It’s Christmas Eve! And on Christmas Eve in my family home, right before bed it is traditional for us all to sit down are read the classic poem
The Night Before Christmas
Clement C. Moore
Therefore when I found the ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas Book tag, originally created by Aoife from Fred Weasley died laughing, I just had to make it my Christmas Eve post.
Questions:
“Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse,”
A book that kept you up so late, everyone else was asleep.
Godsgrave
Jay Kristoff
I read this in two sittings, staying up way to late to finish it as I was just in too deep I needed to know how it ended. I adore this series and I am sad it has now come to an end, even if I have not convinced myself to pick up the last book yet (I don’t want it to be over).
“And Mama in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap,”
A book that made you fall asleep.
The Beholder
Anna Bright
Sorry but this one was a little bit of a snooze fest for me. I only rated it 2 stars, which was one of the lowest rated books of 2019 for me. I just found it rather dull and predictable. I did however recommend it to a friend whom I knew would adore the romance and she loved it. It just wasn’t my cup of tea.
“When out on the roof there arose such a clatter,I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter,”
A book, or a book scene that made your heart race
The Black Hawks
David Wragg
Where not heart racing as such The Black Hawks had me on the edge of my seat on a number of occasions, eager to turn the page and see what happened next! This was a highly rated ARC read for me this year, and I have a full review.
“when, what to my wondering eyes should appear,but a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer,”
An object in a book that was utterly magical/ Or a magical book
The Starless Sea
Erin Morgernstern
To me this whole book was just magical. I have been trying to write my review for some time but I just can’t put into words how i feel about it. From the writing style to the worldbuilding to me its just magical. I intend on re-reading it over the holidays and will hopefully have my review in the new year, but it will be a glowing one.
“With a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick,”
A twinkle-eyed book character that made you happy.
DC Peter Grant – Rivers of London
Ben Aaronovich
Peter will never fail to be one of my favourite characters. I realised that as the release of False Value was pushed back we would not be getting a story from Peter’s perspective this year so I am actually re-reading this one ( as I devoured it the day it came out last year) and decided to refresh my memory of the story before it continues early 2020.
“so up to the house-top the coursers they flew, with the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too,”
A book that made you fly to another land.
Ten Thousand Doors of January
Alix E. Harrow
This had some of the most beautiful and wonderful worldbuilding as well as story telling I have come across. I adored every minute of this book and all the possibilities it held. You can read my full review here.
“And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof, the prancing and pawing of each little hoof,”
A book creature you love.
Temeraire – The Temeraire Series
Naomi Novik
There is nothing quite like a super inquisitive almost feline like Dragon! Temeraire and his relationship with Capt. Laurence is just awesome to read about and I instantly fell for Temeraire. You can read all my thoughts on this one here
“He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot, and his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot,”
A character that proves to more than his /her first impression
Kellen – Spellslinger Series
Sebastian De Castell
Kellen starts out as a little bit of a spoiled brat with a woe is me attitude but as this series continues he really does grow up. He learns from his mistakes, and makes his own way in the world and I really enjoyed going on that journey with him. I have just finished the last in the series, which I will be reviewing soon, it was a fitting ending to his story,
“He had a broad face and a little round belly, that shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly,”
A book or book character that made you laugh
Reichis – Spellslinger Series
Sebastian De Castell
This fluffy little murderous Squirrel-Cat just makes me chuckle. I adore the relationship he has with Kellen and the banter they share. Again I was happy with how the story ended for him too, it made me laugh right to the last page.
“A wink of his eye and a twist of his head, soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread,”
A book that makes you feel safe.
A very Scalzi Christmas
John Scalzi
I wouldn’t say this book made me feel safe, its more I knew that this book was a safe bet that I would enjoy it from the very first page all the way to the last word. And I did. It put me in a great festive mood and I have even picked up the audio (its full cast!) to re-listen to a couple of my favourite bits with my husband as we have been prepping for Christmas Day. I have a mini review here.
“He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, and filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk,”
A book that put you to work (a book that you felt you really needed to concentrate on)
Crown of Feathers
Nicki Pau Preto
This is going right back to the beginning of the year but I just remember this taking me a very long time to get into. I just found it a bit of a struggle overall. While I quite enjoyed the story in the end I just found it a bit hard going to begin with. I did have an ARC of this and reviewed it here.
“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”
A book with a magnificent ending
Girls of Paper and Fire
Natasha Ngan
The worldbuilding made this book for me but Oh that Epilogue just killed. I am so glad I didn’t have to wait to pick up the sequel (review coming soon) as the cliffhanger was a doozie, see my review for more.
So there are my Answers. I tag you! If you haven’t done this tag.
Happy Holidays!
Fi's Bibliofiles 