Intangible Book Review

Title: Intangible
Author: C.A. Gray
Publisher: Wanderlust Publishing
Publication Date: December 1, 2013
Genre: Young Adult/Fantasy
Source: Author
Amazon

Peter Stewart grew up on a unique version of the Arthurian legends taught him by his father, a harebrained quantum physicist who asserts that anything is possible. But Peter disbelieves anything which cannot be scientifically explained, despite a nagging sense that there is more to the world than meets the eye.

 Lily Portman is an orphan with a secret: she can see creatures that are invisible to everyone else. These creatures control every human being she has ever met to varying degrees... until she meets Peter and his father. 

When a mysterious stranger stages an accident which nearly costs Peter and Lily their lives, suddenly Lily learns that she is not crazy after all, and Peter discovers the truth of his father’s stories… including the existence of Arthur’s ancient nemesis, one who calls himself the Shadow Lord, and a prophecy with implications so profound that it will alter not only the course of their lives, but potentially the fate of the world.

Conflicting emotions, they're everywhere with this one!
And with that, let's begin the review, shall we?

Intangible is, quite simply, a unique, modern retelling of the old, well-renowned Arthurian legend. You know, with King Arthur, and Camelot and all that interesting stuff! With that alone, the plot line is very original and undeniably entertaining.

The prologue is possibly the best part about the opening of this book. When the first thing you read is of a car crash, there really isn't much you can do to resist reading on! The author has no intentions of losing borderline readers. I guess you could almost classify this as cheating, because straight after the prologue, we're taken back in time, to follow protagonist Peter through a few ordinary days of School, but you're still compelled to continue, nonetheless, because you've read that awesome prologue and are henceforth, hooked! Exactly like knowing something exciting is going to happen in the near future, yet unaware of when.
It's a good tactic nonetheless, on Gray's behalf, because it got me reading, even through the slow chapters.

Which brings me to the next topic; the plot. Remember at the start of this review, with the conflicting emotions? Yeah, this is the part it really kicks in.
Ultimately, you're aware that the book is based on the stories of King Arthur, and because of the prologue, you know it's definitely got the fantasy element, but sometimes, especially while reading the first part, you'd swear it was just about some science lover and his struggles through school! This really put me off, because on the one hand, I couldn't wait for all the exciting, fantasy stuff, but on the other, I couldn't see that ever happening either.
The confusing and slow-paced plot was definitely one of the book's biggest flaw for me. Fortunately, all that was forgotten about later on in the book!

Character development in 'Intangible', was the second thing that left me with conflicting emotions. Oh my God, was this a love-hate relationship!

First of all, I thought that the main character, Peter, was both awesome and irritating! As a fellow lover of science, his knowledge blew my mind! Like seriously, I had to collect and fix the pieces together again, all while reading on! Not a very easy task, trust me! But the extent to which his love for science dominated his personality was quite annoying. For one, he always had to be right. Even when we knew he was wrong, and the others knew he was wrong, and he knew he was wrong.. he still had to be right! His logical reasoning clashed with sudden, impulsive moments, and I have to say, it wasn't all too convincing.

But along with all those flaws, came his redeeming qualities. This kid is seriously one of the most stubborn characters you will come across! Haha. His stubbornness contributed to already mentioned need to be right, but more importantly, it showed us that he wasn't ready to be pushed around. Just take his punching Kane as a prime example. That took balls, which I think is necessary with a protagonist in this sort of story.
Other than Peter, I had no problems with any characters. They were all well developed, though that was limited, and I ended up liking them all! Even Brock!

Apart from the 'two sides of the same character' situation, the constantly varying point of views sometimes proved a source of conflict. I don't mean varying point of views as in a different character per chapter, I mean a different character per sentence. Okay, I confess to using hyperbole, but still, the book wasn't really set in the usual third person. I did some searching, and found that it's called 'third person omniscient', meaning that the author "not only reports the facts but may also interpret events and relate the thoughts and feelings of any character". This was a positive in that you were allowed insight into each of the characters, but negative in that the development of said characters was really limited, and the whole thing got a little confusing at times.

Whatever doubts I had during my read of this book, seemed to vanish as the book's ending neared. I can't even begin to explain how good the ending was! Descriptions of Carlion were good earlier on in the book, but pale in comparison to how well the author brought Avalon castle to life! C.A. Gray made Peter much more likable and realistic as the story unraveled, and the whole point of view thing turned out to really suit the epic battle between the nimbi and the penumbra, the good guys and the bad.

While I was left with conflicting emotions for the majority of the book, the ending totally made up for all that! I couldn't have been more satisfied, and eagerly await the sequel, 'Invincible'.

 

Sorry if this is a bit long guys! Haha

Thanks for reading, and I'll see you later!

Feature And Follow #3

Hey guys! 

 So this is a blog hop, which basically means, that it's a way to find and follow new blogs, by hopping from one to the other? Hahaha that's what I understand anyway! I also understand that there are a few 'Feature Follow's, but this particular one is hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read. Check out their blogs to get more info on the feature follow! If you're participating, and actually want to follow my blog, because you're just so awesome like that, just become a member of my blog in the little sidebar GFC thing! Oh and on Bloglovin, if you don't mind! Haha

To join the fun and make new book blogger friends, just follow these simple rules:

1. (Required) Follow the Hosts {Parajunkee & Alison Can Read}
2. (Required) Follow our Featured Bloggers.
3. Put your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing. You can also grab the code if you would like to insert it into your posts.
4. Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say "hi" in your comments and that they are now following you.
5. If you are using WordPress or another CMS that doesn't have GFC (Google Friends Connect) state in your posts how you would like to be followed
6. Follow Follow Follow as many as you can, as many as you want, or just follow a few. The whole point is to make new friends and find new blogs. Also, don't just follow, comment and say hi. Another blogger might not know you are a new follower if you don't say "HI"
7. If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love...and the followers
8. If you're new to the follow friday hop, comment and let me know, so I can stop by and check out your blog!

Question of the Week: Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays! What books did Santa stuff your stocking with this holiday season? Do a holiday book haul for us! If you don’t celebrate just show off your books that you got this week. Pictures!

I didn't actually get any for Christmas, but I'm hoping to get these for my birthday on the 30th! That still counts right? Haha

I'll see you guys later!

Blogmas Day 25: Merry Christmas

Hey guys!

I figured everyone would be pretty busy today, with festivities and such, not much time for blogging and reading blogs, but it's the last day of Blogmas, and I just have to see it through! Haha
Don't worry, I'll keep it nice and short.

I just wanted to wish everyone a great Christmas, wherever in the world you are! If you don't celebrate Christmas, have a great day anyway! For those of you who have been reading my blogmas posts, sound!

Just in case I don't post until the New Year, because I'm off on holidays, have a great New Year too!

Blogmas Day 24: Bookmas Wishlist

Hey guys!

Well, it's Christmas Eve.. I'm not even going to attempt describing how I feel right now, I'm not that good a writer, haha!

It turns out that most books on my wishlist are written by a few awesome, yet lesser known authors I've discovered since December first, when I started book blogging. For a Chrismassy and book-related post, I thought I'd list the top five books I would love this Christmas.

Angelfall

Susan Ee

It's been six weeks since angels of the apocalypse descended to demolish the modern world. Street gangs rule the day while fear and superstition rule the night. When warrior angels fly away with a helpless little girl, her seventeen-year-old sister Penryn will do anything to get her back.


Anything, including making a deal with an enemy angel.

Raffe is a warrior who lies broken and wingless on the street. After eons of fighting his own battles, he finds himself being rescued from a desperate situation by a half-starved teenage girl.

Traveling through a dark and twisted Northern California, they have only each other to rely on for survival. Together, they journey toward the angels' stronghold in San Francisco where she'll risk everything to rescue her sister and he'll put himself at the mercy of his greatest enemies for the chance to be made whole again.

Legend
Marie Lu

What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem. 

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths - until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias's death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets. 

Half-Blood

Jennifer L. Armentrout

The Hematoi descend from the unions of gods and mortals, and the children of two Hematoi pure bloods have godlike powers. Children of Hematoi and mortals--well, not so much. Half-bloods only have two options: become trained Sentinels who hunt and kill daimons or become servants in the homes of the pures. 

Seventeen-year-old Alexandria would rather risk her life fighting than waste it scrubbing toilets, but she may end up slumming it anyway. There are several rules that students at the Covenant must follow. Alex has problems with them all, but especially rule #1: Relationships between pures and halfs are forbidden. Unfortunately, she's crushing hard on the totally hot pure-blood Aiden. But falling for Aiden isn't her biggest problem--staying alive long enough to graduate the Covenant and become a Sentinel is. If she fails in her duty, she faces a future worse than death or slavery: being turned into a daimon, and being hunted by Aiden. And that would kind of suck.

Storm
Brigid Kemmerer

Ever since her ex-boyfriend spread those lies about her, Becca Chandler is suddenly getting all the guys—all the ones she doesn't want. Then she saves Chris Merrick from a beating in the school parking lot. Chris is different. Way different: he can control water—just like his brothers can control fire, wind, and earth. They’re powerful. Dangerous. Marked for death.

And now that she knows the truth, so is Becca.

Secrets are hard to keep when your life’s at stake. When Hunter, the mysterious new kid around school, turns up with a talent for being in the wrong place at the right time, Becca thinks she can trust him. But then Hunter goes head-to-head with Chris, and Becca wonders who’s hiding the most dangerous truth of all.

The storm is coming...

Let The Sky Fall

Shannon Messenger

Seventeen-year-old Vane Weston has no idea how he survived the category five tornado that killed his parents. And he has no idea if the beautiful, dark-haired girl who’s swept through his dreams every night since the storm is real. But he hopes she is.

Seventeen-year-old Audra is a sylph, an air elemental. She walks on the wind, can translate its alluring songs, and can even coax it into a weapon with a simple string of commands. She’s also a guardian—Vane’s guardian—and has sworn an oath to protect Vane at all costs. Even if it means sacrificing her own life.

When a hasty mistake reveals their location to the enemy who murdered both of their families, Audra’s forced to help Vane remember who he is. He has a power to claim—the secret language of the West Wind, which only he can understand. But unlocking his heritage will also unlock the memory Audra needs him to forget. And their greatest danger is not the warriors coming to destroy them—but the forbidden romance that’s grown between them.

So have you guys read any of these? What did you think of them?

Alright, well I'll see you guys tomorrow with the last Blogmas post of 2014! Enjoy your Christmasses!

Blogmas Day 23: Mockingjay Book Review

Title: Mockingjay (The Hunger Games #3)
Author: Suzanne Collins
Publisher: Schoastic
Publication Date: August 24, 2010
Genre: Young Adult/Dystopian/Sci-Fi
Source: Bought-Easons
Amazon | Easons

Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. Gale has escaped. Katniss's family is safe. Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. District 13 really does exist. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding.

It is by design that Katniss was rescued from the arena in the cruel and haunting Quarter Quell, and it is by design that she has long been part of the revolution without knowing it. District 13 has come out of the shadows and is plotting to overthrow the Capitol. Everyone, it seems, has had a hand in the carefully laid plans -- except Katniss.

The success of the rebellion hinges on Katniss's willingness to be a pawn, to accept responsibility for countless lives, and to change the course of the future of Panem. To do this, she must put aside her feelings of anger and distrust. She must become the rebels' Mockingjay -- no matter what the personal cost.

Mockingjay was just one of those books you knew wouldn't live up to the expectations, couldn't live up to the expectations. It was a near-impossible feat.

District 13 is alive. Well as alive as one can be when living underground. The beginning of Mockingjay is set in District 13, after a brief opening in 12, but with only one half of the star crossed lovers; Katniss. Accepting the heated baton from Catching Fire's ending, Mockingjay's opening actually turned out rather mellow with a pace far slower than it's prequel. I understood why Collins wrote it out this way, to give readers a chance to settle themselves, but the thing is, when I started reading Mockingjay, I was anything but settled. I was hopped up on excitement, excitement that just wasn't met while reading the opening few chapters of Mockingjay. And as a result, it felt as if the beginning dragged on too long.

There's only so much vibrancy and appeal an underground bunker can offer. In Mockingjay, the new setting of District 13 both interested and disinterested me. A change of scenery in series, especially YA series, is appreciated, more often than not, but my appreciation didn't go very far. Throughout Katniss' time there, there was this sort of ominous, dampening ambiance, as if Katniss has carried with her, the smoke from District 12 after the bombing. Despite what you may think about teenagers, we don't tend to like dark and dreary atmospheres, and I felt that the majority of Mockingjay was just laden with it.

Later on in the book, however, when Katniss, Peeta, Gale, Finnick and the rest actually went on their mission to the Capitol, I started to tune in more. Personally, action in a book is a good thing. It's exciting, attention-grabbing and exhilarating. But the author took it a tad too far in Mockingjay, as weird as that sounds. The whole concept of the first two books were more action-drive, of course, but I thought the readers were exposed to way more in the final book. And to be honest, I felt like some of it was unnecessary.

First of all, Katniss gets attacked, or injured in some way, one too many times. I mean, come on Collins, she's attacked time and time again, and apart from Peeta's choking her, I couldn't see any reason behind the other attacks. It was almost as if the author acknowledged the strong character she'd built up in the previous two novels, and thought of ways to break her. I was beyond confused, as to why everything that happened to Katniss seemed to be negative, and it got to the point where I actually felt like rolling my eyes and sighing at how predictable it'd become.

As aforementioned, Katniss was built up to be strong in the first two books, and that really played a part in my liking her so much. It was almost tragic how many times she was knocked down, physically and in spirit. I'm sorry for yet another reference, but it's like Shakespeare's 'Othello' all over again. And it wasn't even only Katniss. Another character, at who's breaking I broke myself, was Johanna. Am I correct in saying we all thought she was the most impressive badass in 'Catching Fire'? Yet in Mockingjay she was only a shell of that previous person, and for what? Alright I'll credit Collins with that one because Johanna was tortured by the Capitol for information, but it still didn't justify how empty she was when she returned.

Before his rescue, Peeta definitely lit the way in characterisation for this book. While Katniss was whisked off to star in the rebels' propos, he was in the Capitol, remaining as composed as ever, even daring to give the rebels hints through his interview with Caesar. But unfortunately he too was broken, the Capitol even going as far as hijacking his mind and before soon, he was attacking the girl he once loved.

I think Suzanne Collins wanted to tell us that war was the primary theme in Mockingjay, and I don't think she cared, anymore, about subtlety.
The ending of Mockingjay didn't satisfy me, it didn't tie up the loose ends, it didn't bring to a close the characters' journeys. At least not for me. By the final chapter, I was, again, too confused for anything to properly register, and to this day there hasn't been much clarity, which is a disappointment.

I don't want it to seem like I'm slamming this book, The Hunger Games is actually one of my favourite series. There were things I liked about the book, but I could think of many more ways this series could have ended, ways that would have been much more satisfying and a whole lot less confusing. In the end, I just want this review to reflect my confusion and disappointment.

My favourite 'Mockingjay' review
Heather's Review

How about you guys? What were your thoughts on the final book?
Until tomorrow, with Christmas Eve's Blogmas!

Blogmas Day 22: Catching Fire Book Review

Title: Catching Fire (The Hunger Games #2)
Author: Suzanne Collins
Publisher: Scholastic
Publication Date: September 1, 2009
Genre: Young Adult/Dystopian/Sci-Fi
Source: Bought-Easons
Amazon | Easons

Sparks are igniting. 

Flames are spreading. 

And the Capitol wants revenge.

Against all odds, Katniss has won the Hunger Games. She and fellow District 12 tribute Peeta Mellark are miraculously still alive. Katniss should be relieved, happy even. After all, she has returned to her family and her longtime friend, Gale. Yet nothing is the way Katniss wishes it to be. Gale holds her at an icy distance. Peeta has turned his back on her completely. And there are whispers of a rebellion against the Capitol - a rebellion that Katniss and Peeta may have helped create.

 Much to her shock, Katniss has fueled an unrest she's afraid she cannot stop. And what scares her even more is that she's not entirely convinced she should try. As time draws near for Katniss and Peeta to visit the districts on the Capitol's cruel Victory Tour, the stakes are higher than ever. If they can't prove, without a shadow of a doubt, that they are lost in their love for each other, the consequences will be horrifying.

Despite how Catching Fire's predecessor ended, void of any real cliff-hangers that is, I was still really excited to read it. The second book opens with an unexpected visit from President Snow, and the significant white rose he gives Katniss. I don't know if any of you have read 'Othello' by Shakespeare, but that almost reminded me of Dasdamona's handkerchief. Anyway, our beloved protagonists have become lovebirds of the Capitol after the conclusion of the 74th Hunger Games, and are on their victory tour, travelling the world of Panem, continuously being reminded of the games with every passing District. The thing that gnaws at readers' heartstrings, however, is the evident irony set in place.

Katniss and Peeta were supposed to be helplessly in love with each other right? But that facade is only shown to Panem's citizens, the readers, and desperate fans, are shown otherwise. The two couldn't be more separated. I was really surprised by this, as I'm sure many other fans were. We all knew that Peeta's feelings for Katniss weren't exactly mutual, but we didn't expect, or at least I didn't expect it to be unrequited. Suzanne Collins, by her creating this sort of rift, emphasises the extent to which Katniss and Peeta were damaged by the games and also allows the readers to explore further, the two characters.

Collins, the author, is so cautious in her developing the two characters, especially in the first part of 'Catching Fire'. The already layered protagonist, Katniss, is built upon even more in the sequel. In the previous book, she was strong, and brave, and independent, but we didn't exactly see much of the negatives. In Catching Fire, however, her fragile, vulnerable and confused sides are highlighted. I didn't think it would be possible to like Katniss more, but after reading the second book, after experiencing her development as a character, she became my favourite female protagonist, like ever. And that all leads back to the brilliant author!
Peeta, albeit his development wasn't as drastic as his partners, still went through some major changes. I think it's fair to say that, in the first book, Peeta was quite naive, to say the least, but in the second, he's much more mature. One part of the book that really stands out to me, is when he and Katniss were having trouble sleeping, while on the Victory tour, and he stayed with and comforted Katniss. It tells a lot of his character, but I think that part sums it up!

We were introduced to so many new characters this time around, but somehow I wasn't overwhelmed with the varying personas. Collins built each and every one of them to the necessary point, and no further. Gale's fierce loyalties and desire to play his part, were perfectly brought to life. New character Finnick's attractive personality and compelling past definitely hooked readers, as did Haymitch's drinking problem, still existent from the last book, and his lovable self. And Johanna.. just her character in general, was enough to keep me reading. I don't think I have to continue summarising the formidable characterisation in Catching Fire to prove my point, because that would just take far too long, and I think I have already! Haha

Catching Fire was my favourite book of the trilogy, and that's simply because of the plot. Quite a few people will dislike the sequel because it's kind of the transition from the exciting games of 'The Hunger Games', to the all out war of 'Mockingjay'. But I couldn't disagree more with those people!

The first part of the book focused on the aftermath of the 74th Games; the telltale signs of rebellion in the Districts, the outbreak in District 8, recruiting of many more peacekeepers, and the execution of that poor old man in District 11. Oh and Gale's public whipping. That all was really thrilling in itself, because Collins exploited the opportunity to give readers more insight into the districts of Panem. Even though a lot of it was political, it didn't necessarily feel that way when I was reading it, which is an added bonus, both for the readers, and the author. A win-win.

The second part of Catching Fire focused on the 75th games, which was most exciting, personally. To reiterate, the world building in Catching Fire was brilliant, and in a subtle way too! The introduction of the 'Quarter Quell' itself was source enough for readers to obtain a better understanding of the Games and Panem's society.
There wasn't one dull moment when the Games began. From the poisonous fog, to the lightning tree, readers are kept so entertained, that smoke is left on pages of books due to speedy reading! Haha. The pace of the story started off moderately, speeding up and speeding up, until the Games were over and fans were left with what can be described as the most painful cliffhanger ever.

All in all, 'Catching Fire' proved itself as a more than worthy sequel, and readers will definitely want to read on, if not need to read on, as a result.

My favourite 'Catching Fire' review 
Istyria Book Blog

What did you guys think of Catching Fire?

The review of Mockingjay will be up tomorrow for day 23!

Blogmas Day 21: The Hunger Games Book Review

Title: The Hunger Games
Author: Suzanne Collins
Publisher: Scholastic
Publication Date: September 14, 2008
Genre: YA/Dystopian/Sci-Fi
Source: Easons
Amazon Easons

In a dark vision of the near future, a terrifying reality TV show is taking place. Twelve boys and twelve girls are forced to appear in a live event called the Hunger Games. There is only one rule: kill or be killed.

 When sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen steps forward to take her sister's place in the games, she sees it as a death sentence. But Katniss has been close to death before. For her, survival is second nature.

- Goodreads

Hey guys!

I wasn't exactly sure of what to write about for today's post, so I remembered 'when in doubt, talk about The Hunger Games'.. that is a thing right? Well it is now! Haha
'The Hunger Games', personally, was an introduction into the world of Young Adult Dystopia, and man, what an introduction it was!

The book begins on the day of the 'reaping', the day after which, the lives of two young people from each district, will change. Collins wastes no time with unnecessary introduction, immediately throwing reader into the world of Panem. If the opening to this book wasn't engaging, then I've lost definition of the word, because, even from the start, I was enthralled by the story, the concept on offer.

Katniss describes the reaping and subsequently, the shameful event, that is the actual hunger games, and from the beginning, we feel the need to read on and quench our curiosity.

Characterisation was definitely big in this book. Protagonist, Katniss, is clearly a very well-developed individual, and the accumulating layers to her personality is even clearer, what with her assuming the leadership role after her Father's death, her frequent hunting trips with Gale in the forest, her selflessly volunteering to participate in the games, in place of her little sister, Prim, and the list is endless.

Suzanne Collins triumphs in her constructing a very likable and admirable main character, and as a result, empathising with Katniss after all she goes through in the course of the book, is made so much easier. I don't think I have to explain the fact that, were Katniss not an appealing character, most readers wouldn't have praised her taking care of Prim, wouldn't have sympathised when she lost Rue, nor would they have cared whether she won the games altogether. And that is why Collins' success in good characterisation was essential, to say the least.
Others such as Peeta, the boy with the bread, Gale, and Haymitch were also well fleshed out.

The world of Panem, second to the wizarding world of 'Harry Potter', is perhaps my favourite, in terms of intricate descriptions. The job of a dystopian author, or even just an author who creates another world, is to make it believable. We, as the readers, are well aware of the world's credibility, but still must be made think that the existence of said world is believable.
Details such as each district's industry, to the Capitol's zany fashion sense, to the electric current running the length of barbed wires around district 12, is the sort of thing that makes Panem so amazing. So believable.

Finally, I want to commend Collins on her unique writing style! Never before, had I finished a series of books, as fast as I did this one. The pace of the story is just perfect! Also, embedded cleverly into the story, with the use of the author's unique writing style, are various, very significant themes, but I won't go too into those, because it would take me a while to put into words, what I think about them.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. My high expectations were met, and even surpassed!

My favourite 'The Hunger Games' review
The Mile Long Bookshelf

See you guys tomorrow with Day 22!

Blogmas Day 20: Physical Books VS Ebooks

Hey guys!

Yesterday I bought a few books, some on my Kindle, some from the usual retailers, and it got me thinking why I bother with getting physical copies of books when it has been made so much easier with eBooks? So I thought it would be fun to do 'Physical books versus Electronic books'.

As a teenager, and suspected victim of insomnia 

(not really), I love that I can read during the night,

and not get caught, because I'm reading in the dark.

It also helps when you're too lazy to get out of bed

and turn off the lights after a read! Haha

First of all, any reader would agree that a 

collection of printed books, actually

tangible, has a nicer appeal than a collection

of ebooks on your device.

Storing electronic books is far easier than buying

bookcase after bookcase to keep your physical 

copies in. For us lazy people, this can be well

appreciated!

I know this might not seem much of a contending

feature, but have you ever smelled a printed book?

It sounds so weird, believe you me, I know, but

the smell of physical books is so comforting and

soothing!

Something that's really convenient about having a

collection of ebooks, is the fact that they're so much

easier to carry around. Just take a trip for example,

all the walking around, it's nice to have something to

read, that you can keep in your back pocket.

There was this one time, I was really getting into

the story of a book, and.. the charging notice came

up.. Simply, physical books never interrupt your

reads by reminding you to charge them.

Another thing I really appreciate, as a student, with

a really tight budget, is that most electronic books

tend to cost less than the same titles in physical

form.

Does anyone remember the first time they ever 

visited a library, or their local bookstore? Do you

remember how awesome it felt to look around

and just be surrounded by so many books it felt

surreal? Yeah, that doesn't happen with ebooks..

As someone who's concerned about their ability to,

well, breathe, I like that producing electronic books,

saves paper. This obviously saves the trees, 

which, provide us with oxygen so we don't.. die.. Haha

Nothing compares to the experience you're 

rewarded with after reading a physical book.

Even if you end up not enjoying a particular

novel, the experience almost makes up for it.

The feel, the smell, the manual turning the pages,

it's all so satisfying, and most importantly, it's 

something that ebooks don't exactly offer.

So, while I do love ebooks, physical they pale in comparison to physical books.
What are your thoughts guys? Which do you prefer?

I'll be back tomorrow with day 21 of Blogmas!

Feature And Follow Friday #2

Hey guys!

I think this will be a regular from now on, visiting so many blogs that past week was so fun!

So this is a blog hop, which basically means, that it's a way to find and follow new blogs, by hopping from one to the other? Hahaha that's what I understand anyway! I also understand that there are a few 'Feature Follow's, but this particular one is hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read. Check out their blogs to get more info on the feature follow! If you're participating, and actually want to follow my blog, because you're just so awesome like that, just become a member of my blog in the little sidebar GFC thing! Oh and on Bloglovin, if you don't mind! Haha

 

Pick a book in your favorite genre that you’d recommend to a reluctant reader.

Oh there are so many books I would recommend for lovers of YA fiction or fantasy. But seeing as listing them all isn't realistic, I'll settle on just two!

The first is, as you can so clearly see on the left, 'The Alchemyst' by Michael Scott. I actually discovered this series when I was looking for Irish authors, and the fact that this series turned out to be one of my favourites, like ever, made me sort of proud! Haha

No but honestly, this is great for anyone who enjoys a good old action-packed, magical read. It's packed with legends and prophecies and it will thoroughly entertain you!

The second book, 'I Am Number Four' by Pittacus Lore, is also the first of a great series, but this one has already been made into a movie!

If you saw the movie and hated it, completely disregard the adaptation altogether. It just did not do this book justice! If you did, however, you need to pick this up now! Haha

It's about a group of nine aliens (human look-alikes obviously), who's planet has been completely obliterated by their enemy. They're the only ones left, apart from their guardians, and they've been tasked with honing their abilities, before taking on the leader of the enemy race! Even my synopsis doesn't do the book justice. I recommend this one even more than The Alchemyst! It's brilliant, and the other books of the series just get better!

Okay guys, I'll see you later with today's Blogmas post!