Review: The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting

Title: The Body Finder.
Series: The Body Finder, #1.
Author: Kimberly Derting.
Publication Date: March 16th, 2010.
Publisher: Harper Collins.
Genres: Paranormal, Mystery, Young Adult.
Format: Hardback, 327 pages.
Source: Bought.
My Rating:

Violet Ambrose is grappling with two major issues: Jay Heaton and her morbid secret ability. While the sixteen-year-old is confused by her new feelings for her best friend since childhood, she is more disturbed by her "power" to sense dead bodies—or at least those that have been murdered. Since she was a little girl, she has felt the echoes that the dead leave behind in the world... and the imprints that attach to their killers.

Violet has never considered her strange talent to be a gift; it mostly just led her to find the dead birds her cat had tired of playing with. But now that a serial killer has begun terrorizing her small town, and the echoes of the local girls he's claimed haunt her daily, she realizes she might be the only person who can stop him.

Despite his fierce protectiveness over her, Jay reluctantly agrees to help Violet on her quest to find the murderer—and Violet is unnerved to find herself hoping that Jay's intentions are much more than friendly. But even as she's falling intensely in love, Violet is getting closer and closer to discovering a killer... and becoming his prey herself.

 

Review

The Body Finder is an absolutely fantastic and gripping murder mystery novel that I found incredibly hard to put down. In the end I had to force myself to put the book down on several occasions so I could eat, sleep and do the other everyday necessities. The Body Finder is full of suspense, mystery and engaging characters – linked together with an amazing and unique plot. I was completely hooked from the first few pages.

When Violet Ambrose was eight years old, she was walking through the forest with her father when she was drawn by a particularly strong echo. Undeterred by this, she follows it; unfortunately it’s not the body of a dead squirrel - it’s the body of a dead teenage girl. Violet has a unique ability; she can sense and hear the echoes of dead bodies, and can be drawn to the place where they are concealed. Each body has a different and unique ‘echo’ that Violet can sense. To add to the ‘gift’ she has, she can also sense the killers, who carry the imprint of their prey on their body.

Eight years later, Violet is learning to deal with her gift – along with her feelings for her best friend, Jay. Whilst Violet is trying to deny her feelings for Jay, a serial killer is on the loose and had begun terrorizing her small town. As the killer claims more and more victims, Violet realises that she may be the only one able to stop him. So with the help of Jay; Violet sets out to try and trace the killers echo – but as she gets closer to the truth, she finds herself closer to becoming his prey herself.

The Body Finder switches between the perspectives of Violet, our main character, and the murderer. I’ve always loved multiple perspectives in books, and theirs didn’t let me down. I thought it was down-right creepy hearing the twisted words from the killers point of view, the killer’s reaction and the pleasure he takes in the hunt. Violet’s point of view was quite the opposite and innocent, making it a great contrast.

I loved Violet’s character, she was so up-beat and friendly. I found that she handled her ‘gift’ really well, where as I’m sure, a lot of other characters may have gone off the rails because of it. Violet keeps a calm head throughout most of the book and was generally a very mature, sweet and kind character. I do wish, however, that the author had gone into a little bit more detail about Violet’s gift and maybe spoken about the family history from previous relatives who also had ability.

As for Jay’s character, he was so sweet! Not only is he an amazing friend to Violet, but he’s cute, funny, kind and caring. Move over, Violet, I wouldn’t mind having him to myself! Jay and Violet grew up together and have been inseparable ever since they met. Jay is fiercely protective of Violet and he definitely doesn’t like the idea of Violet going out to hunt down a murderer.

I found it amazing to read about how Jay and Violet danced around each other, trying to deny their true feelings, even though it was totally obvious that they loved each other. I often found myself feeling jealous of the amazing relationship they had, the connection they shared and the chemistry between them. I also found that there were some really sweet and interesting quotes throughout this book, which I thought helped me connect with the characters even more.

Overall, I thought this book was extraordinary and has quickly become another one of my favourite books. Whilst reading The Body Finder, I was constantly on edge and had no clue what would happen next. I found my heart racing, just as if I were the one the killer was hunting - or as if I were actually there; watching the scenes play out in front of me. I believe the 5/5 star rating was well and truly earned and deserves nothing less – it’s a shame I can’t give it more than 5 stars! Kimberly Derting’s writing is incredible and so easy and lovely to read – I can’t wait to pick up the sequel and read more from her.

Quotes

"I was just waiting for you to want me as much as I wanted you." His words were quiet but carried one hell of an impact. "I knew we were going to be together; it was just a matter of time. I kept hoping that you would figure it out. But for a smart girl, you’re a little dense, Vi. I kept bringing up Lissie Adams, and showing you the notes she was leaving me, hoping that you’d get pissed enough to finally admit how you felt about me." - Page 220.

He loved her.
Jay Heaton, her best friend since childhood was in love with her. He didn't say it but she knew that it was true. And the part that really freaked her out, the part that caught her completely off guard, is that he wasn't in it alone. Because even though she'd been denying it for a long, long time, it had always been there ... waiting just beneath the surface of their friendship. And now that it was out, there was no going back.
And it was so weird to even be thinking it but...
...she was in love with him too. - Page 226.

"Don’t worry, Claire-bear," Chelsea soothed condescendingly. "I’m not going to hook up with Jules."
She wrapped her arm around Claire’s waist and then said suggestively in her ear, "I’m much more likely to make a move on you."
"Eww!" Claire shrieked, shoving Chelsea away. "Get away from me!"
"Leave her Alone Chels," Jules interrupted, "Or you're gonna make her start on her ‘It's Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve’ speech.” - Page 296.

Review: Eve by Anna Carey

Title: Eve.
Series: Eve, #1.
Author: Anna Carey.
Publication Date: December 1st, 2011.
Publisher: Harper Teen.
Genres: Post-Apocalyptic, Dystopia, Young Adult.
Format: Paperback, 318 pages.
Source: Bought.
My Rating:

Where do you go when nowhere is safe?

After a deadly virus wiped out most of Earth's population, the world is a terrifying place.

Eighteen-year-old Eve has never been beyond the heavily guarded perimeter of her school, where she and two hundred other orphaned girls have been promised a bright future in The New America. But the night before graduation, Eve learns the shocking truth about her school's real purpose--and the horrifying fate that awaits her.

Fleeing the only home she's ever known, Eve sets off on a long, treacherous journey, searching for a place she can survive. Along the way she encounters Caleb, a rough, rebellious boy living in the wild. Caleb slowly wins her trust . . . and her heart. But when soldiers begin hunting them, Eve must choose between true love and her life.

 

Review

Sixteen years after a deadly plague wiped out about 98% of the world’s population, the world is a deadly and terrifying place. Orphaned children are taken to schools, where the women are groomed and taught skills and grace. Eighteen year old Eve is the schools prize, smart, beautiful and the valedictorian. However, the night before her graduation, Eve learns the truth, from a girl named Arden, about her schools real purpose and the horrific future that’s in store for her, enforced by the King.

Arden escapes the school that night, leaving Eve doubting everything that she’s ever known. Later that night, Eve finds proof of Arden’s accusations and manages to escape the school the same night. She sets out into the wilderness, eventually stumbling along Arden and together they head towards a safe camp called Califia. On their way they are rescued from a tricky situation - involving King’s guard - by a tall and handsome boy named Caleb.

This was such a fantastic book that I’m finding it hard where to start. There were so many different twists and turns through this book that it kept me constantly on edge. I felt like I couldn’t put this novel down until I had turned the very last page. I loved how Eve didn’t take long to get going and practically jumped straight into the action. There weren’t 70 or so pages of annoying chapters beforehand that don’t really matter, like in most books I’ve read.

The main character, Eve, was fantastic. She’s strong-willed, smart, kind and caring with a lovely personality that you just can’t help but love. Eve starts off as this innocent teenage girl, brought up to believe everything that she was told, believing she’ll have a happily ever after. It was amazing to watch her character grow from an adolescent to an adult. From having no responsibilities to having to take responsibility for all the mistakes she makes.

Caleb has quickly become one of my favourite male book characters. Caleb is sweet, funny, caring, self-sacrificing and overall just an amazing character. I honestly wonder how many people would risk their life to save a complete and utter stranger. My answer is not many; so I’ve always had a soft spot for people or characters that actually do so.

I loved watched the relationship between Eve and Caleb blossom. Eve has been taught all her life that men are evil, ruthless creatures that can’t be trusted – but she soon discovers this isn’t true for all of them. Eve soon begins to trust Caleb and savour the time they spend together, eventually realising she’s fallen in love with him. Finally she figures out that he’ll never be safe, as long as she’s with him. I found it all a little heartbreaking and embarrassingly found myself crying a little as I read some of the scenes between them.

I loved all of the characters, they were amazing. I also loved reading about their pasts and what they plan to do in the future. The world building throughout the novel was also fantastic. It’s been 16 years since the pandemic, and pretty much everything out in the world has been abandoned, apart from the City of Sand where the King lives. As Eve passed through towns and forests, I felt like I could really imagine what it would be like; the disruption, the decay, abandonment and emptiness. The entire writing style just completely drew me in, and I knew, even before I’d finished reading it, that It was going to get a high rating.

Overall, I was so impressed with this book and it’s quickly become one of my favourites. The ending of the novel had me frowning and frantically trying to figure out whether there were any more pages left. At first, I wished it hadn’t ended like it did, but as I look back – I believe it was the perfect end to the first book in this trilogy. Eve deserves nothing less than a 5/5 star rating in my opinion and I can’t wait to get my hands on the sequel, ‘Once’, to carry on this incredible series.

Quotes

While he emptied the contents of the box onto the floor, sorting through tin cans and silver pouches, I studied his face. The river had washed away most of the dirt from his skin and it was now shiny and smooth, a few freckles covering the flat bridge of his nose. My eyes kept returning to his strong, angular features, the bones pressing against his skin. I knew I should be more afraid of him, but right now, I was simply fascinated. What was that word again, the one Teacher had used to describe her husband? The one Pip and I had joked about at school? Caleb, even with his brown nails and tangled hair, seemed almost...handsome. - Page 81.

"You can love anyone," I interrupted, looking around at the group. "Love is just" - I searched for the right words - "caring about someone very deeply. Feeling like that person matters to you, like your whole world would be sadder without them in it." - Page 133.

"But maybe the old bag was right. There is some kind of insanity in his eyes. It's like he wants to devour your soul or something." - Page 175.

Review: Fracture by Megan Miranda

Title: Fracture.
Series: Fracture, #1.
Author: Megan Miranda.
Publication Date: January 17th, 2012.
Publisher: Bloomsbury.
Genres: Paranormal, Mystery, Young Adult.
Format: Paperback, 261 pages.
Source: Bought.
My Rating:

By the time seventeen-year-old Delaney Maxwell is pulled out of the icy waters of a frozen lake, her heart has stopped beating. She is officially dead. Then she starts breathing...


The doctors are mystified. But Delaney knows something is very wrong, even thought outwardly she had completely recovered.

Pulled by sensations she can’t control, Delaney now finds herself drawn to the dying. Is her brain predicting death or causing it? Then Delaney meets Troy Varga. Is Troy a kindred spirit who somehow understands her weird and frightening gift? Or are his motives chillingly more sinister...

 

Review

Delaney Maxwell is crossing a frozen lake one day when she slips and falls, fracturing the ice and falling into its dark and dangerous depths. Unable to find the surface, Delaney drowns and is rescued 11 minutes later from the water by her best friend, Decker. She should be dead, shouldn’t she? However Delaney breaks the odds, lives but is in a coma for 6 days. Technically she’s brain damaged, she shouldn’t be able to speak, walk or do any of the normal day to day things when she wakes up – but she can. Nothing seems to be wrong with her, but something seems to have changed in Delaney. She finds herself unknowingly drawn to the dying – a new found sense that will change her life forever.

Fracture was a really good read; I read it in only two sittings and was constantly being drawn more and more into the story. However; I did find that it was quite rushed at times. I also felt it could have been written a bit more smoothly and less erratically. It often jumped from one thing to another and I found myself confused as to what was happening. I also have to say I was also a little disappointed in it. However, that’s mostly my fault, because I went into reading this book with really high expectations, expecting an incredible, unforgettable read and it came up short slightly with a few faults that really niggled at me.

Delaney’s character was a bit of a see-saw to me. Some of the time I really liked her, and the rest of the time I found her really annoying. She drove me crazy by the things she did and the way she acted. She makes some stupid decisions and says a lot of the wrong things, but putting that all aside she was a very caring and kind character. Decker’s character was great! He was so sweet, kind, sensitive and caring that you couldn’t help but love him. He also makes some mistakes in the books, but you can tell he really finds himself paying for them emotionally. The friendship Delaney and Decker have is rare and wonderful and I can’t help but feel jealous of their relationship. The pair hit some rocky grounds throughout the book, but when it comes to the punch; they’re always there for each other.

Lastly; as for Troy – I have to say, I never really liked his character from the start. He seemed a bit stalkerish and big-headed. How did he have the right to do what he did? He seemed to genuinely like Delaney, even when he was acting like an idiot. In the end his character was alright, but very erratic and unpredictable. I loved how the ending of the book turned out – it was perfect in my opinion. It had enough drama and suspense to keep me turning the pages quickly, and I had no idea what would happen! I felt like the end of the book could go in multiple different ways. The book was constantly surprising me and I could only guess as to what would happen next.

This is one of those rare occasions where I can't decide between giving a book 3.5/5 stars and 4/5 stars. Seeing as I can't decide, and I’m not usually one for giving half stars; I'm just leaving it how it is. Even if the rating was a bit lower, it does not detract from the greatness of this book and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a relatively short but interesting and creative story.

Overall I really did enjoy reading this book, it had its ups and downs but it was fantastic otherwise. It had such an original and unique plotline and delves into some very sensitive subjects such as depression and death. I believe these subjects were handled perfectly and Megan Miranda’s writing was beautiful. I think that it would have stood perfectly as a stand-alone novel, I’m not really sure what I think of it becoming a series – but I suppose I’ll just have to wait and find out what the sequel brings.

Quotes

My ear was pressed against the surface, so I heard the fracture branch out, slowly at first, then with more speed. Faint crackles turned to snaps and crunches, and then silence. - Page 06.

"I don't know whether you're acting like this because you know I'm going to kiss you and you're anxious or you know I'm going to kiss you and you don't want me too." - Page 138.

Troy looked at me with a slightly sideways expression. He leaned forward and whispered, "You're..." He clenched and unclenched his fists, and I knew what he was thinking. I was the girl who ran when she got spooked. I was the girl who hid in the back of the funeral home. I was the girl who had to be saved from the lake. He hadn't gotten to know me, really. He didn't know I wasn't stupid. I was smart. I knew what I was doing. - Page 240.

Review: Slide by Jill Hathaway

Title: Slide.
Series: Slide, #1.
Author: Jill Hathaway.
Publication Date: March 1st, 2012.
Publisher: Harper Collins.
Genres: Mystery, Thriller, Young Adult.
Format: Paperback, 250 pages.
Source: Bought.
My Rating:

Vee Bell hates having narcolepsy. But collapsing at school is nowhere near as bad as the truth - when Vee passes out she slides into other people's heads and ends up seeing through their eyes. Then Vee finds herself in the head of a killer, standing over the body of a cheerleader.

Now another cheerleader is dead, and everyone is a suspect. Struggling to understand her terrifying and unwanted 'gift', Vee is tangled in a web of secrets, lies and danger...

 

Review

I was expecting quite a bit from this book because of all the hype and general love of it throughout the blogging community and I was not disappointed. This book is fantastic. Once I started reading Slide, I couldn’t put it down and was instantly drawn into Jill Hathaway’s world.

Sylvia ‘Vee’ is a narcoleptic – not only can she not control her sleep; but when her episodes happen, she ‘slides’ into someone else’s mind and see’s through their eyes. She’ll slide into her father’s mind whilst he’s in the middle of surgery, into her teachers and find out they have a drinking problem or into her sister’s mind and overhear private conversations she definitely shouldn’t be hearing. However, she’d take that any day over accidently slipping into the mind of a killer, standing over the dead body of a cheerleader - her sister’s best friend.

Suddenly, another cheerleader is dead and everyone around her seems like a suspect, everyone seems like they have something to hide. Vee must try force herself through the tangled web of lies and danger to find out who the killer is before they strike again.

I loved Vee’s character; I thought she was very refreshing and such a relatable person. She’s so compassionate, kind, selfless and headstrong, all of which mix together to create a character I would be more than happy to know. Vee’s an outcast at school and is constantly whispered and laughed at because of her ‘episodes’. I found it so easy to connect with her character on so many different levels; especially with her feelings of loneliness and thoughts that she has no one to talk to. She also has very rebellious, bright-pink hair, which is pretty awesome if you ask me.

Vee is only really close to one person, her best friend, Rollins, but feels they are drifting apart because of Vee not being able to tell him about her sliding. I loved Vee’s and Rollins friendship; they were on rocky waters throughout the book, however Rollins was constantly trying to be there to support her. I believe the bond they had was unbreakable and I felt like you could see their raw emotions sparking off each other. As for Zane, well, what can I say? He’s a sweet, vulnerable, gorgeous guy with a beautiful personality to match. Whenever I was reading scenes with Vee and Zane together, I felt like I should be wearing a cheerleading uniform, waving Pom Poms and yelling ‘GO! GO! GO!’ Zane was a wonderful character and I loved watching his and Vee’s relationship grow; from a new-found friendship to something sweet and sensual.

Moving on; I thought that Vee’s relationships with her father and sister, Mattie were really well developed and incredibly well thought through. Vee’s father is a surgeon, and ever since the death of his wife, has been very distant, staying at work late and barely being around his remaining family. Because of this, Vee has had to step up and take responsibility for her younger sister, and basically become a second parent to her. Even so, Jill wrote about this is a way that makes you understand and feel compassion towards the characters; and create a need to dig deeper into the story to see what’s between the lines.

The concept for this book is incredibly unique and whilst reading it, I was constantly suspicious of all the characters. Slide keeps you guessing and wondering at every turn and doubting any prior ideas you may have had whilst reading it. This novel also tackles more serious and emotional affairs such as; suicide, bullying and adultery in a careful and tactful manner. I felt like I could feel the heartache of the characters and the raw emotion that was occurring, but was unable to help ease the pain; which made the book even more incredible.

There are so many more fantastic things I could say about this novel, but I don’t want to ramble on for too long. So I’m just going to say this; if you’re a big fan of thriller mysteries that keep you wanting to turn the page, this book is definitely the one for you! I believe that this book would have done better as a standalone novel; however, I am very excited to see what Jill Hathaway does with its sequel. I also believe it well and truly earned its 5/5 rating I gave and it deserves nothing less.

Quotes

Death is always there, whispering in your ear. It's in the spaces between your fingers. In your memories. In everything you think and say and feel and wish. It's always there. - Page 18.

I step closer to the mirror. The girl I see looks wild with her bright-pink hair - rebellious and free. I wish I felt that way inside. I dyed my hair because I needed a drastic change from pale blonde - my natural hair color is exactly the same shade as my mother's. I was tired of looking in the mirror everyday and seeing her, missing her. Dyeing my hair couldn't disguise the other parts that lived in me, though. - Page 28.

Luckily, when I return, I find my body flopped safely on my bed. I sit up and wipe a bit of drool off my chin. Sliding is not the most glamorous way to get around, that's for sure. - Page 194.

Review: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

Title: City of Bones.
Series: The Mortal Instruments, #1.
Author: Cassandra Clare.
Publication Date: March 27th, 2007.
Publisher: Walker Books.
Genres: Paranormal, Fantasy, Young Adult.
Format: Paperback, 442 pages.
Source: Bought.
My Rating:

When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder—much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It’s hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing—not even a smear of blood—to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?

This is Clary’s first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It’s also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace’s world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know...

 

Review

Clary thinks she’s just a normal, 15 year old girl. I mean, she pretty much is; living in Brooklyn with her artist mother and hanging around with her best friend, Simon. That is until one night at an under-age club called Pandemonium, she sees a group of three teenagers killing what looks like a boy. However, no one else can see them - there’s no blood, and no sign of any disturbance at all. Clary shouldn’t have been able to see these three mysterious teenagers at all, she’s a “mundane”, a human – and doesn’t have the sight to see them. But is she really? Has her mother been lying to her about who she really is? When her mother is kidnapped one evening, Clary is attacked by a demon and is rescued by Jace, one of the three teenagers she saw at the club. Soon she learns that Jace, Isabelle and Alec are Shadowhunters, born and bred to kill demons. With the help of her new friends, Clary learns more and more about the Underworld and her past and goes on a mission to save her mother.

I feel like I must be the last person in the book blogging community that hadn't read this book before! I’m not always a huge fan of Fantasy books, I mean, I’ve never read Lord of The Rings or anything else that’s along those lines - unless you count Harry Potter in that category. I was a little reluctant to add this book to my TBR list, but I heard so many great reviews and ravings about it, I just had to at least try to get my hands on it. I received a surprise copy for Christmas from my parents and I was actually very excited. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it and was instantly drawn into the story. I loved this novel, it was incredible.

I loved Clary’s character, right from the beginning. She’s such a typical teenager; fighting with her mum, and ignoring her calls - which made me smile. There was something about her that was so natural and refreshing. She starts off as this timid girl, but as the book progresses she really grows into herself, becoming more confident, and quite frankly; a bad ass. Clary is a strong protagonist and quite headstrong at times, but I still loved her. Plus, she’s a red-head, so I’ll give her extra points!

Simon’s character actually really irritated me. I mean, there’s jealously, but there’s also over the top, annoying and head banging against the wall jealously that makes you want to slap the person senseless. That’s how I felt when I read most scenes with Simon in, I mean, MAN UP, BOY! Apart from that his character was okay, Simon is Clary’s best friend, and has been for 10 years. I thought their friendship was amazing, and I knew Simon would do anything for Clary if she asked.

As for Jace - why is it that I'm always attracted to the dark, mysterious, bad boy look-a-like characters in books? I wish I could pounce on Jace, because I loved him so much. He makes me swoon and go all giggly and girly. No one ever said that was a bad thing though, right? He has this hard exterior that says, ‘get lost’, but all I want to do is wrap my arms around him and give him a cup of hot-chocolate with marshmallows and cream. Underneath that hard exterior though, is a sweet, kind and caring guy. I can’t begin to explain how much I wish he was real.

Although I gave this novel 5/5 stars; I was not happy with the ending - at all. So much so, that it nearly made me bump it down a star – but didn’t because the overall book was still incredible. Still, it was one of those rare times that I wanted to bend my rules of romance just to make myself happy in my imagination. When I reached the end of this book, I was filled with such mixed emotions and there was a little voice in my head, yelling various insults at Cassandra Clare, telling her she needed to change that ending. I was also, however, spewing a random stream of annoyance out loud. Mostly along the lines of;
“SERIOUSLY?!”
“That did not just happen! How can they do that?”
“Oh come on!”
“HOW COULD YOU?! Kill me now!”

I also found myself bashing my head against the arm of the sofa. I know I’m being a little over-dramatic but I'm filled with such love for this book, yet also with such frustration! There were so many different twists and turns throughout this novel that I found it a little hard to keep up, however that didn’t deter me. The storyline was constantly building and growing, the world building was incredible and I didn’t know what would happen next. Only once did I predict correctly what was going to happen, even though I guessed many times!

I loved Cassandra Clare’s writing style; it’s so different and unique. I really need to get my hands on the sequel to this book, pronto!

Quotes

"I know what it means," Clary snapped.
"No, you don't, you just think you do. Magic is a dark and elemental force, not just a lot of sparkly wands and crystal balls and talking goldfish."
"I never said it was a lot of talking goldfish, you-"
Jace waved his hand, cutting her off. "Just because you call an electric eel a rubber duck doesn't make it a rubber duck, does it? And God help the poor bastard that decides they want to take a bath with the duckie."
"You're driveling," Clary observed. - Page 82.

He took something out of his jacket and handed it to her. It was a long thing dagger in a leather sheath. The hilt of the dagger was set with a single red stone carved in the shape of a rose.
She shook her head. "I wouldn't even know how to use that-"
He pressed it into her hand, curling her fingers around it.
"You'd learn." He dropped his voice. "It's in your blood."
She drew her hand back slowly. "All right."
"I could give you a thigh sheath to put that in," Isabelle offered. "I've got tons."
"CERTAINTLY NOT," said Simon.
Clary shot him an irritated look. "Thanks, but I'm not really a thigh sheath kind of girl." She slid the dagger into the outside pocket on her backpack. - Page 200.

"Drive fast, mundane," he said. "Drive like hell was following you."
Simon drove. - Page 330.

Review: Deadly Little Secret by Laurie Faria Stolarz

Title: Deadly Little Secret.
Series: Touch, #1.
Author: Laurie Faria Stolarz.
Publication Date: December 16th, 2008.
Publisher: Hyperion.
Genres: Paranormal, Mystery, Thriller, Young Adult.
Format: Hardback, 252 pages.
Source: Bought.
My Rating:

Until three months ago, everything about sixteen-year-old Camelia's life had been fairly ordinary: decent grades; an okay relationship with her parents; and a pretty cool part-time job at an art studio downtown. But when Ben, the mysterious new guy, starts junior year at her high school, Camelia's life becomes far from ordinary.

Rumored to be somehow responsible for his ex-girlfriend's accidental death, Ben is immediately ostracized by everyone on campus. Except for Camelia. She's reluctant to believe he's trouble, even when her friends try to convince her otherwise. Instead she's inexplicably drawn to Ben...and to his touch. But soon, Camelia is receiving eerie phone calls and strange packages with threatening notes. Ben insists she is in danger, and that he can help – but can he be trusted? She knows he's hiding something...but he's not the only one with a secret.

 

Review

Camelia was just your normal sixteen year old girl, until her life is saved one day by a mysterious boy who pushes her out of the way of a wayward vehicle. After accidently touching Camelia’s stomach, he flees without hearing her apology. Three months later, the dark, mysterious boy enrols in her High school and Camelia couldn’t be happier. This is until she hears the rumours that are flying around, that Ben, her mysterious hero, is really a killer. Rumour has it he pushed his ex-girlfriend off a cliff and wasn’t convicted because of lack of evidence.

Naturally, the entire school shuns him, writing ‘killer’ on his locker, whispering about him in the hallways and calling him a murderer. Even though her friends believe he’s trouble, Camelia refuses to believe so and is unexpectedly drawn to Ben and his touch. Not long after Ben re-appears in her life, Camelia starts receiving photographs of herself; covered in hearts, eerie phone calls and packages with threatening notes. Ben insists that Camelia is in danger and wants to help her, but he’s hiding something; something she’s determined to figure out. But if she’s truly in danger, who can she trust?

Wow, that’s all I can say. This was one of the most amazing books I’ve ever read. It was a relatively fast paced book and was also a relatively short read at only about 250 pages. However, this does not detract from the incredibility of this book. It has such an original storyline and the suspense created was amazing. A lot of times whilst reading this book, Camelia became suspicious of Ben, but still refused to believe it’s true. She seemed to be in total denial, swayed by Ben’s pretty face - which was sort of irritating at times – but I suppose most girls are blinded by a pretty face.

Throughout this novel I became heavily suspicious of quite a few of the characters, none of which I’m going to name though. They all seemed like they had something to hide, had the ability and need to stalk Camelia or the obsession over her. Even though I actually liked Ben’s character, he was still very suspicious – but I suppose that’s the way the writer wanted it to be. His character was sweet, caring and withdrawn. The chemistry between Camelia and Ben was swoon-worthy (I can’t believe I actually used that phrase), I felt like you could literally see it steaming off of them.

I liked Camelia’s character, she seemed to have a pretty normal life, apart from the stalking of course, and she didn’t whine about stupid things like many characters I’ve read before. She was very supportive of her friends and I thought her friendship with Kimmie, her best friend was lovely and their characters complimented each other perfectly. They seemed to really understand one another and were each as supportive as the other.

The chapters, albeit short, were really well written and flowed smoothly from one to another. There weren’t giant gaps between the scenes when chapters ended, which ensured the continuation of the storyline directly. I loved the chapters that were written by the pursuer, it was really interesting to get inside his head, to hear what he was thinking and to read about his obsession. (I say ‘he’ rather loosely, as I just thought it was a male) As for the ending of the book, I thought it was a little too fast paced and rushed, but it didn’t let down the overall book.

Whilst reading this book, my heart was pounding and my pulse racing. The anticipation in this book was incredible and I couldn’t put it down. It’s such a shame I can’t rate it more than 5/5 stars, because I believe it deserves so much more! Laurie Stolarz is an amazing writer and I can’t wait to get my hands on the sequel and any other books she may write.

Quotes

By fifth block of the day, not even three hours after I first spotted him in the cafeteria, the story has grown into something you might see on a made-for-TV movie. People are saying Ben strangled his girlfriend before he pushed her over the cliff that day; that when the police searched his backpack they discovered a roll of duct tape, a ten-inch knife, and a list of other girls he'd wanted to attack. - Page 15.

My pulse races as I approach the door. I look out the peephole, but there's no one standing there. I tell myself it must have been a door-to-door salesperson and that he or she must have moved on already. A moment later, I hear a pelting noise coming from down the hall. I take a deep breath, wishing we had an alarm system, then grab the phone to dial my dad's cell - but it won't click on, and I can't get a dial tone. Meanwhile, my cell phone's in my bedroom. - Page 135.

My hand trembles over my mouth. I approach the dresser. There's a mysterious pile of fabric sitting on top of it. I let out a breath and move a little closer, almost startled by my own reflection in the mirror by the way the word BITCH cuts across my face and makes me look like I'm bleeding. - Page 150.

Review: Forgotten by Cat Patrick

Title: Forgotten.
Author: Cat Patrick.
Publication Date: June 1st, 2011.
Publisher: Egmont Books.
Genres: Contemporary, Mystery, Young Adult.
Format: Paperback, 280 pages.
Source: Bought.
My Rating:

Each night when 16 year-old London Lane goes to sleep, her whole world disappears. In the morning, all that's left is a note telling her about a day she can't remember. The whole scenario doesn't exactly make high school or dating that hot guy whose name she can't seem to recall any easier. But when London starts experiencing disturbing visions she can't make sense of, she realizes it's time to learn a little more about the past she keeps forgetting-before it destroys her future.

Part psychological drama, part romance, and part mystery, this thought-provoking novel will inspire readers to consider the what-if's in their own lives and recognize the power they have to control their destinies.

 

Review

I’d been really excited about starting this novel for quite a while now, and I was not disappointed. Forgotten is a short novel, coming in at just under 300 pages. However, don’t judge it by the length, the story is heart-wrenching and moving, you won’t want to put it down!

London Lane is pretty much like every other girl her age – apart from the fact that at around 4am every morning, her mind resets and her past, and the things she’s done the day before becomes a complete blank. How does she get on with life and go to school you say? Every night before she goes to sleep, she jots down everything that’s happened that day in a journal, for her to read when she wakes. She also gets by with the help of her Mum and best friend, Jamie. During a fire drill one day at school, she meets gorgeous and handsome Luke – the new kid who’s just transferred there. As their relationship grows, everyday London has to remind herself how much she loves and adores him – even though he seems a complete stranger to her every day. Around the time that London meets Luke, her best friend, Jamie starts to go off the rails – starting a relationship with a young, married teacher – she also finds out her mum is lying to her about her past, including her father.

I loved London’s character – she was such a delight to read and really refreshing. I think she has incredible strength to continue on living the way she does. I can’t image the stress it would cause me to have to live with something like she does. Aside from having her mind wiped clean every day, London gets flashes of the future. She’ll know about an argument before it’ll happen and she’ll know what she’s going to wear to school tomorrow. Of course, there may be perks about having this ability, but there are definitely downsides to it as well. I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t want to know my future before it happened. I wouldn’t want to walk the earth knowing when bad things would occur, knowing I was powerless to stop them. Especially if you knew when you were going to die – I think you’d end up being like a walking time-bomb.

Moving onwards to Luke’s character – I loved him. Even through all London’s weirdness, and the fact that she couldn’t remember any of their time together – Luke loved her. I think most guys would probably think she was being rude when; the day after they met, London didn’t have a clue who Luke was. Yet Luke stayed and I thought his character was so sweet. Their relationship was quite predictable at times and sort of like insta-love, however – it wasn’t over done like in a lot of different romance novels – so it didn’t really bug me all too much. I think that Luke is an important character in London’s life, helping her to piece back together her past and change her future.

As for Jamie’s character – I loved her too! She and London had such an amazing friendship. She’d constantly help London fill in the blanks from the previous day and was always there for her. Even during their argument – Jamie can’t help but worry over London and she helps her when she needs it. It must be just as painful to watch someone you care about struggling to piece together previous conversations and possibly losing important information they’ve been told. I feel like Jamie (and London’s mum), are incredible in that aspect and I’m pretty sure London wouldn’t be able to live without them in her life.

I can’t stress enough about how much I loved this book, I read it in two long sittings and only managed to put it down when exhaustion overcame me. The book flowed so smoothly between chapters and there were constant twists and turns – leaving my wondering what would happen next. The reason I gave this book 4/5 stars instead of 5/5 was because I felt the ending was quite rushed – I thought it could have gone into more depth and finished the book slightly differently, but overall this novel was incredible. Cat Patrick is an amazing writer and I wait to read her other books.

Quotes

Page Thomas, looking like she just got out of bed, approaches from the opposite direction and waves at me with what I consider to be a little too much enthusiasm. For a beat, I have no idea why she's so happy to see me. I shift my bag to my left arm so that I can cordially wave back as we pass. Then I remember. Soon she will corner me and ask me to set her up with Brad, from math. Ugh. Who am I, Cupid? - Page 22.

For a few seconds, we are quiet. Every muscle in my body is tense, in a good way; it's excruciatingly intimate. I'm lying in my bed, clutching the phone like a lifeline, hearing nothing but Luke's measured inhale and exhale, and my own quickening heartbeat.
If he were here right now, I'd kiss him. - Page 126.

'Does it ever get easier?' I ask my mom, before I open the door to the Prius. We are sitting in the drop-off area at school. My eyes are red and puffy.
'I don't know, London,' my mom says softly, placing a hand on mine. 'For me, time lessens the pain. I don't know how It'll be for you. It's new to you every day.' My mother looks tormented as she says this. I don't answer. - Page 216.

Review: Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

Title: Hush, Hush.
Series: Hush, Hush, #1.
Author: Becca Fitzpatrick.
Publication Date: October 13th, 2009.
Publisher: Simon and Schuster.
Genres: Paranormal, Young Adult.
Format: Paperback, 391 pages.
Source: Bought.
My Rating:

A SACRED OATH
A FALLEN ANGEL
A FORBIDDEN LOVE

Romance was not part of Nora Grey's plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how hard her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch comes along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Patch draws Nora to him against her better judgment. But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust.

Patch seems to be everywhere she is and seems to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel. For she is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost Nora her life.

 

Review

My friend had been bugging me to read this book for a while now, probably since not long after it came out. However, I was very reluctant to do so. Why? Because I’ve never really been overly keen on the speculation of Angels in general. I don’t have a proper, detailed explanation as to my being opposed to them – however I do think it has something to do with the fact that I’m not religious - at all. It’s not that I have anything against religion; it’s just never been my cup of tea. I suppose when I think of Angels, I think of God and the pearly white gates and I couldn’t seem to separate the two. When I first started reading Hush, Hush, I didn’t have my hopes up and wasn’t expecting much. However, I was pleasantly surprised and really enjoyed reading it – so much so, that I read it in only three sittings.

Ever since Nora Gray’s Biology teacher re-assigned the class seating arrangements and she was placed next to Patch, the brooding new kid – things have been happening around her. Things she can’t explain. Nora is drawn to Patch from the start. It’s not just his dashing good looks – there’s something dark and mysterious about him – something Nora wants to desperately find out. As she learns more and more about Patch and his dark past – Nora can’t decide whether to fling herself into his arms, or run and hide.

Nora’s character was quite interesting. She wasn’t the most in depth character I’ve read; however, her character narrated the book very well and made it quite a pleasure to read. Nora is just your typical teenage girl; worrying about what clothes to wear, messing around with her best friend and trying to pass her exams. Although Nora’s character was generally stated as a girl who doesn’t care much about boys in general, she falls - against her better judgement - for Patch, a new student who has suddenly has become her new Biology partner.

Patch is tall, dark and mysterious – every girls dream, right? Yet Nora also finds him slightly threatening and dangerous. She does her best to stay away from him, yet finds he crops up wherever she goes. It wasn’t until I was nearing the last 70 pages of this book that I actually started liking Patch’s character. He was too rude, too arrogant and honestly; he just really irritated me. Even though I didn’t like Patch at the beginning, I found myself constantly rooting for Patch and Nora to get together – don’t ask me why...

Although most of the time Nora is pretty much petrified of Patch, and is constantly trying to figure out whether he’s starting to stalk her - her plan to keep away from him fails. This really irritated me. Yes, she felt a strong pull towards Patch, yes he’s smoking hot and you wouldn’t mind taking him for a few laps. But honestly, girl - if you think he’s dangerous, so much so that you’re getting paranoid and mentally accusing him of different crimes – you avoid him! I can’t help comparing Patch to Edward Cullen, although Patch doesn’t tell Nora to stay away from him (like Edward does), they’re both giving off dangerous vibes, yet the female characters are drawn to them. Isn’t it our natural instinct to flee from danger? Doesn’t Nora have the fight or flight button programmed into her like everyone else?

Anyway, apart from my irritations with Nora’s actions at times, I did like her character overall. Every character has its flaws and rough edges. By the time I was ending the book, I’d warmed up to Patch’s character – he didn’t make me swoon and faint on the floor, but he turned out to be a pretty likeable guy. The last two characters I’d like to introduce are Vee and Elliot. Vee is Nora’s best friend. Her BFF, they share clothes, cars and love to talk about pretty much everything. Vee’s character wasn’t that well developed in my opinion; however I don’t think it really mattered. I do think that she was too easily swayed by the good looks of a guy and would rather tell her best friend that she’s crazy than admit that Nora has a stalker – which annoyed the hell out of me. Overall, she seemed like a reasonable character and I loved her connection with Nora – it was incredible.

Moving onward to Elliot, not long after Patch became Nora’s Bio partner, he transfers from an Elite School in which he held a scholarship, to the regular high school Nora and Vee go to. Elliot starts off seeming like a stand up guy, quickly becoming friendly with the girls and hanging out with them. Nora even admits to liking him at the start until she ends up spending more time with Patch. Right from the start I never liked Elliot. He seemed like a slimy, stuck up worm that wanted to latch onto any pretty girl he could. Yet, that’s probably me being too judgemental of him in general. Pretty much wherever Elliot went, his friend from his old school, Jules followed in the background, not speaking much at all.

Overall I thought the characters were amazing and very interesting – even the ones I didn’t like were very well thought out. I loved the way Nora’s and Patch’s relationship wasn’t so cheesy and insta-love, which, if it was, would have ruined the book in my opinion. It wasn’t exaggerated and overdone and kept in balance with the plot line well. There were so many different twists and turns throughout this book, it kept me completely on edge, constantly wondering what would happen next. I debated around quite a bit about whether to give this book 4/5 stars or 5/5. In the end I settled for the 4/5 stars, mainly because I felt there were a lot of loose ends that the book didn’t tie up – and my irritations towards the characters idiocy at times. I think Becca Fitzpatrick is a great writer and I can’t wait to get my hands on the sequel to this book.

Quotes

Patch grinned down at me. "I'm hard to resist."
I blinked up and him. "Leave me alone." I tried to sidestep him, but he caught me by the elbow.
"What's wrong? You look ready to throw up."
"You have that effect on me," I snapped. - Page 108.

"I can't walk in high heels."
"Good thing they're not high then."
"They look high," I said, eyeing the protruding stiletto.
"Almost five inches. They left 'high' behind at four."
Lovely, If I didn't break my neck, I just might get to humiliate myself while seducing secrets out of Patch's coworkers. - Page 168.

A car door opened and the crackle of gunfire broke out. Two shots. The car door slammed and the black sedan screeched away. I could hear my heart hammering in my chest, and it blended with the sound of running feet. I realised a moment later that they were my feet, and I was running to the mouth of the alley. I rounded the corner and came up short. - Page 278.

Review: Generation Dead by Daniel Waters

Title: Generation Dead.
Series: Generation Dead, #1.
Author: Daniel Waters.
Publication Date: May 6th, 2008.
Publisher: Simon and Schuster.
Genres: Paranormal, Young Adult.
Format: Paperback, 393 pages.
Source: Bought.
My Rating:

The dead boy reached for her, his pale eyes glowing in the darkness.

All over the country, teenagers who die aren't staying dead. Against her better judgement, Phoebe finds herself drawn to Tommy Williams. He's gorgeous, funny, on the football team. And dead. But not everybody is as accepting as Phoebe. There are those who would like the rid the community of this sinister phenomenon, and they'll stop at nothing to achieve it...

 

Review

Phoebe is pretty much like any other teenage girl, apart from the fact that she’s a Goth. Oh, and the fact that she has a crush on a guy named Tommy, who just happens to be a Zombie. All over America, teenagers who die aren’t staying dead – in fact, they’re getting up and walking away from the morgue. A scarce few of the population are fine with this, and are intrigued as to why this is happening. However, the rest of the society isn’t so accepting of the ‘living impaired’, especially when they want to go back to school and live a normal life. People avoid them, the teenagers skirting round them in the corridors and avoiding eye-contact. There are many of people out there who want the dead, well – dead, and will stop at nothing to do so.

I had been looking forward to reading this book for quite a while; however I was quite disappointed in it to say the least. I have to say; I expected more of a Zombie-Human romance story - however it focused more on the aspect of discrimination/prejudice of the Zombie’s or ‘differently biotic’ teenagers (As society is supposed to call them).

The book is told by three different people’s point of views; Phoebe, Adam and Pete – three of our four main characters throughout the book. First off, meet Phoebe - a full-on Goth, who listens to heavy rock music and writes poetry whilst dreaming of being held by a member of the living dead. Phoebe is the character that the storyline bases around and to be perfectly honest, I’m on the fence on whether I really liked her or not. The way she acts throughout some of the book irritated me. Although, her general character was well developed and it was different to read about her and her life. It was interesting to read about a proper Goth character, rather than characters that claim to be Goth, yet never seem to fit the ‘mix’.

Moving onwards; let me introduce Tommy Williams. Tommy is Phoebe’s crush, and the reason the Football team has got its knickers in a twist. He’s a Zombie - big shock there, right? Tommy, like most of the ‘differently biotic’ teenagers, takes a while to get full sentences out, walks rather slowly and is the ‘leader’ of the un-dead kids. There’s not a lot to Tommy’s character, apart from the fact that he seems to like Phoebe, but I guess there’s not much to say about someone whose main characteristics are gone and is a living corpse.

Now, please welcome Pete, a rude and nasty Zombie hater. If I were to allow myself to use more strong language about how much of an ass Pete's character is, I think it’d have to be censored for younger readers. It's not JUST the fact that he hates the Zombies, it's the fact that he thinks it's his DUTY to 'rid the world' of these 'abominations'. The fact that he can’t even let the ‘Zombie’s’ do normal day to day things in life – say, playing on the football team - to him it’s not natural. How is any of it natural at all? In real life, do the dead suddenly get up and walk away? No. But the Zombie’s in this book are obviously here to stay. People are going to continue to become Zombies after death – whether a Zombie plays on the football team or not – so why the heck should the rest of the team care?! Pete obviously doesn’t care about equality and wants rid of the Zombie’s and anyone who’s friends with them. Great guy, huh?

Lastly, let’s give a warm round of applause for Adam – one of Phoebe’s best friends and the cute guy that lives next door to her. Adam is also on the Football team and used to be good friends with Pete, until Pete decided to start a ‘war’ of sorts against the Zombie’s. Adam took Tommy’s side, and stood up for him throughout the book. However, at the beginning, the only reason he did so, was because Adam has the hots for Phoebe; who’s obviously Pro-Zombie. Adam’s character starts off seeming like a usual jock/popular guy, however as the book moves on he really develops into a caring and interesting guy. He drops the whole ‘cool’ act and actually becomes friends with the un-dead kids - he actually starts to care about what happens to them.

It took me quite a while to actually get into this book; It only started to get vaguely interesting well over half way through. In my opinion there was way too much Football talk and action involved. With me not being a sporty person at all, I was bored nearly to tears reading the Football scenes and nearly gave up on the book on several occasions. However, I was determined to finish this book and it turned out to have a better ending than I expected. I knew that I was going to give it 3/5 stars whilst I was still reading the book, mainly because it just didn’t captivate me or interest me enough. I did hope that once I’d finished it I’d be able to bump it up a star, but the overall book just didn’t do it for me. In conclusion, it was a good read, one I may probably read again one day and I’ll probably pick up the sequel to see what happens next – seeing as it was left on a cliff-hanger. Was it the best book I've read? Definitely not. Would I recommend it to a friend? Probably not.

Quotes

"So you never told me how practice was," Phoebe said, turning to look out the windshield. "How was it playing with the corpsicle?" - Page 70.

"She felt Tommy's light touch on her arm. "The music is ... loud?" Tommy said.
"Very."
"We will ... turn it down," he said. "It takes much ... to make the ... dead ... feel." - Page 169.

Phoebe's pulse was racing through her as she struggled for a responce. She wanted to say something to Tommy, something that would make things better for him, but the only response she could come up with was one she was not ready to give. - Page 380.

Review: Before I Die by Jenny Downham

Title: Before I Die.
Author: Jenny Downham.
Publication Date: January 1st, 2007.
Publisher: David Fickling Books.
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult.
Format: Hardback, 336 pages.
Source: Bought.
My Rating:

Tessa has just months to live. Fighting back against hospital visits, endless tests, drugs with excruciating side-effects, Tessa compiles a list. It’s her To Do Before I Die list. And number one is Sex. Released from the constraints of ‘normal’ life, Tessa tastes new experiences to make her feel alive while her failing body struggles to keep up.

Tessa’s feelings, her relationships with her father and brother, her estranged mother, her best friend, and her new boyfriend, all are painfully crystallised in the precious weeks before Tessa’s time finally runs out.

 

Review

Tessa just wants to be a normal 16 year old, to go out partying with her friends and fall in love. However, Tessa is dying of Leukaemia and is starting to get to the stage where things like that aren't possible for her anymore. But, Tessa has a list, a list of things she wants to do before she dies - the first thing on this list? To have sex. Her list varies from wanting to do drugs and breaking the law to getting her parents back together. Throughout this story, we follow Tessa and her best friend Zoey, as they try to complete Tessa's list before it's too late.

When I first started reading this book, I wasn't very sure whether I liked Tessa's character or not. She was pretty self-absorbed and irritating at times, although she does have her reasons for being so. Through-out the rest of the book, her character gradually began to grow on me more and more. By the end, she wasn't the best character I've read before, but I definitely liked Tessa a whole lot more the further I got into the book.

Zoey, Tessa's best friend, starts off being a really supportive (yet sort of corruptive) friend, but as the book goes on, she becomes more distant and starts acting quite rude, mean and not so much herself. However, she too has her reasons - even so, her character annoyed me a lot and I thought she could have been a bit more supportive than she was. As for Tessa's friend/neighbour/boyfriend - I loved him! He was an amazing character and so sweet, kind and supportive. When normal boys would have run a mile after finding out about Tessa's illness, he stayed and was there for her the entire time, right until the end. It's incredible how much love and devotion the teenage boy could hold.

This book brought me to tears on more than one occasion and I felt my heart ache for the characters. Even though the basic plot line to this novel is pretty simple and has been used loads of times before, it was written amazingly with a completely different take on it. The development of the characters was great and the emotion behind the whole story was incredible. I found myself feeling what the characters felt, the pain, the annoyance - everything each character kept locked up tight - fearing that showing this emotion would do harm, rather than good.

The reason I gave it 4/5 stars instead of 5/5, was because of how at times, the characters irritated me - also, how some parts/scenes were too rushed for my liking. Other than that, I thought it was an amazing, beautiful and moving book with a powerful moral behind it - death happens, even to the best of us, we can only try to enjoy the time we do have. Jenny Downham is an incredible writer and will probably become one of my favourites.

Quotes

There's something about the way he says it, as if he's doing me an enormous favour, as if he's sorry for me and wants to show he's a decent bloke - it tells me that he knows. Zoey's told him. I can see the guilt and the pity in his eyes. - Page 65.

Perhaps I'm dead. Perhaps this is all it will be. The living will carry on in their world - touching, walking. And I'll continue in this empty world, tapping soundlessly on the glass between us. - Page 174.

And, at night, when you're carried back upstairs and another day is over, refuse to let your boyfriend sleep in the camp bed. Tell him you want to be held and don't be afraid that he might not want to, because if he says he will, then he loves you and that's all that matters. Wrap your legs with his. Listen to him sleep, his gentle breathing. - Page 294.

And when you hear a sound, like the flapping of a kite getting closer, like the sails of a windmill slowly turning, say, "Not yet, not yet."
Keep breathing. Just keep doing it. It's easy. In and out. - Page 295.

Review: Liar by Justine Larbalestier

Title: Liar.
Author: Justine Larbalestier
Publication Date: Febuary 9th, 2000.
Publisher: Bloomsbury.
Genres: Paranormal, Mystery, Young Adult.
Format: Hardback, 341 pages.
Source: Bought.
My Rating:

Micah will freely admit that she’s a compulsive liar, but that may be the one honest thing she’ll ever tell you. Over the years she’s duped her classmates, her teachers, and even her parents, and she’s always managed to stay one step ahead of her lies.

That is, until her boyfriend dies under brutal circumstances and her dishonesty begins to catch up with her. But is it possible to tell the truth when lying comes as naturally as breathing? Taking readers deep into the psyche of a young woman who will say just about anything to convince them—and herself—that she’s finally come clean. Honestly.

 

Review

Micah is a liar - a compulsive and believable liar. She has her hair cropped short and doesn't care about acting feminine. She can also run, really fast - breaking world records set by champions. Micah prefers to remain as invisible as she can wherever she goes. However, when her boyfriend, Zach, goes missing and his body is found, she suddenly becomes the centre of attention. Why? Because Micah was Zach's 'Out Of Hours' girlfriend - whilst Sarah; a pretty and very popular girl - was his 'official' girlfriend. It's revealed to the school when Zach's body turns up dead. Accusations fly around the school, rumours that Zach's best friend killed him, or Sarah or even Micah herself. Micah has a secret of her own though, and throughout the book she promises to tell the truth, and nothing but the truth. But how can you suddenly come clean about everything when lying comes as easy as breathing?

Micah's character is strange, and I'm still not 100% sure whether I liked her or not. I think she shut off her emotions, so as not to get hurt by anyone, but accidental lets Zach in without even knowing it. Although she denies it, it's clear from the beginning that she's very much in love with Zach and his death affected her more than she let on. I also thought that Micah was a little closed minded and generally quite rude, but I suppose growing up the way she did could of contributed to that. Micah has her own inner fears, doubts about everything and the feeling of loneliness - that no one is there for her.

With the storyline being told by a liar, I was constantly wondering whether she was telling the truth about certain aspects, even though she promised she'd tell the truth. I noticed whilst reading this book, that a lot of the sentences were quite short and simple - which I thought was probably to do with Micah's personality and bluntness (when she told the truth). I also noticed that Micah was constantly comparing and commenting on the black and white people throughout the book, like she was a little racist herself, even though her mother is white and her father black.

The book goes back and forth to various stages in Micah's life. Before Zach's death, after his death, short glimpses into Micah's childhood and her family history so it can get a little confusing at times. Even with all this wealth of information, at the end of the book, I still didn't think I knew Micah's character very well at all. This book had so many different twists and turns but was also a little predictable at times. One major twist, where suddenly the book shifts from dark contemporary to paranormal surprised me and I'm still not sure what I thought about the change - which is why I only marked it 4/5 stars. Overall I actually really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more from Justine Larbalestier.

Quotes

"You were his at-school girlfriend," Brandon tells Sarah. "Micah was for after hours."
Sarah goes back to her crying. Tayshawn looks like he might kill Brandon.
I'd be happy to help. - Page 13.

I'm not entirely sure why I'm here. I was sure when I started climbing the fire escape. I try to recapture that certainty. Was I hoping to find him?
He's not here. There's only the smell of him, his sloughed-off skin and hair cells, clothes that were once pressed against him, bottles he'd drunk from. A hundred signs of what he used to be, how he used to be, but not him. - Page 68.

Nothing anyone says about Zach bears much resemblance to the Zach I knew. Everyone is lying. Everyone is creating an ideal Zach with their words. A Zach in their own image. - Page 141.

Review: Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

Title: Before I Fall.
Author: Lauren Oliver.
Publication Date: March 2nd, 2010.
Publisher: Hodder Children's Books.
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult.
Format: Paperback, 341 pages.
Source: Bought.
My Rating:

They say to live every day as if it's your last - but you never actually think it's going to be. You always think you'll have more time. That's what I thought. But I was wrong.


The thing is, you don't get to know when it happens. You don't remember to tell your family that you love them or - in my case - remember to say goodbye to them at all.

What if, like me, you could live your last day over again? Could you make it perfect? If your whole life flashed before your eyes, would you have any regrets? Are there things you'd want to change?

 

Review

Sam is just your average, popular girl, waking up one day on Cupid's day - a day most people are eagerly anticipating. The evening involves a party, which is loud and parent less. On the way home with her friends that night, the best friends; Sam, Lindsay, Ally and Elody are in a car accident and Sam is pretty sure she's dead when things go black. However, Sam wakes up in the morning to the same day, the same conversations, and the same party. Sam has seven days to make her last day on earth right, to set things straight, to change what happened.

I'd heard a lot of hype about this book and I thought it sounded really interesting so I started reading it. I have to say, at first, I wasn't overly impressed and was debating about just putting it down. I wasn't sure how I'd keep reading repetition and everything. However, the more I read, the more amazing the book got.

I don't usually like overly popular characters, because they're so full of themselves and makes me want to strangle them, and that's what Sam's and her friend’s characters are. However, Sam's character develops over the books and she begins to wonder why she's being to mean and rude to people she barely knows and judging people before she knows who they really are. She changes and grows and only when that started happening did I actually like her character.

This book plays with your emotions and had me crying at different points throughout it. I thought I knew what Sam would do next, but her character constantly surprised me and was always doing things I didn't think she'd ultimately do.

Overall, I thought this book was amazing. It's written in a way that makes you actually think about what you're reading, rather than racing your way through the book without taking in all the details about everything. It makes you realise that any day could be your final day living, and that you should make the most out of the time you have and not fritter it away being rude or dwelling on the past. I can't wait to read more from Lauren Oliver, she's an incredible writer! :)

Quotes

'How come Sam always gets shotgun?'
'Because you're always too drunk to call it.' - Page 88.

'You are so lucky your parents give you a credit card,' Courtney says, trotting after me as we leave the store. 'I've been begging mine for years. They say I have to wait until I'm in college.'
'They didn't exactly give it to me,' I say, raising one eyebrow. Her mouth falls open. - Page 167.

'Will you stop that?' Elody leans forward and presses my fingers - which have been tapping - flat against the table. 'You're driving me crazy.'
'You're not turning rexi, are you, Sam?' Lindsay gestures to my sandwich, which I've only nibbled around the edges. Rexi is her word for anorexic, although I've always thought it sounded like something you would name a dog. - Page 258.

Review: The Maze Runner by James Dashner

Title: The Maze Runner.
Series: The Maze Runner, #1.
Author: James Dashner.
Publication Date: October 6th, 2009.
Publisher: Chicken House.
Genres: Dystopia, Post-Apocalyptic, Young Adult.
Format: Paperback, 371 pages.
Source: Bought.
My Rating:

When the doors of the lift crank open, the only thing Thomas remembers is his first name. But he's not alone. He's surrounded by boys who welcome him to the Glade, a walled encampment at the centre of a bizarre and terrible stone maze.

Like Thomas, the Gladers don't know why or how they came to be there - or what's happened to the world outside. All they know is that every morning when the walls slide back, they will risk everything to find out - even the Grievers, half-machine, half-animal horrors that hunt the Maze's walled corridors.

 

Review

Thomas wakes up in a dark lift moving slowly upwards, not knowing anything about himself except for his name. When the doors open, he's surrounded by boys of different ages and they welcome him to the Glade. The Glade is like a giant farmland surrounded by towering walls - which is in the centre of a huge, dangerous and terrifying maze. The maze isn't a simple maze though, during the night, creatures roam the halls looking to kill. Every night, the walls around the Glade close and the walls in the maze shift, making different paths each day. From the first moment he hears what a 'runner' does, Thomas immediately wants to be one. Runners run around the maze each day, mapping out the area and trying to find a solution to the giant puzzle.

Usually I find male characters who narrate books annoying and I can never get into them, but I loved Thomas' character. He had a good sense of humour and was very selfless and put others before himself - he was definitely was one of my favourite characters. My second favourite character was Minho, the 'Keeper' of the runners. Even though he was a bit of a defeatist at times, I thought his character was really refreshing and funny. He was one of the boys that took Thomas by his word and believed the things he said.

As for the storyline in general, I found it amazing - it's so original! I've never read anything like this before. One thing that did annoy me at the first of the book is the 'lingo' that the boys use throughout the book. Words like 'Shank' and 'Klunk', they drove me insane for the first 150 pages, but after that, I grew used to it and it just became second nature for the boys to be using the words constantly.

I loved this book - it's as simple as that. The reason why I only gave it 4/5 stars is because it took me well over 70 pages to actually get into it - but when I did, I couldn't put it down! Something I found funny about the way I was reading this book was that whenever there was dialogue, I found myself reading the speech in a Scottish accent. Weird, right?

James Dashner's writing is amazing and pretty much flawless. He created such strong and interesting characters and such an amazing and interesting world. I can't wait to get my hands on the second book in this trilogy, The Scorch Trials - I have a feeling it will be just as amazing as the first book. :)

Quotes

Alby pointed down at the doors. "This here's the Box. Once a month, we get a Newbie like you, never fails. Once a week, we get supplies, clothes, some food. Don't need a lot - pretty much run ourselves in the Glade." - Page 42.

Please go the other way, Thomas pleaded silently.
Turn. Go. That way. Please!
The Griever's spikes popped out; its body rolled towards Thomas and Alby.
Whirrrrrrrrrrrrrrr click-click-click
It came to a stop, then rolled once more, right up to the wall. - Page 126.

Thomas sat frozen in his chair, a sickness growing in his stomach like an infestation. He'd been through the whole gamut of emotions in the short time since he'd arrived at the Glade. Fear, loneliness, desperation, sadness, even the slightest hint of joy. But this was something new - to hear a person say they hate you enough that they want to kill you. - Page 162.

Review: The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong

Title: The Summoning.
Series: Darkest Powers Trilogy, #1.
Author: Kelley Armstrong.
Publication Date: January 1st, 2010.
Publisher: Atom.
Genres: Paranormal, Young Adult.
Format: Paperback, 392 pages.
Source: Bought.
My Rating:

All Chloe Saunders wants is a life like any normal teenager – the chance to get through school, make friends, and maybe meet a boy. But when she starts seeing ghosts, she knows that life will never be the same again. Soon the ghosts are everywhere, demanding her attention. When Chloe finally breaks down, she’s admitted to a group home for disturbed kids.

At first Lyle House seems okay, but as she gets to know the other patients – charming Simon and his ominous, unsmiling brother Derek, obnoxious Tori, and Rae, who has a 'thing' for fire – Chloe begins to realise that something strange and sinister binds them all together, and it isn’t your usual ‘problem kid’ behaviour. And they’re about to discover that Lyle House is not your usual group home...

 

Review

Chloe is just your average teenager until the day she first starts her period - that same day she starts seeing ghosts. She ends up running and screaming through her high school and is admitted to Lyle House, a group home for disturbed kids. Lyle House isn't your usual group home, and the other kids aren't your usual disturbed kids either. When she gets to know the other teenagers in Lyle House, she ends up discovering that they too - have special powers - and that she, herself, isn't crazy or a 'Schizophrenic' like the Doctors are telling her she is. Chloe is special, she's what Simon and Derek call a Necromancer, a person who can summon and contact the dead. As the trio try to figure out the mysteries of Lyle House, they discover that no one is who they seem and they find themselves wanting to escape as quickly as possible.

I have to say, I was a little sceptical of the plot of this book, generally because of the whole 'psychiatric home/hospital' part. This is because in so many books and movies, they portray them in such stupid and ridiculous ways, and in real life, they aren't actually like that (I know from experience). However, once I'd started reading this book I was totally hooked.

Chloe's character is really interesting, she's just like your average teenage girl, but not overly dramatised like a lot of female characters I've read. I think she's pretty young and naive at times, even for her age, but she can be mature when it comes down to it. She told the story in the way a film producer would (her goal for her future) and I found it really refreshing. Simon's character annoyed me a little bit, sure he was sweet and kind and caring, but he seemed too kind - sort of in a degrading way. I'm sure this wasn't the way his character was supposed to come off, but it's the way I feel.

As for Derek, he was my second favourite character (after Chloe). He's a gruff and very unsociable guy, but obviously cares a lot for his brother, Simon and he doesn't seem to care about anything or anyone else. I know his character is a little rough around the edges, but I thought the way he was portrayed was great and right from the beginning I was rooting for Chloe and him to get together. The other characters weren't as well described, however we know that Tori, is a spoilt, rude, mean and obnoxious girl who is desperately seeking her mother's approval. As for Liz and Rae, they seemed pretty similar to me, and weren't as focused on in the book as the other characters so I can't really give an opinion.

The plot is very well thought out, flowing smoothly from chapter to chapter and leaving you wanting more at the end of it. The twists and turns of this book are great, and I couldn't put it down. The plot is also so different from everything else I've read and really original - it holds its own and doesn't seem to sway much from the main storyline like many books I've read in the past. Overall I thought It was an amazing book and honestly, I can't wait to read it again!

Quotes

If I was crazy, would I know it? That's what being crazy was, wasn't it? You thought you were fine.
Everyone else knew better. Maybe I was crazy. - Page 34.

Dr. Jill said it was just a matter of taking my meds and learning to cope. If it was that easy why were there people wandering the streets talking to themselves? Crazy-eyed homeless people shouting at thin air? Seeing people who weren't there. Hearing voices that didn't exist.
Schizo. Just like me. - Page 70.

"Then if we run, it'll look suspicious."
"It's three-thirty in the morning. We're going to look suspicious anyway."
He looked at the car for a moment.
"Fine. But any sign of trouble? Follow my lead."
"Yes, sir." - Page 350.

Review: Remember Me by Christopher Pike

Title: Remember Me.
Series: Remember Me, #1.
Author: Christopher Pike.
Publication Date: September 2nd, 2010.
Publisher: Hodder Children's books.
Genres: Paranormal, Young Adult.
Format: Paperback, 338 pages.
Source: Bought.
My Rating:

Shari Cooper is dead. She is in-between worlds, in a place of spirits. But something is stalking her..always watching, always waiting.

Shari just stepped onto the balcony for some fresh air, she didn't mean to fall. Whilst her friends assume it was suicide, she knows otherwise, and now her restless spirit must find the real killer. When Shari decides to contact her friends via a Ouija board, she becomes aware that something else wants to talk to them too - something dark, something malevolent...

 

Review

I have a bind-up of the first two books in the Remember Me series - this review is of the first book. I loved this book, I thought it was great read. Shari is a some-what popular girl, like any other. She and a few of her friends end up at a birthday party one evening, which starts off as the typical teenage get-together. However, as the evening progresses, Jo, Shari's best friend decides to start a séance and accidental summons Peter, Jeff's brother who died in a motorcycle accident a while back. After a while, the group of teenagers become freaked out from Peter's restless presence and Shari runs out onto the balcony where she soon falls to her death. Whilst everyone thinks that she jumped - she knows otherwise - which is where the story really starts.

I found Shari's character really interesting, I think - at first, to me - she seemed very over confident and self-absorbed. However when you get further into the book and get to know her character more, you find that she's not so. Her character really develops as she seems to mature more and she comes to terms with what happened, although she becomes a bit obsessive with finding out who her murderer is. I don't criticise this, because if it were me in the situation, I would want to know as well. Shari has 'troubles' doing certain things that should come naturally to her in her new 'state' which I think is understandable, but I'm glad that at the right time - she manages to overcome these obstacles.

As for the other characters in the book, right from the start of the book, I disliked Daniel - Shari's boyfriend. Daniel wasn't even shook up about the death of his girlfriend and couldn't wait to move onto the next girl. Jo, who I mentioned earlier, seemed like a good character, although personality wasn't overly mentioned in the book. However, she was one for the paranormal and such - which has always been a grey area for me in real life. I don't believe in the works of Ouija boards and summoning the dead, but Jo seemed pretty obsessed. Jeff's character also wasn't talked about a whole lot, but he was very withdrawn and seemed quite sullen - which is understandable seeing that his brother had passed away.

Beth or 'Big Beth' (As Shari and Jo liked to call her - referring to her large chest) was pretty bland, she was interested in Shari's boyfriend and didn't care about anything else that evening (not even her own boyfriend, Jeff) and I didn't particularly care for her. As for Amanda, who is Jo's cousin, and is also the girlfriend of Shari's brother, Jimmy - well, I had mixed feelings about her throughout the entire book. She irritated me with her obviously faked innocence and the way she treated people around her. Lastly, Jimmy was a sweet character who obviously loved his sister dearly and she was a big part of his life. It seemed to me, that a part of Jimmy died with his sister that night. All the characters were sort of interesting in their own way, even the ones I didn't like - but I feel they could of been developed a bit more.

Moving onwards, when Shari is attending her funeral (as a ghost-of-sorts) she meets Peter, who was her friend and love interest before he died. Peter has taken it upon himself to help Shari go to 'the other side', Shari, however refuses to move on yet and together they team up to try and find her murderer. I loved Peter; he seemed like such a honest and kind guy - although he has his own, personal demons himself. Throughout most of the book, Shari and Peter are going round trying to figure out who had a motive to kill Shari - which seemed like no one. I loved Garrett, the Police Officer who was working on Shari's case; he was a very witty and clever character who made the book a lot more interesting. I found the concept of the 'Shadow' very creative and I've definitely not read anything similar to it before - but I won't go any further, or I'll ruin it!

I think the novel only really picked up pace near the end, which is why I've rated it 4/5 stars, instead of 5/5. I felt like the author, Christopher Pike, had rushed things, it seemed like he just wanted it to end. However, there were constant twists and turns throughout this novel that left me shocked and confused at the same time. Definitely an interesting read and one I will read again without hesitation.

Quotes

"Take care, Shari."
"I will," I promised. But I lied. And those little white lies, they catch up with you eventually. Or maybe they just get away from you, like a balloon in the wind. - Page 28.

I surveyed the cemetery. We were alone now, just us and the tombstones. It seemed much more peaceful than before.
"So there is life after death, after all." I said.
"It's hard to believe." - Page 151.

"But I'm a ghost. You've been telling me since we met that I can't hurt myself."
His face darkened. "I couldn't get to you. I tried to, but something kept pushing me back."
He lowered his voice. "Did you see it?"
"Yeah. We had an intimate get-together." - Page 270.