What I've Been Reading Recently- Spring Edition 2021| Carenza Bramwell

I refuse to believe that we are already a third of the way through the year. This year is going insanely fast, which is both a good and bad thing. Like everyone else, I want to go back to normal and we're getting one step closer to that. However, I finish my degree next month and don't have anything planned, which is causing me a lot of anxiety. So if time could slow down, that would be great. Between March and April, I read 12 books. 

March

In March, I read four books. This was quite a slow reading month for me as I was very busy with uni work and wasn't very well for most of March. Here are the books I read in March.

The Queen's Gambit by Walter Tevis

The first book I read in March, I decided to pick this up after adoring the TV show. You can read my review of the Netflix adaptation here. I did spot that there were some changes from the book to the show, which I think have been changed for the best. I still think that Beth is a great protagonist and I really enjoyed reading about her. Personally, I do think I prefer the TV show as the descriptions of chess were a bit lost on me. With the TV show, you had the visuals to help you. I enjoyed my time reading this book and gave it 4/5 stars.  

Chain of Iron by Cassandra Clare

I was so excited for the release of the second book in the Lost Hours series. I do have a whole review of this book, which you can read here. Without discussing any spoilers for this book, I will admit that I was unsure how to feel about it when I finished. I read it in three days, which I think was a mistake. I ended up finding it a bit underwhelming for what I was expecting. I still enjoyed reading it and am interested to see where the series goes. I gave it 4/5 stars.  

Hamnet by Maggie O'Farrell

This was an impulse purchase before the shops closed in December and I'm glad I decided to get it. The writing style was beautiful. I have never read a book by Maggie O'Farrell before and I would be interested in reading from her again. This is a retelling/ fictionalised version of William Shakespeare's life. More specifically, it's about his son Hamnet and how he is supposed to have inspired Hamlet. I felt that this book required a basic knowledge of Shakespeare's life and Hamlet, which I have. I think if I hadn't had that knowledge, some of the story would have been a bit lost on the reader. I also gave this one 4/5 stars. 

Flame in the Mist by Renee Ahdieh   

I haven't had the best experience with Renee's books and sadly this was no exception. I just found this underwhelming. There were too many characters and POVs for my liking. I did like the feminist message at its core, but this book just ended up not being for me. I have one more book by Renee to read and that is The Wrath and The Dawn. I've heard such good things about it, so we'll have to see if I get along with this book. I gave it 3/5 stars. 

April

In April, I read 8 books, 3 of which were rereads. I'm very happy with the books I managed to read this month as I started the month not feeling well and swamped by uni work. 

The Binding by Bridget Collins

I actually started reading this in March, but didn't finish it until April. I think the best way to describe my thoughts on this book were that they were all over the place. The plot, the characters, the writing, it was just all over the place. It was split into three sections and I did actually really enjoy the middle section. Apart from that, this book just wasn't for me. I do have Bridget's other book, The Betrayals, which I am not unsure about how I'll feel going into it. I gave it 3/5 stars.   

Through the Moon- Dragon Prince by Peter Wartman

I recently watched The Dragon Prince on Netflix and was very happy when I discovered there were graphic novel spin offs. I thought this one was okay. There were some odd character decisions, which felt a bit off for them. The artwork was stunning. I am going to continue with this series and can't wait to see where they take the characters. I gave it 3/5 stars. 

If We Were Villains by M.L Rio

This was by far my favourite read of the month (excluding the books I reread). I was hooked. I couldn't stop reading this. I do have a full review for this book, which you can read here. I loved the story and the characters. The atmosphere was wonderful. This book made me miss the theatre with every fibre of my being. I will say that the Shakespearean dialogue did get a bit annoying after a while and I did start to skim read it in places. Asides from that, I adored this book. I gave it 4.5/5 stars.  

The Empress of Salt and Fortune by Nghi Vo

This was a lovely little feminist novella with a non-binary protagonist. I enjoyed reading it. My only issue with it was that I needed a tiny bit more information about the world as at times I felt a bit lost. There is a second novella in this series, which I am going to read when I get it. I gave this one 3/5 stars.  

The Call by Peadar O'Guilin 

I bought this back in 2017 after seeing it on a BookTubers channel. I think if I had read it in 2017, I would have really enjoyed it. However, reading it 2021 it just wasn't for me. I felt that the author built a wonderfully creepy atmosphere, which this book needed. I struggled to connect with the characters, partly because they were all 14-15 (and I'm nearly 21) and partly because of how they were written. There was something in the writing style that really bothered me. I have decided to part ways with this book and that I won't be continuing with the series. I gave it 3/5 stars. 

Heartstopper Volume One to Three by Alice Oseman

I decided to reread the Heartstopper comics in a spur of the moment decision. I needed something a bit lighter and fun for various reasons. I also wanted to refresh myself of the story with the fourth volume coming out this month. Alice is so good at creating interesting and complex characters. I adore these comics. I can't wait to see where the story goes. I gave them all 5/5 stars.

That concludes my spring what I've been reading recently. What have you been reading recently?

Chain of Iron by Cassandra Clare Book Review (Contains Spoilers)| Carenza Bramwell

Title- Chain of Iron    

Author- Cassandra Clare

Series- The Last Hours (Shadowhunter Chronicles)

Published- 2021

Page Count- 656 pages

Publishing House- Simon&Schuster 

Genre- YA Urban Fantasy, Historical Fiction

Rating- 4/5 stars 

To read my review of Chain of Gold, click here. 

About the Author

Cassandra Clare was born to American parents in Teheran, Iran and spent much of her childhood travelling the world with her family, including one trek through the Himalayas as a toddler where she spent a month living in her father’s backpack. She lived in France, England and Switzerland before she was ten years old.

Taken from Cassandra's website. 

Plot

The Shadowhunters must catch a killer in Edwardian London in this dangerous and romantic sequel to the #1 New York Times bestselling novel Chain of Gold, from New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Cassandra Clare. Chain of Iron is a Shadowhunters novel.

Cordelia Carstairs seems to have everything she ever wanted. She’s engaged to marry James Herondale, the boy she has loved since childhood. She has a new life in London with her best friend Lucie Herondale and James’s charming companions, the Merry Thieves. She is about to be reunited with her beloved father. And she bears the sword Cortana, a legendary hero’s blade.

But the truth is far grimmer. James and Cordelia’s marriage is a lie, arranged to save Cordelia’s reputation. James is in love with the mysterious Grace Blackthorn whose brother, Jesse, died years ago in a terrible accident. Cortana burns Cordelia’s hand when she touches it, while her father has grown bitter and angry. And a serial murderer is targeting the Shadowhunters of London, killing under cover of darkness, then vanishing without a trace.

Together with the Merry Thieves, Cordelia, James, and Lucie must follow the trail of the knife-wielding killer through the city’s most dangerous streets. All the while, each is keeping a shocking secret: Lucie, that she plans to raise Jesse from the dead; Cordelia, that she has sworn a dangerous oath of loyalty to a mysterious power; and James, that he is being drawn further each night into the dark web of his grandfather, the arch-demon Belial. And that he himself may be the killer they seek.

Taken from Goodreads. 

Opinions

I was very excited to be back in this world. I needed this book as my uni life has been very stressful and I couldn't wait to be back with my favourites. I reread Chain of Gold in preparation for Chain of Iron. I'm glad I did as I had forgotten most of what had happened. It has put me in the mood to reread all the Shadowhunter books again. These books are special to me and I hope I'll always be excited for them.

Something I spotted about this series in particular that I don't remember being as prominent in Cassie's other books is how character driven it was. I am a character reader mostly. I like caring about characters, even if the plot is a bit lacking. However, this leaned too heavily on character based storylines. I felt like the main plotline was interesting, however it wasn't explored as much as I would have liked it to be. I also figured out very early on who the murderer was, which meant it wasn't as surprising. It's been about a month since I read this and I can't remember much about what happens in it. This did end up relying a bit too heavily on the love triangle/whatever shape it is at this point for my liking. I would have liked more plot to have been weaved through. 

I think part of the reason I struggled with this book was because I read it in three days. Looking back, I regret this, as I feel it demanded a bit more attention. I felt the same way when I read Chain of Gold. I will most likely reread both books before the final one comes out and I'm going to take my time. I might even tab them, which is something I started doing with Lord of Shadows (which remains the last Shadowhunter book that truly shocked and destroyed me) and I think it might help me connect with the story. 

So far in this review, I have been very negative, which I don't like, so it's time to talk about some things I did like. The romance between Alistair and Thomas. We all saw it coming in Chain of Gold and it was done so well. I like that it hasn't been rushed, that they are two men taking their time. It feels like a very genuine relationship and one I'm excited to see explored more in the final book. Now, I know I said I didn't want to be negative, but I can't not mention it in this section Anna and Ariadne's relationship. I'm not sure why they started using their relationship in such a toxic way, but when we know both of them clearly love each other, it felt wrong to their characters. This was something Cassie talked about in the UK event (virtual event) I went to and I hope it's discussed more in the final book. Cassie always handles her relationships really well, which is something I admire about her writing. 

This section is hard to talk about as it does have spoiler links to The Dark Artifices, however I'm imaging that most people reading this have read TDA, but I'm still going to be as spoiler free as possible. I'm very interested in the plot line with Lucie, Grace and Malcolm. I didn't see that coming and is possibly the thing I'm the most interested in reading in the final book. It was a nice link to TDA, providing us with some solid backstory while being key to this storyline. 

I plan on rereading this book at some point and I'll be reading it slower as to absorb the story better. I felt this way with Chain of Gold that it felt too rushed. So far, The Last Hours hasn't really made an impact on me. The Infernal Devices remains my absolute favourite series by Cassie and I thought I'd love being back in London with their children, but these books just haven't wowed me. This could be because my tastes as a reader have changed significantly. I look forward to seeing where this story goes and will probably reread all the books at some point in one big year long reread like I did back in 2018. I think I'm in a minority as I've seen a lot of people gushing over this book. 

What did you think of Chain of Iron? 

Carenza x :)     

Anti-Valentine's Day Book Tag| Carenza Bramwell

Happy belated Valentine's Day! Whether you celebrate it or not, you cannot avoid this celebration. Personally, I've never celebrated it as it's my Grandma's birthday and I'm comfortably single. However, in the spirit of the season, I thought I would to a Valentine's themed book tag. I found this one on Storme Reads A Lot, the original post is linked here. I hope you enjoy!

1) Name a Character That Annoys You For No Apparent Reason

I recently read Catherine House by Elisabeth Thomas and I could not get along with the main character. She was kinda annoying, but mostly I just didn't like her. It's very hard to annoy me so it took me by surprise by how annoying I found her. I can't even remember her name.

2) What's A Book You Read That Ended in Total Heartbreak?

The last time I remember crying at a book was back in 2018 in a reread of Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare. That book makes me weep every time. Again, it's very hard to make me cry about books, so that is the last time I remember being heartbroken over a book.

3) What's A Book Where One of Your Favourite Characters Doesn't Make It?

I'm not going to give it away, but there was a character death in The King of Crows by Libba Bray that made me so angry. They deserved better and I cannot believe they were killed off. Also this series deserved a better ending which made this characters death even more annoying.

4) A Character That's A Total Buzz Kill?

I just finished reading The Poppy War by R.F Kuang and thinking about it, I didn't vibe with Altan. I'm just not sure what the point of his character and story arc where. This is a very loose answer as I literally couldn't think of anyone else.

5) A Book In Which the Dreaded Love Triangle Makes An Appearance?

Cassandra Clare loves a good love triangle. Heck, the woman loves a good love octagon at this point. I love Cassie's books, but I am getting a bit frustrated with this all who's into who in each series. I'm still going to read her books, but I would like it if we could move away from all this complicated romance. 

6) Name a Book Filled with Action Packed Fighting Scenes.

I've already mentioned it, but The Poppy War had some epic fight scenes. This is a book about war, so it's unsurprising. I thoroughly enjoyed how much action was in this book, which at times did get a bit gruesome, but I really enjoyed this book. 

7) A Book In Which the Older Brother Causes Issues for the Main Couple?

Honestly, I can't really think of any. There are probably some, but none are coming to mind.

8) A Really Sad Book That Makes You Cry Your Eyes Out While  Simultaneously Breaking Your Heart?

I hate repeating myself in a tag as it can come across quite lazy, but Clockwork Princess broke my heart. I cried at least three times while reading. I've read this book at least four or five times and I still cry each time. It's just a very well written romance. 

9) A Book Filled With Blood and Gruesome Scenes You Can't Get Out of Your Head?

House of Blood and Earth by Sarah J Maas. Although I can't remember much about this book, there are some stand out gruesome scenes I cannot forget. I'll have to read it again and I'm not looking forward to those scenes. 

10) What's Your Favourite Anti-Valentines Day Movie?

I'm going to have to pick Lady Bird. Yes this does have romance in it, but at it's core it's about family and friend love over romantic love. Also I may be picking this because it's my favourite movie. 

I hope you enjoyed this anti-valentines day tag!

Carenza :) x  

Most Anticipated Releases of 2021| Carenza Bramwell

I know I'm a bit late to posting this, but I've complied a small list of books I'm looking forward to reading in 2021. I'm also going to include an honourable mentions section as I'm trying to be quite select with what books I buy this year.

Most Anticipated 

Liberte by Gita Trelease- February 18th 

Taken from Google Images

The sequel to Enchante in 2019, this is a YA urban fantasy set in revolutionary France. I remember really enjoying Enchante when I read it, but will have to admit that a reread is required. Revolutionary France is one of my favourite historical periods, so after my reread, I know I'll dive straight into this one. To read the plot summary on Goodreads, click here. 

Chain of Iron by Cassandra Clare- March 1st

Taken from Google Images

It will come as no surprise as I'm a huge Cassandra Clare fan, but a book I'm really looking forward to is Chain of Iron. This is the sequel to Chain of Gold, which is the first book in a new series. This follows the children of The Infernal Devices and their adventures in Edwardian London. Chain of Gold was a book I loved and I will probably reread it before Chain of Iron. To read the plot summary on Goodreads, click here. 

 

One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston- June 6th  

Taken from Google Images

Casey wrote a book I really enjoyed in 2019, Red, White and Royal Blue. Her latest novel follows a young woman who falls in love with someone she meets on the subway and discovers they are from the 1970s. Casey writes great LGBT comedies. This one comes out in time for summer in hardback, so if you're looking for an LGBT rom-com, then look no further. Just to preface but Casey's books are not YA, they do have explicit sex scenes so be aware of that. To read the plot summary on Goodreads, click here.   

Heartstopper Volume 4 by Alice Oseman- June 13th

Taken from Google Images

Alice is a favourite writer of mine, so another volume in the Heartstopper series will automatically go on my most anticipated list. This graphic novel series follows Charlie and Nick, two boys who fall in love. It goes from their relationship starting to in this instalment, being ready to say I love you to each other. Alice is an incredible writer and illustrator. Each instalment gets better and better. They do tackle important issues such as mental health. To read the plot summary on Goodreads, click here.     

The Box in the Woods by Maureen Johnson- June 15th 

Taken from Google Images

This is a spin-off novel from the Truly Devious world. It follows Stevie on her first case as a detective outside of that world. I reread the first two books so I could finish the series, reading the trilogy in just over a week. These a fun and easy mysteries. I've read another book from Maureen, which was just as enjoyable so if you're looking for a fun and addictive mystery, look no further. To read the plot summary on Goodreads, click here.  

Gods and Monsters by Shelby Mahurin- August 8th 

Taken from Google Images

Quite possibly my most anticipated release is Gods&Monsters by Shelby Mahurin, the final book in the Serpent&Dove series. I adored the first book, but not the second one. I really hope this series has a good conclusion as it deserves one. I will most likely reread the series in the lead up to it's release. To read the plot summary on Goodreads, click here.  

Honourable Mentions

Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas- January 12th

Taken from Google Images

This is already out, but it's a prequel to The Hate U Give. I read and loved that book back in 2017. This follows Starr's father as he becomes teen father. Like many books on this list, I think THUG is due a reread around the time I read this. To read the plot summary on Goodreads, click here. 

Girl A by Abigail Dean- January 21st

Taken from Google Images

I stumbled across this book while reading a BBC article about upcoming releases for the year. It's about a young woman raised in abusive, horrific household and what happens when her mother dies in prison. I'm trying to read more adult/modern literature, so this sounds right up my alley. To read the plot summary on Goodreads, click here. 

The Project by Courtney Summers- February 2nd

Taken from Google Images

Sadie was a favourite book of mine in 2019, so to find out Courtney has a new book coming out is very exciting. This one is about a young woman raised in a cult and returning to investigate. If it is anything like Sadie, it will be a book you won't want to put down. To read the plot summary on Goodreads, click here. 

Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo- March 18th

Taken from Google Images

This is an LGBT historical romance novel set in San Fransisco in the 50s. It follows a lesbian couple looking for somewhere to spend one last evening together before the other is deported. It also tackles the attitudes towards communism at the time. I've really gotten into historical fiction lately, so this sounds like something I'll really enjoy. To read the plot summary on Goodreads, click here.  

Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid- May 27th

Taken from Google Images

Taylor is a beloved writer of mine, so of course I had to put her newest release on here. Set in the 1980s across one evening, it follows four rich siblings as they throw their annual end of year summer. Across this one evening, secrets will be spilled and by the morning, their relationship won't be the same. Cannot wait for it to come out. To read the plot summary on Goodreads, click here.  

The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalia Harris- June 1st

Taken from Google Images

Similar to Girl A, I found this book on that BBC article. A satire and thriller rolled into one, it follows two black women working together in a mostly white environment. At first they get along, but strange things start happening around the office and it becomes a race to find out who did it. To read the plot summary on Goodreads, click here.  

Rise to the Sun by Leah Johnson- July 1st

Taken from Google Images

Leah wrote You Should See Me In A Crown, a YA LGBT black girl romance that I really enjoyed. This one is about two teenage girls who meet at a music festival and their lives are changed forever. If it's as fun and fluffy as the previous one, then this will be another hit. To read the plot summary on Goodreads, click here.  

Our Violent Ends by Chloe Gong- November 16th

The sequel to These Violent Delights, a 1920s urban fantasy Romeo and Juliet retelling set in Shanghai. I have mixed feelings about the first book, but I'm curious to find out how this duology ends. To read the plot summary on Goodreads, click here.  

The Black Volume of the Dead by Cassandra Clare and Wesley Chu- N/A 

The conclusion to the Eldest Curses series, the Magnus and Alec spin-off series, comes out at some point in 2021. I like this series, not as much as some of the main series, but am happy to read more about Magnus and Alec. To read the plot summary on Goodreads, click here. 

That concludes my most anticipated list for 2021. What are some books you are looking forward to?

Carenza :) x 

Best Books of 2020| Carenza Bramwell

As 2020 is officially over (hurrah!), it is time to reflect on the best books of the year. I read 75 books in 2020, which is something I am proud of as I was in a bit of a reading slump for most of 2020. I will admit that there are very few books I loved, so most of the entries on this list are books I enjoyed and really stood out to me.  

Chain of Gold by Cassandra Clare

It will come as no surprise that one of the only five star reads on this list is Chain of Gold by Cassandra Clare. Cassie is an auto-buy author for me. I have loved her books for almost eight years now. Being brutally honest, this wasn't my favourite one I've read, but I'll reserve judgement until I've read the whole series. I have a full review, which you can read here. I throughly enjoyed being back in this world and will always be excited for the next Cassie Clare book.  

The Diviners by Libba Bray 

This might be a new favourite series, but I read the entire Diviners series in 2020. My favourite though, without a shadow of a doubt, was the first book. It had everything I wanted in it. There were moments when I was genuinely scared. Evie, Sam and Henry (and the remaining Diviners) are some of my favourite characters. Again, this is another one I gave five stars to and have a review for, which you can read here. If you are looking for a YA historical paranormal book set in the 1920s, then this is the book for you. 

You Should See Me In A Crown by Leah Johnson 

The only YA contemporary to make it onto this list. I'm not usually a fan of gush romance, but this was an LGBTQIA+ black girl romance. It was sweet and funny, yet it also tackled some serious issues such as racism and homophobia. It was the perfect summer contemporary. I know Leah has another book coming out this year, which I will be reading as soon as it's released. I gave it 4/5 stars.  

The Confession by Jessie Burton 

I was debating which of Jessie's books to put on this list as I adored both The Muse and The Confession, but this one had to win. I read it in about two days, which for me at the moment, is very impressive. Jessie writes very strong feminist books, with historical mysteries at there core. I couldn't put this book down, I wanted to know what happened next. I hope she has another book coming out soon as I can't wait to dive into it. I gave it 4/5 stars. 

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by VE Schwab

This is the book that restored my faith in VE Schwab and has convinced me to give her books another go. I loved it. I am so buzzed for the film adaptation that Schwab herself is working on. I have been a big fan of faustian retellings for a while, but this one was amazing. Spread over three hundred years, you can see the passion and dedication that went into it. I have a review of it, which you can read here. If you are looking for an epic historical urban fantasy, then look no further. 

My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell

I was unsure if I wanted to put this book on this list, but I knew I had to as I haven't read anything like it. It tackles a relationship between a fifteen year old girl and her teacher. Set when the victim is 15 and in her thirties, it asks if victims really consider themselves victims. It was a dense read, with times when I had to put it down as it was so dark. As it tackles sensitive subjects such as sexual abuse and death, I would read it, but only if you feel mentally up to it. I have a review of it, which you can read here. 

That concludes my best books of 2020. What were some of your best books of the year?

Carenza :) x

My Favourite Authors- 2020 Edition| Carenza Bramwell

If you scroll into the depths of my blog, you will find an ancient blog post from 2016-17 (oh those were to good days, can we go back to then?) which lists some of my favourite authors from the time. Three to four years later, it's safe to say that my reading tastes have changed a lot, so I am making an updated reading list which includes my current favourite authors. Quite a few authors have been removed from that list for various reasons and lots of new authors have been added. 

Cassandra Clare

Cassandra Clare made the cut in 2016/7 and she makes it again this year. Cassie's books will always hold a special place in my heart as they were the books that led me to discovering YA books. I've always been a bookworm, but these books opened the door for me and made me want to read all the time. I am always excited for the latest release from Cassie and what she's going to do with my precious babies next. The Infernal Devices will always be my favourite series from her and I am enjoying being back in that world so much with The Last Hours. Cassie creates easy to read, yet highly engaging books. She has some of the most diverse book casts out there and there is a book and character for everyone.  

Adam Silvera

Another writer who made the cut on the original list and makes it again is Adam Silvera. Despite the fact that I didn't enjoy his most recent release, Adam is still the king of contemporary novels. I've read all of his contemporary releases to date and each one punches me in the gut harder than the last one, which is just rude. Adam always tackles incredibly important issues, especially LGBT ones and being Latino. He has a way of creating characters that makes you fall for them and get emotionally devastated when he ruins their lives. Just once can't he write a happy contemporary where they have a happy life?   

Laini Taylor

For the first new to this list author, I had to choose Laini Taylor. Exactly a year ago, I read Strange the Dreamer and fell in love with her writing style. She has such a beautifully descriptive style, yet the story and meaning never get lost in the words. Her characters are also so layered that you can't help but fall for them. I had the pleasure of meeting Laini in 2017, after the release of Strange the Dreamer and I was ashamed that I had never read one of her books before. The Strange the Dreamer duology is amongst some of my favourite all time books, from the exterior to the interior, these books are some of the most beautiful I own. I am slowly making my way through the Daughter of Smoke and Bone series and thoroughly enjoying it.  

Shelby Mahurin 

A little book called Serpent and Dove dropped last year and changed my life. It had been a very long time since I had fallen head over heels in love with a book. I am desperate for the sequel to come out in about a months time in the UK. It was a book that I couldn't put down. It was a book I didn't want to put down. I was desperate to find out what would happen to Lou and Reed next. They had one of the best hate to love relationships I have ever seen. The characters were sassy and funny. I hope nothing too bad happens to my little beans in Blood and Honey but knowing what authors are like, they do like to torture their characters and readers.  

Taylor Jenkins Reid 

I remember everyone raving about The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo and saying how great it was. For once, they hype was aptly deserved. That book was incredible. It was another one that I couldn't put down and I read it in about two days. I loved how the story moved from the present day to Evelyn's life. The title draws you in, you want to know why she had seven husbands. But ultimately you want to know who was the true love of her life. The characters felt so real and the way it was written, you felt as though you had been dragged into the book. You were going along on this journey with the two main characters. I did also enjoy Daisy Jones and the Six, but not as much as Evelyn. I look forward to what Taylor releases next and to catch up on some of her books that are currently released. 

Alice Oseman 

Finally on this list is one of my new favourite contemporary authors, Alice Oseman. Alice writes the best UK based YA Contemporary novels. I have loved pretty much everything she has released. All her books tackle LGBT themes, which is something you don't see that often in UK based novels. She is also the only British author to make it on this list. The Heartstopper series is so wholesome while tackling quite series issues. She just knows how to craft a story and how to make you care. I will automatically buy anything she releases. She also happens to be an exceptionally talented artist and I am desperate to get my hands on some of her artwork.

So that concludes my new favourite authors list. I imagine I'll update this in about five years time with new favourite authors. Who is your favourite author?

Carenza :) x

Chain of Gold Fairyloot Collectors Box Review| Carenza Bramwell

It's been many years since I did a Fairyloot review, but when Fairyloot announced they were doing a Chain of Gold special edition box, I just had to get one. It was an impulse purchase when they released the second batch. 

What is Fairyloot?

Fairyloot is a UK YA book box that sends out monthly boxes with new YA releases and a bunch of bookish goodies. In the past year, they have branched out into special edition boxes for certain releases. For more information, click here.

How Much Did This Box Cost?

This box cost £35 plus postage and taxes. A normal Fairyloot box costs £26 plus postage and taxes. I will say that collectors boxes are much bigger than normal boxes.

The Box

The first item in the box was a replica of the Mortal Cup made by Team Fairyloot. This is something that crops up in every single Shadowhunter book. The quality is good, although in a few places the paint job is a bit battered. It's a sturdy replica and looks great on my shelf, so much more so than the one I made myself many years ago.

Next was an item that made my jaw drop when I saw it and that is this James and Cordelia Tapestry designed by monolimeart. At first I thought it was a blanket but it is a tapestry and looks amazing hanging by my bed. It features James and Cordelia from their romantic scene in the library. 

A staple of bookish boxes is the beloved bookmark. The bookmark featured in this box was a wooden one, with art on both sides. The illustration of our beloved Cordelia is by niru.sky and the quote is from stellabookishart. I love both sides and have put in my mug of bookmarks as it is too beautiful to use. 

Something I have always wanted but never bought is a book sleeve to protect my books, so when Fairyloot included one in this box I was over the moon. It is very well padded and even has a zip at the top to make sure nothing gets in with your precious book. The side with James on it is designed by one of my favourite bookish artists, Taratjah, and the quote side was designed by noverantale. 

The final item in this box is a stunning art print of the Chain of Gold boys, designed by merwildandco. I adore this print and am searching for where I can display so I can always look at their beautiful faces.

Finally, we have the book in the box. It is in this stunning black edition, which I've been told is very similar to the Waterstones edition. It has sprayed edges with swords on them. It has been completely redesigned for this box and I'm so glad to have this exclusive version from this box. 

Was It Worth It?

I would have to say that it 100% was worth it. The items are unique and ones that I'll actually use. The edition is stunning and it was an affordable price. They have a collectors box for the sequel to Serpent and Dove, Blood and Honey and I am so going to be getting it after the success of this box.

Carenza :) x 

Belated 2020 Anticipated Releases| Carenza Bramwell

Yes, I am aware that we are almost a quarter of the way through the year at the time this is being posted, but I still wanted to share with you guys my anticipated releases of the year. On this list, I will be including those that have already been published. I think I have some that might have slipped under the radar for others as well as some popular releases. This list is in publication order. 

Infinity Son

By Adam Silvera

Published January 14th 2020.

Adam Silvera's latest novel is the first entry on this list. I am a huge fan of Adam's other books, so I was super excited when he announced his first fantasy novel. I have read it and sadly it was not for me. For more details why I gave it 3/5 stars, follow the link to my most recent wrap up. 

Yes No Maybe So

By Becky Albertalli and Amed Saeed. 

Published February 4th 2020.

I stumbled across this when I was scrolling through Goodreads and it was recommended for fans of Adam Silvera. I loved Simon Vs and I had read Becky's other collaborative novel. I am a huge fan of politics, so a YA novel centred around politics peaked my interest. It ended up being an okay read in the end. For more details, read my most recent wrap up.   

Heartstopper Volume 3

By Alice Oseman

Published February 6th 2020.

I am a huge fan of the Heartstopper series and the third volume did not disappoint. It's a cute LGBT graphic novel, I adore them. Volume four now please. For more details, read my most recent wrap up. 

The Shadows Between Us

By Tricia Levenseller.

Published March 1st.

The first book on this list that I haven't actually read. I stumbled across this, I think probably watching people's recommended releases. It seems like a really interesting fantasy novel, which revenge at the core. I've ordered a copy and I can't wait for it to arrive. 

A Question of Holmes

By Brittany Cavallaro.

Published March 3rd.

The final book in the Charlotte Holmes series. I loved the first two books, but sadly have not been a fan of the last two. I might have to binge read the series again as I feel reading them in one go might be a better experience than waiting for the newest book. I gave this book 3/5 stars.  

Chain of Gold

By Cassandra Clare.

Published March 3rd.

One of my most anticipated books of the year. My review just went up for this book. I absolutely adored it and am so sad that I now have to wait for the remanding books in this series. Obviously, I gave it 5/5 stars. 

The Gravity of Us

By Phil Stamper.

Published May 14th.

I believe this might already be out in America, however I am still waiting for it to be published in the UK. It's an upcoming LGBT own voices YA novel. The background of this book is the NASA programme and follows two boys who end up being connected by it. I'm really excited for a new LGBT novel.  

Jo&Laurie

By Melissa De La Cruiz.

Published June 2nd.

I'm a bit hesitant to put this book on my list as I haven't heard the best things about it, however, after watching the most recent adaptation of Little Women, I thought this book sounded fun. Melissa has done a bunch of other adaptations, so I think we're in safe hands. I know this is a fun, fluffy book, so I'm not expecting it to be brilliant, just a fun read. 

The Confession

By Jessie Burton.

Published June 2nd.

Technically this book is already out, however, I am waiting for the paperback to be released. I recently read The Muse by Jessie Burton and I loved it. I still need to read The Miniturist, but if the Confession is anything like The Muse, then I know that I'll love it. Jessie Burton has become one of my favourite modern literature authors.  

Loveless

By Alice Oseman.

Published July 9th.

As I've already mentioned my love for Alice's novels, it comes as no surprise that she has not one, but three mentions on this list. Loveless is her newest novel and features an aromantic/asexual character. I haven't read many stories featuring this, so I'm very excited. I also know that Alice is a great contemporary writer, so I can't wait for this book to come out. 

Blood&Honey

By Shelby Mahurin.

Published September 2nd.

Quite possibly my most anticipated release of the year. I cannot put it into words how much I love Serpent&Dove. This comes out a few days after my birthday and I am not joking when I say I would happily skip my birthday (which I love celebrating even though I'm turning 20 this year) so I can read this book. I cannot wait to be reunited with my faves again. 

The Nobleman's Guide to Scandal's and Shipwrecks 

By Mackenzi Lee.

Published September 3rd.

I absolutely adored the first two books in this series, but wasn't the biggest fan of the third one. Mackenzi Lee writes amazing LGBT historical fiction, so I have high hopes for this one. I might have to reread the other books in this series before this one comes out. 

Nick&Charlie 

By Alice Oseman.

Published September 3rd.

Surprise surprise, another Alice Oseman book. This one is actually already out in eBook format, but it is now being published in physical format. It's a short story set a few years after the Heartstopper comics have ended. Like with her other books, I'm so excited to read this. 

The Madness Blooms 

By Mackenzi Lee.

Published November 24th.

Another Mackenzi Lee book. I am a bit hesitant to put this on my list as I have seen a lot of controversy around it before it has even been published. It does seem to be another LGBT historical fiction novel and I'm hoping that once ARCs start being handed out to reviewers, some of the controversy is cleared up.  

That concludes my list of anticipated releases for 2020, what books are you excited for this year?

Carenza :) x

Chain of Gold by Cassandra Clare Book Review (Contains Spoilers)| Carenza Bramwell

Title- Chain of Gold
Author- Cassandra Clare
Series- The Last Hours (Shadowhunter Chronicles)
Published- 2020
Page Count- 624 (UK Collectors Edition)
Publishing House- Simon&Schuster
Rating- 5/5 stars (obviously)

About the Author

Cassandra Clare was born to American parents in Teheran, Iran and spent much of her childhood travelling the world with her family, including one trek through the Himalayas as a toddler where she spent a month living in her father’s backpack. She lived in France, England and Switzerland before she was ten years old.
Taken from Cassandra's website. 

Plot 

Chain of Gold is the first novel in a new trilogy that stars the Shadowhunters of Edwardian London.

Welcome to Edwardian London, a time of electric lights and long shadows, the celebration of artistic beauty and the wild pursuit of pleasure, with demons waiting in the dark. For years there has been peace in the Shadowhunter world. James and Lucie Herondale, children of the famous Will and Tessa, have grown up in an idyll with their loving friends and family, listening to stories of good defeating evil and love conquering all. But everything changes when the Blackthorn and Carstairs families come to London…and so does a remorseless and inescapable plague.

James Herondale longs for a great love, and thinks he has found it in the beautiful, mysterious Grace Blackthorn. Cordelia Carstairs is desperate to become a hero, save her family from ruin, and keep her secret love for James hidden. When disaster strikes the Shadowhunters, James, Cordelia and their friends are plunged into a wild adventure which will reveal dark and incredible powers, and the true cruel price of being a hero…and falling in love.

Taken from Goodreads. 

My notes for Chain of Gold

Opinions

It comes as no surprise to long time followers of my blog, but I am a massive fan of Cassie's work and I adored Chain of Gold. I flew through it in three days, which I regret now as I still want to be absorbed in this world. It was so nice to be back in this world that I know and love. The Infernal Devices is my favourite Shadowhunters series, so a series about their children with them still in it, it's all I could have hoped for. 

One of the things I really loved about this book was the flashes between past and present. The most we have learned about these characters is through short stories from the companion novels, so these little extracts into their lives really helped to get to know them as characters. I also loved that the cast of characters we got to meet in this novel. I was worried that they were going to be their parents in miniture, but they are fully fleshed characters. James and Cordelia are fantastic additions to the Shadowhunter world and I cannot wait to follow them in the next two books. 

As always with Cassie's novels, there is an amazing amount of diversity, especially LGBT rep. There were so many great characters that are in the LGBT community. Anna Lightwood and Matthew Fairchild are LGBT icons and I adore them. I was also shocked when it was revealed that Alastair Carstairs was revealed to be attracted to both Thomas Lightwood and Charles Fairchild, I did not see that coming at all. 

I will say that Chain of Gold felt like a slow burn novel. It took almost half of the book to get to the central action. I also felt that while we learnt a lot from this book, not a lot happened at the same time. I feel that maybe when I reread it in preparation for the next book coming out, they're might be more to it than at first glance. This might be because I read it so fast because it was quite easy to digest. The writing style was a lot different from the most recent Shadowhunter trilogy. 

It didn't surprise me that there were lots of love elements with in this book, as that is a common and classic feature of a Cassie Clare novel. I was torn between who I wanted to end up with who throughout most of the book. I really love James and Cordelia as a couple, but the bracelet clearly did something to James which meant he loved Grace. I really hope there isn't some variation of a love triangle as we've seen that Cassie can write a great, if not the best love triangle of all time, and we don't need another one. Personally, I didn't vibe with Matthew being in love with Lucie. I saw them as having a brother-sister relationship. 

It goes without saying but I am very excited for the next instalment in this series and any future Cassie Clare novel. I was disheartened for a while as I hadn't been the biggest fan of her last three publications, but this book has fully restored my faith in her. It's also making me want to reread the Infernal Devices as those are some of my all time favourite books. What did you think of Chain of Gold?

Carenza :) x