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 Bone Witch by Rin Chupeco (2017)

Title: The Bone Witch

Author: Rin Chupeco

Series: The Bone Witch #1

Pages: 411

Published: Mar 7th 2017

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire


This eGalley was given to me for free in exchange for an honest review by Sourcebooks Fire via NetGalley.

I was completely captured by the cover for this book and it did not disappoint. This book is a fantasy following the journey of young Tea who is training to become an asha (who in description really reminded me of geishas) , a bone witch who guards the population from daevas, dragon like creatures.

The book is slow, but in a good way. It is very descriptive and everything is clearly beautiful in this world. It is not slowly as to make you bored, but rather there is a lot of world building and Chupeco truly takes her time in describing and revealing details of that world for the reader. There were a lot of different new words (I believe there is a glossary in the printed version, which would've been very helpful). It is a cozy, beautiful read, rather than an action filled fantasy. While there is no definite information about sequels or how long this potential series could be this first book felt like it was setting up the situation and world for the following books (if there are any). The Bone Witch did not end completely in a cliff hanger but prepares us for more and I'll be truly disappointed if I don't get to know what happens after.

The Bone Witch was written from two perspectives. The first (and major) was of the young Tea while she is training to become a Bone Witch. It is first person and told more in past tense as if though Tea is looking back at this. The second is more abstract. It is from the point of view of a story teller who is visiting a girl (supposedly Tea, although this is not clarified). This is at the end of each chapter, and much shorter. It seems to be told in present time. I got the feeling that the journey of Tea is leading up to this storyline of the girl. I realise, when I'm trying to explain this, that it may sound complicated, but it truly isn't. It's rather clever and I liked the interlocking narratives.

I would definitely recommend this as a different, more low key fantasy. I see it more as a magical book than a high fantasy. And although there are dragons it is not very action filled. As a first book of a series this looks very promising and I would highly recommend it because I truly enjoyed this.

Plot Summary:

The beast raged; it punctured the air with its spine. But the girl was fiercer. 
Tea is different from the other witches in her family. Her gift for necromancy makes her a bone witch, who is feared and ostracized in the kingdom. For theirs is a powerful, elemental magic that can reach beyond the boundaries of the living - and of the human.
- Goodreads

Favourite Quote:

"Return to me once you have entered a mind from where three heads sprout" - The Oracle from The Bone Witch by Rin Chupeco

My Rating:

8/10

Other Books by this Rin Chupeco:

The Girl from the Well
The Suffering

Hold Back the Stars by Katie Khan (2017)

Title: Hold Back The Stars
Author: Katie Khan
Pages: 304 (hardcover)
Published: Jan 6th 2017
Publisher: Doubleday


This book was given to be for free as an ebook via NetGalley. All opinions and thoughts are honest and my own and I do not intend to offend anyone or claim that my opinions are right. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this prior to the release date.

This book had such an intriguing cover that just shouted Young Adult Contemporary and I got the feeling that the star filled cover may just be pretty. Turns out I was wrong. The cover is very literal. Carys and Max are stuck in space with only 90 minutes left worth of oxygen to live and while they try to save themselves they also express their feelings and the reader finds himself going back in time to Carys and Max's time together on earth.

I didn't finish this book. It took my ages to try to get into it and in the end I managed to get through 40% of the book but had to put it down. I wasn't enjoying it at all and I didn't look forward to sitting down and reading it. I aim to finish all the books I receive from NetGalley but I couldn't make myself do it. I never bonded with the characters and even though it was a very character dependent narrative I didn't feel like they truly blossomed and it truly bothered me.

I didn't really see the point of the narrative. Here are two people stuck in space with 90 minutes to live and they look back at their life together. As tragic as and emotional this sounds I couldn't be less interested. I only felt like I was intruding on their moment together.

Furthermore what truly bothered me was that I couldn't decide on which genre this book belonged to. It felt like it was written young adult/new adult but the characters were in their 20s which confused me. It is clearly set in the future Europe where it has been improved and people live and move to different Voivodes during their lives for different jobs but don't appear to have a say in where they're going. Love is banned until the age of 30 ish when one is meant to consider having children. Seeing as Carys and Max are also in their 20s but out alone in space (Max with very little education in the astronaut field) this gave me a strange feeling that it was a sic-fi book but it was so clearly a love story and it didn't give me the epic sic-fi/fantasy feeling. I was confused and this battle was going on in my head while reading. I felt like it wasn't giving me enough context to the world they were living in and it left me hanging, uneasy.

Despite this there were few odd moments when the narration on the book kept me reading and it had nothing to do with plot and characters but simply impressive authorship and talent. Similar to Kazuo Ishiguro who had me reading 'The Remains of the Day' even though I was uninterested in the plot. Even if I was unimpressed by the characters and the plot I would have liked to see more of this and if Khan had been able to grasp my attention more often I may have given this book another try.

Unfortunately this book wasn't for me as I could not immerse with the plot and felt constantly confused. I hope others get a different, more positive reading experience.

Plot Summary:

Carys and Max and ninety minutes of air left.

None of this was supposed to happen.

But perhaps this doesn't have to be the end...

Adrift in space with nothing to hold onto but each other, Carys and Max can't help but look back at the well-ordered world they have left behind - at the rules they couldn't reconcile themselves to, and a life to which they might now never return. For in a world where love is banned, what happens when you find it?

- GoodReads

Favourite Quote:

'First love can break you. But it can also save you'

My Rating:

2/10

This is the first 2 I have ever given a book and it breaks my heart.

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 Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon (2016)

Title: The Sun is Also a Star
Author: Nicola Yoon
Pages: 348
Published: Nov 1st 2016
Publisher: Delacorte Press


I received this book from Penguin Random House UK in the form of a Kindle Book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. These are my own opinion and thoughts.

I haven't read a contemporary young adult book that has had me so hooked in a good while. This book was impossible to put down. If you are ever struggling to get out of a reading slump I highly recommend picking this up. The chapters are short and fast moving and had me at full attention.

'The Sun Is Also a Star' by Nicola Yoon follows a day in the life of Natasha and Daniel, two teenagers in New York. During this extraordinary day Daniel manages to convince Natasha to give him the chance to make her fall in love with him through science.

This book was beautifully written from first person perspective in respective character's chapter. Sometimes the chapters were written from the universe point of view or random people who's perspectives are vital to understand for the plot.

I can't emphasise enough how important I believe it is for young people to read this book. It's not just about boy meets girl, even though it is that simple on the surface. It's about a million possibilities and our choices in life, about art and science and love.

Plot Summary:

NATASHA: I'm a girl who believes in science and facts. Not fate. Not destiny. Or dreams that will never come true. I'm definitely not the kind of girl who meets a cute boy on a crowded New York City street and falls in love with him. Not when my family  is twelve hours away from being deported to Jamaica. Falling in love with him won't be my story.

DANIEL: I've always been the good son, the good student, living up to my parents' high expectation. Never the poet. Or the dreamer. But when I see her, I forget about all that. Something about Natasha makes me think that fate has something much more extraordinary in store - for both of us.

THE UNIVERSE: Every moment in our lives has brought us to this single moment. A million futures lie before us. Which one will come true?

Favourite Quote: 

"Sure, but why not more poems about the sun? The sun is also a star, and it's our most important one. That alone should be worth a poem or two." - Natasha

My Rating:

10/10

Never before has the term 'opposites attract' been more accurate.

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.

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

Title: Airel

Author: Aaron M. Patterson, Chris White

Series: The Awakening #1

Pages: 186

Published: Aug 31st 2011

Publisher: StoneHouse Ink

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Plot Summary:

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

Favourite Quote(s):

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

Her confidence is so enjoyable.

My Rating:

4/10

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

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

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

The White Rose by Amy Ewing (2015)

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


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

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

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

Plot Summary:

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

- Waterstones

Favourite Quote: 

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

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

My Rating:

10/10

No regret.

Other Books in these Series:

The Jewel (The Lone City #1)

The White Rose (The Lone City #2)

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

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.

Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry (2012)

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


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

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

Plot Summary:

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

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

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

Favourite Quote:

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

My Rating:

8/10

Total page turner, and some serious emotions, but not

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

Other books in these series:

Pushing the Limits (Noah and Echo)

Breaking the Rules (Noah and Echo)

Crossing the Line (Lila and Lincoln)

Dare You To (Ryan and Beth)

Crash into You (Isaiah and Rachel)

Take Me On (Hayley and West)