Book Review: 'This Song Will Save Your Life' by Leila Sales

For months, This Song Will Save Your Life has been waiting on my shelf, lost amongst the other contemporary titles that are also unread. Desperate for a quick-read, during a break from A Song of Ice and Fire, I decided to pick this up. I loved it.

"You think it's so easy to change yourself.

You think it's so easy, but it's not."

All her life Elise Dembowski has been an outsider.

Starting a new school, she drams of fitting in at last - but when her best attempts at popularity fail, she almost gives up. Then she stumbles upon a secret warehouse party. There, at night, Elise can be a different person, making real friends, falling in love for the first time and finding her true passion - DJing.

But when her real and secret lives collide, she has to make a decision once and for all: just who is the real Elise?

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It's difficult to do a book like This Song Will Save Your Life justice. This novel is both powerful and poignant; the author tackling issues including self harm and suicide with ease throughout. Sales is able to create an honest and heart-wrenching novel, one that is a must-read for those struggling on the sidelines, written with an understanding of teenagers - and how we really feel - that I have never read before in YA. Whilst challenging us to accept ourselves, this also has hints of humour, creating light-hearted moments amidst the serious topics that are dealt with in Leila Sales' most recent release.

Elise, the protagonist, is desperate to be someone else. She wants to have a friend to eat lunch with; somebody to talk to; a seat in the middle of the bus. Simply, she doesn't want to be alone. And I could recognise these feelings as being similar to my own. This Song Will Save Your Life begins a few days before schools starts, with Elise studying how to become popular, having never been able to fit in. And, as she took notes on how smiling at a person will make them like you, I realised how relatable character; one whose problems are not sugar-coated. I loved her character; the conflicting personalities she had, from how she felt in school compared to Start(the warehouse nightclub she stumbles across). Her character's voice is smart and sharp, with added wit, her story capturing what it feels like to find somewhere you belong.

"Popularity rewards the uninteresting."

Start is introduced a few chapters into the novel; and this saw the addition of vibrant and fun characters to the plot. The rock star outfits, rhinestone pumps and packed dance-floor create Start, the crowd inside it made up of DJs, singers and band members. With this came Vicky, Pippa and Char, and Sales was able to show us that they were human. Just like Elise. Away from Start, I really liked how Elise's parents and siblings were written-into the novel; especially when I was reading about how they reacted to her giving up. It was great to see that how parents are affected in these situations wasn't avoided.

Leila Sales' writing is unflinching; the author handling current issues, such as bullying, that affect many young people, honestly. There was no glamourising, and as a reader, I really appreciated that. In some YA novels, it can feel like tough-topics are thrown in, but This Song Will Save Your Life could challenge multiple self-help guides instead. I cannot praise Leila Sales enough. Whether Elise is feeling angry or frustrated, upset or uneasy, Sales is able to execute it, and I loved how 'real' her characters felt. There are life lessons to be learnt in this novel, with quotes from the characters written down amongst those from other favourites.

Music plays a huge part in this novel, the author introducing me to Blur and Oases, the novel filled with songs from most decades on the set-list at Start. Elise's knowledge of DJing, and how it was written, was never over-complicated, so amateurs - like myself - could understand, and the novel still be believable.

Overall, I cannot praise this novel enough. It's honest, heart-wrenching and has the right amount of humour, making this a novel I loved.

5 Stars

So, have you read 'This Song Will Save Your Life'?
Have you heard a Blur song before(unlike myself)?

Tell me in the comments!

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

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.

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!
 



Review: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Diagnosed with Stage IV Thyroid Cancer at 13, Hazel has never been anything but terminal. Despite the tumour-shrinking medical miracle that has given her a few more years, her diagnosis inscribed in her final chapter. At sixteen years old-two years post miracle, she is suffering from the side of Cancer, finding herself spending her free time thinking about death. But, her story is about to be completely re-written. Forced by her parents to attend Cancer Kid Support Group when she would much rather be curled up watching an ANTM marathon, Hazel meets an exciting plot twist. Meet Augustus Waters: Gorgeous, in-remission and as a shock to Hazel, willingly interested in her. Always questioning life around him he makes Hazel re-think the life she is living and the choices she makes. A match made in Cancer Kid Support Group shows what it really means to be alive and in-love.

The Fault in Our Stars was a masterpiece. It captured me from the beginning and took me into the life of Hazel Lancaster-a sixteen year old diagnosed with Cancer at thirteen. Hazel suffering from the side effects of her illness: spending quite a lot of time in bed, re-reading the same book time and time again and spending her free time thinking about death. John Green brought Hazel to life: smart and intelligent but also funny and relatable. There was no shying away from the subject of Cancer in this book, it was all there in the pages of this bold and insightful read. It truly recognised the struggle for everyone when a child has Cancer: her mum wanting to spend more time with her but then wanting her to be a teenager and her dad struggling to come to turns with the truth. I was taken on a journey-in one breath-taking novel.

 

Augustus Waters is the complete opposite to Hazel- he never stops questioning the world around him or asking questions that can never be answered. But, Gus becomes a subject of hope adding to this incredible contemporary novel. One that 'will not deny himself the simple pleasures of saying true things'. A character that you fall instantly in love with not only because he is full for beautiful sayings and quotes but because he is alive and he wants to be. The romance was beautifully written-completely re-writing both of their stories. With perfect descriptions throughout this book, my favourites being the detailed scenes in Amsterdam, it brought not only the characters but the story alive. Their relationship is made up of love and hope but the chance at life. It had me thrilled at the chance of love and the way it brings you alive. A match made at Cancer Kid Support Group creates an incredible story of love, loss and life-you will need your tissues.

 

TFiOS was emotional and raw, in which I found tears pooling in my eyes. There were some complex words but I could still understand the story and the plot - along with the beauty of it all. This book was also filled with humour so I found myself laughing and crying, experiencing every possible emotion. This book was a rollercoaster ride that according to Gus 'Only goes up'. We all have our perspectives when we pick up a book based on illness but John Green writes the perfect contemporary. The ending surprised me-but I fell in love with the closing words. I felt, after an initial 'You can't leave it there!' that is was exactly the right way to leave this novel.

 

'A beautifully written, yet heart-breaking and tragic at the same time. The Fault in the Stars allows you to be thrilled at the chance of being in love but has your eyes wide open to the tragedy of Cancer and illness.' For ages 13+

*****

Book Review: Dear Dylan - Siobhan Curham

I recently finished Dear Dylan by Siobhan Curham and loved every moment of reading it. Here are my thoughts:

Fourteen year old Georgie Harris feels like she has no one to talk to. Not her bully of a step-father, Tone Deaf or her mum, who always takes his side and her best friend is obsessed with the latest diets and getting a boyfriend. All Georgie wants to do is go to the local drama workshop over the summer but Tone-Deaf makes sure she will stay at home to look after her tooth-fairy obsessed sister. With no one to talk to Georgie begins to email Dylan Curtland, an actor from her favourite soap opera Jessop Close. When Dylan starts emailing her back Georgie finally feels like someone is listening to her and actually cares. Georgie begins to tell him everything but is everything all as it seems? A first crush. An unexpected friendship and a dream come true.

Dear Dylan is funny, quirky and true. An emotionally compelling story . Georgie is an honest character that you can completely relate too. We all have those friends that are weight-obsessed or feel like they desperately need a boyfriend.  Each and every part of Georgie Siobhan Curham truly captivates. Dear Dylan is told in a completely unique way, through emails, but still is able to bring across a powerful emotion and connection between the characters at both ends of the email. This story has strong characters, I didn't want this book to end. With beautiful descriptions and writing in a book that just flows. Along with all of this it handles such serious subjects like Domestic Abuse and using substances but in a such a smart way. Dear Dylan is packed with everything you want in a great YA Novel. You will laugh and you will be moved close to tears with this heart-wrenching novel.  As Georgie would say this book is completely 'Frost Free'. I truly loved every moment of this book.

Rating: 5/5

Recommended Age: 11+

Have you read Dear Dylan?

And what do you think of my new blog look?

Book Review: Divergent Veronica Roth

"Three flying birds,

One for each member of the family I left behind"

In a divided futuristic society, everyone must conform. Forced to choose a faction: Abnegation: the selfless, Candor: the honest, Erudite: the intelligent, Amity: the peaceful or Dauntless, the brave or face being factionless:sixteen year old Beatrice Prior does not fit. Torn between her family and where she thinks she belongs, she ventures out alone, changing her name to Tris as, you can alone choose your name again once. Tris is shocked by her brutal new life and the tough challenges that she is facing,. Yes, Tris is drawn to a mysterious boy who both protects and threatens her. Faced with a fatal secret, dangerous secret that no one can know Tris needs to know the truth. Not able to trust those closest to her Tris needs answers. She needs to know the consequences to this dark secret and discover who she really is. Along with, where she belongs. Tris turns to face the future in world that's falling apart but the hardest choices lie ahead.

This was a heart-racing, perfectly plotted novel by Veronica Roth.  Divergent has dark secrets, mysterious characters and a strong character in Tris. Divergent has exciting twists and turns in it's fast-paced plot. This emotional plot will keep you in constant suspense as Tris discovers the consequences. The determined main character and the mysterious boy, Four all grip you to this exciting plot with a truly page-turning a quick-paced ending. Tris has very strong and truthful emotions gave her the true aspects of a teenage-girl but in a brutal world where you have to live your life a certain way. The Headquarters of Tris' faction for example had very detailed descriptions that gave you a clear picture in your head of what they could look like. This story kept me gripped right through to immesely exciting conclusion. I loved the build up to the cliff-hanger that built up so much tension. The factions were hard to remeber at times but once you know them the story flows. There is both violence and threat in Divergent that could be upsetting so I don't recommend this book to any younger readers too. Onto Insurgent!

Recommended age: 13+

Rating: 5/5

Scattering Like Light by S.C Ransom Review!

'Secrets. Courage. Hope. A choice that changes everything.'

The exhilarating conclusion to the Small Blue Thing Trilogy!

Alex and Callums worlds are serparate but yet so close. They are connected by the power of amulets they wear. Alex is a normal girl and Cullum is a Dirge living in a half-life of misery after he drowned in the River Fleet. All they want know is to be able to be together and to hold eachother in someplace else than the top of the Dome in St Pauls Cathedra. Now Alex thinks she has the answer. The key to releasing Callum and the rest of the Dirges from their miserable existence. Does she? It is what Alex wants right? Only if Max hadn't come into her life, shocked by his beauty and with an uncomplicated existence. Alex now has a decision to make. It is a matter of life or death. What other secrets will she discover? As Alex is forced to make decisions that will change her own and others' lives, how will she choose? What will it leave behind? And how will Alex cope when faced with the truth?

This is an exhilarating conclusion to a beautifully written series by S.C Ransom. You are taken on the journey with Alex as she try's to discover the secret of releasing the Dirges and has to make life or death decisions. Scattering Like Light was perfectly paced and plotted with a heart-stopping journey to the climax of this novel. The sense of mystery surrounding Callum's and the Dirges existence is page-turning as you discover more about him and his sister Catherine. As the tension rises in this story you are constantly left in suspense as Alex struggles to make her decisions. What makes the whole trilogy is the understanding that Alex is a normal girl with very true emotions and feelings. In the last few chapters there is a major unexpected twist in the plot that was confusing. I could still grasp the rest of the ending but there was always some part of the understanding missing. By the time Alex and Callum's story had concluded I found myself in tears over the raw emotion in this book. Everything changes throughout this book and adding to the tension is not knowing what Alex will do next. This beautifully written, heart-racing series is given the perfect ending it deserves as it solves the mystery surrounding this book. I adored this ending because it was so perfectly planned and answered one of my biggest questions! A fantastic finale!  Overall, I series I am going to miss reading because of the rarity in finding books with such a raw emotion and mysterious plot. 

Rating 4.5/5

Recommended Age 11+

I've just started Divergent and am loving it! What are you reading over half term?

Sophie

REVIEW: Perfectly Reflected by S.C Ransom

'Theft, Lies, Love.

Someone wants Alex's life'

Name: Perflectly Reflected
Author: S.C Ransom
Series: Small Blue Thing Trilogy

Pages: 326

Publisher:Nosy Crow

Published: 2011

Perflectly Reflected is the second book in the Small Blue Thing Trilogy! If you haven't read the first, you've got a lot of catching up to do.

Alex owes Callum her life. When Callum saved all her memories from his evil, once Dirge sister Catherine, he had to empty his amulet to do so. Now he is paying a high price. Already stuck in the existence of a Dirge, living in the bleak world of half misery it is now worst. An empty amulet means no happy memories to keep him from going deeper into despair. All Alex wants is to be happy but as Callum is kept away from her at the times she needs him most, someone wants revenge. Who hates Alex that much? What has she done? Whoever it is, they won't stop until they get what they want. Whoever they have to hurt, Alex's life is going to be as miserable as they're own.

A beautifully written, heart racing sequel to Small Blue Thing. This book was page turning, with twists and turns in this heart pounding plot. Perflectly Reflected is a story where you can trust no one. The romance between Cullum and Alex is strong, an unbreakable bond. This novel is told from Alex's perspective which makes it better, with her powerful emotions and the questions she asks, like Why?  S.C Ransom pieces Alex's emotions together beautifully so she feels so normal to you, yet living with these secrets and dealing with a person you won't stop at anything to get their revenge. With an opening line that grips you instantly, this is a book that will keep you up till the early hours just to finish it. The tension builds throughout this story to get to an exhilarating conclusion. S.C Ransom writes a fantastic romance, with strong characters and an original and heart-racing plot!

Rating: 5/5

Recommend Age: 11+