Showing posts with label YA fiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label YA fiction. Show all posts
I am so late to the party on reading these books I'm sure the party has literally been cleaned up and almost forgotten about - especially in the fast paced world of Book Bloggers and Influencers. But one of the best things about being a part of the book community online is that there is always someone who is willing to join the conversation about a newly discovered book and indulge in a little bookish chat!
It was only in July 2016 that I fell head over heels in love with the YA genre of books and since then it's been a consistent love of my fictional reading pursuit. I was introduced to the Dystopian world through reading The Selection Series by Kiera Cass which whilst some may roll their eyes at, I actually enjoyed and will always have a soft spot for - for without those books I wouldn't be reading so much YA fiction now. Starting with a soft Dystopian novel really helped me in making the transition to the more Fantasy based genre that Sarah J Maas writes.
The Sarah J Maas obsession and fandom has long been popular amongst the "serious" book bloggers & influencers for some time yet I failed to "get it"...like at all! I say that behind my hands now because having read A Court of Thorns and Roses (referred to as ACOTAR) I totally get it!!! Whilst I've now read the first 2 books in the series and am onto the third, this review is for the first book - ACOTAR so let's refocus.
This book was a bit of a jump for my imagination into the fantasy genre but once I got started I couldn't put it down and picked up my kindle at every available chance I had - and I mean even whilst waiting for the kettle to boil or whilst filling the bathtub to immerse myself into both bath and book!
The main characters in this book (and we do meet a fair few so be aware of that if you're used to reading about 1-2 central characters) are Feyre (Mortal), her sisters and father (mortal), Tamlin (High-Fae Lord of the Spring Court, Lucien (Tamlin's friend), Rhysland (Interesting character - High Fae-Lord of the Night Court, Sexual Slave to Amarantha who is an evil evil ... so and so! and one to watch!).
You'll see that I mentioned a series of "courts" and I should mention that I love how the author has sectioned off the United Kingdom and turned Cornwall and Devon areas into the Mortal Lands, and then the rest of the country is split into various courts such as; Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter, Day, Night, Dawn, etc. Each Court has a High Fae Lord and there has been some discord amongst them.
We see Feyre begin with hunting in the Mortal Lands where she lives and about to make a killing that will send her on a journey she could never have imagined for herself. This one shot means that everything as she knows it will change and it could take some getting used to. We see a romance blossom between Tamlin and Feyre once she adjusts and at points throughout I could see a similarity to the Disney Classic; Beauty and the Beast but in a mashup retelling...sort of... sort of not. I think that's what sold me really as at the time of reading I was heavy into Disney retellings. This romance isn't all that it seems and the twists and turns continue into book 2 and beyond.
The scenes in this book are categorically some of the best written descriptions and in depth character development plots I've ever read, and for that alone it has to be said that Sarah J Maas has got a talent that must be appreciated for its expertise. The graphic nature of these scenes aren't for the faint hearted and all I'd say is don't eat food whilst reading those scenes - not unless you want to see it again that is. This is not a bad thing but rather a compliment to the way in which Sarah develops the plot and characters and brings to life words from a page into the imaginations of the reader.
During the last chapters of ACOTAR I admit that I did cry - I didn't think I would cry during violent scenes of a high fantasy novel set in faeland but alas I did due to the sheer beauty and delicate nature of the intricately woven emotions of the characters.
If you've been wanting to try a YA Fantasy and this one seems to keep popping up and has left you wondering if you should - I would hand on heart say "GO FOR IT". I'm hooked now and book two couldn't arrive quickly enough so upon completing this book I immediately downloaded the next installment. That's a perk to waiting until the hype has hyped down over a big series like this, there's no waiting around a year for the next installment - it's instantly at your finger tips.
I have to award A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas 5/5 stars because it was unputdownable, thrilling, and the work of a pure literary genius.
To buy your copy please use this link and full disclosure; it is an affiliate link so I earn a tiny amount of money if you purchase through me.
**Have you read A Court of Thorns and Roses? What are your thoughts? Have you reviewed it? Leave a comment and/or link below so we can open up a discussion about this book. I'd love to know what your thoughts are on this book**
Speak soon lovely,
Dawn-Tracy
xxx
Hello Lovely,
I've started to get back into my reading now that University has finished for the year (Yay!). I feel that I haven't been able to fully immerse myself into reading for quite some time but that renewed sense of passion and enjoyment has returned, gladly.
Today I want to share a book with you that I had on my kindle sitting patiently for some time and I managed to read it only through it being required reading for my final university assignment. I believe this book to be one of a kind and one that truly touched me deeply with the topic it centred around. If you've not yet read it then I urge you to do so at the earliest possible time. It will warm your heart and break it utterly and completely.
One is written by Sarah Crossan, published by Bloomsbury Children's, has 192 pages. I read the ebook version that I purchased myself and which you can purchase here
This book won a lot of awards which is why it was a required reading for my children's literature university course. Shall we see what the blurb says?
WINNER OF THE YA BOOK PRIZE 2016
WINNER OF THE CILIP CARNEGIE MEDAL 2016
WINNER OF THE CBI BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD 2016
WINNER OF THE CLIPPA POETRY AWARD 2016
Grace and Tippi don't like being stared and sneered at, but they're used to it. They're conjoined twins - united in blood and bone.
What they want is to be looked at in turn, like they truly are two people. They want real friends. And what about love?
But a heart-wrenching decision lies ahead for Tippi and Grace. One that could change their lives more than they ever asked for...
This moving and beautifully crafted novel about identity, sisterhood and love ultimately asks one question: what does it mean to want and have a soulmate?
The ONE book you have to read this summer! Incredibly moving and extraordinarily crafted, it explores the unbreakable bond and love between sisters. Winner of The CILIP Carnegie Medal in 2016.
You can see from the blurb that this book sounds brilliant can't you? I have to say that I found this book to be an incredibly easy read and that was for 2 reason's; (1) It was a beautifully gripping storyline that just hooked you in and made you want to keep turning pages and (2) because of the format in which it was set out in. The layout of the text in this book looked a like the way in which one sees poetry written and published.
What I loved about this book was that you could very easily tell that Sarah has researched the storyline with incredible detail, compassion and a level of authentic understanding. As this book is the story of conjoined twins; Tippi and Grace the story is narrated by only one twin. We learn the 'normality' of their life and the fact that they are very much aware of 'those questions' so many want to ask about their daily lives that they dare not to. Questions such as; "Is it hard to shower and see each other naked?" "What's it like when you go to the toilet?" "Will you be able to have children of your own?", "Do you wish that you were normal?". All very valid, and private questions. However what this book does spectacularly well is bring to light the true question; What is "normal"?
But the reality of their life is that during their childhood, as the children growing up today, we live in a very social media focused world. We see it every day with events happening all around the world, in seconds, an event, an accident, or for teenagers today, an embarrassing moment in their life can be streamed live across the world at the touch of a button. Tippi and Grace live in this world which is hard enough for any teenager, but for conjoined twins who are prone to being looked at and treated like a circus act it is understandably difficult.
Tippi and Grace are my sheroes this year. They embrace all of life's 'challenges' and they swat them away without a second thought. However, as we see in this book, being so 'medically challenged' as some would say leaves them open to all sorts of medical challenges. Challenges that not even the medical staff at the top of their game know the answers to. And I for one can completely understand just how terrifying that thought is.
We see that Tippi and Grace are just normal girls, growing up, learning how to navigate their way in life and the trials of being a teenager. Subjects that we take for granted; falling in love, dating, learning to drive, recovering after an illness, and such.
Without spoiling the story, I have to say that the ending utterly broke me. I lay in bed eager to finish this book before falling asleep and I sobbed my heart out. I sobbed because of the true brilliance of Sarah's talent for writing, I sobbed for Tippi, and I sobbed for Grace. But just like in recent weeks here in the UK, at times when things are really horrific and heartbreaking in the most painful of ways, we see figures of the public pull together and show true compassion and humanity. If anything, this book truly shows that no matter just how ripped apart we can be and how life can throw the most cruelest of curveballs of loss, pain, and difficult decisions, it can also bring with it unconditional love, understanding, togetherness and unity.
Truly this book shows that no matter what. We are all ONE. Which is why I easily award this book 5/5 stars.
I would like to dedicate this review to all the victims that have suffered here in the UK in the past few weeks; the victims of the Westminster Attack, the beautiful people who are victims of the Manchester Attack, and the victims of the awful tragedy of Grenfell Tower Fire. Each and every ONE of you are in my heart, faces and names that I promise I will never forget. My love, my thoughts, and my prayers are forever with each and every one of you.
We are all ONE.
I've started to get back into my reading now that University has finished for the year (Yay!). I feel that I haven't been able to fully immerse myself into reading for quite some time but that renewed sense of passion and enjoyment has returned, gladly.
Today I want to share a book with you that I had on my kindle sitting patiently for some time and I managed to read it only through it being required reading for my final university assignment. I believe this book to be one of a kind and one that truly touched me deeply with the topic it centred around. If you've not yet read it then I urge you to do so at the earliest possible time. It will warm your heart and break it utterly and completely.
One is written by Sarah Crossan, published by Bloomsbury Children's, has 192 pages. I read the ebook version that I purchased myself and which you can purchase here
This book won a lot of awards which is why it was a required reading for my children's literature university course. Shall we see what the blurb says?
WINNER OF THE YA BOOK PRIZE 2016
WINNER OF THE CILIP CARNEGIE MEDAL 2016
WINNER OF THE CBI BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD 2016
WINNER OF THE CLIPPA POETRY AWARD 2016
Grace and Tippi don't like being stared and sneered at, but they're used to it. They're conjoined twins - united in blood and bone.
What they want is to be looked at in turn, like they truly are two people. They want real friends. And what about love?
But a heart-wrenching decision lies ahead for Tippi and Grace. One that could change their lives more than they ever asked for...
This moving and beautifully crafted novel about identity, sisterhood and love ultimately asks one question: what does it mean to want and have a soulmate?
The ONE book you have to read this summer! Incredibly moving and extraordinarily crafted, it explores the unbreakable bond and love between sisters. Winner of The CILIP Carnegie Medal in 2016.
You can see from the blurb that this book sounds brilliant can't you? I have to say that I found this book to be an incredibly easy read and that was for 2 reason's; (1) It was a beautifully gripping storyline that just hooked you in and made you want to keep turning pages and (2) because of the format in which it was set out in. The layout of the text in this book looked a like the way in which one sees poetry written and published.
What I loved about this book was that you could very easily tell that Sarah has researched the storyline with incredible detail, compassion and a level of authentic understanding. As this book is the story of conjoined twins; Tippi and Grace the story is narrated by only one twin. We learn the 'normality' of their life and the fact that they are very much aware of 'those questions' so many want to ask about their daily lives that they dare not to. Questions such as; "Is it hard to shower and see each other naked?" "What's it like when you go to the toilet?" "Will you be able to have children of your own?", "Do you wish that you were normal?". All very valid, and private questions. However what this book does spectacularly well is bring to light the true question; What is "normal"?
But the reality of their life is that during their childhood, as the children growing up today, we live in a very social media focused world. We see it every day with events happening all around the world, in seconds, an event, an accident, or for teenagers today, an embarrassing moment in their life can be streamed live across the world at the touch of a button. Tippi and Grace live in this world which is hard enough for any teenager, but for conjoined twins who are prone to being looked at and treated like a circus act it is understandably difficult.
Tippi and Grace are my sheroes this year. They embrace all of life's 'challenges' and they swat them away without a second thought. However, as we see in this book, being so 'medically challenged' as some would say leaves them open to all sorts of medical challenges. Challenges that not even the medical staff at the top of their game know the answers to. And I for one can completely understand just how terrifying that thought is.
We see that Tippi and Grace are just normal girls, growing up, learning how to navigate their way in life and the trials of being a teenager. Subjects that we take for granted; falling in love, dating, learning to drive, recovering after an illness, and such.
Without spoiling the story, I have to say that the ending utterly broke me. I lay in bed eager to finish this book before falling asleep and I sobbed my heart out. I sobbed because of the true brilliance of Sarah's talent for writing, I sobbed for Tippi, and I sobbed for Grace. But just like in recent weeks here in the UK, at times when things are really horrific and heartbreaking in the most painful of ways, we see figures of the public pull together and show true compassion and humanity. If anything, this book truly shows that no matter just how ripped apart we can be and how life can throw the most cruelest of curveballs of loss, pain, and difficult decisions, it can also bring with it unconditional love, understanding, togetherness and unity.
Truly this book shows that no matter what. We are all ONE. Which is why I easily award this book 5/5 stars.
I would like to dedicate this review to all the victims that have suffered here in the UK in the past few weeks; the victims of the Westminster Attack, the beautiful people who are victims of the Manchester Attack, and the victims of the awful tragedy of Grenfell Tower Fire. Each and every ONE of you are in my heart, faces and names that I promise I will never forget. My love, my thoughts, and my prayers are forever with each and every one of you.
We are all ONE.
Author | Danielle Paige
Publisher | Bloomsbury USA Childrens
Purchase | Amazon
Source | Purchased
My Rating | 5/5
Book Summary
Enter a world of elemental magic, forbidden romance, and betrayal in this prequel to New York Times bestselling author Danielle Paige's upcoming Stealing Snow.
Young Nepenthe is half-princess, half-mermaid. Though she longs for the sea, her father wants her to stay on land. But only love can make a mermaid give up the water, and Nepenthe doesn't love anyone the way her mother loves her human father. She wants to live as a mermaid and become the River Witch, like her mother.
Then Nepenthe meets Prince Lazar, the son of the all-powerful Snow King of Algid, and she can't help but fall for him. After a horrible tragedy strikes, Nepenthe joins forces with a young fire witch named Ora to save Lazar and protect the kingdom. But it soon becomes clear that Ora loves Lazar just as much as Nepenthe does... And now Nepenthe must decide: inherit the power of the River Witch, or betray her friend to be with the boy she loves.
And Nepenthe's role in the prophecy is only just beginning. . . In the future, she is destined to cross paths with a girl named Snow, who will have the power to change Algid forever-for better, or for worse.
Before The Snow is a short novella as a prequel to Stealing Snow which came out a little after. I really enjoy reading novella prequels as they give you a valuable insight into the main story. You discover characters motivations for the way in which their personality comes across, and you literally get the back-story to the entire story.
In Before The Snow we meet Prince Lazar, Nepenthe, Margot, and Ora. They are the main characters who actually follow on into the next Novella (review coming soon!). Nepenthe is just the sweetest River Witch I've ever read about. She has this warm heart from the time when she was human, but she has the most captivating magic which has been developed overtime as she's lived in the Hollow.
Margot and Nepenthe are just like sisters yet there is no such thing as family really, as Margot learns and soon it's each to their own - and everyone is out for themselves.But in dire circumstances as according to the prophecy, there has to be a collaboration.
I was gripped as I flicked through every single page, hungrily wanting more. By the end of the novella I was kind of rooting for a couple of the characters, and really annoyed with one of them - but do we really know all there is to know about them? Perhaps not.
Overall, this was a really interesting and well written introduction to what is to come! I can't wait to read Stealing Snow now, which is lucky - because the wonderful publishers gave me an ARC copy last year - so I'll be devouring that soon enough. It was a wonderful insight into fantasy novels and for the YA/Children's genre I can see why it's such a huge hit. If you're a fan of the Dorothy Must Die series (as I am), or the Lunar Chronicles then you will definitely enjoy this.
Title | The One Memory of Flora Banks
Author | Emily Barr
Publisher | Penguin Random House Children's
Genre | Teen / YA
Source | Review Copy
Pages | 320 Pages
Purchase | Amazon
My Rating | 5/5
You always remember your first kiss.
Flora remembers nothing else...
"I look at my hands. One of them says 'Flora, be brave'. I am Flora."
Flora has anterograde amnesia. She can't remember anything day-to-day: the joke her friend made, the instructions her parents gave her, how old she is.
Then she kisses someone she shouldn't have kissed - and the next day she remembers it. The first time she's remembered anything since she was ten.
But the boy is gone.
Desperate to hold onto the memory, she sets off to the Arctic to find him.
Why can she remember Drake? Could he be the key to everything else she's forgotten?
Flora has anterograde amnesia. She can't remember anything day-to-day: the joke her friend made, the instructions her parents gave her, how old she is.
Then she kisses someone she shouldn't have kissed - and the next day she remembers it. The first time she's remembered anything since she was ten.
But the boy is gone.
Desperate to hold onto the memory, she sets off to the Arctic to find him.
Why can she remember Drake? Could he be the key to everything else she's forgotten?
This book without a doubt is definitely the one to watch for 2017, it will undoubtedly be BIG in the world of YA. I wouldn't be surprised if Zoella picked it up and added it to her book club collection.
I can't remember the last time that I cried at the ending of a book so hard. The One Memory of Flora Banks touches issues of illness, survival, heartache, the quest of true love all wrapped up with one girl with memory loss.
Flora Banks is seventeen years old and she has memory loss. She has been told by her parents that she had a tumor when she was ten years old and has memory loss due to the operation that took part of her brain away. She fails to remember anything beyond a couple of hours. So when her memory resets itself multiple times a day she has only the words to explain who she is and what she must do.
Flora is the girl who writes on her hand - "Flora - Be Brave". She takes medicine every day. She has anterograde amnesia. She has failed to remember anything since she was ten years old. She has all her memories from before the operation, but nothing since.
Until she kissed Drake. On the beach. She remembers that.
Until she kissed Drake. On the beach. She remembers that.
But he has gone to the Arctic - a place he has longed to live. But Flora must stay here - in Penzance. Her parents have gone to France to be with Jacob; her brother and Flora is staying at home with Paige. But Drake was Paige's boyfriend and she knows about the kiss, so they are not friends anymore.
Flora, despite her memory loss and the restrictions everyone has placed on her decides to go to the Arctic to find Drake. And so begins Flora Banks' adventure.
Each page was compelling, and although repetitive through the voice of Flora's narration, you really find yourself immersed deeply into the mind of Flora in a way I haven't seen an author do before. As I turned each page I did with an earnest to travel further with Flora and discover what becomes of her.
Flora, despite her memory loss and the restrictions everyone has placed on her decides to go to the Arctic to find Drake. And so begins Flora Banks' adventure.
Each page was compelling, and although repetitive through the voice of Flora's narration, you really find yourself immersed deeply into the mind of Flora in a way I haven't seen an author do before. As I turned each page I did with an earnest to travel further with Flora and discover what becomes of her.
What I wasn't quite expecting was the ending which had me reaching for tissues and sobbing my heart out. I adore Flora Banks, and I think she is a superb role model to showcase that you really can do anything you put your mind to.
If one thing is for sure is that as a reader, you fall undeniably in love with Flora's story. You will not only cheer her on and want the very best for her but you will feel a fierce protective nature towards her. Just reminiscing now as I write this has had a flurry of tears run from my eyes as this book has etched its name and the memory of it upon my heart.
Well done and congratulations Emily Barr on your young adult novel. It is simply outstanding.
Title | Kindred Spirits
Author | Rainbow Powell
Genre | Young Adult
Publisher | Macmillan
Pages | 63
Rating | 4/5
'Everybody likes everything these days. The whole world is a nerd.'
'Are you mad because other people like Star Wars? Are you mad because people like me like Star Wars?'
'Maybe.'
If you broke Elena's heart, Star Wars would spill out. So when she decides to queue outside her local cinema to see the new movie, she's expecting a celebration with crowds of people who love Han, Luke and Leia just as much as she does.
What she's not expecting is to be last in a line of only three people; to have to pee into a collectible Star Wars soda cup behind a dumpster or to meet that unlikely someone who just might truly understand the way she feels.
Kindred Spirits is an engaging short story by Rainbow Rowell, author of the bestselling Eleanor & Park, Fangirl and Carry On, and is part of a handful of selected short reads specially produced for World Book Day.
I adored this short book that was an utter treat to read.
We meet Elena, who is attending her first ever "line-up" for the latest Star Wars movie.
Whilst the story is entirely based around waiting in line for the latest Star Wars movie to open what it features is much more than a waiting game. We see friendships form and moments that had me saying-out-loud "OMG This is just the CUTEST story ever!" Which in hindsight now makes me realise that at 28 years old - I'm becoming one of those "oldies" that teens find repulsive and annoying. Oops!
There were moments where I was laughing-out-loud especially when the cinema finally opened and Elena and her new friends were admitted to "FINALLY" see the movie they'd been waiting for.
Overall for a really short read (63 pages) it was such an engaging and fun read. It's made me want to continue reading more of Rainbow's work.
I'm awarding it 4/5 as I just wish the story was longer - but given the context of it being written for World Book Day, I can't complain too much.
Title | The Selection
Author | Kiera Cass
Publisher | HarperCollins Children's Fiction
Source | Review Copy & Purchased Copy
My Rating | 5/5
Thirty-five beautiful girls. Thirty-five beautiful rivals…
It’s the chance of a lifetime and 17-year-old America Singer should feel lucky. She has been chosen for The Selection, a reality TV lottery in which the special few compete for gorgeous Prince Maxon’s love.
Swept up in a world of elaborate gowns, glittering jewels and decadent feasts, America is living a new and glamorous life. And the prince takes a special interest in her, much to the outrage of the others.
Rivalry within The Selection is fierce and not all of the girls are prepared to play by the rules. But what they don’t know is that America has a secret – one which could throw the whole competition… and change her life forever.
Dawn-Tracy says;
I don't think I have EVER read a book in such a short amount of time as this one. Many people who read claim to have been sucked into the storyline but I can honestly say that I was well and truly swallowed whole by this book. It captured me so intensely that when I woke up the following day from reading it I just 'felt' like I was actually living in this dystopian world - and I admit, when I came to, I was disappointed that I was not living in this dystopian world and was in fact a human on Earth. In 2016.
This is one of the books of my summer in 2016 and I can't believe that I am still so hyped up about this book that I am reviewing it again. Read my first review of The Selection that I wrote back in August 2016 here . It was my most popular read (according to goodreads with well over 750,000 other readers having enjoyed this book last year).
I'd never read a fantasy novel or in fact a dystopian novel before this one, and wow - what a welcome to the genre I got! I devoured each page within a single day before desperately purchasing books 2, 3, 4, + 5 at around 1am in the morning when I finished reading this one! I became hungry and addicted. And it had nothing to do with The Hunger Games ;)
So what got me so captured, hungry and addicted?
The storyline! The characters are living in a world and society where everyone is assigned a number depending upon their class in society - Ones are the Royal Family, and Seven's and Eights are the lowest class. Prince Maxon is obviously a One, and America Singer is a Seven. America is dating an Eight (Aspen) when the competition to find Prince Maxon's bride, wife and future queen is announced. America enters - not willingly - as her heart is firmly with her Eight even if it does mean lowering herself class wise in society.
When America discovers that she has been selected, she realises that she will have to live at the palace and compete for Prince Maxon's love and hand with 34 other selected. But America has a plan to lose and is so far from caring about the competition she lets Prince Maxon know of her plan to lose.
When America discovers that she has been selected, she realises that she will have to live at the palace and compete for Prince Maxon's love and hand with 34 other selected. But America has a plan to lose and is so far from caring about the competition she lets Prince Maxon know of her plan to lose.
The competition between the girls is fun, yet intense and I loved the drama and girly sisterhood of it all. It was so compelling and addictive I could not put it down. I had a few favourites and didn't care for many of the girls being evicted out of the competition. I loved the glitz and glamour of the ball gowns and the private maids each girl had. It reminded me of the old tv show I used to watch; Ladette to Lady, mixed with Cinderella + the UK's own Royal Love Story with Prince William and Kate with it's own perfectly fantastical twist and take on it all.
The Selection was a perfect read for me, even as a 28 year old (I was 27 when I read it - you know that makes such a HUGE difference ;) ), and any Young Adult you know would love this book especially if they want a hip version of romance.
We can safely say that America doesn't get booted out of the competition - "hello - there are 4 further books!" but the twists and turns in the plot made for very exciting reading, which is why I immediately started book 2 The Elite which I will review in the coming days.
Books are written for entertainment and enjoyment, a way of escaping and relaxing and this book did ALL of those things for me and more. I now have fond memories of Summer 2016 through reading this amazing series of books.
If there was ever going to be a series of books that I re-read time and again, it will most definitely be these ones.
Thank you Kiera Cass for writing such a spectacular series of books that made me question which reality I was living in, that gave me the happiest summer memories ever, and please ... don't stop writing... ever... I can't wait to read more from you. You rescued my love of reading and books at a time in my life when I felt like giving it up.
We can safely say that America doesn't get booted out of the competition - "hello - there are 4 further books!" but the twists and turns in the plot made for very exciting reading, which is why I immediately started book 2 The Elite which I will review in the coming days.
Books are written for entertainment and enjoyment, a way of escaping and relaxing and this book did ALL of those things for me and more. I now have fond memories of Summer 2016 through reading this amazing series of books.
If there was ever going to be a series of books that I re-read time and again, it will most definitely be these ones.
Thank you Kiera Cass for writing such a spectacular series of books that made me question which reality I was living in, that gave me the happiest summer memories ever, and please ... don't stop writing... ever... I can't wait to read more from you. You rescued my love of reading and books at a time in my life when I felt like giving it up.
Title || Word Nerd Author || Susin Nielsen
Publisher || Penguin Random House Children's Source || Review Copy
Release Date || 6th October 2016
Rating || 4/5
Ambrose Bukowski is a twelve-year-old with a talent for mismatching his clothes, for saying the wrong thing at the worst possible time, and for words. In short, he’s a self-described nerd. Making friends is especially hard because he and his overprotective mother, Irene, have had to move so often. And when bullies at his latest school almost kill him by deliberately slipping a peanut into his sandwich to set off his allergy, it's his mother who has the extreme reaction. From now on, Ambrose has to be home-schooled.
Then Ambrose strikes up an unlikely friendship with the landlord's son, Cosmo, an ex-con who's been in prison. They have nothing in common except for Scrabble. But a small deception grows out of control when Ambrose convinces a reluctant Cosmo to take him to a Scrabble club. Could this spell disaster for Ambrose?
I have been somewhat severely drawn towards Young Adult (YA) books this summer and I have found such a wealth of enjoyment from books such as Word Nerd which I am looking forward to sharing with you over the coming weeks and months.
Word Nerd has firmly secured a place in my heart for a long time to come by the depth of character each character has been given by Susin Nielsen. It's not your typical novel but one that has a strong moral compass and an adorable young man; Ambrose who is 12 and 3/4's. I adored him from the start, perhaps due to my penchant as a teaching assistant I am not one to run from a difficult child but rather embrace them wholly for who they are. Ambrose is a child that is perceived as the odd one out at school, and if I could have said one thing to him at the beginning of the book it would have been to keep on being HIM. I think by the end of the book Ambrose had come to terms with who he was, in fact I doubt he ever thought any less of himself.
He's a clever boy who is protected profusely by his mother since she lost his father in the blink of an eye, something I think we can all empathise with, yet he has this unique ability as most children do, to see the good in everyone, including his neighbour's son Cosmo. Cosmo has just gotten out of prison and Ambrose warms to him and he never lets anything dull his vision of a man who can embrace the good in him, if only he believed in himself. Cosmo has no choice but to learn to tolerate Ambrose, because Ambrose is going nowhere.
The storyline is based on a love of scrabble and how two of the most unlikeliest people in the world to become friends, actually do become like brothers. It was utterly heart warming and a joy to read. I can't wait to devour more of her work, starting with We Are Made of Molecules
Hey there Gorgeous!
I have been expanding my reading genre reading list lately because it was all starting to feel stagnant and I was getting uninspired to read. You know when you hit a reading slump? Yep, that's what I was feeling and I desperately wanted to shake it off. So, I looked around at books that were on my TBR pile and noticed I have quite a few YA books. I've never thought much about reading Young Adult books because I thought that they just wouldn't interest me anymore. But boy was I wrong! I am hooked! So today here is the review of the book that got me addicted to YA in a way I never thought possible.
Title | The Selection
Author | Kiera Cass
Publisher | HarperCollins Children
Source | Review Copy
Rating | 5/5
I have been expanding my reading genre reading list lately because it was all starting to feel stagnant and I was getting uninspired to read. You know when you hit a reading slump? Yep, that's what I was feeling and I desperately wanted to shake it off. So, I looked around at books that were on my TBR pile and noticed I have quite a few YA books. I've never thought much about reading Young Adult books because I thought that they just wouldn't interest me anymore. But boy was I wrong! I am hooked! So today here is the review of the book that got me addicted to YA in a way I never thought possible.
Title | The Selection
Author | Kiera Cass
Publisher | HarperCollins Children
Source | Review Copy
Rating | 5/5
Thirty-five beautiful girls. Thirty-five beautiful rivals…
It’s the chance of a lifetime and 17-year-old America Singer should feel lucky. She has been chosen for The Selection, a reality TV lottery in which the special few compete for gorgeous Prince Maxon’s love. Swept up in a world of elaborate gowns, glittering jewels and decadent feasts, America is living a new and glamorous life. And the prince takes a special interest in her, much to the outrage of the others.
Rivalry within The Selection is fierce and not all of the girls are prepared to play by the rules. But what they don’t know is that America has a secret – one which could throw the whole competition… and change her life forever.
At first I struggled to get into the book until about chapter 3 and then I was like an addict and simply could not get enough or read fast enough. I feel that I must say that the only reason I think I struggled to get into it was because that I am so used to reading adult genres that it took my brain a while to adapt.
Anyway, back to the book which is why you are here. So, it's set in this dystopian world where things really are different to the way we know them. The country that used to be America is now not America after it was invaded by China and the Royal Family of old America has the entire country in a caste system. This caste system has eight tiers to it and America Singer (the girl) is a Seven. Each caste is a number with Eight's being the lowest.
When the next heir to the throne, in this case Maxon is of age they have a contest where all the eligible girls are whittled down to thirty-five whom then are invited to stay in the palace and compete to win the affections of Prince Maxon.
So without spoiling the entire story because what I've just mentioned is merely just the beginning, America reluctantly gets selected so off she goes to the palace where she makes quite the first impression on Maxon much to the annoyance of 'others'. There are quite a few characters that you 'love to hate' such as Celeste who appears as a stuck up snobby so and so.
Each page is jam packed with exciting drama and action and I devoured the entire book in less than 24 hours! Following on from that I immediately ordered book 2 which swiftly arrived as an e-book on my kindle and I gobbled that up in less than a day! I became so addicted that it got quite scary as I woke up thinking about America and Maxon and the dynamics between them, will they be the couple or is it going to be one of the other girls? I was hungry for more of this dystopian wonderland. So, a few hours into book 2, I ordered the entire collection in paperback which arrived 2 days later - I don't know how I coped without it!
To say that Kiera Cass has made my summer is an understatement. Kiera has created a world of excitement, romance, thrilling adventure, and an addiction in me for not only dystopian books but YA books in general. I could almost imagine it being like the whole Kate and William scenario in a altered universe.
Anyway, back to the book which is why you are here. So, it's set in this dystopian world where things really are different to the way we know them. The country that used to be America is now not America after it was invaded by China and the Royal Family of old America has the entire country in a caste system. This caste system has eight tiers to it and America Singer (the girl) is a Seven. Each caste is a number with Eight's being the lowest.
When the next heir to the throne, in this case Maxon is of age they have a contest where all the eligible girls are whittled down to thirty-five whom then are invited to stay in the palace and compete to win the affections of Prince Maxon.
So without spoiling the entire story because what I've just mentioned is merely just the beginning, America reluctantly gets selected so off she goes to the palace where she makes quite the first impression on Maxon much to the annoyance of 'others'. There are quite a few characters that you 'love to hate' such as Celeste who appears as a stuck up snobby so and so.
Each page is jam packed with exciting drama and action and I devoured the entire book in less than 24 hours! Following on from that I immediately ordered book 2 which swiftly arrived as an e-book on my kindle and I gobbled that up in less than a day! I became so addicted that it got quite scary as I woke up thinking about America and Maxon and the dynamics between them, will they be the couple or is it going to be one of the other girls? I was hungry for more of this dystopian wonderland. So, a few hours into book 2, I ordered the entire collection in paperback which arrived 2 days later - I don't know how I coped without it!
To say that Kiera Cass has made my summer is an understatement. Kiera has created a world of excitement, romance, thrilling adventure, and an addiction in me for not only dystopian books but YA books in general. I could almost imagine it being like the whole Kate and William scenario in a altered universe.
I loved the gentlemanly personality of Maxon who was the utter gent to all girls but especially America. The romance was so incredibly sweet and tender. And America's feisty spirit and independence is the stuff Beyonce dreams of! I adore the energy between the characters and the entire story is captivating and..... oh just go buy it, seriously it's amazing. And you get to return to your youth which I swear has taken 10 years off of me ;-)
Easily awarding this book (and the series of books having read them) 5/5 although I'm tempted to rocket it to a 10 because of how good this book was.
Hello Gorgeous Ones!
I love my blog so much, it's a huge part of me and my life. It's grown with me and I've grown through it, but it's been lacking a little "something" lately, so I've been coming up with brand new post ideas for you in between reading some amazing books.
So a new feature I'm bringing to you as and when appropriate is the "What Am I Reading Right Now?" feature because I know so many people who are nosey so and so's when it comes to what I'm reading, what I think of the book, and what have I just bought! LOL It's fine, seriously it's like water off a duck's back and I couldn't think of a more appropriate place to share my BOOKISH love with you than here on A Page of Fictional Love. Plus I'd rather have my nose stuck in a book than in someone else's business!
Before I dive in (get it.. duck... dive...oh well haha) and share with you what I'm currently reading I just wanted to say how in the past 2 weeks my blog has reverted back to it's original name; A Page of Fictional Love, and has a brand spanking new banner to boot! As you can see it now features YA fiction, because I am just SO in LOVE with Young Adult Fiction right now. Seriously, I've devoured SO many YA books it's unreal! Reviews will follow in due course.
Right *rubs hands together* it's time for me to share my book reading pile with you. Yep. it's time for the goodies!
First up is this amazing book I'm reading that was actually recommended by Reese Witherspoon - she has a whole book club going that you can search for on Instagram #RWBookClub.
Luckiest Girl Alive is not something i'd usually pick off the shelf but when the lady who made Legally Blonde so flippin' amazing (and actually helped me get through my first 2 years training as an accountant - Thank You Reese!) you just have to sit up and listen right?
So it's basically about a woman who is planning her wedding to the rich guy, she has the emerald on her fingers, she has the amazing job in the City, the house, the bank account ... and the past to match! But that's where this book comes into it's own, as it showcases her past that has made her who she is today. She wasn't always the ideal rich girl, far from it, she was the girl at high school that desperately wanting to fit in at any cost and indeed it did cost her in the most horrendous way possible. We get to follow her journey as she reminisces and shares her story with us. There are points in the book that I laugh because her bitchy sarcasm is unreal - we all know that bitchy cow with the snide comments and the sneaky undertones whilst she smiles at you as if she respects you and actually likes you. Well Ani (pronounced Ahhh-Neee) as she's now calling herself is that snidey cow, and I can see why some people reading would love her, or hate her. I guess we either know someone LIKE her or we know that we can be HER at times. (lucky for me I can say I know someone like her in terms of her bitchy personality).
However I adore the gentler more innocent side to her, the real Ani, the one that just wants someone to like her, and support her, believe in her and root for her because so many people didn't have that growing up, sometimes their parents were interested in other things or siblings, like Ani's mother was more interested in her getting her connections rather than a life! There are times during reading that I just want to give her a hug (Ani - not the people I know like Ani) and let her know that she doesn't have to be so tough all the time. She can be gentle and not get hurt. So without spoiling it, if this sounds like something you might be in to, head over to amazon using the link below to get yourself a copy!
Next up on my Currently Reading List (which btw bears no resemblance to my GoodReads account - naughty I know!) is one that belongs to a series of books.
I am HOOKED on The Selection Series, and I've become quite addicted to reading them. I simply can't get enough. The Heir is the follow on from the first 3 that detailed the selection process of Prince Maxon as her FINALLY chose America Singer to be his wife out of 30+ girls. It's a dystopian book, a young adult book, and it's flippin' addictive! I urge you to give them a try! Even my Mum has been giving the pages a turn so they have to be good.
This book fast forwards quite a few years into the future following Maxon and America's wedding, and now it's time for their daughter to make her selection! So exciting!
And lastly, but no means least, I also have my nose stuck in Tell Me Lies (Which does actually happen to be on my GoodReads account - see I can be Good!) Tell Me Lies features a whole host of characters that slice into you in the most captivating way ever! I loved the scene where DC Atherton (I swear I read this every time as DC Arse-er-ton - I know, I'm SO bad!) gets mentioned by the other detectives and they comment about how he always seems to be there like a nodding dog, and please excuse my language but i'm only using what they say in the book - that Atherton (again - I can't spell, speak, read that name without reading the above) is always around the Chief Superintendent ready to lick his Ar** lala. It makes me giggle all the time! From that point I was in love with the book! Again we all know someone who can be like that!
Anyway, there's been a murder (anyone hearing Taggart here? No .. Just me??) and the rich girl is in the firing line because he was her boyfriend/ex boyfriend and she was standing over him drenched in his blood ( OK... this is serious - I'm having Legally Blonde Flashbacks to when Elle Woods is in court talking about "the shower" and the daughter being questioned mentioned seeing the accused "Drenched in his blood") OK Back on Track People!
So it's a case of who dunnit (no there is no Eastenders Duff Duff here... well not unless you put it there... it might be good) and it brings up so many twists and turns, connections with other Detectives and their families/pasts, and it really is just so gripping! If crime/mystery/thriller/suspense is your thing, this book HAS to be a book to read!
So there you have it, 3 books i'm currently reading, which may change by tonight because books shift sooo quickly in my house! One book for each genre really apart from the sweet chick lit/romance (sorry!) I promise I'll try and do one of those in the next update.
If you LIKED this post, give it share, leave a comment below with what you're reading and of course stop by my social media hangouts and connect with me.
I love my blog so much, it's a huge part of me and my life. It's grown with me and I've grown through it, but it's been lacking a little "something" lately, so I've been coming up with brand new post ideas for you in between reading some amazing books.
So a new feature I'm bringing to you as and when appropriate is the "What Am I Reading Right Now?" feature because I know so many people who are nosey so and so's when it comes to what I'm reading, what I think of the book, and what have I just bought! LOL It's fine, seriously it's like water off a duck's back and I couldn't think of a more appropriate place to share my BOOKISH love with you than here on A Page of Fictional Love. Plus I'd rather have my nose stuck in a book than in someone else's business!
Before I dive in (get it.. duck... dive...oh well haha) and share with you what I'm currently reading I just wanted to say how in the past 2 weeks my blog has reverted back to it's original name; A Page of Fictional Love, and has a brand spanking new banner to boot! As you can see it now features YA fiction, because I am just SO in LOVE with Young Adult Fiction right now. Seriously, I've devoured SO many YA books it's unreal! Reviews will follow in due course.
Right *rubs hands together* it's time for me to share my book reading pile with you. Yep. it's time for the goodies!
First up is this amazing book I'm reading that was actually recommended by Reese Witherspoon - she has a whole book club going that you can search for on Instagram #RWBookClub.
Luckiest Girl Alive is not something i'd usually pick off the shelf but when the lady who made Legally Blonde so flippin' amazing (and actually helped me get through my first 2 years training as an accountant - Thank You Reese!) you just have to sit up and listen right?So it's basically about a woman who is planning her wedding to the rich guy, she has the emerald on her fingers, she has the amazing job in the City, the house, the bank account ... and the past to match! But that's where this book comes into it's own, as it showcases her past that has made her who she is today. She wasn't always the ideal rich girl, far from it, she was the girl at high school that desperately wanting to fit in at any cost and indeed it did cost her in the most horrendous way possible. We get to follow her journey as she reminisces and shares her story with us. There are points in the book that I laugh because her bitchy sarcasm is unreal - we all know that bitchy cow with the snide comments and the sneaky undertones whilst she smiles at you as if she respects you and actually likes you. Well Ani (pronounced Ahhh-Neee) as she's now calling herself is that snidey cow, and I can see why some people reading would love her, or hate her. I guess we either know someone LIKE her or we know that we can be HER at times. (lucky for me I can say I know someone like her in terms of her bitchy personality).
However I adore the gentler more innocent side to her, the real Ani, the one that just wants someone to like her, and support her, believe in her and root for her because so many people didn't have that growing up, sometimes their parents were interested in other things or siblings, like Ani's mother was more interested in her getting her connections rather than a life! There are times during reading that I just want to give her a hug (Ani - not the people I know like Ani) and let her know that she doesn't have to be so tough all the time. She can be gentle and not get hurt. So without spoiling it, if this sounds like something you might be in to, head over to amazon using the link below to get yourself a copy!
I am HOOKED on The Selection Series, and I've become quite addicted to reading them. I simply can't get enough. The Heir is the follow on from the first 3 that detailed the selection process of Prince Maxon as her FINALLY chose America Singer to be his wife out of 30+ girls. It's a dystopian book, a young adult book, and it's flippin' addictive! I urge you to give them a try! Even my Mum has been giving the pages a turn so they have to be good.
This book fast forwards quite a few years into the future following Maxon and America's wedding, and now it's time for their daughter to make her selection! So exciting!
And lastly, but no means least, I also have my nose stuck in Tell Me Lies (Which does actually happen to be on my GoodReads account - see I can be Good!) Tell Me Lies features a whole host of characters that slice into you in the most captivating way ever! I loved the scene where DC Atherton (I swear I read this every time as DC Arse-er-ton - I know, I'm SO bad!) gets mentioned by the other detectives and they comment about how he always seems to be there like a nodding dog, and please excuse my language but i'm only using what they say in the book - that Atherton (again - I can't spell, speak, read that name without reading the above) is always around the Chief Superintendent ready to lick his Ar** lala. It makes me giggle all the time! From that point I was in love with the book! Again we all know someone who can be like that!Anyway, there's been a murder (anyone hearing Taggart here? No .. Just me??) and the rich girl is in the firing line because he was her boyfriend/ex boyfriend and she was standing over him drenched in his blood ( OK... this is serious - I'm having Legally Blonde Flashbacks to when Elle Woods is in court talking about "the shower" and the daughter being questioned mentioned seeing the accused "Drenched in his blood") OK Back on Track People!
So it's a case of who dunnit (no there is no Eastenders Duff Duff here... well not unless you put it there... it might be good) and it brings up so many twists and turns, connections with other Detectives and their families/pasts, and it really is just so gripping! If crime/mystery/thriller/suspense is your thing, this book HAS to be a book to read!
So there you have it, 3 books i'm currently reading, which may change by tonight because books shift sooo quickly in my house! One book for each genre really apart from the sweet chick lit/romance (sorry!) I promise I'll try and do one of those in the next update.
If you LIKED this post, give it share, leave a comment below with what you're reading and of course stop by my social media hangouts and connect with me.
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