by Emlyn Roberts-Harry

With the colossal popularity of Game of Thrones and the book series which it's based on, A Song of Ice and Fire, the current trend in fantasy fiction is, somewhat predictably, to copy it. As tends to be the way, though, it's the most superficial elements which people are latching onto: the bleakness, the realism, and of course the grim darkness of a story where anyone can die. 

Not that there's anything wrong with writing a story with those aspects to it, but it does get a little tiresome when everyone's doing it. A Song of Ice and Fire is, despite having become bloated lately, still a masterpiece, but it's not the darkness itself which makes it such a great read. What makes it work is that Martin knows fantasy inside out, is well versed in the genre's conventions, and decided to use his magnum opus as an opportunity to deconstruct it. And that's great: every genre could do with a little more detailed examination, and it's absolutely worth taking the time to pull apart cliches and try to examine how things might really go in these imagined worlds. 

by Cookie N Screen

It’s World Book Day and the table's been set. The dinner has been cooking, not an ounce I forget. I smooth all the creases of my periwinkle dress, making sure that my hair hasn’t exploded with stress. My make-up is flawless but on my teeth is a smear. Best clean of that lipstick before all of my guests get here. I light all the candles and relight the mood. There’s aromas of meat, cake and all of the food. I’ve slaved over the meal, now I simply have to wait. Soon they’ll be arriving and the night will be great.

There’s a ring of the doorbell, a knot in my tum. Whose here at my home? It must be someone.

by Hayley Charlesworth

Yes, World Book Day is primarily a day where you get children dressed up as their favourite characters and encourage their reading. But that doesn't mean that us adults can't have some fun too. And thus, I present the World Book Day drinking game.

Please note: do not play this drinking game if you are in any way responsible for the wellbeing of a child on World Book Day. Remember to drink responsibly. Drinking something that is befitting your fancy dress costume is always advised.

by Jennifer Drewett

World Book Day is a wonderful day. It's great that books and novels are still celebrated even in the age of technological greatness and Kindles. There are some books that touch a generation, change lives and make an impact partially because they sell enough to become part of the popular culture. Books such as The Lord of the Rings trilogy, the Harry Potter series and pretty much any book by Roald Dahl have made a giant impact and will be celebrated for years to come... But what about the lesser known novels published by lesser known publication companies? This reviewer is going to bring one into the spotlight. 

by Gemma Williams

Yes, World Book Day is upon us and alas, is almost over. We hope you've had a day full of costumes, stories and fun! Unless you're one of *those* people who earmark the pages of their books ... one essential thing for readers around the world are bookmarks. Here we are going to take a look at some of the best bookmarks.

by Mj Rain

It had been years in my life since I’d last picked up a book, before I picked up Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince. I read Deathly Hallows next and after that, the order is fuzzy at best. I read the series in a completely haphazard manner. Having seen the majority of movies already, it didn’t bother me and nothing in my life had ever been ruined by spoilers.

Harry Potter is the best book series I’ve ever read and I’m a very picky, and persnickety reader. I am not one of those book wormy types who can pick up any book and tear through it faster than the speed of sound. But, when something gets a grip on my imagination, wave goodbye to me for the next few days. This is exactly what happened when I found Mr. Potter.