Devoted by Hilary Duff

Title: Devoted (Elixir #2)

Author: Hilary Duff

First published: 11th Oct 2011

Recommended for: people who like supernatural teen stories

Date read: 9th Nov 2012

rating: 1.5/5

I was incredibly disappointed in this book. I’m not really sure what else to say about it. The idea was interesting enough but it was just so boring, and nothing happened until the last 20 pages! And of course it was a terrible ending and inconclusive, for the sake of a sequel which I’m not sure I’ll dare to read. I’m not sure how much crap my brain can take. I think I’d rather google the ending.

I got really annoyed at the protagonist in the book! Half the time, Clea, the protagonist, is Bella Swan-ning over the ‘loss’ of her true love, and the only saviour is ex best friend turned best friend again who basically stops her from making too many stupid decisions. Another thing that annoys me about the novel is, it’s supposedly a love story, yet there is no romance scenes between the 2 main characters; Clea and her soulmate Sage. The novel has a kind of Twilight feel to it, the whole I-love-him-and-now-he’s-gone thing. Also there are lots of things not clarified, especially the opening scene. The opening scene is not made clear until your halfway through the book, and it therefore makes what’s happening very hard to follow! Also there were lots of grammatical mistakes!

Well, as you can see I did not enjoy this book which was a real shame as I really enjoyed the first book! Anyway, I’ll let you know if I attempt the third book!

Baby Be Mine by Paige Toon

Title: Baby Be mine (sequel to Johnny be Good)

Author: Paige Toon

First Published: 2011

Recommended for: romance fans, chick-lit readers, casual/light read

Date Read: 7-8th Nov 2012

Rating: 4/5

I think I did love this book. I couldn’t put it down as there was more drama, tension and very sweet and cute scenes. Despite it having an obvious plot and being able to guess most of the storyline I still couldn’t put it down! I loved that the characters have grown more in this book. Meg is a lot stronger and confident, she knows whats good and bad for her and nearly always makes the right decision. Johnny also grows up, takes responsibility and sorts himself out (although that doesn’t really happen until the end). The characters were finally given more depth. However, I still would of liked to have seen some things from Johnny’s perspective, to feel more connected to his character and give him more depth.

I felt that this novel was very similar to the first one as there was a lot of recycled emotions due to the similar situations characters found themselves in. Although I do like how it is realistic in how Meg and Johnny’s relationship progresses, and she doesn’t just give into him, and let herself be pushed around, she makes sure Johnny knows what she needs and wants and he eventually cleans himself up. She doesn’t just give in to a druggie/alcoholic and go on a downward spiral again with him.

Again, you never get bored during the book and I looked forward to all the cute scenes between Johnny, Barney and Meg, and I enjoyed the sexual tension between Johnny and Meg again. Although again, the story did move a little slow and I think a few more short and sweet romantic scenes were needed between Meg and Johnny, however not having too many of these kept you reading as you couldn’t wait for the next one.

I did like the conclusion, even though it is predictable, although I wasn’t fully satisfied. I think that it was wrapped up a little quickly, like in The Hunger Games, and could of used another chapter or two. But, I still loved the book. I think the main thing I loved was the idea of Johnny and Meg being a family. I love the main characters becoming a family which is really the only reason why I enjoyed Breaking Dawn from the Twilight series so much. I love all the cute family scenes in this book as well!

Anyway, as you can tell I did enjoy the book and am obviously a bit of a chick-lit fan, and I think Paige Toon is making her way up on my list of fave chick-lit authors!

 

Johnny Be Good by Paige Toon

Title: Johnny Be Good

Author: Paige Toon

First Published: Oct 2008

Recommended for: romance/drama fans, people who like a ‘light’ or quick read

Date Read: 8th Nov 2012

Rating: 4/5

I felt I didn’t necessarily love this book, but I did really like it and became obsessed with the story (read it in only a few hours)! The reason I didn’t love it is probably because, yes it is a bit of a light read and therefore I didn’t really get to experience what the characters were feeling, like I have in previous books; almost experience the novel vicariously through them. However, the writing was pretty good and there was never a moment I was bored, although the storyline was a little slow and I would of liked a few more heated, romance scenes between the 2 main characters.

I did also love the characters, for some reason I fins British characters a lot more likeable than other characters. I did love the main character and felt her thoughts and emotions were relatable, and her best friend Kitty, an Alice -Cullen-like character, was a nice supporting character to bring a bit more fun into the novel. I did get annoyed at Johnny’s mood swings, I guess you could say, how he and Meg (the protagonist) were best buddies one minute, then he completely ignores her again, but Johnny’s one of those characters you have a love/hate feel towards.  It also would of been nice to have a bit more depth into the characters. I would of liked to know and feel more about them.

One thing I nearly forgot, I just have to compliment the author on getting straight into the story! I hate when it takes nearly 10 chapters until something starts happening! The author gets straight into it so you’re intrigued from the start!

The ending was a bit of a crap cliffhanger, and you kind of know the answer to it, but luckily there is a sequel and I didn’t have to start hating the author while waiting for it’s releases because it’s already out!

I really did thoroughly enjoy this book and am planning on reading more books by Paige Toon by the pool this summer!

Point of Retreat by Colleen Hoover

Title: Point of Retreat (Slammed #2)

Author: Colleen Hoover

First published: 2012

Recommended for: teens/young adults, tragedy + romance fans, poetry fans

Date Read: 1st November 2012

Rating: 4.5/5

Of course I loved this book (like I did the first one)! I love seeing the characters grow so much in this book. I love the relationships that develop between Lake and Calder and Will and Kel. I love the love that Lake and Will not only share with each other, but their brothers. They are a family. I love how this book doe explore what a family is and even though Will and Lake’s situation is unlikely, I think this questions us to think about the modern make-up of couples in today’s society. We see how people don’t agree on many views in regards to families today, especially at the dad’s breakfast when Will goes for not only Caulder (his brother), but Kel and Kiersten.                           I really did like how more depth was added by  subtly discovering the issue of bullying. I love how Kel and Caulder stand up for Kiersten and it shows how hard it is to stand up to bullies for young kids today.

I just love the characters, and the addition of new characters, Kiersten and Sherrie was a breath of fresh air. I loved Sherrie’s ‘weirdnes’ and Kiersten’s funny and insightful little speeches. Kel, Caulder, Eddie and Gavin were also great secondary characters bringing lots more laughs and tears into the books. I also loved seeing stronger relationships develop between Eddie and Lake, Gavin and Will and Kel, Caulder and Kiersten. It was also nice to see Sherrie looking out for everyone, assuming a motherly role.

Again the novel was very well written. It’s simple, but keeps you captivated. I also like how we got to read from Will’s perspective, unlike how the first novel was from Lake’s perspective. I think this helped us understand and know more about Will and just really love him, and his sweetness!

The storyline is again fantastic. It’s realistic. The feelings of love, trust issues, exes and the like. It was of course filled with unexpected twists, only figuring them out just before it actually happens. I did find some of the storyline a bit predictable and ‘common’. (SPOILER ALERT) How one of Will’s exes is in his class, he doesn’t tell Lake, she finds out gets mad, we all know the story including the ending (SPOILER OVER). I know this is obviously just to keep the story going and keep you engaged but these characters cannot have any more bad luck! Their parents have all passed away by the end of the last book and now they nearly die? What I did think was real was the emotions they experienced  and their thoughts. Not only did that seem real, but you felt something too. You felt what they were feeling, which is something Hoover has retained from the previous novel. And no, it wasn’t all sad there is actually quite a lot of humour, thanks to the supporting characters, especially Kiersten.

I really did love this book and can’t wait for the third (and hopefull 4th) novel. I love Will and Lake’s story, and all the characters and emotions really make this a pretty much perfect novel!

Point of Retreat Status Updates

*may contain spoilers

10/31				“Kiersten’s poem about bullying is amazing! I really loved the seriousness, yet the subtle humour!”
10/31				“You never guess what’s going to happen in this novel, until a split second before it happens”
10/31				“Just when you think everything’s perfect…”
10/31				“I did not expect that.”
10/31				“Will’s poem for Lake is so beautiful and sweet. I cried.”
10/31				“The poem at the start of chapter 10 is lovely, and I know it’s probably not meant to be, but I though it was really offensive towards gay couples.”
10/31				“Kel and Caulder are so cute defending Kiersten. I also love Kiersten’s remark about being a vegetarian so she can’t date meat heads.”
10/31				“The letter from Julia is beautiful. Brought tears to my eyes from the first sentence”
10/31				“The Sweet and Suck game is cute. I love Will’s answer and the cute little family dinner thing.”

Slammed by Colleen Hoover

Title: Slammed (#1)

Author: Colleen Hoover

First published: January 2012

Recommended for: poetry fans, mature teens, lovers of romance

Date Read: 30-31st October 2012

Rating: 5/5

What a beautiful, compelling story! A beautiful love story of 2 people fighting to stay away from each other but have nothing else to hold onto but each other. I really did love the main 2 characters as they were realistic, smart and didn’t make stupid decisions-basically they  didn’t annoy me. I like how when they can’t be together, the protagonist Lakeyn, doesn’t sulk like Bella Swan in Twilight but tries to keep going with her life and knows there are so many other important things she needs to do than fuss over a one-date relationship. I really did love their powerful relationship, even when they had to be ‘just friends’.

I never liked poetry, but was pleasantly surprised to find that I thought the slam poetry was beautiful. I had never been ‘moved’ by a poem until I read ‘The Perks of Being A Wallflower’, and in this book I really started to further discover a love for poetry. I never realised how powerful poetry can be and how it can really portray all of someone’s emotions so strongly, therefore giving you a deep insight into how the characters feel and what they think.  I also really felt what the characters felt and even shed a few tears myself.

It was also beautifully written. It was a very well paced story with unexpected twists and turns, yet they were realistic and not too over the top. The only situation I found not very realistic or likely to happen is the situation with Lake and Kel and Will and Calder’s parents. I mean how much bad luck can these kids have? And there all like best friends? I also loved how the book got straight into the story, you didn’t have to wait about 7 chapters, like The Mortal Instruments series, for something to actually happen.

This book really swept me up in a whirlwind  and gripped me and my heart from the start.

Slammed Status Updates

*may contain spoilers

10/30				“I know it seems petty, but it really annoys me how it always says ‘I would rather lay IN the floor.’ Don’t they mean I’d rather ‘ lay ON the floor’ ?”
10/30				“How come all the kids in this book lose their parents?”
10/30				“This book just keeps giving me unexpected twists. Love it.”
10/30				“Go Lakeyn! I love a strong female character! Especially one that respects herself! I love how she tells Will he’s “an asshole” for playing with her feelings!”
10/30				“Haven’t been able to put down this tale of a modern (not paranormal like twilight) forbidden romance!!”
10/30				“Glad it’s starting to finally heat up a bit!!”
10/30				“What an unexpected twist.”
10/30				“After she first meets Eddie and Eddie tells her she’ll take her to class, I immediately think of when Janice and Ian take Katy to class in Mean Girls.”

The Perks of Being A Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Title: The Perks of Being A Wallflower

Author: Stephen Chbosky

First Published: 1999

Recommended for: teenagers (although an older audience could enjoy it)

Date read: 29/10/2012
Rating: 5/5

What a gorgeous book. You absolutely fall in love with the protagonist Charlie from his first letter. You fall in love with his sweet and innocent character from the very first page, and get to watch his character grow and develop as he discovers new life experiences. What I love is how although he changes and grows so much as a person, he remains the sweet Charlie. I also love how Patrick and Sam, although are older, are so kind and accepting of him and really support him on this journey. Charlie really is so innocent and you almost want to protect him, but instead, thank to his relationship with Patrick and Sam, you get to see him flourish. Their relationship really is love.

Despite not having much in common with Charlie, I really related to his situations and experienced the same emotions when going through similar or the same experiences, not necessarily in regards to the abuse part, but with friends, school and family issues. I almost felt like I was writing his letters rather than reading them, as there is something about how the author writes and you really start to see the world through Charlie’s eyes, and his innocent outlook on life. His innocent outlook also provides you with a few chuckles!

I did love how this book was written. Although it was written in the 90’s, it can still so strongly relate to today and I think the main messages, that come across very clearly can relate to today’s modern society.  Not only can it relate to what teenager’s experience, but I think when it talk’s about being a ‘filter’ can also relate to things in regard to social media, or any text we read, hear or see. It made me question how I think when I read something in the newspaper or gossip magazine, and the novel actually portrayed an accurate description of how people do react towards the media, especially in regards to celebrities and gossip.

It also deals with many important issues, not only in teenagers, such as drugs, alcohol abuse, sex, sexual abuse, bullying and suicide. However, another thing to praise Chbosky on is how he ‘softened the blow’ when he talked about these issues. This made the issues not so confronting and shocking almost, but you still got an insight into what people feel or experience when there is situations like this occurring to them or others around them, without too much depth so it becomes very negative and horrible or saddening to read.

Overall, I absolutely loved the book and couldn’t put it down as soon as I picked it up (I read it in 2 1/2 hours!).

The Perks of Being A Wallflower Status Updates

*may contain spoilers

10/29	page 216		100.0%	“Finally. Sam and Charlie.”
10/29	page 188		88.0%	“It’s great how this book was written in the 90’s but still relates to know, to modern society and especially how teenagers feel. There is so much I can relate to.”
10/29	page 188		88.0%	“The author really like to use the word ‘incidentally’, it’s kinda annoying”
10/28				“June 2, 1992. Beautiful. Inspiring. Heartfelt. True.”
10/28	page 181		84.0%	“I think that the experience Charlie describes after reading ‘The Fountainhead’ is the type of experience the author wants us to have with this novel. I also think it is the actual message or purpose the author set for this novel. I like it as it is a very real message and experience.”
10/28	page 178		83.0%	“”Be a filter not a sponge.” An excellent quote that should be remembered more today, especially in regards to media. How Bill says this quote to Charlie when he reads a book made me start questioning this book too…”
10/28	page 156		73.0%	“This book is so real, so close to the truth”
10/28				“Despite this being a book from the 90’s, I think that it is very accurate in it’s representation of how people act towards the media and view celebrities.”
10/28	page 112		52.0%	“I m actually really interested in their music discussion. It has actually provided me with many insights, what Patrick says about the Beatles is so true!”
10/28	page 77		36.0%	“The poem Charlie reads for Patrick is the most beautiful and most sad poem I have ever read.”
10/28	page 67		31.0%	“I actually love Charlie so much! He is so sweet and innocent! I also love how Patrick and Sam have taken him I’m board and looked out for him. It’s so sweet!”

Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Title: Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices #1)

Author: Cassandra Clare

First published: 2012

Recommended for: mortal instruments fans, female teens 15+

Date read: August 2012

Rating: 4/5

*this is a prequel series to The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare

The series gets off to a good start, with many new characters in a whole new world (in London, my favourite city in the whole world!!). There was the obvious similarities between Mortal Instruments (MI) protagonist Clary and Infernal devices protagonist (ID) Tessa, both thinking they are normal teenage girls then suddenly exposed and involved in a supernatural world, and like Clary, Tessa has no one to turn to but the Shadowhunters. There we meet Will and Jem who are like the Jace and Simon of this novel. Will is strikingly like Jace while Jem seems to possess the same qualities as Simon. In this novel I found that the relationships and the romance storyline played out the same as in MI, however I felt that the group as a whole seem more socially awkward, even when together and far less cohesive. I don’t know if this is because of the time it’s set in and the social restrictions, however I would still like to see the characters develop better relationships with each other.

Despite this, the novel deliver in that it has rich characters and distinct personalities, whilst keeping it authentic in sticking with the time the novel is set in. I liked seeing Tessa grow from being polite, courteous and honest into a much stronger person, and I loved finding out more about Will, from being the resident bad boy, cold and distant, to seeing him love and show he has a heart of gold. However, Jem, in my opinion doesn’t appear to grow much, I actually find his character sweet but boring. I did love the sarcastic banter between Will and Jem and liked seeing the brotherly relationship, which was cute.

The plot of the story is thrilling, with so many delicious twists and turns and complimented by  a rich cast of characters, it makes for the perfect mix, with every character having a story to tell, while you follow them on their emotional journey, as well as some action-packed adventures.