Book Review: The Assassin's Blade by Sarah J. Maas

The 'Throne of Glass' series is a favourite of mine, with the detailed-writing and fantastic set of characters. Although, previously I'd only read one of the five prequels, and with a gorgeous cover, I was extremely excited when a book-shaped package arrived, and this was inside. While many people have been wondering what order they should read the series in, now that this collection has been released, I definitely agree that the mystery surrounding Celaena's past is important for the first two books.

 

'The twist of a knife,

The birth of a legend...'

 

The prequels to the 'Throne of Glass' series by Sarah J. Maas.

 

Celaena Sardothein owes her reputation to Arobynn Hamel. He gave her a home at the Assassins' Guild and taught her the skills she needed to survive.

 

Arobynn's enemies stretch far and wide - from Adarlan's rooftops and its filthy dens, to remote islands and hostile deserts. Celaena is duty-bound to hunt them down. But, behind her assignments lies a dark truth that will seal her fate - and cut her heart in two forever.

 

 

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'The Assassin's Blade' is a book fans of Sarah J. Maas will devour like Celaena Sardothien and a new read. In Adarlan Assassin's latest tale, the five 'Throne of Glass' novellas are woven effortlessly into one novel that is both courageous and captivating. Adarlan is a beautifully crafted world that Maas really takes advantage of in this novel, transporting us to Skull's Bay, through barren desserts in search for the Silent Assassin's and then to the Guild - Celaena's 'home'. While the setting of the first two novels is mainly the Glass Castle, along with the streets of Rifthold, this novel allows readers to explore the intricate world. I was completely engrossed as we met the likes of Rolfe(the Pirate Lord), Arobynn Hamel and Sam Cortland(more on him to come).

 

Maas allows us to see a more humane side of Celaena in these prequels, as she deals with guilt, deceivement and defeat; and also comes face-to-face with death. Despite being as cunning as ever, you see a softer side, the person that doesn't celebrate the blood on her hands, and even stops for a moment to ponder what happens 'next'. As she complains about her split ends, and is determined to keep all of her books, you warm to a character that initially seemed to have a hard, cold demeanour. There's a heart-wrenching romance too, the final-piece of this warped fairy-tale, with villains creeping from page-to-page, a damsel-in-distress(The Assassin and the Healer), and Sam, who is more than just a charming love-interest.

 

We hear mentions of Sam Cortland throughout 'Throne of Glass' and 'Crown of Midnight', but we get to see the dynamic between Celaena and him in this book. Like most other readers I've been intrigued since the first mention of Sam, and as if we are attached to strings like a puppet, Maas pulls us into their rivalry, their brother/sister relationship that is more than likely to end in a mortuary. Sam is a character with so many layers; the person that creates a sense of hope that the reader believes for a too-short moment. This is not a romance that is thrown in just like the next YA novel you will come across, but instead it's built-up, creating tension and excitement. It's executed brilliantly! I loved it!

 

With a knife-sharp plot, Maas adds in gripping-action and excitement to complete this fantastic novel. Once again, the author will shatter your heart into fragments of glass, but not before creating twists-and-turns in the book that will leave you jaw-dropped. A new reader, or a fan from the beginning, you need to pick this up! I don't doubt for a moment that we will be seeing some of the characters(especially Arobynn) again - and hopefully Ansel and Yrene.

 

Favourite novella: The Assassin and the Desert

Favourite new character: I don't think I could choose between Ansel and Sam!

Thank you so much to Bloomsbury for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

 

 

Rating:

 

4.5 Stars!

 

Have you read 'The Assassin's Blade' yet?

If so, do you think the characters in this novel will be making an appearance in future books?

 

Book Review: 'Matched' by Ally Condie

Matched is a book that has been on my shelf for over a year; and I can't believe I have only just read it! I fell in love with the characters: Cassia, Ky and Xander, and was completely engrossed in the Society that they live in.

On her seventeenth birthday, Cassia meets her Match. Society dictates he is her perfect partner for life.

 

Except he's not.

 

In Cassia's society, Officials decide who people love.

How many children they have.

Where they work.

When they die.

 

But, as Cassia finds herself falling in love with another boy, she is determined to make some choices of her own.

 

And that's when her whole world begins to unravel.

 

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Matched has everything a perfect dystopia novel needs: a main character, Cassia, that you will be rooting for within every chapter, if not for her determination, but for the way everything comes back to the effect it will have on those she cares about, a love triangle that will have you changing your mind almost as many times as you turn the page of the book, a beautifully-written romance that will have you overcome with emotions and a Society that isn't as perfect as it would like you to think. As my first read of 2014, it set the standards high!

 

Ally Condie creates a world where you have no choices, where every decision is made for you by an over-controlling Society. The novel begins on the night of Cassia's Matching Ceremony, where she will see the boy that she will one day get married to and have children with - all when the Society says she can ,of course. Admittedly, Condie builds this world effortlessly, and you become completely immersed in it within pages. You can clearly see the character growth and how Cassia's mind changes about the world she lives in, going from the night she has been waiting for, to realising that she no longer wants that.  I adored the simplicity yet, beauty of the writing and the way poetry and stories were interwoven in the plot. You always had questions about the Society, wondering what they will do or if they would ever notice Cassia's Infractions, all of which allow you to see the cracks forming in the 'perfect' Society - yes, they may have a longer life-expectancy, yes, they may have banished Cancer, but who can make the decision of when you die? Who can just accept that?

 

Matched is a heart-racing and gripping read that I couldn't put down. It has various sub-plots , but you're never confused or thinking about something going on elsewhere. Cassia's personality captures your attention while her questions about who she loves keeps it there - there is a simplicity to the friendship that Cassia and Xander have always have, and how suddenly things change because of one decision, while there is a complexity to Ky that Cassia notices, and that intrigues the reader. The two love-interests are not just that, they have interesting personalities, and different feelings. As you may know, I'm not normally a fan of love-triangles, but I applaud the author for executing this with the right balance of romance and love, with a gritty, captivating plot to co-exist with that!

 

Cassia is one of my new favourite fictional females because of the way you see her, through the course of the novel, not instantly rebelling because she 'just wants to be with another boy.' Instead, she realises she should be able to make her own choices, and she slowly moves against the Society as she unravels the truth about the world she's trapped in but, has tried to fit into to. You are angry at the way someone has already predicted what Cassia will achieve, the way she has a certain amount of time in which she can socialise and the way there is always someone watching. Our protagonist doesn't start rebelling or becoming reckless, instead, it always comes back to protecting others.

 

The detail and thought that has gone into writing this novel is clear as it comes to it's climax, and that's both shocking and surreal. The only reason this is not a five-star is because of one slightly confusing plot-line that saw me have to flick back to re-read a few pages.  This novel is a must-read - and almost an insight to our future where we will have no choices of our own. I finished this book at 1am, and if that is not incentive to go and get yourself a copy, I don't know what is!

 

 

Ages 12+

I'm currently reading 'Crossed' and I think I can honestly say, this is one of my favourite series' out there!
By the way, I just noticed I have reached 40,000 PAGEVIEWS! This is such a surreal achievement for me, and I can't think you enough for reading my blog! :D

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 Fifth Wave by Rick Yancey

When I started seeing all the fantastic comments about this book, I went straight to Goodreads to see what this 'Next Hunger Games' was all about. When I saw the gorgeous cover, and read the plotline, I knew I had to buy this. The premise sounds brilliant, I instantly fell in love with the idea of the different Waves, and the opportunity to be introduced to a brand new heroine. 

 

The 1st Wave - Took out half a million people

The 2nd Wave - Put that number to shame

The 3rd Wave - Lasted a little longer,

Twelve weeks...Four billion dead.

In the Fourth Wave, You can't trust people are still people.

And The Fifth Wave?

No one knows

But it's coming.

 

On a lonely stretch of highway, Cassie runs. Runs from the beings that only look human, who have scattered Earth's last survivors.To stay alone is to stay alive, until she meets Evan Walker. Beguiling and mysterious, Evan may be her only hope.Now Cassie must choose: between trust and despair, between defiance and surrender, between life and death.

 

The Fifth Wave is an exciting, action packed and engrossing novel that, although it had it's flaws, I couldn't put down. This is set in the present-day, except, we now live in a world where survivors have found theirselves scattered and almost non-existence after an alien race has invaded earth.  Their form of destroying the population comes in Waves. At the time of the book, we are on the dawn of The 5th Wave except, no one knows what is will be, but one thing for sure is that is coming. This novel is fast-paced, perfectly plotted and suspenseful. The world it is set in has detailed descriptions, a well-explored premise through the point of view constantly switching to a different character and is completely engrossing. If the idea of the waves isn't enough to keep you reading, there's the un-flinching heroine in Cassie and the unpredictable shocks that seem to be thrown at you in every chapter.

 

Cassie - or Cassiopeia - is who you find yourself introduced to do when you first open this novel. Not only is she determined, and a protagonist who's strength must be admired, her main aim is to rescue her brother. The thing that I loved most about Cassie was how thoughtful she was. In a world where seven billion people have already died, you can find it hard to feel compassion, but Cassie brings this back to the  experience for one person. Throughout the novel, I found Cassie's narrative to be my favourite. Rick Yancey's writing is completely refreshing. When you see a man be able to take on a teenage girl's narrative and making it completely realistic, was like taking a breath of fresh air. To get a reader to understand this world is a difficult thing, and I applaud Yancey's attempt. You found out what happened through flashbacks from Cassie, and I loved how she was able to reflect on these. She never continued as if something had never happened, she felt guilt, remorse and sometimes was scared, but every time she was able to get back up. To say this book has it's funny moments is an understatement, It definitely added some light-hearted parts to a serious novel.

 

The other character's had a wide-spread of personalities and characteristics, but I found I was rooting for them all. The book was switching every few chapters, and I really enjoyed being able to dig deep into this world. From Cassie's brother Sammy, to the boy that she dreamed off, Ben, you get to follow their journey's too. If this book was in first-person, I would have always wanted to find out what is happening in different places. One of the main settings is a training camp called 'Wright-Patterson'. The main action, tension and fast-paced parts happened here, including where the secrets of this apocalypse seemed to unravelled. I adored how much of this world Rick Yancey allows you to grasp, and there were many times in this book when my jaw was left hanging open.

 

What if you could trust no-one? I spent nights up, thinking about this book. I was always thinking about what had just been revealed to me and I didn't want to leave Cassie. I never wanted to put this book down. Evan Walker is mysterious yet charming and seemingly kind-hearted. I loved their relationship, although I was always hesitant of Evan. He seemed to just appear. He survived so much, but things never match-up with him. Yet, I was rooting for him and Cassie. I was rooting for all the characters and wanted them to succeed. I wanted Cassie to find her brother, and for Zombie to discover the truth, for the villains to lose this war that only ever had one winner.

 

This is a really enjoyable adventure novel, but at times it is confusing. I say this because, although I liked the switching point of views,  there were no headers to show the viewpoint had changed. There were also quite a few events happening at the same time, and I found myself having to turn back some pages as I seemed to forget what was going on. Although, the writing is brilliant, the proofing was where I found a lot of small, yet frustrating mistakes. This book definitely had a similar style when it comes to the likes of 'The Hunger Games' and 'Divergent', but I would say it is not these books. It's in fact, really different, but I don't doubt for a moment this book will also make it onto the big screen in the year's to come.  I will be definitely re-reading this book very soon, but for now, there is a very long wait for the sequel.

 

"I really enjoyed this, and think you should definitely add this to your 'to read' shelf. Although, it did have some flaws"

****

Ages 12+

 

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?

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+

*****

Beautiful Creatures REVIEW

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl(Adaptation to be released on the 14th Feb 2013)

 

 Is falling in love the beginning...

or the end?'

 

'Sixteen moons, sixteen years

Sound of thunder in your ears

Sixteen miles before she nears

Sixteen seeks what sixteen fears'

 

Ethan Wate lives in a small town, Gatlin, in South Carolina. It's a type of town where everyone knows everything about you.With a map up on his wall, that he marks when he reads about a place he wants to visit: a town that Ethan is waiting to leave. But, then Lena Duchannes moves to town. Someone who Ethan instantly knows is the girl from strange dreams he has been having, in each she slips from his fingers and wakes dripping wet and covered in mud. Niece of the town shut-in Old Man Ravenwood everybody has their opinion: a spiral notebook, a number on her hand, a haunting song heard, a window shattered in class. One day in the rain will change everything. Lena is a Caster, not a mortal, and on her sixteenth birthday her powers will be Claimed for either the Light or the Dark. A curse put on her family means that she has no choice. The Claiming will decide her fate for ever. Once Claimed there is no going back. Dark, Light.  Ethan has fallen for Lena, something that will only put him in danger, but somehow he can protect her. Although, suddenly he's realising how much a small town can actually hide. Ethan never saw it coming.

 

Beautiful Creatures was an exhilarating super-natural read, that captures you from the first page. It was suspenseful, heart-racing and powerful - in a Southern world. This book captivated me into Ethan Wate's life and what I loved about this book was that it was told from a male's perspective. You got to follow Ethan's thoughts and feelings as he discovered the secrets and this girl-Lena Duchannes who has no choice on her fate. I loved Lena's character, who finds herself just wanting to have a choice. She was so fully brought to life: her charm necklace, her spiral notebook, green eyes, black hair all the details were there. I was willing her on.

 

 Full of mystery and dark secrets, it packed all different genres and points into one book: romance, supernatural, fantasy and fiction creating a fantastic read. Beautiful Creatures is perfectly crafted, creating a world that so effortlessly captures the reader. Full of beautifully written visions that kept you on your edge of your seat, a mysterious past was told. I couldn't put this book down! An unforgettable page-turner, with mysterious and dark secrets to uncover in fast-paced plot twists. This novel also combined historical elements and really brought Gatlin to life. It taught me about the Civil War: something that Gatlin is really built on and brings to life Lena and Ethan's history. Beautiful Creatures had so many interesting, unique and gothic characters, both Light and Dark. There were shocking twists and turns in every plot that are un-predictable, with emotional parts of the plot. A mesmerising novel that will keep you up late thinking about it.

 

Beautiful Creatures was a fantastic super-natural read, that was captivating, heart-racing and powerful. Packed with excitement, suspence, love and love. There are not enough words to describe such a perfectly created world and page-turning novel. A mesmerising book that is a must-read for anyone 12+.

*****

 

Some of my favourite quotes from this book:

 

"she made me realize how much I was just like the rest of them, even I wanted to pretend I wasn't"

"Funny thing was, the more she ran, the more determined I was to follow"

"The toe's of our ratty black sneakers touched"

"The monuments of wit survive the monuments of power"
"Question everything. Learn something. Answer nothing."

"If you reveal your secrets to the wind, you should not blame them for revealing them to the trees"

"Three can keep a secret if two of them are dead"

Author Interview with Marissa Meyer!

Recently, I was able to interview the fantastic Marissa Meyer author of Cinder: the first book in The Lunar Chronicles. Set in Dystopia Berlin in a retelling of Cinderella, Cinder is enchanting and unique. In this interview Marissa discuses her inspirations for The Lunar Chronicles along with giving her own advice to aspiring writers and how it felt to become a New York Times bestseller!

When did you first begin to write?

I started writing stories when I was a little kid - even before I knew the alphabet I used to tell stories to my mom so she could type them up for me, and when I was in elementary school I was constantly writing short poems and plays that my cousin and I would later act out for our parents. But I started writing seriously when I was a teenager and was first introduced to fanfiction, which I wrote for close to ten years. When I was 16 or so I started trying to write novels.

Was there a certain time when you realised that you knew you wanted to become an author?

There's not a specific moment. It feels like I always wanted to be an author, since I first realized that it was a real occupation. I get to work in my PJs and daydream and make up stories for a living! It's what I've always wanted to do.

Who or what inspired you to write? Do they still inspire you now?

My biggest influences were those that swept me and my imagination away when I was growing up. The Hobbit made me dream of sorcerery and epic quests, The Little House on the Prairie made me dream of "simpler" times (that weren't really so simple), Saior Moon made me dream about being a superhero. And I'm still inspired by any stories that re-confirm my belief in true love and happily ever afters.

Was anything or anyone in Cinder based on events or people in your life?

Not really. My husband is great with cars, so I was able to use his knowledge for some of Cinder's mechanic skills, but that's about it. Everything else just emerged out of my imagination.

Cinder was released earlier this year, can you tell us a bit about what it is about?

The first in a four-book series, Cinder is a futuristic retelling of Cinderella, in which Cinder is a sixteen-year-old girl who is part human and part machine, or a cyborg. She lives in a society in which cyborgs are considered second-class citizens, though, which creates some problems when she begins to fall in love with the handsome prince who is, himself, attempting to avoid a marriage alliance with a cruel and powerful queen.

It's now becoming a series called the Lunar Chronicles, was this always planned? If not, what made you change your mind?

Oh yes, I've known since before I wrote the first page of Cinder that it would be a four-book series. I had all four books sketched out and outlined really early on, so I know just where the books and Cinder's story is heading. Each book continues Cinder's story, while also introducing new fairy-tale inspired characters: Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, and Snow White. It's been a lot of fun to write all the different characters.

What gave you the inspiration for this story?

The concept began with a short story that I wrote years ago. It was called "Luna v. 4.2" and was a science-fiction retelling of the fairy tale "Puss in Boots," but with talking robotic cats and a kingdom on the moon that was on the verge of war with Earth. It was so much fun that I decided to try and turn it into a series of futuristic fairy tales. Although the Puss in Boots storyline eventually got cut out, a lot of those original inspirations hung on.

Congratulations on becoming a New York Times Bestseller, how does it feel when you see the success  and love for Cinder?

It feels... surreal. I guess I felt like it would start feeling normal after awhile and I could just be like, "Oh yeah, that's my big, I'm kind of a big deal." But it's not to that point yet. I still feel like I'm in a dream.

Could you give any advice for aspiring authors?

The advice that everyone gives is still the best advice out there: Write a lot and Read a lot. Those are the only things you can do to make yourself a better writer. I also like to tell aspiring writers to enjoy the process and never forget that you're doing this because you love it. Writing begins as a passion, otherwise why would we do it?

A huge thank you to Marissa Meyer for answering my questions! It's a honour to have had the chance to interview you.

Interview with Laura Harrington!

Laura Harrington is the author of Alice Bliss-a coming-of-age story about a small-town packed with emotion. Following the subjects of war and love- and I am so excited to be able to ask the author some questions while I'm reading this book.

 When did you first decide that you wanted to become an author?
I know it sounds crazy, but I remember dreaming about being a writer from the time I was 6 or 7. My mother loved books and was an avid reader. Getting my first library card was a big deal. Falling in love with reading is probably what made me want to be a writer.

What inspires you?

The world around me, especially the ocean. Other writers. Peace activists. Teachers. Horses. 

What are/were your favourite books?

As a child I loved the Narnia series, Marguerite Henry's books about Chincoteague ponies, beginning with Misty of Chincoteague. In college I fell in love with W.B.Yeats, Virginia Woolf, all of the romantic poets.When my daughter was little I got to re-connect to favorite books by reading aloud: Paul Gallico's The Snow Goose, The Secret Garden, At the Back of the Northwind, Charlotte's Web and Stuart Little by E.B.White. Right now I am a fan of Tim Winton's Cloudstreet, Hilary Mantel, Ben Fountain. I could go on and on.

Have you ever read a book and wished you were the author?

Great question! Cloudstreet. I admire the language, the boldness, the velocity, everything, really.

Could you tell us a bit about Alice Bliss?

Alice Bliss is a classic coming of age story about a 15 year old girl whose father is in the Reserves and deploys to Iraq. It tells the story of the war from the point of view of the families and children who are left behind.

What gave you the idea for Alice Bliss?

Being incredibly upset about being at war. Aware of the injustice of 1% of our population bearing the burden of fighting these wars while 99% of us have the luxury of living as though it is not happening.

And I wanted to write about those who are profoundly affected by war, but who we very rarely hear from - the children of servicemen and women.

In Alice Bliss, Alice's father leaves home for war which Alice doesn't believe in, have you ever been effected by War?

Before I was born my father was a navigator/ bombardier in WWII flying missions from France into Germany. When I was Alice's age both of my brothers enlisted. One of them went to Viet Nam. 

How did you handle these serious topics? 

I hope I handled them with truthfulness and sensitivity and in such a way as to honor those who serve.

Are there any points, people or places that reflect your personal experience?

My father died a few months before I started writing Alice Bliss. My love and grief for him are on every page.

If you could be one of the characters in Alice Bliss, for a day, who would it be?

Henry. Or Uncle Eddie.

Have you got any stand-out moments since Alice Bliss has been released?

I especially love meeting with students and talking about my book.  Book groups are also incredibly fun.

Have you got any plans for another book?

 I'm almost finished with my new book.

If so, is there anything you can tell us about it?

It's called A Catalogue of Birds and it's set during Viet Nam. It's about the damage that comes home from war. I'm also working on Alice Bliss, the musical, for a theatre in NYC: Playwrights Horizons.

Have you got any advice that you would be able to give to aspiring authors? 

Read like your writing depends on it, because it does. Model your writing life on musicians who show up to practice whether they feel like it or not.

Thank you so much!

Thank you, Sophie!

A big thank you to Laura Harrignton for answering my *very long* list of questions! I'm always going to remember those who we rarely hear from but are affected by war. Plus, thanks for telling us about your new-book. If you would like any more information about Alice Bliss check out Laura's Website .

Have you read Alice Bliss?

By the way happy 12.12.12-the last time for 100 years that there will be a repetitive date now!

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

Interview with Siobhan Curham!

This is my interview with Dear Dylan author, the amazing Siobhan Curham! In this interview Siobhan gives loads of great advice for continuing our dreams of becoming authors and never giving up. Along with this a sneak-peak of her next books, Finding Cherokee Brown & Shipwrecked both to be next year too!

What/Who inspired you to start writing?

I’ve always been a real book-lover and when I was a child I used to dream that one day I’d be able to write a book of my own. It was such a thrill when, all those years later, that dream finally came true – and it’s a good example of how you should NEVER give up on your dreams. When I was a teenager I briefly gave up on my writing dreams because lack of confidence made me feel that I wasn’t good enough. But I guess if you want something badly enough it never goes away and in the end I wanted to write so bad I just had to do it!

What was your favourite book as a child?

I had loads, but if I had to pick one then I think it would be The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe because the world of Narnia was so vivid and I felt so emotionally attached to the characters.

Have you ever used your personal experiences while writing? If so why?

I draw upon my personal experiences a lot – I actually find it really therapeutic. Often, if I write about an issue that’s affected me, it helps me to find answers or to feel better about it. Also, if I feel I’ve learnt something valuable from something I’ve been through, I like inventing characters and situations that will help me pass this lesson on to the reader. To give you an example (without giving away the plot) writing Dear Dylan was my way of showing the reader that your dreams are a vital part of your identity and, no matter what obstacles you’re confronted with, you should never give up on them, because that would be giving up on yourself.

What about characters? Have you ever based them on people you have met?

Very loosely. It’s usually more a single detail that might inspire me and then I go and build a fictional character around that. In Dear Dylan the main character was loosely inspired by a girl who came to a drama workshop I was running. She’d been through loads in her life and yet she was still so full of fun and positivity. So I took that energy and created Georgie around it.

Dear Dylan was your first book for Young Adults. For people who don't know can you tell us a bit about the story?

Yes, it’s basically the story of a teenage girl who is unhappy in her home life and starts sending fan emails to her favourite TV actor. As things get more stressful at home, she starts pouring her heart out into the emails, and then to her delight, Dylan replies. There is also a massive twist in the tale, but you’ll have to read the book to find out more hahaha. . .

Georgie Harris(the main character) has a lot in common with your everyday teenager: feeling like she has no one to talk to and struggling with a bully of a step-dad. Do you think your readers can connect with Georgie better because of this? 

I really hope so. I know not everyone has a bullying stepdad, but I think most teenagers go through periods of frustration, feeling that no-one really listens to them or gets what they’re about or what they’re trying to say. I definitely remember feeling that way! 

Dear Dylan was written all in email-format, was it a challenge to do this and how? 

In some ways the email format was really good fun. I felt I could just let go and get into the voices of the two characters and that was a really enjoyable experience. But I did get really stuck once the characters decided to meet up. How could I let the readers know what happened when they met, just through their emails? If you think about it, when you meet up with someone, you don’t then rush home and email them every little detail of what just happened – they were there too – they’d think you were nuts! I seriously considered changing the format at that point, but I’m really glad I didn’t. I hope I found a way around it that worked! 

If you could choose any book to have been the author of, what would it be? 

Well, I’m in awe of Anne Frank and the beauty of her writing, despite everything she was going through. Although I obviously wouldn’t want to have endured what she did, I think that the impact her diary has had on the world is an incredible achievement. And what she wrote about life and hope is so inspirational. 

If you could live the life of one of the characters you have created for a day, who would it be? 

What a fun question! I think it would be Cherokee, from my next novel, Finding Cherokee Brown, as she ends up going on quite an exciting adventure that involves a road-trip to Paris… 

Who is the most famous person you have met? 

I used to go out with an actor so I met quite a few famous people through him. I suppose the most famous of those was the actor Ralph Fiennes – who I met for about two seconds when we walked past each other back-stage! 

What is your favourite book now? 

I recently read the YA novel, The Fault in Our Stars and I LOVED it! The characters are so funny and interesting and it was a real emotional roller coaster – I love a novel that can make you laugh and cry, I really feel like I’ve got my money’s worth ;) 

Have you got any advice for young girls who want to become writers? 

Yes, LOADS!! I love encouraging young people to write because I know how easy it can be to lose your confidence. So, I would say that you should write about things you feel passionately about. Write from the heart, don’t write what you think you ought to write, write what you truly want to write. The reader will feel the passion in your words. Also, don’t think that you have nothing interesting to say – of course you do – you are unique and you have your own unique take on life, whatever your background. I have a blog called Dear Writer (www.dearwriterblog.blogspot.com) where I have regular writing tips, prompts and competitions, so please pay it a visit… 

Have you got any plans for another YA novel? If so are there any secrets you can tell us about it?

I’m actually lucky enough to have two new YA novels coming out next year. The first one, Finding Cherokee Brown, is out in March, and it’s about a teenage girl who (inspired by Anne Frank) decides to start writing a book about her life. She hopes that by doing so it will force her to become the kind of heroine she likes reading about and give her the courage to stand up to the bullies in her school. As I mentioned before, it ends up sending her on an incredible adventure to Paris. 

The second one is out in June and it’s called Shipwrecked. It’s about a group of American dance students who get shipwrecked on a spooky island and hopefully it’s being made into a TV series too, which is massively exciting! So, to any aspiring writers reading this – don’t ever give up on your dream, you never know where it might end up taking you… 

Pen & Paper or Laptop? Laptop 

Fiction or Non Fiction? Fiction 

Hardback or Paperback? Paperback 

Female or Male lead? Female 

Futuristic or Present? Present 

A massive thank you to Siobhan Curham for both answering my questions and giving such inspiring advice about never giving up on your dreams! Good luck with Finding Cherokee Brown and Shipwrecked, I know I will be the first in line to buy them.