Five Series I Want to Start in 2019

There are loads of series that I have the first book for but am yet to read. I've opted more for standalones lately as a way to make space - if I enjoy the first book in a series then I'm going to have to buy the rest of the books, taking up precious space!



Here are five series that I'm planning to start in 2019: 



 1. The Witchlands by Susan Dennard

 This is a planned five-part series (I think), with the third book coming out this month.
I've heard lots of good things about this series and I've owned the first book for several years, so I must read it soon!




 2. The Illuminae Files by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff 

 I have heard so many good things about this series!
I own Illuminae and Gemina but for some reason I haven't gotten around to reading them. 
I'm excited to read this series and I definitely will start it this year.




3. The Young Elites by Marie Lu

 I've read the Legend series (well, the current books in the series anyway) and I wasn't a huge fan, but I'm interested to read The Young Elites.
I bought all three of these books in a bundle from The Works for a bargain price so I have them waiting to be read on my bookshelf.




4. An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

 Another popular series that I haven't read!
Again, I've heard lots of good things about An Ember in the Ashes.
I own the first two books and really hope that I get to start this series in 2019.




5. The Shadow and Bone Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo

 What is it with me and popular series?!
I've read the Six of Crows books and really enjoyed them but I have to admit to being a bit apprehensive to start reading the Shadow and Bone trilogy - I've heard mixed things about these books, Ruin and Rising in particular.
But I'm definitely planning to read these before the Netflix series which I am so excited about!




Are there any series that you're planning to start this year?


 

Can't-Wait Wednesday - We Are Blood And Thunder by Kesia Lupo

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a feature hosted at Wishful Endings where people showcase an upcoming book they are looking forward to.

My pick this week is . . .

Title: We Are Blood And Thunder

Author: Kesia Lupo

Pages: 448

Publisher: Bloomsbury YA

Release Date: 4th April 2019

Blurb from Goodreads:

 In a sealed-off city, a young woman, Lena, is running for her life. She has been sentenced to death and her only way to survive is to trust those she has been brought up to fear – those with magic.

On the other side of the locked gates is a masked lady, Constance, determined to find a way back in. Years ago she escaped before her own powers were discovered. But now she won't hide who she is any longer.

A powerful and terrifying storm cloud engulfs the city. But this is more than a thunderstorm. This is a spell, and the truth behind why it has been cast is more sinister than anyone can imagine ... But what neither Lena and Constance realise is that the stormcloud binds them – without it, without each other, neither can get what they desire… 

Why I'm Anticipating This Book:

Magic!

A magical storm!

A sealed-off city!

Sounds like a fun read!

 

 

Five Series I Want to Continue/Finish in 2019

I don't know about you, but there are loads of series that I haven't gotten around to finishing.

 
Here are five that I'm hoping to continue with or finish this year:



1. The Old Kingdom series by Garth Nix

 I have already read Sabriel, Lirael and Abhorsen, but I still need to read Clariel and Goldenhand.



 
2. The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini

 

  
I don't know how I haven't managed to read Inheritance yet but it's still on my TBR! And I need to read it before I can read the Tales from Alagaesia.
I wasn't a fan of Eldest, but I really enjoyed Eragon and Brisingr.




3. The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer

I still need to read Winter and Stars Above. I really enjoyed the other books (apart from Fairest which I was disappointed with) and I'm looking forward to seeing what happens to the characters next.

4. Goddess War series by Kendare Blake

 I've only read Antigoddess but I own all three books.
I really enjoyed Antigoddess and I'm interested to see what happens next.

5. His Dark Materials/The Book of Dust by Philip Pullman
 

 

 I'm cheating a little with this one, but I need to re-read the His Dark Materials books before I can read The Book of Dust.
I definitely need to re-read them soon as the BBC have an adaptation coming out at some point this year (I think).




Are there any series you want to continue/finish in 2019?

 
 

Review - The Dreadful Tale of Prosper Redding (The Dreadful Tale of Prosper Redding, #1) by Alexandra Bracken

Title: The Dreadful Tale of Prosper Redding (The Dreadful Tale of Prosper Redding, #1)

Author: Alexandra Bracken

Pages: 362

Publisher: Quercus Children's Books

Release Date: 4th October 2018

Blur from Goodreads: 

Every family has secrets - but not every family has a secret pact with 

a demon.

A darkly comic tale with thrilling twists and turns that will keep

every reader guessing. Perfect for fans of Lemony Snicket, Jonathan 

Stroud and Skulduggery Pleasant.

Prosper is the only unexceptional Redding in his remarkable family. 

So, when he discovers that an 800-year-old demon called Alastor is

responsible for their luck - and that this demon is currently living 

inside him - he's more than a little surprised.

Alastor isn't keen to be banished back to the demon realm and will 

do anything to try and trick his unwilling host into a contract - from 

nasty insults to wild promises. And even more unnerving, his power 

over Prosper seems to be growing with each passing night. 

Prosper has only days to break the curse - a feat that seems impossible. But with the help of a feisty witch-in-training, maybe he can do it?

Goodreads | Amazon UK | Amazon US

My Review:

 

*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

Thanks to Hachette Children's Group and NetGalley*

 The Redding family is no ordinary family. Although Prosper might 

just be the only ordinary member.

That is until he discovers that the Redding family's good luck is 

thanks to a contract with a demon called Alastor who just happens 

to be inside Prosper.

Alastor wants revenge on the Redding family and is determined to 

convince Prosper to sign a contract with him. But time is ticking and 

Alastor doesn't have long to grow stronger.

Can Prosper stop Alastor from destroying his family?

Will Prosper give in and make a contract of his own?

My favourite part of The Dreadful Tale of Prosper Redding was the 

premise. I thought the idea of making a deal with a demon/malefactor 

was interesting and I'm intrigued to find out more about Alastor's realm.

I thought Prosper was a good protagonist. I felt sorry for him and 

thought he reacted pretty well given what he went through. I was 

rooting for him to get rid of Alastor who I actually couldn't help but

like even though he was essentially the bad guy.

Nell was an interesting character and I liked Toad the changeling.

The plot was interesting and held my attention. I did guess one of the 

plot twists.

The writing was engaging and easy to follow.

Overall this was an enjoyable read.