Recently Read #1

I wanted to start a new series on my blog for a while which is in conjunction with my monthly reading wrap-up posts. I always feel like I have so much to say about some of the books I read but the monthly posts are always so long so I don't want to make them even longer with my ramblings. These 'recently read' posts will be more in-depth reviews of two-four books I've read recently that I want to talk more about but there will still be a mini review at the end of every month. Today's post contains two reviews of books I've read over the past three or so weeks that I want to talk about as they are both fantastic!

*Map of Days by Robert Hunter - ★★★★★, 5/5

I was very kindly sent this book last month by the lovely people at NoBrow; I've read The New Ghost by Robert Hunter and I adore his art style so I definitely wanted to give this a go. It's a hardback graphic novel with minimal text and it has his gorgeous, unique illustrations throughout - some of which are spread across two pages so they look stunning! It follows a young boy and his grandad through a creation style story in an almost magical world. The story and themes reminds me of another graphic novel I received from NoBrow 'A Graphic Cosmogony' which contains numerous creation stories as well as gorgeous illustrations from a range of artists including Robert Hunter. I love graphic novels, especially when they're as gorgeously published as this one is, in between bigger, heavier reads and they are perfect for getting out of reading slumps.

I have a few reading goals for 2017 including trying out new genres but I still obviously want to carry on reading genres that I love such as thrillers, historical novels and mysteries and this books has elements of all three as well as politics which I definitely want to read more about. The first book I've reviewed, Map of Days was released earlier this month but this one doesn't come out until the 23rd February (hardback) so not too long to wait.

*Incendium by A.D Swanston - ★★★★☆, 4/5

I have a proof/ARC copy but the cover on Amazon looks like it's going to be the same which is great as I just adore the cover and it definitely drew me in; however, from the description and the book title I thought it would be about Guy Fawkes but it isn't *maybe I was reading too much into the cover*. I was kindly sent this book from Penguin Random House, it's categorised on Amazon as a historical mystery thriller and it's 416 pages.

The story follows Christopher Radcliffe who is an intelligencer to the Earl of Leicester during a volatile time in English or well, European history while Queen Elizabeth I is on the throne. Attempts on the queens life are a consistent problem as are the plots to get Mary Queen of Scots on the throne instead along with a catholic uprising and an attack from the Spanish which causes all kinds of problems for Christopher, his intelligencers and the men in charge of the safety of the queen, keeping the peace in protestant England and the running of the country.

I loved the premise as I adore history, particularly european history so I knew the topic alone would keep me interested but the writing did too as it's very quick and easy to follow even though it's written in an old fashioned style - not the style of the time as then it would have a similar language to shakespeare's plays and it doesn't which is a good thing!

I liked the main character as well as Isaac, Tomasso and Rose but others such as Katherine (Christopher's love interest) were just so annoying for the most part as was the Earl of Leicester. Even though we do find out about most of the characters and you see all they go through, I felt like I was held at arms length from all of the characters so I didn't form any kind of connection sadly but I did want to keep reading to find out what ultimately happens.

The story progressed at a great pace to keep me interested and invested to find out what happens at the end (which was quite predictable) and I loved the setting of Elizabethan London and France. I loved the adventures and the politics but the main point I didn't like about this book was the travelling - I know characters have to move from place to place but all Christopher seemed to be doing was moving from his home to the palace, to the market, to Katherine's house, to prisons or France then back to his home (repeat that over and over) which was quite tedious towards the end so I think it would translate well to a TV mini series or even an action packed, gory film!

Overall, I would definitely recommend both books, for very different reasons! If you want a colourful, endearing graphic novel then pick up Map of Days by Robert Hunter or if you want an action packed, historical mystery with political elements then check out Incendium by A.D Swanston; it has a few flaws but I'd still recommend it. If you want to see my thoughts as I'm reading or what I'm currently planning to read then let's be friends on GoodReads!

What have you been reading recently? Do you have any favourite book genres?

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December Reading Wrap-up

Images from Google

I didn't think I'd read that much during December but I have, kind of but most of the have been illustrated books and shorter books or graphic novels. The past two months haven't been amazing reading months for me - it was exactly the same at the beginning of the year. As I'm writing this, I'm on what would have been my 80th book of 2016 *I'm currently reading Harry Potter & The Prisoner Of Azkaban and More Very British Problems*, both of which I'm loving*.

*The Motion Of Puppets - ★★★☆☆, 3/5

I was attracted to the book initially because of the gorgeous and intriguing cover and the blurb which sounded so unusual and almost magical. To me, it began as a contemporary with a sense that it could turn into a bit of a thriller. It follows Kay and Theo, who have recently moved to Quebec as Kay has a summer job as a circus performer.

The descriptions of Quebec were so lovely and quaint, the author seems to love the city and it was nice change for me to read a book set somewhere I've never been or read about before. I liked the writing style, even though it can be a bit overly descriptive sometimes.

The story follows their relationship, Theo's work (which I really didn't find interesting at all) and Kay's disappearance and her life while Theo is looking for her - I don't really want to say more about Kay or the ending as I'll spoil it for you. I didn't really form any kind of attachment to the characters but I did like Kay, Theo and Egon as well as some of the puppets. I found the parts of the story with Theo and Egon interesting but my favourite parts were the puppets as it was quite magical and really quirky - I think Tim Burton could make an amazing and heart breaking movie with this story but as a book it was a little predictable, distant at times and sometimes a little boring and or frustrating as I just wanted to know how it would end. The ending to me wasn't very emotional as I wasn't very attached to the characters as a whole and it was really anticlimactic. Th book was a re-telling of the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice which I am not familiar with but I think if you were then it's maybe not worth reading as finding out what happens ultimately was the only thing keeping me intrigued through the book.

*The Women Who Made New York - ★★★★☆, 4/5

One of my reading goals for 2017 is to read more classics and non-fiction but I always find it difficult to get through non-fiction even if I'm interested in the topic as it's easier and quicker to watch a documentary and fiction is usually quicker to read but this book was so interesting and enjoyable to read (well, 85% or so was). It follows the lives of so many incredible women who were either born, raised or lived-in New York and contributed to it's architecture, the lives of people who live in the city, it's cultural or food scene, New York's reputation or justice and law enforcement.

I adore the cover, the layout and the illustrations throughout the book and I will definitely be buying the hardback edition so I have a physical copy as it's a gorgeous book and I know I'll want to read parts of it again. The book took me a couple of weeks to read fully as it obviously isn't massively action packed or mysterious like the fiction I've been reading recently but it was very enjoyable and I liked the writing style so I do hope she writes more!

History mostly focuses on men but the women included in this book are all amazing and definitely deserve to be recognised! I'm English so I only knew about four of the women mentioned in this book but if I were American I would have probably known many more. My favourite sections were the ones focusing on the women who helped the sick, poor and immigrants as well as civil rights. My least favourite sections were the ones about the topics of music, food and art which I did skim read a little if I'm honest. I'd definitely recommend it, even if you're not a fan of non-fiction; there needs to be more books like this for other cities as I'd buy them all!

*Map of Days by Robert Hunter - ★★★★★, 5/5

I was very kindly sent this book by NoBrow which is an amazing publisher; it's not released for a couple of weeks but here's my review. I have read Robert Hunter's graphic novel/comic book 'The New Ghost' which I loved for it's sweet and endearing story and the stunning illustrations so I wanted to read this new release. As with all books created by NoBrow, it's beautifully published and I adore the cover; the illustrations throughout are minimal but striking and vivid. The story follows a creation type story that is something I'm familiar with in graphic novel form and this one is equally as sweet. It's a very quick, easy and enjoyable read and makes a lovely and unique change to the full length novels I mostly read.

*Night Shift by Debi Gliori - ★★★★★, 5/5

This beautifully presented and put together short illustrated book was kindly sent to me from Bonnier Zaffire. As with the previous book it is a hard back edition and contains gorgeous but minimal illustrations. This book is the authors attempt to describe her struggle with depression, in the hope that it could help others in the same position as her. The illustrations are as lovely as they can be considering the topic. She describes depression as a dragon which I can on some level relate to as this time last year was awful for me with the most horrendous eczema flareup I've ever experienced as well as anxiety and depression. I think it described some of the feelings of depression well and I found it relatable to an extent so I think it would be a great little book to relate to and to show that there is also hope.

*Hygge: The Danish Art of Happiness by Marie Tourell Soderberg - ★★★★☆, 4/5

This is the second book about hygge that I've read, well flicked through a couple of times; the first book was The Little Book of Hygge which is beautiful and published by Penguin Life. I was very kindly sent this book as part of a hygge kit and you can win it along with other amazing goodies (my giveaway ends on the TODAY). The book cover is stunning, I love the lay out and I especially love the recipes in the book, some of which I'll definitely have to make. I also really like the 'hygge dictionary' included which is really useful.

*Big Mushy Happy Lump by Sarah Anderson - ★★★★★, 5/5

I've wanted to pick up some of her products before as I love her super relatable and funny illustrations so I'm glad I was accepted to review this ebook via Netgalley. It's her second book and I now want her first. I love the simple illustrations and the topics as well as all of the funny captions. I loved this little ebook and I'd definitely recommend it!

*The Slanted Life Of Emily Dickinson by Rosanna Bruno - ★★★☆☆, 3/5

Another illustrated book via Netgalley and this one is based around the life of the American poet Emily Dickinson. To be honest, the reason I wanted this book was because I love learning about writers and I want to read more non-fiction but I was quite disappointed by this book - I think it's aimed at an American audience who are already familiar with her, which I'm not. I do love the illustrations though and I found some of it interesting but I won't be reading it again sadly.

I'm currently over half way through More Very British Problems and I'm loving it, I read the first a couple of years ago and adored it. It's the second book and I think it's the same as the Very British Problems Abroad book - just a different title. I'm also part way through Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban and I'm loving it but annoyingly I'm in a reading slump.

To follow my reading progress and to see my ratings, follow me on Good Reads. 

What have you been reading recently? Have you read any of these books? 

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August Reading Roundup

All Images from Google

August wasn't the best reading month for me, I mean it wasn't awful, but I didn't get through all of the books that I wanted to in August because we went to London and the Harry Potter tour which took up a few days (even though I was going to read on the very long coach journey, I just couldn't as it was too loud and stressful) and I haven't felt 100% this month. Also this post is quite late, oops!

*Ink and Bone by Lisa - available now 

Firstly, I love the cover and I love the premise of this book; it was free as an e-book via Netgalley. The book follows Finley, a misunderstood young woman who has experienced family tragedies and as a result she has an unusual ability which she shares with her grandmother. She has to use her 'gift' to solve the mystery of missing girls. Finely's ability is that she has a kind of psychic ability so she can see/hear ghosts or links to people which is so interesting. The ghost element, the awful mother and the strong grandmother figure as well as the special and misunderstood abilities really reminds me of another book I've read recently - The Witches Kiss. If you've read Ink and Bone and The Witches Kiss then you'll probably see the connections too. It's a mystery/thriller with lots of paranormal and psychological aspects as well as a focus on family and relationships (whether they are loving or destructive). It definitely gave me a Sleepy Hollow vibe in terms of the setting and paranormal elements which I loved. All of the characters, whether good, bad or plain evil were interesting and I love the story on the whole even though some characters and relationships were quite annoying to me. The writing style is quick and easy to read so I will be looking for other books from this author. I did find the switching from locations and in.out of Finley's visions a bit disjointed and confusing. The book was a lot darker than I thought it would be, in terms of the crimes and missing girls so I think it would be a great halloween read. To summarise, it's a dark and gripping but easy to read story of family tragedies, gruesome crimes, paranormal entities and relationships; it's definitely not perfect with a couple of very annoying characters and an air of predictability but well worth checking out. Overall rating: ★★★☆☆, 3.5/5.

*Caribbean Vegan Cookbook by Taymer Mason - available 29th November 

I haven't tried any caribbean cookbooks so I was excited to check this one out and again, it was a free e-book from Netgalley. I have tried a few vegan cookbooks and I love them and this one is no different. I love the food photography, the layout and how colourful the e-book is. I also love the snippets of information about caribbean food culture as it's something I know nothing at all about. I have tried a few recipes in the e-book so far including the chickpea curry which is so yummy and I like the lentil stew too. As with any vegan cookbook, it does include some hard to find or obscure ingredients but not so much so that it makes the recipes unrealistic to make. The only thing I don't like is the font used and I wish there were more photographs but other than those minor points, it's fantastic! Overall rating: ★★★★☆, 4/5.

*Man, I Hate Cursive by Jim Benton - available 18th October

I have read a few illustrated books and graphic novels so far this year and I have loved reading them, especially in-between longer and more heavy reads; they act almost as a refreshing read or a way to get out of a reading slump. I haven't tried anything from Jim Benton but I love his style of illustrations - the style changes throughout the e-book but I love all of the illustrations. It's a very quick, easy and funny little e-book. The illustrations and stories they convey can be cute, sarcastic, funny, relatable and entertaining. The topics the illustrations cover include: daily life, pets, technology, relationships and more. Overall rating: ★★★★☆, 4/5.

*Crafting With Feminism by Bonnie Burton - available 18th October

I have to be honest and say that the cover and the title of the book instantly drew me in! It is a craft book like no other, I don't have anything else like it with feminist quotes throughout as well as interesting craft projects. There were really useful tips for sewing beginners like me and explanations of various crafting tools, some of which were useful but others were so self explanatory I don't know why were they included. There is a recommended feminist reading list and must watch feminist films list which I will definitely be looking into. There were really fun and interesting craft ideas such as a girl coat of arms banner, which I think I'm going to try and make although I will adapt the design and a cassette business card holder. Then there are more obscure craft ideas such as a high heel planter (which again I might actually attempt because it looks pretty amazing), vagina christmas tree ornaments...and a huggable uterus shaped pillow. Overall, it's the most interesting and unusual craft book I've read but I think it's equally amazing. Overall rating: ★★★☆☆, 3/5.

*The Harrowing by James Aitcheson - Available now

First up, the cover of this book really intrigued me! It looks like a dark historical fiction and to me, it is. The story follows five main characters as well as a host of others and it is set during the time just after the battle of Hastings which like every British school child knows was in 1066. The characters are so vivid as is the setting and the harrowing times it must have been to live through with Norman raids and such uncertainty which I think the author captured really well as well as the atrocities, gore and brutality of the time. The main themes for me were survival, morality and friendship and I haven't read anything quite like this before; it was so interesting to read and I wanted to know if the characters were all going to make it to their destination. The ending for me was bittersweet and I think it had to end the way it did to make it realistic and believable. The book did take me a lot longer to get through than I thought it would at around eight/nine days as there were slower and slightly tedious points throughout but overall it was an thought provoking and interesting read but it was quite repetitive at times. Overall rating: ★★★☆☆, 3/5.

*My Family Would Never Eat Vegan! by Kirsty Turner - available 15th November

I've read quite a few vegan cookbooks but I'm always looking for more as there are so many vegan recipes and options out there and I want my diet to be more vegan than vegetarian - this cookbook is amazing! The food photography and recipes in this book make me SO hungry just flicking through it! Some of the recipes are very simple and I don't think they really needed to be included, such as avocado toast but other recipes are so delicious and don't contain a tonne of hard to find ingredients. I love the explanations at the beginning or various vegan ingredients/tools and how to cook the basics so I think it would be perfect for people who are new to a vegan lifestyle. Overall rating: ★★★★☆, 4/5.

*Grace Not Perfection by Emily Ley - available 11th October 

I love the cover and the photography in this book it's so clear, crisp and fits the book perfectly but I really don't think that a e-book is the best format for it; I think it would be a great coffee table book. There are some sections of the book that aren't of interest or relevant to me such as the pregnancy but those sections were still interesting to flick through. The writing style is that of a friend talking to you or an informal letter, it's seems truthful and unforced. The chapter I liked the most was definitely chapter three, all about planning and organising. It is written by an American author so some of the phrases etc aren't familiar to me and make the book a little less relatable. Overall, it was an interesting e-book to flick through and refer back to but I don't think it was created for my age group on the whole. Overall rating: ★★★☆☆, 3/5.

*How Not To Disappear by Clare Furniss - Available Now

I haven't read anything like it before, it is not the kind of book are usually go for but that is one of the reasons why I wanted to try it! The story follows Hattie, her family and friends as well as a long lost relative, who has a lot of secrets! If you like books involving relationships and family mysteries then definitely pick this one up but be warned that it is not a happy book – it is one of the most melancholy and at times upsetting books I've read recently. The book deals with a lot of important but difficult and potentially triggering topics such as rape, domestic abuse, racism, dysfunctional families, adoption, dementia and more so if any of those topics might be upsetting or triggering to you then maybe this isn't the book for you. I love writing style, it was such an easy and quick read; I loved Gloria, she is such a vivid, interesting and entertaining character – she was my favourite character from the book as well as Hattie! My only problems with the book was a couple of the characters were a bit annoying such as Reuben and Kat as well as the mum at times. Additionally I think the cover/blurb doesn't explain how triggering the book could potentially be although that would take away some of mystery and shock factor I guess. Lastly I think it was a little repetitive in places but that might be the authors way of making the reader feel as people with dementia, and those who care for them, could feel. Overall rating: ★★★★☆, 4/5.

Those are all of the books, illustrated books, cookbooks and craft books I've read during August!

Have you read any of these? What are you currently reading? Will you be picking up any of these books? 

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