Must-See Moments: Catching Fire

This is my 250th Post!

 

Must-See Moments is a brand-new feature that I will be writing when a new book-to-film adaptation is about to hit cinemas. Of course, I think we all know that adaptations will not be a direct translation from book to screen, and there will be parts that didn't make into the movie. Even so, there are certain moments that need to be in there or all that counting down will have been for nothing.

There will be spoilers in the post for people who have not read Catching Fire.

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire is out on November 21st(in the UK). This means there are just TWO WEEKS until I - and other Tributes - can see the next book come alive. I remember being excited when it was 'One Year Until Catching Fire' and now we are almost in single-figures. I can't quite believe how quite it has come around - especially saying I can remember using computers in school to check whether Finnick had been cast yet!

 

I've also found myself dancing-around-my-living-room due to the fact TV Spots have started to appear in the adverts.

 

1. The kiss shared between Katniss and Gale - When I read the books, at this point, I remember wanting Katniss and Gale to be together, as I'm one of 'those' people that wants the best-friend to get his/her happily-ever-after. When the kiss appeared in the trailer, I wasn't expecting it at all, and can't wait to see the build-up and the whole scene.
2. District 11 - This is the first time we get to see the other district and Rue's district is going to hit the hardest. The speech Katniss has to give with Rue's family there and the man raising his hand into the three-fingered salute. I'm looking forward to how dramatic this is going to be.
3. Gale's whipping - For some reason, and after over a year I'm still not quite sure, this was my favourite scene in the book. I can't recall why, I think it was the moment when the story changed for Katniss and she had to think-fast. Her best-friend being whipped really opened her eyes in my opinion so, I feel this was the driving-force of Catching Fire. In the first trailer, we saw Katniss say 'Go ahead' and I'm definitely ready to see how this resolves; to see how Haymitch steps in
4. The Reaping - I've heard this is emotional - and we've seen clips of Katniss turning to Effie with a tear rolling down her face. I also have a lot of questions about how this is going to play-out: will Haymitch volunteer for Peeta like in the book, or will Peeta just be reaped? How will the people from District 12 react?
5. Katniss' Skill - I have been wanting to see this scene come-alive for so long, and mostly, the Gamemakers' reaction.
6. The Interviews  - There are quite a few interview I'm excited for. Not only the 75th Games one's *cough, cough* Peeta announces Katniss is pregnant and we get to see the Mockingjay Dress but, the moment Peeta proposes!
7. Cinna's ending - There is a reason I'm carrying tissues in my pocket for this movie, as I know this is going to be upsetting. I'm curious about how this is going to happen, especially because of it's teenage-audience so, I will be sitting in my seat, knowing it is coming...
8. The first look at the Arena - From all the trailers, it's clear this is going to be visually- incredible. As Katniss rises up from the tube it's going to be immensely dramatic and, just getting a feel for how Francis has gone about designing the clock-face is something I am hugely anticipating.
9. Peeta's mouth-to-mouth resuscitation - I've been watching cast interviews other the past few days and all I have heard about is the snot that was in an out-take between Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Huthcerson at this point. Also, I really thought Peeta wasn't coming back and the way Katniss reacts will probably make me reach for my tissues.
10. The beach scene - This is the part, if you can remember the book, where Peeta hands Katniss the locket and they stay together while watching the arena. I thought this was such a powerful scene in the book, and a part where you truly have no idea what is going to happen because they both want the other to win.

What are your must-see-moments in Catching Fire? Tell me in the comments!

Mini Reviews: Amber & Resist(Breathe #2)

'Resist' by Sarah Crossan

Everyone knows that life beyond The Pod is possible. But they are trapped - each breth controlled by the Ministry.

 

The Grove was rebels' chance of freedom. Now the Ministry has destroyed it and survivors must search for hope elsewhere. Alina lead the way to the only remaining Resistance base, Sequia. There she uncovers a radical plot that could wipe out the Pod...and all those in it.

 

Together with Quinn, Alina must escape Sequoia and save the people they love.

  

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I've been anticipating Resist for a long time, especially since Breathe has a high-ranking place on my favourite books list. Sadly, though, I found myself disappointed when I started to read this book.

 

I'll begin by mentioning the cover; the green completely reflects the environment and what the Resistance is fighting for. Sadly though, the main focus - and heart - of the series was lost in this sequel, with the writing feeling forced at times. The romance, between Bea and Quinn, involved too many cliché lines for me personally, and I felt I lost my connection with them because of this. I really wanted to love this book, by sadly my expectations fell short.

 

Resist is once again told from multiple narratives, this time adding a new character called Ronan into the mix. I adore this style of telling a novel, even so, I wish the main characters could have come-together more often and made choices regarding The Pod and Resistance. Crossan is able to, something that makes her a really talented writer, create four distinguishable characters with very different experiences despite living in the same world. Alina, Quinn and Bea, our three main protagonists that have followed us through from the first book have all grown, despite still being the people we first met at the beginning of Breathe. Alina is strong-willed, fighting for her right to Breathe and is undeniable loyal, something that is admirable in this heroine while Bea is intelligent, witty and has the strength to continue despite her parents' deaths. Despite not being the number one fan of the plot, no-matter what I was rooting for these characters. Quinn and Ronan have complicated story-lines in which their characters cross-paths which I would have definitely have liked to see become more in-depth.

 

Whilst I struggled to immerse myself in this book during the first three parts, the final two were much stronger. Finally, I found heart-racing and fast-paced action, in which I found the style of Crossan's writing that I loved from the first-novel seeping through. There was a lot of tension built up in these closing one hundred pages, and I couldn't put the book down. Resist left me constantly wondering and waiting, I never did know for sure what would happen next! There were some loose-ends when it all came to an end; I can't help but question what happened to my favourite side-characters!

Resist was much more mature than the initial book, something I wasn't expecting and found myself feeling slightly uncomfortable reading. So, as for the sequel, I do recommend it for slightly older readers, leaning towards 13+.

Thank you to Bloomsbury for proving me with this copy in exchange for a review!

'Amber' by Julie Sykes 

How do you live by the rules if you don’t know what they are?

A teenage girl wakes up with no memory of who she is or where she has come from. The only clues to her identity are a dead mobile phone in her pocket and a beautiful amber necklace around her neck.

 

Suddenly, 'Amber' has a brand-new life, a brand-new name and a whole lot of questions. Disturbed by strange visions and powers, she struggles to understand the rules that everyone seems to know. How can Amber make sense of the person she seems to be? Does she even want to be that person anymore?

And by falling in love with her new friend, Dan is she breaking the one

rule that really matters?

 Website | Publisher 

From the gorgeous cover(Which I must admit is one of my favourites) to a captivating plot, Amber is a gem-stone of a novel! It has a perfect mix of genres: fantasy, contemporary and romance, with some time-travel thrown in, all coming together to make this un-putdownable. I will admit, while reading, there was a point where I thought I had over one-hundred pages left, but really there were only forty! I didn't leave this book long before picking it back up and continuing!

 

Our main protagonist, a teenage girl who names herself Amber because of the necklace she finds around her neck after she wakes up with no recollection of who she is. Amber is plagued by strange visions and powers that feel so naturally yet, it comes to a point where she realises she must hide them. The way Sykes has written this allows us to get snippets, and small pieces of information handed to us, like she is constantly teasing the reader. This only made me become more intrigued; while also creating a balance of Amber finding a new-life, making new friends, and discovering herself. In many ways, being thrown into a situation you feel out-of-place in is something many young people can relate to. Although, Amber must do this, and find herself when she has no-idea who she is or what she might have done in the past.

 

The writing is the book allowed time for each new setting to be given a detailed description, as well as match the voice of a teenage girl. It was completely creative, bringing new inventive ideas into a genre I have read many times, as well as throwing in a love-interest and 'villains' to make this plot even better. Amber was completely packed with suspense and surprises, the excitement is there throughout. I spent most of the weekend I read it in with my head buried in this book!

This book has everything that I was expecting and more; an intriguing plot, a rule-breaking romance and hidden secrets bringing in the suspense. Definitely one that anyone will find an enjoyable read!

 

Thank you to Amber from The Mile Long Bookshelf for my amazing new rating system!

Thank you to Curious Fox for another review-copy as part of Team Fox!

 

Book Review: The Elites by Natasha Ngan

"There is a rumour that the Elites don't bleed..."

After I finished this book, I've been itching to start typing up my review. I think it's the fact I don't want to just forget my reading experience!

Hundreds of years into the future, wars, riots, resource crises and rising sea levels have destroyed the old civilisations. Only one city has survived: Neo-Babel, a city full of cultures -and racial tension. Fifteen-year-old Silver is an Elite, a citizen of Neo-Babel chosen to guard the city due to her superior DNA. She'd never dream of leaving - but then she fails to prevent the assassination of Neo-Babel's president, setting off a chain of events more shocking and devastating than she could ever imagined. Forced to flee the city  with her best friend Butterfly, Silver will have to fight to find her family, uncover the truth about Neo-Babel - and to survive.

 

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The Elites was such an enjoyable debut from Natasha Ngan and one of the first books for a while where I've really been able to immerse myself in the world, characters and plot-line. Ngan has here a novel that has so many cultural aspects and really makes you feel that you are part of her world - Neo-Babel and, despite being set in the future, it tackles issues that are really rooted in today's society.

The way this novel was told was a highlight of the book for me. The multiple point of views were never confusing or unclear, something I've come across a lot lately, as the characters were so well-developed and really, people that you ended up caring immensely for. The various narratives were all equally strong: with different personalities, ideas and ways of life.  The time taken to develop and understand the characters really paid off: I rooted for them(sometimes - there are a few 'villain' types written in), felt for them and even cried for/with them! I should have counted how many times I was left jaw-dropped at something I had just read, scrambling to re-read the sentence because of the surprises thrown at me.

The characters became favourite fictional friends of mine! They weren't perfect but, had flaws: things that had really taken an effect on their lives. Just like I said previously about the time taken to develop them, each character has a backstory and it's shown how it effects what they do during the novel.  There is an exotic-theme woven into this book, it combines different cultures and makes Neo-Babel come alive. The writing is well-crafted and brilliantly detailed: never losing the main focus of the novel. It allowed me to picture the scenes vividly, and was also interesting to see what would happen in a City made up of different cultures.

While I was reading, this book barely left my hand. I finished within a number of days - which would have been a lot less without the stresses of school. It was captivating, exciting and thought-provoking - and with topics that will stay with you for quite a while after reading.
 

Personally, I'm so glad this is a stand-a lone as it worked really well. I got to go on this journey with characters I loved but, Ngan was able to tie everything in the closing chapters like a boxed-gift. I was left with no burning questions that would go straight through the book - but had tears brimming in my eyes instead! Finally, I don't need to spend months waiting for a sequel!

The only reason this book didn't get five stars from me is the fact that it takes time for this book to really begin. It's a slightly slow start, with a few strands of it hard to understand, but soon after the President's Assassination you get a fell of what this book will continue to be. This is a brilliant debut and one of the best reading experiences I have had for a while.

4 Stars - Ages 12+

I was sent this book in return for an honest review by the lovely people at
Hot Key Books.

Book Review: The Soterion Mission by Stewart Ross

This is my second review as a member of Team Fox - a fantastic group of Teen Book Reviewers that Curious Fox has set up! I definitely had mixed feelings about this book - and it ended up being possibly my most posted-note filled book!

Does the Soterion hold the key to saving civilization?

In a post-apocalyptic world when no-one lives beyond their teenage years, the mysterious Roxanne arrives in Cyrus's village, fleeing the barbaric Zeds. She claims to be on a mission that can save them all, but can she be trusted? Cyrus joins her in her quest to search for the legendary Soterion - a place where books and knowledge are hidden away - but the Zeds are determined to get there first.

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This book had a rocky-beginning for me. I was thrown straight into a world I didn't feel was explained - which made it even harder to grasp as the novel continued. I was also under the impression I lot vocabulary was over-used but, I was pleasantly surprised when I began to enjoy book and the notes I made became more positive. It had intriguing characters, excitement and danger - as well as a lot of action thrown in. The pacing of this novel was really strong, never did I feel like my thoughts were drifting anywhere else and they were always focused on the novel. There was a small cast of main characters - some I felt I knew well but others I thought could welcome more of a back-story.

When Roxanne arrives in Cyrus's village, running away from the Zeds, there's an instant added plotline of who to trust. What if you go along believing Roxy's lies? Or what is it's in fact all truth and no one believes her? Roxanne was: bewitching, interesting, sincere and intelligent. She was able to out-wit the people she was fighting against and be brave enough to carry on when anyone else would have given up. It's a great thing to be able to admire the characters you're reading about - even though I would have liked to see more of a development in Cyrus's and Roxy's relationship. She turned up - Cyrus fell in love because of her beauty. Cyrus proved to be a loyal protagonist, and a fighter. And Taja wanted nothing more than to be remember; not to died and be forgotten, which brought a relatable part of our lives into this book.

This whole novel is set around the fact people only live until they are into their 19th year. This would mean by now, many of the people reading this novel would only have a few years left alive. This fact is really hard-hitting, knowing that if we were living in Stewart Ross' world our lives would really be over before they had begun. Women would be expected to be having children - when really we feel we're still children ourselves.

The second half of this book I admit was much stronger than the first with an emotional ending where I had tears in my eyes. I think knowing the characters and their past more would have made me feel more connected to the story. I felt ignoring the parts that I found frustrating really helped me immerse myself in the novel and I ended up being excited to go and pick it up to see what would happen and whether they would discover the Soterion.

Overall, I don't know whether this book was for me. Some of the scenes brought too much detail and made me feel uncomfortable, other parts needed more. I felt like there were missed opportunities to write in a powerful, dramatic scene where we could get to see more of a personal side to the people who we are following on this adventure. My problem with the continuation came around when a few pages before they were discussing having no books and not being able to read when, this appears:

"They should meet either the river or Highway 24"

How do they know of the existence of Highway 24? There are no maps to point it out.

3 Stars - This book takes a while to immerse yourself in, and definitely has it's flaws yet, still enjoyable. Although, it has a few gory moments so, I suggest this for older Teenage readers.

Book Review: 'The Bone Season' by Samantha Shannon

The year is 2059. Nineteen-year-old Paige Mahoney is working in the criminal underworld Scion London, based at Seven Dials, employed by a man named Jaxon Hall. Her job: to scout for information by breaking into people's minds. For Paige is a dreamwalker, a clairvoyant and, in the world of Scion, she commits treason simply by breathing.

It is raining the day her life changes for ever. Attacked, kidnapped and drugged, Paige is transported to Oxford - a city kept secret for two hundred years, controlled by a powerful otherworldly race. Paige is assigned to Warden, a Rephaite creature with dark honey skin and heavy-lidded yellow eyes. He is her master. Her trainer. Her natural enemy. But, f Paige wants to regain her freedom she must allow herself to be nurtured in this prison where she is meant to die.

 

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There is no doubt that the imagination in this book is incredible. It's detailed, descriptive and highly-ambitious - but it all works. For the most part of the book, I was in awe of the world-building and how it was all woven together. Although, at the beginning it did feel like it was all being thrown at me which made it hard to initially get into.

 

There is a huge amount happening in this book - along with quite a wide(and definitely varied) cast of characters and clairvoyants. Paige commits treason just by breathing: working in the London Syndicate under another clairvoyant, Jaxon Hall. Her job: to scout for other dreamscapes as a rare type of clairvoyant. Paige was a strong, feisty and fiery female-heroine I was rooting for throughout the whole book and couldn't get enough of reading about. She is definitely one of my top fictional heroines - with a realistic love for coffee despite being clairvoyant. I think in many ways this one idea makes her much more relatable mixed in with her loyalty to the Seven Seals(the seven rare clairvoyants under Jaxon Hall) and the guilt she does feel when she does something wrong. 

 

When Paige reaches Sheol 1, it is discovered that she will be part of Bone Season XX and instead of her name, is now branded as: XX-59-40. A Bone Season is a time where more clairvoyants are brought into the city of Oxford - some after being held in the Tower for up to ten years. Paige is a rare type of Clairvoyant and unlike the others she is chosen as Warden's only-human. At first, Warden resembles an intimidating school-teacher on the first day. He is strict, un-moving and shows no sign of emotion. Although, I definitely grew to love Warden. As we got deeper into the novel and his past was revealed, Shannon keeps you guessing about his motives and actions. He was so complicated but I wanted to learn more about him.

 

Along with Warden there came his relationship with Nashira, which I found so exciting. It's hard to write this review without giving away too much of the plot: how Paige's relationship with Jaxon works, and her relationship with another voyant called Nick. There are also humans living amongst them - used as slaves to the Rephaim. There is mix of fantasy and dystopia in this novel and creatures like the Rephaim and the Emim are used to build up that element. I loved how far Shannon's imagination could take us: not only building a world that works but creating creatures to threaten it.

 

One of my favourite parts of this novel are types of 'flashbacks': through these you get to know more about Paige's history and the world she grew up in. The way voyants are hidden away and feared, along with how she dealt with other girls at her school.

 

When I got into this book there was a lot of action and the tension was built up throughout. I enjoyed it, and the world but I felt this book was too long. There were some thrown-in side-plots that I feel weren't necessary and didn't make much of an impact so, I wished they would have been cut so I could move back to the relationship between Paige and Warden. Their relationship was so intriguing - I couldn't help but love the way it worked(or came to).

 

Rating - 4 Stars

I really enjoyed this novel but the size was slightly intimidating. The imagination was fantastic though so, this is a book you should definitely give a try.

Book Review: Monument 14 by Emmy Laybourne

Synopsis: This is the story of what happens when 14 kids are trapped inside a superstore in the town of Monument. Inside, they have everything they could ever need, and with no adult supervision they can do whatever they want. Sounds like fun? It is. Until they find out that the world outside is being destroyed...

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From the moment I picked up Monument 14 I was thrown into the world Emmy Laybourne has created. Set in the futuristic town of Monument, in Colorado, I was first introduced to the main protagonist Dean: whose day begins when he is almost late for the school bus that hurtles down the road. This is all too real for many readers: the hit-home of the school-morning rush to be on time and avoid being late.Monument 14 was fast-paced, action-packed and a thrilling dystopia. It was also a captivating novel that brought in a wide-range of topics while the actual setting was in one Department Store. When I first read the blurb, I knew I wanted to read this. The premise sets out an exciting plot that makes you wonder about the relationships inside this store and further than that, what is happening to the outside world. These characters are never frivolous: not for one moment do they just 'forget' about the terror outside of the doors.

 

There were twists in the plot, thrown-in surprises and always a question of whether or not to trust people. On that hand, the store was a brilliantly pieced together - I loved how well-described it was. But, the main thing was this book was a lot of fun to read too. I definitely enjoyed it!

 

Emmy Laybourne is so smart in the way she makes this book work. How are the characters able to discover what goes on outside? How do you differentiate between fourteen different kids? How do you make sure all their voices are heard when your only using one point of view? This sets out a challenging prospect for any author, but by using news broadcasts from the Media Department you are able to discover more about the outside world and as far as I know, she perfectly captured the teenage-esque feel of Dean's character. He was complicated, yet down-to-earth and relatable. Not only that but he made mistakes, fell in love and tried to protect those closest to him. Yes, there was love and lust but the perfect mix of rage and conflict. How could there not be conflict when you throw a group of kids with completely different personalities together, and force them to survive when the world they know has been destroyed?

 

There is a very wide and varied cast of characters in this book. To start there was Dean: whose point of view I found entertaining to read. It was the way the words flowed from the page, and his own love of writing that allowed me to just sink into the novel. You move onto his thirteen year-old brother Alex who I secretly adored. I liked his way of thinking, his ways of understanding the world using science and protecting himself. He never wanted to accept the truth, and I felt he was so relatable: facts make everything clear. These characters had backgrounds, and I really got to know them. I also got a great insight into Caroline and Henry's lives: as younger children you got a completely different perspective on the experience they were having. Six high-school kids surrounding them, looking after-them and without no parents: their bound is what kept them strong. One of the most powerful scenes came from them, when they decided to build their own 'den' and talk about their memories of their mother. You got to see what a child does, how they cope, which melted my heart. Niko: the survivor. The boy scout. He wanted to succeed and for the right reasons. He would do anything to protect this group and was the only one who could succeed in organisation.

 

I will always think Sahalia became a really important character. It showed the pressures on teenage girls to be noticed by the opposite sex. It showed how it is seen as important: that it makes you an adult. Although, I did feel minus a few characters I would have been able to connect more to the novel. Fourteen kids, how can you remember them all? I found some blurred together at times as there was a lot going on away from the characters. There were also some scenes where I found myself shocked at what the kids seemed to get themselves up to. But, let's admit it, boys will be boys.

 

4 Stars - Recommended for ages 12+

 

Upcoming Post: Catching Fire Trailer Talk

Review: The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness

The Knife of Never Letting Go was a book I had been admiring for months - and one day, it seemed the wait got the better of me and I finally picked it up.

Todd Hewitt is the last boy in Prentisstown.

 

But, Prentisstown isn't like other towns. Everyone can hear everyone else's thoughts in a constant, over-whelming, never-ending Noise. This a place where there are no Women, just men. There is no privacy. There are no secrets.

 

Or are there?

 

Just one month away from the birthday that will make him a man, he stumbles over something impossible. Noise. Prentisstown has been lying to him and now he has to run. Coming across the first girl he's seen in his life, there is soon an army against them.

 

The Knife of Never Letting Go is a heart-pounding, action-packed and heart-breaking beginning to the Chaos Walking Trilogy. A read that will hold your attention to the very end, and keep you thinking about it's messages. I just loved this book, and the ending left me speechless.

 

Told through the eyes of Todd Hewitt, this book explores so many issue's around the idea of growing up and introduces you to a complicated world where the truth is what makes you a man. Prentisstown, where this novel is set, is on New World. The idea of the 'Noise' and a place where you can constantly hear men's thoughts is so unique and interesting and at first glance, it seems there are no secrets. As the first few chapters go by, you are thrown straight into a novel where the author keeps your attention by never letting Todd share with you the truth. I mean, the concept of this book is good enough to keep you reading. What if everybody could hear you thoughts in a mess of Noise? What If you thought there were no secrets? And what is your world completely changed, when you discovered something impossible?

 

It also has a really unique writing style, that makes Todd's character much more realistic and believable.

 

Todd was a fantastic protagonist.  Everything he has known is destroyed for him in a matter of minutes. I completely loved his dry sense of humour. The Knife of Never Letting Go becomes the perfect title, as he finds himself stumbling on the route to becoming a man. He stumbles, he's not perfect, and that's where you can relate to him. Viola is the first girl that Todd ever see's himself, and I think their relationship was one of the best to see grow. Viola is a new settler: person making their way to New World to find a better life and her parents are dead. She was someone your routing for, and can completely understand.

 

From detailed and descriptive world-building- you can just slip back into this world. It constantly seemed the people trying to catch Todd were immortal. They kept coming back, no matter what, and I found myself reading through gritted teeth at many times, as I grew to love Todd, Viola and Manchee, when in the end all you want them to do is have a happy ending. Manchee is the best talking dog you will ever discover in book. He sets the book up within the first few sentences:

 "Need a poo Todd"

"Shut up, Manchee"
"Poo. Poo, Todd"
"I said shut it"

 

A talking dog so loveable it adds a type of light-hearted fun over a serious book.  I really doubt anyone will be able to get through this book without finding tears are streaming down their face. There were moments when your heart was pounding, or you took a sudden intake of breath.

 

This was an impossibly good book. My only comment is that I felt Aaron and Mr Prentiss seemed to survive too much and made that a little unrealistic. I really did find myself lost for words when I finished this one. This is a must-read.

 

Rating 4.5

 

By the way, thank you for helping my celebrate my Blogoversary! I will be holding the final giveaway tomorrow. In the meantime, check out the week's posts and enter the first two.

Review: The Selection by Kiera Cass

In a Palace full of rivals, only one can win His heart...
 

For thirty five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them in their Castes and be swept up into a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the Palace, and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon. To become the 'One'.

The Selection (The SelectioBut, for America Singer, being part of the Selection is a nightmare. To her, it means turning her back on her secret lover Aspen, leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Being followed around by camera's and having her every step documented. Living in a palace tat is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

When America meets Maxon, all her plans start to crumble. Can the life she's always planned for herself, compare to a future she has never imagined? But this is a fierce competition, and the winner will become Queen.

Just look at the cover? It's beautiful! You really can judge a book by it's cover.

From the first page, you are introduced to the protagonist, America Singer and the future she lives in. Set in dystopia America, now called Illea, the society has been split into Castes based on what type of work you do. What I loved about America was how she was herself throughout the novel and how her character makes you want to read on. She may break her society's rules but she tries to do everything in her family's interest, or somebody's close to her. America is a 'Five', one of the lower castes in the system that goes to 'Eight'. Her caste means she is a performer and, just like her name, sings and is fluent in many different instruments. She grew throughout the competition and made friends, got a stronger personality and despite being confused about her feelings, she was trying. America was completely relatable: She's indecisive, yes, but kind, caring and strong. Who can't help but want to read about her? Maybe it was the way she never wanted to be a part of everything, but just had to accept it-that made me like her so much.

There was quite a wide cast of characters, from America's family to the other Selected girls and the monarchy. There are a few girls that the author really focuses on and I loved how you could also get to know a little about them. There are girls you instantly can't stand and you can clearly see how they manipulate people while others you are secretly rooting for. Prince Maxon, was always very open about his feelings, and you could just see he wanted a confidant. He was gentle, compassionate but wise. Although the Prince, he has his moments which made him real. His fear of crying-girls added humour to both the book and himself which I just loved.I was supporting his character the whole way through.

The scenes are beautifully described and breath-taking whilst the writing keeps you gripped. I couldn't stop turning the pages and never wanted it to end. Personalities grew and so did relationships. I was captivate from start-to-end in this complicated future. The Selection has been noted 'The Hunger Games' meets 'The Bachelor' and as I've read/watched both of these, I agree it has some aspects but can completely stand on it's own. It was perfectly-plotted with a fairytale style and settings I adored.. The realistic emotions and feelings, the twists in the plot, the way it is paced, everything.

 

There was also a love-triangle fitted into this plot as well as the competition itself. This novel was packed with a bit of everything. It's world you can only dream of as a child, but it has it's hidden secrets. It makes you ask questions you want the answers to and one thing you realise is that it's not just the girls that have their own secrets. As for the love-triangle, I'm not normally a huge fan, but this was well-written and unique, exciting and fiery. It's treason - what are they doing? It also left some exciting idea's for the sequel, which, with the rebels only getting closer, the build up will make this a series to watch. This is the type of book that will keep you up until 2am just to finish it, and will have you jaw-dropped and jumping with joy all in one. I felt this could be getting drawn out slightly too long, as I wanted a stand-alone that let you find out who would become the 'One'. For ages 12+ - ****

 

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Who's excited for The Elite, out in 17 days?

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.

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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!
 



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

THE HUNGER GAMES MOCKINGJAY REVIEW!

I have now finished The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins and can't find the words to describe how amazing it is! It's exhilarating, exciting, gets your heart racing and leaves you in constant suspense! This is my review on the final book in this fantastic series:


Mockingjay starts when Katniss is standing in the remains of her old house, in the Seam. Within 15 minutes of Katniss blowing the force field in the Quarter Quell there were planes in the sky and bombs were raining down on District 12. It was Gale, Katniss' best friend and hunting partner, who saved over 800 residents, including Prim and her mother by leading them to the Meadow. They managed until the hovercraft from District 13 arrived. They know are all residents of District 13, each given a compartment underground. It was a shock saying no one knew District 13 even existed, instead it was all underground. As she walks back to Victors Village and goes into the house belonging to her she finds Buttercup Prim's pet cat. All she can think is how he survived but thousands of people didn't? But then she notices a sent from upstairs and goes to find out what it is. On her dresser she finds a white single rose and knows immediately who it's from-President Snow.


When they get back to District 13 both Katniss and Gale are needed in Command. When Katniss notices the screen she see's Caesar Flickerman and Peeta and is shocked to see that he is still alive and looking healthy!. Peeta was captured by the Capitol when District 13 picked up Katniss in the Quarter Quell. When he calls for a Ceasefire Katniss makes a decision. She decides to agree to become the Mockingjay, the symbol of Rebellion. What everyone has been trying to persuade her to become since she arrived and why the rebels saved her instead of Peeta. She makes Coin agree that if she becomes the Mockingjay her family will get to keep Buttercup, that she will be allowed to go out and hunt with Gale, Peeta, Annie and the other captured victors will be granted immunity, it will be announced in Public and she will KILL SNOW!


As tensions rise and battles commence will the rebels win? Will Katniss and Peeta ever see each other again? Who will be killed in the war? What will happen to Katniss if the rebels lose? Will Katniss kill snow? What twists and turns are too come?


SPOILER ALERT!


The last few chapters kept my heart racing and I couldn't work out what would happen next! When I thought I knew, there was another twist and the whole story changed! I wasn't expecting Prim's death but then I was completely shocked when Katniss saw President Coin's true colors and killed her instead of President Snow(Even though he ended up dying). I was also shocked when Katniss' mother went to District 2 to start up a new hospital instead of going back to District 12 to be with Katniss but I can see the reasons why she couldn't come back.


The thing everyone wants to find out is who Katniss ends up marrying! I did want her to end up with Gale up until the final few chapters and I realized that Peeta truly loves her and would die for her(as we all saw from the first two books) I also realized, like Katniss, that Peeta is the one she needs most. She struggled when Peeta was captured by the Capitol and when he arrived back with his head messed up with Tracker Jacker Venom but while in the arena she didn't seem to miss Gale as much. So, when Peeta returned to District 12 and they made the book full of all the things they should never forget It really touched me. The final few lines left me in tears when Peeta asks Katniss 'You love me, real or not real?' and she answers 'Real' especially because this line was used earlier in the book and helped to build back up Peeta's proper memories.


The Epilogue for me didn't answer enough questions. I would have loved to have found out:
-What happened to Gale?
-Did Katniss' mother ever come back?
-What were her two children called?
-What happened to Finnick and Annie's child?
-Did Plutarch stay as President?
-The main one for me was what happened to Haymitch?


Even though it didn't answer those questions the ending for Katniss and Peeta was perfect! I loved the way Suzanne Collins wrote the epilogue explaining how Katniss said there are no more Hunger Games and the memorials have been built but saying that the questions are only just beginning for them. How her children take the words for the song she sang to Rue for advantage and how they don't know they play on a graveyard. The part I LOVED was the way she ended the whole series with Katniss is explaining how she plays a game in her head on the bad mornings about all the good things she's seen even though it's repetitive after all these years then, Katniss ends on-"But there are worst games to play"  This was an ending that left you wanting more but had a point behind it!


SPOILER OVER!


I would rate this book a 10/10(without the epilogue) because you can't work out what will happen next and when something does happen it changes the story! Also, it kept my heart racing! The battle scenes were so realistic and I could picture every scene in my head. It made me feel every emotion possible from hating Snow to feeling like you know each and every character like there your own best friend/sister/lover! I would recommend this book for ages 12+ because it is violent(as there is a rebellion) and it can be hard to understand at a young age as it tackles grown up topics like war, death and murder. The only part that disappointed me slightly was the epilogue because even though it gave the end for Katniss and 'her lover' I would have loved to find out the ending for the other main characters!!


You have to put this series on the top of your 'MUST BUY!' list! I'm sad to see it all end but what a FANTASTIC series! The ending leaves you wanting more from Katniss' story. I can't wait to see it all come alive on the big screen over the next few years!


Keep Day Dreaming & Read The Hunger Games Trilogy!
Sophie:D

THE HUNGER GAMES CATCHING FIRE REVIEW!!

Another exhilarating book from The Hunger Games series! I really don't know how Suzanne Collins does it!

This book continues a few months after the Hunger Games, Katniss and Peeta are back home and it's the morning of the Victory Tour where they will travel to all the districts including the Capitol. Katniss gets a visit from President Snow who warns her that after her episode with the berries when she was in the arena the districts are on the brink of an uprising. He also warns her that she knows about her kiss with Gale and she will have to prove too a lot of people including himself that her relationship with Peeta is real, or the president will make Gale pay for it! With the warning in her head she heads off on the Victory Tour with Peeta(her fellow victor) Effie(the person that keeps them in charge) and Haymitch(their mentor). When they arrive at their first stop District 11(the district Rue was from)  all goes well until the end of their speeches where them and the district makes a big mistake that leaves a shocking consequence. Katniss and Peeta continue with their tour and when they get too the Capitol Katniss realises  all they have done so far is not enough so at their interview Peeta gets down on one knee and proposes but is this really happily ever after? As they arrive back from the tour things go from bad to worse, with rebellion brewing in the districts and the MockingJay pin Katniss wore in the arena a symbol of rebellion a BIG bombshell is dropped, that nobody see's coming: for the Hunger Games 'Quarter Quell' which is celebrated every 25 years.

This book continues the series with a BANG! Exhilarating, exciting and leaving you in even more suspense than the first part of the trilogy. I would rate this book another BIG 10/10 as you don't see anything coming and you can't put it down. I would again recommend this book for ages 12+ because again it is the Hunger Games so there are deaths and murders(which is a more grown up topic) and it can be hard to understand for the younger readers. I would just like to add that the ending is unbelievable and you need the second book on hand because of the way it leaves you in such, shocking suspense. This book and series is a MUST READ there is only one word to describe it all WOW!!!!