Book Promo [#17]: Dream Cast for Hidden series.

Ooh, Book 3 in the Hidden series is out soon is it?...
Clare & I have joined the YA blog tour: Countdown to 7th August
Some of you may be reading this may know already... I not, then thank you for reading my blog post today anyway! You can check out more of the countdown tour at countdownya.com
I've got the pleasure of having Clare Davidson as my special guest! Together, we've created a dream cast for characters which appear throughout the series.

Here's the wraparound cover which includes the blurb, spine & the cover- its absolutely stunning!

RELEASED 7th August 2014! (didn't you already guess?)

Series: ☑   Shrouded Soul is a young adult urban fantasy, with a large dash of mystery set in modern day England...

Entertainworm presents... Cat Thursday: Book Post For Cats...

Please be warned: there's less of a LOL factor in today's Cat Thursday... You will not find yourself falling off a chair, or any such consequence of LOLing. I don't know if you have actually giggled in one of these before, but if you'd like to try it there's many in the meme tag here... feel free to browse.

 Thanks for hosting Michelle @ The True Book Addict! Join us by posting a favorite LOL cat pic you may have come across, famous cat art or even share with us pics of your own beloved cat(s). 
This is my fourth Cat Thursday; thanks for having me again!

Book post does benefit cats, as Caleb found out when a parcel from Fi (in case her blog needs introduction, probably not) arrived.

At first, I read the letter. And did one of the things Fi instructed me to. Said hi to Caleb...

His reaction:

Reviewing... [67] Broken Bargain

The series continues, and the world builds up, now...

you may have to expect some comparisons between this book, second in the Hidden series, and the first book... while it doesn't contain anything I view as a Reaper's Rhythm spoiler-and certainly not for Broken Bargain- if this bothers you or you'd rather get the picture from the first book, please feel free to instead check out my Reaper's Rhythm review (link in box below), either way... thank you for checking out this post!

You may be wondering, if you're still here reading, whether to continue the series, having read RR, and I'd suggest you do, in short! Why? Read on!

Reviewing... [67] Source: Received in exchange for an honest review (thanks Clare!) Author: Clare Davidson Recommended for: Those who like plots which are particularly aided by driven characters, but aren't just controlled by characters... (wait, does that make sense? I hope it does?)If not, I said in the Reaper's Rhythm review:

Where Are The Books? Book Haul: Small 'Un.

Considering how long its been, how many books would you think I'd have got?
You know, 2 months, major book lover... What's your guess? Feel free to comment/tweet me your guess & how it compares ;)

This meme is run by Tynga's Reviews.

Entertainworm: How To Be The Best Townie You Can Be... (Mafia!)

This is just my own personal way- the way I play Asti (and now Kelley's) The Bookish Games- hosted at ohthebooks.com
. Even though it definitely doesn't guarantee you success (there's too many factors in Mafia etc.), it can make the game more fun & you know you're participated like a good player. Even if you don't win, there's still pride and you may win an award, not for winning, but for being your fantabulous self? I mean, you can talk to the ones who did win for better advice but for now, you'll have to take my word for it.
This is a rather awesome way to play...

Asti recently posted a fab quiz to see what your chances of winning The Bookish Games are... I took it, but I found it was fairly complex & one blanket answer didn't necessarily describe my actions. So I want to share my thoughts with you. I'm such a team player, like that. Won't you be a good townie too?

1. What's your strategy for Day One of the Bookish Games?

‘Keep tabs on everyone. I didn’t make that spreadsheet for nothing, right?’ Let me delve into this a bit more. Its not just my strategy in Day One, its a game long thing. Day One is one of the hardest to go off & normally an Innocent will be eliminated but it doesn't mean you shouldn't act. It later can make you suspicious. At least try & share suspicions. People, when they have more evidence at later days, should (ideally) be able to look at who defended who, even as early as that, and they are the clues. Nobody, apart from the mafia, knew anything.

2. Someone has accused you of being a baddie! How do you respond?

Reviewing... [66] The Ruby Airship

You may be wondering why I haven't posted a review for exactly three weeks, since Pandemonium. Well, you know it was supposed to be blogoversary events... it was cancelled & I could've got on with it, posting reviews for you guys. But a hiatus felt better, where's the celebration in the same ol' thing as always? So, I gave myself a break & didn't write as many as I normally would, I even read quite a few books I don't plan on reviewing at all. In total now, 7 of the books I've read this year I have no intention of reviewing. You're still owed some after today, don't worry (if you were, I know reviews aren't most popular, they are pretty standard as a general blogging rule).
On with the review of Sharon Gosling's The Ruby Airship now...

Reviewing... [66] Source: Received in exchange for an honest review (thanks Fox!) Publisher: Curious Fox Author: Sharon Gosling Reviewed by: Amy Bookworm  Recommended For: Anyone who likes discovering new cultures & their people in an almost roadtrip kind of setting*... its a historical though & steampunk so its on a Ruby Airship so... that's a really general statement. *almost as a substitute for worldbuilding from scratch, there is still worldbuilding & a fab sense of imagery)

I don’t quite know what The Ruby Airship was missing but it just didn’t intrigue me like Diamond Thief did. It definitely suffers a little bit from Sequel Syndrome, I was feeling like it did exist just as a bridge for future books as really, which is even more evident at the end where you realize there’s many things left hanging.
It didn’t feel as mysterious, I suppose is part of it. If Remy doesn’t know something, we find out because of Thaddeus. If Thaddeus doesn’t know something we find out because of J. If J doesn’t know something... You get the idea.

Clare Bridgeman Interview

(as we didn’t give Claire long to respond... here’s 

some more of her bio! Claire Bridgeman is a secondary
school English teacher living in Norwich, England with,
her husband, their 1 year old daughter Pearl, their
black fluffy cat and the fly infestation currently inhabiting
the conservatory. She has written many books but it was only
in 2013, at the age of 28, that she felt her work was good
enough to be thrust upon the general public. 
Bridgeman loves all things fantasy...)

Today I have author Claire Bridgeman of the Spellweaver chronicles with me... She'll be talking about her books, a fresh new series which awaits you... and me potentially, actually. But instead of reviewing, I decided just to have a chat with a lovely author! So thanks to Claire for coming today.
I hope you like the questions, and especially the answers, sit back... relax!
And we're ready-

&   General  &

·    QUICK! What's your name, where do you call home & what's chasing you (so you had to answer quickly)?

My name is Claire, I live in Norwich (Norfolk) and I believe I am being chased by my one year old daughter, Pearl....! Oh wait, she's gone to bed for a nap so I think the coast is clear!!

·   

The Sucked In Books WWW Wednesday

You still here? (wait, you've only started reading so let me rephrase- you're here even though this post is long overdue!.. have you been waiting for my return? If so, thank you.)
I think the best way to explain my absence (not the blogoversary events absence, you may have seen me tweet that it didn't get enough interest which is disheartening) is to show you what I've been reading...
You can probably tell that reading slightly over 1000 pages of books in a week still isn't the cause of no blog posts. I've been busy for other reasons, y'all are aware of how busy school can make you I'm sure. I haven't even been simming for almost two weeks so it's not really procrastination (that would be easy to fix).

So here goes!

WWW Wednesday's is hosted by Should Be Reading.

We just answer the following three (3) questions…

What are you currently reading?

Reviewing... [65] Pandemonium

Reviewing... [65] Source: Bought myself Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton  Author: Lauren Oliver Reviewed by: Amy Bookworm | Holly Peckitt (our other post is here) Recommended For: Anyone :)

The book starts with a Lena whose been in the Wilds, we quickly meet Raven. How did you feel about the way that she met Raven? It was a bit dramatic….

It was dramatic but the wilds are like that! I’m so glad that Raven chooses to save Lena but as we can see, Raven is a big softie inside. It was a great way to be introduced to her… Of course, with Lena in a difficult situation when they meet it’s hard to describe Raven at first & say we meet her XD So, later finding out about this hard exterior she has & which all need in the Wilds- including Lena is… interesting! Dramatic is one word but it’s so much more XD I think most readers will like the character of Raven; her & Lena are such different people. Raven could be like a substitute Mother; it partly seems that way! Lena learns from Raven…

She learnt so much from Raven. And you could see that whilst they did argue and clearly had their moments of anger, she has so much respect for Raven and obviously looks up to her.

Surviving in the wild is hard, it also seems like a disaster then when Lena is in the wilds she experiences less love; it’s a harsh reality & I miss the family relationships. The friendships just seem so fragile, can you agree with that?

I couldn’t agree more with that. Whilst Lena made the choice that she made, it kind of feels like although she is letting people in, she doesn’t form friendships like the one which she had with Hana. I really missed the relationship between them that was there in Delirium.

I definitely concur! She’s forced to form friendships; she can’t rely on her own, none in the wild can- it’s like a pack :P So, it’s very different. Even with Raven, who does become like a friend, it’s still like a co-worker kind of relationship. They give & get, would these two girls have naturally been friends otherwise? Obviously, I think not! Lena also definitely misses family, esp Grace (who I adore also!) so when she’s back in US you kinda wish it was nearer Portland; things have changed but how much? :P

Also, the way she meets Julian (maybe I’m getting ahead!) is very different to Alex. It’s less wild and impulsive; which is such a contrast to how she meets Raven, hehe.

The Way that Julian met Lena was completely different. Lena was thrown into a situation from which there was no escaping.

Maybe it’s more similar to the Wilds than I was thinking. I will always think the one between Alex & her was… wild. It was; you just wouldn’t expect to fall in love that way when love is forbidden.

Celebrations! 18 Months! (DAY ONE :D)

I know you don't have birthdays for 18 month year old babies & the same should be true of blogs but since I didn't celebrate being a year old I felt I had to do something for a year & a half. I didn't do it then as my blog didn't really deserve it ;)
This is JUST the beginning though, these celebrations are yet to properly unfold... I want to leave most of you in the dark *giggles*

I may have told you but now, FORGET.

I've read 90 books, I believe, since I began this book blog. Over 2/3 I've already reviewed & some are still awaiting reviews. I've met new people, so many new people, I can't count them all on my hands and feet. I love the authors/publishers I get to review for and the ones I communicate with for other reasons are just as fabulous. I've only had one exclusive as a book blogger opportunity but it was enough to show me how worth it is this really is.

There's many names I would love to run through & their corresponding souls I'd love to thank.

Reviewing... Contemporary! (Mini reviews #3)

I know I'm definitely known for short reviews (I'd love to be known for anything, so who wants to advertise that Amy Bookworm writes some stinking long reviews?) but today, shaking it up! Here's some mini-reviews, I hope you don't mind. They may not look mini but my ones (2&3) are definitely less than 200; it turns out my Mum does succinct naturally so that's short too! Hope you enjoy these reviews & find a book you'd like amongst more boyish humour, one for a little more chick-lit laughs & serious "issue dealing" contemporary.

Reviewing... in short! Sources -- JC: OUP. TPTD&awlol: Grabbed on Kindle from Amazon. H2SaL: Also Kindle ebook I bought from Amazon.

The Private Blog Of Joe Cowley

(Sidenote: This review is by my Mum, who loves OUP & since we got this from their Jan event she felt she ought to review it as a 'Thank You' so here it is; the main purpose of this post!)
Joe Cowley. What a great dude!! (and I’m NOT saying that because I’m a secret Captain Picard follower!!) The main description is “Adrian Mole meets The Inbetweeners”: MUCH better than AM (tho I can see the same theme of trying to get the girl, his dad excruciatingly attempting to be young again). And despite the toilet banter between the lads, it’s actually not really sex-obsessed like Inbetweeners. Only using “cock” as favourite expletive reminds me of it...

Countdown YA post: Interviewing Louisa Reid!

Hello my brilliances (suck it up, I'm being extra nice today which I shouldn't be, as it's the first day back after half-term to school so in theory I should be very GRUMPY, maybe :P)

Some of you may be reading this as you know I'm on the Countdown to 5th June YA tour! I not, then thank you for reading my blog post today anyway! You can check out more of the countdown tour there. Only 3 days left til'... Authors are getting very excited as most have still got a lovely publication date of June 5th! Congrats to them & any authors publishing soon anyway...
What am I doing for the tour, the less prepared (for this post) might be wondering? I've got the pleasure of having Louisa Reid as my super special guest! She's answering my hard questions (apparently they're hard but as I haven't had to answer them I'm a bit more objective XD)

Asking Louisa...

For the readers, what’s your name & where do you call home? 
I live in a little village called Rampton on the Fen Edge, ie on the outskirts of Cambridge, just before you get into the fens proper. I love it.

What's your favourite literacy location? 
East Egg - the glamour! (and the horror, of course)

If you had to read (and write) only one genre for the rest of your life, what would it be?
YA contemporary fiction without a doubt! (Also, that's the only thing I reckon I can write so the answer is inevitable). It's always been my favourite genre, ever since my Deenie days, and still is. I spent this weekend engrossed in Looking for JJ and Finding Jennifer Jones. Totally immersed. It was wonderful.

Reviewing... [64] Who Framed Klaris Cliff

Today I have another joint-review, Mother (Mrs/Mutti/Mum Bookworm) & I discuss a MG novel, Who Framed Klaris Cliff? Hope you enjoy! *hands out popcorn while you view our exchange*
Who did frame Klaris Cliff? Read it to find out!

Reviewing... [64] Source: OUP (bloggers event) Author: Nikki Sheehan Reviewed by: Mother & daughter (Amy wins for dragging Mutti in today! Recommended For: We'd say  especially for kids or preteens getting into reading! But, there's something for all the family.

Mutti Bookworm: So, today Amy & I are discussing Klaris Cliff : I read this actually after meeting Nikki Sheehan at an OUP event, and hearing her inspiration for the story: on reaching the climax of the story, I wondered how I hadn’t guessed the twist!

Amy: Well, I’m not actually surprised that I didn’t. It didn’t seem like something which would be used as a plot point- after all, it could easily have just been something that made Joe & his Dad who they are, so was for that reason. Overall, it’s an interesting idea regarding imaginary friends... One Mum may have jumped into quicker than I did but we both enjoyed it when we did read it :D

MB: The story’s theme is that Rogue Imaginary Persons are believed to be behind many crimes including murder, and has set up a system that any who “harbour” such dangers must have The Cosh (“an operation that fries your imagination”) The main character Joe & his dad live next door to the chaotic Cliff family: older sister Pooh, rough friend Rocky, overlooked seven-year-old, Flea, and the manic twins Egg & Wills, and “the usual number of parents”, stern doctor father, and secret smoker mother. I really love the interactions between the characters: Joe & his dad, both missing his mum who went away two years previously to “find herself”, and having to continue life without her return; the family dynamics in the Cliff family; and especially everyone’s thoughts and behaviour towards Flea, whose longtime Imaginary Friend Klaris becomes accused of a series of domestic crimes.

Entertainworm presents... Cat Thursday: Photographic Black Cat :P

Will Caleb be sharing the blog with other cats today? Or am I allowing my cat who has been lonely (missing coming on here, you see) to have this feature all to himself? Either way, I hope you're happy that a) this is a Thursday (and you may be on holiday like us English teens on half-term) b) there's cats here.
I may have mentioned Fi almost every time I've posted this month but she reminded me about the time I'd normally post a Cat Thursday (somebody notices my unsaid pattern the time I can't keep to it perhaps?)... that's around the second Thursday BUT no... Today is the last Thursday & I feel like you also deserve to see gorgeous, cute cat(s?)... Even one cat might do :P

 Thanks for hosting Michelle @ The True Book Addict! Join us by posting a favorite LOL cat pic you may have come across, famous cat art or even share with us pics of your own beloved cat(s). 
This is my fourth Cat Thursday; thanks for having me again!

"Hey, I'm not looking at the camera because... Why should I? You've been ignoring me for a few weeks over what you're allowed. I'm just going to pretend there's not a camera a few inches from my face!"
"OK, maybe I'll look at you but close my eyes! Hey, are you gonna poke me? FINE! I give in, I'll be in your post... I mean, I really did want to. All you had to do was be nice. Give me compliments like your friends do... Cats & books are such a good mix, aren't they?"

Reviewing... [63] Alex As Well

What if you felt like you had to prove your gender?
I wouldn’t like it but I could probably prove that my characteristics are typically more feminine ones, that my interests are more feminine and so on... That’s beside the point.

Reviewing... [63] Source: Curious Fox; for an honest review! Thanks to THE FOX :D Author: Alyssa Brugman Recommended For: You like books which are unique, aren’t afraid to be completely honest (in their perception, I understand it'd mean lots of research & a bit of guessing, we can allow artistic license though, I think!) & discuss issues(?)- these issues many authors, and in general many human beings, don’t go near enough to touch with a very stretched out toe... but maybe, you're this person who does dare to read it. If so, YOU. Definitely perfect for you.

Alex As Well isn’t just a story about an intersex teen, that’s not what it’s about.
No, the blurb, reviews and labels aren’t lying to you. I mean, Alex is boy and girl I suppose. The way this came across at first was that Alex compartmentalizes in her head that something is a girl thing, another thing a boy thing. Splitting up what girls say, what boys say.

It’s about good people, it’s about bad people.
Some of the themes have been told in YA before, others haven’t that I know of. It’s not just the gender exploration based bit, it’s other parts.
Alex As Well is about family relationships and socialisation in that; in fact... this book does put quite a weight on nature I suppose as it doesn’t seem like she’s been ‘nurtured’ to be a girl. Alex isn’t who she is as much as you’d expect because of her parents. Definitely not.

Marvel Madness: Females I Love

Hellooo-
OK, just to be clear (instead of continuing with a Marcus Butler like welcome). Females are often awesome & I love this, but there's some who are way more kickass than normal in fiction (in real life, there's not as many opportunities to be kick-ass; at least not in my life experience!). Some of these awesome females are in Marvel.
This post is no way saying females aren't normally or they only exist in Marvel. I'm a female, I'm not underestimating GIRL POWER. I'm not surprised they exist as they do in real life & as females are almost half of the human population... Yeah, we've got this covered.
Do you see tropes appearing though? Damsels in distress, love before all else, flimsy females? You know the kind of thing; making us seem less strong than our male counterparts mentally as well as physically! This is rare in SHIELD & other Marvel shows/comics I know/read (I mainly watch, sorry!)

Top Ten Books About Friendship

Firstly, I'm back (I guess? It's hard to tell in this... situation). Secondly, sorry that this post involves 3 books with main characters called Alex (but they're all different genders so...). Thirdly, yes... some books were mentioned in my last TTT (I guess I loved them). Oh, and I'm actually encouraging myself to post this as it was a month since that TTT & I've only posted one review since *hides* Unless you liked that review & aren't mad at me?
Talking of reviews, besides #1, these books/series I haven't reviewed which means I'm glad I've got to feature them now & I hope, if you pick up any of the books on this list, that you enjoy them.

Either way, for those who are interested in this list, without further ado:

hosted by The Broke And The Bookish...
Top Ten Books About Friendship
clicking on the book covers should direct you to its Goodreads page if all went right...

1. Perks Of Being A Wallflower- This is the only book/series here I’ve actually properly reviewed (it was my first review) & it blows you away. The friendship, too. Rocky Horror... Patrick, Sam, Charlie... even Mary Elizabeth. This book is a must-read & for friendship... it gets gold stars on that, too. READ IT. 
   
   
   

Reviewing... [62] Leopold Blue

Leopold Blue is given away on the first page (takes away some of the mystery, I do like the hunt sometimes to see how it relates). It's not perfect, like the book- of Meg's life. So, in that way, fitting.

Reviewing... [62] Source: Received through a Twitter Giveaway by HotKeyBooks. Author: Rosie Rowell Recommended For: Anyone interested in the close history, which shows us a culture which has since moved on, but is different from ours anyway (ie. UKYA readers, heads up!)

You know that feeling when there's many awesome books but there's one standing out for a ridiculously gorgeous cover? You can see where I'm going with this? So, part of the reason I was attracted to it was the gorgeous font, a leopold blue, contrast to the grey sky- supposed to be blue- with a plain girl, windswept hair & OK... you probably can see for yourself that's it's eye-catching.
Another: a vital part of our history is ingrained in this book. This isn't too historical (I'm not ashamed to admit I dropped History) but of two important periods- to me- personally- this holds one so it was going to be a hit on that level anyway, unless it was totally inaccurate to my knowledge. But for Rowell, knowledge was on her doorstep. I always love it when you find out afterwards that the author themselves knew more about this first-hand & from their direct surroundings than research found in books (which is awesome, though), internet & the such. So, I loved this aspect. Any period where there was civil rights movement around that time, or it had newly been affected by that, is a gem to me. I just love it, I love it when I have it in school, to write essays about (but not in History... HAH!) & I love reading about it- fictionally is amazing too.

Top Ten Characters Who Aren’t Afraid To Be Different

Obviously, not all characters are the same but there are some traits which occur time & time again while others pop up less often. I wanted to feature characters who either have different traits or just act different, anyway, which is what we love. I tend to find characters like these ones mentioned are ones which stick in my mind better anyway- I respect them & connect with them more. IF you’re an author, can I please encourage you to write characters who aren’t clichés? Ones with diversity, it won’t hurt!
After a misbehaved hiatus (nobody actually asked to see some of the posts I hinted I wouldn’t mind doing so I decided I’d stay away longer til’ I had better posts- I didn’t have to come up with ideas though thanks to the fantastic meme by The Broke And The Bookish)... Oh, I did also want to see if any of you would hold me to it & whether I'd have an increase in views on the Monday with people thinking I was back but actually it was the lowest for more than a week, so forget that!... Wishful thinking ;) I guess I've got a lot to gain from The Blog Notes Project by Amber #3 (you'll get it later on).

Top Ten Characters Who Aren’t Afraid To Be Different 

For once I actually managed to think of 10 (actually, I considered 2 others but they weren’t as awesome, clearly, in the battle of the characters XD)

1. Zeb from Secrets, Lies and Locker 62– This character just sticks in my head and its for a reason. This book actually shows religious diversity and outward appearance diversity. So, Zeb might seem really out about being different at school, with her gothic get-up but she’s a deep character & she’s definitely worth a mention (another! After the 2013 End Of Year Survey- q 11)

Reviewing... [61] Hidden

This is, with no shadow of doubt in my mind, the better start of Boland’s series’- this is a book which exceeded my expectations. Will it exceed yours?
You'll have to read it to find out...

Reviewing... [61] Source: Received for an honest review.  Author: Shalini Boland Recommended For: This book seems to captivate one type of reader for the former half the book and another for the latter half, I'm not too sure...

Hidden is definitely a book about vampires that I’d consider different and it works. I mean, even though there’s definitely insta-attraction at some point its explained well so its somewhat understandable. It, I’m just being vague to avoid wrecking the book for you, did seem gorgeous enough to warrant insta-attraction. Maddie certainly did discourage her own feelings and didn’t understand the supernatural; in fact this is another book where the protagonist experiences hate/love for somebody.
I found that, strangely, Maddie’s perspective wasn’t actually believable. I guess there’s something magical & transporting about the Victorian England and even more so the foreign lands.

Waiting On Wednesday in April- new releases edition

Fellow UK readers! Look at these releases we're having! I think these are all released in the UK this upcoming April (I say UK as some appear to be avaliable on US sites, like B&N & the main Amazon, but not UK)

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Here's mine:

  

Tease - Amanda Maciel - Publishing Apr 29, 2014 | The Fearless Emma Pass - Publishing Apr 24, 2014 | To All the Boys I've Loved Before - Jenny Han - Publishing Apr 15, 2014 | Hate - Alan Gibbons - Publishing Apr 10, 2014 | The Private Blog of Joe Cowley - Ben Davis - Publishing Apr 03, 2014 | The Summer I Wasn't Me - Jessica Verdi - Uncertain in Apr 2014

That's the April releases I know about anyway. Looking forward to any yourself or did you read pre-release? Thanks for checking this post out! Share with me your thoughts on the books and... Happy reading all! (:

I'm In Germany! ...A Hiatus Announcement

Hello friends, readers (hopefully you’re both... if not make it that way XD)!
As you read this I’m in Germany, on an exchange so I’m not blogging with you this week. This is just a quick post I wrote so you know- for once- about my blogging break. This one is planned & probably the best type (and could even be a bit productive, wouldn’t you be amazed!)

I won’t stay in Germany, I promise. Not even if the chocolate’s better than books (now, what?). Not even if I love it enough to forfeit school. NOPE.
I wouldn’t be allowed.
So, I’m hoping to be on hiatus for a bit when I get back at the weekend (you should see me tweet at that point though!), until the second week of my Easter holidays, so all in all three weeks. This helps me to enjoy Germany & then my holiday. I will need to catch up on school work that I miss; I want to fit in some reading & blogging also but it would be best if any I get done is extra & can be scheduled in my opinion. *fingers crossed* some posts get scheduled or you’ll have me on the 14th sitting there at like half 8 trying to write a post before Australia goes to sleep ;)
So, no, I’m not just having a break- like I have before- due to blogging slumps. Those I always feel bad about but this one... do you feel bad about it? I feel a little bad, but not in the way where it’s out of panic. I feel bad as I know I’ll miss you... even though lots of you read my blog sporadically, don’t lie :P Hehe, only joking.
Anyway, back to the Twitter point, tweeting you when I’m back in England will be super important. You want me to have some sanity left, don’t you?
I think as bloggers we all take blogging breaks, it's a need & sometimes a want... right? What’s your view? Do you agree?

There are some posts I hope to post during the hiatus:
April Releases
and...
A Post About Germany & Catching Up (probably be a bit like a recap with other things I missed in the blogosphere but then found when I returned, have photos & maybe thoughts on TV I caught up on :P)

Would you like that latter post if I did it? Both of these will be in April- if people want them- so... return in April why don't cha?

Love you all,

Non-MIA Amy Bookworm :D

*Feeding My Kindle* For A Long Time *Friday* [3 stages book haul]

My kindle is the second one- Kindle Fire FTW (no offence obviously,
 it's about the books not the e-reader!)

These books have taken me about half a year to accumulate, oops. That's the first stage to this book haul (or any, books are something to accumulate. Also, readers like to be fed them -have I pointed that out? It's the kindle's fault that I've so many there, not mine!)
I haven’t done a book haul which has included ebooks in it for quite a while it seems. Well, I’ve been building my kindle collection although there was absolutely no reason to do so. Oops. I am not including ones which I’ve already reviewed as, you need to see them again why?
To be quite truthful, it’s a miracle you’re seeing this AT ALL. I’m not the best at adding kindle books to Goodreads & I believe I’m not eligible for the intergration (as it’s SO exclusive at the moment, normal kindle users in the UK thank you, Amazon!)
I know this is probably less than 50 books (oh, you know, not a lot... I'm just guessing so if it is... *winks*) but... I tend to not read many ebooks, unless they're review copies, in a series I want to keep reading on kindle or short stories. Problem, right there. So, how many of these have I read but NOT reviewed?

Apparently one... it was a short story.
But the second stage to this book haul is to list all the books (so I won't review yet, for your inquiring minds (which will probably then go & hunt down a few). Recent ones are at the top, if that helps.

Reviewing... [60] The Disappeared

The Wilderness, the sequel to this, came out on Thursday so... if you see it in the bookshelves, you may want to grab it & this one. What did I think of The Disappeared?

Reviewing... [60] Source: Won as part of last year's British Book Challenge. Publisher: Simon & Schuster Author: C.J. Harper Recommended For: Those who want a YA series which is easy to read, doesn't end in cliffhangers but is still compelling. ...don't we all want a book like that?

Well, the concept's kooky... Seriously, when I read that there were teachers in cages I was a bit sceptical and surprised. Sure, it's a dystopia and anything can happen but it doesn't mean anything should. I know this isn't that far on the insane spectrum but it's still strange. But, it makes sense now to some extent. It's the literal teachers being detached from the students. So detached in fact that, cages aside, they allow fights to happen after dinner (that's when they don't care), they punish the children with electric shocks, they don't even give the students the most basic necessities... But, what could you expect? These are the kids who don't have futures, or the very least, or so the system says. Everyone has some future, but is trapped to quite an extreme extent in that 'future'. It's really a horrifying idea, and is like an Orwellian concept suitable for pre-teens, mostly. I wouldn't give it to primary school kids but stock the high school library shelves with this. It's a great read, really dark and recognizably has that British streak- or what we like to think is mainly from Brit's pens- of grit, satire, lack of comfortableness and a layer of being plain, and yet... almost out of this world. That's what happens when it's dystopia.

Entertainworm: Bookish TMI tag

Recently, I was tagged to answer many, many questions which were created by Amber, booktuber and blogger (here!) and passed on to me- as a form of... torture?- by Orli @ Blame My Bookshelf. What actually reminded me that I needed to blog this on Monday was watching Jim Chapman's too much information... I know it's different (this is the bookish one) so I just need to clarify that but whatever... happy reading millions of things about me.

How old are you?
It takes hands and feet... don't have enough fingers. I'm obviously not ten (I hope it's obvious!)

What books are you reading?
Well, it's not been a good week, if I'm honest... I continued being relaxed with Delirium and as of right now you'll see... I haven't read the other books I set out to read. Fail. But you know, I'll be relaxed in Germany with reading so will this month go to plan? At the moment though, I have 2 English CA's, only one of which I knew about then.

What are you wearing?
School uniform and a fluffy jumper over the top (it has spots & stuff). PRO.

OTP?
Hehe, if this stands for one true pairing... FitzSimmons (Marvel Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. has returned but as of writing I'm waiting to see the new episode 'The Magical Place' after 3 months of no SHIELD)... or if you want books... No, that would be too, too much information. Why do I have more than one?

Entertainworm presents... Cat Thursday: Selfies & Close-Ups

Caleb would like to say... I'M BACK! Cats are for life, not just for Thursday's, BTW. But really... there''s more books than cats (at least in my life).

 Thanks for hosting Michelle @ The True Book Addict! Join us by posting a favorite LOL cat pic you may have come across, famous cat art or even share with us pics of your own beloved cat(s). 
The last 'Cat Thursday', I was welcomed by cat lovers (meme participants) far & near... Thank you all so much for that <3 Love yoooooouuuuuuu! We both do, Caleb is clarifying.

Oh, but wait, is Caleb really that keen?

*peers under blanket* Do you want to come out? If not people will start thinking you're weird...

Reviewing... [59] Young, Gifted & Dead.

I think this’ll be a bit of a book where I recall also how I read. How for a large proportion I was sat on a long train, needing the out-of-order toilet. Even if the toilet hadn’t been would I necessarily have been able to tear myself away? St Jude’s sinks it’s claws into you, with its deceit & mysterious airs, which extent well beyond murder.

Intrigued? (Not about the toilet!)

Reviewing... [59] Source: One of the Christmas presents I helpfully got myself for family to give ;) Publisher: Macmillan Author: Lucy Carver Genre Recommendations: People who like to overlook how weird a cover may look... I mean, the more I looked at it. I'll always love the affect in the glasses though ;) Also, it's a hidden gem so I recommend it for that reason. It doesn't have hype... it needs reviews, sure as anything.

I definitely don’t regret buying this (cos that’s essentially what happened). The beautiful thing was that although the school is elite we feel like it’s not all that it’s cracked up to be & lots of the students don’t want it to be like that. Boarding schools work both ways- it’s up to the author. Do they want the children to act like the sun shines out their backside cos of their parents occupation? They’re still upper class but... not totally spoilt. I feel like here they have the intelligence to know better & Alyssa thinks she’s an outsider but... no. Blurb, no. Alyssa doesn’t feel elite but she’s fantastic & I love this book for how we pick up on her thoughts in such a lovely and true-to-life way. She fits in & doesn’t really let it cross her mind. She’s OK if she has to walk around school on her own! She’ll do it in style. Girl got a sense of humour, brownie points for the witty, abrasive attitude (it’s not OTT though, we still like her). Can you tell that I think I’m acquiring a fictional BFF? XD

Character Interview: Rachel Riley (off to University!)

Today we have the blog tour for the new Joanna Nadin book, avaliable from OUP. Today for this recent release's blog tour we have a character interview with Rachel. You may know her from previous books but either way, let's get to know this chick! I'm so glad to get to meet her & be part of the blog tour. Thank you!

Hello Rachel! You have a diary so... you’re probably not scared to share secrets. But one-on-one *to camera: obviously no eavesdroppers*, with me, why don’t you tell us something nobody knows about you (at least not without reading your 7th diary!)

Am only divulging as know for a fact that Mum is not on interwebnet due to protective helmet issues but the Mysterious Missing Digestive of 2011 (which ran for several days including full on-tape interviews) was NOT Dad it was me.

Off to a great start... Now, you can return to the familiar get-to-know-you, nickname, hobbies, where you live, BFFs... Come on! Give it to us! *getting psyched*

I still don’t have a nickname despite trying several times to instil Ray Riley into consciousness of friends, potential lovers, idiot brothers etc. I don’t have hobbies either. Hobbies are for furry-pant wearing, ghost-hustling children like James. I have only my pursuit of literature, poetry and art. Which is not a hobby, it is life itself. Only am thwarted in said pursuit by living in Saffron Walden where the most exciting thing to happen in last twelve months was when they temporarily installed a mini roundabout at the bottom of the High Street. Thank God for Jack, Scarlet and Sad Ed and their left-wing leanings, sex therapist parents, and general fascination with untimely death.

What star sign are you? Not that I know much about them but it’s something I like to ask... *mystical music*

Entertainworm: WoW or WWW? (March new releases edition)

Both Wednesday meme's are featured today. I just couldn't pick so decided on this! Enjoy!...

WWW Wednesday's is hosted by Should Be Reading.

We just answer the following three (3) questions…
What are you currently reading? Well, I've read a bit of a Lauren Oliver's Delirium- but it's a re-read & with re-reads I can be quite relaxed about whether I'm actually reading them or not ;)
What did you recently finish reading?

Young, Gifted and Dead (St Jude's Academy, #1) (3.5*) | Teardrop (Teardrop, #1) (4*) | Half My Facebook Friends Are Ferrets (4*)- reviewed | Sweetly (4.5*) | Leopold Blue (3.5*) & The Disappeared (4.5*). 

Reviewing... [58] Half My Facebook Friends Are Ferrets

It didn't actually make me want to get my Facebook account back. Should it'd have done? Nooo, there's not THAT many ferrets on Facebook. Half of Josh's FB friends isn't telling us a lot anyway. Are there more cats on FB? Check out my interview with Josh here. Cats or dogs? What do you think?

Reviewing... [58] Source: Received for honest review... they had no idea. Publisher: Curious Fox Author: J.A Buckle Recommended For: I think lots of people will like this. But you've probably realised how little male protagonists are in YA?

Hmm... J.A. Buckle. Is it me or might you assume, if you didn't know, a male author is writing a novel from a male POV? Well, it's a female but still- hold that thought. I believe she can write from a male perspective. I'm still as much a girl as ever but, somehow... I feel like I've been let into this secret about guys. *gasp* It's not impossible to understand guys? I obviously cannot say if it's accurate for most boys but I found I could totally believe it. Obviously, boys, you still need to read it. But girls, we don't know, even as readers where the best books suck us in and make us feel like we're there, having these thoughts. You don't get to be inside a guy's head like you do in Facebook Ferrets very often... With wit, honesty and twisted charm, we're opened up to the world of much more than Ferrets.

Amy Bookworm's 2014 so far...

Spring has now apparently started! So, we must think about what I did in Winter (but not last year)... England's Winter that is, not to confuse Ozzie's or whoever else...

But there was no snow... NO SNOW.

Readingwise, let's just head straight into the deep end (but we can sit on a floating lounger if you like, so we can actually sit there reading!)... February was actual a better month. I don't know why but it being such a small month makes me want to read just as much in less time. So I did. Also, it was half term & I read 3 other mini-books during that which I didn't post on GR... they're old ladybird souvenir's which between them are only 150 pages XD Aside from those...
12 books so far this year. 7 were UKYA (I said I'd be more relaxed this year). I can't pick a favourite...
In March and after I want to read more ebooks. I read 3 this month, which is awful. But overall, I'm not 100% sure what I'll read next. More on that to follow...

I started the year with End Of Year Book Survey ~ Completion, then we met (again) Caleb (Cat Thursday), I interviewed Josh (FB ferrets), revealed two awesome covers- Here Lies Love and Blackout (TOE #2) in the space of about two weeks. I ranted (about commenting, professionalism and stuff). I introduced you to another book: Gethyon (sci-fi snack, not Fi snack)

Book Promo [#16]: Gethyon (a Sci-Fi snack!)

I have yet another book for you to feast your eyes upon... OK, it's not the whole book but what kind of book blogger would I be if I didn't let you soak in that cover? I'm a tease, OK? But you might like to read this book by the twitter-wandering Pippa Jay, like all authors- she wants us to read her book. But why should you? Let me tell you about it & you can decide for yourself. I don't like to dictate ;)

Thanks Pippa for allowing us this post today! Without any other yabbering...

BURST

 RELEASED 3rd June 2013!
Series: ý 
Gethyon is a young adult sci-fi, with a hint of romance and a male protagonist, you will be drawn to its pages... 

  

HIS father died. His mother abandoned him. In the depths of space, darkness seeks him. Abandoned by his mother after his father’s death, Gethyon Rees feels at odds with his world and longs to travel the stars. But discovering he has the power to do so leaves him scarred for life. Worse, it alerts the Siah-dhu—a dark entity that seeks his kind for their special abilities—to his existence, and sets a bounty hunter on his trail. When those same alien powers lead Gethyon to commit a terrible act, they also aid his escape. Marooned on the sea-world of Ulto Marinos, Gethyon and his twin sister must work off their debt to the Seagrafter captain who rescued them while Gethyon puzzles over their transportation. How has he done this? And what more is he capable of? Before he can learn any answers, the Wardens arrive to arrest him for his crime. Can his powers save him now? And where will he end up next?  ~Geython, published by BURST Buy elsewhere: Amazon UK | Omnilit | B&N

About The Author: Pippa Jay
 S pippajay.co.uk website ¦ Facebook  ¦ Twitter ¦ Goodreads ¦ Blog ¦ Amazon  S

Adventures in Scifi...

A stay-at-home mum of three who spent twelve years working as an Analytical Chemist in a Metals and Minerals laboratory, Pippa Jay bases her stories on a lifetime addiction to science-fiction books and films. Somewhere along the line a touch of romance crept into her work and refused to leave. In between torturing her plethora of characters, she spends the odd free moments trying to learn guitar, indulging in freestyle street dance and drinking high-caffeine coffee. Although happily settled in historical Colchester in the UK with her husband of 20 years, she continues to roam the rest of the Universe in her head.

Writing science fiction with a romantic soul...


So, someone needs to read it? Will it be YOU? What are you waiting for? It may never happen... Don't wait. Just read.
It may not be in your name, but it's in mine.
Amy Bookworm

Reviewing... [57] Anthem for Jackson Dawes

I just gotta write this somewhat 'bleh' (that's bleh, not blah, but... yeah) review cos I don't like having reviews hanging over my head but also, ones which aren't the most positive? They suck even more to hang on to. I feel so bad for only liking this with a little chunk of my heart when it's been written with such... seriousness. It should have been an emotional overload of a book...

Reviewing... [57] Source: Bought as kindle edition :) Publisher: Bloomsbury (in most cases) Author: Celia Bryce  Genre Recommendations: Not really sure, I partly liked this but... it's not one I found really worth reading.

But it wasn't. It's about cancer, guys. Touching stuff & I do feel sorry for Megan, I really do... With cancer & put on a baby's ward? But I feel like it wore off. There was only so much relating you could do to someone who just seemed... Cold. I don't think it's as she's a horrible character, maybe its the characterisation? We're supposed to like this girl, feel sorry for her. She was flat and didn't have the emotions I'd picture about half the time. Maybe some people would find it accurate but I couldn't process how she came across. We didn't really get an explanation why she was like that. It's annoying enough in real life but here? Why not? Cancer's not a reason. People react differently. Is this a generalisation? I just felt like the thoughts weren't justified- totally unfair. It made me empathize with others more than her.

The book shouldn't have been about that. It was about falling in love too, about friendships... So many things I think which could've been developed more. I don't just want to complain.

The issues I shall come back to but I liked that:

Other cancer patients were explored & not all for romantic reasons. I felt as if Kipper's personality was explained better (even though it was mainly from Megan's perspective so she could have been affecting it, but we expect to get her spin on things & it was one of the best bits for getting into Megan's head & not feeling like a stranger. I remember the playdough scene so well ;) Definitely one of the bits I believe I liked.

Jackson was for romantic reasons but he'd be a great friend too, someone who just brightens the ward for all in it; he was a great influence. It showed Bryce can great brilliant characters. Just, the only ones which I like aren't like Megan, but have cancer in common. I see the attraction between them both... it's convenience mainly though, at first. Both the only teens, both don't want to be stuck in such a boring ward... It really makes you think about the work- outside of books- to support those with cancer. The Teenage Cancer Trust often build wards just for teens. It's not just cancer though, which affects teens.

I'm not bored of the cancer stories though, yet. One factor in reading this which must have had an impact, it simply must, is hearing things along the lines of "UKYA TFIOS"... Why does anyone make this claim?

In hindsight, I've now checked the Goodreads rating. Average is around 3 & a half stars. No, it's not comparable. I haven't even read TFIOS but no- don't compare them.

I hope some people actually look at that rating and think- what do you want from this book? Do you want a mix of experiences and emotions? Do you want the book to take you on a journey which ends with happy and sad? It has them. But do you expect to cry? I didn't; you might. It clearly doesn't have the same odds as an aforementioned book I'm gonna shut up about (I don't know if I'll read it, what if once again I'm possibly missing something?)... I just wish I could eradicate that total influence. This book wasn't all it was cracked up to be. There are flaws that I'd still notice, anyway. One little bug I had was, while the author's writing style was mostly fantastic, the grammar wasn't English as I know it. Mum reckons it's Irish but I don't even know if it should be for that author. It's not an offence to anybody who uses 'Will I?' etc. instead of 'Should I?' when asking if you would like them to do something. That's the example that stands out and did disrupt my reading a bit. It shouldn't have confused me as much as it did, right? Well, tough luck. It did, sucks and all.
Mostly, Bryce wrote a good book. This isn't condemning, many enjoyed it more than I. It had good bits, I've said. I was expecting a dashing book to blow my mind. It didn't even separate one neuron of my brain from another... It was just readable, a bit enjoyable, rather interesting and had sad points too. Some may call it a rollercoaster, I'd prefer to just call it a journey and as it's my review...
I'm confused. I know I liked it somewhat...

End of the day... leave it at:

Amy Bookworm (@Amy_Bookworm) rated this book: