Top 5 Wednesday: Fictional Cities!

Hi everyone! Back for another Top 5 Wednesday. This weeks topic is fictional cities!

If you're interested in joining in on all the fun, here is a link to the Goodreads group created by gingerreadslainey on Youtube: www.goodreads.com/group/show/118368-top-5-wednesday

1. Jannuari - Snow like Ashes

Although you only get brief scenes of within the city, from just that I can image what a magical place it is with the constant winter weather and snow covering the buildings. My favourite season is Winter, so theres no surprise that that appeals to me more than the other seasonal cities in this book!

2. Lunar - The Lunar Chronicles 

I haven't read Fairest yet as I'm saving it closer to the release date of Winter, but the art in the book was absolutely stunning, and if thats what the city on Lunar looks like, boy I want to go there (And avoid Queen Levana obviously...). 

3. Terravin - The Kiss of Deception 

Not at all a city, but the atmosphere and homeliness in this seaside village was so lovely. I'd like to think its similar to somewhere I will live in the future. It sounds so picturesque and makes you forget about all the bad things in life, just like Lia managed too while she was there. 

4. Atlantis - The Little Mermaid 

Fictional/Non fictional? Who knows, people would argue either way. But this city's depiction in almost all works, from films to books, always feels magical and a bit mysterious. The little girl inside of me wants to go and explore the depths of the ocean to find this place. (Avoiding the sharks..)

5. The Emerald City - The Wizard of Oz 

Who could forget the wonderful wizards beautiful green city? I've fantasised about what it would be like to walk around this place since childhood! My Wicked obsession only fuelled this further haha! 

Top 5 Wednesday: Book series you wish had more books!

Hi bookworms! Here's another Top 5 Wednesday - this weeks topic is 'Book series you wish had more books!' This has been by far the quickest I've ever come up with my answers for a topic.

If you're interested in joining in on all the fun, here is a link to the Goodreads group created by gingerreadslainey on Youtube: www.goodreads.com/group/show/118368-top-5-wednesday

So here are my top 5 books/series (That are as far as we know are finished) that I wish had more books! :)

1. Graceling/Fire/Bitterblue by Kristen Cashore
One of my first and favourite fantasy series of all time - these companion books just aren't enough, I need more of this world please! It's so interesting with the graced abilities and the authors writing so fast paced that I couldn't put it down. Graceling will always stay as one of my favourite books.

2. Under the Never Sky trilogy by Veronica Rossi
I loved the end to this trilogy, but WHAT! That can't be the end! There is so much more to tell about this world and I'm sure Aria, Perry, Roar and the others will surely find some more trouble to get themselves into. I loved this trilogy, the characters making this book in my eyes as I grew so attached to them. The world and storyline is nothing I'll forget soon either and was unique. A trilogy I thoroughly enjoyed and would recommend to all.

3. Glass Arrow by Kristen Simmons
Whyyyyyyyyyy is this book a standalone! Its killing me. I really, really enjoyed it and flew through it in a few hours. Although I love and am impressed by standalone fantasy novels, I was really intrigued by the world and wanted to know more. Doesn't have to be the same characters but please Kristen a companion novel? I'm sure others will feel the same way as I do.

4. Avry of Kazan trilogy by Maria V Synder
*Grabby hands* I need this so badly. I was so upset when this trilogy ended and its still my favourite out of all Maria's books. It was enthralling and just fuelled my love for fantasy books even further. There was the perfect mixture of, action, romance, politics and magic which all mushed together to keep me reading for hours. This has just made me want to reread these books. As if I didn't have enough on my to-be-read pile (*cough* shelves). Any one who is a little bit scared to dive into fantasy, this is a perfect trilogy to start out with.

5. Harry Potter series by J K Rowling 
Duh! Don't need to say much else, I think the whole world is dying for this to happen.

So, what do you say authors? Ready to write some more books?

Top 5 Wednesday: Least favourite character tropes

Hi everyone, I'm back for another Top 5 Wednesday! This weeks topic is top 5 least favourite character tropes so lets head on into that.

If anyone's interested to start Top 5 Wednesday and join in on all the fun, here is the link to the goodreads group created by gingerreadslainey on Youtube: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/118368-top-5-wednesday

1. Insta-love


Why? Why does this happen? 99% of relationships do not work like this. You can't just meet someone and within the week be completely head-over-heels-I'll-sacrifice-myself-for-you in love. You're just attracted to them, its okay, calm it, give it time and it will then become something much more special. We don't need a repeat of Romeo and Juliet, please.

2. Love triangles




I used to looooove love triangles when I was a teenager. Maybe for me as I've grown up it's just become a thing that doesn't happen in reality, or its classed as disrespectful/cheating (if you've made a commitment with one). So I don't feel like its anything I want to be reading about as it confuses and upsets me when characters bat around worrying about who they actually want to be with.




3. Overprotective main protagonist 




Whether this be to a certain individual or a need to save everyone, this annoys me either way as a lot of the times this happens the character doesn't value their own safety and become a hypocrite by throwing themselves into any dangerous situation blindly. It's like they think they have some special main character 'I'm invincible gene'.




4. Goody Two-shoes



As much as I love a good protagonist, I'm getting a little sick of characters trying to do everything they can to fix stuff. I personally find villains in movies and other books to be quite amusing if they're given a dry sense of humour. I'm not meaning that they have to be the most sadistic person in the world, but if someone had superpowers in a book it would be nice to see them have a little selfish fun with it. Might make for an interesting book with a swap around of characters motives!





5. Female perspectives 

This might just be luck of the draw with the books that I've read and nothing to do with anything else, but I find that 80% of the books I read have the main character as female. It may have just happened this way over the years as I pick up books with characters that I think I will relate to, but I'm hoping that in the future this will even out as some of the books I have read with dual perspectives with a main male point of view I've really enjoyed. I need more leading males!

Top 5 Wednesday: Favourite book maps!

Hello everyone! 

I'm super excited about Top 5 Wednesday this week, as a lot of you know my favourite genre to read is fantasy. As fantasy books are set in a different world, this means a lot of books within this genre have maps to help readers better visualise the new world that is being described to them. So this was not only a ton of fun to find my favourites but absolutely heartbreaking to cut it down to a top 5!

As always, Top 5 Wednesday is a goodreads group created by gingerreadslainey on youtube, if you'd like to join in, here is the link to the goodreads group: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/118368-top-5-wednesday

Lets get started!

TOP 5 FAVOURITE BOOK MAPS!

1. Primoria from Snow like Ashes

This map just brings me right back to certain scenes in the book, I love it so much. It seems to me to be completely unique, in terms of shape and the whole concept of having the seasons as countries. Although not really do-able, I think this map would look stunning in colour, to show off the different climates of each region. 

2. The Kiss of Deception 

It's unknown if this world has been given a collective name, but each region is named. I love the detail that's put into this map - the illustrations around the lower half and the colour really make me feel like this map is from a really ancient text and goes along with some of the religious themes within the book. The cities shown aren't just distinguished by having their borders drawn and name inside - the infrastructure of each place and its style of building is shown. Another thing I also like is the preplanning in the map, with places marked up regardless of whether the character will visit them in the first book or a future book. 

3. Erilea from Throne of Glass

Although it seems to be much more simplistic than other maps, this one covers a much larger area. You get the feeling of how much the characters have had to travel from place to place. I really like the names of the places labelled, with even the smallest of areas noted for when a character mentions a time before when they had visited, no matter how short of a snippet that is. Although its fairly preplanned, I still feel like this map has room to grow as the story develops. 

4. The Seven Kingdoms from Graceling

I really like this map. I'm not sure if its just the style of it but it gives me a lord of the rings vibe. For only a short fantasy book with only companion novels this map is really good! The detail in the bordering and typography adds so much to this map and I love that each of the kingdoms shield emblems are shown, even if they are simple. The zoom in of the area where the characters spend a lot of time traveling gives you a little bit more detail from just the overview of the kingdoms and I love the drawings of the castles and boats. A small but sweet map!

5. Mytica from Gathering Darkness

This map is present from the beginning of the series, but is one that is developing as the story goes. Gathering Darkness is the most up to date, with places labelled. Its pretty much a squashed version of the UK, with a few small areas chopped here and there. The swirl design used to signify the sea is a nice little addition in the background but as this is such a long series, I do wish there was a little bit more detail to the map. This is only the third book out of six so I guess plenty of time for it to be added to and developed further. 

Honorable mentions - These books are still on my tbr and so I felt as much as I loved the maps, I couldn't add them to my Top 5 as I feel that the story makes the map come to life. 

- An Ember in the Ashes

All I need to say is that this map is stunning! Across two pages and the detail across the whole thing is great, from the mountains and tree to the different city buildings. It looks as if there is room to develop if there is another book and it makes me very excited to start. 

- Winterspell

This map seems to be completely different and feels like its a modern twist to a fantasy world. It makes me very intrigued! Plus the castle in the centre makes me think of the disney castle!

- The Orphan Queen 

This map looks like there is a ton of room to add to it and like its gonna be a pretty big world.

That's it for this weeks Top 5 Wednesday - make sure to comment what you think of my choices or leave a link to your own favourites!
HAPPY READING!

Top 5 Wednesday:Favourite Character Tropes!

 Hey everyone, here's the last Top 5 Wednesday for July: Favourite Character Tropes!

These are some things which are overused in YA books, but I can't help but love sometimes.
As always here is the goodreads group created by Gingerreadslainey on Youtube: http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/118368-top-5-wednesday

1. Bad character turns good for the girl. 
I'm a sucker for seemly bad tough guys and even more when they turn out to care so much for another character. I just love that one person can change the way they act or think just because they care so much for them. N'aww <3

2. Troubled/traumatic childhood
 I hate that this happens so often. But on the good side, out of the books I've read the majority of the backstories have been different from one another. The outcome is nearly always the same for the character personality. Someone who is a little bad ass and independent, which a chip on their shoulder. They always seem to crack at some point though at holding their emotions together.

3. Disappearing love interest in the second book of a series/trilogy. 
WHY DO THEY DO THIS. Well, I know why. It gets us all riled up waiting for them to be together again and it keeps people turning the page till they're back. Its so frustrating, but it keeps me reading! I've found this to happen so many times in books.
The Kiss of Betrayal by Mary E Pearson - The Prince can rarely see or have a proper conversation with Lia due to circumstances.
World After by Susan Ee - Raffe also disappears off several times throughout the book.
Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi - Aria goes off on her own journey and Perry stays with his tribe.
Scent of Magic by Maria V Synder - Kerrick is absent for the majority of the book, only returning within the last 20 pages.
Magic Study by Maria V Synder - Valek and Yelena are in separate countries apart from a few short moments.
The Winners Crime by Marie Rutkoski - Arin and Kestrel are also in separate countries and only have a few stolen moments together. Even then Kestrel does not admit her true feelings towards Arin.
Shadows by Isla J Bick - Tom and Alex are separated and don't know where each other are throughout the book.
Never Fade by Alexandra Bracken -  Ruby is separated from Liam during her time with the Childrens League.

4. 'Secret' royalty 
This happens a lot in books I've read recently. Either someone doesn't know they are of royal blood and its revealed or royalty is in disguise and the main character doesn't know. Some books that have this include, Snow like Ashes, Red Queen, Throne of Glass, Cinder and The Kiss of Deception.

5. Bad-ass main female characters
As much as I love bad-ass characters who are independent and look after themselves, it happens in so many books now that its not unique. Other characters in the book always comment on how amazing it is that they are different etc as well.  They always end up running off and doing things on their own agenda before thinking about safety. But I much prefer the over use of this character personality than having a whiny and needy character that would probably annoy me throughout the book :D I won't list any since that would probably mean typing up half my bookshelf.

Let me know what you guys think about these character tropes!

Top 5 Wednesday: Side characters that deserve their own series!

Hello booklovers!

Here's my Top 5 Wednesday for this week: Side characters that deserve their own series!

I struggled a little with this one i'll admit!

1. The Marauders - Harry Potter by J.K Rowling
YES YES YES. A prequel series would be perfection. I know I'm cheating since this is a group of characters... but oh well.

2. Prince Ryne - Touch of Power (Healer Series) by Maria V Synder
I loved the Avery of Kazan trilogy, I read it a couple years ago and its still one of my all time favourites! You don't really get to delve much into Prince Ryne's character, even though he is an integral part of the events in the story. There are mentions of his background and I think and series that spanned from the time of his schooling, through the events in the books and then the aftermath would be really cool to see. Especially since the realm was in a little bit of a need of some TLC to get it back on its feet after that war haha!

3. Luna Lovegood - Harry Potter by J.K Rowling
Luna is my favourite character from the Harry Potter series. She's so unique in terms of her personality and interests and I think I could learn a lot from her way of thinking. She's had a difficult life and an insight to these events and how they intertwine with Harry Potter's events could be interesting to read.

3. Roar - Under the Never Sky by Versonica Rossi
This guy! Oh man, loved him. He made me laugh during these books and made me cry when he was in pain. I think he's one of those lovable side characters that helps bring out another side of the main, but nothing seemed to work out for him. I would definitely read a book or series about Roar's story, whether it be throughout the Under the Never Sky events or a prequel! 

4. Kiran - The Glass Arrow by Kristen Simmons
This doesn't necessarily need a series, as The Glass Arrow itself is a standalone book. But I felt while I read it that I would have loved to learn about the Driver culture and how it all came about in the new society of this world.

 Since I found it difficult to find some characters I wanted to know much more about, I'm excited to see who everyone else has chosen this week!

http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/118368-top-5-wednesday
 

Top 5 Wednesday: Anticipated pre-orders for the rest of the year!

Hello book lovers!

Here's my Top 5 Wednesday for this week: Anticipated pre-orders!
My most highly anticipated book releases have just passed, them being The Heart of Betrayal by Mary E Pearson and A Book of Spirits and Thieves by Morgan Rhoades.. eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee :D :D :D  
With that excitement over, here are my Top 5 most anticipated releases for the rest of the year:

1. Ice like Fire - Sara Raasch

Release Date: 19th November 

I read Snow like Ashes in March this year and it was just perfection! Easily one of my favourite books. Hoping the sequel gives me the same experience.

2. Winter - Merissa Meyer
Release Date - 10th November

I devoured the first three books in the Lunar Chronicles and waiting for this book has been a painful experience. 'Nuff said.

3. Walk on Earth a Stranger - Rae Carson
Release Date: 22nd September

I absolutely loved Rae Carsons Fire and Thorns trilogy and highly recommend it! So I was thrilled when I read the premise of this book - it sounds so intriguing. Looking forward to this a lot!

4. Legacy of Kings - Eleanor Herman
Release Date: 25th August 
Discovered this one recently and as soon as I read the synopsis I knew I had to preorder it! I'm getting Falling Kingdoms and Game of Thrones vibes from this :D 

5. Queen of Shadows - Sarah J Maas
Release Date: 1st September

I've been anticipating this book a while but I do have some mixed feelings about where the story is heading. I've been following the books since the Crown of Midnight release so ultimately I am looking forward to it's release and seeing what happens. Chaol & Celaena guys....
 
This was really hard to cut down to top five, so here are a few honorable mentions which I'm also really excited for this year!
  
Court of Fives - Kate Elliot - 27th August

A Thousand Nights - E.K Johnston - 6th October
 The House of Shattered Wings - Aliette De Bodard - 20th August

 

Here is the goodreads group if you want to join in on Top 5 Wednesday!

http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/118368-top-5-wednesday

Top 5 Wednesday: Things on your bookshelf that aren't books

Hello everyone! This is my first top 5 Wednesday post, which is a goodreads group created by gingereadslainey on booktube. I've been watching all the posts for a while now so thought it was time I took part!

This Wednesday the topic is: Top 5 things on your bookshelf that aren't books!

1. Bookish poster!
My brother got me this for christmas and it makes a nice addition to the bookshelf! 'There's more to life than books - but not much!'

2. Bookmark mug!
Nobody can ever have too many bookmarks! :) 

3. My degree certificate! 
I graduated last year with a First Class Honors Degree in Physical Geography. University was tough and its gotten me a pretty good job (which funds my reading habit :D) so it takes pride of place on the bookshelf and is also next to my shameful bookhaul so far this month...

4. DIY projects & bits and bobs!
My family and friends often describe my room as 'like a library', so thought I'd make a cute sign and just officially call it that :') I also have some jars that Ive coloured to add some bits and bobs to. I also have that really cute owl candle which is all used up but too cute to throw away.. 

5. My cat!
Paisley just loves to jump up and make the overly-heavy bookshelves wobble. Maybe she thinks it's a throne she can rule upon! She's still only young, so she may look innocent but I swear Voldemort made her a horcrux or something she's so evil sometimes.

This was fun and I'm definitely looking forward to the rest of the topics this month! If anyone else wants to find out all about Top 5 Wednesday I'll leave a link to the goodreads group. Happy reading! 

 http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/118368-top-5-wednesday