The Book Bloggers and Books Tag!

I saw Alexa @ Alexa Loves Books do this tag, originally created by Kaitlin @ Reading is My Treasure, and I thought it looked like too much fun to pass up. The Book Bloggers and Books Tag basically involves talking about some of your bloggers and the books you think they're advocates for, or the books you most associate with them.

So I've selected a handful of my fellow bloggers, and I'm going to do just that!

Natalie @ A Sea Change

Natalie is a huge fantasy fan. She loves Terry Pratchett - she's recently been reviewing the Tiffany Aching books on her blog - and Uprooted is one of her favourite books of the year, in fact I ended up reading it myself because she loved it so much. Poor Natalie also has the misfortune of knowing me in real life, which means I'm constantly throwing books at her while screaming 'READ THIS AND THEN TALK TO ME ABOUT IT', which is basically what happened with The Lunar Chronicles. It's one of those series I've been pushing on all of my friends, and luckily for me Natalie will often seek out the books I recommend to her. What a good egg.

Mallory @ The Local Muse

Mallory's one of the few people I know who makes me want to give Austen a second chance. For some reason Emma is always the Austen I associate with Mallory, I think purely because I can vividly remember her very enthusiastic review of it. She's also a huge Cat Winters fan, she's really made me want to check out her work, and I've lost count of the amount of times she's told me I should read The Handmaid's Tale. I promise I'll get to it, Mallory! I really recommend checking out her blog, especially if you're a fan of classics.

Shannon @ It Starts at Midnight

Is this cheating? Nah. I love The Hunger Games, I think it's an excellent trilogy, but I've never met anyone who loves it as much as Shannon does. I love it when people talk about the books that mean the most to them, and it's very clear that this trilogy is very important to Shannon - she's the blogger I most associate with it. Even if she does like Peeta...

Check out Shannon's blog for even better gif usage!

Micheline @ Lunar Rainbows

A very blue-toned selection for Micheline! I really like how those three look together, actually. Like Natalie, Micheline's another blogger I associate with fantasy. She wrote a post all about how much she loves Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban for Harry Potter Month, which she co-hosted with Faith @ GeekyZooGirl, and I know she's a big fan of Brandon Sanderson and Garth Nix, too.

Deanna @ Deanna Writes

If there's one thing I've learned about Deanna, it's that she loves Meg Cabot. Somehow she's one of those authors who managed to pass me by when I was younger, but Deanna loves her books so much I really want to check one out for myself. She recently wrote a post all about her love for Ready Player One for Sci-Fi Month, hosted by Rinn @ Rinn Reads, which is another book I need to get to. Basically Deanna's responsible for a lot of the books on my TBR...

Cait @ Paper Fury

There are three things I know for certain that Cait loves: Maggie Stiefvater, Derek Landy and dragons. Basically if Stiefvater and Landy teamed up to write a dragon book I think it'd make all of her dreams come true. The Raven Boys is yet another book I still need to get to, but I read Demon Road a few weeks ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. Unfortunately I've never been able to get into A Song of Ice and Fire - I've tried reading it and I've tried listening to it - but the books have such a huge fanbase (including Cait!) so I'd like to give it another try in future.

I'm not going to tag anyone because I'm lazy, so if you want to do this tag then do it - I'd love to see which books you associate with other book bloggers!

Mid-Year Book Freak Out Tag!

Okay, so it's past the mid-year point now, but I saw Cait @ Paper Fury do this tag and it looked like fun, so here goes!

Best Book You've Read So Far in 2015

I've read a lot of fantastic books this year, so this was difficult, but I decided to choose Signal to Noise for a few reasons. 1) It's genuinely not only one of the best books I've read this year, but one of the best books I've ever read. Period. 2) It's a 2015 debut novel, and yet I've barely seen anyone talking about it, which is just ridiculous. It's vital that you read this book. 3) I sometimes find it difficult to relate to teenagers in books, and it's not because I'm a super special snowflake or because they're unrealistic, it's just because, let's face it, a lot of YA is romance-centric and romance has never been a big part of my life. I didn't feel attracted to many people at all when I was at school; I never had a cute moment at a school dance or a kiss in the rain or anything, really. But this book reminded me so much of what it was like to be a teenager, it spoke to me even though I didn't grow up in the '80s and even though I didn't grow up in Mexico City. It takes a special book to bring out feelings like that.

There are, of course, a few very close runners up: The Goblin Emperor; To Kill a Mockingbird; Jane Eyre's Sisters: How Women Live and Write the Heroine's Story; How To Be a Heroine; Fingersmith; The Little Stranger.

Best Sequel You've Read So Far in 2015

So this is kind of cheating because I haven't actually finished Blackout yet, but it wasn't until I started thinking about this that I realised how few sequels I've read this year. I've been reading a lot of standalones - I love me a good standalone - and I have been reading a lot of graphic novels, but not a lot of non-graphic series at all. I'm fairly certain this is going to be my favourite sequel once I've finished it, though! I'm just savouring it because I don't know how much more heartbreak I can take with this series...

New Release You Haven't Read Yet But Want To

I own all six of these 2015 releases and I haven't read any of them yet, but I do really want to!

Most Anticipated Release for the Second Half of the Year

I mean, duh. I'm desperate to get my hands on Winter even though I'm going to be very sad when this series ends.

Biggest Disappointment

This series has a lot of potential, but I just didn't like it at all. I love the game, The Wolf Among Us, but I'm just not keen on Bill Willingham's writing style.

Biggest Surprise

Oh my God this book. I was warned just how twisty and turny this book is before I started it, but I think I'm usually quite good at guessing what's coming. I wasn't prepared for this. This book left me gaping at three in the morning and desperate to talk to someone about it, while also wanting to shove the book at people so they could read it and we could both be shocked together. It's fantastic.

Favourite New Author

such a cutie patootie

After reading Signal to Noise I'm definitely going to be keeping an eye out for anything else Silvia Moreno-Garcia writes. I already have her short story collections, This Strange Way of Dying and Love & Other Poisons, and I'm planning on reading them soon!

Newest Fictional Ship

Like Cait, I'm much more of a shipper than a crusher. I love Violet and Orc Dave from Rat Queens, and also Meche and Sebastian from Signal to Noise.

Newest Favourite Character

This was a tough one because I've met so many wonderful characters already this year that I've loved, but there was one in particular who immediately popped into my head when I read this, and that was Maia. The Goblin Emperor is a fantastic, thoughtful book by a very skilled writer, but there's no way I would have loved it as much as I did if Maia hadn't been in it. He's precious and good, but he's never sickly sweet or unbelievable. I love him.

Honourable mentions go to: Meche (Signal to Noise), Angel (White Trash Zombie series), Violet (Rat Queens), Kamala (Ms. Marvel), The Stalk (Saga) and Caroline (The Little Stranger).

Book That Made You Cry

This book is so heartbreaking. Sadness weeps from the pages in waves, but it's so, so good. 

Book That Made You Happy

I opened this book and I didn't stop grinning from start to finish. This series is everything I have ever wanted in a fantasy series all rolled into one, and I can't wait for the next volume!

Favourite Book to Film Adaptation You Saw This Year

I have to agree with Cait and say If I Stay. I've watched it several times now and I'm still not bored of it.

Favourite Post You Have Done So Far This Year

I've done a few discussion posts that I'm quite proud of:

My Problem with Peeta

Should Our Books Have Trigger Warnings?

How Do You See Cinder?

Most Beautiful Book You Have Bought So Far This Year

That would have to be this stunning 150th anniversary edition of The Complete Alice: Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass and What Alice Found There. It's beautiful, and I bought it from a fantastic independent bookshop in Monmouth, Rossiter Books.

What Books Do You Need to Read by the End of the Year?

SO MANY. But especially these ones:

Mistress Firebrand by Donna Thorland: Donna Thorland was lovely enough to contact me and personally send me an ARC a couple of months before this novel was published - she even left me a little message on the cover of the ARC - and I still haven't read it because I'm a terrible human being. I really want to - it sounds amazing - but I'm only just getting back into historical fiction after many months of reading speculative fiction, and I think I'm a little intimidated by my complete lack of knowledge concerning American history. But no more excuses! I'm determined to read this soon, and leave the lovely Donna Thorland a review.

The Hourglass Factory by Lucy Ribchester: One of the 2015 debuts that I couldn't resist picking up. I don't think I've read any books about suffragettes - fiction or non-fiction - and that's something I need to change!

Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein: How haven't I read this yet? I've heard nothing but amazing things about this book, and my mum managed to find me a signed copy last Christmas, so it's about time I read it. I'm going to save it for the next time I'm in the mood for a cry.

Mortal Heart by Robin LaFevers: I got this for Christmas too, and I still haven't read it. Seriously, what's wrong with me? I really like this trilogy and I have a problem when it comes to finishing series - I never want them to end! It's about time I crossed this book off my TBR, though...

The Falconer by Elizabeth May: I've heard such mixed things about this book that I just want to see what it's like for myself. I'm hoping it's good, because I think it's a cool concept, and I love me some historical fiction with fantastical elements.

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater: Again, how have I not read this yet? I think this book makes me nervous because it's so popular, but I'd like to try and read it during the build up to Halloween!

The Gracekeepers by Kirsty Logan: Another debut novel that sounds right up my alley, and one that I've heard some amazing things about it. It also has a gorgeous cover, and it's even prettier under the dust jacket.

Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel: This book has been getting a lot of hype so usually I probably wouldn't go anywhere near it, but my friend Elena (who I went to Rome with!) absolutely loves this book, in fact I'm fairly certain it was her favourite book of 2014, so I thought I should give it a try!

Resistance is Futile by Jenny T. Colgan: I have a soft spot for Colgan's contemporary fiction - particularly her Rosie Hopkins books - but she's also a big sci-fi nut. This book has been described as Bridget Jones's Diary meets Independence Day, so I simply have to read it. Plus it's another 2015 release so I'd like to read it in 2015!

The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton: Yet another book that's done well for itself, and one that several of my friends have said is amazing. I was lucky enough to find a hardback edition for only £5 just before Christmas, and I'd like to read it soon! I'm pretty sure it's set in the autumn, so I think September/October time will be the perfect time to cross it off my TBR.

A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab: Yet another 2015 release and yet another book that everyone has been talking about. I snapped up a copy of this when it was released in February and I still haven't read it because I suck.

The Dinosaur Lords by Victor Milán: YES DINOSAURS. This is also a 2015 release and the first book in a new trilogy, I believe. I'd like to read it this year so that, if I like it, I can snap up the second book when it comes out next year.

There's so much to read and so little time. Seriously, those of you who manage to read 200 books in a year, I salute you. I'm not going to tag anyone because I'm lazy, but if you want to do this tag then do it!

The Cinderella Book Tag!

I saw Mel @ The Daily Prophecy do this tag and I just had to join in because it's adorable!

Evil Stepsisters

A book with a character you hate

Heathcliff is literally the worst. He's a fantastic character, but a terrible human being.

Prince Charming

A book with a gentleman

Atticus Finch: the original DILF.

Look at that dapper bastard

Cinderella

A character that is graceful, kind and defiant

I really like Agnes. She's often accused of not having enough gumption, but it's nice to see a heroine with a quiet kind of strength. When her family is destitute she becomes a governess, despite both her parents and her sister doubting her capability, and she sticks with the job even when it's tough. If you haven't read Agnes Grey I recommend checking it out, particularly if you're a fan of subtler classics like Persuasion.

Fairy Godmother

A character who always has someone looking out for them

If it wasn't for Samwise Gamgee - the ultimate hero - Frodo would have died as soon as he stepped foot out of The Shire. Thank God Frodo has Sam.

Helpful Creatures

Something that makes you happy when you're sad

It's not a book, I know, but I absolutely love The Mummy. Next to Beauty and the Beast it's my favourite film, and it always makes me smile. I could watch this movie over and over and never get bored, and it's never failed to cheer me up!

Ashes

A book you didn't care for

I really, really, really didn't like Legend. June and Day were basically the same person with different genitalia, and Marie Lu spent way too much time explaining what everyone was wearing. It just wasn't for me.

Pumpkin

A character with a transformation

We all always knew that Neville was a hero, but Neville's transformation was one in which he realised what he was capable of doing himself. He went from the little boy who was terrified of his Potions Professor to the young man who slays horcruxes in a cardigan because he's Neville Longbottom.

Impossible

A book with an ending you didn't see coming

Just Breathe

Something that inspires you to be courageous

Something else that isn't a book, but is based on a book! I love the music from the Little Women musical, and this song in particular has always filled me with gumption.

Happily Ever After

A book with a perfect ending

Everything about Signal to Noise is perfect, and I desperately want more people to read it because it's so good.

I tag:

Natalie @ Orchestrating a Sea Change

Mallory @ The Local Muse

Deanna @ Deanna Writes

Micheline @ Lunar Rainbows

Shannon @ It Starts at Midnight

The Unpopular Opinions Tag!

Today I'm here with the Unpopular Opinions Tag. This was originally created over on YouTube by TheBookArcher, and you can find the original video here!

A Popular Book or Series You Didn't Like

I feel like there have been quite a few, but I'm going to go with Divergent by Veronica Roth, which I ended up DNFing. Me and that book just didn't click. I thought the protagonist had zero personality and the world was entirely unbelievable; I haven't gone near any dystopia for a while because with the whole hype around it I just got sick to the back teeth of looking at it, but for me a good dystopia has to be threatening. I have to believe that the events in the book are possible - that's why The Hunger Games works so well, because we are obsessed with violence and reality TV and celebrity culture. Sadly the society that Roth created just didn't do it for me, but props to her for finishing the trilogy the way she did - that takes guts!

See? Even Tris doesn't believe it.

A Popular Book or Series You Love but Everyone Else Hates

I'm not sure if there is one. I tend to be the grumpy person who doesn't like the popular book/series, so I have no idea.

A love triangle where the main character ended up with the person you did NOT want them to end up with

I'm still really mad that Katniss ended up with Peeta. I didn't want her to end up with Gale, either, I just wanted everyone to leave the poor girl alone. I wrote a post about My Problem with Peeta if you're interested in hearing my thoughts!

A Popular Genre that You Rarely Reach For

Contemporary I guess? I mean I think the genre I read the least of is horror, but I don't think horror is hugely popular amongst the other readers I know anyway. I don't mind contemporary, but it's not my first choice.

A Popular/Beloved Character You Do NOT Like

I was going to say Peeta again here, until I remember how much I hate Snape. I know Snape is a favourite amongst quite a few Harry Potter fans, but I hate the guy. I hate that he's a teacher who bullies his pupils (seriously what kind of adult bullies children?) I hate that Neville hates him so much that Snape is his boggart (really think about that for a moment; Neville's living during an incredibly dangerous time of wizarding history and he's seen what the cruciatus curse can do firsthand, but what terrifies him most in the world is one of his teachers) and I hate that everyone dismisses his horrific behaviour as okay because he was in love with someone who didn't love him back. Boo-fucking-hoo. I'm glad he died.

A Popular Author You Can't Seem to Get Into

I tried reading Throne of Glass and just couldn't get into it, and A Court of Thorns and Roses doesn't interest me in the slightest. I know she's hugely popular, but I'm sadly not a fan.

A Popular Book Trope You're Tired of Seeing

I loathe love triangles with a passion. I really, really, really hate them.

A Popular Series You have No Interest in Reading

The Shatter Me trilogy by Tahereh Mafi. There's another love triangle in this trilogy, and I know everyone loves Warner but I hate it when a character's shitty behaviour is excused by daddy issues.

What movie or TV adaptation do you prefer to the book?

For the most part I do think books are better than their movies, but I also like to look at the two mediums separately and I'll always find adaptations fascinating, but one film I liked more than the book would have to be Henry Selick's adaptation of Coraline by Neil Gaiman.

The book is wonderful, but the film just adds more and it's marvellous. Plus Henry Selick also directed The Nightmare Before Christmas so he's always going to be one of my favourite directors.

I tag:

Anyone who wants to do this tag!

The Classics Book Tag!

I saw this tag over at It's a Books World and I had to have a go at it myself. I don't read as many classics now that I've left uni, but I still love them dearly.

An Overhyped Classic You Really Didn't Like

Everyone's going to hate me, but I despise The Great Gatsby. Before anyone says anything, I understand why it is the way it is - I get what it's saying - but I still hate it. I don't think it helps that I don't think F. Scott Fitzgerald was a particularly great guy, either. I know we should try to separate the art from the artist, but it's something I often struggle with.

Favourite Time Period to Read About

I'm a Victorian girl, I've always loved the 19th century. So much happened in the 19th century - from the rise of the New Woman to the Gothic to the publication of Darwin's On the Origin of Species - and it informed the literature of the time in a fascinating way.

Favourite Fairy Tale

Oh Once Upon A Time, you had so much potential...

I always loved Rumpelstiltskin when I was little. I'm still waiting for my creepy Disney version. Or maybe even an adaptation by someone like Guillermo del Toro, that'd be cool.

Most Embarrassing Unread Classic

I don't really agree with this in the sense that I don't think we should be made to feel ashamed for having not read something, but if there's one classic I feel like I should have read by now it's Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird. I'm sure I'll get around to it one day, but the more people tell me to read it the less I want to.

Top 5 Classics You'd Like to Read Soon

As I'm starting to get into sci-fi I want to read a bit of classic sci-fi, and I love the sound of The Chrysalids. The Tenant of Wildfell Hall I've read parts of before, but I've never been able to sit down and read it from beginning to end which, as a big fan of Anne Brontë, is something I need to do. So far Jane Eyre is the only novel of Charlotte Brontë's I've read, and I have this lovely edition of Villette waiting patiently for me on my shelves, and while I'm not Thomas Hardy's biggest fan I do like the look of the new film adaptation of Far from the Madding Crowd, so I'd like to try reading it this year. I still need to get my hands on a decent copy of The Mabinogion, which are a collection of Welsh legends and folktales!

Favourite Modern Book/Series Based on a Classic

I think most of you know by now how much I love The Lunar Chronicles; they're by far the best retellings I've read.

Favourite Classic Adaptation

I love the 1994 adaptation of Little Women, but I think I have to say the 1993 adaptation of The Secret Garden just because I grew up with it and watched it so often during my childhood.

Least Favourite Classic Adaptation

Alice, a 1988 adaptation of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. I had to watch it for my Lit and Film course at uni and it's horrifying.

Favourite Editions of Classics You'd Like to Collect More Of

I'd really like Puffin to release more Puffin in Bloom titles. I'd love a pretty edition of The Secret Garden to match the lovely edition of A Little Princess they did!

An Underhyped Classic You'd Recommend to Everyone

Just Anne Brontë in general, really. She's forgotten too often, and I won't stop talking about her until she's as well known as her sisters.

I tag:

Libby @ Through the Wardrobe Door

Mallory @ The Local Muse

Micheline @ Lunar Rainbows

Michelle @ In Libris Veritas

Shannon @ It Starts at Midnight

Deanna @ Deanna Writes