All things books

a place where I can post my thoughts on books and a wide range of things

[carlyreadsbooks]

Welcome to my page :)

Hi all!

I have been wanting to make book related content for a long time and decided that this year was the year to do it. I will be posting a variety of content, from photos, book recommendations, book reviews and anything else i can think of. So if you would like to join me for this please do, it will be nice to have some friends who also love book related things as much as I do. 

[antikseftali]

[carlyreadsbooks]

Throne of Glass Series - Mini Review

Author: Sarah J Maas

Overall Rating: 4.8/5

Categories: Fantasy / Romance / YA

I recently finished the Throne of Glass series by author Sarah J Maas, it was a total of 6 books and I read it in about 6 weeks. All I have to say is wow. Now, this is the second time I have read the series, the first time I only got up to the 4th book then stopped, the reason I couldn't really remember. I wanted to get back into reading so I thought that this series would be a great stepping point as I know I would enjoy the first couple of books at least. Did I remember exactly what happened when I reread it, not really but I still thoroughly enjoyed those first few books in the series. Below are my thoughts on the book - spoiler-free of course :)

There is a lot to digest in these books, from world-building to character development and history of the world, there is a lot to unwrap and in my opinion, it was done with such ease and clarity that I never felt as If I was missing something. With some books (especially fantasy books) sometimes you will read something then have to reread it again so your brain can actually process it. The way Sarah writes is simply beautiful. I have never laughed and cried so much in a series before, all the characters are beautiful, they still had their flaws but that’s what made me love them all so much. The books are mainly from the POV of the main character, though the POV changes throughout the series giving you an insight into the minds of all the characters. When I finished the book I was sad not because of the amazing ending but from knowing that I won’t ever have that kind of experience with those characters again.

If you are looking for an amazing fantasy novel that has amazing world-building, character development, and a plot that will keep you saying ‘OMG’ then this Throne of Glass series is for you. Being 6 books is a long one, but being that long means that the story flows together, characters can grow and develop meaningful friendships and romantic relationships that don’t feel forced or rushed. I will always love this series and it is one of the favourites I have ever read so far.

[carlyreadsbooks]

The Alchemist - Paulo Coelho

[carlyreadsbooks]

My TBR list Jan/ Feb 2022 and Reading Goals 2022

So it's already 2022, a new year to explore new book titles. This is a post about my reading goal for the year 2022 and some of the books that I am wanting to read.

My 2022 reading goal - Read 25 books

Now that might not be a lot to some people but I have a very busy work life so I don't want to give a number that I might not be able to achieve. If I read more than this then that's great but I am not going to pressure myself too much with trying to achieve an unattainable goal.

My TBR list of January / February (hopefully)

Here are some of the books I’d like to read over the next 2 or so months. This list isn’t complete and may change.

The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon

These Violent Delights (series) by Chloe Gong

Our Violent Ends (series) by Chloe Gong

An Ember in the Ashes (series) by Sabaa Tahir

It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover

The Cruel Prince ( the folk in the air series) by Holly Black

From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Let me know if I should add any to my list ! I love recommendations :)

[tri4l-and-t3rror]

“you‘re so quiet” baby i’m not even here. i’m fantasizing about a book i read weeks ago. move on.

[carlyreadsbooks]

eReaders - should you buy one?

I love books, I love the feel of them, the look of them and book lovers know how sometimes you just want to sniff a good book. Physical books are great. The only problem is that they can take up a large amount of space, they add up over time and can be quite costly and they aren’t all that environmentally friendly. That’s why this past year I have been reaching for my eReader for 90% of all my reading needs. This time last year I purchased the Kobo Libra H20 as a birthday present for myself as I wanted to find that love for reading that I once had. So should you buy an eReader?

There are many different types of eReaders on the market to appease all users, whether that be price, range or style. The Kobo Libra H20 was perfect for me, I had an account with Kobo so getting an eReader from them sounded perfect. It is one of the best purchases I have made for myself. I love it. It makes reading so much easier, it's light and portable, you can through it in your bag to take with you (plus you can get some nice sleepcovers to protect them) The battery life is also amazing, It can go weeks depending on use, without having to charge it. You can use it in bed in the dark or outside in the bright sun and it won't have an issue. I can't recommend an Ereader enough.

I have compiled a list of some of the positives and the negatives (cause yes there is some) of owning an eReader, now these are my opinions but I wanted to share in case anyone was debating about owning an Ereader.

Positives

Books can be heavy, with an eReader it's so much easier to hold, in all kinds of positions.

They are lightweight which means portable, you can throw them in your bag or backpack. No more worrying about your book getting smushed or damaged.

They can hold so many books, like soooo many - great for sustainability.

Saves space in your home and bookshelves

Can read in the dark or bright light, but due to the screen, it won't hurt your eyes like a phone or tablet can.

Can change the text size, colour and style to give a more personalised reading experience.

Books are generally cheaper compared to paperback and hardcover books - woo saving money (to buy more books)

Negatives

the upfront costs aren't the cheapest, most start from around $140 AUD.

Some books aren't available on all Ereaders, for example, Kindle may have a book, but Kobo doesn't, and simply are not available at all.

You don't get that book feeling and smell.

Nothing will beat going into a book store and buying physical books, supporting your local bookstores are important, access to books on eReaders makes trips to the book store not as needed.

Overall I love eReaders and if you have the money to spare and have been debating on whether to get one, I definitely recommend that you do. While I love my Reader I still do by the occasional physical book, gotta support your local bookstores.

Happy reading :)

[carlyreadsbooks]

Currently Reading: The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon

Have you read this book? if so let me know your thoughts (spoiler-free of course) :)

[carlyreadsbooks]

“Libraries were full of ideas ― perhaps the most dangerous and powerful of all weapons.”

- Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas