Most Anticipated Books Of 2016! 3 Days...

I haven’t read many books this year, but I do have some favourites and next year some highly anticipated books are coming out and I can’t wait! This post will be about my personal favourites, and hopefully you find these helpful and/or can fangirl with me?! SO, in no particular order...

A Court Of Mist And Fury

Expected Publication May 3^rd 2016

The first book that I read this year and LOVED was A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) by Sarah J. Maas. Everyone loves Sarah’s sophisticated writing style and incredibly unique and interesting stories. If you haven’t read any books by Sarah, I think I would recommend ACOTAR over the Throne of Glass series as I’m very nervous as to where that series is going. However this is just personal preferences and both are amazing and definitely a must read.

Next year, the second book in the trilogy ACOTAR is coming out, A Court Of Mist And Fury. I am very nervous for this book, not that I doubt that it will be good, but the fact that I am yet waiting for a ‘Happily Ever After’ in a Sarah J. Maas book and I think with this one it will get less likely. However it is near the top of my list for 2016.

The next book in the Throne Of Glass series is due next year too. I am yet to read Queen of Shadows, it’s been lying on my shelf for a couple of months now but it will definitely be read soon.

Lady Midnight

Expected Publication March 8^th 2016

My most anticipated book of 2016 and was actually my most anticipated of 2015 before it was postponed for another year is Lady Midnight, the first book in one of my favourite authors Cassandra Clare’s new series The Dark Artifices. I am SO excited. I know little about this book and I kind of want to keep it that way because I am very ready for another Cassandra Clare book to completely fall in love and cry all over like I have done with literally every book she as written.

All I know about this book is that we’re introduced to new character Emma, who was briefly in City of Heavenly Fire, and is the protagonist of this book. I believe we are also welcomed to familiar faces from previous Shadowhunters books. I cannot recommend enough reading ALL of the Shadowhunters books: there are nine published so far, disregarding the book for children in the Magisterium series. Six in The Mortal Instruments series and three in The Infernal Devices. I suggest that if you want to read Lady Midnight, you read these first IN ORDER OF PUBLICATION to avoid spoilers. Of course this isn’t necessary but it’s probable that you’ll love Lady Midnight and want to read more but already have spoiled the other series for yourself.

Glass Sword

Expected Publication February 9^th 2016

One of the books I read in early 2015 when it was published was Red Queen. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am really looking forward to continuing the series. I didn't grow serious connections to characters and I kind of predicted the ending of Red Queen, but it was still a really interesting book that I want to find out what happens next

The book had very mixed reviews but I think that may be because of the popular genre it is in and it being compared to books similar to it.

I think this series is going to be a seriously good and popular one and will turn into something super original and will have us all on the edge of our seats…

  

The Power

Expected Publication February 23^rd 2016

Aaand another favourite author of mine is releasing a book. This one is the sequel in Jennifer L. Armentrout’s The Titan series. The first book was incredible, allowing me to see and understand (and love) a character that I originally disliked. This series is a spin off from Armentrout’s earlier series The Covenant series which is fantastic! I read the five books so fast and cried SO much! It is not necessary to read The Covenant series before The Titan series, however it highly spoils the entire series and it’s so good that you won’t regret reading the Covenant first. If you love action, love and Greek Mythology READ THESE!

So there’re my most anticipated books of 2016. I’ve kept the list short as it’s the year of my final exams and don’t want to get too distracted but of course I’m going to read more books than THIS. If you have any books you recommend for me or are on your list for 2016, comment below or you can find me on

Instagram - abibliotopia

Goodreads -  aBiblioTopia 

Thank you so much for reading. New post tomorrow!

Gingerbread Recipe

Christmas Cupcakes Recipe

Hannah

 ♥

Gingerbread! 4 Days...

Hello! Today's post will be a quick one as I've basically done nothing today as I'm ill :( However the festivities have yet to fail as I made gingerbread biscuits today! I've never made gingerbread before but it was so easy (basically 3 steps) and they taste AMAZING! So, here's what I did...

(not my recipe)
You Will Need:

* 125g Unsalted butter

* 100g dark muscovado sugar

 * 4 tbsp golden syrup

 * 325g plain flour

 * 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda

* 2 tsp ground ginger 

First, preheat your oven to 170°C, gas mark 3. Then in a medium saucepan, melt the butter, sugar and golden syrup on a medium heat. 

Whilst you're melting your ingredients, in a large bowl mix the flour, bicarbonate of soda and the ginger together. Once the heated mixture is melted, pour it into the dry ingredients and fold the two together until a dough is formed.

Then, roll out the dough in a surface that has been sprinkled with flour. Roll the dough out to a thickness of about 5mm and cut your shapes. You can do this using a knife or with some cutters like I did. 

Carefully place your cut out pieces on a tray lined with baking parchment/foil. Bake in the oven for 10 minutes and then leave to cool. 

You can then decorate your gingerbread if you wish, but they are just as delicious without! Enjoy!

Recipe from 

https://www.waitrose.com/content/waitrose/en/home/recipes/recipe_directory/c/christmas-gingerbreadmen.html

Hannah

 ♥

Festive Books! 5 Days

Only 5 days until Christmas day and the weather in England is so miserable and dull you wouldn't believe it. SO I thought that I would write this short post about a few books you should read this holiday to cheer you up and get your festive fever going! 

#1 Harry Potter Series

J. K. Rowling

The firsts book/series is one that I have shamefully not read because I was born a couple years late and missed the huge hype and even bigger queues at book stores that my brother waited in for hours: The Harry Potter series. Yep, I haven't read this series BUT I WILL this holiday and in the new year! I swear! This is one of the most famous series ever and is one that I know that a lot of people in the Potter fandom read every Christmas religiously. 

The series is so magical and emotional that it's perfect to completely indulge yourself in when you're able to fully relax at this time of the year. A tradition in my household is to binge watch the movies at least three times a year because they're just all round awesome and we inevitably watch them at Christmas. There're seven books, however they're so cheap on paperback and on kindle. Also new book covers have come out. 

So, if you're struggling on what to read and you're like me, read the Harry Potter series! Whether it's for the first time or the hundredth time...

#2 Let It Snow

John Green, Maureen Johnson, Lauren Myracle 

A book that I will be starting within the next couple of days is Let It Snow. The content of the book is three short stories each written by a different author, but they all link together in some way. I've heard very mixed views about this book but what do you expect? It's written by three different authors who all have different writing styles which different people will like and dislike. I think this is such a good idea and I hope that it will make me feel all Christmassy and happy. I've owned this book for over a year after planning to read it last Christmas, but getting sidetracked so it's near the top of my list for this year. 

#3 Night Circus

Erin Morgenstern 

Much like Harry Potter, the Night Circus is a book about magic and magicians. This book was so popular a year or so ago and was all over bookstagram. I've read about half the book however I was in a reading slump and wasn't appreciating it to what it deserves so I stopped. From what I did read it's very magical, descriptive and innovative book that I recommend and therefore I believe this time of the year is perfect time to give it a read if you haven't already. 

#4 My True Love Gave To Me 

Stephanie Perkins, Holly Black, Ally Carter, Matt de la                          Pena, Gayle Forman, Jenny Han, David Levithan, Kelly                        Link, Myra McEnture, Rainbow Rowell, Laini Taylor                            Kiersten White 

This is another very festive read and is basically only suitable to read this time of the year. This book is filled with twelve different festive stories based around Christmas and New Years. None of the stories are linked and they are all by different authors. I have read one or two of the shot stories last year and they were so enjoyable and quick to read. I'm very intrigued to read the one by Laini Taylor who I know from reading the amazing Daughter of Smoke and Bone trilogy and Kiersten White, author of Illusions of Fate. 

I think this kind of book is perfect this time of the year as it can sometimes be quite a hectic time, so a book that you can easily pick up and down to read a short story is great. 

#5 The Lunar Chronicles 

               Marissa Meyer

The Lunar Chronicles is a series of four fairytale- retelling books, all set in the far future in a fantasy world. This series is one of my favourite of all time. The storyline and the characters are instantly lovable. The magical and creative plot is perfect this time of the year, and the series has recently come to an end with Winter coming out in November. Maybe buy the entire series for Christmas? You won't regret it...


So that's just a few books that I think are PERFECT for this time of the year to read or reread. Thank you for reading, and make sure to check in tomorrow for the next post.
You can read my previous post HERE

Hannah

 ♥

Christmas Cupcakes Treats! 6 Days

It's Christmastime! And now that I've finally broken up from school I have decided that everyday until Christmas day I will upload a blog post to celebrate Christmas and also to make up for my lack of dedication this year. I thought a great way to kick this off would be to bake some cupcakes! This recipe desires no electric equipment or rare ingredients so it's one that basically everyone can enjoy. Hoping that this lifts my spirit for Christmas, and yours, lets bake!



(recipe not mine)

For the cupcakes - 

* 75g unsalted butter, softened

* 100g caster sugar

* 125ml black treacle

* 1 large egg

* 1 large egg yolk

* 175g plain flour 
* 1tbsp cocoa powder 
* 1 1/4tsp ground ginger 
* 1tsp ground cinnamon 
* 3/4tsp ground nutmeg
* 1/4tsp salt 
* 1tsp baking power
* 125ml hot milk

For buttercream and decoration- 

* 240g butter, softened

* 400g icing sugar, sifted
* 2tsp vanilla extract
* 3tbsp milk

* Edible confetti/sprinkles/snowflakes/etc of your choice

First, preheat your oven to 170˚C/350˚F/Gas Mark 4 and prepare the baking tins by lining them with the 12 cupcake cases.
Then get a large bowl and cream the butter and the sugar. Then mix the wet ingredients together: the egg, egg yolk, and the black treacle. This may take some time, and if using a wooden spoon like I did instead of a hand or electrical whisk, make sure there are no lumps of butter in the mixture. 
Once the wet ingredients are combined, in a separate bowl, mix the dry ingredients: the flour, cocoa powder, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. 


Afterwards, warm the milk on the hob and dissolve the baking powder in it. Be careful not to boil the milk. 
Fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients gradually. If your milk has a foamy top to it, pour it in to your mixture.
Mix all of the ingredients well for a thick, creamy dark brown substance. 
Afterwards, evenly disperse your cupcake mixture into the cupcake cases. To do this, I used an ice-cream scoop and tablespoon. Don't apply too much mixture into one- you can always add more but you can't take away! 
Bake the cupcakes for 20 minutes, or until when you poke them with a skewer, it comes out dry. 
When they're baked, allow them to fully cool.

Personally, I don't thick a cupcake is complete wither the buttercream. Cream the butter in a bowl and very gradually add the icing sugar. If you aren't using an electrical whisk, persevere! I always find making buttercream very frustrating but it's worth it. When the buttercream is thick, creamy and smooth, add the milk if necessary and the vanilla extract.

When your cupcakes are completely cooled, just add the buttercream! Many people are led to believe that you must pipe your buttercream, but they look just as good and taste as delicious doing it the traditional way. Either pipe the buttercream or spread it on the cupcake, preferably using a palette knife or alternatively a teaspoon. Apply as much icing as you would like. Optionally, you can then decorate with confetti, sprinkles, chocolate and edible glitter! Enjoy!

Hope you liked this post and give these cupcakes a go! I'm going to go and enjoy a delicious festive Christmas cupcake and read a book...

Inspired by https://www.zoella.co.uk/2015/12/gingerbread-cupcakes.html

Hannah

 ♥

How to...Get Out of that Reading Slump

Recently I have been in a few reading slumps, and they aren't the nicest things because at times all I want to do is read however this makes it merely impossible. I have decided that I would write a hopefully short blog post about how you could get out of them. Reading slumps are an annoyance especially if you read often and to be honest this year so far I have been in quite a few. A few books on my shelf are the books that I have tried to read and failed and this can get very frustrating as for me I get annoyed at myself when I can't concentrate. And before I go on I would like to apologies for the lack of posts from me, I'm hoping that I will start posting a lot more near Christmas. So here are a few tips...


1) Wait. There is nothing worse than forcing yourself to read a book. No matter how hard you try you won't be able to concentrate and possibly miss important parts of the book so just wait and ride it out until the slump is over. 

2) Start reading a favourite. Pick a book from your bookshelf you know you will love, or maybe an easy read. Personally I always go towards the Anna and the French Kiss series by Stephanie Perkins which I can get into so easily as I have read all three a few times. Although The Time Traveler's Wife is one of my all time favourite books, I feel like it's a book which is quite a difficult read and to appreciate Audrey Niffenegger's amazing work you really need to concentrate and during a reading slump its the last thing you can or want to do.

3) Make your space comfortable. Wherever you read make sure that you are comfortable, personally I always read in my bed with a cup of tea on my side table and more often than not I will light my vanilla lime Yankee candle just to make me feel more relaxed while reading. As well as lighting candles and having a good cup of tea in hand in may be useful if try and eliminate background noises which can really distract you. 

4) Are audiobooks the answer? Instead of a physical book in hand why not go for the option of audiobooks. These are becoming more and more popular as its so easy to access now.  Another option is the Kindle, however I can't really promote this as I haven't got one myself but Hannah does and she said she enjoys reading of it. 

5) Try a new genre. This is something I need to start doing as I always stick to the same genre. 

6) Set yourself goals. Set yourself a daily goal of reading a chapter from a book and maybe this will push you to read more as you get more and more into a book. 

7) Find a reading buddy. Ask a fellow book addict to start reading a book with you (at the same time) , not necessarily in the same room though. This may prompt you to read further if they are ahead of you and who wants to hear spoilers? You could also discuss what you thought about it after and maybe even write a short blog post with both your views on it. 

8) Re-arrange your bookshelf. You may even find books you didn't know you had! 

9) Visit a bookstore. If you fellow book lovers love a good bookstore like Hannah and I do then this is a great idea. You may even find a book that's been on your wishlist. 

10) Do something other than reading. Of course the whole point of this blog post is to try and start reading but maybe you just need to focus on something else for a while and you will know when you want to start reading again. 

Well there is my tips on how to get out of a reading slump, hope it helps some of you. 
Happy reading :)

Charlotte 

♥

Black Ice Review

Spoiler Free

Hello! Halloween is less than a week away and thought I'd share an appropriate book to read if you're looking for something a bit darker to enjoy.Last year, Black Ice was published at around November time - perfect for the cold months- and I read it straight away.

Black Ice is the story of protagonist Britt Pfeiffer and best friend Korbie travelling to the mountains for spring break. Britt's attempt to be adventurous and impress her ex-boyfriend rapidly go downhill when a treacherous storm suddenly hits the mountain, and the two girls are left stranded; vulnerable and afraid in the dangerous ice and snow. The two seem hopeless, and know it themselves. Fortunately they're found by two men who come to their aid. Their luck melts into doubt when Britt questions their loyalty and whether they would have been safer on their own...

The book is what it sounds. Two teenage girls helplessly stranded in drastic conditions, shivering and desperate for a hero. Although many people criticize the book's story: finding it too much of a teen movie like narrative with annoying characters (true), I found the book enjoyable. No one can deny the beautifully detailed descriptive writing of Becca Fitzpatrick (author of hush, hush series), creating a precise environment of the white blanketed world.

The characters are very stereotypical. Primarily targeting the girls. Slim and attractive American teens, our protagonist is intelligent and her 'bestie' naive. A lot of the dialogue in the first few chapters is of the two gossiping about irrelevant content - this doesn't last too long, trust me.  

The book includes aspects of thriller, mystery, and romance woven throughout. Uniquely, I preferred the romance element as I found the mystery and the 'plot twist' totally predictable within the first half of the book.

Although this book may sound like one that's best left in the book store, I did thoroughly appreciate the easiness of reading a simply story and light-hearted tone book. Sometimes we do want something that doesn't require us to think and engage seriously with - especially if you're finding it difficult to dedicate your full attention to a book due to school/work or personal issues. If this is so, I'd definitely recommend this book - even if it's one of the ones you cheaply buy on kindle - as I believe if you've been finding it difficult to get into reading lately, this will give you the final push.

Rating this book purely on its storyline, I'd give it 5/10. However I wouldn't rule it out as a bad book, but reflecting on it now I know where it's been lacking.

Hannah

 ♥

Where Rainbows End & Love, Rosie Movie Review

A hilarious, roller-coaster of emotions adapted to a hilarious, enjoyable and emotional movie.

Where Rainbows End 

 I read this book over a year ago in anticipation for the release of the movie. A year late review is probably better than neglecting it altogether and furthermore, I assume there are plenty of people who have taken time in watching the film, but not reading the book. So, perhaps this review will push this book further up your TBR list...

Although a hefty 558 pages, this book will not take you long to read as it is written in various forms of e-mails, text messages and letters. Usually this would put me off a book, however Cecelia Ahern managed to do it so successfully; the first person narrative created an excellent perception of every character. The way each letter pieced together throughout the entirety of the book created a perfect story as well as characters which connected you emotionally to them all.

Something that differentiates this book from any other, and the film is the fact that it spreads over 50 years. This allows you to experience families growing and shrinking. The book starts with Rosie and Alex: two best friends planning Rosie's 7th Birthday party. The language patently changes throughout the book in the terms of slang and spelling in the younger years, and becoming more sophisticated albeit remaining colloquial as the two characters progress on in life. Much like there relationship, being innocent and childlike but then advancing onto something more complicated.

As well as relationships, this book holds a sense of dreaming and wishing in life and going for what you deserve and desire. That aspect was particularly important for me as it is something I question daily - 'what am I going to do when I'm older'. Many relatable life -long topics pop up in this book which make it even more relatable and special.

Although it's been over a year, I can vividly remember specific aspects of this book which basically proves how enjoyable it is. This book genuinely was a 'roller-coaster of emotions' which had me belting with laughter and also bringing tears to my eyes- and for that reason alone I would recommend it. This book shows the perfections and imperfections of life that majority of people can relate to and build an attachment to. Therefore I rate this book 8/10 for originality, great humour and all-round enjoyment.

Love, Rosie 

The trailer may contain spoilers for the book. It does not ruin it but you may not want to know -

Personally, I think the movie was very true to the book. It remained the same slapstick and witty humour and kept the heart-warming romance. Though the film did not stretch to the extreme timeline of the book, it still had the same feel and message to it. Due to this, certain story-lines and characters were removed, but the film is primarily based on the incredible rare relationship of Rosie and Alex,

We start, much life the book with Rosie and Alex, two inseparable best friends aged around 7 talking and exploring the wonders of the world and all the magical possibilities it holds for them when they grow up. The transition through their childhood and young adulthood is shown very well through fashion, hair trends, and also music.

The actors in this film were perfect for me. Sam Claflin cannot fail and Lily Collins is one of my favourite actors; playing an important role in my favourite romance movie Stuck In Love. Personally I think Lily's British accent was good and the couple created undeniable chemistry.

I've watched this film with both my friend, and my mum separately. Both audiences thoroughly enjoyed the film due to: connection with characters, real life dilemmas, hilarious script and lovely storyline. This film is pure entertainment. There are aspects of this film that are slightly cringe-worthy, however it is not in a negative way. It adds to the constantly flowing humour.

 I'm sure there are people who complain about the characters who aren't in the film, and complain about the ages and timeline being shorter. But honestly I think if it was achieved it wouldn't be as enjoyable. There would probably have to be several different actors playing the two characters Rosie and Alex and it would create the strong connection/bond to the character's that you form when watching. Every book-to-movie adaptation will have advantages and disadvantages, similarities and differences, but I strongly believe that this movie was a success and a regular cheer-up movie for me.

Hannah

 ♥ 

Paper Towns Review!

Spoiler Free


Although I have unfortunately and shamelessly neglected this blog for a couple of months, I haven't neglected the world of literature so I do have plenty of books to catch up on to review! 

Starting with one that I surprisingly, thoroughly enjoyed; Paper Towns.

I have no misunderstanding or am I unappreciative of the fine works of John Green's spectacular writing style, however at times I thought his stories to be a bit overrated. I was included in the hype of The Fault In Our Stars book and then the exciting build up to the film, but looking back I can't say it was my favourite book, nor it even being my favourite contemporary book. Nonetheless it was still an emotional yet enjoyable book to read. I then went on to buying and reading Looking For Alaska and was utterly disappointed and underwhelmed. I found the story to be uneventful and I didn't have any strong emotions towards the characters. Therefore, my initial thought was - is TFIOS John Green's only really good book? 

I thought I had lost faith in his books. I do want to now just say I don't think his books are bad. Far from it. John Green has an incredibly talent to use words so well and eloquently when describing everyday life: using metaphorical explanations and techniques when describing that make us laugh and cry. I just had high expectations for LfA and I just didn't like it as much as I wanted to. 

I didn't think I would read Paper Towns as Charlotte loved LfA and enjoyed that more than Paper Towns. However I love film, so thought it only be right to read the book before the film came out. And my repetitive thoughts when reading every page up until the last was that I love it. 

Quentin Jacobsen has spent a lifetime loving the magnificently adventurous Margo Roth Spiegelman from afar. So when she cracks open a window and climbs into his life—dressed like a ninja and summoning him for an ingenious campaign of revenge—he follows. After their all-nighter ends, and a new day breaks, Q arrives at school to discover that Margo, always an enigma, has now become a mystery. But Q soon learns that there are clues—and they're for him. Urged down a disconnected path, the closer he gets, the less Q sees the girl he thought he knew...

-Goodreads Synopsis

Contemporary novels have never been my favourite, so for one to spark something in me is special. Paper Towns did just that. I think the main pure enjoyment I got from this book was that I found it so funny. The effortless and witty humour of John Green's evident opinion on perhaps unique but totally relatable teenage protagonists made me fall in love with them. All of them. This had my laughing out loud at the fast paced dialogue between the three boys: Quentin, Ben and Radar. I think the main love I instantly had for the characters (particularly the boys) was that I familiarised them with my own friends who can be described as geeky, kind, funny and weird. 

The chapters featuring around the relationship between Quentin and Margo I sped through as it was so easy to just be fascinated in their infatuation with one another. But by far my favourite part of the book (and the majority of it) is when the team stick together and try and find the mysterious Margo. 

For me, the book is so strongly based around the theme of friendship more than anything which is why I respected and adored it so much. I also learnt from it. I sometimes find with friendships that I can be disappointed with how someone deals with something or treats me. However this book had me understanding that people's individuality and flaws makes them who they are, and I think this helped me reflect and have a better understanding and forgiving for people and their actions. 



My favourite quote from the book -

“Isn't it also that on some fundamental level we find it difficult to understand that other people are human beings in the same way that we are? We idealize them as gods or dismiss them as animals.”

Overall, I loved this book. The books I usually read are often filled with despair and tragedy, which I find interesting and gripping. Although, occasionally I want to read a book that just fills me with happiness and satisfaction and this book (much like Fangirl) accomplished that, so I am therefore rating Paper Towns 8/10 and would personally definitely recommend and class as one of my favourite contemporary novels. I also am very excited to see this book's adaptation and come to life on the screen later this month.

Hannah

 ♥