book, I absolutely loved the character of Alex. He was smart, brave and witty (the perfect combination for a spy) and I loved the resilience he showed pretty much at all times. I liked how wise he was but I think oddly my favourite thing was that he never killed anyone. It just seems to make sense; I mean, what fourteen year old has the constitution to kill a man?

In terms of the plot, I like how it kept the reader guessing. There were several points where the story could have plausibly ended but I liked how there always seemed to be another twist to reel you back in. 

This book has the perfect spy story, but obviously with a twist. It's what really makes this book stand out from the crowd.

Finally, as always, I'd love to hear all your opinions. Have you read this book? If so, what do you think? Do you have any suggestions for other good books? Don't be a stranger!

Day Four - (All The Wrong Questions) Shouldn't You Be In School? by Lemony Snicket

Hey everyone! The second novel that I read today was the third instalment of the All The Wrong Questions series, Shouldn't You Be In School by Lemony Snicket. Here's the blurb:

Do you smell smoke? Young apprentice Lemony Snicket is investigating a case of arson but soon finds himself enveloped in the ever-increasing mystery that haunts the town of Stain’d-by-the-Sea.

Who is setting the fires? What secrets are hidden in the Department of Education? Why are so many schoolchildren in danger? Is it all the work of the notorious villain Hangfire? How could you even ask that? What kind of education have you had?

Maybe you should be in school...

My Review:

I read the first two instalments of All The Wrong Questions perhaps over a year ago and I was excited to finally sink my teeth into the third novel. However, whilst I still enjoyed the book, it was disappointing in comparison to the earlier two. 

The characters have always been difficult for me with this series. Whilst Lemony is just about verging on relatable, he talks in a way that is very mature and I find it easy to think that he is thirty as opposed to his true meagre age of thirteen. This can lead to him becoming easily alienated from the reader. The other characters however do not fare nearly as well. S. Theodora Markson, for starters, is an incredibly irritating character. She's irrevocably stupid and acts more like a child than Lemony does. All of the others are complete throwaways and I can barely tell the difference between them, let alone form some sort of connection. 

The plot, however, does have a lot more merit than those who drive it. Whilst relatively chaotic, thanks to the odd narration, it was at least interesting and there were plenty of exciting twists and turns. 

If anything this book certainly makes for a good mystery novel, although the lack of resolution is becoming increasingly frustrating, and it's a certain shame that the characters haven't been better developed.

Finally, as always, I'd love to hear all your opinions. Have you read this book? If so, what do you think? Do you have any suggestions for other good books? Don't be a stranger!

Day Four - The Museum Of Heartbreak by Meg Leder

Hey everyone! I can't believe that I read two books today! It seems that I'm on fire. Sadly, however, the books weren't quite as good as this year's first three, but still interesting enough.

The first novel I read today was The Museum Of Heartbreak by Meg Leder. Here is the blurb:

Welcome to The Museum of Heartbreak... Penelope is sixteen and has never been in love. So when handsome, charming Keats sweeps her off her feet, she can't believe her luck. But then comes the gut-wrenching, soul-destroying realization that happy endings don't always last forever. Suffering from a broken heart, Penelope creates The Museum of Heartbreak, a collection of objects documenting the ecstasy and devastation of first love, friendship and growing up. Sometimes letting go of the past is the only way to find your future...

My Review: 

It was certainly a bold, quirky idea which was what first drew me towards this book but I'm not entirely sure that it paid off. I can't say that I hated the book; it was alright but that was all it was. 

The characters were a mixed bunch really. If I had to pick a favourite then it would probably be Miles or Grace and certainly not Penelope. I found her tiresome and a tad pathetic but still not quite as bad as Keats. I absolutely loathed him and I'm not sure whether it was the ridiculous name or his terrible personality but I absolutely couldn't stand him. 

I wasn't a massive fan of the plot either but that probably wasn't helped by my hatred of Keats. I just didn't see any basis for her crush on him and why she stuck with him for more than ten minutes simply confused me even further. Their relationship was all too clearly doomed from the start. Finally, whatever was going on with Eph and Pen simply drove me up the wall. It was obvious from the first few sentences that he was head over heels for her and that made their back and forth even more annoying. How could she be so blind? 

Perhaps, I come off a tad harsh. The book was pretty good; it was simply predictable and, dare I say it, far too cliche for my tastes.

Finally, as always, I'd love to hear all your opinions. Have you read this book? If so, what do you think? Do you have any suggestions for other good books? Don't be a stranger!

Day Three - Night Owls by Jenn Bennett

Hey everyone! I can't believe quite how quickly these finished books are piling up but again I seem to have hit the jackpot where enticing plots are concerned. I've yet to read a bad book this year!

The novel I read today was Night Owls by Jenn Bennett, a book that I've been meaning to read since last summer. Here's the blurb:

Meeting Jack on the Owl - San Francisco's night bus - turns Beatrix's world upside down. Jack is charming, wildly attractive ...and possibly one of San Francisco's most notorious graffiti artists. On midnight rides and city rooftops, Beatrix begins to see who this enigmatic boy really is. But Jack is hiding much more - and can she uncover the truth that leaves him so wounded? 

My Review:

A beautiful love story that had me on the edge of my seat through every twist and turn. When I first began reading this book, I can't say that I was bowled over. It struck me as yet another typical good girl meets bad boy story, but it wasn't long before I was drawn in deeper and was allowed to see the more thoughtful tale sitting just underneath the guise. 

The characters at first seem superficial and although I definitely took to Beatrix quicker than Jack, I certainly liked neither of them. However I found that the more I read, the more I understood each character and I found myself liking Jack even more than Beatrix. I quickly began to understand why he does the things that he does in the novel and I found it easy to empathise with him. 

The book itself was well-written and I liked how realistic the narration was. So often first person novels sound too much like the adult author trying to sound younger, but with this one I could quite clearly see Beatrix in my mind and the narration matched what I had imagined. 

The plot was equally as incredible. I liked that it didn't end quite as stereo-typically as it could've done, but I also commend Jenn Bennett on her portrayal of broken families, how they fall apart and how we must try to put them back together again.

Finally, as always, I'd love to hear all your opinions. Have you read this book? If so, what do you think? Do you have any suggestions for other good books? Don't be a stranger!

Day Two - Percy Jackson And The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Hey everyone! Another day, another novel, but again I couldn't help myself. These cold winter days are absolutely perfect for snuggling up in front of the fire and ploughing through yet another thrilling read.

The novel I read today was Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan; I was nervous about reading this book but I'm certainly glad that I did. Here's the blurb:

Look, I didn't want to be a half-blood. I never asked to be the son of a Greek God.

I was just a normal kid, going to school, playing basketball, skateboarding. The usual. Until I accidentally vaporized my maths teacher. Now I spend my time battling monsters and generally trying to stay alive.

This is the one where Zeus, God of the Sky, thinks I've stolen his lightning bolt - and making Zeus angry is a very bad idea.

My Review:

I originally read this book probably a good seven years ago but since it had faded into patchy memories. In fact, I quickly realised that I had mainly remembered the movie and not the actual story plot. I wasn't all that convinced about re-reading it either but a friend who had been obsessed with the series for years finally got me to give it a try. 

I can easily say that I was most pleasantly surprised even to the point where I think I enjoyed the book more the second time around. The story was even more thrilling than I remembered, proving time and time again that the book always far surpasses the movie. 

The narration was perfect and I could easily believe that I was being spoken to by a twelve year old boy, something that is often so difficult to find in first person novels and the reason I usually choose not to read them. I loved the small witty remarks made throughout which really brought the book to life without trying to turn it into a comic fest. 

The plot itself was engaging and moved forward at a good pace for an adventure-style novel. There was never a dull moment in this novel and I found myself, at times, almost unable to turn the page for all of the excitement. 

The characters were also well-placed, although perhaps a tad mature or wise for their ages at times. They were easily likeable and the relationships between each character were well-formed. I especially liked the lack of romance in the story as I feel that far too many fantasy novels focus on the romance side as opposed to the real drive behind the plot. 

Overall, it was a really well rounded book that I don't believe should be branded as only for children.

Finally, I'd love to hear all your opinions. Have you read this book? If so, what do you think? Do you have any suggestions for other good books? Don't be a stranger!

Day One - The Sun Is Also A Star by Nicola Yoon

Hey everyone! It's the first of January and I've already finished my first novel. It was completely un-put-downable! So, that's already one check on my insurmountable list of books to read this year and I'm excited to move on to the next one. (I've chosen to read Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief next so expect an update on that in a few days)

The book I read today was a Teen Fiction by Nicola Yoon called The Sun Is Also A Star and by Jove was it good! If you haven't read the book, then here is the blurb:

The story of a girl, a boy, and the universe. 

Natasha: I'm a girl who believes in science and facts. Not fate. Not destiny. Or dreams that will never come true. I'm definitely not the kind of girl who meets a cute boy on a crowded New York City street and falls in love with him. Not when my family is twelve hours away from being deported to Jamaica. Falling in love with him won't be my story. 

Daniel: I've always been the good son, the good student, living up to my parents' high expectations. Never the poet. Or the dreamer. But when I see her, I forget about all that. Something about Natasha makes me think that date has something much more extraordinary in store - for both of us. 

The Universe: Every moment in our lives has brought us to this single moment. A million futures lie before us. Which one will come true?

My Review:

 Tragic. Hearbreaking. Romantic. Inspiring. From the moment that I picked up this book, I knew that it was all of this and more. It made me smile. It made me weep but it also made me hope. It made me want to love with such a passion that Natasha and Daniel did. It plays on your heartstrings. It lulls you into a false sense of security and then pounces like a lioness on her prey. And yet, although I should've known what was happening, I was more than happy for Nicola Yoon to whisk me away to fairy land with this delightful tale. 

However, not only was this book a page turner but it also showed some really promising talent from it's brilliant author. The style is quirky and for the first thirty pages I found myself thinking how I would struggle to finish the book because of it. It's certainly funny how things change. In truth, the short, fast-paced chapters that were dispersed between Natasha's POV, Daniel's POV and others in between only managed to reel me in further and I found myself loving the little extras on irie and the train driver. 

Despite all of the skill involved in producing such a novel, it was the character's that truly reeled me in and their hopeless love. As a romantic myself, I have no trouble believing that such could happen and it did seem that the two were truly meant for each other. Daniel's endearing eagerness and Natasha's fire were the only catalysts need to spark something truly magical. I found myself being able to relate to both character's with a natural ease and that really was a pleasant surprise. 

I love this book simply because it's not just another teenage love story. It's filled with raw passion and deals with incredibly important issues that teenagers have to face everyday: racism, culture differences, abandonment and that crucial lack of the oh so happy family we see on TV. For me, this is a fine example of the perfect teen fiction novel.

Finally, I'd love to hear all your opinions. Have you read this book? If so, what do you think? Do you have any suggestions for other good books? Don't be a stranger!