The Gifting by K. E. Ganshert (2015)

Title: The Gifting

Author: K.E. Ganshert

Series: The Gifting #1

Pages: 322

Published: Jun 1st 2015

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

OMG, I just read an amazing book. Like really cool. I'm dying. So I was looking for free books on iBooks and I found this one. For free! I was shocked because I\it looked pretty serious, like you know, not one of those free books on iBooks that are rubbish. Never judge a book by its prize!!! So well, it looked so intriguing. Again don't judge a book by its cover. But really this book looked like it met my standards. I know think I really would have wanted this book to have a place on my shelf in my bedroom, but when it's free and you don't have too much money to spend you have to convince yourself that in the end it's about the content.

So it was wicked. It almost scared me at places (I'm really easily scared), but more like creeped me out. Not like horror. Just creepy. Abnormal. Literally.

The book was very well written. Chapters ending at the right point. The characters had the right attitude. I really  felt attached to Tess. Like she was a really good friend and I was intrigued. Furthermore, Luka was perfect. What else can you wish for. Don't have anything else to say about that. I love the relationship between Leela and Tess. I think it's really cute and real. Leela is kind, caring and fun, she's human and I think that's vital. I think often in books, the friends are not paid enough attention to or rather they are not really given a personality. They are either really girly in order to make the protagonist not girly at all (because somehow that makes them more special) or just vague somewhere in the background in order for the protagonists to appear to have a high school life. But Leela is given a personality, whether it's girly or not, she is still human, and I really appreciate that.

Plot Summary:

In a world where no supernatural excises, Tess Eckhart is convinced she's going crazy. After her complete freakout at a high school party, her parents worry she might be right. So much that they pack their bags and move across the country, next to nationally-nenown facility for the mentally ill.

Tess is determined to fit into her new school, despite the whispers and stares. But when it comes to Luke Williams, a reluctantly popular boy in her class, she's unused to a stare that intense. Then the headaches starts, and the seemingly prophetic dreams that haunt her at night. As Tess tries harder to hide them, she becomes increasingly convinced that Luka knows something - that he might somehow be responsible.

But what if she's wrong? What if Luka Williams is the only thing separating her from a madness to terrifying to fathom?

Favourite Quote: 

"Just because a lot of people believe something doesn't make it true"

My Rating:

10/10
Guys, I was hooked. If anything, this reaches the standard of The Hungergames and Divergent. It might just take some time for people to realise.

Other Books In These Series:

The Gifting (The Gifting Series Book One)

The Awakening (The Gifting Series Book Two)

The Gathering (The Gifting Series Book Three)

The first book only came out in June 2015 so I'm surprised that all the books are already out, but that doesn't matter, cause that just means I can finish them all ASAP.

Get the first book on iBooks now for free while you can! The rest are just £3.99 which, tbh, isn't a lot at all cause that means you can get both books for the price of one at Waterstones.

Christmas wishes!!

Hey Guys!!

Just wanted to wish you all a Merry Christmas! I celebrate on Dec 24th so I don't have time to get on my laptop and make a proper post (I'm in my iPad) because I'm "socialising". 

I did get books from Father Christmas and I will show you, cause I'm so excited. And a sec ago finished a book, while socialising of course. So another review for you is coming up. And a film review and some fitness.

I've been into books so recently because I've finally had time to read that I have posted a single fitness post, or recipe, or travel (I'm not even in England at the moment so I suppose I should update you on my journey). 

So I have some fresh material for you, but now I need to find out which book to read. Start a new free book or buy the sequel to The Gifting. We'll see.

Merry Christmas to you all and a a Happy New Year!!

Airel: The Awakening by Aaron Patterson and Chris White (2012)

Title: Airel

Author: Aaron M. Patterson, Chris White

Series: The Awakening #1

Pages: 186

Published: Aug 31st 2011

Publisher: StoneHouse Ink

As you know from my previous post two days ago I downloaded loads of free books from iBooks to have something to read during Christmas without having to bring loads of heavy hard covers. Most of the free ones are the first book in a series where the following books cost money (obviously). Most of them are also paranormal. So I thought, why not. I haven't read paranormal in a while so lets give that a chance. Just because they're free on iBooks and I haven't seen it at Waterstones doesn't mean they are real books. Plus this one had gotten pretty good reviews on Goodreads, and people on Goodreads tend to read a lot so why not?

The book was well, not the best one I've read. Definiately. But I read it in two days and in that time I had time to study and go skiing from morning to afternoon so I've got to get myself some credit. Ok, the book wasn't very long, so I guess I don't deserve as much credit, but the book wasn't amazing. I've read far better books, but maybe that's because I'd never heard about the book and didn't take it as seriously.

The book was written by two authors, Aaron Patterson and Chris White, and I was pretty impressed by how well they'd written it. It can be hard to write a book together with someone else I can imagine. I believe (and if you know the correct facts please correct me) that Aarone Patterson wrote the chapters about Airel in present day and that Chris White wrote the chapters about the Gods in Arabia. Why? Because Patterson's name is written first on the cover in bigger letters and the first chapter is about Airel and there are far more chapters about her. I have the feeling that the book is more about her than the fallen angel Kreios in Arabia 1250 B.C.

So what did I think and why? It was vague. I felt like Airel's personality wasn't properly explored and I didn't get a chance to know her. She's the average girl. Fine. But there needs to be something that stands out. All I really know about her as a person is: she likes coconut latte, she drives a Civic and her best friend is called Kate. I felt like she wouldn't tell the reader about herself and almost like the author didn't quite know her but wanted to make her seem like a underestimated teenage girl that the reader should like. I didn't feel that way. As a matter of fact I didn't really feel anything towards her. The only thing that seemed special about her was that she felt that she was stupid for falling for a boy so quickly and for throwing up all the time. I just didn't buy it. She didn't seem real enough for me.

She met prince charming in the first chapter. The FIRST chapter. I felt like I didn't get an introduction, no chance to bond with her. And Michael and her. They didn't have a problem to fall for each other. In my opinion a good romance (and every book needs a little of it) needs to build up, and it needs chemistry. But this romance didn't have that. Michael practically announced to Airel that he liked her and Airel pretty much fell head over heels for him at first sight. It felt, fake, artificial. Well, not real.

However, I can't say that it wasn't fun to read their chapters. I mean, yes I enjoyed that they went to the mall together and had lunch and that they spoke in the car, but I found the killer even more interesting. That is what caught my attention (and I really like romances) so I was shocked to find that the whole she-is-changing-and-a-killer-knows-"what"-she-is much more thrilling than the rest of the book. Why she left the theatre to go the bathroom in the middle of the movie when she saw the killer I don't understand. Stick to your friends mate! Scream, call 911, I don't care, but don't go to the bathroom. Sometimes characters do decisions that are dangerous and I wouldn't have done, but this. This is just pure stupidness. But I guess that added to the thrill. I don't know.

Furthermore, what I don't get is why she didn't tell her parents. Maybe I'm the only one, but when I unexpectedly break a glass and cut myself to them miraculously heal in a sec I would freak out. Like actually freak out. I would rush into my parents room and tell them. Maybe I'm really attached to my mum and the rest of you agree with Airel or she's being stupid. However, I suppose part of reading is to get away from parents where characters make their own choices and are not influenced by them all the time, but well, I don't know.

So about the dual narrative. I liked it, and I hope it will make sense in the end. My conclusion is that the Kreios' infant daughter has something to do with Airel why else would she had gotten born. If the daughter wash't meaningful in some way we would have just followed Kreios on his journey. I felt it was harder to keep concentrated on these chapters because there wasn't much dialogue (which bored me a little) and it seemed so far off. Although I felt that Airel was vague I sill connected with her better than Kreios and I enjoy fantasy. I really do.

Plot Summary:

All Airel ever wanted was to be normal, to disappear into the crowd. But bloodlines can produce surprises, like an incredible ability to heal. Then there is Michael Alexander, the new guy in school, who is impossibly gorgeous... and captivated by her. Somewhere in the back of her mind, she can hear pages turning, and another, older story being written. It is the story of an ancient family, of great warriors, of the Sword of the Light, and the struggle against an evil so evil, so far-reaching, that it threatens everything. Airel knew that change would be an inevitable part of life. But can she hold on when murder and darkness begins to close in and take away everything she loves? Will she have what it takes when the truth is finally revealed?

Favourite Quote(s):

"How would I know? Thanks a lot. I'll tell you how. It's because I watch lots of movies. It's love at first sight. You and Michael are like Maria and Tony in West Side Story" - Kim

Her confidence is so enjoyable.

My Rating:

4/10

All books can't be great. If the crazy good ones deserve 10s then I'm afraid this one has a bit to go.

I don't know if I'll buy the rest of the books. There are six books and I can get the whole series for £5.99 (which is less than one hard copy book from the store). I don't know if it will be worth it and I'll be positively surprised or if I'll get disappointed. So I think I'll read the other books I've got downloaded and then choose the series which seem the most promising.

I've written loads. Sorry. I suppose it's easier to write when you have something to evaluate and explain your feelings about.

The White Rose by Amy Ewing (2015)

Title: The White Rose
Author: Amy Ewing
Series: The Lone City #2
Pages: 310
Published: Oct 1st 2015
Publisher: Walker Books


So when I finished The Jewel I without question bought The White Rose on iBooks. I was absolutely addicted. It's crazy good. I have the feeling that this will become one of the series to fit in with The Hunger Games, Divergent, The Mortal Instruments and the really famous book series that most fangirls (and boys hopefully) have read. You get addicted. Again I read this so quickly that I got surprised when I had reached the end. I'm usually not a very fast reader (but these iBooks allow me to read when I've got a minute to spare so I suppose it adds up pretty quickly) so I was almost shocked when I realised that this is it. No more to read.

It's not too often that I read a series before all the books have come out. It's only really happened with The Mortal Instruments, The Infernal Devices and Divergent. So now I'm in agony. I have to wait. And I have no idea when the third book comes out.

I really started to like Garnet in this book. I admit it. I thought Violet was going to end up with Garnet when we first met him during the dinner in The Jewel. Who didn't. At the moment he was the only book of her age in the palace. Until we met Ash. So nooooowww, I hope Raven ends up with him because they seem really nice together and every time I read about him I just feel like they should skip the teasing and get on with it. One book left for them to prove themselves worthy of my attention.

Plot Summary:

Violet, Ash and Raven have escaped the palace of the Duchess of the Lake, but Regimentals are hunting them across the city. Nowhere is safe, and they are dependant on Lucien and his secret society for survival. If they can reach the safety of the White Rose then Violet may be able to help Lucien in his plan to rescue more surrogates. For one surrogate, however, it is already to late. Violet's best friend, is pregnant. And in the Jewel, surrogates cannot survive giving birth.

- Waterstones

Favourite Quote: 

"You have the poer to connect with every blade of grass in this field, every drop of water, every branch on every tree. They will react to you. But, remember, you do not have power over this force. You are only ever its equal. You must be worthy of that. You give yourself to the element, as it gives itself to you" - Sil

"Right now, the united front seems to consist of three surrogates, one lady-in-waiting, a companion, and a royal son. It's a pretty ragtag bunch" - Violet

My Rating:

10/10

No regret.

Other Books in these Series:

The Jewel (The Lone City #1)

The White Rose (The Lone City #2)

The House of the Stone (A  Lone City Novella #1.5) - from Raven's point of view

Book Update December 2015

So I thought I wouldn't read to much this month because I had school books to read. I guess I was wrong. I started reading the iBooks I had when I was in the car or waiting at to get picked up in order to 1) I was getting bored of playing 1010! 2) I wanted to spend my time a little more wisely and 3) I don't get the time to read as much anymore.

So I got The Jewel for free because it was the book of the week and I loved it. I read it more than when just in the car. I read it before sleep although I don't really have time to read before sleep.

Then I just bought the second one without a second thought. Then, when I had finished it (on the train station waiting for Mum) I couldn't stop thinking about it. So without a second thought I bought 'House of Stone' which is a Lone City Novella. It was only £1.99 so I bought it even though I'm not a big fan of short stories.

When I finished that (which took like a day) I started downloading books. So a lot of book series on iBook offer the first book in the series for free and then charge normal price like £5.99 for the rest of the books. So I thought, whats the harm of downloading a few book #1s and then see which book I really fancy and then possibly buy the second book in that series. As long as all the books are eBooks and I don't end up with like one as a proper book and then one iBook and one Kindle book in the same series. That is suicide. Also, with all my study stuff, I found it hard to find room for books.

So I downloaded the following:

• The Gifting by K. E. Ganshert
• Airel by Aaron Patterson and Chris White
• Bound, An Arelia LaRue Novel by Kira Saito
• The Faerie Guardian by Rachel Morgan (although I really would like this series as hard copy because I've heard good things about it) 
• Forbidden, Book I of the Arotas Series by Amy Miles
• Alone, The Girl in the Box by Robert J. Crane

I started with Airel because well, I had to start with something. I know I won't finish them all, if any. I  have to study loads, but there is the journey that takes hours to the ski resort so lets hope I get some reading done.

Tell me if you've read any of these books and if so what you thought. Have I chosen absolutely terrible ones or should I give them a go.

So that's what I've been and am currently reading. Hopefully I'll have some books to review for you during and after Christmas!!

Harry Potter Illustrated Edition

This isn't really a review to be honest, it's more like news. Although most of you must already know. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone has come out as a an illustrated book. Now it probably came out about three months ago because I went to the Making of Harry Potter in October this year for the third time and found it there and guess how much it cost? £30!

My natural reaction would probably have been 'I'm buying it anyways, it's Harry Potter and what did you expect?', but somehow I was convinced that the book would be cheaper on Amazon and I'm quite careful when it comes to my money.

Was I right in saying it was expensive? Uh, yes. It was half the price on Amazon. Then I walked into WHSmith a wonderful day and it was £15 so I bought it. For my friend. She has talked about it since we saw at the studies (she was the one who went with me) and my English teacher talks only of it. So Holly keeps on saying 'it's at the tip of my Christmas wish list', 'I wan't it so badly', 'Mum better give me that one if anything this Christmas'. So I bought it, for her. Initially it was meant as a birthday present because her b-day is on New Years Eve, but then we were gonna do a group present (I'll tell you when we've given it) so I made this into the Christmas one.

When I got home I went through every page really carefully just to look because I knew that it would take some time before I got my own copy and I was dying. Literally DYING of curiosity. It was like a piece of treasure. I handled it really gently because it has that smooth paper cover alongside with the actual binding and I kept stroking it because the letters are gold. So I bought it about three weeks ago and I've never looked again in it since. After all, it wasn't my book.

Then, last Friday I got an offer from University of Hertfordshire (that's a whole different story) and my parents took me for lunch and guess what I got? HARRY POTTER AND THE PHILOSOPHER'S STONE ILLUSTRATED EDITION!!!!

I got my own copy. I GOT MY OWN COPY. This is major. Truly major. I was so happy. It's beautiful. I hope they come out with the rest. I hope millions around the world are so happy with it that they choose to make a second and third and fourth and fifth and sixth and seventh because I want them all and if they're just gonna be £15 each and I got the first as a gift I'll just spend... £90 on the whole series, because I can totally afford that. Not really. At the moment. But they wouldn't come out all at the same time anyways. *Desperately trying to reassure myself that I'll sometime in the future have all of them*.

Anyways, I'm crazy about it. I'm thinking that if I start reading from it to my sister maybe she'll start reading them. I started reading when I was 9. She's 9. My mum said once that if she bought it for her in Christmas she would started read it but I emphasized how much I wanted it that I think I won cause here I'm sitting with my own copy.

The Jewel by Amy Ewing (2014)

Title: The Jewel
Author: Amy Ewing
Series: The Lone City #1
Pages: 362
Published: Sep 4th 2014
Publisher: Walker Books

I got this book for free on iBooks as it was the book of the week about three weeks ago. I hate actually reading e-books. I don't think it is as charming and cozy and personal and also, as you know, I love having my own copy of the book. And worst of all is when you borrowed the first book at a library or of a friend so you don't have it but continue to buy the other books in the series so you're standing there without the first book. Like wth. Same thing when u get the first book on e-books. Such a trick. But I couldn't help myself, because it was free and a YA book and sometimes book of the week is not interesting at all. I also got a little tricked because I had The Jewel on my to read list on Goodreads but with a different cover so I didn't get that I had wanted to read it. So when I looked it up I already had it clicked in. Wonderful.

I read and read and read and I loved it. Because the setting was a bit Victorian in lifestyle, fashion and culture, but they did have advanced medicine and cars. Strange, yet believeable. I didn't doubt it at all. She must have done some serious planning and research (although the idea of the book is fictional.

I didn't really like Matched but if you did this is a perfect book. It's something between Hunger Games, Divergent and Matched I suppose. Wicked. Truly. I say I like a lot of books and I do. Most are 10/10.This is another one of those. The tension was unbearable! The chapters would either end and then resume at the same event or continue days or weeks later which made it an absolute page turner.

If you read e-books you will know that it gives you page out of so many pages or a percentage. Well, it doesn't mention that the last few pages are acknowledgements and notes from the author etc. So I'm sitting there, thinking I've got 12 pages left because it was right at the climax and as I scroll I reach the acknowledgement and I'm like nooooo. Not another cliffhanger. Like Divergent, but worse. I was devastated.

I'm really critical as to what to spend my iTunes money on so I'm sitting there with 22 pounds and I'm not even hesitating as I buy the second book. Yes, I know. I hate it. But looking from the bright side: the second book had a matching cover to the first one (which was free) and it was only 5 pounds, unlike most physical books that are like 8 or 9, and since I already had the first book on there, why not the second. AND, it mean I can read more often cause I can just pick my phone up when in the car which is really convenient or when I'm waiting. It's harder to bring a book everywhere if you know you will only get a minute or so scattered through the day.

Anyways, I bought the second book. So over to the usual stuff.

Plot Summary:

Violet lasting is no longer a human being. Tomorrow she becomes Lot 197, auctioned to the higher royal bidder in the Jewel of the Lone City. Tomorrow she becomes the Surrogate of the House of the Lake, her soul purpose to produce a healthy heir to the Duchess. Imprisoned in the opulent cage of the palace, Violet learnt the brutal ways of the Jewel, where the royal women compete to secure their bloodline and the surrogates are treated as disposable commodities. Destined to carry the child of the woman she despises, Violet enters a living death of captivity - until she sets eyes on Ash Lockwood, the royal Companion. Compelled towards each other by a reckless, clandestine passion, Violet and Ash dance like puppet in a deadly game of court politics, until they become each other's jeopardy - and salvation.

Favourite Quote:

'I look at you and I feel human again. I look at you and I feel whole' - Ash Lockwood

'Mama always said that it isn't who you are but what you do that is important' - Carnelian

My Rating:

10/10

Please don't let the others disappoint me. I've got really big hopes.

More in these series:

The Jewel (The Lone City #1)

The White Rose (The Lone City #2)

The House of the Stone (A Lone City Novella #1.5) - From Raven's point of view

Oh dear. I've written so much. It's easier to write a lot about a book that you've just read. That's still got clear deep footprints on your mark that hasn't necessarily had time to fade a little yet. I explained my love for it my friend and I think possibly that she may want to read it. I hope so.

Night School by C.J. Daugherty (2012)

Title: Night School
Author: C.J. Daugherty
Series: Night School #1
Pages: 454
Published: Jan 1st 2012
Publisher: Atom


I liked this book so much! My  friend recommended it and said it was amazing when we were in the school library one day. It was a not the kind of book that I imagined at all. Honestly, I thought it was going to be a paranormal, well, vampire book. I had passed my vampire obsession so I wasn't really up for another vampire book. This book had nothing to do with vampires or paranormal stuff. It was like serious stuff. Complicated stuff. Unanswered questions. Like actually believable, realistic.

I absolutely loved the characters. Carter is like OMG. Why was Sylvian even an option?! The part after the skinny dipping was cute and when Carter helped her out of the horrible situation (you have to read to to get it, it's and A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!! part).

A fun fact is that the book is inspired by the Bullingdon Club at Oxford University. Some of you may better know it as the Riot Club which is the film based on the play Posh based on the Club. The film stars Max Irons (Red Riding Hood, The White Queen), Sam Claflin (The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Love Rosie), and, Douglas Booth (LOL, Romeo and Juliet). Shouldn't get off track now. The members of the secret club belong to wealthy families or notabilities, royalties, politicians and business men. The book, you will find, is much more interesting than that though. Enjoy!

Plot Summary:

Allie's world is falling apart...

She hates her school. Her brother has run away. She's just been arrested. Again. And now her parents are sending her away. But instead of hating boarding school, Allie is happy. And there is Carter, a brooding loner with whom she feels an instant connection. Cimmeria Academy is no ordinary school. Her classmates - and maybe some of the teachers - are hiding a secret. And soon it begins to feel like a very dangerous place...

Favourite Quote:

'He stood so close to her that she could feel his breath on her cheek. He smelled of spice and coffee'

I don't know why, but this quote has just stuck in my head since, for no particular reason.

My Rating:

9/10

More books in these series:

Night School

Night School - Legacy

Night School - Fracture

Night School - Resistance

Night School - Endgame

Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry (2012)

Title: Pushing the Limits
Author: Katie McGarry
Series: Pushing the Limits #1
Pages: 392
Published: Jul 31st 2012
Publisher: Harlequin Teen


I got this book for free on iBooks as book of the week and at first I only read now and ten because I'm not really a fan of eBooks. But then I started reading it more often, when I had nothing to do. Like, when I was in the car on my way home (cause I can't carry around a book all the time in my already super heavy bag) or when I was waiting for mum or friends. And then I read it like crazy, even at home. It was a real page turner.

The emotions of the characters were all over the place and it was interesting to read a book that was both from a girl's and a boy's point of view. Both Echo and Noah are having such hard times in life and their problems are capturing ones. It's not the cliche, falling for the dangerous boy (yes, that part is in it too, but that's not the point). Echo has suppressed a memory about a night with her bipolar mum that almost killed her and is trying to remember. After Noah's parents' death he and his younger brothers were split up and now he's fighting to win custody over them. Admits all of this they do fall in love, and yes it's lust. But it is a lot about caring and understanding and trust.

Plot Summary:

They say be a good girl, get good grades, be popular. They know nothing about me.

I can't remember the night that changed my life. The night I went from popular to loner freak. And my family are determined to keep it that way. they said therapy was supposed to help. They didn't expect Noah. Noah is the dangerous boy my parents warned me about. But the only one who'll listen. The only one who'll help me find the truth.

I know ever kiss, every promise, every touch is forbidden. But what if finding your destiny means breaking all the rules? A brave and powerful novel about loss, change and growing up, but most of all love.

Favourite Quote:

"I must have killed a lot of cows in a past life for Karma to hate me this much" - Echo

My Rating:

8/10

Total page turner, and some serious emotions, but not

There are more books in these series where the books focus on other characters each time.

Other books in these series:

Pushing the Limits (Noah and Echo)

Breaking the Rules (Noah and Echo)

Crossing the Line (Lila and Lincoln)

Dare You To (Ryan and Beth)

Crash into You (Isaiah and Rachel)

Take Me On (Hayley and West)

Pan (Wright, 2015)

Everyone went to see Mockingjay Part II last weekend, but spending time with my Mum and 9-year-old sister we went to see Pan instead. It was absolutely wicked and I didn't want it to end at all. The special effects and costumes were wicked and the sets were amazing.

I loved the fact that Hook and Peter were friends to begin with, but the fact that when Peter asks 'Always be friends, Hook. Are we?' Hook answers 'Always. It can't possibly go wrong' messed me up so much. What on earth is that supposed to mean? Was it just a cliffhanger and I got to make up my own bridge from the film to the traditional Peter Pan where they are enemies or was there a possibility of a second film (I highly doubt it, it seemed like a stand alone film)?

For those of you that have watched 'Once Upon a Time', a series available on Netflix (spoiler ahead) Peter Pan is portrayed as the bad guy. A twist which I quite liked. However, throughout the film I was almost convinced that Peter had to turn bad sometime, but he never did and I was happy to learn that he really just is a good boy (although I already knew this). Another funny thing is that Hook isn't actually called Hook in 'Once Upon a Time'. His name is Killian Jones and isn't called Hook until his hand gets cut off. Here, he is called James Hook although he has two hands throughout the film.

What did confuse me a little was where Neverland started and ended for I thought people didn't get old in Neverland, but they did get old for Blackbeard had to inhale pixie dust in order to stay young and Hook was and adult. Did he come there as a kid and grew up there or did he come as an adult? If so, why did he come as an adult? Things like that didn't make sense to me, but I always have loads of questions after watching films and it drives me mad haha.

My final point and I have seen this across the internet. Tiger Lily is white. And she's supposed to be a native american. And none of the other natives in the film are white. No criticism to Rooney Mara, she's an excellent actress, it's more up to the casting director and the film makers for it's their decision and this one just doesn't make much sense. I think she portrays the role of Tiger Lily very well and the role suits her. It's just a question as to how the film makers really thought about the term natives.

Plot Summary:
12-year-old orphan Peter is spirited away to the magical world of Neverland, where he finds both fun and danger, and ultimately discovers his destiny - to become the hero that will forever be known as Peter Pan.

Favourite Quote:
If you don't believe, Peter, neither will they.

My Rating:
9/10
Just because there were so many unanswered questions.

Forever by Maggie Stiefvater (2014)

Title: Forever

Author: Maggie Steifvater

Series: The Wolves of Mercy Falls #3

Pages: 388

Published: Jul 12th 2011

Publisher: Scholastic Press

I started reading Forever just after Linger, but for some reason I put it down. A weeks ago or so, I decided to finish the books I had and having started Forever, I thought that I wouldn't get anywhere unless I started with that one. No matter how unmotivated I was (because I like to start new books) I knew I had to finish that one.

Therefore I was a bit confused when I started a hundred pages in. I had to remind myself of what happened in the end of the last book (or at least the beginning of this one). I convinced myself that I wouldn't know exactly but I do remember the main events and things will be revealed again. As soon as I started I didn't have problem with catching up and I so badly wanted to finish it. Because I was hooked or because I just wanted to finish the series? I don't know. Both probably. But, like with many books I read, I was thinking about it constantly.

I absolutely love the relationship between Isabelle and Cole. I know they aren't the protagonists but I can't wait for another Isabelle chapter or another Cole chapter because their relationship (and forgive me if you disagree) is so much more exciting than Sam and Grace's. Sam and Grace were really interesting in Shiver, but then they didn't have problems with loving each other. Isabelle and Cole do. Their emotions are so much more confusing and tangled and I love it.

Plot Summary:

'Gace,' I whispered. 'This isn't how it ends.'

Sam has always loved Grace. As a wolf, he watched her from afar. As a boy, he held her in his arms.

Now facing the possibility of a life without her , he will do anything to keep her safe. Even if it means facing his demons. Even if it risks everything he has.

Anything, as long as their love can survive...

Favorite Quote:

Please ask me in - Cole

My Rating:

8/10

Other books in this series:

Shiver (The Wolves of Mercy Falls #1)

Linger (The Wolves of Mercy Falls #2)

Forever (The Wolves of Mercy Falls #3)

Other Books by Maggie Stiefvater:

The Raven Boys (The Raven Cycle #1)

The Dream Thieves (The Raven Cycle #2)

Blue Lily, Lily Blue (The Raven Cycle #3)

The Raven King (The Raven Cycle #4)

Lament: The Faerie Queen's Deception (Book of Faerie #1)

Ballad: A Gathering of Faerie (Book of Faerie #2)

The Scorpio Races

This review is also available on YouTube here.

A Feast for Crows (A Song of Ice and Fire Book 4) by George R. R. Martin

Title: A Feast for Crown
Author: George R.R. Martin
Series: A Song of Ice and Fire #4
Pages: 1061
Published: Oct 17th 2005
Publisher: Bantam Books


This book is thick. But good. It focuses only on the characters that are Kings Landing which I think was good and bad. It made one understand what was going on in one place and things made sense. But I missed Deanarys and John Snow and the rest of the characters in this colossal story. At least Tyrion was present throughout and his story was the most thrilling.

The ending was absolutely thrilling. I really started to like Oberyn Martell and I really miss his cocky attitude now. It added some spark to King's Landind I thought. Tyrion's ending is incredibly exciting to read and I can't wait till his next book.

I find it quite hard to write about these books because so much happens in them and I don't know where to starts without spoiling things. Because that would be a shame I think and then you wouldn't want to read them, which I understand.

Plot Summary:

The Lannisters are in power on the Iron Throne.

The war in the Seven Kingdom has burned itself out, but in its bitter aftermath new conflicts spark to life. The Martells of Dorne and the Starks of Winterfell seek revenge for the dead. Euron Crow's Eye, as black a pirate as ever raised a sail, returns from the smoking ruins of Valyria to claim the Iron Isles.

From the icy north, where Others threaten the Wall, apprentice Maester Samwell Tarly brings a mysterious babe in arms to the Citadel. As plots, intrigue and battle threaten to engulf Westeros, victory will go to the men and women possessed of the coldest steel and the coldest hearts.

My Rating:

9/10

It's terribly long and I missed some of my favorite characters, but the ending was wicked!

Other books in this series:

A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire Book 1)

A Clash of Kings (A Song of Ice and Fire Book 2)

A Storm of Swords 1: Steel and Snow (A Song of Ice and Fire Book 3 Part 1)

A Storm of Swords 2: Blood and Gold (A Song of Ice and Fire Book 3 Part 2)

A Feast for Crows (A Song of Ice and Fire Book 4)

A Dance with Dragons 1: Dreams and Dust (A Song of Ice and Fire Book 5 Part 1)

A Dance with Dragons 2: After the Feast (A Song of Ice and Fire Book 5 Part 2)

Linger by Maggie Stiefvater (2010)

Title: Linger
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Series: The Wolves of Mercy Falls #2
Pages: 360
Published: Jul 13th 2010
Publisher: Scholastic Press


I read Linger when I was on summer holiday in Florida. I read it surprisingly quickly because I had gone further than halfway through when I thought: well this is an odd way to start a book. Only, I wasn't at the start of the book anymore.

It's just so cosy to read just for the sake of reading you know.

Steifvater has really thought the plot through, like many authors. The plot just makes sense with the potential cure and the enigma of the wolves in the first place. I also like the introduction to Isabelle and Cole. They are both complicated characters, yet simple. I'm glad that they are given attention, or I'm worried I would get tired of Sam and Grace (because their relationship is too perfect, if you subtracted the wolves from the equation). They are lovely characters too, but their relationship needs a contrast. I like the twist at the end. I was surprised and confused in the way that I had no idea what was going on, but I wasn't surprised in the way: why is this happening? Of course it had to happen; ir it would be too simple. But why?

It's an excellent book if you don't want to concentrate too much but simultaneously want something to happen. The four narrators unfold as you read and all the relationships and their opinion of each other is great.

Plot Summary:

I felt the weight of the pack's gaze...

Grace and Sam must fight to be together. For Grace, this means defying her parents and keeping dangerous secrets. For Sam, it means grappling with his warewolf past... and figuring out a way to survive the future.

But just when they manage to find happiness, Grace realizes she's changing in ways she could never have expected.

Favorite Quote:
'she made her home in between pages of books'

My Rating:
8/10

Other books in this series:
Shiver (The Wolves of Mercy Falls #1)
Linger (The Wolves of Mercy Falls #2)
Forever (The Wolves of Mercy Falls #3)

Other Books by Maggie Stiefvater:

The Raven Boys (The Raven Cycle #1)

The Dream Thieves (The Raven Cycle #2)

Blue Lily, Lily Blue (The Raven Cycle #3)

The Raven King (The Raven Cycle #4)

Lament: The Faerie Queen's Deception (Book of Faerie #1)

Ballad: A Gathering of Faerie (Book of Faerie #2)

The Scorpio Races

This review is also available on YouTube here.

Envy by Anna Godbersen (2009)

Title: Envy

Author: Anna Godbersen

Series: Luxe #3

Pages: 405

Published: Jan 27th 2009

Publisher: Harper Collins

Third book in the series. Oh dear, the gossip is spreading. I am dying of excitement cause it is so good!!

I'm gonna spill the beans so be sure you've read the book cause it's about to go downhill for you if you haven't. 

Penelope has blackmailed Henry. Will is dead. Henry and Penelope are married. Diana is heartbroken. Lina is becoming rich. They all take a trip to Florida. Penelope's brother falls in love with Diana. Elizabeth is pregnant with Will's child. Henry enlists in the army. Penelope spreads more rumours. People sleep with the wrong people for revenge. Elizabeth plans a new wedding. It all gets complicated. 

Plot Summary:

New York City, 1900.

In high society nothing is more dangerous than a scandal. Two months have passed since the esteemed Holland family's shocking fall from grace and those watching the impetuous Miss Diana Holland are beginning to whisper again.

Further uptown, notorious cad Henry Shoonmaker and his new bride are the city's most celebrated couple. But the glittering diamond she wears hasn't yet brought her all she desires.

Manhattan's most envied residents appear to have everything, wealth, beauty, happiness. 

But in a city ruined by reputation, sometimes the most practised smiles hide the most scandalous secrets...

Favourite Quote:

'To look in the face in hard things and keep moving forward - that's what one has to do.'

My Rating:

9/10

It's getting complicated. 

I hope I haven't said too much. I swear I have. 

Other books in this Series:

The Luxe (Luxe #1)
Rumors (Luxe #2)
Envy (Luxe #3)
Splendor (Luxe #4)

Other Books by Anna Godbersen:

Bright Young Things (Bright Young Things #1)
Beautiful Days (Bright Young Things #2)
The Lucky Ones (Bright Young Things #3)

Available on:

Amazon
Book Depository
Waterstones