Walker Books's #InkSlingersPicnic

This weekend just gone, I was invited to Walker Books for their #InkSlingersPicnic blogger event. And as you guys know, I always love a good blogger event and, barring a few other publishers, I love Walker Books so I had to go. I HAD TO GO! They tempted me with delicious books, cupcakes and a chance to meet up with other bloggers/vloggers. IT'S BEEN SO LONG, YOU GUYS!

So after meeting up with Michelle (Tales of Yesterday) and Virginie (Chouett) near Tottenham Court Road (SO CLOSE TO CURSED CHILD!!!), we made our way to Walker. After meeting a bunch of other bloggers and vloggers (who are WAY cooler than me on this whole blogging thing), we went inside Walker, said hi to everyone else and got shown some wonderful new releases that Walker will be publishing throughout the rest of the year.

Now, I'm not going to mention all - that will take FAR too long. So, please forgive me but am going to mention a few and will point you to a few of my and other people's tweets.

Three authors were at the event and each spoke of their releases. And I'm sure one of these will be perfect for you.

The first was Siobhan Curham. You might have heard of her - she was the editorial consultant on Zoella's Girl Online and author of books such as Shipwrecked, Dear Dylan and True Face. Her latest, Moonlight Dreamers, follows four friends who, meeting by chance, form Moonlight Dreamers and each girl has to become herself with each other's help, while tackling issues such as racism, bullying, sexuality, bereavement. These girls aren't like anyone else - and nor do they want to be. Fans of Girl Online will devour this book and be desperate for the sequel...

The second was Zoe Marriott. Yes, you know who she is as I rave about her books that I have read (still got two to read at the moment!). Her newest will be out in September and it's called Barefoot On The Wind. Set around 100 years after Shadows on the Moon, everyone is Hana's village know to stay away from the forest. Hana knows that better than most. But when her father goes missing, Hana doesn't hesitant. Into the dark forest she goes, and what she finds isn't what she expected. Described as a feminist reimagining of Beauty and the Beast, this is one that I think fantasy fans will be itching to read. I know I am...

Third and final was Lauren James who talked about the final book in her The Next Together duology: The Last Beginning. Sixteen years ago, Katherine and Matthew (our leads from The Next Together) vanished without a trace. Now, Clove wants to find them. But where do you start, when it looks like the couple were reincarnated in key moments in history? Who are Kate and Matt? And who is Ella, a girl who appears wherever Clove goes? Time travel, mystery, love (both straight and gay), this book ticks all the boxes for me. And if you don't know this series, there is a free novella out now (which I am reviewing in a few days time, actually), Another Together, that is perfect for you guys to start with...

Ok, now we have those out of the way, let's chat about a few other books/series you guys might want to investigate.

A few years ago, Walker published the Pellinor series (The Gift, The Riddle, The Crow and The Singing). So now that a prequel to this series, The Bone Queen, has been published, Walker are republishing the series with new editions. Now, I have read The Gift so many years ago, but I can't remember a thing about it. Now I have it on my kindle, I think this will be perfect for me and for those of you who love authors such as Garth Nix, Trudi Caravan and Lord of the Rings.

Here I Stand is something that, as soon as I heard it, I knew I wanted it. Endorsed by Amnesty International, this collection of short stories and poems explore the freedoms and rights we enjoy in the 21st century - and those for which we still need to fight (such as racism, freedom of speech, gender equality, surveillance and identity to name a few). And with contributors ranging from Neil Gaiman, Sarah Crossan, Sita Brahmachari, Matt Haig and Chris Riddell to name but a few, this book is perfect to start a conversation, a debate, a change in view...

My Lady Jane: The Not Entirely True Story is as mad as a box of frogs. No, seriously, I mean it. When I first saw the cover in my info pack, my first thought was "Well, this looks like something I will avoid like the plague. It's a bit... girly", but once Walker got talking about it, I got excited. This book is barking, and perfect for me! Imagine the story of the Tudors retold by Monty Python and throw in some shapeshifter and you get the idea. After Henry VIII turns into a lion (making him the Lion King! LION KING!!!), Lady Jane Grey is pushed into a marriage with a total stranger - who might be a shapeshifter who turns into a horse - she finds herself caught up in a plot to rob her cousin, King Edward, of the throne and forcing her to be Queen. Like that can go wrong... right?

Beck is also one that you might want to keep an eye out for. This story follows a mixed race Beck who is shipped to Canada at the time of the Great Depression. Faced with cruelty and hardship, Beck travels to find comfort and encouragement, eventually finding Grace... It's hard to talk about this book as I think this will be a book that will shock and move you. Started by Mal Peet and finished by Meg Rosoff (who promised her friend to finish the near complete manuscript before he died), this book will stay with you long after you turn the final page...

And final (I can go on, but am going to stop with this), we have The Singing Bones by Shaun Tan. This will be the first book from Walker's new imprint, Walker Studios. In it, we have beautiful art from Shaun inspired and based on the Grimms' Fairy Tales. With forewords by Neil Gaiman and fairy-tale scholar (you can be a scholar in fairy tales!? Boy, am I in the wrong job!) Jack Zipes, this looks like a feast for the eyes.

I could go on with books - The Secret Horses of Briar Hill by Megan Shepherd (and illustrated by Levi Pinfold) sounds enchanting and the Mango and Bambang series sound perfect for young readers aged 6 and up, and let's not get into the beautiful collectors edition of A Monster Calls, which will have exclusive content from not only Patrick Ness and Jim Kay but also from the actors and director if the upcoming movie (we rematched the trailer and I got a little teary eyed).

Walker looks like it's going to publish a nice mix of books for the next few months. I can't wait to get my reading under way!

Thank you to Walker for hosting a wonderful event with cupcake, authors and me shout of shock/delight when I saw Where's Wally colouring books (I kid you not! I grew up with Where's Wally?), my horror when I discovered Jill Murphy's classic Five Minutes Peace is having it's 30th anniversary (meaning I am a year older than this book! I GREW UP WITH THIS BOOK, PEOPLE! AND IT'S NEARLY MY AGE!!!) and having nearly everyone gasping in horror when I said I still hadn't read The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson (so much so, one of the editors [whose name I completely forgot but who is a hoot!] grab a spare copy and threw it into my hands, going "Now you have no excuse...")

If Losing It Had A Soundtrack...

As you guys know, I am a fan of music and like to discover new music. So when Laura from Riot Communications asked if I wanted to be involved in this blog tour, I jumped at it. Books and music together. 

So, today, I want you to welcome Jamie Scallion to the blog. Not only was Jamie a lead singer of the cult band, Officer Kicks, and is one third of a songwriting/production (that has worked with Florence and the Machine, The Script and Jamie Cullen to name a few), Jamie is the author of The Rock 'N' Roll Diaries series. And the third book in the series, Losing It, has just come out. 

While Jamie co-writes the soundtrack for each book (with The Script and hit songwriter/producer, James Barry) - you can check out the music here - I wanted to know if Jamie wrote this book with a soundtrack in mind or songs he listened to while writing. I got this list (with the title If Losing It Had A Soundtrack) and I can't wait to show you the list and the Spotify (tried to embed it - didn't work. So, go to https://open.spotify.com/user/scallion/playlist/7p6YqZNk8GK6VKNh3nZ0qF and enjoy the music!)

Before I hand you to Jamie, I just want to thank Jamie for writing this post and creating this playlist and thank Laura for asking if I wanted to take part in this tour. So, over to you now, Jamie! 

The Rat – The Walkmen

In plain speak, this is a banger. From the long intro opening and frantic drum fills, to the opening lyric: “You’ve got a nerve to be asking a favour.” This song is bombastic, angry, filthy and I have loved it for years. 

Golden Brown – The Stranglers

It’s all about that harpsichord! Whimsical, frenetic and other worldly. It’s a song that I’ve listened to all my life. It follows no formula and it meanders but that’s its unique charm.

The Eton Rifles – The Jam

Lyrically I think this song is a master class on how to write a protest song. It bristles with malcontent and anger. 

Babies – Pulp

I think Pulp were my favourite Britpop act. I suppose I’m drawn to teen angst and kitchen sink lyrical content. I love a narrative and this is the perfect example of a great twist at the end. “I only went with her coz she looks like you.”  Jarvis Cocker’s vocal delivery is perfect. No one else could get away with it. 

Freakin’ Out – Graham Coxon

The riff, the riff, the riff.

Straight Outta Compton – NWA

So good I can’t comment on it, so let’s not.

Bubbles – Biffy Clyro

Great metaphor in the chorus. Great riffs running all the way through. The build is wicked. Biffy are awesome live. 

Pushing The Senses – Feeder

It’s all about the vibe. High tempo, unbelievably hooky guitars. Love this tune when I’m about to go out.

Club Foot – Kasabian

When this came out all those years ago it was so refreshing. Feels so vivid.

Inhaler – Foals

“Sticks and stones don’t break my bones” is a fantastic opening lyric to a song and coupled with the pumping vibe it really gets me.

AKA What a Life – Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds

The intro to this song gets me every time. It’s a psychedelic sky ride. The best song Noel has written since Oasis in my humble opinion. Imagine Liam singing this!

Letters from the Sky – Civil Twilight 

You can’t go wrong with a big old emotive ballad. 

Satellites – The RockAteers

You can’t go wrong with another big old emotive power ballad.

Take Me to Church – Hozier

I heard this song a while back and like everyone I felt it was such a refreshing piece of artistry. The lyrics, the voice, the piano. It’s a thunderbolt.

Ramble On – Led Zeppelin

If Led Zeppelin wrote a three-minute pop song…

Hit & Run – CRSH

I think the vocalist of this outfit has the best voice in the country. 

Eyes Wide Shut – Gotye

Love what Gotye does with melodies. He goes places songwriters rarely go and I love it. 

Audiobook Review - Chasing The Stars

So, here we are. My first Malorie Blackman novel - well, audiobook. But you, dear readers, know what I mean. This is my first novel - not short story - and this was given to me by Leanne at Midas PR (on behalf of Audible.co.uk). This came from an email chat where I asked for a few audiobooks as part of last month's Murder Month and I said I would need something when the murders get too much. Leanne mentioned a few upcoming titles and I instantly locked on Chasing The Stars and got quite excited when Leanne went "Ok, let me grab you a credit so you can preorder this". 

Inspired by the Shakespeare play, Othello, Chasing the Stars follows Olivia and her twin brother, Aidan, alone on a spaceship after a virus wiped out the whole crew - including their parents - and are trying desperately to return to Earth. On the way, they see something. A human settlement on a hostile planet under fire. Vee tries her best to save the humans, but only saved 22. 

One of the 22 is Nathan. As soon as they see each other, both Nathan and Vee begin to fall for each other hard and dangerously fast. But things take dark and murderous turn. Secrets, lies, jealousy, murder. Sometimes love won't save the day... 

Before I go any further, I must stress one word in my write up. Inspired. This novel is inspired by Othello. I have to state this as I believe some of you guys who know Othello inside out will read this and will be very surprised over the differences between the book and the play. 

I enjoyed myself with this audiobook. I liked it, but I know that this is one of those stories that will split you. You will like it or loathe it. 

Let' start with why I liked it. I got hooked in within the first few chapters as things were thrown at you. It got my attention and once everyone met, I enjoyed seeing how they interacted, and the events that followed. The mysterious "accidents" and the claustrophobic atmosphere of being on a spaceship and someone causing these accidents... the tension was delicious for me (and I love a good mystery - hey, maybe I could have put this story as one of my Murder Month reads...!)

The characters - Vee and Nathan - were the main driving force of the story for me. Within a few chapters, I had to know what happened to them next. I believe that because this book was duel chapters (Vee would read one, Nathan would read the second and back&forth we go) and the narrators of the audiobook (Georgina Campbell and Matthew Morgan) helped me with this. Both made me warm to the leads instantly and make me both like them and, at times, want to shake them and say (as Nathan's mother said to him) "My hand is itching to give you an attitude adjustment slap". Both are flawed and damaged characters and when the plot turned dark and their relationship goes south, we saw Vee consumed with jealousy and self doubt whereas with Nathan, we saw his pride get hurt and his unwillingness to see things from Vee's point of view. And they not wanting to communicate - oh, the amount of times I would mentally shout at my iPod "Talk! Communicate! You need to talk to each other about this!"... I don't read books often that, when a relationship disintegrates, it's both people in the relationships who are at fault. It usually one person who "ruins" it and the other is the innocent party. So, reading this was oddly refreshing for me. 

However (I didn't want to say but), this book isn't perfect and I know some of you guys will dislike this book for 2 or 3 reasons. 

The first is side characters. Now, I love a good side character. Just given a small nugget of information and they become a person. They feel real. But, this doesn't feel like it happened. This book focuses so much of Vee and Nathan that other characters don't really get room to breath. There's only one minor character that I thought was written well and that was Nathan's friend, Anjuli, and that was because I had an instant reaction to her and I saw her very clearly in my mind. But other characters, important characters such as Aidan (Vee's twin brother) and Catherine (Nathan's mother), didn't feel fleshed out. They felt a little flat, and these characters (along with one or two others) really needed to be fleshed out more. 

The second reason is the insta-love element. There is no getting away from it. Vee and Nathan's relationship is very insta-love and some of you guys are gonna hate it. I never saw it as insta-love but two very damaged souls (Vee being alone on a spaceship for 3 years after watching the whole crew dying and Nathan being a slave and suffering physical and mental abuse, and both desperate for love) meeting and falling into an intense relationship that flares into life before dying and turning into something toxic and hideous. I enjoyed this, but I know some of you won't. You will scream at their instant connect and fume over them going "This is happening too fast" thoughts... 

The third thing is a mix of plot and ending. Now, I admit I don't know much about Othello, so I went into this story blind. But I found the twists in the plot a little weak and predictable. I didn't get all the plot twists, mind, - there was one I didn't see coming, but once it was revealed, I was surprised I didn't see it sooner. But there was one that I saw coming almost from the start and was surprised no one else saw it! I don't believe this is the author's fault, but I wish there was more twists and mystery to hide the truth. 

The same goes with the ending. The ending isn't concrete enough for my tastes. I don't mind endings like Chasing the Stars had, but in this case, I feel like I needed something more. 

I enjoyed this, but I feel that this will divide readers... But I am excited to read Noughts and Crosses, which is sitting on my Kindle as I type... 

Computer Games Vs Nature

Today, I would like to welcome Jeff Gardiner to the blog. His novel, Pica, follows Luke, who prefers the world of computer games than the world around him. But when enigmatic loner Luke enters his world, Luke begins to get caught on a path that might change his very existence... 

I just want to thank Jeff for wanting to pop on the blog and wanting to chat about computer games vs nature. Now, let me throw it to Jeff! 

Computer Games v Nature by Jeff Gardiner

In my new YA fantasy novel, Pica, teenager Luke begins the novel obsessed with violent computer games and hating anything to do with ‘boring’ nature. His favourite game, ‘Organik Apokalypse’, allows him to fulfil certain self-obsessed fantasies. Flying towards a planet he notices how its rainforests are teeming with an abundance of creatures:

An eco-system of such incredible biodiversity deserved just one response. I pressed the button to release a monstrous tongue of napalm flame. 

Trees blazed into an inferno immediately: miles of forest wiped out in a single blow. Creatures stampeded in swathes. Clouds of birds erupted into the air, fleeing the conflagration; some already ablaze or singed. Then I carefully aimed two nuclear missiles with such accuracy that they blew away all visible greenery, and using heat-seeking weaponry I chased and finished off the dwindling flocks of birds – picking off stragglers one by one. I waited until the entire landscape to each horizon became a black desert of ash before landing my ship.

In place of the rainforest Luke builds a gigantic city – a megalopolis.

What once had been jungle, river, and plains was now filled with shining towers and concrete blocks. Cities soon joined together to make mega-regions, until the entire planet became a mass of concrete; one giant urban conurbation ready to be filled with humans who would bow down to me as the master of their world.

At first, Luke is an angry teenager, reflected in the game he’s addicted to. There’s an interesting debate here. Do violent computer games inspire further violence in their players, or can playing them become a cathartic experience, helping to express anger vicariously? The answer to this probably depends on the individual, to be honest. It harks back to the arguments about heavy metal songs inspiring suicide (or not), and whether violent movies spark off copycat killing sprees. It’s my opinion that those individuals had psychological problems that could have been set off by anything. To blame a piece of art seems naïve to say the least, and I’m not a great fan of censorship.

As a teacher and parent, however, I would argue that children are susceptible and more easily influenced, so there should be age restrictions on some games. It seems, from my experience talking to younger teenagers, that many of them play on games and watch films that are certified 18 anyway. I guess that comes down to parenting, which I have no intention of commenting on. I’m still learning how to be a good parent, myself. 

I have played games like Grand Theft Auto, which made me smirk and giggle inanely for a few hours, but I have to be honest that I also began to feel a bit guilty about the morality of killing mindlessly and stealing cars. I’m okay because I can differentiate between fantasy and reality while understanding what is acceptable behaviour in public. But can everyone else? Can all children? Something deep inside me still sits uncomfortably. 

In our Western culture we are becoming horribly dependent upon modern technology. I worry about my children and what experts call ‘screen time’. How many hours each day should children be allowed to spend behind a screen? How will it affect their health and mindset? It’s something I’m sure all parents worry about.

In Pica, Luke hates country walks, and he’s not too impressed when his parents take him on a ramble in a local stretch of outstanding natural beauty where they are excited about identifying a rare flower:

Watching my parents stroll off hand in hand, I waited until they were out of sight, then I stepped over towards where the precious orchid displayed its colours in the midst of the browned grass. Standing directly over it, I undid my flies and directed my spray of streaming yellow liquid over its blossom and leaves. The orchid immediately flattened as several petals dropped off. 

‘Not so pretty now, eh?’

As a child myself, my parents took me for lots of walks in the countryside: forests, lakes and hills. These walks inspired me to take an interest in birds, wildlife and the world around me. There’s nothing quite like a walk in the rugged outdoors. 

So Pica is my response to young people who tell me that nature is ‘boring’. No it isn’t. Our planet is awe-inspiring and filled with ancient mystery. Humans used to live close to nature and their lives fitted around the rhythms and patterns of the natural world. There must be ancient magic and secrets that have been lost over time. Pica is set in the modern world and it explores the idea that we can rediscover those ancient mysteries. Luke’s life is blown apart when he realises what amazing secrets are contained within nature…

His enigmatic friend, Guy, shows Luke some amazing creatures and aspects of the natural world, which gradually convince Luke that perhaps nature is worth exploring. At one point he says to Guy:

‘I didn’t realise such amazing things happen all around us every day.’

As a teacher and author who visits schools, it concerns me that many teenagers take little interest in the natural world. When I talk of the sense of wonder experienced when walking in the Lake District, or the feeling of awe I’ve felt when diving, or touring through the wilds of Kenya, it’s often met with indifference. How many children and families visit the countryside or go on walking holidays these days? I live close to downs and a huge forest, but I often get blank looks when I mention them.

The times when I most feel alive are when I’m walking in a forest, on a hillside or by a lake. It’s difficult to explain to someone else the thrill of seeing a murmuration of starlings, or of sailing on the ocean alongside a breaching whale, but these moments affect you in ways you can’t easily express. Scientists are realising that contact with nature and wildlife can benefit mental health by inducing a feeling of positivity about our own existence and place within the natural world. You want magic and secrets? Things to blow your mind? Get away from those screens and go and experience nature first-hand. I guarantee you won’t regret it. 

Book Review - London Belongs to Us

Because we're back to our normal schedule (no surprise themed month, dear readers... well, not yet, anyway...), here is a non-Murder Month read to get us back into the swing of things.

Expect, I did read this in Murder Month. I kinda hit a wall, murder wise. I discovered that there is only so much brutally murdered bodies in books I can take before I go "That's it! I need something light, something fun, something where I don't need to think 'Is it you?'." So, when London Belongs to Us came through the door via Hot Key Books (I love random surprise book post!), it just sounded irresistibly fun. And "Fun" is the word I was going for.

London is filled with lives, filled with untold stories. And here is one story. In it, we follow Sunny who, after she's sent a picture of her boyfriend kissing another girl, goes across London to find him and figure out what happened. What happens is a mad 12 hours through London's nightlife where Sunny meets a mix cast of characters that reflects London vibrant life, all willing to help with one girl's romantic retribution.

But will the Sunny who started this mad journey at 8pm at Crystal Palace be the same girl 12 hours later at Alexandra Palace?

This book, in a very odd way, reminds me of Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell. Not because they are very similar - they aren't. Believe me - they are nothing alike. Expect both books are love letters. While Fangirl is a love letter to fandom, London Belongs to Us is a love letter to the city of London. You can tell that the author care deeply and passionately about these subjects.

Ok, let me get back to London Belongs to Us.

This is a fun, summery book. I can imagine some of you guys reading this on a beach over the summer. Or maybe over the weekend before the Notting Hill Carnival. It has that sunny (pardon the pun) feel that will make you smile while you read, even though this book is dealing with first love and possible first heartbreak.

But, saying that though, this book isn't a straightforward "first love" and "boy/friend issues". While these elements are important to the story (and, on my copy, this is what the book's focus is), I believe this book is more a "Find Yourself" story. Or, in the words of Chistina Yang and Meredith Grey from Grey's Anatomy:

This is mainly a story of a girl finding herself and claiming herself to be the young woman she should be. An individual, rather than X's girlfriend or Y's best friend... It's about about standing in your truth and embracing who you are, I feel.

Another thing I really enjoy about this book is how diverse this book is. Some of you will say "Well, this is a book about London, of course it's going to be diverse". But it never felt false. There wasn't a moment I felt like the diversity of characters was the author going "Ok, I need to tick this box to reflect London's mixed culture". It felt very natural to me.

There is one or two things that did annoy me a little. The main thing that might annoy you guys, I feel, is that, at times, things happened and it felt very coincidental. Very "She was in the right place and the right moment and this happened!". But over the course of 12 hours, at times, this felt a tiny bit far-fetched. Not that I'm complaining but I sense a few of you will go "Really? Really?!"

But this is a fun, summer read that you can speed through over a sunny bank holiday weekend.

Big Ass eBook TBR

Continuing on from yesterday's Big Ass Physical Book TBR (or just Big Ass Books), here are 6/7 eBooks that are over 550 pages long and make me mentally think "How on earth am I going to read them?!".

So, let's get started on those TBR eBooks that scare me a little due to their length! And would you believe it, I can only find 4. FOUR (five if I wanna push my luck - which I am including)! It seems I use my kindle a lot more for buy eBooks when there is a sale on! But, I have found a few that fit my Big Ass Book so, let's get started!

BITTERBLUE by Kristin Cashore
I got the entire trilogy on sale and it's one of those trilogies that I always want to read, but never find the time. Plus, with buying books on my kindle, I kinda forget I have them. This just hits the Big Ass Book category with 576 pages, but from what I hear, this trilogy is one I need to read as am a fantasy fan! But, maybe I should start with Graceling or Fire first and leave this one till last...

NINETEEN MINUTES by Jodi Picoult
I have always been a fan of Jodi Picoult, though I have never read her books. I admire her because she write books that tackle subject matter that most books would flinch away from, and yet, she writes them in a way that you go "That's different". Out of all her books, Nineteen Minutes is the one I always have my eye on. its 660-odd pages tackles a high school shooting and the fall out of it. And I've been holding off because I need to brace myself. But this is the year I want to read her. Not only am I planning on reading this, but I am planning to read her latest, Small Great Things, when it comes out in November so brace yourselves in the latter months of the year... you have been warned...

OUTLANDER by Diana Gabaldon
I haven't watched the TV series. I tried to watch the first episode, but I couldn't get past the first half an hour. But I keep hearing from people who have read the book (and who I trust) that I will really enjoy the book so, when I saw it on sale for 99p, I had to. I HAD TO. And with these people saying I will fly through this, I think this might be a challenging read. But a read I would like to attempt before the year is out...

THE GOLDFINCH by Donna Tartt
Ok, am going to admit this. I'm not exactly sure why I bought this. I have read The Little Friend by Donna Tartt many MANY years ago and was 50/50 over my reaction. I didn't love/hate the book. It's was just... ok. And I have tried to read The Secret History (on the promise that I would love due to my obsession with the TV show, How To Get Away with Murder), but I just found the book dull. So why I have this is anyone's guess? I just want to try again with Donna as I think this could be the book that changes my mind on her... we shall see...

THE CHRESTOMANCI SERIES by Diana Wynne Jones
Ok, I'm cheating here. I know this, I accept this. But I got this in one HUGE eBook collection and because of a mistake Amazon made, I preordered and bought this for a under £2. BARGAIN!!! I remember reading one of the Chrestomanci books YEARS ago (Witch Week, maybe...?) but I think this is a series I would have loved if I discovered it when I was much younger... so, why not try and reclaim my youth? I might surprise myself!

Big Ass Physical Books TBR

Because last month was very heavy (murder! MURDER EVERYWHERE!!!), this month is going to be a little more light-hearted and fun. Hence today's and tomorrow's post of BIG ASS BOOKS!

Let me explain. Back in April, I asked you guys on Twitter what you call a Big Ass Book. How many pages or over does a book have to be before it makes you look at it and mentally panic-think "How in Hades am I going to read that?!". And you guys voted.

Guys, what do you guys class as a "Big Ass Book"? Am planning a possible themed month late in year or blog post...

— Andrew Hall (@PewterWolf13) April 12, 2016

I was planning on showing you guys the thick, scary books in my TBR pile anyway, but the vote confirmed that I was going to do it. So, here I am, doing it. And it's surprising how many books I'e taken off my TBR shelves, thinking they are way over 550 pages, only to find they aren't. The trick of the spines!!!

I am going to split this over 2 posts - today is physical books in my TBR and tomorrow will be eBooks in my TBR (I have LOADS on my kindle!) - and each post will have either 6 or 7 books each. So, let's get started with Big Ass Books!

CRESS by Marissa Meyer
This only just gets classed as a Big Ass Book, with it being 552 pages (but it looks a hella lot more!). I have read Cinder and Scarlet and I really, really, REALLY want to continue with this series, but this series's books are just getting bigger and bigger! The final book in the series, Winter, is over 800 pages long! 800!!! And I keep holding off reading this as the last two books have done things to characters that has stressed me out, so reading Cress will freak me out no end. Plus, I feel scared about reading Winter...

MORTAL HEART by Robin LaFevers
Again, this just gets called a Big Ass Book with having 553 pages (557 if you include the Author's Note). I have actually read the first book in this series, Grave Mercy, several years ago and I think I enjoyed it (I gave away my copy to someone else so I can't go back and reread to be certain. Maybe this is a future buy...). So when the publisher offered me both book 2, Dark Triumph, and this book, I jumped at it. Historical novels about assassin nuns! SOLD!!! But I never been in the mood to jump into this world. Plus, with these books being companion (so you don't need to read them all), I should be able to jump into this world no problem. It's just I need to be in the right headspace...

ILLUMINAE by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
I have to admit this: I was so excited when I heard this book had a UK publisher and was surprise thrilled when I got an early copy. And with this book being written in a unique way, the 599 pages should fly by. So why, WHY, haven't I read it yet? I have no idea why. I have just let it slip by and with the sequel, Gemina, coming out in the next few months and I really want to read them quite close together, I shall read this soon... If not, you have permission to shout at me, ok?

A BRIEF HISTORY OF SEVEN KILLINGS by Marlon James
When you look at this book, it doesn't look like a Big Ass Book. My TBR copy of Patrick Ness's The Knife of Never Letting Go looks bigger than this. But while Knife of Never Letting Go is 528 pages (so close but not enough!), A Brief History of Seven Killings is 688 pages! I got this when at a blogger's event (I kept picking it up and reading the back so often, the publisher just gave it to me [even though I did actually have plans to buy myself a copy as soon as the event was over]), and was so excited. This book has won how many awards!? But this book is a book where you must FOCUS. It's not a book you can pick up and read for 5/10 minutes. You need to pay attention. And, at the moment, I am doing that "I can spare 5 minutes to read before I have to go to work" so it's bad timing on me. But I will read this! I WILL!!!

LADY MIDNIGHT by Cassandra Clare
Just when I thought I was free from the Shadowhunter world, I read a snippet from Lady Midnight from last year's YALC and I was dragged back in. While I haven't read the final 3 books in the Mortal Instruments series for one reason or another, I am very curious over where Cassandra is going to go in this 669 page volume (with extra content but not counting that... yet). I am very curious over Cassandra's other upcoming trilogy, The Last Hour, but I feel I need to read this before I go anyway else. I mean, it's Cassandra Clare, how bad can she make it? *reads fellow book bloggers reviews/reactions* ...oook. Read this when I'm on holiday - I sense long sleepless nights ahead...

AMERICAN GODS by Neil Gaiman
I got this from the publisher after chatting about Neil Gaiman. I wasn't fishing for a copy. Honest! I was talking about the upcoming TV show and how this is The Gaiman novel. When asked if I had read it, I went "No. But I plan to". And they very kindly gave me a copy. And I am actually going to try and read all 736 pages this month. It's my reward for surviving Murder Month. This & Eowyn Ivey's To The Bright Edge of the World. Yes... So, am not reading this now, but I should be starting before this month is out so beware, Twitter/Facebook/Goodreads followers for very excitable updates!

A GAME OF THRONES by George R.R. Martin
This, my friends, is the big Mama! Just over 800 pages and with the tiniest type I've seen in a while, I have EVERY intention to read this book before the year is through. I'm thinking of reading this in October or November, strangely. Plus, as someone who hasn't seen the TV show (I watched the pilot with my Other Half and after we finished, he went "Nope. Not watching that! I mean, incest and pushing a child out of a window to his death - come on, Andrew! I know you like your TV shows slightly twisted, but this is taken it to a new level."), I am very intrigued to see what the fuss is about. But yes, I will planning on starting this book this year sometime... should I be scared?

Katherine of Aragon Contest

New Month, surprise contest! And why the hell not?

Because of the lovely people at Headline & bookbridgr, I have two copies of Alison Weir's Katherine of Aragon: The True Queen, the first book in the Six Tudor Queens series. 

We can't seem to get enough of the drama that surrounds the Tudor family, especially Henry VIII. And this fictional novel follows his first wife, Katherine, who arrives to England from Spain to find her future husband, Prince Arthur (Henry's older brother) ill and not interested in her. 

But what happens to her once she's in England? What happens to her marriage to Arthur? And what happens to her when Arthur died? 

So, to be in the chance to win one of TWO copies of this book, all you have to do is fill in the form below. This contest ends on Sunday 5th June at 5pm, with the winners being picked around that time... 

This is a UK only contest - sorry everyone outside of the UK. The publisher will be sending these so nothing to do with me! But I will be emailing & tweeting the winners.

So, good luck everyone. And may the odds ever be in your favour...