The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Title: The Hunger Games

Author: Suzanne Collins

First Published: 2008

Recommended for: teens 13+ (females), although not the target audience I think adults could enjoy it too

Date read: March 2012

Rating: 4.5/5

I understand how everyone seemed to fall in love with this book so easily and quickly, it has so many great elements from romance to violence.

The love triangle was cliché, the typical girl has to choose between her best friend and the new guy on the scene (and we all know who she ends up with), although I still loved all the cute scenes between Peeta and Katniss.Despite this, it was the constant suspense that keeps you reading, not being able to put the book down (I read it in a couple of hours!)! Who will die next? What will happen between Peeta and Katniss? Or Katniss and Gale? I became so involved in the universe that the author built, it felt so real, yet knowing it wasn’t, I still couldn’t stop reading!

The writing was good and you were propelled through the book at a good rate, however I thought that the romance (throughout all 3 of the books), moved incredibly slow. This is why Katniss annoys me as she takes soooo long to decide, this is where I compare it to Twilight, I mean Twilight was written terribly, but at least Bella could make up her mind quickly, although both characters seem to wallow in self pity a bit. I still love Katniss’ character, I was nailed to the floor when Katniss made her first kill in the arena and doesn’t have a what-have-I-done? melt-down, but is instead gratified by a horrible act that can never really compensate for the horrible acts enacted by the events preceding. We, as readers, are gratified, because it’s what we want.

I think, although futuristic, the book actually looks at today’s society. It critiques reality TV and our callousness about the catastrophes caused by our developing world. I also like how it is an authentically feminine perspective-not too girly, sexy or fancy, but shows how women or girls think about more than that and care about more than just men or cleaning the house and very few stories show that, for example  in Twilight, Bella’s life completely revolves around Edward, when he leaves she goes into s state of Depression. In the Hunger Games, Collins portrays a strong female, who stands up for her beliefs and can always carry on!

The Mortal Instruments Series (1-5) by Cassandra Clare

*The 6th novel is not yet published

Title: The Mortal Instruments series (1-5)

Author: Cassandra Clare

First Published: 2007

Recommended for: female teens 15+

Date Read:August 2012
Rating: 4/5

First of all the story is a truly great story. It’s involved, it drew me in. the villain was villainous, the plot believable and I genuinely wanted to see what happened. The Shadowhunters, mortals enhanced with the blood of Angels who gain mighty power by drawing runes on their bodies. They train in combat to fulfil their epic duty to protect the world from demons while at the same time negotiate their relationships with the other creatures of the world – the fae, the warlocks, the werewolves and the vampires.

It is a great story, it’s even an epic story. And the world is deep and rich, the world building, the use of the Marks for powers is relatively new, there’s a distinctive sense of unique cultures and a very large varied world. I am curious about all of the “Downworlder” races and want to learn more about them. It really does have some great elements that could have been developed wonderfully and would definitely make the books a great read.

There are some negatives involved with the writing. Firstly the author does overwrite a lot, like Stephenie Meyer when describing Edward Cullen. There is only so many times we can hear about Jay’s scars, his t-shirts and how Clary grabs the hem of his t-shirt! Still on the topic of overwriting, there are some things that aren’t necessary for example: “he’s taking a bite of a burrito,” she said whilst chasing a nacho around the plate. We don’t need a full account of the meal!

Besides that, it really is an intriguing story that I loved! I read all 5 books within a week!

*Be sure to check out the prequel ‘The Infernal Devices Series’

Pretty Little Liars (1-8) by Sara Shepard

Title: Pretty Little Liars

Author: Sara Shepard

First Published: 2006

Recommended for: 16+ teens, crime/mystery lovers

Date Read: Jan-March 2012

Rating: 4.5/5

So, over the holidays I started reading the book series of ‘Pretty Little Liars’ by Sara Shepard, and I am addicted! I’ve only read up to the 8th book but have ordered all the others! They are perfect books, they have everything; romance, scandal, drama, mystery all in the one book, and it doesn’t just deal with our basic teen issues of breakups and doesn’t make everything seem so easy and everyone’s life is perfect or doesn’t make situations to melodramatic, it’s real and deals with issues in a real way, like Emily coming out and eating disorders and how hard it is on kids when their parents get divorced, sibling rivalry, and dealing with a loss. You are sucked into the story of these girls from the first mouth-watering page. It is a quick read and I finished within in 2 days of inconsistent reading, but then, it is hard to put it down!

Divergent and Insurgent by Veronica Roth

*This is a review of the first 2 books

Title: Divergent #1

Title: Insurgent #2

Author: Veronica Roth

First published: 2011

Recommended for: teens 16+

Date read: June 2012

Rating: 4.5/5

What amazing books! I was captivated from the very first page! It was such a memorable, unpredictable journey to experience that you can truly immerse yourself in! It has everything I love in it; romance and action.

The plot and characters and pretty solid to me. I did like Beatrice and her character development. I also felt like the love interest between her and was slow developing and not rushed. It provided a nice build up. For a YA book to do that nowadays, you get bonus points.And best of all there was no cliffhanger!

I’m growing to hate clifhangers in YA novels. You don’t need to leave me hanging to keep me reading your series. If your writing/story is good enough, I will continue regardless. So I really appreciated things being tied up nicely in these books even though I can tell things are not over.

So, if you are digging dystopians right now, do yourself a favor and check out the Divergent (trilogy). It’s definitely one of the best out right now.

*This series is a trilogy, the third novel is yet to be released.

Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick

 

Title:Crescendo (Hush, Hush #2)

Author: Becca Fitzpatrick

First published:2010

Recommended for: (16-17)female and Twilight fans

 

Date read: Sep 2012

Rating: 4/5
Although I greatly enjoyed this book and was up until 1:30am to finish it, it was slightly a step down from the first novel.

Firstly, I missed the humor. I know that this was a more serious novel, however it would of been nice for Fitzpatrick to include some of those sarcastic comments to make you smile sometimes!

The novel was also severely lacking in the romance department. It would of generated more interest in the novel to have more than like 2 barely romantic scenes! Just a couple of steamy hook up between the Patch and Nora would of sufficed, however there was some good scenes between the pair at the beginning! Although, due to the lack of scenes between Nora and Patch we didn’t get to see their relationship grow which was disappointing! It would also be nice to see Vee grow or her relationship with Nora grow.

The only other thing that annoyed was some unrealistic parts. When Nora found out about her mum and Hank. She was angry for like 5 seconds, then seemed to forget about it, I mean I think I would be pretty annoyed of I found that out! Also, when she gets ‘injured’ at Delphic, she is released and home within a few hours and alone, with her injuries I’m sure they would keep you in longer or at least have someone look after you!

I can see clearly the strong links in the storyline to Twilight, how Edward and Bella break up, thinking he is no good for her, don’t get back together until the end of the book, he has to give up whatever to be with her etc. The basic storyline of the series seems to follow the same storyline as Twilight (esp. New Moon)

Despite the criticisms, as I said I still enjoyed the book and can’t wait to get addicted to the next one!!

Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick Status Updates

*contains spoilers

09/09				“I find it weird how Nora is really mad about finding out about her mum and hank, but she only tries to call her mum once about it-who doesn’t pick up-, then she completely forgets about it!”
09/09				“I don’t know if it is just on the iBook, but there is lots of spelling mistakes and grammatical errors”
09/09	page 190		44.0%	“I’m really starting to see the links to Twilight in this book now. Although there is a very similar storyline the actual plot and characters are different”
09/08	page 120		28.0%	“Honestly, I’m getting really annoyed with Nora and Patch right now!!”

Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick Status Updates

*may contain spoilers

09/08	page 231		59.0%	“I love how the romance scenes are sweet, but still sexy!”
09/08	page 230		58.0%	“Finally a little more romance scenes!!”
09/08	page 127		32.0%	“Getting Sexy…”
09/08	page 112		28.0%	“The author is quite clever with her choice of words, for example when they are on ‘The Archangel’ roller coaster, she describes it with things like “demonically fast””
09/08	page 111		28.0%	“Creative way of explaining about Patch here! More good work from Fitzpatrick!”
09/08	page 98		25.0%	“I love how Fitzpatrick includes these little bits of humor or sarcastic comments to keep you entertained! “looking as enthusiastic as a three day old meatloaf””
09/08	page 97		24.0%	“”Delphic Amusement Park’s newest sensation! The ARCHANGEL…FALL FROM GRACE on this 100ft vertical drop” I love Fitzpatricks foreshadowing and subtle clues, giving you a bit but keeping you hungry for more!”
09/08	page 88		22.0%	“This kinda reminds me of Twilight: Elliot is like the Mike Newton, while Patch is the Edward Cullen”
09/08	page 82		20.0%	“I’m wondering what’s up with this fog, seems to always have some kind of effect on Nora…”
09/08	page 79		20.0%	“”you just need a very good reason to go out of your way to get to know someone””
09/08	page 63		16.0%	“I love Patch and Nora’s sarcasm with each other!”
09/08	page 58		14.0%	“Even though we haven’t met the character yet I think Nora’s mum must know something, I mean why do they live in the middle of nowhere on some kind of spooky hill? Then again if she did, why would she leave Nora alone all the time?”
09/08				“Nora is only year 10, yet her mum travels and lets her live alone, only a housekeeper to clean and make dinner during the day. She also lives in the middle of nowhere. Her mum has no idea what she is ever up to. Do you think an apparently loving parent would allow this? Seems a bit unrealistic to me…”
09/08	page 52		13.0%	“Spooky car accident…”
09/08	page 41		10.0%	“I think there is a bit of foreshadowing going on…important conversations after the movie on this page!!”
09/08	page 29		7.0%	“Already loving the love/hate thing Nora and Patch have!!”
09/08	page 14		3.0%	“Only on the first chapter but already a gripping story!! Fitzpatrick has already delved into the mystery and romance of the story!”
09/08	page 10		2.0%	“Seriously, who says “What the crap?” not that it’s just a weird expression but she even tells it out to her teacher.”
09/08	page 9		2.0%	“Funny Science class!! Reminds me of health class in Mean Girls!!”
09/08	page 1		0.0%	“Prologue set in the Loire Valley, France!! Excited but sad now coz it makes me think of my memories when I was there this time last year!!”

Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Title: Hush Hush

Author: Becca Fitzpatrick

First published: 2009

Recommended for: female teens or any Twilight fans

Date read: Sep 2012

Rating: 5/5

I more than enjoyed this book, I absolutely loved it! I stayed up until 2am to finish reading it!!

Firstly, I love how Becca Fitzpatrick delves right into the story from the beginning, getting right into the romance and mystery. This is great because it keeps you intrigued from the very beginning of the book, as I know I hate it when the first 5-7 chapters of the book are really dry!

Next, I love Fitzpatrick’s use of humour and the sarcastic comments, that are always there to satisfy you sense of humour!

Something I really love about this book is the romance! I love how it is always there, even when it is not a romantic scene as such, for example, a date, the feeling of romance always manages to come through! Another thing is that when it is a romantic scene, Fitzpatrick satisfies us all by keeping them sweet but sexy at the same time!

Something the author does well is explaining to you things, such as the angels, in a not glaringly obvious way but creative and easy to understand. She also has great use of foreshadowing!

The novel remains so gripping through the authors ability to leave you in suspense, keep you guessing. Although it is easy to work out what Patch is, other characters such as Elliot and Ms Green really make you wonder what their agendas are, and believe me, you won’t guess it right, especially what Jules is up to!!

A lot of people seem to call this a twilight rip off and I see where they’re coming from, but I kinda disagree. Initially I thought of Patch like Edward and Elliot like Mike Newton, not Jacob, however if you read the book, like me, you’ll discover that is not the case. Yes, Patch is supernatural and doesn’t want to be, and his relationship with a human, but that’s where the similarities end! Patch and Nora’s relationship is much different to Edward and Bella’s, not so restricted and careful, plus there isn’t even characters that fit into the roles of Twilight characters!

Anyway, obviously I can’t wait to read the next book and the rest of the series!!!!!

Desires of the Dead by Kimberly Derting

Title: Desires of the Dead (Bodyfinder #2)

Author: Kimberly Derting

First published:2011

Recommended for: teens (16-17)

 

Date read: Sep 2010

Rating: 5/5
This series only gets better!! I went into reading this book a little tentatively, as I enjoyed the first book although not a whole heap, but I was pleasantly surprised at how addicted to the book was!

Derting really improved her writing in that it was much more suspenseful and gripping than the first book!
Just when I thought I had it all worked out, something threw me off, only to realise maybe I was right, but something was missing. Derting defiantly kept me guessing and in suspense-hungry for more!

Of course I also loved all the cute Violet and Jay scenes, although I would like to see their relationship described or experienced in more depth!

The only part that annoyed me was the ending, I would of liked to see Violet (and Jay’s) relationship with Mike and Megan be able to grow in the next book, as I came to really like the characters, even Megan!

I can’t wait for the next book!

Desires of the Dead by Kimberly Derting Status updates

*may contain spoilers

09/05	page 290		81.0%	“Just worked out some crucial info!!”
09/05	page 275		77.0%	“I thought I had it all worked out, then I thought I didn’t, only now to realise I think I’m right…but maybe missing something!! The suspense is killing me!!”
09/04	page 247		69.0%	“Just when you tho k you’ve worked it out…you haven’t”
09/04	page 242		68.0%	“I love Chelsea, she’s so funny!! “I swear every time I see [Jay], I’m halfway afraid he’s gonna start crying like a girl or ask to borrow a tampon or something””
09/04	page 228		64.0%	“Feeling a bit emotional about Vi and Jay! Although Jay should of believed Vi straight away, so he kinda deserves it!”
09/04	page 191		53.0%	“Getting hot and steamy between Vi and Jay…”
09/04	page 157		44.0%	“Gluttony”
09/04	page 103		29.0%	“The suspense!!!!”
09/04	page 73		20.0%	“Cutest picnic ever!!”
09/04	page 68		19.0%	“Chapter 7”
09/04	page 60		16.0%	“Chapter 6”
09/04	page 54		15.0%	“Chapter 5”
09/04				“Chapter 4 has so many gorgeous Vi and Jay scenes! I love how much he cares for her!”
09/04	page 45		12.0%	“I love the scene between Vi and Jay on this page!! So cute!”
09/04	page 42		11.0%	“Chapter 4”