So this is more of a review of the series so far. I have read the first book previously. When I did I felt the need to power through and rush to the end, but I didn’t particularly enjoy it. I had that same feeling again when I tried to reread it. I felt, maybe, I just didn’t give enough of a chance last time, after all, everyone raves about this series. I don’t feel the need to rave.

I don’t dislike this series, don’t get me wrong. I can see how good it is. It’s a unique storyline. It’s a unique setting, set in a country similar to Russia. The characters are well written, they are fully developed. I just felt like there was something lacking whilst I was reading. I don’t dislike this series at all, but I didn’t love it either. It very much receives a rating of meh.

It was an excellent story, but I just couldn’t connect with Alina. I couldn’t connect with mopey Alina her totally awesome power Alina. No matter how she acted I felt a strong urge to slap her. There is not an appropriate combination of words to describe how I felt about her. I simply did not like or understand her. I also didn’t like Mal and how unwilling he was to accept the changes in Alina, and I didn’t like Alina’s insecurity in regards to Mal. I didn’t understand the Darling. I mean, I know no one understands the Darkling, but he appeared to have no real motivation through any of the books. Not any understandable or realistic one anyway. He was just good and confusing until he became mega evil and douchey. There was no logic to anyone.

I didn’t like the romance between Mal and Alina, I hated it even. Old friends, awesome, but the fact neither of them seem to get how the other is feeling made it mega difficult for me to grasp the idea of romance between them. They didn’t mesh romantically for me, I felt like it was thrown in for drama.

Of course I enjoyed stuff. I did like the concept of Grisha and the way that they were treated in different realms in the books. How there were numerous theories behind them. I loved how Alina did develop and grow within the books, even if I didn’t like her. I liked the secondary characters, such as Genya, and David and I adored Sturmhund. I loved to hate the vanity of the royal family and the ridiculous notions of the pilgrims. I loved the entire idea of these books, I just don’t like the internal goings on and such.

So, it’s that time of the week again. Time for The Broke and The Bookish’s Top 10 Tuesday. This week I’ll be thinking about the most unique books that I have read, something which I have never really thought about before.

1. Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling: Now not everyone will consider this to be unique, but for me, when I first started reading it. It was like nothing I had ever read before. The magic and the world building, it was something so different

2. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell: This one is not unique on the type of book it is, but it is unique in that it is a novel set in college that doesn’t go the route of most books set at college or university, where it’s a new adult book filled with drama and romance and drama and angst. Not that there is anything wrong with that, I often enjoy a book like that, but it was nice to have a book set in a setting I could relate to.

3. The Daughter of Smoke and Bone Series by Laini Taylor: This is a unique read for me. For such a long time I searched high and low for similar style of book, but found nothing. It is truly a one of a kind series, which is drawing to a close this month. Taylor has such a unique writing style, and create such original and realistic characters. There was nothing like it, and I can’t wait, but simultaneously dread it ending.

4. A Song of FIre and Ice series by George RR Martin: This one is obvious. This is the most unique fantasy epic I have ever had the original of reading. I was reading an article on the BBC News website the other day which stated that it was inspired by a French history novel about the events which led the 110 Years War, and this historical influence is obvious in the political intrigue of the series. The world building and characterisation is in a world of it’s own. I wish there more series like this one

5. A Place Called Here by Cecilia Ahern: This book stuck with me for a very long time. Ahern writes such touching books, about various different things, all of them with a hint of romance and something which makes you think without realising it. This book was touching for me because it was all set in another place, the place where missing things go. I found it so very interesting, I read it in one sitting, no breaks. I loved it, it is definitely unique.

6. The Library of Shadows by Mikkel Birkegaard: This is a book very different to other things on my list, which just shows how unique it is. I got sent it by mom when I was at uni one year as a part of a care package for my birthday. It was a fantastic read, I loved it. It was about people who could manipulate others through reading, which is not difficult as books often influence my emotions. It was such a bizarre read, but fantastic. I loved how it was part thriller, with a sense of mystery, and seemed so realistic.

7. The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson: Now I know you have all heard of this series, even if you haven’t read it or watched the films. I read these books a while ago now. I keep getting the urge to reread them as they were so complex, but the size intimidates me. These books shows that Larsson had such an excellent grasp of people as his characters are so flawed and real they could be anyone really. The technicalities do make this book difficult to read at first, but get past the few chapters and it is an intriguing read that will have you hoked and dying to visit Sweden.

8. The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon: This is a very recent read. It is unique because this entire world was so unique. This is like nothing that has been released. It shares similar themes, similar concepts, but the story itself is one of a kind. I recommend it to everyone.

9. Nodame Cantabile by Tomoko Ninomiya: This shows I’m running low on inspiration having to result to a manga. Not to day this isn’t fantastic, because it is. A truly unique story about students at a music academy in Japan. It helped me develop an appreciation for classical music, I think. I do wish that there were more books like this manga, it would be a dream book for me if there was I think.

10. Little Alters Everywhere by Rebecca Wells: This book was one I read because I loved the film with Sandra Bullock in Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood, so I went out of my way to read the books this film was based on. I loved this book, it was such an easy read as it was a collection of short stories about the same family. Sure, the characters were often cruel and you could not sympathise with them, they were humanised in the novel, but they were fantastic. It was an intriguing read, I really enjoyed it.

Well, that’s all from me. Does anyone have recommendations for a unique read? Have any of you read some of these books, do you agree with what I’ve said?

So, I missed my summary post. I feel terrible. I’m such a bad blogger. I was creating a new weekly post for myself, though. I see everyone with their wonderful discussion posts about blogging, and books, and I want that. I may only end up recycling old topics, but it gives me an opportunity to voice an opinion.

My first post is going to be about finding your own blogging voice, establishing yourself as an individual amongst the masses. I know I have found it difficult finding myself as a blogger. I don’t think I’m there yet, actually. I am still finding myself, which is why I wanted to start posting these discussion posts. I feel that will be the best way to get my actual voice out. To establish my individual voice in reviews and posts like Top 10 Tuesday is difficult as everyone is doing it. You don’t exactly stand out from the crowd, but discussion posts, sure you can posts about the same thing, but we all have our own opinions. It’s difficult to be unique when there are so many people doing the same thing. We are all bloggers writing about our interests. We are all trying to get our voice out there, but when so many people are talking about the same topic it’s so easy for your voice to be lost in the crowd, It’s also easy to just start spouting off the same things as everyone else, unintentionally or otherwise. I think this is especially true when it comes to reviews.

I’ve noticed in the blogosphere that certain books gain a lot of attention, and so many others get ignored by people, regardless of how good they may be. There are certain hyped books which everyone has heard of, I know you all know which books these are. Now, there is nothing wrong with that, many of these hyped books deserve the attention which they received, and it helps to get books noticed. There are plenty of books which I am glad the hype has brought to my attention, such as Graceling and Fangirl. There are so many other books which I had to discover on my own, and these books have not received the praise and love of the blogosphere. Now, hype is not the topic of today’s discussion, voice and personality is, so what is the point of this train of thought? We all feel pressured to follow the hype. TO buy into it, to read the books, wear the clothes, try the makeup everyone else is talking about, but often we read too much of someone else’s opinion and we begin to regurgitate as our own. Not to plagiarise someone else, to steal their opinion, but because we agree with what their saying and we want to ensure others hear it too.

So how do you avoid repeating others opinion? Am I saying to avoid the hype at all costs and shun what is popular purely to keep your voice different? Of course not, the praise for certain books is well deserved, to avoid them due to popularity would be absurd. I just think that you should avoid doing something just because everyone else is, something I’m sure all your mothers told you. My plan to stay individual is not to do something just because everyone else is. I will read books that interest me, I will do things because I want to, because that is the only way to enjoy myself, and surely that is the reason for blogging?

What do you all think? How did you find your voice as a blogger? Do you worry about your blog being more of the same?

I don't like doing review posts. This is what I have learnt from the ones I have done. I do want a way to enthuse about a book to others and encourage others to take a look at a book they may have overlooked. To be honest, everyone and their mom has heard about this book, I'm sure. It's on all the shelves: in bookstores, at the supermarket, and it's being reviewed in every other paper and magazine. So, I don't think I'll really be bringing a new book to peoples attention today. It might be a book that has been overlooked, though, simply because it is everywhere.

Why should you read this book?

Because it is such a wonderful story. It is funny, it is relatable, it has mystery and romance. And you won't be able to stop reading the damn thing. What more of a reason do you need?

What makes it different from any other book?

Everything? This is not just a book... it is an M&S book. Sorry, no one outside of the UK will probably get that joke. But, essentially, what I'm trying to say is that this book is better than other books, it has that something extra that is hard to find in books. Also, it's set in Australia. The author is Australian, can't say there are many books from Australia which people have heard of. But, I'm not exactly worldly in my reading habits, so, please, prove wrong.

It's not really my usual type of book, I don't want to read it

Well, that's very narrow minded, but I know what you're saying. I am quite eclectic in my reading habits, so this appealed to me. But, for those of you that normally read specific genres, or prefer to stay in you reading comfort zone, because you know what you like so don't tend to stray outside of it. All I can say to you people is please, give it a go. It really is a book I think everyone can enjoy, because one of the main themes throughout the book is feeling like you don't fit in. Now, I know that is something we can all relate to. The main character, Don, feels like people are continually expecting others to confirm to their expectations and to a rigid set of standards. Something he was never able to do, so he adapted himself so people were more accepting of him without actually conforming to the standards themselves. I know I have felt like I don't fit in at times, and that I cannot meet people's expectations of me, imagined or real.

Now, I've run out of questions that may be posed against reading this book. But, seriously, read it! You'll enjoy, trust me. It's good.

Until next time.

It’s Tuesday once more, and the first day of April to boot. The theme for this week, as provided by The Broke and the Bookish, is Top 10 ‘Gateway’ books/authors.

This one is another difficult post for me. I never really thought about gateway books or authors. There are certain books and authors who made me crazy love reading, and most of them are people who I read when I was younger, especially my teen years. SO a lot of this will be YA books.

1. JK Rowling: This was an obvious choice really. I distinctly remember being on holiday when I was about eight years old. I do not know where I had gone on holiday but I was on holiday with my nan and my brother, as we did every year when I was a kid. My nan had bought my brother the first two Harry Potter books as presents for him to read whilst we were away. He read them and enjoyed them and put them to the side. I was intrigued and wanted to read them too, as I was at that age where I wanted to do everything my big brother did, even if that meant reading boys books. I devoured those books. I think I may have read those books in a day or two. I was hooked. We came home form that holiday with me insisting my mom get the third book in the series for me and as each book was released I had my reread of them where I experienced the joy of Harry Potter all over again.

2. Sarra Manning: I read Guitar Girl when I was kid, and adored it. It was my absolute favourite book for years, I wanted to play guitar because of that book, and dreamt about having pink hair. I read everything she wrote until I felt I had grown out of teen books and reading fell by the wayside for me. Then, when I was at uni, I discovered she had published some adult books. I bought them out of nostalgia. It was Unsticky and You Don’t Have to Say You Love Me, and they were wonderful. The books featured protagonists in their early twenties, which I could relate to, and they were essentially like her YA books, but with slightly more mature themes. Those books were what triggered me to buy a kindle and they were what got me back into reading, I think. Or, at least, they helped me on my way.

3. This is hard. I think The Song of Fire of Ice series was a major series which got me reading again during uni. I spent a lot of time not reading because I felt like that was all I did, but when Game of Thrones came out it really motivated me to get back into it, after all, I love reading.

4. Sarah Dessen: All of her books are amazing, I am always eager for a new to come out. I think her books helped keep me interested in reading as a teenager. I may have enjoyed reading a bit too much actually, but her books were just so wonderful I don’t care if I didn’t have many friends as everyone else. I also liked how she would have subtle hints to her other books. A cameo appearance from past characters, or have it set in the same place as another one, to have that flash of another boo was great, it gave life beyond the books to the characters, which was nice.

5. The Mediator series by Meg Cabot. This series was a gateway book, of sorts. I think this series is how I truly got to know one of my best friends. Before we were friends who lived close to each other and talked on our walk home, but we became true friends when we discovered we both loved reading, and we both loved this series. We must have been fourteen years old and we both loved it, she got the last couple of books ordered from America and let me borrow them as they didn’t appear to be released in the UK at the time. What I remember of my time at school is talking books with Jess, and this series began our book chats.

6. Throne of Glass – Sarah J Maas: This is the book series which truly introduced me to the world of book blogging. I had read the occasional book blog before, but I read this and I needed more. I had to read everything I could about them, find out where I could get the next one. Read any rumours about the books. It was a slippery slope from there.

7. Old Kingdom trilogy Garth Nix: I think this is a major series which introduced me to fantasy writing I think. I mean, I’d read Harry Potter, which is fantasy, but this was proper fantasy writing for me. I fell in love with fantasy novels from here. I must have been thirteen and checking the library every weekend to get the next book. I even went out of my way to buy the third book because I never seemed to be able to get it at the library.

8. The Fault in Our Stars – John Green: This introduced me to the world of the internet and book fandoms. I had not experienced book fandoms outside of Harry Potter, so to see the absolute love experienced by others was great. It also introduced me to John Green, who is a fantastic author, and Hank Green, who is a fantastic person. So it all worked in my favour.

9. Stephanie Plum series – Janet Evanovich: I know, this one does not fit in with this whole list at all, I know. But, this series made me so passionate about reading, it is untrue. It was a series I read obsessively and made me feel like I could be a real grown up who read real grown up books. It also made me realise that I like mystery crime type books, which I had not known before this point. Mostly, because I had been obsessed with YA books, which I knew as teen books back then, and because I had not ventured from my love at that point.

10. The Secret Circle – LJ Smith: This is the series which introduced me to more urban fantasy type novels. It was my go to series at my local library. They were comfort reading for me. I could finish the series in a couple of days and feel like I’d gone and seen and old friend or something. They were wonderful books which I absolutely adored. When they did the TV series on the The CW I expected great things, but then they went and changed everything, and I was heartbroken. I still love this series though