Book Review: The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

Published in 2010 by Walker Books Limited

Pages: 310

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Sypnosis from Goodreads:

Seventeen-year-old Lennie Walker spends her time tucked safely and happily in the shadow of her fiery older sister, Bailey.
But when Bailey dies abruptly, Lennie is catapulted to centre stage of her own life – and suddenly finds herself struggling to balance two boys. One boy takes Lennie out of her sorrow; the other comforts her in it. But the two can’t collide without Lennie’s world exploding.
My Review:

Let me just say, firstly, I had high hopes for this book, partially because the sypnosis sounded really feely, and it was; and also I’ll Give You The Sun (by the same author), is one of my all time favourite reads. 

So when I started this book, I found it raw and emotional; what with Lennie explaining how her sister had died suddenly, and it was definitely sad to read about; I mean, how would I feel if I lost a loved one? Heartbroken, definitely. Throughout this book, Lennie goes on a journey of sorts of dealing with her grief, and I definitely found that aspect effective and emotional, however; I didn’t like how much romance was brought into this story; honestly, it wasn’t necessary and in my opinion, both make love interests were exceptionally underdeveloped and tiresome characters; and it is these characters that change Lennie, honestly she started to annoy me with her constant thinking of both of them; however, I did love the flashback notes between Lennie and her beloved sister Bailey; I loved how Bailey’s presence was constantly felt throughout the book, along with various revelations that definitely made her death even more sad! 

I also enjoyed the interactions between Lennie and her grandmother; it showed how grief affects everyone and there were definitely some sad moments between the two, I only wish we learnt more about her gran’s thoughts; and love interests aside; I did like Lennie’s character, for most part. I mean she was definitely unique, named after John Lennon, a bookworm (yet I still don’t understand why she and her gran hacked up a copy of her most beloved book?) because, to me, the literary references throughout were always a part of Lennie’s character, and indeed I related; but anyway; this was definitely an interesting story of love and loss, and coming to terms with grief. I just wish some things were given more page time than others. 

And that concludes my review, until next time, happy reading,

Brooklyn 🙂 

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Book Review: Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by JK Rowling

Published in 1997

Pages: 350 (Ravenclaw edition)

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars 

Sypnosis from Goodreads: 

Gryffindor, Slytherin, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw … Twenty years ago these magical words and many more flowed from a young writer’s pen, an orphan called Harry Potter was freed from the cupboard under the stairs – and a global phenomenon started. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone has been read and loved by every new generation since. To mark the 20th anniversary of first publication, Bloomsbury is publishing four House Editions of J.K. Rowling’s modern classic. These stunning editions will each feature the individual house crest on the jacket and sprayed edges in the house colours. Exciting new extra content will include fact files, profiles of favourite characters and line illustrations exclusive to that house. Available for a limited period only, these highly collectable editions will be a must-have for all Harry Potter fans in 2017)

Harry Potter’s life is miserable. His parents are dead and he’s stuck with his heartless relatives, who force him to live in a tiny closet under the stairs. But his fortune changes when he receives a letter that tells him the truth about himself: he’s a wizard. A mysterious visitor rescues him from his relatives and takes him to his new home, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

After a lifetime of bottling up his magical powers, Harry finally feels like a normal kid. But even within the Wizarding community, he is special. He is the boy who lived: the only person to have ever survived a killing curse inflicted by the evil Lord Voldemort, who launched a brutal takeover of the Wizarding world, only to vanish after failing to kill Harry.
Though Harry’s first year at Hogwarts is the best of his life, not everything is perfect. There is a dangerous secret object hidden within the castle walls, and Harry believes it’s his responsibility to prevent it from falling into evil hands. But doing so will bring him into contact with forces more terrifying than he ever could have imagined.
Full of sympathetic characters, wildly imaginative situations, and countless exciting details, the first installment in the series assembles an unforgettable magical world and sets the stage for many high-stakes adventures to come.

My Review:

I’ve officially lost count how many times I’ve re read these magical books; and to be honest I’ll re read them again, many more times. Harry Potter has been part of my life for 20 odd years now, I can’t imagine life without it. They were the books that got me into reading; and I’m forever grateful to Queen Rowling for bringing magic into my life, every time. Honestly, re reading Harry Potter feels like going home; it is always perfection and I can easily say that it’s my favourite book series of all time; my top fandom, and even as I read them, what with being older now, I can appreciate the magic in a new light; and I always seem to pick up some fine detail that I’ve missed in the past; and this was such a quick re read! I finished it in less than 24hrs!

Where do we begin, Rowling is honestly a flawless writer! I was there, observing Mr Dursley and his frankly mundane (see what I did there, fellow Shadowhunters), life; and then even as I re read, my curiosity heightened when the surname Potter came up; honestly yes I knew what was to come and what would happen but it was just so exciting re reading the book! And whilst I can never capture the first read feeling; it will never not excite me when I re read Harry Potter. Meeting all the new characters again, was awesome. I loved the little banter between Ron and Hermione (I mean they had always been clearly meant to be!) and the wisdom of Dumbledore, who gives many of my all time favourite quotes: “It does not do well to dwell on dreams and forget to live.” to name one! And the honest to goodness awe inspiring that is just the description of Hogwarts! With its moving portraits, endless staircases, house ghosts; it’s magic is honestly infinite and Hogwarts has always been a dream, literally. 

I honestly forgot how fast paced the story is; and not at all confusing, ever! Harry Potter needs to be read by everyone at least once! I mean all the characters are freaking awesome; the dialogue can be humourous, and it’s an epic adventure if there ever was one! I felt I was there, feeling Harry’s desperation to get his letters, his excitement and all round awe at Diagon Alley; and how Hogwarts feels like his home. Honestly, my emotions from this re read; I always feel excitement and often get goosebumps, when Harry, Ron and Hermione become friends (go girl, for covering up for the lads!) and honestly who doesn’t love Hermione? She’s my next favourite girl character after Luna and probably the one I relate to the most; and as I said I loved seeing all these characters again, it was nothing short of wicked! 

All in all, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is the perfect start to a perfect series; and it always will be.
And that concludes my review, until next time, happy reading 🙂
Brooklyn. 

History Month Guest Spotlight

I did a guest blog post over at the lovely Kendal’s blog, who has been celebrating history month! Feel free to check it out and give her a follow!! 🙂

Library in the Forests

As you know, it’s history month at my blog throughout October and whilst I’ve slacked in delivering the goods so far some fabulous bookstagrammers and bloggers have been slaving away over guest posts for you. Our first history loving bookstagrammer and blogger is Brooklyn whom hails from Australia. You can find her at http://instagram.com/bookish.khaleesi/

History (noun) the study of past events, particularly in human affairs.

To me, history is our gateway into the past. Reading about historical events, whether it be in the form of a book, or a news article, even watching a documentary, allows us to fully immerse ourselves into the past and get to know it’s occupants.
For me personally, it’s medieval British history that has my heart; mainly the House of Tudor, which has long been my favourite historical period; for the time of King Henry VIII and his wives are more entertaining and engaging than…

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Book Review: Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare

The first book in The Dark Artifices trilogy, a Shadowhunter novel by Cassandra Clare

Published: 2016

Pages: 668

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Sypnosis from Goodreads:

In a secret world where half-angel warriors are sworn to fight demons, parabatai is a sacred word.

A parabatai is your partner in battle. A parabatai is your best friend. Parabatai can be everything to each other—but they can never fall in love.
Emma Carstairs is a warrior, a Shadowhunter, and the best in her generation. She lives for battle. Shoulder to shoulder with her parabatai, Julian Blackthorn, she patrols the streets of Los Angeles, where vampires party on the Sunset Strip, and faeries—the most powerful of supernatural creatures—teeter on the edge of open war with Shadowhunters. When the bodies of humans and faeries turn up murdered in the same way Emma’s parents were when she was a child, an uneasy alliance is formed. This is Emma’s chance for revenge—and Julian’s chance to get back his brother Mark, who is being held prisoner by the faerie Courts. All Emma, Mark, and Julian have to do is solve the murders within two weeks…and before the murderer targets them.
Their search takes Emma from sea caves full of sorcery to a dark lottery where death is dispensed. And each clue she unravels uncovers more secrets. What has Julian been hiding from her all these years? Why does Shadowhunter Law forbid parabatai to fall in love? Who really killed her parents—and can she bear to know the truth?
The darkly magical world of Shadowhunters has captured the imaginations of millions of readers across the globe. Join the adventure in Lady Midnight, the long-awaited first volume of a new trilogy from Cassandra Clare. 

My Review:

I don’t even know where to begin, honestly. I have just finished this book and I’m flailing, this was freaking outstanding and honestly I don’t think I can word coherently but oh my gosh I’m gonna give it a go!

I loved all these characters, basically. Emma Carstairs is freaking amazing! She’s sassy and fierce and brave and oh my gosh she went through so much in this book! And she’d already been through so much when we initially met her in City of Heavenly Fire! Like oh my gosh I’m in awe of her character and I freaking loved seeing her and Julian again; talk about angst! I love them as parabatai; I love how they understand each other so well, and I love the depth that this novel went in terms of giving us characterisation; I felt like Clare really let the reader get inside the mind and personalities of the characters. I loved all the Blackthorns, especially Mark. He is honestly so precious and I felt for him throughout; honestly how would I feel if I was in his position? Probably would’ve done the same! 
But I love the interactions between each sibling; they are all great characters and I love how they stand together! A lot of their dialogue and scenes made me emotional!! I swear only Cassandra Clare could introduce so many siblings and make it feel natural and flawless!! 

And speaking of characters; I was fangirling so much when other characters from Shadowhunter novels kept popping up! It was amazing and perfectly feely! I loved everyone’s interactions!

The writing was freaking outstanding! Honestly the pace felt smooth to me, I was constantly hooked and addicted and I couldn’t put it down! Every emotion was packed into these pages and I am definitely feeling adrenaline after finishing it! I found this book was definitely haunting at times too and oh my freaking god what was the epilogue?! I was screaming! Honestly, how everything came together had me speechless and it was freaking amazing.

On a random note, I love how much the sea features in this book; I found it to be a beautiful setting and I love how symbolic it was at times.

Okay, I definitely know I could keep ranting but I think I’ll leave it there, honestly, perfect book is perfect. Bring on Lord of Shadows! Though there is a short story at the end of this book which I’m excited to read first.

Okay, that’s really all. Happy reading!

Brooklyn 🙂 

Book Review: Chasing Red by Isabelle Ronin

Published in 2017 by Sourebooks

Pages: 387

Rating: 1 out of 5 stars

Sypnosis from Goodreads:

They said she was going to be my ruin…

Then let her ruin me.

Caleb Lockhart has everything—wealth, adoration, a brilliant future. Until a chance encounter with a siren in a red dress changes everything. Until he meets the woman he dubs Red.
Veronica Strafford’s past makes it hard for her to trust anyone. Now, kicked out of her apartment, she reluctantly accepts Caleb’s offer for a place to stay.
Caleb feels intensely drawn to Veronica. And, for the first time in his life, he really wants something—someone. Too bad Veronica’s heart might just be the one thing Caleb can’t win.

My Review:

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review; this in no way affects my thoughts on the book. 

I honestly don’t think this book was for me; I mean it had it’s funny moments but for most part I found it cheesey and cringey. Initially, I found myself liking Veronica, but then I honestly got so fed up with the lack of character development, and was irked that we didn’t find out more about her early life; see, I feel like this book could have been a hell of a lot more interesting than what it was; were it not for the fact that it was a cycle of Caleb and Red desperately wanting one another. 

Caleb honestly annoyed me to the core, he was so spoilt and personally I think he was selfish and rude; initially I think he shows signs of being an abusive character and honestly he makes some childish decisions throughout the book; which just annoyed me; his actions felt melodramatic, and every second thing he said was a sexual innuendo; and I didn’t think that was necessary; honestly the whole book played out like a cliche soap opera; I felt like there were opportunities for character development, but as the title suggests; the author focused heavily on the romance in this book, and for me it was just way overdone. 
Then again, this is of course my sole opinion; and just because I don’t like this book, doesn’t mean someone else won’t. From what I can see, the author and these books have a huge following; and that’s good for her and once again, thank you to Harriet McInerney over at New South Books for the review copy.
Until next time, happy reading,
Brooklyn 🙂 

Book Review: Angels Twice Descending by Cassandra Clare and Robin Wasserman

The last story in Tales from The Shadowhunter Academy 

Published in 2015

96 pages

5 out of 5 stars 

Sypnosis from Goodreads:

Someone lives and someone dies at Simon’s Ascension ceremony.

My Review:

Thanks, Clare, you’ve destroyed my soul again, (no, jokes, that was crushed a long time ago!) but no in all earnest this was yet another perfect addition to the Tales from The Shadowhunter Academy, and such a bittersweet finale. Everyone has come such a long way, and I honestly had chills as I was reading this one all throughout. It was honestly the perfect conclusion to the perfect book, and I can definitely see myself reading this again and again. 

Firstly, George. Oh my gosh I didn’t see that coming! Like, what?! It was so heartbreaking and honestly the ending was so emotional and perfection. This whole story was such an epic finale, and honestly I can’t even deal right now. 

So I think I’ll leave it there! Honestly, Clare and the other authors have done such a perfect job, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store in The Dark Artifices!

And that concludes my review, until next time, happy reading, 

Brooklyn 🙂 

Book Review: Born to Endless Night by Cassandra Clare and Sarah Rees Brennan

The ninth story in Tales from The Shadowhunter Academy

Published: 2015

Pages: 120

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Sypnosis from Goodreads:

Simon, like the rest of the Academy, is stunned when a navy-skinned warlock baby is found on the Academy steps. They hand the child over to guest lecturer Magnus Bane, who has to bring a child home… temporarily, of course… to his man!

My Review:

This was honestly flawless, actually I found it refreshing that it was mostly told from Magnus’s point of view and I loved that this story had all of the Malec in it. It made me heart so happy; this story had so many feels contained within it and honestly I was a puddle of fangirl feels by the end! I was definitely crying happy tears; i feel like each novella has been leading up to so much, and I honestly think that it’s these past few stories where everything is heightening to a huge finale; which I’m about to read next; but honestly I’m so proud of Simon, he has stepped up so much and especially in this story, I loved the chat he had with Alec and the depth of the conversation they had; also, can we just appreciate the amount of Malec in this story? Malec is life and I was fangirling so much throughout!! When Alec and Magnus and the Lightwood family were all bonding over …well, I don’t want to spoil it, but it was perfection! And there were plenty of light moments when Simon’s friends were comparing Malec to Brangelina, and when Malec was actually mentioned (the word) I laughed, honestly, this novella was perfection and I had all the feels!

And that concludes my review, until next time, happy reading,
Brooklyn 🙂 

Book Review: The Fiery Trial by Cassandra Clare and Maureen Johnson

The eighth story in Tales from The Shadowhunter Academy 

Published in 2015

64 pages 

5 out of 5 stars

Sypnosis from Goodreads:

Emma Carstairs and Julian Blackthorn become parabatai. Simon and Clary both act as their witnesses, so they can see what a parabatai bond forming looks like as they want to become parabatai as soon as Simon graduates — and because Emma asked Clary. The ritual goes unexpectedly …

My Review:

This was honestly perfection. It definitely leads into Lady Midnight, which I couldn’t be more excited to read; and honestly it had so many feelings, and I was left wanting more! I was excited to read about Emma and Julian’s parabatai scene, and honestly when Jem was telling Simon and Clary before hand about the parabatai bond I was feeling all the HeronStairs feels. No I don’t ship Jem and Will but honestly they are parabatai endgame as far as I’m concerned; though honestly the whole parabatai bond moves me, and I love Jace and Alec as parabatai too, and now of course Emma and Julian…and another new parabatai pair. Honestly, when it was suggested and both characters were for it my heart was honestly so happy! So you can definitely say that this novella was full of lots of happy feels too; although when Simon was going through the memories honestly there were a lot of sad feels there, it was all done so well! And there was of course light comedy provided by Jace, which I feel made me laugh more than it should’ve. 

But honestly, another perfection edition to a perfect book. Cannot get enough of these! And I can’t wait to read more about Emma and Julian especially! I freaking adore both of them! 

And that concludes my review, until next time, happy reading: 

Brooklyn 🙂 

Book Review: Bitter of Tongue by Cassandra Clare and Sarah Rees Brennan

The 7th story in Tales from The Shadowhunter Academy 

Published in 2015

57 pages 

5 out of 5 stars

Sypnosis from Goodreads:

When Simon is kidnapped by the fey, he’s amazed to find a friend in former Shadowhunter Mark Blackthorn. One of ten adventures in Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy.

After Simon is kidnapped by faeries (why is he always kidnapped?), he uncovers rumors of a secret weapon Sebastian left behind for the faerie queen. He must escape the Fey, relying on his only ally, former Shadowhunter and Dark Artifices character Mark Blackthorn.
This standalone e-only short story follows the adventures of Simon Lewis, star of the #1 New York Times bestselling series, The Mortal Instruments, as he trains to become a Shadowhunter. Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy features characters from Cassandra Clare’s Mortal Instruments, the Infernal Devices, and the upcoming Dark Artifices and Last Hours series. Bitter of Tongue is written by Cassandra Clare and Sarah Rees Brennan.
My Review:

Yes, you read rightly. Yet another Cassie Clare novella that I’ve rated 5 stars. Honestly, I cannot get enough of these! Each story brings something incredible to Simon’s character; they impact him and you can tell he’s slowly piecing things together of who he was, even though he knows he’s someone different now, as it were. But in saying that, each occurrence in each of these novellas are adding all different thoughts and feelings to Simon; and it’s amazing seeing him grow from his time at the Academy; I can’t believe he’s in his second year now! It’s amazing how quickly the time has gone, honestly! 

I really felt sorry for Mark, in this story; I adore him and I know he’s going to feature more in The Dark Artifices; I cannot wait to read more about him; he’s so precious; and he certainly brings some humour and even more feelings too; honestly; his undying devotion to his family made me ache. And I felt all the feels as I saw Julian and Emma at Helen and Aline’s wedding, honestly I love all these characters and I can’t get enough of them! Mark definitely made his… mark (yes, I went there), on Simon – and it was amazing seeing the two characters interact. I wod happily read an extended version of this story, honestly! And Isabelle! When she was there I cheered. I really really cheered! I honestly cheered..okay I said that already, but you get it. Ya’ll know I’m Sizzy trash 😉 I love how in each of these novellas, that the two have some amazing scenes that get me right in the feels! My heart needs them to get together already! 

Honestly, I could continue, but I feel I’ve covered everything?! I cannot wait to continue these, and see these characters again! Definitely an all time favourite here yet again, I thank you Clare..you’re a queen and I’m always going to be hooked and bewitched with the Shadowhunter world. I rarely binge books, but I can’t help it with Clare’s books. The Shadowhunter world is one of my favourite obsessions! 

Okay, that’s truly all, until next time, happy reading –

Brooklyn 🙂 

Book Review: Pale Kings and Princes by Cassandra Clare and Robin Wasserman

The sixth novella in Tales from The Shadowhunter Academy 

Published: 2015

Pages: 40

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Sypnosis from Goodreads:

Simon has an encounter with Downworlders and is reprimanded for not following the rules for Academy students interacting with Downworlders. A story within a story: Andrew Blackthorn, while a student at the Academy, becomes enthralled by a faerie and has two children with her: Mark and Helen.
My Review:

This was honestly so perfect, it got me right in the feelings throughout; what with Simon and Izzy, and Helen Blackthorn explaining her parents story to the students. Honestly, her being there just explains how brutal and cruel the Clave can be; but we are definitely given both sides of the argument, from when Isabelle and Simon talk about the Shadowhunter mentality; what I did love honestly was both of their support towards Helen, her presence in this story was honestly amazing and I loved her from when we initially met her in The Mortal Instruments; and I’m proud of her because it was definitely brave what she did, even if she didn’t have a choice. 

As I mentioned, her appearance definitely set the foundation for a fair bit of Sizzy angst, I was cheering throughout though; and definitely tearing up; Simon remembers fragments of things, and people; Clary of course is fundamental with this and I love how supportive she is of her friend, as he tries to piece bits and pieces of who he once was. I really feel for Simon still, he’s honestly grown so much and I cannot wait to read the rest of these novellas! This was another great perfect addition to the story, and honestly every moment has been a roller coaster of feels! 

And that concludes my review, until next time happy reading,

Brooklyn 🙂