I liked this one, a very intriguing topic! I wasn't sure how many books I'd read with numbers in the title - as it turned out, a lot!
1) '1984' by George Orwell.
The year 1984 has come and gone, but George Orwell's prophetic, nightmarish vision in 1949 of the world we were becoming is timelier than ever. 1984 is still the great modern classic of "negative utopia"—a startlingly original and haunting novel that creates an imaginary world that is completely convincing, from the first sentence to the last four words. No one can deny the novel's hold on the imaginations of whole generations, or the power of its admonitions—a power that seems to grow, not lessen, with the passage of time.
2) 'Noughts & Crosses' by Malorie Blackman.
Sephy is a Cross -- a member of the dark-skinned ruling class. Callum is a Nought -- a “colourless” member of the underclass who were once slaves to the Crosses. The two have been friends since early childhood, but that’s as far as it can go. In their world, Noughts and Crosses simply don’t mix. Against a background of prejudice and distrust, intensely highlighted by violent terrorist activity, a romance builds between Sephy and Callum -- a romance that is to lead both of them into terrible danger. Can they possibly find a way to be together?
3) 'The Three' by Sarah Lotz.
The world is stunned when four commuter planes crash within hours of each other on different continents. Facing global panic, officials are under pressure to find the causes. With terrorist attacks and environmental factors ruled out, there doesn't appear to be a correlation between the crashes, except that in three of the four air disasters a child survivor is found in the wreckage. Dubbed 'The Three' by the international press, the children all exhibit disturbing behavioural problems, presumably caused by the horror they lived through and the unrelenting press attention. This attention becomes more than just intrusive when a rapture cult led by a charismatic evangelical minister insists that the survivors are three of the four harbingers of the apocalypse. The Three are forced to go into hiding, but as the children's behaviour becomes increasingly disturbing, even their guardians begin to question their miraculous survival.
4) 'One Hundred Years Of Solitude' by Gabriel Garcia Marquez.
The brilliant, bestselling, landmark novel that tells the story of the Buendia family, and chronicles the irreconcilable conflict between the desire for solitude and the need for love—in rich, imaginative prose that has come to define an entire genre known as "magical realism."
5) 'Child 44' by Tom Rob Smith.
MGB officer Leo is a man who never questions the Party Line. He arrests whomever he is told to arrest. He dismisses the horrific death of a young boy because he is told to, because he believes the Party stance that there can be no murder in Communist Russia. Leo is the perfect soldier of the regime. But suddenly his confidence that everything he does serves a great good is shaken. He is forced to watch a man he knows to be innocent be brutally tortured. And then he is told to arrest his own wife. Leo understands how the State works: Trust and check, but check particularly on those we trust. He faces a stark choice: his wife or his life. And still the killings of children continue...
6) 'Station Eleven' by Emily St. John Mandel.
One snowy night a famous Hollywood actor slumps over and dies onstage during a production of King Lear. Hours later, the world as we know it begins to dissolve. Moving back and forth in time—from the actor's early days as a film star to fifteen years in the future, when a theatre troupe known as the Traveling Symphony roams the wasteland of what remains—this suspenseful, elegiac, spellbinding novel charts the strange twists of fate that connect five people: the actor, the man who tried to save him, the actor's first wife, his oldest friend, and a young actress with the Traveling Symphony, caught in the crosshairs of a dangerous self-proclaimed prophet.
7) 'A Thousand Nights' by E.K. Johnston.
Lo-Melkhiin killed three hundred girls before he came to Schezerade's village, looking for a wife. When the formidable king arrives at her desert home, she knows that he will take her beautiful sister. Desperate to save her from certain death, she makes the ultimate sacrifice - leaving home and family behind to live with a fearful man. But it seems that a strange magic flows between her and Lo-Melkhiin, and night after night, she survives. Finding power in storytelling, the words she speaks are given strange life of their own. Little things, at first: a dress from home, a vision of her sister. But she dreams of bigger, more terrible magic: power enough to save a king ...if only she can stop her heart from falling for a monster.
8) 'One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest' by Ken Kesey.
Tyrannical Nurse Ratched rules her ward in an Oregon State mental hospital with a strict and unbending routine, unopposed by her patients, who remain cowed by mind-numbing medication and the threat of electric shock therapy. But her regime is disrupted by the arrival of McMurphy – the swaggering, fun-loving trickster with a devilish grin who resolves to oppose her rules on behalf of his fellow inmates. His struggle is seen through the eyes of Chief Bromden, a seemingly mute half-Indian patient who understands McMurphy's heroic attempt to do battle with the powers that keep them imprisoned.
9) 'Seven Ways We Lie' by Riley Redgate.
Paloma High School is ordinary by anyone’s standards. It’s got the same cliques, the same prejudices, the same suspect cafeteria food. And like every high school, every student has something to hide—from Kat, the thespian who conceals her trust issues onstage, to Valentine, the neurotic genius who’s planted the seed of a school scandal. When that scandal bubbles over, and rumours of a teacher-student affair surface, everyone starts hunting for someone to blame. For the seven unlikely allies at the heart of it all, the collision of their seven ordinary-seeming lives results in extraordinary change.
10) 'Dragon Slayer Number 9' by Intisar Khanani.
Sometimes, a dragon just really wants to talk...
11) 'Dear Ijeawele, Or A Feminist Manifesto In Fifteen Suggestions' by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
Here are fifteen invaluable suggestions--compelling, direct, wryly funny, and perceptive--for how to empower a daughter to become a strong, independent woman. From encouraging her to choose a helicopter, and not only a doll, as a toy if she so desires; having open conversations with her about clothes, makeup, and sexuality; debunking the myth that women are somehow biologically arranged to be in the kitchen making dinner, and that men can "allow" women to have full careers, Dear Ijeawele goes right to the heart of sexual politics in the twenty-first century. It will start a new and urgently needed conversation about what it really means to be a woman today.
12) 'One Of Us Is Lying' by Karen M. McManus.
Yale hopeful Bronwyn has never publicly broken a rule. Sports star Cooper only knows what he's doing in the baseball diamond. Bad boy Nate is one misstep away from a life of crime. Prom queen Addy is holding together the cracks in her perfect life. And outsider Simon, creator of the notorious gossip app at Bayview High, won't ever talk about any of them again. He dies 24 hours before he could post their deepest secrets online. Investigators conclude it's no accident. All of them are suspects. Everyone has secrets, right? What really matters is how far you'll go to protect them.
13) 'The One Memory Of Flora Banks' by Emily Barr.
Flora has anterograde amnesia. She can't remember anything day-to-day: the joke her friend made, the instructions her parents gave her, how old she is. Then she kisses someone she shouldn't, and the next day she remembers it. It's the first time she's remembered anything since she was ten. But the boy is gone. She thinks he's moved to the Arctic. Will following him be the key to unlocking her memory? Who can she trust?
14) 'Six Of Crows' by Leigh Bardugo.
Ketterdam: a bustling hub of international trade where anything can be had for the right price—and no one knows that better than criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker. Kaz is offered a chance at a deadly heist that could make him rich beyond his wildest dreams. But he can’t pull it off alone - a convict with a thirst for revenge, a sharpshooter who can’t walk away from a wager, a runaway with a privileged past, a spy known as the Wraith, a Heartrender using her magic to survive the slums and a thief with a gift for unlikely escapes. Kaz’s crew is the only thing that might stand between the world and destruction—if they don’t kill each other first.
15) 'Lot No. 249' by Arthur Conan Doyle.
From the master of the detective story and creator of Sherlock Holmes, the first ever tale to feature a supernatural Egyptian mummy.
Ahhh, Autumn. The time of year for delicious warm beverages, cosy jumpers and blankets, and crunching leaves underfoot. Apart from the chilly weather I'm a huge fan of this time of year, and become really interested in reading spooky, mystery, fantastical and literary fiction. I've picked ten books I'd love to get through over the coming months!
1) 'His Last Bow' by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
The penultimate volume in the 'Sherlock Holmes' series and the perfect little mystery to read during the Autumn time. I'm a huge fan of the 'Sherlock Holmes' novels as a whole, and I want to keep enjoying them!
2) 'A Dance With Dragons: Dreams & Dust' by George R. R. Martin.
I've watched the entirety of Game Of Thrones and it's beginning to hit me that there won't be any more of it! So now I'm looking to go back to the books and I'm interested to see how different they are!
3) 'The Phantom Of The Opera' by Gaston Leroux.
This is another story that has always captivated my heart (I'm a huge fan of the musical and 2004 film) but that I've never read. It seems like a good autumnal read too - murder, mystery and gothic romance.
4) 'Wakenhyrst' by Michelle Paver.
I'm fond of a good ghost story, and 'Thin Air' by Michelle Paver really captured my attention when I read it. This is another that is set in an old house, and it is giving me real 'The Woman In Black' vibes which I love.
5) 'The Deathless Girls' by Kiran Millwood Hargrave.
This book is an LGBTQ+ retelling of Dracula from the perspective of his brides. Do I really need to say more than that? I need to read it ASAP!
6) 'A Skinful Of Shadows' by Frances Hardinge.
Frances Hardinge entered my radar a while back, but I loved reading 'The Lie Tree' and many people on the blogosphere have recommended this book on the back of that. I can't wait to get into it!
7) 'The Alchemist' by Paulo Coelho.
So many people have recommended this book to me, and I think it actually looks really cool! I like the fairytale format, and I'm interested to see what all the hype is about with this one.
8) 'Tiger Lily' by Jodi Lynn Anderson.
I read one of Jodi Lynn Anderson's books a while back and found it okay, but this one has really stuck on my radar because it's a reimagining of 'Peter Pan' but from Tiger Lily's POV. I'm definitely intrigued!
9) 'Retribution Rails' by Erin Bowman.
I've raved about 'Vengeance Road' enough to know I'm going to enjoy this YA Wild West adventure. I just have to actually read it now, and I'm frustrated that I haven't already.
10) 'Pet Sematary' by Stephen King.
I've always been in love with the idea of King's books as I think he is an excellent writer with a vast imagination. But I really want to totally fall in love with and be terrified by one. I'm hoping that 'Pet Semetary' will be that one.
Well the main event of this week was returning from glorious Croatia and spending the last few days off from work with my wonderful husband. We both had a lovely time away, enjoying some truly gorgeous weather and even though I am going back to work soon (and down to Earth again with a bump) I am on cloud nine because this last few weeks has just been so special!
I Read...
I Received...
- 'Nightchaser' by Amanda Bouchet: NetGalley (24/06/19)
- 'The Heart Of The Circle' by Keren Landsman: NetGalley (25/06/19)
- 'Aphrodite Made Me Do It' by Trista Mateer: NetGalley (25/06/19)
- 'Gods Of Jade & Shadow' by Silvia Moreno-Garcia: NetGalley (26/06/19)
- 'The Grace Year' by Kim Liggett: NetGalley (26/06/19)
- 'Bone China' by Laura Purcell: NetGalley (26/06/19)
- 'Soul Of The Sword' by Julie Kagawa: NetGalley (28/06/19)
I Posted...
June Wrap-Up
This might actually be my favourite topic. This or the seasonal TBRs. It makes me so excited for what's to come, and as usual, I can't just pick ten! I thought, seeing as I'm now on my honeymoon, this would be a great way to kick off me coming back to the blog after some time off!
1) 'The Beckoning Shadow' by Katharyn Blair.
Publication Date: July 2nd
I have been excited about this book for quite some time now! Just look at that cover art! I like the idea of superhero powers and a fighting competition. It looks to be a little different to my usual read, which I'm sure will be a good thing.
2) 'Destroy All Monsters' by Sam J. Miller.
Publication Date: July 2nd
I've seen many comparisons of this to Patrick Ness's work and that is definitely a comparison I can get on board with, as I love books by Ness! The concept is interesting - some kind of traumatic event causes one child to forget and the other to create an imaginary world filled with monsters.
3) 'Wilder Girls' by Rory Power.
Publication Date: July 9th
I've seen some great reviews for this LGBTQ+ horror mixed with some dystopian elements. I like the sound of so much of this - illness/outbreak causes an entire girls school to be quarantined and the students are forced to wait for the outside world to find a cure. Students go missing, teachers die, and one girl wants to break quarantine to save another. It sounds so cool!
4) 'Gods Of Jade & Shadow' by Silvia Moreno-Garcia.
Publication Date: July 23rd
A Mexican, jazz-age set, historical fairy tale absolutely sounds like my cup of tea, and this is Adult fiction instead of YA which should prove interesting! I love the cover and think that there's a lot of potential for something very different and diverse!
5) 'Before I Disappear' by Danielle Stinson.
Publication Date: July 23rd
There are so many things I enjoy watching/reading that this seems to have elements of - Stranger Things and Once Upon A Time being the main two. I love the idea of a whole town disappearing and a girl trying to find her brother. It certainly sounds intriguing!
6) 'Rose, Interrupted' by Patrice Lawrence.
Publication Date: July 25th
I've read and enjoyed Patrice Lawrence's 'Orangeboy' a while back, and I think that 'Rose, Interrupted' looks like a super interesting story-line. Escaping from a religious sect and being exposed to the world fully for the first time, two teenagers naively try to navigate new, unfamiliar surroundings and find a sense of community.
7) 'Spin The Dawn' by Elizabeth Lim.
Publication Date: July 30th
I am super, super excited for this book. Project Runway meets Mulan? Count me in! I can't wait to immerse myself in a world with asian culture, folklore, mythology and making beautiful outfits with magic. Everything about this book looks beautiful.
8) 'The Merciful Crow' by Margaret Owen.
Publication Date: July 30th
This looks like it has some really intriguing characters - a lady mercy-killer who runs a band of crows that are called to collect the dead; a Prince who fakes his own death and seeks to overthrow a ruthless Queen, and a bodyguard whose job it is to be the Prince's decoy seeks a life of his own. Sounds cool, right?
9) 'Here There Are Monsters' by Amelinda Bérubé.
Publication Date: August 1st
This looks so creepy and I am here for it! There are definitely elements of The Blair Witch Project or Pet Sematary in this but I am also drawn to the fact that the book focuses on two sisters. I like reading about familial relationships.
10) 'House Of Salt & Sorrows' by Erin A. Craig.
Publication Date: August 6th
This book is a retelling of the fairytale 'Twelve Dancing Princesses' but includes curses, ghosts, a creepy old manor by the sea and I look forward to reading some historical fantasy with a little spook factor.
11) 'Loki' by Mackenzi Lee.
Publication Date: September 3rd
Oh my goodness, a book about my favourite anti-hero? Yes please! The cover looks absolutely awesome and a little birdie (of the Twitter variety) tells me that Loki will be pansexual and gender-fluid? I am totally overcome with excitement for this book!
12) 'The Ten Thousand Doors Of January' by Alix E. Harrow.
Publication Date: September 10th
I love the idea of this story, particularly because it involves a book that transports the MC to imaginary worlds. I've read a couple of reviews which say that this book is a stunning piece of writing too, which makes me even more excited!
13) 'The Grace Year' by Kim Liggett.
Publication Date: September 17th
I think this looks like a really cool dystopian thriller. 'The Grace Year' has some similarities to Margaret Atwood's 'The Handmaid's Tale' - girls are banished to the wilderness for one year on their sixteenth birthday in order to rid themselves of the magic that seduces and corrupts men. It sounds like the ultimate feminist fairy tale.
14) 'Kingdom Of Souls' by Rena Barron.
Publication Date: September 19th
A book about witchdoctors is definitely a plot concept you don't read every day, but this is exactly what 'Kingdom Of Souls' is about. Having read and enjoyed Tomi Adeyemi's 'Children Of Blood & Bone' I am so ready for another African-inspired fantasy!
15) 'SLAY' by Brittney Morris.
Publication Date: September 24th
This book looks so interesting, and I love the front cover! But the plot is what sold it to me. A PoC main character who has secretly developed an online, popular card-game becomes a target when a teenager dies and people believe the game to be anti-white. Definitely something I've never read before!
16) 'The Bone Houses' by Emily Lloyd-Jones.
Publication Date: September 24th
Reading the author's description is really what sold this book to me. The undead, folktales, a mapmaker who is always lost and a loveable goat? This sounds awesome!
17) 'Orpheus Girl' by Brynne Rebele-Henry.
Publication Date: October 8th
I chose this as a read I'm excited about because it's a retelling of one of my favourite greek myths - Orpheus & Eurydice. I'm also super excited that it's an LGBTQ+ retelling and set in a conversion camp which sounds like one of the most horrific experiences ever.
18) 'The Starless Sea' by Erin Morgenstern.
Publication Date: November 5th
I haven't read 'The Night Circus' yet which really upsets me as I'm almost 100% sure that it will become one of my favourite books of all time. But I'm still super excited about Morgenstern's next book, 'The Starless Sea'. It looks beautiful and the plot so intriguing!
19) 'The Guinevere Deception' by Kiersten White.
Publication Date: November 5th
I am so intrigued to read a retelling of Arthurian legends sold from Guinevere's POV. I've heard a lot about White's books and feel that I need to get round to reading some at some point. This could be a good place to start!
20) 'Children Of Virtue & Vengeance' by Tomi Adeyemi.
Publication Date: December 3rd
Well the publication of this book got a little delayed and so it has made it onto this list too because I'm still seriously excited about it! We now at least have a cover and it is absolutely stunning! I can't wait to be re-united with some of my favourite characters.
