January's Book of the Month!

Each month I look back on the books I've reviewed and pick a favourite to award the title of Book of the Month. So without further ado, my book of the month for January is...

Red by Alison Cherry!

I loved the idea of this one before I'd even started it, and it didn't disappoint. It was well executed and had some fantastic characters I really came to care about. Plus high school drama! Who doesn't love a bit of blackmail and bitchiness? Read my full review at this link!




Runners up: 
Pawn by Aimee Carter 
Wither by Lauren DeStefano 
Teardrop by Lauren Kate 
The Scar Boys by Len Vlahos

December's Book of the Month and Books of the Year 2013!

Each month I pick a favourite book from those I've reviewed and award it the title of Book of the Month. As we're approaching the end of the year I'm also going to look back over all my Books of the Month so I can see my favourite books from throughout the year.

Firstly to December's Book of the Month. I haven't reviewed as many books this month as I'm finishing up a bit earlier than usual, which makes it an easier choice. My favourite book that I reviewed in December is....

 Frostbite by Richelle Mead!

This was the first joint review I did after reading it with my friend Daisy. It also seems a very appropriate December book with the winter theme! I loved it even more than this first VA book and it makes me even more excited to carry on with the series. Read the full review here.

Books of the Year!

So let's take a look back at all my books of the month for 2013 to see my pick of the crop for this year! Not all books were necessarily released this year. These are just the months I happened to review them.

January

Skylark by Meagan Spooner

February

Crewel by Gennifer Albin

March

Prodigy by Marie Lu

April

Spy School by Stuart Gibbs

May

Falling Through the World by Rachel Clarke

June

Insignia by S. J. Kincaid

July

The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau and Dare You To by Katie McGarry

August

 Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein

September

Geek Girl and Model Misfit by Holly Smale

October

Fearsome Dreamer by Laure Eve

November

Every Day by David Levithan

December

Frostbite by Richelle Mead

Looking back I'm pretty happy with my choices! I think I've got a good mix of genres in there (although lots of dystopian - you can tell it's my favourite thing to read!). There were books that had me on the verge of tears (Code Name Verity, Falling Through the World) and books that gave me a good giggle (Spy School, Geek Girl). There were new releases and debuts (Fearsome Dreamer, Geek Girl) as well as books that had been around a while (Frostbite).

Have you read any of these books? What were your top picks of 2013? Let me know in the comments!

November's Book of the Month!

Book of the Month!

At the end of each month I look back on all the books I've reviewed on the blog and pick a favourite. I'm still in denial about the fact it's December (SO not prepared for the C word!) but November saw some me review some incredible books. The choice was so tough! Without further ado, my book of the month for November is...

Every Day by David Levithan!

This book had a fantastic concept that made me question a lot of things. It was moving and funny and just felt like one of those special books you only come across every so often. I'll be recommending it to so many people from now on. Read my full review at this link.


Joint runners up:
Soulmates by Holly Bourne
4 to 16 Characters by Kelly Hourihan
Jessie Hearts NYC by Keris Stainton

The Weekly Book Round Up and October's Book of the Month!

This is my new weekly feature where I recap a bit of everything, from the latest news stories to what I've been posting on the blog. Because next week's blog schedule is so packed I'm squeezing in my book of the month for October as well.

In the News

Usborne have announced they are to publish Stephanie Perkins' YA novels in the UK. Anna and the French Kiss will be published in January 2014, with Lola and the Boy Next Door to follow in June. Read more over on the Bookseller website. I loved Anna and the French Kiss which you can my review of here.

Sabriel author Garth Nix is now part of Hot Key Books, who will be publishing his next novel Clariel in the UK. Hot Key Books also have acquired the e-book rights to the first three Old Kingdom books. Read more over on the Bookseller.

Several new Vampire Academy stills have been revealed this week. Check them out on FangirlDaily.com, including this one of Rose, Lissa and Christian.

On the Blog

This week I've been posting Halloween themed reviews! I kicked things off with Matt Whyman's The Savages which tells the story of a family of cannibals. Then I dove head first into vampires with a Teaser Tuesday from Frostbite by Richelle Mead and reviews of Department 19 by Will Hill and Dinner With a Vampire by Abigail Gibbs. I also posted my Twilight opinion post in which I share my thoughts having read the book for the very first time and discuss how the reality lived up to my expectations.

What I've Been Reading

So I finished Allegiant! And it was by far my favourite book of the Divergent trilogy. I've been working hard on my review because I always struggle to convey my thoughts when a) I love a book that much and b) a book leaves me that torn up inside. I'm still reading Frostbite with Daisy which has been even more fun over Halloween! And the number of ships I have with this series is steadily growing. I also finished off Tregarthur's Promise by Alex Mellanby.

In the Real World

NaNoWriMo kicked off this week! I've taken part and won the past two years so the pressure is on to reach that 50,000 word target again this year. I am quite terrified. If you're taking part too you can add me as a writing buddy at this link. It was also my birthday last Sunday, woohoo! I didn't get any books because I specifically asked for none (I have too much to read!). My friend and I decorated buns to celebrate which was so much fun. Spot the Harry Potter references!

Coming Up!

The start of November also signals the start of the Project UKYA blog tour! I'm SO thrilled to be a part of it and will be featuring an interview with Eleanor Wood, author of Gemini Rising, on Monday. I also have a review of her new novella, Gemini Falling, to share on Tuesday. This week sees some new releases in the form of The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes and 4 to 16 Characters by Kelly Hourihan so keep an eye out for my reviews of both of those books. I'm also hoping to get my Allegiant review up this week. Phew!

October's Book of the Month!

Fearsome Dreamer by Laure Eve!

I read this back in August so I was so happy to be able to share my love of this beautiful book with the world. The writing was absolutely stunning, the ideas were smart and there were fantastically well developed characters. Check out my full review at this link.

September's Book of the Month!

Each month I look back on the reviews I've posted and choose a favourite. As September has passed it's time to look back and choose my latest book of the month! And I've decided to do a joint winner this month for reasons that will become obvious. So without further ado, my book(s) of the month is...

Geek Girl and Model Misfit by Holly Smale!

I read and reviewed both of these books this month and I couldn't pick between them. They were both hilarious and refreshing, and such a fun read. I honestly can't recommend them enough and I'm just soryy I didn't get round to reading Geek Girl sooner! The characters are incredible and there's some fantastic relatable and heart-warming scenes, as well as plenty that will make you laugh out loud. Check out my review of Geek Girl here and my Model Misfit review here. I also made a book playlist for Model Misfit which you can find at this link.

Runner-up:

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

This was a close thing because this book blew me away too. A book about a girl who writes fanfiction was just so exciting to read. You should all go and check it out! My review here.

August's Book of the Month!

Book of the Month!

At the end of each month I look back at all of the reviews I've posted and choose a stand out book (or several if I just can't choose!). I've been on a pretty lucky streak with books lately so this is going to be another close call. So without further ado, my book of the month for August is...

Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein!

So I finally read it! This book was one that just about everyone I follow had read and loved and yet I'd been putting it off. Not only did I love it, it broke my heart and blew me away and got me so wrapped up in the story that I just didn't want it to end. Read my full review at this link or add the book on Goodreads here.

Runners up:
Paper Aeroplanes by Dawn O'Porter
Cruel Summer by James Dawson
Life in Outer Space by Melissa Keil
The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon

July's Book of the Month!

 Book of the Month!

At the end of each month I look back over the books I've reviewed in that time (not necessarily read or released in that month) and pick a favourite. So now August us upon us it's time to choose a book of the month for July! And for the first time ever I am having joint winners, because I just can't choose!

So my books of the month for July are...

The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau!

This is one of my new favourite books! So many clever ideas and a fantastic main character, it really stood out for me against other books in the genre. Don't miss it!

Read my full review

Dare You To by Katie McGarry!

 I adored Pushing the Limits but I think Dare You To topped it! I fell in love with Ryan and Beth made such a refreshing change to other female characters in YA. An intense story you don't want to miss.

Read my full review

Check out my Dare You To playlist

Geekhood: Mission Improbable by Andy Robb!

I laughed and laughed, and laughed some more. The most accurate portrayal of teenage life with realistic characters who love to flaunt their Geekhood. This book was even better than the first (and I loved that!).

Read my full review

July was such an incredible month and I think all the reviews I posted were positive which was what made it so hard to choose! Here's hoping August brings some great books as well.

June's Book of the Month!

Every month I do a post like this and every month I'm taken by surprise that it's the end of the month already! This was a tough choice because I've reviewed some incredible books this month and I've upped the amount of books I've reviewed so there were so many to choose from. Picking the best of those was so tough! But the decision has been made and my Book of the Month for June is...

Insignia by S. J. Kincaid!

I wish I'd read this book sooner because it's been staring at me from the library shelves for months! I really enjoyed this sci-fi tale, mainly because the characters were hilarious and I loved the whole governement academy vibe. I need to read more books with male lead characters because these boys are so cool. A must-read, and the sequel is out this week. Even better!

 My Review

Amazon|Book Depository|Goodreads

Runners up:
Gemini Rising by Eleanor Wood
The Ask and the Answer by Patrick Ness

Honourable mentions:
Drummer Girl by Bridget Tyler
Maggot Moon by Sally Gardner

May's Book of the Month!

As May has come to an end it's time for me to look back at the books I reviewed on the blog over the past month and pick a favourite.Guys, this was such a hard choice! I read some amazing books this month but I think this one won my heart. And so without further ado, my Book of the Month for May is...

Falling Through the World by Rachel Clarke!

May was M.E Awareness Month and I discovered this books when searching Amazon for books about the illness. It was a book I was so nervous about reading because it was really close to home for me. But I was blown away with how accurately and sensitively the author has portrayed M.E as an illness. It's definitely a book that will appeal to all YA readers because it deals with some great topics and there's some brilliant humour in there as well. Read my full review here!

Buy on Amazon

Author website

Honourable mentions:
Merch Girl by Rebecca Lewis
Looking for Alaska by John Green

Runners up:
Undone by Cat Clarke
A Gathering Light by Jennifer Donnelly

April's Book of the Month!

At the end of each month I look back at the reviews I've posted and choose one book that stood out from the rest. So now April is over it's time for me to choose my latest Book of the Month! And the winner is:

Spy School by Stuart Gibbs!

I think the best part of this book was that I just happened to stumble across it at my local library. It's always nice to come across something that way! And now I've read it I keep wanting to recommend it to everybody. It really made me laugh and I loved that it was a boarding school based story told from a male POV. And spies! Everyone loves spies. Read my full review of Spy School right here.

Runners up:
As You Wake by Amy Martin
Imaginable by J. Meyers
How to be Popular by Meg Cabot
One Week by Nikki Van De Car

March's Book of the Month!

Hello April, goodbye March! Time to choose another book that stood out from the crowd. For my Book of the Month I pick one book I've reviewed the previous month (not necessarily released that month) and give it a little extra praise. So without further ado, my Book of the Month for March is...

Prodigy by Marie Lu!

I absolutely loved Legend so I was really excited to read the sequel. And it totally blew me away! The plot so was so gripping and tense and by the end my heart was breaking. There's plenty of action and I think this trilogy is becoming one of my ultimate favourite YA dystopia/post-apocalyptic series. If you haven't checked it out yet then I urge you to straight away! Here's my full review of Prodigy.


 

Runners up: 

The Railway Children by E. Nesbit

Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
Splintered by A. G. Howard
 

February's Book of the Month!

I swear I always start these posts by pointing out how quickly the month has passed but I guess with February being the shortest month that's understandable this time! Anyway, here's where I choose a book from those reviewed in February and shower it with even more praise. So without further ado, my Book of the Month for February is...

Crewel by Gennifer Albin!

I'd been so excited to read this book and it exceeded all my expectations with its magical world, beautiful writing and kick-ass female lead character in Adelice. I'd highly recommend you go and grab this book - it's one not to be missed! Read more of my thoughts in my Crewel review right here or check out the book on Goodreads here.

Runners up:
If I Stay by Gayle Forman
Feeling Sorry for Celia by Jaclyn Moriarty

 

January's Book of the Month!

Well hasn't 2013 got off to a flying start?! I've no idea where that time has gone! I've reviewed so many amazing books this month that choosing just one is going to be hard. Each month I look back on the previous month's reviews and choose one book that stood out from the crowd. It doesn't have to have been released that month, just reviewed on the blog. So, without further ado, my Book of the Month for January is...

Skylark by Meagan Spooner!

This was so tough decision but is Skylark was such a beautiful book that it totally deserves some extra praise. I really enjoyed Lark's journey and the magical world the book took place in. I got absolutely absorbed in this book and can't wait to read more of the world. One I'd highly recommend! Read my full review of Skylark right here or find out more on Goodreads here.

Runners up:
Reached by Ally Condie
What's Left of Me by Kat Zhang

December's Book of the Month!

Each month I like to look back on the books I reviewed the previous month and choose a favourite. I realised recently that with all the fuss of Christmas and New Year I'd forgotten to choose December's Book of the Month! December was quite a quiet month for reviews as I had a lot of other things going on so it's a small pool to pick from, and two of them were re-reads. I've decided to pick something that was completely fresh to me for my Book of the Month and so without further ado, my Book of the Month for December is...

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl!

I'd been meaning to read this book after hearing a lot of hype around the film. Once I got into the story I found myself really loving the world and the characters. I liked the small-town setting and the relationship between the two main characters. I'd definitely recommend it! You can read my full review of Beautiful Creatures right here and find out more on Goodreads here.

Runner up:
The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien

November's Book of the Month!

December is upon us and as people start to look forward to Christmas (eek!) I'm looking back over November's reviews to decide my book of the month. This is where I choose my favourite book from those I've read or reviewed (not necessarily released) in the past month and shower it with a bit more praise. So without further ado, my book of the month for November is...

My Soul to Take by Rachel Vincent!

I was nervous and excited to start this series because I'd wanted to read it for ages and was worried it wouldn't live up to the hype. It totally did though! And more. Telling the story of Kaylee who has the power to sense when people are about to die, we see her explore her powers with a little help of the suspiciously helpful Nash. I loved this book so much! It had everything; a fab concept, great characters and a tense plot. I'd highly recommend you check it out! Read my full review right here.

Runners up:
Forever by Maggie Stiefvater
I'd Tell You I Love You but then I'd Have to Kill You by Ally Carter

October's Book of the Month!

Every month I look back at the previous month's reviews and pick one standout book to shower with even more praise! So now October has come to an end, I have decided my book of the month for October is...

 

How to Keep a Boy as a Pet by Diane Messidoro!

 



This book was so much more than I was expecting it to be, which is always a good thing! It was a really witty, clever read with the perfect balance of girly, chick-lit style boy drama and real life teen issues. I especially loved the way it was written through main character Circe's blog! I can't wait to read more from this author and I'd highly recommend this book. Find out more on Goodreads here and read my full review right here.

Runners up:
In Your Dreams by Amy Martin
Uglies by Scott Westerfield

September's Book of the Month!

It's the start of October (already?!) which means it's time to look back on September's reviews and choose a book of the month! This is where I choose one of my top rated books that I've read during that month (not necessarily released that month) and shower it with more praise. So, drum roll please... September's book of the month is...

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness and Siobhan Dowd!

What can I say about this book?! It was breathtaking. Beautiful, magical and dealing with the most sensitive of subjects in an incredibly powerful way. It's an absolute must read. You can find out what I thought of it in depth in my review right here.


Not forgetting those books that just missed out!

Runners up:
Linger by Maggie Stiefvater
How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff
Cinder by Marissa Meyer

August's Book of the Month!

At the end of each month I pick one stand out book (that I've read in that month, not necessarily released that month) that did enough to earn a 5* review and shower it with even more praise!

And August's book of the month is...

Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry!



This was a book I was really excited about. A love story that went so much deeper, tackled some huge issues and created the ultimate chemistry between Echo and Noah. The characters remained with me long after I'd finished the book and they felt so real. I loved the fact the chapters alternated between Echo and Noah's perspective, giving you a chance to see so much of both of them. And Noah became one of my all time favourite characters! Read my full review here.

Runners up:

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
Legend by Marie Lu

July's Book of the Month!

At the end of each month I pick one stand out book (that I've read in that month, not necessarily released that month) that did enough to earn a 5* review and shower it with even more praise!

So without further ado, July's book of the month is...

Between the Lines by Jodi Picoult and Samantha van Leer!



This book was everything I hoped for and more. The idea behind the story was wonderful, the book itself was beautiful, I was captivated throughout and I felt it was a book that all book-lovers would appreciate. You can read even more of my thoughts on Between the Lines in my review right here!

My runners up:
Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver
The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness



June Book of the Month!

So this blog started in June and so far I've read a lot of really amazing books that I've reviewed on here. I thought that at the end of each month I would pick one stand out book (that I've read in that month, not necessarily released that month) that did enough to earn a 5* review and shower it with even more praise!

So without further ado, June's book of the month is...

City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare!

I was so eager for the release of this book and I absolutely tore through it. This series is one I've grown to absolutely love and there was so much in CoLS that made me super excited! Especially all the relationship drama. You can read my review of it here.

Runners-up (it was a tough decision and these books definitely deserve a mention!)

Crossed by Ally Condie
Intangible by J. Meyers
Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

What will be July's Book of the Month? That is the question! I look forward to another great month of reading and reviewing!