Thursday, 10 December 2015

Erena Reviews: November

December 10, 2015 0 Comments
HELLO!

I've been absent as of late as I have been super busy and I should've pre written blog posts but did I do that? No... My bad!

November was a good reading month with a total of six (6) books read. Four of these books I rated 5/5! I collected quite a few books this month: Red Queen, Snow Like Ashes & Simon vs The Homo Sapiens Agenda I won from a giveaway; Magnus Chase x 2 - one I bought on special, a signed copy I won at Penguin Teen Australia Live event in Brisbane; Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children full priced and a box set of six classics from QBD for only $15! So, I didn't spend too much money but I'm definitely going to need to pick up my reading game!



Anyways, here are my November reads...

1. The Heir - Kiera Cass
The fourth novel in The Selection series moves on to Maxon and America's sassy daughter Princess Eadlyn, the future queen! I was sad to read it wasn't America's story however it was still an enjoyable and easy read. It finished on an emotional cliffhanger which I feel like Cass hasn't really done in the other books. 4/5



2. Crown of Midnight - Sarah J Maas
I was so ready for Crown of Midnight after reading the first in its series: Throne of Glass, last month. In this story, the true and ever so badass Celaena came alive with an incredible assassin scene which I loved! There was also crazy emotional chapters in Crown of Midnight as well though and pulled on the heart strings. This book is definitely in my top 5 of 2015! 5/5 plus another 100

3. Happily Ever After - Kiera Cass
This is a selection (no pun intended) of novellas from The Selection series. It includes The Queen (Amberley), The Guard (Aspen), The Prince (Maxon) and a few other scenes. I enjoyed reading from others point of views especially Queen Amberley. I think this is a good way to have other point of view novels - a collection of different characters in the one book. 4/5



4. Percy Jackson & The Lightning Thief - Rick Riordan
I've finally got myself into this series, if it wasn't for the Bookstagram community I don't think I would have. If you don't know what I'm talking about, Percy is a demi-god finding himself on a mission to find Zeus' lightning bolt which he apparently stole and return it - along with fighting off creatures of the Underworld. Suitable for a wide range of people; this was such an easy read and I enjoyed it immensely. 5/5



5. Clockwork Angel - Cassandra Clare
I took a break from The Mortal Instruments and gave The Infernal Devices a go instead. It took me a while to get into but I love it much more than Clary's story (Clary annoys me a bit too much). I loved how it is set in the 1800's and of course Jem and Will! I am still trying to warm up to Tessa but I definitely prefer her story and interesting background. I am keen to read Clockwork Prince and hopefully will get to it in the next couple of months. 5/5



6. The Assassin's Blade - Sarah J Maas
This is a collection of novellas set before 'Throne of Glass' however, it's pretty much one whole story with a couple of gaps in between. You get to meet and know Sam Cortland and if you've read Throne of Glass you will pretty much have anxiety issues whenever he's around. You get the badass Celaena again in The Assassin's Blade which I loved! I don't think it really matters when you read this book along with the Throne of Glass series, though I've only read the first two. 5/5 !


And there you have my little reviews for my November reads. Sorry it was late... I'll try better next time. If you have any questions or thoughts on this post please comment below or message me on my Bookstagram. Stay tuned for my 2016 reading list!



Currently Reading: Simon vs The Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

Email: erenabennett@hotmail.com
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Thursday, 5 November 2015

November TBR

November 05, 2015 0 Comments
Hello everyone!

Hope you're all well.
I've been wanting to post more regularly on here and I think I've always felt that it had to be a more 'filled' post however, I've realised that's not the case. I actually like short posts here and there. 

So I thought I'd bring to you today my November TBR (To Be Read).
Last month, My TBR contained six books - which I felt was very ambitious for me, I then went on to read 5/6 of those books and three extra books (total of eight books).
This month, I've only included four books but definitely hope to read at least one or two more. The reason being I didn't add more was because I wasn't sure what I wanted to read exactly - mood play a big part when deciding what book to read next. 


Without further ado, here is my current list I hope to get through this month:

1. Crown of Midnight - Sarah J Maas
Book two in the Throne of Glass series and also what I'm currently reading. 

2. The Heir - Keira Cass
Book four in The Selection series which I've also started reading. This one is an ebook which I like to take to work. 

3. City of Glass - Cassandra Clare
Book three of The Mortal Instruments series. Hopefully much better than book two. 

4. Clockwork Angel - Cassandra Clare
Book one in The Infernal Devices series. Which I am very much looking forward to reading.

So these four are what I definitely want to read this month. I'll play the other books my mood... So many books, so little time! 

I hope you enjoyed this quick little post. I'd love to know what you're currently reading and your November TBR's so please comment below or send me a DM on Instagram. 

Until then, take care.
xx


Email: erenabennett@hotmail.com
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Saturday, 31 October 2015

Erena Reviews: October

October 31, 2015 0 Comments
Good morning, afternoon and evening to wherever you may be in the world.

Another month over brings a new blog post dedicated to the books I have read this month and boy, was I productive. I read a total of eight books this month (which is really good for me!) I've got into my head the saying "So many books, so little time!" This may sound a little morbid but what if I die before reading all the books I've really wanted to read? Especially mid through a series?! I hope to live a long and book-filled life!

Anyway, onto the reason you came to visit my blog...







BOOKS



1. Throne of Glass - Sarah J Maas
I discovered the Throne of Glass series through 'Bookstagram'. I heard plenty of great things about these books and definitely looked like something I was keen on reading. Celaena Sardothien is the infamous assassin of Adarlan who is given a possible chance at freedom if she fights her way through and is the last one standing. Since I had heard all these raving reviews I went into it slowly and take it bit by bit, which I'm glad I did. I feel it made me absorb it all the better and I really, really enjoyed it and am looking forward to the next book. Celaena comes off arrogant and rude but where people didn't like that, I absolutely loved that about her - she wasn't being fake. Anyway, give this a read! 5/5



2. A Court of Thorns and Roses - Sarak J Maas
I went into this book without knowing what it was about at all; I found out about half way through this book that it is actually a retelling of Beauty and the Beast - I would have read the whole thing and had no idea. This follows Feyre after she kills one of the faerie kind and is somewhat banished to their world by a high lord named Tamlin. This is a fantasy novel but has so much to it and I couldn't stop reading it. This could very well be my favourite book of 2015! Book two comes out next year. 5/5 (plus ten).

3. City of Ashes - Cassandra Clare
Last month you would have seen that I was giving another chance to The Mortal Instruments series. I enjoyed City of Bones somewhat and looked forward to getting to book two. I won't say much about the series since this is the second instalment and I don't want to give anything away. Honestly, I didn't really like it that much. Clary is such an annoying character and I hated reading from her point of view. I continued reading for the sake of Jace - I like him! I will still continue with the series and read City of Glass next month. 3/5

4. To Kill A Mockingbird - Harper Lee
A couple of months ago Go Set a Watchman was published and released and I wanted to reread To Kill a Mockingbird before reading the sequel. I love this book and it is definitely one of my favourite books. My favourite thing about this book is reading from Scout's point of view. 5/5



5. The Selection - Keira Cass
This was an impulse read. I had heard about this series a couple of months ago but lost interest when I thought the synopsis sounding so 'teenagey'. It came up again on my bookstagram feed just over a week ago and I asked other people's opinions of it and most people said it was okay and continued reading the series. The Selection is a dystopian novel where 35 girls are 'randomly selected' from the castes to live in the royal palace and try to win the heart of the prince and to then become princess. I found it hard to stop reading and really enjoyed this story! 4/5


6. The Elite - Keira Cass
Book two of The Selection series is about 'The Elite' - otherwise known as the top ten, or in this case top six. The main character 'America Singer' is all over the place but is kind and fair at heart. Sometimes though, you want to tell her to get her shit together (sorry!) I felt like these first two books could have been combined and made just as one book but nonetheless I enjoyed it and finished it very quickly, eager for book three. 4/5



7. Go Set a Watchman - Harper Lee
~ Before I start, I was actually reading book three of the previously mentioned series but finished this one first.
If you didn't already know, Go Set a Watchman was actually written before To Kill a Mockingbird but Lee was turned down and told to write something else. This takes place twenty something years later and watches Jean Louise (Scout) go back to Maycomb on one of her annual visits from New York. This took me longer to read than I expected and I found myself putting it down and picking up something else. I picked it up a week later and made myself read it. It was okay... Didn't really need to be written to be honest. If you're interested, I would say read it but don't stress over it. 3/5

8. The One - Keira Cass
I was only too happy to dive into this book (whilst I was at work 'working'). This obviously continues on with America Singer involved in the selection process to marry the prince, though much more intense with only four girls left and things are getting heated between everyone. The One has excitement, tragedy (I cried a couple of times) and the kind of romance that makes you want to melt. Definitely my favourite so far! See you soon book four. 5/5

Wow, eight books. Go me! I'm very happy with the amount I read and currently have a goal of 52 books to read in 2015. I've read 44 so far and I think I'll make it!
I would love to know your thoughts on these books if you've read them, or let me know what you read this month. If there is anything you want me to read for a review, let me know that too - if you like I can do a full review as well.

Happy reading!

Love, Erena

PS - You can follow me on Bloglovin, just click the button up to the right :)


Email: erenabennett@hotmail.com
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Wednesday, 21 October 2015

Follow me on Bloglovin

October 21, 2015 0 Comments
Hey guys,

This is a quick update to let you know you can follow me on Bloglovin!
If you're unsure what Bloglovin is, basically it's a website and a convenient app where you can sign up in seconds and follow all the blogs you read in one place. It doesn't matter what domain it's from. You simply have to search for the blog and it will show up for you to follow.

If you guys would like to follow me (which I'd love and appreciate) then click below!

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

I'm also working on some new blog posts so I can get back to posting more regularly.
I'd also love to hear your suggestions, so let me know :)

Take care!


Email: erenabennett@hotmail.com
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Friday, 2 October 2015

Erena Reviews: September

October 02, 2015 0 Comments
Welcome back!

So I've had my Bookstagram (@erenareads) for just over a month now and am loving the community and the urge to read so much more. I hardly buy books anymore but I've gone and purchased four books from the same author (Sarah J Maas) and have recently started Throne of Glass and loving it already.
I'm a little more active on Goodreads (@erenareads) as well these days - feel free to follow or add me.
I read four books this month even though I fell into a bit of a slump at one point.
Enjoy!


BOOKS

I Was Here - Gayle Forman
I went into this book not having any idea what it was about and not hearing too much about it - though what I heard was good. Out of all the books I've read from Forman (2 and a half), this is by far my favourite. Suitable for teens and young adult fiction lovers, this one is super easy to read and could possible pull at the heart strings for some readers. 5/5




City of Bones - Cassandra Clare
I read this maybe four or five years ago and was so annoyed at the ending that I didn't continue with the rest of the books. Over time I got over it and found out the obvious and decided to read it again with intentions of following through with the rest of the books in this series. I like the story - the same as when I first read it, and because I knew what I was in for I just enjoyed the writing. It is a super easy read, for the older who like to sometimes venture into the YA world, you might enjoy! 5/5




Animal Farm - George Orwell
I think this is read in schools? I'm not 100% sure but I wish I did! It's really interesting how all the animals develop after the rebellion having all the same traits as us lousy humans. I also think it is hilarious. This is a super short book so definitely give it a go if you haven't already. Suitable for all ages. 5/5


I'll Give You The Sun - Jandy Nelson
People were raving about this book - "A MUST READ!!" Naturally I had high expectations and was unfortunately let down. It took me ages to read/get into this story and I kept waiting for that point where all of a sudden I can't put the book down. It kind of happened - but only because I had to take it back to the library and wanted to finish it. It ended up being okay and I guess I enjoyed it however for me, it wasn't 'a must read'. 4/5

That is my September wrap up! I have a very ambitious October ahead of me with six books on my TBR (To Be Read), but I just want to read it all! I'll try my best, friends!

See you soon for a post about organisation/planning!



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Friday, 4 September 2015

Erena Reviews: August

September 04, 2015 0 Comments
Welcome back to another edition of 'Erena Reviews'!
This month started off slow; the first book I read just wasn't screaming "Keep on reading!!" but I got there in the end and managed to finish two books in the last couple of days of August.

BOOKS

1. The Sky is Everywhere - Jandy Nelson
I saw this book recommended quite a bit on Bookstagrams (Book Instagrams) so naturally I wanted to read it. Sorry to the lovers of this book, but it's not something I'd personally recommend. It wasn't bad - it was fine, I just wasn't that interested in the story and some parts annoyed me, but in saying this, there was definitely parts I enjoyed. I'm looking forward to Nelson's other novels. 3/5




2. Attachments - Rainbow Rowell
Yes! This book was hilarious, serious, emotional and I loved it a million times more than Fangirl (though I didn't really enjoy that one). At first I kept getting confused with Beth and Jennifer on who was who - but easily enough got on track. Lincoln has to read their 'flagged' emails for the company they all work for but never does anything about them and just continues to read them. Sounds creepy, but I don't think so. Definitely recommend this one! 5/5






3. The Enemy - Charlie Higson
Another one recommended on the Bookstagram world. It's set in modern England and zombies take over ze world!!!! Or England as far as the first book goes. It seems as though the kids under 14 haven't been affected by the disease and they call the diseased ones 'Grown Ups'. It's actually quite entertaining - though emotional - to read. I wouldn't recommend this series to older adults (unless you're into the Young Adult genre) because all the characters are kids and I find it very 'teenish/kiddish' at times. Nonetheless, I enjoyed it and am onto book two. 4/5


4. The Best of Me - Nicholas Sparks
I've read a couple of Sparks' novels and I can't say I read any of them in two days. From the first page I was drawn into the story and didn't leave it until I literally finished the book. Of course, it was a love story and was super emotional - the usual Nicholas Sparks stuff, but there's a reason he writes these stories - he's god damn good at it. I absolutely loved 'The Best of Me' (even if it tore me apart) and I'm hoping to watch the movie adaptation very soon! 5/5






'The Best of Me' was definitely my favourite of the month and it definitely makes me want to read another Sparks novel this month.

Earlier I was speaking of 'Bookstagram' (Instagram of everything book related) and I have actually just made an account. If you want to follow me I'll leave my user name down below and if you're an active Bookstagrammer I'll definitely follow you back!

I hope you've enjoyed my reviews this month and I'll see you next month for some more!



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Wednesday, 5 August 2015

Erena Reviews: July

August 05, 2015 0 Comments
Hello everyone.

Some of you may have noticed (or not) that I have changed this segment title to 'Erena Reviews'. I decided I wanted to include all the books I read in the month and give them a 'out of 5' rating. I'm sure none of you will mind, because why would you?

I'll also include a TV show in this post, so stay tuned (or keep scrolling after the books).
Enjoy!

BOOKS


1. Lola & The Boy Next Door - Stephanie Perkins
This is the second book following Anna & The French Kiss (reviewed in last months segment) and once again I really enjoyed this novel. I enjoyed the small parts which included Anna and St. Clair from the first novel even thought the story wasn't about them. This story focuses on Lola and a boy named Cricket Bell who returns from her past. Well written and enjoyable the entire book. 4.5/5






2. Isla & The Happily Ever After - Stephanie Perkins
The third and final in this contemporary series finds Isla & Josh back at the 'School of America in Paris'. Josh was in the first novel (Anna) but never went in to depth of his character. At first I found the story to seem quite cliche and to be honest... kind of stupid (sorry) however, as the story kept building and characters developing I found myself immersed in the book until it was over. I definitely liked it but Anna & St. Clair are my favourite! 4/5





3. The Girl on the Train - Paula Hawkins
I had no idea what this book was about when I got it, I saw little pictures of the front cover forever coming up on websites and in stores that it's a must read. I never read a blurb or review, I simply started reading it and finding that I'm not sure if I would have ever picked it up if it wasn't popular. I would label this drama/crime/thriller kind of book and probably the best one I've ever read (the list isn't that long). It starts off with Rachel - a raging alcoholic who can't let go of her past and constantly finding herself in some sort of trouble. You'll get to read from other point of views but I won't get more into it. Definitely a great read! 5/5




4. Maybe Someday - Colleen Hoover
I went back to read some more Colleen Hoover since they were there and on my TBR. Maybe Someday is written in both main characters point of view - Sydney and Ridge. You'll experience all the emotions with this one but what I really want to say is: this is my favourite Colleen Hoover novel to date! I really enjoy reading from both characters views and watching the development of them unravel. 5/5






5. Losing Hope - Colleen Hoover
Another Hoover novel. Last month I wrote about the first in this series - Hopeless - and how much I loved it. I'm very glad I read this one after reading a few other books in between because it may have affected how I felt about this story. This one is in Holder's point of view with the same timeline as the first book. Yes, Hoover did it again (last month I talked about the Slammed series). I cannot stand the fact that she did the same story but in a different characters head. Holder is a fairly interesting character and there were actually interesting parts of this story that you didn't know in Hopeless so that, I shall semi forgive. I recommend reading this novel a few books or month later than the first, you won't forget anything - they go over it again. 4/5 (but still annoyed)


TV SHOWS


1. The Returned - 2015
From what I've read online (not much), I think this series is a remake help produced by Netflix - which is where I watched it. It looked interesting while I was flicking through new TV shows so I started watching it and decided I really liked it and continued. The Returned is not a zombie series though it may sound like it. People that died start showing up again in their hometown like nothing is wrong and they haven't been gone for years after being buried in a grave. That's all I'll say... I really enjoyed this series and found out soon after that apparently they aren't making a second season :( I'm hoping they'll change their minds. Definitely check it out 4/5


And that's all I have for you this month. I hope you enjoy my mini reviews and ratings. If you read any of these books or watched The Returned let me know what you thought of them in the comments below.
In the mean time, I best get reading some more books for next months segment.
Au revoir!

PS - You may see a new Goodreads widget to the right here. It is my 'currently reading' section.







Email: erenabennett@hotmail.com
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