This book follows our main character Jude who's parents are murdered when she was young and herself and her two sister's are kidnapped by the High Court of Faerie. A decade later, mundane Jude wants to fit in the faerie world but many of the fae despise her and her twin sister, especially Prince Cardan. To win a place at the Court, she must prove herself worthy. 

Ugh. 

I was very excited to read this because if you know me well, you know I have a large obsession with faeries/fairies.

This book was also very hyped out throughout BookTube, and Bookstagram. Everyone had expressed how amazing this book was and I was so ready to jump on a new faerie series train. 

This book brought so many mixed feelings and honestly, unpopular opinions on my side. 

I found most of the book very boring. The prologue was amazing though. I loved the whole idea of meeting Jude's family and how in the area they live (a community like ours: very mundane) Vivi, Jude's fae sister had no problems about being different. I think that is a key aspect between characters which I'll discuss later. 

I personally felt like the prologue was action packed and seriously had me blown away the whole time, especially during the part where Madoc kills Jude's parents. 

But to me, after the prologue, when Madoc takes Jude and her sisters to the fae world, I feel like it goes downhill until about page 150-200. And I found this whole section to be kind of pointless other than introducing Prince Cardan -- although it was just a series of him being a jerk.

By around page 200, the plot finally picks up and becomes suspenseful. And I will admit the ending was incredible! I loved the ending. But I feel like had I not pulled through those 200 pages, I would have DNF'd (Did not finish) the book. If the story was suspenseful and full of action and rivalry throughout the whole novel, it definitely would have been a 5/5 stars in my book. 

Character-wise, the only characters I really liked were Vivi and at some points Jude. 

 I didn't like Taryn and I definitely did not like Prince Cardan. 

Going back to comparing Vivi and Jude, Vivi didn't care that her fae-self did not belong in the mundane world. She didn't care that she was made fun of by mundane children for her long pointy ears or anything like that.

Jude on the other side, really annoyed me because the whole book is based upon her trying to fit into the fae world because a guy she thinks is cute is part of the Fae Court and doesn't accept her. I just thought she was really annoying in that aspect where instead of accepting the fact that she stood out from the rest of the fae and perhaps changing the idea of what fae's think of mundanes, she just wanted to fit in.

Taryn was annoying in a sense where it felt like she doubted Jude most of the time or at least degraded her if that makes sense. 

As for Prince Cardan, my gosh he was freaking annoying. He spent most of the book -- seriously most of the book, being a jerk. I was hoping for Cardan to be a jerk, followed by some form of sweet redemption and we finally fall in love with Cardan. Nope. He was a continuous jerk and I wanted to throw my book -- but not in a good way.

I also thought it was weird that Cardan had a tail.. 

Otherwise, I really liked the mean representation of faeries since most are projected as sweet or at most, clever and witty. I just hoped Cardan would eventually turn himself around and I would somehow love him instead of hate him through the whole book. 

Because the ending was written well and I loved it, I will definitely try book two and if that isn't good for me, I think I'd stop with the series as a whole. 

If you want to read it, save on The Cruel Prince at Booksamillion.com.

The Maze Runner by James Dashner 

The Maze Runner follows our main character Thomas who wakes up one day in a steel elevator underground with no memory but his name. When the elevator arrives on the ground floor, Thomas realizes he is stuck in what the other males consider "The Glade." A man made land surrounded by an ever-changing maze. Then, a girl, the only girl arrives and the message she delivers sends not only confusion and chills to the rest of the boys, but also terror. 

**I am fully aware of the sexual allegations that were made towards the author James Dashner. Honestly, I had pre-written movie and book reviews for the three books and after the allegations were made, I didn't want to post them anymore. But I did turn to Instagram and asked my readers what they thought and the only output I got was to post them anyways. I worked very hard on these reviews and a lot of my readers want to know my honest opinion so here it is. I do not condone James Dashner's behaviour relating to the allegations. These are my opinions about his books not about him as a human.** 

Book 

The Maze Runner was once one of my all time favourite trilogies-- before all these prequels and sequels were added. 

There is so much of this novel that has potential. 

For starters, the plot is just wow! Typically, in the Young Adult genre, most books seem to be alike in one way or another. The Maze Runner really brought new forms of originality in not only the YA category but the dystopian category as well. 

I thought the plot was very well written and thought out. 

I also loved the fact that the novel was very fast-paced. Never did I find moments too slow or wanted to skip certain parts because they were boring me. 

I also loved the friendship dynamic in the novel more than the movie -- I'll have to admit. 

In the novel, Thomas' relationships with Gladers are very different than in the movie. Especially Chuck and Alby. Everyone knows that in the movie, Chuck and Thomas are very close. Well in the books, I find that they are way closer in this medium. 

For example, in the movie, Chuck and Thomas have very brief moments of them talking. Most of the interaction between Chuck and Thomas was Chuck showing him around the Glade and telling him how things work.

In the novel, Chuck and Thomas share more of a brotherhood in my opinion. Chuck shows Thomas how to have fun, and that definitely includes playing pranks on Gally. 

Alongside Chuck, Thomas' relationship with Alby is also drastically different. In the movies, Thomas and Alby are best friends, almost like Alby is Thomas' mentor. In the book, Alby strongly dislikes Thomas.

Movie 

I personally loved the movie. Not necessarily because it was like the books, because in most adoptions, like this one, it wasn't relatively the same as the novel. 

What I personally loved the most was the cast. 

Of course everyone knows my one of my favourite actors and my "celeb crush" is Dylan O'Brien, so me loving the cast is an understatement. 

But to be realistic, the casting director picked a great group of actors and actresses to be the cast as their dynamic with each other is phenomenal. 

The movie to me was also very suspenseful. Like the book, it had me on the edge of my seat and I loved that feeling. 

Something I also noticed they subtly hinted but wasn't very prominent in the movie was that Thomas and Teresa aren't telepathic like they are in the book. Although Thomas dreams about Teresa often as has "memories" of her. 

This section kind of disappoints me because it was one of my favourite aspects in the novel, but also makes great relief because honestly, how would that be portrayed in a movie.

Peronally, I can't pick whether or not I like the book, or the movie better. I think with different aspects, each of the mediums are amazing. 

If you want to read it, save on The Maze Runner at Booksamillion.com.

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas 

The Hate U Give follows our main character Starr who witnesses her black best friend get shot by the police. Inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, this book shows how powerful any voice -- especially the youths' are.


Let's start off by saying WOW!

This book has been on the New York Times Best Seller list for months and has won so many awards and honestly, I understand why that is.

For quite some time, I avoided reading this book because, well, I felt like I wasn't obligated to. I'm not part of the black community, therefore I can't relate to the main character. I won't be able to connect with her or understand the story. And honestly, I was so wrong.

You don't need to be of black decent to read The Hate U Give. You don't even need to relate to our main character Starr.

But it is important that everyone reads this. Why? So you know what is happening in the world. The reason why I read this book was because I was hoping it would put an impact on me and would enable me to understand what people like Starr -- or her friends Khalil were going through.

This novel is so realistic and so prominent to modern society.

Angie Thomas is a phenomenal writer. I finished the book in around 24 hours because I just couldn't put it down.

The beginning was a little rough for me. The first 20 pages I couldn't really grasp onto, but after the first 20 pages, the book just keep getting better and better.

A book like this is very important especially for young readers to educate themselves on what is going on in society and truly this gives everyone a great understanding, a visual into the lives of others and I think that is very important.

It also gives readers a perspective. When you read, you often get exposed to certain topics, events etc. where you seemingly be more understanding. I read a post once that said people who read are more likely to understand and accept things like racial diversity, lgbtq+ etc. because they understand. And I couldn't agree more.

The Hate U Give gives readers a perspective to be in Starr's position, and to understand what people in this situation are going through.

One of the most important aspects and reasons why I love Starr as a character is because she is not afraid. She hears every false and negative thing said about Khalil, all the drama and assumptions made about Khalil's death and she speaks up about what really happened and I think that is really important.

Starr's ability to use her voice is starting to become more prominent in modern society where the youth use their voices to make a change. The Parkland Florida shooting for example, so many inspiring youth -- survivors are speaking out, trying to protect their friends, family, classmates etc. because high authority fail to do so.

I wouldn't say The Hate U Give inspired this -- because I wouldn't know, but being exposed to this bravery in multiple mediums is very important to society.

What I also loved was how it brought diversity to literature. You don't often read about Black main characters, Asian main characters, Hispanics, etc. and this being a well-known Young Adult novel is important with the upbringing of diversity.

Angie Thomas has a platform to make a change and she used it. She used it very well.

If you want to read the book and check it out, purchase THE HATE U GIVE at Booksamillion.com.

Being cozy and comfortable is an essential for me when it comes to reading. Like most, reading in any environment is possible, but to me, not ideal! 

I like to be relaxed and comfortable while reading! So today, I'm going to share my ideal reading environments and what I like to use to set my reading mood! 

As always, I want to put a disclaimer that these methods work for me and are probably not ideal for everyone. Everyone has different opinions on how they like their environments to be while reading!

Noise Control

Typically, I can read in any environment. Whether it's at work, school, home, in a waiting room etc. But certain locations make it difficult for me to pay attention and fully understand what I'm reading. 

I like to read in areas where there are very minimal talking or noises. Otherwise, I get distracted and I'm either jumping from paragraph to paragraph with no understanding of what I'm reading, or I'm unable to get through a whole sentence. 

Music

Music is an essential to me when it comes to moments where it's impossible to tone down loud talkers and other background noises. Let's admit our environments aren't always quiet, so music does a great job neutralizing sounds for me. 

My home library is about two feet away from the main entertainment room and with paper thin walls, a loud television makes reading a challenge. I've set up my vinyl record player in my library so I can play records whenever I feel distracting noises overpower my concentration. 

When reading in public: at work, at the train station, on a train, in a waiting room, etc. I always have my headphones in. This helps neutralize noises for me while I read in public, especially when these locations are a lot busier and louder than my home. 

I love listening to more of an indie, alternative rock kind of music as it's my go-to music genre. My current favourite band, which has been the same band for the past year or so is Hippo Campus. I love listening to their debut album Landmark while I read as I feel like it sets the calm mood. Other albums I love listening to while reading are AM by Artic Monkeys, Magical Mystery Tour and Abbey Road by the Beatles, and Wilder Mind by Mumford & Sons.

Seating

Especially while reading at home, the location where I read really contribute to my reading experience. 

I have two main places I love to read: my room and my library because both seem to be the most comfortable to me.

My room provides a very comfortable location, especially at night because I love cuddling in multiple pillows and blankets. 

My home library also provides the same needs, but in a comfy reading chair opposed to a bed. 

Another location I've begun to love while reading is the bath tub! Typically I don't usually take baths (I shower, thank you.) because I don't like the feeling of laying in my own dirt but I've tried it once and although I haven't since -- and probably wont, I'll admit it was very relaxing.

Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas 

Throne of Glass is the first book in the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J Maas which follows our main protagonist Celaena Sardothian, a well-known assassin serving labour in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes. Prince Dorian offers her freedom only if she agrees to fight and win as his champion to be the royal assassin. During the competition, one by one, competitors are brutally killed and Celaena must find out who the killer is before she, herself is accused of the murders.

I. Am. Obsessed. 

I had previously "read" most of the series through listening to them on Audible and I didn't feel as in love or connected as I did with Sarah J Maas' other series A Court of Thorns and Roses. But physically re-reading this seriously made me obsessed with the characters and the world; the book itself is my absolute favourite. 

I guess starting off with the visualization of the world Maas has created was a lot harder for me whilst listening to the books rather than reading them. As I was reading this book, I realized it was easier to picture what Maas wanted the world to look like and I have such a beautiful idea of it in my head now from physically reading it. 

Another thing I noticed I love a lot more are the characters. I guess while listening to the audiobook I didn't feel much love or relation to either of the characters which drew me away from the series as characters are one of my favourite aspects of novels. 

Celaena has always been one of my favourite characters -- ever since I listened to the audiobook. I really love how Maas incorporated a badass, independent female protagonist. Her mindset was always "I can't believe these 'men' think they're better than me when I can brutally kill them in two swift moves." 

Celaena also shows a lot of character development within the book which I love as well. She starts off very arrogant, cocky etc. but once she gets to know Chaol, Nehemia and even Dorian, a lot of her vulnerable side starts to show and she becomes less cold-hearted and more friendly and caring, I'd say. There's even a part near the middle of the book where Celaena forgets the first place spot in one of her tests to save another competitor which I think is a lot of growth from the beginning of the book -- and as a spoiler, starts to show a lot in the next book.

I found myself to love Chaol and Dorian a lot more whilst reading opposed to listening to the audibook which is awesome as well. 

I really found myself to LOVE Dorian this re-reading and would honestly put him at the top of my "Book Boyfriends List" with Rhysand, a character from Maas' other series ACOTAR. And if you know me well, you'd know I love Rhysand so much! Dorian I found to have quite a character development like Celaena throughout the book. I found Dorian to start off a little carless at the beginning of the book but once you really hear his backstory and his relationships with others *cough* start to unfold, you start to seriously fall in love with him. I mean, hey. He gave Celaena a PUPPY as a gift! Goals.

And the last character I'll discuss because my opinion of him changed a lot is Chaol. If you know me well, or even follow me on bookstagram, you know I HATED Chaol. Hated him. And those opinions really stemmed from when I listened to the books on audiobook. Now that I've finally physically read the books.. I LOVE Chaol. Not as much as Dorian, I'd say but he's such an adorable character. I even had to admit I finally love Chaol when I was in the early stages of re-reading this book which never typically happens. I've began to love Chaol so much that a love triangle really consumes me and the early stages of this series (because I know who they end up with further in the series) makes it difficult who I "ship" with Celaena.

But enough of the characters, the writing in this is phenomenal. I love Sarah J Maas' writing; I feel like I say it all the time but I truly do. I love how intricate her worlds are and how undoubtedly different each character is, especially with their personalities. I've been in such a fantasy kick lately and it's all Maas' fault. Her writing is so beautiful that I can't get enough of her work. 

Plot-wise, if you love Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire series) and you love reading Young Adult novels, I'm sure you'll love this series as well. It has such a great mix of love, drama, brutal killings, suspense, character development, comedy etc. and it's addicting.