Tag: books

Updates

Book Buying Ban

by amyleighreads1 Comment on Book Buying Ban

I have decided that for the rest of 2020 I am banning myself from buying any more books! I have done some calculations and I have purchased over 70 books so far in 2020 and I have only read about 40 of them and have spent quite a lot of money this year on books alone (all my fellow avid readers/book collectors would know just about how much that would be). I definitely have the means and am privileged enough to be able to afford to purchase that amount of books, but currently my shelves are completely full and I have taken to storing a good majority of my collection in my cupboard so I figure it was high time I quit adding to the pile. I have a few pre-orders for the rest of the year but until I get that number down to single figures I will not be purchasing any more physical books.

Readathons, Wrap Ups

🏴‍☠️ Scallywagathon Wrap Up 🏴‍☠️

by amyleighreadsLeave a Comment on 🏴‍☠️ Scallywagathon Wrap Up 🏴‍☠️

I had a lot of fun during the course of this readathon. Unfortunately I didn’t end up completing the four books I had picked that corresponded to the path that I ended up taking I only read three…. I went backwards and started from 9: Black Sails to A: Washed Ashore and then 6: Bawdy Songs I just didn’t have enough time to finish off with 1: Captain’s Cabin! I did end up changing my TBR a little from what I posted but I completed some great books!!

9: Has a black cover- The Weight of Stars by K. Ancrum

A: A book published 3+ years ago – Binti by Nnedi Okarafor

6: Has Romance – Cinderella is Dead by Kalynn Bayron

Reviews

The Weight of the Stars Review

by amyleighreads3 Comments on The Weight of the Stars Review

*SPOILERS AHEAD*

The Weight of the Stars revolves around Ryann who is used to taking new kids at her school under her wing and helping them out. So when her teacher asks her to try and get through to Alexandria she takes on the challenge. Since Ryann is kind of a space nerd she recognises who Alexandria is, the daughter of an astronaut who volunteered for a one-way trip to the edge of the galaxy.

Ryann is a joy I absolutely love her. The way she takes care of her brother and his kid and how she just accepts all her friends for who they are and vice versa. She really has had a lot happen to her in her life and regardless she still gets up everyday and makes an effort to show up for those around her.

The way Alexandria came across for the majority of the book was very broody and angry. I can understand how her life would have been a struggle growing up knowing her mother chose to leave her and never see her again. But I think she definitely evolves over the course of the storyline and we see her soften and become more calm and sure of herself. After being offered what she thought was her dream and realising that it’s actually not for her at that time I felt showed how much just her friendship with Ryann and the others altered her perspective.

I think all of the characters in the book were distinct and diverse. I think it covers a range of very heavy topics that a lot of kids in high school have to deal with that is very relevant in todays society. I love the fact that each of them has their own personal journey they are undertaking and how each of them will drop whatever they are doing to help each other out.

I loved the build up of intensity to the storyline. It starts off quite innocuous and kind of innocent and it really morphs into this poignant tale of friendship and heartache. The scene after Tomas spills to everyone what happened at SCOUT and James runs off with Ryann chasing him was honestly so moving. I teared up multiple times throughout and left this book feeling impacted by what I just read.

⭐️5/5 I cried, this was wonderful!

Readathons, Wrap Ups

Tome Topple Round 12 Wrap Up

by amyleighreads2 Comments on Tome Topple Round 12 Wrap Up

I love this readathon, simply because it gives me a reason to pick up the longer books on my TBR I have been neglecting! I was able to read 3 tomes over the course of the two weeks, plus a couple other shorter reads but I’ll leave those for my monthly wrap up. I didn’t quite end up with a bingo for this round but I am still stoked with what I was able to accomplish!

Picture1Aurora Burning by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

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Kingdom of Copper by S.A. Chakraborty

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The Missing of Clairedelune by Christelle Dabos

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Reviews

The Missing of Clairedelune Review

by amyleighreads1 Comment on The Missing of Clairedelune Review

*SPOILERS AHEAD*

The Missing of Clairedelune continues pretty much straight after the events of A Winter’s Promise. Ophelia has now been thrust into the spotlight by Farouk and promoted to vice-storyteller where she has to perform stories for Farouk and the entire court every evening.

Ophelia really goes through an emotional and psychological journey throughout the course of the story line. We see her overcome so many obstacles and try and manoeuvre her way through this completely foreign and at times dangerous court. I loved the fact that she finally stands up for herself, from telling Thorn how she truly feels and stepping out of her mother’s shadow and becoming her own person.

I liked that we see some repercussions from the first story filter into this book. In particular the murder of the Dragons and the food shortage that is a result of that. We see just how important Thorn’s job is and the scope of what he has to deal with on a daily basis.

I still wish we could learn more about Thorn. Even though he is one of the main protagonists we still don’t really know him. He is pretty much always there in the background but there is still this air of mystery surrounding him and we don’t truly know where his loyalties lie. He does open up more and eventually explains to Ophelia what his plans are but again we just don’t get enough of them together for me to truly believe in his love.

The direction the plot went in was a complete surprise to me. To be perfectly honest I wasn’t all that interested in Farouk and his origin. It does add a layer of intrigue and mystery but I was much more interested in Ophelia and the investigation surrounding the missing.

The structure of the story was a little strange to be honest. Although I was completely invested in what was happening it felt disjointed and a touch nonsensical at times. I found I really had to focus on what was going on at all times otherwise I would end up completely confused.

A solid continuation of the storyline, I still have so many unanswered questions. I am highly anticipating the release of The Memory of Babel next month.

⭐️4/5 I’m still intrigued, engaged and want to know so much more!!