September Wrap-Up.

'Ello there.

September has been a good reading month. I've gotten through 3 and a 1/2 books (I'll explain more on that "half" later), and one graphic novel. Considering my record over the course of 2015 so far, this is good going. I'm a little proud.

I'm technically cheating with this first one as I finished it at the very start of the month. But it was so good, and I did power through the last 200 pages in one sitting, so.. I'm allowed, right? Right.

Here we have, The Passage:

 The Passage is a post apocalyptic meets vampire virus themed book. The story is split into three parts, which I, personally, think one should know before going in as it did throw me completely off; It eventually ties together nicely, but I still would of liked to of known beforehand. The characters are well written and develop nicely throughout the story, which is always great. Nothing worse than a character without development. The scenes are described perfectly which results in an easy mental image. And most importantly, the story keeps you hooked until the very last page. Saying that, I deem it necessary to warn you that this isn't a quick read. It's almost 900 pages. Not going to lie--I did a double-take when it came in the post.  

This is the first in a series, and I'm looking forward to picking up the second book at some point. Oh, and this book was a recommendation from Fleur De Force. I can't take the credit for discovering it.

_

For a few days after finishing The Passage, I was in reading grief. So I thought I'd pick up something light and fast paced to pick myself back up. I honestly wasn't expecting more than your typical YA run-of-the-mill story. What I got instead? A heroin who kicks ass in fancy ball gowns, and a love triangle that I can't pick a side of.

Ladies and Gentleman, I give you Throne Of Glass;

As I previously said, my expectations were painfully low for this book. I haven't thoroughly enjoyed the latest YA series's that have become popular. City Of Bones, Clockwork series, Divergent, even THG.. They just haven't excited me. I enjoyed the read, don't misunderstand. But I wouldn't rush to read the next book. Alas, I really, really, enjoyed Throne Of Glass. The hype around the series is well deserved, in my opinion.

The story follows Celaena, an 18-year-old girl who has been imprisoned in the mines of Endovier. For she is an assassin, the best of the bunch, and following a betrayal of someone close to her, got caught and was convicted to a life's sentence in the toughest place on earth; where humans become slaves, guards become animals (not literally), and no human has ever escaped from. She comes to terms with her fate when, crazily, she gets approached by the Prince to take part in a to-the-death competition, to play to become the kings personal weapon. But more importantly, to gain freedom.

It's an entertaining quick read, and definitely leaves you wanting to know where the story leads.

Following that, I rented out the second book in the series, Crown Of Midnight:

But I won't say anything about this book as it is impossible to do so without giving spoilers. But know that I thoroughly enjoyed it, and the story was much darker than the first book which was a pleasant twist. I may of enjoyed the second more than the first, now that's saying something.

Next up, we have the graphic novel Serenity: Those Left Behind:

This is of course based in the world of the TV show Firefly. So if you haven't watched it, what are you doing with your life? You have not lived! No, kidding. Sort of. You'll probably only enjoy this if you have. It takes place between the end of the first and only season *sob* and before the follow-up movie Serenity.

It was amazing. I adored the artwork, there were a few lines that made me laugh out loud, and I love how it answered any possible questions you could be left with after the show got cancelled too soon.

I have to add, one of my favourite parts of the entire book was the introduction. Nathan Fillions words were beautiful, and heart warming. If you fancy giving them a read, I'll write it up on my tumblr and you can read it here. It's spoiler free, just FYI.

And here is my failure of the month, Half Bad:

Please don't flail me alive. I'm aware so, so, so many people adore this book. Hell, it's constantly on people's Top 10 book lists. But.. I'm halfway/just over a third way through Half Bad, and to be truthful, am finding it really difficult to keep going. The style of writing and pace of the story is unlike anything I have previously read, and I'm uncertain whether I like it. The characters don't appeal to me much, and the jump of chapters is frustrating. Currently, I'm on page 130 and just have no thrive to get back to reading it, but I will. Perhaps my mind frame was wonky, or not in the right state to be reading such a grim way of writing. Here's hoping October and the Halloween spirit will make it more enjoyable.

So, there you have it.

September has been a crappy month in my private life, so I am thoroughly looking forward to a possible new start. Bring on pumpkins, costumes and maybe even a few Halloween themed blog posts *wink, wink*.

Thank you for reading, and have a wonderful day.

- Anne x