Favourite Books Of 2016 So Far

I cannot believe that the year is half way through already, how did that even happen! I swear it was January like last month *looks around for time turner*. My reading goal for 2016 was 30 books but as now onto my 36th book I've upped my reading goal to 50 books, go me! Here are my favourite books of the year so far:

Terry Pratchett Discworld Series - Magical, Whimsical, Comforting

I have wanted to read Terry Pratchett's books for ages as I have loved the TV shows based on his books but the Discworld series is massive and I didn't know where to start but I started with the death series and the book Mort which I loved but then I moved onto the witches series, the first book of which is Equal Rites. I loved both books, they are so comforting to read, like J.K. Rowling's books are to me. I cannot wait to carry on with the Discworld series and hopefully I can read all 40 books over the next few years.

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard - Fairytale-Like, Action, Angsty Romance

One genre that I haven't ever read until this year is YA or young adult which is aimed at readers within the rough age range of 17 to 25 which I'm only just fitting into but I've been loving the YA books I've read so far this year including: Truthwitch, Dorothy Must Die, The Shadow Queen and Red Queen. I love the two main characters in Red Queen as well as the angsty romance, dragons, magic and the fairytale like story.

Harry Potter Series - Comforting, Nostalgic, Magically Amazing 

I have been hesitant to read the Harry Potter books as I'm so familiar to the stories from the amazing films and I didn't know if it is was worth reading the series I already know so well but I was SO wrong! The books are quite different to the films and from the first two books I've read, the films have missed some major and or interesting parts out. Reading the books is so comforting and almost therapeutic, I am trying to pace myself through the series as I don't want them to end!

The Cuckoo's Calling by J.K. Rowling - Crime, Mystery, Quick

As with the Harry Potter series, I bought this because I love her writing style and even though this book and genre is very different to the Harry Potter series, it still has her original, easy to read and comforting writing style that I adore. I love the two main characters, it was an entertaining story and even though I read it a few months ago, I can still remember the full story vividly, unlike quite a few books I've read this year.

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern - Magical, Fantastical, Mysterious 

I was putting off buying this book for months but I finally bought it and I'm SO glad I did as it is one of the best books I've read so far this year. I love the cover, the magical and mysterious circus setting, most of the unique and intriguing characters as well as the gloriously magical and victorian atmosphere and setting. I cannot recommend this book enough, just buy it! Also if you have any circus or magical book recommendations then let me know in the comments.

The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon - Supernatural, Action, Survival 

I think this book, tied with the Harry Potter series and The Night Circus, is at the top of my list of the best books I've ever read. The Bone Season world, the magic system, terminology and vast cast of characters is quite complex and I didn't know if I would get through it in the beginning but I did and it's amazing - buy it now! The supernatural abilities, the relationships and the settings are fantastic and it's surprisingly easy to read - I couldn't put it down!!

The First Fifteen Lives Of Harry August by Claire North - Unusual, Memorable, Thought Provoking 

So far this year I've read so many unique books and this is probably the most unique, thought provoking and unusual books out there as well as being quite dark and complex in places. It features Harry August, a special kind of individual who can...re-live his life over and over again and that's just the start of the weirdness. Definitely check it out!

Have you read any of these books? What are you currently reading? Any book recommendations? 

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June Book Review Roundup

I haven't had a fantastic reading month in June as I have been so focused on my driving test last week which I didn't pass but it was only because of a teeny tiny inconsequential mistake that I'm so annoyed by but anyway, I only managed to finish five books in June *cries*. Here are my thoughts: 

*Soft In The Head by Marie-Sabine Rogers 

I already have a full review of this book on my blog so I won't go into too much detail here but I just want to say that I loved this book even though it isn't from a genre that are usually read from; I was very kindly sent it from the lovely people at Pushkin Press which is quickly becoming one of my favourite publishers. I love the cover and the characters especially Margueritte. The themes of friendship and the power of books within this novel is so endearing and sweet! Overall rating: ★★★★★, 5/5. 

*This Savage Song by V.E Schwab 

Again I also have a full review of this book on my blog which you can check out if you want a more in-depth review; I was sent it to review by Titan Books so thank you! I'm not a massive fan of the cover but the story is fantastic! The writing style is so incredibly easy to read, it is fast paced and I loved the character of August and even the monsters – it's such a unique book but it feels oddly familiar and I can't recommend it enough! I now need to buy more of her books, particularly A Darker Shade Of Magic which sounds amazing. Overall rating: ★★★★★, 5/5. 

The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern 

Before I bought this book I had heard nothing but amazing things about it but I don't usually tend to go with the hype especially the book isn't in a genre that are usually read from but I was so wrong with this one! I adore the cover, the characters, the writing style and the story overall. It is such a unique story, it's magical, enchanting (literally!) and it wraps you around and around until you never want to leave - like the circus itself! I love the two main characters and well all of the characters of the circus! I need to see if she has any of the books as I need them all – her writing style is amazing although the only thing I didn't like about the book was the chapters jumped back and forwards in time so it was a little bit confusing but I still loved it. I read it in a couple of days and I can't recommend it enough! I love the magical and mysterious circus elements so if you know of any similar books then let me know in the comments. Overall rating: ★★★★★, 5/5!

Uprooted by Naomi Novak 

Again another very hyped up book especially in the booktube community and again I didn't want to believe the hype but it's a fantastic book! I have the hardcover version which is just gorgeous! The writing style is very easy to follow and it isn't a very complicated story (although the ending to me was a little bit confusing and anticlimactic). I loved the main character and the Dragon even though he is quite annoying at times and I liked their relationship although I wish certain to people got together in the end. The magic in this world wasn't super unique but it was still interesting and entertaining to read. I especially like the world and the effects of the wood on the villagers – it was darker than I thought it would be and I loved it! Highly recommend, although it did seem a little predictable and familiar at times. Overall rating: ★★★★☆, 4/5. 

*A Graphic Cosmogony 

Another book I already have a full review on my blog so check it out if you want to know more. I really started to get into graphic novels and illustrated books this year and Nobrow have some gorgeous books to choose from! The cover is gorgeous, all of the other illustrations are gorgeous and I loved the majority of the stories especially Luna, Deity School and Pilgrims. Overall rating: ★★★★★, 5/5. 

*The Pendragon Legend by Antal Szerb 

This book is definitely one of my favourites of the month as well as The Night Circus and This Savage Song. Firstly, I adore the cover, it's beautifully published and the story has so many elements that I love such as myth, mystery, the occult, folktales, ghostly beings, Welsh legends and so much more. I adore the storyline, the characters were so interesting and the writing is surprisingly easy to read on the whole. The only thing I didn't like were the remarks and insinuations tat intelligent woman are masculine which really gets under my skin. I have a full review already on my blog. Overall rating: ★★★★☆, 4/5. 

I'm currently reading an advanced readers copy of The Lament of the Fallen by Gavin Chait which I also really like so far as well as With Malice by Eileen Cook from Hot Key Books. 

Have you read any of these books? What are you currently reading?

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