Divergent by Veronica Roth- Review

This was in my stocking at Christmas which I was so pleased about! I literally wanted to start reading it straight away and after all the Christmas excitement, a couple of days later, I read this book in just a day and a bit. This was such an anticipated read for me and it was even on my Wanting to Read List which you can read here. And it didn't disappoint.

Divergent is set in a world where everyone has their own place in a faction. These factions are: Dauntless- for the brave, Abnegation- for the selfless, Amity- for those seeking peace, Candor- honesty and Erudite- knowledge. At 16, the residents of this dystopian Chicago have to decide which faction they will enter and therefore spend the rest of their lives devoted to. Beatrice has a tough decision because while she doesn't want to leave her family, she knows that Abnegation is not where she belongs. When she chooses her faction she is faced with an initiation that is tougher than she imagined she would be able to cope with. She also has a secret that she wants to keep, for her own safety.

The best thing about this book for me is the plot which is very strong and the whole story is so fast paced. There are no parts in it which I found boring and no parts in which I wanted to stop reading at. Action is on nearly every page. Also, I really liked the way that the book was written because it was easy to read but in a really great way with some lovely phrases and words that I want to use myself. I think that this book is everything a Dystopia should be- full of excitement and thrilling plots. This has definitely got to be one of my favourite books that I've read for a while.

For anyone who is prepared to fall in love with another book and who is prepared for the feels, this book will be perfect for you! The characters are likeable and- where appropriate- loathe-able. Also, I thought that the thing Veronica Roth did best was describe settings. With every new place the characters entered, I had the most clear image of it in my head and could imagine it being so real which I love to happen in stories.

I think that this book would be good for 13 ears and onwards because adults love Divergent too. Buy it here. P.S. if you enjoy it, but Insurgent (2nd in the trilogy) as soon as you can because you will want to carry on reading!

 5/5

Requiem by Lauren Oliver Review (Delirium Trilogy)

So, I finished the trilogy. And I miss it. I miss the adventure and the unpredictable story lines and the characters too.

In Requiem, the book is one chapter written from Lena's point of view and one from Hannah's, then one from Lena's, then one from Hannah's and so on. I liked this because it showed what was going on in different places and how the characters had changed and, in places, remained the same.
As with a lot of trilogies, I was worried that the final book would be an anti-climax or end somewhere that didn't seem right. But, with Requiem, I actually really liked the ending. I liked the message that it gave out and that small parts were left to be made up by the reader. It is the ultimate ending and throughout all three books there is a constant undertone of suspense- an always there question of what is to happen next. The last book didn't disappoint, containing a lot of action all the way through.

As always, Lauren Oliver's writing is brilliant and something that I think is really good for this book. It's not too easy to the point of being patronising as some YA books can be, but is also not too heavy or hard to read. Sort of like a perfect balance.

It's hard to write a review that doesn't give a lot away when writing about a book series, but I really wanted to review this because I enjoyed it so much. What I can say though, is that Lena, as a character, becomes even more likeable for me. She is no longer the weak girl that we met in Delirium, which is such a relief. The story continues from Pandemonium and stays with a strong plot, extending on from the last book but adding new things as well. It never gets boring and is likely to make you not want to put the book down.

I would recommend this book for ages 13 upwards and know that adults love the Delirium trilogy too. (My mum is reading it now.)

You can buy it on amazon here for £4.39 or from Waterstones here for £5.24.

Book series

*Sorry for the late post, my laptop was not being useful*

Reading a book series can be wonderful for so many reasons. Especially because when you've finished the first book, if you've enjoyed it, you won't suffer from post book depression but can just glide flawlessly into the next. It allows extra and extensive fangirling and there are always huge fandoms over trilogies or series. As the story develops the characters do too which makes you more attached to them.

Sometimes, however, the first in a series is amazing and you need to tell the world just how great it is... Until the next book comes along and is a disappointment. I think that that is the risk you take when deciding to read a set of books- whether the story will get better or just downhill. But, I'm a big fan of book series and find that I enjoy them more than not. They let me enjoy the characters for longer, have a longer look into their lives and the story that they carry with them. 

Here, I'm going to list a few book series that I have read and give a brief review of each one. They are in preference order! 

1. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins- Probably most of the people reading this will have read this trilogy. I loved each book, didn't find any disappointment and found the stories fast paced and never boring. Katniss lives in Panem, a place where each year 12 boys and 12 girls have to compete in the Hunger games where they have to survive. The winner is the last one alive. Just read it, honestly. There's not a lot I can say because I would go on for too long if I did. If you like books that are awesomely great and greatly awesome then read this.

(YA, would recommend for ages 12 up)

2. Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling- Again, another extremely popular series. There are 6 books in total, all promising huge excitement and should come with a warning that once you start getting into the adventures, you will not put the book down. For me, the books get better as the series goes on. I don't really know how I can summarise a series of books that are so well known and adored. You've undoubtedly heard of the books anyway, if not read the books or seen the films yourselves. On every page is a sprinkle of magic and although I read this quite a while ago, I will definitely be a potterhead for a long, long time.

(YA- I would recommend age 12 and up again)

3. The Deliruim Trilogy by Lauren Oliver- I've literally only just finished reading this trilogy and I enjoyed it so much! I think that the story line and plot are incredible and are very original. I loved the way Lauren Oliver wrote the story and am eternally jealous of her writing skills and the imagery she creates! Delirium is set in an America where love is a disease and anyone who shows signs of having the 'disease' is killed or punished severely. It is full of twists and drama and makes me grateful for the way we are at the minute.

(YA- I would recommend this for ages 13 onwards)

4. A Witch In Winter Trilogy by Ruth Warburton- These books are not as well known as the previous three, but I enjoyed them a lot! The books feature a girl called Anna who doesn't believe in magic- let alone witches- until she moves to the small town of Winter where her powers reveal themselves. She meets a boy called Seth and in my opinion, he sounds pretty amazing, but there are things that could stop them from being together...
(YA, probably 13 up)

Friend Recommendations:
I asked on twitter which series people enjoy and was told The Hunger Games, which I have already featured, and the Deepwoods Series by Chris Riddell and Paul Stewart. These were given to me by @Charliebookworm. Also, I was told that the Percy Jackson series and A Series of Unfortunate Events are great book series. Percy Jackson for a younger and teen audience, and ASOUE for a younger age group. These were given to me by @VerbosityRevws of the awesome http://verbositybookreviews.wordpress.com/.

Room by Emma Donoghue- Review

To be honest, this is one of the best books I have read in a while. In fact, it has actually got to be one of my favourites! It is literally so unique compared to anything I have ever read and the way it is written and the story it tells is simply great. To start with, I was worried about what would happen in the story, whether it would be too sad or dark for me to ever enjoy but soon, I was a victim to the gripping plot and it was too late for me to escape the awesomeness.

One of the most starkly different things about this book is definitely the perspective from which it is written. Jack is 5 and you view the whole story as if you are looking through his tiny, innocent eyes, which is both insightful and really, really brilliant. Because of this, a lot of the story is inferred- the things that he doesn't know the words for or the way he is not always 100% correct about the situation means that Emma Donoghue is relying a lot on the reader to be intelligent and mildly detective-like. This means that the book is constantly interesting because there are clever hints and signs about what is actually going on. To give you the same effect the single sentence description of the book had on me, I will write it for you here.

'Jack is five. He lives in a single, locked room with his ma.'

As soon as I read this sentence, I knew this book was going to have such a fantastic plot and it definitely did. Emma Donoghue portrays Jack so incredibly well that you would think she was 5 years old. She writes from his point of view with expressions and little quirks that bring the character, literally, to life. After about halfway through, I wanted to know Jack and talk to him and read to him and teach him about the world. His ma is, to me, one of the best female characters I have read in a book. Hers is a story of survival and hope, and desperation, mixed with a driving passion to look after her son and a fierce side which makes her more believable. At the start of the story, we watch their daily routines in the small prison of a shed where they are locked away. They take part in 'phys ed' and play games made from the barest of objects and pure imagination. I don't want to tell you why they are where they are because for me, reading about it without hearing any spoilers made it better. All I will say is that this book will tear your heart in two but, at some point, you will realise that it is worth it.


As a reader, because Jack is such an endearing character, I felt so much for him and his ma. As things in their lives changed, I wished to be there for them but then had to remind myself that they aren't real. The bond that is created between him and his mother is immense. And, separate from being a really great book, I found it also very interesting. This is because it shows the way people adapt to their environments and how little kids see the world so simply and beautifully.
If you start reading this book and enjoy it beware, it gets better.
I don't want to add any more because I feel that if I do, I will spoil it. If you want to find out more, I found the book trailer which is cool (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfpTad-lt-U). So, before I praise this masterpiece any more, I would recommend this book for ages 14 onwards. I have said 14 because I feel that there are some things which are quite upsetting and maybe younger readers wouldn't want to read things like that.
You can buy the book (and I urge you to do so!) from amazon here for £4.99http://www.amazon.co.uk/Room-Emma-Donoghue/dp/0330519026/ref=la_B0054R8OCU_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1383941358&sr=1-1
or from WHSmith, here for £6.47 http://www.whsmith.co.uk/search?keywordCategoryId=&keywords=room+emma+donoghue&results=60&page=1
Emma Donoghue has written many other books, including The Sealed Letter, and her website gives more details. If you want to see, there is a virtual tour of the Room here:http://www.roomthebook.com/inside/ which is so cool!

Thank you for reading!

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a meme where you write about a book that you're looking forward to reading when it is released. It is originally hosted by Jill at http://breakingthespine.blogspot.co.uk/ and I think t is a great idea!
The book that I would like to put in my first Waiting on Wednesday post is Seven Days by Eve Ainsworth. Some might say that this is a slightly biased review because of the author being related to me, but honestly, I really can't wait for it to be released. It is the sort of book that is so realistic that everything seems familiar in a really good sort of way. It means that the characters are relatable and can be imagined into everyday life and situations. Overall, the story is sad, happy, different and brilliant all at the same time and is written in a way that makes you feel as though you know the characters personally and once you've finished the book, you'll forget that they are just that: characters and not real people that you actually have to worry about.
The story is about a girl called Jess who, putting it simply, doesn't have the easiest of lives. She lives in a pretty rough estate with kids that all look down on her because of her weight and other things that people are shallow enough to care about. It is set over just seven days (hence the title) which makes it really different to a lot of books I have read and it also means that a lot of detail can be put into each part of the story. On top of this, it is a dual narrative- written from the point of view of Kez who, on the surface, appears to have it all. This makes a lot of the story contrast which then makes it interesting because you get to view things from a different perspective.Over the course of the book, lots of things happen which change the girls and how they see themselves and each other, and that seems relevant for a lot of teenagers.

It is not to be available until 2015! A long wait, but well worth it. It is being published by scholastic and at the minute, the cover is not yet released.  I can't wait to read it as a proper paperback and also I can't wait for it to get the readers that it deserves!

To find out more about the author, her blog is: eveainsworth.blogspot.co.uk
For updates on writing and other things:@EveAinsworth

Delirium by Lauren Oliver- Review

My mum bought me this and straight away I wanted to read it because my English teacher had recommended it to me also. I really enjoyed it, especially when the story really started to develop and my craving for the sequel got huge.

Delirium is set in an America where love is a disease, and that is what you are taught and that is what is enforced. When you turn 18, you receive an obligatory procedure which 'cures' you from ever getting the disease of Amor Deliria Nervosa and basically from feeling any emotional attachment ever again. There are regulators everywhere who make sure that no dancing happens, that no sign of love or emotion passes between anyone. Boys and girls are separated until they are matched with someone after their procedure who they are made to stay with forever. They hunt out people who show signs of the disease and the consequences are horrific. But... there are people who go against the regime. People who believe love is good and natural and who disagree that it should be eradicated without choice.
The story is from the first person point of view of Lena, who is nearing her procedure and unashamedly cannot wait for the calmness that it boasts. For the end of the fear of catching the disease and the constant watchfulness that is placed upon the uncureds. Until, she meets somebody who might be able to change the way she thinks about the place she lives and the rules which she follows so robotically...

When I first started reading the book, I was sort of half doing other things at the same time because I was super busy then, so I didn't really get into the book properly until a few chapters in. But, believe me, when the plot really kicks in, you will be gripped and have to pay full attention. In fact, it will be hard for you to pay attention to anything else. I'm not sure if I didn't get into the book straight away because of my bad attention or because the book starts quite slowly. I'm not sue, but I do know that if you find yourself in the same position, carry on! The main character becomes even greater as the book goes on and it is such a gripping story in so many ways. I also really, really like the way everything is described in the book in such detail or with such great metaphors and similes. My favourite part is defintely near the end of the book where the action is unfolding and the story starts to get properly interesting. Not that the rest of the book is boring, just that at the end, the story gets so fast-paced and amazing! I would suggest that if you start enjoying the book and think you will want to read the sequel, order it straight away! I waited days after finishing Delirium for the package to arrive and wow, it was harder than it should have been.

I would recommend this book for anyone from ages 13- 18, because I think that it is written in a way that is suitable for a wide age range, but I know that a lot of adults really enjoy the book too, so I guess it depends on the sort of plot that you enjoy as well. :)
The sequel to Delirium is called Pandemonium, which I am currently reading and will review soon! If you've read it, let me know what you thought. Also-unrelated but oh well,- if you've read the Divergent series, please tell me, I'm thinking about reading it soon! The third in the trilogy is called Requiem

You can buy the book on amazon for £4.15:http://www.amazon.co.uk/Delirium-Trilogy-Lauren-Oliver/dp/0340980931/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1383589273&sr=8-1&keywords=delirium
And at waterstones for £5.29 here: http://www.waterstones.com/waterstonesweb/products/lauren+oliver/delirium/8179635/

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini- Review

I borrowed this book from my Auntie and was apprehensive as to whether I would like it. Firstly because I don't think it is aimed at the YA age group in particular. And secondly, because it didn't seem like the sort of book that I would choose myself. After reading this book, my opinions were changed so much: I realised I don't need to just read YA books exclusively and also that I can enjoy books that I wouldn't expect to.It opened my eyes to what is going on right now, and over the last few decades. (not that I was oblivious, just  embarrassingly uneducated on this subject.) I realised what it is actually like to be born into a place where terrible things are happening, and just because you are born there, you are under control of a regime that is completely shocking and massively wrong.

It is set in Afghanistan, starting with the story of Mariam, a young girl who is the product of her father's affair, and therefore she is seen as an embarrassment or disgrace. We follow her as she grows up, and lots of things happen to her that are hard to believe. I can't say too much without giving parts of the story away, but what I can say is that the book really teaches you the horrors that women in particular are put through every day. The worst thing is, through the story, as time goes on, treatment of women is more forgiving and equal but when the Taliban arrive, it's right back to how it was before- only worse. A bit further into the book, when Mariam is quite a bit older, we follow the story of Laila who lives near. She is brought up modernly, being taught that women are capable and not of a lower class. Soon, their paths cross and they are brought together but their lives aren't improved and when the Taliban take over, the impact is huge. The things they are put through, but most importantly get through and cope with is incredible.

I honestly was totally shocked by what happens to them in the story. I couldn't comprehend that this happens, actually happens in real life. But the feeling of the book, I think, is not one of depressing and sad feelings, but of courage and mainly hope. The characters are hopefulness personified because they get through things that we are lucky enough to not have to. If they can cope with their situation, then maybe I shouldn't moan about the things that are completely unimportant and stupid- that's what the book taught me I guess. It sort of made me angry too because I really just could not believe that this is happening right now, and that they won't be stopped. Read the book and you will feel the same.
Khaled Hosseini writes in a way that makes everything real, and the descriptions make the place believable and amazingly imaginable. I love his style of writing and would love to read more of his books.

I would recommend this book for people from 15 years onwards because it isn't aimed at a YA audience, but I think it can be read by someone from 15 if they think they would enjoy it. I think younger people might find it difficult to read because there are a lot of sad and terrible things that happen, but if you think you would still like the book then definitely read it. I can't urge you to read this enough as it serves as a view to a place we are lucky to not be in. It teaches us how we are in a good place compared to some. Mostly, it made me think about the bad things that happen to people just because they happened to be born in a certain place- something that isn't their fault and shouldn't have to be something which puts you at a worse place than anyone else.

You can buy the book on Amazon for £5.59- as always, it is cheaper second hand.  http://www.amazon.co.uk/Thousand-Splendid-Suns-Khaled-Hosseini/dp/074758589X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1383331344&sr=8-1&keywords=a+thousand+splendid+suns
Or from Watersones for £5.59 with free UK delivery: http://www.waterstones.com/waterstonesweb/products/khaled+hosseini/a+thousand+splendid+suns/6012999/

Another book by Khaled Hosseini is The Kite Runner, which I would like to read. Let me know if you've read it and what you thought!

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher- Review

I got this book for my birthday after asking for it because I'd seen it in the bookshop and wanted it straight away. The blurb (hahaha) made me want to read it there and then, and it seemed different to any storyline I had read or heard of before. I hate to say it however, that I didn't enjoy the story half as much as I expected to. Not that it was bad, just slightly disappointing. You could argue that that was because in my mind, I had set  it on a pedestal up there with my favourites, so maybe it was doomed for failure.

The book is, I guess, mainly about a girl called Hannah, except you don't get to ever meet her personally because she committed suicide. Before doing so, she recorded some tapes giving 13 reasons why she committed suicide, and sent them to the people involved in these 13 reasons. What is unique about this book is that it takes place over just one night, which I thought was quite good. You read from Clay Jensen's point of view: from the moment he opens the package with the tapes in, to the moment the 13th tape is finished. You find out how he fits into the puzzle that was Hannah Baker's life and how others shaped her into becoming fed up with her life.
The plot, I thought was genius and I immediately started reading but hit a wall when I realised I just wasn't getting into the book.  I can't really decide exactly why, but I have a few reasons that maybe, when combined, just don't really equal a perfect story for me personally. Firstly, I think a lot of it was down to the fact that you never properly get introduced to the characters. This is completely personal because some people might prefer not to get a description of the characters, however I really love to be able to know everything about every person in a story. I never found out whether Clay Jensen gets on better with his mum or dad, or if Hannah Baker liked the gherkins in her McDonald's cheeseburger. And that, for me is earth shattering information.
Or perhaps I didn't enjoy the story so much because of the way it was written. I can't really explain what it was about it that I didn't really like, but maybe I'm just strange and very particular with style of writing. But... I think the main reason was because I didn't like the reasons that were given for Hannah to commit suicide. I just felt that the reasons were really minute. I understand that suicide can be caused by very small things which all add up and I am not trying to sound insensitive, but for a story I just thought that something drastic needed to happen. There was no shocking moment, nothing that would make me want to recommend this to the whole solar system, and nothing that was really exciting.
Overall, I would recommend that if you still want to read 13 Reasons Why, before you buy it, you could go onto the amazon link below and click on the 'look inside' feature just to see if the style of writing is for you.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Thirteen-Reasons-Why-Jay-Asher/dp/0141328290/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1382911066&sr=8-1&keywords=thirteen+reasons+why It is £5.24 new from Amazon and the same price in WHSmith http://www.whsmith.co.uk/search?keywordCategoryId=&keywords=thirteen+reasons+why&results=60&page=1

I would recommend this book to 13-16 year olds because I'm not sure if adults would like it very much.
The book has been made into a film, which I found out about the other day, so if anyone has seen it, let me know. :)
Jay Asher has also written The Future of Us.

Wonder by R.J. Palacio~ Review

A book that you will remember for a very long time is Wonder. It is a book that teaches you kindness and equality like no person could do and it is written in a really beautiful way that I thought was quite unique.
August is the main character and right from the start of the book you learn that he looks different from others. If August was a real living human, I would want to be best friends with him because his attitude is amazing and his niceness comes in an abundance. His face is different and he was born like it, but my favourite thing is that- because it is a book- you don't judge the character by how he looks, but his personality. I know August is a character, but I feel like in the real world it should be that way too. That's the sort of thing you will think about after reading this book. If you thought you were morally a good person, this story will make you want to be better. Anyway, August has nothing wrong with his brain or limbs or anything and his face is the only thing that makes him different to others, and the story is mainly about how this affects his life (even though it shouldn't).
He has a sister, Via, who is protective of him and when he starts real school for the first time in fifth grade, his parents are protective too. Through the story, I found a lot of things really upsetting because I only just realised how horrible children can be, but how thoughtful and great they can be too. The whole book just makes you think about people more. I love a lot of the characters in the book, August in particular but others too like his parents, sister, and the friends who stick by him.
It's hard not to give the story away, but he meets a lot of nasty people and goes through a lot of nasty things before the end of the story. However, it is from the end of the story that I would like to share a poem that I really, really adore.
"Do all the good you can,
 By all the means you can,
 In all the ways you can,
 In all the places you can,
 At all the times you can,
 As long as you ever can.- John Wesley's Rule"
I can't recommend this book highly enough. It is honestly so brilliant and it makes you think but it isn't a book that makes your head hurt because you can't do anything but think. It is written quite simply but in a way that is great and not patronising and is perfect for boys or girls.
I would say this is suitable for anyone from the age of 10-16. This is because it is written simply enough for a 10 year old to enjoy, but not too simply that a 16 year old would not enjoy it. The story, in my opinion, is perfect for any age, bit or small and the morals are even more suitable for everyone. Adults, I think could enjoy the book too because it is basically just great.
Sadly,I can't find any more books that are by R.J. Palacio, and this is bad because I would love to read more by her! If anyone can suggest any similar stories please, please let me know!


Wonder is available from Amazon for£5.24 with free delivery in the UK http://www.amazon.co.uk/Wonder-R-J-Palacio/dp/0552565970/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1382551359&sr=8-1&keywords=wonder+by+rj+palacio

It is the same price in Waterstones with free delivery in the UK also.http://www.waterstones.com/waterstonesweb/products/r-+j-+palacio/wonder/9208412/