Books That Make Me Go Oooooh (16) Crossed By Ally Condie

Waiting On Wednesday is a brilliant book blog feature hosted by Breaking The Spine
 

Crossed By Ally Condie
Published In The UK By Puffin
Due For Release 24th November 2011
Amazon LINK

"Rules are different outside the Society.

Chasing down an uncertain future, Cassia makes her way to the Outer Provinces in pursuit of Ky-taken by the Society to his certain death-only to find that he has escaped into the majestic, but treacherous, canyons. On this wild frontier are glimmers of a different life and the enthralling promise of rebellion. But even as Cassia sacrifices everything to reunite with Ky, ingenious surprises from Xander may change the game once again.

Narrated from both Cassia's and Ky's points of view, this hotly anticipated sequel to Matched will take them both to the edge of Society, where nothing is as expected and crosses and double crosses make their path more twisted than ever..."

This has to be one of my most anticipated releases of the year.  Matched was one of the first dysotopian books I'd really read and totally gave me the bug for reading that genre.  Bring on Crossed!!!

Cover Reveal: Insurgent By Veronica Roth

I've had the pleasure of reading some truly amazing books this year, but my favorite book of the year & quite possibly in a very long time was Divergent By Veronica Roth.  I just have so much love for that book.  It had me gripped from beginning to end.  A little while a go we were told the title to the follow up would be 'INSURGENT' Today we got the reveal of the next cover......

I'm thrilled to see they have stayed with the theme of the original cover.  I really don't like it, when covers are changed mid series!!  I find it very interesting that the colours are slightly more muted.  Also that the fire logo has been swapped with a tree logo - what can this all mean????
Also that Bi line at the top 'One Choice Can Destroy You'  Eeeeeek that does sound ominous!!

This reveal has definitely made me even more excited for the follow-up.  I didn't think I could be more excited, but have gone and done it!!!  Now the long wait for the release.......

Books That Make Me Go Oooooh (14) Legend By Marie Lu

Waiting On Wednesday is a brilliant book blog feature hosted by Breaking The Spine
 
Legend By Marie Lu
Published in the UK By Puffin
Due For Release Feb 2012
Amazon LINK
Goodreads LINK

"What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic's wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic's highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country's most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths - until the day June's brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family's survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias's death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

Full of nonstop action, suspense, and romance, this novel is sure to move readers as much as it thrills."
 
I heard about this back in July, when ARCs had started to be given out.  Like always I see a shiny cover and I am intrigued.  The American edition of the book sure is shiny.  But what intrigued me even more was the details about the book.  This simply sounds amazing, dysotopian (YES)  which is my big love at the moment. So excited!!!

Books That Make Me Go Oooooh (13) Article 5 By Kristen Simmons

Waiting On Wednesday is a brilliant book blog feature hosted by Breaking The Spine

Article 5 By Kristen Simmons
Published By Tor Books (US)
UK Publisher not yet known!
Due For Release 14th February 2012
Amazon LINK
Goodreads LINK

"New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, DC have been abandoned.

The Bill of Rights has been revoked, and replaced with the Moral Statutes.

There are no more police — instead, there are soldiers. There are no more fines for bad behavior — instead, there are arrests, trials, and maybe worse. People who get arrested don’t usually come back.

17-year-old Ember Miller is old enough to remember that things weren’t always this way. Living with her rebellious single mother, it’s hard to forget that people weren’t always arrested for reading the wrong books or staying out after dark. That life in the United States used to be different.

In the three years since the war ended, Ember has perfected the art of keeping a low profile. She knows how to get the things she needs, like food stamps and hand-me-down clothes, and how to pass the random home inspections by the Federal Bureau of Reformation. Her life is as close to peaceful as circumstances allow. That is, until her mother is arrested for noncompliance with Article 5 of the Moral Statutes. And what’s worse, one of the arresting officers is none other than Chase Jennings…the only boy Ember has ever loved."

I heard about this a short while ago and have not stopped thinking about it since. This just sounds incredible, just the sort of book I search for all the time.  I think this is one valentines day I'll be eager to see!!!!

Books That Make Me Go Oooooh (10) Glow By Amy Kathleen Ryan

Waiting On Wednesday is a brilliant book blog feature hosted by Breaking The Spine
   

Glow By Amy Kathleen Ryan

Published In The UK By PanMacmillan

Due For Release 7th October 2011

Amazon LINK

"16 years ago, Waverly and Kieran were the first children born in space. Now a perfect couple, they are the pride and joy of the whole spaceship.

They represent the future.

The ship is their entire world.

They have never seen a stranger before.

Old Earth is crumbling, and the crew is hoping to reach (and colonise) New Earth within fifty years. Along with their allies on the second spaceship - who set off a year before them and whom they have never met.

One day, Kieran proposes to Waverly. That same morning, the 'allies' attack - and Kieran and Waverly are separated in the cruellest way possible. Will they ever see each other again?"

I've only recently heard of this book, but was instantly drawn to the look and sound of it.  This sounds on similar lines to Across The Universe By Beth Revis, Which happens to be one of my favorites of 2011 so this has got me mega excited!!  Plus we don't have too long a wait for it now!!!

In My Mailbox (25)

In My Mailbox Is An Awesome Blog Post Idea Hosted By The Story Siren

All links will take you to Amazon

I didn't buy any new books this week, which was slightly distressing BUT I did find 3 awesome books in charity shops and had to snatch them up........

Bought

 

The Resistance By Gemma Malley

So I don't actually have the first book of the series to this yet, but I have it on good authority that this is an amazing series.  Had to buy it whilst I had the chance

Game Of Thrones By George R R Martin

Litterally the night before I found this book I was discussing the book and series with friends - all told me I was missing out big time

Time Riders By Alex Scarrow

Admitedly I hadn't actually heard of this book, but on reading the blurb thought it sounded right up my street.

What did you guys get this week???

L-L

xoxo

Cover Reveal: A Million Suns By Beth Revis

Super duper major excitement from me!!  I have just seen the stunning cover of 'A Million Suns' By Beth Revis - EEEEE! It's so beautiful!!  I am so excited for this book, please can it be released already????

Review - Wither By Lauren DeStefano

"Sixteen-year-old Rhine Ellery has only four years left to live when she is kidnapped by the Gatherers and forced into a polygamous marriage. Now she has one purpose: to escape, find her twin brother, and go home – before her time runs out forever.
What if you knew exactly when you would die?
Thanks to modern science, every human being has become a ticking genetic time bomb – males only live to age twenty-five and females only live to age twenty. In this bleak landscape, young girls are kidnapped and forced into polygamous marriages to keep the population from dying out.
When sixteen-year-old Rhine Ellery is taken by the Gatherers to become a bride, she enters a world of wealth and privilege. Despite her husband Linden’s genuine love for her, and a tenuous trust among her sister wives, Rhine has one purpose: to escape – to find her twin brother and go home.
But Rhine has more to contend with than losing her freedom. Linden’s eccentric father is bent on finding an antidote to the genetic virus that is getting closer to taking his son, even if it means collecting corpses in order to test his experiments. With the help of Gabriel, a servant she trusts, Rhine attempts to break free, in the limited time she has left."

From reading about this online I was so eager to get a copy & then to my horror I found out that it's not released in the UK for what felt like forever at the time, so thank heavens for overseas shipping - I got my beautiful hardback copy shipped over from the US.  I'm so pleased I didn't wait!!

The cover is just stunning. Everything from the model, to what she is wearing, to the little bird in the Cage is just Gorgeous!  Its just perfect!!  And I have SERIOUS envy for the dress - if anyone fancies making me a version of it, I'd be ever so grateful!!

The story immediately captivated me.  Straight away I got this feeling of dark mystery, maybe even slightly Gothic feel.
It almost felt like I was reading a history book, but from some strange alternate reality where things have gone very strange.
Having said that though, the date is never really mentioned.  The only thing you are told is that buildings in the USA are VERY old and so it must be some years in the future.  I'm very intrigued to see if more is mentioned about dates in the next two installments.

This book deals with Polygamy - something I have never read about so really don't have a huge amount of idea on the ins and out, but I think this has been introduced in an ingenious way.  Its a subject I don't see being talked about very often and I think its important that the YA market has all sorts of themes to learn about, even in a fictitious way.  Obviously these guys marriages are somewhat different to what a normal polygamous marriage would be like in the fact that they don't all know when they are going to die, but still the idea is there and I applaud it!
Reading about polygamy got me thinking about the idea though and I have decided it really wouldn't be for me.  I would be jealous as hell of my sister wives, although the friendships that girls in this book do develop are quite wonderful.

In this book world people die younger and so to live any kind of life they have to start young, much like things were years ago.  I found it fascinating that things have kind of reversed in this world.  Like our intelligence got so far that the only way to go was backwards.  It really is quite amazing!!

The book concludes with quite a hopeful end for our lead character Rhine.  I was waiting for some big cliffhanger or some big shock which I didn't get.  That's both great & kind of disappointing.  But I do remind myself that there are two parts to come in the trilogy so there is plenty of time for me to get some heartbreaks which I am sure I will - EEEEEEK!

This is just an amazing read, I can't recommend it highly enough - read it as soon as you can!!

Rating 4 1/2 Out Of 5

Published In The UK By Harper Voyager

Released in The UK On 4th August 2011

This Can Be Purchased HERE and In Good Book Retailers

Title Reveal: Divergent 2 By Veronica Roth

YAY so today marks another awesome bit of book news.  My favorite book of the year 'Divergent' has a sequel and today was named :D  It shall be christened..............

INSURGENT

An Awesome choice I think & now has me thinking about what the next book will contain?  Bring on the months of speculation - And anticipation of the cover reveal!!!!

Find out what Veronica Roth has to say about it on her blog HERE

Review - Divergent By Veronica Roth

"One choice can transform you. Pass initiation. Do not fail…
Thrilling urban dystopian fiction debut from exciting young author.
In sixteen-year-old Beatrice Prior’s world, society is divided into five factions – Abnegation (the selfless), Candor (the honest), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent) – each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue, in the attempt to form a “perfect society.” At the age of sixteen, teens must choose the faction to which they will devote their lives.
On her Choosing Day, Beatrice renames herself Tris, rejects her family’s group, and chooses another faction. After surviving a brutal initiation, Tris finds romance with a super-hot boy, but also discovers unrest and growing conflict in their seemingly “perfect society.” To survive and save those they love, they must use their strengths to uncover the truths about their identities, their families, and the order of their society itself."


I was very fortunate to have been sent an ARC of this.  I was so excited when I opened the package - I had no idea I was getting it!!

Firstly the cover. Very eye catching.  Gives you a good idea of what the setting is, so you can picture it just that bit easier.   I generally find with dysotopian books, that I picture kind of medieval settings.  I have no idea why I do this, but my strange head does.  It was just that bit more helpful to have a picture to refer to.

I found the idea of this book amazing.  I already find it hard when I think of people making decisions about college courses or jobs at 16, but this books takes it even further in that you make the decision & that is final.  You're only alternative to choice, is to basically become what is considered the dregs of society.  Whilst reading I thought of the people in factions as Upper Classes & the factionless as working class.  I hope I'd fit into a faction, but would be terrified of ending up factionless, as I quite possibly would!
The use of factions for the book is such a great idea too.  I can already imagine my book friends and I, discussing which faction we're in & who's better.  Oh I do love our book fangirling!
The five Factions Abnegation, Candor, Dauntless, Amity And Erudite, I couldn't help but think of them in school group terms.  I thought Dauntless would definitely be the bad, but cool kids.  The Erudites would definitely be the geeks.  I think I would actually fit in with Amity as to be honest I am a bit of a chicken & just like peace, which is a shame because I love the sounds of the Dauntless' fashion & their tattoos!  I am a huge tattoo fan & hope to build on my one little inkage and I probably shouldn't say this, but this book has inspired me to get more.  Veronica Roth you are to blame :)

There is A lot of anticipation building with the book, which seriously got my heart racing.  I honestly had no idea where the story was going to go to next, this made it really hard to put down & get sleep though - I warn you!!
It was very enjoyable to read Tris' thought processes.  The way she solves life's puzzles and sorts out her predicaments, absolutely fascinated me.  I should learn from her for sure!

I do have to say that the story is quite harrowing and dramatic at times & although I did really enjoy the story (seriously I did) I couldn't quite understand why anyone would stay where they were, enduring what they were.  I guess this shows more of my cowardice or maybe just how brave the character of Tris is.

There are such huge twists in the characters.  It was deeply shocking.  I really didn't expect for some of them to act the way they did.  It really does keep you on your toes.

As with most YA stories there is a budding romance & a dreamy guy.  But the dreamy guy (Four) in the book is my new FAVOURITE!  OK I know I do say this a lot, but I think this is the one.  Four I LOVE YOU!!!  Please can you materialise in my home town & become my beau???  I will even try and become a domestic goddess for you, and that is something that would shock everyone I know!!

The story leads to a very dramatic conclusion, with yet again lots of twists and turns and heartbreak and relief.  The story didn't have a perfect happy end which I actually loved.  Its so much more 'realistic' to have sadness & not be completely lucky.

This is without doubt my favourite book of the year so far, quite possibly one of my all time favourite books.  It has everything humour, love, action, heartbreak, deception, fear and DEATH!  You would be stupid to not get this book.  Go and pre-order it now YOU WILL NOT BE SORRY!!!!!

Rating 5 Out Of 5

Published In The UK By HarperCollins Childrens Books

This Can Be Purchased HERE and at all good book stores

This Is Due For Release On The 3rd May 2011

Crossed Cover Reveal - Ally Condie

Major excitement from me today, as Ally Condie did the grand reveal of the cover for CROSSED, the sequel to Matched, which was one of my favorite books of last year.
I think it looks amazing!  I love that they have stuck with the bubble theme cover too!

You can see what Ally herself has to say about it HERE

Crossed is due for release in November

You can find my review of Matched HERE

Review - Across The Universe By Beth Revis

"Amy has left the life she loves for a world 300 years away

Trapped in space and frozen in time, Amy is bound for a new planet. But fifty years before she’s due to arrive, she is violently woken, the victim of an attempted murder. Now Amy's lost on board and nothing makes sense - she's never felt so alone.

Yet someone is waiting for her. He wants to protect her; and more if she’ll let him.

But who can she trust amidst the secrets and lies? A killer is out there – and Amy has nowhere to hide . . ."


Yet another of my eagerly anticipated reads.  I heard about this the end of last year and was seriously jealous when everyone started to receive their ARCS and proofs.  Very luckily for me I did get a copy of this a couple of weeks early (of the UK release) from my wonderful friend Jenny at Wondrous Reads

The cover is beautiful.  So fitting for the book theme and story, but also really eye catching.  I would have definitely have picked this up in the shop, had I not of heard of it before.

This is futuristic, so very obviously is sci-fi based.  I generally have a love hate relationship with sci-fi, as all my Dad & brother watched whilst I was growing up was Star Trek, it drove me barmy.  But as I have grown up I have started to see more of what they enjoy and as many of you know I love attending conventions now, so the ratio is switching more to the love.  I love that this book has the sci-fi, but is done in quite a feminine way so this was extremely enjoyable for me.  I also think this is a great book to maybe get people that think they wouldn't be into sci-fi into it.  Anything that broadens peoples interests, gets a big thumbs up from me!

There are just so many aspects of this book that I loved.  All the little details that Beth included are so great.  Like the NEW curse words 'Frexing' & 'Chutz' I'm so going to have to use them in conversations from now on!!  Also the way lots of words had been shortened was brilliant.  Its something that anyone that uses to Internet or texts does.  Its no different to us reading a Jane Austen book now & reading words or phrases that are no longer used.  Language evolves and Beth showed this brilliantly.

Right from the first chapter I was pretty gripped.  The process of being frozen sounded horrendous.  I'm so glad I haven't got to go through it!

There are quite a few ideas in the book that over the years I have sat and thought to myself I wonder if that would be possible or I wonder if that will ever happen.  It was great reading about a world where this was happening.  Made me feel like a fortune teller for a while (oh I wish!)

I loved the way the book was written from two perspectives, of Amy & Elder.  Its done in a similar style to Shiver & Linger By Maggie Stiefvater, which I ADORE so was great for me to read!

There were so many things in the book that shocked me and left me, with my mouth wide open.  Its a reaction I love to have, so once again I really enjoyed it!

One thing the book has definitely made me think is that I need to learn more about history and the way things work.  Amy has struggles with having knowledge, but not knowing enough to show people things accurately & so got me thinking that just in case I'm ever in the same position (being frozen & woken up many years later) there's things that you should definitely know!

This is a thoroughly enjoyable read.  Its very different to a lot of YA books out there and also thought provoking.  I really hope everyone gives this a go.  Its well worth it!!!

Rating 4 1/2 Out Of 5

Published In The UK by Puffin / Razorbill

This Can Be Purchased HERE & at all good bookstores

Review - Delirium By Lauren Oliver

"There was a time when love was the most important thing in the world. People would go to the end of the earth to find it. They would tell lies for it. Even kill for it.

Then, at last, they found the cure.

Now, everything is different. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the government demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Haloway has always looked forward to the day when she'll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy.

But then, with only ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable"

I have been eagerly awaiting the release of this book for so long.  I've heard so many rave reviews for it so I literally started to read it, the day I got it.  Here's what I thought......

Firstly the cover - I love it!  I love that they went with hardback.  For me hardbacks really are the best way to read a book.  They just look amazing.  The cover art I felt was very simple, but so effective.  For me it kind of sums up the way the characters live.  Like they are all basically hidden.  I also love the use of the birds.  For me birds always symbolise freedom & that again is something I feel the characters don't have & what Lena the lead character is searching for.

The premise for this book is amazing.  As soon as I read the blurb I wanted to read the book.  I was really interested to see how a world without love would be depicted.  I can confirm that the world that is written about is tragic & somewhere I never want to live!  But it is such an interesting place to read about.  I found it shocking that even parents don't have a strong love for their children.  I'm incredibly close to my Mum & it made me feel sad to think that our relationship wouldn't exist as it does now, in this book 'world'

For me Lena was really easy to relate to, even down to the small things like her height & views, we are scarily similar in some ways, except I don't have an Alex and I REALLY want an Alex!  He is Divine.  Just the kinda new Fictional Husband I have been searching for!!

Whilst reading this I couldn't help thinking of a couple of films.  The cureds were just like 'The Stepford Wives' for me.  I found them kind of robotic, and just functioning for whatever purpose is chosen for them.  Whereas the kids or Uncureds reminded me of the dancers in 'Dirty Dancing' Its like they are doing stuff that the adults won't approve of, but actually aren't doing anything harmful.  I love that a book could make me think of those.

At the beginning of every chapter Lauren writes a passage, sometimes they are poems, sometimes they are from medical journals of this world.  All of these I found incredible & I couldn't wait to start a new chapter to see what was written.  I particularly like the Rhyme at chapter 6 - check it out!!

The name for the illness of love is so awesome!  'Amor Deliria Nervosa'  I will forever try to keep this ailment in my life!!!

I found the end of this book brought out so many emotions in me.  It was thrilling, then heart warming, then heartbreaking.  But ultimately enjoyable!  I'm really eager to see what happens in the next installment.

As you can probably tell I really did enjoy this, but I didn't enjoy it quite as much as I hoped I would.  As always I blame myself for this, because I over hyped it for myself & it would have been really hard for any book to have reached the expectations I had set.  I'm going to try really hard to set my sights so high - yep its gonna be a struggle.....

Rating 4 Out Of 5

Published In The UK By Hodder & Stoughton

This can be purchased HERE and at all good bookstores

Review - Mockingjay (Part III Hunger Games ) By Suzanne Collins

Warning Spoilers Possible!

"Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games twice. But now that she's made it out of the bloody arena alive, she's still not safe. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge... The thrilling final instalment of this ground-breaking trilogy promises to be one of the most talked-about books of the year." 


I'd already heard some very mixed reviews for Mockingjay and with my just finishing Catching Fire, I was eager to read the finale and know what everyone was talking about, but mostly deciding for myself what my opinions were.  There were aspects that I LOVED, but there were also a few things that I was very unsure of.  I'll explain all shortly.

The cover is brilliant, I love the fiery colour of it.  For me it shouts all what Katniss is about & her role in the book.  Once again I think this would be equally appealing to boys and girls, which is fantastic.  Getting people into reading is so important, and I really do think covers can have a great impact.


Once again this kicks off, shortly after where the previous book left off.  All the blanks are quickly filled in, and you feel ready to get on with the story.  One thing I some times get bored of in books, is the way that the back story can be repeated a lot, which in some instances is necessary, sometimes not so much.  For me this book had the perfect balance & I didn't find my mind wandering at all.

Very early on in the story I felt myself questioning whether district 13 were any better than the capitol.  I'm not sure if this was completely intentional but it was a big indicator for how the story would evolve, for me anyway.  That said they Suzanne once again managed to pull off some amazing twists and turns, that I never saw coming.  Her mind is truly fantastic!!

Relative newcomers to the story Annie & Finnick - I ADORE them!!  They have the cutest relationship ever!  I just pray one day I am lucky enough to find my own Finnick!!
Also the revelations of Finnick's past absolutely shocked me (once again!)  I don't know why I didn't see it, but I absolutely didn't.  I was left aghast again as these books have managed to leave me every time!

Towards the end of the book is when I began to feel a little unsure and maybe not how I wanted the book to go.  I felt we were left out of the BIG part of the story where the book was heading to & it did make me disappointed.  I really wanted to see how our group of heroes were going to get to Snow, but as I say this didn't actually happen.  But it was explained so we do still have an idea of the events that happened.

Then as the story seems to be going to a close we get yet another twist, which as I have said before and will say again left me absolutely shocked!  I most definitely didn't see this happening!

The story then goes in what I can only say is a pretty depressing road.  Its understandable, but dark reading at the same time.

The whole love triangle finally gets resolved and I have to say I would absolutely have made the same choice as Katniss.  I'm actually going to be unpopular with some of my friends over this fact, but my choice was obviously the same as Collins and so must be the right choice *GRIN*

You get the end of the story and then there is an Epilogue - uh oh!  I really don't like Epilogues very much.  For me the story was ended fairly perfectly on the last words of the last page & then you get this whole load of other information that I didn't feel was needed.  But it in no way ruins the story or makes the story less enjoyable, I just felt it wasn't needed.

Overall I thoroughly enjoyed the book & am happy with the resolution of the story.  The whole series was addictive reading and this was no different at all.  I really do urge everyone to give these a go!!!

Rating 4 out of 5

Published In The UK By Scholastic

This can be purchased HERE and in all Good Bookstores

Review - Catching Fire (Part II Hunger Games) By Suzanne Collins

"After winning the brutal Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen returns to her district, hoping for a peaceful future. But Katniss starts to hear rumours of a deadly rebellion against the Capitol. A rebellion that she and Peeta have helped to create. As Katniss and Peeta are forced to visit the districts on the Capitol's cruel Victory Tour, the stakes are higher than ever. Unless Katniss and Peeta can convince the world that they are still lost in their love for each other, the consequences will be horrifying... The terrifying sequel to The Hunger Games." - Synopsis taken from Amazon

I have been super slow reading these books - I admit it!  I remember when the first book initially came out & seeing Stephenie Meyers rave reviews for it.  That got my interest, but when I read the blurb I really didn't feel it was for me.  I thought it was too boyish in some ways.  Boy am I glad I eventually changed my mind!  I should also say a big thanks to my friends for nagging me to finish the books!!  THANK YOU!!

As always I talk about the cover first.  This is really cool.  Its quite simple, but I think its appealing to both boys and girls.  Great colours too!!

This books kicks off shortly after where the first book finishes.  I really like this, makes you feel like you haven't missed much & gets you back into the story very quickly.

On a very hypocritical note something really bothers me about these books.  The animal hunting!!  I'm not even a vegetarian, so as I say its completely wrong of me to let this bother me, but it does.  I can categorically say that if I was Katniss & I had to kill for food, we would go without - sorry family for your impending deaths!!!

For me it has been very bizarre reading this book at the moment, as some of the things that happens in the districts is actually happening right now in places like Egypt & Tunisia.  I really did find myself thinking of the book when watching the news & thinking of the news whilst reading the book.  Proof of how good the writing is.  Suzanne did a fantastic job of writing of the turmoils they have to go through.

This book left me shocked.  Just when you think things can't get worse for the characters, it does and in ways that you can't even imagine.  But it doesn't stop this being absolutely compelling reading.  You become so involved in the characters lives, I really did feel the pain of what was happening to them.

I found putting this book down so hard, nearly every chapter ended with some sort of cliffhanger and just made me feel like I had to keep reading.
The last sentence left me with my mouth OPEN!!  I can't imagine how people felt when they read that & knew that they had to wait about a year for the finale.  Maybe my waiting wasn't such a bad idea, as I get to start Mockingjay now - YAY!!

This is an AMAZING book & a fabulous series.  Even if this doesn't sound like your sort of book, which is exactly how I felt please give them a go.  You will not be disappointed!!!

Rating 4 Out Of 5

Published In The UK By Scholastic

This Can Be Purchased HERE And from all good book stores

Books That Make Me Go Ooooooh (1)

Recently I have developed this habit of trawling through Amazon to find new books that I am dying to read, so thought how about blogging about them. I might as well share my book lusting, no point suffering alone. So My First book is..........

Birthmarked By Caragh M O'Brien
Due For Release 28th April 2011
Published In The UK By Simon & Schuster
Amazon Link

"IN THE ENCLAVE, YOUR SCARS SET YOU APART, and the newly born will change the future. In the future, in a world baked dry by the harsh sun, there are those who live inside the walled Enclave and those, like sixteen-year-old Gaia Stone, who live outside. Following in her mother's footsteps Gaia has become a midwife, delivering babies in the world outside the wall and handing a quota over to be "advanced" into the privileged society of the Enclave. Gaia has always believed this is her duty, until the night her mother and father are arrested by the very people they so loyally serve. Now Gaia is forced to question everything she has been taught, but her choice is simple: enter the world of the Enclave to rescue her parents, or die trying. A stunning adventure brought to life by a memorable heroine, this dystopian debut will have readers racing all the way to the dramatic finish"

As soon as I saw the cover to this I was intrigued, I know you shouldn't make judgments from covers, but I bet we all do it - admit it!!!! Anyway I'm so glad it did catch my eye, as I went on the read the synopsis & knew this book is for me. It sounds just as amazing as it looks & I cannot wait to get my mitts on it

Review - Matched By Ally Condie

I was very lucky to be given an ARC of this book at a Twilight convention, from my awesome friend Jenny at Wondrous Reads . I'm ashamed to admit its another book I hadn't heard of until getting it & when I saw some of my friends responses to me saying I had it, I guessed it was something I needed to read as soon as possible.

Its actually a very different book for me to read, as I don't tend to go for futuristic style, but from reading the blurb even I thought this sounded pretty awesome. I don't think I can convey HOW awesome it actually is!!

The setting is an incredible, futuristic land where every ones lives are pre-mapped for them, from what they eat for breakfast to who they will spend the rest of their lives with. Everyone is engineered to be as perfect as they can be & everyone is incredibly content with this way of life. On reading this I could totally see this one day happening. It was almost like reading an autobiography, except its in the future (and obviously fiction) I have to admit, I did feel like this is a land I could have been quite happy in living in. Not having to make any hard decisions & just doing what you are meant to. I guess that shows some of my lazier streak, eeek!!


Of course nothing is ever perfect and its not until the story evolves that you realise how much people are doing because they are told to and not because its what they want.
I quickly decided that maybe things are better the way we have them - debatable I know!!

The story revolves around a girl called Cassia & her finding her place in the society that has been decided for her. She finds herself torn between a love chosen for her & a love she has chosen for herself. She has the hardest decisions to make and I do not envy her one bit. Although I wouldn't mind the attention from 2 wonderful guys!!
You soon realise how much everyone is being watched & that secrets are just not possible, with harsh punishments for anyone going against the rules.

This really got me questioning life & the future (my future). I always find it incredible when a book can do this & a young Adult book at that, which I don't think get enough credit for their impact.

This is without a doubt one of the best books I have read this year, I can't recommend it any higher. Its a world you can completely sink yourself into & forget everything that is going on around you.
I urge you go and get this book AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, you will not regret it!!!!
Now I just have to wait for the sequel - how longs that going to be???......

Rating 5 Out Of 5

Published in the UK By Puffin