Review: Throne of Glass by Sarah. J Maas

A heart of ice. A will of steel. Meet the Assassin.

Meet Celaena Sardothien. Beautiful. Deadly. Destined for Greatness.

In the dark, filthy salt mines of Endovier, an eighteen-year-old girl is serving a life sentence. She is a trained assassin, the best of her kind but she made a fatal mistake, she got caught.The Crown Prince of Adarlan offers Celeana her freedom, in return for her representing the Prince in a tournament-fighting the most gifted thieves and assassins in the land. Live or die, Celaena will be free. Win or lost, she's about to discover her true destiny. But will her assassins heart be melted?

Wow. What else can I say? Throne of Glass brought to life a brand-new world I loved. When you turn the first page you are greeted with beautifully-described scenes and gorgeous writing. The descriptions and words sweep elegantly from page-to-page, like the female protagonist at the ball.

 At the beginning of this novel, I never expected for Celaena to become one of my favourite females in YA Novels. She seemed arrogant, and although she kept that, her love for music and reading shocked me. What I loved about her was her attitude. Seamlessly strong but witty, powerful but an avid reader and feisty but kind. An assassin but an eighteen year-old girl.

The world-building in this novel is just breath-taking. Erilea is completely understood and so-well imagined you feel you are there. The insight to this world was detailed and the way it was brought to life so easy to imagine. Celaena's dress descriptions were luscious ! I'm still in awe at this world and it's deadly secrets.

Throne of Glass combined fantasy and dystopian with aspects of fairy-tale sneaking in throughout the novel. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough, as this truly exhilarating read reached it's climax. Chapters would leave you gasping for breath, or questioning characters motives. It changes everything and you seem to be lost in the world, where you would think magic was gone for good. There was also romance intertwined with the rest of the novel. I was waiting in anticipation to see what would happen.

The games themselves, were not as I was expecting and cannot be compared to The Hunger Games. This book certainly stands-alone, as Celaena, or Lady Lillian, fights for her freedom in a series of Tests leading up to a deadly Duel. It makes you wonder how far the King will go to see blood-spilled on his Glass floor?

What I will say, is some scenes had gory detail that even I found off-putting. I feel this is not a read for anyone younger than 13-14 years-old, as well as there being some bad language.

From the feisty female protagonist to the descriptions you will be in awe of, Throne of Glass is one of the best Fantasy reads you will come across.  It will capture you from the very first sentence and will keep your attention until the very end. With a fast-paced, heart-jarring plot, you'll be shocked you waited this long to pick it up. Words can't describe. A brand new series I'm excited to continue.

*****

Thank you to Bloomsbury for this review copy.

Goodreads

Fim Freak-Out on Friday #1

Film Freak-Out on Friday is a new feature hosted here on A Day Dreamers World, where the latest book to film adaptation news is shared.

The Host Movie is released in cinemas! The Host is out today(March 29th) in cinema's and is the next Saga from Twilight author Stephanie Meyer. I have yet to read the book by after seeing the trailer I really love the aspect of the story. Also, Stephanie Meyer is in the beginning stages of the sequel to The Host so we could see a brand-new book-to-film adaptation series all in cinemas over the next few years-as well as bookstores!

'The Host' Trailer #2

 

Shailene Woodley will lead Divergent & TFiOS

The casting for the Divergent movie seems to have been completed! I can't wait to see this adapted from book to the big screen and although I have mixed feelings on some castings, I think they have done a good job.Beatrice "Tris" Prior is going to be played by Shailene Woodley. Personally, I think this casting is OK, although I pictured her completely differently. I feel Shailene will do a great job and prove she is Tris.

I was eagerly anticipating the casting for Tobias "Four" Eaton and when they announced it, I couldn't wait to see who they had chosen. Theo James is the perfect Four, he is subtle and strong and looks fearless. Picturing him and Shailene Woodley together it's clearly they will look like a believable romance.

Kate Winslet was first expected to be playing Tris' mother, Mrs Prior but, instead she will be taking on the role of the Erudite leader, Jeanine Mathews. How great is this casting? They have also cast Zoe Kravitz as Christina, Ben Lloyd Hughs as Will and Christian Madsen as Al along with others. The villain on the movie Peter has the distinctive-looking Ben Lamb.

The cast of Lauren Oliver's Delirium are filming their Pilot episode and are looking for fans' support! For the shows Pilot to have a bigger chance of being picked-up, the cast are asking fans to share their love for Delirium and spread the word about the adaptation. Write a blog post, link to a fan page on Twitter or just show your general support. I'm really excited to read Delirium and with so many book-to-films, I'm looking forward to seeing a T.V. adaptation.

Some huge news for TFiOS this week and for Nerdfighters is that Hazel has been cast. This is a movie I'm too excited to see-I know that John Green will give the book the deserving adaptation. Shailene Woodley will also play Hazel, as well as Tris, and this is one I think she fits really well. To me, she looks very much like Hazel is pictured and since John Green chose her, it must be the right casting! I'm confident TGiOS will be a fantastic adaptation. Now, who will play Augustus?

Do you like my new feature?

Turn the Page Once More

 When I read The Hunger Games, it instantly became my favourite book. I think I've read it three times now, and Catching Fire twice. I also find myself constantly flicking to a random page and just enjoying a few chapters because I know the story so well and there's the urge to jump back in. It frustrates me when I find that I've forgotten details about the storyline or the characters. In this case, I head for my bookshelf and flick through the pages until I can find out what happened or who it is. It's the small details that make me want to read a book again. This is something that will keep me up late at night, trying to think of a characters name. It's good to know I have my bookshelf close by for late-night thoughts. And you may be thinking why? You know how it ends? But I think it's because you want the characters to live again or to enjoy their story.

If I had more time, I'd definitely re-read books more. Some others I'm eager to re-read are: Hetty Feather and Sapphire Battersea by Jacqueline Wilson, since I have the final book waiting on my shelf and Divergent and Insurgent by Veronica Roth but I think I will wait until a few weeks before Book 3(Convergent?) comes out. This is the reason I will be re-reading books over the next few months. Most of the sequels I am desperate to read come out in September or October these including Resist(Sequel to Breathe) and Crown of Midnight(Sequel to Throne of Glass which I am reading right now). This is one of the other main reasons for me re-reading, so I know where the storyline's left out and have all the characters back into my mind. There's also The Raven Boys #2 to look forward to in September.

Dive into your old favourite read!

Although, I find I do not read many books again. The odd few, yes, but I prefer picking up a book from my shelf and reading a few pages or chapters, just to refresh my memory. I always do this with my old Jacqueline Wilson books. She inspired me to write and read, along with being my favourite child-hood author. I bought the magazines and most of her books. I always find them really relaxing, when I can't sleep at night they are perfect. Other books I always do this with are Geek Girl, Small Blue Thing and Beautiful Creatures. How couldn't you?

There have always been those books I've put down after the first few pages but picked up again. I read the first few pages of The Hunger Games to give up, and pick it up a few minutes later to try again. There are those books I won't be giving another try-The Perks of Being a Wallflower was one I left on Page 24. I really wanted to love it, but didn't.

When do you turn the pages again?

Review: Hidden by Marianne Curley

Three hearts, two words, one secret.

When he took Ebony from me, I knew I would spend my life searching for her. Now I have found her, he will do everything in his power to keep us apart.

Ebony has led a very sheltered life. Confined to her home in a secluded valley, home-schooled until a year ago and limited to a small circle of close friends. It's as if she's being hidden. But there's one thing that stands out about Ebony: the fact she has violet eyes. She isn't ready when disturbing things start happening to her and something begins to change inside her. On one fateful night, Ebony meets Jordan. It's as if something explodes inside of her and she feels the pain in his eyes. Now her location is no longer a secret, who will find her first?

Wow. Put down this book and try and find the right words to describe it. I challenge you. It was captivating, exciting and gripping-a book worthy of acclaim. From the start, the opening lines are introducing you to Ebony, the main character in this story and who has been 'sheltered' throughout her sixteen years. Ebony is very down to earth, relatable and stubborn but also somebody who is compassionate. I felt I could relate to Ebony in some ways-but she stood out for her violet eyes. ''Hidden' is told from two points of view, as well as from Ebony's perspective, there is Jordan. Jordan has spent his life going home-to-home after his mother died. Jordan is such a determined character, you want to be able to step inside his world. His decisions change everything, and in most cases it's between life and death.

This novel was mainly fantasy but it really combined a bit of everything to create a captivating world. It grabs your attention from the very first sentence and doesn't let your eyes dart from the page until the final sentence has long since been read. The world-building in this novel is perfectly plotted, with intricate detail that gave you a vivid image in your head. The descriptions made the world's in this book realistic and imaginable and the writing was beautiful.

The build up in this novel is packed with suspense as you want to find out 'what' Ebony really is and why she is being hidden away. Every turn of the page allows you to discover something new but what I loved was the connections that were made from Jordan and Ebony's perspective.  Jordan, I found was slightly ahead of Ebony in finding out things you could see would link to her and it built an exciting storyline as we discovered how Ebony would discover these things.

The idea's and imagination was incredible, it was so fully brought alive and created something new. There were parts of this book that pitted 'good' and 'evil' against eachother while other's brought in a gorgeous and un-predictable romance. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough as we went from dreams to daylight and as secrets were discovered. There were demons, angels, princes and mythical creatures that filled the pages that were joined by a cast of characters you will get to know and realise, you don't understand at all. They were interesting, intense and everything you would want. It was a magical, mesmerising read that will lead you to an action-packed finale. Even with all these mysterious characters, there was the reality of a best-friend, a mother and father, and an enemy.

Although I did feel a bit of a Twilight type aspect sneaking in there, it was definitely controlled and made unique. A read I can't fault. For fans of fantasy and romance, and anything else. Just pick up this book and be brought into this new world - *****

Thank you to Bloomsbury for providing me this book in return for an honest review

You can now find me waiting desperately for a sequel.

What to Read This Spring

Today, it is officially the first day of spring. Despite waking up to see it was raining, I've decided to pick some of my favourite spring reads.

If you're looking for a read packed full of personality to keep you entertained:

  

 

Geek Girl by Holly Smale

Finding Cherokee Brown by Siobhan Curham

Alice Bliss by Laura Harrington

 

If you're looking for a romance with a difference:

 

The Fault in Our Stars - John Green

Delirium - Lauren Oliver(Which I am really excited to read)

Small Blue Thing - S.C Ransom

 

If you're looking for an exciting read to keep you gripped:

 

Breathe - Sarah Crossan

The Raven Boys - Maggie Stiefvater

Hidden - Marianne Curley

 

For something completely different:

 

 

 

The Book Thief- Markus Zusak

 

What are you reading over the next few months?

 

Get Involved!

 

Lately, I have been planning & preparing themed weeks and my own celebrations for running this blog for a whole year. I never thought I would see it but, as it is only three weeks away it is the perfect time to start asking for your help. I will be doing a full week of blogoversary celebrations with interviews and cake to go around, as well as the occasional giveaway. To be a part of the Tea Party email me using the contact details below.

Next, it is the themed weeks I will be holding! My first themed week will be held from the 25th March and will be celebrating the fantasy world. If you have any fantasy book recommendations make sure to contact me about them and will take a look. There will be polls running throughout the week to pick your overall favourite fantasy novel so if you could also tell me your favourite either in the comments below or by emailing me that would be much appreciated!

Contact me:
Email - a-day-dreamer@live.co.uk
Twitter - @DayDreamsWorld

*The picture used here is not mine*

Literacy Dinner Party: Tag

This was something I really wanted to do. Would you come to my Dinner Party?

1.  One character who likes to cook. 
I've never read many books where one of the character's loves to cook, but nobody can forgot Amma from Beautiful Creatures. She is constantly cooking, and sometimes even for the fact to out-cook the DBR in Gatlin which I love.

2.  One character who has money to fund the party.

Dr Bryce from Pig Heart Boy. A weird choice but I'm sure he could fund it.

 

3.  One character who might cause a scene.

Ridley from Beautiful Creatures. As a Dark Caster, she is of course always causing arguments and as a Siren she would cause some strange things to happen.

 

4.  One character who is funny/amusing.

Georgie from Dear Dylan. Despite having a really tough time, she still had a fantastic personality that made me laugh throughout. I couldn't do that!

5.  One character who is super social/popular.

I can't really think of many characters who are popular but I think that Jodie from My Sister Jodie is super social as she really just wants to do what she wants. I loved Jodie, her outgoing attitude just made the book.

6.  One villain.

Seraphine(Beautiful Creatures) or President Snow(The Hunger Games). I'd probably go for Snow since he isn't supernatural.

7.  One couple (doesn't have to be romantic).

Hazel and Augustus from The Fault in Our Stars. It was just so sad! And Augustus really made me think about the world and society.

8.  One hero/heroine.

Katniss, also from The Hunger Games. She is my favourite fictional heroine and the way she fights for her family makes her worthy of a heroine.

 

9.  One underappreciated character.

Just one? I can't. There are too many that are underappreciated. I'll choose Bea from Breathe because her kind and caring personality just stood-out for me. You don't see many characters who are just so smart yet prepared for anything.  

 

10.  One character of your own choosing.

Harriet Manners from Geek Girl. I just loved this novel and as a fellow-Geek she would have to be there. Again, I'm struggling with choosing just one, but if I could add to the Guest List I would have Four(How could I forget about him?) from Divergent and Liesel from The Book Thief.

Bloglovin'

Since Google Reader is coming to an end on the 1st July and it is expected for GFC followers to go with it, I have decided to join Bloglovin'. It's easy to use and as soon as you sign up it gives you the option to import all your contacts from Google Reader to their website. So far, I've found it's so much better than Google Reader. Although I can't help feeling upset about losing all of the GFC followers I've worked hard to get, I love how organised Bloglovin' is and I'm glad I've found it. So, I really hope you can all find me over there and to see you all after July 1st!

You can follow my Bloglovin' HERE
And if you have already joined Bloglovin', comment your link below too!

Just a quick note.

"You Can't Judge a Book by it's Cover"

"You can't judge a book by it's cover"

 

That there is such a well known quote. It normally refers to people and how you should not judge someone because of how they look. But, can you actually judge a book by it's cover?

 

Here are some of my favourite covers:

 

 

As you can see I have a very different mix of favourite covers. This says that it's not the only thing that makes me want to read a book.



 

 

I always find myself being drawn in by a cover-it is the first part of a book you see and set's the path for the rest of it. I always find myself buying a book because of the cover. If it is interesting, you want to see what it is all about. One major point for me is if there is an interesting point like an object in a corner or hanging somewhere, it grabs your attention. I find a unique book cover is what every book needs. Although I feel it's not everything.

 

For example, I don't feel you can judge a book on it's cover but I feel it's the way you normally find a book. So, it really has to be good. Sometimes, the books with the simplest of covers are the one's that attract me. It's the books name that also stands out to me, for example 'The Fault in Our Stars'. I heard so many great reviews and seeing it in a bookstore, it has one of the simplest covers but it just stands out. I feel an over-the-top cover can be too much, be too bold and bright and sometime off-putting. In a bookstore I feel a eye-catching cover is what you need but you shouldn't judge a book because of it.

 

Judge a book because you have read it! When I go to a bookstore, I always find myself looking for books I've read reviews on or because the movie's are being realised. And others, I pick it up after seeing the cover and think "I need to read this" because the blurb sounds so fantastic it turns into another on your TBR pile. There are so may reasons for why I choose a book, the cover is one of them and of course you can judge a book by it's cover! A cover is sometimes all you need to know this is going to be a great read. Many of my favourite books I have wanted to read from the moment I saw the cover: Alice Bliss, Geek Girl & Small Blue Thing. And who can't help loving having a shelf full of beautiful book covers to look at? My shelf is bright, vibrant and colourful and I've never really got a rounded taste.

 

Reasons you can't judge a book by it's cover is because of books like TheFault In Our Stars, Beautiful Creatures and of course The Hunger Games. They have simple, plain but effective covers although they don't seem to stand-out. I personally love the covers but other people would find them boring. Maybe if I hadn't seen reviews and gone to look for that certain book I would feel the same. Though, who knows what's hidden inside a book? Take a look at the blurb, read the first chapter hidden at the back of the store or as a sample on Kindle, ask your friends. Never just focus on the cover. Or even reviews because some people have hated books that I have loved but that's another topic.

 

Next week-Google Reader Closing-What's next?

Review: Dear Scarlett by Fleur Hitchcock

"My Dad didn't leave me much, just the tools of his trade and a head for heights but he did teach me the different between right and wrong. He was very good at that.

When Scarlett is given a box belonging to her father, the jewel-thief that has been dead for five years, she doesn't know what to expect. She finds it's full of clue's and maybe she can find out the truth about her father's mysterious life but only if she can work out what they all mean. Except people already have their perspectives, won't Scarlett follow in her father's footsteps? With her new friend Ellie she sets off on a trail that leads her into the life of someone she never knew at all. Was Scarlett's dad really a thief? Why did he tell her to 'keep looking up'? More so, what does it mean to be his daughter? And it looks like she is just about to find out, could she be risking more than she had thought?

Don't you just love this cover?

Dear Scarlett was a brilliant, exciting and quirky read. It has an engaging plot, with an interesting main-character that narrates the novel. The plot itself is mysterious, and despite being set for a younger audience, I feel this is a great read for people up to the ages of around twelve.

Scarlett was a witty, funny and courageous character. There are moments, on Scarlett's journey to discover who her dad really is, when you are laughing at the comments Scarlett makes or what she does. Scarlett has to deal with more than most ten-year-old girls but what you will notice throughout the book is that she grows. Through the novel she has to discover who she really is, in which you fid Scarlett is somebody who will fight for what she believes in, which really captures you on her journey. The other characters in this novel other than Scarlett, have their own personalities that are definitely stand-outs.

What I would say is some parts are realistic, despite being fiction. Being one of the strongest part of the book for humour. I felt that it could have been altered slightly. Apart from that, the plot was very mysterious. There is never one way the plot may go but it creates the perfect adventure novel.

There are some issue's in society that are talked about in this book. Subjects including bullying, stereo-typing and threat are in the plot and I feel they're important to be told. Stereo-typing plays a part in Scarlett's story, as she feels she should follow her Dad's footsteps as the people around her think she will.  The writing itself is funny, witty, smart and descriptive. It had a child-like quality to it but there were so many detailed descriptions and new idea's it was completely original.
I completely enjoyed this book and when I put it down, I wanted to read more about Scarlett's personality. She was fun to read about, and I think that is one of the best qualities to have in a book. Some scenes could be frightening for younger reads so I feel this is mainly for ages 10-12 but is the perfect relaxing read that you can just enjoy if you are 12-14. It definitely has it's laugh-out-loud moments!

Balancing Blogging

I've seen these posts appear a lot lately, and I've decided it's my turn to post about how I balance schoolwork and blogging along with other day-to-day things.

School can cause problems mainly because of homework. After school, when your homework pile could drown you, there isn't possibly time to write a post. A post takes time to write, in some cases plan, maybe finding pictures or editing video's. One thing I was told and I think it's right to keep to is that 'School always comes first'.  As much as I would prefer to be writing or reading or spending time with my family, schoolwork has to be done. It's the pathway to our future. Blogging definitely has it's advantages, especially in school. You learn how to write in a more versatile style from reading different blog posts and from reading books. Even so, I always make sure my homework is done on time before I blog. Being organised is always a great thing when you have a lot to do. Plan out your time and keep to it-I always have problems with this as the internet is a very intriguing place. The great feeling when you have a good mark will be worth it.

Some other tips for balancing school work is to not use your phone or open up any work up on, for example, your laptop when doing work. Everytime I do this I find myself getting distracted by the sign that tells you there is a new email waiting to be answered. I find it much easy to be blogging with the thought of having homework waiting for me. Also, do as much work in school or in the library-maybe even stay an hour after school to finish just so it's done. I love the thought that I don't need to do anything else for the rest of the night, the book that you want to finish can have the final page turned. Bliss. Planning posts can also be another great idea. If you have a spare night when you have no homework, you can write one in advance and schedule it(Although in past experience it never posts at the time your expecting it too). I think this is one of the best tips I have picked up, as well as using some of my old writing for a post. These quick-shortcuts make life a lot easier. I mostly blog on the weekends.If you also find you have no spare-time to read, carry a book in your bag to school, you'll be surprised to find how many times you can just read a page or two-maybe even a chapter.(Under the table!)

If you have clubs after school, you can also talk about them online. It may be quite nosy to admit this, but I love reading about what people have been doing.  Or take a notebook and jot down some notes throughout the day-maybe even some review notes. I also try to do as much work as I can in school during lunchtimes. Except, you have to then find the balance between too-much school work and enough. Have fun too and don't feel obligated to blog. I try to blog every two days, sometimes three.

My top tips are:

1. Always put school first!
2. Before blogging, do all your homework so, it's out of the way.
3. Do as much of your homework in school for more time.
4. Don't feel obligated to blog every-day
5. And carry around a book or pen and paper in school to get things done when you have a few minutes spare.

What are your top-tips?

Short Story Sunday(1)

Each Sunday, I will post a 500 words short story for you to read. Tell me what you think in the comments!

In a towering city, I walk alone. In the dark streets, with just the faint lights from the street lamps that line the streets I travel through, I can just make out the shape of a person. Standing tall, with a muscular tone, hair hanging over one side of his face. Before he can notice me I turn and pull myself into a sidewalk, hidden from his view. I wasn't expecting to see him here-for him to turn up at all. To know that the truth that I have devoured the country for, could be in my hands within minutes.  My heart is thudding against my chest while my breathing is ragged and sharp. I once said to Charlie, that despite the fears we have faced throughout our lives that I would do this for her. And although she is gone, something I will never be able to forgive myself for but because of the guilt racking me everyday I will never be able too, I know I have to fight. It's not just a fourteen year-old girl being reckless, I'm too determined for that. It's a chance to know the truth, and you're telling me you wouldn't take it? When you're life has been shattered like glass, with nobody to turn to but yourself. But you can’t even bear to look at yourself?

My breathing has slowed down so I pull myself out from the bin I was hidden behind and holding my head high, I walk over to him. You can hear my foot-stops as I walk down the empty alley-way, the only sound the howling wind. It's gone midnight by now-I'm late.

"So, you've finally decided to show your face huh?" He turns toward me, his eyes piecing my skin. They are dark, empty, like a bottomless pit. But he has a cunning grin on his face. One that causes me to take a step back.

"Couldn't possibly turn down the opportunity" I reply, a slight hint of sarcasm in my voice

"Someday you will learn Isabelle" From the way he says my name you would swear it was poison

"Learn what?"

"That you may not want to hear the truth" He catches a strand of my hair and I recline "What do you think you can do now? You're sister, what was her name Charlie, is dead dear, why exactly are you here?

The mention of my sister sets my cheeks flaming. I feel the anger rising within me, the grief that can no longer stay buried.

"I want to hear the truth Eleazer, despite your pathetic little mind games!" I scream "Yes, Charlie's dead! She's dead! And I know the part you played in this!

He chuckles "So, why are you here?

"I want to hear you admit it!"

"Admit it? Of course, anything for you my dear..." He takes a pause, just to add the drama. But says nothing. "Take this" He hands me a note:

Murderer

"Just for the memories, dear" He adds

Geek Girl Blog Tour: Interview with Holly Smale

Today, I'm participating on my first blog tour. It's my stop on the Geek Girl Blog Tour.

 

Congratulations on Geek Girl! What gave you the inspiration for this novel?

 

Thank you! I was writing a very serious novel for adults when a good friend suggested I have a bash at a book about modelling, because I did it as a teenager. I didn’t want to, frankly, but she nagged me until I agreed to give it a shot, and as soon as I wrote “My name is Harriet Manners and I am a geek,” I realised that it wasn’t a story about models at all. It was about geeks and outsiders - it was about the people who don’t fit in - and that was a story I was suddenly passionate about telling.

 

Could you give us a quick synopsis? 
 

Geek Girl is essentially an updated fairytale: it’s a modernised version of The Ugly Duckling. Harriet is a fifteen year old geek who is bullied at school, so when she’s spotted by a modelling agency she thinks she’s been given the chance to change her life, or - maybe - herself. Unfortunately her metamorphosis isn’t quite the adventure she was expecting. Not least because the fashion world doesn’t seem to like her any more than her schoolmates did. 

 

Were any parts of this novel based on events in your life or others you know?

I’d call it fictionalised semi-autobiography. I’m not Harriet, but we’re similar; the story didn’t happen to me, but bits of my real life inspired it. I was spotted by a modelling agency when I was fifteen on a school trip, and I was also bullied quite badly at school. Those scenes in particular are very much based on real events. The others are a mish-mash of fiction and truth and reality and imagination, as most books are.

 

Geek Girl is full of stand-out personalities, were any of the characters inspired by people you knew?

They all stand alone as characters: when I write them, and think about them, they have their own voices and faces and ways of moving and speaking that don’t coincide with anyone in real life. Some of them have characteristics plucked and tweaked from people I know or have met; some of them are secret parts of me I don’t acknowledge very often. A couple are more real, though. Richard is quite recognisably my dad. He thinks he’s famous now.

Geek Girl is full of stand-out personalities, were any of the characters inspired by people you knew?

They all stand alone as characters: when I write them, and think about them, they have their own voices and faces and ways of moving and speaking that don’t coincide with anyone in real life. Some of them have characteristics plucked and tweaked from people I know or have met; some of them are secret parts of me I don’t acknowledge very often. A couple are more real, though. Richard is quite recognisably my dad. He thinks he’s famous now.

It was also packed with interesting facts that I have been randomly sharing since. Where did you find them?
 

All over the place! The internet is a great source for hunting down interesting titbits: I Google and sniff around whenever I see something I think is interesting or funny. I sometimes sit in a library and make notes out of random books too. Or somebody will tell me something, and I’ll immediately jot it down. It's fine if it's a fact, but a lot of my friends have started beginning conversations with “do NOT put this in a novel.”

 

Did you enjoy writing from Harriet's view? What was your favourite part to write?

I love Harriet, and I get excited every time I get to step into her head again: she is so alive for me.

I enjoyed writing all of Geek Girl, but some bits particularly stand out. I cried when I wrote the main bullying scene - it brought back some painful memories - and Nick is so lovely that any scene with him and Harriet together is fun to write. Overall, though, I’d say the scene with Annabel is my favourite chapter. Without spoiling the book, I think having people who genuinely love you is one of the luckiest things anyone can ask for and it was wonderful to be able to give Harriet that.

 

Were you ever a Geek? 

I am a geek, present tense. It doesn’t go away. You may get more comfortable in your own skin as you get older, but I think the inner geek stays put. I’m just lucky because as I’ve become an adult and found the people I match properly - as I’ve started embracing my differences - my geeky qualities have stopped being flaws and started being strengths instead. 

Did you ever get bullied, just like Harriet, because of it?

 

Yes. I got bullied quite badly, and I was unhappy for the majority of my teens. That’s what really pushed me to write Geek Girl, and when people sometimes criticise it because they think the bullying scenes are “exaggerated” it worries me. They happened, and - more importantly - I witnessed much worse happening to other people. It’s so important that people acknowledge cruelty and bullying going on all around them, even if they’re lucky enough to escape it themselves. Otherwise how can we expect it to ever get better?

 

 

Geek Girl has already had a big impact, what do you want to be the message people take away when reading Geek Girl?
 

I didn’t write Geek Girl to try and make geeks sound cool. I wrote the book to say: be proud of whoever you are. Harriet’s not the only character in the book - there are a range of personality types - and I wasn't trying to say that she was better than any of them. I was just trying to make the point that whoever you are - whatever your sense of humour, or fashion sense, or interests - you should embrace that and be the best, kindest possible version of that person. I’d love it if that was the message readers took away. I’d love it if it gave people more confidence or faith in themselves.

 

Why did you want to become a writer and when was it you realised it was what you wanted to do? 

I wanted to be a writer from the age of about four or five: basically as soon as I realised that books didn’t magically appear out of thin air. I’m a natural outsider, but people fascinate me and I love working out why they do what they do and watching their individual stories unfold. Everything about writing appeals to me: playing with language, creating worlds and people, making readers laugh or cry or feel different. Also, I was an incredibly bossy little girl so it’s the obvious next step: I get to build a universe and then tell it exactly what to do. It’s so much fun. 

Have you got any advice for aspiring writers?

Nothing that hasn’t been said by thousands better at it than me. It’s a skill, just like jumping high or making wardrobes, and the more you practice and hone it the better you will be. Words are your tools, and they can never be too sharp: study grammar, punctuation, spelling and vocab until they are second nature. Read, read and read books by people more talented than you will ever be, and then forget what you have read and find your own voice and what you want to say. It’s the same as in life: the biggest strength you have is in being yourself.

 

Geek Girl by Holly Smale is out on NOW, published by HarperCollins Children's Books, £6.99 (PB).  Also available in e-book formats.

 

 

 

*Thank you to Holly Smale and Harper Collins.*

Love Letters(1) - Breathe

Love Letters is a new blog feature I will be posting after I have reviewed a book that includes a love interest/triangle or is based around a romance. This week, I am talking about the romance in Breathe.

The love triangle in Breathe is very different to one's that I have experienced when reading before. To begin with, Breathe is told from a three-way-system so, you get every side of the story and without giving away the plot, it's clear who actual likes who and there is no affection shown until mid-point through the book when you know 'They are perfect'. This is when it becomes a romance between two of the characters instead of a love triangle. I really loved this development in the relationship because it was built up throughout the first-half. It also made the plot work and fit as well as adding emotion to it.

Profiles

Quinn -The man in the middle of the triangle, Quinn clearly likes Alina. He follows her into the Outlands and saves her from being captured by the government. He would do anything for her.

Bea - Sensible, Smart and Insightful but, Quinn's best friend. She's realising she no longer wants just a hug.

Alina - A feisty female fighting for honesty. She knows Quinn likes her but has already experienced what will happen if you fall in love.

Abel - Abel does not really make up the love-triangle but is who Alina wants except, he was captured by Breathe and it is her fault. Abel though, is only part of Breathe for the first chapter.

Bea and Quinn's best moment: That they had always been friends despite being an Auxiliary and Premium and also that Quinn never wanted to go against Bea.

Alina and Quinn's best moment: When Quinn saved Bea from being captured and got her out of the Pod.

Most of the time, I'm not a huge lover of triangles. I enjoyed the one's taking place in both Twilight and The Hunger Games but I find there are too many.  What really ruins love triangles is the teams when people are arguing over who should end up together. I can't help disliking when a book is completely based on the love-triangle and the main character is really naive about their choices. Breathe took a completely different way of telling this story and I loved it. It was emotional and raw but there were other things going on in the book to add action. The romance really said 'They're experiencing young-love' and brought you back to how old they really are. It was told so beautifully and, I was rooting on Bea throughout the novel because of the way she really loved Quinn. Whether they fall in love I won't say but the romance was there for such an insightful reason. It builds up and doesn't let down.

I was rooting for Bea and Quinn. Have you read Breathe? Who was your ideal pairing?

What do you think of this new feature?
Would you like to see another?

Review: Breathe by Sarah Crossan

In a world with no trees, no air, no truth,

There is no choice but to fight back.

 

 

When Oxygen Levels Plunge is a treeless world, a state lottery decides who will live inside The Pod. Everyone else will slowly suffocate.

 

Years after The Switch, society has divided into Premiums and Auxiliaries. Only Premiums can afford enough oxygen to live a normal life while Auxiliaries spend their time worrying about when their supply will finally run out. Dissenters to the regime are ejected from The Pod to the Outlands where a harsh climate waits for them. Alina belongs to a rebel group set to restore truth into their world. On the verge of capture by Breathe, the Pod's Government, Alina is rescued by a Premium boy and an Auxiliary girl: Quinn and Bea. They escape The Pod but with only two days worth of air. Drifters, harsh climates and the truth. Outside, they unearth conspiracy on a breathtaking scale. Everything depends on their survival.

 

 

Do you know the feeling when you realise you are one-page away from finishing a book you don't want to end? That was what I experienced when reading Breathe.  

 

I loved it. It was a fast-paced, exhilarating read that has a world that was detailed and easily imaginable. Told from the perspectives of Alina. Quinn and Bea, getting to know each character was yet another bonus to this gripping read. Alina is part of a rebel group, fighting for the freedom to breathe, and is a feisty character that doesn't want to accept help. Alina is very different compared to the other female protagonist in this novel, Bea: kind, caring and insightful. She also is so wise and compossionate, it changes the way you think of the other characters through her words. .Quinn has always has enough air to Breathe but despite this, he brings humour into this novel with his bold personality. These main characters also bring in a love-triangle which brings in a romantc side to a perfectly-plotted, action-packed novel. A love-triangle from all three point of views was emotional and heart-warming but was something different that is completely enjoyable to read. Sarah Crossan, the author, was able to create a cast of characters you will want to read about and will be able to find some of yourself in. The way it is told from Alina, Quinn and Bea's point of view, was a choice I loved. Quinn and Bea being best friends, it was great to see their story collide with Alina's. There was so much emotion and a different side to the story as with each chapter, you changed the perspective.

 

Most Young Adult Dystopia is set in what used to be known as America but Breathe is the future of Britain. Breathe is a complex world and set up but you also get to, throughout the book, learn more about the state of the other countries in the world. Unlike other dystopias, it tells you what is happening elsewhere whilst giving a glimpse into the future. The scenes were detailed and was full of gorgeous writing. The Outlands are easy to imagine and give you a clear picture of the world that is left. As I have said before there is a wide cast of characters but each are easy to remember and part of this novel.

 

Breathe was just fantastic. It is an incredible read that I loved from start to end, I could never seem to turn the pages fast enough. I found it easy to understand but with twists and turns in the plot and secrets being discovered, it leaves you in constant suspense. I adored getting to know the characters and their personalities and wanted them to succeed throughout the novel. It has a gripping build-up throughout the novel to a cliff-hanger ending. Bea was my favourite character as I found a bit of myself in her but I also adored the love-triangle. In a quite serious novel, you need something that people can really relate to and that is always first-love. A promise when reading Breathe is that it will leave you breathless! A must-read for ages 12+.

*****

Goodreads

Words can't describe how much I loved Breathe-roll on the sequel!
 



Favourite Fictional Females

I closed my latest poll a few hours earlier to be able to write this post. The Poll asked "From which point of view do you prefer to read a book?". I prefer to read from a Female Perspective and that's what you seemed to enjoy most because it took the poll with 84%(11 votes). Which brings me onto my favourite fictional females(where the book Is told from their view).

Tris- Divergent/Insurgent(Veronica Roth)

I like her because...Tris is a feisty heroine but also has a more girly, honest side. I loved how she grew throughout Divergent but had to face consequences and keep secrets. Her world was also so detailed, it made her very realistic, so I was constantly rooting her on and still am.

Lena-Beautiful Creatures(Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl)

I like her because...Although there Is only a page and a half in Beautiful Creatures that is told from her point of view, she is still one of my favourite fictional characters. It was her fight to choose her own fate that I loved and how she was different from everybody else in Gatlin. Lena Duchannes is a character you will remember-not only for her gothic style, but how she may be non-mortal and wants to fit-in.

Alice - Alice Bliss(Laura Harrington)

I like her because... Alice Bliss, when I read it, was a coming-of-age story about fifteen-year-old Alice who's father decides to fight in a war she disagrees with. Alice herself is everything: funny, strong, emotional and alive. There was everything in Alice Bliss, including romance which brought Alice's character to the height of the novel but it was the way Alice acted that made me want to read on, like a never-ending diary.

Hetty - Hetter Feather Trilogy(Jacqueline Wilson)

I like her because... She's the fiery red-haired foundling that I grew up reading about. It's so simple to love Hetty not only because of her un-forgettable personality but her strength throughout the novels to leave the foundling hospital. She will not stop or just give up, that's what adds her to this list.

Bea and Alina - Breathe(Sarah Crossan)

I like them because... I'm reading Breathe at the moment and can't put it down. The way it is told from three young people's perspective is such a refreshing change, and I love getting such an insight into what is happening in different parts of the novel. Bea and Alina are very different. Bea is caring, insightful, bright-which makes me want her to succeed. Her way with people is what draws me to want to read about her where Alina is bold and to not ruin the book, a fighter.

Harriet - Geek Girl(Holly Smale)

I like her because...she is a Geek, and is going through her own 'metamorphosis'. Harriet is honest, smart but also full of personality. Her story was fun, quirky but also hard to read when you love a character so much. Harriet was so realistic and a lot of her experiences were similar to mine. A main reason is who can't help loving the facts dropped in at random intervals and her weird and wonderful friends?

Hazel - The Fault in Our Stars(John Green)

I like her because...she is  smart and intelligent but also funny and relatable. Her romance with Augustus is alive and her final chapter is completely written. Hazel is such a beautiful character that opens your eyes to the tragedy of illness.

Katniss- The Hunger Games Trilogy

I like her because... she is a female heroine who fights for what she loves. Her love for her sister and want to get back home is the one thing that gets her through the 74th Annual Hunger Games. When she volunteers, it's clear that she will do anything for the one's she loves even if it means risking her own life. Her emotions were always so true and honest and she took you on a journey. Her personality is also fiery at times and to be able to read a book from her point of view is so clear and bold. She stays strong in times none of us would be able to.

Who are your top YA Female Characters?
Would you like to see a Top YA Couples Post?