“A moment of kindness. From a young woman who ended lives to a young woman who saved them.”
3 stars. The world’s shortest review because I’ll confess, completely skim-read this to get to the finale. I am all here for Chaol but missed the other protagonists too much to care that much? I know this is supposed to be a reformative piece of writing where his character is involved but I am not a fan and will never be a fan. I think S J Maas did this on purpose. Other people love him?! HOW DO YOU DO IT?!
That being said, Chaol’s story deserved to be told but not my absolute fave. Fast-paced, gripping, I cried a bajillion times… The story of a man defying the odds to get back to a state of living. I love the messages S. J. Maas delivers in all of her stories. Yrene is a dream. The finale is going to end me.
HELLO! Things have been pretty quiet on the old blog front during the current global situation, if you’ve been living under a BOULDER, it’s Coronavirus. My line of work is within local government and as such, I’ve been pretty busy at the moment! Although reading has and always will be a refuge of sort for me, my non-working hours have been mainly focused on self-care in the forms of cooking with my wonderful boyfriend, eating, sleeping, taking too-long showers, and dissecting everyday with the rest of my family, all of whom are also key-workers. It’s a bit of a stress-pot household. That being said, I have been granted by the Annual Leave gods, a week off of work in June -hurrah!
This was initially planned as a trip to Vienna, bouncing to Budapest, and back to Scotland, but alas it is much safer to remain in rainy UK than venture out. And so, books will be binged. I’m excited. This is pretty extensive, and ambitious. See below my To Be Read list for June 2020:-
1. Red Queen; Glass Sword; King’s Cage; War Storm // Victoria Aveyard
Grouping these together for ease – the Red Queen series is one that I have previously devoured and loved. About 2 years ago, I delved into the world of Mare and The Scarlet Guard, and it quickly became an immediate recommendation from my bookshelf to others who were looking for a dystopian read. Romance, fantasy, drama and thriller, this novel encompasses many genres and delivers well on all. Excited to re-read.
Blurb: This is a world divided by blood – red or silver. The Reds are commoners, ruled by a Silver elite in possession of god-like superpowers. And to Mare Barrow, a seventeen-year-old Red girl from the poverty-stricken Stilts, it seems like nothing will ever change. That is until she finds herself working in the Silver Palace. Here, surrounded by the people she hates the most, Mare discovers that, despite her red blood, she possesses a deadly power of her own. One that threatens to destroy the balance of power. Fearful of Mare’s potential, the Silvers hide her in plain view, declaring her a long-lost Silver princess, now engaged to a Silver prince. Despite knowing that one misstep would mean her death, Mare works silently to help the Red Guard, a militant resistance group, and bring down the Silver regime. But this is a world of betrayal and lies, and Mare has entered a dangerous dance – Reds against Silvers, prince against prince, and Mare against her own heart.
2. The Binding // Bridget Collins
Having sat on my bookshelf for MONTHS, I figure it is high time to give this book a read. Currently in the process of moving house, my bookshelf is in a state of boxes and tags, however The Binding had been earmarked in May as being a desired read for June/July. Alas, it is yet to be packed up, as I;m hoping I will get the chance to read it! Reviews of this are solid and it sounds like it holds a lot of elements that I seek from a good book.
Blurb: Books are dangerous things in Collins’s alternate universe, a place vaguely reminiscent of 19th-century England. It’s a world in which people visit book binders to rid themselves of painful or treacherous memories. Once their stories have been told and are bound between the pages of a book, the slate is wiped clean and their memories lose the power to hurt or haunt them. After having suffered some sort of mental collapse and no longer able to keep up with his farm chores, Emmett Farmer is sent to the workshop of one such binder to live and work as her apprentice. Leaving behind home and family, Emmett slowly regains his health while learning the binding trade. He is forbidden to enter the locked room where books are stored, so he spends many months marbling end pages, tooling leather book covers, and gilding edges. But his curiosity is piqued by the people who come and go from the inner sanctum, and the arrival of the lordly Lucian Darnay, with whom he senses a connection, changes everything.
3. Circe // Madeline Miller
Ah, remember this? I feel like Circe has been raved about for an absolute age, and is a book I actually thought I had already pruchased. Turns out I hadn’t, and finding it on offer recently piqued my interest again and had me ordering before I had even really considered it. Once it arrived, I can sure wholeheartedly that I am EXTREMELY happy that I bought this. For appearances alone, this looks beautiful on my bookshelf. Although, yes, I am moving so said bookshelf is currently looking a bit worse for wear. Based on a story many of you will no doubt know if you have an understanding of greek mythology, romance, intrigue and character development are going to be the central focal points of this read.
Blurb:In the house of Helios, god of the sun and mightiest of the Titans, a daughter is born. But Circe is a strange child—not powerful, like her father, nor viciously alluring like her mother. Turning to the world of mortals for companionship, she discovers that she does possess power—the power of witchcraft, which can transform rivals into monsters and menace the gods themselves. Threatened, Zeus banishes her to a deserted island, where she hones her occult craft, tames wild beasts and crosses paths with many of the most famous figures in all of mythology, including the Minotaur, Daedalus and his doomed son Icarus, the murderous Medea, and, of course, wily Odysseus. But there is danger, too, for a woman who stands alone, and Circe unwittingly draws the wrath of both men and gods, ultimately finding herself pitted against one of the most terrifying and vengeful of the Olympians. To protect what she loves most, Circe must summon all her strength and choose, once and for all, whether she belongs with the gods she is born from, or the mortals she has come to love
4. Three Dark Crowns; One Dark Throne; Two Dark Reigns; Five Dark Fates // Kendare Blake
Eek – caught out with this one. If you follow my bookstagram updates you may have seen my post regarding the Three Dark Crowns series MONTHS ago. Yep. I confess. Yet to start it. Three Dark Crowns has high reviews and is acclaimed, and from what I read when starting this series, for good reason! It’s definitely the young-adult genre, but a fantastical story of siblings vying for the kingdom/throne/power arc? Up my street.
Blurb:When kingdom come, there will be one. In every generation on the island of Fennbirn, a set of triplets is born—three queens, all equal heirs to the crown and each possessor of a coveted magic. Mirabella is a fierce elemental, able to spark hungry flames or vicious storms at the snap of her fingers. Katharine is a poisoner, one who can ingest the deadliest poisons without so much as a stomachache. Arsinoe, a naturalist, is said to have the ability to bloom the reddest rose and control the fiercest of lions. But becoming the Queen Crowned isn’t solely a matter of royal birth. Each sister has to fight for it. And it’s not just a game of win or lose…it’s life or death. The night the sisters turn sixteen, the battle begins. The last queen standing gets the crown.Â
5. The Five: The Lives of Jack the Ripper’s Women // Hallie Rubenhold
A book with a different tact – this is to be my only non-ficition read over these two months. I felt that my other books on this list are pretty fantasy heavy, and so needed something a bit more realistic to sink my teeth into. That being said, the subject matter of Rubenhold’s story isn’t the most pleasant I could have picked. I can recognise that, however I feel like it’s a story that need to be told, and thus deserves to be read. The legacy of Jack the Ripper is a bloody one; his victims are somewhat forgotten within the persona of who the killer was. A highly anticipated read.
Blurb:Polly, Annie, Elizabeth, Catherine and Mary-Jane are famous for the same thing, though they never met. They came from Fleet Street, Knightsbridge, Wolverhampton, Sweden and Wales. They wrote ballads, ran coffee houses, lived on country estates, they breathed ink-dust from printing presses and escaped people-traffickers. What they had in common was the year of their murders: 1888. The person responsible was never identified, but the character created by the press to fill that gap has become far more famous than any of these five women. For more than a century, newspapers have been keen to tell us that ‘the Ripper’ preyed on prostitutes. Not only is this untrue, as historian Hallie Rubenhold has discovered, it has prevented the real stories of these fascinating women from being told. Now, in this devastating narrative of five lives, Rubenhold finally sets the record straight, revealing a world not just of Dickens and Queen Victoria, but of poverty, homelessness and rampant misogyny. They died because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time – but their greatest misfortune was to be born a woman.
6. City of Bones; City of Ashes; City of Glass; City of Fallen Angels; City of Lost Souls; City of Heavenly Fire // Cassandra Clare
I decided to add The Mortal Instruments series into this as I have been itching to re-read it for a while. I feel like everyone who is part of the bookish community has read this at some point or another. The universe, and the characters, are worth every page. Much of the joy of Cassandra Clare’s writing (in hindsight) is the conenction between all of her novels. They’re all included within the same universe, following different timelines and locations. Almost every character from every book meets, either through direct contact or ancestral links. That is what makes these stories such a joy. If you haven’t read these already, you definitely should. And then tell me what you thought! [SPOILER?] For the sake of reading, and one of the only flaws in CC’s writing, do yourself a favour and add a couple of years to the ages of each character. Clary is not written like any 15 y/o I’ve ever met.
Blurb:When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder― much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It’s hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing―not even a smear of blood―to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy? This is Clary’s first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It’s also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace’s world with a vengeance when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know…
There you have it! My desire and stamina to read fluctuates a lot at the moments, the current state of affairs is pretty bleak. A lot of important things are happening right now. If you find enjoyment in reading then I would implore you to TRY to engage with reading and writing if you can. I do think it can help to give some reprieve. That being said, it is also important to engage with the resources and materials readily available via social media and the news. Educate yourself on COVID-19 and the ongoing implications and effects of it. Recognise and act alongside those others who are fronting the Black Lives Matter Movement. And keep reading both fiction and non-fiction.
Hi everyone! Something a little different from me today but no less important. As many of you know, I’m a Scottish blogger, currently also residing in Scotland. As you are ALL no doubt aware too, there is currently a global pandemic that we are living through, right now. This is history. In years to come the experiences of our generations and societies will be discussed and analysed. This is why I am making an appeal to you today.
One of my wonderful friends and her family have set up a fundraising (crowdfunding) to raise money to help towards providing those within NHS Scotland (National Health Service) with the necessary and appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to do their jobs safely. That’s all this is about. Allowing those who have trained and worked tirelessly to look after other human being in their hardest of times, safely. So that they can too, hopefully, not contract this fatal virus and keep doing what they love and want to do, helping others. There is currently an international shortage of PPE, as is heavily documented on the media and news channels. There are many reasons for this, some out of our control (lack of distribution and manufacturing centres, for example) but there is an area where WE, old plain Janes and Joes, can do something to help. Raising money to assist the manufacturing and distribution of these masks, gowns, gloves, visors.
I know this is a time where individuals are feeling concerned, and scared, of what is to come. I know that friends and family’s welfare, along with your own, is at the front of your minds. I also know that is medical practitioners do not have PPE, they are being put at risk and potentially will not be there to help your loved ones when they need it most. If you have anything to spare, 50pence £1, £5-£50, please donate. This is a way that you can help from the comfort and safety of your home. Thank you. X
See below for more info from the Masks for Scotland fundraiser themselves:
Scotland is in urgent need of additional masks and gowns (PPE) to protect GP’s, Community Nurses, Ambulance staff, Social Workers and Carers. The current reserves of equipment in Scotland are already being utilised by hospital staff, but there is a very real shortage in the community.
Masks For Scotland aims to raise £200,000 which will be enough to supply 12,000 masks and 12,000 gowns.
PPE means Personal Protective Equipment – Masks, Gloves and Gowns
There is not enough PPE here in Scotland for medical staff
We have a reputable supplier of gowns and masks which meet the standards required for NHS and offer the highest level of protection. This is what our staff deserve.
This is an urgent appeal. The peak of coronavirus is predicted to hit over the next two weeks. In the meantime our heroes are treating patients who are contagious but not showing symptoms.
Quite rightly, the limited amount of PPE in Scotland is prioritised for staff working in Intensive Care, BUT this leaves many community staff, such as GPs, Community Nurses, Ambulance Staff, Carers and Social Workers, less well protected, even though they are the ones coming into our homes to assist us if we are too unwell to get to a hospital.
– we are already seeing the deaths of doctors and nurses here in the UK
– 23% of ICU patients in Italy were medical staff who contracted Covid-19 while doing their job
– This can be avoided. We need every medical professional to stay fit and healthy to help keep YOU fit and healthy.
– Please help us protect them.
Your Contribution
£15 buys a gown and a mask
£100 protects 6 medical staff a day.
We really, really need your help to buy PPE equipment for our medical teams. Your donation will save lives. Not just those of the medical staff but of their families and the patients they treat.
Whatever you can give, nothing is too small and 100% of money donated goes directly to getting the necessary PPE to our invaluable community frontline staff.
If your site needs PPE contact: requests.masksforscotland@gmail.com
Spearheaded by
Jill Belch, FRCP, MD, OBE, FR(E), FAMedSci.
Jill Belch is a Professor of Vascular Medicine at the University of Dundee, in Scotland, where until January 2016 she was the Research Dean then Co-Dean of the Medical School. She was also NHS Tayside R&D Director for 10 years also to 2016. Further she established and became Co-Director of the Tayside Academic Health Partnership. She is a founder Fellow of the Academy of Medical Science and a Fellow and Council Member of the Royal Society, Edinburgh. She is currently Head of the Institute of Cardiovascular Research. Professor Belch is Chair or former Chair of trial steering committees for 17 international multicentre clinical trials of new treatments for vascular disease, and she has authored over 400 publications in peer-reviewed journals. She is Immediate Past President of the UK Section of Vascular Medicine at the Royal Society of Medicine, and is currently President of the European Society for Vascular Medicine (ESVM), for whom she also chairs the ESVM Guidelines Committee. She was awarded an OBE in 2016 for Services to Medicine, and became the Saltire Outstanding Woman of the Year in 2019.
Something a bit different today but I was thinking; all of my reading experiences are so dependent on the written content (obviously) but also on what is going on in my surroundings at the time of reading. This playlist is the one that I am constantly putting on every time I sit for a prolonged period to read a book. It encompasses my feelings whislt reading; character’s feelings whilst reading; and isn’t too distracting from the actual words on the page. I’m obviously biased to the music included here, as I was the one who created, but figured I would share. It definitely helps me get into the zone and provides a good soundtrack to go alongside any literary adventure, romance and/or heartbreak.
I’m a bit late with this one as it’s almost the end of January (WHERE has the time gone?!) but figured until it hits the 31st, it’s still valid to complete. Onto the post!
An Author You’d Like To Read That You’ve Never Read
I feel the list for this is pretty long actually… So I’ll select a top 3! My TBR list and bookshelf seems to be endless. I feel like Marie Lu is pretty coveted and I have her TheYoung Elites series waiting to be picked up; I would love to finally get round to reading the Legend series too. Kendare Blake’s Three Dark Queens series is another that is high up my list but am yet to read.. Been getting Red Queen // Victoria Aveyard vibes from the reviews – is it going to be like this and as good? And finally, Megan Whalen Turner and the Queen of Attolia series… My GOD I have heard good things and I cannot wait to see what the hype is about.
2. A Book You’d Like To Read
With the dawn of a new decade I feel it is only right to finally finish a book that has received countless renown and 5 * reviews over the past few years. Normal People by Sally Rooney defintely takes the ticket.
3. A Classic You’d Like To Read
For Christmas 2019 I received my long-desired Penguins Classics Edition of Pride and Prejudice. It. Is. Stunning. So I immediately dragged myself out to my local bookshop and purchased more Penguins Classics to add to my collection! Sense and Sensibility (Yes, I have seen the movie before reading the book – loved it) by Jane Austen is the next classic on the list. Also, after re-reading The Infernal Devices series by Cassandrs Clare last year, Will Herondale and Tessa Gray keep talking about A Tale of Two Cities by Dickens and so I feel I have to finally read this too.
4. A Book You’d Like To Re-Read
When it first came out – I read the Delirium by Lauren Oliver and the the other 2 books in the series subsequently. I loved it then but I feel like my reading style may have moved on since then, so I have it down to re-read in 2020? Is it still worth the read? I am definitely always into fantasy and dystopian YA so feel like it should still be my jam.
5. A Book You’ve Had For Ages and Want To Read
Ever since its 2017 release, I have had Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman sat in bedroom. It is so highly-raved about, I definitely need to read it this year. 3 years is long enough!
6. A Big Book You’d Like to Read
This is one I haven’t got a scooby for! A big book? What constitutes as ‘big’? I think I’ve been ruined by kindle books. I haven’t really got a clue what the size of books are all I do is download them…
7. An Author You’ve Previously Read and Would Like to Read More Of
All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven rocked me to the core when I finished it, years ago. I haven’t read anything else by Jennifer Niven yet but her wiritng style was incredibly powerful and really, pure magic. Will definitely be reading more of her stuff this year.
8. A Book You Got For Christmas and Would Like To Read
I received for Christmas this year (at my own request), The King is Dead: The Last Will and Testament of Henry VIII by historian, Susannah Lipscomb. I have been fascinated with the Tudor period of British history ever since my undergraduate thesis and I find Henry VIII particualy interesting. Was he a tyrant? Was he misunderstood? With a background in theology, I can’t wait to dive into this!
9. A Series You Want to Read from Start to Finish
Good question…! How can I possibly choose?! The immediate one that springs to mind is the Fire and Thorns series by Rae Carson. I am very excited to finally get round to and and have high expecttaions. Will it live up to them, is the question?
10. A Series You Want To Finish That You’ve Already Started
I’ve got two for this one (Sorry! – too indecisive). The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski was a slow read for me initially, but now that I’ve finished it and had a few months to stew it over, I can’t stop thinking about it! I think I definitely need to read the next two installments to see what happens. Likewise, The Queen of Tearling by Erika Johansen had me hooked throughout but when I finished it I felt a bit…deflated? It took a lot to get through to the ending, so I wasn’t immediately pushed to pick up the next one. Now that some time has passed, it seems to have fuelled my appetite for the story again.
Do you have any book-base resolutions for 2020 and this new decade? I think my main one (not questioned) is to just embrace my reading and actually give myself the time to do so a bit more. I would love to hear your thoughts!
My name is Annabelle and I’m a Scottish 23 year old trying to navigate my way through the working world of Edinburgh!
Welcome to my blog. I am a self-certified bookworm. I’ve been reading avidly (although I swear everyone says that) since I was wee. When I was in primary I had to be assigned my own special reading over that of the rest of my class-mates, because I powered through stories like a duck to water.
I think that’s where my book obsession began, and never ceased. I think that a good book can act as both an escape from the mundanity of my daily trawl through the world of tourism, heritage and culture – although I am lucky to work within something that I love – as well as providing the perfect bookish accessory and furnishing for my house. That’s why I’m a compulsive book-buyer and hoarder, with an ever-growing pile of to-be-reads. Help. But the affliction gets worse – kindle books are both a dream and a nightmare, so cheap, so easy, but so tempting! I absolutely blast through these. Double help.
I’ve decided that it is now time to take a stand (!) and fight back against my incessant book purchasing and browsing habits, and find a place to put all of my thoughts down… Here!
Join me on my journey as I attempt to read almost every YA, fantasy and romance novel ever written. You may just find something for you to lose yourself in, too.
belle in pages 