In My Basket: November 2015

The Bane Chronicles by Cassandra Clare

Fans of The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices can get to know warlock Magnus Bane like never before in this collection of New York Times bestselling tales, in print for the first time with an exclusive new story and illustrated material (from Goodreads).

I love Magnus, and the Shadowhunter world. I enjoy his quips, his history and am looking forward to learning more about him. It's not a proper book, rather a grouping of eleven short stories which give us insight into his past, such as why Magnus can't go to Peru or what happened on his first date with Alec Lightwood. As they're my favourite couple in the series, chances are that's going to be my favourite story. To be honest, I don't know why I've waited so long to get this book. It is shameful, really. 


Carry On by Rainbow Rowell

Simon Snow is the worst chosen one who's ever been chose. That's what his roommate, Baz, says. And Baz might be evil and a vampire and a complete git, but he's probably right. 

Half the time, Simon can't even make his wand work, and the other half he sets something on fire. His mentor's avoiding him, his girlfriend broke up with him, and there's a magic-eating monster running around wearing Simon's face. Baz would be having a field day with all this, if he were here - it's their last year at the Watford School of Magicks, and Simon's infuriating nemesis didn't even bother to show up. 

Carry On is a ghost story, a love story, a mystery and a melodrama. It has just as much kissing and taking as you'd expect from a Rainbow Rowell story - but far, far more monsters (from Goodreads).

This just sounds cute, and funny. And I loved Fangirl, which is where these characters made their debut and is kind of a spin-off from that. This is a world I connected with in Fangirl and knew it was something I wanted to read. So here is it, and I'll be damned if I don't appreciate it. 


The Young Elites by Marie Lu

Adelina Amoutera is a survivor of the blood fever. A decade ago, the deadly illness swept through her nation. Most of the infected perished, while many of the children who survived were left with strange markings. Adelina's black hair turned silver, her lashes went pale, and now she has only a jagged scar where her left eye once was. Her cruel father believes she is a malfetto, an abomination, ruining their family's good name and standing in the way of their fortune. But some of the fever's survivor are rumoured to possess more than just scars - they are believed to have mysterious and powerful gifts, and though their identities remain secret, they have come to be called the Young Elites. 

Teran Santoro works for the King. As Leader of the Inquisition Axis, it is her job to seek out the Young Elites, to destroy them before they destroy the nation. He believes the Young Elites to be dangerous and vengeful, but it's Teran who may possess the darkest secret of all.

Enzo Valenciano is a member of the Dagger Society. This secret sect of Young Elites seek out other like them before the Inquisition Axis can. But when the Daggers find Adelina, they discover someone with powers like they've never seen. Adelina wants to believe Enzo is on her side, and that Teran is the true enemy. But the lives of these three will collide in unexpected ways, as each fights a very different and personal battle. But of one thing they are all certain: Adelina has abilities that shouldn't belong in this world. A vengeful blackness in her heart. And a desire to destroy all who dare to cross her (from Goodreads).

Wow, does this sound dark and intriguing. I've been told Adelina is a total badass as a protagonist, and I enjoy my protagonists strong. Hopefully it doesn't focus too much on romance, cause this book really doesn't seem to need it. With book 2 (The Rose Society) just released, I really feel like I need to get reading this series. 


The Queen of the Tearling (Queen of the Tearling #1) by Erika Johansen

It was on her nineteenth birthday that the soldiers came for Kelsea Glynn. They’d come to escort her back to the place of her birth – and to ensure she survives long enough to be able to take possession of what is rightfully hers.

But like many nineteen year olds, Kelsea is unruly, has high principles and believes she knows better than her elders. Unlike many nineteen year olds, she is about to inherit a kingdom that is on its knees - corrupt, debauched and dangerous. 

Kelsea will either become the most fearsome ruler the kingdom has ever known...or be dead within the week (from Amazon). 

Like I said above, I like my protagonists strong, and Kelsea seems like the kind of girl I'd get along with. This sounds a bit like the Throne of Glass series, mixed with the good parts of Game of Thrones. So let's give it a go and find out. 


Clean by Amy Reed

Olivia, Kelly, Christopher, Jason, and Eva have one thing in common: they're addicts. Addicts who hit rock bottom and been stuck together in rehab to face their problems, face sobriety, and face themselves. None of them wants to be there. None of them want to confront the truths about their pasts. And they certainly don't want to share their darkest secrets and most desperate fears with a room of strangers. But they'll all have to deal with themselves - and one another - if they want to learn how to live. Because when you get that high, there's nowhere to go but down, down, down (from Goodreads).

Recently I've really found myself being drawn to these realistic fiction books, facing genuine mental and physical health concerns. Perhaps it's a sign I'm growing up. I haven't read a book about young adults in rehab before, I don't think, but this one sounds really rather good. 

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1 comments :

  1. I didn't realise Fangirl had a sequel. Am so buying it. Love Simon Snow!!!

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