Book Review: The Stand by Stephen King

About the Book:

Image by Aphrodites Books 

Rating: Good (3.5/5 stars)

Pages: 1325

Released: 1979

Published by: New English Library

-information from Goodreads 

Synopsis:

A terrible plague named "Captain Trips" spreads through America like wildfire, killing all but a select number of people. These survivors start having dark and strange dreams warning them of the arrival of a dark man. This man is the Prince of Evil. As he gains more supporters in the west, can the other survivors prevent the Apocalypse that looms on the horizon? 

First Line:

"Sally."

Review:

I am in two minds about this book. On one hand I thought the pace of this book dragged overall but on the other hand the slow pace seemed to suit the story. As it portrayed the spreading of the plague and the time it took the characters to travel from one state to the other. The idea of a highly contagious and deadly disease that wipes out 99% of the human population on earth is a terrifying, thought in its own right. But Stephen King made that thought a horrible reality in The Stand. It was this emotional connection to the characters and the story that really made me enjoy The Stand. The different characters POV's allowed me to get to know a larger number of the characters, some of my favorites being Stu, Frannie and Tom Cullen. M-O-O-N that spells Tom Cullen. The only part of the book I had issues with was the climax of the novel, the final showdown between the protagonists and antagonist was so small you almost missed it. It was a bit anti-climatic as a good 1200+ pages were spent building up the inevitable showdown between good and evil and for it to come to a head in a blink of an eye, it was slightly disappointing. But even so, it was still an enjoyable read.      

Recommended Audience:

Anyone who's a fan of horror or Stephen King.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K Rowling

About the Book:

Picture taken by @AphroditesBooks

Book Six in the Harry Potter Series

Rating: Amazing (5/5 stars)

Pages: 607

Released: 2005

Published by: Bloomsbury Publishing

-information from Goodreads

Synopsis:

"It is the middle of summer, but there is an unseasonal mist pressing against the window panes. Harry Potter is waiting nervously in his bedroom at the Dursley's house in Privet Drive for a visit from Professor Dumbledore himself. One of the last times he saw the Headmaster was in a fierce one-to-one duel with Lord Voldemort, and Harry can't quite believe that Professor Dumbledore will actually appear at the Dursleys' of all places. Why is the Professor coming to visit him now? What is it that cannot wait until Harry returns to Hogwarts in a few weeks time? Harry's sixth year at Hogwarts has already got off to an unusual start, as the worlds of Muggle and magic start to intertwine..." -blurb from the back of book  

First Line:

"It was nearing midnight and the Prime Minister was sitting alone in his office, reading a long memo that was slipping through his brain without leaving the slightest trace of meaning behind." 

Review:

My favorite of the Harry Potter books. This book is where the story between Harry and Lord Voldemort really kicks off. You learn the answers to some of the burning questions you've had since the start of the series. You learn a lot more about lots of the characters in this book, some of the things shocking and makes you question your thoughts/feelings towards them. This book is filled with the feels to its dramatic, frustrating, shocking, confusing, hilarious, and upsetting all rolled into one. The ending of this book leaves you in complete shock and disbelieve and leaves you wondering how the story will continue...  

Recommended Audience:

Everyone!

Book Review: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K Rowling

About the Book:

Picture taken by @AphroditesBooks

Book Seven in the Harry Potter series

Rating: Amazing (5/5 stars)

Pages: 607

Released: 2007

Published by: Bloomsbury Publishing

-information from Goodreads 

Synopsis:

"Harry is waiting in Privet Drive. The Order of Pheonix is coming to escort him safely away without Voldemort and his supporters knowing - if they can. But what will Harry do then? How can he fulfill the momentous and seemingly impossible task that Professor Dumbledore has left him?" 

 - blurb from back of book

First Line:

"The two men appeared out of nowhere, a few yards apart in the narrow moonlit line."

Review:

A perfect end to a fantastic series. Finally, you learn the whole truth about Harry and Lord Voldemort but there are plenty of dramatic twists along the way. All lose ends where tied up and you finished the book being satisfied and all your questions where answered. The only annoying thing is you still want to continue with the characters and know what their lives were like after the book finished. J.K Rowling does address several characters futures in the Nineteen Years Later chapter at the end but you still want to know more. All in all, I've never finished a series feeling quite as content with the way it ended as I did with this series.

Recommended Audience:

Everyone.

#AYearAThon Harry Potter Readathon Wrap-up

This is the first readathon that I feel I've done really well in. I have a habit of setting myself a high amount of books to read and I've never completed all of them. I didn't finish my goals this time either but I read far more than I thought I would and that's OK with me.

Here's how I did during the week 3-9 of February:

Day One:

Started Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone - 48 pages

Was by far my worst day. I only read the first four chapters of Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone.

Total pages read on day one = 48

Day Two:

Completed Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone - 175 pages
Started and completed Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets - 251 pages

Total pages read on day two = 426

Day Three:

Started and completed Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - 317 pages
Started Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - 28 pages

Total pages read on day three = 345

Day Four:

Continued Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - 332 pages

Total pages read on day four: 332

Day Five:

Completed Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - 276 pages
Started Harry Potter and the Order of Pheonix - 218 pages

Total pages read on day five: 504

Day Six:

Continued Harry Potter and the Order of Pheonix - 240 pages

Total pages read on day six: 240

Day Seven:

Continued Harry Potter and the Order of Pheonix - 308 pages
Started Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince - 80 pages 

Total pages read on day seven: 388

Week Wrap-Up: 

Number of books completed: 5
Number of books started: 6
Number of pages read: 2043

Harry Potter and the Order of Pheonix by J.K Rowling

About the Book:

Picture taken by @AphroditesBooks

Book Five in the Harry Potter Series

Rating: Amazing (5/5 stars)

Pages: 766

Released: 2003

Published by: Bloomsbury Publishing

-information from Goodreads

Synopsis:

"Harry Potter is due to start his fifth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He is desperate to get back to school and find out why his friends Ron and Hermione have been so secretive all summer. However, what Harry is about to discover in his new year at Hogwarts will turn his world upside down."

First Line:

"The hottest day of the summer so far was drawing to a close and a drowsy silence lay over the large, square houses of Privet Drive." 

Review:

This year is a tough one for Harry as this book becomes a lot darker in its themes and content than the previous books. With this change in theme and content brings the realization of the struggles and trials these characters now face and will have to face in the next books. Again, this book takes a darker turn then its predecessors which also foreshadows the theme of the next books. Harry's relationship with other characters deepens somewhat in this book. His friendships with Ron and Hermione gets stronger, his relationship with his godfather Sirius becomes deeper as Harry begins to see Sirius more and more as a father figure, and finally Harry's relationship with Headmaster Dumbledore becomes clearer. Again, another brilliant installment. 

Recommended Audience:

Everyone even if you've read the book before! 

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K Rowling

Picture taken by @AphroditesBooks

About the Book:

Book Four in the Harry Potter Series

Rating: Amazing (5/5 stars)

Pages: 636

Released: 2000

Published by: Bloomsbury Publishing

-information from Goodreads

Synopsis:

"It is the summer holidays and soon Harry Potter will be starting his fourth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry is counting the days: there are new spells to be learnt, more Quidditch to be played, and Hogwarts castle to continue exploring. But Harry needs to be careful - there are unexpected dangerous lurking..." -blurb from back of book

First Line:

"The villagers of Little Hangleton still called it 'the Riddle House', even though it had been many years since the Riddle family had lived there."

Review:

I think this book is Harry's 'coming of  age' book where his character really develops and you discover just what drives him onward and what he's really like. I think the three tasks were great at highlighting Harry's character. You also see Ron and Hermione develop as characters as well. This year also brings the introduction of love connections and how the three main characters handle the murky depths of romance. This was a more complex story line which made for highly enjoyable reading. 

Recommended Audience:

Everyone. 

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K Rowling

Picture taken by @AphroditesBooks

About the Book:

Book Three in the Harry Potter Series

Rating: Amazing (5/5 stars)
Pages: 317

Released: 1999

Published by: Bloomsbury Publishing

-information by Goodreads 

Synopsis:

"Harry Potter, along with his best friends, Ron and Hermione, is about to start his third year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry can't wait to get back to school after the summer holidays. (Who wouldn't if they lived with the Dursleys?). But when Harry gets to Hogwarts, the atmosphere is tense. There's an escaped mass murderer on the loose, and the sinister prison guards of Azkaban have been called in to guard the school..."

- blurb from back of book

First Line:

"Harry Potter was a highly unusual boy in many ways." 

Review:

Another amazing installment! I really liked the direction this book took, Lord Voldemort wasn't directly involved in this story. But there were plenty of other villains to enjoy instead! The twists that this book had were amazing and you didn't see them coming! I love the mystery and problem solving elements to these books and they were definitely amped up in this installment! The characters were just as flawless as in the previous books and I fell more in love with the world of magic and Hogwarts (and I didn't know that was humanly possible!)  

Recommended Audience:

Everyone! Even if you've read it before!

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K Rowling

Picture taken by @AphroditesBooks

About the Book:

Book Two in the Harry Potter Series

Ratings: Amazing (5/5 stars)

Pages: 251

Released: 1998

Published by: Bloomsbury Publishing

-information from Goodreads

Synopsis:

"Harry Potter is a wizard. He is in his second year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Little does he know that this year will be just as eventful as the last..."

- blurb from back of the book

First Line:

"Not for the first time, an argument had broken out over breakfast at number four, Privet Drive."

Review:

A superb sequel! The only way to truly experience this world is by reading the books for yourself! There's not much for me to say except how much I love these books!

Recommended Audience:

Anyone who hasn't read the books yet!

Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone by J.K Rowling

Picture taken by @AphroditesBooks

About the book:

Book One in the Harry Potter Series

Ratings: Amazing

Pages: 223

Released: 1997

Published by: Bloomsbury Publishing

-information from Goodreads

Synopsis:

"Harry Potter thinks he is an ordinary boy - until he is rescued by a beetle - eyed giant of a man, enrols at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. learns to play Quidditch, and does battle in a deadly duel. The reason: HARRY POTTER IS A WIZARD!"

- blurb from back of the book

First Line:

"Mr and Mrs Dursley, of number four, Privet Drive, were proud to say that they were perfectly normal, thank you very much."

Review:

I have read this book/series so many times over the last 11 years, but it is still as enchanting as it was the first time I read it. These books will never get old and I'll never tire of reading them - they are just too good. The complexity of the world and the characters are so amazing that they sweep you along with the story. As the first book in the series it does a fantastic job of building the world up for you. There is not much else I can say about this book other than it's AMAZING! 

Recommended Audience:

I don't think there's many people left in the world that have not read this book/series. But anyone whose watched the films and hasn't read the book(s) for fear of being let down...READ IT! You won't be disappointed.

#AYearAThon

What is it?

There is a set theme every month and you have to read as many books relating to that theme as you can within the time frame given (a week).

Who started it?

I saw the announcement video on Alyssa from ACReads you can watch the video here.

What am I doing to take part?

I'm going to aim to take part in every months theme and try and read as many books as I can during the week long readathon. I will also be blogging/vlogging the weeks progress as I go. My BookTube channel is linked here. I will announce the books I'm aiming to read for the week in my months wrap up/ TBR posts/videos, as well as reviewing each book I complete on here. You can join in to by joining the #AYearAThon group on Goodreads here. And by vlogging/blogging your progress via your blogs/YouTube channels (if you have them).

Dates and Themes of #AYearAThon:

February 3-9: Harry Potter
March 3-9: Twilight
April 7-13: Re-readathon
May 5-11: Finish/catch up on a series
June 2-8: Rick Riordan
July 7-13: Classics
August 4-10: Middlegrade
September 1-7: New Adult
October 6-12: Stephen King
November 3-9: Fairytale Retelling
December 1-7: Graphic novels/manga


Let me know if any of you are going to participate!

Hunger by Michael Grant

About the book:

Image from Google 

Book Two in the Gone Series

Rating: Good 3.5/5 stars

Pages: 586

Released: 2010

Published by: Egmont UK Limited

-information from Goodreads

Synopsis:

Calm has settled over Perdido Beach. But it doesn't last long as food runs out and starvation sets in. More children are developing powers and lurking in the background in an abandoned mineshaft lies a greater danger and he's hungry too...

First Line:

"Sam Temple was on his board."

Review:

Most sequels fall flat when compared to the first book. But I'm pleased to say that Hunger was just as good if not better than Gone. I enjoyed Hunger as the characters were developing and the struggles the kids faced made for thrilling reading. This book also highlights the flaws in human nature, how peoples morals and sense of right and wrong leave them when faced with excruciating hunger. It also shows how groups are formed and mob mentality can overwhelm people grouped together in some situations so they act differently than they normally would. Overall, a brilliant sequel and I can't wait to continue the series.

Recommended Audience:

Anyone who hasn't  picked up the Gone series yet.



Gone by Michael Grant

About the book:

Image from Google

Book One in the Gone Series

Rating: Good 3/5 stars

Pages: 560

Released: 2009

Published by: Egmont UK Limited

-information from Goodreads

Synopsis:

It's a day like any in a small southern Californian town. Until everyone over the age of fifteen disappears in the blink of an eye. Trapped, cut off from loved ones, and with the hope that help is on its way fading, chaos rules the streets. Factions are being formed, bullies roam the streets and to make things worse some children have powers. Powers that no ones seen before and that no one can explain...

First Line:

"One minute the teacher was talking about the Civil War."

Review:

I'd heard so much about this book/series and I'd been dragging my heels to pick it up as I thought I would be disappointed by it. That was stupid of me, I really enjoyed this book. The plot is unique and exciting. The characters were diversable and easy to love/hate. All in all I just really enjoyed this book. The only negative thing I can say is I found the age of these children to be a bit unbelievable. These are 14 and under aged children and they are having to fend for themselves in their new world? My rational brain found it hard to accept - especially some of the things the children did. But apart from that small fact I really enjoyed it and I am looking forward to the rest of this series.  

Recommended Audience:

I don't think there are many people who haven't read this...but anyone who is a fan of YA.



Consequences...Don't Call Me Baby by Laurie Depp

About the Book:

Image from Google 

Book One in the Consequences Series

Rating: Good (3/5 stars)

Pages: 256

Released: 2007

Published by: Hodder Children's Books

-information by Goodreads

Synopsis:

Katie has got herself thee job of being nanny to the kids of Britain's most famous couple. But with a premier footballer and an ex-dancer as you boss the job isn't as fun as Katie thought it would be. After signing a confidentiality clause, the truth behind the celebrity marriage emerges. And to make matters worse one of her bosses has a sad, dark secret that's waiting to come out. Can Katie find the strength to release it or will someone do it for her?

First Line:

"You've heard people talk about the 'pivotal moment' - the exact time something really important, happens in your life."

Review:

This book was a nice quick read. The celebrity lifestyle was fun to read about as was discovering the secrets and scandals that cloud the celebrity world. This book highlights that sometimes the glamorous lifestyle we all think we want isn't all its cracked up to be. Katie's character was easy to connect with which also made for an enjoyable read.   

Recommended Audience:

Younger readers.



Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

About the Book:

Image from Google

Rating: OK 2/5 stars

Pages: 282

Released: 2005

Published by: Faber and Faber

-information by Goodreads

Synopsis:

"Kathy, Ruth and Tommy grew up together at Hailsham, a seemingly idyllic school deep in the English countryside with a dreadful secret at its heart. Now thirty-one, Kathy attempts to come to terms with her childhood at Hailsham and with the fate that has always awaited her and her closest friends in the wider world." 

-synopsis from the blurb of the book

First Line:

"My name is Kathy H."

Review:

Although the concept of this book was unique, I just struggled to get into this book. The narrative I found very jumpy as Kathy jumped from one memory to another and overall I found it boring. I didn't connect to the characters at all. Even though what they were going through was horrible, I found myself being unmoved by their plights. The plot of this story has so much potential but it was let down in the writing. This book could have been so much more emotional and controversially thought provoking, but it just disappointed me. It really annoys me when I read books like this were the plot has so much potential but it gets wasted by the writing style. Having said this, the book did pick up as it went on but it still failed to impress me.  

Recommended Audience:

I don't know if I would actually recommend this book to anyone.



Chasing Spirits: The Making of the Ghost Adventures Crew by Nick Groff

About the Book:

Image from Google

Rating: Good 3/5 stars

Pages: 288

Released: October 2012

Published by: New American Library

-information by Goodreads

Synopsis:

Nick Groff, one third of the Ghost Adventure's team shares his favourite investigations and paranormal experiences as well as a behind the scenes look at the team and their lives. In Chasing Spirits, Nick Groff describes his life and the events leading up to the creation of Ghost Adventures.

First Line:

"Two seconds."

Review:

I haven't read many autobiographies but this was definitely one of the best I've read. Being a fan of the TV show I was excited to read this book. As a fan I enjoyed learning how the team was formed and more about the scariest locations. It took me a few chapters to get into this book as they were about Nick's childhood, family and education and I was reading it to find out more about their ghost investigations. Overall, a nice quick enjoyable read.

Recommended Audience:

Fans of "Ghost Adventures".



Bout of Books 9.0 Wrap up

Well I completely failed at this Bout of Books readathon. As you saw from my last post I was aiming to read a total of 13 books for Bout of Books 9.0. All I can say is that I completely FAILED as I only read 3 books during the week! I know, I know...FAIL!


Even though my Bout of Books 9.0 wrap up is a complete disappointment, I still thought I would update you all on how my week went and why I failed to complete my challenge:


Monday 6th January 2014


I started Bout of Books by completely "Chasing Spirits: The Building of the Ghost Adventures Crew" by Nick Groff. This had been a Christmas present from my bother and I started it just after Christmas but I had yet to finish it by the start of Bout of Books 9.0.


Monday started of well as I finished "Chasing Spirits" and started finishing my second current read "Never Let Me Go" by Kazuo Ishiguro.


Number of Books completed: 1
Number of pages read: 140


Tuesday 7th January 2014


I was still reading "Never Let Me Go", but Tuesday actually turned out to be the best day I had reading wise. I completed "Never Let Me Go" and made a good start on my third book "Consequences...Don't Call Me Baby by Laurie Depp".


Number of Books completed: 1
Number of pages read: 197


Wednesday 8th January 2014


The worst and last day of my participation in Bout of Books 9.0. I completed "Consequences...Don't Call Me Baby" and then I got sick and couldn't even manage to pick up another book. Like I said I completely failed.


Number of Books completed: 1
Number of pages read: 70


Overall, I read a total of 3 books on 3 days and read a total of 300 pages.

Bout of Books 9.0

This is my blog post declaring my intention to take part in Bout if Books 9.0. What is Bout of Books? Read below:

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, January 6th and runs through Sunday, January 12th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 9.0 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team

I took part in and loved the last Bout of Books read-a-thon (8.0), so of course I was going to sign up for this Bout of Books. Bout of Books 9.0 starts tomorrow: Monday 6th January at Midnight and finishes on Sunday 12th January at Midnight. So basically you have a whole seven days to read as much as possible.

When I took part in Bout of Books 8.0, I didn't do as well as I hoped I would. I think this was largely due to me setting myself an unrealistic goal and picking too larger books. This time round, I'm still setting myself a large target of books to reach but I think there more achieve able this time as they are a lot smaller. 

So what am I going to read? I hear you ask. 

Well, just before Christmas, I found two series I read back when I was younger. I remember really enjoying them so I took them out of storage with the intention of re-reading them and Bout of Books seems like the perfect opportunity to get that done. I also have a book I'm currently reading that I'm hoping I can complete during the week too. 

The books are:

Never Let Me Go - Kazuo Ishiguro (my current read):

Image from Google

 

The Consequences Series by Laurie Depp:
 

Image from Google

- Don't Call Me Baby (#1) 

- The Camera Never Lies (#2)

- Runaway Girl (#3)

- Secrets, Lies and Videotapes (#4)

- Holding the Front page (#5)

- I'm with the Band (#6)

The Tim Bowler Collection: 

Shadows - Tim Bowler                                                           Starseeker - Tim Bowler

 

Image from Google

Image from Google

 

 

 

 

Dragon's rock - Tim Bowler 

 

Image from Google

                                              River boy - Tim Bowler

 

Image from Google

 

Storm catchers - Tim Bowler

 

Image from Google

                                           Midget - Tim Bowler 

 

Image from Google

Total books I'm attempting to read is 13! 

As part of this read-a-thon is to also document your progress, I've decided to do daily blog posts as well as daily vlog like videos on my YouTube channel, which you can find here. I'm also hoping to tweet throughout the week with updates as well as chatting to many of the other participants too. You can follow me on Twitter by clicking the Twitter icon at the top of this blog, which will take you directly to my page.

Please leave a comment if you will be taking part in Bout of Books 9.0 and tell me what your planning to read during the week. 

If you are taking part good luck! 

Asylum by Madeleine Roux

About the Book:

 

Image from Google

Rating: Really Good

Pages: 310

Released: 2013

Published by: Harper Collins

 

-information from Goodreads

 

 

Synopsis:

Dan Crawford gets chosen to attend a summer program for gifted students. When he arrives he discovers the summer housing is closed and the students have to stay in the Brookline dorm, which was formally a psychiatric hospital. As Dan forms new friendships in Abbey and Jordan and they start exploring Brookline they start uncovering disturbing secrets about what really happened there and links that connect Dan and his friends to the asylums dark past.

 

First Line:

"The built it out of stone - dark grey stone, pried loose from the unforgiving mountains."  

 

Review:

I loved the first two thirds of this book. The storyline was intriguing and grew increasingly suspenseful as the story went on. It definitely had that spooky paranormal feeling to it that was only enhanced by the creepy (and in some cases disturbing) photographs that were placed throughout the book. But as the book reached its climax I couldn't help but feel like it fell flat slightly. The ending had that rushed feeling so it was disappointing as the two thirds of this book beautifully built up the story. However, it was still an enjoyable read.

 

Review:

Anyone who enjoyed Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children and Anna Dressed in Blood.

 



Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

About the book:

Book One in the Miss Peregrine Series

Image form Google

 

Rating: Good

Pages: 348

Released: 2011

Published by: Quirk Books

 

-information from Goodreads

 

Synopsis:

A family tragedy sets 16 year old Jacob on a journey to Wales in search for answers. When he discovers Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children and explores the crumpling building he begins to find out more about Miss Peregrine's children. That their not just peculiar but that they may be dangerous too. As he uncovers more secrets, he finds that Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children may still be alive. But how is that possible?

 

First Line:

"I had just come to accept that my life would be ordinary when extraordinary things began to happen."

 

Review:

The beginning of this book was fantastic. The created storyline was mysterious and compelling and immediately grabbed my attention. But as the story progressed and the secrets were revealed I began to like the story less and less. I know a lot of people have loved this book but I found the story a bit to far fetched and unbelievable. I actually thought the story became a bit ridiculous as it drew to its conclusion. Having said that though it wasn't a bad read and I would like to continue the series, although I can't say I'll rush out to buy it. The photographs intertwined with the story was a great addition to the story as it enhanced it by giving you a clear image to the characters, as well as more insight to the main character Jacob as you were discovering things as he did.

 

Recommended Audience:

Fans of paranormal fiction, or young adult enthusiasts.   

 

 

 



This Lullaby by Sarah Dessen

 

About the Book:

 

Image from Google

Rating: Great

Pages: 345

Released: 2002

Published by: Penguin Books

 

-information from Goodreads

 

Synopsis:

Having been abandoned by her father before she was born and having a mother that's about to embark on marriage number five, Remy firmly believes that all men just let you down. So why should she waste time on them? But then Dexter comes crashing into her life and Remy struggles to find reasons to keep him at arms length?

First Line:

"The name of the song is 'This Lullaby'."

Review:

This Lullaby taught me a valuable lesson. The undeniable message in this novel is to not give up on love. A fact I think many of us have indulged in. Let's face it, it's easier to give up and close yourself off then it is to take that gut wrenching leap of faith when it comes to love. And that's exactly what Remy has done. After witnessing her mother's four marriages break down she couldn't help but give up on love. But then Dexter walks into her life and makes her question all she thought she knew. Dexter is the complete opposite of Remy. His easy going and fun loving personality makes him an easy character to like. He has this firm believe that love is real and that everyone will find it. He is also very in touch with himself  - knowing his flaws and embracing them with fervour. His whole attitude is one of: this is me take me or leave me. Which is rather refreshing to read. I loved Remy and Dexter together they are complete opposites but they somehow work which makes them fun to read about. A charming read with a very important message to not give up on love.   

 

Recommended Audience:

Anyone who is a fan of contemporary novels and/or a fan of Sarah Dessen's work.

Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake

 

About the book:

 

Image from Google

Book One in the Anna Series

Rating: Amazing

Pages: 316

Released: August 30th 2011

Published by: Tor Teen

 

Synopsis:

Cas Lowood is no ordinary guy - he hunts dead people. He destroys ghosts. His most intriguing ghost is Anna. Anna Dressed in Blood. A ghost whose beautiful, and murderous. Cas knows he must kill her, but as her tragic past is revealed, he starts to understand why Anna has killed anyone who enters her old house. Everyone, except Cas...

 

First Line:

"The grease-slicked hair is a dead giveaway - no pun intended."

 

Review:

This book is not to be read by the faint hearted or those with a weak stomach. The occasional swear words and the graphically violent themes in this book make it unsuitable for younger readers. But despite the occasional gruesome scenes I thoroughly enjoyed this book. This book is the only Young Adult book I've read (so far) that's actually scared me in places! You definitely get caught up in this book. This is also one of the few books I can honestly say I wouldn't change anything about! It's a perfect read for a Halloween night - if your after the thrill of being scared! A brilliantly unique read!   

 

Recommended Audience:

Anyone whose after a good paranormal read but do read with caution if you are a younger reader or if your someone who dislikes the use of swears and graphic violence then this book is probably not for you.  

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

About the book:

 

Image from Google

Rating: Amazing

Pages: 313

Released: 2012

Published by: Penguin Books

 

Synopsis:

Hazel has terminal cancer. Even the miracle tumour-shrinking medicine can't cure her, it's only brought her a few years. Her parents force her to attend Cancer Kid Support in a attempt to help her come to terms with her fate. It's there that she meets new member Augustus Waters and her life completely changes...

 

First Line:

"Late in the winter of my seventeenth year, my mother decided I was depressed, presumably because I rarely left the house, spent quite a lot of time in bed. read the same book over and over, ate infrequently, and devoted quite a bit of my abundant free time to thinking about death."

 

Review:

I don't know exactly how I'm going to be able to describe how incredible this book is. It took my breath away, left my mind whirling and tears slowly trickling down my face. John Green's writing was flawless - he managed to capture every facet of human nature and incredibly honest while doing so. He manifests the perfect cocktail of heartbreakingly tragic moments with heart lifting good humour, showcasing the rollercoaster of emotions us humans go through when faced with adversities. Augustus and Hazel really drive the message of this book deep into your heart and mind so that your left feeling nothing but admiration for them. Learning to cope with and understand the fact that there are some things you just can not change was the message throughout. The sheer fear and helplessness felt when faced with the reality that they have no control over what's happening to them, but that they're determined to have some sort of control over their lives, was the reason why this book struck a cord with me. It's just a phenomenal read.     

 

Recommended Audience:

Anyone! But be careful, if you are not in the mood for such an emotional book, don't read it. Not until your ready. 

 



Book Review: Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

 

About the book:

Image from Google

Book One in the Hush Hush Series

Rating: Great

Pages: 391

Released: October 13th 2009

Published by: Simon and Schuster

 

 

-information from Goodreads

 

 

Synopsis:

Nora Grey has never been that interested in romance or boys. That was until new boy Patch came along and Nora finds herself drawn to him against her better judgement. But after some terrifying encounters, Nora doesn't know who to trust. Patch seems to know everything about her and seems to be everywhere, and she doesn't know whether to run into his arms or hide. But when she seeks answers she discovers more then she bargained for... 

 

First Line:

"Chauncey was with a farmer's daughter on a grassy banks of the Loire River when the storm rolled in, and having let his gelding wander in the meadow, was left to his own to feet to carry him back to the chateau."

 

Review:

Hush Hush was a great book. I loved the characterisation especially, Patch. He is the ultimate sexy, seductive bad boy. Where can I find one of him?! The dynamic between Nora and Patch was beautifully written. Their relationship had a nicely paced build up to it that made it believable. If you like a bit of romance in your YA reads this book will certainly float your boat. The storyline was intriguing having a nice suspenseful build up to it. The only thing that slightly annoyed me about this book was some of the secondary characters. Their actions frustrated me at times. But having said that I will be definitely be continuing this series.

  

 

 

Recommended Audience:

Any YA lovers. In particular, those who are fans of Angel/fallen Angel stories.