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 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)

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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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

The Murder Complex by Lindsay Cummins (2010)

Title: The Murder Comlex

Author: Lindsay Cummings 

Series: The Murder Complex #1

Pages: 398

Published: Jun 14th 2010

Publisher: Greenwillow Books

When I heard that Lindsay Cummins and Sasha Alsberg were having a meet up in London last fall I got very excited to meet them, especially with their new book Zenith coming out. I got really interested in the previous books Lindsay had written and seeing as I had a chance to get them signed I bought both and started reading them straight away.

This book was so exciting and thrilling. Every page was action packed and I was surprised how fast paced it was. It kept my attention throughout and I read it so quickly I was surprised it didn't take me longer, considering I'm not a fast reader.

This book is set in a world with programmed assassins. They are trained to kill but they aren't aware of it. This keeps the death rate higher than the birth rate. Just like the title, this book is bloody, gruesome and extremely graphic. I would have enjoyed a few calmed moments in the book to space it out but the books takes place under a short period of time and it is quick paced.

I loved the two protagonists and truly got a feel for both of them. Each chapter was from either Meadow's or Zephyr's point of view so I got a good understanding for them. Nevertheless, I wish the two of them could've gotten closer to each other and although I understand there was a lack of trust I wish their relationship with each other would've been explored a bit more.

Overall, an extremely thrilling dystopian. If you like Divergent and the Hunger Games this is for you, but it is a bit of a lighter read. A lot of action. I have not yet got to the second one, but I look forward to read The Death Code and get my hands of Zenith when it's out.

Plot Summary:

Welcome to the Murder Complex.
You Cannot See Us. You Cannot Feel Us.
But We Are Here.
And We Control Your Every Move

My Rating:

7/10

Other Books by Lindsay Cummins:

The Murder Complex (The Murder Complex #1)
The Death Code (The Murder Complex #2)
The Fear Trials (The Murder Complex novella)

Zenith - Together with Sasha Alsberg

Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard (2016)

Title: Glass Sword

Author: Victoria Aveyard

Series: Red Queen #2

Pages: 444

Published: Feb 9th 2016

Publisher: HarperTeen, Orion


This is one of the best sequels I have ever read. I'm sometimes critical towards sequels because there can be such a big change in the plot and narrative between the first and second book, naturally. Sometimes I prefer how a series started out than how it ended up and the first book is usually my favourite. Glass Sword however, does not disappoint in the slightest. It is easily one of the best sequels I have ever read and only adds to the story of the first book.

So many new characters were introduced and I think all of them contributed to the direction this story was taking. I took immense interest in all of them. As for Mare, her character started to scare me towards the end. I didn't truly recognise her and I almost built up a dislike for her behaviour, similar to Cal. Although I am a massive Cal and Mare fan I almost took his side at moments. Not that I didn't understand Mare, and there were good reasons for her behaviour, but naturally I almost stood back in disgust - even though I didn't want too. This is however a positive point. Not all protagonists should be liked, it would be incredibly unrealistic.

The plot has taken an incredibly interesting turn of events and this has truly turned into an action filled adventurous sic-fi. I loved how organised they were in finding new bloods and how they spent time housing them and training them. There were clearly mistakes made on the way and dangers but you'd be surprised how extremely well it was handled by such young people. Praise!

As mentioned above I am the most pleased with the fact that this is such a successful sequel. Red Queen was also extremely good but I'm just very pleasantly surprised by this satisfying sequel.

And on a side note: I totally ship Farley and Shade. No matter the ending.

Plot Summary:

I was born to kill a king, to end a reign of terror before it can truly begin.
Mare Barrow's blood is red, the colour of common folk, but her Silver ability - the power to control lightning - has turned her into a weapon that the Silver court will do anything to destroy.
With no one left to trust, Mare sets out to find and recruit other Red-and-Silver fighters to join the uprising. But Mare is treading a deadly path. Will she shatter under the weight of rebellion? Or have treachery and betrayal hardened her forever?
-back of Book

Favourtie Quote:

"We seem weak because we want to" - Shade from Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard

My Rating:

10/10

Other Books by Victoria Aveyard:

Red Queen (Red Queen #1)
Glass Sword (Red Queen #2)
King's Cage (Red Queen #3)
Queen Song (Red Queen novella)
Steel Scars (Red Queen novella)

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard (2015)

Title: Red Queen

Author: Victoria Aveyard

Series: Red Queen #1

Pages: 383

Published: Feb 10th 2015

Publisher: HarperTeen, Orion


Bought this book along with the sequel back in 2016 and didn't find time to get into it until. Recently however, I felt this incredible urge to get into it so here I am mind blown and scarred for life. I had expectations of this books or rather I thought I knew what kind of book it was but I was wrong. I was expecting high fantasy, magic and stuff. A little along the lines with Throne of Glass or Queen of the Tearling. I was wrong. This is more along the lines of The Jewel. It is more sic-fi than fantasy and there is plenty technology. I was prepared for technology but it plays a huge part of the plot. Although the cover is not misleading in any way, but rather discrete I was convinced that it was a high fantasy book (I hand't even read the back).

Furthermore, and if you haven't read the book I suggest you skip this paragraph of the review. People were talking all over BookTube about this mind-blowing plot twist in Red Queen. So of course, I'm prepared for this plot twist and I keep it in mind the whole time while I'm reading. And as much as I'd like to ignore the fact that someone is going to betray Mare I start speculating and I wasn't as surprised as I would've been. Lesson for the future: stay away from BookTube. We all know that's not going to happen. I'm just saying, be careful with reading/watching reviews and discussion before you've read the book. You may enjoy it more after you've read it and can truly understand and join in. It's also made me realise that I should probably be careful to not spoil too much for you guys.

This book was a kind of mix of Divergent, Hunger Games, and The Jewel. Except it was better than hunger games and divergent put together. It was so gripping, not a single calm moment but action filled from the first to last page. Read it in two days from literal obsession.

I felt like the characters truly came alive. They were deep and had layers and layers to be explored. No one character could be truly stereotyped and it was refreshing to have such a diverse set of characters. It played with the idea that people are not simply evil or good and that people think approach issues differently.

Absolutely brilliant book. The new great YA sic-fi. I would love to see this on the big screen.

Plot Summary:

This is a world divided by blood. 
The Reds are commoners, ruled by a Silver elite in possessions of god-like superpowers. And to Mare Barrow - a seventeen-year-old Red girl from the poverty-stricken Stilts, it seems like nothing will ever change.
But Mare possesses a deadly power of her own. One that threatens to destroy the balance of power.
Fearful of her potential, the Silvers hide her in plain view, declaring her a long-lost Silver princess. Knowing that one false move will mean her death, Mare must use her new position to bring down the regime - from the inside.
Now Mare has created a game of betrayal and lies.
This is Red against Silver, prince against prince, and Mare against her own heart...
- Back of Book

Favourite Quote:

'Anyone can betray anyone'

More Books in the Series:

Red Queen (Red Queen #1)
Glass Sword (Red Queen #2)
King's Cage (Red Queen #3)
Queen Song (Red Queen novella)
Steel Scars (Red Queen novella)

The Reader by M.K. Harkins (2016)

Title: The Reader
Author: M.K. Harkins
Pages: 260 (eBook)
Published: Aug 25th 2016
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing


This Galley was given to me for free in the form of a Kindle Book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This paranormal sci-fi read got me hooked from page one. I absolutely loved it. The plot and idea was very intriguing and it got off to a very exciting start with action right at the first chapter. I loved the concept of the Readers, the Hijackers, and the Seers. I think it was original and had some very interesting history to it. I enjoyed the prediction of the Lost One and the Soul Mate, however I thought the repetition of the term 'Soul Mate' made it sound slightly silly towards the end. Nevertheless I loved the concept of the Soul Mate and the bonding between Ann and Devon. Furthermore, the compound was absolutely lovely with the waterfalls, the hub and the storm and how it worked together  as a home for the Readers. What I would have liked was a bit more time to read about Ann's time in  the compound. The storyline moved so quickly and Ann adapted to her new life so fast that everything felt almost unbelievably quick. I would have enjoyed another hundred pages where the life in the compound could have been developed. It had so much potential, yet I felt that it almost rushed to the end. I would have enjoyed some more reading with a plot this good. A little too short for me personally.

I adored Ann and her abilities and powers. The book was very successful through the use of first person narration and concerning the topic of the book I do not think that it would have been as good if was written in anything else than first person. When Ann wakes up and doesn't even remember her name Archer accidentally addresses her as Ann before she has gained that piece of memory herself. When I first read this I was shocked that the lack of name for the main character had not bothered me. Since it was written in first person I was not concerned about this at first and when her name was announced I realised what an important factor that was for one's personality. There were some great characters and personalities that also could have been developed. Personally I would have enjoyed a little more feud between Archer and Devon regarding Ann, and even Markus. I was team Devon from the moment his name popped up on the page, but I did not catch on the hinting at a plot twist and fell for it completely. There could have been a very successful love-triangle that I think could have been explored even more. The relationship between Ann and Devon went very quickly from hating each other to extreme love. It may have to do with the Soul Mate concept but a longer transition would have been very exciting and perhaps more realistic. Reading from Ann's point of view I learnt a lot of Ann but not as much of the other characters. I would have loved to bond a little more with Lucy and the quarrel between Ann and Susie to be expanded. I think if the book had been longer all the relationships could have been developed and explored more to its full potential. 

Overall I absolutely loved this book. I was glued to my phone. The genre of sic-fi and paranormal was perfect and the original idea had such potential. I think this could have been developed through another hundred pages because I would have loved to read more. I could not judge from the ending whether there will be a sequel or if it simply ended there. Since it resolved as it did I find it hard to see a sequel but I would love to read anything that may suggest that something more happens. After all, they are immortal and anything could happen in their lifetime. 

Plot Summary:

Hunted, shot, and without her memory, eighteen-year-old Ann Baker wakes in shallow water on a deserted Pacific Northwest island. She is soon approached by two young men claiming to be her friends. Something isn’t right, but when gunshots sound, Ann is left with little choice but to allow Devon and Archer to help her escape. Soon she finds herself in their North Bend mountain compound, where the higher evolved humans claim to be mind-readers. While Ann heals, she realizes they believe her to be one of the last and most powerful of all – The Lost One.

Favourite Quote:

'"Things are... things are showing," he said as his hand swept up and down.' - The Reader by M. K. Harkins

My Rating:

8/10
I did love this book, but I think a a greater length would have improved it massively. I couldn't put it down.

Other Books by  M.K. Harkins:

Intentional (Intentional #1)
Unintentional (Intentional #2)

Breaking Braydon
Famous by Default
Taking Tiffany

The Awakening by K. E. Ganshert (2015)

Title: The Awakening

Author: K.E. Ganshert

Series: The Gifting #2

Pages: 314 (Kindle)

Published: Jul 1st 2015

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

Okay, so I bought this book as soon as I'd finished the first one. This book is thought through so well. I was really hooked. The hub is amazing and the characters are so interesting. I love the development between Tess and Luka and how Tess keeps on looking for her grandma.

The background stuff about the gifting is so cool. The Shields, The Linkers, The Cloaks and the Keepers along with the Fighters is really clever. The dream space is such a good idea and how they startle to get out of dreams. I'm so happy that Tess is special in the way that she is a Linker and a Fighter and that Luka is her Keeper. Could it get anymore perfect?!

I'm so grateful I even found this book, and the first for free on iBooks! It is to the same quality as Divergent and The Hungergames. No, I'm serious. I think it could be a really cool film, for real. It's real film material.

I have this feeling about trilogies and please feel free to comment, because I think it is a very interest concept (whether it is intentional or nor not it is a continuous pattern). Trilogies always start nice which a disequilibrium that is disturbing. Tess thinks she's mad and tries to make it through high school as she goes to her therapist and meets Luka. Tris is divergent and goes to get trained as a dauntless. Katniss gets selected for the Hungergames and makes her way through. However in the second book things get out of control. Tess and Luke escape. Tris and Four are on the run. (All these four letter names!) Katniss' war with Snow starts with the 75th Hungergames. And then in the third book is kind of just the same as the second in a way that it continues on this war. This is were the trilogy has totally moved on from the first book. It is nothing like the first book. Tess will never go back to high school. Tris will never go back to abnegation. And Katniss has no District 12 to go back to. I get this feeling of loss for the first book. Kinda miss the "cozy" feeling of Tess at high school, Tris in Dauntless training and Katniss in the regular Hungergames. Do you get me? Of course this is all part of the trilogy and it has to go this way or we would get bored and things develop and so on. But I was reading the third book of the Gathering (the book after this) and I realised that some characters will never show up again. They've moved on. And it's this strange feeling of for boding because you can never go back and nowadays books end pretty badly (and realistically I guess). Anyone who agrees or disagrees? Please feel free to comment. I don't know why I brought it up here of all posts but there you go. Might repeat it again separately some other time.

Plot Summary:

Tess Eckhart isn’t crazy. She’s not suffering from psychosis. She and Luka Williams are part of The Gifting. Before they can find out what that means, the man with all the answers turns up dead. The only thing he left behind? A few patient files that lead to the nation’s most lawless city.

With authorities chasing them, Luka and Tess escape into the very heart of peril and against all odds, find an underground community of people just like them. They aren’t gathered together for the sole purpose of survival, either. They have a plan and a purpose—to awaken as many people with The Gifting as possible. It’s dangerous and deadly work. Tess wants to help. Luka is desperate to keep her safe—a task that proves increasingly difficult as Tess’s gifting comes to light.

Is Tess Eckhart the One they’ve been waiting for? The One who can save them all?

Favourite Quote:

"A person can choose not to believe it, but that doesn’t make their soul go away. It’s there, whether they want to acknowledge it or not. The supernatural realm is just as real as the physical one, only you can’t see it. It’s the realm of good and evil, light and dark. From everything we can gather, these two forces are at war, and in order to join the battle, passageways are required." - Link

"That last option should make me rejoice, but I am a selfish creature." - Tess

"It’s true when they say knowledge equals power. After what I learned in the cafeteria, I feel like I have a handful of it in my back pocket.

And I want more." - Tess

My Rating:
10/10.
I cannot stress enough how much I love these books.

Other Books In These Series:
The Gifting (The Gifting Book 1)
The Awakening (The Gifting Book 2)
The Gathering (The Gifting Book 3)

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.

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

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.

Divergent by Veronica Roth (2011)

Title: Divergent

Author: Veronica Roth

Series: Divergent #1

Pages: 487

Published: Feb 28th 2012

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

I was at my friends house on a sleepover when I wanted to read something. We were three other people on a sleep over at her place and she and I decided to have a read. I always enjoy looking at her bookshelf. It's cramped. Having forgotten my book at home, I picked up Divergent and got to bring it home to finish it.

After that I borrowed the second book at the library and the third book I got to read on a friend's Kobo account because the library didn't have it available.

I love Tris' first person narrative (if you think about it The Hunger Games are written by a female first person narrator). It is very personal and her description of the events are crystal clear. The characters are very well developed and carefully picked out for a reason.

The idea that society would be divided into sections scares me and that other people would use one another like that. Not just manipulate them or brainwash them, but skipping that step and only injecting them with serum just to force them without even telling them, without warning. It scares me a lot. Just absolutely terrifying. Because they turned on each other. The fact that Tris had to go to the point and kill her friend, hurting other friends in turn - for not having another choice.

Plot Summary:
She turns to face the future in a world that's falling appart.
Three Flying Birds... One for each member of the family I left behind.
Sixteen-year-old Tris is forced to make a terrible choice. In a decided society where everyone must conform, Tris does not fit.
So she ventures out alone, determined to discover where she truly belongs. Shocked by her brutal new life, Tris can trust no one. And yet she is drawn to a boy who seems to booth threaten and protect her.
The hardest choice lies ahead.

Favourite Quote:
Be brave.

My Rating:
10/10
I was hooked from the first page.