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

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