Zeroes

Title: Zeroes

Series: Zeroes - book 1

Author: Scott Westerfeld, Margo Lanagan, Deborah Biancotti

Rating: 4.5 stars

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Science Fiction

Number of Pages: 496

Publisher: Allen & Unwin

Publication Date: 2015

Summary: Don't call them heroes. But these six Californian teens have powers that 

set them apart.

Ethan aka Scam has a voice inside him that'll say whatever people want to hear, whether it's true or not. Which is handy, except when it isn't - like when the voice starts gabbing in the middle of a bank robbery. The only people who can help are the other Zeroes, who aren't exactly best friends these days.

Enter Nate, aka Bellwether, the group's 'glorious leader.' After Scam's SOS, he pulls the scattered Zeroes back together. But when the rescue blows up in their faces, the Zeroes find themselves propelled into whirlwind encounters with ever more dangerous criminals. At the heart of the chaos they find Kelsie, who can take a crowd in the palm of her hand and tame it or let it loose as she pleases.

Not many author's can make a book about a group of dysfunctional characters and make a story that you will actually enjoy, but this trio have somehow succeeded. With an almost casual efficiency, this trio of authors managed to turn the world upside down, shake it and walk off with a shrug as if to say 'well what did you expect from us, you didn't think we would make it easy for these guys'. These six characters are all connected to each other through the fact that they are all different and have unusual powers. But these powers don't only bring them together but also push them apart. 

Zeroes is told in multiple perspectives which helped to build on the extensive array of characters. Through each perspective you begin to see how difficult the lives of our characters are because of their abilities; these guys are Zeroes, not Heroes for a reason. Scam has the abilities to talk his way out of anything, but that sometimes means he pushes someone else in his path. Anonymous get forgotten by everyone, including his family and Crash, well she can crash any electronic system, so it's best that she stays away from hospitals and airplanes, just in case. 

Based on the other books I have read by Scott Westerfeld I knew to expect an unconventional story and I wasn't disappointed. Ever book I have read by Scott Westerfeld has had a clear and distinctive mark that is clearly his own and despite the fact that this book was co-authored his presence was still there. With two other author's co-writing this book I was worried that there would be a bit of disjointedness to this book, but at no point did I ever feel like there were multiple author's writing styles, I feel like I read a book by Scott Westerfeld alone. 

March Wrap Up

For the month of March I didn't get as many books read as I would have liked due to the fact that I was moving house and many of my books ended up in boxes, boxes which I was only just about to unpack last weekend. And because I was moving I had no internet for two weeks, so rather than going back and trying to write full in detail reviews of the books I have read I will instead wrap them all up in one post.

Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy by Cassandra Clare and others.

In the beginning of march I finished reading the last five books from the Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy. I didn't enjoy these short stories as much as I do enjoy her novels. I did, however, find that they gave a really interesting insight in the inner working of the Shadowhunter world as it was set in Idris as opposed to an Institute. I also loved that we got to learn so much about Simon, because who doesn't love Simon in all his dorkiness.

5/5 Stars

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

March was very much a Cassandra Clare month. I continued with my Shadowhunter fix by re-reading Clockwork Prince, the second book in the Infernal Devices Series. As this is a re-read it not really surprising that I give this book a 5/5 stars. My favourite thing about this particular book in the series is how much we learn about Jem as he quite often gets overshadowed by Will as a character.

5/5 Stars

The Aeneid by Virgil

My TBR Challenge for February was to read a poem but in February I was in a reading slump so it just didn't happen. Granted the Aeneid isn't a poem in the traditional sense that most people would call a poem, especially once it has been translated from Latin to English. But an epic poem is still a poem.

This book is a well loved classic for a reason as it tells the story of Aeneas fleeing Troy after it has been destroyed by the Greeks and follows his journey to establish a new kingdom and race that would go on to become the Roman Empire. This book is filled with propaganda for Augustus and the greatness of Rome,

5/5 Stars

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

I have been wanting to read this book for a really long time but after watching the movie and becoming a sobbing mess I have also been putting it off. This book is very unique in how it is told as first of all, death narrates the story which gives a very airy feeling of how true some of the events in this book are. Secondly the book is broken up into multiple parts and within each of these parts there are a number of short stories which all amalgamate into the over all plot of the book. I loved this book as it made me laugh, smile and cry and cry some more. If you do plan to read this book, have a box of tissues ready, especially at the end

5/5 Stars - easily

I did read a few other books in March but I was able to write reviews for those so feel free to check them out.

Lady Midnight

Title: Lady Midnight

Series: The Dark Artifices - book 1

Author: Cassandra Clare

Rating: 5 stars

Genre: Young Adult, Urban Fantasy

Number of Pages: 669

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Publication Date: March 8th 2016

Summary: In a secret world where half-angel warriors are sworn to fight demons, parabatai is a sacred word, A parabatai is your partner in battle. A parabatai is your best friend. Parabatai can be everything to each other - but they can never fall in love.

Emma Carstairs is a warrior, a Shadowhinter. She lives for battle. Alongside her parabatai, Julian Blackthorn, she patrols Los Angeles, where vampires party on the Sunset Stripe, and faeries - the most powerful of supernatural creatures - teeter on the edge of war with Shadowhunters. When the bodies of humans and faeries are found murdered in the same way Emma's parents were when she was a child, an uneasy alliance is formed. This is Emma's chance for revenge and Julian's chance to get back his brother Mark, who is being held by the Faerie Courts. All they have to do is solve the murders within two weeks... and before the murderer targets them.

Their search takes Emma from sea caves full of sorcery to a dark lottery where death is dispensed. And each clue she unravels uncovers more secrets. What has Julian been hiding from her all these years? Why does Shadowhunter Law forbid parabatai from falling in love? Who really killed her parents - and can she bear to know the truth?

Lady Midnight is an action packed and intense and for the first book of a series that is promising to be spectacular one. I hadn’t realised how much I missed a new Cassandra Clare book. Going into Lady Midnight, the assumption is that you already know the structure of the world that Cassandra Clare has created and as a result we don’t have to get a whole lot of world building allowing us to get straight into the story and learn the characters, and there is quite a few new characters to learn. Unlike previous books the characters grew up in the Shadowhunter world.

In the previous Shadowhunter books while adult presence has been limited, it is almost non-existent in Lady Midnight, the adults that are present have fleeting appearances and little sway and guidance over Emma, Julian and the rest of the Blackthorn children. As a result some of the old fashioned beliefs that the Shadowhunter’s hold onto do not apply to our characters. There are two obvious examples of this. The first is in the behaviour of the characters. All Shadowhunter’s grow up fast, it is a given, they grow up and fast because they die young. But our main characters have had to grow up more than others. They are this odd mix of having had to grow up too fast and still holding onto their child like dreams and ambitions. This helps to make the story both compelling and heart wrenching.

The other way this lack of adultness is seen, is in the presence of technology. Without adults forcing the Blackthorns and Emma into thinking that mundane technology is useless they have thrived under its influence. The characters make references to movies and use computers in a way that would stump our previous Shadowhunter characters, even those of the Mortal Instruments.

Cassandra Clare is a no-holds-bar author, you have no idea who can trust, or who is going to live; even the main characters are up for grabs. But so as to keep spoilers to the minimum I will just look at main characters.

Emma is very much a combination of Clary and Jace. She is reckless and stubborn, and constantly getting into trouble. Above all else Emma is loyal and driven with a need to find answers and work out who she is. Emma is slow to trust and care for others but when she does, it is final. Emma needs nothing more than to close the final chapter of one part of her life so that she can learn to live in the next.

Julian on the other hand is a mix of Will and Jem, he is quiet and reserved but rather than music we get art as his passion. But like with Will you never see the real him, you get his protective side that shows through and the absolution that he will put his family and Emma first but keeps secrets. He keeps secrets in the same way that Will does, they are perfectly put together but are the story progresses we see these secrets begin to unravel and pull him apart at the seams.

This book is neither slow nor fast despite its bulking size (669 – and it’s just the first book) it was a well paced and well written book. This is the best book Cassandra Clare has written so far and as her writing has grown and become even more amazing I am sure that her books will one day kill me. Cassandra Clare forces you to feel so much for her characters and then she rips your heart out with betrayals, lies, secrets and deaths.

Glass Sword

Title: Glass Sword

Series: Red Queen - book 2

Author: Victoria Aveyard

Rating: 5 stars

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Number of Pages: 442

Publisher: Orion Books

Publication Date: 2016

Summary: Mare's blood is red, but her unique Silver ability - the power to control lightning - has turned her into a weapon that the Silver court will do anything to control.

As Mare escapes the cluthes of Maven, the prince - and friend - who betrayed her, she discovers something shocking: she is not the only one of her kind.

Pursued by Maven, no a vindictive king, Mare sets out to find and recruit other Red-and-Silver fighters.

But Mare is treading a deadly path, at risk of becoming exactly the kind of monster she is trying to defeat. Will she shatter under weight of the lives that are the cost of rebellion? Or have treachery and betrayal hardened her forever?

Glass Sword begins right where it left off. The last sentence of Red Queen and the first sentence of Glass Sword follow each other almost as if you have started a new chapter not another book. Not many authors do this but I found that I loved it. Rather than waiting for the story to pick up again so I could get back to the amazing world that Victoria Aveyard has created, it was like I never left.

I want to say so much about this book but I won't because I don't want to spoil this for anyone. 

Glass Sword has one very interesting theme that runs through out it, especially towards the end. A theme that is often touched in many books which involve uprisings but never in quite this much clarity and detail. 'At what point do your actions stop becoming that of saving others and instead become the first steps that your enemy once took themselves with the same ideals'. This is something that is really clearly seen and something that the characters struggle with. A lot of thought and planning has gone into how the characters will face such a challenge.

But the thing I loved the most about this book and about Victoria Aveyard's writing is that she holds no punches. Victoria is a brave writer and if she wants to put something in her books she will. This means that certain parts of her books can get very dark, the characters can be shockingly cruel but most importantly she creates characters that are so uniquely diverse and different you actually feel like you are meeting truly different individuals and not just characters with slightly different personalities that give the illusion of different.

Glass Sword is perhaps the best sequel novel I have ever read and I can't wait to see what happens next...

Ink and Bone

Title: Ink and Bone

Series: The Great Library - book 1

Author: Rachel Caine

Rating: 4 stars

Genre: Young Adult, Steam Punk, Historical Fiction

Number of Pages: 410

Publisher: Allison and Busby

Publication Date: 2015

Summary: In a world where the ancient Great Library of Alexandria was never destroyed, knowledge now rules the world: freely available, but strictly controlled. Owning privates books is a crime.

Jess Brightwell is the son of a black market book smuggler, sent to the Library to compete for a position as a scholar...but even as he forms friendships and finds his true gifts, he begins to unearth the dark secrets of the greatest, most revered institution in the world.

Those that controll the Great Library believe that knowledge is more valuable than any human life - and soon both heretics and books will burn....

This book brings a whole new meaning to knowledge is power and a world run by books. If you love books, at some point you have probably seriously considered a world that was run by librarians and books lovers as some kind of paradise and perfect world. Well...maybe not. In a world where books are the most precious things, owning them makes you powerful and only the powerful can obtain them. So naturally no one is actually allowed to own books. Yeah doesn't really sound like paradise any more. And when knowledge is power, well everyone else sort of just has to accept that they lack both.

I didn't find the characters in this book to book to be particularly interesting, aside from the characters that we never really got to meet. Between every chapter we got snippets of written correspondence between some of the most powerful people in this world of books but it is only right at the end that we actually get to meet these scarily powerful men and women. In many ways, however, the characters in this story were overshadowed by the much more enthralling world that was created.

Rachel Caine created a world that was mix of history, steam punk, science fiction in a world that is so like our own yet at the same time so very far a way. This world ruled by the Great Library of Alexandria means we get a setting that is a mix of the luxurious life style of the Egyptians, mechanical inventions of the industrial age with a dash of technology that far exceeds our own and throw in a smidgen of magic. The librarians are a mix of tyrannical and almost god like revered leaders who are the most intelligent people around and impossible to out play.

I was hoping that this book would be a little more fast paced and action packed but at certain points I found myself really forcing myself to keep reading. Ink and Bone was filled with lots of little story line moments which all came together at the end but sometimes I found them difficult to read as they didn't quite fit nicely together. This was also not helped by the fact that at some points Caine created such intense and action packed moments you felt like you were sitting in an action movie. Yet despite these shifts from extreme actions to lapses in events, I really enjoyed the book.

Clockwork Angel

Title: Clockwork Angel

Series: The Infernal Devices - book 1

Author: Cassandra Clare

Rating: 5 stars

Genre: Urban Fantasy, Historical, Young Adult

Number of Pages: 470

Publisher: Walker Books

Publication Date: 2010

Summary: When sixteen-year-old Tessa Grey arrives in England during the reign of Queen Victoria, something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Friendless and hunted, Tessa seeks refuge with the Shadowhunters, a band of warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons. Drawn ever deeper into their world, she finds herself fascinated by - and torn between - two best friends and quickly realises that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.

The Infernal Devices series is a prequel series to the Mortal Instruments. As a result we get some of the names we know and love such as Herondale, Lightwood and Fairchild, but we also get introduced to some new ones. 

The first thing that I loved about this book is the world. Cassandra Clare has created a world that it both a historically belivable one and is also filled with magic and mechanical inventions. Like with the Mortal Instruments, the Shadowhunters of the 19th century live a secluded life from the mundanes and believe themselves to be better than the Downworlders. 

 While their are cross overs between both the Infernal Devices and the Mortal Instruments their is no repetition in story ideas. In both series we are introduced to the Pandemonium club, yet the two are unrecognisable, while being creepily the same in the different era's. In the Mortal Instruments the club is simply a club that is frequented by Downworlders, Demons and Shadowhunters...in the Infernal Devices the Pandemonium Club has a far more sinister role. In this version of the club it is run by varying levels of Downworlders and Demons who seek to exploit the naivety of mundanes; they draw in the unsuspecting and use them as pawns.

The other thing that I loved that has carried through on both series is the presence of Camille, Magnus and Church. Having a small select few of the characters from the Mortal Instruments present helped to create a connection between the two series and also to help solidify that some of the characters are actually immortal. Knowing that some of the characters will still be alive in 130 odd years and watching them love and hate really brings the loneliness of immortality to life. Getting to experience a character in two very different time frames brings a new depth to the immortality of characters that most authors are unable to portray.

The role of women in this book is also a big topic. There are three main women: Tessa, Charlotte and Jessamine, each are very different and have very different understandings of how women should act. Charlotte is a Shadowhunter first and a lady second. She goes into battle and has the right to give her opinion. Jessamine is pretty much a spoilt rich brat. She strongly believes that women should sit around and look pretty, take care of their husbands and raise their children. 

Tessa has very traditional views to begin with, men make decisions while women are more reserved. These views, however, do not suit Tessa's personality type and she lives in a world of fiction with strong female characters. When she meets the Shadowhunters she is originally put off by their casual and forward behaviour, yet at the same time she is fascinated with the idea that women can be strong and fight to.

It is the character of Will, however, that is the most fascinating. Will as a character is arrogant, rude and just plain unpleasant to be around. Yet he can also be prone to moments of true selflessness and kindness. Like with his descendant, however, his cruelty towards others comes from a desire to protect others from himself and to protect himself from pain and suffering. Will is by far one of the deepest characters I have read about. Everything about him contradicts. He can't stand anyone, doesn't believe anyone deserves pity but the one person he cares about the most is the person who most depends on him and has his unwavering devotion.

Even if you didn't really enjoy the Mortal Instruments, this series may still appeal to you.

Awakening

Title: Awakening

Author: Natalie King

Rating: 5 stars

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal

Number of Pages: 272

Publisher: Penguin

Publication Date: 2014

Summary: When Zelie Taylor pulls a lost necklace out of the icy lake, she has no idea what the consequences will be.

At first the pendant is just freezing cold - unnaturally so - but then she hears a voice inside her head and thinks she must be going made. She's not. Seventeen-year-old Tamas' soul has been trapped in the pendent since 1918. His body is nearby, sleeping, and Zelie must help him awaken.

At first Zelie just wants Tamas' moody, enigmatic presence out of her life, but after a while she isn't so sure. And what is waiting for Tamas when he does emerge? The sinister force that trapped him has returned and is growing more powerful.

A hundred-year-old mystery steeped in dark magic will make Zelie question everything she thought she knew.

First of all let me start off by saying I want to kick myself for how long it took me to pick up and read such an amazing book. Secondly I want to kick myself for not realising that this book was written by a New Zealander. I really need to read more books by Kiwi authors.

Now that the negatives are out of the way, lets talk about the positives.

This book was spectacularly written. It was written in a way that I can't describe in words but it was perfect and it was faultless. The writing brought the world to life, gave the characters depth and moved the story forward in an effortless way. I knew from the first line that this book was going to be exceptionally good and by the end of the second I knew it would be spectacular. 

"Of all the emotions, guilt leaves the greatest mark. While fear and happiness can fade, guilt remains as heavy and harsh as the day it arrives."

This book is deep and thought provoking in a way that is all encompassing but without drowning you in unpleasantries. It was a perfect balance. As for the mystery side of this book it is weaved through the book, feeding you bits and pieces as you need them allowing you to draw your own conclusions.

My favourite character in this book was Tamas. Who he is in the beginning and who he is in the end is almost unrecognisable, yet at the same time Natile King manages to portray who he is fundamentally through all stages of his character development. Tamas starts off as a very angry character who has been mislead and betrayed. Just as Tamas begins to accepts this situation he is unexpectedly given the freedom he desires but at the cost of once again facing his demons and being forced to overcome his need for revenge.

While I didn't find that Zelie did much growing as a character, she did learn to act rather than simply feeling. Zelie isn't really shy but she is withdrawn and likes to blend in with the crowd. By the end of the book she isn't afraid to stand up and do what she needs to do to help those she cares. I suppose rather than learning and developing in many ways like Tamas does, Zelie learns one big lesson instead.

Awakening is also filled with a few minor plot lines that while do not directly alter the main story line they do nicely interweave with it and help to shape the overall book. Natalie King's writing style has in many created a new legend or myth. Everything was original and obviously had a lot of thought go into it.

Soundless

Title: Soundless

Author: Richelle Mead

Rating: 3.5 stars

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Number of Pages: 266

Publication Date: 2015

Publisher: Penguin

Summary: For as long as Fei can remember, no one in her village has been able to hear. Rocky terrain and frequent avalanches make it impossible  to the village, so Fei and her people are at the mercy of a zipline that carries food up the treacherous cliffs from Beiguo, a mysterious faraway kingdom.

When villagers begin to lose their sight, delivers from the zipline shrink. Many go hungry. Fei and all the people she loves are plunged into crisis, with nothing to look forward to but darkness and starvation.

Until one night, Fei is awoken by a searing noise. Sound becomes her weapon.

She sets out to uncover what's happened to her and to fight the dangers threatening her village. A handsome miner with a revolutionary spirit accompanies Fei on her quest, bringing with him new risks and the possibility of romance. They embark on a majestic journey from the peak of their jagged mountain village to the valley of Beiguo, where a startling truth will change their lives.

I read this book in one sitting, it was a quick, easy and light read of a very different and unique story. Three things in particular stood out about this book.

The first thing that I absolutely loved about this book was how Richelle Mead got around the fact that none of the characters could hear anything. We rely so greatly on sound and writing a book that is filled with people who cannot even fathom what sound is, takes some true talent. As you are reading and Fei gets her hearing back you feel as if you too are experiencing what sounds are for the first time. I was also amazed at how Richelle Mead described sounds. It's not easy to describe the sound something makes when we you can't use words associated with sound to describe it but Richelle creates a seamless way around this.

Another thing I loved about this book was the Chinese folk tale aspect. It is this folk tale aspect that brings the fantasy to the book. But if your not a big fantasy fan that's ok because this book isn't fantasy focused. Unfortunately this is one of things I also disliked about the book. I absolutely loved the Chinese folk tale idea and I would loved to have known more about it. Because of how short this book is, much of the story is told in the here and now. This meant that we only got the fantasy aspect at the end of the book when it was actually happening and didn't get much of a prelude or information in the beginning.

My final point about this book is the characters. Like with the fantasy aspect of this story much of the who the characters were was left untold due to happening outside the actual storyline. This I could understand because of how short the story was but I would like to have seen more character development that was directly tied into the plot events. Both Fei and Li Wei are strong characters who are spurred into action because it is called of them but this is who the characters are already. While they learn more about the outside world and lose some of their naive perspectives, this doesn't so much change them as educate them. But then perhaps that is the point, not everyone changes and grows from every event in their lives. 

Dangerous Lies

Title: Dangerous Lies

Author: Becca Fitzpatrick

Rating: 5 stars

Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Thriller

Number of Pages: 384

Publication Date: November 2015

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Summary: Stella Gordon's life is a lie. 

She does not belong in Thunder Basin, Nebraska. As the key witness in a murder trial, Stella is under witness protection, living a life she doesn't want.

No on can know who she really is. Not even Chet Falconer, her hot, enigmatic neighbour. But against her better judgement, Stella finds herself falling under Chet's spell.

Becca Fitzpatrick is one of my favourite young adult authors. She writes fast paced books that you have to read, cover-to-cover, in one sitting. The characters and situations they find themselves in, suck you in from page one and don't spit you out until you are well after the last page.

One of the things that I loved the most about this book was the idea of who you are and what your identity is. Fitzpatrick created a believable and heart wrenching situation in which Stella is forced to come to terms with the fact that who she really is, is someone she can't be. The emotional strain of having to lie and be someone else when all you want to be is yourself.

I loved Stella as a character, especially because she is not your typical main character. Many authors write characters that are strong and unbreakable, great heroes and heroines. Fitzpatrick writes characters who could be anyone...you, your neighbour, the guy who walks his dog down your street every day. Rather than creating a character who is strong and guaranteed to come out on top because of all the special skills they pertain, Stella is an everyday average person, who when put in a difficult situation has to hope that she comes out the other side with the help of others and perhaps a little dumb luck. 

My only disappointment in this entire book was that I wanted more about the murder Stella witnessed. I wanted more of the thriller side of Dangerous Lies. (Spoiler ahead) I wanted to hear more about Reed and if the cartel caught up with him? Was Reed really involved or was Trigger just being Trigger?

Like with the rest of Becca Fitzpatrick's books Dangerous Lies is very focused on the romance of the characters. The thing that I love the most about the romances that Fitzpatrick creates is that the characters always have a strong connection. Their isn't just some smouldering romance with no real substance - Stella and Chet are good friends, they talk and listen to each other and support one another. So many authors write romances that are based almost entirely off attraction and have no mutual ground that make them cheesy and unbelievable. Stella and Chet contain flaws and are far from perfect characters but this just makes them believable and real.

The One

Title: The One

Series: The Selection Series - book 1

Author: Kiera Cass

Rating: 4 stars

Genre: Young Adult, Dystopia

Number of Pages: 323

Publication Date: 2014

Publisher: Harper Collins

Summary: When she was chosen to compete in the Selection, America never dreamed she would find herself anywhere close to the crown - or to Prince Maxon's heart. But as the end of the competition approaches, and the threats outside the palace walls grow more vicious, America realises just how much she stands to lose - and how hard she'll have to fight for the future she wants.

This book is definitely my favourite of the series. In the first book, America whinged too much, and in the second book between America and Maxon's lack of communication and lack of information about the rebels, I am kind of surprised I kept going with this series. 

There was some serious character development in The One. America in this book finally learnt to let go of the past, to stop living life with a safety net. America does a lot of growing up in this book, she learns to stand and fight for her beliefs and even when intimidated and powerless to not lose who she is. This was a refreshing take on the girl she was in The Selection and The Elite. 

I would like to have seen a bit of America's strength in Maxon, especially when it came to his overbearing father. I think that if Maxon had a bit more strength and fight for what he believed in, then his and America's relationship would have had been stronger and would have had something that they had in common. While their ideas for the future of Illea are something that they share, these ideas are restricted to freeing the caste system and helping the poor but never looked at in great enough to detail to unify these two as good couple. Sometimes I felt that these two simply loved each other because they were written to do so.

The thing I loved most about the final book of Maxon and America's story was that we got answers on who the rebels were and what they wanted. FINALLY! The first two book have hinted greatly at the importance of the rebels and yet it is only in this final book that we get answers and then it's all over. For the first time we get to see how the two rebel groups really differ and the two things that are fighting for. 

I don't think that I will continue on with the rest of the books in this series, I'll just stick with reading the original three books. I don't think I could go and read about new angst filled characters. Cass' just creates a little too much angst for my tastes.

Illuminae

Title: Illuminae

Series: The Illuminae Files - book 1

Authors: Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff

Rating: 5 stars

Genre: Young Adult Science Fiction

Number of Pages: 602

Publication Date: November 2015

Publisher: Allen and Unwin

Summary: One moment Kady Grant and Ezra Mason have nothing bigger to worry about than each other. Specifically, avoiding each other in the wake of their messy break up. In the next second. their entire world falls apart.

The year is 2375 and one of the mega-corporations that control much of deep space has just fired the opening salvo in an intergalactic war, destroying Kady and Ezra's planet. Forced to flee on a small fleet of enemy warships chasing them down is at first all-consuming but soon becomes the least of their worries. A deadly plague is ravaging the refugees on the ships; the fleets AI, which should be protecting them, may actually be an enemy; and High Command is refusing to acknowledge that there may be serious problems. As Kady plunges into a tangled web of data in search of the truth, she realises that Ezra is possibly the only person who can help her save the refugees before it's too late.

This book is perhaps the most amazing and unique thing I have ever read. Even two days after I have finished this book I am still marveling at how well this book was done. When I first heard about this book I wasn't interested in reading it. I am not the biggest science fiction fan and the idea of reading a book written almost entirely in transcripts of interviews, IM's, emails and official documents sounded like it would be missing the fundamentals behind a good book.

I can safely say I am really glad I was wrong. The way this book is told isn't strange and weird, it's creative, unique and brings a whole new perspective to characters and plot. Despite the fact that you never have the story told from the characters perspectives, I never felt like I couldn't understand the emotion behind the characters or why they were doing what they were doing. Kaufman and Kristoff created such emotion and depth in the speech and actions alone.

My only complaint in the entire book was the twenty or so pages leading up the middle of the book. I felt that this part dragged a bit and lacked something. But in saying that, can anyone name a book that was entirely perfect?...

The thing I loved the most about this book was the commentary that was given by the Illuminae Group, especially when they describe what is happening on the surveillance videos; these moments bring a lot of humor and emotion in to the book.

This book is also filled with twists and turns that you don't see coming. Just as you are starting to work everything out, it all changes and you are thrown for a loop. This book gets a strong 5 stars and I can't wait for the second book to come out, because after the ending of the first book...well I need to know more.

Carry On

Title: Carry On

Author: Rainbow Rowell

Rating: 4.5 stars

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Number of Pages: 517

Publication Date: October 2015

Publisher: Macmillan Press

Summary: Simon Snow is the worst Chosen One who's ever been chosen. That's what his roomate, Baz, says. And Baz might be evil and a vampire and a complete git, but he's probably right.

Half the time Simon can't even make his wand work, and the other half, he sets something on fire. His mentor's avoiding him, his girlfriend broke up with him, and there's a magic-eating monster running around wearing Simon's face. Baz would be having a field day with all this, if he were here - it's their last year at the Watford School of Magicks, and Simon's infuriating nemesis didn't even bother to show up.

Carry On is Rainbow Rowell's version of the Simon Snow fanfiction Cath write in her novel Fangirl. While it is not necessary to have read Fangirl I personally found that by doing so I got that little bit from the story. In Fangirl Simon Snow is in many ways their version of Harry Potter.

Carry On was a hugely refreshing take on the fantasy genre. So many fantasy books are weighed down in deep and emotionally intense plot lines or on the flip side they are cheesy and don't take anything seriously. Carry On finds a nice balance by making sure that the magic is believable and realistic while making the characters fun, devious and a little crazy. The spells were a little on the cheesy but not too much.

The beginning of this book starts off at a relatively medium level then suddenly up and dumping you before taking off full steam ahead for an action packed ending and bringing together the final clues of the mystery of the Watford Tragedy.

One of the things I loved most about this book was the character development, and I don't just mean the bad guy learning to be good. But the fact that the good guys weren't perfect, in fact they were kind of far from it; but learnt to accept this and keep trying any way. This book also showed the importance of over coming differences and how important teamwork and friendship really is.

However, what I loved most was Simon and Baz's relationship. Simon and Baz has perhaps the sweetest relationship ever, despite the fact that they are "nemesis'". As these two grow and the dynamic of their relationship changes you just want to smile and watch all the problems of the world fall away as they realise what their relationship has really been like all along. The relationship of Simon and Baz is progressive and well done, Rainbow Rowell doesn't rush the changes but works it so that it is a seemless and a naturally expected change.

Rainbow Rowell has an incredible ability to write amazing characters that you can't help but love. They are smart, witty and just a little crazy, but they are also deep and so very real.

The Winner's Crime

Title: The Winner's Crime

Series: The Winner's Trilogy - book 2

Author: Marie Rutkoski

Rating: 5 stars

Genre: Young Adult

Number of Pages: 416

Publication Date: 2015

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Summary: The engagement of Lady Kestrel to Valoria's crown prince means one celebration after another. But to Kestrel it means living in a cage of her own making. As the wedding approaches, she aches to tell Arin the truth about her engagement...if she could only trust him. Yet can she even trust herself? For - unknown to Arin - Kestrel is becoming a skilled practitioner of deceit: an anonymous spy passing information to Herran, and close to uncovering a shocking secret.

As Arin enlists dangerous allies in the struggle to keep his country's freedom, he can't fight the suspecion that Kestrel knows more than she shows. In the end, it might not be a dagger in the dagger that cuts him open, but the truth. And that happens, Kestrel and Arin learn just how much their crimes will cost them.

What a spectacular sequel to The Winner's Curse. This book picks up a month following the end of The Winner's Curse as Kestrel and Arin try to come to terms with the drastic changes their lives have gone through. In The Winner's Crime Kestrel and Arin are not only pushed to their limits but have to exceed them. They have to be smarter than ever and play the game harder than they ever have before. And all the while keep in mind that their actions drastically effect others.

The Winner's Crime is filled with even more deceit and deception than you can imagine. Just as you think one lie has been unspun you realise you have only found the tail end of it. As Kestrel and Arin work at discovering the same secret plot the two inadvertently find themselves working against each other as they go to great lengths to stay away from one another. But the further the two of them push each other away the more they want to fight for each other.

While the trickery in this book made it so incredible it also made it a struggle. There were a few moments in this book where Kestrel and Arin's lack of communication and trust dragged the story a bit. What made this difficult was that it is such a fundamental aspect of the book. In order for Kestrel and Arin's character to grow and learn from their actions they had to see just how destructive their lies and games were. 

I was also glad for the arrival of the new characters such as the Emperor, the prince Verex and the more prominant role of Kestrel's father, General Trajan. The Emperor and Verex relationship offers Kestrel an example of how power games can push away they people who should mean everything to you. To put yourself so far above others you begin to forget how human others are. Kestrel's father, General Trajan allows Kestrel herself to feel the stinging blow of betrayal by someone you love and the loss of friends brings Kestrel into the reality of what it means to lose everything. 

And while Kestrel learns to experience betrayal and isolation first hand by her own deceit and games as well as by others; Arin learns how hard it is to love someone who not only doesn't trust you but who can also cause your own destruction. Arin is forced to learn to that in order to save himself and his people for now he must let Kestrel go.

This book is filled with dread, pain and suffering and it won't let you go until you have read to the last page. The Winner's Crime is a powerful and seductive read that will pull you in until you are just as invested in the plot as the characters are.

The Winner's Curse

Title: The Winner's Curse

Series: The Winner's Trilogy - book 1

Author: Marie Rutkoski

Rating: 4.5 stars

Genre: Young Adult

Number of Pages: 355

Publication Date: 2014

Publisher: Square Fish

Summary: As a general's daughter in a vast empire that revels in war and enslaves those it conquers, seventeen-year-old Kestrel has two choices: she can join the military or get married. But Kestrel has other intentions.

One day, she is startled to find a kindred spirit in a young slave up for auction. Arin's eyes seem to defy everything and everyone. Following her instinct, Kestrel buys him - with unexpected consequences. It's not long before she has to hide her growing love for Arin.

But he, too, has a secret, and Kestrel quickly learns that the price she paid for a fellow human is much higher than she ever could have imagined.

I absolutely loved this book! I loved the world, the characters, the plot, all of it.

This book consisted of a world that was a mix of ancient Rome, the Middle Ages and fantasy without the magic. Here the characters live under the rule of an Emperor with generals holdings high powers of authority, there were old fashioned rules for society such as women needing an escort yet at the same time woman could join the army and had the right to then be considered a soldier like any man.Yet despite all these mixing genres the world never felt as if different styles were being forced to co-exist; the world was seemlessly created and easy to imagine existing. The world was very easy to get lost in and it felt as if you were standing right beside the characters in this ingenious world.

The characters of The Winner's Curse are some of the best characters I have ever read about. A large focus of this book is based around the romance between Arin and Kestrel but at no point was there any lines about how they were shockingly good looking, charming, breathtakingly beautiful; instead each of these characters were strong characters who were admired for their talents and actions they took. These characters were each refreshing and made the book so much more.

The main characters were not the only one's who helped to carry the story. Every character that was apart of this book left some kind of impression, both good and bad, but none were forgettable. The characters in this story made impacts on the story line and helped to add depth to both the other characters and to the world itself.

The plot of this book was, however, was what drew me in the most. I picked this book up and I didn't put it down until I realised that I had run out of words...I even read the acknowledgements looking for something extra that continued on the story - no such luck. This book was captivating and well written.

Right from the beginning this book has a story to tell, at no point did I feel like the book dragged or failed to convey its message. The second half of the book seems to appear out of nowhere; suddenly the book picks up and begins to weave an incredible story about fighting for your freedom, the people you love and using your wits to survive.

This book meets so many criteria that anyone who reads it is likely to find some aspect that they like about it. I would have loved to have given this book 5 stars but there is something (no idea what it is) that is missing. From here out the series can surely only get better.

The Selection

Title: The Selection

Series: The Selection Series - book 1

Author: Kiera Cass

Rating: 4 stars

Genre: Young Adult Dystopia

Number of Pages: 327

Publication Date: 2012

Publisher: Harper Collins

Summary (from the back of the book): In a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels The Selection is a chance of a lifetime: to compete for gorgeous Prince Maxon's heart. But for America Singer it means turning her back on her secret love, and leaving home for a prize she doesn't want.

The America meets Maxon and all her plans start to crumble. Can the life she's always dreamed of compare to a future she never imagined?

This book is definitely one of a kind...it's like a dystopian meets the bachelor. Unfortunately it was this unique idea that was the only really interesting thing about this book.

As a character America Singer annoyed me. For one: she seemed to be happy living a life with no where to go, she was totally unambitious. She just wanted to keep living her life the way it was and not try and improve it. The second thing that I didn't like was that I found she came across as a very simple character, especially in the beginning of the story .However, as the book progresses America does slowly develop into a more substantial character.

The second thing that annoyed me was that the characters seem to do a lot of waiting around. There are a few occasions where America spends time with Maxon but mostly I kept getting caught up in the whole waiting for something to happen vibe.

Then when something does happen, this something being rebels its anti-climatic. Very little is said about the rebels except for there are two groups, one more dangerous than the other. Nobody knows what the rebels want, or why they come and despite the supposed frequency of the attacks no body really seems concerned with this. I'm starting to think that the characters in this book have a problem with doing anything or taking action. They all seem to be quite content to stand around and see the world go by.

But there is always that intriguing idea of selecting the future queen through a bachelor like process. I mean they even televise the event. Despite the few holes in the characters and the plot I actually really enjoyed this book. It was a quick, light read that was entertaining. 

This book is something that I would recommend you read before, not after, an intense or long book. It would probably also be good to get out a of reading slump.

Ghost Medicine

Title: Ghost Medicine

Author: Andrew Smith

Rating: 4 stars

Genre: Young Adult

Page Numbers: 357

Publication Date: 2008

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends

Summary: The summer before Troy Stotts turns seventeen, his mother dies, Troy and his father barely speak, mostly communicating instead by writing notes on a legal pad by the phone. Troy spends most of his time with his closest friends: Tom Buller, brash and fearless, the son of a drunk; Gabe Benavidez, smart enough to know he'll never take over the family ranch; and Gabe's sister Luz, whose family overprotects her, and who Troy has loved since they were children.

Troy and his friends don't want trouble. They want this to be the summer of what Troy calls 'Ghost Medicine', when times seems to stop, so they won't have to face the past, or the future. But before the summer is over, their paths will cross with people in dangerous and fateful ways,

Troy and his friends want to be invisible. Instead, they will become what they least expect - Brother's, Lovers, Heroes, and Ghosts.

This book is unlike any other book I have ever read. The writing style, the themes, the premise; the entire book and every aspect of it is unique. Ghost Medicine is Andrew Smith's debut novel.

The thing that I loved most about Ghost Medicine was the writing style of this book; but in particular the way the writing style portrayed the story. There is an almost simplicity about the writing of Ghost Medicine. That rather than reading a book, I was listening to a story to being told. But this added to the story rather than took anything away from it and fitted nicely in with the premise of the book.

The writing style is also in many ways responsible for the thing that I loved most about this book and that was its humbleness. Which is a little ironic given the trouble and lies that fill the pages of Ghost Medicine. Rather than being filled with characters that are complex and deep, with a story line that steers them on a course of development, this book seems to exist within itself and the story just is.

But this incredible uniqueness also made the book a little difficult to get into as it was not fast paced nor was it written in a way that I am used to. And while I seriously contemplated putting this book down a couple of times I am really glad I didn't. A book like this is one of those one's you just have to read for the experience. 

I also found that this book had nothing that stood out and grabbed my attention, yet once again I feel like this suited the story and helped to build to it. I think this book is one of those books that in order to understand what it is like you just have to read it. 

This book will not be for everyone, that I can guarantee. I am really interested in giving some of his other works ago to see if they share this same unique style as what Ghost Medicine does.

The Warrior Heir

Title: The Warrior Heir

Series: The Heir Chronicles - book 1

Author: Cinda Williams Chima

Rating: 4 stars

Genre: Young Adult, Urban Fantasy

Number of Pages: 426

Publication Date: 2006

Publisher: Disney Hyperion

Summary: Before he knew about the Roses, 16-year-old Jack lived an unremarkable life in the small Ohio town of Trinity. Only the medicine he has to take daily and the thick scar above his heart set him apart from the other high schoolers. Then one day Jack skips his medicine. And it feels great - until he loses control of his own strength and nearly kills another player during soccer team tryouts.

Soon Jack learns the startling truth about himself: he is Weirlind, part of an underground society of magical people who live among us. At their helm sits the feuding houses of the Red Rose and the White Rose, whose power is determined by playing the Game - a magical tournament in which each house sponsors a warrior to fight to the death. The winning house rules the Weir.

As if his bizarre heritage isn't enough, Jack finds out that he's not just another member of Weirlind - he's one of the last of the warriors - at a time when both houses are scouting for a player.

I found this book to be an interesting and unique read. The world that is created within this book is complex and well thought out. For every possible question you could ask, you can guarantee that their is an answer, not that any of the characters like to share any important information. Clearly a lot of work has gone into building this world as it continued to expand and become even more impressive and detailed. The Weir and their world is one of a long history of bloodshed, betrayal at the ultimate cost and a world steeped in tradition.

As complex as the world is, the characters are even more so. Every character you meet has some important role to play, some trick or treachery they are meant to fulfill. Just when you think you have the devious characters distinguished from the good guys, you find out you couldn't be more wrong. As I was reading this book I couldn't help but imagine myself in Jack's shoes. The way this story is written meant that I was just as confused and lost as Jack was feeling. The sense of hopelessness, betrayal and fear he feels are so easy to get drawn into.

I must confess that as much as I enjoyed this book I did struggle with it quite a bit. First of all as I mentioned earlier the world and the characters are complex. Each and every time I thought I has it all figured out, I found myself having to start over. The story is also not particularly fast paced, in fact it's slow. The first half of the book is simply Jack learning that he is a warrior and that he must train, with a few hit and miss fight scenes thrown in for luck. The last half of the book is all about him getting ready for the actual 'Game'. And when I found myself with only about 50 pages to go and no Game so to speak, I was seriously beginning to wonder if I had brought a book that was missing part of the story and within a couple of pages you find yourself at end and its game over.

As for the main character Jack, while I found myself getting caught up in so many of his emotions, there were also quite a few times that I was left wondering what the hell he was thinking and why he was feeling the way he was. But overall I did enjoy the premise of this book and the unique world and will continue with the second book. I feel that The Warrior Heir is the kind of book that you appreciate it more the second time, when you know a bit more about what is going on. So if you love betrayal, and a little bit of mystery, I would recommend this book.

An Ember in the Ashes

Title: An Ember in the Ashes

Series: An Ember in the Ashes - book 1

Author: Sabaa Tahir

Rating: 4.5 stars

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Number of Pages: 448

Publication Date: 2015

Publisher: Harper Voyager

Summary: For years Laia has lived in fear. Fear of the Empire, fear of the Martials, fear of truly living at all. Born as a Scholar, she's never had much of a choice.

For Elias it's the opposite. He has seen too much on his path to becoming a Mask, one of the Empire's elite soldiers. With the Masks' help the Empire has conquered a continent and enslaved thousands of Scholars, all in the name of power.

When Laia's brother is taken she must force herself to help the Resistance, the only people who have a chance of saving him. She must spy on the Commandant, ruthless overseer of Blackcliff Academy. Blackcliff is the training ground for Masks, and the very place that Elias is planning to escape. If he succeeds, he will be named deserter. If found, the punishment will be death.

But once Laia and Elias meet, they find that their destinies are intertwined and that their choices will change the fate of the Empire.

I absolutely loved this book. The premise, the world building, the whole thing. This book is set in a Roman Empire type world with magic, betrayals and death around every corner. Everything about this book worked. In fact I found this book so good, I read it all in one sitting. There was always something happening that meant I couldn't put the book down, I just had to keep reading.

Despite the fact that this book is set in a fantasy world with magic and supernatural creatures, you don't get thrust into a new world that is confusing and distant. Sabaa Tahir mixed this strange and magical place in with a Roman Empire feel making it easy to get drawn into.

I loved the idea of the Masks, the soldiers of the Empire, trained from the age of six to twenty, who are taught one thing: obey. Obeying usually involves a horrible death of those that are considered a threat to the Empire. So much detail has been clearly put into creating the Masks and in no way can they be confused as anything other than deadly and dangerous.

This book is told from the perspective of the two main characters Laia and Elias, with alternating perspectives given for each new chapter. At no point in this story did it not work. Despite the constant perspective change, the story flowed in a way that it never would have been able to if only one of them had been narrating.

The characters also contained an unbelievable amount of back story and depth. Just when you think you have the characters all worked out, they get infinitely more complex and well thought out. The pain, the fear and the anger that these two characters feel is so real at times you will feel like its your own. Both Laia and Elias go through an incredible amount of character development. Both, despite being two very different characters, learn to stop letting the world go by and to stand up and fight for what they believe in. 

This book ends at the cusps of a new and dangerous era and I can't wait for the next book to be released in April 2016.

Ignite Me

Title: Ignite Me

Series: Shatter Me Trilogy - book 3

Author: Tahereh Mafi

Rating: 4

Genre: Young Adult Dystopia Sci Fi

Number of Pages: 421

Publication Date: 2014

Publisher: Harper Collins

Summary: With Omega Point destroyed, Juliette doesn't know if the rebels, her friends, or even Adam are alive. But that won't keep her from trying to take down The Reestablishment once and for all. Now she must rely on Warner, the handsome commander of Sector 45. The one person she never thought she could trust. The same person who saved her life. He promises to help Juliette master her powers and save their dying world...but that's not all he wants with her.

What a fantastic conclusion to the Shatter Me Trilogy. This final book is action packed, fast paced, and brings the series to a nice close. By the end of this book I had well and truly fallen in love with the characters and was sad to know that their story had come to an end.

May contain spoilers...

The character development in Ignite Me was perhaps my favourite part of this book and this series. I originally found the characters to be very two dimensional and I couldn't really love them. But by the end of this book I found myself understanding who the characters were and the difficult decisions they were making. Juliette had a huge amount of character development in this book. When I read Unravel Me I thought that she was finally the character she was meant to be, but after Ignite Me I realised that only the surface of the strength and determination she possessed had been revealed.

Warner also makes huge changes in this book. While in the previous books and novella we have slowly been revealed to the human side of Warner, it is in Ignite Me that I fell in love with him. In the previous books Warner, while having genuine and redeeming qualities, had ultimately done what he needed to survive. But in Ignite Me he learns to be a strong individual who not only does the right thing, but isn't scared to do so. Warner also learns to do things for others, and I don't just mean doing things for Juliette because he likes her.

The character development that I loved the most, however, was that of Adam. Why?.. because he went kinda backwards. I loved seeing the petty, angry and not-so-perfect side of Adam. Previously I had found him to be too perfect, too flawless and lacking any realistic dimensions. But seeing him crumble and failing to be this perfect crutch that would help Juliette and the rest of the world onto the right path was a refreshing sequence of events in the book.

I was also pleased to see a more active role of the Reestablishment in this book. This series is meant to revolve around the destruction and corruption of the world and the Reestablishment, but in many ways it was lacking in the first two books. There was a lot of talk of the Reestablishment but no real action. While a large portion of the beginning of this book did continue in this same fashion, the big epic battle at the end did make up for this.