30 Nights Insomniac

[Review] Attachments by Rainbow Rowell

2014-12-31T08:00:00.000+01:00

Description

Title: Attachments
Author: Rainbow Rowell
Pages: 336
Series: //
Publisher: Dutton Adult
Date of Publication: April 14th, 2011
ISBN13: 9780525951988
Source: Bought
Format: Hardcover
Synopsis: (from Goodreads)

"Hi, I'm the guy who reads your e-mail, and also, I love you . . . "

Beth Fremont and Jennifer Scribner-Snyder know that somebody is monitoring their work e-mail. (Everybody in the newsroom knows. It's company policy.) But they can't quite bring themselves to take it seriously. They go on sending each other endless and endlessly hilarious e-mails, discussing every aspect of their personal lives.

Meanwhile, Lincoln O'Neill can't believe this is his job now- reading other people's e-mail. When he applied to be "internet security officer," he pictured himself building firewalls and crushing hackers- not writing up a report every time a sports reporter forwards a dirty joke.

When Lincoln comes across Beth's and Jennifer's messages, he knows he should turn them in. But he can't help being entertained-and captivated-by their stories.

By the time Lincoln realizes he's falling for Beth, it's way too late to introduce himself.

What would he say . . . ?

My Thoughts
Rating

Buy It

[Review] Lies My Girlfriend Told Me by Julie Anne Peters

2014-12-18T08:00:00.000+01:00

Description

Title: Lies My Girlfriend Told Me
Author: Julie Anne Peters
Pages: 256
Series: //
Publisher: Little Brown Books
Date of Publication: January 1st, 2014
ISBN13: 9780316234979
Source: Bought
Format: eBook
Synopsis: (from Goodreads)

When Alix's charismatic girlfriend, Swanee, dies from sudden cardiac arrest, Alix is overcome with despair. As she searches Swanee's room for mementos of their relationship, she finds Swanee's cell phone, pinging with dozens of texts sent from a mysterious contact, L.T. The most recent text reads: "Please tell me what I did. Please, Swan. Te amo. I love you."

Shocked and betrayed, Alix learns that Swanee has been leading a double life--secretly dating a girl named Liana the entire time she's been with Alix. Alix texts Liana from Swanee's phone, pretending to be Swanee in order to gather information before finally meeting face-to-face to break the news.

Brought together by Swanee's lies, Alix and Liana become closer than they'd thought possible. But Alix is still hiding the truth from Liana. Alix knows what it feels like to be lied to--but will coming clean to Liana mean losing her, too?

My Thoughts

I was really excited about this one, hearing it praised as a great LGBTQ-book. I read it rather quickly but then, it's pretty short. It feels like Peters very much relied on her lesbian characters to pull the story. And I italicized lesbian because it feels like, while the idea was great and the story could have been really complex, it was somewhat... dumbed down, you could almost say.

Alix is very depressed when she finds out that Swanee had died, which is of course understandable. But they had known each other for six weeks at this point, I didn't understand how they could possibly have become so close in a mere six weeks. But okay, I can accept that. However, mere chapters later when Alix finds out about Swanee's double life... she seems to be kind of over her. I don't know, for me, the grieving process wasn't handled as well as it could have been. Yes, this story is about forgiving and letting go - but a more in depth examination of the characters' feelings (Liana and Joss (Swanee's sister) included) would have been great.

And then... something else I have to mention. The names. Dear God. I kept having to roll my eyes. Alixandra Van Pelt. Swanelle - her parents: Jewell and Asher. Swanee's siblings: Joss and Genjko (?). I don't know, it was so frustrating for me. Please, authors. Don't use obnoxious names like that. Not that Joss is particularly obnoxious, but in combination... please, no.

Rating

Buy It

[Review] Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

2014-12-04T08:00:00.000+01:00

Description

Title: Gone Girl
Author: Gillian Flynn
Pages: 419
Series: //
Publisher: Crown Publishers
Date of Publication: June 5th, 2012
ISBN13: 9780307588364
Source: Bought
Format: Hardcover
Synopsis: (from Goodreads)

On a warm summer morning in North Carthage, Missouri, it is Nick and Amy Dunne's fifth wedding anniversary. Presents are being wrapped and reservations are being made when Nick's clever and beautiful wife disappears from their rented McMansion on the Mississippi River. Husband-of-the-Year Nick isn't doing himself any favors with cringe-worthy daydreams about the slope and shape of his wife's head, but passages from Amy's diary reveal the alpha-girl perfectionist could have put anyone dangerously on edge. Under mounting pressure from the police and the media--as well as Amy's fiercely doting parents--the town golden boy parades an endless series of lies, deceits, and inappropriate behavior. Nick is oddly evasive, and he's definitely bitter--but is he really a killer?

As the cops close in, every couple in town is soon wondering how well they know the one that they love. With his twin sister, Margo, at his side, Nick stands by his innocence. Trouble is, if Nick didn't do it, where is that beautiful wife? And what was in that silvery gift box hidden in the back of her bedroom closet?

My Thoughts

Hm, so this book is difficult to review because I want to keep this absolutely spoiler-free. But I'll give it my best!

Gone Girl is about a married couple, Amy and Nick. They're not perfect (something that becomes more apparent as you read on) but they seem relatively average. At least until Amy disappears. Time-wise, this is where Nick is the narrator. We get tidbits of Amy's diary every other chapter, starting from when she first met Nick and ending... well, when she disappeared. And that is about as much as I can say concerning the plot and the way the book is set up.

I did have a slow start with this one, mainly because Part 1 is in itself a little slow since it sets up the story and ultimately puts everything into motion. But after that? Oh boy. Two days, tops. I really read it like it was fresh bread, it was that good. Flynn is an excellent writer. The three points of views are very distinct from each other and I really didn't need the heading stating the name to tell whose POV I was reading.

I found Amy to be a very fascinating character, one who I loved, empathized with, absolutely despised and was fascinated by. Very multi-facetted, indeed. Nick is just a sleezeball, I mean... man. I really didn't like him, at all. The first few chapters maybe, but after that? Don't get me wrong, I know men/characters have their flaws, but GEEZ.

And then... the ending. Which is the main reason that this book doesn't get five stars from me. I'm just so angry and frankly, a little dissatisfied. I want people to get what's coming for them, not... this. Just... not this. Man. I suppose that makes it a good book if it leaves people thinking about it. But being dissatisfied? I don't know.

Rating

Buy It

[Review] The Truth About Alice by Jennifer Mathieu

2014-11-20T08:00:00.000+01:00

Description

Title: The Truth About Alice
Author: Jennifer Mathieu
Pages: 208
Series: //
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Date of Publication: June 3rd, 2014
ISBN13: 9781596439092
Source: Bought
Format: Hardcover
Synopsis: (from Goodreads)

Everyone knows Alice slept with two guys at one party. When Healy High star quarterback, Brandon Fitzsimmons, dies in a car crash, it was because he was sexting with Alice. Ask anybody. Rumor has it Alice Franklin is a slut. It's written all over the "slut stall" in the girls' bathroom: "Alice had sex in exchange for math test answers" and "Alice got an abortion last semester." After Brandon dies, the rumors start to spiral out of control. In this remarkable debut novel, four Healy High students tell all they "know" about Alice--and in doing so reveal their own secrets and motivations, painting a raw look at the realities of teen life. But in this novel from Jennifer Mathieu, exactly what is the truth about Alice? In the end there's only one person to ask: Alice herself.

My Thoughts

The Truth About Alice is - you guessed it - about Alice Franklin and the rumours that are spread about her in the small Texan town of Healy. The book is told from four different points of view. It starts off with Elaine O'Dea first telling the reader about the fateful party. Elaine is pretty much the queen bee of Healy High. Because of some petty thing in eighth grade, she starts spreading more vicious rumours, as well as creating the "slut stall". But as bad as she was, I don't think it gets much worse than Kelsie, who also narrates a few chapters.

Kelsie was Alice's best friend before the rumours. She isn't even present at the party, but when she hears about the rumours, she doesn't back her best friend. She jumps ship, mostly so that she wouldn't lose her place at the popular table. She also makes up a couple more rumours to make things even worse for Alice. So yeah, worst person award right here.

Josh - Brandon's best friend - isn't exactly innocent either. And his chapters were definitely my least favourite. They were still written well, but seeing as all characters are in some way unlikeable, I couldn't relate to Josh at all. I got a weird vibe from him right from the beginning and I still feel something is off.

The last point of view is Kurt. As you've probably seen by now, all characters fit into some type of stereotype. Kurt is the nerd-who-has-a-crush-on-a-(previously)-popular-girl. I think he was kind of cute, if somewhat... hm, obvious considering he's supposed to be a genius?

But anyhow, I tore right through this one. I couldn't stop reading it. I even read it in class at uni and got reprimanded. Maybe it's because I was bullied (though luckily not as severely as alice) but it's definitely also because the subject matter was handled really well. You should definitely check it out!

Rating

Buy It

[Review] Sever by Lauren DeStefano

2014-11-06T08:00:00.000+01:00

Description

Title: Sever
Author: Lauren DeStefano
Pages: 371
Series: The Chemical Garden #3
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Date of Publication: February 12th, 2013
ISBN13: 9781442409095
Source: Bought
Format: Hardcover
Synopsis: (from Goodreads)

With the clock ticking until the virus takes its toll, Rhine is desperate for answers. After enduring Vaughn’s worst, Rhine finds an unlikely ally in his brother, an eccentric inventor named Reed. She takes refuge in his dilapidated house, though the people she left behind refuse to stay in the past. While Gabriel haunts Rhine’s memories, Cecily is determined to be at Rhine’s side, even if Linden’s feelings are still caught between them.

Meanwhile, Rowan’s growing involvement in an underground resistance compels Rhine to reach him before he does something that cannot be undone. But what she discovers along the way has alarming implications for her future—and about the past her parents never had the chance to explain.

In this breathtaking conclusion to Lauren DeStefano’s Chemical Garden trilogy, everything Rhine knows to be true will be irrevocably shattered.

The Chemical Garden

1. Wither

2. Fever

3. Sever

My Thoughts

Man. I feel bad about this. Wither was one of the first books I ever reviewed on this blog and the series was dear to me, somehow. I can't quite explain it. I decided to read Sever on a whim, even though I wasn't all that excited for it. Like I said, I can't explain it.

The book starts with Rhine wanting to find Rowan. Then it gets a little weird. Linden doesn't want her to leave, then he helps her and ends up wanting to go with her (Cecily, too). He doesn't believe her at one point, then believes her suddenly without much of an explanation given. Don't get me wrong, I liked Linden, I really did. But in this book he seemed to be a puppet of the plot. Even more so at the end. What happened to him was entirely pointless, furthered nothing and wasn't even well done. I'm actually pretty angry about that.

It's no secret that I didn't want Rhine to end up with Gabriel. I thought he was too non-descript, especially since Rhine keeps claiming that she only escaped with him to "let him have his freedom" (not a direct quote). But then at the end it's kind of ... not like that?

The book has tons of inconsistencies, not just in the plot but also concerning the relationships the characters have to each other. Does Linden love Rhine? How about the other way around? Does he love Cecily? What's Rowan's deal anyway (and why was Bee put in the story, when she doesn't have any sort of purpose?)? Rowan could have been great. Many, many paragraphs were spent giving him layers, making him possibly the most 'real' character in the book. But then he turns out to be more of a sheep. Rhine decides to withhold information that she feels he shouldn't know (like, for example, that the man he admires seems to be a psychopath), so his story never really goes anywhere. He's just kind of there, like most of the cast.

This book is a huge missed opportunity. Two stars only because, like I said, I enjoyed the series as a whole, even if Sever leaves a bitter taste on my tongue.

Rating

Buy It

[Review] The Immortal Crown by Richelle Mead

2014-10-23T08:00:00.000+02:00

Description

Title: The Immortal Crown
Author: Richelle Mead
Pages: 448
Series: Age of X #2
Publisher: Penguin
Date of Publication: May 26th, 2014
ISBN13: 9781405913584
Source: Bought
Format: Paperback
Synopsis: (from Goodreads)

Gameboard of the Gods introduced religious investigator Justin March and Mae Koskinen, the beautiful supersoldier assigned to protect him. Together they have been charged with investigating reports of the supernatural and the return of the gods, both inside the Republic of United North America and out. With this highly classified knowledge comes a shocking revelation: Not only are the gods vying for human control, but the elect—special humans marked by the divine—are turning against one another in bloody fashion.

Their mission takes a new twist when they are assigned to a diplomatic delegation headed by Lucian Darling, Justin’s old friend and rival, going into Arcadia, the RUNA’s dangerous neighboring country. Here, in a society where women are commodities and religion is intertwined with government, Justin discovers powerful forces at work, even as he struggles to come to terms with his own reluctantly acquired deity.

Meanwhile, Mae—grudgingly posing as Justin’s concubine—has a secret mission of her own: finding the illegitimate niece her family smuggled away years ago. But with Justin and Mae resisting the resurgence of the gods in Arcadia, a reporter’s connection with someone close to Justin back home threatens to expose their mission—and with it the divine forces the government is determined to keep secret.

Age of X-Trilogy

1. Gameboard of the Gods

2. The Immortal Crown

3. Untitled

My Thoughts

I find it difficult to write about what I thought about this book. I immensely enjoyed the setting, although at times I kept thinking "Really? A Sci-Fi world with religion and gods in the mix?". I mean, that's not something you see every day. Maybe that's why it works so well for the Age of X trilogy. But then Justin and Mae travel to Arcadia and ... oh boy.

Aside from them not keeping religion and state separate, they also have very... interesting ideas of how women should be 'kept' and treated. It basically boils down to men keeping women as more or less their slaves (housework has to be about as hard as possible to build character, concubines can be sold, men can buy multiple wives, etc.) while at the same time keeping them under lock and key, most of the time either in long dresses or even completely veiled (which I assume is a reference to the burqa). While I didn't find the cloistering very nice, obviously, I realise it's a common practice today and I'm not going to comment further on that. I'm aware that most women who wear a burqa are likely not treated like the Arcadian women.

But back to the plot! Aside from small ventures into Tessa's point of view (which were boring and not exactly relevant to the bigger picture) the plot kept me on the edge of my seat. I'm not very familiar with nordic gods and goddesses, but I thought everything was well done concerning them. Nehitimar - the god the Arcadians are subscribed to - on the other hand felt very one-sided. He was at one point described as "only taking, never giving" and it seems unlikely to me that such a big populace would believe in such a god. Well, and then there is the last god that is revealed. We don't know much about his involvement yet, but I have a bad feeling about this.

What I don't have a bad feeling about, however, is where this story is going. To me, this book is ten times better than Gameboard of the Gods and I enjoyed reading it very much. I'm definitely looking forward to the as-of-yet untitled third book!

Rating

Buy It

[Review] Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

2014-10-09T08:00:00.000+02:00

Description

Title: Eleanor & Park
Author: Rainbow Rowell
Pages: 325
Series: //
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Date of Publication: April 12, 2012
ISBN13: 9781250012579
Source: Bought
Format: eBook
Synopsis: (from Goodreads)

Two misfits.
One extraordinary love.

Eleanor... Red hair, wrong clothes. Standing behind him until he turns his head. Lying beside him until he wakes up. Making everyone else seem drabber and flatter and never good enough...Eleanor.

Park... He knows she'll love a song before he plays it for her. He laughs at her jokes before she ever gets to the punch line. There's a place on his chest, just below his throat, that makes her want to keep promises...Park.

Set over the course of one school year, this is the story of two star-crossed sixteen-year-olds—smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try.

My Thoughts

The first book of the Summer Reading Book Club! I've had Eleanor & Park on my 'To Read'-list ever since I finished Fangirl a few months ago. I just really enjoyed Rainbow Rowell's writing and while I'm not usually one to enjoy romance-only books (I like myself some supernatural) and I'm also not really a fan of the 80s, I just thought... why the hell not.

It took me maybe five chapters (they're pretty short) to get into it, but then... WHAM. I just couldn't stop reading it, even though I should really get on with City of Heavenly Fire ... the longer I wait, the liklier it becomes that someone spoils the ending for me. But I just couldn't put Eleanor & Park down!

I enjoyed all of the characters and found them very believable. Especially Eleanor and her sad past. She was a little bit dysfunctional maybe, and I thought she was a bit... too defensive at times. I was bullied at school, I know what that can do to you. And if you add that to her good-for-nothing-mother and her... interesting... stepfather, I can see how it changed her.

Park is just... a dream. I can't imagine that he had it very easy, being half white, half asian in the US in the 80s. The book doesn't really touch on this, which I think is a missed opportunity. It could have been really great to add racism and the potential backlash of a "mixed race" relationship to Eleanor & Park. Especially since Park's parents would probably have been able to relate and to help.

But nevertheless! The speed with which I read a book is usually a supreme indicator of how well I liked it. That's definitely true in this case. Sigh. That ending. I'm not sure if i'm satisfied with it, or if I think ... well. No, I do think it's right. Maybe. You'll have to read it for yourself.

Rating

Buy It

[Review] City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare

2014-09-25T08:00:00.001+02:00

Description

Title: City of Heavenly Fire
Author: Cassandra Clare
Pages: 733
Series: The Mortal Instruments #6
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
Date of Publication: May 27, 2014
ISBN13:
Source: Bought
Format: Paperback
Synopsis: (from Goodreads)

ΕRCHOMAI, SEBASTIAN HAD SAID.

I am coming.

Darkness returns to the Shadowhunter world. As their society falls apart around them, Clary, Jace, Simon and their friends must band together to fight the greatest evil the Nephilim have ever faced: Clary’s own brother. Nothing in the world can defeat him — must they journey to another world to find the chance?

The Mortal Instruments-Series:

1. City of Bones ~~(not reviewed)~~

2. City of Ashes ~~(not reviewed)~~

3. City of Glass ~~(not reviewed)~~

4. City of Fallen Angels ~~(not reviewed)~~

5. City of Lost Souls

6. City of Heavenly Fire

My Thoughts

Oh man, I'm so attached to this series/universe, you don't even know. I keep telling myself: Stop. Clare is going to write a bajilion sequels/spin-offs and whatnots and you do not want to go through that. You don't. But alas... sigh. When I started reading this, I was a bit ticked off that the main characters for her next spin off (The Dark Artifices) were introduced in the prologue of City of Heavenly Fire. Aside from some... strange... wordings, it did pull me in immediately, all annoyance aside. We get glimpses at Julian and Emma all through this book, probably in order to make the readers get attached to her new series...

But back to this book! Up until a certain point, I was feeling a little "meh" about it. People rushing from left to right, some killing, some evil things, some betrayal... it all ties together well, don't get me wrong. But it lacked something that I can't quite put my finger on. It might have been Magnus's absence for most of the book, since he's definitely the character I enjoy the most. Instead of making him a centerpiece, he was somewhat of a damsel in distress... but oh well.

Otherwise, though, I'm satisfied with the conclusion of the series. I have a feeling we'll get more information about what happened to the characters in spin offs like The Dark Artifices, but even if we don't, I feel good about how it was handled. I liked all the references to The Infernal Devices, which you probably only get if you've actually read that series, but they don't give anything away, I think. So kudos!

Now, I'll probably check out the spin offs.... sigh. But as you can maybe tell, I'm growing a little tired of this universe. It's well-crafted, etc. etc. but I wish Cassandra Clare would just write something new and refreshing and stop giving her characters different appearances and plopping them into different wars...

Rating

Buy It

[Review] The One by Kiera Cass

2014-09-11T08:00:00.000+02:00

Description

Title: The One
Author: Kiera Cass
Pages: 323
Series: The Selection #3
Publisher: HarperTeen
Date of Publication: May 6th 2014
ISBN13: 9780062060013
Source: Bought
Format: Harcover
Synopsis: (from Goodreads)

The Selection changed the lives of thirty-five girls forever. And now, the time has come for one winner to be chosen.

America never dreamed she would find herself anywhere close to the crown—or to Prince Maxon's heart. But as the competition approaches its end and the threats outside the palace walls grow more vicious, America realizes just how much she stands to lose—and how hard she'll have to fight for the future she wants.

From the very first page of The Selection, this #1 New York Times bestselling series has captured readers' hearts and swept them away on a captivating journey... Now, in The One, Kiera Cass delivers a satisfying and unforgettable conclusion that will keep readers sighing over this electrifying fairy-tale long after the final page is turned.

The Selection-Trilogy

1. The Selection

2. The Elite

3. The One

My Thoughts

So... my guilty pleasure series. I just love it. I'm thinking about re-reading it, just because it makes me feel all warm inside. He. But let's talk about the ending of the trilogy first! (By the way, I do expect a spin off or something. Please.) The One starts immediately where The Elite left us. Maxon has decimated his harem ... err... prospective wife-pool to just four girls: Celeste, Kriss, Elise, and America.

I quickly fell back into the palace rythm. Pretty dresses, the king wanting to kick America out, America's occasional stupidity, the other girls, the queen. It was all there. Rebel attacks were there sometimes, although I still feel that they happened too often at the palace. It doesn't feel very secure. I think the rebel's were working a guerilla tactic, where bombing public buildings or something would probably have been more effective. But I get it, it was supposed to make it all feel more real. To the reader, as well as to America.

I think we all knew who America would choose in the end. It wasn't even a competition anymore by this book, for several reasons that I'm not going to get into. But I think it was handled well and believably. Like I said, I want a spin off, to see what and how things have changed. I even grew to like Celeste, of all people. That was a complete 180 and I'm not sure I think it's believable. But I liked it. It wasn't a complete happy end by far, which was what I had been fearing because of the whole fairy tale aspect of the book. Maybe the 'climax' at the end was a tad overdone, but it certainly was dramatic and a real page turner.

Rating

Buy It

[Review] Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo

2014-08-28T08:00:00.000+02:00

Description

Title: Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai Undercity
Author: Katherine Boo
Pages: 290
Series: //
Publisher: Random House
Date of Publication: February 7th, 2012
ISBN13: 9781400067558
Source: Bought
Format: Hardcover
Synopsis: (from Goodreads)

From Pulitzer Prize-winner Katherine Boo, a landmark work of narrative nonfiction that tells the dramatic and sometimes heartbreaking story of families striving toward a better life in one of the twenty-first century’s great, unequal cities.

In this brilliantly written, fast-paced book, based on three years of uncompromising reporting, a bewildering age of global change and inequality is made human.

Annawadi is a makeshift settlement in the shadow of luxury hotels near the Mumbai airport, and as India starts to prosper, Annawadians are electric with hope. Abdul, a reflective and enterprising Muslim teenager, sees “a fortune beyond counting“ in the recyclable garbage that richer people throw away. Asha, a woman of formidable wit and deep scars from a childhood in rural poverty, has identified an alternate route to the middle class: political corruption. With a little luck, her sensitive, beautiful daughter—Annawadi’s “most-everything girl“—will soon become its first female college graduate. And even the poorest Annawadians, like Kalu, a fifteen-year-old scrap-metal thief, believe themselves inching closer to the good lives and good times they call “the full enjoy.”

But then Abdul the garbage sorter is falsely accused in a shocking tragedy; terror and a global recession rock the city; and suppressed tensions over religion, caste, sex, power and economic envy turn brutal. As the tenderest individual hopes intersect with the greatest global truths, the true contours of a competitive age are revealed. And so, too, are the imaginations and courage of the people of Annawadi.

With intelligence, humor, and deep insight into what connects human beings to one another in an era of tumultuous change, Behind the Beautiful Forevers carries the reader headlong into one of the twenty-first century’s hidden worlds, and into the lives of people impossible to forget.

My Thoughts

I read this as part of the Nerdfighteria book club. Interestingly, I had already bought the ebook of Behind the Beautiful Forevers at some point, probably because someone recommended I read it. I couldn't resist when the vlogbrothers chose this as the book to read, could I?

What can I say? It really sucked me in. I was immediately captured by the life-like characters... which could be because these characters are actual people. It's a work of non-fiction, even though it reads like a novel. I kept forgetting that these were actual people I was reading about. And sometimes I wasn't sure if that was a good thing, which is why this book gets four stars from me. I felt like it should be more obvious that these are lives we are reading about, not... plots. It made me feel very surreal at times.

I'm also not quite sure if I liked the ending. It felt a little cut-off. Maybe Boo didn't want to continue researching, or her sources quit... or maybe it was supposed to be like this, which I hope isn't true. I would have liked a little bit more closure, for myself as well as for the people about whom Boo wrote this book.

Rating

Buy It

[Review] Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

2014-08-14T08:00:00.000+02:00

Description

Title: Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children
Author: Ransom Riggs
Pages: 348
Series: Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children #1
Publisher: Quirk
Date of Publication: June 7th, 2011
ISBN13: 9781594744761
Source: Bought (German Version)
Format: Hardback
Synopsis: (from Goodreads)

A mysterious island. An abandoned orphanage. A strange collection of very curious photographs.

It all waits to be discovered in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, an unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience. As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a deserted island for good reason. And somehow—impossible though it seems—they may still be alive.

A spine-tingling fantasy illustrated with haunting vintage photography, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children will delight adults, teens, and anyone who relishes an adventure in the shadows.

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children-Duology

1. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

2. Hollow City

My Thoughts

The protagonist, Jacob, grows up with his grandfather's "fairy tales" about children with supernatural abilities like invisibilty or the ability to fly. Of course, as he grows older he stops believing in them after being ridiculed at school. As his grandfather's health deteriorates, he seems to suffer from dementia, the stories of monsters become ever present. As Jacob discovers, the monsters - and of course, the children, too - might be a lot more physical than he was convinced himself they were.

I liked Jacob. Right from the start. I think he's very likeable because he has a neutral view on things most of the time - and when he doesn't, it's easily forgiven because he might be facing his own personal nightmare. I'm not quite sure whether that makes Jacob a little too mature for a teenager (he's 17, I think?). But then, there are mature teenagers and people who are older than they physically are. So it's all good.

Something that makes this book very special are the photographs that are interspersed with the story. I would bet my left hand on the fact that the author was inspired by the photographs to write the story. As I understand it, the photographs are authentic. It helped give voice to the characters and also to Jacob's childhood. He grew up with his grandfather showing him the pictures. Of course, he convinced himself later on that everything was bogus, but alas...

I found the middle to be a tad slow. I really enjoyed the beginning and the ending. The pacing is phenomenal. But the middle part requires a bit of "pushing through" because it really takes Jacob quite a while to figure things out, mostly because a certain someone doesn't want to tell him anything. But also because he's a little blind sometimes. But in any case, if you do pick this book up, don't leave it because of the slow middle, because you'll miss a phenomenal ending!

Rating

Buy It

[Review] Beastly by Alex Flinn

2014-07-31T08:00:00.000+02:00

Description

Title: Beastly
Author: Alex Flinn
Pages: 304
Series: //
Publisher: HarperTeen
Date of Publication: October 2nd, 2007
ISBN13: 9780060874162
Source: Bought
Format: eBook
Synopsis: (from Goodreads)

I am a beast.

A beast. Not quite wolf or bear, gorilla or dog but a horrible new creature who walks upright--a creature with fangs and claws and hair springing from every pore. I am a monster.

You think I'm talking fairy tales? No way. The place is New York City. The time is now. It's no deformity, no disease. And I'll stay this way forever--ruined--unless I can break the spell.

Yes, the spell, the one the witch in my English class cast on me. Why did she turn me into a beast who hides by day and prowls by night? I'll tell you. I'll tell you how I used to be Kyle Kingsbury, the guy you wished you were, with money, perfect looks, and the perfect life. And then, I'll tell you how I became perfectly . . . beastly.

My Thoughts

Beastly was my first book that was selected via my new TBR-jar. Basically, whenever I finish a book, I randomly grab a piece of paper from that jar. Every piece of paper has a title on it and voilà! I've wanted to read Beastly ever since I watched the movie adaptation of the same name. I have to admit that I didn't really like the movie but I wanted to read the book anyway because they're usually better than their adaptations.

In the first few chapters we get to know Kyle Kingsbury - asshole extraordinaire. He thinks he owns the world just because he's good looking and his father's wealth. He doesn't even notice his less fortunate class mates and doesn't think about much besides his favourite topic - himself. But even at the beginning of the novel it is obvious that Kyle craves attention from his father.

After he manages to turn a witch's wrath on himself, he is transformed into a beast. That is when the (liberal) retelling of Beauty and the Beast starts. The spell can only be broken by a kiss. He has to love the girl and she has to love him, which soon starts to become a little difficult.

I can't say that I didn't enjoy this book. It's pretty short and relatively well written. I especially enjoyed the chat-parts in between because I think they broke the routine nicely and it was good to be "out" of Kyle, so to speak.

But I couldn't properly connect with Kyle. I've hated people like him all my life. I still hate them. And yes, he becomes a better person but still... I don't think he apologised for what he did in the past. Things are not just forgiven and forgotten because you suddenly know better.

Rating

Buy It

[Review] Dreams of Gods & Monsters by Laini Taylor

2014-07-17T08:00:00.000+02:00

Description

Title: Dreams of Gods & Monsters
Author: Laini Taylor
Pages: 624
Series: Daughter of Smoke & Bone #3
Publisher: Little, Brown & Company
Date of Publication: April 8th, 2014
ISBN13: 9780316134071
Source: Bought
Format: Hardcover
Synopsis: (from Goodreads)

By way of a staggering deception, Karou has taken control of the chimaera rebellion and is intent on steering its course away from dead-end vengeance. The future rests on her, if there can even be a future for the chimaera in war-ravaged Eretz.
Common enemy, common cause.
When Jael's brutal seraph army trespasses into the human world, the unthinkable becomes essential, and Karou and Akiva must ally their enemy armies against the threat. It is a twisted version of their long-ago dream, and they begin to hope that it might forge a way forward for their people.
And, perhaps, for themselves. Toward a new way of living, and maybe even love.
But there are bigger threats than Jael in the offing. A vicious queen is hunting Akiva, and, in the skies of Eretz ... something is happening. Massive stains are spreading like bruises from horizon to horizon; the great winged stormhunters are gathering as if summoned, ceaselessly circling, and a deep sense of wrong pervades the world.
What power can bruise the sky?
From the streets of Rome to the caves of the Kirin and beyond, humans, chimaera and seraphim will fight, strive, love, and die in an epic theater that transcends good and evil, right and wrong, friend and enemy.
At the very barriers of space and time, what do gods and monsters dream of? And does anything else matter?

Daughter of Smoke & Bone Trilogy

1. Daughter of Smoke & Bone

2. Days of Blood & Starlight

3. Dreams of Gods & Monsters

My Thoughts

So, what do I say about this book, this gem, really? I'm not quite sure I have the words to do it justice. You know I loved Daughter of Smoke and Bone & Days of Blood and Starlight (who didn't?) and I love Dreams of Gods and Monsters as well - but in a different way. I believe that all three books have a quite distinct tone from each other.

(Did anyone notice I added 'Fantasy' to my tags? Yeah, because this felt like fantasy. Haha. In both senses.)

But anyhow! I have to admit, when I started this book I wasn't really into it. I couldn't get into it, mainly because I had forgotten quite a bit of what had happened in Days of Blood and Starlight. I don't know why but this always happens to me and apparently it doesn't matter how much I enjoyed a book. I still forget what happened. Sigh. So that's why I was a tiny (or gigantic) bit confused when I started but once I got the hang of it - oh boy. Lucky that I had to stick around at uni for three hours, because that's when I read the bulk of this beauty.

I don't think we need to say much of Laini Taylor's writing because it is just divine. I would read safety measures with pleasure if she wrote them. She just has a way with words that I can't put into - you guessed it - words.

I don't want to say too much of the plot. Not because it'll ruin it but because you should just check it out yourself. Chances are, if you're reading this review you have probably read the first two books. Prepare for loooots and lots of sexual tension though. So much so that you might want to lock Karou and Akiva in a shower just so that they'll release some of that tension. Just sayin'.

Also, can we have a spin off? Or a collection of short stories? Please? Pretty please?

Rating

Buy It

[Review] The Magician's Apprentice by Trudi Canavan

2014-07-03T08:00:00.000+02:00

Description

Title: The Magician's Apprentice
Author: Trudi Canavan
Pages: 591
Series: The Black Magician Trilogy #0.5
Publisher: Orbit
Date of Publication: February 23rd, 2009
ISBN13: 9780316037884
Source: Bought (German version)
Format: Hardcover
Synopsis: (from Goodreads)

Set hundreds of years before the events of The Magicians' Guild, THE MAGICIAN'S APPRENTICE is the new novel set in the world of Trudi Canavan's Black Magician Trilogy.
In the remote village of Mandryn, Tessia serves as assistant to her father, the village Healer. Her mother would rather she found a husband. But her life is about to take a very unexpected turn.
When the advances of a visiting Sachakan mage get violent, Tessia unconsciously taps unknown reserves of magic to defend herself. Lord Dakon, the local magician, takes Tessia under his wing as an apprentice.
The long hours of study and self-discipline also offer more opportunities than she had ever hoped for, and an exciting new world opens up to her. There are fine clothes and servants - and, to Tessia's delight - regular trips to the great city of Imardin.
But along with the excitement and privilege, Tessia is about to discover that her magical gifts bring with them a great deal of responsibility. For great danger looms on the horizon for Tessia and her world.

The Black Magician Trilogy

0.5 The Magician's Apprentice

1. The Magician's Guild

2. The Novice

3. The High Lord

My Thoughts

I bought this book years ago when I was waiting on a train. But for some reason I never read it. I can't exactly explain why because I'm a die-hard Trudi Canavan fan. I don't know, but she can't write things that I won't like, apparently.

I started this because I drew the little paper slip with this book's title on it out of my "To be read"-jar. It took me a little while, but I really got into it pretty quickly. Especially considering that this is such a massive book.

The book mainly follows Tessia and Hanara. Tessia is a young girl who discovers her magical abilities just a smidge before a war is started. Hanara is a slave of the person who started said war. The point of views shift around, with a few paragraphs from Stara's point of view thrown in the mix. Stara is a sachakan woman, who's lived most of her life in Elyne and has to adapt to the cultures differences when she returns to Sachaka.

I really liked the chemistry between Tessia and Jayan, but I do think that Canavan has written deeper characters (I'm thinking of you, Sonea). Still, it was enjoyable. I didn't even really hate the villain and I'm not quite sure if that's a good thing. If you haven't yet read anything by Trudi Canavan, I'd recommnend to read the books in the order that they were published (i.d. starting with The Magician's Guild) because I think the original trilogy is better than this prequel.

Recap: If you're a Trudi Canavan-fan: Read it. If not, I wouldn't necessarily recommend it.

Rating

Buy It

[Review] Cress by Marissa Meyer

2014-06-19T08:00:00.000+02:00

Description

Title: Cress
Author: Marissa Meyer
Pages: 550
Series: The Lunar Chronicles #3
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Date of Publication: February 4th, 2014
ISBN13: 9780312642976
Source: Bought
Format: Hardcover
Synopsis: (from Goodreads)

Rapunzel’s tower is a satellite. She can’t let down her hair—or her guard.

In this third book in the bestselling Lunar Chronicles series, Cinder and Captain Thorne are fugitives on the run, with Scarlet and Wolf in tow. Together, they’re plotting to overthrow Queen Levana and her army.

Their best hope lies with Cress, who has been trapped on a satellite since childhood with only her netscreens as company. All that screen time has made Cress an excellent hacker—unfortunately, she’s just received orders from Levana to track down Cinder and her handsome accomplice.

When a daring rescue goes awry, the group is separated. Cress finally has her freedom, but it comes at a high price. Meanwhile, Queen Levana will let nothing stop her marriage to Emperor Kai. Cress, Scarlet, and Cinder may not have signed up to save the world, but they may be the only ones who can.

The Lunar Chronicles

1. Cinder

2. Scarlet

3. Cress

4. Winter

My Thoughts

Ah, I just couldn't wait to start this! (Luckily, I didn't have to because I'm stupid and always push great books to the side... sigh). But that didn't make me enjoy the book any less! I definitely can't wait for Winter now! Too bad that, even if Winter ends up on NetGalley, due to the new territorial restrictions, I won't get an ARC. I'll just have to wait until the official release... if I survive that long.

Anyway though, Cress starts with most of the characters we know (Cinder, Scarlet, Wolf, Thorne and Iko, that is) on the Rampion. After just a little while, they decide that rescuing Cress from her figurative tower (this being some sort of retelling of Rapunzel). They do end up freeing her, but for reasons I won't go into, the group is split up. At first, I hated this. I don't know why but I just dislike it when author's tear groups apart (mostly just because they want to implement multiple points of views). But it really grew on me here. I was able to concencrate on Cress who ends up stranded in a desert with the slightly incapacitated Thorne. She is able to shine despite her awkwardness and the understandable terror of being out in the open after seven years in a satellite. They treck through the desert.

Meanwhile, Cinder, Wolf, and Iko land on Earth ot meet up with Dr. Erland. They are under the impression that Thorne and Cress are dead. And from there the plot procedes. I really do not want to say too much more because the book was so intense and enjoyable to read, I feel like if I said any more, I would spoil it for you.

All I want to say is that I have extremely high hopes for Winter (especially since we actually got a sneak peak of said character)! I'm just so excited that it's a physical pain that I still have to wait so long. I'll manage... somehow. But Winter better live up to all the expectations Meyer has instilled now!

Rating

Buy It

[Review] Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

2014-06-05T08:00:00.000+02:00

Description

Title: Scarlet
Author: Marissa Meyer
Pages: 454
Series: The Lunar Chronicles #2
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Date of Publication: 5th February, 2013
ISBN13: 9780312642969
Source: Bought
Format: Hardcover
Synopsis: (from Goodreads)

The fates of Cinder and Scarlet collide as a Lunar threat spreads across the Earth...

Cinder, the cyborg mechanic, returns in the second thrilling installment of the bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She's trying to break out of prison—even though if she succeeds, she'll be the Commonwealth's most wanted fugitive.

Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit's grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn't know about her grandmother or the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother's whereabouts, she is loath to trust this stranger, but is inexplicably drawn to him, and he to her. As Scarlet and Wolf unravel one mystery, they encounter another when they meet Cinder. Now, all of them must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen Levana, who will do anything for the handsome Prince Kai to become her husband, her king, her prisoner.

The Lunar Chronicles-Series

1. Cinder

2. Scarlet

3. Cress

4. Winter

My Thoughts

Ah, I was so eager to start the Cinder sequel! Like you couldn't believe. But then I couldn't really get into it. The changing point of views made it hard for me to keep track of what was happening (which is weird, because I usually like multiple POVs). It took me quite a long time to get over that. But when I did, oh boy. I think I read almost sixty percent of the book in one sitting. I just really enjoy Meyer's writing.

The book start off with an introduction of Scarlet, who is searching for her grandmother. Everyone seems to think she has just run off but Scarlet just knows she's been kidnapped. We meet a few new characters like Wolf, who travels to Paris with Scarlet or Thorne who is on the run with Cinder. Of course we also get to know more about characters from the first book, like Queen Levana, Kai or even Iko! (Yay!)

I also like all the characters, even Thorne and Wolf which seems kind of odd if you think about it. There was a minor case of insta love, but I didn't dislike it nearly as much as I usually do. It even kind of makes sense. I don't know, but I'm looking forward to seeing more of the couple!

If you haven't checked this series out yet, you definitely should!

Rating

Buy It

[Review] Cinder by Marissa Meyer

2014-05-22T08:00:00.001+02:00

Description

Title: Cinder
Author: Marissa Meyer
Pages: 387
Series: Lunar Chronicles #1
Publisher: Puffin
Date of Publication: January 5th, 2012
ISBN13: 9780141340135
Source: Bought
Format: Paperback
Synopsis: (from Goodreads)

Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . .

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.

Lunar Chronicles

1. Cinder

2. Scarlet

3. Cress

4. Winter

My Thoughts

I remember how everyone was so crazy about this book even before it came out. I actually got approved to read the galley via NetGalley but ended up not having the time. But because of all the favorable reviews I bought Cinder almost immediately after it was published... it just ended up in my neverending pile of books I need to read...

But anyhow! After the slight disappointment that was Allegiant, I was looking for something that I would definitely enjoy and alas, I found it in Cinder! I was hooked right from the first page and could hardly put it down. I knew it was a retelling of Cinderella so I knew into what kind of direction it would go. Or so I thought.

Yes, yes. I expected the whole thing about Selene (actually from the first time she was mentioned). But it didn't bother me nearly as much as it usually does. There were (and are) still so many things left unresolved and just plain weird that I can't wait to start Scarlet. If you haven't read Cinder yet, you definitely should!

Rating

Buy It

[Review] Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen

2014-05-08T08:00:00.000+02:00

Description

Title: Sense and Sensibility
Author: Jane Austen
Pages: 409
Series: //
Publisher: Penguin Books
Date of Publication: April 29th, 2003
ISBN13: 9780141439662
Source: Bought
Format: Paperback
Synopsis: (from Goodreads)

'The more I know of the world, the more am I convinced that I shall never see a man whom I can really love. I require so much!'

Marianne Dashwood wears her heart on her sleeve, and when she falls in love with the dashing but unsuitable John Willoughby she ignores her sister Elinor's warning that her impulsive behaviour leaves her open to gossip and innuendo. Meanwhile Elinor, always sensitive to social convention, is struggling to conceal her own romantic disappointment, even from those closest to her. Through their parallel experience of love—and its threatened loss—the sisters learn that sense must mix with sensibility if they are to find personal happiness in a society where status and money govern the rules of love.

This edition includes explanatory notes, textual variants between the first and second editions, and Tony Tanner's introduction to the original Penguin Classic edition.

My Thoughts

I definitely wanted to read this one because I enjoyed Pride and Prejudice so much. So I moved it up my reading list and finished it ... just not very fast. It took more more than a month to read it. That probably makes it pretty obvious that I didn't enjoy it as much as I did Pride and Prejudice.

The book is mainly about two sisters, Elinor and Marianne, and their way to marriage. Which is most definitely not uncommon with Austen's books, as far as I know. I enjoy Austen's prose. In fact, I really love it. I like the setting, the characters are very likeable, and so on.

The plot just ... fell a little flat. While the ending concerning Elinor was a little surprising, it was nothing that couldn't have been expected. It was too one-dimensional for my liking. There were really no subplots, everything related in some way or another to the potential marriage of Elinor and Marianne to the men of their dreams.

If it had just been a little bit shorter and less 'bloated', I think I would have enjoyed it tremendously. As it is, I would only recommend it to fans of Austen or hardcore romance readers.

Rating

Buy It

[Review] Allegiant by Veronica Roth

2014-04-24T08:00:00.000+02:00

Description

Title: Allegiant
Author: Veronica Roth
Pages: 526
Series: Divergent #3
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Date of Publication: October 22nd, 2013
ISBN13: 9780062287335
Source: Bought
Format: Paperback
Synopsis: (from Goodreads)

The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered—fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she’s known, Tris is ready. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties, and painful memories.

But Tris’s new reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human nature—and of herself—while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love.

Told from a riveting dual perspective, Allegiant, by #1 New York Times best-selling author Veronica Roth, brings the Divergent series to a powerful conclusion while revealing the secrets of the dystopian world that has captivated millions of readers in Divergent and Insurgent.

Divergent-Series

1. Divergent

2. Insurgent

3. Allegiant

My Thoughts

I think we all know that the third book is always the difficult one; it can completely redeem or break a series. While I wouldn't go so far as to say that Allegiant broke the series, it definitely didn't make it any matter but a bit worse in my opinion.

Now, I had extremely high expectations for this one. I enjoyed both the previous books (although Divergent much more than Insurgent) and I was pretty sure that this book was going to disappoint me, which is why I pushed it back... but then I thought, what the hell. It's not going to get any better sitting on my shelf.

The problems started almost immediately. I couldn't get into it, I didn't feel connected to the characters at all. I felt like a spectator, which, ultimately, I am of course, but it's not usually this bad. It dragged on and on, and again only my "at least one chapter a day"-rule kept me going. I was about to give up, but decided that this series really does deserve more. And obviously this book as well, since it got three stars from me in the end. And that is the key word: end. The end redeemed this one for me. I know a lot of people hate the ending and believe me, I can understand why. It's hard to swallow.

But it's not expected, it's not something I would have expected to happen in a million years. And since the rest of the book is pretty damn expectable, that is a good thing. That doesn't mean that I'm happy about the ending. I'm not. I just think it makes it a good book, one with a round finish. I probably won't re-read it, since the big reveal is just... kind of over. But I'd still recommend to finish the series, either way.

Rating

Buy It

[Review] Thumped by Megan McCafferty

2014-04-10T08:00:00.000+02:00

Description

Title: Thumped
Author: Megan McCafferty
Pages: 290
Series: Bumped #2
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Date of Publication: April 1st, 2012
ISBN13: 9780061962769
Source: Bought
Format: Hardcover
Synopsis: (from Goodreads)

Megan McCafferty’s Bumped series of books are must-read teen dystopian fiction, along with Ally Condie’s Matched series and Veronica Roth’s Divergent trilogy.

Thumped, the sequel to Bumped, manages to be satiric, scary, and romantic at the same time. It continues the story of separated-at-birth twins, Melody and Harmony, girls as engaging as McCafferty’s Jessica Darling. These sisters are the most popular teen girls on the planet. To their fans, they seem to be living ideal lives. Harmony is married to Ram and living in Goodside, the religious community that once meant everything to her. Melody has the genetically flawless Jondoe as her coupling partner, which means money and status—and a bright future.

But both girls are hiding secrets. And they are each pining for the only guys they can’t have…. The biggest risk of all could be to finally tell the truth.

Bumped-Series

1. Bumped

2. Thumped

My Thoughts

Why did I ever decide to read this? You have probably checked out Bumped, or at least my review of it. If the latter is the case, then you know that I didn't particularly like it. But the premise of the story interested me so much that I decided to read this (oh, and I may have forgotten to cancel my pre-order so there's that...).

This was such an easy and enjoyable read, I can't even tell you. I started it when I was waiting for my train and it was a breeze. Yes, the characters seem a little one dimensional or shallow sometimes. But it's a short book, so I can excuse that. What bothered me much more was the strange language. I know that this takes place in 2039 so it's very likely that the English language has changed. But things like "I'm going to terminate myself if you don't do XY" or "I wanted to delete myself"... well. It gets the meaning across, alright. But it doesn't seem like there is a deeper meaning behind using these words. Why not use regular words instead?

But I have to say, if this topic had been approached differently, maybe in a longer book with more worldbuilding and simply more time to get to know the characters, I would have liked it much more. As it stands, Ram's confession at the end seems a little forced, Harmony just seems confused and Melody... well. Doesn't seem to have too many brain cells. It's supposed to be different, obviously. She excels academically - and I do believe that. But she seems a bit stunted, socially.

Still. It's an easy read, it's nothing that you think too much about. If that's what you're looking for - some old fashioned entertainment - and you don't expect a deep examination of the topic "teen pregnancy"... then maybe this book is for you. But you have been warned about its problems.

Rating

Buy It

[Review] The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

2014-03-27T08:00:00.001+01:00

Description

Title: The Book Thief
Author: Markus Zusak
Pages: 554
Series: //
Publisher: Black Swan
Date of Publication: September 8th, 2007
ISBN13: 9780552773898
Source: Bought
Format: Paperback
Synopsis: (from Goodreads)

HERE IS A SMALL FACT - YOU ARE GOING TO DIE.
1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier.
Liesel, a nine-year-old girl, is living with a foster family on Himmel Street. Her parents have been taken away to a concentration camp. Liesel steals books. This is her story and the story of the inhabitants of her street when the bombs begin to fall.
SOME IMPORTANT INFORMATION - THIS NOVEL IS NARRATED BY DEATH.
It's a small story, about: a girl, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist fighter, and quite a lot of thievery.
ANOTHER THING YOU SHOULD KNOW - DEATH WILL VISIT THE BOOK THIEF THREE TIMES.

My Thoughts

Man, who didn't recommend this book to me? Seems like almost everyone (who has read this book) told me to read it. Now, I'm not generally someone who enjoys this genre. I don't read books that are set in Nazi-Germany. I don't know, it's just not my cup of tea.

But this one most certainly was. I admit, I had trouble in the beginning. I had to enforce my "Just one chapter a day and you can put it away"-rule for a while. But boy, am I glad I pulled through. Because pretty soon, I couldn't put it down. I just needed to know what would happen.

I don't think I can say much of anything concerning my feelings about the ending, without spoiling you all to hell and back again. So I won't say anything about it. But I will say that I really enjoyed all of the characters, but the narrator (I feel weird calling him Death) and the fist fighter (yes, he has a name, but I thought I'd stick to the blurb).

So like I said, I enjoyed reading this, but it still kind of tore my heart out and made me eat it afterwards. Ugh. Maybe I'll recommend it to everyone now, too, so they can share my torment. Or maybe I just like to recommend good books. In any case, if you haven't yet, you should definitely read this one! And although I haven't seen the movie yet, I'm (like always) recommending to read the book before you watch the movie - which won't be out in Germany until March anyhow (it being January as I'm writing this).

Rating

Buy It

[Review] The Death Cure by James Dashner

2014-03-13T08:00:00.000+01:00

Description

Title: The Death Cure
Author: James Dashner
Pages: 325
Series: The Maze Runner #3
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Date of Publication: January 1st, 2011
ISBN13: 9780385738774
Source: Bought
Format: Paperback
Synopsis: (from Goodreads)

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

The Maze Runner-Series

0. The Kill Order

1. The Maze Runner

2. The Scorch Trials

3. The Death Cure

My Thoughts

Oh man, I certainly read this trilogy fast! It was a fast, but very enjoyable ride, you could say. I definitely grew attached to the characters, especially Thomas, Minho and Newt. And I've come to the conclusion that you were supposed to dislike Teresa for the sole reason of later feeling bad about that. Sigh. I think it's easy to forget that they're all teenagers there.

Now, about the book itself. I have to say that I did not enjoy it as much as I did The Maze Runner, but it was on a similar level to The Scorch Trials. Maybe this is because the characters were not as hopeless (and yeah, I know how demented that sounds). Or maybe because WICKED suddenly didn't seem to be so invincible anymore. Either way, Thomas was annoying me a tad sometimes, with all his rebellious thoughts.

Also, I get that he doesn't trust WICKED. I totally get it, I wouldn't either. But I would want my memories back so bad. I think I would have risked it and let them perform the surgery... but then, I would probably have died back in the Maze, haha.

But in any case, I can heartily recommend this series to anyone who likes YA books and/or dystopians. In fact, I think it should be a must read, really, especially since so many books are advertised like "Maze Runner meets XY!". And I think it could be beneficial to know what that entails - a whole lot of action, suspense and yes, quite a bit of tears.

Rating

Buy It

[Review] The Scorch Trials by James Dashner

2014-02-27T08:00:00.000+01:00

Description

Title: The Scorch Trials
Author: James Dashner
Pages: 360
Series: The Maze Runner #2
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Date of Publication: January 1st, 2010
ISBN13: 9780385738750
Source: Bought
Format: Paperback
Synopsis: (from Goodreads)

Solving the Maze was supposed to be the end. No more puzzles. No more variables. And no more running. Thomas was sure that escape meant he and the Gladers would get their lives back. But no one really knew what sort of life they were going back to.

In the Maze, life was easy. They had food, and shelter, and safety . . . until Teresa triggered the end. In the world outside the Maze, however, the end was triggered long ago.

Burned by sun flares and baked by a new, brutal climate, the earth is a wasteland. Government has disintegrated—and with it, order—and now Cranks, people covered in festering wounds and driven to murderous insanity by the infectious disease known as the Flare, roam the crumbling cities hunting for their next victim . . . and meal.

The Gladers are far from finished with running. Instead of freedom, they find themselves faced with another trial. They must cross the Scorch, the most burned-out section of the world, and arrive at a safe haven in two weeks. And WICKED has made sure to adjust the variables and stack the odds against them.

Thomas can only wonder—does he hold the secret of freedom somewhere in his mind? Or will he forever be at the mercy of WICKED?

The Maze Runner-Series

0. The Kill Order

1. The Maze Runner

2. The Scorch Trials

3. The Death Cure

My Thoughts

I'm not going to lie, I was really excited about starting this! Coming late to a series is quite nice sometimes because you get to read the books back to back. Which is, obviously, what I've been doing with the Maze Runner series, except that I will read The Kill Order last (since I prefer to read books in the order that they were published).

The Scorch Trials picks of exactly where the Maze Runner left us, with the Gladers in a state of utter confusion and panic, even. At this point already I suspected that WICKED was messing with their memories again, but well... if you've read this book you know that you'll be suspecting lots and lots of things while reading it, most of which won't be true in any way at all. That is what I really enjoy about this series, really. There are a lot of things in this book as well that aren't particularly my cup of tea, but somehow it just works. The pacing is very good, I have a connection to many of the characters and I can't wait to start The Death Cure!

And I'm so confused after reading it! And I like it! You'd think that after book two, you'd have at least a few answers. Well, you do. But you also got a lot more questions that seem too complex to be answered any time soon (although, of course, I really hope they will be answered satisfyingly). I love most of the characters, but I'm wary of Brenda and Teresa. Why Teresa? Obvious if the you read the book. Brenda? Well... I don't really know. Something is just... off. But she's still much more likeable than Teresa, especially with what happened in this book.

I did not enjoy The Scorch Trials as much as The Maze Runner, and I can't quite put my finger on the reason why. It took me a little longer to move past the first hundred pages this time and I only did it as fast as I did because I had to wait on a train for an hour. It's still a very good book, I just think The Maze Runner is better.

Rating

Buy It

[Review] The Maze Runner by James Dashner

2014-02-13T08:00:00.001+01:00

Description

Title: The Maze Runner
Author: James Dashner
Pages: 374
Series: The Maze Runner #1
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Date of Publication: January 1st, 2009
ISBN13: 9780385737944
Source: Bought
Format: Paperback
Synopsis: (from Goodreads)

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

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

Thomas was expected. But the next day, a girl is sent up—the first girl to ever arrive in the Glade. And more surprising yet is the message she delivers.

Thomas might be more important than he could ever guess. If only he could unlock the dark secrets buried within his mind.

The Maze Runner-Series

0. The Kill Order

1. The Maze Runner

2. The Scorch Trials

3. The Death Cure

My Thoughts

Most dystopian novels these days are compared to two things: The Hunger Games and The Maze Runner. Well, having read the former but somehow never gotten the chance to read the latter. When the first three books (minus The Kill Order) showed up in my recommendations, I just knew it was time to finally read them!

And what can I say? The Maze Runner is not the kind of dystopia I usually prefer (that is, a society that seems utopian but really isn't). In fact, it's pretty much what I disliked about The Forest of Hands and Teeth. Yet, I really enjoyed reading it. I can only explain it with the following reasoning.

You start reading the book with just as many questions as the protagonist, Thomas. You learn as he does and every time a question is answered, five new questions appear. The worldbuiling (at least of what we've seen of the world so far) is very solid, characters don't suddenly start bending the rules and you - as the reader - feel secure in the knowledge that you've gained (at least until you read the epilogue... sigh).

The book keeps you on your feet the entire time, it's a true page turner. (The only thing I did not like that much were the short chapters but... well, you can just keep reading so it doesn't really matter all that much). The only breather you truly get from the action is right at the end when everything seems to have ended well. It seems to have, at least... While the characters are semi happy, you read the epilogue and you want to punch Dashner in the face.

Rating

Buy it here

[Review] After Obsession by Carrie Jones & Steven E. Wedel

2014-01-30T08:00:00.001+01:00

Description

Title: After Obsession
Author: Carrie Jones & Steven E. Wedel
Pages: 305
Series: //
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens
Date of Publication: September 13th, 2011
ISBN13: 9781599906812
Source: Bought
Format: Hardcover
Synopsis: (from Goodreads)

Aimee and Alan have secrets. Both teens have unusual pasts and abilities they prefer to keep hidden. But when they meet each other, in a cold Maine town, they can't stop their secrets from spilling out. Strange things have been happening lately, and they both feel that something-or someone- is haunting them. They're wrong. Despite their unusual history and powers, it's neither Aimee nor Alan who is truly haunted. It's Alan's cousin Courtney who, in a desperate plea to find her missing father, has invited a demon into her life-and into her body. Only together can Aimee and Alan exorcise the ghost. And they have to move quickly, before it devours not just Courtney but everything around her.

Filled with heart-pounding romance, paranormal activity, and rich teen characters to love-and introducing an exciting new YA voice, Steven Wedel-this novel is exactly what Carrie Jones fans have been waiting for. Meet your next obsession.

My Thoughts

Ugh. This was a definite cover buy, but then it ended up in the never ending pile of books that 'need' (or not) to be read. It only got read now because I'm picking books at random. Somehow, chance doesn't seem to be in my favour because I didn't enjoy this book at all. Let me summarize real quick: It's about Aimee (who can kind of see the future in weird dreams and she also heals people) and Alan (who just moved to town, his cousin's Courtney and he has this weird spirit animal thing called Onawa). They suffer from a minor case of insta love and set out to save Courtney, Aimee's best friend, from a demon called 'The River Man'. It's kind of confusing - and like I said, I really disliked it.

It started right in the beginning, too. While I could connect to Aimee at least a little bit, I had immediate problems with Alan - which started when he was describing his cousin Courtney. Let me quote a little bit here.

"Her brown hair hangs straight and limp and she lets it fall mostly over her face. Behind her glasses, she wears too much eyeliner. She has on a black AFI hoodie and faded blue jeans. I guess she's trying to be emo. I wonder if she cuts herself."

No. Sadly, I'm not kidding you. I mean, sure, I guess some teenage boys think like that. But this doesn't mean that an author needs to perpetrate thinking such as this one. The description reads like that of an average girl, except for the eyeliner bit and let's be honest, we've all worn too much eyeliner at one point. Does that mean that we cut ourselves? No. Cutting is a serious problem that needs to be dealt with appropriately, not with an offhand comment.

It really only gets worse from there. I hate to spend so much time with a book that I disliked, especially since I'm often at a loss for words concerning great books. But I feel like I have to warn you to steer clear of this book as successfully as possible.

What bothered me the most was that you don't get answers. Like... at all. Things are hinted at all the time, for example that Aimee can't heal indefinitely, that there is some sort of cost - but what that cost is? No idea. Why is The River Man called The River Man? You'd think because there'd be a river involved in... say, summoning him? Nope. It's just a mess is what this book is.

Rating

Buy It