How is it already September?!…

Mini Update:

I’m trying to find a job which is going… yeah haha ^^” So I’ve been a little down because I feel like a failure but whatever. I’m going to try and be more consistent with uploading to here, but it may be less than I had planned.

Thank you for still following ♥

---

So I failed the NEWTs… but I can redo them next year so I’m not too bothered haha ^^”

Let’s do the complete subjects first!

Charms:

A – Sorcery of Thorns; Margaret Rogerson

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

All her life, Elizabeth has thought that sorcerers are evil. However, when her home – one of the great libraries – is attacked she must come to terms with the fact that not everything in her life is as simple as she thinks.

This is every book lovers dream! The writing is wonderful and the story was fast paced and fun. All the characters were well rounded, stubborn and glorious.The use of books and intertwining magic was perfect. Elizabeth is one of my favourite protagonists and Nathaniel is a complete idiot and I love him!

And Silas. Someone hold me. That precious little demon has ruined me 😭😂

E – Saga Volume 1; Brian K. Vaughan & Fiona Staples

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Two soldiers from opposite sides of an inter-galactic war fall in love which puts them in life threatening danger.

I was a bit dubious going into this as I tend not to like coloured comic books and the content seemed a little questionable, but I loved this!! The two main characters are likeable and funny. And I’m really interested in all the different species and the worlds and conflicts.

If you don’t mind a more graphic (content wise) graphic novel then I would totally recommend this. It definitely has a lot of bite and I’m excited to continue on with the series!

O – The Kingdom – Jess Rothenberg

⭐⭐⭐.5

Ana is one of 7 Fantasists – “princess” cyborgs – who make your dreams come true in a Disney like park. However the fantasy comes falling down when Ana is accused of murdering a park employee.

This started out very strong and I really enjoyed the concept of morality, humanity and hybrids. However, I felt that the romance and ending were a little rushed.

I also enjoyed the elements of mixed media and I’m interested to see if we get more from this world. I loved Ana’s perspective so I would be interested to see how her voice changes after the events of this book.

---

Defence Against The Dark Arts:

A – New Moon Graphic Novel Volume 1; Kim Young & Stephanie Meyer

⭐⭐⭐

This graphic novel documents the first half of Meyer’s New Moon. This is my least favourite of the books, so I wasn’t overly into this volume. But the art style is pretty and I’m looking forward to reading the rest when they come out.

My main thought after reading this book was “Wasn’t Bella meant to punch Jacob in this one?” haha 😂

E – An Enchantment of Ravens; Margaret Rogerson

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Isobel is an artist with a knack at dealing with Fae in exchange for portraits. However, when she paints the Autumn prince Rook with human emotions in his eyes she is taken on a dangerous adventure where an unlikely alliance blooms.

This was such a wonderful story. I really enjoyed the more dangerous and disturbing take on the Fae. Although I will say that the Craft element could have been explained a bit more.

I really enjoyed the main characters and I really want children that were goats haha 😂

O – Pride and Prejudice; Jane Austen

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is the main reason why I don’t have an issue with failing my NEWTs. I adore this book and will always adore it. I’ve read this book over ten times and I’m so happy that I read it ♥

---

And these are the prompts I finished, but didn’t complete the full NEWT!

Potions:

A – Bad Blood; Rhiannon Lassiter

I feel so bad about this one. Bad Blood was recommended to me by one of my best friends and to say I didn’t like it is an understatement ^^” I DNF’ned this at pg.145.

I think I would have enjoyed the premise more in a YA or adult setting. A house full of creepy dolls and hidden rooms and dangerous secrets sounds great, but the characters are juvenile and so annoying. They aren’t well rounded and I didn’t care about them.

I was mostly bored while reading.

E – The Dark Days Club; Alison Goodman

⭐⭐⭐.5

Lady Helen is trying to traverse society while fighting the urges to be an independent and unrestrained like her deceased and controversial mother. One evening she meets Lord Carlston, another controversial figure who has recently come back into society, and her life soon starts to become more dangerous, adventurous and full of demons.

I think this was a case if “it’s me, not you” because it had a lot of tropes and character types I enjoy. And I didn’t realise it was set in the Regency era which was a nice surprise.

Transfiguration:

E – Lockwood & Co. The Whispering Skull; Jonathan Stroud

⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is the second book in the Lockwood & Co. series. This mystery and investigation is taken to new heights when Lockwood must race against time to solve it before their rivals at Fittes Agency can. Oh and they have to deal with a talking skull in a jar who is less than accommodating.

Ugh these characters are so wonderful and I love them so much!

Lucy is a great narrator and Lockwood is a lot more personable in this book. But the stand out was definitely George. He is truly a great comic relief while still having great substance and contributing to the plot. The dynamic between the three members of Lockwood & Co. is so lovely and I’m looking forward to reading more about there adventures and shenanigans.

I also read:

The Dagger In The Desk; Jonathan Stroud

This is a little novella (which may have been for world book day, but I’m not sure) that slots between book 1 and 2. This was a fun little adventure highlighting all the character aspects I’ve come to love from each member of Lockwood & Co.

The little drawings of the different ghost types were a lovely addition.

---

What did you read in August? Did you complete your NEWTs?

Thanks for reading” I hope you are having a lovely day~