Scallywagathon wrap-up

Happy Sunday guys. I’m currently writing this outside in the aftermath of the loudest rain storm I’ve ever heard…

Anyway, today marks the end of my first ever readathon! As you know I took part in the Scallywagathon readathon that was hosted by Ali from HardbackHoarder and Amanda from Read all the Books. I’m happy to say that I managed to read all four of the books that I picked for the challenges – so let’s chat about them. 

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To Kill A Kingdom 

I wrote up a full review of this one on Monday – read here. I was super surprised at how much I enjoyed this book, as I’ve never really gelled with the idea of reading about sailors/mermaids or the sea. However, this book blew me away! I loved the writing, the brilliant world-building and the characters (especially Prince Po – hello!). It definitely changed my mind about the possibilities around books that involve mermaids/sirens. 

Rated: ☆☆☆☆

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The Raven Boys 

OOOOK. I did another full review for this one – read here. Guys, guys, guys. To be honest, this review is not one of my best because I couldn’t really put into words just how much I loved this book. I still don’t think I can manage it. I spent quite a while staring at my screen trying to figure out exactly what I loved about it – was it the worldbuilding (yes) was it the characters (yes) was it the friendship group (yes) was it the brilliant psychics (definitely yes). So you see, this book won my heart and I’m already reading the second book! 

Rated: ☆☆☆☆☆

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Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda

This book met my challenge to read a book that blew up in popularity this year – and because Love, Simon has just been released as a movie I thought this one would count. 

I’ll be honest, I didn’t have high – hopes as I personally don’t read a lot of contemporaries. I think it’s because I don’t get as invested in the storyline because they are only quick, short glimpses into peoples lives. However, I really fell in love with Simon and Blue’s *possible* relationship and the way that Simon was trying to navigate his coming out story. I can’t speak for the wider community when I say this, but I think this was handled relatively well – let me know though! 

Rated: ☆☆☆.5  rounded up to 4 on Goodreads 

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Shatter Me

Last but by no means least was Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi. This counted as my ‘first book in a series’ challenge. For some weird reason, I always thought I’d already read this book? However, when I read the blurb and had a look at the series I quickly realized that I definitely hadn’t so quickly wanted to rectify that… I read this book yesterday in one sitting (I know – wild Saturday plans) and I really loved it! 

This book was published in 2011 – right in the heart of the dystopia hysteria of YA fiction so I will forgive the obvious tropes and cliches that often happen in this genre. I loved the style of the writing, and the poetic language that the author used throughout – it added a lot to it. I think I’ll do a more in-depth review soon – so I’ll leave it there. 

Rated: ☆☆☆☆

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So, there we go. I met all of the challenges I set for myself AND I rated everything a four-star and up – yay for my first readathon huh?