The Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan (2008)

Title: Percy Jackson and the Battle of the Labyrinth

Author: Rick Riordan
Series: Percy Jackson and the Olympians #4

Pages: 361

Published: May 6th 2008

Publisher: Hyperion Books

As the fourth book of the series this was a seriously good story. Rick Riordan does not fail in making Greek gods and demigods into fun and charismatic characters. The relationship between Percy and Annabeth is only getting better and both of their characters are really developing, like Annabeth and her architect dreams.

The labyrinth allowed for such grey ideas and storytelling. With the different chambers and corridors and time difference. There was no limit to imagination. I can't wait for the final book.

Plot Summary:

Honestly, blowing up another school was the last thing I wanted to do. As the son of a Greek god, I've had my share of near-death disaster - and now my arch enemy Luke wants to invade our camp via an ancient Labyrinth.If he succeeds, thousands of bloodthirsty monsters will attack. So it's goodbye sunshine, hello darkness as four of us descend into the terrifying underground and beyond...

My Rating:

8/10

Other Books in Percy Jackson and the Olympians:

The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians #1)
The Sea of Monsters (Percy Jackson and the Olympians #2)
The Titan's Curse (Percy Jackson and the Olympians #3)
The Battle of the Labyrinth (Percy Jackson and the Olympians #4)
The Last Olympian (Percy Jackson and the Olympians #5)
The Sword of Hades (Percy Jackson and the Olympians novella)
The Singer of Apollo (Percy Jackson and the Olympians novella)
The Stolen Chariot (Percy Jackson and the Olympians novella)
The Demigod Files (Percy Jackson and the Olympians companion book)
Percy Jackson's Greek Gods (Percy Jackson and the Olympians companion book)
Percy Jackson's Greek Heroes (Percy Jackson and the Olympians companion book)
Percy Jacksona and the Bronze Dragon (Percy Jackson and the Olympians novella)

Other Books by Rick Riordan:

The Lost Hero (The Heroes of Olympus #1)
The Son of Neptune (The Heroes of Olympus #2)
The Mark of Athena (The Heroes of Olympus #3)
The House of Hades (The Heroes of Olympus #4)
The Blood of Olympus (The Heroes of Olympus #5)
The Demigod Diaries (The Heroes of Olympus companion book)
The Red Pyramid (The Kane Chronicles #1)
The Throne of Fire (The Kane Chronicles #2)
The Serpent's Shadow (The Kane Chronicles #3)
The Kane Chronicle's Survival Guide (The Kane Chronicles companion book)
The Sword of Summer (Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard #1)
The Hammer of Thor (Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard #2)
The Ship of the Dead (Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard #3)
For Magnus Chase: Hotel Valhalla, Guide to the Norse Worlds (Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard companion book)
The Hidden Oracle (The Trials of Apollo #1)
The Dark Prophecy (The Trials of Apollo #2)
The Burning Maze (The Trials of Apollo #3)
The Son of Sobek (Percy Jackson and Kane Chronicles Crossover #1)
The Staff of Serapis (Percy Jackson and Kane Chronicles Crossover #2)
The Crown of Ptolemy (Percy Jackson and Kane Chronicles Crossover #3)

Flyga Högt by Katarina von Bredow (1991)

Title: Syskonkärlek

Author: Katarina von Bredow

Pages: 295

Published: Sep 1991

Publisher: Rabén & Sjögren
Language: Swedish


I'm just going to take a minute to appreciate that the protagonist is called Vendela. This never happens.

This is on of my favourite YA contemporaries. Plot wise I would compare this to the English 'Beautiful Broken Things' by Sara Bernard but this is much better. It's a story about friendships, social statuses in school, love and trust. And its exciting. The characters are rich and the plot is rich and it's a highly enjoyable book. There is friendship and romance and an altogether funny story. The romantic part is the cutest thing as well. It may remind people of 'Tusen Gånger Starkare" by Christina Herrström in subject matter but I personally much prefer this one. Its capturing and strong. A page turner if there ever was one.

Plot Summary:

There are codes. Certain rules.
Like when you're new to school.
It's about not being noticed too much. To be somewhere in the middle. But Silja doesn't. She does the complete opposite.
Vendela is fifteen and is in high school. It's nice to be back in school. She's going to meet Nils with the brown eyes again. But there's a new girl in their class. Silja, who dominates and doesn't care at all about the unwritten rules. She sits wherever she pleases, she spends time with whoever she wants to and doesn't seem to want to blend in at all. Is she dim, defiant or just incredibly strong. No one knows, but the sensation is a fact. And suddenly the obvious statuses, and roles that are decided don't count anymore, nothing is certain.

My Rating:

9/10

Other Books by Katarina von Bredow:

Syskonkärlek (Brother and Sister Love)
Hur Kär Får Man Bli? (How In Love Can You Be?)
Som Jag Vill Vara (As I Wish To Be)
Expert På Att Rodna (Expert In Blushing)
Räcker Det Om Jag Älskar Dig (Is It Enough If I Love You)
Bara Inte Du (Just Not You)
Som Om Ingenting (As If Nothing At All)
Knappt Lovlig (Barely Allowed)
Du och Jag (You And Me)

Upcoming Reviews

I realise that I have not updated the blog in a month due to having been on holiday. I am still on holiday in fact. I have read plenty this summer but have not written any reviews in a while, but will tell you about some upcoming reviews for this autumn.

• Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief - Rick Riordan
• Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters - Rick Riordan
• Percy Jackson and Titan's Curse - Rick Riordan
• Percy Jackson and the Battle of the Labyrinth - Rick Riordan
• Percy Jackson and the Last Olympian - Rick Riordan
• Carve the Mark - Veronica Roth
• The Crooked Sixpence - Jennifer Bell
• Lord of Shadows - Cassandra Clare
• The Essex Serpent - Sarah Perri
• Daughter of the Burning City - Amanda Foody
• Odinsbarn - Siri Pettersen

Looking forward to updating these reviews with you guys soon!

Ink by Alice Broadway (2017)

Title: Ink

Author: Alice Broadway
Series: The Skin Books #1

Pages: 366

Published: Feb 2nd 2017

Publisher: Scholastic Ltd.


I have mixed feelings about this book. First of all, I went in with no knowledge at all. I had no clue what it was about except that people ink their skin based on the things they do in life. Sounds intriguing. And the cover was gorgeous. I really worked up excitement for this book and got really high expectations. And it was such a let down.

Absolutely nothing happened during the first 200 pages. It was boring. I felt like I was just reading about Leora's everyday life where nothing was happening. I suppose it was meant for world building but I don't feel like there was an interesting world. And this world irritated me. These people's view on their society was disturbing. There are no secrets in this world because people ink their every action onto their skin. Everything bad and good. So everything is visible for everyone all the time. Where is the privacy?! And then in order to keep someones soul eternal after their death they make books out of their skin. OUT OF THEIR SKIN! This creeped me out so much I wanted to stop reading. And it felt like this was so out of place in this world as well because it wasn't dystopian enough either. So weird. It reminded me of this tv show where a man came in to try and trade this wallet made of human skin (that was meant to bring luck) and all the traders rejected him cause it's so gross.

I did ending got much better but I was unsure what Leora's decision was in the end. Which side did she choose. I didn't like her attitude and couldn't tell how it actually ended. It was not satisfying at all, but it wasn't a cliffhanger either. I'm so confused.

It was a light read which I'm happy about. It only took about a day and a half to read, and I didn't want it to take any longer. The story was altogether weak and I felt like this dystopian world didn't have enough to offer. It looked like it had potential (yes I judged it by its cover) and it was just so unimpressive. With my thoughts for the book at the moment I don't think I'm going to read the rest of the books.

Plot Summary:

Every action, every deed, every significant moment is tattooed on your skin for ever. When Leora's father dies, she is determined to see her father remembered forever. She knows he deserves to have all his tattoos removed and made into a Skin Book to stand as a record of his good life. But when she discovers that his ink has been edited and his book is incomplete, she wonders whether she ever knew him at all.

My Rating:

4/10

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan (2006)

Title: Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief

Author: Rick Riordan
Series: Percy Jackson and the Olympians #1

Pages: 377

Published: May 4th 2005

Publisher: Hyperion Books


As I have promised in my TBR Announcement for Percy Jackson and the Olympians my goal was to read the series this summer and as I didn't know how to start of my June reading I thought it best to start with Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief to get going.

It was a good choice. This book was highly enjoyable and I see why people truly enjoy this series. I wish I had read them when I was younger because although it is suitable for the nineteen-year-old I am, it is initially written for 9-14 year olds and maybe I would have enjoyed it even more back then. But no point mourning the lack of Percy Jackson in my childhood. This book was so great. It's funny, exciting and entertaining.

I love how every day objects are turned magical
and that everything is not over the top supernatural. It's as simple as a magic cap or winged shoes. Makes everything funnier and a little more realistic. Although there is plenty of fighting in Percy Jackson its all written for a younger audience and everything is described with excitement and action. It's not graphic in the way that it's not PG, but it is described well and everything is played out in my head perfectly.

I have heard that people find that a lot of the story is lost if you do not know Greek Mythology. Let me tell you something about my knowledge about Greek Mythology. I know the names Zeus, Poseidon, Hades and Aphrodite. And, that's about it. I never got the opportunity to study the Greek gods in school and haven't read any books about them. I am clueless. But Riordan so cleverly interweaves little facts here and there for the reader to understand the story. Very simplified and interesting. You don't have to know anything of Greek Mythology because Percy will tell you about everything that is relevant. It's brilliant.

So this book was great. I think I may have enjoyed it even more if I'd been younger and I'm so happy I'm reading them now rather than letting them collect dust on my bookshelf. Highly recommend.

Plot Summary:

Look, I didn't want to be a half-blood. I never asked to be the son of a greek god.

I was just a normal kid, going to school, playing basketball, skateboarding. The usual. Until I accidentally vaporized my maths teacher. Now I spend my time battling monsters and generally trying to stay alive.
This is the one where Zeus, God of the Sky, thinks I've stolen his lightning bolt - and making Zeus angry is a very bad idea.


My Rating:
8/10

Other Books in Percy Jackson and the Olympians:

The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians #1)
The Sea of Monsters (Percy Jackson and the Olympians #2)
The Titan's Curse (Percy Jackson and the Olympians #3)
The Battle of the Labyrinth (Percy Jackson and the Olympians #4)
The Last Olympian (Percy Jackson and the Olympians #5)
The Sword of Hades (Percy Jackson and the Olympians novella)
The Singer of Apollo (Percy Jackson and the Olympians novella)
The Stolen Chariot (Percy Jackson and the Olympians novella)
The Demigod Files (Percy Jackson and the Olympians companion book)
Percy Jackson's Greek Gods (Percy Jackson and the Olympians companion book)
Percy Jackson's Greek Heroes (Percy Jackson and the Olympians companion book)
Percy Jacksona and the Bronze Dragon (Percy Jackson and the Olympians novella)

Other Books by Rick Riordan:

The Lost Hero (The Heroes of Olympus #1)
The Son of Neptune (The Heroes of Olympus #2)
The Mark of Athena (The Heroes of Olympus #3)
The House of Hades (The Heroes of Olympus #4)
The Blood of Olympus (The Heroes of Olympus #5)
The Demigod Diaries (The Heroes of Olympus companion book)
The Red Pyramid (The Kane Chronicles #1)
The Throne of Fire (The Kane Chronicles #2)
The Serpent's Shadow (The Kane Chronicles #3)
The Kane Chronicle's Survival Guide (The Kane Chronicles companion book)
The Sword of Summer (Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard #1)
The Hammer of Thor (Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard #2)
The Ship of the Dead (Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard #3)
For Magnus Chase: Hotel Valhalla, Guide to the Norse Worlds (Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard companion book)
The Hidden Oracle (The Trials of Apollo #1)
The Dark Prophecy (The Trials of Apollo #2)
The Burning Maze (The Trials of Apollo #3)
The Son of Sobek (Percy Jackson and Kane Chronicles Crossover #1)
The Staff of Serapis (Percy Jackson and Kane Chronicles Crossover #2)
The Crown of Ptolemy (Percy Jackson and Kane Chronicles Crossover #3)

Caraval by Stephanie Garber (2017)

Title: Caraval

Author: Stephanie Garber
Series: Caraval #1

Pages: 402

Published: Jan 31st 2017

Publisher: Hodder and Stoughton

Honestly, I ordered this book on Amazon because it was £5 and I thought "ooohh, a hardcover for £5 and a pretty cover". (Also the hardcover under the dust jacket. OMG!) I hadn't heard anything about it. I didn't know anything about it and no matter how intriguing it was I didn't read it for another few months until my birthday in June actually.

And god, was I hooked? I stopped watching tv series (to my mother's disappointment who had to wait a few days to pick up Reign again) and I brought this book everywhere. This is my favourite release of 2017 so far. It has made it up on my favourite list. I can't express enough how amazing this books. It's literally soaked in magic. There are absolutely no boundaries to this book. When you think it couldn't get more intense there is even more on the next page.

The tagline of the 'Caraval' is 'Remember, it's only a game.' This worked for about half the book. I kept this is mind the whole time and felt like I would do even better than Scarlett in this game. I felt like I saw everything coming, I was sane. And then it just went mental and I was about to tear the book to shreds for all the emotions I experienced: panic, happiness, fear, confusion, frustration. Even when you have given up on it, remember, it's only a game. Literally.

I won't say more in fear that I will spoil it. I went into this book knowing nothing. I suggest you do the same. It's a story so cleverly structured and told, it's almost terrifying. 

Plot Summary.

Whatever you've heard about CARAVAL, it doesn't compare to the reality. It's more than just a game or a performance. It's the closest you'll ever find to magic in this world.
Welcome to CARAVAL, where nothing is quite what it seems.
Scarlett and Tella have never left the tiny island of Trisda, pining from afar for the wonder of Caraval, a once-a-year week-long performance where the audience participates in the show.
Maraval is Magic. Mystery. Adventure.
When the sister's long-awaited invitations finally arrive, it seems their dreams have come true. But no sooner have they arrived than Tella vanishes, kidnapped by the show's mastermind organiser, Legend.
Scarlette has been told that everything that happens during Caravla is an elaborate performance. But she quickly becomes entangled in a dangerous game of love, magic and heartbreak.
And real or not, she must find Tella before the game is over, and her sister disappears forever. 

- back of cover

Favourite Quote:

"Scarlett was not fond of fate. She liked to believe if she were good, good things would happen. Fate left her powerless, and hopeless, and with an overall feeling of lessness. To her, fate seemed like a larger, omnipotent version of her father, stealing her choices and controlling her life without any regard to her feelings. Fate meant that nothing she did mattered." (pg 148)
"It would have been a mistake to kiss him, yet she felt... disappointed. It came on cool shades of forget-me-not blue, which wrapped around her like evening fog, making her feel hidden enough to acknowledge that she wanted to experience more of Caraval's pleasures than she would have ver admitted out loud." (pg 173)
"Scarlett had always seen her own emotions in colour, but she'd never seen another person's. She didn't know what shocked her more, that she could now see the color of Julien's feelings, or that those feelings were so wounded." (pg 227)

My Rating:

10/10

Letters to the Lost by Brigid Kemmerer (2017)

Title: Letters to the Lost

Author: Brigid Kemmerer

Pages: 393

Published: Apr 4th 2013

Publisher: Bloomsbury

I got this book from WHSmith as it was buy one get one free with the Zoella Book Club. I didn't get the whole Book Club set but got this one together with 'After the Fire' by Will Hill. I couldn't help myself, they looked like such good summer reads.

I was in the middle of reading the Percy Jackson books and although I truly wanted to finish the series I couldn't stop thinking about how much I wanted to read Letters to the Lost so I simply took a break and how long did it take me to read this book? One day. ONE DAY. I was hooked.

The idea behind this book itself is so original and clever. Who thinks of something like this. Naturally I was sat there the whole book knowing more than the characters (dramatic irony!!) because it was written from both Juliet and Declan's point of view. I loved this layout and it kept my interest going the whole way through. The letters and the two different perspectives allows to the reader to know more about the characters. I know Juliet through herself, through Declan's point of view and through the letters she writes. I don't think I've ever connected so much with characters and they are so deep, so three diminutional - so real.

Although I cannot say that I have gone through any of what Juliet or Declan has gone through (I have not lost a family member) I can say that I truly value the opportunity to write to someone I trust. It may be over text and it may not be anonymous, but Cemetery Girl's and The Dark's openness with each other reminded me of a friend I know I can talk to and that hit deep. 

But the book wasn't just deep and understanding, it was funny and it made me laugh. And it's a happy ending. In a way it's a happy story with just so many memories of pain. But it's their journey to getting better.

Minor Spoiler! This book has one kiss. One kiss and it's at the very end. There are no hot scenes or declarations of love, yet it's one of the truest love stories I have ever read. And I was so nervous through it all, so excited, but my head didn't scream "KISS HER!" This love was deeper than that and evolved from something more personal than just boy needs girl. Is this a fluffy romance? Yes, to an extent. But you won't get the romantic first date. You'll get something much more exciting.

Plot Summary:

Juliet Young has always written letters to her mother. Even after her mother's death, she leaves letters at her grave. It's the only thing that helps Juliet cope.

Declan Murphy is the kind of tough guy you wouldn't want to cross. But while on community service doing landscaping at the local cemetery, he is haunted by ghosts of his own past.

When Declan finds a letter left beside a grave, he can't resist writing back. Soon he is sharing his pain with a perfect stranger... Except they're not strangers, and when real life inter fears with their secret life of letters, Juliet and Declan discover truths that might tear them apart.

Favourite Quote:

"I didn't know you could feed a baby Thai food" - Declan

My Rating:

10/10

Other Books by Brigid Kemmerer:

Storm (Elemental #1)

Spark (Elemental #2)

Spirit (Elemental #3)

Secret (Elemental #4)

Sacrifice (Elemental #5)

Elemental (Elemental novella)

Breathless (Elemental novella)

Fearless (Elemental novella)

Strife

More Than We Can Tell

A Curse so Dark and Lonely

Select by Marit Weisenberg (2017)

Title: Select

Author: Marit Weisenberg

Pages: 352 (Kindle)

Expected publication: Oct 3th 2017

Publisher: Charlesbridge, Teen


This eGalley was given to me by Charlesbridge, Teen vie NetGalley in exchange for the honest review. These are my personal opinions of the book.

If this book had to be compared to anything, in terms of genre, it would be Twilight. It is a YA romance with supernatural/paranormal undertones. Julia, the protagonist is, however, not a vampire, she belongs to a group of people who are genetically different than humans. All their seances are stronger, they are better at everything. And she falls for the normal, mortal boy. I would not consider this a strong sic-fi or supernatural/paranormal book as it seems to focus more on the romantic relationship between Julia and John than the supernatural aspect. However, I very much enjoyed this. It's like a fluffy YA romantic but with a constantly present, yet subtle element of science fiction. I have been looking a book like this forever, that is funny romantic, but not too cliche.

I liked the characters, except Novak (naturally). I felt like he was restricting Julia and had too much power over her. She didn't speak up to him, even as a daughter and I feel like she was unreasonable blamed for things. I would have liked more information about Julia's group of people as I often in the beginning felt just as lost as John if not more. Often the reader was just told that they were different, they had to be subtle or they were better. I felt like I was expected to know everything already. In a way this puts the reader in the situation of John, which is powerful in its own way, but as he only got to know Julia's whole story 53% into the book I felt like I was as well. And it frustrated me for quite a while. In other words, I felt like although it was a first person story Julia wasn't very open to the reader and we only found something out if it was spoken out loud. More insight would have been appreciated. Sometimes the language was a little boring and simple, but the dialogues were very enjoyable.

I very much enjoyed the mind reading. John is the best character with his funny personal remarks and he really brightens it up. His optimistic, humours thoughts were much more successfully written than his negative thoughts, which sometimes felt a little fake even if they would've been said out loud. John definitely made this book much better and with the constant presence of Angus it was even better.

I can't help but wonder if there will be a sequel. It works fine as a stand alone but I do wonder at some loose ends and the very end hinted at the fact that there might be more to told. What about Julia's mum? What about John's vision? The FBI? The utopia? Angus? I need to know what happens next.

Plot Summary:

“It had always been a fact of life that we were biologically different—better—and that it had to be kept secret.”

Seventeen-year-old Julia Jaynes has the perfect life. She’s beautiful, freakishly athletic, and extremely smart. That’s because she comes from a race of highly-evolved humans living in the heart of Austin, Texas.In order to protect their anonymity and preserve their elite society, Julia’s powerful father forces her to suppress her abilities. When she accidentally demonstrates her super human prowess in public, she’s banished to the one place meant to make her feel inferior: public high school. Thrust into the confusion and humiliation of a normal high school, Julia is just trying to keep her head down when John Ford strolls into her life. An outsider and tennis jock, John is immediately attractive to Julia as a curiosity. She can even read his mind. But as Julia's newfound powers over John grow, so do her feelings. When she discovers her father has been hiding dangerous secrets, for the first time in her life, Julia begins to question her restrictive upbringing. Caught between the prejudices of her manipulative father and the allure of an outsider’s life, Julia must decide how she will define herself—and who she will betray.

My Rating:

7/10

Favourite Quote:

"One more set like this, and that will officially be rock bottom. And in front of her. Definition of a shit show. I should be handing out toilet paper." - John

The Fate of the Tearling by Erika Johansen (2016)

Title: The Fate of the Tearling

Author: Erika Johansen 
Series: The Queen of the Tearling #3

Pages: 478

Published: Nov 29th 2016

Publisher: Harper, Bantam Press


The finale to the Queen of the Tearling trilogy was truly interesting. I was listening to this while painting our gate at home and I can truly say that it made it far more enjoyable.

Many secrets where revealed and questions answered. Who knew about Kelsea's mum? Or her dad? The visions got more and more interesting. I did miss listening to Lily's story but I understand that her story was told and we had to learn Katie's story. Katie's story made me question my initial interpretation of the Tearling. In my review of The Queen of the Tearling I said that I had chosen to imagine the Tearling in a Victorian style world. But I know started to question this. Katie's world is after the crossing and as far as I understand (although their lack of technology) it is very similar to our world today. They wear our type of clothes, live in our style of houses etc. And there's only a matter of years between Katie's tearing and Kelsea's Tearling, where no incredible advances in technology has been made (as far as I understand), so why should it be any different. And (SPOILER ALLERT) at the end, when Kelsea has changed history, her world seems to be very similar to today's world, but happier. I need to reread these book with a new look at the world I built up for myself.

Although I was happy with the ending, and it was satisfying as the issue was resolved and the Tearling was saved. Kelsea saved it. I still feel like there is more to tell. What happens now? Sure, Kelsea is no queen anymore (which is heartbreaking because no one will know how she saved the Tearling) but she has a new life and I feel like there could be more. The last line broke me. It gives the idea that not all is lost (when she's lost everyone she knew and loved) and I need to know what was said after "where have you been?" Give me more!! I understand why the book ended where it did, and as a plot, this was satisfying, but as a story I CRAVE MORE!!

This trilogy was such a unique take on fantasy and one of the best audiobooks I've read, even though each book was narrated by a different lady. Strongly suggest this if you crave fantasy but need something beyond castle, knights and dragons.


Plot Summary:

In less than a year, Kelsea Glynn has grown from an awkward teenager into a powerful monarch and a visionary leader.
And as she has come into her own as the Queen of the Tearling, she has transformed her realm. But in her quest to end corruption and restore justice, she has made many enemies - chief among them the evil and feared Red Queen, who ordered the armies of Mortmesne to march against the Tear and crush them.
To protect her people from such a devastating invasion, Kelsea did the unthinkable - naming the Mace, the trusted head of her personal guards, Regent in her place, she surrendered herself and her magical sapphires to her enemy. But the Mace will not rest until he and his men rescue their sovereign from her prison in Mortmesne.
So, the endgame has begun and the fate of Queen Kelsea - and the Tearling itself - will be revealed...
- Goodreads

My Rating:

8/10

Other Books in the Trilogy:

The Queen of the Tearling (Queen of the Tearling #1)

The Invasion of the Tearling (Queen of the Tearling #2)

The Fate of the Tearling (Queen of the Tearling #3)

The Boy (Queen of the Tearling novella)

The Gathering by K.E. Ganshert (2015)

Title: The Gathering

Author: K.E. Ganshert

Series: The Gifting #3

Pages: 379 (Kindle)

Published: Jul 1st 2015

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform


I downloaded this book as soon as I finished the previous book, but took a break in between for an unknown reason. But the finale did not disappoint. Again, theres the pattern that I see a lot in sic-fi and dystopia. Where there is a broken society, the main characters seem to want to start a revolution, and though they seem to only be a couple of teenagers to start with they always end up being this huge organised group at a specific headquarters. Did The Gathering have this? You bet it did, and damn it was good. More things were revealed of the organisation and the people wight the Gift and it just got better and better. Action filled and so gripping.

There was death, betrayal, and in that sense realistic. The ending was happy, as happy as it can get when you're in this situation, but satisfying. The book got very complicated and if I think back at it I'm not sure I remember everything or can recall exactly the roles of different people. I suggest you pay attention while reading this book. The complicated bits were introduced in The Awakening but it doesn't stop there. This book appears very thought through however and there's an answer to every question, if you read carefully.

Absolutely amazing trilogy, and I have now found out that they are officially available in physical paperbacks (rather than just the kindle versions that I read). How amazing is that?! And the covers are the same, and gorgeous. Want to get my hands on them.

Plot Summary:

"Darkness is a tricky thing. Especially when it cloaks itself in light." Luka isn't dead. He's not beyond saving. Tess knows because she saw him with her own eyes. After what she saw, she's sure of one thing: If they don't rescue him soon, Luka won't be Luka anymore. If only she could convince the other members of the hub. They're not sure Tess saw what she claims she saw. And they're preoccupied by the fact that their kind is being systematically eradicated. Answers lie in an ancient prophecy, one that revolves around a seventeen-year-old girl who never asked for any of this. K.E. Ganshert's final installment in The Gifting Series brings readers on an action-packed journey through loss, sacrifice, betrayal, and the impossible choice between what we want most and what we know is right.

- Goodreads

My Rating:

9/10

Other Books in this trilogy:

The Gifting (The Gifting #1)

The Awakening (The Gifting #2)

The Gathering (The Gifting #3)

Simon & Sophie by Emma Granholm (2008)

Title: Simon & Sophie

Author: Emma Granholm

Pages: 224

Published: Mar 14th 2008

Publisher: Alfabeta Bokförlag


This book was purchased as part of a module I would study in Swedish while living in England.

This book is a classic popular girl meets bullied boy, they become friends, they fall in love etc. It was predictable. I knew the ending after having read the back of the book. But it wasn't so much about the excitement about how it was going to end. It was more of a feel good book, a light romantic read about friendship and love. Not too complicated, yet a message about standing up for the people you love.

It is not a book I highly recommend, it won't blow your mind, but it's sweet and innocent and enjoyable.

Plot Summary:

"For fuck's sake!"
Simon shouts out loud when he sees that Sophie is about to move into the neighbouring house. Sophie isn't just the school's best looking and most popular girl, she's also made sure that Simon is bullied. Is he not even to be free of her when he's at home?!
During the Easter holidays - when Sophie is alone and bored - she goes over to Simon's house. He's at first both surprised and irritated, but soon realises that Sophie is different than when in school. One evening she tells him something she hasn't had the courage to tell anyone before. But what's it going to be like when school starts again?
-back of Book

My Rating:

7/10


Other Books by Emma Granholm:

Simon & Sophie (Simon & Sophie)
Ett Nytt Liv På Köpet (A New Life in the Bargain)
Liv & Lovisa (Liv & Lovisa)
Sjutton År och Skitsnygg (Seventeen and Hot as Hell)

The Invasion of the Tearling by Erika Johansen (2015)

Title: The Invasion of the Tearling

Author: Erika Johansen 
Series: The Queen of the Tearling #2

Pages: 515

Published: Jun 9th 2015

Publisher: Harper, Bantam Press


Having a certain love for the audiobook of Queen of the Tearling I was quite disappointed when I found out that it wasn't narrated by Katherine Kellgren. Instead it was performed by Davina Porter and I was pleasantly surprised that she was just as good. These audiobooks are truly amazing.

This sequel is taking The Queen of the Tearling Trilogy one step further. This series is different from the usual high fantasy with its references to 'The Crossing' and a Land referred to as New England, New London and Europe. As if though England as we know today once existed.

And it did. In this book we get to see more of Kelsea's visions, about a young woman called Lily who lived in the United States, pre-crossing. At first, I wasn't too keen on these sections of the book, but I quickly got hooked. The bigger picture started to make itself clear and I wanted to know more and more. This is such an interesting take on fantasy where a new dystopian sci-fi sub genre is introduced and one can almost relate to the world, because it is becoming more and more similar to our own.

Kelsea herself is growing as a character as well. Strong as a queen, brave and her visions make her more interesting. It is slowly changing her appearance, strangely, and I am not quite sure what it adds to her characters apart from the fact that it doesn't change people's initial opinions of her (no matter how beautiful she becomes). Apart from visions, the sapphires have also allowed her powers which she is now experiencing - pain. And it makes her scarier to read about as it is a part of her that I do not enjoy as much - the Queen of Spades. The enemy of the Red Queen. I will leave it at that as I do not wish to spoil anymore for you.

All in all, this series has truly developed and as more things are revealed of the Tearling the more I want to know. And also, who doesn't like Pen? I quite like their relationship as it adds a subtle romantic interest but Kelsea stays true to her throne rather than love.

Plot Summary:

Kelsea Glynn is the Queen of the Tearling. Despite her youth, she has quickly asserted herself as a fair, just and powerful ruler.
However, power is a double-edged sword, and small actions can have grave consequences. In trying to do what is right - stopping a vile trade in humankind - Kelsea has crossed the Red Queen, a ruthless monarch whose rule is bound with dark magic and the spilling of blood. The Red Queen's armies are poised to invade the Tearling, and it seems nothing can stop them.
Yet there was a time before the Crossing, and there Kelsea finds a strange and possibly dangerous ally, someone who might hold the key to the fate of the Tearling, and indeed to Kelsea's own soul. But time is running out...

- Goodreads

My Rating:

8/10

Other Books in the Series:

The Queen of the Tearling (The Queen of the Tearling #1)
The Invasion of the Tearling (The Queen of the Tearling #2)
The Fate of the Tearling (The Queen of the Tearling #3)
The Boy (The Queen of the Tearling novella)

Buy This Book on:

Amazon
Waterstones
Book Depository

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard - video review

Title: Red Queen

Author: Victoria Aveyard

Series: Red Queen #1

Pages: 383

Published: Feb 10th 2015

Publisher: HarperTeen, Orion

Video review of Victoria Aveyard's Red Queen!

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Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard - video discussion

Title: Glass Sword

Author: Victoria Aveyard

Series: Red Queen #2

Pages: 444

Published: Feb 9th 2016

Publisher: HarperTeen, Orion

Video Discussion of Victoria Aveyard's book Glass Sword, the sequel to Red Queen.

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Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman (2006)

Title: Noughts and Crosses

Author: Malorie Blackman
Series: Noughts and Crosses #1
Pages: 479

Published: Aug 8th 2006

Publisher: Corgi Childrens


I read this book while in Florida, and despite spending a whole week at Disney World, morning till evening, I finished this book in no time. This book was on a list of books recommended for summer reading when I was fourteen and having heard loads of good comments about it from class mates and teachers I had to get it.

This book is so incredibly strong and filled with important topics such as racism, politics, pregnancy, kidnapping, attacks and parent relationships. Every teenager should read this book. It is set in a world with a "colourless underclass" and a "dark-skinned ruling class". However, they are simply referred to as noughts and Crosses. It is a sort of Romeo and Juliet story where Callum (nought) and Sephy (Cross) cannot be together but it much more politically dangerous than a classic Shakespeare play.

The book runs over a couple of years (which was new to me as I felt like a lot of young adult books take place over a few days to a few months. The reader gets to grow up with Callum and Sephy and go through all the time they spend together (and apart). It's written from both people's point of view so the reader truly gets a deep understanding for what is going on and if anything it makes it even more heart wrenching.

Highly, highly recommend this for both teens and adult. I made my mum read it. Due to the ending of this book, I had a hard time continuing with the rest of the series. I did start Knife Edge but didn't get through it unfortunately. I almost believe that Noughts and Crosses works well as a stand-alone and that is almost the way I view the story. However, there may be more important points to be brought up the sequels and I will not judge books that I have not read. With other words, this book is part of highly rated series but it is perfectly fine to read on its own.


Plot Summary:

Callum is a nought - a second-class citizen in a world run by the ruling Crosses...
Sephy is a Cross, daughter of one of the most powerful men in the country...
In their world, noughts and Crosses simply don't ,mix. And as hostility turns to violence, can Callum and Sephy possibly find a way to be together? They are determined to try.
And then the bomb explodes...
A gripping, stimulating and totally absorbing novel set in a world where black and white are right and wrong.
- back of book

My Rating:

10/10

Other Books in this Series:

Noughts and Crosses (Noughts and Crosses #1)
Knife Edge  (Noughts and Crosses #2)
Check Mate  (Noughts and Crosses #3)
Double Cross   (Noughts and Crosses #4)
An Eye for an Eye  (Noughts and Crosses novella)
Callum  (Noughts and Crosses novella)
Noughs and Crosses Graphic Novell

Other Books by Malorie Blackman:

Pig Heart Boy
Boys Don't Cry
Hacker
The Stuff of Nightmares
Thief!
Noble Conflict
The Ripple Effect (Doctor Who)
Dead Gorgeous
A.N.T.I.D.O.T.E.
Cloud Busting
Tell Me No Lies
Chasing the Stars
Love Hurts
The Deadly Dare Mysteries
Dangerous Reality
Trust Me
Hostage
Operation Gadgetman!
Jon for Short
Unheard Voices
Shining On

Min Typ Brorsa by Johanna Lindbäck (2010)

Title: Min Typ Brorsa (My Sort Of Brother)

Author: Johanna Lindbäck

Pages: 268

Published: Dec 2010

Publisher: Rabén & Sjögren

Language: Swedish

This is such an enjoyable swedish young adult about a girl and a boy who start having feelings for each other after their single parents move in together. It's sweet, funny and a little bit heart wrenching. You hope for something you know will never be but the journey there is absolutely wonderful. Writing this review makes me want to reread it because it's so sweet and innocent. Highly recommend for all the Swedish speakers out there as a light romantic read, whether it be a summer or winter read. It's so cute. Absolutely love what these characters go through and their relationship.

Plot Summary:

Celebrating New Years with Mum's new guy isn't exactly what Nina dreamt of. And that Mum talks about the fact that internet-Thomas has two sons exactly in Nina's age isn't helping. But New Years turns out to be better than Nina could've imagined. Thomas's sons are pretty alright. Especially the one...

My Rating:

9/10

Other Books by Johanna Lindbäck:

Min Typ Brorsa (My Sort Of Brother)

Tänk Om Det Där Var Jag (Imagine If That Were Me)

Välkommen Hem (Welcome Home)

En Liten Chock (A Small Shock)

Som Om Jag Frågat (As If I've Asked)

Saker Som Aldrig Händer (Things That Never Happen)

Lite Ihop (A Little Together)

Kanske Ihop (Maybe Together)

Karta För Förälskade och Andra Vilsna

Jan Svensson (Jan Svensson)

Vi Måste Sluta Ses På Det Här Sättet (We Need To Stop Seeing Each Other Like This)

The Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen (2014)

Title: The Queen of the Tearling

Author: Erika Johansen 
Series: The Queen of the Tearling #1

Pages: 448

Published: Jul 8th 2014

Publisher: Harper, Bantam Press

This book was recommended as an audiobook by Sasha Alsberg on her YouTube channel Bookutopia and having struggled to find a good audiobook I quickly downloaded this one.

At first I didn't truly get into it but after an hour or so of listening I quickly became dependant on it. I brought it with me everywhere. First of all, the narrator of the audiobook is so good. She reads with such a soothing voice and puts on voices for all the characters so its really played out for you. I would fall asleep to this, listen to it when I did computer sketching on my course. All the time!

Kelsea is a truly strong female protagonist. She lives in a world which dominated by men, and the women who have ruled have either been vain and stupid, or sorceresses. But Kelsea is a nineteen year old girl who has been brought up alone by two servants, with a love for books and strong opinions. She will have her way, and although she will take advice from her right hand man the Maze, she will listen to her own voice. She is a good ruler because she questions her ability to rule. She is unsure and has to make hard choices but she is just and fair and has a love for her people. She reminds one of a certain Elizabeth Tudor.

Fantasy, I feel, is often set in a world inspired by medieval times, with a lack of technology and a love for royalties, knights, religion and a lack of technology. However, with the constant reference to 'the crossing' this book took fantasy to a new level. There were references to printing presses, cigarettes, authors that we know of today. In my struggle to place this book in a historical culture or society I decided to go with Victorian. Mainly because Victorian culture allows for romanticism, dresses and a historic influence. But it is also new to technology - hence a bit of steampunk. The sequel and the final book questioned my interpretation even more (everything is not as it seems) and I suggest you go into it with an open mind.

I am tempted to relisten to the book as it was so gripping and enjoyable. I also, of course, crave physical copies of the book, but this is truly an experience to listen to. Highly recommend. You will find that although this book is categorised as a YA book by many, it is actually in the Fantasy section on Waterstones and it is not for younger readers. It's quite graphic and blunt at places and covers some gruesome topics.

Plot Summary:

An untested young princess must claim her throne, learn to become a queen, and combat a malevolent sorceress in an epic battle between light and darkness in this spectacular debut - the first novel in a trilogy.

Young Kelsea Raleigh was raised in hiding after the death of her mother, Queen Elyssa, far from the intrigues of the royal Keep and in care of two devoted servants who pledged their lives to protect her. Growing up in a cottage deep in the woods, Kelsea knows little of her kingdoms haunted past... or that its fate will soon rest in her hands.

Kelsea's quest to save her kingdom and meet her destiny has only just begun. Riddled with mysteries, betrayals and treacherous battles, Kelsea's journey is a trial by fire that will either forge a legend... or destroy her.

- Goodreads

My Rating:

9/10

Other Books in the Series:

The Queen of the Tearling (The Queen of the Tearling #1)
The Invasion of the Tearling (The Queen of the Tearling #2)
The Fate of the Tearling (The Queen of the Tearling #3)
The Boy (The Queen of the Tearling novella)

Gilla Hata Horan by Johanna Nilsson (2012)

Title: Gilla Hata Horan (Like Hate the Whore)

Author: Johanna Nilsson

Pages: 176

Published: Aug 22nd 2012

Publisher: Pocketförlaget
Language: Swedish


A very light read which won't take you more that a day. It covers a very important topic of cyber bullying. In this book a Facebook side is made and called 'Hate the Whore' in recognition of a girl in school who is in turn bullied on this side. People encourages students to Facebook Like this page. It is a truly awful situation and it really gets to you. This situation also has an impact on a friendship and school life. Depressing in its topic but very important to bring up.

Plot Summary:

Jonna and Gloria are 15 years old and best friend. They're not particularly popular, but at the same time not bullied. But then they go along to a party and get to dance with Robin, the hottest, coolest guy in school. He seems to think they're totally okay, even cute. It's almost to good to be true. And it is. Mean comments are written on Gloria's blog and on Facebook a Hate the Whore-side is made. Gloria feels so low she starts to cut herself again. Jonna has to do something. She can't allow it to get worse for Gloria. She decides to give them a taste of their own medicaid, because online anything can happen. Who's a whore now?
- back of book

My Rating:

7/10

Other Books by Johanna Nilsson:

Gilla Hata Horan (Like Hate the Whore)
Hon Går Genom Tavlan, Ut Ur Bilden (She Walks Through the Painting, Out of the Picture)
De i Utkanten Älskande (Those Loving in the Outskirts)
Rebell med Frusna Fötter (Rebel with Frozen Feet)
Gå Din Väg men Stanna (Go Away But Stay)
Konsten Att Vara Ela (The Art of Being Ela)
Flickan som Uppfann Livet (The Girl Who Invented Life)
Om Hundra Dagar Ska Jag Dö Så Satans Vackert Att Du Vill Följa Med (In a Hundred Days I Will Die So Fucking Beautifully that You'll Want To Come With Me)
Janis Den Magnifika (Janis the Magnificent)

Matched by Ally Condie (2010)

Title: Matched

Author: Ally Condie
Series: Matched #1

Pages: 369

Published: Nov 30th 2010

Publisher: Dutton Books for Young Readers


I was very excited for this book and it started out very good. But I got a little bored to be honest. The idea was very good and had such potential but I got tired of reading it. It felt like not a lot was happening that truly mattered and I found myself powering through it. Many of my friends were reading it at the time and loved it and so I tried to keep my mind open and convince myself that it was a good book but it wasn't truly working.

It is a nice science-fiction story which doesn't require too much thinking, and it kept me entertained and reading. However, it was not a memorable page turner and did not truly keep my interest fuelled.

I did however like the choice of names and the characters themselves. The world itself was interesting and the centre of the plot.

Plot Summary:

On her seventeenth birthday, Cassia meets her match. Society dictates he is her perfect partner for life.
Except he's not.
In Cassia's society, Officials decide who people love.
How many children they have.
Where they work.
When they die.
But as Cassia finds herself falling in love with another boy, she is determined to make some choices of her own.
And that's when her whole world begins to unravel.

My Rating:

5/10

Other Books in the Series:

Matched (Matched #1)
Crossed (Matched #2)
Reached (Matched #3)

Buy This Book On:

Amazon
Waterstones
Book Depository

Tusen gånger starkare by Christina Herrström (2006)

Title: Tusen Gaånger Starkare (A Thousand Times Stronger)

Author: Christina Herrström

Pages: 217

Published: 2006

Publisher: Bonnier Carlsen, Månpocket
Language: Swedish

This book I read after I had seen the film. I think I must have been 12 at the time. The film was so good, and I watched it over and over again, that I got very high expectations of the book. Unfortunately the book was not as exciting.

The book has a very strong message about girls and boys in high school and social ranks. It's about standing up for who you are and that girls should have as much freedom as boys. This comes through when a new girl (Saga) starts school and turns all the rules upside down. She's interesting and the reason to why the book works. However, the book is told from one of the outsiders point of view - Signe. And in one aspect I think that's important because it builds an understanding for the reader. However, I often got bored or frustrated by Signe as there was very little to her.

Plot Summary:

Saga was free. Free from everything. At first we loved her. Then, we loved her even more. She changed everything. For all of us. Each and every one. She became a threat. And a promise.
Signe is 15. In the classroom she pretty much invisible, it's the boys that dominate. But one day a new  girl joins the class: Saga, a girl with self confidence and strength. She's a thousand times stronger than the others and takes up space just like the guys. Signe and the others become curious, things are changing in the class. But to what price?

Favourite Quote:

"I don't know where Saga is today. But one thing I know for sure. She was strong. A thousand times stronger than all the girls I know. And somewhere deep inside me, that power grows. This is my only life." - Signe

My Rating

6/10

Other Books by Christina Herrström:

Tusen Gånger Starkare (A Thousand Times Stronger)
Glappet
Den Hungriga Princessan (The Hungry Princess)
Didrik (Didrik)
Ebba (Ebba)
Ebba och Didrik (Ebba and Didrik)
Leontines Längtan (Leontine's Longing)
Det Handlar om Kärlek (It's about Love)

The Constant Princess by Philippa Gregory (2005)

Title: The Constant Princess

Author: Philippa Gregory

Series: The Tudor Court Novels, The Plantagenet and the Tudor Novels

Pages: 501

Published: 2005

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

This book is about Henry VIII's first wife Katherine of Aragon. I usually saw Katherine of Aragon as the boring older wife who he divorced, because Anne Boleyn came along, and the mother of Mary Tudor (not a big fan of Bloody Mary). This book, however, looked at Katherine of Aragon in a completely different light. She was an ill treated princess for a lot of her teen age years and overlooked by the court.

Katherine of Aragon married Henry VIII's older brother Arthur first, but he died before he could become king. It is said that she married Henry because he insisted and she claimed that her marriage with Arthur was not consummated. That is what history has believed however, Philippa Gregory, as a historian has her own theory; that the marriage was consummated but that Katherine lied in order to marry Henry and become Queen, as she believed she was destined to be.

Kathrine's relationship with Arthur in this book is fictional; it is romantic and sweet and everything you could ever dream of. This novel was not about the old, boring queen that got divorced for a more exciting young queen. This novel is about a young princess from Spain, fighting for her place in court, falling in love, loosing her love and falling in love again. This queen rules and she is loved by her people.

If you have a love for historical fiction I highly recommend this book, or any of Gregory's books. It's based on historical characters and events but mixed with a perfect amount of fiction to spice things up a bit.

Plot Summary:

Katherine of Aragon is betrothed at the age of three to Prince Arthur, son and heir of Henry VII of England. She is raised to be Princess of Wales, and knows it is her destiny to rule that far-off, wet, cold land.

Her faith is tested when her prospective father-in-law greets her arrival with a great insult; Arthur seems little better than a boy; the food is strange and the customs coarse. Slowly she adapts to the first Tudor court, and life as Arthur's wife grows ever more bearable. Unexpectedly in this arranged marriage, a tender and passionate love develops.
But when the studious young man dies, she is left to make her own future: how can she now be queen, and found a dynasty?

My Rating:

8/10

Favourite Quote:

"This bride would give her a grandson, a Spanish-Tudor king for England, and a son after him, and after him: and so lay down a dynasty of Tudors that would be never-ending." - Margaret Beaufort

This couldn't be further from the truth.

Other Books in the Series:

The Constant Princess
The Other Boleyn Girl
The Boleyn Inheritance
The Other Queen
The Queen's Fool
The Virgin's Lover

These books are technically stand alone books as they have nothing in common except the historic era and the Tudor court. However, if you are unfamiliar with the history behind them you may wish to read them in the order they take place historically to get a greater picture but it is certainly not necessary.