Source: Publisher for review + Bought Genre: YA (14+) - Dystopian
Violence | Sexual Content | Profanity
Book Tunes ♪ x♪
My Rating:
Mindblowing
My thoughts
Warning! Spoilers if you have not read The 5th Wave! THAT ENDING.
WHAT EVEN HAPPENED IN THIS BOOK?!?!?! I STILL HAVE SO MANY QUESTIONS. I finished this book whilst on night shift at the hospital and I was just gaping from ear to ear, thinking that there must be more, that Yancey couldn't have ended the book like that. But he did, and now I--we--have to wait for the next installment... it's going to be excruciatingly painful and long. I hope it will be more than worth it.
Thank you so, so, so much Alesha @ Scholastic for sending me a review copy! I have been so excited to watch the movie (huge dystopian fan!), only that I hadn't yet read the book. (And I make it a general rule to read the book before the movie.) I went into this book feeling a bit hesitant and anxious to pick up and read other books that I NEEDED-TO-READ-RIGHT-NOW, but since this book was for review and kind of urgent (as I wanted to read it before watching the movie) I pushed forward. By about 50 pages in I was hooked. Dashner throws you into this freaky world where teenage boys have had to build a society in a place surrounded by the Maze. And he kept unleashing mystery after mystery, bringing about such an intense and fast-paced read that I couldn't stay away for long--for the past few days if I wasn't at work or busy socialising, my nose was stuck in this book.
To be completely honest I'm surprised that this series finale didn't disappoint me. Not in the slightest. I remember that Delirium was the very first book that I read for review through Netgalley. It proposed an original and somewhat fluffy dystopian concept, but more importantly it was written by Lauren Oliver -- I had just recently read her debut novel Before I Fall, which I was highly impressed with, both for its story progression and writing style. Even now, three years after I've read my first Oliver book her writing and talent continues to amaze me. I'm not going to say this book was perfect but it was a constant rollercoaster ride, entertaining; full of twists and turns that seems to come with the dystopian genre; it tied up the series well, and it was full of emotion and yet more lovely quotes.
This book wasn't even on my radar until Nomes reviewed it. And Wendy. So of course it was then that I requested the book on Netgalley. Just when I was about to prepare myself to start reading it I received a physical copy for review in the mail. How’s that for timing?
I’m going along with the hype train: this book is GOOD.
Scarlet is the second book in the scifi-fantasy Lunar Chronicles quartet by emerging author Marissa Meyer. This book follows both Cinder and Scarlet as their perilous adventures eventually lead them to finding and helping each other. Queen Levana’s army is growing ever stronger and the fate of Earth rests with a group of misfits—an estranged Lunar princess; a prison-break captain; a red-headed teenage girl, whose best friend might just be her gun; and finally, Wolf.
Quite a substantial amount of time has passed since I read Legend. I did read a recap of it and while I think it did help reorient myself into Lu's imagined world, it's definitely not necessary. Sometimes it's just better to jump right on in and I think I would have been perfectly fine had I done so. Marie Lu doesn't beat you over the head with the happenings of the previous book, but rather subtly eases you back into her story. In no time at all I was reminded of all the things I adored in Legend and I was, quite simply, hooked.
Source: For review (thanks to publisher!) Precautions:Violence |Sexual Content| Profanity
Pages: 368
My Rating:
Fantabulously awesome Book!!!
Summary:
Fleeing from the corrupt society of the Enclave, Gaia Stone heads into the harsh environment of the wasteland with her baby sister, Maya. They survive only to be captured by Peter, a ranger from Sylum, a strange village which seems to have as many laws as the Enclave. And when the ruthless village leader takes Maya, Gaia is forced to stay and submit to the strict social code, or risk losing her sister forever.
Then Gaia discovers that Sylum has a secret; a deadly fever strikes down anyone who tries to leave, holding the villagers prisoner. Desperate to escape with Maya, Gaia is determined to uncover the truth about the sickness, whatever it takes. But when Leon is captured too, she is faced with another impossible choice: the boy who won her heart in the Enclave, or Peter, for whom she can't deny her growing feelings.
If Gaia is going to survive in this new world she needs to learn to trust her instincts, and her heart . . .
My thoughts:
SPOILERS AHEAD-READ ON ONLY IF YOU'VE READ BIRTHMARKED. Or you just want to read this review.
~ Final thoughts ~
PRIZED introduces readers to an alternative dystopian society where women rule. The stakes are made even higher as Gaia's baby sister is taken away from her. Gaia's decisions may not always be right, but the extraordinary character development she undergoes more than makes up for it. The love square exemplifies the troubles in a society where such a male-female ratio and female ruling exist, while also being entertaining and surprisingly fresh. Readers will relish in this delicious and readable sequel to BIRTHMARKED.
Source: For review (thanks to publisher!) Precautions:Violence | Sexual Content | Profanity
Pages: 348
My Rating:
Satisfying Read
Summary:
Juliette hasn't touched anyone in exactly 264 days.
The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal. As long as she doesn't hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don't fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.
The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war-- and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she's exactly what they need right now.
Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.
In this electrifying debut, Tahereh Mafi presents a world as riveting as The Hunger Games and a superhero story as thrilling as The X-Men. Full of pulse-pounding romance, intoxicating villainy, and high-stakes choices, Shatter Me is a fresh and original dystopian novel—with a paranormal twist—that will leave readers anxiously awaiting its sequel.
My thoughts:
BEAR WITH ME!
At first my rating was a 5, then a 4. Now it's 3.5 and I'll tell you why. Taken at face value, if I go along with the ride, I could just say I really enjoyed Shatter Me. And I did. By the end.
If you're really into adventures that are heavily reliant on a romantic aspect, then you are going to love this. Mafi also tries extremely hard to be poetic and intricately detailed in her writing. Most of the time she succeeded. Other times it was grating and slowed the pacing right down. There will be examples.
These are my personal opinions and that's fine if you don't agree with me. Not everyone will. I liked the premise, but I felt that the execution never completely lived up to it, or the expectations I'd formed for it.
~ Final thoughts ~
Shatter Me is: a whirlwind adventure; an extraordinary battle fought between the good and the bad, the powerful and the weak, the damaged and even more damaged; an intensely written romance that will live up to any supernatural fan's expectations. Tahereh Mafi has written a strong debut novel that blends together action, romance and suspenseful drama that will surprise readers.
* check out the "extras" section for giveaways! * Title: Cinder {goodreads}
Authors: Marissa Meyer
Publication(dd/mm/yyyy): 29/12/2011
Publisher: Penguin UK: Puffin RRP: $16.95
Source: Publisher sent for review Precautions:11+ - Mild violence/death Series: #1 in the Lunar Chronicles
Pages: 370
My Rating:
Good read
Summary:
(From AU/UK pb)
A forbidden romance.
A deadly plague.
Earth's fate hinges on one girl . . .
CINDER, a gifted mechanic in New Beijing, is also a cyborg. She's reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister's sudden illness. But when her life becomes entwined with the handsome Prince Kai's, she finds herself at the centre of a violent struggle between the desires of an evil queen - and a dangerous temptation.
Cinder is caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal. Now she must uncover secrets about her mysterious past in order to protect Earth's future. Is she brave enough, and strong enough, to help save everything?
My thoughts:
~ Final thoughts ~
Cinder is a grippngly intense sci-fi/dystopian reimagining of the well-known Cinderella fairytale. It's got the basics that make the ever-popular fairytale, but Meyer has cleverly turned it on its head.
Cinderella-'Cinder'-is a cyborg and a talented mechanic, whose prince charming is charming indeed; whose community is riddled with a deadly plague, as well as ongoing threats of war against the Lunars; whose identity is a complete mystery. And it is her true identity that may just be the savior of New Beijing and the world as they all know it.
All in all, CINDER is not to be missed! The first book in the Lunar Chronicles isaction-packed and full of interesting ideas with an ending that will leave you wanting more.
~ MY THOUGHTS (in full)~
If I do have children (if the Big Guy doth let it be so), and more specifically a daughter, this would be the type of book I'd love for her to indulge in. It's got so much appeal to girls, but Meyer's 'version' is much grittier and fantastical, with a heroine that kicks butt!
Cinder has great talent and inner-strength that shines through and through. Not even that--she's different in a way that makes her instantly exiled and unpopular, and while she never completely embraces these differences, readers will be able to sympathise with her insecurities.
Prince Kai is kind of your average pretty-boy Prince Charming. He's got the easygoing attitude and he and Cinder share similar ideals about the world. Even in the face of adversity, he tries his best to stand his ground. Readers will be sure to fall for Iko, Cinder's android buddy, and Peony, Cinder's (nice) stepsister--but you'll wish you hadn't after the events that unfold.
What also sprung out at me was the whole backstory with the Lunars and the New Beijing Commonwealth society. If you thought that cyborgs and androids in a Cinderella re-imagining was far-fetched, you'll be even more blown away when you are introduced to the Lunars. They're, quite literally, out of this world and insane!
Of course there is a romance between Prince Kai and Cinder, but there are barriers that disable them to be together. I'm totally rooting for them though! Even from chapter one I wanted them to end up together because they're just so cute, and two is better than one. :P
What didn't agree with me was the fact that I was able to guess a lot of the [ZING!] moments due to its predictability leading up to a moment. Also, the ending just left me with a strange feeling ... like it's unfinished and there's meant to be a special chapter latched on at the end. There is a sense of oncoming action and struggle, but we only get to see the lead-up to it, which is frustrating since we have to wait another year to find out what happens next!
The third person narrative worked fine enough, and I was able to feel Cinder's thoughts and feelings with ease. It took a couple of chapters to get the hang of the writing style.
Quotes:
* from the UK ARC and may differ to the final version
First lines
"The screw through Cinder's ankle had rusted, the engraved cross marks worn to a mangled circle. Her knuckles ached from forcing the screwdriver into the joint as she struggled to loosen the screw one gritting twist after another. By the time it was extracted far enough for her to wrench free with her prosthetic steel hand, the hairline threads had been stripped clean.
Favourites
(Peony will be joining Cinder and Iko as they go to the junkyard looking for machine parts)
"Reaching out, Cinder pulled her [Peony] back. "Careful, your dress." Peony surveyed her skirt, then the grime-covered shelves, then waved Cinder's concerns away. "Really, can I [come]? Sounds exciting."
"It sounds dirty and stinky," said Iko.
"How would you know?" said Cinder. "You don't have scent receptors."
"I have a fantastic imagination."
Source: For review (thanks to publishers!) Age: 14+ Moderate violence and guns
Pages: 301 (proof copy)
My Rating:
Summary:
The United States is gone, along with its flooded coasts. North America's two warring nations, the western Republic and the eastern Colonies, have reached a breaking point. In the midst of this broken continent and dark new world are two teenagers who will go down in history....
Born into the slums of Los Angeles, fifteen-year old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. A mysterious boy with no recorded image or fingerprints. A boy who should no longer exist. A boy who watches over his family until one evening, when the plague patrols mark his family's door with an X--the sign of plague infection. A death sentence for any family too poor to afford the antidote. Desperate, Day has no choice; he must steal it.
Born to an elite family in Los Angeles' wealthy Ruby sector, fifteen-year old June is the Republic's most promising prodigy. A superintelligent girl destined for great things in the country's highest military circles. Obedient, passionate, and committed to her country--until the day her brother Metias is murdered while on patrol during a break-in at the plague hospital.
Only one person could be responsible.
Day.
And now it's June's mission to hunt him down.
The truth they'll uncover will become legend.
My thoughts:
With the latest development of the dystopian genre (in that, the genre is quickly trending), you'd think it would get more difficult for new books to impress and stand out in the genre. Marie Lu's debut novel LEGEND holds a steady balance between striking action and spirited characters that will surely capture the mind and heart of readers. The moment I reached the end and put the book down, I really did just throw my hands over eyes, overwhelmed by it all. If it had not been 2 am I probably would have vouched for a re-read. Yeah. It was THAT good.
My Synopsis
The general plot of this book is . . . Day is one of the Republic's biggest threats - not only does he wreak havoc wherever he goes, but his fingerprints are unidentifiable, which only serves to frustrate them more. When his family is in trouble, marked by a big red 'X' on their front door, he breaks into the hospital in a rush. Not without a casualty or two. June's brother is killed in the freak accident. Being a child prodigy, having scored a perfect score on her Trials, she takes it upon herself to hunt Day down. No matter what. But there are things the Republic isn't telling her. Things that will change everything she's ever believed in.
The Plot
LEGEND is pitched as a loose retelling of Les Miserables. I can't vouch for that comparison personally, but the general plot really drew me in. I really couldn't wait to read this book, and it really does not disappoint. At first there doesn't seem to be anything too special about the plot that would stand out among other dystopian novels, but there are so many twists that really surprised me.
Characters and relationships
I love Day and June. Day is such an endearing character, he's brashfully honest, and his story is both a mystery and draws the reader in. His family means everything to him, and although he doesn't get to see them often, not one day goes by when he doesn't miss them. He's such an enigma to the Republic, and since we get to hear his voice in the book, we get to know what kind of person he is and how he gets by. His "sidekick", Tess, is such a sweetheart. She's level-headed and despite her young age she knows how to hold her own. June, on the other hand, lives a privileged life and is highly regarded in the community for her outstanding Trials score. It took much longer for me to warm up to her, but as her circumstances change, she begins to show a softer, more human side of her. I love that side of her.
What is better than the characters themselves, is the relationship they each share with each other. Day and June, and Day and Tess, in particular. I'm not going to go into details, since it's better if you read it yourself. ;) Rest assured, their intertwined stories are sweet and help balance out the action-heavy parts of the book. I do have to say, though . . . while there is a romance between Day and June, I thought it would have been sweeter if they were just friends. I want to find more books where a boy and a girl become just really close friends, and I think this book could have benefited from that.
There are more characters in LEGEND, don't you worry! However, pretty much all other characters annoyed me. And they're meant to annoy you, or creep you out, or just disgust you. Mostly, though, this book really just magnifies how much societal ruling can completely brainwash (for lack of a better word) someone so that they will never oppose their leaders' orders, or think to validify the ethical side of their actions. Thomas is one such character in which this message very clearly resonates. He, without question, will gun down an innocent man, if his boss commands him to.
And don't even get me started on a rant about him. His repulsive behaviour doesn't even end there.
Writing
Along with great and interesting characters, Lu writes with such fluent ease in her debut novel. LEGEND is written in two person perspective, with - you guessed it - Day and June. What Lu does differently to others who attempt multi-perspective narratives - and succeeded in - is that there isn't a break in the action. The change in perspective doesn't distract the reader. The transitions are seamless. The voices are distinct and even without differential font-types or font-colours between narrative perspectives, it would be very clear who is telling the story. This device also helps to let the reader know each main character on a much more intimate level.
The following is a list of more positives for Marie Lu's debut novel:
The secrets and revelations! I really thought I knew exactly what was going on, but there were a few twists along the way that really took me by surprise. If you've read a couple dystopian novels, you should know that surprises and twists is what sets apart a good dystopian from a GREAT dystopian (along with a developed world - characters, emotions, writing . . . those are a given)
The world!! Actually pretty well developed, and we do get a sense of how the new LA operates. I kind of wish there was a map, just because I love maps in books. Ha! See, I personally don't know much about the Republics and the Colonies, and I would have personally loved a little introductory information. That might be asking too much though.
The covers. I love both of them. I might get both, we'll have to see. I also like the detailings of the insignia on the US cover. I really like when cover designs include something deeply specific to that given book.
Families are pretty big. While I never quite got to really KNOW Day's family members personally (they always felt distant), the enormity of Day's passion in protecting them rings true. And I just love that he cares so deeply for them. Same goes for June with her brother. Her strong bond with him is definitely something that had me reaching for the tissue box.
Recommended for any dystopian fan, LEGEND is a fast-paced and heart-racing adventure that critically explores the cracks in a futuristic Los Angeles society. With characters that come to life, Marie Lu's debut novel sets the bar high for future dystopian YA novels.
Quotes:
First lines:
"My mother thinks I'm dead.
Obviously I'm not dead, but it's safer for her to think so.
At least twice a month, I see my Wanted poster flashed on the JumboTrons scattered throughout downtown Los Angeles. It looks out of place up there. Most of the pictures on the screens are of happy things: smiling children standing under a bright blue sky, tourists posing before the Golden Gate Ruins, Republic commercials in neon colors. There's also anti-Colonies propaganda. "The Colonies want our land," the ads declare. "They want what they don't have. Don't let them conquer your homes! Support the cause!" Then there's my criminal report. It lights up the JumboTrons in all its multicolored glory: WANTED BY THE REPUBLIC FILE NO: 462178-3233 "DAY" -------------------------------------- WANTED FOR ASSAULT , ARSON, THEFT, DESTRUCTION OF MILITARY PROPERTY, AND HINDERING THE WAR EFFORT 200,000 REPUBLIC NOTES FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO ARREST
Favourite Quote:
""You should have taken me with you," I whisper to him. Then I lean my head against his and begin to cry. In my mind, I make a silent promise to my brother's killer. I will hunt you down. I will scour the streets of Los Angeles for you. Search every street in the Republic if I have to. I will trick you and deceive you, lie, cheat and steal to find you, tempt you out of your hiding place, and chase you until you have nowhere else to run. I make you this promise: your life is mine. (p. 45)
I'm sure most readers will have seen this trailer already (and probably a couple of times, if not more), but I thought I'd mention it here on the blog too.
I watched it. Though I haven't read the book yet. Since the new trailer has reminded me that the movie DOES have a release date, I've strewn this near the top of my TBR list. After I read a couple of ARCs and review copies that I've really wanted to read, I'll be moving on to my "summer pile". From then on, I'll be asking YOU to choose what I should read next, from my "summer pile". Which includes THE HUNGER GAMES. Which probably means I'll be reading that first. :P
Anyway, here's the trailer if you haven't seen it yet (or want to see it again)
It looks amazing, and though I had an idea what the book was about, now I'm a bit more clued in. Can't wait to read the book, and I'll probably be ordering CATCHING FIRE when I'm done with it.
I just finished reading the book last night, and about 20 minutes afterward I re-watched the film adaptation. Just brilliance - a new kind of appreciation and love for the series and movie just spawned because of my having read the book. I was a bit too young (the first book came out the year I was born, so...) to read the books the first time around, back in its hey-day, but it's still so relevant and it doesn't feel dated at all.
This post will serve as a 'review' on the blog. I'm not sure how long it will be, but I'll just ramble on and add whatever I want to it. I'm sure you've heard of it already, so I don't feel the need to provide a review when either you've read it, want to read it, or you watched the movie or whatever.
TOMORROW, WHEN THE WAR BEGAN has got nearly everything - action, adventure, romance, comedy, drama. There's more added comedy in the movie - little things like when Homer shakes it like Beyonce, or when Chris is telling his story of events. Overall I preferred the book, but they both complement each other - fans of the books will love the movie! Not too many changes have been done, though the whole Hermit's Hut side-plot thing was completely removed, as well as the effects those revelations has on Ellie.
Ellie is a phenomenal main character - she's just such a teenager, they all are. She's just your average girl, and that's what readers will appeal to, the fact that she's not entirely special - she has flaws, she can be stubborn and a bit all over the place, especially when her emotions are involved. She's totally kickass though and just values her family and friends so much that it's admirable how far she goes at times.
The enemies are never described, because this is first-person narrated and Ellie doesn't know herself. I can't wait to read the next one and see how things progress. All I know (from the chapter preview at the end of the 1st book) is that the gang go into hiding and then decide to go and (spoilers) bust Corrie and Kevin out of the hospital. It's going to get good!!
I wish there was something this big right now, that is literary and thought-provoking and appealing to the YA age group. I mean, for what I know, this was HUGE. At least in Australia. Now, we've got paranormal creatures and such, but nothing that really speaks to you. Or at least, to me.
I don't know. I'm just procrastinating. I've got an assignment due today at midnight (in 10 hours). I can get it done in 2-3, so I should be good. I actually cleaned my room, my level of dedication for putting off my assignment. And then on Monday I have my second (and last for the year) week of clinical placement. I'm getting sick of the hospital, actually. After that, on Friday, I'll be free to study for my exams. My uni is the only one that has the clinical placement BEFORE exams and results, which is pretty annoying. It would be nice to go to the hospital and not have the impending exams at the back of mind all the time...
[Read my semi-review on Goodreads]
Fan-song ~ Beautifully written
Lyrics
I cant stand, this silence
my heart is beating like a drum
I used to, know how it felt to be, pure and young
I close my eyes to erase these bloody hands
but nothing can truly take away this pain i feel
God, save my soul from destruction, this nightmare we're living a war
Hope, is in our hands so forgive all my sins but i can't stop now
We may have the freedom, but they've taken our lives away
All thats left we fight back, until our last day
(pre chorus)
(chorus)
Hold this gun to my head (get it over)
Cause these thoughts i will never forget
but when the day breaks i pray that tomorrow will come
(Chorus)
When this war began our lives had changed,
We will rise from hell and live again x2
Forgive all my sins but i cant stop now
So I want to ask all of you:
HAVE YOU READ THE BOOKS?
Which is your favourite in the series?
HAVE YOU WATCHED THE MOVIE?
What did you think of it? Favourite scenes/moments?
~~~
When is the second film coming out?
I implore you to go out, grab a copy of the movie somehow, or the books. See for yourself, support the film. It would be awesome if they could keep making them right up until the end.
Alpha Reader: 4/5 stars {
