May Reads

Winter (The Lunar Chronicles #4) by Marissa Meyer (5/5*s)

Winter is the final book in The Lunar Chronicles, focusing on Princess Winter and her evil step mother. I loved the introduction of Winter in this book and her relationship with Jacin. This book was an exciting finale to what is now one of my favourite series and I think Meyer managed to create a pretty satisfactory ending for all of her characters.

The Sword of Summer (Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard #1) by Rick Riordan (4/5*s)

This series follows Riordan's usual formula of a teenage boy discovering that he's actually a demi-god and one of his parents is a God, this time following the Norse Gods. Although I didn't enjoy this as much as the Percy Jackson series, I enjoyed learning about the Norse Gods. I also loved the introductions of Loki and Thor! The start was a little slow but once the plot became clear it was much more exciting!

The Hidden Oracle (The Trials of Apollo #1) by Rick Riordan (4/5*s)

The Hidden Oracle was one of my most anticipated reads of the year and it did not disappoint! It follows Apollo as he is made human and cast down from Olympus. Apollo was one of my favourite Gods from the Percy Jackson series and I was so happy to get a full series about him. The overall plot was really good, although I did manage to guess a few of the twists. I also loved that old characters such as Percy and Nico were included!

A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses #2) by Sarah J Maas (5/5*s)

A Court of Mist and Fury centres around Feyre as she tries to overcome what happened under the mountain, and becomes immersed into Fae politics. This is one of my favourite reads of the year. I loved finding out more about Rhysand and his Inner Circle, along with Feyre's new powers. The last 50 pages were absolutely amazing!

Stars Above (The Lunar Chronicles #4.5) by Marissa Meyer (4/5*s)

Stars Above is a series of short stories about the characters of The Lunar Chronicles. This was a nice addition to the series, which filled in some gaps that had been mentioned in the main series. Out of the 9 short stories, my favourite was definitely The Princess and the Guard which focused on Winter and Jacin.

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde (3.5/5*s)

The Picture of Dorian Gray focuses on Dorian as he exchanges his soul for eternal youth and beauty. I did enjoy this story and the characters, but there were a few things about it that bothered me. I couldn't stand Henry's rambling speeches or the whole chapter that described every single hobby that Dorian had ever taken up.

Siege and Storm (The Grisha #2) by Leigh Bardugo (4.5/5*s)

Siege and Storm continues the story of Alina and Mal as they try to outrun the Darkling and save their country from his new power. I felt this book was much better than Shadow and Bone, although there was less action. I really liked the introduction of Nikolai and I also felt a lot more connected to the characters. Overall I think it was a good set up for the final book.

City of Lost Souls (The Mortal Instruments #5) by Cassandra Clare (4/5*s)

City of Lost Souls is the penultimate book in the TMI series, and focuses on Jace being bound to Sebastian. This book was enjoyable but for some reason I just don't find myself loving this series. I can't help but be bored by Jace and Clary's relationship. My favourite parts of the book had nothing to do with them, which is annoying since they're the main characters. However, I did like the actual plot and the continuation of the Vampire storyline.

Rebel of the Sands (Rebel of the Sands #1) by Alwyn Hamilton (3.5/5*s)

Rebel of the Sands follows Amani as she escapes her small town of Dustwalk and becomes involved with a rebellion against the Sultan. I think the world building in Rebel of the Sands could have been better, especially because Amani goes on a journey through the country rather than staying in one place. However, after a slow start, I ended up really enjoying the plot and liking the characters. I'm sure this series will get better as it continues!

To All The Boys I've Loved Before (To All The Boys I've Loved Before #1) by Jenny Han (5/5*s)

To All The Boys I've Loved Before is centred on Lara Jean and what happens when the letters she wrote to the boys she's loved are accidentally sent out. This has quickly become one of my favourite books. I loved the Song-Covey family, particularly Kitty and Lara! I also really loved Josh and how much he cared about Lara. Although some of the situations were a bit over the top, I really connected to the characters and I found the plot really enjoyable.

P.S. I Still Love You (To All The Boys I've Loved Before #1) by Jenny Han (4/5*s)

P.S. I Still Love You is a direct continuation of To All The Boys I've Loved Before and follows Lara Jean and she struggles in her relationship with Peter and is reunited with another boy that she wrote a letter to - John Ambrose McClaren. At the end of TATBILB I was really starting to warm to Peter, but I didn't like him in this book. I feel like he completely ignored Lara Jean and her feelings. However, I loved John! I really hope Lara Jean ends up with him in the final book.

Alice's Adventures In Wonderland and Through The Looking-Glass by Lewis Carroll (5/5*s)

Alice's Adventures In Wonderland follows Alice as she tumbles down a rabbit-hole into a completely different and peculiar world. I really enjoyed reading this book. Alice In Wonderland has always been one of my favourite Disney films and it was fun to piece together the different elements they took for the film!

May Street Style Inspiration

As Summer approaches, I find it hard to dress more weather appropriate. I'm definitely a Winter lover and my Summer wardrobe consists mainly of black. In an attempt to brighten up my wardrobe, I've been getting more wear out of my denim shirt and jacket and my blue jeans. Paired with a plain white t-shirt, it gives off an effortless look which isn't too far away from my Winter style!

For cooler days, I've been going to my leather jacket to keep me warm - another casual style that I love. I've also been wearing my long-line sleeveless blazer paired with a black fedora, and I'm on the hunt for a blush pink bomber jacket and hat - any recommendations are very welcome!

What have you been wearing this month?

For more street style inspiration check out my Pinterest board, my Tumblr or check back next month for the June instalment. 

April Reads

Quidditch Through The Ages by J. K. Rowling (4/5*s)

Quidditch Through The Ages is a copy of the book mentioned throughout the Harry Potter series, detailing everything you need to know about the sport. As a huge Harry Potter fan I can't believe I didn't read this sooner, especially when it's been on my bookshelf for nearly 7 years! I really enjoyed this as an addition to the series and I loved finding out more about Quidditch.

Cress (The Lunar Chronicles #3) by Marissa Meyer (5/5*s)

The third book in The Lunar Chronicles book follows Cress as she escapes her satellite prison and joins Cinder and the others on the quest to stop Queen Levana. This is my favourite in the series so far and the first one I felt that I couldn't put down. Cress has become my favourite character and I also loved Thorne as well. I loved how everything has been brought together and all the smaller plots have linked!

City of Fallen Angels (The Mortal Instruments #4) by Cassandra Clare (4/5*s)

City of Fallen Angels is the fourth book in The Mortal Instruments series, moving on from the Valentine plot and focusing more on Simon and his story. I loved finding out more about Simon in the book. He's a character that I've never particularly liked but this book won me over! I'm really interested to see where his story goes in the final two books. City of Fallen Angels also had a huge cliffhanger which I can't stop thinking about - I need to read the next one ASAP!

Fairest (The Lunar Chronicles #3.5) by Marissa Meyer (4/5*s)

Fairest is a prequel to Cinder, following Levana's early life and her journey to becoming Queen. This wasn't my favourite in the series but I feel like it was an important read. This really built up the story for the last book in the series, explaining Winter's early life and why Levana turned out to be so evil. Although Fairest does explain Levana's actions and make you sympathise with her, it doesn't not excuse her actions which is why I really enjoyed it. It also got me really excited to read the last book!

Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them by J. K. Rowling (4/5*s)

Similar to Quidditch Through The Ages, Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them is based on a school book from the Harry Potter series. I didn't enjoy this as much as it's companion but I did really love the section on dragons! It's another nice edition to the series and now I can't wait for the film.

Clockwork Prince (The Infernal Devices #2) by Cassandra Clare (4/5*s)
Clockwork Prince rejoins Tessa and her Shadowhunter friends as they continue their search for the Magister. I enjoyed this more than Clockwork Angel and I loved the introduction of the Lightwoods. I definitely prefer Jem and Tessa's relationship to Will and Tessa, although I am warming to Will a bit more! I loved the cliffhanger at the end of the book and I can't wait to read Clockwork Princess to see how the series will end.

Brooklyn by Colm Toibin (3/5*s)
Brooklyn is centred around Ellis, a girl from Ireland in the 1950s, as she moves to America for a new job. I had high hopes when I started Brooklyn, but sadly it didn't live up to them. The book was very repetitive, following Ellis to work, college and back home every day. I also didn't like Ellis' love interest, and found it hard to believe that she really did love him. It picked up near the end but I was really disappointed with the ending. 

The Raven King (The Raven Cycle #4) by Maggie Stiefvater (5/5*s)
The Raven King is the final book in The Raven Cycle series, follow Blue and her Raven Boys as they try to find Glendower and save Gansey. This book was near enough perfect. From the very first page I was so sad this series was ending. Although I did find some of the new characters unnecessary, I thought this had the perfect ending. There are still some unanswered questions but I actually don't mind that. I love all of these characters and I'm happy with where the ended up. This series is so special and unique, I'd encourage everyone to give it a try.

Have you read any of these books? What did you think?