*This book was sent to me by Harper Collins Australia in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.


Where you can find me!

Contact: erenabennett@hotmail.com
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Bonjour!

I understand we are more than half way through May but I know you guys can't resist a good ol' book haul (or maybe that's just me?!) April was a spectacular month for gaining books, I had received some money for my birthday from my partner's parents and decided I needed some new books despite the ever growing TBR. I also received four books from the ever generous Harper Collins Australia in exchange for honest reviews (you can read my review for The Yearbook Committee here!).

Here are the following books I bought/received:


1. The Winner's Curse - Marie Rutkoski
I have heard so many good things about this series and finally decided to make it mine. I seriously hope to get to it in the next couple of months.

2. Me Before You - Jojo Moyes
Another book I've seen all around the Bookstagram community and even more since the movie trailer came out. I'm aiming to get to it before watching the movie. I'll get my tissues ready!

3. An Ember in the Ashes - Sabaa Tahir
I've already read this one and is definitely one of the best books I've read this year so far. I am now so damn excited for book two: A Torch Against the Night. You can find my mini review here.

4. We Were Liars - E. Lockhart
Another one I've already read (mini review here!) I started reading this soon after I bought it as I wanted something small to take to uni and I finished it pretty quickly, and loved it.

From Harper Collins:

5. Demon Road - Derek Landy
The first in the series (book two below). I've always wanted to read something from Derek Landy so I picked this one up and should hopefully be starting this one soon. Look out for a review!

6. Desolation - Derek Landy
This one was released in.... April I think? So will more than likely jump straight into this one after Demon Road!

7. The Yearbook Committee - Sarah Ayoub
This one I've recently read and reviewed, I would say a really good read for teenagers and young adults (younger than me!) Good sized chapters which is very appealing for me.


8. Flawed - Cecelia Ahern
Recently released is Cecelia Ahern's first YA novel, Flawed. What I get from the blurb is that the main character lives a perfect life until she breaks a rule and becomes...Flawed! Something along those lines. The cover looks good too.

Can't say I usually get 8 books in one month. I should really read a few more until I buy another (but that ain't gonna happen).

This is where I leave you, I always intended for this to be a short post. I hope you enjoyed though! See you soon for something a little different (still about books though!)

Byeee!
x


Where you can find me:

Contact: erenabennett@hotmail.com
Bookstagram: @erenareads
Instagram: @erena_b
Goodreads: @erenareads
SnapChat: erena_b

"Five teenagers. Five lives. One final year. 
The loner: At school, nobody really notices Matty. But at home, Matty is everything. He's been single-handedly holding things together since his mum's breakdown, and he's never felt so alone. 
The school captain: Ryan has it all... or at least he did, until an accident snatched his dreams away. How will he rebuild his life and what does the future hold for him now? 
The popular girl: Well. the popular girl's nest friend... cool by association. Tammi's always bowed to peer pressure, but when the expectations become too much to handle, will she finally stand up for herself?
The newcomer: Charlie's just moved interstate and she's determined not to fit in. She's just biding her time until Year 12 is over and she can head back to her real life and her real friends...
The MP's daughter: Gillian's dad is one of the most recognisable people in the state and she's learning the hard way that life in the spotlight comes at a very heavy price.
Five unlikely teammates thrust together against their will. Can they find a way to make their final year a memorable one or will their differences tear their world apart?"
- Sarah Ayoub



Set in Sydney, Australia and written by Australian author, Sarah Ayoub, this YA novel revolves around five teenagers who must band together to create the school yearbook for their final year of high school at Holy Family private school. If you didn't catch it, these five teenagers couldn't be more different. You get to know each character very well, delving a little into their past - though I felt that Ryan's past wasn't looked into enough, his 'accident' was mentioned often and you only get a brief story of what happened.

From the start, Gillian (the politician's daughter) was my favourite, Charlie was my least. Gillian is kind hearted and so easy to love, her life isn't easy but she does well to cope. Charlie, has no interest in making friends and goes out of her way to make sure she doesn't; while at first I don't like her, I understand that's what the author was going for. You get introduced to a few other characters whom have a lot of impact on the main characters - Tammi's douchebag boyfriend David and her mean, stuck up best friend Lauren, both who I hated immensely and you will too.

As you can expect, the characters develop some kind of friendship with each other throughout the story - though not really how I first predicted. I enjoyed the easy character development and it flowed nicely. Ayoub not only makes it easy to read but really captured some of the issues that occur during high school years. Some of this is real life and whilst reading it reminded me of my high school years and how cruel some people can be, especially people that are meant to be your friends.

I wished the author had spent more time on the ending, I almost felt cheated. Something I did not see coming happens closer to the end of the book and the build up of it was great however after that, I felt I didn't really have time to process it and therefore did not make too much of a connection with it. I also felt since it is based around the students creating a yearbook, that there would be some snippets of it in the back - well no, there is not.

Overall, this book was still a great read. I think it is more suited to teenagers and possibly younger adults than I but I have seen bookstagrammers only slightly younger than me, enjoy it immensely. I hope that high school students take a chance and read this one; I hope it shines a new light on life for those struggling and those who could be the cause of the struggling.

I gave this book 3/5 on Goodreads albeit, a high three.

If you've read this book, let me know in the comments below what you thought!


*This book was sent to me by Harper Collins Australia in exchange for an honest review.


Where you can find me:

Contact: erenabennett@hotmail.com
Bookstagram: @erenareads
Instagram: @erena_b
Goodreads: @erenareads

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BOOKS

1. End of Days - Susan Ee
The final book of the Angelfall trilogy was not a let down. Having Raffe back in my life (sorry, Penryn's life) made my heart beat a little faster! Whilst you may think the previous two books were pretty full on, this one was super intense with a lot more action and deaths and crazy humans & angels alike. I found the trilogy to be very easy to read and it's definitely not too long so if you're interested, check out the first one. 5/5


2. We Were Liars - E. Lockhart
Talk about pulling on the heartstrings, ripping them off completely and throwing them out to sea. I bought this one early April when I was felt like spending money (not always the best idea as a full time student) and I picked it up to read pretty quickly mainly because it was small and I didn't have a whole heap of time to read. I started reading this while waiting for the tram to university or back home, or if I was waiting for a lecture to start and I was completely hooked. This book has short chapters - this may appeal to some (it does to me!) which I feel makes it much easier to read. This is about four cousins/friends whom spend the summers together on their families island when an accident happens and Cadence (the main character) starts to feel separated from the others. I could feel some emotion coming on, but dear god I didn't see that twist. This story is very easy to read and I would recommend to many - especially those who have trouble keeping up with a book. If you're in Australia - $9 at Kmart! 5/5


 3. Glass Sword - Victoria Aveyard
Following on from Red Queen comes Glass Sword, book #2 in the series. After racing through Red Queen last year and absolutely loving it, my first initial thought when picking up Glass Sword was that I didn't like the way it looked - stupid I know. I didn't start reading straight away and when I eventually picked it up, it took me a long while to get into it. Eventually I kept reading and found myself really enjoying it, so if you're finding it hard - hang in there!
Some people haven't liked Mare's character development however, I'm half and half; there are parts where she just annoyed me and made me really dislike her and then times when I felt I would do some of the same things - though I don't think I'll be developing lightning powers any time soon.
Despite Maven being the douchebag he is, I still a have a soft spot for him. And then I love Cal too, I don't really like Kilorn though - sorry!
All in all, a somewhat enjoyable read for me. I'd say... a low 4/5


4. An Ember in the Ashes - Sabaa Tahir
Holy heck. This has definitely been one of my fave reads of the year so far. You get both main characters views (which I love!); Laia is a slave and Elias is a soldier. *How do you pronounce Laia? I say it like "liar" Tell me!* I pretty much fell in love with Elias straight away. This book had all the feels for all the characters - love, hate and "what the eff are you thinking?!" It's not a heartbreaking story but I fell so in love with this book that it kind of feels like I have no soul now (because I have to wait for book two). An Ember in the Ashes is kind of 'an ember in the ashes', this book will not disappoint. Can I give 6/5 ?


MAY TBR

1. The Yearbook Committee - Sarah Ayoub
2. Harry Potter & The Chamber of Secrets - JK Rowling (I already began my reread last month and didn't finish - oops!)
3. Cinder - Marissa Meyer
4. Demon Road - Derek Landy

I would love to also read A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J Maas (book two after A Court of Thorns and Roses) and The Crown by Kiera Cass (book five and final in The Selection series) which were both released today (May 3rd). I'm making myself read my May TBR first and be on top of my uni work before I get these books though (excellent motivation I think!)


And that is the end of this ride today my friends. I've got full reviews coming up for a few books, hopefully soon! I'm thinking of doing a quick little April book haul for you later this week too. Until then, happy reading!

x


Where you can find me:

Contact: erenabennett@hotmail.com
Bookstagram: @erenareads
Instagram: @erena_b
Goodreads: @erenareads


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Good morning! "And if I don't see ya, good afternoon, good evening and good night!"

Sorry, I've recently re-watched The Truman Show and it popped into my head.

Welcome back to my little blog baby, I hope you've been well. I've been super busy with uni (I also need to be studying right now but I'm on holiday and not in study mode). With that, I haven't read as many books as I usually would in a month, sad I know - they were good books though! I'm hoping to at least read two books in April but my main focus is uni, especially with exams coming up. I really want to get myself properly organised and want to find good motivation to stay on top of everything but still stay sane and be able to do things I want to do.

Here is the total two books I read this month:


1. Heir of Fire - Sarah J Maas
Book three in the Throne of Glass series; I finished Crown of Midnight last year and because I wanted to read so many other books, I didn't pick this one up until recently. I had heard a few people didn't like this book near as much as the first two but each to their own - I friggen loved it. CoM is still my fave so far but I still very much enjoyed this one and loved getting to know Aelin - I feel there is massive character development in this one (not only Aelin) but god damn, the King of Adarlan is an a-hole. If you haven't started this series yet and you've thought about it - do it!!! No regrets. 5/5



2. World After - Susan Ee
Book two in the Penryn & the End of Days trilogy with the handsome Raffe and the badass Penryn and her crazy mother and sister. This was another one that I heard it wasn't as good as book one and three but I still reeeeeally enjoyed it. Penryn is one of my favourite heroic female characters - she knows what's most important to her even if that handsome angel is constantly on her mind. 5/5



April TBR

Now this might be a bit ambitious since I said how busy I am with uni but there is just so many books I want to be reading as soon as possible! And I've also just ordered a couple of books from Book Depository so I'm not really helping myself.

1. Cinder - Marissa Meyer
I've finally bought the first book in The Lunar Chronicles: Cinder, which I'm pretty excited about. I constantly hear the series being talking about and I try to avoid knowing anything extra as much as possible.
2. Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secrets - J.K Rowling (re-read)
I'm re-reading the series again this year and have already started this one :)

3. Glass Sword - Victoria Aveyard
The next book after Red Queen which was amaaaazing!


This wasn't originally planned but I bought We Were Liars (E. Lockhart) on the weekend and took it to uni with me and started reading when the tram decided to be 15 minutes late. It's a smaller book which is what enticed me to pick it up before anything else.


And that is all! I hope you've enjoyed reading my little reviews and what I'm planning to read in April. Until next time...

xx


Where you can find me:

Contact: erenabennett@gmail.com
Bookstagram: @erenareads
Instagram: @erena_b
Goodreads: @erenareads

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Hello friends,

Welcome back to my little section of the internet.
Today, I bring to you books I want to read this year - including anticipated books and my reading goals for 2016. I understand that it's March but it isn't that late, is it? As you may already know, last year I joined the book community on Instagram (@erenareads) and within days my TBR grew and it continues to grow almost daily. So naturally, I need to read 100+ books this year to make a dent in that list. No doubt I'll carry on with a few books I mention so I better get into it!


BOOKS I WANT TO READ IN 2016/ANTICIPATED BOOKS

1. Queen of Shadows and Empire of Storms - Sarah J Maas
I began reading the Throne of Glass series last year and absolutely loved it! For whatever reason, I didn't continue to read Heir of Fire and started reading other books instead. Though now, I've just finished Heir of Fire and hope to get to QoS in time for book 5.
2. A Court of Mist and Fury - Sarah J Maas
Queen Maas' other series - this retelling of Beauty & The Beast is one of my most favourite books ever and I've waited long enough for book two!
3. An Ember in the Ashes - Sabaa Tahir
4. Glass Sword - Victoria Aveyard
Following on from Red Queen (another fave!) book two was released last month and I've purchased and hope for it to be my next read.
5. Ice Like Fire and book three - Sara Raasch
I read Snow Like Ashes late last year and this too, became another favourite. I absolutely love the world the author created and of course the story, so book two will hopefully be in my hands soon!
6. Six of Crows - Leigh Bardugo
While this is not featuring my beloved Darkling, it is in the same Ravkan world which I loved (!!!)
7. All the Light We Cannot See - Anthony Doerr
8. The Percy Jackson series - Rick Riordan
I read book one late last year and hope to continue this year!
9. A start on all the other Rick Riordan books...
10. Clockwork Prince and Clockwork Princess - Cassandra Clare
I read book one a few months ago and am eager to finish the trilogy!
11. End of Days - Susan Ee
I'm currently reading World After (book two) and loving it!
12. The Crown - Kiera Cass
The final book in The Selection series.
13. Yellow - Megan Jacobson
14. Risk - Fleur Ferris
15. The Ocean at the End of the Lane - Neil Gailman
16. Unearthly series - Cynthia Hand
17. The Lunar Chronicles - Marissa Meyer
18. Ten Thousand Skies Above You & book three - Claudia Gray
19. Illuminae - Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff
This has actually been in my bookshelf for a while now and I'm yet to pick it up, hopefully soon!
20. I also really want to make a dent in my unread books already on my shelves!

That is my current list. I honestly could go on forever but let's be realistic here.
My READING GOAL for this year is a total of 40 books read. It's down from previous years but I've started university this year and while I've only just finished week two of semester one, I can tell I'm going to be incredibly busy. I think 40 is definitely doable, especially since I've already finished 12 and I am hoping to read more but I'll have to wait and see (and possibly binge read during breaks).

Well, here I leave you (for now!) I hope you've enjoyed reading this list and not wasted your time with my mainly young adult and fantasy book list. I would love to know your thoughts on any of these if you've read them or if any of these are on your list too, or perhaps tell me something on your list - I would love to know!

Take care
xx


Where you can find me:

Contact: erenabennett@gmail.com
Bookstagram: @erenareads
Instagram: @erena_b
Goodreads: @erenareads

Follow me with Bloglovin'!

Hi friends!

I usually have this up earlier but I started uni this week and ain't nobody got time for that! Seriously though, I've been so busy this week and wanted to really focus. I read four books this month, yes, down three from last month but whatever! I just didn't read as quick this month I guess. I'll just get straight into it...


February Wrap Up

1. You - Caroline Kepnes
This book was brilliant. It begins when Joe meets Beck after selling her a book and starts stalking her - he is obsessed in the way that he seems to REALLY love her. The way this book makes you react is kind of strange. Like, what he's doing is really f**ked up but you're kind of rooting for him too - which makes me seem messed up? This book is like a drama/thriller kind of book? I don't really know how to describe it but my god it is good. 5/5


2. Harry Potter & The Philosopher's Stone (Illustrated) - J.K Rowling, illustrated by Jim Kay
I won't go too much into this because everyone knows I'm gods damn obsessed with Harry Potter but if you love it and haven't got the illustrated version - get on it! The illustrations are so beautiful and perfect! 5/5

3. Fantastic Beasts & Where to Find Them - J.K Rowling
This is one of those add-on books to Harry Potter. It's basically 'Newt Scamander' writing about different beasts in the wizarding world. I haven't got much to say because it isn't a novel but it's fiction? Only read if you've read Harry Potter but it isn't necessary! 4/5

4. Angelfall - Susan Ee
This has been on my TBR for a few months after hearing about it on Bookstagram. Think post apocalyptic world with angels and demons (mainly angels) and one very sexy angel named Raffe. Penryn needs to save her sister from the nasty angels and meets the handsome but deadly Raffe whom has had his wings cut off. I found this one interesting all the way through and wish I'd read it sooner! I'm currently reading book two and loving it! 5/5


March TBR

While my 'life TBR' is never ending and I always find new books I want to read daily, I've settled with four for now. I wasn't 100% what I wanted to read this month but picked some out I've been wanting to read:
Harry Potter & The Chamber of Secrets - J.K Rowling *reread
Quidditch Through the Ages - J.K Rowling
Unearthly - Cynthia Hand
Glass Sword - Victoria Aveyard

I'm really looking forward to reading Glass Sword!! At the moment I'm trying to finish what I'm currently reading (Heir of Fire) before starting another book.

Well, that's it for this post, I hope you enjoyed reading my little reviews for February and I'll see you soon!

xx


Where you can find me:

Contact: erenabennett@gmail.com
Bookstagram: @erenareads
Instagram: @erena_b
Goodreads: erenareads

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