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Sunday Summary – 21st July 2019

Posted on July 21, 2019July 21, 2019 by fantasyst95

This week’s Sunday Summary post promises to be far more chilled out than last week! I’m back to my manageable three posts per week schedule, and damn it feels good! I’ve also had the luxury of a few days ‘break’, which has been refreshing. In aid of mum’s birthday on Friday, my sister has been over for the weekend. We’ve had a lovely few days to spend together as a family. The timing has been fortunate as my sister has also been able to wish our aunt a happy birthday in person today too! So, for the second time this week I’m sending out birthday wishes here on my blog, this time to my aunt!

So, what have I been up to this week? Aside from picking up the office cold and spending the weekend with my family, things have been pretty run-of-the-mill. I’m back on my usual posting schedule which takes a lot of pressure off. On Tuesday I posted a review of A Storm of Swords by George R. R. Martin. It was tough (for reasons I explain in that post), but let’s be honest… I could talk about A Game of Thrones until your ears fell off. On Friday I published my scheduled First Lines Friday post. This week’s featured book is by an author that I love for a completely different historical fiction series he has written.

Books Read

Birth of the Mortokai was the first book I picked up this week. I had read a third of the book at the time of writing last week’s Sunday Summary post; it didn’t take too long to finish. By that, I mean I finished it on Monday.

From there I started reading A Dance with Dragons pt 1: Dreams and Dust. This is what I have been reading for the rest of the week. Since I have had a few other bits on, I’m around 180 pages through with it at the moment. I’ll be picking this up again before bed tonight and I’m hoping to finish this next week. Under normal circumstances, this would be a little ambitious. I have the week off work though, so I’m sure this is achievable!

For the first time in weeks, I have started listening to another audiobook. I was torn between a couple I have waiting to be listened to, however, I decided to venture into unknown waters. I’ve began listening to Philip Pullman’s The Ruby in the Smoke. This isn’t too long a tale; I’m already around 40% through and it’ll take another four hours to finish. Despite being off work I reckon I can get at least another two hours down by next week.

Books Discovered

I have been reasonably good this week. Strictly speaking, I haven’t added any new books to the TBR or bought any. I have entered a competition to win an ARC copy of Stephen Chbosky’s new novel Imaginary Friend today. I’ll let you know if I manage to get my hands on a copy!

Coming Up…

In light of the fact that I am off work next week, I’ve decided I’ll be ambitious and try to write four blog posts next week. It’s busy, but not a mad schedule.

I’m going to kick off the week by taking another look at the lengthy TBR. It’s been a while since my last Down the TBR Hole post. I’m past overdue checking out the next ten books on the list and deciding whether they should stay or go… so that’s what I’ll do!

I’m really looking forward to taking part in the blog tour of Scouse Gothic by Ian KcKinney on Thursday. The novel is completely different to anything I have read before. I can’t wait to share my full thoughts on the book in Thursday’s post.

Friday’s regular feature flits back to Shelf Control. I started this series by going right back to the beginning of my TBR. Shelf Control differs from Down the TBR Hole as instead of a large scale, general look at the books on the list, I’ll be picking on one and going into more detail about why it’s on the list.

First Lines Friday – 19/07/2019

Posted on July 19, 2019July 18, 2019 by fantasyst95

Not only is today one of the best days of the week because it’s Friday – it’s also my mum’s birthday! Not only that, but my sister has come to the visit and celebrate with us for the weekend! I’m really looking forward to spending the time together with them – it’s not very often we are all together nowadays.

So, if you are reading this, Happy Birthday Mum! You really are one in a million!

I’m back again with my new regular fortnightly feature – First Lines Friday. I’ve seen this post on many a blog and I think it’s a fun way to try something new, without the bias of a front cover or knowledge of the book before you try it!

So, shall we get on with today’s post? Here are the first few lines from today’s featured book!

I died just after the clock in the passageway struck nine.

There are those who claim that Her Majesty, Elizabeth, by the grace of God, Queen of England, France and of Ireland, will not allow clocks to strike the hour in her palaces. Time is not allowed to pass for her. She has defeated time. But that clock struck. I remember it.

I counted nine bells. Nine. Then my killer stuck.

And I died.

My brother says there is only one way to tell a story. ‘Begin,’ he says in his irritatingly pedantic manner, ‘at the beginning. Where else?’

I see I have started a little too late, so we shall go back to five minutes before nine, and begin again.

The main influence behind this book purchase is the author. I have read, adored and reviewed a few of his other historical fiction works. What sets this book apart from his other series I am reading is that it is a completely different period of history. Set in Elizabethan England, it’s a far cry from the blood and battles of the Viking era.
Have you any inkling what today’s book is?

Fools and Mortals – Bernard Cornwell

A dramatic new departure for international bestselling author Bernard Cornwell, FOOLS AND MORTALS takes us into the heart of the Elizabethan era, long one of his favourite periods of British history.

Fools and Mortals follows the young Richard Shakespeare, an actor struggling to make his way in a company dominated by his estranged older brother, William. As the growth of theatre blooms, their rivalry – and that of the playhouses, playwrights and actors vying for acclaim and glory – propels a high-stakes story of conflict and betrayal.

Showcasing his renowned storyteller’s skill, Bernard Cornwell has created an Elizabethan world incredibly rich in its portrayal: you walk the London streets, stand in the palaces and are on stage in the playhouses, as he weaves a remarkable story in which performances, rivalries and ambition combine to form a tangled web of intrigue.

What do you think of the introduction to Fools and Mortals? Doesn’t it suck you in and make you want to read on? If I didn’t have such a busy TBR I would be so tempted!

Have you read the book or added it your TBR? As always, I would love to hear from you!!

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Book Review: A Storm of Swords – George R. R. Martin

Posted on July 16, 2019 by fantasyst95

Reviewing George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series is hard.

That might sound really daft. I’ve written more than my fair share of book reviews in my lifetime and I can assure you that I am, by nature, a very opinionated person. I guess what it comes down to is perspective. These books are hugely popular, and thanks to the TV series they have gained even more of a following. I doubt there is anything I can write here that you do not know about it already.

That isn’t really the point though. My blog is a place for me to explore my opinions. They may not make a shred of difference to your opinion of the books/series, (especially for such a series as this) but I have to show my appreciation somehow!

Before reading on, you can check out my reviews for A Game of Thrones and A Clash of Kings using these links. If you wish. Pretty please?

A Storm of Swords – George R. R. Martin

Goodreads – A Storm of Swords

Here is the third volume in George R.R. Martin’s magnificent cycle of novels that includes A Game of Thrones and A Clash of Kings. Together, this series comprises a genuine masterpiece of modern fantasy, destined to stand as one of the great achievements of imaginative fiction.

Of the five contenders for power, one is dead, another in disfavor, and still the wars rage as alliances are made and broken. Joffrey sits on the Iron Throne, the uneasy ruler of the Seven Kingdoms. His most bitter rival, Lord Stannis, stands defeated and disgraced, victim of the sorceress who holds him in her thrall. Young Robb still rules the North from the fortress of Riverrun. Meanwhile, making her way across a blood-drenched continent is the exiled queen, Daenerys, mistress of the only three dragons still left in the world. And as opposing forces manoeuver for the final showdown, an army of barbaric wildlings arrives from the outermost limits of civilization, accompanied by a horde of mythical Others—a supernatural army of the living dead whose animated corpses are unstoppable. As the future of the land hangs in the balance, no one will rest until the Seven Kingdoms have exploded in a veritable storm of swords…

My Thoughts…

Some of my favourite events of the book series (so far) happen in A Storm of Swords. Weddings are less of a celebration and more of a curse. King’s Landing is reeling from the recent Battle of the Blackwater and their plans for their allegiance go… awry, to put it mildly!

In A Storm of Swords we say goodbye to two Kings in Westeros – one far more reluctantly than the other! The first time I read this book, I had a tantrum after the Red Wedding. I couldn’t pick the book up for a couple of days whilst I sulked. Turns out things weren’t QUITE as bad as you are initially led to believe. Screenrant classifies the TV episode “The Rains of Castamere”, the episode in which The Red Wedding plays out, as the “most shocking” and “peak moment” of the series. It’s clear it had a profound effect on a lot of people – not just me.

Looking north, Jon Snow is in the thick of it too. Surrounded by enemies, he is spying amongst the Wildlings to discover their secrets and then head back to the Wall. Many are mistrustful of his deflection to the Wildlings and he is treated with suspicion by many.

To the east, Daenerys is coming into her own. She is conquering the corrupt cities of Essos and fighting the losing battle of abolishing slavery. Her ambition has always been to make it to Westeros to reclaim the family throne. Her decision to stay and rule to protect the people in the east is very mature of her. It’s one of her defining moments, in my opinion.

As always, George R R Martin manages to balance the narrative and events to keep us hanging on for the next chapter. Even though there are a number of character perspectives contributing to narrating the tale (10-12), the gaps between each perspective aren’t so long that their part of the story is forgotten.

The depth of the history in his fantasy world and the number of characters (and their families) the chronicle contains is phenomenal. How George R R Martin can keep track and ensure everything is consistent baffles me.

A Song of Ice and Fire is an iconic series that I think will live up there with the greats. It’s my unrivalled favourite fantasy series and I have no doubt that shows in my review!

Have you read A Storm of Swords or watched the TV series? What do you make of the events in this book?

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Sunday Summary – 14th July 2019

Posted on July 14, 2019July 14, 2019 by fantasyst95

The last time I managed to write five blog posts in one week, I swore it would be a long time before I took on such a busy schedule again. That was only five weeks ago – but here we are! To recap for anyone that hasn’t seen those posts yet, here is a summary of my week:-

As it’s the second week of July, I thought it would be a great opportunity to reflect on the last six months with a Mid Year Book Freak Out tag on Monday. It was loads of fun to write. As well as looking back to the beginning of the year, there are also a couple of questions geared around my reading goals for the latter half of 2019.

On Tuesday I published my review for a YA fantasy novel I loved recently. Empress of All Seasons was kindly sent to me for review by Gollancz. Even though I wouldn’t identify as a YA reader, this book was enjoyable for a number of reasons. One such I touch upon in my review is that I really enjoyed the Japanese culture throughout the book – a huge change from the medieval European setting many fantasy worlds are built upon.

I didn’t even announce Thursday’s post. I took part in a cover reveal for Jo Baxter’s Viola Pumpernickel and the Emerald Lady. It’s a middle-grade children’s book that I think I would have really enjoyed when I was growing up, so I was glad to take part and lend my support by sharing the new cover.

Lastly, I published my second Shelf Control post on Friday. I this week’s edition, I look back at my decisions for adding Steven Erikson’s fantasy novel Gardens of the Moon to my reading list.

Books Read

This week has felt rewarding. Not only have I managed to churn out an unnatural number of posts, I’ve also finished a couple of really good books!

I have been reading The War Within for a few weeks now. At around 570 pages, this is no mean feat. The War Within is so much more than its predecessor Seventh Decimate. Events are on a far grander scale, and the novel follows on a number of years after those in the first book. The narrative had a lot of ground to cover to bridge the gap between the two books. As a result, it wasn’t as easy to read for that. I still really enjoyed the book, but the intensity of the first half made it very time consuming to pick up and digest before continuing.

I don’t like taking so long to read books like that. It’s silly – I shouldn’t put such pressure on myself. I am way ahead of my reading goal, but I like to get through books in days, not weeks. I get a little frustrated if reading a book takes more time than I think it should. I’m daft, I know, but it’s the honest truth.

My reading picked up significantly afterwards though, as I picked up and read Scouse Gothic by Ian McKinney in less than two days. Yes, you read that right! It’s only quite a short book by comparison (around 200 pages). Picking up a contemporary novel laced with humour helped relieve my frustration.

My current read is another fantasy novel. I have quite a few on the list this month, so I am interspersing other genres in between them. I started reading Birth of the Mortokai yesterday. Even though I haven’t made any progress on it today (I spend every Sunday afternoon with my family), I’m still a third of the way through the book. I’m hoping to get to around half-way by the end of the night and wrap this up in the next couple of days. I feel like I have some time to make up, as I have a few longer books to read later in the month.

Books Discovered

I have been REALLY good this week! Not only did I swerve every bookshop, but I also haven’t even added anything to the TBR! I’m quite surprised with myself actually!

Coming Up…

Next week is definitely not going to be as manic! I deserve a break – haha!

There’s no rest for the wicked though! I have a few book reviews stacking up, so I’d like to tackle one of those. This week, I would like to share my thoughts on A Storm of Swords by George R. R. Martin. Prepare for a long and gushy review… I think you all know my love for George R. R. Martin’s books by now.

My regular Friday feature flips back to First Lines Friday later next week, so I’ll be sharing the first few lines of a book on my TBR. Let’s see if you can guess what it is!

Shelf Control #2 – 12/07/2019

Posted on July 12, 2019July 11, 2019 by fantasyst95

Welcome back to my new regular feature post, Shelf Contol!

You may remember the purpose of this post from my outline a couple of weeks ago. If not, here’s a summary. Shelf Control is run by Lisa at Bookshelf Fantasies. It’s a weekly (or in my case, fortnightly) celebration of the unread books on our shelves. Pick a book you own but haven’t read, write a post about it (suggestions: include what it’s about, why you want to read it, and when you got it), and link up!

For more info on what Shelf Control is all about, check out Lisa’s introductory post.

Shelf Control, for me, is about looking in more detail about the books I have added to the TBR and listed as keepers in my Down the TBR Hole posts. I get the chance to talk about why I want to keep them in more detail and it acts as a second sweep for anything that I may have changed my mind about. I don’t necessarily own all the books (yet), but I will have a reasonable number of them.

It’s week two, so let’s look at the second book on the TBR! This also dates back to December 2014. Perhaps it’s a little overdue?

Gardens of the Moon (Malazan Book of the Fallen #1) – Steven Erikson

The Malazan Empire simmers with discontent, bled dry by interminable warfare, bitter infighting and bloody confrontations with the formidable Anomander Rake and his Tiste Andii, ancient and implacable sorcerers. Even the imperial legions, long inured to the bloodshed, yearn for some respite. Yet Empress Laseen’s rule remains absolute, enforced by her dread Claw assassins.

For Sergeant Whiskeyjack and his squad of Bridgeburners, and for Tattersail, surviving cadre mage of the Second Legion, the aftermath of the siege of Pale should have been a time to mourn the many dead. But Darujhistan, last of the Free Cities of Genabackis, yet holds out. It is to this ancient citadel that Laseen turns her predatory gaze.

However, it would appear that the Empire is not alone in this great game. Sinister, shadowbound forces are gathering as the gods themselves prepare to play their hand…

Conceived and written on a panoramic scale, Gardens of the Moon is epic fantasy of the highest order–an enthralling adventure by an outstanding new voice.

My Thoughts…

There is a definite theme when it comes to my older book choices. They are all in the fantasy genre! As a teenager, that was pretty much all I would read, with a couple of exceptions. It’s still my favourite genre now, although I definitely need to intersperse my reading with other genres to keep things fresh.

Gardens of the Moon has really mixed reviews on Goodreads. People either seem to love it or not get on with it at all. Sometimes that can sway my opinion, but I am not going to let it with this one. I think the synopsis sounds really interesting. Not only that, but reviews of the later books in the series get a lot better! I gather it is a little confusing to start – it might just be a case of persevering until the pieces start to fit together.

I was confident that I wanted to give this book a try, so I have the ebook sat on my kindle waiting for me to pull my finger out and pick it up!

Have you read Gardens of the Moon or any other books in the Malazan Book of the Fallen series? What did you think?

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Cover Reveal: Viola Pumpernickel and the Emerald Lady – Jo Baxter

Posted on July 11, 2019July 10, 2019 by fantasyst95

Today’s book cover reveal is for a book I would have loved to read growing up! Viola Pumpernickel and the Emerald Lady was first published last year and has just had a makeover. I can’t wait to share the new cover with you!

Let’s take a look at the old cover and the details of the book.

Viola Pumpernickel and the Emerald Lady

Goodreads – Viola Pumpernickel and the Emerald Lady

Viola is a people-watcher. She loves to sit on the step of her father’s bakery in Brookwater Lane, creating stories about the weird and wonderful folk who pass by. Her father is secretly impressed by her big imagination but her mother thinks it’s all a bit silly, really.

So, when Viola witnesses a terrifying robbery late one evening, her theory as to who is behind this dreadful crime is met with rolled eyes and disbelief.

Determined to prove that she is not as silly as everyone believes, Viola sets out to bring this villain to justice and show that she is more than just a girl with a wild imagination.

Together with her older brother, Teddy, her best friend, Flo, and the mysterious Emerald Lady, Viola uncovers a plot far more dangerous than anyone could ever have imagined in this exciting Victorian mystery.

PRAISE FOR VIOLA PUMPERNICKEL AND THE EMERALD LADY:

“A gripping tale with twists and turns galore. You will root for Viola till the very end!” – Jennifer Killick, author of ALEX SPARROW AND THE BIG STINK and ALEX SPARROW AND THE FURRY FURY

“Mystery, intrigue and a fearless heroine. I love this book!” Anna Kennedy OBE

Purchase Links

Amazon UK Amazon US

And now, would you like to see the new, improved cover?

This new version certainly has a lot more pop and personality. The illustration and bright colours are sure to be a hit and attract young readers.

What do you think?

Author Bio –

Jo lives in West Sussex with her husband, daughter, two cats and 187 mugs. She does love a good cup of tea!

Having trained as an actress, Jo had written three stage plays (under the name Jo Smith) before realising her passion for writing children’s books.

Jo is the author of ‘The Pumpernickel Mysteries’ series of books.

Social Media Links –

Twitter – @thejobaxter IG – @thejobaxter

Facebook – Jo Baxter Author

Illustrator – Claire Elizabeth https://twitter.com/ClaireLizArt

Book Review: Empress of All Seasons – Emiko Jean

Posted on July 9, 2019 by fantasyst95

Earlier this year, I received an ARC of Empress of All Seasons by Emiko Jean to read, for the purpose of an honest review. Firstly, can I say a huge thank you to Gollancz for the opportunity to read such a beautiful, stand-out book?!

Today, I want to tell you how glad I am that I requested this book to review! I do read a little YA fantasy, but I wouldn’t describe myself as a YA reader. Instead, what compelled me to request the book is the Japanese influence and culture. Most fantasy I read is heavily influenced by Western ideals and society… so Empress of All Seasons was going to be a completely new experience for me!

Empress of All Seasons

Goodreads – Empress of All Seasons

In a palace of illusions, nothing is what it seems.

Each generation, a competition is held to find the next empress of Honoku. The rules are simple. Survive the palace’s enchanted seasonal rooms. Conquer Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall. Marry the prince. All are eligible to compete—all except yōkai, supernatural monsters and spirits whom the human emperor is determined to enslave and destroy.

Mari has spent a lifetime training to become empress. Winning should be easy. And it would be, if she weren’t hiding a dangerous secret. Mari is a yōkai with the ability to transform into a terrifying monster. If discovered, her life will be forfeit. As she struggles to keep her true identity hidden, Mari’s fate collides with that of Taro, the prince who has no desire to inherit the imperial throne, and Akira, a half-human, half-yōkai outcast.

Torn between duty and love, loyalty and betrayal, vengeance and forgiveness, the choices of Mari, Taro, and Akira will decide the fate of Honoku in this beautifully written, edge-of-your-seat YA fantasy.

My Thoughts…

The Eastern culture really shines through in this novel, as I hoped it would! Combined with several well developed main characters, a complex social structure and growing unrest giving rise to conflict and rebellion, Empress of All Seasons is the whole package.

Mari is the fierce strong female lead I hoped she would be. She is brought up to take part in the competition to win the title of Empress. She is naturally competitive, thanks to her mother’s tutoring. But she has a secret. She isn’t the girl her mother thinks she is. Mari fights to become Empress to end depravity against her people. She longs to be treated as equal.

Animal wives, in human form, are famed for being the most beautiful. They seduce and marry rich men so they can take off their wealth and have their children to sustain the population. If caught, they are enslaved. Mari’s village is isolated and remains hidden from everyone for protection. Such is the price of freedom from the collar. Mari longs to change that.

As Empress of All Seasons is so different from my usual reads, immersing myself in Emiko Jean’s fantasy world, steeped in an unfamiliar culture, took a little getting used to. I spent three or four days of picking this up and putting it down periodically to digest who was who and what was happening. At that point, I had only gotten around halfway through the narrative, but quickly after that everything fell into place. The conflict in the plot piqued and I was hooked. I read the rest of the book in less than two days.

Mari, Taro and Akira are all vastly different characters whose lives collide in this tale. Even though they each have their different backgrounds and privileges, what struck me the most is that despite this, they are all desperate to break away from the expectations others have of them. That’s something I think we readers can all relate to.

For all the reasons above, Empress of All Seasons is a really enjoyable standalone read. For that reason, I think it will appeal to all fantasy readers – especially those in the market for a breath of fresh air in a popular, saturated genre.

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Mid-Year Book Freak Out Tag!

Posted on July 8, 2019 by fantasyst95

I’ve seen a few great Mid Year Book Freakout posts so far this year. A couple of my favourites have been written by Larissa over at Book Bosomed Blonde and Misty on Misty’s Book Space. Please take a minute to check out their versions of the post– I really enjoyed reading them!

I wanted to write my own Mid Year Book Freak Out post as looks like a lot of fun. It’s also a great way to reflect back on my reading year so far and to look forward to the next six months.

First, let’s take a look at my reading progress! So far I have read 36 books out of 50, far surpassing my expectations! My reading record is 60 books a year – which I achieved in 2017. I never thought I would get close to that number again, since I largely attribute that achievement to the fact that I hadn’t even started my blog until late March that year. Now I have more commitments, but can I beat my target? I’m determined to try!

Best Book You’ve Read So Far in 2019

My best standalone read of the year has to go to The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon. I really enjoyed interpreting the story from the perspective of a teenage boy with Asberger’s. It was truly unique and extremely funny in places! I have been meaning to read it for quite some time. Now I am glad I have!

Best Sequel You’ve Read So Far in 2019

My choice for this category is also a recent read. The winner for this has to be Crowfall by Ed MacDonald, hands down! I’m sad that this wonderful trilogy has ended but I loved any minute of reading it as well. Each of these books will be read and enjoyed again, that’s for sure!

Most Anticipated Release for the Second Half of the Year

I haven’t had to think too hard about this answer either. My most anticipated release is a sequel due to be published in September 2019. What makes this release interesting is that it has been over 30 years since Margaret Atwood published its predecessor, The Handmaid’s Tale. As it happens, I didn’t actually like The Handmaid’s Tale the first time I read it. It’s a good job I am a lot more versatile as a reader now. How Margaret Atwood plans to follow on from such an iconic tale I don’t know – I guess I’ll find out in September!

Biggest Disappointment

My biggest disappointment of the year isn’t anything to do with a book – it’s about me. I have seriously gotten out of the habit of reading and interacting with other people and their blogs. I am very sporadic if I do read any posts at all. The lesson here is to set aside time to pick this up again. After all, if I don’t read, like and comment on other people’s blogs, how can I expect anyone else to do the same for me?

Biggest Surprise

This is more of a general point rather than about any one particular book or another. Given that I have read so many books already this year, I’m surprised that my average rating is so high! Of the 36 I have read, my lowest rating is 3*… and that’s only for two books! Either I am diversifying better as a reader or I am just good at identifying the sorts of books I love. I don’t really mind which – just long may it continue!

Newest Fictional Crush

Newest doesn’t mean new, necessarily. I’m not one for fictional crushes really, but I suppose if I had to pick someone it would have to be Samwell Tarly from the Song of Ice and Fire series. His social awkwardness is hilarious and his love of books and learning comes a VERY close second to mine. I only think I beat him in that regard on account of being a real person!

Newest Favourite Character

Of the books I have read this year, my favourite character has to be Ryhalt from The Raven’s Mark series. In the early books, I loved his kickass, no-nonsense attitude. Even his rough demeanour and chronic drinking problem was kind of endearing. It reminded you of his vulnerability. Ryhalt has grown tremendously as a character since then, but we as readers have grown with him. It’s a change for the better.

Book That Made You Cry

I don’t think I have shed a single tear since reading The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas in April last year.

To be honest, I haven’t really read many books that would provoke such a reaction, so I’m not surprised by the fact.

Book That Made You Happy

You’re going to make me single out one book that made me happy? What kind of cruelty is this?!

In fact, I can’t pick just one book. I guess the thing that has made me happiest so far this year is re-reading A Game of Thrones. I actually began the project at the very end of last year, so technically this year I have read books 2-4. I’m also starting on part I of A Dance with Dragons a little later this month. These books are, as I am sure you know, quite lengthy. But, it’s what I enjoy, so it doesn’t feel like a chore at all.

Favourite Book to Film Adaptation

I suppose the only book to film adaptation that’s even relevant to my current reading is The Dark Tower. I don’t really watch much in the way of TV or films.

I’m pretty sure I watched the film at some point last year, but, I have read the second book of the series and bought the third this year. I wouldn’t say that the adaptation is the best I have ever watched. It’s enjoyable, but clearly there is so much more details to the books that the film doesn’t have time to touch upon. On the plus side, it has Idris Elba starring as the Gunslinger, so I can’t complain…

Favourite Post You Have Done This Year

My favourite post of the year is one that made me acknowledge the things that I am not so good at.

Back in April I posted a Top Ten Tuesday post, all about the struggles of being a book blogger. Even though I’ve highlighted parts of the “job” I’m not so good at (like reading other people’s blogs!!), I would say I still have a lot to learn to make improvements to the way I do things. Over-commitment and a lack of motivation are some things that come with the territory and can’t be changed. I set myself targets that don’t allow me much time off. Sometimes though, you just need to say no to picking up the book for a day.

Most Beautiful Book You’ve Bought This Year

I haven’t really bought that many books this year, I don’t think. I’ve received some gorgeous ARC’s, but I’ve been pretty tame on the purchasing front. I’m trying to use my library more, especially for books I am unsure as to whether I’ll like or not.

If beautiful can be fulfilled by the lovely, uniformity of these covers and sizes, then I guess I’ll have to feature A Game of Thrones again. They are my main purchases of the year.

What Books Do You Need to Read By the End of the Year

So many books and too little time! Where do I even begin?

I’d like to read Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor. I really loved her Strange the Dreamer duology, so I would like to read more of her books.

Th1rt3en by Steve Cavanagh and The Chalk Man by C. J. Tudor are also high on my list. I bought them about a year ago and they have been taunting me from my bookshelf ever since. Soon, I promise! Oh! I also bought a copy of The Shining at the same time. That has to go on too! Aside from The Dark Tower, I haven’t really read anything else of Stephen King’s recently.

If I let myself carry on I’ll be here all day!

So, these are my answers to the above questions! If you would like to review your year in books, then consider yourself tagged! I’d love to see your answers!

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Sunday Summary – 7th July 2019

Posted on July 7, 2019July 7, 2019 by fantasyst95

I am grateful I write my Sunday Summary posts in the evening, because what a day it has been!! After taking mum and dad out for lunch, we spent the afternoon enjoying the sunshine. I am no longer quite so corpse-blue for the experience… perhaps I’ve warmed up to resemble Casper the ghost?

In last week’s Sunday Summary post I hinted at some personal news. On Tuesday I traded in my first, forever special in my heart, 2006 Ford Fiesta for a new car! I was sad to see it go, but it has lasted longer than I expected. Even now, there isn’t anything wrong with it, but after four years together I was due an upgrade from my learner car.

Onto more bookish news, let’s take a look at what else I have been up to!

The beginning of the week was ultimately quite busy, as I had to squeeze in the reading of a respectable portion of Storms over Babylon in anticipation for my blog tour post on Tuesday. It was never in any doubt that I could do it, but I don’t like leaving things so last minute like that!

I promptly followed up my blog tour post with my reading list for July. Where last month I had quite a few short stories to read, this month I am back to my typical longer reads. I’ll definitely be making more of an effort to read more short stories in future, but my blogging commitments and general preferences mean that it’s not happening this month.

On Friday I posted my new regular feature post, First Lines Friday. This week I am featuring a contemporary mystery currently sat on my bookshelf, begging to be read. Let’s face it, my whole bookshelf is begging to be read. Well, almost.

Books Read

As alluded to above, my top priority of the week was concluding Storms over Babylon by Jennifer Macaire. This fourth instalment to the series is, fortunately, shorter than its predecessors. In the circumstances, that worked out in my favour.

My reason for starting Storms over Babylon so late was because I wasn’t making the progress I wanted on The War Within by Stephen Donaldson. I’ve managed to make much better headway this week. It is an enjoyable read, but the first 40% was a little slow going. That’s not a criticism – I’ve enjoyed reading it all. There is a lot of set up bridging the twenty-year gap from events in book one, Seventh Decimate. It took a little time to digest. Now events are unfolding in the present I’m finding the book a lot easier and quicker to read. I’m at around 70% now and I am hoping to finish it in the next day or two.

Books Discovered

I was talking to my colleague Brita the other day and she mentioned a book she was planning to buy her sister for her birthday. It’s a new release about the disappearance of a woman in 1929. She returned five days later, with no recollection of the event at all. The more Brita told me about this, the more I became intrigued. Unsurprisingly, this is now on my TBR. I’m not a regular reader of memoir, non-fiction style books, so I’m looking forward to reading something out of my comfort zone.

I also posted a beautiful acquisition on Instagram and Facebook yesterday! Thanks to Gollancz, I have a gorgeous copy of Howling Dark to read and review! It’s funny because I noticed afterwards that almost a year prior to the day I posted a picture of myself with a copy of Empire of Silence, the first book in the series. There’s only a day in it – how bizarre!

Coming Up…

I’m going to be ambitious and christen next week as a busy one, with four blog posts planned!

I’ll be kicking off the week with my version of the Mid Year Book Freak Out tag. It looks like a fun post to write and a great way of looking back at how the first half of my year has gone!

Midweek, I’m going to catch up with one of the many reviews I have a small backlog on. Instead of tackling the oldest item on the list though, I’m going to skip forward a few books to review another ARC I received from Gollancz earlier this year. Empress of All Seasons is a YA Fantasy novel quite unlike anything I have read before. I rarely read YA but I’m really glad I requested a copy from the publisher. You can find out why in more detail later in the week.

On Friday, I’ll be resuming my regular feature posts – Shelf Control. In this post, I am looking back in more detail at the books on my TBR and telling you what my thoughts are on the book. Whether it’s how much I love the cover or the premise etc, anything goes! The book I am featuring on Friday is a fantasy novel that has been on my list for a long time – since December 2014.

First Lines Friday – 05/07/2019

Posted on July 5, 2019July 4, 2019 by fantasyst95

Happy Friday everybody! It’s an especially great day for me as today is our National Day here on the Isle of Man. Otherwise known as Tynwald Day, it’s a day we celebrate our status as a crown dependency. Those of us that aren’t particularly nationalists celebrate the fact that we don’t have to roll into our office jobs at 9am.

I’m back again with my new regular feature – First Lines Friday. I’ve read a few other similar posts and felt inspired to write my own. It’s a fun way to introduce new books to potential readers!

This is one of two new posts I am scheduling to post on a Friday. Both posts are typically published weekly, however, I will be publishing them both fortnightly on alternate weeks to avoid things becoming too repetitive. This is also dependent on my other blogging commitments.

So, shall we get on with today’s post? Here are the first few lines from today’s featured book!

I sit with my wrists cuffed to the table and I think, But that I am forbid / To tell the secrets of my prison house / I could a tale unfold whose lightest word / Would harrow up thy soul. The guard stands by the door, watching me, like he’s waiting for something to happen.

Enter Joseph Colbourne. He is a graying man now, almost fifty. It’s a surprise, every few weeks, to see how much he’s aged – and he’s aged a little more, every few weeks, for ten years.

Today’s book choice has been sat on my shelf for some time now. Even from the above extract, you’ll probably guess that there is a theatre element to the novel. Up until I left school I loved and actively took part in Performing Arts. I even have GCSE and A-Level equivalent qualifications in it. I don’t so much now I am working, but the love of theatre has stayed with me.

Have you any inkling what today’s book is?

If We Were Villains – M. L. Rio

Oliver Marks has just served ten years in jail – for a murder he may or may not have committed. On the day he’s released, he’s greeted by the man who put him in prison. Detective Colborne is retiring, but before he does, he wants to know what really happened a decade ago.

As one of seven young actors studying Shakespeare at an elite arts college, Oliver and his friends play the same roles onstage and off: hero, villain, tyrant, temptress, ingenue, extra. But when the casting changes, and the secondary characters usurp the stars, the plays spill dangerously over into life, and one of them is found dead. The rest face their greatest acting challenge yet: convincing the police, and themselves, that they are blameless.

Do you like the introduction to If We Were Villains? Have you read the book or added it your TBR? As always, I would love to hear from you!!

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Books Read

Books Discovered

Coming Up…

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Gardens of the Moon (Malazan Book of the Fallen #1) – Steven Erikson

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Empress of All Seasons

My Thoughts…

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If We Were Villains – M. L. Rio

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