So, this Christmas my family treated me to a wide selection of books; I’ve been completely spoiled. As there’s quite a few, I thought I’d compose a little blog post and give them each their own little moment in the spotlight. They’re not all young adult books this year, surprisingly, but I’ll still give them a mention as I’m so excited to get stuck into them.
Fruits Basket Another, Vol. 2 | Natsuki Takaya
Series: Fruits Basket Another
Published: 2018, by Yen Press.
Pages: 193
Format: Paperback
Genre: Sequential Art, Manga, Romance, Young Adult, Graphic Novels, Shojo, Fantasy
Summary: School’s no longer an endless pit of anxiety and solitary lunches for Sawa thanks to the Sohma’s. She’s joined the student council and made new friends who don’t abandon her no matter how painfully awkward or useless she is. They don’t even get angry when she screws up or starts blabbering gibberish! Though social interactions are still daunting, people don’t seem as scary anymore – at least, until another Sohma appears?!
I’m a huge fan of the original Fruits Basket series, having fallen in love when I was young so I was so excited when I found this sequel. I’ve already read it, picking it up after Christmas and love everything about it. My review of this volume is available here.
Solitaire | Alice Oseman
Published: 2018, by HarperCollins.
Pages: 392
Format: Paperback
Genre: Contemporary, Young Adult, Romance, Mystery
Summary: My name is Tori Spring. I like to sleep and I like to blog. Last year I had friends. Things were very different, I guess, but that’s all over now.
Now there’s Solitaire. And Michael Holden.
I don’t know what Solitaire are trying to do. And I don’t care about Michael Holden. I really don’t.
I adore Alice Oseman’s work, loving both I Was Born For This and Radio Silence, so I thought it was about time I tried reading her debut novel. I’ve read so many positive reviews on it, so fingers crossed I’ll love it too.
Crystals: The Modern Guide to Crystal Healing | Yulia Van Doren
Published: 2018, by Quadrille Publishing.
Pages: 144
Format: Hardcover
Genre: Nonfiction, Spirituality, Witchcraft, Self Help
Summary: From choosing and using, to programming, charging and cleansing, Crystals is the modern guide to enhancing your life with these magical stones.
Whether you’re already a devoted member of the crystal-obsessed fan club or you’re newly crystal-curious, this practical guide will equip you with plenty of knowledge and tools to improve your daily life. From chakra cleanses to moon manifesting, discover how to connect with 50 of the most popular and affordable minerals, find out which ones are right for you, and add a dose of sparkle to your life and home.
This year I told myself I was going to delve into the practice of Witchcraft, which I’ve managed to start towards the end of the year. I’ve got a small library of books to refer to in my studies, but this book has already been the most useful by far. Crystals is one of my main areas of interest, so I’ve been flicking through so much already; it’s all so beautiful!
The Lady’s Guide to Petticoats and Piracy | Mackenzi Lee
Series: Montague Siblings
Published: 2018, by Katherine Tegen Books.
Pages: 450
Format: Hardcover
Genre: Historical, Historical Fiction, Young Adult, LGBT
Summary: A year after an accidentally whirlwind grand tour with her brother, Monty, Felicity Montague has returned to England with two goals in mind – avoid the marriage proposal of a lovestruck suitor from Edinburgh and enroll in medical school. However, her interest and passion will never be enough in the eyes of the administrators, who see men as the sole guardians of science.
But then a window of opportunity opens – a doctor she idolises is marrying an old friend of hers in Germany. Felicity believes if she could meet this man he could change her future, but she has no money of her own to make the trip. Luckily, a mysterious young woman is willing to pay Felicity’s way, so long as she’s allowed to travel with Felicity disguised as her maid.
In spite of her suspicions, Felicity agrees, but once the girl’s true motives are revealed, Felicity becomes part of a perilous quest that leads them from the German countryside to the promenades of Zurich to secrets lurking beneath the Atlantic.
This book was one of my most anticipated releases of the second half of the year, so I’m so thankful I received it for Christmas. Although, I’ve still not gotten round to completing book one, I’m desperate to read it soon so I can learn more about Felicity’s character; she definitely seems like someone I’d resonate with.
100 Cakes and Bakes | Mary Berry
Series: My Kitchen Table
Published: 2011, by BBC Books.
Pages: 208
Format: Paperback
Genre: Food and Drink, Cooking, Cookbooks, Food, Nonfiction, Reference
Summary: Mary Berry is the undisputed queen of cakes and here she shares her foolproof recipes for a classic Victoria sponge, the perfect cupcake, her very best chocolate cake and a quick fruit cake among many others.
This year I’ve developed a small interest in baking, but with university and my health I haven’t been able to delve into the craft much. Plus, most of the baking things I’ve seen usually involve things I can’t or don’t eat. However, my sister bought me this little book for Christmas that features a lot more than just chocolate and cakes, which is definitely more down my route. I can’t wait to start making things for family and friends!
The Infernal Devices Series Boxset | Cassandra Clare
Clockwork Angel | Book One
Published: 2015, by Walker Books.
Pages: 486
Format: Paperback
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Paranormal, Steampunk, Romance
Summary: When Tessa Gray arrives in England during the reign of Queen Victoria, something terrifying is waiting for her in London’s Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Friendless and hunted, Tessa seeks refuge with the Shadowhunters, a band of demon hunters. Drawn ever deeper into their world, she finds herself fascinated by – and torn between – two best friends.
Clockwork Prince | Book Two
Published: 2015, by Walker Books.
Pages: 500
Format: Paperback
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Paranormal, Steampunk, Romance
Summary: In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray finds her heart drawn more and more to Jem, while her longing for Will continues to unsettle her. Could finding the Magister free Will form his secrets and give Tessa the answers to who she is and what she was born to do?
Clockwork Princess | Book Three
Published: 2015, by Walker Books.
Pages: 569
Format: Paperback
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Paranormal, Steampunk, Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Angels, Urban Fantasy, Fiction
Summary: As Tessa Gray prepares for her wedding, a net of shadows begins to tighten around the Shadowhunters of the London Institute. Mortmain needs one last item to complete his plan. He needs Tessa. Hem and Will, the boys who lay equal claim to Tessa’s heart, will do anything to save her.
I’ve had my eye on this little box set for a while, as although I’m yet to complete the Mortal Instruments series, the covers matched and thought it’d look beautiful on my shelf together. (Plus, it was a good price at The Works) This gift is definitely the push I need to be more devoted to Cassandra Clare’s work.
Six of Crows Collector’s Edition | Leigh Bardugo
Series: Six of Crows
Published: 2018, by Orion Children’s Books.
Pages: 512
Format: Hardcover
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult
Summary: A glorious Collector’s Edition of New York Times bestselling, epic fantasy novel, SIX OF CROWS. Beautifully designed, with an exclusive letter from the author and six stunning full-colour character portraits. This covetable hardback with red sprayed edges is a perfect gift for fans, and a perfect way to discover the unforgettable writing of Leigh Bardugo.
Criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker is offered a chance at a deadly heist: break into the Ice Court – a military stronghold that has never been breached – and retrieve a hostage whose knowledge could change Grisha magic forever. To succeed would mean rich beyond his wildest dreams – but he can’t pull it off alone . . .
A convict with a thirst for revenge.
A sharpshooter who can’t walk away from a wager.
A runaway with a privileged past.
A spy known as the Wraith.
A Heartrender using her magic to survive the slums.
A thief with a gift for unlikely escapes.
Six dangerous outcasts. One impossible heist. Together they might just be unstoppable – if they don’t kill each other first.
Six of Crows is a book that I just can’t stop recommending to people, with a few that have actually followed through and enjoyed it! So, when I saw it being announced at YALC that there was going to be a Collector’s Edition of the book, it was immediately on my wish list. The design is gorgeous, and I love the added illustrations of the characters in the back. It’s the perfect addition to my hardback collection.
A Little Fool Reads 