Angel Reads

28 Dec

Books That I Loved Reading in 2018

Posted by angelreads Discussions, Monthly Wrap Up 5 Comments

2018 has been a year, there have been many ups and downs. Not only in my personal life, but my reading a blogging life as well. But I was in my final year of university, working 3-4 days a week, and I had an internship.

But that didn’t stop me from reading. As of the 28th of December, I have read 198 books. That is the most I have ever read in a year. And what I liked about this year was that I read a whole heap of different books, and that excites me. A while ago, I wrote about my reading habits changing and as I look back at all the books that I read this year, I can totally see it. I also read a lot of romance this year, and I am not mad at all about it, reading more romance books have been something bound to happen over the last couple of years and I read a lot this year!

So while talking about all this, today I thought I would share all my favourite books that I read in 2018. There is a mixture of 2018 releases and some back titles. So here we go, like always these are in no order.

The Cruel Prince by Holly Back: It’s addicting, dark and messes with your emotions. It’s a world of court intrigue and the conflict between fae and humans. It explores the notion of being human and the emotions that come with it. The Cruel Prince has set up a fantastic new series for Holly Black. I received Wicked in the mail this week and I cannot wait to dig in | 4.5 Stars Read Full Review

Say You’ll Remember Me by Katie McGarry: This one is intense and takes you on a journey. It’s heartbreaking and uplifting. It explores family, social standards and second chances. With classic Katie McGarry romance, Say You’ll Remember Me is an exploration of teen love and it’s ups and downs | 4 Stars. Read Full Review

Allied (Ruined #3) by Amy Tintera: In the final book of the ruined trilogy, everything comes together in a battle of all forces. It all started when Emelina wanted to save her sister, but now she is fighting her. Emelina and Olivia wanted to bring peace to the people of Runia. But when the meaning of freedom changes for Olivia, everything changes. With Olivia filled with vengeance, Emelina starts to pull away. And tension rises between the two sisters. And it’s not just Emelina seeing the change in Olivia, but the people of Runia as well. 4.5 Stars |

Starry Eyes by Jenn Bennett: I loved Starry Eyes by Jenn Bennett. It explores what it means to love, have family and friends. It’s a coming of age novel that really grabs you from the start with its honesty and reliability. Zorie and Lennon were such great protagonists that made the story that much better. Plus they were stuck in the middle of the wildness with only each other for company, things are bound to get heated. Starry Eyes is for everyone that wants to be taken away with honest and flawed characters and romance that will warm your heart | 4.5 Stars. Read Full Review

The Love That I Have by James Moloney: When Margot Baumann reads the letters from people imprisoned in Sachsenhausen concentration camp during WWII her whole life changes. She starts to really understand the horrific circumstances that the prisoners are going through. It’s then how she learns about Dieter Kleinschmidt. Through the beauty of his letters, she wants to save him, help him. Do everything that she can. The Love That I Have is a very confronting novel, it explores a different side of WWII that we don’t let see a lot. And I really enjoy it. But gosh this novel is brutal | 4.5 Stars

Bright We Burn (The Conqueror’s Saga #3) by Kiersten White: If you haven’t picked up this trilogy please do. Bright We Burn by Kiersten White is intense, brutal and keeps you on the edge of your seat. This book left me a mess but in the best possible way. This gender twist, historical fiction explores family, finding yourself and war. Lada and Radu and some of the most intriguing, captivating and alluring protagonist I have ever read and they will never leave me. It’s about war and betrayal, oh all the betrayal and will leave you gobsmacked right at the end. This books is dark, don’t forget that Lada is the female Vlad the Impaler | 5 Stars. Check out my full review

The Chase (Briar U #1) by Elle Kennedy:It was a great sports romance read that you all know I love. The romance was adorable and I loved how slow burning it was. Fitzy and Summer are adorable together and sometimes even sexy which was a nice combination. The Chase explores trusting in yourself and learning to love who you are. It’s about friendship and family and creating something new. If you are looking for a slow-burn college romance then this one is for you | 4 Stars. Check out my full review.

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller: If you haven’t read it and love Greek Mythology, please pick it up. And even if you don’t want to try some, it’s the perfect way to fall into it. The romance is beautiful and heartbreaking. The story will tear you to pieces, but you will be happy when it’s all over. If you are just looking for a fantastic read, then pick this up | 5 Stars. Also check out 5 reasons why I love it.

Queen of Air and Darkness (The Dark Artifices #3) by Cassandra Clare: I loved Queen of Air and Darkness. I didn’t know what to expect going in. I had to think the worse or else, I would have been even more shattered. Queen of Air and Darkness explores family, friend, love, and loyalty to its core. It explores forbidden love and family heartbreak. But with beautiful writing, fantastic characters and a plot that just keeps you guessing, you won’t be able to put the book down. If you have been thinking about picking up this series, please do. Clare is able to intertwine many different storylines, effortlessly, that just adds another layer to both her world and her characters| 5 Stars. Full Review.

Circus Hearts Trilogy by Ellie Marney: I love these books so much. I had the lovely chance of being Ellie’s beta reader for this series and I have so much love. I’ve now read nearly every one of Ellie’s published books and I have loved each one. This series is intense, full of romance and suspense and always kept me on the edge of my seat. It has the same core themes as other romance novels, but the fact that it’s set in a circus set’s it apart. Please pick this series up.

The Accidentals by Sarina Bowen: I loved The Accidentals by Sarina Bowen. It’s an emotional rollercoaster of a book, but it was so worth it. The Accidentals explores grief, family and finding yourself in this massive world. It’s a coming of age story that is explored through music and love. The romance and friendships are adorable and just added another dimension to the novel. The Accidentals also explores new family and sometimes it’s so hard to come together at times, but in the end, you do love each other. If you are looking for a book that may just pull you to pieces this is for you | 4 Stars, Check out my full review.

Royally Yours (Royally #4) by Emma Chase: Royally Yours by Emma Chase is addicting, intriguing and compelling. Royally Yours explores the notion of romance, fighting for what you believe in and loving yourself. It explores what it’s like to rule a country as a woman and the hardships that follow. The romance in Royally Yours is addicting, beautiful and full of chemistry| 4.5 Stars. Full Review

KGI Series by Maya Banks: This is a new romance series I started this year and I really, really enjoyed it. There are a whopping 11 books out so far and I have now read all of them now. This series follows KGI ‘A super elite, top secret, family-run business.’ All members have some sort of military background or training. And they just happen to always get into trouble. One of the things I love about this series that there isn’t really any ‘alpha males.’ Yes, they are protective of those that they love, but there is no demanding aspect and gosh I love it.

And that is it. Wow. As I said before 2018 was a good year for me, genre and readership-wise. I read a whole heap of different books and I just loved that. I hope that I can do the same in 2019, in saying that I am going on a book buying ban, so let’s see how it all goes.

What books did you love reading in 2018? Do we share any that is the same? Are you planning on reading any on my list? Let’s Chat!

26 Dec

Book Review: The Pearl Thief by Fiona McIntosh

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The Pearl Thief by Fiona McIntosh

Pages: 492
Publish date: October 29, 2018
Publisher: Penguin Random House
ISBN: 9780143785095
Purchase: Book Depository – Amazon UK – Amazon US – Amazon AU – QBD

Severine Kassel is asked by the Louvre in 1963 to aid the British Museum with curating its antique jewellry, her specialty. Her London colleagues find her distant and mysterious; her cool beauty the topic of conversations around its quiet halls. No one could imagine that she is a desperately damaged woman, hiding her trauma behind her chic, French image.

It is only when some dramatic Byzantine pearls are loaned to the Museum that Severine’s poise is dashed and the tightly controlled life she’s built around herself is shattered. Her shocking revelation of their provenance sets off a frenzied hunt for Nazi Ruda Mayek.

Mossad’s interest is triggered and one of its most skilled agents comes out of retirement to join the hunt, while the one person who can help her – the solicitor handling the Pearls – is bound by client confidentiality. As Severine follows Mayek’s trail, there is still one lifelong secret for her to reveal – and one for her to discover.

From the snowy woodlands outside Prague to the Tuilieries of Paris and the heather-covered moors of Yorkshire comes a confronting and heart-stopping novel that explores whether love and hope can ever overpower atrocity in a time of war and hate.

The Pearl Thief:

I didn’t know what to think of this book before I went in. I had heard lots of amazing things about Fiona McIntosh through work before, but none of her books ever stood out to me. But The Pearl Thief stood out like a shining star, it’s a historical fiction novel that includes flashbacks to world war two as well as a little crime and romance. It was the perfect combination, and I’m so glad that I did pick up The Pearl Thief because I adored it.

The Pearl Thief by Fiona McIntosh follows Severine Kassel as she tries to navigate her life after the war. It’s been nearly 18 years, but she is still haunted by everything that went down – and I would be too. When she is asked by the British Musem to look at some pearls that have come in – she is taken back and everything that she thought was safe isn’t anymore. The Pearl Thief explores harrowing tales of Severine survival of world war two and the heartbreak that she had to endure. At times it was very hard to read. But it was also powerful, engaging and I could not put it down.

I really enjoyed Severine as the protagonist of The Pearl Thief. From the very start, her strength was heartbreaking, but also so powerful. As the novel goes on the reader is able to see everything she had to endure during the war. And gosh did it tear me apart. Severine tried to forget her past, but when she sees the pearls again, everything comes back. And while she might be revisiting her past, it’s also a chance for her to find strength in herself and put right all the wrongs that her family had to endure.

Severine’s characterisation throughout The Pearl Thief was so well done. She is taken on so many different paths. But, then they all meld together and make her not only a strong character but also a strong protagonist. When Severine was first introduced, she does come across as cold and very distant. It’s like she is there to work and go through life. But as the novel goes on and Severine has to face her past, she becomes real and tangible.

One of the many things that I always see when people are talking about World War II books is that saying ‘the stories already been told’ or ‘haven’t we had enough.’ And The Pearl Thief proves both theses sayings wrong. WWII has so many different layers that books just scratch the surface. You think you might know all the stories, but you don’t. I learned so much more from reading The Pearl Thief. I had no idea about the Kindertransport system and after I finished the book, I had to delve deeper. The reader is also able to see the impact that WWII had on Prague and Czechoslovakian which is so fascinating and intriguing.

Throughout the novel, the reader is also introduced to many different characters that play a role in Severine’s life. They are not just supporting characters. But also have so much depth in themselves and each has their own story. Along with this, McIntosh is able to create place is such a vivid and immaculate way. Not only is the reader traveling to the past, but also from Prague to Paris and London.

Bryan Minear

One of my favourite things about The Pearl Thief is that Severine saves herself. She went through a lot! And I mean a lot, but she saves herself and she does it with purpose. While she has people helping her along her along the way, she is not only determined but thrives to try and make the best the of things. To be the one who is on top when it’s all done and dusted.

Overall, The Pearl Thief by Fiona McIntosh is a powerful novel about a young women’s survival when her whole world is torn apart. It’s about sheer determination, heartbreak, and the power that a small group of people has. It’s about survival, death, and fighting for what is right. If you are looking for an insightful, page-turning, historical fiction novel, then this one is for you.

Have you read The Pearl Thief by Fiona McIntosh? What did you think of it? Are you planning on reading it? What is your favourite book that is about WWII? Let’s Chat!

13 Dec

Book Review: Queen of Air and Darkness by Cassandra Clare

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Queen of Air and Darkness (The Dark Artifices #3) by Cassandra Clare

Pages: 912
Publish date: 4 December 2018
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
ISBN: 9781471116704
Purchase: Book Depository – Amazon UK – Amazon US – Amazon AU – QBD

What if damnation is the price of true love?

Innocent blood has been spilled on the steps of the Council Hall, the sacred stronghold of the Shadowhunters. In the wake of the tragic death of Livia Blackthorn, the Clave teeters on the brink of civil war. One fragment of the Blackthorn family flees to Los Angeles, seeking to discover the source of the blight that is destroying the race of warlocks.

Meanwhile, Julian and Emma take desperate measures to put their forbidden love aside and undertake a perilous mission to Faerie to retrieve the Black Volume of the Dead. What they find in the Courts is a secret that may tear the Shadow World asunder and open a dark path into a future they could never have imagined. Caught in a race against time, Emma and Julian must save the world of Shadowhunters before the deadly power of the parabatai curse destroys them and everyone they love.

Queen of Air and Darkness:

It’s taken me a while to write this review for a few reasons. The first being, I’m not sure how I fully feel. Queen of Air and Darkness was a hell of a ride and while I adored it, there were so many things that happened that change everything about the shadowhunter world. The second being, I just haven’t had time to get my thoughts down. But here we are now. I don’t even know where to begin with this review.

Just a warning, there will be spoilers from the previous two books in the series and the rest of the shadowhunter world. I have tried, hard not to spoil anything from Queen of Air and Darkness.

Queen of Air and Darkness by Cassandra Clare starts immediately after the end of Lord of Shadows. So you can guess that I was crying so hard in the first couple of chapters. And with the risks that present themselves throughout the novel, I was totally on high alert. There wasn’t any time for me to breath, because when I thought one bit was over – then a whole new thing began. Queen of Air and Darkness is intense, heartbreaking, but also so addicting. This series is by far my favourite of Clare’s and that is saying something. So many things have been elevated in this series including Clare’s writing and character development. I just keep on falling in love with this series over and over again.

Andrew Neel

Emma has been through a lot before Queen of Air and Darkness starts, and she isn’t really given a break in this one either. Emma is one of those protagonists that I can easily get along with. She is so easy to read and I loved seeing her grow not only through the series but through this book. Emma’s character arc is so well done and I couldn’t get enough of her. What I also love about Emma is that she is different from Cassandra Clare’s other female protagonists. While Tessa and Clary are both very strong characters, Emma has known she was a shadowhunter her whole life – it’s what she has been training for – so it makes her abilities and her sense of the world very different. It’s a nice contrast and I cannot wait to read more about Emma and the life that she takes.

Oh, Julian why do you like to hurt me? Why? Julian is a hurt soul, and while he might fight like a warrior, his heart is very soft. Not only has Julian had to look after himself, but has to grow up and look after his younger siblings. He has to become a father. And I don’t think he minded that too much, because he adores them, but that does play a lot into his character. Julian does some things in Queen of Air and Darkness that ruined me. It literally tore my heart out and stood on it. I understood why, but gosh did it hurt.

On their own Emma and Julian killed me, together they left me for dead. They were hurting already so much in this series, but Queen of Air and Darkness just tore it to pieces. If you thought the decision they make at the end of LoS was hard, the things that do in this one. I love Emma and Julian together so much, and they take forbidden love to a whole new level. There is something about Emma and Julian that make me so happy. They love each other no matter the faults, and they will do literally anything for one another. Even if it means leaving the world that they love behind.

Sweet Ice Cream Photography

There are many ups and downs throughout Queen of Air and Darkness and it isn’t just the relationship between Emma and Julian that is causing mayhem, but the shadowhunter world its self. So much that happens in this last book that plays a massive role is books to follow. There are so many changes coming that I can’t even begin to think what it means. One of my favourite things about Queen of Air and Darkness was that the reader is able to see old favourites. Clary and Jace, play a significant role in events that happen throughout the novel. Magnus and Alec again make their stance in the world.

While the Seelie and Unseelie courts play roles in other books by Cassandra Clare and even in the first two books of this series, they make their selves know in Queen of Air and Darkness. But they aren’t the only villains in this world and that scares me. The whole book the reader doesn’t know who to trust and while that makes it excited, it also makes it scary. The whole time you are waiting for something to explode.

Cassandre Clare does something really excited with Mark, Christian, and Kerien. I don’t want to go too much into here, but I’m intrigued by how she dealt with these three. I love them all. They are all intriguing and are able to stand out on their own. Their relationship is a game changer in YA I think. And I am excited to see what happens, or if I am just reading too much into it.

Amaury Salas

Kit, Ty and Dru, I just love these three. I can’t even begin with how much. Before the book, I knew that they would survive, but I didn’t know how much heartbreak Ty could go through in the meanwhile. He just lost his twin sister, his best friend. The one person that knows him better than anyone. But he can’t stop and grieve, because there is so much else going on. I think that might play into some of the things that he tries to do throughout Queen of Air and Darkness. Kit and Ty together, oh gosh, I am so not ready for the next series with them. Lucky I have a while to wait.

Throughout the novel when major things happen all I could think about is ‘what does this mean for the shadowhunter world.’ I don’t know what to think at the moment, and we won’t know for some time now. But this changes everything. And it’s going to be on hell of a ride. There are also so many more characters that I could talk about, Diego and Jamie in particular.

Overall, I loved Queen of Air and Darkness. I didn’t know what to expect going in. I had to think the worse or else, I would have been even more shattered. Queen of Air and Darkness explores family, friend, love, and loyalty to its core. It explores forbidden love and family heartbreak. But with beautiful writing, fantastic characters and a plot that just keeps you guessing, you won’t be able to put the book down. If you have been thinking about picking up this series, please do. There is so much about that I can praise again and again. Clare is able to intertwine many different storylines, effortlessly, that just adds another layer to both her world and her characters.

I can go on talking about this series and Queen of Air and Darkness in particular, but I am going to stop here. I just love, Emma, the Blackthorne family, Christian, Keirian and so many more characters in this series that I don’t know where to begin or stop. But tell me what you think? Have you read Queen of Air and Darkness yet? Did you love it? Are you planning on reading this series? Which series from Cassandra Clare are you excited for next? Let’s Chat.