Wednesday 31 December 2014

2014 End of Year Survey: Part 1.

2014 End of Year Survey is hosted by Jamie at The Perpetual Page-Turner.

I found out about this survey too late last time that it was this year so I've been waiting for it to pop up this year. There are so many questions and I love including covers so  I'm splitting it up into sections.

Part One: Best in Books I
 
Book You Were Excited About & Thought You Were Going To Love More But Didn’t?
I love Lauren Barnholdt and while The Thing About The Truth was good it just wasn''t as good as I'd expected!
 
Most surprising (in a good way or bad way) book you read in 2014? 
Vain  was so much more than I expected it was unexpectedly humbling, informative and entertaining!
 
Best series you started in 2014?
 I picked up Shadow and Bone on a whim and had to nip out on holiday to get Siege! Such an unique and interesting series!
 
Best Sequel of 2014?
I was initially unsure about a sequel to Nantucket Blue but Nantucket Red really adds depth to the characters and the series!
 
Best Series Ender of 2014?
 Addicted After All was a fantastic end to Loren and Lily's story it emphasised how much they'd recovered and matured plus they were babies!
Into the Still Blue ended one of my favourite dystopian series and I loved it!
 
Favourite new author you discovered in 2014?

Ellen Renner's Tribute is a beautifully written medieval style fantasy and I'm looking forward to more from her.
Sarina Bowen writes New Adult with extra depth and the 'drama/trauma' facing her lead characters is consistently a new to me plot!
 
Most Thought-Provoking/ Life-Changing Book of 2014?
Torn Away is an emotional and refreshing book that asks the questions what happens after the 'worst '? It really made me think about the aftermath of these disasters.
 
Book you can’t believe you waited UNTIL 2014 to finally read? 
 My Life Next Door was on my TBR list for two years! I should of picked it up back in 2012, such a perfect summer book!
 
Favorite Passage/Quote From A Book You Read In 2014?
“I've always loved the first day of school better than the last day of school. Firsts are best because they are beginnings.” Jenny Han, To All the Boys I've Loved Before
Lara Jean has a point beginnings are the best!
 
Happy New Year!
 
Much Love!
Lettie
Xxx

 


Thursday 4 December 2014

December Plans!


So I've been very AWOL since starting my teacher training course haven't I? I honestly had plans to be a good blogger and trainee teacher but the reality is I leave for school at 7.30am and get home at 7pm with planning and assignments filling up my time! I'm struggling to figure out this work/study/blog/life balance thing that everyone else seems to have worked out :/
If you have any tips let me know!

However I am currently recovering from Norovirus so I'm housebound for 48 hours and will be trying to write up posts ready for the end of the year!

Much Love!
Lettie
Xxx

Tuesday 2 December 2014

Top Ten Tuesday: 2015 Releases

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by: The Broke and the Bookish.
This week's topic: 2015 books I'm Looking Forward To.

2014 has flown by- I can't believe it's time to think about 2015 releases! I've tried not to include debuts or series I included in my last Top Ten post.


I Was Here by Gayle Forman. Gayle Forman wowed me with If I Stay and Where She Went!
Fuel The Fire by Krista and Becca Ritchie. Rose and Connor may just be my favourite Fizzle couple so I'm looking forward to their last book!
The Heir by Kiera Cass. My excitement for this series is well documented so I've for the release date memorised.
The Winner's Crime by Marie Rutkoski. I really enjoyed The Winner's Curse so I'm excited for the follow up.

No Covers!
Asa by Jay Crownover. I love this series and Asa is the most mysterious character!
The Forget-Me-Not Summer by Leila Howland. I enjoyed Nantucket Blue and Nantucket Red so I'm looking forward to more from Leila.
Boy Most Likely To by Huntley Fitzpatrick. I finally read My Life Next Door and I fell in love with Tim and Alice, excited for their story.
P.S I Still Love You by Jenny Han. To All The Boys I Loved Before was simply a good book thrilled to get a sequel.
The Gift of Power by Tamora Pierce. Finally Numair's book! I'm a massive Tamora Pierce fan so this was the best news!

What are you looking forward to reading next year?
Much Love!
Lettie
Xxx


Tuesday 4 November 2014

October: A Review!


October has been my first month of placement! I was in school in Year 6 for two weeks which included two trips, no pens day and a lot of World War I! I then went back to Uni for 3 days and started working on my first assignment. So all in all October has been jammed packed hence the poor blogging and reading!
 

October in Numbers!
Total posts= 3
Books read= 3
Reviews Posted= 0
 
What I read in October! 
 
October posts!
Cover Love: 2015 covers!
Top Ten Tuesday: New Series!
September: A Review!
 
October Goals...
Pre-Schedule, Reviews and Reading...
Well.... These goals kind of fell to the wayside this month as I mentioned above!  
 
November blogging goals!
Pre-schedule- This is key to my successful blogging and teaching I think. I need to get back on top of it this month.

Reviewing- I now have a big backlog of reviews so fingers crossed I get them out this month. I'm going for aim for a low 4 just in case!

Well November will see some pretty exciting changes on the blog! So be sure to keep a look out!

Much Love!
Lettie
Xxx

Thursday 30 October 2014

Cover Love: 2015 covers!







I've been looking through my TBR and realised a lot of 2015 books have released their gorgeous covers!



A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas.
I love how vivid this cover is! Especially the red and the detail on the girl which I feel will be explained in the book. I've been waiting for this series to be published for ages so I'm looking forward to finally reading it!
The Heir by Kiera Cass.
The only thing better than the news of more Selection books is how gorgeous the cover for Heir is. I did a whole post on how much I love The Selection covers and The Heir fits in perfectly. The crown has remained and the dress has slightly altered signalling the change of protagonist. So excited to add this to my shelf!
The Winner's Crime by Marie Rutkoski.
I don't think I've mentioned how much I love The Winner's Curse but it is definitely one of my favourites of 2014 and I love the connection between the titles. This cover follows the theme of Winner's Curse which is also beautiful. The dress is stunning and I love the inclusion of a sword because I feel Kestrel will need to fight! The typography is slightly altered but it all goes together so well

So excited by these covers!
What covers have you excited for 2015?

Much Love!
Lettie
Xxx

Tuesday 21 October 2014

Top Ten Tuesday: New Series!

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by: The Broke and the Bookish.
This week's topic: New Series I Want To Start

I have a serious series problem! However I'm always on the lookout for new ones.
Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson.
Stormdancer by Jay Kristoff.
The Raven Boys by Maggie Steifvater.
These series are almost finished so there will be no agonising wait for the next instalment. I just need to get started....
 
Seraphina by Rachel Hartman.
The Diviners by Libba Bray.
These two I already own but the second books haven't been published so I'm justifying putting them off until it's published.
 
2015 Releases!
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas.
The Dregs by Leigh Bardugo.
The Gift of Power by Tamora Pierce.
Thunder Road by Katie McGarry.
The Orphan Queen by Jodi Meadows.
Most of these are by some of my favourite authors so I'm super excited to explore their new worlds. The Orphan Queen has a beautiful cover and a great blurb. A Court of Thorns and Roses has been on my radar for years so thrilled it's getting published.
 
What series are you looking to start?
Much Love!
Lettie
Xxx

Wednesday 1 October 2014

September: A Review!



Monthly Feature- rounds up all the books I've read, progress on challenges and monthly blogging goals!
 
I'm keeping up with my monthly reviews! September's been a pretty successful month for this year!
September in Numbers!
Total posts= 12
Books read= 6
Reviews Posted= 4
 
What I read in September!

 
September reviews!
Biggest Flirt by Jennifer Echols
Nantucket Red by Leila Howland.
Right of Way by Lauren Barnholdt

September posts!
Fantasy Flashback Friday: Tamora Pierce
Cover Love: Stunning Series So Far!
Sneak Peeks!
August: A Review.
Challenge Update 3
 
September Goals...
Pre-Schedule- Yay! My prescheduling has worked this month! I think my blog has actually been better than August....
Social Media~ Whoops! Not so good. Mainly because I can only connect my phone and netbook to the Uni internet and my blog social media is on my tablet...
Reviews~ More reviews! Not quite 6 but that was an ambitious goal!
 
October blogging goals!
  • Pre-Schedule- I just want to keep this up and hopefully make it a routine.
  • Reviews- I'm hoping for a realistic 4 as I'm starting my first placement!
  • Reading- I need to make a conscious effort to read more. Without my morning bus journey and solo lunch break (downside of a small office!) I've lost my reading time! Plus I have so many PGCE readings that my evenings are taken up. So I'm going to aim to read 6 books again!

How was your September?
Looking forward to Autumn?
Much Love!
Lettie.
Xxx

Monday 29 September 2014

Mini Reviews: Summer Edition!








Two great books that just screamed summer read to me!

Biggest Flirts by Jennifer Echols
Tia and Will’s lives get flipped upside down when they’re voted Yearbook’s Biggest Flirts.Tia just wants to have fun. She’s worked hard to earn her reputation as the life of the party, and she’s ready for a carefree senior year of hanging out with friends and hooking up with cute boys. And her first order of business? New guy Will. She can’t get enough of his Midwestern accent and laidback swagger.
As the sparks start to fly, Will wants to get serious. Tia’s seen how caring too much has left her sisters heartbroken, and she isn’t interested in commitment. But pushing Will away drives him into the arms of another girl. Tia tells herself it’s no big deal…until the yearbook elections are announced. Getting voted Biggest Flirts with Will is, well, awkward. They may just be friends, but their chemistry is beginning to jeopardize Will’s new relationship—and causing Tia to reconsider her true feelings. What started as a light hearted fling is about to get very complicated…

Thoughts
I really enjoyed Dirty Little Secret so I was intrigued by this Superlative series. I loved this book actually started before they were named Biggest Flirts. Tia was loud, confident and quite flirty. I liked how she contacted with Will straight away even if she'd completely misread him. Tia's family backstory explored a lot of her more abrasive personality traits like her aversion to love and relationships and her intense dislike of responsibility. I would have loved to see more interaction with her Dad as he remained a mystery! I loved how everyone in her life was aware of her little tricks to avoid responsibility despite the fact she thought she was hiding it so well. Will was an exciting character from the start, I loved that Tia misread him so we learnt about him slowly. I felt for him moving for senior year especially as all the positions he wanted/needed for College applications were taken up. Will was however a little desperate to have a relationship as soon as he arrived in Florida and made some questionable choices! I absolutely loved the dynamic and chemistry between Tia and Will, it made the whole book for me. Their chemistry seemed effortless and they just feel quite naturally into an almost couple like state. Their responses to their titles was funny as they were so blatant all the time! I felt like Will's straitlaced and open personality went well with Tia's free and complex one. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series!



Right of Way by Lauren Barnholdt
Here are Peyton and Jace, meeting on vacation. Click! It’s awesome, it’s easy, it’s romantic. This is the real deal.

Unless it isn’t. Because when you’re in love, you don’t just stop calling one day. And you don’t keep secrets. Or lie. And when your life starts falling apart, you’re supposed to have the other person to lean on.

Here are Peyton and Jace again, broken up but thrown together on a road trip. One of them is lying about the destination. One of them is pretending not to be leaving something behind. And neither of them is prepared for what’s coming on the road ahead…


Thoughts
Two Way Street was the first Lauren Barnholdt book I read so when I heard this was a vague companion book I knew I wanted to read it! I love a good road trip contemporary romance! Peyton surprised me, I usually dislike overly emotional leads but I loved Peyton. Sure she was whiny and dramatic but she was funny with it. Her family life had changed and when you're a teenager that is the worst thing that can happen to you especially what we learnt about her Mum. Peyton wasn't afraid to chase and commit to big abstract dreams even when they seemed to be falling apart, I admired that about her if it was a bit naïve. I loved the history between Jace and Peyton, it was realistic and sweet at the same time. I loved Jace especially the chapters from his point of view. He was witty and sharp. I liked how he begrudgingly took care of Peyton was necessary and pointed out her flawed plans. His best friend Evan was hilarious with his wild ideas, I would have loved to see more of him. It was great to get a look at how Courtney and Jordon were getting on and even BJ! I loved their side roles as advisers and examples. Right of Way was a great young adult contemporary summer book! I loved how the issues facing Jace and  Peyton were realistic and not too extreme. I always enjoy Lauren's books so looking forward to Through to You to come out in paperback next summer!
 
Do you feel these books are quintessentially summer books?
Let me know!
Much Love!
Colette
Xxx

Nantucket Red by Leila Howland.

Cricket Thompson's lifetime of overachieving has paid off: she's headed to Brown University in the fall, with a spot on the lacrosse team and a scholarship that covers almost everything. Who knew living in the dorm cost money? An Ivy League education seems to mean living at home for the next four years.
When Cricket is offered the chance to earn enough cash to afford a real college experience, she heads back to Nantucket for the summer. But the faraway island challenges Cricket in ways she hadn't anticipated. It's hard to focus on earning money for next year, when she finds her world opening up in entirely new ways-to art, to travel, and, most unexpectedly, to a future completely different from the one she has been working toward her whole life. A friendship blossoms with Ben, the gorgeous surfer and bartender who encourages Cricket to be free, even as she smarts at the pain of seeing Zack, her first love, falling for her worst enemy.
But one night, when Cricket finally lets herself break all her own rules, she realizes she may have ruined her carefully constructed future with one impulsive decision. Cricket must dig deep to fight for her future, discovering that success isn't just about reaching goals, but also about listening to what she's been trying to ignore-her own heart.


Thoughts!
I was initially unsure about a sequel to Nantucket Blue as I loved the book but I did want more resolution which Nantucket Red provided and more!
I loved that we got a sweeping overview of Cricket's year so the book was mainly set during the summer.
Cricket was the same great character. I loved her determination to equal the money offered to her so she could go to her dream college. I liked seeing her and Jules on better terms although I'm still not a fan of Jules! Nantucket had barely changed in a year so Cricket just slotted back in. I loved Liz returning and the way her character had developed and matured. I even liked Ben, because he was honest and almost a male version of Cricket, relationship wise. Zac was really frustrating this book! The way their relationship petered out initially was annoying but Zac's reaction and subsequent actions were just... I did enjoy the fact this book seemed less heavy with painful drama and more coming of age complete with the confusing love life!
I loved the ending the choices Cricket made. She really proved to be mature self sufficient and independent, secure in her goals and relationships. Overall Nantucket Red is a lovely positive summer read about a girl growing into herself and a fun summer community.

Rating

Nantucket Red is a brilliant companion to Nantucket Blue. It adds depth to the characters, expands on their background as well as being strong enough to standalone.

 Have you read the Nantucket books?
Much love!
Lettie
Xxx

Sunday 28 September 2014

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick.

"One thing my mother never knew, and would disapprove of most of all, was that I watched the Garretts. All the time."The Garretts are everything the Reeds are not. Loud, messy, affectionate. And every day from her rooftop perch, Samantha Reed wishes she was one of them . . . until one summer evening, Jase Garrett climbs up next to her and changes everything.
As the two fall fiercely for each other, stumbling through the awkwardness and awesomeness of first love, Jase's family embraces Samantha - even as she keeps him a secret from her own. Then something unthinkable happens, and the bottom drops out of Samantha's world. She's suddenly faced with an impossible decision. Which perfect family will save her? Or is it time she saved herself?
A transporting debut about family, friendship, first romance, and how to be true to one person you love without betraying another.


Thoughts!
Why didn't I read this earlier?? It's been on my tbr since it released in 2012- it was so worth the wait!
     My Life Next Door is a layered traditional contemporary summer book with twists and well written characters. It wasn't cliché as I'd anticipated.
    Samantha Reid was a great lead. I found her sweet and hard working if a little naïve. I love how she slotted into her life next door as she seemed to be a bit neglected at home especially with her sister gone and her Mum otherwise occupied. Jase was such a welcoming and generous male lead. He wasn't a cliché good or bad guy he was simply a well rounded mature teenager. I loved how he took on responsibilities for his family but would occasionally complain. I liked how he treated Samantha and how easy going he was.
    My Life Next Door has a well written individual side cast with all their own issues and personalities. The Garretts were such a vibrant family with so many different personalities. It was easy to see how and why Samantha was attracted and intrigued by them as they were so different to her family. I loved how all of them had positive attitudes and were well adjusted enough to rise above other's prejudices. I could probably write a detailed profile of each of them so I'll curtail my love of the siblings. Dad was a steady and pragmatic man with his approach to providing for his family, I loved how he was honest with Tim but still trusted him as an employee.
    Which brings me to Nan and Tim. Nan was a more complex character than she seemed. Initially I took her for a good friend if a little snobby but as the book progressed it became clear that she was exceedingly rude, cruel and entitled. Her apparent concern for Tim masked a deep jealously and I defiantly think she's heading for a breakdown. Tim was my breakout character, I loved him. Tim really developed and grew over the course of the book. I liked how he flourished under the positive encourage of the Garretts and Sam. Sam and Tim's friendship was resurrected and it was clear to see how they had grown apart and refreshing to see a platonic strong friendship which developed. I also loved his interactions with the Garretts, how he stepped up when needed and his banter with Alice.

    Samantha's Mum was another surprisingly complex character. She projected the image of career driven and confident involved Mum but it became clear that she wasn't as confident in herself as she seemed. I couldn't believe how her plot twisted and turned especially her sudden disregard for Samantha despite her initial concerns over how and where she spent her summer.
    My Life Next Door was primarily character driven, the plot itself was a clever manipulation of prominent clichés such as boy next door, rich/poor divide.

I loved the summery setting the town was big enough for the whole story to largely stay in one place. I loved the positioning of the summer jobs, the country club etc. It was like a storybook American summer town which was the perfect setting for My Life Next Door.

Rating!

My Life Next Door is the perfect summer read full of well crafted unique characters and a interesting original plot.
 
Are you a long time fan of My Life Next Door?
Are you excited for Tim to get his own book?
Much Love!
Lettie
Xxx

Saturday 27 September 2014

Cover Love: UK vs US Comparisons.





Comparison Time!

I love the Pushing the Limits series! Each book is unique, the relationships are layered and complex as are the plots. The covers are absolutely stunning too!

The top row are the UK covers and the bottom US.

Typography. The font and the layout.
UK I love how bold the UK font is. The colour highlights other aspects of the cover as well.
US. I do like the font and the directional differences but it's a bit to similar for me.
UK

Relevance. Do the covers offer a sneak peek of what's instore?
UK. This is a tough one because apart from how sporty the girl on Take Me On looks, the covers are just generic couples.
US. Again a few attractive generic couples however the car on Crash into You and the kickboxing element to Take Me On does make them more relevant.
US

True. Do the covers offer a true representation of the characters?
Pushing the Limits and Dare You To are similar across the covers.
UK.  Crash into You the girl is blonde like Rachel if a bit sultry and the guy is a clean cut version of Isaiah. Take Me On I like that Hayley looks sporty and tough with West completely in the background.
US. Crash into You again the girl is blonde but this Isaiah has tattoos and they are in a car. However Take Me On, the girl looks more casual in her jeans and tank top whereas West looks like he could be her trainer.
UK

Overall the UK covers are my favourite but they are all similar and luckily gorgeous.

What do you think?
Much Love!
Lettie
Xxx

Tuesday 23 September 2014

Top Ten Tuesday: Autumn TBR!






Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by: The Broke and the Bookish.
This week's topic: Autumn TBR.
 
I love these TBR topics almost as much as I love Autumn! I'm going to be busy with my PGCE but I'm hoping I'll still have time to read at least ten books this season!
 
Series!
Clariel by Garth Nix~ I've already mentioned how much I love the cover and how intriguing the sneak peek I read was so clearly I will be heading straight to the bookshop on release day!
Echoes of Us by Kat Zhang~ I loved What's Left of Me and Once We Were so I've got this on preorder.
Captive by Aimee Carter~ Another cover I love and a sequel to a book I loved so of course I need to read this as soon as possible.
 
Contemporary Companions!
Unraveling You by Jessica Sorensen~ Ella and Micha and Lila and Ethan's children? Yes please!
Rowdy by Jay Crownover~ I love this series so I can't wait for Rowdy's story.
Forever Summer by C.J.Duggan~ Another well loved series~ this was on my Summer TBR but the release date got pushed back!
New Series!
The Young Elites by Marie Lu~ Although I'm not a fan of Legend I'm hoping to love this.
Snow like Ashes by Sara Raasch~ This sounds like a great new series.
Jewel by Amy Ewing~ I'm intrigued by the blurb.
The Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen~ I love the blurb so I'm hoping my library reservation will come in soon!

Hopefully I will be able to read and love all these books! I got preapproved last week for Rowdy so I've just finished that one but I'd already scheduled this post :)

What's your must read this Autumn?
Much Love!
Lettie
Xxx

Monday 22 September 2014

Goodbye Summer!





Summer is slowly drawing to a close! We are currently experiencing the last of the summer sun here in the UK but I've no doubt that once September is over the rain will set in and cozy nights in reading will be back!

I've decided to dedicate the next 9 days to 'goodbye to Summer' mini feature to help myself transition into Autumn mode!

What to Expect?
  • Summer Bingo Wrap Up.
  • Summer reviews such as Nantucket Red
  • Autumn TBR
  • Travel post
  • and maybe an Autumn Bingo Challenge......
So I hope you enjoy the last of the summer days and my summery posts!
Much Love!
Lettie
Xxx

Summer Bingo Wrap Up!









Way back in July I decided to do my own Summer bingo challenge! I was inspired by Bookish Bingo  hosted by Great Imaginations when I saw it on The Book Monsters.
How did I do?

Not too bad! I got a line at least. I did plan on reading Forever Summer as my Australia but the publication date got pushed back! I managed to read a great range of books over summer though.
I really enjoyed this challenge. I think because it was quite free and the parameters were simple. I was going to do an Autumn one but my course is pretty intense so I may try and do a mini one for Christmas instead!

Have you ever done a Bingo challenge?
Much Love!
Lettie
Xxx

Friday 19 September 2014

Fantasy Flashback Friday: Tamora Pierce

A look back at my pre blog fantasy author favourites!
 
One of my 2014 resolutions was to create more features and blog more about pre blog books. This feature will encompass both those goals!  I have been a huge fantasy fan ever since Enid Blyton convince me a chair could fly and grant wishes. I plan to feature a different author each post and give brief reviews of their books. First author is: Tamora Pierce!
 
How?
I was sent to my school library to pick a book for reading tutor as I'd forgot mine and just picked Wild Magic off the shelf! I quickly sped through The Immortals series and the rest is history!
Why?
Tamora is a talented world builder. Her novels are either set in Tortall or Emelan these worlds are completely different to each other from magic and Gods to basic social structure and within these worlds all the different countries are unique with different backgrounds and cultures. The attention to detail is phenomenal. World building aside, her characters are always well written and unique , her female characters in particular are very confident and independent. Tamora isn't afraid to confront bigger issues within her books, they contain LGBT characters, domestic abuse storylines, bullying, contraception and safe sex. Above all Tamora keeps her books and characters true to the time period she has set them in making them easy to read.
 
Book Breakdown
There will be two Tamora Pierce posts, This first one is going to focus on Tortall books, I've included the decade each series was published in as the Tortall books have spanned three decades. I am keeping this spoiler free where I can, obviously Daughter of the Lioness will give away some spoilers for Song of the Lioness though!
 
Song of the Lioness: published in the 1980s.
Goodreads summary: the Song of the Lioness quartet is the adventurous story of one girl's journey to overcome the obstacles facing her, become a valiant knight, and save Tortall from conquest. Alanna douses her female identity to begin her training in Alanna: The First Adventure, and when she gains squire status in In the Hand of the Goddess, her growing abilities make her a few friends -- and many enemies. Books 3 and 4 complete Alanna's adventure and secure her legend, with the new knight errant taking on desert tribesmen in The Woman Who Rides like a Man and seeking out the powerful Dominion Jewel in Lioness Rampant. 
SoTL spans a long period of Alanna's life so you can see how she gets through knight training and then out in the 'real' world which
Favourite book: This is a hard one! I think The Woman Who Rides Like A Man because it features the Bloody Hawk tribe and they were so interesting!
Favourite characters: Jon, I loved Jon, he was strong and fair but fun. George, King of thieves, the 'bad' boy of the series. Faithful, witty and snarky, exactly how you would expect a cat to be. To be honest I loved all the characters but I had to narrow it down.
Favourite element: Alanna's love life involves more than one guy and not in a love triangle but a realistic progression as she grows up. Alanna's determination to do things she's not allowed to or that are deemed impossible.
 
The Immortals: published in the 1990s
 Goodreads summary: The story of Veralidaine Sarrasri (known as Daine), a parentless girl with an extraordinary talent. Daine finds a job that takes her and her pet Cloud from her home country of Galla to the kingdom of Tortall where she finds a new life and a new family, and learns that she has the magical ability known as "Wild Magic," which enables her to speak to animals, heal them, and take their shape as well as bend them to her will. She makes new friends with creatures, including the black-robe mage Numair Salmalin, a young dragon named Skysong (nicknamed Kitten), the lioness
Favourite book: Emperor Mage because it mostly takes place in Carthak!
Favourite characters: Numair, who doesn't love a talented attractive mage? Kaddar, I absolutely loved Kaddar. He reminded me of Jon and I loved how well he adapted to living under his Uncle's rule while retaining his own views. I really want to see more of him. Rikash, I loved his wit and his relationship with Daine.
Favourite element: Wild magic, I loved this concept and how it developed throughout the series.

The Protector of the Small: published in the early 2000s
Wikipedia summary: The story features Keladry of Mindelan, the first girl to follow in Alanna's footsteps—legally and without disguise, after a law is passed allowing girls to try for knighthood. As she begins her training, Kel is constantly harassed, injured, plagued by doubters and put on probation by her training master, who thinks a girl will never succeed. Kel discovers the hazing of young pages and fights the bullies to put a stop to it. Kel makes memorable friends throughout the series, including the wry Nealan of Queenscove, and also Lord Raoul of Goldenlake, an old friend of Alanna's. She meets some key enemies, including Joren of Stone Mountain, her fellow page. The series follows Kel's training and the first year of her knighthood, a timespan of nine years.
Favourite book: Squire, I loved Kel's Knight master and all the developments as it spanned a long period.
Favourite characters:
Favourite element: Kel doesn't have any magical abilities or influential friends to start with, she's just an ordinary girl who wants to be a knight. I love that Tamora didn't make her 'the next Alanna'.

Daughter of the Lioness/Trickster's: Published early 2000s.
Wikipedia summary: The story of Alianne (Aly) of Pirate's Swoop, the 16-year-old daughter of the legendary Alanna the Lioness. Disallowed work as a Tortallan spy by her parents, Aly leaves home only to be captured by pirates and sold into slavery in the Copper Isles. Under the guidance of Kyprioth, the god of tricksters, Aly involves herself with a conspiracy of the native raka people against their luarin conquerors, in accordance with a prophecy made by Kyprioth himself through one of his priestesses, centuries earlier.
Favourite book: I'll be honest I never really clicked with this duet, I was so excited for it I badgered my technology inept Mum to make an amazon account so I could buy it but I just couldn't get into it!
Favourite characters: Nawat! I loved his backstory and his personality.
Favourite element: The Copper Isles it was great to explore a different country.
 
Beka Cooper/Provost's Dog: published late 2000s.
Wikipedia summary:The series is a prequel  two hundred years earlier. It details the adventures of Beka Cooper, a sixteen-year-old recruit of the Lord Provost, originally from a
lower city family and now in service to the Provost's Guard. This series is told from a diary-style first person perspective. Beka's entries detail how hard she works to try to make her home, the Lower City of Corus, safer. Beka's roots in the Lower City give her both a keen insight and a sense of empathy for the people she is there to protect.
Favourite book: Terrier, I loved the mystery, the setting up of this medieval Tortall and the characters.
Favourite characters: Definitely Rosto! He reminded me of George

Final Thoughts
What I love most about Tamora Pierce is that despite the decades separating her series her characters remain relevant and that all their stories despite the different lifestyles/cultures are inspiring to readers. I love that the protagonists are all unique with different motives. I also love how well crafted and layered the Tortall.

Are you a Tamora Pierce fan? What's your favourite Tortall book?
Much Love!
Lettie
Xxx