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 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)

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!

Thanks for watching. Don't forget to like and subscribe on YouTube.

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 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.

Jag Är Tyvärr Död Och Kan Inte Komma Till Skolan Idag by Sara Ohlsson (2012)

Title: Jag Är Tyvärr Död Och Kan Inte Komma Till Skolan Idag (I'm Unfortunately Dead and Can't Come to School Today)

Author: Sara Ohlsson

Pages: 298

Published: Feb 21st 2012

Publisher: Gilla Böcker
Language: Swedish



The title of this book gave me the impression that this book would perhaps be about mental illness or issues and taboo subjects that have become a popular category in YA contemporaries. However, this was misleading. The book was simply: boy breaks up with girl, girl is sad, girl tries to get him back with jealousy, she starts sleeping with several other people and when he finally asks for her back she's moved on. It was not a fluffy YA romance either. I constantly felt that Olivia just felt sorry for herself and then made loads of mistakes that she later regretted. I did not however feel sorry for her, call me unsympathetic. I completely understood her situation, and I didn't have an issue with how she was dealing with it either. I understood that she was hurt and I don't blame her. But I felt like there was far too much self-puttying and I grew tired of it.

I like when characters that are meant to be good make mistakes that hurt other people because it shows that they are human. It makes it easier to bond with them. But Olivia, I grew angry with. I think in all her self pity she didn't consider other people's feeling at all and I got sick of her. I felt like this pattern was repeated over and over again throughout the book and it wasn't leading anywhere until suddenly on the last page she decided that she was fine with being single. The structure just didn't make sense.

I didn't get a lot of feeling for her friends or the boys she was together with. Whether that was intentional or not I don't know but her friendships with girls were vague and no focus was put on it at all.

The one thing I really did like was Olivia's friend Thor who threw in funny comments, despite his annoyance at lack of sex and snogging. I was very satisfied that the two of them didn't get together as it would have ruined the respect I had for that relationship. However, I don't think he was given enough pages and so much more could've been gained from his character. He had such potential.

Altogether I did enjoy a light Swedish read, but I didn't feel like I gained anything from it.

Plot Summary:

I realise that I have been lying naked, and close to him, warm and drowsily happy. And while I  had giggled by his tickling breath, he's been thinking that he no longer wants to. 
Olivia is dumped. John no longer wants to be together and and she doesn't understand how she is possibly going to survive alone. Who is she without John, without the perfect relationship? Is she really one of those who only kisses the one she loves? Or is it as easy as Danijel says that you should laugh when you're happy, scream when you're angry and sleep together when you're horny?

My Rating:

4/10

Other Books by Sara Ohlsson:

Ingen Normal Står i Regnet och Sjunger (No One Normal Stands In The Rain and Sings)
Het (Hot)

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)

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas - video review

Title: Throne of Glass

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Series: Throne of Glass #1

Pages: 404

Published: Aug 2nd 2012

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens

Amazing first book of the series Throne of Glass.

This video is also available on my YouTube channel WickedIdeas here.

Stealing Snow by Danielle Paige (2016)

Title: Stealing Snow
Author: Danielle Paige
Series: Stealing Snow #1
Pages: 375
Published: Sep 30th 2016
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens


This e-book was given to me for free via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

My opinion about this book is mixed and there were moments when I really enjoyed it and then moments when I just wanted it to be over.

This book is based on the fairytale of the The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Anderson and I was dumb enough to assume it was based on Snow White. Paige did trick the reader slightly to believe this and it was clever enough for me to laugh at myself for being in the wrong.

I found the plot a bit confusing. First she was in the mental hospital Whittaker and as she entered Algid she was taken care of by the River Witch and her apprentice Gerda along with her friend Kai. I liked this bit of the story and found the characters gripping. I wanted more.

But as soon as it had started Snow then moved on to the Claret, the head quarters of the Robber Girls where the plot seemed to change. I did not enjoy this part of the book as much and it felt like it was just dragging along. There were too many strange magical things that I just didn't enjoy reading about. I'm just simply not a fan of purple pasta that tastes like chocolate. The Robber faces creeped me out and reminded me out the house of Black and White in 'The Song of Ice and Fire' series by George R.R. Martin.

The ending had a plot twist which I couldn't decide whether I liked or not. It changed the plot, but I'm not sure if I was in favour of it or not. I wasn't left longing for more and I doubt that I will read the following books in the series unfortunately.

This book is suitable for the YA fantasy, fairytale retelling genre but I felt that it was too much for me. It all seemed a bit like a bucket of glitter had been thrown over this magical land and it all went a bit mental. I do enjoy magical lands, but this went to the extent that it wasn't believable and I simply couldn't immerse with the world. There is no lack of Paige's creative mind and imagination but I found that it went over board and I was overwhelmed with some things that I found bizarre. Unfortunately I found that this was the case with 'Dorothy Must Die', which I didn't finish for the same reasons.

Plot Summary:

First kisses sometimes wake slumbering princesses, undo spells and spark happily ever afters. 

Mine broke Bale.

Seventeen-year-old Snow has spent her life locked in Whittaker Psychiatric - but she isn't crazy. And that's not the worst of it. Her very first kiss proves anything but innocent...when Bale, her only love, turns violent.

Despite Snow knowing that Bale would never truly hurt her, he is taken away - dashing her last hope for any sort of future in the mental ward she calls home. With nowhere else to turn, Snow finds herself drawn to a strange new orderly who whispers secrets in the night about a mysterious past and a kingdom that's hers for the taking - if only she can find her way past the iron gates to the Tree that has been haunting her dreams.

Beyond the Tree lies Algid, a land far away from the real world, frozen by a ruthless king. And there too await the River Witch, a village boy named Kai, the charming theif Jagger, and a prophesy that Snow will save them all.

Favourite Quote:

"I took a bite of purple pasta. It melted in my mouth with  a delicate, sweet, almost chocolaty taste."

My Rating:

6/10

I took too many breaks while reading this book.

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

Envy by Anna Godbersen (2009)

Title: Envy

Author: Anna Godbersen

Series: Luxe #3

Pages: 405

Published: Jan 27th 2009

Publisher: Harper Collins

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

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

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

Plot Summary:

New York City, 1900.

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

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

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

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

Favourite Quote:

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

My Rating:

9/10

It's getting complicated. 

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

Other books in this Series:

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

Other Books by Anna Godbersen:

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

Available on:

Amazon
Book Depository
Waterstones

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (1925)

Title: The Great Gatsby

Author: F. Scott Fitzgerald

Pages:180

Published: Apr 10th 1925

Publisher: Scribner

I saw this book at Waterloo train station with my mum one day in London and she knew exactly which book it was. I had no idea. She new of the new film by Baz Luhrman as well (the book had the film cover) and I urged her on to buy it. Why wouldn't I. She did and I started reading it on the train home. I loved it.

I must admit that I haven't really given classics a chance or much time, but I didn't even know this was a classic. Leonardo diCaprio was on the cover and that was good enough for me. I managed to finish the book before the premier and I went to see it, as expected, with my mum - I cried.

The year after we started studying the book (my copy now has a hundred notes in it in every possible colour), but imagine how much a teacher can influence your opinion of a book. I didn't stop loving the book, but I hated what she had to say about it. I did not agree, and I think I was so negative of everything she had to say because 1) she questioned all my opinions, 2) I loved this book, I read it for pleasure and she made me analyse the minor details that I'm sure F. Scott Fitzgerald didn't bloody care about right then and 3) she was a horrible teacher overall (the only English teacher that I have ever disliked). I hated studying it. It ruined the pleasure of reading the book. A lot of people I know had to study it for their A-levels and hated it. Poor souls.

I'm happy I convinced my mum to buy it that one time at the train station (even though it had the film cover, I usually prefer the original cover), and that I managed to read it before it was too late!! Before my teacher started coming up with ideas and theories I didn't agree with. I'm happy I had enough time to go into WHSmith with my mum that one time sat Waterloo train station. I wonder what I would've thought of the book otherwise.

Plot Summary:
The Great Gatsby follows Fitzgerald-like, would-be writer Nick Carraway as he leaves the midwest and comes to New York in the spring of 1922, an era of loosening morals, glittering jazz, bootleg kings, and sky-rocketing stock. Chasing his own American Dream, Nick lands next door to a mysterious party-giving millionaire, Jay Gatsby, and across the bay from his cousin Daisy, and her philandering blue-blooded husband, Tom Buchanan. It is thus that Nick is drawn into the captivating world of the super rich, their illusions, love and deceits. As Nick bears witness, within and without the world he inhabits, he pens a tale of impossible love, incorruptible dreams and high-octane tragedy, and holds a mirror to our own modern times and struggles.

Favourite Quote:
He threw all those parties hoping she'd wander in one night...

My Rating:
10/10
One of the few classics I truly love.

Don't miss the 2013 film by Baz Luhrmann!!

The Book Thief by Mark Zusak (2005)

Title: The Book Thief

Author: Markus Zusak

Pages: 552

Published: Mar 14th 2006

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

We'd have this book lying around the house for some while. I know my mum had tried to read it but didn't really get caught up in it. I considered it for a while, but I've never really been into WWII books. We then got a list from the school about books to read over the summer and it was on that list. So I thought well, why not.

I was captured. I cried so much during this book. So much. But I laughed as well. If only Rudy could have gotten that one kiss. If only Max had not gotten so sick. If only that bomb hadn't dropped just then. If only...

Full with emotions, ideas and messages this book is worth a read. No matter if you like the genre or not. It is not actually that much about the war, but more about the relationships built up in the novel and they're not boring but full of joy and heart break. Definitely worth a read. Definitely.

Plot Summary:

Here's a small fact

You're going to die.

1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding it's breath. Death has never been busier.

Liesel, a nine-year-old girl, is living with a foster family of Himmel Street. Her parents have been away to a concentration camp. Liesel steals books. This is her story and the story of the inhabitants on her street when the bombs begin to fall.

Some important information

This novel is narrated by Death

it's a small story about:

a girl

an accordionist

some fanatical Germans

a Jewish fist fighter

and quite a lot of book thievery.

Another thing you should know

Death will visit the book thief three times.

Favourite Quote:

The only thing worse than a boy who hates you: a boy who loves you.

My Rating:

10/10

I know I say this a lot, but I feel very strongly about this book. 

The Luxe by Anna Godbersen (2007)

Title: The Luxe

Author: Anna Godbersen

Series: Luxe #1

Pages: 433

Published: Nov 20th 2007

Publisher: Harper Collins

Now, I first read this book in Swedish when I was twelve years old, after finding it in a library while still living in Sweden. I loved it, although I think I was a bit too young for it at the moment.

I then, a year later found myself in Waterstone, now living in England, buying my first proper book in English. When I found The Luxe, I just thought: another reason to reread it, and this time I got to actually have it, for myself.

I read it again and when being told we had to make a presentation about a book in English I picked this one. Our teacher, being as crazy and wonderful as she was wanted us to make these presentations as unique as possible. I dressed up in a huge dress. Deep red like the one on the sequel's front page that went down to the floor. My mum sewed it once for an unknown reason. Anyways. I was really into it. My presentation made my best friend read it as well. Guess if she liked it!

The book is a typical girl book, not saying that guys can't enjoy it, but saying that the target audience isn't girls is a lie. The book is set in the millennium between 1800's and 1900's. It's full of triangle dramas, romances, beautiful dresses, balls and gossip. The world of New York is clearly painted and one is drawn into the world automatically.

Plot Summary:

Imagine if you will, New York City, 1899...

Society's elite: the gmalour, the grandeur, the glittering parties, the most handsome beaux, the most beautiful debutantes... the rich girl, the humble boy, the forbidden love, the stolen glances, the whispers, the scandal, the mystery, the revenge.

You are cordially invited to step into The Luxe where the secrets are dark and the sins are delicious... R.S.V.P.

- as by the book cover.

My Rating:
9/10
Oh, it felt like a 10 at the time, but I wonder what I would feel now.

Favorite quote:
'I've always believed in savoring the moments. In the end, they'll be the only things we have'

Other books in this Series:

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

Other Books by Anna Godbersen:

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

Available on:

Amazon
Book Depository
Waterstones

A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire Book 1) by George R. R. Martin

Title: A Game of Thrones

Author: George R.R. Martin

Series: A Song of Ice and Fire

Pages: 835

Published: Aug 6th 1996

Publisher: Bantam

I must say that I love these series. And there is only going to be minor criticism.

I heard about the TV series when they first came out in 2011, the posters were everywhere. Not having Sky however, I had a major problem and couldn't watch it (but believe me, I was dying for it). It had everything I could ask for: fantasy, history, dragons, magic, costumes, castles, royalties. I love that kind of stuff. Guilty.

So I bought the book. I got it at WHSmith for half price for buying The Fault in our Stars as well. This was back in 2012 and my mum had forbidden me to buy a new book unless I finished five because I had a ridiculous amount of unread books at home (I love buying books, don't have as much time to read them all). I bought them anyways and hid them. True story.

Anyways, onto the book. I love it. Not having watched the TV series I built my own interpretations of the characters and it was wonderful. The Stark children are younger which I appreciate because being 14 at the time, they were still older and I could really connect with them. They were still older than me. It took me a few chapters to understand which bastard was which, but we got there in the end.

The chapters I enjoyed the most were John Snow's, Daenarys and Arya's. I can't remember if I loved or hated Tyrions chapters. I love them nowadays and have loved them for a good while because he's so much like me in the way he behaves and his attitude. Please don't judge now.

However, the chapters I could not stand were Caitlyn's. I didn't like her as a character. I understood her, but I didn't like her. I didn't like Bran's too much either. Mainly because there were so many of them and I felt like we weren't getting anywhere. Now, I don't like politics, mainly because I don't understand a thing about it and can't be bother (I know, it's bad) and Ned's chapters were full of politics. I learnt to like it though because A Game of Thrones wouldn't get anywhere without politics. A fight between seven kingdoms. WITHOUT POLITICS?! Not possible. Sorry mate. I don't think I realized how much I appreciated Ned's character until the very end when I knew that I would read no more chapter of him. I wondered how the series could possibly go on without him. He died after the first book and it pretty much centred around him. I was wrong.

I love the world. Just like Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings it was been so well thought through. Not a plot hole. The fact that it's based on pieces of history that I enjoy a lot, like the War of the Roses, makes me understand it better. It was probably the first proper fantasy book I pick now I've opened up to that genre completely. When I go into bookstores I go straight to that shelf. I always loved fantasy films but never really read anything until I picked this book up so thank you very much!

Plot Summary:

Summer span decades. Winter can last a lifetime. And the struggle for the Iron Throne has begun.

As Warden of the north, Lord Eddard Stark counts  it a curse when King Robert bestows on him the office of the Hand. his honour weighs him down at court wher a true man does what he will, not what he must... and a dead enemy is a thing of beauty.

The old gods have no power in the south, Stark's family is split and there is treachery at court. Worse, the vengeance-mad heir of the Dragon King has grown to maturity in exile in the free Cities. He claims the Iron Throne.

-as by the book cover

My Rating:

10/10

Other books in this Series:

A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire Book 1)
A Clash of Kings (A Song of Ice and Fire Book 2)
A Storm of Swords 1: Steel and Snow (A Song of Ice and Fire Book 3 Part 1)
A Storm of Swords 2: Blood and Gold (A Song of Ice and Fire Book 3 Part 2)
A Feast for Crows (A Song of Ice and Fire Book 4)
A Dance with Dragons 1: After the Feast (A Song of Ice and Fire Book 5 Part 1)
A Dance with Dragons 2: Dreams and Dust (A Song of Ice and Fire Book 5 Part 2)

Available on:

Amazon
Book Depository
Waterstone

Rumors by Anna Godbersen (2008)

Title: Rumours

Author: Anna Godbersen

Series: Luxe #2

Pages: 423

Published: Jun 3rd 2008

Publisher: Harper Collins

Like the first one, I read this one is Swedish and then in English. I absolutely loved it and still do. Diana is my favourite characters and always will be. I know Elizabeth is my friend's favourite because she has this impossible romance with Will, but she is a little too girly and pretty for me. Diana is a rebel, daring and much more fun. I suppose Elizabeth is daring in her way as well though, sleeping with the stableboy and running off with him and pretends to be dead. However, I have the feeling that if I would be living at the time I would be a mix of them. Elizabeth in public and doing as my mum says at times (yes, I do the dishes), but a complete Diana inside.

Henry Shoonmaker is irresistible and I hope I'm not the only one that thinks so. Penelope is becoming worse and worse, although I do understand her to a degree. Lina's personality is becoming questionable but her story adds an interesting plot. Teddy is too good for any of them.

It's like the 1800's Gossip Girl. Enjoy.

Plot Summary:

December 1899 - New York City

Manahttan has bid farewell to its biggest star, the dazzling Miss Elizabeth Holland. Yet the rumours about her ultimately demise continue. Meanwhile her sister, the irrepressible Diana, has been seen in the company of not one, but three eligible bachelors. Might there be a fourth?

In high society, reputation is everything. The Holland smily simply can't afford to be the subject of such wicked whispers. Heaven forbid that they should fall so spectacularly from grace...

There is a very fine line between truth and lies, love and hate. And all is about to be gloriously revealed.

Favourite quote:

'Living too much in one's head can be dangerous'

My Rating:
9/10
Only if you enjoy 1800's, big dresses and lovely romance.

Other books in this Series:

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

Other Books by Anna Godbersen:

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

Available on:

Amazon
Book Depository
Waterstones

The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory (2003)

Title: The Other Boleyn Girl 

Author: Philippa Gregory

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

Pages: 661

Published: May 21st 2003

Publisher: Scribner

This book is one of my favourites. It is told in first person narrative from Mary Boleyn's point of view and is set during the Renaissance over a number of years. It has not chapters but rather sections of the year and season. I originally read this book in Swedish because my grandma had all the books in the series and. She doesn't really read in English so I took all the books and started with this one because I'd seen the film a while ago.

The book is more about Mary than Anne which I think is good because you get the view of someone who stood Anne close. Now this book is classified as historical fiction rather than non-fiction because it's based on historical events and facts, but Gregory has made up the plot based on what she knows. I think it's done very effectively because you learn from it, but you don't read a history book; hence the genre historical fiction.

I highly recommend this book for any history/royalty lovers. Historical fiction at it's best! Philippa is one of my favourite authors. She writes in such a capturing way you absolutely fall in love with it!

Plot Summary:

When Mary Boleyn comes to court as an innocent girl of fourteen, the catches the eye of Henry VIII. Dazzled, Mary falls both in love with her golden prince and her growing role as unofficial queen. However, she soon realises just how much she is a pawn in her family's ambitious plots and the king's  interest begins to wane and she is forced to step aside for her best friend and rival: her sister, Anne. Then, Mary knows that she must defy her family and her king and take fate in her own hands. 
- Goodreads

My Rating:

10/10
Favourite historical novel of all time.

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.

Available on:

Amazon
Book Depository
Waterstones