Book Review: If I Stay by Gayle Forman

Title: If I Stay
Author: Gayle Forman
Published: 7th May 2009

Mia had everything: a loving family, a gorgeous, adoring boyfriend, and a bright future full of music and full of choices. Then, in an instant, almost all of that is taken from her. Caught between life and death, between a happy past and an unknowable future, Mia spends one critical day contemplating the one decision she has left—the most important decision she’ll ever make.

Simultaneously tragic and hopeful, this is a romantic, riveting and ultimately uplifting story about memory, music, living, dying, loving.

This book is a book mix of Lovely Bones and Afterwards, which are both adult books and highly recommended. This book is everything it says it will be. Tragic and hopeful and an uplifting story about the memories of Mia. This book is written beautifully and Mia is a great character to follow, fragile and vulnerable.

You can't help but want everyone to be alright. From the beginning you get introduced to the family and I noticed how real the family is (mum, dad, Mia and Teddy), and the whole feel they have as a cohesion.

The book covers the idea of out-of-the-body experiences. The idea that while you are unconscious your spirit can float around and still see what's going on around you, as well as covering the love for family and friends. 

The ending was great, it fits in with the whole flow of the book without going into a massive BAAM the end. If I could cry at any book this one is definitely a crying one, in my mind. It's a delicate flowing book and definitely recommended.

Book Review: The Secret Hour by Scott Westfeld

Title:The Secret Hour
Author: Scott Westerfeld
Published:March 1st 2005

Meh....yeah so this book was...meh. I'm not overjoyed by this book but I'm not bored out of my mind reading it, it was a good read, but after finishing it I feel like nothing had really happened in the book. It's like we've moved 1cm, only revealing one main piece of information which we've been looking for through the entire book. Everything is still in the shadows and you could say that from reading this book you don't really know know the characters and their history with one another enough. Saying this, this book is included in a trilogy called The Midnighters and therefore I'm hoping that all will be explained, the other two books are eagerly waiting to be read, as I have read the Uglies series also by Scott Westerfeld and thoroughly enjoyed them.

My main attraction to this book is it's fresh. I haven't heard anything like the blurb. Something supernatural without the vampire..but it does in a small way, you could say, there are werewolfs. "The Secret Hour" is after 12pm, time freezes allowing people who were born at midnight to have an extra hour of Bixby. Other creature explore the area at the same time, only coming out during this special time. Everyone who can acess this secret hour has some sort of "power" but at first glance it doesn't seem like Jess has one and so the characters venture on to figure it out.

I find that I'm drawn to Dess and Rex. Rex is a really interesting character to read about and I only wish there was more detail about him in the book. The way Rex is represented as this "dark" and "mysterious" character makes his character such a good read...and kinda wanted Jessica to fall for him, but he seems to be a guy who has no emotional features. I liked Dess because, maybe, she was more of the character I could relate to in this book. She is the friend who is always there. She is someone that I wouldn't mind being friends with myself, she looks out for you and does what she thinks is best for you.

What you get out of this book? It's self discovery for Jessica, the main character, and that's pretty much it...


Meh...

Not one of Scott Westerfeld's best.

Book Review: Dreamland by Sarah Dessen

Title: Dreamland
Author: Sarah Dessen
Published: May 11th 2004

I am a huge fan of Sarah Dessen's booking having read and proudly owning all of her books  now. Dreamland is a much more serious book compared to her others which are about the happy endings of romance, Dreamland is how love can turn your life upside down in a negative way.

After Cassandra, Caitlin's sister, runs away with her perfect man, her family is distraught. They can't come to terms why she would of decided to leave. Caitlin is constantly thinking about how to fill Cassandra's place so she joins the cheer leading squad. Then Rogerson, the bad-boy, enters. It all seems perfect but soon, everything goes spiralling down hill, and everyone is too upset of the absent of Cassandra to notice vulnerable Caitlin and everything inside her is crumbling.

Sarah Dessen's previous books such as The Truth About Forever, Along For the Ride and What Happens to Goodbyes are all very light hearted book about romance so I was very eager to get my hands on Dreamland which is the opposite to all her books. Dessen also said that this book was much more complex than her others when writing.

Anyone can end up in the situation in which Caitlin is in and I think the way in which Dessen showed how everything gets to the worst is done well in this book. Caitlin's development through the book was, for me, very sad. I felt sympathetic for Caitlin and despite her not admitting it, she was very lonely once her sister left.  Whilst everyone else's grief was more obvious Caitlin's was wrapped inside and she pushed it down to the point that she could let drugs and an abusing relationship damage her.

Within this book it teaches the biggest lesson of how if there is ANYTHING wrong, you must tell someone. When your feeling alone, speak up because if you don't your decisions could turn into something that you subconsciously think is right, but is terribly wrong.

Book Review: Easy by Tammara Webber

Title: Easy
Author: Tammara Webber
Published: 25th May 2012

Loved this book! The opening was went right into the story, none of the long description, straight in with the serious stuff...

Jacqueline lets her boyfriend take over her life, like what school she goes to and who her friends are, but she never thought he would break-up with her after three years. Jacqueline is devastated and she can't bring herself to face him in the economics class for 2 weeks. But then she manages to get her act back together and tries to catch up on all the work she's missed. Her economic teacher recommends she gets tutoring from Landon, but as she is unable to go to the tutoring times, they email one another the worksheets with a flirt-ish comments which shouldn't be allowed.

But as well as this she finds herself noticing Lucas, the "emo-boy" who sits at the back of the class, notepad and pencil drawing and constantly staring at her. Jacqueline's friends are surprised to her attraction especially as they never thought she'd be attracted to a "bad boy." But he is keeping a lot of secrets from her which is very significant to what their relationship could become.


And Buck, a creepy but innocent looking boy, won't leave Jacqueline alone. Let's just say, she doesn't want to be near him at all.

Lucas was a surprising character, the way he acts you think he doesn't care about anything related to school but he has so much more behind his "can't-be-bothered" looks. He is what you could call, the knight in shining armour. His character development in Easy is brilliant and I can't fault it. Lucas is caring, strong and will stand up for the people he loves - what every girl wants. 

I felt the Jacqueline was very real and I could relate to her in her action she does throughout the book.The panic, the fear, the curiosity and then her attitude towards...well everything. I liked the fact that when something personal bothered her she just expressed how she felt.

The main secret was easy to pick up but I like the whole storyline and how it all ended. Super cute, almost reminded me of the ending in the book The Last Song  by Nicholas Sparks.

Recommend this book, got through it in half a day, could not put it down!!


Book Review: A Kiss In Time by Alex Flinn

Title: A Kiss In Time
Author: Alex Flinn
Published: 16th June 2010

Summary:
Talia fell under a spell…
Jack broke the curse.

I was told to beware the accursed spindle, but it was so enchanting, so hypnotic. . .
I was looking for a little adventure the day I ditched my tour group. But finding a comatose town, with a hot-looking chick asleep in it, was so not what I had in mind.
I awakened in the same place but in another time—to a stranger’s soft kiss.
I couldn’t help kissing her. Sometimes you just have to kiss someone. I didn’t know this would happen.
Now I am in dire trouble because my father, the king, says I have brought ruin upon our country. I have no choice but to run away with this commoner!
Now I’m stuck with a bratty princess and a trunk full of her jewels. . . . The good news: My parents will freak!
Think you have dating issues? Try locking lips with a snoozing stunner who turns out to be 316 years old. Can a kiss transcend all—even time?
[GoodReads]


My Thoughts:
This is my second book that I have now picked up by Alex Flinn, I first read Beastly, and, truthfully, I do prefer A Kiss In Time much much more.

Jack is...a jerk before Talia comes along. He uses Talia and doesn't respect her when they first meet. I loved the development of Jack throughout the book when he eventually does listen to what Talia says. The book is narrated by two characters, Jack and Talia, and it is interesting to read the different narration mainly because of the century difference that separates them.

The ending was different and fit well with the direction of the book and I think this is another great interpretation of a fairytale with a modern twist.

Recommend or Not? Yes, I would recommend. A modern romantic fariytale that everyone should read.

Book Review: Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Title: Hush, Hush
Author: Becca Fitzpatrick
Published: 29th October 2009

Summary:
For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch came along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment.

But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure who to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.

For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life. [GoodReads]

My Thoughts:
My expectations for this book was lowered when I read some more recent reviews saying that this book didn't live up to the standards that people had hoped. Maybe my expectations were too low but, yes, I fully understand on how it doesn't reach up as high as I'd hoped for.

The connection between Nora and Patch is electrical. You sense the draw between them, yet there is discomfort  in what lurks in Patchs' history. I felt that the build up was great in this book, the build up to the reveal, however once we got up to the big reveal I felt like it was a bit like: "is that it?" Don't get me wrong, it was big news, but not as big as I was expecting.

There are quite a few twists that boggle your mind ever so slightly which kept this book firmly in my grip. I found this an easy and quick read. It's also a nice change to have a book about angels instead of vampires and werewolves which has been the main focus for a while in many books.

Recommend or Not? Yeah, even with the negatives I think this book is worth a read.

Book Review: Laguna Cove by Alyson Noel (Forever Summer)


Title: Laguna Cove
Author: Alyson Noel
Published: 26th April 2011

Summary:
The new girl always makes waves.
Welcome to Laguna Beach, California, where the beach is hot, the teens are beautiful, and there's always time for surfing.

Anne's new life in Laguna Beach feels more like a death sentence than a vacation. The local high school is the exact opposite of her former Connecticut prep school, and the social scene is all about hanging at the beach and surfing.  But when Anne finally makes friends at one of her dad's show-biz parties, she decides to give California a chance. There's wild child Lola; laid back, free-spirited Jade; and beautiful, competitive Ellie. And of course, Chris, the gorgeous guy who teaches Anne how to surf. Anne becomes fast friends with Jade and Lola, but no matter how hard she tries, Ellie won't give her a chance And the closer Anne grows to Chris, and the better she gets at surfing, the more Ellie seems to hate her. But now that Anne has worked so hard to find her place, she's not about to budge—especially since she plans to enter the annual surf competition, where she'll really give Ellie a run for her money.

With the signature humor and spot-on insight into teenage life that her readers have come to love, Alyson Noël makes waves with LAGUNA COVE. [GoodReads]

My Thoughts:
I bought Forever Summer which this book, Laguna Cover, and Cruel Summer were included in it.  There have been many negative reviews due to the ending of this book however once finishing it I didn't think it was as bad as I thought it would of been.


Anne is the new girl in town. She is continuously worrying about fitting in with everyone at school but she soon finds out there is nothing to worry about. Anne, I found, was a strong and confident character. She wasn't afraid to take risks that may end up leaving her in humiliation. I felt that many of the other characters lacked depth and when I first began reading this book I was immediately surprised by the different side-stories that were included in this book. This book seemed rushed with open gaps. Jake, who was written as a minority character, I felt, should of been included much more because I felt that he was an interesting character who just wasn't been looked into.


To conclude, the ending of the book was...open ended. It is for the readers interpretation is one was you could put it. Yes, it did leave many lingering questions however I didn't mind it as much as I thought I would. Yes, there are some that I wish were answered however I did like the open ended-ness and I thought that it worked well for this book.


However, I don't really think it's much of a romance book, I felt it was more about friendship. A new place, new friends and a new life. 

Recommend or Not? It's not a book that I would recommend as much as others. But yes, I would recommend it, however I will warn you that the ending of the book leaves many unanswered questions.

Book Review: Cruel Summer by Alyson Noel (Forever Summer)

Title: Cruel Summer (Forever Summer)
Author: Alyson Noel
Published: 26th April 2011

Summary:
Having recently discarded her dorky image—and the best friend that went with it—Colby Cavendish is looking forward to a long hot season of parties, beach BBQ's, and hopefully, more hook-ups with Levi Bonham, the hottest guy in school. But her world comes crashing down when her parents send her away to spend the summer in Greece with her "crazy" aunt Tally. Stranded on a boring island with no malls, no cell phone reception, and an aunt who talks to her plants, Colby finds herself worrying that her new friends have forgotten all about her. But when she meets Yannis, a cute Greek local, everything changes. She experiences something deeper and more intense than a summer fling, and it forces her to see herself, and the life she left behind, in a whole new way...

One summer changes everything in this poignant young adult novel about best friends, popularity, and an unforgettable summer romance.

My Thoughts:
This story is written in a very different way compared to the other books I've read. It is told through a series of emails and blog posts. Colby is not really a character that I could relate to and she was a very annoying character. She was stubborn and constantly holds a grudge. This is shown through her blog in which she calls "Cruel Summer." It took me a while to get through this book and I don't think I'll pick this book up again to re-read.

On top of her complaining about her horrible summer in Greece, which if she just loose a little and just realized that she was in GREECE she could of enjoyed it from the start, her parents are going through a break up that she is constantly checking back on via email. She tries to control so much and doesn't understand anything that her parents are going through but still constantly butts in

Recommend or Not? No, not really. I really didn't like the narration of Colby and how she saw everything. "Cruel Summer" could of been "An Awesome Summer" if she lightened up a little. It's a shame.

Book Review: The Maze Runner 3: The Death Cure by James Dashner

Title: The Death Cure
Author: James Dashner
Published: 5th April 2012

Summary:
Thomas knows that Wicked can’t be trusted, but they say the time for lies is over, that they’ve collected all they can from the Trials and now must rely on the Gladers, with full memories restored, to help them with their ultimate mission. It’s up to the Gladers to complete the blueprint for the cure to the Flare with a final voluntary test. What Wicked doesn’t know is that something’s happened that no Trial or Variable could have foreseen. Thomas has remembered far more than they think. And he knows that he can’t believe a word of what Wicked says. The time for lies is over. But the truth is more dangerous than Thomas could ever imagine. Will anyone survive the Death Cure? [GoodReads]

My Thoughts:
Ok, being plainly honest that this book was a complete let down. I loved the first book to pieces, it blew my mind. The second book, it was meh. But this book...not exactly how I imagined the books to end.

As I read through this book I was constantly annoyed. It was mainly the trusting issues and the whole idea of "everything is ok" that annoyed me because nothing was alright and Thomas new it. The book seemed rushed and the ending was more like, "here's an ending that will be alright and satisfy the readers", which isn't right. The ending is a little abrupt and is one that will make you ask "is that it?" at the end of it. 

Book Review: Divergent by Veronica Roth (Without the spoiler)


Title: Divergent
Author: Veronica Roth
Published: 3rd May 2011

Summary:
In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves… or it might destroy her.
[GoodReads]


My Thoughts:
I devoured this book in under a day! I was so truly gripped to the action that surrounded Tris (aka Beatrice). Not being cliché, but she is character with so much bravery and confidence in everything she does even though her narration makes it seem far from it.

I wasn't so keen on the fractions and the whole idea of fitting in as it reminded me of other books about the slitting of people, The Uglies Trilogy by Scott Westerfeild and obviously Harry Potter with the houses and so on, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins...however I was surprised how much this book separated itself from the other books I've read. The fractions are much more serious and dangerous under the surface, even though on the top you may think there is no harm what so ever.

My favourite parts of the book were the over coming fear processes and also reading the relationship between Tris and her family and just how they interact with one another, especially in the hardess of times, which really brought the story down to earth.


The only thing I was disappointed about was the romance. No, it was a cute romance and all, however I did find it predictable on who it was going to be as soon as I started reading the book. Tris is a little blinded in actions this person does during the training part of the book. I would read her narration about how she thinks he thinks she is weak and nothing, but I knew it was the complete opposite. She is utterly blind in how people act around her and what it means.It drove me M-A-D!! (However, adding to this, I become a critic in the romantic subject as my book build up in mostly romance.)

Recommend or Not? Yes, also because the romance has already been laid out the next book, I hope, won't focus so much on the romance but will be largely built up of AC-TION! - I hope...

Book Review: Divergent by Veronica Roth

Title: Divergent
Author: Veronica Roth
Published: 3rd May 2011

Summary:
In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves… or it might destroy her.


My Thoughts:
I devoured this book in under a day! I was so truly gripped to the action that surrounded Tris (aka Beatrice). Not being cliché, but she is character with so much bravery and confidence in everything she does even though her narration makes it seem far from it.


I wasn't so keen on the fractions and the whole idea of fitting in as it reminded me of other books about the slitting of people, The Uglies Trilogy by Scott Westerfeild and obviously Harry Potter with the houses and so on, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins...however I was surprised how much this book separated itself from the other books I've read. The fractions are much more serious and dangerous under the surface, even though on the top you may think there is no harm what so ever.

Next paragraph contains a small small small spoiler, but I have posted one without this paragraph here

Everything in each fraction is much more serious than I thought to begin with as we follow Tris into the Dauntless fraction. More like fight for a place or be fractionless, which means you end up living on the streets without a fraction. It is almost the survival of the fittest, it's not how I imagined a fraction to be like when it's to do with bravery.

My favourite parts of the book were the over coming fear processes and also reading the relationship between Tris and her family and just how they interact with one another, especially in the hardess of times, which really brought the story down to earth.

 

The only thing I was disappointed about was the romance. No, it was a cute romance and all, however I did find it predictable on who it was going to be as soon as I started reading the book. Tris is a little blinded in actions this person does during the training part of the book. I would read her narration about how she thinks he thinks she is weak and nothing, but I knew it was the complete opposite. She is utterly blind in how people act around her and what it means.It drove me M-A-D!! (However, adding to this, I become a critic in the romantic subject as my book build up in mostly romance.)

Recommend or Not? Yes, also because the romance has already been laid out the next book, I hope, won't focus so much on the romance but will be largely built up of ACTION! - I hope...

Book Review: Love Story by Jennifer Echols

Title: Love Story
Author: Jennifer Echols
Published: 18th August 2011


Summary:
She's writing about him. He's writing about her. And everybody is reading between the lines.

For Erin Blackwell, majoring in creative writing at the New York City college of her dreams is more than a chance to fulfil her ambitions--it's her ticket away from the tragic memories that shadow her family's racehorse farm in Kentucky. But when she refuses to major in business and take over the farm herself someday, her grandmother gives Erin's college tuition and promised inheritance to their maddeningly handsome stable boy, Hunter Allen. Now Erin has to win an internship and work late nights at a coffee shop to make her own dreams a reality. She should despise Hunter . . . so why does he sneak into her thoughts as the hero of her latest writing assignment?
Then, on the day she's sharing that assignment with her class, Hunter walks in. He's joining her class. And after he reads about himself in her story, her private fantasies about him must be painfully clear. She only hopes to persuade him not to reveal her secret to everyone else. But Hunter devises his own creative revenge, writing sexy stories that drive the whole class wild with curiosity and fill Erin's heart with longing. Now she's not just imagining what might have been. She's writing a whole new ending for her romance with Hunter . . . except this story could come true. [GoodReads]


My Thoughts:
The set out of this book was different to the previous books by Jennifer Echols that I have read, largely because of the whole creative writing classes. The build of the book is from the separate story content that Erin and Hunter write for the class to share. Obviously, the stories are much more personal than anyone could guess.

I felt that the characters in the book all seemed very distant. Although we know that Hunter and Erin have had history together and did know each other, it wouldn't of made a difference if they were two strangers who just met. The whole relationship between them seemed as if they were just using one another just because they used to get on really well.

The real let down in this book was the ending. It was an abrupt ending. I did not like it at all. So much was left unanswered. The build up during the whole story seemed like a waste of time and just seemed pointless.

Recommend or Not? Sadly, as much as I've enjoyed Jennifer Echols other books, this is one that I will not recommend.

Book Review: The Awakening by Stuart Meczes

Title: The Awakening
Author: Staurt Meczes
Published:23rd February 2012


Summary:
Alexander Eden is unhappy. A geeky, social pariah, he is the victim of perpetual bullying at school. His home life isn't much better with a stepfather who resents him and a half brother who is better than him at everything.

However, that all changes the day the mysterious and beautiful Gabriella De Luca walks into his life. Everyone wants to know her, to be with her. But she is interested in Alex.
Because Alex is different.

Soon after he is thrown into a world he never thought possible. A world where he and others like him are the last line of defence. A world where an ancient unspeakable evil lurks.
Evil which seeks to consume him.



My Review:
Don't you just love the tense moment in the book title is used? Gosh, so do I ;)

This book is packed with literally everything you could possibly ask for in any book. I love this book to pieces and is my first urban fantasy. The mix of the supernatural creature all in one book was an enjoyment and refreshing as many of the books that I have come across only focus on the one. Everything was so perfectly written, with detailed descriptions that fascinated me, and Alexander's narration throughout the book is goes through the stages of funny, sad and serious. I loved the small details during the school scenes that made it more realistic, believable, and relatable. All the characters where all so intriguing and I loved reading about there in-depth history, also how when you learn about a character they get their own character chapter in their point of view.

The twists don't stop, which made this book such a page turner!


To compared this book to another I can only say that if you are a fan of I Am Number Four, which I am, there are some similarities here, the new powers and also the hunting of the boy. But where I Am Number Four focuses more on one person, The Awakening includes the whole world, including us! I also think that Alex is much more of a certain character whereas Number Four is more search-for-everything-and-things-may-happen, which makes Alex much more likable as a character.

One downer to this book is the punctuation mistakes. You will come across the occasional "oh, they missed speech marks here" but other than that everything else in awesome :)


If you enjoyed reading books like:

Gone - Michael Grant

The Maze Runner - James Dashner
I Am Number Four - Pittacus Lore (aka James Frey)

Your will enjoy this book, most definitely!

Recommend or Not? Yes, yes, yes! I really hope this will be the next big thing! Stuart Meczes has done a brilliant job and I have to bow down to the creativeness in this book!

Best Quote:
"When presented with a choice, some choose to be benevolent whilst others choose malevolence only then are they evil, not before."
Happy reading :)

Book Review: The One That I Want by Jennifer Echols


Title: The One That I Want
Author: Jennifer Echols
Published: 7th February 2012

Summary:
It's so wrong when your best friend catches your Mr. Right!
Gemma can’t believe her luck when the star football player starts flirting with her. Max is totally swoon-worthy, and even gets her quirky sense of humor. So when he asks out her so-called best friend Addison, Gemma’s heartbroken.
Then Addison pressures Gemma to join the date with one of Max’s friends. But the more time they all spend together, the harder Gemma falls for Max. She can’t help thinking that Max likes her back—it’s just too bad he’s already dating Addison. How can Gemma get the guy she wants without going after her best friend’s boyfriend?

My Thoughts:
I know I say that continuously that each book is probably the best book I've ever read in a long time, it's getting pretty cliché. So lets change this up a little. Previously reading one of Jennifer Echols romance comedies book, Endless Summer, and thoroughly eager to read the next. This is one of my new favourite books!

Gemma was self conscious about her looks. She's only just getting used to the way she looks. So when she sees (or thinks she sees?) Max staring at her across a field she is eager to get over there. But Addison snatches him in one glance.

Involving 3 boys in total: Max, Carter and Robert. It is a shame that we don't get much story behind Robert and the real relationship between Gemma and him, meaning that, as a reader, I didn't feel much of a connection with him. Adding to this, I felt that friendship of Gemma and Robert seemed like nothing but a small crush and nothing beyond that. Carter was also written in a way that getting to know him as a character was hard however reading further into the book everything was clear.

And....Max, wow, what to say about him? He was pretty much perfect until you see Addison hanging off his leg. He is that friend who you don't need to say anything for him to understand what is going on. Someone who will open up to you about, pretty much everything, telling you the truth and isn't affraid to say anything and is also easy to banter along with. He's also great at psychology which I thought was a cute touch. (He sounds perfect to me)

Gemma is such a strong female voice. Unsure at times but she has drive and determination to reach her goals which aren't all to do with getting a boy. She is a great voice to follow through the book and she does talk about being self-conscious which every girl can relate to and also the whole idea of weight lose. There are also the smaller details of clothes picking, which I felt, added the extra realism to the whole book. 

Addison is Gemma's so-called best friend. Although there was a strong amount of dislike towards her, nearer the end she (Addison) did seem to release that Gemma has done alot for her, which did make me feel alright about her. But she is what she is.

Recommend or Not? Yes. I loved this book from the characters down to the story to the commentary from Gemma.

Happy Reading :)

What did you think about this book?

Book Review: Scorch Trials (The Maze Runner #2) - James Dashner

Title: The Maze Runner 2 - Scorch Trials
Author: James Dashner
Published: 4th August 2011

Summary:
    Solving the Maze was supposed to be the end. No more puzzles. No more variables. And no more running. Thomas was sure that escape meant he and the Gladers would get their lives back. But no one really knew what sort of life they were going back to.
     In the Maze, life was easy. They had food, and shelter, and safety . . . until Teresa triggered the end. In the world outside the Maze, however, the end was triggered long ago.
    Burned by sun flares and baked by a new, brutal climate, the earth is a wasteland. Government has disintegrated-and with it, order-and now Cranks, people covered in festering wounds and driven to murderous insanity by the infectious disease known as the Flare, roam the crumbling cities hunting for their next victim . . . and meal.
    The Gladers are far from finished with running. Instead of freedom, they find themselves faced with another trial. They must cross the Scorch, the most burned-out section of the world, and arrive at a safe haven in two weeks. And WICKED has made sure to adjust the variables and stack the odds against them.
    Thomas can only wonder-does he hold the secret of freedom somewhere in his mind? Or will he forever be at the mercy of WICKED? [GoodReads]
My Thoughts:
This sequel is the same page turner as the first book. Still packed with no stop action and mystery. But this time, not in the Maze.

Still as well written as the first. A really easy read which made it such a gripping book but including some imagery which very...not nice.... But this reached beyond my expectations of what was in store for the Gladers. During every chapter you are left questioning everything Thomas knows, sees and does. This book is so clever in how it is written with . . . everything and everything it written so carefully to make us, the reader, finish the book. 

However, I did find it getting a little cliché with all the "it's a test" commentary. Yes, it is another test set by WICKED but the was they thought over it again and again got slightly irritating. As they just took ages about each action they take and if it has to do with the whole thing.


This book mainly focuses on the next challenge, which I enjoyed to read as you could see how the Gladers change individually as they travel further out. So many secrets are revealed which you would have never expected, which hits each character with alot of shock.

Recommend or Not? Well, yeah. You won't feel satisfied not reading this book for more answers after reading The Maze Runner.

Happy Reading :)

What did you think of this book?

Book Review: The Maze Runner by James Dashner


Title: The Maze Runner
Author: James Dashner
Publication Date: October 2009

Summary:
When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his first name. His memory is blank. But he’s not alone. When the lift’s doors open, Thomas finds himself surrounded by kids who welcome him to the Glade—a large, open expanse surrounded by stone walls.

Just like Thomas, the Gladers don’t know why or how they got to the Glade. All they know is that every morning the stone doors to the maze that surrounds them have opened. Every night they’ve closed tight. And every 30 days a new boy has been delivered in the lift.

Thomas was expected. But the next day, a girl is sent up—the first girl to ever arrive in the Glade. And more surprising yet is the message she delivers.
Thomas might be more important than he could ever guess. If only he could unlock the dark secrets buried within his mind. [GoodReads]

My Thoughts:
This booked is packed with adventure and action. A mix between Gone by
Michael Grant and The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.

The main reason I love this book is the constant pace which also maintains the right amount of detail in every chapter. The first page is gripping and exciting as  Thomas finds himself in the Glade with no memory of his life before, only his name. The book is constantly following what he wants to do but this is what made the book such a page turner. As the newbie, Thomas isn't afraid and instantly jumps up to the most dangerous job. This part of the book, I found, was the most irritating as every so often he'd just keep saying "I need to be.." so-and-so "I will be..." so-and-so.


The description of everything around the maze was so well written and easy to imagine, which included all the characters. When we first read about the characters their is that instant feeling of a really close community (and not just because of the way the Glade is set out.) They don't break the rules and fear beyond the maze where Grievers roam when it goes dark and deadly. There are so many interesting twists with the characters around two thirds of the book (I think it's around there) which is actually mind blowing. I thought it's so clever and I would of never thought of it.  

It was interesting and funny to read and get to know about the Glade. The main part of the enjoyment was to their language, but I couldn't help think that it was tied into some swear words...

There was one character which I found predictable. When we first met him in the story I knew that he was the character. It did twist a little but the outcome remained the same. Did you pick up that character, or was it just me?

Recommend or Not? Yes, definitely. Drop whatever your reading now and pick up THIS book!

Happy Reading :)

What did you think of the book?

Book Review: The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

Title: The Summer That I Turned Pretty
Author: Jenny Han
Published: 3rd June 2010

Summary:
Belly measures her life in summers. Everything good, everything magical happens between the months of June and August. Winters are simply a time to count the weeks until the next summer, a place away from the beach house, away from Susannah, and most importantly, away from Jeremiah and Conrad. They are the boys that Belly has known since her very first summer--they have been her brother figures, her crushes, and everything in between. But one summer, one terrible and wonderful summer, the more everything changes, the more it all ends up just the way it should have been all along. [GoodReads]

My Thoughts:

Bitterly disappointed. Read raving reviews about this book and was surely let down. A reviewer said, I quote: "If you are a fan of Sarah Dessen, you will definitely enjoy reading this book."


A nice introduction to the characters at the beginning with background which was pleasant, with a similar outline to Endless Summer (although I did read this book first), Belly wants to get the attention from Conrad more than anything. Obviously, not that simple with Jeremaih in the way. I only wish that Belly wasn't such a irritating character with what she thinks, says and does. All the reasons for "crush" just seemed pointless as there is a huge sign of interest waving around her from what we can see as "Prince Charming". Reading this, it is constantly painful to read the actions around Belly and how she is so blind with everyone!

The storyline could have spanned out really well but the sad decisions of where the story gets blown to has let down the book. The main disappointment was the, what I think was supposed to be, "twist" that left everything very sour.

Above all the negatives:
I do like the occasional jump back to Belly's different memories of her summers which link back to the main story. Reading the past events in the moment was a better idea to have rather than, what Jenny could of done, is let Belly hint about what happened in the past.


Recommend or Not?  Sadly, no. Characters are irritating and the unrealistic events brings a bitter result. Not my cup of tea.

Happy Reading

What did you think of the book?

Book Review: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green


Title: The Fault in Our Stars
Author: John Green
Published: 12th January 2012


Summary:
Despite the tumour-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel’s story is about to be completely rewritten.

Insightful, bold, irreverent, and raw, The Fault in Our Stars is award-winning author John Green’s most ambitious and heartbreaking work yet, brilliantly exploring the funny, thrilling, and tragic business of being alive and in love.[GoodReads]

My Thoughts:
When you go up you always have to fall back down. For all those emotional book lovers, I recommend reading with several boxes of tissues on the side. BE PREPARED!

Everything changes when Hazel meets Augustus. Both suffering from cancer it goes through a tonne of emotion: laughing happy to then down right sad. It's such a good read that you are likely never to put the book down until you read the last line.

The relationship between Isaac and Augustus was cute and their on-going jokes, nothing but good old friendship. So when Hazel is included it is so perfect because she fits in with them so well.

Augustus is a character who you could look up to. He has such a boldness to him and doesn't let anything put him down. He always lives his life to the max, which is what really drives this book on. The idea of the cigarette in the mouth without lighting it was also something I found interesting, with the whole idea he had with it.

Recommend or Not? Yep...tissues at the ready!

"The real heroes aren’t the people doing things; the real heroes are the people noticing things, paying attention."

Happy Ready :')

Book Review: "Endless Summer" - Jennifer Echlos

Title: Endless Summer
Author: Jennifer Echlos
Published: 25th May 2010

Summary:
Lori can't wait for her summer at the lake. She loves wakeboarding and hanging with her friends--including the two hotties next door. With the Vader brothers, she's always been just one of the guys. Now that she's turning sixteen, she wants to be seen as one of the girls, especially in the eyes of Sean, the older brother. But that's not going to happen--not if the younger brother, Adam, can help it.

Lori plans to make Sean jealous by spending time with Adam. Adam has plans of his own for Lori. As the air heats up, so does this love triangle. Will Lori's romantic summer melt into one hot mess? [GoodReads]

My Thoughts:

It only took me 6 hours to finish reading this entire book. No, not in one go but around 3 hours at night to read the first book and the other night another 3 hours to finish the second book. Loved it? Well, I think that the speed that I read the book at it's more than obvious.

I'm pretty much a sucker for cute romantic stories, as you may know through my other review and what genre the book is, and it has the romance as well and laughter along the way.

The first book is something that I'm pretty sure everyone can relate to. Wanting to get a boy to pay more attention to the friendship you have and possible more. For Lori her instant reaction to all of this is through her clothes. Yep, short shorts and a low-cut top. I love her narration through the book and there is a sense of wanting to be in control and "knowing" of what she wants and going for it.

Adam is so almost perfect. He's the blind spot, I think that's what I'll call him, and he’s the person who you never think anything more than a best friend. He's the decent boy who is awesome but you see it as kindness because he's your best friend. Sean is slightly annoying, but only in the first book. The character development in the second book was really nice to read especially when you read what Sean says to Lori, more emotion opens up and you feel almost sorry for Sean (but I still don’t like him very much :P )

Recommend or Not? YES, YES, YES!! This is truly the ultimate American styled book with all the key points put in.



Happy reading! :D

Book Review: "Going Too Far" - Jennifer Echols

Title: Going Too Far
Author: Jennifer Echols
Release Date: 17th March 2009


Summary:
All Meg has ever wanted is to get away. Away from high school. Away from her backwater town. Away from her parents who seem determined to keep her imprisoned in their dead-end lives. But one crazy evening involving a dare and forbidden railroad tracks, she goes way too far...and almost doesn't make it back.
John made a choice to stay. To enforce the rules. To serve and protect. He has nothing but contempt for what he sees as childish rebellion, and he wants to teach Meg a lesson she won't soon forget. But Meg pushes him to the limit by questioning everything he learned at the police academy. And when he pushes back, demanding to know why she won't be tied down, they will drive each other to the edge--and over... [GoodReads]

 
My Thoughts:
Something that struck me as I read the beginning page is that it goes straight into the action. You are thrown into the character of Meg, rebellious and so called bad girl. There isn't some long description which becomes boring before starting the book properly. However details are definitely there later in the story but links in well and is put in at the right moments.

Throughout the book there is a connection between the characters John and Meg. They seem to constantly challenge each other without knowing, pushing themselves further and further until they reach consequence which I cannot tell you . . . *cough* read the book *cough* Also the fact that John is a policeman give this book more of an edge of difference especially because of his age, but that maybe because I live in the UK, and the reasoning behind it all is definitely unexpected. Yet the age of them both come through, both some what lost in life. Meg's voice throughout the book is just great.


Covering topics about what drives us to be where we are, trust and also friendship. It does have some strong language and some content about sex so I would recommend this book to ages 15 plus.

Recommend or Not? Yep. I don't see why you wouldn't unless you are below the age of 15...A truly romantic roller coaster story


What did you think of the book?
Happy Reading