tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49735244314113888012024-03-20T08:22:10.442+00:00Creative TherapyEscaping reality through books, writing and art.Anstice Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06659015918272722407noreply@blogger.comBlogger638125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973524431411388801.post-88931290885840929992018-01-28T17:43:00.000+00:002018-01-28T17:43:53.473+00:00This Blog has Moved!<span style="font-size: large;">Creative Therapy has been rebranded as Dusting the Soul and has moved over to Wordpress!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />Please follow the link below and click on the new follow links.</span><br /><a href="http://dustingthesoul.com/"><span style="font-size: x-large;">http://dustingthesoul.com/</span></a><br />
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Anstice Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06659015918272722407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973524431411388801.post-55205827304651925562018-01-06T21:36:00.001+00:002018-01-06T21:36:36.787+00:00Reading Challenge Addicts 2018<h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiVqMgxwp9ZirjFuCUlqTloU_E8bPSmXWoyG50G6RnWLVVJA4996PmLD9CJaBIpdjInK_Gctv55mIptjcFe6xPDDpKAGDRm5CWcKCfc2Jb05wPjIxuzMjrose1A7CrsGYJv1_dQBn8nhIP/s800/th_challenge_addict_button3_180px.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiVqMgxwp9ZirjFuCUlqTloU_E8bPSmXWoyG50G6RnWLVVJA4996PmLD9CJaBIpdjInK_Gctv55mIptjcFe6xPDDpKAGDRm5CWcKCfc2Jb05wPjIxuzMjrose1A7CrsGYJv1_dQBn8nhIP/s800/th_challenge_addict_button3_180px.jpg" /></a><span style="font-weight: normal;">This challenge is hosted by Cheryl, Gina and Bev from <a href="http://readingchallengeaddict.blogspot.co.uk/">Reading Challenge Addict</a>. It's all about how many reading challenges you can complete. </span><br />
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">T</span>here are four levels: Easy as Pie (1-5 challenges), On the Roof (6-10 challenges), In Flight (11-15 challenges) and Out of This World (16+ challenges). There will be mini-challenges, updates & extra giveaways throughout the year. The sign-up post is <a href="http://readingchallengeaddict.blogspot.co.uk/p/challenge-addicts-2018.html">here</a>.<br />
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<b>Target: </b>I'm going for Easy as Pie (1-5 challenges) as I think this is realistic for me.<br />
<b>Progress: </b>0/5<b> </b>(20%)<br />
<b>Last updated: </b>06/01/2018<br />
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</b><b> </b><a href="http://www.critiquecircle.com/wordmeterbuilder.asp?col=blue&curr=0&goal=5&link=1" title="This Word Meter on Critique Circle"><img border="0" src="http://www.critiquecircle.com/wordmeter.asp?col=blue&curr=0&goal=5&" /></a><br />
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The challenges I am aiming to complete are:<br />
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<li><a href="http://www.avbrownblog.co.uk/2018/01/full-house-reading-challenge-2018.html">Full House Reading Challenge</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.avbrownblog.co.uk/2018/01/new-authors-reading-challenge-2018.html">New Authors Reading Challenge</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.avbrownblog.co.uk/2018/01/2018-finishing-series-reading-challenge.html">Finishing the Series Reading Challenge</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.avbrownblog.co.uk/2018/01/2018-read-rainbow-reading-challenge.html">Read the Rainbow Reading Challenge</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.avbrownblog.co.uk/2018/01/2018-ya-reading-challenge-2018yarc.html">YA Reading Challenge</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.avbrownblog.co.uk/2018/01/science-fiction-vs-fantasy-bingo-2018.html">Science Fiction vs. Fantasy Bingo</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.avbrownblog.co.uk/2018/01/the-official-2018-tbr-pile-reading.html">The Official 2018 TBR Pile Challenge</a></li>
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<b>Have you signed up for any reading challenges this year?</b></div>
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Anstice Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06659015918272722407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973524431411388801.post-41690639945558793372018-01-06T20:58:00.002+00:002018-01-06T21:00:08.261+00:00The Official 2018 TBR Pile Reading Challenge #TBR2018RBR<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LVapvMzXur4/WlE4NyvpfLI/AAAAAAAAWuU/VwNRR9sTw4MHu4xdccH71RlswvgHq__uACLcBGAs/s1600/2018tbrbutton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="239" data-original-width="360" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LVapvMzXur4/WlE4NyvpfLI/AAAAAAAAWuU/VwNRR9sTw4MHu4xdccH71RlswvgHq__uACLcBGAs/s320/2018tbrbutton.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
T<a href="https://roofbeamreader.com/2017/11/07/announcing-the-official-2018-tbr-pile-challenge/">he Official 2018 TBR Pile Reading Challenge</a> hosted by <a href="https://roofbeamreader.com/">Roof Beam Reader</a> is all about reading 12 books from your "to be read" pile that have been on your shelf or e-reader for at least one full year.<br />
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This is a good challenge for me as I am a habitual book buyer who can barely pass a Waterstones without getting a shiny new paperback, yet there are plenty of novels that have been gathering dust on my shelves for years.<br />
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You only have to read and review 12 books to complete this challenge. If you want to join, please visit the <a href="https://roofbeamreader.com/2017/11/07/announcing-the-official-2018-tbr-pile-challenge/">sign-up post</a>. Crossovers from other challenges are totally acceptable, as long as you have never read the book before and it was published before 2017!<br />
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Every person who successfully reads his/her 12 books and/or alternates (and who provides a working link to their list, which has links to the review locations) will be entered to win a $50 gift card from Amazon.com or The Book Depository! There will also be monthly check-ins with mini-challenges and giveaways.<br />
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Target: 12 books from my TBR pile read and reviewed<br />
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<b>Progress: </b>0/12 (0%)<br />
<b>Last updated: </b>06/01/2018<br />
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<h2>
My 12 TBR books:</h2>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25905676-curse-of-the-sphinx"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1436848648l/25905676.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25953603-shattered-blue"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1437514185l/25953603.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22619514-reality"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1431982467m/22619514.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19448543-lumi-re"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1386970333m/19448543.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19314543-gambit"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1393283129m/19314543.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24872560-hardwired"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1423574149m/24872560.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15731796-audrey-s-guide-to-witchcraft"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1341184352m/15731796.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17250700-the-first-pillar"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1358554394m/17250700.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17406760-you-are-mine"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1367400299m/17406760.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16104396-gretel"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1351012814m/16104396.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22469079-the-circuit"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1402766953m/22469079.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24199704-going-home"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1419954095m/24199704.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b>Links to my reviews will be posted below:</b><br />
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1) <i>The Curse of the Sphinx</i> by Raye Wagner<br />
2) <i>Shattered Blue</i> by Lauren Bird Holowitz<br />
3) <i>Reality</i> by Dani Heart<br />
4) <i>Lumiere</i> by Jacqueline Garlick<br />
5) <i>Gambit</i> by C L Denault<br />
6) <i>Hardwired</i> by Trisha Leaver<br />
7) <i>Audrey's Guide to Witchcraft </i>by Jody Gehrman<br />
8) <i>Everville: The Last Pillar</i> by Roy Huff<br />
9) <i>You are Mine</i> by Janeal Falor<br />
10) <i>Gretel </i>by V Booke<br />
11) <i>The Circuit: Executor Rising</i> by Rhett C Bruno<br />
12) <i>Going Home</i> by Emma Lindhagden<br />
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<h2>
Alternates:</h2>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6339664-hush-hush"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1358261334m/6339664.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13274077-the-wrath-of-angels"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1341835369m/13274077.jpg" /></a><br />
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13) <i>Hush Hush</i> by Becca Fitzpatrick<br />
14) <i>The Wrath of Angels</i> by John Connolly<br />
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<b>Are you taking part in this challenge? Which books from your TBR pile are you planning on reading this year?</b><br />
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Anstice Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06659015918272722407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973524431411388801.post-55302822789792054692018-01-06T20:13:00.000+00:002018-01-06T20:17:45.995+00:00Science Fiction vs. Fantasy Bingo 2018 #SFvsFBingo<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IWenFPU6VqU/WlEA4K24FFI/AAAAAAAAWuE/BfQQDT51WR8Vr3W_7HNKvrAYIcjWPWk5ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_9030.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IWenFPU6VqU/WlEA4K24FFI/AAAAAAAAWuE/BfQQDT51WR8Vr3W_7HNKvrAYIcjWPWk5ACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_9030.PNG" width="480" /></a></div>
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This reading challenge is hosted by <a href="http://www.curiositykilledthebookworm.net/">Curiosity Killed the Bookworm</a>. You can choose to do a line, try to do as much as possible in your preferred genre, attack it randomly or go for the full house. Science fiction, fantasy, horror, speculative and magical realism genres all count.<br />
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The sign-up link is <a href="http://www.curiositykilledthebookworm.net/2017/12/science-fiction-vs-fantasy-bingo-2018.html">here</a> and you can enter to win a SFF book of your choice. You can also link up your reviews <a href="http://www.curiositykilledthebookworm.net/2018/01/sfvsfbingo-linkies.html#more">here</a>. Below are some of the books that are might read for this challenge, but I haven't thought of all of them yet, so there are some gaps.<br />
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Books I might read for this challenge:</h2>
<b>Space:</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22469079-the-circuit"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1402766953m/22469079.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16101994-star-trek-into-darkness"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1382972086l/16101994.jpg" /></a><b><br />
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AI:</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7083.Do_Androids_Dream_of_Electric_Sheep_"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1327399511l/7083.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b>Wibbly Wobbly Time Travel:</b></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19353394-the-mine?ac=1&from_search=1"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1386708949l/19353394.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><br />
It's the End of the World As We Know It: </b>?</div>
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<b><br />
Alien Invasion:</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34451228-fate-of-the-stars"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1491067953l/34451228.jpg" /></a><br />
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Plague:</b></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22559985-the-kill-order"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1408644778l/22559985.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><br />
Dystopia:</b></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24733883-the-dead-days-journal"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1422462747m/24733883.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19314543-gambit"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1393283129m/19314543.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24872560-hardwired"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1423574149m/24872560.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17230818-sever"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1357814531m/17230818.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22559985-the-kill-order"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1408644778l/22559985.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><br />
Alternate Reality:</b></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17250700-the-first-pillar"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1358554394m/17250700.jpg" /></a></div>
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Cyberpunk:</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35485704-rewired"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1500903022l/35485704.jpg" /></a><br />
<b><br />
This is Totally Going to Happen One Day:</b></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24872560-hardwired"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1423574149m/24872560.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><br />
Asian:</b><br />
<b><br />
</b> <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24934065-rebel-of-the-sands"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1446829335l/24934065.jpg" /></a></div>
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African:</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21755953-the-see-through-leopard"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1415314018l/21755953.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2232994.Walk_on_the_Wild_Side"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1388203869l/2232994.jpg" /></a><br />
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Rebellion: </b>?</div>
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<b><br />
Independent: </b>?</div>
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<b><br />
South American: </b><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7597.One_Hundred_Years_of_Solitude"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1354829590l/7597.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b> Portal: </b>?</div>
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<b><br />
Fantastic Beasts:</b></div>
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<b><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22585896-the-girl-at-midnight"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1408709623m/22585896.jpg" /></a></div>
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Haunted:</b></div>
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<b><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26256538-rooms"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1441802953l/26256538.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><br />
Undead:</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24703416-eve-brenner"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1422311895m/24703416.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><br />
Re-Telling:</b></div>
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<b><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21396155-the-forbidden-wish?from_search=true"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1446746802l/21396155.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24934065-rebel-of-the-sands"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1446829335l/24934065.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16104396-gretel"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1351012814m/16104396.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>Bite Me:</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7937462-the-short-second-life-of-bree-tanner?from_search=true"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1274335680l/7937462.jpg" /></a><br />
<b><br />
Kings, Queens and Long, Lost Relatives:</b><br />
<b><br />
</b></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10572.A_Clash_of_Kings"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1358254974m/10572.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7896527-throne-of-glass"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1335819760m/7896527.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><br />
Demonic:</b><br />
<b><br />
</b></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25905676-curse-of-the-sphinx"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1436848648l/25905676.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><br />
Immortal:</b><br />
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</b></div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6339664-hush-hush"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1358261334m/6339664.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13043180-asunder"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1336406778m/13043180.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b>Epic:</b><br />
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<span style="background-color: #ebe4d7; color: #120e0c; font-family: "open sans"; font-size: 14px; text-align: -webkit-center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10572.A_Clash_of_Kings" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; text-align: start;"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1358254974m/10572.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/604516.The_Hobbit"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1350960035l/604516.jpg" /></a> </span></div>
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</b> <b>Which science-fiction and fantasy books are you planning to read this year? </b><br />
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Anstice Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06659015918272722407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973524431411388801.post-24943094158450556902018-01-06T16:26:00.002+00:002018-01-06T16:26:38.635+00:002018 YA Reading Challenge #2018YARC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sUSEBUsprGc/WlD4AIQV_KI/AAAAAAAAWt0/RIn6jsyaBTIUqIxtw-ftND7cplCh4wxwgCLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2BYA%2BReading%2BChallenge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="267" data-original-width="320" height="267" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sUSEBUsprGc/WlD4AIQV_KI/AAAAAAAAWt0/RIn6jsyaBTIUqIxtw-ftND7cplCh4wxwgCLcBGAs/s320/2018%2BYA%2BReading%2BChallenge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The 2018 Young Adult Reading Challenge hosted by <a href="http://www.wholelatteideas.com/">Whole Latte Ideas</a> is all about reading books from the young adult genre. This is perfect for me as I really enjoy reading YA sci-fi and fantasy novels.<br />
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Anyone can participate, whether you happen to be a 'young adult' or not! You can set any goal for this that you like and any sub-genres ansd formats count as long as they are from the young adult or new adult genre. If you want to join, visit the <a href="http://www.wholelatteideas.com/2017/12/2018-ya-reading-challenge-info-and-sign.html">sign-up post</a>.<br />
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Target: 15 YA/NA books<br />
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<b>Progress: </b>0/15 (0%)<br />
<b>Last updated: </b>06/01/2018<br />
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</b><b> </b><a href="http://www.critiquecircle.com/wordmeterbuilder.asp?col=blue&curr=0&goal=15&link=1" title="This Word Meter on Critique Circle"><img border="0" src="http://www.critiquecircle.com/wordmeter.asp?col=blue&curr=0&goal=15&" /></a></div>
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The books that I will probably read for this challenge are listed below:<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25905676-curse-of-the-sphinx"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1436848648l/25905676.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25953603-shattered-blue"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1437514185l/25953603.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22619514-reality"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1431982467m/22619514.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19448543-lumi-re"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1386970333m/19448543.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19314543-gambit"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1393283129m/19314543.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24872560-hardwired"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1423574149m/24872560.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15731796-audrey-s-guide-to-witchcraft"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1341184352m/15731796.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17250700-the-first-pillar"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1358554394m/17250700.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17406760-you-are-mine"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1367400299m/17406760.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24733883-the-dead-days-journal"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1422462747m/24733883.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24703416-eve-brenner"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1422311895m/24703416.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17230818-sever"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1357814531m/17230818.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6339664-hush-hush"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1358261334m/6339664.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22585896-the-girl-at-midnight"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1408709623m/22585896.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13043180-asunder"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1336406778m/13043180.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7896527-throne-of-glass"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1335819760m/7896527.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24934065-rebel-of-the-sands"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1446829335l/24934065.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29748925-strange-the-dreamer"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1459436163l/29748925.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30117284-carve-the-mark"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1462467867l/30117284.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32827036-ink"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1483696581l/32827036.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22559985-the-kill-order"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1408644778l/22559985.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21396155-the-forbidden-wish?from_search=true"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1446746802l/21396155.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b>Which YA books are you planning to read this year? Let me know in the comments!</b><br />
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Anstice Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06659015918272722407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973524431411388801.post-40305053518683471592018-01-06T15:09:00.004+00:002018-01-06T15:12:39.851+00:002018 Read the Rainbow Reading Challenge #readtherainbow2018 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_jLiInOkLHk/WlDnV-3fDsI/AAAAAAAAWtU/68OMcptkzYs-vdfBJoDhfoHSiyKngnn5wCLcBGAs/s1600/Read-The-Rainbow-Reading-Challenge-button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_jLiInOkLHk/WlDnV-3fDsI/AAAAAAAAWtU/68OMcptkzYs-vdfBJoDhfoHSiyKngnn5wCLcBGAs/s320/Read-The-Rainbow-Reading-Challenge-button.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The aim of this reading challenge hosted by <a href="https://www.mia-sutton.com/home/2018-read-the-rainbow-reading-challenge">Mia Sutton </a>is to read a book each month of the year that corresponds to a different colour. The full details can be found <a href="https://www.mia-sutton.com/home/read-the-rainbow-reading-challenge-details">here</a> and the first link-up will be on January 31st.<br />
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<b>Target: </b>12 books corresponding to each of the colours.</div>
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<b>Progress: </b>0/12 (0%)<br />
<b>Last updated: </b>06/01/2018<br />
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</b><b> </b><a href="http://www.critiquecircle.com/wordmeterbuilder.asp?col=blue&curr=0&goal=12&link=1" title="This Word Meter on Critique Circle"><img border="0" src="http://www.critiquecircle.com/wordmeter.asp?col=blue&curr=0&goal=12&" /></a></div>
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Read on to see the colours for each month and which books I'm planning to read for this challenge.<br />
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Schedule of Colours</h2>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s3nPhIoKr1A/WlDjt-GE2QI/AAAAAAAAWtI/rbNMsWw64lgjsO4viisiF7e37WzbqiSwQCLcBGAs/s1600/Read-the-Rainbow-Schedule.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s3nPhIoKr1A/WlDjt-GE2QI/AAAAAAAAWtI/rbNMsWw64lgjsO4viisiF7e37WzbqiSwQCLcBGAs/s400/Read-the-Rainbow-Schedule.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<h2>
Books I might read for this challenge:</h2>
<b>Jan-Red</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15731796-audrey-s-guide-to-witchcraft"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1341184352m/15731796.jpg" /></a><br />
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</b> <b>Feb-Orange</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19353394-the-mine?ac=1&from_search=1"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1386708949l/19353394.jpg" /></a><br />
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</b> <b>March-Yellow</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10572.A_Clash_of_Kings"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1358254974m/10572.jpg" /></a><br />
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</b> <b>April-Green</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17230818-sever"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1357814531m/17230818.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30177425-the-infj-writer"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1463083736l/30177425.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24872560-hardwired"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1423574149m/24872560.jpg" /></a><br />
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</b> <b>May-Blue</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/155519.Desperation"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1400327391m/155519.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29748925-strange-the-dreamer"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1459436163l/29748925.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35704107-harry-potter"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1500670878l/35704107.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33594749-my-sister-and-other-liars"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1482761118l/33594749.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34564720-fantastic-beasts-and-where-to-find-them"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1500399798l/34564720.jpg" /></a><b><br />
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</b> <b>June-Purple</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21396155-the-forbidden-wish?from_search=true"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1446746802l/21396155.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22619514-reality"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1431982467m/22619514.jpg" /></a><br />
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</b> <b>July-Pink</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26256538-rooms"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1441802953l/26256538.jpg" /></a><br />
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</b> <b>August-White</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25905676-curse-of-the-sphinx"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1436848648l/25905676.jpg" /></a><b><br />
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</b> <b>September-Brown</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24199704-going-home"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1419954095m/24199704.jpg" /></a><br />
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</b> <b>October-Black</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24703416-eve-brenner"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1422311895m/24703416.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22559985-the-kill-order"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1408644778l/22559985.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22469079-the-circuit"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1402766953m/22469079.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19314543-gambit"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1393283129m/19314543.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17406760-you-are-mine"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1367400299m/17406760.jpg" /></a><br />
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</b> <b>November-Metallic</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32827036-ink"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1483696581l/32827036.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24934065-rebel-of-the-sands"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1446829335l/24934065.jpg" /></a><br />
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</b> <b>December-Multi-Colour</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13043180-asunder"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1336406778m/13043180.jpg" /></a><br />
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</b> <b>Are you taking part in the rainbow reading challenge? Share your link in the comments! </b><br />
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Anstice Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06659015918272722407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973524431411388801.post-29172811511102792072018-01-06T14:46:00.000+00:002018-01-06T14:46:16.644+00:002018 Finishing the Series Reading Challenge #FinishingTheSeries2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8avu8rob8D24toruW5fAzTZHxqmNm5LBhiRixkMO7DeRLh4fC7rNojeG7H_lXpZVMhm7OiUVi8GrrIQ4Aj-bxyIetIWw_n1HoNNU0Gx-PtVozUMIkh35LbrdSgyecpSvMPWi9PmF13YXd/s1600/2018-FTSRC-Button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="624" data-original-width="624" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8avu8rob8D24toruW5fAzTZHxqmNm5LBhiRixkMO7DeRLh4fC7rNojeG7H_lXpZVMhm7OiUVi8GrrIQ4Aj-bxyIetIWw_n1HoNNU0Gx-PtVozUMIkh35LbrdSgyecpSvMPWi9PmF13YXd/s200/2018-FTSRC-Button.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
This reading challenged is focused on finishing those series that you're started but not yet completed. Here is the <a href="http://celebrityreaders.com/2018-finishing-the-series-reading-challenge/">link up post. </a><br />
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The series can be already completed by the author or still being written. For ongoing series, the goal is to catch-up to the most recent book published. You must have started reading the series before 2018 and any format counts. Crossovers with other challenges are totally fine and reviews are encouraged but not required.<br />
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Read on to see the books I'm planning to read for this challenge!<br />
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There are 3 levels for this challenge:</div>
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<li>C-List Series Finisher- complete 1 to 4 series</li>
<li>B-List Series Finisher- complete 5 to 8 series</li>
<li>A-List Series Finisher- complete 9+ series</li>
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<b>Target: </b>I'm aiming for the C-List level.<br />
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<b>Progress: </b>0/4 (0%)<br />
<b>Last updated: </b>06/01/2018<br />
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</b><b> </b><a href="http://www.critiquecircle.com/wordmeterbuilder.asp?col=blue&curr=0&goal=4&link=1" title="This Word Meter on Critique Circle"><img border="0" src="http://www.critiquecircle.com/wordmeter.asp?col=blue&curr=0&goal=4&" /></a></div>
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<h2>
Books I might read for this challenge:</h2>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17230818-sever"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1357814531m/17230818.jpg" /></a><a href="htps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13043180-asunder"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1336406778m/13043180.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22559985-the-kill-order"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1408644778l/22559985.jpg" /></a><br />
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</b> <b>Which book series are you hoping to finish this year? Share in the comments!</b><br />
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Anstice Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06659015918272722407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973524431411388801.post-25986802178385451952018-01-06T13:23:00.001+00:002018-01-06T13:23:43.382+00:00New Authors Reading Challenge 2018 #NewAuthors18<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5mxIzKD2TvI/WlDLuoZ-aHI/AAAAAAAAWss/wowy76wjfokRIPjxaaJGoyitB_EKy7ZdQCLcBGAs/s1600/NAC.2018.450px.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="450" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5mxIzKD2TvI/WlDLuoZ-aHI/AAAAAAAAWss/wowy76wjfokRIPjxaaJGoyitB_EKy7ZdQCLcBGAs/s200/NAC.2018.450px.png" width="200" /></a></div>
The idea behind this challenge, hosted by <a href="http://www.literaryescapism.com/">Literary Escapism</a>, is to find new authors that you've never tried before, not necessarily ones that are debuting this year.<br />
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They can be in your genre of choice or you can be brave and try something new. You can choose whatever goal you like. The sign up post is <a href="https://www.literaryescapism.com/50451/newauthors18-reading-challenge">here</a>. After reading your new author, write your review and then <a href="https://goo.gl/forms/9a8cJGLvbvUnoIu33">add your link to the form</a>.<br />
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<b>Target: </b>I'm aiming for 15 books by authors that are new to me.<br />
<b>Progress: </b>0/15 (0%)<br />
<b>Last updated: </b>06/01/2018<br />
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</b><b> </b><a href="http://www.critiquecircle.com/wordmeterbuilder.asp?col=blue&curr=0&goal=15&link=1" title="This Word Meter on Critique Circle"><img border="0" src="http://www.critiquecircle.com/wordmeter.asp?col=blue&curr=0&goal=15&" /></a></div>
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<h2>
Books I Might Read for this Challenge: </h2>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25905676-curse-of-the-sphinx"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1436848648l/25905676.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25953603-shattered-blue"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1437514185l/25953603.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22619514-reality"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1431982467m/22619514.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19448543-lumi-re"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1386970333m/19448543.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19314543-gambit"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1393283129m/19314543.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24872560-hardwired"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1423574149m/24872560.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15731796-audrey-s-guide-to-witchcraft"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1341184352m/15731796.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17250700-the-first-pillar"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1358554394m/17250700.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17406760-you-are-mine"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1367400299m/17406760.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16104396-gretel"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1351012814m/16104396.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22469079-the-circuit"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1402766953m/22469079.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24199704-going-home"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1419954095m/24199704.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24733883-the-dead-days-journal"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1422462747m/24733883.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24703416-eve-brenner"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1422311895m/24703416.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19353394-the-mine?ac=1&from_search=1"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1386708949l/19353394.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1691371.Mythago_Wood"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1186968800m/1691371.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6339664-hush-hush"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1358261334m/6339664.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22585896-the-girl-at-midnight"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1408709623m/22585896.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7896527-throne-of-glass"><img height="150" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1335819760m/7896527.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32827036-ink"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1483696581l/32827036.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33594749-my-sister-and-other-liars"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1482761118l/33594749.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b style="text-align: left;">Are you taking part in this challenge? Which books by 'new to you' authors are you hoping to read this year? Let me know in the comments!</b><br />
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Anstice Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06659015918272722407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973524431411388801.post-86536167703352667502018-01-06T12:50:00.003+00:002018-01-06T12:55:23.819+00:00Full House Reading Challenge 2018<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Kathryn at <a href="http://bookdate.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Book Date</a> is hosting the <a href="https://bookdate.blogspot.co.uk/2017/11/full-house-reading-challenge-2018.html">Full House Reading Challenge 2018</a>-a fun bingo card that you cross off as you go whenever you achieve one of the goals.<br />
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The challenge runs from 1st Jan to 31st Dec 2018. You can link up reviews (although these are not mandatory) and every three months there are two prizes of $15 with a book of your choice from the Book Depository or an Amazon voucher.<br />
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At the end of the challenge, you can enter for a 'full house' if you've ticked off all the categories on the card and you have a chance of winning a $40 prize (US only).<br />
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The squares may be completed in any order, and books may cross over from other challenges that you are doing. However, you must read a different book for each square, one book cannot cover two squares.<br />
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Here's the bingo card:<br />
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Books I Might Read for this Challenge:</h2>
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<li>Mystery/thriller-<i><span style="color: #cc0000;">The Wrath of Angels, Bad Men, Mythago Wood, Beyond the Sea, My Sister and Other Liars</span></i></li>
<li>Historical-<i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Lumière</span></i></li>
<li>Over 500 pages-<i style="color: #cc0000;">A Clash of Kings</i></li>
<li>Setting: Library/bookshop-</li>
<li>Four-word title-<i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Audrey's Guide to Witchcraft, </span></i><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Everville: The Last Pillar, </span></i><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">The Girl at Midnight, The Circuit: Executor Rising, </span></i><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">The Dead Days Journal,</span></i><i><span style="color: #cc0000;"> Curse of the Sphinx, </span></i><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">The Wrath of Angels, A Clash of Kings</span></i></li>
<li>Last book added to your TBR-<i><span style="color: #cc0000;">The INFJ Writer</span></i></li>
<li>A classic-<i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Desperation, </span></i><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">To Kill a Mockingbird, Jayne Eyre, The Secret Garden, Wuthering Heights </span></i></li>
<li>Fantasy-<i><span style="color: #cc0000;">The Forbidden Wish, Throne of Glass, Rebel of the Sands, </span></i><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Audrey's Guide to Witchcraft, </span></i><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Everville: The Last Pillar, </span></i><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">The Girl at Midnight, </span></i><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Curse of the Sphinx, </span></i><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">A Clash of Kings, Strange the Dreamer, Carve the Mark, His Dark Materials</span></i></li>
<li>Coming of age theme-<i><span style="color: #cc0000;">To Kill a Mockingbird, Jayne Eyre, The Secret Garden, Wuthering Heights</span></i></li>
<li>Adapted to a movie-<i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, The Notebook, Stardust, The Handmaid's Tale, Life of Pi, Fight Club, His Dark Materials</span></i></li>
<li>Holiday season-</li>
<li>Has plot twist-<i><span style="color: #cc0000;">My Sister and Other Liars, Fight Club, Life of Pi</span></i></li>
<li>Humour-Anything by Robert Rankin</li>
<li>Book to improve life-<i><span style="color: #cc0000;">The INFJ Writer, Life Management, Creative Thinking</span></i></li>
<li>Redemption theme-</li>
<li>Number in title-<i><span style="color: #cc0000;">44, One is Come </span></i></li>
<li>Under 250 pages-<i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Gretel</span></i></li>
<li>New to you author from another country-<i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Hush Hush, Audrey's Guide to Witchcraft, </span></i><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Everville: The Last Pillar, You are Mine, Gretel, </span></i><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">The Girl at Midnight, The Circuit: Executor Rising, Going Home, The Dead Days Journal, Throne of Glass, Curse of the Sphinx, Reality, Shattered Blue, The Mine, Lumière, Gambit, Hardwired, Zombie Girl.</span></i></li>
<li>From favourite series-<span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>Sever, Asunder, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them</i></span></li>
<li>Dual time line-</li>
<li>Non-Fic hobby book-<i><span style="color: #cc0000;">The INFJ Writer, Creative Crafting</span></i></li>
<li>Children's book-<i><span style="color: #cc0000;">His Dark Materials </span></i></li>
<li>Book from TBR randomly chosen-</li>
<li>Memoir/Autobiography-<i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Moab is my Washpot, The Fry Chronicles, Absoloute Pandemonium: My Louder than Life Story</span></i></li>
<li>Reread-<i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them </span></i></li>
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<b>Are you taking part in the Full House Reading Challenge this year? Let me know in the comments!</b></div>
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Anstice Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06659015918272722407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973524431411388801.post-88516634818542876002018-01-03T10:00:00.000+00:002018-01-03T10:00:46.305+00:00Yearly Wrap-Up 2017<br />
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I can't quite believe that we are already in 2018. Last year flew by for me, probably because I was very busy working, rebranding my business and taking care of my two year old.<br />
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As a result, I didn't have much time for reading or writing, so I'm afraid my poor blog was neglected. I plan to invest more time and energy in it this year as I do miss taking part in the blogging community and making time for myself to be creative.<br />
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Blogging and Reading Stats</h2>
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<b>Books read:</b> 11 (nowhere near my goal of 24 but at least an improvement on last year!)<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19288043-gone-girl"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1397056917l/19288043.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20957276-the-maze-runner"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1412070617l/20957276.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23014101-the-scorch-trials"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1412070439l/23014101.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22311017-the-death-cure"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1400947348l/22311017.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22559985-the-kill-order"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1408644778l/22559985.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1270615.Buffy_the_Vampire_Slayer"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1331332425l/1270615.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2567987-buffy-the-vampire-slayer"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1331234838l/2567987.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2735709-hippy-chick"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1356449590l/2735709.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35485704-rewired"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1500903022l/35485704.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34451228-fate-of-the-stars"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1491067953l/34451228.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34031447-the-longing-and-the-lack?from_search=true"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1494082499l/34031447.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b>Books reviewed: </b>5: <i><a href="http://www.avbrownblog.co.uk/2017/09/blog-tour-longing-and-lack-by-c-m.html">The Longing and the Lack</a>, <a href="http://www.avbrownblog.co.uk/2017/09/blog-tour-fate-of-stars-by-arwen-paris.html">Fate of the Stars</a>, <a href="http://www.avbrownblog.co.uk/2017/07/book-review-maze-runner-by-james-dashner.html">The Maze Runner</a>, <a href="http://www.avbrownblog.co.uk/2017/07/book-review-hippy-chick-by-louise.html">Hippy Chick</a>, <a href="http://www.avbrownblog.co.uk/2017/09/blog-tour-rewired-by-sr-johannes-with.html">Rewired</a>.</i></div>
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<b>Blog posts: </b>15 :( This is a huge drop for me as I wrote over 100 in 2016. I hope to put it right this year.<br />
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<b>Events participated in: </b>None. :( I really missed joining in with the blogging community last year. In 2018 I want to take part in the A-Z Challenge again and some of the Bloggiesta events.<br />
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</b> <b>Memes participated in: </b>2: <a href="http://www.avbrownblog.co.uk/search/label/Harry%20Potter%20Moment%20of%20the%20Week" target="_blank">Harry Potter Moment of the Week</a>, <a href="http://www.avbrownblog.co.uk/search/label/Cover%20Characteristic" target="_blank">Cover Characteristic</a>.<br />
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<b>Book promotion posts (blog tours, cover reveals, author interviews etc.): </b>6 </div>
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<b>Most active month of blogging:</b> July (9 posts, compared to my peak of 29 last year).<br />
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<b>Blog followers: </b>316 via GFC, 299 via Facebook , 225 via Twitter, 226 via Google+, 158 via Bloglovin', 5 via Feedburner.<br />
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<b>Reading challenges completed: </b>0. I didn't sign up to any last year but stay tuned for my post about this year's reading challenges.<br />
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<b>Blog awards received:</b> 0.<br />
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<b>Discussion posts:</b> 0.<br />
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<b>Top 5 most visited posts (all time): </b><a href="http://www.avbrownblog.co.uk/2013/04/u-is-for-unicorns-atozchallenge.html">U is for Unicorns</a>, <a href="http://www.avbrownblog.co.uk/2014/05/my-wedding-part-2-diy-pocketfold.html">My Wedding Part 2: DIY Pocketfold Invites</a>, <a href="http://www.avbrownblog.co.uk/2011/03/gone-but-not-forgotten-blogfest.html">Gone but not Forgotten Blogfest</a>, <a href="http://www.avbrownblog.co.uk/2014/08/self-esteem-challenge-day-28-do-you.html">Self-Esteeem Challenge Day 28</a>, <a href="http://www.avbrownblog.co.uk/2012/10/divergent-casting-news-and-fan-art.html">Divergent Casting News and Fan Art</a>.<br />
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Creative Hobbies</h2>
<b>Art and craft projects: </b>Sadly, none this year. I have really fallen off the bandwagon.<br />
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</b> <b>Cooking and baking experiments: </b>8:<b> </b>Pumpkin muffins, pumpkin pie, pumpkin soup, choc chip cookies, spag bol, vegetable soup, leek and potato soup, dairy free birthday cake.<br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zsqJzoURmY4/WkvjOd5L9nI/AAAAAAAAWrk/0OJZkqm15tQ4hd3SLMEbdX6c7pSCeMGQQCLcBGAs/s200/Pumpkin%2Bmuffins%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="200" /><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pu2vQYWSYVA/WkvjRss82vI/AAAAAAAAWro/KnMjccEDYZgOb6iEmytXOfYnpvi45qW6wCLcBGAs/s200/P1050802.JPG" width="200" /><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u4ShijIp9Q4/WkvjXYWC6GI/AAAAAAAAWrs/LCmE_IxQeLA0auji6SvwvPqm5hyw92uQQCLcBGAs/s200/Pumpkin%2Bpie%2B%25289%2529.JPG" width="200" /><br />
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<b>Poems written: </b>None :(<br />
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Favourites</h2>
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<b>Songs: </b>'Shape of You' by Ed Sheeran, 'Perfect' by Ed Sheeran, 'Despacito' by Luis Fonsi/Daddy Yankee/Bieber, 'Too Good at Goodbyes' by Sam Smith, 'Castle on the Hill' by Ed Sheeran, 'Galway Girl' by Ed Sheeran, 'Rockabye' by Clean Bandit, 'Paris' by the Chainsmokers, 'That's What I Like' by Bruno Mars.<br />
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<b>TV Shows: </b>The Apprentice, Great British Bakeoff, The Handmaid's Tale, Blue Planet II, Red Dwarf XII, Celebrity Hunted, Call the Midwife.<br />
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<b>Films:</b> Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Thor: Ragnarok, Spider-Man: Homecoming, Beauty and the Beast, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2.</div>
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<b>Food and Drink:</b> Quorn escallopes, nuggets and southern-fried bites, any vegetarian Marks and Spencer meals, salted caramel anything.<br />
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Favourite Memories: See my post: <a href="http://www.avbrownblog.co.uk/2018/01/my-top-ten-moments-of-2017.html">My Top Ten Moments of 2017</a>.<br />
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Summary</h2>
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Overall, 2017 was a fairly good year. The low points were a loss in my extended family at the beginning of the year, a relationship break-up and one of my close family members being diagnosed with a long-term illness. However, the good things outweighed the bad so 2017 was relatively kind to me compared to other years. </div>
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I did slack off with blogging, writing and other creative hobbies and I do want to improve on that next year as I feel a big part of me is missing when I'm not expressing myself creatively. However, looking after and playing with my daughter will always be my main priority and I wouldn't trade the happy memories we made together for anything.</div>
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<b>How was your year? What are your <span class="GRcorrect" grcontextid="favourite:0" grmarkguid="f759b588-2a14-4088-a096-ce8329bc7416" gruiphraseguid="e4471cbc-bdba-4bd6-89dc-b653567d247a">favourite</span> memories? Did you achieve all your goals for 2017?</b></div>
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Anstice Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06659015918272722407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973524431411388801.post-90819306746622690902018-01-02T19:48:00.002+00:002018-01-02T19:48:11.437+00:00My Top Ten Moments of 2017 I always love looking back on the year that's gone and reflecting on all the positive things that have happened. 2017 wasn't my best from a creative point of view, but I had some fantastic times with family and friends and those are the things that matter most to me. Time spent with loved ones is never wasted!<br />
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Here are ten of my favourite moments from 2017:<br />
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1) Our holiday to Devon</h2>
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</b> Our first holiday with just me, my husband and our little girl. We stayed in a great hotel with indoor and outdoor pools and had lots of fun on the beach, we went to a farm park and a sea-life centre and also visited M's grandma.<br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6qLve2Jtt5Y/Wku-1rkwZDI/AAAAAAAAWqA/gyJmsTPcGBwwXVaKyBCl-0RShD53KcZ-ACLcBGAs/s200/P1040684.JPG" width="200" /><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lzsrJXdqLwU/Wku4ctJhAXI/AAAAAAAAWpc/tLAzAzXAvGE919_-gwHe0GNBF7cqfyUhgCLcBGAs/s200/P1040453.JPG" width="200" /><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lqmOITtACYw/Wku5MtHUBcI/AAAAAAAAWpo/G9B8DZHu19EQT5cA22UT_SM3EbcpQzXPQCLcBGAs/s200/P1040487.JPG" width="200" /><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-10zycYCTsNs/Wku5LxQ7sAI/AAAAAAAAWpk/kGnGJJmKKx4blLr-SsX4JyOO0eTCEqnnwCLcBGAs/s200/P1040599.JPG" width="200" /><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7tnFpQbdpg8/Wku5ND1HifI/AAAAAAAAWps/Hz761dO9p10lXZtrmuWDGI1FGzUrOcviACLcBGAs/s200/P1040603.JPG" width="200" /><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmOQb4hPmi7YcsoqfPe24bPjgTnes8CWEG_MpI3Wtox_mPfDYf-JLLlJmWuoFnixeRlSmx3SppxYrq20RWHUIoLPFnmCWl5UNtwK_ImcgklHWL5HgkCXOsB3PAtyEzxjvlaWuMbW6IWHCw/s200/P1040604.JPG" width="200" /><br />
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2) Our holiday to Centerparcs</h2>
This was a fantastic holiday with so many activities and it was great to spend time with my family and M's too. It was just a shame M couldn't come with us due to us having different weeks off work! <br />
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3) Bat Out of Hell Live</h2>
My best friend treated me to a trip to London to see this fantastic musical and we had a blast catching up and laughing at random things.<br />
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4) Seasonal Activities</h2>
We saw a brilliant firework display on Bonfire Night and visited a pumpkin patch for Halloween. I also did a lot of baking with left-over pumpkin. For Christmas, we took our daughter to a couple of grottos/winter wonderlands to see Santa and we managed to see most of our family over the Christmas period for various meals and events. It was exhausting but fun.<br />
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5) Spending time with family and friends</h2>
I've had some great times with my nearest and dearest this year, including a party to celebrate my cousin's wedding, a christening, a few catch-ups with long-distance friends, a trip to the zoo, a few farm park visits, a couple of housewarming parties, some playdates and lots of birthday meals.<br />
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6) My birthday week</h2>
I had a girly day at the salon with my mum and sister, met some of my mother-in-law's family who had travelled from the US, had some friends over, went out for a birthday meal, got my hair cut and went to another friend's birthday BBQ.<br />
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7) My daughter's 2nd birthday</h2>
We had a fun time at the local soft play with my daughter's little friends and I even baked a cake. My family visited in the afternoon and we had a meal with M's family in the evening. It was lovely to celebrate with everyone. L has changed a lot this year but we are really proud of the clever, funny and loving little girl she is turning into.<br />
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8) My family's good news</h2>
My youngest sister got great A-level results and started university, my other sister is continuing to work hard in her job and make me proud despite personal challenges and my brother is enjoying married life and making exciting plans for the future. My dad has overcome some serious health issues and is getting married in the spring.<br />
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9) My cameo in the Dance Krazy annual show</h2>
Although I haven't danced since the birth of my daughter, I was invited back for a cameo role in one number as 'Mrs Potts' the teapot from Beauty and the Beast, with my daughter playing Chip! It was really fun.<br />
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10) Joining fitness classes and losing a stone</h2>
I signed up to local Clubbercise sessions and a 5-week 'boot camp' in which I got to have a go at using an exercise ball, trampoline, step and doing some new activities that were a bit out of my comfort zone. I managed to lose a stone in the summer and keep it off. I'm now planning to lose another stone before Easter.<br />
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<b>What were your highlights from 2017? Share your fave memories in the comments!</b><br />
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Anstice Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06659015918272722407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973524431411388801.post-89559470228443433282017-09-16T12:00:00.000+01:002017-09-16T13:20:30.685+01:00Blog Tour: The Longing and the Lack by C M Spivey with review and giveaway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today I'm hosting the next spot on the tour for <i><b>The Longing and the Lack</b></i> (The Unliving #1) , a New Adult Paranormal novel by C.M. Spivey, which is due to be released on the 19th September.<br />
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Keep reading to see the synopsis, read my review and enter the giveaway for a chance to win the grand prize!<br />
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About the Book</h2>
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<i> “Gothic curses, deadly love affairs, and vengeful ghosts combine to make this paranormal mystery a compelling page-turner.” — Tina Connolly, Nebula-nominated author of Ironskin.<br />
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Lucinda Hightower is no stranger to death.<br />
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Since she was a child, Lucinda has been haunted by rabid dogs, suicidal crows, and the ghost of a woman in white. All are omens signaling someone’s imminent demise—except Lucinda’s friends and family are still breathing.<br />
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The omens follow her to Ireland and the quiet university in her father’s hometown, increasing in strength and frequency once she meets Damien Reed. A handsome third year student, Damien thrusts himself into Lucinda’s life almost immediately and caresses away the unsavory reputation that shadows him.<br />
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It’s not until the ghost sinks her nails into Damien that he reveals his secret: the death omens are for him.<br />
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They’re the manifestations of a curse that claims the life of the eldest Reed son every generation. Damien’s time is nearly up. If Lucinda is to save him, she must solve the mystery of her family curse, and lay a spirit’s rage to rest.<br />
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A dark romance for fans of Diane Setterfield and the TV show Supernatural, The Longing and the Lack is a Gothic story for the modern age.</i></blockquote>
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<i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34031447-the-longing-and-the-lack"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4f_G43yQ0a8/Vbksf82OnHI/AAAAAAAATB8/FqopPf-weTU/s1600/Goodreads.png" /></a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Longing-Lack-Unliving-C-M-Spivey-ebook/dp/B072L2JM7B/"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SsDLfs0Phwo/VbkuWquMREI/AAAAAAAATCE/-iT4t-kfbb8/s1600/Amazon%2BUS.png" /></a><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Longing-Lack-Unliving-C-M-Spivey-ebook/dp/B072L2JM7B/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1505557999&sr=8-1&keywords=the+longing+and+the+lack+cm+spivey"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zOYSs1kSKhE/VbkuYPqSbRI/AAAAAAAATCM/F19cACnPOrk/s1600/Amazon%2BUK.png" /></a></i><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-longing-and-the-lack-cm-spivey/1126284809?ean=9780986090332"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p-u_CiLM2aU/VbkuZGOot6I/AAAAAAAATCU/XKPexDn6fbY/s1600/Barnes%2B%2526%2BNoble.png" /></a><br />
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About the Author</h2>
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C.M. Spivey is a speculative fiction writer, author of high fantasy FROM UNDER THE MOUNTAIN and the paranormal series, “The Unliving”. His enduring love of fantasy started young. Now, he explores the rules and ramifications of magic in his own works—and as a trans, panromantic asexual, he’s committed to queering his favourite genres.<br />
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In his spare time, he plans his next tattoo (there will always be a next tattoo) and watches too much Netflix. Anything left over is devoted to his tireless quest to make America read more. He lives in Portland, Oregon, with his darling husband Matt and adorable dog Jay.<br />
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<a href="https://cmspivey.com/"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kBbzF28lrMU/VbkyUjScbQI/AAAAAAAATDs/1MeEjf0KEG4/s1600/Website.png" /></a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/calspivey/"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gOVw9YCrvJ8/VbkvZAZGUUI/AAAAAAAATCg/0FDBKa5nF-Y/s1600/Facebook.png" /></a><a href="https://twitter.com/CalSpivey"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pBKQUJC4dqg/Vbkvj-gX2FI/AAAAAAAATCw/xISKixJOkd8/s1600/Twitter.png" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8111269.C_M_Spivey"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cy8R-5U8Cog/Vbkvsq6Ca6I/AAAAAAAATDA/M2mcXnJCIMg/s1600/Goodreads.png" /></a><br />
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My Review</h2>
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<i><b>Disclosure:</b> I was kindly given a review copy of The Longing and the Lack by <a href="http://xpressobooktours.com/">Xpresso Book Tours</a> for taking part in the tour. This in no way affects the integrity of my review and as usual, all my comments are my honest opinion.</i></div>
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<b> Star rating:</b> <img border="0" height="25" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qlkm8PgG4qg/VngOUlRvXlI/AAAAAAAAT6Y/rjspvVVxuacIaZaf-I7LsmTlqGBqzMUDACPcBGAYYCw/s200/3stars.png" /><br />
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</i> <i>The Longing and the Lack </i>is a modern Gothic novel with elements of both mystery and romance. There were a few things I didn't like about it, but there was enough suspense and intrigue to keep me interested. It has all the elements that you would look for in a gothic novel: deadly curses, unsettling apparitions, haunting visions, unexpected plot twists and devastating betrayals.<br />
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The main character, eighteen year old Lucinda Hightower, has been tormented all her life by strange omens of death. Although they don't seem to be aimed at her or her family, they nevertheless deeply affect her and she longs to understand their meaning. In an attempt to gain some peace and distance from her troubled past, she relocates to her father's hometown in Ireland to attend university.<br />
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But unfortunately, the strange occurrences only increase and intensify and her brother even starts to have premonitions about her. Lucinda is particularly terrified by the chilling 'woman in white' who haunts her, probing her body with icy fingers. I loved these spooky apparitions and they gave the novel a really ominous, suspenseful feeling.<br />
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Lucinda's roommate Naomi tries to look out for her by warning her about the notorious womaniser Damien Reed. But inevitably, Lucinda soon runs into the handsome third-year student and there is an instant chemistry between them. I wasn't really a fan of the insta-love aspect to this story, but I suppose it can be explained by the supernatural connection. The Reed and Hightower families have a complicated history and are linked by a tragic curse.<br />
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Lucinda starts to investigate the mysteries and secrets hiding in her family tree, but there are some characters trying to sabotage her quest for truth and not everyone is who they seem to be. When Lucinda finally figures everything out, there is a shocking twist which is really horrible and painful, but there is also a satisfying conclusion. The book is the first in a series and hints of more adventure for the characters.<br />
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One thing that bothered me about this book was that all the characters speak in a very formal way that comes across as quite unnatural. At first, I even thought that the book was set in the past, until there was a mention of texting. This style fits the more old-fashioned gothic novels, but it felt out of place in a modern setting and made Lucinda and Damien seem a little pretentious and grandiose. Despite this, however, I did like most of the characters. There is a diverse cast representing different races, religions and sexualities. Lucinda is attracted to both men and women, for example, and it's still quite rare to have this level of diversity in a novel.<br />
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Lucinda is the centre of a love-triangle, a cliche in many romance novels. Unfortunately, it put me off her character quite a bit because I didn't think she was honest or fair to either of her love interests. We also aren't told much about Sri, so I felt it hard to relate to her or understand her motivations. Another thing that I found strange was that Lucinda is only supposed to be eighteen, yet her behaviour is more plausible for someone in her mid twenties. For instance, she drinks whiskey and already has a long romantic/sexual history.<br />
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It would have helped to have more background and detail on the characters and the world they inhabit, as sometimes things were mentioned briefly (such as the existence of vampires) and then not expanded upon. We don't get to know much about Morgan, Lucinda's brother or her life before moving to Ireland. Although <i>The Longing and the Lack</i> can be read as a stand-alone novel, two other books by C.M Spivey, <i>See the Web</i> and <i>A Single Thread</i> apparently provide a good introduction to this story.<br />
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I gave <i>The Longing and the Lack</i> 3 stars because some aspects such as the insta-love, lack of backstory and the love-triangle were not really my thing and did not appeal to me. However, there was plenty that I did enjoy about this book, including the creepy paranormal descriptions, the diverse characters and the suspense and mystery, which I found really compelling. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys YA and NA paranormal romance or TV shows such as <i>Supernatural</i> and <i>The Vampire Diaries</i>.<br />
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Giveaway</h2>
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The giveaway is open internationally and ends on September 21st. My normal <a href="http://www.avbrownblog.co.uk/p/faqs.html">terms and conditions</a> apply.<br />
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<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="d04251232011" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d04251232011/" id="rcwidget_zbxbtvhj" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
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<b>Would you like to read <i>The Longing and the Lack</i>?</b><br />
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</b> This tour was organised by:<br />
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Anstice Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06659015918272722407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973524431411388801.post-12994683274503798772017-09-09T11:50:00.000+01:002017-09-16T13:26:19.197+01:00Blog Tour: Fate of the Stars by Arwen Paris with review and giveaway!<div style="text-align: center;">
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Hope you're all having a relaxing Saturday. To kick off this weekend, I'm taking part in the blog tour for <i><b>Fate of the Stars</b>, </i>a YA science fiction novel by Arwen Paris which was released on September 1st.<br />
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Keep reading to see the synopsis, read my review and enter the giveaway for the chance to win an Apple iPad mini 4!<br />
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About the Book</h2>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-svytNGF7HjE/WbO6NE4bhlI/AAAAAAAAWMU/OcFOwKlCUhAcx6B_qK7CISDwqX6BAnuywCLcBGAs/s1600/fos2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="317" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-svytNGF7HjE/WbO6NE4bhlI/AAAAAAAAWMU/OcFOwKlCUhAcx6B_qK7CISDwqX6BAnuywCLcBGAs/s320/fos2.jpg" width="213" /></a><br />
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<i>When the fate of the world rests upon you…</i><br />
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</i> <i>Allison Delaney wants to spend her senior year healing from the loss of her father, to leave the shadows of his death and her junior year break-down behind. A Labor Day beach party seems like a good place to start…but there’s more danger lurking than anyone could imagine. Death is coming to Earth if the pods of infectious creatures aren’t stopped. But only one human can help…<br />
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To live or die is no longer a choice.</i><br />
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</i> <i>Eenoki is a protector of life but must have a sentient host to fight the invasion. A teenage girl would not be the best choice, but out of desperation Eenoki invades Allison’s mind and body, granting her unnatural abilities and strengths – and helping her escape certain death when the first wave of pods land.</i><br />
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</i> <i>As destruction rains down on Earth’s population, Allison realizes to save everyone, she must make the ultimate choice: Reject her human side and bond with Eenoki to become the Earth’s Priestess – or be killed along with the rest of humanity.</i></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34451228-fate-of-the-stars"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4f_G43yQ0a8/Vbksf82OnHI/AAAAAAAATB8/FqopPf-weTU/s1600/Goodreads.png" /></a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fate-Stars-Arwen-Paris-ebook/dp/B072JQDMJK/"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SsDLfs0Phwo/VbkuWquMREI/AAAAAAAATCE/-iT4t-kfbb8/s1600/Amazon%2BUS.png" /></a><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fate-Stars-Arwen-Paris/dp/1947334018/ref=sr_1_1_twi_pap_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1504949943&sr=8-1&keywords=fate+of+the+stars"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zOYSs1kSKhE/VbkuYPqSbRI/AAAAAAAATCM/F19cACnPOrk/s1600/Amazon%2BUK.png" /></a><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fate-of-the-stars-arwen-paris/1126511201?ean=2940154346396"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p-u_CiLM2aU/VbkuZGOot6I/AAAAAAAATCU/XKPexDn6fbY/s1600/Barnes%2B%2526%2BNoble.png" /></a><br />
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<h2>
About the Author</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip5qxGD0vS3Jj-5jCfgO0_iNV_ta8whe8l4L8H6uLEfinoz6olLwucJkdRwQ1dcpSuJlADni2V3leVS-BckTyxkxqXAb8Bxiyg1YKR7yN3xQtyM_Y-oPLXJl3hMnqNPSi4pedLnLYbz80/s1600/KH+headshot.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijTlJXZr2EoMADveQKRe7vmFTkCHZWLHfhO00FVcXmH2kJ2NriGEhh42DiWo6x1HjY7AoivSZOrgCijmYNZ3haPoo64x0wBu28KSDR9ccs2vJCedbhAkE_3d5ckOHFDKQW8cjeK738QiH1/s1600/fos1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="262" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijTlJXZr2EoMADveQKRe7vmFTkCHZWLHfhO00FVcXmH2kJ2NriGEhh42DiWo6x1HjY7AoivSZOrgCijmYNZ3haPoo64x0wBu28KSDR9ccs2vJCedbhAkE_3d5ckOHFDKQW8cjeK738QiH1/s1600/fos1.jpg" /></a>Arwen Paris is the author of young adult fiction. Her debut YA Sci-fi Urban Fantasy novel FATE OF THE STARS was released on September 1, 2017. The action-packed pages of her novels are filled with characters that are forced to face fears they never expected. When she's not writing, you can see posts of her (too many) vacations that keep her sane. Arwen lives in Washington, has a big crazy family and after the day job, she writes Fiction For the Fearless - #F3Fanatic.<br />
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My Review</h2>
<i><b>Disclosure:</b> I was kindly given a review copy of Fate of the Stars by <a href="http://xpressobooktours.com/">Xpresso Book Tours</a> for taking part in the tour. This in no way affects the integrity of my review and as usual, all my comments are my honest opinion.</i></div>
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<b>Star rating: </b><img height="25" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UF2PGd22AVY/V3pyJFH8lYI/AAAAAAAAVD8/n3nMdxig2JoR1e4cfjmDE-ZfAzZYNp3jwCPcBGAYYCw/s200/4star.png" /><br />
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<i>Fate of the Stars</i> was an exciting and exhilarating read. I love sci-fi novels and the beautiful cover really appealed to me-luckily it did not disappoint!<br />
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The story is told in first-person which gives it a personal and immediate feel. From the very first chapter, I felt like I was transported to Allison's world and wanted to find out more about her. She is quite a shy and withdrawn character at the beginning of the novel, still reeling from the sudden death of her father and struggling to cope with her mother's emotional disconnection. She is trying to put on a brave face, but she feels like she doesn't belong with the care-free teenagers enjoying summer beach parties and letting their hair down.<br />
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But suddenly, all of Allison's problems are overshadowed by the huge threat of an alien invasion and the world as she knows it comes crashing down around her. Now it's all about survival and keeping those she loves safe. I really liked how I was thrown into the action almost straight away. However, at times it did seem a little rushed and I had to read some parts over again to understand what was going on.<br />
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Paris' writing is rich and detailed and she creates a vivid picture of the devastation following the invasion and of the mysterious creatures called the <span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; font-family: "merriweather" , "georgia" , serif; font-size: 14px;">Ma’tiok who are</span> taking over and viciously attacking everyone in their path. I enjoyed learning more about the Vongjar and the Hytan.<br />
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The concept of Eenoki taking over Allison's body was really interesting as she offers a different perspective on events and gives us extra information and background on what is going on. It also means that Allison gains extra abilities such as super speed and strength that allow her to act heroically. But at the same time, Allison is still a teenage girl who is never at ease with these new powers, always questioning who she is becoming and whether what she is doing is right. I really felt for Allison as she goes through so much and literally has the weight of the world on her shoulders.<br />
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I didn't really relate to any of the other characters as much as I did to Allison, probably because we see everything from her perspective. I also wasn't a fan of the love-triangle element because I think that's quite overdone in YA and didn't really add anything to the story. Luckily, it didn't dominate the plot, which was mostly focused on Allison's journey to becoming more strong and assertive and the huge decisions she faces. The plot was good, but there was a section in the middle that was a bit slow-moving and frustrating and there were some unanswered questions at the end. I hope that there will be a sequel to tie up some of the sub-plots. <br />
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Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed <i>Fate of the Stars</i> and found it to be quite different from other YA novels I've read. I hope there is more to come from this author, as this could be a promising start to a series. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading YA sci-fi, especially books like <i>The Host</i> by Stephanie Meyer or <i>Across the Universe</i> by Beth Revis.<br />
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<h2>
Giveaway </h2>
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The giveaway below is open for residents of the US and Canada only. Enter for the chance to win an Apple iPad mini 4. The closing date is September 14th. Please refer to my own <a href="http://www.avbrownblog.co.uk/p/faqs.html">terms and conditions</a>.<br />
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Anstice Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06659015918272722407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973524431411388801.post-56131433197925465612017-09-02T12:34:00.000+01:002018-01-02T14:39:56.422+00:00Blog Tour: ReWired by S.R. Johannes with review and giveaway! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today I'm excited to be taking part in the blog tour for the YA cyber thriller <i style="font-weight: bold;">ReWired</i> by Shelli Johannes-Wells (writing as S.R. Johannes), which was published on August 27th.<br />
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ReWired offers a fresh and exciting new take on the genre, and could be described as Ally Carter’s <i>Heist Society</i> meets <i>The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo</i> for teens.<br />
Keep reading to discover the synopsis, read my review and enter the giveaway for the chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card!<br />
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<h2>
About the Book</h2>
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Sixteen-year-old Ada Lovelace is never more alive and sure of herself than when she’s hacking into a “secure” network as her alter ego, the Dark Angel. In the real world, Ada is broken, reeling from her best friend Simone’s recent suicide. But online, the reclusive daughter of Senator Lovelace (champion of the new Online Privacy Bill) is a daring white hat hacker and the only female member of the Orwellians, an elite group responsible for a string of high-profile hacks against major corporations, with a mission to protect the little guy. Ada is swiftly proving she’s a force to be reckoned with, when a fellow Orwellian betrays her to the FBI. To protect her father’s career, Ada is sent to ReBoot, a technology rehab facility for teens…the same rehab Simone attended right before killing herself.<br />
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It’s bad enough that the ReBoot facility is creepy in an Overlook-Hotel-meets-Winchester-Mansion way, but when Ada realizes Simone’s suicide is just one in an increasingly suspicious string of “accidental” deaths and “suicides” occurring just after kids leave ReBoot, Ada knows she can’t leave without figuring out what really happened to her best friend. The massive cyber conspiracy she uncovers will threaten everything she cares about–her dad’s career, her new relationship with a wry, handsome, reformed hacker who gets under her skin, and most of all–the version of herself Ada likes best–the Dark Angel.<br />
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With a deliciously twisty plot, the topical bite of Cory Doctorow’s LITTLE BROTHER, ReWIRED delves into technology addiction, internet privacy, and corporate/government collection of data, as it vividly illuminates the universally human questions about ethics, privacy, and self-definition that both underpin these socio-political issues and dovetail with classic coming-of-age themes. Ultimately, ReWIRED is about the daily choices we all make about who we want to be, how much of ourselves we choose to share with others, and the terrifying risks and exhilarating rewards of being ourselves, online and off.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36041820-rewired"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4f_G43yQ0a8/Vbksf82OnHI/AAAAAAAATB8/FqopPf-weTU/s1600/Goodreads.png" /></a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=rewired+S.R.+Johannes+"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SsDLfs0Phwo/VbkuWquMREI/AAAAAAAATCE/-iT4t-kfbb8/s1600/Amazon%2BUS.png" /></a><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0984799192/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1504344372&sr=8-2-fkmr0&keywords=rewired+s+j+johannes"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zOYSs1kSKhE/VbkuYPqSbRI/AAAAAAAATCM/F19cACnPOrk/s1600/Amazon%2BUK.png" /></a><br />
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<h2>
About the Author</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip5qxGD0vS3Jj-5jCfgO0_iNV_ta8whe8l4L8H6uLEfinoz6olLwucJkdRwQ1dcpSuJlADni2V3leVS-BckTyxkxqXAb8Bxiyg1YKR7yN3xQtyM_Y-oPLXJl3hMnqNPSi4pedLnLYbz80/s1600/KH+headshot.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></a></div>
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MLbbbnSldVw/Wap5zQTb__I/AAAAAAAAWLg/hDQeCVSmDuwWuJuJowHzwFJJjwMJekMdACLcBGAs/s1600/RW2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="194" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MLbbbnSldVw/Wap5zQTb__I/AAAAAAAAWLg/hDQeCVSmDuwWuJuJowHzwFJJjwMJekMdACLcBGAs/s1600/RW2.jpg" /></a>S.R. Johannes is the award-winning author of the Amazon bestselling Nature of Grace thriller series (<i>Untraceable</i>, <i>Uncontrollable</i>, and <i>Unstoppable</i>). She is a winner of the IndieReader Discovery Award in YA, an IPPY a Silver Medalist for YA Fiction, a Finalist in The Kindle Book Review’s Best Young Adult Fiction, and a Finalist in US Book News Best YA Book.<br />
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Since leaving Corporate America, she has followed her passion for writing and conservation by working with The Dolphin Project, the Atlanta Zoo, other animal rescue organizations, and by weaving conservation themes into her books.<br />
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Currently, she lives in Atlanta, GA with hEnglish-accented husband and the huge imaginations of their prince and princess, which she hopes- someday- will change the world.<br />
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<a href="https://www.srjohannes.com/"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kBbzF28lrMU/VbkyUjScbQI/AAAAAAAATDs/1MeEjf0KEG4/s1600/Website.png" /></a><a href="https://www.facebook.com/srjohannesauthor?fref=ts"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gOVw9YCrvJ8/VbkvZAZGUUI/AAAAAAAATCg/0FDBKa5nF-Y/s1600/Facebook.png" /></a><a href="https://twitter.com/srjohannes"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pBKQUJC4dqg/Vbkvj-gX2FI/AAAAAAAATCw/xISKixJOkd8/s1600/Twitter.png" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5235537.S_R_Johannes"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cy8R-5U8Cog/Vbkvsq6Ca6I/AAAAAAAATDA/M2mcXnJCIMg/s1600/Goodreads.png" /></a><br />
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My Review</h2>
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<i><b>Disclosure:</b> I was kindly given a review copy of ReWired by <a href="http://xpressobooktours.com/">Xpresso Book Tours</a> for taking part in the tour. This in no way affects the integrity of my review and as usual, all my comments are my honest opinion.</i><br />
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<b>Star rating: </b><img height="25" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UF2PGd22AVY/V3pyJFH8lYI/AAAAAAAAVD8/n3nMdxig2JoR1e4cfjmDE-ZfAzZYNp3jwCPcBGAYYCw/s200/4star.png" /></div>
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<i>ReWired</i> is the first cyber-thriller I've read (my preference normally being fantasy and sci-fi) but I found it a really intriguing and exhilarating read. The protagonist Ada Lovelace (named after a mathematician considered to be one of the first computer programmers) is a teenager hacker who goes by the alias of 'Dark Angel' online.<br />
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Ada is a likeable character who is easy to relate to. Although she hides behind her smart, tough and unstoppable hacker persona, in real life she is the dutiful senator's daughter, nerdy and somewhat isolated. But she's also resilient and faces lots of risky situations to do what she believes is right. Although some of her actions are dubious, she always has good intentions.<br />
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After being busted by the FBI for a high-profile hack, Ada is sent to a technology rehab facility called ReBoot, where she begins to investigate her fellow residents and those who run the facility, determined to find out exactly what happened to her best friend Simone, who apparently committed suicide only a week after leaving ReBoot.<br />
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ReBoot is a strange place with a 'haunted mansion' feel. It really added a completely different angle to what I expected. There is lots of mystery and suspense in this book which kept me interested all the way through. Although many of the characters appear to fit certain stereotypes like 'jock', 'nerd' or 'goth', they all have secrets and hidden layers which are revealed as the story progresses. I never knew which characters to trust, as any of them could be involved in the conspiracy. There were a few plot twists that I didn't see coming and the ending was left open for a potential sequel.<br />
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<i>ReWired</i> is a very modern novel filled with up-to-date slang and pop-culture references which will appeal to teens who like social media and gaming. But the technical jargon isn't overdone, so the novel could be enjoyed by someone with very little knowledge of computers too. It raises lots of issues relevant to the 'information age' we live in, such as internet privacy, technology addiction and the ethics of data collection. There are a few nods to classic dystopian fiction-for instance, Ada's hacking group is called 'The Orwellians'. It also discusses mental health issues and teen suicide, a sensitive topic that may be unsuitable for some younger readers.<br />
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I found it to be a very easy read with short chapters that you can breeze through. The style is less literary and descriptive than the novels I usually read, but I know many young adult readers prefer straight-forward language rather than lots of imagery. I wasn't a fan of the romance sub-plot as that's not really my thing but it didn't take over and the main story was very gripping. I was really curious to see how it all unravelled.<br />
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Overall, <i>ReWired</i> is a great book that I would recommend to young adult readers who enjoy reading thrillers and adventures, especially those who have an interest in technology. If a sequel is released in the future I would love to read it.<br />
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Giveaway</h2>
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The giveaway below is open internationally. Enter for the chance to win a Kindle e-reader OR a $50 Amazon gift card. The closing date is September 7th. Please refer to my own <a href="http://www.avbrownblog.co.uk/p/faqs.html">terms and conditions</a>.<br />
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Anstice Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06659015918272722407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973524431411388801.post-24689047699038088882017-07-23T10:00:00.000+01:002017-07-23T10:00:16.886+01:00Cover Characteristic (35): Train<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
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<span class="GingerNoCheckStart"></span><span class="GingerNoCheckStart"></span><span class="GingerNoCheckStart"></span>Today I'm joining in with the Cover Characteristic meme hosted by <a href="http://sugarandsnark.co.za/?cat=82">Sugar and Snark</a>. Every week the authors choose a theme and you have to pick five of your <span class="GRcorrect" grcontextid="favourite:0" grmarkguid="fc346df1-795f-4738-9242-35819ac10513" grphrase="4aae880dbeb67e5ac416f8bea6e1c16ee27002f8" grtype="null" gruiphraseguid="076ebd4d-811a-4b55-98e7-c5430f030076" id="GRmark_4aae880dbeb67e5ac416f8bea6e1c16ee27002f8_favourite:0">favourite</span> book covers featuring that object.<br />
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Today's cover characteristic is <b>Train. </b>Trains are often featured on book covers to symbolise journeys and new beginnings, they are especially popular for mystery and thriller novels. Keep reading to see my favourites.<br />
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<a name='more'></a>These are the ones that most appeal to me:<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15818107-orphan-train"><img height="300" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1362409483l/15818107.jpg" /></a></center>
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I like how you can see the girl's reflection in the train window. It seems like this would be a novel about looking back at the past. It's possibly quite a sad, haunting read.</center>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/853510.Murder_on_the_Orient_Express?from_search=true"><img height="300" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1486131451l/853510.jpg" /></a></center>
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This classic mystery novel deserves a bold and striking cover and this one doesn't disappoint. I love how the steam looks like blood droplets.</center>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8483963-the-railway-children"><img height="300" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1461778489l/8483963.jpg" /></a></center>
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This is another classic that has been released many, many times. I chose this cover because the others usually just feature a photograph of a steam train so this cartoon-style cover stands out from them. I like how the test is contained in the smoke bubble and how the viewer is placed in the centre of the action looking towards the oncoming train.</center>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23637023-the-girl-from-the-train"><img height="300" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1417379487l/23637023.jpg" /></a></center>
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This cover is quite plain but there's something intriguing about it. The girl with her back towards us-what is she running to, or from? I'm interested by the bright light in the distance.</center>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/72193.Harry_Potter_and_the_Philosopher_s_Stone"><img height="300" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1327190600l/72193.jpg" /></a><br />
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This is a childhood favourite and has to be my top pick as it brings back such a feeling of nostalgia and captures the magic and innocence of that first book.</center>
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<b>What do you think? Which is your favourite cover and why?</b><br />
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Anstice Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06659015918272722407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973524431411388801.post-10832009678934060802017-07-22T13:51:00.000+01:002017-07-22T13:51:16.807+01:00Book Review: The Maze Runner by James Dashner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Title: </b><i><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6186357-the-maze-runner">The Maze Runner</a></i></div>
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<b>Author: </b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/348878.James_Dashner">James Dashner</a></div>
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<b>Publisher: </b>Chicken House</div>
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<b>Release date: </b>June 2014 for my edition (originally released Oct 2009)</div>
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<b>Genre: </b>YA Dystopian</div>
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<b>No.pages: </b>371</div>
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Synopsis</h2>
<a href="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1412070617l/20957276.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1412070617l/20957276.jpg" width="208" /></a><i></i><br />
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<i>When the lift cranks open, the only thing Thomas remembers is his first name. But he's not alone - an army of boys welcomes him to the Glade, an encampment at the centre of a terrible maze.<br />
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The Gladers have no idea why they're there, or what's happened to the world outside. All they know is that every morning when the walls slide back, they will risk everything to find out. </i></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20957276-the-maze-runner"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4f_G43yQ0a8/Vbksf82OnHI/AAAAAAAATB8/FqopPf-weTU/s1600/Goodreads.png" /></a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Maze-Runner-Book-1/dp/0385737955/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1500727381&sr=8-1&keywords=the+maze+runner"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SsDLfs0Phwo/VbkuWquMREI/AAAAAAAATCE/-iT4t-kfbb8/s1600/Amazon%2BUS.png" /></a><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/cka/Chicken-House-The-Maze-Runner-Book-Series/B0031P4FFM/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_14_t_0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=ARQ6HQNNR04VEMN0MJYP"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zOYSs1kSKhE/VbkuYPqSbRI/AAAAAAAATCM/F19cACnPOrk/s1600/Amazon%2BUK.png" /></a><a href="https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&sqi=2&ved=0ahUKEwiXydyf9ZzVAhXiC8AKHWkGA2sQFggkMAA&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.barnesandnoble.com%2Fw%2Fmaze-runner-james-dashner%2F1030996581&usg=AFQjCNG-Ulg6GbA0CbTMSA7d2y5Gbvot6Q"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p-u_CiLM2aU/VbkuZGOot6I/AAAAAAAATCU/XKPexDn6fbY/s1600/Barnes%2B%2526%2BNoble.png" /></a><a href="https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjmlOS39ZzVAhVJCcAKHQJhBvQQFghrMAA&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bookdepository.com%2FMaze-Runner-Series-James-Dashner%2F9781909489752&usg=AFQjCNE5nhT66al-GuTxkWc4APsHp05NBg"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DRX9VUXEh88/VbkxzpTMdiI/AAAAAAAATDk/Dp8SYxVweoo/s1600/The%2BBook%2BDepository.png" /></a><br />
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<b>Keep reading to see my review!</b></center>
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My Review</h2>
<b>Star Rating: </b><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bUuWXrB_WGo/U_swdVfNYiI/AAAAAAAAPXE/9nwo6LzCvrIAaITFR8J1viOw7J1WQyvOgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/4star.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="25" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bUuWXrB_WGo/U_swdVfNYiI/AAAAAAAAPXE/9nwo6LzCvrIAaITFR8J1viOw7J1WQyvOgCPcBGAYYCw/s200/4star.png" /></a><br />
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<span style="background-color: yellow;">*Contains minor spoilers*</span><br />
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I finally got around to reading <i>The Maze Runner</i>, which has been sitting on my shelf for a few years now. This was one of the few occasions where I had already seen the film adaptation before reading the book, so it was a very different reading experience for me. I thought that because I already knew the ending it might not be a very gripping read, but that couldn't be further from the truth. <i>The Maze Runner</i> hooked me from the very beginning and seeing the film beforehand helped me visualise the setting and characters better right from the start.<br />
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The book began in a similar way to the film, the main characters easily identifiable by their descriptions and style of speech. But it soon became apparent that there were significant differences. The hideous monsters known as 'Grievers' were shown to be spider-like robots in the film, but in the book they are described as resembling slugs with bulbous, slimy bodies that move by rolling and shoot out mechanical appendages like spears and needles. The book also features little robots with cameras called 'Beetle Blades' that spy on the Gladers and create more of a tense atmosphere. <br />
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The plot of the film is simpler and more rushed due to time constraints, whereas the book takes time to describe things in detail. I found it answered many of the questions I had wondered about when I watched the film, like "why didn't they just escape through the box that delivered Thomas?" It seems James Dashner has an answer to every conceivable plot hole. <br />
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The characters are obviously fleshed out a lot more in the book. We learn more about how the Gladers first arrived, settled and established their community and how the hierarchy is structured. In the book, Thomas and Teresa share a special ability which isn't mentioned at all in the film. This added another dimension to the story and gave some interesting clues, as well as helping me to know Teresa and Thomas better. Perhaps it wouldn't have easily translated to the screen, but it's a shame they didn't include it. <br />
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The climax to the book pans out very differently and was more complicated and exciting. The way they figure out clues to solving the maze and planning their escape is much more interesting. The stakes were higher and the battle seemed more intense and difficult. The descriptions were more gruesome and frightening, although most of the violence is left to your imagination so that it doesn't become overly gory and gratuitous. The ending is similar to the film, but the ultimate twist is delivered in an epilogue that I thought was very clever.<br />
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Overall, <i>The Maze Runner</i> was a fantastic read. It was fast-paced, exciting and full of surprising twist and turns. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading dystopian fiction with lots of action and puzzles. I enjoyed it much more than the film, which I feel doesn't do it justice. I'm now excited to make a start on the next three books!<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/7356008-tizzy-brown">View all my reviews</a><br />
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<b>Have you read <i>The Maze Runner</i>? What did you think? How do you think it compares to the film?</b></div>
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Anstice Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06659015918272722407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973524431411388801.post-85981004963525968752017-07-16T10:00:00.000+01:002017-07-16T10:00:08.325+01:00Cover Characteristic (34): Fortune Cookies<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-61RdiGnxMUY/WVeeT0AxRII/AAAAAAAAWD8/o-Uu2TbMibc-0TrRg6LZ8UXhgsoBoSybgCLcBGAs/s1600/cover%2Bcharacteristic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="327" data-original-width="500" height="209" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-61RdiGnxMUY/WVeeT0AxRII/AAAAAAAAWD8/o-Uu2TbMibc-0TrRg6LZ8UXhgsoBoSybgCLcBGAs/s320/cover%2Bcharacteristic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="GingerNoCheckStart"></span><span class="GingerNoCheckStart"></span><span class="GingerNoCheckStart"></span>Today I'm joining in with the Cover Characteristic meme hosted by <a href="http://sugarandsnark.co.za/?cat=82">Sugar and Snark</a>. Every week the authors choose a theme and you have to pick five of your <span class="GRcorrect" grcontextid="favourite:0" grmarkguid="fc346df1-795f-4738-9242-35819ac10513" grphrase="4aae880dbeb67e5ac416f8bea6e1c16ee27002f8" grtype="null" gruiphraseguid="076ebd4d-811a-4b55-98e7-c5430f030076" id="GRmark_4aae880dbeb67e5ac416f8bea6e1c16ee27002f8_favourite:0">favourite</span> book covers featuring that object.<br />
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Today's cover characteristic is <b>Fortune Cookies. </b>Well, I never realised there were so many books that do feature fortune cookies on the cover! I found quite a lot on Goodreads. Keep reading to see my favourites!<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18054175-the-good-luck-of-right-now"><img height="300" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1370898422l/18054175.jpg" /></a></center>
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I like how the title and author name are written on the fortune, it looks cool and quirky.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7785243-sweet-misfortune"><img height="300" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1344268354l/7785243.jpg" /></a></center>
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Love the pretty patterns on this one and the warm colour. The chocolate-dipped cookie looks delicious and goes well with the title.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25659474-confucius-jane"><img height="300" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1434324288l/25659474.jpg" /></a></center>
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This one is simple but the red background would make it stand out on the shelf. I like the pattern at the top and the silhouette of a city sky line at the bottom.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6241337-the-god-cookie"><img height="300" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1422927984l/6241337.jpg" /></a></center>
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The glow around the cookie gives it a halo and effect so it goes well with the title. It looks like it would be a fun read.</center>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7120131-miss-fortune-cookie"><img height="300" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1346183587l/7120131.jpg" /></a></center>
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This is my favourite. I love the colour, the quirky font and the swirly patterns.</div>
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<b>What do you think? Which is your favourite cover and why?</b><br />
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Anstice Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06659015918272722407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973524431411388801.post-40895963354557679062017-07-13T10:00:00.000+01:002017-07-13T10:00:00.163+01:00Harry Potter Moment of the Week: Which character would be your study partner?<center>
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It's time for Harry Potter Moment of the Week, hosted by Leah of <a href="http://uncorkedthoughts.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Uncorked Thoughts</a> and Micheline of <a href="http://www.lunar-rainbows.com/" target="_blank">Lunar Rainbows Reviews</a>. The idea is to get Harry Potter fans together and discuss our favourite things about the series; be it a favourite moment, character, magical item, spell, quote or object from the books, films or J.K Rowling herself.<br />
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You can find the list of future topics <a href="http://www.lunar-rainbows.com/p/harry-potter.html" target="_blank">here</a>. If you'd like to take part, visit <a href="http://uncorkedthoughts.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">today's post</a> and sign up with the linky.<br />
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Today's topic: Which character would be your study partner?</h2>
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I think the obvious choice would be Hermione-she's super smart and full of useful facts and information, plus she'd probably been paying attention in class all week. Her know-it-all attitude could get a little annoying, though! </div>
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<i>“Hermione,” said Ron sternly, “we’ve been through this before...we’re not going through every exam afterwards, it’s bad enough doing them once.” ~Order of the Phoenix</i></blockquote>
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<b>Who would you choose as your study partner?</b></div>
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Anstice Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06659015918272722407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973524431411388801.post-30957460442470296812017-07-09T10:00:00.000+01:002017-07-09T10:00:28.316+01:00Cover Characteristic (33): Hearts<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
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<span class="GingerNoCheckStart"></span><span class="GingerNoCheckStart"></span><span class="GingerNoCheckStart"></span>Today I'm joining in with the Cover Characteristic meme hosted by <a href="http://sugarandsnark.co.za/?cat=82">Sugar and Snark</a>. Every week the authors choose a theme and you have to pick five of your <span class="GRcorrect" grcontextid="favourite:0" grmarkguid="fc346df1-795f-4738-9242-35819ac10513" grphrase="4aae880dbeb67e5ac416f8bea6e1c16ee27002f8" grtype="null" gruiphraseguid="076ebd4d-811a-4b55-98e7-c5430f030076" id="GRmark_4aae880dbeb67e5ac416f8bea6e1c16ee27002f8_favourite:0">favourite</span> book covers featuring that object.<br />
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Today's cover characteristic is <b>Hearts. </b>Hearts has been the theme once before, way back in 2012-<a href="http://www.avbrownblog.co.uk/2012/11/cover-characteristic-5-hearts.html">see my previous post</a>. I tried not to use any book covers that I picked before. Keep reading to see my choices this time.<br />
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I love the bright and bold look of this and the spiral reflects the craziness implied by the title.</center>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15805597-the-book-of-broken-hearts"><img height="300" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1344998329l/15805597.jpg" /></a></center>
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Love the whimsical font and how they made a heart shape from a book page. The orange flower stands out beautifully against the purple background. </center>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23573399-the-sky-is-everywhere"><img height="300" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1464514716l/23573399.jpg" /></a></center>
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Simple, bright and breezy. I love the brush-stroke font.</center>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9541845-but-i-love-him"><img height="300" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1348430026l/9541845.jpg" /></a></center>
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This one is darker and looks intriguing. It goes really well with the synopsis.</center>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6566558-tangled"><img height="300" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1347465573l/6566558.jpg" /></a></center>
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Another simple one that works well, matches the title and features bright colours that stand out against a stark white background.</center>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16144570-no-place-to-fall"><img height="300" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1392388086l/16144570.jpg" /></a></center>
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This looks really cute and quirky and suggests it's going to be a travel romance. I like the font.</center>
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<b>What do you think? Which is your favourite cover and why?</b><br />
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If you want to have a go just <a href="http://sugarandsnark.co.za/">pop on over to the blog</a> and sign up with the linky.</div>
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Anstice Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06659015918272722407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973524431411388801.post-24939292820157436182017-07-06T10:00:00.000+01:002017-07-06T10:00:14.251+01:00Harry Potter Moment of the Week: Would you rather face a dragon or the acromantula?<center>
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It's time for Harry Potter Moment of the Week, hosted by Leah of <a href="http://uncorkedthoughts.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">Uncorked Thoughts</a> and Micheline of <a href="http://www.lunar-rainbows.com/" target="_blank">Lunar Rainbows Reviews</a>. The idea is to get Harry Potter fans together and discuss our favourite things about the series; be it a favourite moment, character, magical item, spell, quote or object from the books, films or J.K Rowling herself.<br />
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You can find the list of future topics <a href="http://www.lunar-rainbows.com/p/harry-potter.html" target="_blank">here</a>. If you'd like to take part, visit <a href="http://uncorkedthoughts.blogspot.ca/" target="_blank">today's post</a> and sign up with the linky.<br />
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Today's topic: Would you rather face a dragon or the acromantula?</h2>
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Okay, this one is fairly easy for me to answer because, like Ron, I am deathly afraid of spiders! So I would have to choose the dragon.<br />
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A dragon would be a fierce opponent, what with the whole fire-breathing ability and everything, but it would have it's limitations. I could maybe dive into some water or crawl into a small cave where it couldn't fit. Plus, I think they're rather cute and cuddly.<br />
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But I'm pretty sure I couldn't outrun a huge spider or even attempt to fight it because I would be paralysed with fear! Plus there are hundreds of them to defeat, all with multiple eyes, so it would be near impossible to escape (unless you had a flying car), whereas there's only one dragon.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aragog at Warner Bros. Studios London, from my visit in 2012.</td></tr>
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<b>What about you? Would you rather face a dragon or the acromantula?</b><br />
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Anstice Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06659015918272722407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973524431411388801.post-37628183515435090472017-07-03T14:00:00.000+01:002017-07-03T14:00:18.698+01:00Book Review: Hippy Chick by Louise Harwood<div class="MsoNormal tr_bq">
<b>Title: </b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2735709-hippy-chick"><i>Hippy Chick</i></a></div>
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<b>Author: </b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/70898.Louise_Harwood">Louise Harwood</a></div>
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<b>Publisher: </b>Pan Publishing</div>
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<b>Release date: </b>July 2007</div>
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<b>Genre: </b>Adult contemporary romance</div>
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<b>No.pages: </b>357</div>
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My rating:<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lQ3bvfWLdfQ/U_sxT2IuH0I/AAAAAAAAPXQ/ggVj1KWVDgwrJ4PleTS9RpZTIl8SdFlqACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/3stars.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="25" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lQ3bvfWLdfQ/U_sxT2IuH0I/AAAAAAAAPXQ/ggVj1KWVDgwrJ4PleTS9RpZTIl8SdFlqACPcBGAYYCw/s320/3stars.png" /></a><br />
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Synopsis</h2>
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Come on in, the water’s lovely . . . <br />
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Ibiza: paradise for the clubbers, hedonists and sun-seekers, but for Honey Ballantyne it is the only home she has ever known. With the responsibility of running a hotel on her shoulders, and two hippy-dippy parents whose idea of a hard day’s work is a yoga class without their clothes on, Honey feels trapped.<br />
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When her first love, Edouard, returns to the island from London and truths about her parents start to unravel, Honey is forced to realize that before she can make decisions about her future she must reconcile herself with the past . . .<br />
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From the author of 'Six Reasons to Stay a Virgin'.</blockquote>
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Keep reading to see my review!<br />
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My Review</h2>
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<i>Hippy Chick</i> was a fun and easy read. I normally read fantasy and sci-fi and stay well away from romance, so this was a big departure for me. It was okay, but it didn't hook me. <br />
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Honey Ballantyne is the daughter of a free-spirited couple who own a hotel on Ibiza. They prefer to lounge around, mingle with guests and enjoy the party lifestyle, so Honey has to take responsibility for running the place. At the beginning of the book, she feels heavily burdened with this and has an 'all work and no play' kind of lifestyle. When her old friend Edouard shows up on the island, he tries to get her to let her hair down a little and it's obvious that he would like to be more than just friends. There was a lot of 'will they, won't they?' kind of drama most of the way through, which did get a little boring for me. <br />
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The storyline about Honey's past and her father's secrets was more interesting than the romance and I did want to find out what the big mystery was. When the revelation came, however, it was a bit of a let-down and I found the way the characters handled it seemed unrealistic. There should have been a bigger explosion of drama, but instead, everyone just accepted it quite happily and the climax kind of fizzled away at the end and everything wrapped up just like that.<br />
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I didn't particularly warm to any of the characters. Honey was likeable enough, but she was a bit of a Mary-Sue, with other characters constantly telling her how beautiful and exotic she was, as in this extract:<br />
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<i>'Don't think it's a criticism, please,' Julia said. 'It's a compliment, you look gorgeous. British girls spend their lives trying to look like you.'<br />
Honey shook her head. 'You can't say that.'<br />
'Oh, she can, because it's true,' Beth agreed. 'It's the way you're put together, look at you and look at me.' As she spoke she looked down at her own very white legs, freshly shaved, the pink nail polish on her toes peeping out of flowerly flip-flops, and sighed. [...] 'If I put some little plaits in my hair like you've done, I'd look like a fool.'</i><br />
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And this one:<br />
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<i>'Yes, I want to look like her. Honey's gorgeous and so is her hotel. And please don't you pretend that you don't think so too and that you haven't been dying to meet her.'</i> <br />
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Edouard came across as boring and pretentious-not my type at all. Honey's parents seemed a little pathetic and I felt faintly embarassed for them every time they appeared in a scene. <br />
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The main things I liked about the book were the descriptions of island life-the scenes where Honey and Edouard rode horses into the sea and camped on a beach under the stars did transport me to a sunny paradise and make me feel relaxed. <br />
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Overall, <i>Hippy Chick</i> was a pleasant read but wasn't really for me. It would be perfect as a holiday read to flick through while lounging on a deck chair by the pool or on the beach and would probably appeal more to people who enjoy reading contemporary romance.<br />
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<b>Have you read Hippy Chick? If so, what did you think? If not, does it sound like something you'd want to read? Please let me know your thoughts in the comments.</b><br />
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Anstice Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06659015918272722407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973524431411388801.post-23979051355004938102017-07-02T10:00:00.000+01:002017-07-02T10:00:11.492+01:00Cover Characteristic (32): Marilyn Monroe<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
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<span class="GingerNoCheckStart"></span><span class="GingerNoCheckStart"></span><span class="GingerNoCheckStart"></span>Today I'm joining in with the Cover Characteristic meme hosted by <a href="http://sugarandsnark.co.za/?cat=82">Sugar and Snark</a>. Every week the authors choose a theme and you have to pick five of your <span class="GRcorrect" grcontextid="favourite:0" grmarkguid="fc346df1-795f-4738-9242-35819ac10513" grphrase="4aae880dbeb67e5ac416f8bea6e1c16ee27002f8" grtype="null" gruiphraseguid="076ebd4d-811a-4b55-98e7-c5430f030076" id="GRmark_4aae880dbeb67e5ac416f8bea6e1c16ee27002f8_favourite:0">favourite</span> book covers featuring that object.<br />
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Today's cover characteristic is <b>Marilyn Monroe. </b>At first, this struck me as a difficult one because no book covers featuring Marilyn Monroe sprang to mind. But with a little digging on Goodreads I found these beauties:<br />
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This is a nice, simple cover that shows you what to expect. Marilyn is sitting in a chair as if she's about to give an interview and spill her secrets. Her green dress and the pink font stand out against the pale background.</center>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13078037-the-empty-glass"><img height="300" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1336672613l/13078037.jpg" /></a></center>
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This book seems like it would be gritty and show the not-so-pleasant side to Marilyn's life.She doesn't look happy in this photo, and the man whispering in her ear seems controlling. There's something unsettling about the image, combined with the angry red scrawl across it that looks like gossip written on a mirror with lipstick.</center>
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I like the simplicity of this one. The iconic white dress really stands out against the plain black background and gives a haunting feel.</center>
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This is the classic image of Marilyn as we all know her-beautiful and glamorous, with an air of vulnerability.</center>
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This one has a happier and more playful vibe and black and white suits her.<br />
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<b>What do you think? Which is your favourite cover and why?</b><br />
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If you want to have a go just <a href="http://sugarandsnark.co.za/">pop on over to the blog</a> and sign up with the linky.</div>
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Anstice Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06659015918272722407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973524431411388801.post-51935143501988553632017-07-01T11:09:00.000+01:002017-07-01T11:09:13.939+01:00Cover Reveal: The Last Dragon Rider by Errin Krystal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today, I'm excited to be sharing with you the brand new cover for Errin Krystal's adult fantasy romance novel <i>The Last Dragon Rider</i>! It's the first novel in a series called <i>The Wild Realms of Véneanár </i>and is due to be published on the 9th of August this year.<br />
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Keep reading for the synopsis, author bio and of course the gorgeous cover!<br />
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About the Book</h2>
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<i> Trained as an elite warrior from childhood, the elven crown prince Flintathriël fights to bring a stop to a war that began before he was born. With the aid of his betrothed Sairalindë, a skilled mage and dragon rider in her own right, they must find the Book of Souls – an ancient and mysterious tome rumored to have belonged to the god Hath’Raal.</i><i><br />
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</i><i> When the missing book turns up in the hands of Mnuvae, the bastard child of the dead king, Flintathriël finds himself fighting to not only save his people from this new threat but also trying to keep Sairalindë safe when Mnuvae takes over the dragons in her attempt to win back the kingdom she believes is rightfully hers.</i><i><br />
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</i><i> The love Flintathriël and Sairalindë share shines pure and true, but when the smoke of the battle clears, will their hearts survive the aftermath of war or will their love become a casualty that cannot be revived?</i></blockquote>
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Dragons, you say? Count me in! This sounds like a great read for lovers of epic fantasy series like LOTR.<br />
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</a>About the Author</h2>
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Errin Krystal is a fantasy romance writer who has been writing since she was a small child. Her head has always been full of stories. She began work on her first novel when she was sixteen.<br />
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She lives with her family in regional Victoria, Australia, and works as a chef. In her quieter moments, she loves to indulge her passion for storytelling, basking in the joy that comes from creating vibrant characters, fantastical worlds and all manner of magical creatures. Dragons and elves, mages and warriors, troubled princes and beautiful princesses, romance, magic, and adventure can all be found in her writing.<br />
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<h2>
The Cover</h2>
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And finally, here is the cover....</div>
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I like the colour of the sky above the mountains giving a stormy, ominous feel and the tantalising glimpse of a dragon in the background. The ancient-looking font is also a good choice. The cover models are beautiful-the girl reminds me of Amy Adams. The main female character, Sairalindë, is a mage and it looks like she has the ability to conjure fire, which is pretty awesome. The glowing dagger that Flintathriël holds is intriguing and he looks really determined to fight and protect her.<br />
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<b>What do you think of the cover? Would it make you pick the book from the shelf? Does it match the synopsis? Share your thoughts in the comments!</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.grammarcheck.net/book-writing/"><img alt="An Effective Beginner's Guide to Writing Books (Infographic)" src="https://cdn.grammarcheck.net/how-to-write-a-book-infographic.jpg" width="600" /></a><br />
Source: <a href="https://www.grammarcheck.net/book-writing/">www.grammarcheck.net</a><br />
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Anstice Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06659015918272722407noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4973524431411388801.post-25586478761043981372017-06-24T15:18:00.001+01:002017-06-24T15:18:39.667+01:00Book and Film UpdateHere are some of the books and films I've read recently as well as some I've recently added to my collection or my wishlist. Reviews coming soon!<br />
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Books I've Read Recently:</h3>
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Well, I say recently, but some of these I read quite a while ago but haven't gotten around to reviewing yet. </div>
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17378527-the-raven-king"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1477103790l/17378527.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22557272-the-girl-on-the-train"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1490903702l/22557272.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29056083-harry-potter-and-the-cursed-child---parts-one-and-two"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1470082995l/29056083.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31538647-hogwarts"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1471436914l/31538647.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31538614-short-stories-from-hogwarts-of-power-politics-and-pesky-poltergeists"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1471436601l/31538614.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/31538635-short-stories-from-hogwarts-of-heroism-hardship-and-dangerous-hobbies"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1471436733l/31538635.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26703017-a-baby-at-the-beach-caf"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1466193928l/26703017.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25431243-kalahari"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1439176865l/25431243.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19288043-gone-girl"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1397056917l/19288043.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1270615.Buffy_the_Vampire_Slayer"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1331332425l/1270615.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2567987-buffy-the-vampire-slayer"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1331234838l/2567987.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2735709-hippy-chick"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1356449590l/2735709.jpg" /></a><br />
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New Books in my Collection</h3>
Some intriguing reads that I've recently purchased, borrowed or been gifted.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30256272-the-case-of-beasts"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1470032980l/30256272.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30256268-inside-the-magic"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1465760696l/30256268.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16101994-star-trek-into-darkness"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1382972086l/16101994.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13536484-the-fabled-coast"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1344369180l/13536484.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6600137-captivate"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1442893132l/6600137.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32827036-ink"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1483696581l/32827036.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33594749-my-sister-and-other-liars"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1482761118l/33594749.jpg" /></a><br />
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Books Recently added to my Wishlist</h3>
One day you will be mine, my pretties.<br />
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<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3197145-buffy-the-vampire-slayer"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1331332431l/3197145.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28448287-replica"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1481711007l/28448287.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28145767-strange-the-dreamer"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1459437419l/28145767.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/27272505-a-world-without-you"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1469618023l/27272505.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25984626-the-secret-lives-of-rockstars"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1472480994l/25984626.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30025336-all-the-crooked-saints"><img height="150" src="https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1490087593l/30025336.jpg" /></a><br />
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Films I've Recently Seen</h3>
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A good mix of sci-fi, fantasy and disney films.</div>
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<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1792647/?ref_=wl_li_tt"><img height="150" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMTQxMjY0MzgzMl5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwNjc0NjQ2OA@@._V1_UX182_CR0,0,182,268_AL_.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1430132/?ref_=wl_li_tt"><img height="150" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BNzg1MDQxMTQ2OF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMTk3MjAzOQ@@._V1_UX182_CR0,0,182,268_AL_.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2277860/?ref_=wl_li_tt"><img height="150" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BNzg4MjM2NDQ4MV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwMzk3MTgyODE@._V1_UX182_CR0,0,182,268_AL_.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1661199/?ref_=wl_li_tt"><img height="150" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMjMxODYyODEzN15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwMDk4OTU0MzE@._V1_UX182_CR0,0,182,268_AL_.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3040964/?ref_=wl_li_tt"><img height="150" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMTc3NTUzNTI4MV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwNjU0NjU5NzE@._V1_UX182_CR0,0,182,268_AL_.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3385516/?ref_=wl_li_tt"><img height="150" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMjU1ODM1MzYxN15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwOTA4NDE2ODE@._V1_UX182_CR0,0,182,268_AL_.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3691740/?ref_=wl_li_tt"><img height="150" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMjI5MjI4NTEzOF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwNjM2Nzg3NzE@._V1_UX182_CR0,0,182,268_AL_.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3183660/?ref_=wl_li_tt"><img height="150" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMjMxOTM1OTI4MV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwODE5OTYxMDI@._V1_UX182_CR0,0,182,268_AL_.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1211837/?ref_=wl_li_tt"><img height="150" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BNjgwNzAzNjk1Nl5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwMzQ2NjI1OTE@._V1_UX182_CR0,0,182,268_AL_.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0803096/?ref_=wl_li_tt"><img height="150" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMjIwNTM0Mzc5MV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwMDk5NDU1ODE@._V1_UX182_CR0,0,182,268_AL_.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2660888/?ref_=wl_li_tt"><img height="150" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BZDRiOGE5ZTctOWIxOS00MWQwLThlMDYtNWIwMDQwNzBjZDY1XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNjU0OTQ0OTY@._V1_UX182_CR0,0,182,268_AL_.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1473832/?ref_=wl_li_tt"><img height="150" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMjQyMTI0MjIyOV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwMzEyMjQ1ODE@._V1_UX182_CR0,0,182,268_AL_.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3410834/?ref_=wl_li_tt"><img height="150" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMjEyOTI3NDQwN15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwNjExOTIwODE@._V1_UX182_CR0,0,182,268_AL_.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1386697/?ref_=wl_li_tt"><img height="150" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMjM1OTMxNzUyM15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwNjYzMTIzOTE@._V1_UX182_CR0,0,182,268_AL_.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3631112/?ref_=wl_li_tt"><img height="150" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BNzFlMjA0ZmUtZWI0Mi00ZGJkLTlmMmYtZmE1ODZiMjhjMGM0XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMTMxODk2OTU@._V1_UX182_CR0,0,182,268_AL_.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3521164/?ref_=wl_li_tt"><img height="150" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMjI4MzU5NTExNF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwNzY1MTEwMDI@._V1_UX182_CR0,0,182,268_AL_.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2771200/?ref_=wl_li_tt"><img height="150" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMTUwNjUxMTM4NV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwODExMDQzMTI@._V1_UX182_CR0,0,182,268_AL_.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3896198/?ref_=wl_li_tt"><img height="150" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMTg2MzI1MTg3OF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwNTU3NDA2MTI@._V1_UX182_CR0,0,182,268_AL_.jpg" /></a><br />
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Films I Can't Wait to Watch</h3>
I'll hopefully see these in the cinema if I can get a babysitter sorted.<br />
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<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0974015/?ref_=wl_li_tt"><img height="150" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMjI2NjI2MDQ0NV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwMTc1MjAwMjI@._V1_UX182_CR0,0,182,268_AL_.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4116284/?ref_=wl_li_tt"><img height="150" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMTcyNTEyOTY0M15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwOTAyNzU3MDI@._V1_UX182_CR0,0,182,268_AL_.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3315342/?ref_=wl_li_tt"><img height="150" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMjQwODQwNTg4OV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwMTk4MTAzMjI@._V1_UX182_CR0,0,182,268_AL_.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1219827/?ref_=wl_li_tt"><img height="150" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMzJiNTI3MjItMGJiMy00YzA1LTg2MTItZmE1ZmRhOWQ0NGY1XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyOTk4MTM0NQ@@._V1_UX182_CR0,0,182,268_AL_.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1790809/?ref_=wl_li_tt"><img height="150" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMTYyMTcxNzc5M15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwOTg2ODE2MTI@._V1_UX182_CR0,0,182,268_AL_.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0451279/?ref_=wl_li_tt"><img height="150" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BNDFmZjgyMTEtYTk5MC00NmY0LWJhZjktOWY2MzI5YjkzODNlXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMDA4NzMyOA@@._V1_UX182_CR0,0,182,268_AL_.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2527336/?ref_=wl_li_tt"><img height="150" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BOTE5NzYyNjM0Ml5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwNjk4MDIwMjI@._V1_UX182_CR0,0,182,268_AL_.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3501632/?ref_=cs_ov_tt"><img height="150" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BMjE1ODgwOTkzNF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwMDcwMTg5MTI@._V1_UX182_CR0,0,182,268_AL_.jpg" /></a><br />
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<b>What do your TBR pile and wishlists look like at the moment? What's the best book or film you've read or watched recently? Let me know in the comments!</b><br />
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Anstice Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06659015918272722407noreply@blogger.com0