Candyfloss & Dreams

Category: Books & Reading Challenges

An avid reader and collector of special edition books, this blog has a variety of book reviews, book box unboxings and sharing fun bookish merchandise. Most book reviews are young adult fantasy but also feature adult fantasy books. I love to read and I love to collect bookish merchandise such as character art prints. I share my goodreads book challenge progress each year and a book review roundup. Book box unboxings include illumicrate book box reviews and fairyloot book box reviews.

unboxing the january illumicrate box – the strength within

using book box subscriptions to read more books

i’ve started another reading challenge. i didn’t do it last year, i only managed about 26/52. i started reviewing the books on the blog, and i might do that again this year too however most of my bookish content can be found on instagram – you can follow me if you like @katcandyfloss where i’ll be doing a weekly bookish chat talking about what i’m reading and how i’m getting on with the reading challenge. you can also find and follow me on goodreads if you like!

what is illumicrate book box subscription?

so illumicrate is a book subscription service that offers you a chance to purchase a book box which features new books to read and some bookish merchandise. each month there is a different theme. i think its a great way to broaden your tastes, find new authors and have some gorgeous collectible books, some of which are signed or collectors editions. there are also special boxes available for book releases of favourited authors, limited edition books with stencil sprayed designs on the edges and unique covers. its the perfect subscription for book lovers.

how much does illumicrate cost?

the illumicrate book box costs £34 per month including uk standard postage. illumicrate also ship internationally. subscription spots are limited so once you’re subscribed, you’re renewed and can carry on but if you are new then you have to wait for spots to open up, usually at the start of each month. occasionally you might have the chance to buy past illumicrate boxes too however the retail store is not like a proper retail store, once stock is gone, it’s gone and the focus is absolutely on the book subscription spots. there’s also a collectible pin club that you can subscribe to which gives you a bookish pin each month. alternatively, if you don’t want all the stuff there are book only options too so there are plenty of options for book lovers.

unboxing january illumicrate book box subscription with the strength within theme

the theme for january was the strength within and i’ve done an unboxing video which you can watch her if you like

i’ll be joining in with the january photo challenge in early february and posting more pictures on my instagram if you want to see how i’ve styled those then you’re welcome to follow me! please let me know if you’re joining in with the challenge too.

what’s inside the box?

inside the box were two books, one hardback and one paperback, a book mark, a collectible magentic coin, a hat, a coin purse, a bookmark, a holographic print, an authors letter and a reading light. i think my favourite item was the reading light because i know it’s going to come in handy and it’s really practical. all the items are really lovely in the box although i think the least used would be the gideon the ninth coin purse – just because i have a pretty hefty regular purse! however, it’s the perfect size to some of my smaller bags so can be put to use then. otherwise, my plan for book merch i wont use will be to gift it on, give it to my daughter or perhaps try and sell it. i really want more bookish items but i know not everything will be practical or to my taste, as is every subscription service where the items are a surprise.

i am pretty excited about the two books. both books are signed but i particularly love the sisters grimm gold and black design and black sprayed edges. the book sounds really interesting too so i’m looking forward to reading it and travelling into this version of cambridge. it sounds like a really enjoyable read. the next book is infinity sons and from the blurb sounds quite interesting. it’s a paperback so it will be nice and easy to read and i imagine i will get through that one pretty quickly unless i join any readalongs of the book and pace myself a little bit!

my reading challenge

One of my goals for 2020 is to read 52 books or around one a week. Some might be new, some are ones I’ve had for a while or been meaning to read, some I haven’t quite finished yet and some will be recommendations from others. You can see all the books I’ve read so far on my Good Reads 2020 Reading Challenge.

January 27, 2020
36+ Audio Book’s I love
I’ve made no secret of the fact I love Audio books and I listen to them to go to sleep. I listen to the same books over and over again until I can use my audible credit (7.99 a month) but sometimes I find it hard to spend that credit. I mostly listen to fantasy stories. I don’t like to listen to non-fiction at night because it’s something I feel I should pay attention to. Most of the audible books I have I also have on my kindle so I can flip between reading and listening. That way I actually know what’s going on.

Please note there are affiliate links below.

I thought I would share the books I have on my Audible library for anyone looking for new audio books to listen to. I’ve had Audible on and off for years so my collection is quite big now. Adam has had it in the past too so some of the series are incomplete because he has them on his phone. You can find the entire selection of Audible books in my store front here.
1. Is It Just Me? Miranda Hart – this is also narrated by Mirander and slightly altered so when you read things like “reading chum” it’s “listening chum” etc. I love this autobiography and I love Miranda so it’s one of the only non fiction audiobooks I have.
2. The Lord of the Rings trilogy – I love the films and the books and the audiobooks.
3. A Storm of Swords (A Song of Ice & Fire – Book 3) I think this is my favourite of the series to be honest, so much happens in this book.
4. 3rd Degree – James Patterson. A good old crime fiction from the Women’s Murder Club series and I love the narrator.
5. How to Speak Dragonease & How to steal a dragons jewel – A How to train your Dragon book that I got for Evie to listen to. It’s narrated by David Tennant and he puts a lot of energy into it!
6. A Bear Called Paddington – again, got it for Evie, hopefully Felix will like it too. Narrated by Stephen Fry and has a little musical intro.
7. Sabriel – an amazing, absolute favourite story of mine narrated by the amazing Tim Curry. It’s a must read coming of age type fantasty book about a young sorceress that is looking for her anti-necromancer father with the help of a demon cat. It’s got one of the most tense scenes in it with the Mordicant chasing Sabriel up the mountain and has a really cool representation of Death.
8. The Ruby Knight – David Eddings. I really like this series and this is my favourite in the Elenium series.
9. The Worst Witch – I wanted to share this with Evie as it was a favourite of mine when I was younger.
10. Too Much Information by Dave Gorman and narrated by Dave Gorman. I love the TV show modern life is goodish and this is a very funny book that is of similar nature but without a powerpoint because it’s a book.
11. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince – it’s my favourite book in the series and again narrated by Stephen Fry. I love it.
12. Afterlife & The Two Kings by Stephanie Hudson – this is a really weird series that Adam can not stand listening to. There’s a lot of sex that gets a bit explicit at time but it’s basically about a tramautised girl that moves in with her sister in America and falls in love with a demon nightclub owner. It gets really weird as the series goes on but it’s one I needed to know how it ended. It’s an odd one.
13. The Immortal Crown – Age of X – Richelle Mead – I love this concept for this story. It’s the second book and it’s so interesting. The first one, Gameboard of the Gods sets up a post-apocolyptic America where religion is strictly controlled due to a religious terrorist extremist group creating a virus that killed a lot of people and left half of the population infertile. It’s really interesting.
14. The City of Mirrors: The Passage – the books are amazing and now a TV show on sky but it doesn’t do the books justice at all.
15. The Cuckoo’s Calling – JK Rowling’s other book persona Robert Galbraith. Crime fiction, really good. BBC made it into a series a couple of years ago which encouraged me to listen/read the books.
16. The Triple Goddess – another of the Afterlife Saga – it really is a saga. I can’t stop myself apparently. Adam also hates this one but I love it! Especially the introduction of Pip who is some sort of pixie demon.
17. 9th Judgement – back to crime fiction with the women’s murder club here.
18. Peggy and Me – couldn’t resist another book by Miranda Hart about her and her dog. I love this.
19. Miss Peregrines Home for Peculiar Children – I got this because the film looked good.
20. The Queen of the Tearling – a really interesting story kind of set in an old version of our world. The second book The Invasion of the Tearling explains the backstory more. It’s a trilogy, again a really interesting concept build on how societies are reformed time and time again. It’s on the basis of socialism following a sort of handmaid’s tale style reform. Very interesting. The first book is basically about a missing princess who goes to reclaim the thrown now she’s old enough and then has to fight the tyranny of the red queen who demands a tithe of slaves every month or she will go to war.
21. The Forsaken Saga – this is like four books in one I think about vampires but not as we know them really. It’s okay, very easy to listen to.
22. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – the 2nd best of the Harry Potter series.
23. The Assassins Blade: A Throne of Glass novella. This gives the back story to the Throne of Glass series
24. Throne of Glass and all the other books in this amazing series by Sarah J Maas. I love this series. I am obsessed with it. It’s about an assassin that got caught, was a slave and enters a competition to become the kings champion. It is so much more than that but going into it more gives away the rest of the series. It’s dark, twisted, has amazing characters, amazing romances, amazing plot, battles – everything. The series is 7 books long and ends in a really interesting way. I believe a world concept book is being released this year too and I need it in my life.
25. Truthwitch, Windwitch & Bloodwitch from the witchlands series. This series is deep and really about a bond between the two threadsisters. I think there is another book to come. It’s very good, has magic, a big plot heist, an angry admiral, seafoxes and it’s just an amazing adventure.
26. It by Stephen King – Adam wanted this.
27. Still Me – this is the third book in the You Before Me series. I have the first on Kindle, the second in paperback and the third in Audible fashion. It’s a great series, very emotional and an interesting turn from the first book. I like finding out where Louisa Clark’s journey has taken her.
28. The Frostblood Saga books 1-3 – another YA fantasy magic series. This is in a world where fire magic is basically banned or punishable by death. A fire magic user gets caught but then smuggled out and trained in secret to help overthrow the king.
29. Timeless tales for kids – another one for Evie, great to listen to in family room’s in hotels. This is all classic tales from E Nesbit, Charles Dickens and Lewis Carol.
30. Heroes: Mortals and Monsters by Stephen Fry. This is a really interesting one actually because it’s all the Greek hero myths told in a slightly different and unique way thanks to Stephen Fry. I love all these old stories from Ancient Greece and got this when I was playing a lot of Assasin’s Creed Odyssy
31. Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard. This is a really interesting concept for a YA fantasy style book. Sort of post apocolyptic because it’s clearly based in the US but many years in the future where people with silver blood have magic that dictates the way those with red blood live. It’s very oppressive and revolutionary. It’s one for the older YA readers, especially as the series goes on as there are some disturbing scenes. Very much built up around a class system and how those in power will find a way to discriminate against the many to keep them in control. I’m yet to read Broken Throne which is the last book in the series and features loads of cool letters and maps and things.
32. Mythos – Stephen Fry. This is another Greek legends one but starting with Chaos and introducing us to the Titans and then the Gods of Olympus. Love this one too.
33. The Cruel Prince. Now I’m quite late to this one actually because it’s been out for a few years but it didn’t really appeal to me. This is a book about three sisters, one Faerie and two twin mortals who are taken away to live with the Faries outside the mortal realm. These Faeries are not particularly nice and not quite the same as ones in other books. It mostly follows Jude who wants to be a knight, finds herself as a sort of spy. The second book, The Wicked King, follows on from this and the third book is hopefully coming out in November. I’m looking forward to reading where Jude’s story ends up.
34. Shadow and Bone – a YA magic book where magic users form a seperate part of an army in a world constantly trying to fight an area of darkness. A little bit about self doubt and belief. A bit of romance. An interesting twist.
35. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas – I love this main trilogy so much I can’t even say. It’s amazing. It’s got some really creepy and gruesome elements to it. It’s followed by novella A Court of Frost and Starlight. It follows Feyre who kills a wolf beyond the walls of the Fae realms and then has to commit to spending the rest of her life as a part of the Spring Court. Some of the creatures are really disturbing and the main villian is absolutely awful. The third book has a huge, epic battle as a finale which I just love. The second book, A Court of Mist and Fury is my favourite because of the change in relationship development dynamic with Feyre and other characters.
36. Caraval, Legendary & Finale – unlike anything I’ve read before. It’s an amazing series that reminds me of a travelling circus with magic and fortune telling. It goes further in the other books about the Deck of Destiny which remind me of Tarot Cards coming to life. A great trilogy with likeable sisters as the main protagonists. Nothing is what it seems in the world of Caraval.
36+ Audio Books to listen to if you love YA Fiction Novels
September 19, 2019
Introducing BookBeat: Audiobook Subscription & FREE Trial

You know how I absolutely love a good story. Reading or listening to them, I will always crave something to really get into. When I read that BookBeat were looking for bloggers to work with them and promote their Audiobook service I jumped at the chance. Sometimes, as a mum, it’s hard to find time to read. I try and make time everyday to read a little, sometimes a lot, but if I can’t then I make the most of Audiobooks. I’ve been using BookBeat for a couple of weeks now and I am really impressed with the service.

A Little About BookBeat

BookBeat started in Sweden in 2015 and has developed a great range of fiction and non fiction on their online streaming service. You pay a monthly fee to listen to the content which can be listened to through the free App. You can listen through WiFi or download to a device for easier listening. The RRP is currently £14.90 and can be cancelled at any time. BookBeat are also available in Finland and launched here in the UK in March 2017.

Our Family First Impressions

We have all really enjoyed listening to the content available, there are so many Audiobooks to choose from which is fantastic. We’ve loved listening to some of our favourites like Game of Thrones and I was so happy and suprised to find Kafka on the Shore there too. In the evenings I’ve settled Evie down with a story from the Children’s section. She’s really loved listening to the Beatrix Potter collection and Five Children and It. We can’t wait to listen to more.

BookBeat is going to be of great use to us over the coming months. I love listening to a story whilst I’m laying in bed and drifting off. I’ve also found myself listening on the way up to school as it’s quite a long walk. I can’t wait to find some fantastic titles to listen to whilst we’re on holiday in July. There is always time to listen to all the lovely audiobooks that BookBeat have to offer. I’ll listen any time of day, whilst working or relaxing. I’m really happy with the amount of audiobooks available on BookBeat and I love that you’re not restricted and can listen to as many titles as you want whilst your subscription continues.

BookBeat are very generously offering my readers a one month free trial to their service so you can test it out for yourself! What are you waiting for?

Do you like listening to audiobooks? Do you have a favourite?

Disclaimer: I have received a years subscription to BookBeat in exchange for this feature. All opinions remain my own.

April 13, 2017
Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon – Book Review

Do you ever see a trailer for a film that’s coming out and then you realise it’s for a book? Then you just have to read the book. And then as you carry on reading the book you just can’t put it down and you have to carry on reading it until it’s finished? Yesterday I treated myself to Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon as I saw a trailer for it on Facebook. I finished it in a few hours because I just had to find out what would happen. It was a fantastic read and I really, really loved it. I love a good book and Everything, Everything is right up there on my favourites list for this year. I’ve read and loved a lot of books over the last few years, and I’m so glad I still have the time to read and find new books. If you don’t fancy reading this one, why not see if it’s available on Audible?

Everything, Everything is a fast paced book full of fun diagrams, short chapters and so much love and emotion. It follows the story of Madeline, a young women who hasn’t stepped outside her home in eighteen years. She lives with her mother and her only company is her online tutors and amazing nurse, Carla. It’s a coming of age novel unlike any I have ever read before. Madeline deals with her illness the best way she can and lives life the only way she knows how, that is until she see’s the new neighbours and finally, for the first time, she finds a friend.

I purchased the Kindle edition of the book and could not stop flicking through the pages eager to find out what would happen next. Yoon’s writing is infectious, bubbly and so full of raw emotion, everything you would expect in a character such as Maddy. It is spirited, funny, sad and gripping. You can not help falling in love with Olly just as Maddy does. My only criticism is that the book was over too soon! I really thought a story like this could only go one way, and I don’t want to spoil it for anyone but Everything, Everything is just not your typical story. It has an amazing twist that I really didn’t expect until a few pages before the big reveal.

Everything, Everything would be the perfect holiday read this Easter and if you love quick, emotional, gritty, funny and lovely stories then I recommend this with all my heart. I’m so glad I found out about this book, and I hope the next person to read it enjoys it just as much as I have.

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April 9, 2017
Audible Subscription Service Review

As a book lover, I’ve been using Audible for a couple of years now and never thought to actually write about it but I’ve recently been talking about it a lot to friends and thought I’d share my view. Please note that this post will contain affiliate links which means should you choose to sign up to this service I will receive a small commission at no cost to you.

What Is Audible?

Audible is an audio book service provided by Amazon. You can listen on a laptop or through the free app on Android, App Store and on Kindle. You can sign up through Amazon or through the Audible website. Your Audible log on is usually the same as your Amazon log on.

How much does Audible cost?

As a new user you can sign up for a free 30 day trial. You can then continue to subscribe for £7.99 a month. This buys you one credit which will buy you any one book. I personally thing this is excellent value for money considering most of the books available are over £15. This gets you one book a month, but if you choose to you can sometimes buy extra credits for more audio books or just pay the cost of the audio book with cash.

How do you cancel Audible?

You can cancel at anytime and any books you have purchased with credits or received for free you will be able to keep forever. You can even just sign up and get the free book with the 30 day trial, just make a note of the date you signed up and cancel within one month.

How many devices can you have it on?

I have used Audible on my laptop, my kindle and both mine and my partners phone. Once an audio book is downloaded from the account, it remains on the device until deleted. So you can have several audio books on one device from other accounts.

What books are available on Audible?

I have found a great range of books available on the service including old favourites and many best sellers. Audible has introduced me to knew authors thanks to the recommendations. There are some fantastic series like Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones and Harry Potter. I really love listening to Miranda Hart’s books on there which are read by her and really do make me laugh when listening in. There’s books for children too like the How to Train Your Dragon series which my six year old daughter absolutely loves.

Verdict
I think Audible is a great service and well worth the money. I would really recommend taking advantage of the three 30 day trial and getting the first book for free.

If you decide to sign up to Audible – you can do so by clicking the ad below, which will earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you, or you can sign up direct through Amazon and start a free, 30 day trial, get yourself a free book and even cancel before the 30 days is up and KEEP your audio book at no cost.

November 29, 2016