Update: 2017

2017 has been an incredibly busy year. I’m slowly finding my place in the world through travel, volunteering and my work. It has been a slow year for the blog unfortunately. I’m sad I don’t have as much time and energy anymore to update more often. At the same time I’m learning so much, about myself and about what I want my future to look like. I’m still very keen to keep putting up reviews whenever I can, so that’s what I’ll continue to do.

What have I been doing lately? Well, I coached my quidditch team here in Adelaide and we have went to Nationals in December. I’m also a selector for the Australian National quidditch team, called the Dropbears, for the 2018 World Cup which will be held in Florence. I’ve also started volunteering at a wildlife sanctuary that was closed down 5 years ago and is now being saved by an incredible couple from WA. It has shown me a different life, a different occupation that I had never considered before, but seems very tempting now. Other than all these things, I’ve mostly been enjoying life in Australia. Summer is here and that means amazing sunsets at the beach, wildlife coming to say hello and enjoying the warmer weather.

After these updates about my personal life, I’d love to share my book year with you guys too.

I started 2017 with An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir, quickly followed by the second book in the Shades of Magic series by V.E. Schwab, A Gathering of Shadows. Both were books that I enjoyed a lot, so that was a promising start to the year. These were also two of the six books that I gave 5 stars this year so far. The others are: Red Sister by Mark Lawrence, The Waking Fire by Anthony Ryan, Tyrant’s Throne by Sebastien de Castell and Royal Assassin by Robin Hobb. Yes, I’ve only now started the Farseer trilogy. I’ve had them on my shelf for a very long time, but only now found some time to read them. I’m finishing the third book now and I have to agree that it is an amazing series of books.

V.E. Schwab is my favourite discovery from last year. This year I’ve read five of her books and loved every single one of them. I can’t wait to continue that streak next year! Red Sister by Mark Lawrence was a much anticipated book and it met all the high expectations. I’m tentatively calling it the best book I’ve read this year. The Waking Fire by Anthony Ryan also blew me away. I’m a big fan of dragons and any books that feature dragons will get me all excited. This one had a very interesting take on dragons and their relationship with humans, an awesome and elaborate storyline and one hell of an ending. I’m currently reading the second book. Tyrant’s Throne by Sebastien de Castell is the last book in the Greatcoats series and readers of my blog will not be surprised to read that this was one of my most anticipated books of 2017. The end of a much-loved series is always a bit of a question mark. There’s been so many conclusions that just weren’t satisfying, almost bringing the whole series down with them. Luckily Tyrant’s Throne did not do that! It was a very satisfying end, though I’m very sad to say goodbye to the Greatcoats.

The last day of 2017 was spent finishing The Legion of Flame by Anthony Ryan, the second book in the Draconis Memoria, another great book. The first day of 2018 was spent finishing Kings of the Wyld by Nicolas Eames, the first book in the Band series that has gotten raving reviews so far. I can only agree with the many people proclaiming their love for this book as it is certainly a very entertaining read.

Next up for me on Kindle is Behind Her Eyes by Sarah Pinborough, another book by one of my favourite authors that has gotten great reviews. The next paper book I’m going to start is still a slight mystery. I have so much choice that it’s always hard for me to choose which one I want to read first.

I wish you all a great 2018 full of amazing books, adventures and love!