First words
I've been meaning to read ACROSS THE UNIVERSE for a while, but until now haven't had a chance to do so. This is a Sci-Fi / murder mystery, and I hadn't read any books like this before, and was really looking forward to giving it a go!
So, what's it about?
Stored. Un-moving. Frozen in time for 300 years. Sent out into the depth of the universe. Ready to start again on a new planet. That was the plan.
Fifty years before the spaceship Godspeed is due to land, a seventeen year old girl is woken suddenly, violently and with out warning. It's a murder attempt, and hers is only the beginning. Who would try to kill the people who are there to help build the new planet?
But this is only half the problem. Once Amy is awoken, she can not be frozen again. She's on board a spaceship with her parents still frozen in the chambers below. Alone and afraid, she's named a freak and a outcast by the residents of Godspeed.
Apart from one boy. "He want's to protect her - and more if she'll let him..."*
Thoughts and opinions
I think there's a few different fundamental parts to this book
First; the Sci-Fi parts. I adored them. Godspeed is a brilliant ship, and it's beautifully imageined and incredibly well described. The reasons for Godspeeds creation, the reasons behind the new planet, and the way in which Amy and everyone is frozen, together form the base line of the story. It's done with a precise amount of complexity and simplicity keeping interesting enough to be guessing things for yourself, but simple enough that you don't have to keep flicking back and re-reading everything.
I would say the romance in this is more of a sub-plot, and the story isn't built around it by itself. Saying that, the romance has potential to progress through the next book, and I'd like to see more of it! The next book in the series A MILLION SUNS is out now, and I'm actually really exited about ordering it. Lots of questions are left unanswered at the end of ACROSS THE UNIVERSE, and I defiantly want to see where Amy's relationship goes.
Of the few small things that could possibly be improved on; one) I felt it was a little slow to start, and two) some parts of the 'romance' I thought were a little rushed or un-explanatory / followed up.
Its written from both Amy's point of view, and Elder's. He's due to be the next leader of Godspeed, and through him, we learn more about Godspeed and how the people are managed. He is brilliantly written; strong but unsure of himself, and trying to think desperately how to show Amy that Godspeed isn't as bad as she thinks it is.
Final verdict
A exiting, imaginative and fast-paced, debut novel by Beth Revis, that's made me want to read some more Sci-Fi - it will leave you waiting for the next book with bated breath!
About the author
This is Beth Revis's first novel, and the next book in the series is A MILLION SUNS. The final book, SHADES OF EARTH, is due to be released in early 2013.
You can visit her website at: http://www.bethrevis.com
Or her blog at: http://bethrevis.blogspot.co.uk/
Follow her on twitter: @bethrevis
Or buy the book off amazon here!
*The indicated quote is taken from the blurb of ACROSS THE UNIVERSE.
Sunday, 17 June 2012
Friday, 15 June 2012
Review: Insurgent by Veronica Roth
*Be aware, this book contains spoliers if you haven't yet read the first book in the series ,DIVERGENT!*
First Words
I absolutely adored DIVERGENT, and have been eagerly waiting to buy INSURGENT. As soon as I started reading the first page I knew this was going to be good!
What's it about?
"I have done bad things. I can't take them back, and they are part of who I am."*
After the Erudite's attack on the Abnegation, both Tris's parents are dead, the Dauntless are divided and Tris is haunted by the results of the battle. While under the Erudite's control, her friend, Will, tried to shoot her. She had no choice - she shot him before he could kill her.
Wracked with guilt, and trying to cope the loss of her parents, Tris is compelled to learn the truth behind the attack and discover the thing that her father may have gave his life for. But in doing so, she might just have to sacrifice everything ... and loose everyone.
Thoughts and opinions
So firstly, I'm going to go ahead and recommend you re-read DIVERGENT before starting this book. INSURGENT jumps straight into the action, and while things are explained, it might be easier to keep up from the first page if DIVERGENT is fresh in your mind!
Either way however, this is another incredible book by Veronica Roth! It really does dive straight in, which I always love, and every page is full of action and suspense.
I feel Tris goes through some changes in this book; she becomes a stronger and more determined person, whether it's through guilt and anguish or not is debatable. At the end of the last book, we see her making tough choices, and they certainly don't become any easier through this one. At times, for a second, I wanted to yell at Tris a little, but then I stopped and thought about it, and then understood exactly why she was doing what she was doing, and got back to waving my 'Go-Tris-Go!' pom-pom's.
Tobias (or Four) and Tris's relationship comes under imminence pressure as the story progresses. Tris needs to find out the truth, but Tobias disagrees and has his own plans. More secrets are revealed, and lies are kept, but I have to say through everything, I still believe they are meant to be together. You'll have to read it for yourself to see if their relationship can survive the struggles, but I will just say, I really love how Tobias is written. He's different to other male leads in his strong belief in doing the right thing, but his love for Tris is deep and true.
Lots of plot twists and results that I certainly didn't see coming will happen, and at the end you'll be staring at the wall, starting to count down the days until the final book is released!
Final Verdict
Brilliant sequel that takes takes the reader on a whirlwind of action, anguish and romance. Definitely lives up to DIVERGENT!
About the author
INSURGENT is the second book by Veronica Roth, the first being DIVERGENT. The third book in the series is currently due out in the Autumn of 2013.
You can visit her blog at: http://veronicarothbooks.blogspot.co.uk/
Follow her on twitter: @veronicaroth
Or buy the book from amazon here!
*The indicated quote was taken from the blurb of INSURGENT
First Words
I absolutely adored DIVERGENT, and have been eagerly waiting to buy INSURGENT. As soon as I started reading the first page I knew this was going to be good!
What's it about?
"I have done bad things. I can't take them back, and they are part of who I am."*
After the Erudite's attack on the Abnegation, both Tris's parents are dead, the Dauntless are divided and Tris is haunted by the results of the battle. While under the Erudite's control, her friend, Will, tried to shoot her. She had no choice - she shot him before he could kill her.
Wracked with guilt, and trying to cope the loss of her parents, Tris is compelled to learn the truth behind the attack and discover the thing that her father may have gave his life for. But in doing so, she might just have to sacrifice everything ... and loose everyone.
Thoughts and opinions
So firstly, I'm going to go ahead and recommend you re-read DIVERGENT before starting this book. INSURGENT jumps straight into the action, and while things are explained, it might be easier to keep up from the first page if DIVERGENT is fresh in your mind!
Either way however, this is another incredible book by Veronica Roth! It really does dive straight in, which I always love, and every page is full of action and suspense.
I feel Tris goes through some changes in this book; she becomes a stronger and more determined person, whether it's through guilt and anguish or not is debatable. At the end of the last book, we see her making tough choices, and they certainly don't become any easier through this one. At times, for a second, I wanted to yell at Tris a little, but then I stopped and thought about it, and then understood exactly why she was doing what she was doing, and got back to waving my 'Go-Tris-Go!' pom-pom's.
Tobias (or Four) and Tris's relationship comes under imminence pressure as the story progresses. Tris needs to find out the truth, but Tobias disagrees and has his own plans. More secrets are revealed, and lies are kept, but I have to say through everything, I still believe they are meant to be together. You'll have to read it for yourself to see if their relationship can survive the struggles, but I will just say, I really love how Tobias is written. He's different to other male leads in his strong belief in doing the right thing, but his love for Tris is deep and true.
Lots of plot twists and results that I certainly didn't see coming will happen, and at the end you'll be staring at the wall, starting to count down the days until the final book is released!
Final Verdict
Brilliant sequel that takes takes the reader on a whirlwind of action, anguish and romance. Definitely lives up to DIVERGENT!
About the author
INSURGENT is the second book by Veronica Roth, the first being DIVERGENT. The third book in the series is currently due out in the Autumn of 2013.
You can visit her blog at: http://veronicarothbooks.blogspot.co.uk/
Follow her on twitter: @veronicaroth
Or buy the book from amazon here!
*The indicated quote was taken from the blurb of INSURGENT
Thursday, 24 May 2012
Review: Divergent by Veronica Roth
First words
A friend of mine recommended this book, and as soon I read the description I knew I had to get it! I was most defiantly not disappointed, and its shot up on my 'books I adore' list! This book is like a cross of THE HUNGER GAMES, DELIRIUM and MATCHED. Also, I was SO happy to get a book that comes in at just under 500 pages!!
What's it about?
"One choice decides your friends, defines your beliefs and determines your loyalties ... forever." *
Society is divided into five sections; each holding a different value as the most important. Dauntless believe in bravery; Candor in honesty; Amity in peace; Erudite in knowledge and Abnegation in selflessness.
Tris has been born and raised in Abnegation ; but now she's sixteen and she, along with everyone in her year, must make the choice that will determine the rest of their lives - which faction will they choose? Will they stay will their families, or will they leave, and transfer to a new way of life forever?
Thoughts and opinions
This is a complete 'read-through-the-night-because-it's-impossible-to-put-down' book!
Firstly, the way the different fractions are portrayed show how different people hold different things in the highest esteem. It shows how we're brought up, does make us act in a certain way, even though to us, it's completely normal, to others it seems strange.
Tris is an amazing character. I found I related to her really easily, and I was completely swept up in her feelings and the changes she goes through from the beginning to the end.
The 'bad-guy/s' (-I'm not going to name them, as I always prefer to find out who said 'bad-guys' are for myself when I read!-), are written brilliantly - I really did want to reach in and kill them myself! Fury and jealousy are portrayed perfectly, and the fight scenes are full of fast moving action.
Now, the romance! I'm not going to name 'him', but the relationship between the two, progresses at a perfect rate, but the love triangle is there enough for you to start second guessing yourself over who Tris will end up with. Saying that, it's not an frustrating triangle where you feel the girl is playing them both, Tris follows how she really feels the whole way.
Final Verdict
Thrilling, breath taking and get-your-heart-racing ,I recommend this books to everyone!
About the author
DIVERGENT is the first book by Veronica Roth, with its sequel INSURGENT having been released recently. The third book is currently due out in the Autumn of 2013.
You can visit her blog at: http://veronicarothbooks.blogspot.co.uk/
Follow her on twitter: @veronicaroth
Or buy the book from amazon here!
* The indicated quote is taken from the blurb of DIVERGENT
A friend of mine recommended this book, and as soon I read the description I knew I had to get it! I was most defiantly not disappointed, and its shot up on my 'books I adore' list! This book is like a cross of THE HUNGER GAMES, DELIRIUM and MATCHED. Also, I was SO happy to get a book that comes in at just under 500 pages!!
What's it about?
"One choice decides your friends, defines your beliefs and determines your loyalties ... forever." *
Society is divided into five sections; each holding a different value as the most important. Dauntless believe in bravery; Candor in honesty; Amity in peace; Erudite in knowledge and Abnegation in selflessness.
Tris has been born and raised in Abnegation ; but now she's sixteen and she, along with everyone in her year, must make the choice that will determine the rest of their lives - which faction will they choose? Will they stay will their families, or will they leave, and transfer to a new way of life forever?
Thoughts and opinions
This is a complete 'read-through-the-night-because-it's-impossible-to-put-down' book!
Firstly, the way the different fractions are portrayed show how different people hold different things in the highest esteem. It shows how we're brought up, does make us act in a certain way, even though to us, it's completely normal, to others it seems strange.
Tris is an amazing character. I found I related to her really easily, and I was completely swept up in her feelings and the changes she goes through from the beginning to the end.
The 'bad-guy/s' (-I'm not going to name them, as I always prefer to find out who said 'bad-guys' are for myself when I read!-), are written brilliantly - I really did want to reach in and kill them myself! Fury and jealousy are portrayed perfectly, and the fight scenes are full of fast moving action.
Now, the romance! I'm not going to name 'him', but the relationship between the two, progresses at a perfect rate, but the love triangle is there enough for you to start second guessing yourself over who Tris will end up with. Saying that, it's not an frustrating triangle where you feel the girl is playing them both, Tris follows how she really feels the whole way.
Final Verdict
Thrilling, breath taking and get-your-heart-racing ,I recommend this books to everyone!
About the author
DIVERGENT is the first book by Veronica Roth, with its sequel INSURGENT having been released recently. The third book is currently due out in the Autumn of 2013.
You can visit her blog at: http://veronicarothbooks.blogspot.co.uk/
Follow her on twitter: @veronicaroth
Or buy the book from amazon here!
* The indicated quote is taken from the blurb of DIVERGENT
Wednesday, 16 May 2012
Review: Skin Deep by Laura Jarratt
First words
I've been meaning to read this book for a while, but have only just got round to doing so. One thing I love about the cover of this book, is how the quote on the back is presented, with certain words being bigger that others; it really grabs your attention. The cover itself is also perfectly fits the story.
So what's it about?
Jenna was in a car with her best friend Lindsey, everyone drinking and smoking, when the car hit a patch of black ice. The car flipped over and caught on fire; Lindsey, and another girl Sophie, died on impact. Jemma escaped; but not before her life had been changed forever. Before Jemma could get out, she was caught in the flames. The right hand side of her face was severely burnt, leaving behind huge scars that can never be healed. With every glance in the mirror reminding her of her of the accident, and every stare in the street reminding her of her looks, she struggles to re-build her life. Until Ryan comes along. A traveling boy who might just be able to help her see, the scars don't define who she is.
"I wanted to say this morning, only you ran off...sorry if I was rude. "You surprised me, that's all. The scar-" he touched his face- "took me by surprise. I didn't mean to be rude." I gaped at him. Nobody ever, ever mentioned the scars.*
Thoughts and opinions
Firstly, I love the ideas behind this story. I strongly believe looks shouldn't be as important as society makes them - it really is all about who the person really is that should matter. Following Jenna as she comes to terms with the scars, is perfectly done, and I love the fact that Ryan is a traveler, as that's something we don't see very often.
At the start of the book I had one reservation about it, and that was because Ryan is sixteen and Jenna fourteen. Personally, I think those two years make a huge difference at that age, and I thought maybe Jenna could have done with being a little older. However, it works because Jenna has been through so much more than the average fourteen year old. Having her best friend die and coping with having severe scars on her face forever, forces her to grow up deal with the harshness of life and the cruelty of people.
Ryan, is a brilliant character. He is a amazing cross between being kind and loving, yet strong enough to not let anyone get away with disrespecting him, Jenna or his mother.
Jenna and Ryan's relationship and their love for one another, feels very real, and evolves beautifully through out the story. Switching between Ryan and Jenna's perspective works perfectly the whole way through.
But there is more to this story than just their relationship, and it keeps it twisting right up to the last page!
Final verdict
SKIN DEEP captures the wonders and the heat breaks of first love, while leaving a message that will stay in your mind long after you turn the last page; looks really aren't everything.
About the author
SKIN DEEP is Laura Jarratt's first novel. She is currently working on her next book.
You can visit her website here: http://www.laurajarratt.com
Follow her on twitter here: @LauraJarratt
Read her blog here :http://laurajarratt.blogspot.co.uk
or buy the book from amazon here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Skin-Deep-Laura-Jarratt/dp/1405256729/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1337172063&sr=8-1
*The indicated quote is taken from the blurb of SKIN DEEP / Page 29.
I've been meaning to read this book for a while, but have only just got round to doing so. One thing I love about the cover of this book, is how the quote on the back is presented, with certain words being bigger that others; it really grabs your attention. The cover itself is also perfectly fits the story.
So what's it about?
Jenna was in a car with her best friend Lindsey, everyone drinking and smoking, when the car hit a patch of black ice. The car flipped over and caught on fire; Lindsey, and another girl Sophie, died on impact. Jemma escaped; but not before her life had been changed forever. Before Jemma could get out, she was caught in the flames. The right hand side of her face was severely burnt, leaving behind huge scars that can never be healed. With every glance in the mirror reminding her of her of the accident, and every stare in the street reminding her of her looks, she struggles to re-build her life. Until Ryan comes along. A traveling boy who might just be able to help her see, the scars don't define who she is.
"I wanted to say this morning, only you ran off...sorry if I was rude. "You surprised me, that's all. The scar-" he touched his face- "took me by surprise. I didn't mean to be rude." I gaped at him. Nobody ever, ever mentioned the scars.*
Thoughts and opinions
Firstly, I love the ideas behind this story. I strongly believe looks shouldn't be as important as society makes them - it really is all about who the person really is that should matter. Following Jenna as she comes to terms with the scars, is perfectly done, and I love the fact that Ryan is a traveler, as that's something we don't see very often.
At the start of the book I had one reservation about it, and that was because Ryan is sixteen and Jenna fourteen. Personally, I think those two years make a huge difference at that age, and I thought maybe Jenna could have done with being a little older. However, it works because Jenna has been through so much more than the average fourteen year old. Having her best friend die and coping with having severe scars on her face forever, forces her to grow up deal with the harshness of life and the cruelty of people.
Ryan, is a brilliant character. He is a amazing cross between being kind and loving, yet strong enough to not let anyone get away with disrespecting him, Jenna or his mother.
Jenna and Ryan's relationship and their love for one another, feels very real, and evolves beautifully through out the story. Switching between Ryan and Jenna's perspective works perfectly the whole way through.
But there is more to this story than just their relationship, and it keeps it twisting right up to the last page!
Final verdict
SKIN DEEP captures the wonders and the heat breaks of first love, while leaving a message that will stay in your mind long after you turn the last page; looks really aren't everything.
About the author
SKIN DEEP is Laura Jarratt's first novel. She is currently working on her next book.
You can visit her website here: http://www.laurajarratt.com
Follow her on twitter here: @LauraJarratt
Read her blog here :http://laurajarratt.blogspot.co.uk
or buy the book from amazon here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Skin-Deep-Laura-Jarratt/dp/1405256729/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1337172063&sr=8-1
*The indicated quote is taken from the blurb of SKIN DEEP / Page 29.
Sunday, 13 May 2012
Review: Paper Towns by John Green
First words
John Green is my favorite author.
It's not just because I'm a proud Nerfighter and constant Vlog brothers, Crash Course and Sci Show watcher; it's because he is truly an incredible writer. When you pick up a book written by John Green, you know a few things that are going to happen ;you'll laugh lots; probably cry; be so happy you wish you were there and then possibly have your heart broken. But there's one thing that you'll never guess. You'll never guess the lesson that you'll learn from reading the story. That's what really makes these books special. They ingrain themselves into your brain; they stay with you forever.
PAPER TOWNS is no exception.
What is it about?
When Quentin is nine years old, he and his neighbor Margo, find something in the park.
A dead man.
That night was the last time that Margo tapped on Q's window. Until now. It's nine years later, and only a couple of weeks left until they graduate high school. When Margo climbs into his room and tells Q she needs his car for a night time of revenge, he cautiously agrees to help.
But the next day, Margo's gone. No one knows where she could be, except maybe Q.
She's left clues about her disappearance, and she's left them for him to find.
As Q links up the tail that leads to Margo, he has to ask himself the question; does anyone really know the real Margo at all?
Thought and opinions Firstly, there is something I love about the title PAPER TOWNS. Also, I found the concept of what a paper town really interesting, and I love Margo's speech about them.
Next, Q is a brilliant character. John Green always writes characters beautifully; they are a perfect cross of quick wit and intelligence. I also find his anxiety rather adorable.
The way in which poems and quotes are woven so effortlessly into the book will always be an absolute pleasure.
The story is amazing, it's brilliantly paced and the plot twists and turns so you can never see what is coming next.
It's the ideas in the story that I love though. Q's thoughts on Margo and life and imagination and everything else. They really do stay with you for a long time.
Final verdictFunny, witty and a whole lot of thought provoking, PAPER TOWNS, is a brilliant book for lovers of young adult and elder readers alike.
About the author
Along with his brother Hank Green, he makes half of the Vlogbrothers. His most recent work is THE FAULT IN OUR STARS and previous works are, LOOKING FOR ALASKA and AN ABUNDANCE OF KATHERINES. He also wrote half of WILL GRAYSON, WILL GRAYSON with fellow author, David Levithan.
You can check out his website here: http://johngreenbooks.com/
Follow him on twitter: @realjohngreen
Take a look at Vlogbrothers : http://www.youtube.com/user/vlogbrothers
Or Crash Course : http://www.youtube.com/crashcourse
And you can buy the book off amazon here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Paper-Towns-John-Green/dp/1408806592/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1336908958&sr=8-1
John Green is my favorite author.
It's not just because I'm a proud Nerfighter and constant Vlog brothers, Crash Course and Sci Show watcher; it's because he is truly an incredible writer. When you pick up a book written by John Green, you know a few things that are going to happen ;you'll laugh lots; probably cry; be so happy you wish you were there and then possibly have your heart broken. But there's one thing that you'll never guess. You'll never guess the lesson that you'll learn from reading the story. That's what really makes these books special. They ingrain themselves into your brain; they stay with you forever.
PAPER TOWNS is no exception.
What is it about?
When Quentin is nine years old, he and his neighbor Margo, find something in the park.
A dead man.
That night was the last time that Margo tapped on Q's window. Until now. It's nine years later, and only a couple of weeks left until they graduate high school. When Margo climbs into his room and tells Q she needs his car for a night time of revenge, he cautiously agrees to help.
But the next day, Margo's gone. No one knows where she could be, except maybe Q.
She's left clues about her disappearance, and she's left them for him to find.
As Q links up the tail that leads to Margo, he has to ask himself the question; does anyone really know the real Margo at all?
Thought and opinions Firstly, there is something I love about the title PAPER TOWNS. Also, I found the concept of what a paper town really interesting, and I love Margo's speech about them.
Next, Q is a brilliant character. John Green always writes characters beautifully; they are a perfect cross of quick wit and intelligence. I also find his anxiety rather adorable.
The way in which poems and quotes are woven so effortlessly into the book will always be an absolute pleasure.
The story is amazing, it's brilliantly paced and the plot twists and turns so you can never see what is coming next.
It's the ideas in the story that I love though. Q's thoughts on Margo and life and imagination and everything else. They really do stay with you for a long time.
Final verdictFunny, witty and a whole lot of thought provoking, PAPER TOWNS, is a brilliant book for lovers of young adult and elder readers alike.
About the author
Along with his brother Hank Green, he makes half of the Vlogbrothers. His most recent work is THE FAULT IN OUR STARS and previous works are, LOOKING FOR ALASKA and AN ABUNDANCE OF KATHERINES. He also wrote half of WILL GRAYSON, WILL GRAYSON with fellow author, David Levithan.
You can check out his website here: http://johngreenbooks.com/
Follow him on twitter: @realjohngreen
Take a look at Vlogbrothers : http://www.youtube.com/user/vlogbrothers
Or Crash Course : http://www.youtube.com/crashcourse
And you can buy the book off amazon here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Paper-Towns-John-Green/dp/1408806592/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1336908958&sr=8-1
Saturday, 12 May 2012
Review: The Hollow by Jessica Verday
First words
I brought THE HOLLOW back in 2009, and it was one of the first YA paranormal romances that I'd read. I really enjoyed it back then, and after reading the last book in the trilogy, THE HIDDEN a short while ago, I decided it was time to go back to one of the places it all began.
What is it about?
Abbey won't believe that her best friend is dead. She can't even begin to believe the rumors that she took her own life.
As she attempts to find any other answer that could explain Kristen's on-going disappearance, she meets Caspian. Kind, mysterious and utterly gorgeous, she finds herself becoming more and more drawn to him.
But then, she discovers the frighting truth of the boy with the striking green eyes, and starts to question everything - including her self.
Has love finally found a boundary even it can not cross?
Thoughts and opinions
Without a doubt, the first thing I need to say about this book is how stunningly lovable, I find Caspian and Abbey.
Sometimes, male leads can be a little 'bad boy' or 'the stunning unreachable boy', which we see time and time again. Of course though, they are used for a reason, and that is because they work , and are popular with readers.
Caspian, however isn't either of these. There's no other words for it - he is just very sweet! Sweet in the 'why isn't there a guy like this' way, and so kind you want him as your best friend. Honestly, you just want to reach in and pull him from the page!
Abbey, is brilliant for a couple of reasons. One; you don't want to kill her. Okay, so that's a tad theatrical, but sometimes reading a book where the guy is very cute and kind, as a reader you don't always feel that the object of their attentions really deserves them. Abbey, however is one of the most likable voices I've read, and you only find your self routing for her.
Secondly, is how believably she acts. Now, talking about believability with books usually annoys me, because it is often used in the context, 'that could never happen', yet they are reading a paranormal, book...
However, I am talking about how the character acts to said situation. Instead of falling into the unbelievable truth she learns about Caspian, she questions everything around her, including her own sanity.
On top of both of these wonderful characters, the story its self twists and turns right up until the very end, leaving you itching for more.
Final verdict
Defiantly one of, possibly even my very favorite, paranormal trilogy. With beautifully written characters, and a story that will pick you up and take you to the town of Sleepy Hollow, it's a must read for all YA paranormal lovers.
About the author
Jessica Verday has also written the following two books in this trilogy, THE HAUNTED and THE HIDDEN. She is currently working on a new book.
You can visit her website here : http://www.jessicaverday.com/
Or her blog here: http://jessicaverday.blogspot.co.uk
And you can buy the book off amazon here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Hollow-book-Jessica-Verday/dp/1847384986/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1336827449&sr=8-2
I brought THE HOLLOW back in 2009, and it was one of the first YA paranormal romances that I'd read. I really enjoyed it back then, and after reading the last book in the trilogy, THE HIDDEN a short while ago, I decided it was time to go back to one of the places it all began.
What is it about?
Abbey won't believe that her best friend is dead. She can't even begin to believe the rumors that she took her own life.
As she attempts to find any other answer that could explain Kristen's on-going disappearance, she meets Caspian. Kind, mysterious and utterly gorgeous, she finds herself becoming more and more drawn to him.
But then, she discovers the frighting truth of the boy with the striking green eyes, and starts to question everything - including her self.
Has love finally found a boundary even it can not cross?
Thoughts and opinions
Without a doubt, the first thing I need to say about this book is how stunningly lovable, I find Caspian and Abbey.
Sometimes, male leads can be a little 'bad boy' or 'the stunning unreachable boy', which we see time and time again. Of course though, they are used for a reason, and that is because they work , and are popular with readers.
Caspian, however isn't either of these. There's no other words for it - he is just very sweet! Sweet in the 'why isn't there a guy like this' way, and so kind you want him as your best friend. Honestly, you just want to reach in and pull him from the page!
Abbey, is brilliant for a couple of reasons. One; you don't want to kill her. Okay, so that's a tad theatrical, but sometimes reading a book where the guy is very cute and kind, as a reader you don't always feel that the object of their attentions really deserves them. Abbey, however is one of the most likable voices I've read, and you only find your self routing for her.
Secondly, is how believably she acts. Now, talking about believability with books usually annoys me, because it is often used in the context, 'that could never happen', yet they are reading a paranormal, book...
However, I am talking about how the character acts to said situation. Instead of falling into the unbelievable truth she learns about Caspian, she questions everything around her, including her own sanity.
On top of both of these wonderful characters, the story its self twists and turns right up until the very end, leaving you itching for more.
Final verdict
Defiantly one of, possibly even my very favorite, paranormal trilogy. With beautifully written characters, and a story that will pick you up and take you to the town of Sleepy Hollow, it's a must read for all YA paranormal lovers.
About the author
Jessica Verday has also written the following two books in this trilogy, THE HAUNTED and THE HIDDEN. She is currently working on a new book.
You can visit her website here : http://www.jessicaverday.com/
Or her blog here: http://jessicaverday.blogspot.co.uk
And you can buy the book off amazon here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Hollow-book-Jessica-Verday/dp/1847384986/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1336827449&sr=8-2
Thursday, 10 May 2012
Review: Delirium by Lauren Oliver
First Words
I loved Lauren Oliver's first book BEFORE I FALL, and was really exited to read DELIRIUM. I was not disappointed!
What is it about?
Amor Deliria Nervosa.
It's dangerous; deadly even. People loose their minds when they become infected. They do crazy things, all priorities forgotten, their whole life taken up by the disease. Everything revolves around the one who infects them - that is, it did. Then they found the cure.
Amor Deliria Nervosa - love.
The deadliest of all diseases.
We follow Lena as she starts to question everything she has ever been taught.
Can he save her in time?
'Now, I'd rather be infected with love for the tiniest sliver of a second than live a hundred years suffocated by a lie'*
Thoughts and opinions
The first thing that struck me about this book, was the story itself.
Love is often portrayed as such a wonderful thing, something to be cherished and protected at all costs. To have this as the opposite, was so refreshing. To have love as something that's banned, changes everything. After all, you can't always help who you fall in love with.
I really enjoy Lena as a character, she is likable even among the confusing conflicts that she faces. Considering that she has been brought up believing love is something to be scared of, Lauren Oliver has done an amazing job keeping her both believably nervous, yet strong enough to make her own decisions. I've actually just finished reading the next book in the series, PANDEMONIUM, and it is equally as brilliant as this first in the series!
Final verdict
Another beautiful story by Lauren Oliver. It's as addictive as the disease it's based upon; once you pick it up, you really won't be able to put it down.
About the author
This book is the first in the series, with the second book being PANDEMONIUM. The final book in the series, REQUIEM, is due out in February 2013. She has also written a spin off book about Lena's best friend - HANA - A DELIRIUM SHORT STORY. Lauren Oliver's other works include the preiviosuly mentioned, BEFORE I FALL, as well as a book for younger readers named LISEL & PO.
Visit her website at: http://www.laurenoliverbooks.com/
Check out her blog at: http://laurenoliverbooks.blogspot.co.uk/
Follow her on twitter at: @OliverBooks
Get it on amazon: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Delirium-Trilogy-1-Lauren-Oliver/dp/0340980931/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1336693223&sr=1-1
* The indicated quote is taken from the blurb of DELIRIUM.
I loved Lauren Oliver's first book BEFORE I FALL, and was really exited to read DELIRIUM. I was not disappointed!
What is it about?
Amor Deliria Nervosa.
It's dangerous; deadly even. People loose their minds when they become infected. They do crazy things, all priorities forgotten, their whole life taken up by the disease. Everything revolves around the one who infects them - that is, it did. Then they found the cure.
Amor Deliria Nervosa - love.
The deadliest of all diseases.
We follow Lena as she starts to question everything she has ever been taught.
Can he save her in time?
'Now, I'd rather be infected with love for the tiniest sliver of a second than live a hundred years suffocated by a lie'*
Thoughts and opinions
The first thing that struck me about this book, was the story itself.
Love is often portrayed as such a wonderful thing, something to be cherished and protected at all costs. To have this as the opposite, was so refreshing. To have love as something that's banned, changes everything. After all, you can't always help who you fall in love with.
I really enjoy Lena as a character, she is likable even among the confusing conflicts that she faces. Considering that she has been brought up believing love is something to be scared of, Lauren Oliver has done an amazing job keeping her both believably nervous, yet strong enough to make her own decisions. I've actually just finished reading the next book in the series, PANDEMONIUM, and it is equally as brilliant as this first in the series!
Final verdict
Another beautiful story by Lauren Oliver. It's as addictive as the disease it's based upon; once you pick it up, you really won't be able to put it down.
About the author
This book is the first in the series, with the second book being PANDEMONIUM. The final book in the series, REQUIEM, is due out in February 2013. She has also written a spin off book about Lena's best friend - HANA - A DELIRIUM SHORT STORY. Lauren Oliver's other works include the preiviosuly mentioned, BEFORE I FALL, as well as a book for younger readers named LISEL & PO.
Visit her website at: http://www.laurenoliverbooks.com/
Check out her blog at: http://laurenoliverbooks.blogspot.co.uk/
Follow her on twitter at: @OliverBooks
Get it on amazon: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Delirium-Trilogy-1-Lauren-Oliver/dp/0340980931/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1336693223&sr=1-1
* The indicated quote is taken from the blurb of DELIRIUM.
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