SPOILER FREE REVIEW

**This book may potentially trigger those suffering or recovering from an eating disorder or disordered thoughts about eating. It does not talk about numbers but contains many behaviours and may affect you if you are not in the right mind to read this.

Title: Countless
Author: Karen Gregory
Publication date: 1st June 2017
RRP: $16.99

Synopsis:
When Hedda discovers she is pregnant, she doesn't believe she could ever look after a baby. The numbers just don't add ip. She is young, and still in the grip of an eating disorder that controls every aspect of how she goes about her daily life. She's even given her eating disorder a name - Nia. But as the days tick by, Hedda comes to a decision: she and Nia will call a truce, just until the baby is born.
17 weeks. 119 days. 357 meals.
Surely she can do it, if she takes one day at a time?

In many countries across the world, eating disorders have the highest mortality rate within the mental illness spectrum. You probably weren't expecting that.

Books that cover eating disorders can be very hard to write. Sometimes they come from real experiences and sometimes, completely fictional. They can also be very triggering for a reader; though as long as they come with a trigger warning it is up to the reader to decide whether to continue or not. I think this book really got it right.

I found Countless incredibly interesting in the sense that it was a good story but also perhaps a very real one. What readers need to keep in mind is that those suffering from an eating disorder go through it very differently to others. What you might read in one story will be very different to another however, both may be what sufferers actually go through - it is never a one specific way. Karen Gregory managed to write this novel in a way that could help those who don't know a lot about these mental illnesses have a better  understanding of how a sufferer thinks in a perhaps, more broad sense.


Our main character, Hedda, falls pregnant while in the grip of an eating disorder - something I've definitely never read about before. It follows her life through different types of relationships, but the one most important to her is her eating disorder. Hedda's character was written really well and I was constantly feeling empathetic with her as the story drew me in with each page. One of my favourite aspects of the book is that it sends a message of what is truly required for recovery - I don't want to mention my specific thoughts since it could be somewhat of a spoiler.
The writing flowed very nicely and I always in tune with what was happening, in fact, eagerly awaiting more.

The other different characters we meet were very important to the story and I felt that every single one of them was necessary and relevant. I enjoyed every single chapter no matter who the other characters around Hedda were. It was always intriguing to know what was happening and I was never bored.

I really enjoyed Countless and highly recommend it to those interested in picking it up. It's an emotional story and one that more people should know about. I feel like this will definitely be one of my favourite contemporaries of the year and I'd love to know your thoughts if you read this one as it comes out tomorrow.

4.5/5

That's all for now, I'll see you soon for another book review very soon!

xx


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



WHERE YOU CAN FIND ME:
Contact: erenabennett@hotmail.com
Instagram: @erenareads & @erena_b
Goodreads: @erenareads
Twitter: @erenareads
YouTube: Erena Reads or click here

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SPOILER FREE REVIEW: QUEENS OF GEEK BY JEN WILDE

Title: Queens of Geek
Author: Jen Wilde
Publication Date: 1 May 2017
RRP: $16.99

Synopsis:
Charlie likes to stand out. She's a blogger and actress promoting her first movie at SupaCon, and this her chance to show fans she's over her public breakup with co-star Reese Ryan. When internet-famous cool-girl actress Alyssa Huntington arrives as a surprise guest, it seems Charlie's long-time crush on her isn't as one-sided as she thought.
Taylor likes to blend in. Her brain is wired differently, making her fear change. And there's one thing in her life she knows will never change: her friendship with her best guy friend Jamie - no matter how much she may secretly want it to. But when she hears about a fan contest for her favourite fandom, she starts to rethink her rules on playing it safe.



I'm part of the blog tour for Queens of Geek and I am so, so excited to be bringing you this review.

After reading loads of fantasy novels, I decided to give myself a break and pick up what I heard was a great, diverse contemporary; and what a perfect time to do so. I read Queens of Geek in about a day because it had drawn me in deep and I did not want to put it down.

This book takes place in America and is about three characters almost graduating high school and hailing from Australia, told in two perspectives of the female characters. It's set in America, with the three friends going to SupaCon together, one as a celebrity guest and the others as fans and geeks. Yes, we get to see some fangirling/fanboying and you will love it.

Jen Wilde has written a perfectly balanced novel full of geekiness and diversity - diving into mental health, different cultural backgrounds and the LGBTQ community. This year I've been trying to seek out more diverse books and this has been done so well, I didn't feel like it was forced into the story like some other books are. The story was cute and flowed very well between the two perspectives. I was constantly engaged and definitely emotionally involved with the story.


Our two main characters. Charlie and Taylor, are very likeable and make it a breeze to read from their views. This is actually really important to me, especially when they are almost 10 years younger than I am and despite the age gap, I would absolutely want to be friends with them. Our other main-ish character is Jamie, and I love him too. He's loyal and protective, and just a dang angel.
Of course, you get a couple of douche-y characters but not only is that part of the story, it really adds to it as well. It means our main characters do and say things you want them to and you're constantly rooting for them.

I highly recommend this contemporary novel, though I suggest you clear your schedule for the next couple of hours because you might not be able to put it down. What the characters go through are very relatable for many people and I think (or at least for me) this is somewhat comforting. Some will read it and think "Okay, this person is somewhat similar to me and it's not abnormal like I thought it was". Queens of Geek was an absolute joy to read and an important one at that.

4.5/5


*This book was sent to me by Pan Macmillan Australia for a blog tour in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.


WHERE YOU CAN FIND ME:
Contact: erenabennett@hotmail.com
Instagram: @erenareads & @erena_b
Goodreads: @erenareads
Twitter: @erenareads
YouTube: Erena Reads or click here

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***PLEASE NOTE: While this doesn't contain spoilers for A Court of Wings and Ruin, you may find that it will spoil A Court of Thorns and Roses (book #1) and A Court of Mist and Fury (book #2). You have been warned!

Title: A Court of Wings and Ruin (A Court of Thorns and Roses #3)
Author: Sarah J Maas
Publication date: 2nd May 2017
RRP: $17.99

Synopsis:
Feyre has returned to the Spring Court, determined to gather information on Tamlin's manoeuvrings and the invading king threatening to bring Pythian to its knees. But to do so she must play a deadly game of deceit - and one slip may spell doom not only for Feyre, but for her world as well.
As war bears down upon them all, Feyre must decide who to trust amongst the  dazzling and lethal High Lords - and hunt for allies in unexpected places.
The earth will be painted red as mighty armies grapple for power over the one thing that could destroy them all.


**Another note: There was a lot of talk about a certain line in the beginning of the book being acephobic (not sure if spelt right but a description for those who a negative to asexuals or asexuality). I will talk about it at the very bottom of this review (after the rating) as it may be spoilery.


How does one even start a review for A Court of Wings and Ruin?

I have been waiting a year for this book to come out, and the immediate time after A Court of Mist and Fury (book #2) and the last month before this book came out were the hardest. My most highly anticipated book of the year is finally here and what do I do? I stare at it in disbelief for a moment before beginning the start of Feyre and Rhysand's final story.

STORY/WRITING

You may have heard this from others and you'll also hear it from me... The first maybe half of the book was slow. Though for me, I was absolutely fine with this. We needed to know all the details of basically everything that was happening leading up to the inevitable war, and I was happy to read it all. The second half the story was much more intense, this increased one hundredfold in part three of the book. There were so many times were my heart felt like it had seized in my chest and was going to cease beating. I had no idea what to expect of the action scenes in this book; I am a massive sucker for crazy action scenes with fighting and magic, gore and blood. I must say, it really surprised me - it was more intense than I ever expected it to be and that filled my heart with joy (and many close cardiac arrests). I was so damn happy with the way this book was written. I think I would have loved A Court of Wings and Ruin no matter what but there was so much pressure on Sarah for this book and I think she executed it wonderfully.


FEYRE

As High Lady of the Night Court, Feyre had to take on a different role in this novel however, we still got plenty of wit, attitude and everything else we love about Feyre. She is my favourite female character in this story (many people go for Mor but I am totally in love with Feyre). She got even more badass following on from A Court of Mist and Fury and I am SUPER HAPPY about it. Over the entire trilogy, I've thought Feyre's character development has been phenomenal. It really changed in each book but in a good way and a way that flowed nicely with the story.

RHYSAND

Holy mother of gods and High Lords.
Rhys is my number one forever and always.
I cannot say more about him other than that I wish there were maybe a couple more chapters from him or at least an extended one. I love knowing his thoughts from his end. Maybe I can pray for a Rhysand novella??

FEYSAND

Once again, not much I can except the fact that I am totally and unconditionally in love with Feysand. MY TRUE OTP!! I do wish there were more sexy Feysand times in the story but I'm still about it.

OTHER CHARACTERS

I am so happy with what we got in regards to both new and old characters. This isn't a spoiler because we all knew it was coming but I was so happy with being able to meet the rest of the High Lords (give me a holler for Helion please). This addition truly added to the story and without it, I would have thought less of this book *gasp* but it didn't happen, so sit back down.
Cassian and Azriel, my other loves... When they first appeared back in the story I literally cried; I think because I love Feyre so much, I really read as if I am her so it intensified the feelings a lot haha.
We got to read more into Amren's and Mor's lives which I loved, it added so much more depth to the story as well as many unanswered questions.
Since A Court of Mist and Fury, I've grown to like Nesta much more but in this book I think I grew to love her?! I love her passion and fiery goodness and I'm hoping for another story from her because I have many questions.
I loved having Lucien back in the story. He wasn't in the previous book much so it was good to have my favourite witty fox back. His and Feyre's relationship development was SO GOOD and made me happy.
There are more characters that I'd love to talk about but... spoilers.

WORLD BUILDING

The only thing to really add in here is being able to explore more of the courts, I loved it! I'm hoping for the future stories set in this world, we get to know a bit more because I am greedy. Throughout the trilogy, I've really enjoyed the fact that it's divided by seasons and solars, so being able to explore more once again, added to the story.


OVERALL

I am so happy with how Feyre and Rhysand's story ended even though it's no secret I want to read about their lives for the rest of my life. I read this quite slowly because I was honestly terrified of what was going to happen but I'm really happy with how it turned out and it makes me so excited for the new books (if you're not sure what I'm talking about, there will be new books also set in this world but not from Feyre's perspective). I have some theories which characters they will be based on so if you want to talk more make sure you message me on Instagram (@erenareads). You can message me about anything really, especially if it's gushing over the Illyrian Warriors!

The ACOTAR series has been a real hit for me, it is honestly the perfect kind of book for me, more specifically book two and three. The way they are written is what a 26 year old like me likes to read. This book contains mature content (thank you Sarah) so make sure you're into that kind of thing and aren't too young before you decide to pick it up.

I'm sorry if this review is just a gush of emotions - I don't know how else to write a review for A Court of Wings and Ruin haha.

A brilliant 5/5 stars from me.
Thank you Sarah J Maas for writing this series that is perfection.




*Below is my thoughts on the 'acephobic comment'. Potential spoilers but not much.

Firstly, there were people who commented and judged it before they had even read it - seriously?
Secondly, I would not have noticed if people weren't talking about it, and this is why:

Asexuality or asexual people are those who are 'without sexual feelings' or attraction/association. Feyre makes a comment about the Hybern prince and princess about them not having any interest in beauty perhaps because their souls had been drained away.
Now if you've read the book, you know that as soon as Feyre meets them, she dislikes them and she has good reason as to why. So her making that comment fits in with how she feels about them.
Next is that a few chapters later, the Hybern princess goes on to tell Feyre about the fun she had f***ing Autumn Court males in the war.
That is where I will leave it. I strongly believe that it is not an acephobic comment and people shouldn't be so quick to judge.

ANYWAYS, that brings my review to a close. If you loved the book and want to talk spoiler ridden thoughts, then message me on Instagram so we can chat about it because I would love to!

I'll be back with another bookish post soon!

xx

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


WHERE YOU CAN FIND ME:
Contact: erenabennett@hotmail.com
Instagram: @erenareads & @erena_b
Goodreads: @erenareads
Twitter: @erenareads
YouTube: Erena Reads or click here

Follow my blog with Bloglovin'!