Book Review - Four

Title: Four
Author: Veronica Roth
Series: Divergent (Short Story Collection)
Publisher: Harper Collins Children's Books
Release Date: 8 July 2014
ISBN-13: 978-0007582891

Synopsis
Two years before Beatrice Prior makes her choice, the sixteen-year-old son of Abnegation’s faction leader does the same. Tobias’s transfer to Dauntless is his chance to begin again. Newly renamed 'Four' he discovers that initiation is only the beginning.
Four must claim his place in the Dauntless hierarchy. And his decisions will affect future initiates as well as uncover secrets that could threaten his own future—and the future of the entire faction system.
Two years later, Four is poised to act but the course is still unclear. The first new initiate who jumps into the net might change all that. With her, the way to righting their world might become clear. With her it might become possible to be Tobias once again.

My Review
I was so excited when this came out, but I haven't bought a copy yet as I want the American version, as I have the other books in this series with those covers and I have ot have them match. So I was waiting to read it until I got my copy, but as that hasn't happened I decided I should request it from the library to read. That way I still get to enjoy the story and I can keep looking for the American cover I want. 
This book opens up the world of Divergent a bit more and reveals a lot about Four's past. He's the guy we all love from the series and this is a great read. It really lets you see where he really came from, it just gives him another dimension, makes him seem well rounded. The book starts with Four's test and Choosing ceremony, then moves through his Initiation and then features the time he becomes a trainer - when Tris is first introduced. It was really refreshing to see the story from another point of view and made me see some details I hadn't noticed before. 
I read this in one sitting, it's easy to read and will envelope you into the world just as much as the original Divergent series did. It was like coming home and revisiting old friends. 
This is a must read for any fan of the series, it's fresh, fun and an amazing read.

My Rating

    

Book Review - Take Me On

Title: Take Me On
Author: Katie McGarry
Series: Pushing the Limits (Book 4)
Publisher: MIRA Ink
Release Date: 6 Jun 2014
ISBN-13: 978-1848452909

Synopsis
Champion kickboxer Haley swore she'd never set foot in the ring again after one tragic night. But then the guy she can't stop thinking about accepts a mixed martial arts fight in her honor. Suddenly, Haley has to train West Young. All attitude, West is everything Haley promised herself she'd stay away from. Yet he won't last five seconds in the ring without her help.
West is keeping a big secret from Haley. About who he really is. But helping him fighting for her is a shot at redemption. Especially since it' s his fault her family is falling apart. He can't change the past, but maybe he can change Haley's future.
Hayley and West have agreed to keep their relationship strictly in the ring. But as an unexpected bond forms between them and attraction mocks their best intentions, they'll face their darkest fears and discover love is worth fighting for.

My Review
I love Katie McGarry's books, she is one author I will always pick up no matter what. I never thought she would be my type of book, as I usually head towards fantasy and paranormal, but I have actually discovered I quite like contemporary romance and Katie is the cream of the crop when it comes to contemporary.
This is the fourth book set in the world of the Pushing the Limits novels, they are all individual stories following different characters but some of them do cross reference to the other books so it will make more sense if you read them in the order they came out but you can follow it without. But really why wouldn't you read them all, they are fantastic books and well worth a read.
This book follows Hayley and West. Hayley used to be a champion kick boxer, she had won titles and was the top of her game, but then something happened, something that changed it all and she swore never to enter the ring again, never to fight anyone again and never to get involved with boys who trained as fighters. But an old grudge still stands between Hayley, her ex boyfriend and her brothers. Then new boy West gets involved, he's new to this area but gets thrown in at the deep end. When he agrees to a fight in order to protect Hayley, he's not got much hope of winning, but maybe if they work together they can pull it off. But both of them have secrets, problems at home and things they don't want the other to know. They must get past all of that and then maybe they have a hope of winning, or at least not getting killed!
I started reading this book and was immediately thrown straight back into the world, although it's been quite a while since I visited, this book has been out for a while but somehow I missed it. It was only when I saw the announcement for the new book coming out this month that I looked back at the ones already out and realised I hadn't ever got a copy of this one. I requested it straight away and moved it to the top of my pile. 
It was nice to see Isaiah and Rachel feature again and made everything tie up nicely, it even answered some questions I had about how their story ended which was an added bonus. 
I loved Hayley as a character, she is dealing with some pretty bad things and has no one she can really tell. Everything is piling up on her but she refuses to quit. She is naturally tough, and although she has moments where she breaks down - these just make her so much more human. I felt like she was the sort of girl I would have been friends with at school, if I wasn't scared of her tough exterior that is! 
She has a very level head and a very loyal heart, she will do anything to try and keep her family together and just do the right thing. 
West is more of an unknown, and although he plays the tough guy bit, he is actually very caring and sensitive, most of the fights he gets into are because he is trying to protect someone he loves, and once he's met Hayley this is no different. He can tell that she is the type of girl who can take care of herself, but he can also see through her facade and realises she needs someone at her side too. 
The pair work well together throughout the book, they have a fair share of arguments and fights but you can really feel the romance blossoming between them.
Katie McGarry is one of those writers who writes 'real'. the situations, the characters, the world. It all just comes to life on the page and makes you feel like you know the people and could just step through the pages of the book into their world.
I literally read this in one sitting, after saying I would put the book down and go to bed, I ended up sitting for a further 2 hours and finishing the whole thing. I just couldn't walk away, and everytime I considered it something would pull me back.
These books really are amazing and will make you have serious feels!
Maybe not appropriate for some younger readers due to the issues involved such as abuse. But otherwise I would recommend it to all!

My Rating

      

Book Reveiw - The Hobbit

Title: The Hobbit (Or There and Back Again)
Author: J.R.R. Tolkien
Series: Middle Earth
Publisher: Harper Collins Children's Books
Release Date: 7th November 2013 (this version)
Originally Published: 1937

Synopsis
Bilbo Baggins is a hobbit who enjoys a comfortable, unambitious life, rarely travelling further than the pantry of his hobbit-hole in Bag End.
But his contentment is disturbed when the wizard, Gandalf, and a company of thirteen dwarves arrive on his doorstep one day to whisk him away on an unexpected journey ‘there and back again’. They have a plot to raid the treasure hoard of Smaug the Magnificent, a large and very dangerous dragon…

My Review
That's right, I had never read The Hobbit before. Apparently this was very shocking! I saw the first 2 Lord of the Rings films as a child and really didn't like them, i think i was too young for them and just wasn't into that thing at the time, but because of that I had avoided the series from then on. But as I have grown my tastes have changed and I love a good fantasy novel, after many lengthy conversations with friends and colleagues at the library I decided I should try it. Plus the 3rd film is about to come out and it looke kind of cool and my boyfriend wanted to see it so I thought I would try the book and then if I liked it I would watch the films.
I was warned that the story is quite slow, so I didn't expect amazing things but I actually found myself settling into it quite well and coming to like Bilbo. He's quite quirky, a bit sarcastic and to be honest, a bit cute. He's very stuck in his ways and can be grumpy but he has a certain charm to his personality that you can't help but like. 
When a strange man turns up at his door and proclaims himself to be the great wizard Gandalf, Bilbo is polite but not willing to engage in talk or adventure, so when a group of 13 dwarfs turn up on his doorstep the next day Bilbo is in for a surprise. 
The dwarfs have a quest, to reclaim the treasure hoard kept by Smaug the dragon and they need a 14th member to their group, and Gandalf has selected Bilbo to be that person.
We then follow as Bilbo grudgingly joins them on the quest but slowly starts to discover things about himself and the world. I actually rather enjoyed following the group on their journey and discovering all the new areas, problems, foes and friends. This book also crosses over as a children's book and it has that sense of ease in reading that sweeps you through the story.
The dwarfs all have very distinct personalities and I enjoyed reading about them all and how they work within the group, my favourite were Fili and Kili - they had great sense of humour!
I can't believe I left it so long without reading this, and I will definitely be moving on to the LOTR series.

My Rating

Book Review - Attachments

Title: Attachments
Author: Rainbow Rowell
Publisher: Orion
Release Date: 1st April 2011
ISBN13: 9781409116288

Synopsis
Beth Fremont and Jennifer Scribner-Snyder know that somebody is monitoring their work e-mail. (Everybody in the newsroom knows. It's company policy.) But they can't quite bring themselves to take it seriously. They go on sending each other endless and endlessly hilarious e-mails, discussing every aspect of their personal lives.
Meanwhile, Lincoln O'Neill can't believe this is his job now- reading other people's e-mail. When he applied to be "internet security officer," he pictured himself building firewalls and crushing hackers- not writing up a report every time a sports reporter forwards a dirty joke.
When Lincoln comes across Beth's and Jennifer's messages, he knows he should turn them in. But he can't help being entertained-and captivated-by their stories.
By the time Lincoln realizes he's falling for Beth, it's way too late to introduce himself.

My Review
I have really come to be a fan of Rainbow Rowell and have now read all of her books, this was the last one I managed to find, which is ironic as it's actually her first novel.
Lincoln's life is far from perfect, the only girl he ever loved left him in college/uni, he lives at home with his mum and spends his nights sitting in an office reading other people's emails. It's not exactly hard work or challenging. Finding ways to pass the time is about as hard as it gets. 
Then he finds an email conversation between Jennifer and Beth, it's been flagged up as they are discussing things that aren't to do with work, but for some reason Lincoln doesn't report them, instead he ends up reading their conversations and even looking forward to the next time he will see one. But by the time he realises that he is falling in love with Beth it's too late - he can't confess he has broken her privacy and trust before he even met her. It would make him look like a total creep.

I wasn't sure about this book to start, it seemed a bit slow and i wasn't sure where it was going, Lincoln seemed rather pathetic and whiny which irritated me a bit. I can't stand people that moan about their lives but do nothing to change it, but as the book progresses and you learn more about his past and see him adapt and become a new person I found myself reading more and more in the hope he would get a happy ending.
I also really enjoyed reading the girls email conversations - I can see why Lincoln was intrigued. They were witty and funny but also sometimes really meaningful and made you feel for the characters. 
Rainbow tackled what is actually quite a sensitive subject here and presented it very well. I loved how well the storyline flows and develops and how the characters are so relateable.
It's not my favourite by her, but it is definitely a very good read and I would definitely call myself a fan. I look forward to seeing more from her, eagerly awaiting the next book!

My Rating

      

Book Review - Lailah

Title: Lailah
Author: Nikki Kelly
Series: The Styclar Saga (Book 1)
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Release Date: 20 Oct 2014
ISBN-13: 978-1250051516

Synopsis
The girl knows she’s different. She doesn’t age. She has no family. She has visions of a past life, but no clear clues as to what she is, or where she comes from. But there is a face in her dreams – a light that breaks through the darkness. She knows his name is Gabriel.
On her way home from work, the girl encounters an injured stranger whose name is Jonah. Soon, she will understand that Jonah belongs to a generation of Vampires that serve even darker forces. Jonah and the few like him, are fighting with help from an unlikely ally – a rogue Angel, named Gabriel.
In the crossfire between good and evil, love and hate, and life and death, the girl learns her name: Lailah. But when the lines between black and white begin to blur, where in the spectrum will she find her place? And with whom?
Gabriel and Jonah both want to protect her. But Lailah will have to fight her own battle to find out who she truly is.

My Review
One of my colleagues at work told me about this book, she was really excited for it's upcoming release and had heard really good things about it. She ordered a copy and showed me it online. I agreed that it looked and sounded quite cool so I put a request in too. 
The request came in for her but as she hasn't been in for a few days I thought I might as well read it first, I had just finished another book so knew I had time to fit it in. 
Lailah isn't human but she doesn't know what she is, she can't truly die - each time she comes back and starts again only retaining odd memories of her lives before. The one constant between each life is Gabriel, a face she sees in her mind and that warms her heart, she doesn't know who or what he is but she knows he is everything she needs. 
Then she meets Jonah, a vampire in need and she helps rescue him, but ends up deep within his world and in danger. There is a war coming between the higher vampires and the second generation that goes deeper than anything you could imagine, and now Lailah is in the middle of it. It turns out that Jonah is working with Gabriel, so Lailah finally gets to meet him and suddenly everything feels right, but secrets and dark plots emerge and Lailah must decide for herself who she can really trust and find out once and for all just what she really is.
I wanted to love this book, I was quite excited for it - I had caught my friends buzz but to be honest the book fell a little bit flat. Don't get me wrong, it is still a good book but it did have it faults for me.
There seemed to be an awful lot of backstory and padding, it took a while to get to the point, there was just a little bit too much detail that I felt could have been condensed to let it all flow that little bit better, and for a while it was a bit repetitive - Lailah would be 'rescued' by Jonah and Gabriel etc, realise she was bringing danger to them or that she was in danger from them so she would run away, she would then get attacked by something and be rescued by Gabriel etc. Then the cycle would repeat. She kept trying to run and ending up in more danger, yes it was a slightly different reason each time but I wanted to shout at her and tell her to just stay put for once.
However there were also some very good parts that got me reading faster and wanting more, some very good battle scenes and the character development of Jonah, Brooke and Lailah herself was great to  read. And I liked the way the author described the angels and their link to light and darkness (Heaven and Hell), it was very well set up and clear that a lot of thought had gone into making the world of the book.
This was the sort of book that when I did pick it up I would read 100-150 pages at a time and make good progress but when I put it down I wasn't desperate to pick it back up. I would find something else to do, but when I did pick it up again I did fairly enjoy it. It just didn't have that 'must have' quality to it.
There are some very well written and exciting action scenes and I liked the sense of mystery and intrigue throughout, I did enjoy it but it isn't something I would rush to read again. I'm torn as to whether to read book 2 when it comes out, I'm not sure how curious I am about what happens to them all, although the ending of this one was very good.

If you are into Paranormal fantasy then you may love this book and it's worth giving it a try, but it didn't quite hit the mark with me.

My Rating
This was a hard choice, Average seemed a bit harsh but I didn't Really Enjoy It so in the end I had to go with the lower grade but it was tough.

  
    

Book Review - Sleep No More

Title: Sleep No More
Author: Aprilynne Pike
Series: Charlotte Westing Chronicles (Book 1)
Publisher: Harper Teen
Release Date: 29th April 2014
ISBN13: 9780061999031

Synopsis

Charlotte Westing has a gift. She is an Oracle and has the ability to tell the future. But it doesn't do her much good. Instead of using their miraculous power, modern-day Oracles are told to fight their visions—to refrain from interfering. And Charlotte knows the price of breaking the rules. She sees it every day in her wheelchair-bound mother and the absence of her father. But when a premonition of a classmate's death is too strong for her to ignore, Charlotte is forced to make an impossible decision: continue following the rules or risk everything—even her sanity—to stop the serial killer who is stalking her town. 

My Review

This is definitely not my normal type of book, I wouldn't usually ever pick this sort of book off the shelf, but as it is Aprilynne Pike I wanted to give it a go as I love her books. 

Charlotte is an oracle, she can see the future in visions. She has no control over them but she always tries to resist them. Her aunt has been training her since she was 6, do not let them come, do not close your eyes. But as the visions get stronger Charlotte finds it harders to fight them off, so when she sees a vision of a classmate being killed, she has to decide whether to ignore it like she's been taught or try to change it.

This book is very well written and very quickly draws you in, I wanted to know more. I was so intrigued, the beginning really makes you wonder what is happening and then sets up the world of the story very well. 

Although a litle bit creepy and gory in places which would usually have me slamming the book shut and running away, I was so invested in the story that I couldn't stop reading and I had to know more.

I sat down with this book with the intention of reading for about an hour before I got on with my housework, but 3 hours later I was still sat there just finishing the book.

Aprilynne Pike has a real way with words and is a fabulous storyteller. I am definitely a fan of her work and will be looking out for the next book by her. 

This is the perfect read for this time of year, spooky and make your blood run cold but still totally addictive.

My Rating

   

Book Review - Reborn

Title: Reborn
Author: C.C Hunter
Series: Shadowfalls: After Dark (Book 1)
Publisher: St Martin's Griffin
Release Date: 13 Jun 2014
ISBN-13: 978-1250047458

Synopsis
Return to the beloved world of Shadow Falls, a camp that teaches supernatural teens to harness their powers—and where a vampire named Della will discover who she’s meant to be.

For Della Tsang, Shadow Falls isn't just a camp: it's home. As a vampire who's never fit in with her human family, it's the one place she can truly be herself. But when a mysterious new guy arrives at camp, Della’s whole world is thrown into turmoil. Chase is a vampire with secrets, who knows more than he’s telling. But the more time she spends with him, the more she begins to trust this attractive stranger—and feel drawn to him. But romance is the last thing she wants—as she keeps telling Steve, the hunky shapeshifter who won’t stop trying to win her heart. And if Della isn't careful, he just might succeed.　 When a new case puts everyone she cares about in danger, Della’s determined to do everything she can to save them . . . even if it means teaming up with Steve and Chase, who leave her more confused than ever. With their lives on the line, will Della and her friends survive—with their hearts intact?

My Review
I have been a massive fan of C.C Hunter and the world of Shadow Falls since I dived into the very first book (Born at Midnight) and I am always waiting for the next book, I want to go back to that world, back to her writing, back to my friends. So of course when I heard that 'Shadowfalls: After Dark' would be released as a spin off series I was so excited, when the first series finished I was so upset, I wasn't ready to say goodbye and now I don't have to.
The first series mainly followed Kylie and now this series follows her awesome vampire friend Della, which means that Kylie, Miranda, Holiday etc all still feature. I have all my friends back and camp is in session!

I always loved Della, she is feisty and totally kick-a**, she won't take any rubbish from anyone and she isn't afraid to speak her mind or show you her fist! But as we get to know her you see that there is so much more to her than that and you start to discover where some of the anger comes from. She seems so much more human as the series progresses and now this new series gives us an even deeper insight and I loved it. If anything, I admire Della even more. 
She did annoy me a little bit, constantly pushing Steve away and trying to convince herself she doesn't need him, I wanted to tell her to just jump into his arms, why waste time. But then again I can understand why she did it, I know what it's like to be afraid to be hurt.

Things are getting exciting in Shadow Falls, there is a new guy in camp, a super fast, super strong vampire with secrets, and Della isn't sure if she should trust him, then rumours of a rogue vampire turns up and Della wants to help with the case. She's not afraid to get stuck in and prove herself.

This book is full of mystery, action, adventure and humorous wit, I read it quite quickly and immediately wanted more, luckily book 2 is out at the end of this month, so bring it on Della!

My Rating

 
   

Book Review - Landline

Title: Landline
Author: Rainbow Rowell
Publisher: Orion
Release Date: 3 July 2014
ISBN-13: 978-1409154914

Synopsis
Georgie McCool knows her marriage is in trouble. That it’s been in trouble for a long time. She still loves her husband, Neal, and Neal still loves her, deeply — but that almost seems besides the point now.

Maybe that was always besides the point.

Two days before they’re supposed to visit Neal’s family in Omaha for Christmas, Georgie tells Neal that she can’t go. She’s a TV writer, and something’s come up on her show; she has to stay in Los Angeles. She knows that Neal will be upset with her — Neal is always a little upset with Georgie — but she doesn’t expect to him to pack up the kids and go home without her.

When her husband and the kids leave for the airport, Georgie wonders if she’s finally done it. If she’s ruined everything.

That night, Georgie discovers a way to communicate with Neal in the past. It’s not time travel, not exactly, but she feels like she’s been given an opportunity to fix her marriage before it starts . . .

Is that what she’s supposed to do?

Or would Georgie and Neal be better off if their marriage never happened?
 
My Review
I would definitely call myself a fan of Rainbow Rowell, I adored 'Fangirl' and really enjoyed 'Eleanor & Park', so when my colleague offered me this book I jumped at the chance. She had just finished reading it, but I hadn't actually heard of it before, I wasn't aware of the new release so was thrilled she passed it onto me.
Georgie has a job she loves, writing scripts for TV comedies and she has a husband she loves with 2 terrific daughters, but her husband has never been comfortable with her career and all the parties and publicity, so when Georgie lands a very important meeting for a new TV show over Christmas he decides to leave without her. He packs up the children and flies to Omaha to his parents, leaving Georgie behind and wondering if it's all over.
Not wanting to be home alone Georgie ends up back at ehr mothers house and finds an old yellow dial phone in the cupboard, she plugs it in and tries to call her husband to put things right, but the phone dials the past and she ends up talking to him from before they were married, when they were having another fight. 
Georgie takes this time to fix any problems she might have before it all starts, but what if changing the past, alters the present. What if she convinces him to leave and they never get married or have kids. Is she supposed to stop it all, would his life be better, or is this her chance to fix it for the better.

I liked the concept behind this book, I thought it was really clever. I'm always hesitant with things that deal with the arc of time and altering the past as it can be a very tricky subject to get right, but at no point was I confused or annoyed, I whole-heartedly enjoyed the book.
I found myself really empathising with both Georgie and her husband and I wanted them to pull through. I could relate to some of Georgie's problems and think she dealt with them very well. Rowell has written her as very likeable but still quite flawed - human really. And it makes it easy to connect with her, she has her moments of strength but also her utter breakdowns and I liked seeing how she coped with it and responded to those around her.
I think her husband was a bit of an arse not calling her back, and more or less avoiding her for the week, that was cold. I know he was angry and hurt but i think he took that a little bit too far, but I can also see why it was written that way and it made for a truly fantastic ending. 
I basically read this in one day, I couldn't put it down. I had to know what would happen and if there were consequences to her using the phone, and I have to say it was all wrapped up and explained very well and I honestly loved this book.
It was magical, and heart warming, a read that will make you smile and restore your faith in true love.

My Rating

  

Book Review - Earthquake

Title: Earthquake
Author: Aprilynne Pike
Series: Earthbound (book 2)
Publisher: Harper Collins Children's Books
Release Date: 31 July 2014
ISBN-13: 978-0007553068

Synopsis
Tavia Michaels is an Earthbound - a fallen goddess with the power to remake the Earth or destroy it. The Reduciata, a rival faction of Earthbounds, has created a virus that is wiping out swathes of the planet. But before Tavia can act on this discovery, she is captured and imprisoned. Huddled in a cell with her eternal lover, Logan, she loses track of the days until they are mysteriously rescued...For Tavia isn't like other Earthbound. As her powers awaken, her centuries-long relationship with Logan is threatened, and when Benson - the best friend who's always stood by her - returns Tavia must again face a terrible choice between those she loves. Can Tavia stop the destruction of Earth and uncover the ultimate truth about the Earthbound before it's too late?

My Review
I quite enjoyed book 1, and it left me wanting answers to my questions so I ordered book 2, realising it hasn't actually been out that long. I had to wait for it to come in at the library for me, and I found myself checking for it. Then I got the perfect chance to read it, I had to take my car in to be serviced last week and with a 2 and a half hour wait ahead of me, I settled into the waiting room and started to read. 
I managed to get about three quarters of the way through the book in that time. And I found myself forgetting about the uncomfortable chairs and the long wait as I got absorbed into the book.
Tavia has found her other half, but he doesn't remember their past yet, she must convince him of their link before the bad guys get to them, but when she is too late Tavia has even more problems to conquer. 
I don't want to give too much away, but there is a serious love triangle in this book - Tavia has fallen for Benson and he is back, but she is destined to be with Logan and you can't deny hundreds of years of connections. Love triangles tend to annoy me in most books but this was different somehow and I found myself trying to choose sides. Although to be perfectly honest I kind of hoped she wouldn't pick either of them in the end and just concentrate on what she should be doing - finding a cure before the whole world is destroyed.
It was good to find out more about the history behind the Earthbounds and the Reduciata, it made a lot of things much clearer and it was a very interesting concept. 
To be honest I think book 2 was better than the first, I found myself reading faster, wanting to know what would happen, trying to figure out who was a traitor, etc. 
There are still a few bits that annoyed me - Tavia is quite self involved and tends to overthink a lot, which ends up with a lot of her running off and crying. I understand things are hard and this is a bad situation, but come on. I kept hoping she would toughen up or at least turn to those around her for help but she just pushed them away too. 
But it didn't put me off too much and I ended up really enjoying this book, annoyingly it doesn't wrap up and leaves me on another cliffhanger, and this time I have nearly a year to wait for the next one! grrr.

My Rating

    

Book Review - Eleanor & Park

Title: Eleanor & Park
Author: Rainbow Rowell
Publisher: Orion
Release Date: 1st February 2013
ISBN13: 9781409120544

Synopsis
Eleanor is the new girl in town, and with her chaotic family life, her mismatched clothes and unruly red hair, she couldn't stick out more if she tried.
Park is the boy at the back of the bus. Black T-shirts, headphones, head in a book - he thinks he's made himself invisible. But not to Eleanor... never to Eleanor.
Slowly, steadily, through late-night conversations and an ever-growing stack of mix tapes, Eleanor and Park fall for each other. They fall in love the way you do the first time, when you're young, and you feel as if you have nothing and everything to lose. 

My Review
I really enjoyed 'Fangirl' by Rowell so wanted to try something else by her. My colleague at work had read this one and quite enjoyed it so whilst I was waiting for the next book in the series I am currently reading I picked this up - it looked like a fairly quick and enjoyable read. Which was right - I started to read this in my lunch break and then finished it that evening, got really stuck into it and wanted to read more.
Eleanor is awkward, frizzy hair, bad dress sense, a bit odd - she just doesn't seem to fit in. At first glance you would probably look away and avoid eye contact, and that's exactly what the kids at her school do, well - unless they are teasing her or calling her names. Eleanor wishes she could be invisible sometimes - it's easier that way, but with bright red hair and the clothes she wears, that's basically impossible - she stands out like a sore thumb. And this book really makes you realise how wrong first impressions can be. Eleanor is a sweet girl, embarrassed, unsure of herself, but intelligent caring and actually quite adventurous. the more I learnt about Eleanor the more I felt for her, I just wanted to pull her into a hug and tell her it would be ok. She is very strong, and never complains about her situation which is a lot more than I could have done I'm sure.

Park starts off as a real cool guy, a bit of a jerk but yet you still get a feeling that he is a nice guy, something about the way he acts and talks really gives it away so when it turns out that it's true I was very pleased. I actually really like Park - he's not as confident as he tries to come across and to be honest he is a bit of a nerd, but then so am I. He's also very caring and considerate but still has his typical teenage boy sulky, rude moments.
I thought the two of them worked well together and I love how their relationship built up, small steps at a time. None of this 'insta-love' stuff that is so unrealistic. No, these two actually get to know each other a bit. 

The story has good pace and a very good storyline - a lot of twists that I didn't expect. I read it quickly and wanted to know as much about the characters as possible. I was truly entranced.

However, the ending really let this book down for me. It doesn't really finish and leaves you questioning and is really just a bit up in the air. To me it felt rushed and unsure, like Rowell didn't know how to end it but had to meet a deadline so filled it out best she could. It was just too vague and unknown. I wanted some big epic finish or at least a 'happily ever after' or 'it didn't work out but they tried' etc, but it kind of all starts to happen at once and then the brakes are slammed on and it all ends. I truly wanted more.

But overall I did enjoy the book, and you should decide about the ending for yourself, it is more of a personal preference really, but I really don't like things left that way.

Good for a lazy day read that you can get lost in though.

My Rating

 

Book Review - Earthbound

 

Title: Earthbound

Author: Aprilynne Pike

Series: Earthbound (Book 1)

Publisher: Harper Collins Children's Books 

Release Date: 30 July 2013

ISBN-13: 978-0007519484

Synopsis

If love can survive death, are soul-mates eternal?
Eighteen-year-old Tavia is the only survivor of a plane crash that killed her parents. Grieving and lonely, she starts having strange visions; of a boy she's never met but feels compulsively drawn to. A boy who tells her to do things she never dreamed of.
Tavia begins to suspect that secrets are being kept from her, and that her kindly aunt and uncle know more than they are letting on. Was the plane crash really an accident? Or is Tavia part of something bigger than she ever imagined?
With only her instincts and long-time crush, Benson, to rely on, Tavia must decide where her destiny lies, and who with.

My Review

I read Aprilynne's 'Wings' series and really enjoyed it, so was interested to try some of her other work. 

I didn't realise this was the first in a 2 part series (so far) so was shocked by the ending and now waiting to read the next one.

The start of this book is fast paced and throws you right into the heart of the storyline, which was slightly confusing at first but soon makes sense. I liked Tavia inititally and could feel sympathetic towards her and her situation. I was eager to know more.

However the book does then start to slow down and I kept waiting for the action to pick up again. 

As the plot develops it starts to become more paranormal which I usually love, but the book starts as more of a contemporary romance so I was a bit shocked. And to me it just didn't flow very well, something about it felt a little bit disjointed and I found it a little hard to follow.

However, I did still enjoy the book and I want to know what happens to Tavia and especially Benson, I really liked him as a character and although I had my suspicions about him I was still shocked by what happened.

Overall I would say that this book is a little slow in places but not a bad story, if you want a quick easy read this would be perfect.

Hopefully book 2 will answer all the questions I am left with.

My Rating

Average  

 

 

 

Book Review - Life After Theft

Title: Life After Theft
Author: Aprilynne Pike
Publisher: Harper Collins Children's Books
Release Date: 27 Feb 2014
ISBN-13: 978-0007515974

Synopsis
Kimberlee Schaffer may be drop-dead gorgeous... but she also dropped dead last year. Now she needs Jeff's Help with her unfinished business, and she is not taking no for an answer.
When she was alive, Kimberlee wasn't just a mean girl; she was also a complete kleptomaniac. So if Jeff wants to avoid being haunted until graduation, he'll have to help her return everything she stole. But Jeff soon discovers it's much easier to steal something than it is to bring it back.

My Review
I am a big fan of Aprilynne Pike - I loved the Wings series (although I still need to read the final book!) So when I saw she had written some other stand alone novels I requested them at the library. I wasn't really sure what to expect from this, it wasn't like anything I would normally read but I decided to give it a go anyway.
I have to say, this is one of the most addictive books I have ever read but I am not sure why. I started to read it and was mildly intrigued but then found that I could not put it down, I spent all evening sitting with it and did nothing else. I almost managed to finish it in that one go but it got too late and I had to put it down before I fell asleep. Then finished it as soon as I could the next day.
Jeff moves to a new state, a new school and a new lifestyle. Used to growing up with little money and a simple life he is now in a Private School, with a nice house and living the high life. BUt he's not exactly pleased about it, and things get worse for him when he discovers that he is the only person who can see the ghost of Kimberlee Schaffer, the most popular girl in school who died the previous year. It turns out she has unfinished business, but as he is the first and only person to be able to see her, he now has to help her so she can 'move on'.
I liked Jeff, he has a great sense of humour and wit and is basically a good guy. Kimberlee is the epitome of the High School Queen Bee, witch with a capital B. Turns out she wasn't the nicest person in the world, girl had some serious issues, so Jeff's job is not going to be easy.
It's written with a fairly relaxed style but in a strange way also with a sense of urgency that makes you want to keep reading. Something about it just makes you have to keep going. It's a fairly simple writing style and the plot isn't overly complex but I really enjoyed it and think it would be a great read for someone wanting a quick enjoyable read with a bit of intrigue.

My Rating

    

Book Review - Night School: Resistance

Title: Resistance
Author: C.J. Daugherty
Series: Night School (Book 4)
Publisher: Atom
Release Date: 5 Jun 2014
ISBN-13: 978-0349001708

 Synopsis
After months on the run, Allie returns to Cimmeria Academy to find the school in turmoil. The atmosphere is thick with danger. Overshadowing it all is Nathaniel. He is close – very close – to getting everything he wants.
A secret civil war is tearing the British political elite apart. And Allie’s family is in the thick of it. Both sides want her. She knows Nathaniel will take her by any means necessary. But she is determined to fight him to the end.
Her friends are ready to stand by her – even to die for her. But if anything happens to them she won’t be able to live with herself.
The fightback starts here. Everything is at stake now. The winner takes all…

My Review
It's been a few months since I read the other books in this series but it's one of those books that has always stuck with me and I couldn't wait to find out what happens next. I was lucky enough to get the entire series for my birthday so I got stuck in as soon as I could with this one. There were a few characters and events that I had to remind myself about but overall everything came back to me. 
I love the feel of these books, all along I have said they look and feel like they should be fantasy or paranormal genre but they are not, they are contemporary with a mystery/crime twist but they are so well written that they are totally addictive.
Allie has been on the run, hiding out, trying to avoid the danger and threat of Nathaniel, but no matter where she goes or what she does he seems to find her. So she is called back to Cimmeria, it's time to face the music and come up with a real plan. But all of her friends and teachers are in danger as long as she is there. Can they come up with a plan to stop him before it's too late, and on top of that one of her most trusted teachers is a traitor - but which one? Not sure who to trust or where to go Allie has to make some tough decisions and once and for all risk her life. 
This book is one of the those books that once you start, it is very hard to put down again. I got totally absorbed in the story and had to know what would happen. I had so many unanswered questions and hoped this book would give me the answers, it does to a certain extent, but it also raises some more. I am sure there must be a Book 5 in the pipeline because this is definitely not over- the ending of this alone was enough to make me scream- how could she do that to me?!?
Allie has really developed over the series and is like a totally different character in many aspects but still definitely herself, I like the new attitude and fight in her, a fight for the good of others, and whilst she still makes a lot of mistakes she lives up to them.
I cannot get enough of this series and I would totally recommend it to anyone and everyone. Please write more C.J!

My Rating