Top Ten Tuesday (Audio Freebie): My picks for 'Current Favourite Songs'.

This is one of my favourite topics because not only do I adore books, but I love music too! As soon as I saw that the topic could be anything audio related I knew I'd talk about some of my favourite current songs. I can't wait to share them all with you!

1) 'Castle' by Halsey.

Specifically, the version that's found on 'The Huntsman: Winter's War' soundtrack. While this might not be the greatest film around, I adore the huge amount of imagination that went into everything in it: the costumes are amazing, the visuals stunning and the plot was pretty good too. Above all, I loved the music and this particular song that plays during the credits really caught my attention.

2) 'Raise The Dead' by RAIGN.

Ever since I heard this song on 'The Originals', a programme that my flat mate thoroughly enjoys, I knew I had to add it to my list of favourites. Recently I've found it stuck in my head a lot and can't stop listening to it over and over again. RAIGN, otherwise known as Rachel Rabin, has a gorgeous voice and I'm desperate to get into more of her music.

3) 'Loudest Alarm' by Scars on 45.

I adore this song. I actually discovered it by accident while browsing through Youtube recommendations and it's probably my favourite that I've discovered this way. There are a few different versions but I've got a soft spot for the Demo version!

4) 'Sacrifice' by Zella Day.

I'm a pretty big fan of Zella Day, and the song that started it all was 'Sacrifice' on the 'Insurgent' film's soundtrack. Movies are where I find a large dose of my favourite tracks so it's no surprise that this made it. Such an epic song!

5) 'Fly' by Ludovico Einaudi.

I don't just like songs with great lyrics and singers, I'm a huge fan of instrumentals too! Piano pieces are probably my favourite, especially as I've always wanted to learn to play myself. Ludovico Einaudi is a fairly recent discovery of mine, and I fell in love with 'Fly' while listening to 'The Intouchables' soundtrack.

6) 'Shatter Me' by Lindsey Stirling feat. Lzzy Hale.

Following along the instruments trend, I've really found myself listening to a lot of Lindsey Stirling's stuff recently. She's a talented violinist (and dancer), and though this particular song features vocals from the wonderful Lzzy Hale, I love that Lindsey's violin takes centre stage!

7) 'Wish That You Were Here' by Florence & The Machine.

Who else is excited for this film? Because as soon as I heard it was coming out, I was so hyped! I had a few issues with the book but I genuinely think the movie looks like it will be really spectacular! This early song release to accompany the film is also very impressive, and by my favourite band. I love it!

8) 'Through Glass' by Stone Sour.

I used to listen to this song so much when I was a little younger and I've recently repeatedly found it stuck in my head which I've relished very much. Corey Taylor is well known for being the lead singer of Slipknot, but I prefer his voice in the songs he sang with Stone Sour.

9) 'The Sound Of Silence' by Nouela.

This is an absolutely stunning cover of Simon & Garfunkel's original, haunting melody. I've noticed this song making a resurgence as of late (Disturbed have also sung a cracking cover recently) but this understated, soulful rendition brings me to tears nearly every time.

10) 'The Hanging Tree' by Jennifer Lawrence & James Newton Howard.

Everyone who knows me knows I really love Movie scores and compositions, and I honestly think that some of the most emotional music can come from the background of a person's favourite film. This is a famous song thanks to Jennifer Lawrence's voice over the top, but some of the best parts are Howard's compositions. It really brings something extra to that particular scene.

Top Ten Tuesday (Freebie): My picks for 'Series That I STILL Need To Catch Up On'.

Sometimes it can be hard to think of ten books for a Top Ten Tuesday list, but seeing as it's freebie week, I thought I'd pick a topic that I couldn't possibly fail at: books I still need to read. Or, more specifically, sequels that I'm amazed I haven't got round to yet. For most of these picks, the series will have been out for a while. In some cases I only have one book left to go, in some I have even more.

1) The 'Inheritance Trilogy' series by Christopher Paolini.

Books Read: 'Eragon', 'Eldest', 'Brisingr'...

I'm picking this one because it's probably the one I'm most annoyed about. I read 'Eragon', 'Eldest' and 'Brisingr' as soon as they came out, but upon receiving 'Inheritance', I never got round to it! It is still sitting on my shelf just waiting to be read. Whatsmore, in order to fully appreciate it now, I'm definitely going to have to reread the others. Why didn't I read it all those years ago?

2) 'The Kingkiller Chronicle' series by Patrick Rothfuss.

Books Read: 'The Name Of The Wind'...

My second choice is a similar story, though Patrick Rothfuss hasn't actually finished writing this series yet so at least 'catching up' is feasible! I loved 'The Name Of The Wind' and then never got round to 'The Wise Man's Fear' or 'The Slow Regard Of Silent Things'. I want to read them both, and though I may have to reread book one again in order to do so, it will be so worth it!

3) The 'Modern Faerie Tales' series by Holly Black.

Books Read: 'Tithe', 'Valiant'...

The last book of this series, 'Ironside', still continues to evade me.  really enjoyed book one and absolutely adored book two, so I'll be interested to see how the two come together. I also really miss some of the characters that I met in 'Tithe' ('Valiant' focused on a completely different story-line) which I know will be appearing in this one! Besides, it's about time I got back to reading Holly Black's books. I love her imagination so much! 

4) The 'Afterlife' series by Terri Bruce.

Books Read: 'Hereafter', 'Thereafter'...

I find it really hard to believe how much I have got into this series sometimes. Especially as to begin with, I really wasn't convinced. This was mostly due to annoying, frustrating MC and the ever-so-slightly repetitive plot. Book two, 'Thereafter', really hooked me however. It's safe to say that I'm desperate to read 'Whereafter' but haven't found the time yet.

5) The 'Waterfire Saga' by Jennifer Donnelly.

Books Read: 'Deep Blue', 'Rogue Wave'...

The covers alone would draw anyone into reading this series, especially if they're a fantasy fan. Despite the fact that the first book excessively info-dumped, I was soon hooked by the premise of a YA (verging on middle-grade) that focuses on friendship and overcoming differences. And of course, the mermaids helped (mermaids are surprisingly difficult to come by in books). I'm two books behind now, so I'd better catch up soon!

6) 'The Grisha' series by Leigh Bardugo.

Books Read: 'Shadow & Bone', 'Siege & Storm'...

I gave the first book in the series a really good rating and then, over time, began to wonder if I'd been too generous. It took me almost two years to get onto book two after that, but I adored it and plan to read 'Ruin & Rising' ASAP. Especially as it means I can then start Bardugo's other series, 'Six Of Crows', absolutely guilt-free! I'm falling so far behind with Bardugo's books, so I need to do something about it soon!

7) 'The Malediction Trilogy' by Danielle L. Jensen.

Books Read: 'Stolen Songbird'...

Of this list, this is probably the series that makes me feel the most disappointed in my self. I adored 'Stolen Songbird' so much, especially as it contained Trolls which are creatures rarely focused upon in Fantasy. Normally they resemble a Tolkien-esque lumbering giant or small creatures as found in 'Frozen'. The trolls in this series are very different and I can't believe I've still only read the first book in this series. Both 'Hidden Huntress' and 'Warrior Witch' are out now so I really need to get back into these books.

8) The 'Peter Grant' series by Ben Aaronovitch.

Books Read: 'Rivers Of London', 'Moon Over Soho'...

Phew, there are so many of these books out now and I am very behind with them. I've only read two of the six books that have been released so far and I have plans to get round to 'Whispers Underground' soon. Aaronovitch has some really original, fun ideas with the paranormal stuff in this book. I'm excited to find out what he'll do next! Hopefully it will involve the Tube in some way because then the book will be an intense read while I'm travelling too and from work!

9) The 'Penryn & The End Of Days' series by Susan Ee.

Books Read: 'Angelfall', 'World After'...

I know I'm behind with this series not only because having recommended it to a work colleague of mine she's now read the whole thing, but also because 'End Of Days' has been out so long! I read 'World After' pretty recently actually and threaten to be very disappointed in myself if I wait another lengthy period of time before reading the last in a great trilogy.

10) The 'Between' series by April Genevieve Tucholke.

Books Read: 'Between The Devil & The Deep Blue Sea'...

I read this book quite a while back, after hearing mixed but generally very positive reviews on it. I wanted to read it because it looked creepy and I haven't really read much in the way of Southern Gothic fantasy. While the place names (and character names) bordered on ridiculous it charmed me into wanting to read the second of the duology. Yet I still haven't. 

Top Ten Tuesday Freebie: My picks for 'Books Set In France That I Want To Read'.

So in honour of my two week hiatus abroad, I have decided to do a post on books that are set in France, one of the places that I visited. There aren't a huge amount of books set in Crete that I know of, which is why I picked France!

1) 'The Phantom Of The Opera'; Gaston Leroux.

This story has always fascinated me for a huge number of reasons. I'm a huge fan of the musical, and the film that came out later, and the plot itself is totally fascinating. A ghostly masked man obsessed with a young member of the chorus. I'm desperate to read the book that started it all and see if there are any interesting differences! 




2) 'The Hunchback Of Notre-Dame'; Victor Hugo.

Being a Disney fan, I adore the premise of this story. Of course I know that the two things are completely different. The book, or so I hear, is a lot more tragic and violent. I would just love the chance to read it for myself and see the similarities (if there are any). Do Phoebus, Esmarelda and Frollo even exist in the book? I'm guessing they must, but very differently! I think it was visiting the Cathedral that really put me in the mood for this one!


3) 'Les Miserables'; Victor Hugo.

Yet another favourite musical of mine. The recent film is phenomenal too and I really want to read the book, as with my other chosen books so far. The story behind this is so interesting: a revolution that ends tragically in almost every way possible, and a decades long game of cat and mouse as an ill-fated criminal is chased by a no-nonsense man of the law. Throw in a lot of love and heartbreak and it sounds like the perfect story to tackle.


4) 'The Da Vinci Code'; Dan Brown.

My boyfriend adores the 'Robert Langdon' series by Dan Brown and this is actually the second one in the series. But actually, having been to the Louvre, I would be interested to read a book about a mystery surrounding the Mona Lisa. I've actually never seen the film either, so it would be good to read the book first and hopefully really enjoy it!



5) 'Interview With The Vampire'; Anne Rice.

Man, I have wanted to read 'The Vampire Chronicles' for so long! I actually bought the book last year while I was in Wales and it's still sitting on my shelf waiting to be read. I seriously take so long to get round to books, but when I do read this one, I sincerely hope I enjoy it!




6) 'Labyrinth'; Kate Mosse.

I have actually read a collection of short stories by this lady, and I thought the best part of Mosse's writing was her description work. A few of the stories were set in France and the atmosphere that Mosse built just blew me away. I really want to dig into one of her Historical novels (this being the first in the 'Languedoc' trilogy) and enjoy it.



7) 'Anna & The French Kiss'; Stephanie Perkins.

I don't normally go for romantic novels but I have heard a heck of a lot about this book! The clue that it is set in France is in the title of course, and I am honestly really intrigued to see what all the fuss is about! 




8) 'The Diving Bell & The Butterfly'; Jean-Dominique Bauby.

I saw the cover of this book recently on a list somewhere, and instantly recognised it. Of course, I ran to the synopsis to see if it was a book I had read and somehow forgotten about, but only vaguely recognised the synopsis. The most likely cause of all this is that I picked it up in a Library or Bookshop to see if I wanted it and then put it back again. Having looked at the synopsis now, I desperately want to read this memoir.


9) 'Grave Mercy'; Robin LaFevers.

The 'His Fair Assassin' series continues to constantly elude me, but I want to read it so much! I've seen Bloggers all over my feed go crazy over it too, which only makes me want to read it more. The moment I realised that it was set in France, I just had to put it on this list!




Alright, so I couldn't resist one pick from Crete...

10) 'The Island'; Victoria Hislop. 

During my trip away, I heard various tourists and people who lived there talk about this book. Being an avid reader, my ears always seem to prick up when people are talking about novels, and this was no exception! I've since read the synopsis, and as well as getting the triumphant thrill of recognising the places it talks about, I think it looks like a really interesting read!

Life Of A Blogger: 'Significant Other'.

This week's topic is actually a Freebie, meaning I can write about whatever I like! I had a look through some of the previous topics that I missed and this one instantly caught my eye. I talk about Mat so often in my posts, but I've never actually dedicated a post to him. Why not?

So my boyfriend's name is Mat, or Matthew as he was christened. He's always preferred shortening it and having only one 'T', and now two 'T's seems strange to me, even though it isn't really. He's actually a couple of years younger than me, and has only just finished his first year at Uni! If you asked anyone that knows us though, they would say he is definitely the more mature of the two of us. 

We first started going out way back in 2009, on December 14th! Mat's birthday is actually the next day so obviously I was the best birthday present he ever had. At least, that's what I keep telling myself! As a couple, we like to mostly spend time together just relaxing, generally playing on Game consoles or watching TV. Our favourite place to go out is the Cinema, as we're both pretty big fans of watching films! We also like to eat out from time to time.

Over the years we've had a lot of good memories, one of my favourite being our Weekend away in London for my birthday! We went to the Zoo, the Aquarium and to see Lion King and it was definitely a nice mini-break I won't forget. We went away to Corfu together last year which was a lot of fun (and incidentally, where the above picture was taken).

The last 4 and a half years has whirled by so quickly, and I'm certainly looking forward to many more happy years ahead!