Book Review - The Selection Stories

Title: The Selection Stories: The Prince and The Guard
Author: Kiera Cass
Series: The Selection (novella)
Publisher: Harper Collins Children's Books
Release Date: 27 Mar. 2014
ISBN-13: 978-0007587094

Synopsis
Two novellas set in the world of Kiera Cass's #1 New York Times bestselling Selection series are now available in print for the first time. The Prince and The Guard both offer captivating views into the hearts and minds of the two men fighting to win America Singer's love. This collection also features exclusive bonus content, including a sneak peek at The One, the eagerly anticipated third novel in the Selection series.

Before America arrived at the palace to compete in the Selection, there was another girl in Prince Maxon's life. The Prince opens the week before the Selection begins and follows Maxon through the first day of the competition.

Raised as a Six, Aspen Leger never dreamed that he would find himself living in the palace as a member of the royal guard. In The Guard, readers get an inside look at Aspen's life within the palace walls—and the truth about a guard's world that America will never know.  

My Review
I love the Selection series and always try to get as much as possible to do with it, so when I saw these two novellas were out I knew I had to read it. I had to wait for it to come back into the library but as soon as I got it, I abandoned everything else I had going on and got straight into this.
The first novella 'The Prince' follows Maxon the week before the Selection starts and gives you an insight into his life and thoughts. I always knew there was more to his persona and this story lets us see it. I really felt for him and the pressure that is put upon him and all the expectations.
The other novella 'The Guard' is told from Aspen's point of view which was refreshing to see the other side of that relationship. Aspen was always a little bit of a mystery to me, I was never quite sure what his angle was and if he was true, but this really changed my mind about him and I found myself with more respect for him. 
They are only short but they offer a real insight into the world and i found it interesting to see America from someone else's point of view not her own. 
This book is perfect for fans of the series and a must read.

My Rating

    

Book Review - Dance of FIre

Title: Dance of Fire
Author: Yelena Black
Series: Dance of Shadows (Book 2)
Publisher: Bloomsbury Childrens
Release Date: 12 Mar. 2015
ISBN-13: 978-1408829981

Synopsis
All dancers dream of the chance to try out for the Royal Court Ballet Company. Only two dancers from the elite New York Ballet Academy will have this honour. Vanessa is one of them. She dances with grace and elegance, and a fury that is unmatched. Justin – strong, sexy and caring – will be her partner. But the thrill of travelling to London for this once-in-a-lifetime competition is shrouded by their past and the demands of an ancient organisation. The Lyric Elite needs them to win the contest and to infiltrate the Royal Court Ballet in order to seek out a dark society of Necrodancers. Vanessa will dance like she has never danced before, but not for them. Vanessa is there to find her missing sister, Margaret, and she won't let anything get in the way of that ... Fierce rivals, dark forces and hidden motives weave together.

My Review
I wasn't sure by the ending of the first book but I wanted to know what happened next, there were too many mysteries still to be solved not to continue so I ordered this book and waited for it to arrive. 
First of all, I have to admit the cover is absolutely stunning, these books certainly do well on the aesthetic view. I had an evening in and no coursework imminent (a rare occassion) so I decided to get stuck into this book. 
Vanessa and Justin have got a place in the Royal Court Ballet competition, but it's not entirely about dance, they have been sent by the 'Lyric Elite' to try and find the rest of the Necrodancers. This featured a lot more in this book and I still had a hard time accepting the whole ballet dancing to raise spirits thing, I was skeptical for a while but actually the more i read, the more I started to believe it and see where the author and characters were coming from. 
There are a number of new characters and they fit in well, I loved her Russian room mate, strong and a bit snotty but caring deep down. The whole Ballet school and competition is well set up and I found myself picturing the halls and practice rooms. As it is set in London, I could picture a lot of the places they visit as I have been there in reality, which made it seem all the more real. 
Justin really grew as a character in this book and I found myself liking him more and more, he is strong and silent but at the same time you know you can trust him.
There are a lot of twists and turns in this book that will keep you guessing throughout, and right to the end of the book you will be trying to figure out who is the bad guy, what really happened to Vanessa's Sister and if they will get back alive.
Overall this book is enjoyable and fast paced, and just as good as the first, but somehow I am still a little bit on the fence about the whole thing, the dance aspect is fabulous and I love that, but the paranormal aspect is still a little far fetched at times. 
This is a series that keeps me intrigued and I would read more if it came out, and I would recommend people try it for themselves. 

My Rating

     

Book Review - The Magnificent Lizzie Brown and the Mysterious Phantom

Title: The Magnificent Lizzie Brown and the Mysterious Phantom
Author: Vicki Lockwood
Series: Magnificent Lizzie Brown (Book 1)
Publisher: Curious Fox 
Release Date: 7 May 2015
ISBN-13: 978-1782022527

Synopsis
In nineteenth-century London Lizzie Brown wants nothing more than to escape from the slums and her drunk, abusive father, so finding work and friends in a passing circus seems like a dream come true--but when she starts to have visions she finds herself confronting the mysterious phantom of London. 



My Review
At our Book Day at work, we had a visit from a lady called Helen who worked for Curious Fox publishing. She talked to us about all sorts of things from how the company works, getting published, the process books go through - all that sort of thing, but she also introduced us to some of the books they have out or coming out. Lizzie Brown was one of those and I could tell she was really excited about it, and the more I heard, the more I wanted to read it. Lucky for me she had a proof copy and I was very grateful to receive it.
Something about this book called out to me, because although I have coursework I should have been doing, and a stack of other books I should be reading I just had to pick this one up. And once I'd picked it up I read it in one sitting. Just a couple of hours later I was done and absolutely involved in Lizzie's world. 
Lizzie lives in London in the 19th C, her dad tends to get drunk and she wants to make a life of her own, the chance comes and suddenly Lizzie is out on her own. Luckily for her she bumps into a travelling circus and makes friends with the crew. Taken in by them and adopted as one of the troupe Lizzie thinks her life is finally turning round. But then she hears about the mysterious 'phantom' - someone or something who is robbing houses and causing a stir, then Lizzie has a vision about him and suddenly Lizzie is more involved than she wanted to be. Now she has to stop the Phantom before he commits his next crime. 
This book was fun and mysterious, it keeps you guessing as to who the Phantom could really be, I suspected at least three different characters before coming to the right conclusion. Lizzie herself is charming and determined, I love her energy and her outlook on life. She is a charming character that really captures your imagination and mixed with her friends the story really comes to life. 
This book would be great for kids looking for a fun new adventure, I am going to try and get copies from the library when it's out to give the book group that I run a chance to read it. And I also think adults would enjoy the charm and atmosphere of the book. Really just a great read overall.

My Rating

    

Book Review - Cowgirl

Title: Cowgirl
Author: G Gemin
Publisher: Nosy Crow
Release Date: 6 Mar. 2014
ISBN-13: 978-0857632814

Synopsis
Growing up on the embattled Mawr Estate in South Wales, all Gemma sees are burglaries, muggings, sadness and boredom. With a dad in prison and a mum who has given up hope, she, like everyone around her, is holding on to memories of the times when happiness wasn’t so hard to find.

When her search for the scene of a perfect childhood day takes her up into the surrounding hills, Gemma is forced into a meeting with the legendary Cowgirl. Everyone at school knows she’s a weirdo: six foot tall and angry, the only conversations she has are with the twelve cows on her dad’s farm. But with her abrupt arrival in Gemma’s life, everything starts to look different. And with her only friends in mortal danger of the abbatoir, it turns out she and Gemma have a mission on their hands.  

My Review
This is once again a book on our Children's Book of the Year list, so one I had to read for work. I wasn't really sure what to expect from it, reading the blurb I thought it sounded odd and I have to admit I didn't have particularly high expectations for it. But I have to admit that I found myself really enjoying it and in fact read it in one sitting. 
I really liked Gemma and found her to be a very relateable character, she had a good sense of humour and a real feeling of honesty about her. She also really grows as a character throughout the book, as does the Cowgirl. Cowgirl was someone who I could really feel for and i felt myself connect with her and want everything to work out for her. 
The book was fairly light-hearted but covered some pretty heavy issues but it never felt like it was preaching at me or trying to teach me a lesson, it was just a good enjoyable read with some meaning to it. And I really loved the quirkiness of it.
I have to say this is one of the choices I have enjoyed the most so far and I am really glad I had to read it.  

My Rating

   

Book Review - Just Like Fate

Title: Just Like Fate
Author: Cat Patrick & Suzanne Young
Publisher: Electric Monkey
Release Date: 27 Feb. 2014
ISBN-13: 978-1405268073

Synopsis
Caroline is at a crossroads. Her whole family is on her back, and her grandmother, the only person who really understands her, is sick, maybe dying. All she wants to do is escape. So when her best friend suggests a night out to forget her troubles, Caroline must choose: stay by her grandmother's side, or go to the party and live her life . . . and maybe meet the boy of her dreams.

This decision will split Caroline's fate into two separate paths - and she's about to live them both. But there can only be one happy ending . . .

My Review
This is another book on the list for Children's Book Day at work and it sounded interesting to me, I was actually looking forward to it. The synopsis reminded me a bit of the film 'Sliding Doors' starring Gwyneth Paltrow which I enjoyed so thought this could be good.
Caroline has to make a choice - stay at her grandmothers bedside or go out for a night. It sounds like such a simple choice but as her gran is on her death bed it could be the difference between saying goodbye and missing those final moments. Sometimes our choices change everything. 
I liked Caroline, I immediately felt a connection to her and wanted to see what would happen. I was also very intrigued to see how the two different paths would affect the storyline and how they would meet again at the end (Because of course you know they have to meet again!) 
I liked the style of writing and although I was worried I would be confused about which path I was on but luckily the book makes it very easy for you and I had no problems at all. In fact I read this book in just one day. I found it hard to put down and I believe that did help in keeping track of what was happening. 
I think Caroline is a relateable character for many teens, as this book covers many aspects such as bereavements, friendships, first loves and general teen worries. She is human and has her faults and makes mistakes but she is still likeable and she doesn't give up which I like to see in a character. 
I am glad that I had a chance to read this book and I really did enjoy it. I've read some Cat patrick before and did enjoy it so I'm pleased she didn't disappoint on this occasion. I am intrigued to know if one author wrote the 'Stay' chapters and one wrote the 'Go' or if they shared each between them, but you can't tell it's two different people when reading it - they have combined their skills seamlessly.
Definitely a good read and one I would recommend. 

My Rating

     

Book Review - The Unbelievable Top Secret Diary of Pig

Title: The Unbelievable Top Secret Diary of Pig
Author: Emer Stamp
Series: Pig (Book 1)
Publisher: Scholastic
Release Date: 30 Oct. 2013
ISBN-13: 978-1407136370

Synopsis
Hello. I is Pig. This is my diary. It's super Top Secret, but Duck and me agrees that you needs to read it so you can help us, because we is in a bit of a pickle. I hopes you will be believing what I has written, because Duck says it is UNBELIEVABLE. But it isn't. It's my life. You will see. Love, Pig 



My Review
This is another book on our 'Children's Book Day' list that I have to read for a course at work. I have to admit that when I saw it my heart sunk a little and to be honest it didn't get any better.
Pig has decided to write a diary of his life, not expecting much to happen, but with his best friend Duck, the cows, sheep and evil chickens life on the farm has more to write about than you would think. Then pig discovers what Farmer really wants him for and everything turns around.
I understand that the whole 'Diary' book is popular and whilst I didn't enjoy things like 'Wimpy Kid' I can see why kids would like them and it does get them reading. Which of course I approve of. But this book made me cringe. 
I don't want to be mean or degrade this book or anything like that. Remember everything here is just my opinion, but I honestly did not like this book. Every page is filled with the words 'farts' or 'poo' - of course kids find this funny but there was just too much for me and the grammar is dreadful.
I understand it is supposed to be written by a pig so of course the English won't be perfect but this will just teach kids bad habits. It is aimed at the sort of age range that is very impressionable and therefore this book will just make kids think that this sort of language style is acceptable - they wouldn't realize that this is a marketing/character thing.
It is the sort of book that I can see kids loving, and with the fart jokes in it, boys especially will pick it up, but for me I just couldn't gel with it and I don't think I'll be reading the sequel.   

My Rating

    

Book Review - Where She Went

Title: Where She Went
Author: Gayle Forman
Series: If I Stay (Book 2)
Publisher: Definitions (Young Adult)
Release Date: 26 April 2012
ISBN-13: 978-1849414289

Synopsis
If you had a second chance at first love . . . would you take it?

It's been three years since Mia walked out of Adam’s life. And three years he’s spent wondering why. When their paths cross again in New York, Adam and Mia are brought back together for one life-changing night.


My Review
When I finished listening to 'If I Stay' I was desperate to find out what happened next, I had this book ready and couldn't wait to open it. Life got in the way a bit and it was about 3 days before I was able to pick this one up, but thoughts of the characters and that world stayed with me, they were in my thoughts, I even had a dream about it which was weird. So I knew I had to get back to it as soon as I could.
My initial reaction when picking up the book was disappointment - it's set 3 years after the end of Stay. That is a massive leap and I was hoping it would carry on right where the other left off. But I loved the story and Forman's writing so I decided to persevere, hoping that those 3 years would be filled in at some point to let us know how we got here.
My next shock was that this one was told from Adam's perspective not Mia's which seemed a bit alien at first but I soon found myself enjoying his voice, fitting into his world, walking beside him as he went through each day.
The book is divided between current events of Adam's life and things that have happened over the past few years.
I don't want to give too much away as I don't want to spoil it for anyone who hasn't read it, but I was shocked by some of the turn of events. Not Adam's job - I always knew he would make it, but the sheer loneliness of his life was shocking, and it was almost like his waves of misery would flow off the page from him. I wanted to reach in and reassure him that it would all be ok.
The more I read, the more the gaps were filled in and I felt myself settling back into the story, and realising why it was written that way - and I have to admit it was the perfect way to do it. Everything suddenly just felt right, made sense and worked out - I understood what had happened and how they had got here and the bonus is you get a bigger look at their future. 
I actually found myself disliking Mia a little bit - some of her choices were just mean and to be honest - selfish. But after all she went through you can kind of understand that, but I still don't think it's a real excuse. 
Adam weaves his world around you until you are absorbed and I didn't want the book to end, but at the same time I was desperate to find out how it finished. 
This is honestly one of the best series I have ever read, it's story swept me up and churned me through a whirlwind of emotions. It has stayed with me and the characters feel like old school friends. 
So although not what I expected at first, I would highly recommend these books to other people, only slight warning to younger readers - some content may not be suitable but nothing too bad or shocking. 

My Rating

  

Book Review - Girl With All the Gifts

Title: The Girl With All The Gifts
Author: M.R. Carey
Publisher: Orbit
Release Date: 14 Jan 2014
ISBN-13: 978-0356502731

Synopsis
Melanie is a very special girl. Dr Caldwell calls her "our little genius."
Every morning, Melanie waits in her cell to be collected for class. When they come for her, Sergeant keeps his gun pointing at her while two of his people strap her into the wheelchair. She thinks they don't like her. She jokes that she won't bite, but they don't laugh.
Melanie loves school. She loves learning about spelling and sums and the world outside the classroom and the children's cells. She tells her favorite teacher all the things she'll do when she grows up. Melanie doesn't know why this makes Miss Justineau look sad.  

My Review
I saw this on a display in my local book shop and thought it looked good, I had a quick read of the blurb and was intrigued so I went and ordered a copy from the library. I wouldn't say this was my usual sort of read but I have got quite into the whole paranormal genre and thought this may be good. 
I started to read it about a month ago and found myself getting into the story, it was a bit of a strange story and I as intrigued by the set up. The story starts in a base where kids are strapped to big wheelchairs and wheeled into a classroom every day, they are then locked into cells at night. 
This is a dystopian paranormal with a vampire twist. Set in the future, the world has been taken over by 'Hungries' - human mutations that basically have turned feral and eat humans, and once you are bitten you either become a Hungry or they eat you to death. The children are test subjects, brought in as young hungries to see if they can adapt, learn and also to be used as experiments. 
I found the start of the story interesting but I have to admit that it was also a bit slow, I kept waiting for something to happen and then I had to put the book down to do a Uni assignment and just didn't pick it up again for a while.
Turns out, I put it down right before it all gets exciting, I picked it up yesterday to do a bit more reading, to see if it was worth finishing and suddenly i was like 'whoa', the base gets attacked by Hungries and 'Junkies' -  humans who have learnt to survive and hunt in the wild and avoid the Hungries.
In the base there is one particular child that stands out - Melanie, she seems to be exceptionally bright and in control of her emotions and she gets on very well with her teacher - Miss Justineau. They form a special bond and they escape together during the attack, along with Sergeant Parks, Doctor Caldwell and another soldier called Callagher. Together they try to escape and make their way to another safe base, but running into all sorts of trouble on the way.

The book really picked up it's pace about halfway through and I found myself reading through quickly and not wanting to put it down, I wanted to know what would happen to these people and actually felt like I got to know them. Like I was part of their group. Melanie in particular was very interesting and unique and I like the way she was presented and grew as a character. She was very well written.
The group dynamics is also well set out, and although the people don't all get on, they learn how to survive with each other.

This book is actually set in my local area, Bedford and surrounding villages are mentioned and then they move into London districts. This was quite cool as it meant I could actually visualize some of the places and imagine it playing out. When Bedford was mentioned I actually gasped and got a bit excited. This added a bit of texture to the novel for me, made it feel more real.

The only down for me was that the ending isn't complete - it doesn't come to a conclusion as such but it does hint at what is to come. I don't know if there are plans for a sequeal, but as it was it left me a little bit disappointed. But only a little. Overall i really did enjoy the book and would recommend it to fans of distopian, paranormal horror.
I would give a word of caution though  - some bits are a bit gruesome and even made me look away or curl my nose in disgust. There are some fairly graphic descriptions and a lot of blood mentioned.

But overall a really enjoyable read, worth checking out.

My Rating