To all the books I've loved before, thank you. Thank you for the thousands of evenings I spent page-turning, till my eyes were drooping from the lack of sleep. You gave me story after story; the chance to meet many different characters over the course of 300+ pages. Each chapter holding new promise, new beginnings. From the stories that hooked me from the very first page to the slow burners that burned my curiosity, I've never been more grateful. Always something to gain, always something to appreciate. 

Another year, another book to devour! Battling through the January blues is always such a struggle, but we are nearly there. Attempting to get out of bed in the morning without the sweet promise of holiday cheer and the short hours of daylight is such a struggle. Let's face it, new year's resolutions are about to be broken (if they haven't already), and the countdown to breaking dry-Jan and diet plans is on. With dark winds and cold nights, there is nothing more than curling up to a book by the fire and snuggling away all the crispy crappiness than the post-winter season brings.

Anyway enough chit-chat, feast your eyes on these epic reads and enjoy!

Reading is the most inexpensive form of travel and entertainment known to man. It's a fact without a doubt. I love to read and I know there are so many who feel the same. But when you're as addicted to books as they come, book buying can literally burn a hole in your paycheck if you aren't careful. That's honestly why I've come to love eBooks so much. Not only do you get incredible book deals, but they are also so easy to carry around. There's just not added worry of denting or destroying pristine book covers and clean-cut pages while you're manoeuvring on public transport.

Since I'm an avid bargain hunter, I've decided that I'll be posting my monthly finds at the beginning of the month for you to enjoy. Now check out these awesome finds and enjoy to your heart's content fellow book nerds!

Accurate as of August 2017

There is truly nothing that compares to reading a physical copy of a novel in your hands. Gripping each page with such intensity as you try to uncover the mysteries hidden beneath, but yet also trying very very hard to persevere each page with such tender loving care. The struggles of a bookworm I tell you ...

Before I bought my Amazon Fire tablet last year, I couldn't stand the idea of ebooks. It just didn't feel quite the same ... And while physical books are irreplaceable, there is something amazing about being able to read on the go with ease and also buy so many books without breaking the bank! I am a sucker for checking out deals on Amazon, and can not stand to keep these to myself any longer. So without further ado, here are 24 books currently on offer right now. Enjoy to your heart's content fellow book nerds!

Fiction is my addiction - my Achilles heel if you will. So it's no surprise really when I tell you that two years ago when I discovered Wattpad for the first time, I became obsessed. For the record when I mean obsessed, I mean practically reading at least two books or more per week. Since my last post about Wattpad (Five Reasons Why Wattpad is Awesome), I have come to realise it's biggest flaw...

With so many stories being published and updated everyday, it's hard to separate the incredible stories you thoroughly enjoy from the ones that just don't speak to you. Let's face it, who has the time to sift through the entire Wattpad catalogue? Recommendations are definitely the way forward. On that note, here are five stories I have fallen in love with and that you need to read asap!

Popular culture has always been my favourite form of entertainment. There's something captivating about the fictional universe. It's no wonder that the passion the fans hold near and dear has led to the most amazing forms of creativity, from artistic graphics to fanfiction. Arguably the best result of fan creativity has to be the intricately themed monthly subscription boxes. Without knowing where to look, it can be quite difficult to find the quirky and unique gems that lie hidden in the depths of the internet. That is why subscription boxes like Loot Crate, FairyLoot and OwlCrate are so amazing, because they contain hidden treasures that fanboys and fangirls myself just adore!

But the one theme I have yet to see is the Darkest Nights. The best moments in life and fiction happen during the late evening when the world seems so still and quiet, but yet somewhere in the distance, the adventure has only just begun. The Darkest Nights are a time where heroes and villains carry out their deeds and debts; where the action, drama and romance flourish into the breeze alongside the nights' sky. It's only fitting therefore to create a themed box dedicated to the cause. So without further ado, here is my ultimate dream crate inspired by the series and fandoms that made me fall in love with the night!

Flashback to 10 years ago, I hated reading with a passion. At the time, I thought books were utterly boring and filled with dull characters, random adjectives and poetic devices thrown in for good measure. But then I picked up Twilight for the first time and I saw the light. Finally I found the true pleasure of reading at my fingertips and gosh, it was beautiful. A genre that spoke to my soul ... All I wanted to do was absorb every inch of fictional goodness out there; to truly indulge myself into any book that made me feel alive and inspired.

As time went by, I discovered the online community of book lovers and never looked back. The amount of engaging conversations amazed me. Sharing your thoughts with fellow fangirls and boys across the world has been such a life-changing experience. I found book buddies who loved discussing plot details at length, enthusiastically recommended books to one another and consumed every inch of news concerning new book and squeal releases. Through this all, I absolutely fell in love the book community. The celebration of new book releases and book hype trends has helped me discover so many incredible reads. I have been very thankful for that ... Well until the beginning of the year when I found myself being to think a little differently ...

When I moved to London in January, I was dedicated to working hard at my new job and spending time with friends and family. Between balancing full-time work and social commitments, I was exhausted. The commute was long, and due to other commitments I had, I just didn't have the time to read anymore. It didn't help that I was suffering from a major case of the classic reading slump. I found myself at an impasse. So unintentionally I took a break. A breather from the echoes of hype and written fiction.

It wasn't long until I started to hear about all these books that I needed to read. Squeals. New releases by debut authors. Established and respected authors releasing new books. Between my current TBR and the new releases coming out, it was so overwhelming. The need to catch up was oddly motivational yet completely putting off. So began the spiral staircase. Where would I even start? I felt like I was drowning in a sea of books, and all of a sudden I just didn't want to hear about it anymore. The hype and book trends made me feel claustrophobic. I couldn't help thinking, how did it even get to this?

When I started reading YA, I read for the passion of the story. I read for the pure pleasure of indulging in someone else's mindset. Now I've begun to feel the pressure to keep up with the popular books, so I can be a part of these amazing discussions with fellow book lovers and immerse myself in the book culture. I feel the guilt of not writing reviews when I've finished reading novels. What happened to the pure joy of it all? Lately, I just miss the teenage me who just read for fun. It's hard to find the balance between staying in the loop and pleasure. But maybe it's time to go back to what started the passion; the beauty of fiction as it's own art form.

What are your thoughts on Book Trends? Has the pressure to keep up affected you?
Share your thoughts below!

To gain closure from the relationships that no longer are, Lara Jean has written love letters to all the boys she's ever loved meant for her eyes only. But when her unsent letters are mailed out, Lara Jean finds herself in a rather peculiar situation.

Jenny Han's captivating novel, 'To All The Boys I've Loved Before', is a charming novel that will sweep you off your feet. It'll leave you feeling wonderful, warm and so nostalgic. This story is a beautiful read for a late summer afternoon, when you're looking for an adventure with an adorakable dash of the feels. It's a great pick-me-up if you're feeling a little blue, and wonderful treasure to the soul. I'm still smiling even just thinking about it! It's a coming of age story about family, high school and learning to love. An absolute pleasure to indulge. 

We Were Liars - a book that needs no introduction to those who have stumbled across it. But for all of you who haven't, let me tell you it's an unforgettable novel that will leave you breathless. For a young adult novel, We Were Liars deals with some really heavy emotional situations and life obstacles that are worth paying attention to. 

Just to let you know before we begin, like my book review of the novel, this post will be full of spoilers. So if you haven't read the book, I urge you not to read this post until you have. Because going into We Were Liars blind was the best decision I ever made.

'We Were Liars' - the book that captivated me and destroyed my fragile heart into a million pieces of the feels. A couple of months ago, I was blissfully unaware of how this deep dark mystery would keep my mind turning as I devoured each page. To say anymore would ruin this story for you, if you haven't already been mind-blown by its content.

So here's what I'll say to all you blissfully unaware people. We Were Liars  is a unique mystery that leaves you gasping for more. The anticipation and climax will leave you utterly breathless and unsure what to do with yourself. Or even how to process the events of the novel and life. Read it, I dare you. It is a book you won't forever for many months to come.

When I was younger, I was never really fond of reading. That may surprise you considering how I regularly post about novels and book signings. Believe me, I tried. I just could never find the right book that peeked my interest. My parents tried hard too - taking me to the library every Saturday, and asking the librarian to help find books of interest. But no matter what I read, I did not care of the stories I was reading, or the characters in these books. 

In hindsight this lack of interest probably had more to do with the fact that, all the books I read were written in third person narrative. I've always preferred an much more intimate personal connection to others - a first person narrative, which is probably why those books I read never appealed to me. Somewhere along the way I just gave up. It just wasn't for me. Well ... just then anyway.

Told from the perspective of two teenagers, All The Bright Places is a story about two lost souls who find themselves struggling to come to terms with their difficult situations in life, and find a form of comfort in each other as they fall in love.

All The Bright Places has the most original and unique perspective I've read in YA fiction in a long time. It's an engaging story which left me intriguing at the very beginning, and hooked at the very end. It is truly one of the most heartbreaking stories I have ever read - even more than The Fault In Our Stars - and I'm so glad I picked up this book. I urge you to read this novel. All The Bright Places has a very important social message that you need to know and understand as you begin to explore the world around you and meet people from all walks of life. Everybody has their back-stories, their struggles and dramas. Some of these people may even be Theodore Finch in disguise.

Aged 24, Matt Haig found himself feeling lost and hopeless, seeing no way he could go on living. Reason To Stay Alive is an account of that journey and how he overcome his struggle from the dark depths of his illness. 

I remember stumbling across this book by accident through twitter. I had heard there would be a book signing with Matt Haig - and being an avid book signing attender I thought I'd go. Having the privilege of hearing Matt speak about his novel was pretty much what sold this book to me, and I'm so glad it did. Reasons to Stay Alive is an important non-fictional novel, that gives a preview into one individual's experience of depression and anxiety. To those who've suffered, it provides solace. To those who haven't experienced those troubles, it gives a glimpse into the hardships and struggles others face on a daily bases. I found this book re-enacts that heavy feeling of a weight you can not explain, and yet tells these stories with a hopeful twist for the future. Well worth reading, and definitely one of the must read novels for everybody this year!

Based on the best selling novel, Love Rosie tells the story of best friends Alex and Rosie, through a series of letters sent over the years, as they experience love and life together and apart.

Love Rosie is an enjoyable read, that definitely has some hilarious moments that will have you laughing so hard! But what struck me the most about this story is it tells the realistic struggle of adulthood. Not many romantic novels I've seen have done that pretty accurately. It's honest and authentic - well worth reading whatever age you may be. My only main flaw with this book was it dragged out its love story unnecessarily, draining out its quirky nature and narrative till it's very end. 

Now, time for spoilers. Back away from the computer if you have not read this yet. Spoilers be waiting ...

In the final novel in The Maze Runner series, The Death Cure, the gladers find themselves trying to navigate their way in world surrounded by the Flare and WICKED. The trials are nothing compared to what they face next.

After the slightly disappointing squeal, I had high hopes for The Death Cure. Probably due to the fact that The Scorch Trials continued to build up this story to it's climax. The first half of the book blew my mind. I was amazed at where this novel was going and excited. But somewhere along the way, everything seemed to become chaotic. I felt frustrated towards James Dashner - who although creates intriguing plot lines - focuses way too much on shock value. That is why I believe this novel and The Scorch Trials fall short of what they should be. Though entertaining and thrilling, I knew right of the bat that this concept - an awesome premise - was not properly executed. None-the-less, so worth the read. 

A couple of months ago, J.K. Rowling released a statement saying that Draco Malfoy was not 'concealing a heart of gold under all that sneering and prejudice' despite what fans of the character may believe. She also described Draco to have 'all the dark glamour of the anti-hero,' which may be the reason why fans gravitate towards him. Now while I respect and admire J.K. Rowling, I have to disagree with the way she describes and views the character of Draco, and here's why.  

I have to confess before being introduced to the world of fanfiction, I never really thought much of Draco Malfoy. The character depicted as a bully, an antagonist. He was cruel and full of sinister in my eyes. I always thought he'd grow up to the ultimate villain. But then one day, a good friend of mine introduced me to Harry Potter fanfiction. These stories - alongside their authors - captured the untapped potential of Draco Malfoy's character. The limited spotlight on his character in the books - from a rather ambiguous third person narrative - gave room for exploration. Draco was such a complex character with so much depth and unresolved tension. That untapped potential did not go unnoticed by fans. Fanfiction did something that J.K. Rowling did not do. It gave Draco a true shot at redemption. In these stories, Draco kept his dark gritty persona and yet evolved. Rather than 'concealing his heart of gold', he began to grow as an individual forming his own moral consciousness  - usually with a little help from Hermione Granger, but that's another story entirely. The journey to retribution itself was interesting watch because it did not come easy. In natural fashion, Draco stumbled along the way between the line of the light and dark, but eventually evolved into a character that sided with moral justice and the light. 

In my personal opinion, I believe it was  easier for Harry to be good because he was destined to be. Plus his family was killed by Voldemort, so of course he would want revenge - to rid the world of the evil that destroyed his family. As for Hermione Granger - the brains of the golden trio - she was fighting to prove herself amongst and against the pureblood community. She needed to stand up to herself, to fight for her survival and her heritage as a muggleborn. Ron on the other hand grew up in a family full of wizards who saw equality amongst all wizards - regardless of their blood. He grew up with that same mentality as well as it was part of his upbringing. But Draco Malfoy was entirely different from any of these character. His situation was so much more complex. Draco grew up in a family, surrounded by pureblood propaganda supremacy . He was taught that muggles and muggleborns were inferior to him. What made him special and important was his pureblood heritage. That meant everything. He grew up surrounded by all these thoughts - day in, day out. His struggle towards the light would be more dire, more troublesome.  But that is what would make the journey so fruitful and intriguing!

Every single character has several dimensions to them. The ability to be good and the ability to be bad. Sure, Draco had a damaging childhood. His entire life had been influenced by principles his parents had taught him. But surely that didn't have to dictate the rest of his life. People can change. Grow. Become more than what they are. J.K. Rowling dismissed the idea that people are complex and not truly one dimensional. Draco was a complex character with so many layers to his soul. There was so much left to be explored. Again this untapped potential did not go unnoticed by fans. Maybe there are some who like the dark villianous character of Draco Malfoy, but I believe the redeemed Draco captured by fanfiction is what drew many fans to come to like the character. That's certainly what happened with me!

So what do you think of Draco Malfoy? I'd love to hear more about what you think on this topic!

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Continuing on from The Maze Runner, The Scorch Trials jumps straight back into action, as the gladers are ambushed into another adventure. Their task is to stay alive, as they travel across the deadly scorch lands.

I was so excited to read The Scorch Trials after finishing The Maze Runner. I had such high hopes for this novel, but it sadly didn't live up to my expectations. Don't get me wrong, The Scorch Trials is entertaining, and continues to hold mind blogging mysteries that keep you on your the tips of your toes. The stakes are higher than ever, and the pieces of the puzzle are being to ever so slowly fit together. But The Scorch Trials fails to truly reach its true potential. This novel needed a clear sense of direction throughout, and to expand on certain events and storylines. But instead Dashner drags out the mystery further, and puts all faith into the final book of the series, The Death Cure - which I believe will be much more fruitful.

If you haven't read the book yet - skip this review and come back when you have. Trust me you don't want to know anything at all going into this book. The best part about this series is it's mystery - don't spoil it for yourself! So time to talk spoilers ...

Set in 1986, Eleanor and Park tells the story of two misfit teenagers, who find themselves falling in love with mix tapes, comic books and each other. As you may remember, I listed Eleanor and Park as one of my TBR books in Autumn - literally forever ago. I finally got round to finishing it after all this time. Yay me - getting through my TBR pile!

In this novel, Rainbow Rowell truly captures the essence of what it's like to be a teenager, awkwardly fumbling through life and its struggles. One of the things I liked about this book is that it isn't a polished version of reality. It discusses the hardships that both Eleanor and Park face in their everyday lives - without sugar-coating it. It's a story about personal struggles and what its like to fall in love for the first time, that readers of all ages can appreciate. Don't be fooled by it's synopsis either, this novel is not just about romance. That is literally just the surface of this book. I did have one main issue with this book - which I'll discuss down below in the spoilers ...