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

Another Author Signing At Eternal Twilight 6 - Marcus Sedgwick

Earlier I posted about Kate Harrison attending ET6 & I've just seen the news that the AWESOME Marcus Sedgwick will be attending on the Sunday!!!

All the details can be found HERE

Here's What the Forum Says about his appearance & Upcoming book

"Marcus will be in attendance on Sunday. He will be taking part in a 30 minute talk and signing copies of his upcoming book MIDWINTERBLOOD.

Have you ever had the feeling that you've lived another life? Been somewhere that has felt totally familiar even when you've never been there before, or felt that you've known someone even though you are meeting them for the first time?

‘I will live seven times and I will look for you and love you in each life. Will you follow?’

In 2073 on the remote and secretive island of Blessed, where rumour has it that no one ages and no children are born, a visiting journalist, Eric Seven, and a young local woman known as Merle are ritually slain. Their deaths echo a moment ten centuries before, when, in the dark of the moon, a King and his queen were tragically torn apart. Their souls search to be reunited as mother and son, artist and child, forbidden lovers, victims of a vampire, but only a bloody sacrifice will rekindle their true love.

Beautifully imagined, intricately and cleverly structured this is a heart wrenching and breathtaking love story, but it also has the hallmark Sedgwick gothic touch with plenty of blood-spilling, a vampire and sacrifice."

I think this is shaping up to e a truly Fabulous convention!!

Eternal Twilight 6 Website

Author Signing At Eternal Twilight 6 - Kate Harrison

As some of you know I am a big Twilight fan & always attend Massive Events Conventions for the films.  Well they have made it a kind of tradition to bring authors of YA books to the events.  This is pure heaven for me!!

Today we got a new author announcement for Eternal Twilight 6 Taking Place In October

KATE HARRISON

She's going to be signing copies of her first YA novel on the Saturday

All the details can be found HERE

Here's a bit about her new book

When Alice Forster receives an email from her dead sister she assumes it must be a sick practical joke. Then an invitation arrives to the virtual world of Soul Beach, an idyllic online paradise of sun, sea and sand where Alice can finally talk to her sister again - and discover a new world of friendships, secrets and maybe even love . . . .

But why is Soul Beach only inhabited by the young, the beautiful and the dead? Who really murdered Megan Forster? And could Alice be next?

The first book in an intriguing and compelling trilogy centred around the mystery of Megan Forster's death.





 You can Find More out About Kate On Her website  http://www.kate-harrison.com/

In My Mailbox (12)

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

All links will take you to Amazon

Once again I was really lucky and had a fabulous book week.  Managed to find some awesome reads on my travels too.  Here's what I got...

Bought

These First Two I got from charity shops, I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw them on the shelves!

 Wicked By Gregory Maguire

I actually already have a copy of this, but in paperback.  I've never seen a hardback edition & when I found this I was so excited.  I'm sure its meant to have a dustcover, but this edition should not be covered anyway - its GORGEOUS!  Plus the Pages are GREEN!!!

The Dark Divine By Bree Despain

I have wanted to read this one for ages & for one reason or another I just hadn't got a copy, but I am so ecstatic to finally have it

 Wither By Lauren DeStefano

This I got from the US, as its not out in the UK for months yet.  The premise of the story sounds incredible, I can't wait to start it.  Plus the cover - OMG it is so pretty!!  Even my Mum made a little gasp when she saw it

Inside Out By Maria V. Snyder

As you may have read before I adored Maria's Study series of books, so based on my love of her work I had to get this.  Another series I am eager to get my teeth into

 Morning Glories issue 8

This has to be one of my favorite series of comics.  The stories are just amazing

You can find the first 6 issues HERE, in a Graphic Novel

Gift

So as some of you may have noticed Jenny over at Wondrous Reads is one of my best friends & she supplies me with so much reading material - she is a true LEGEND!  This week I got:

Desires Of The Dead By Kimberly Derting

I finished reading the Body Finder last week & absolutely adored it.  Jenny saw my fangirl tweets & so sent me along the next part of the story.  SO HAPPY!!!

I also got a District 19 postcard and some awesome Hunger Games Tattoos

That's my lot for the week - its been epic!!

Hope you all got some amazing reads too?!

L-L 

xoxo

Book Theme Tunes: The Body Finder

I like most people love to listen to music whilst I read.  Its two of my favorite things that I can mix - you can't do that with many hobbies!  Well sometimes just by chance you will listen to a song that fits the story perfectly.  These posts will be dedicated to my two big loves!!


The Body Finder features a beautiful love story between Violet & Jay, something that completely benefits from a theme song.  Just by chance on the very last pages I was listening to the most perfect song for this book, so I had to share - hope you enjoy as much as I did

The song is: Pieces By Red

You can find my review of The Body Finder HERE

Cover Reveal: The Mortal Instruments Comic

Today on the Fabulous Cassandra Clare's facebook & twitter pages, the cover for the eagerly awaited 'The Mortal Instruments' comic, cover was revealed - YAY!!!!

Here is what Cassandra has to say about it - 

"Cover of TMI comic #1 and update on comics/graphic novels: "Issue 1 is lettered (waiting on tweaks from letterer now and then you'll see it) issue 1 is almost done being colored and issue 2 is underway. Issue 4 is being adapted and by next week the artist will be halfway through the art on issue 3." Still aiming for winter publication."

Facebook link  

I am so excited for this release!  I had to go on a hunt to get the free copy that came out on free comic book day last year!!!  

Review - The Body Finder By Kimberly Derting

"Violet Ambrose is grappling with two major issues: Jay Heaton and her morbid secret ability. While the sixteen-year-old is confused by her new feelings for her best friend, she is more disturbed by her "power" to sense dead bodies - or at least those that have been murdered. Since she was a little girl, she has felt the echoes the dead leave behind in the world...and the imprints that attach to their killers.

Violet has never considered her strange talent to be a gift, but now that a serial killer is terrorizing her small town Violet realizes she might be the only person who can stop him.

Despite his fierce protectiveness over her, Jay reluctantly agrees to help Violet find the murderer - and Violet is unnerved by her hope that Jay's intentions are much more than friendly. But even as she's falling in love, Violet is getting closer to discovering a killer...and becoming his prey herself."

This book has been on my shelf for a little while and I've been eager to start it, so finally did.  I've heard so many rave reviews for it & now know why!!!

The cover is gorgeous.  Such a fabulous vivid picture, but I don't really see what it has to do with the story.  If anyone knows feel free to fill me in ;)

The book starts with a prologue that totally immerses you in the story straight away.  I found the book so easy to read & kind of become a part of.  Always a brilliant sign.

Something that totally took me by surprise was the way certain chapters were written.  I don't want to say too much as I found it a brilliant / morbid shock and I don't want to take that away from anyone.   But it did reinstill my agoraphobia a little - it was that well written

Violet was a fantastic lead character.  I think most people could to relate to her in some way.  And I can confirm that having curly hair can be a nightmare, it really is a plight!

The realtionship between Violet & Jay is amazing.  I can honestly say that Jay is one of my new 'Fictional Husbands'  He is just perfect & I want one of my very own - pretty please!!!

I loved that the book had two fabulous contasting storylines to read.  It was both a beautiful love story & a disturbing thriller.  I was eager to turn the page to see what storyline I'd find.  For me this was pretty unique and just amazing!

This came with twists and turns at every page & I can say the end was not entirely predictable.  I'm happy if I guess aspects, but its always a treat when you get a shock, which I got plenty of!

This book brought about so many emotions - I was excited, thrilled, heartwarmed, disturbed, unsettled - you name it, I felt it - and I LOVED every second of it.  Please, Please, Please go and get a copy of this for yourself and enjoy it as much as I did!!

Rating 4 1/2 Out Of 5

Published In The UK By Headline

This Can be Purchased HERE and at all good book stores

In My Mailbox (11)

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

All links will take you to Amazon

YAY!  I had another week of getting awesome books - I am such a lucky bunny!  Plus I have been reading 'The Body Finder' By Kimberley Derting, which I have LOVED!  Review to come in the next few days!!

Bought

 My Name Is Memory By Ann Brashares

I've been intrigued by this book for a while now & saw this and the next book at bargain prices so couldn't resist

Siren By Tricia Rayburn

I actually don't know a great deal about this, but again at the price I couldn't resist.  Plus the girl on the cover has reflective eyes - AMAZING!

Gift

Divergent By Veronica Roth

The amazing, wonderful, fabulous Jenny at Wondrous Reads, surprised me with a copy of this in the mail.  I can honestly say I gasped & did a geek girl dance - I have even started to read this one already - Review shall follow!

These Three Beauties were gifted to me by the gorgeous Laura at SisterSpooky: Book Fangirl  - I really do have the BEST friends!!

Ink Exchange By Melissa Marr

I have Wicked Lovely in my room & keep meaning to read it, but now I have the follow up I think it'll give me more of a push!  Plus they have a tattoo theme <3

Scott Pilgrim's Precious Little Life By Bryan Lee O'Malley

This is the first of the graphic novels of the series.  Another one I just hadn't gotten round to getting.  So excited to now have it!

Midnighters: Secret Hour By Scott Westerfeld

I don't know a whole lot about this series, but Laura was telling me about it a while ago & I must admit to being intrigued.  Looking forward to giving it a go!

Won

Last week Chicken House tweeted that they were up to 99 likes on their Facebook Page, the 100th would win a bundle of books.  I honestly hadn't even realised they had a facebook group, so I hopped on over & was the very lucky 100 - I've been named their 'Miss 100'  That makes me SO happy :D

Stolen By Lucy Christopher

This sounds kind of different, to what I'd normally pick up off the shelf but so interesting all the same

Reckless By Cornelia Funke

So I actually got a paperback edition of this, that isn't even out to July- Major excitement!  It sounds like such a good book!  I really enjoyed Inkheart, so hopefully this will be just as good!!

Numbers By Rachel Ward

This one is definitely going to be one of my next reads.  Its sounds so amazing & also knowing that its going to become a movie!!  I do like to try and read the books before seeing the movie - I can't wait!

Wood Angel By Erin Bow

I've been saying for the last few weeks that I've really wanted this, so was uber excited to see this included in my bundle.  It has the most gorgeous cover & sounds right up my street!

The Maze Runner By James Dashner
I've seen this book around for a while & must admit I wasn't eager to pick it up, as it looked a bit boyish.  Having now read the Hunger Games, which I had similar misconceptions about, I'm really learning to keep an open mind.  I'm actually very excited about giving this one a go!

Its been a great week!  Thanks so much to Jenny, Laura & the amazing people at Chicken House - YOU ROCKED MY WEEK!!!

Hope you all got great goodies - till next weekend

L-L
xoxo

Review - Cryers Cross (The Missing) By Lisa McMann

"The tiny town of Cryer’s Cross is shocked when a local schoolgirl disappears without a trace. Already off-balance due to her OCD, sixteen-year-old Kendall is freaked out by seeing the empty desk in the one-room school house, but somehow life goes on… until Kendall's boyfriend disappears.
Alone in her depression and with her OCD at an all-time high, Kendall notices something that connects the missing. She knows it's crazy, but Kendall finds herself drawn to the desk that they both sat at… Then she begins receiving messages. Can her boyfriend be alive somewhere? How can Kendall help him? The only person who will listen is Jacian, the new guy she finds irritating…and attractive. As Kendall and Jacian grow closer, Kendall digs deeper into the mysterious disappearances only to stumble upon some ugly – and deadly – local history.
Kendall is about to find out just how far people will go to keep their secrets buried…"


I was given this a while ago by Jenny & really fancied having a quick read, so this was my book of choice.

I really love the US cover.  Its quite unusual & haunting looking.  I've always had a little fascination with the old style school tables, even more so now after reading this!!
The UK cover & title are both great too.  I'm not always that happy with seeing peoples faces on covers, but this does kind of work.  Will be great to see a real copy!

Anyone that has read any of Lisa McMann's books will know she writes in 3rd person - its a really unusual style to read & initially I always think I'm not going to like it, but honestly after no time I adjusted & read like I would any other book.

I found it quite interesting to read of a person with OCD.  I don't feel this is one of the most commonly talked about mental conditions & that is a shame.  When things are discussed they are so much more understandable & it breaks away all pre-conceptions.  I think Lisa did a great job using this & I really hope more of this kind of thing can be Incorporated into books, as these conditions are getting more and more common.

After 100 pages I was still unsure of where the book was going.  I didn't know if it was going to go sinister or paranormal.  This was both enthralling & a little frustrating, I wanted to know what was going down!!

The big revelations at the end, were definitely unexpected for me.  I read it in bed & did feel slightly disturbed - it actually was a great feeling (I sound weird)

The end was well rounded with just a small lingering question at the end.  In some ways I do hope this is a standalone book, as I'd like my mind to create a bizarre end.  That said if a sequel was made, I'd be there to buy it!!

This was a good, quick read.  It was a great in between book for me to devour!!

Rating 3 Out Of 5

Published In The UK By Harper Collins Childrens Books

Due For Release In The UK 9/6/2011

This can be Purchased HERE And at all good bookstores

In My Mailbox (10)

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

All links will take you to Amazon

 

I had an amazing week for books this week.  Really excited to start them all.  I also re declared my love for all things Twilight, by buying some Twi stuff.  Its nice to reignite to fire now and again!

Bought

Sadly the British Bookstores chain of shops is closing down.  The only good thing, was some bargain books

 

Clare de Lune By Christine Johnson

I have actually read a copy of this & really enjoyed it, so when I saw it cheap I thought I'd be silly not to buy it!!

Buffy The Vampire Slayer vol.1 

I like most, am a huge Buffy fan.  I've watched every episode of the show, bought merchandise & even gone to conventions for the show.  I've actually not read that many of the books though, so think this is a great way to revisit my old friends

New Moon: The Official Illustrated Movie Companion

Eclipse: The Official Movie Companion

I have the Twilight edition, but never actually got round to buying these two, so once again saw them at a bargain price & thought I'd of been silly to have left them on the shelf!

I saw this New Moon merchandise & I couldn't resist buying it.  I met Jamie Cambell Bower (Caius) at a convention & he is the nicest guy ever, I'm going to like seeing his face when I open my books

Battle Royale By Koushun Takami

I got this at a local charity shop.  It has been read & loved, but that didn't deter me.  I've heard great things about it, so hope to get to read it soon!

Gifts

So I got another fabulous package from the amazing Jenny, she is the BEST!!!

Rivers Of London By Ben Aaronovitch

I hadn't heard much about this before, but on reading the blurb & seeing the amazing cover, I'm really quite excited to start it!

Firelight By Sophie Jordan

This is one, I have been meant to buy for a while.  I've not read any dragon based books before really, so will be a new experience for me

A Gathering Light By Jennifer Donnelly

This book I actually bought & read when it came out back in 2003.  That is a shock for me actually! This will be going to a loving new home soon!

 Tales Of Terror From The Black Ship By Chris Priestley

Again another one I don't really know much about, but it has a Tim Burton look to it & I LOVE Tim Burton, so shall have fun reading this soon 

So rather a good week for me :D  What did you get?? xoxo

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

In My Mailbox (9)

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

 

 

Sadly this week I didn't get any books *Sobs* But I didn't have a bumper week last week, so think I still have plenty to wade through!!!  I did buy myself a comic though, so that for me qualifies as reading material!!

Bought 

Morning Glories #7

I absolutely adore this series.  It can only be likened to a cross between The Runaways & Lost.  Each issue is more intriguing than the last.  I think this series would be a great way for anyone to introduce themselves to comics!!!

So what wonderful reads did you guys get this week??

L-Lx

Books That Make Me Go Oooooh (4) The Taker By Alma Katsu

The Taker By Alma Katsu
Due For Release 14th April 2011
Published In The UK By Century
Amazon Link
Goodreads Link

"In the novel, set in the 19th century, a girl from northern Maine falls for and gets impregnated by a wealthy local out of her social league. When she flees to Boston to have the baby, she gets swept up by a group of immortal beings, and a tricky love triangle develops after the leader of the undying crew falls for her and gives her everlasting life"

The thing that first drew me to this book was definitely the cover.  Its gorgeous & quite haunting.  This made me want to find out what the book is about & led me to Goodreads.  Wow does this sound good!!!  I cannot wait to get this and devour it as soon as possible!!!