Hello,

How have you all been? It's been an age since I last did a wrap up/TBR blog post - I prefer to do them all on YouTube but it's kind of nice to have a written alternative don't you think?

I have my video for my November Wrap Up linked here however, I'm going to have a TBR video separately this time and a little bit later because at this point in time, I have absolutely no idea what I'm going to put on there. So I'm gonna do some thinking and you'll be able to get a sneak peek at the end ;)

I read a total of six books this month which I'm happy with, I think I could've read more if I managed my time a bit better but I'm still happy with six. I also loved every single book I read this month which makes me the most happy - it's always a plus when that happens.

NOVEMBER WRAP UP


1. Tower of Dawn - Sarah J Maas
I finally got back into this after not being in the right mood for it for a little while and holy heck, did I love it!! While I had some kind of expectations, I felt like I was - for the most part, going to enjoy this book but never did I anticipate loving this so immensely. All the characters were A plus and the story was fantastic. I have a full review here and this is 100% a favourite of the year.
5/5

2. A Quiet Kind of Thunder - Sara Barnard
A perfect contemporary. Our main character Steffi who has selective mutism meets Rhys, a boy who is deaf. Whilst this was written in what I think was a very realistic way for teenagers, I also thought it was written in a mature way so that older readers can still enjoy without it being 'teenagers'. The sign language details in the book were so damn brilliant and such a great and diverse addition to the book.
5/5

3. This is Where it Ends - Marieke Nijkamp
This fast paced novel was a great book to read during a 24 hour readathon (video here!) This follows a few characters point of views during a school shooting and was one of those books that you kind of need to keep reading until you're done - totally doable since it's quite a short book. I thought that some of the storyline could've been altered slightly to make the story make a little more sense at times but as a sensitive topic, I thought it was done quite well (though I have no kind of experience).
4/5

4. The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer - Michelle Hodkin
I bought this book solely because it was one of Kristie's (@bookwormkristie) fave books and my interest was peaked, I then picked it up in the readathon because leading up to it, Kristie did not stop going on about it SO I NEEDED TO KNOW. At first I thought the book was gonna be a little cringe at times due to the high school-ness of it however, I highly enjoyed it. It was way more mature than I originally thought and the teen angst was FANTASTIC. The story was really great though there were times when I was much like the character and didn't know what was real and what was not (I still don't either). Overall, it was a thrilling novel that I thoroughly enjoyed and am very much looking forward to the next two books.
4/5



5. A Court of Wings and Ruin - Sarah J Maas
I fell into a little bit of a slump after the readathon and decided to pick this up as I was very keen to reread it after getting all the feels a few months ago and I think I enjoyed it even more the second time round because I was able to look into a few things more that I had paid less attention to last time. I won't go any further but I have a full review here if you'd like to know my thoughts from May.
5/5

6. One of Us is Lying - Karen M McManus (that's a lot of M's)
This book was part of the @badwitchesread bookclub and I was very excited to read it. This follows four students/now murder suspects as five students went into detention and one of them died during it. I thought both the story and the characters developed very well and I enjoyed the end of it - I did try and play detective and one of my theories ended up being correct (though I had a lot of theories).
4/5



DECEMBER TBR

1. Gemina - Jay Kristoff and Amie Kaufman (finally)

2. Empress of a Thousand Skies - Rhoda Belleza (maybe)

3. Godsgrave - Jay Kristoff (have to keep reading after I put it down, oops)

4. Wonder Woman Warbringer - Leigh Bardugo (also have to keep reading after I put it down)

5. The Hate U Give - Angie Thomas (yes, I haven't read it yet!!)


And there you have it friends. I was happy with my reading month but am hoping for more in December since it's the end of the year. My TBR is still a little so-so but we'll see what happens!

That is all I have for you today, make sure to head over to my YouTube channel for more content.

Until next time,

xx


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'!

Hello again,


Sorry for the lateness that is this post. I had it written up but hadn't inserted any pictures and once I did, I was having issues with disappearing paragraphs *le sigh* but here it is:


I seem to have been somewhat absent from by blog. This was due to being SUPER busy with uni and the time I could've spent blogging, I dedicated to filming a video for YouTube instead.
I actually had started a post for my February Wrap Up & March TBR but I just never ended up getting round to finishing it and seeing as it's now April, I think it'll be best to now not worry about it. I did do a video for it so you can watch that instead if you were hanging out for it. I also did a video for this too, so click here and you can watch it.

So like I said, I had a very busy month and I only managed to read two books (sad times). One of them was fairly average and the other was AWESOME.


WRAP UP

1. Girl of Nightmares - Kendare Blake
This is the story following on from Anna Dressed in Blood which I read last month and really enjoyed however, this one I felt was boring and honestly, kind of unnecessary. It does have a story and there was definitely a valid point to it that flowed somewhat nicely, but I would have rather not read it all to be honest. The previous book didn't leave me in need of any more and the only reason I read this was because I knew there was another one. Unless you feel the need or want to read this, I wouldn't bother. It was by no means bad, I just didn't see a point really.
3/5 



2. Cress - The Lunar Chronicles
I buddy-read Scarlet last month with a Bookstagram friend last month and loved the experience, so we are continuing on with the series and that lead us to book three (obviously), Cress. Cress stems from the Rapunzel story who has been locked away on a satellite in space, rude right?! Poor Cress... I really loved this story - I felt that I would given how much I liked Scarlet but it was just so damn great. I loved Cress' character and I loved the fact she spent lots of time with Thorne, whom I have found a place in my heart for. This story has multiple POV's but not too many so it's very easy to keep track of and makes for a great story. These books have been so easy to read and if you like anything of the sci-fi/dystopian/fantasy realm, I highly recommend!
5/5




TBR

I'm going to be slightly ambitious this month and aim for five books. I know it's a huge step up from reading two books last month but I am definitely determined! I've also finished the first two books already so I'm hoping to stay on this roll I'm on.


1. A Court of Thorns and Roses - Sarah J Maas

2. A Court of Mist and Fury - Sarah J Maas
With May 2nd approaching I wanted to dive back into a reread of the first two books and I really wanted to stretch them out a bit longer but when you're totally obsessed, well... it's easy to read very quickly. Okay, give me ACOWAR!

3. Defy the Stars - Claudia Gray
A sci-fi novel that follows Noemi and a mech robot thing named Abel, whom should be enemies but need to work together to save Noemi's planet. I've started reading this one and I'm enjoying it so far, it has Illuminae feels to it which makes me happy. Keep an eye out for a full review soon!


4. A Darker Shade of Magic - V.E Schwab
My first VE Schwab novel has me very excited. I've heard so many things about her writing so I'm excited to dive in. I'm also buddy reading this with a friend, Bek, so that makes me even more excited.


5. Fairest - Marissa Meyer
Continuing on with mine and Priya's Lunar Chronicles read is this novella based on the evil that is Queen Levana (dun dun dun!) I'm really looking forward to this story to see what this crazy bitch is thinking.


Well, that's all from me at the moment. What have you been reading? Let me know in the comments below or message me on Instagram @erenareads cos I'd love to know!
Make sure you check out my YouTube channel for other bookish and non-bookish things and let me know what you'd like to see on there or here in the future.

See you soon!
xx


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'!

'Allo!
October was a very busy month for me, sadly it won't stop just yet, but we are close! I had so much uni going on that it was hard to read everything I wanted. I only managed to finish three books this month but they were stellar reads and I'm incredibly happy with my reading month. If you want to watch my YouTube video version of this click here!




OCTOBER WRAP UP

1. Disruption - Jessica Shirvington
By an Australian Young Adult author whom also wrote one of my fave series ever (Embrace/The Violet Eden series) comes this YA dystopian set in a world ruled by technology. I've been really getting into the dystopian genre in the last couple years and when I come across books like this, it really doesn't disappoint. Within the first few chapters, I felt like I really had a grasp on what was going on in the story which made it not only easier to read, but I wanted to keep reading as well to find out more. The flow of this story was really spot on and you weren't left wondering "Wait, what just happened?" or "I can't remember who that is..." - you know that kind of feeling? I really enjoyed this story and while it didn't end on a cliffhanger, I was glad I already had the next book because it was kind of a 'I need to know what happens next' ending. Full review here!
4.5/5

2. Corruption - Jessica Shirvington
Straight into book two was a must for me. I won't go too much into the story as I don't want to give anything away however, this one was even better than book one. I found myself filled with anxiety over what was going to happen to the characters, I was angry at others and I just fell in love with this story even more. It is once again, action packed and there were so many times I just had no idea what was going to happen next. This story keeps you on your toes and is begging to be read until it's finished. I have a full review here if you want to know more.
5/5

3. Crooked Kingdom - Leigh Bardugo
After reading falling in love with Six of Crows and all its characters, I couldn't wait to get into not only book two but sadly, the last book *sobs*. When I'm really looking forward to a book I try not have too many exceptions (to avoid disappointment) but I couldn't help myself. I was so damn excited to be back in this world that I was almost planning out futures I wanted for all the characters. This novel exceeded my exceptions and I felt so involved  in the story. The story itself has so much character and so much thought put into all its characters. Leigh Bardugo did a damn fantastic job and I can't wait to see what else she writes. I highly recommend this YA fantasy novel. It goes to place number #2 on my 2016 list (I don't think anything will beat ACOMAF but this was close!).
ps - I cried like a baby (a quiet baby though).
5/5

So uhh, yes... that is it for my wrap up. Like I said, stellar reads; quality over quantity this month.
In just over a week I'll be done with uni for the year (the thought, while exciting, is scary because that means four exams that are going to do my head in) and that means relaxing and reading and going on holiday. Yes, I'm going on holiday (West Coast USA) and while I plan to take my kindle loaded with books, I also am gonna focus on the fact that I'm travelling in a new country and I'll be doing fun things, such as going to Harry Potter world at Universal Studios. ANYWAYS, here is my November TBR...

NOVEMBER TBR

1. This is Where the World Ends - Amy Zhang
2. Nevernight - Jay Kristoff
3. The Unexpected Everything - Morgan Matson
4. A Torch Against the Night - Sabaa Tahir


If you want to know more about these books check out my YouTube video as I talk a bit more about them there.

That's all from me! Happy reading :)



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'!

You may or may not have noticed that I didn't post a wrap up for July. I did my video on my channel and just couldn't be bothered writing it out so I'm trying much better for this month.
That being said, if you'd rather watch my video for this month's wrap up & TBR click here! Or you can keep this as your written reference :)



Anywho... In the month of August I read four books - which I'm pretty happy with. I didn't read one of the books on my TBR but I'm definitely okay with that. I put said book down so I could try finish some other books I really wanted to finish. I also finished a book that I DNF (did not finish) years ago, so while I didn't really enjoy that story, I was happy that I completed it and can 'unhaul' it.

Ok... On to the books.

AUGUST WRAP UP

1. Harry Potter & The Cursed Child - John Tiffany & Jack Thorne
Ahhh... I'm one of those people who deep down inside get really excited about things I care about however, sometimes I rarely show it (I don't know ok?!) So the buildup to this release for me, was just waiting for it really. When I got the book and started reading is a different story; within the first one or two pages I had to take a short break to get all my feelings in place because I was so damn excited to be reading something new from the Harry Potter world. Now, you may have many people were disappointed by this story but I want you all to remember that this is a script that has been bound into a book so everyone else can enjoy it that don't get to watch the play. This has to be very different to a normal book ok? I have definitely rambled enough.... Alright, so this was a super quick and fun read and I enjoyed it thoroughly! A must for all HP fans
5/5

2. Switched - Amanda Hocking
So I started reading this YEARS ago and it was okay at first, I was determined to continue reading hoping I was nearing the really good part of the story and it just never came... I felt that the story was absolutely far too slow for a first book (this is a trilogy) and it wasn't interesting enough for me. It seemed a bit too childish or 'teenagery' for me and I just had no desire to continue reading this fantasy novel. I've heard the next two books are much better but that isn't enough improvement for me to read them. For whatever reason I felt really motivated to finish it in early August so I did that and now I don't have to worry about it ever again. If you've thought of reading this trilogy, I would recommend reading someone else's review for a better insight.
2/5

3. Six of Crows - Leigh Bardugo
I read the Grisha Trilogy earlier this and LOVED it; Six of Crows partakes in the same world but is a different story (you don't need to read the Grisha Trilogy first if you don't want to!) This story focuses on the lowly lives of Kaz, Inej, Jesper, Wylan, Nina and Matthius trying to break in to one of the most secure places in the world to rescue an important scientist. While there was much less 'Grisha-ness', I did not mind one bit. Six of Crows is so detailed and I fell in love with all the characters so quickly and while I was eager to know what was going to happen, I never wanted it to end! Lucky book two: Crooked Kingdoms is released later this month. This is a YA fantasy that is written with so much talent and care and you MUST read it!
5/5



4. The Crown's Game - Evelyn Skye
Oh my lord, this book... Another YA fantasy that isn't 'too much fantasy' - if that makes any sense. It's about two enchanters named Vika and Nikolai who must display their power in the Crown's Game in order for one of them to serve the tsar as Imperial Enchanter, the other must die. Sounds brutal, yes however, from beginning to end, I was constantly immersed in the story and I went through all the emotions in this book trying to figure everything out and I was unsure how it was going to end. I won't say anymore as to not give anything away but you can view my full spoiler free review here for more info.
5/5

 SEPTEMBER TBR

While I've got a couple of books I want to read, I'm not sure what else to put on my TBR, though this is a good thing - less pressure perhaps.

I'm currently reading Queen of Shadows by Sarah J Maas as I will aim to pick up Empire of Storms maybe next month.
I definitely want to purchase then read A Torch Against the Night by Sabaa Tahir as I need to be back in that world.
I'm also thinking of picking up The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson and either Disruption by Jessica Shirvington or Desolation by Derek Landy; WHO KNOWS?!

Anyways, that is it for now. I hope you enjoyed this post and make sure to check out my YouTube channel - link is below or search Erena Reads.

Goodbye for now!



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'!

First off, welcome to the new year. I had a pretty decent 2015 - holidays, applying for uni, hanging out with family and friends and lots and lots of reading. I will write another post (very soon) with my list for 2015, highlighting some of the good books and if there was a thing or two to say about other books I wasn't so happy with.

This post is once again, my mini reviews for the books I read in December and I'm also combining it with my January To Be Read (TBR).

I read four books this month, three of those have definitely made my top 10 of 2015! It'll be obvious by the ratings :)

BOOKS



1. Red Queen - Victoria Aveyard
There were plenty of people raving about this book but I went in with a clear head and not thinking too much about expectations, etc. This is now one of my absolute favourites! First of all, Red Queen is dystopian/fantasy and follows 'Red' girl Mare Barrow whom picks pockets in her poor town. In her world, there are the 'Reds' and the 'Silvers'; The silver blooded beings have all sorts of different powers and live in riches, whereas the red blooded are nothing special and so on. Though Mare and the rest of the royals soon find out she is something different and it goes from there. The writing is spot on, it flowed so easily and I kept reading and reading until it was all gone. Glass Sword is the sequel to come out in the coming months which I am very much looking forward to. 5/5



2. Simon vs The Homo Sapiens Agenda - Becky Albertalli
"Straight people should have to come out too. The more awkward it is, the better." Simon has been emailing Blue - both whom are gay, but don't know the true identity of each other yet go to the same school. Someone finds out about Simon's emails and starts blackmailing him in order to gain what he wants. This was such an easy and funny read that can quite honestly, depict real life. You get to follow this through Simon's point of view and some of the emails between Simon and Blue - which I really enjoy. I won't go on too much but if you're looking for something light and a little funny, this is it. 5/5



3. My True Love Gave to Me - Various Authors, edited by Stephanie Perkins
12 authors, 12 holiday stories. I'm not one to 'season-read' however, a few people were reading this and I decided to give it ago - enticed by the short story concept. They all take place around the Christmas/New Year holiday season and most were pretty good. There were some that were not properly finished - they needed more than a short story so that was disappointing. But there were some stories in there that were just so cute and I really enjoyed. 4/5



4. Snow Like Ashes - Sara Raasch
This book felt like Red Queen combined with combined with A Court of Thorns and Roses but more action added into it. I started off reading this quite slowly - perhaps the busyness of the holiday season slowed me down? Once I got about half way, I just wanted more and more. Meira is from Winter but no one has been there since it was destroyed and majority of its villagers were taken to work in the Spring work camps as slaves. The refugee group have been living in various parts of other seasons working to try gain their freedom and their home back from Spring. Loved, loved, loved this book, I love stories like this! Ice Like Fire is book two and is already out however, I have to refrain from buying it until I read more of my unread books on my shelf. 5/5


JANUARY TBR

1. Soundless - Richelle Mead

2. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children - Ransom Riggs

3. A Thousand Pieces of You - Claudia Gray

4. Shadow and Bone - Leigh Bardugo




These four books are what I definitely want to read this month (and I've actually just finished Soundless!) I will more than likely read on my kindle or iPad at work as it's much easier and maybe pick up one of the books I've put down and try to finish them.

That's all today! I'll see you soon for my full 2015 book list.

Take care!
xx

Where you can find me

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

Follow me with Bloglovin' !

Hello everyone!

Hello everyone.