Book Review: Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry

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Pushing the Limits #1
Pages: 203
Published: July 2012
Genres: YA, Romance

Goodreads Synopsis... 
I can't remember the night that changed my life. The night I went from popular girl 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 he's the only one who'll listen. The only one who'll help me find the truth.

I know every kiss, every promise, every touch is forbidden. But what if finding your destiny means breaking all the rules?

Review... 
I started reading this book, and I really didn't like it. It was cliched and stereotypical. The voices of the main characters were not believable and their dialogue felt stiff. I was separated from the characters and their stories because of this. They were like cardboard cut-outs with difficult lives, that I didn't really care about. Then without even really noticing it, something changed.

After about 50 to 70 pages I really started enjoying the book. I also started caring about Echo and Noah. I wanted things to work out for them, and I wanted them to end up together. I think this change is mostly due to the voices of the characters. Somewhere along the way, they became much more individual and they felt honest. As well as this the smoothness of the writing definitely improved, making for a better reading experience.

By the end of the book, I was completely invested in this story, the characters and their struggles. It still had its flaws, and was still a bit predictable. But overall it was a great book about two very complicated lives coming together.

4/5

Zombie Apocalypse Book Tag

I did a tag video, in which characters from my favourite books were a part of my zombie apocalypse team. Watch the video below!

Bookstore Tour + Book Haul | Kinokuniya

Lets go on an adventure! To what is probably my new favourite bookstore, Kinokuniya. To find out why, and also what books I bought there, watch the video below.

Book Review: Where She Went by Gayle Forman

*This is the second book in a series. If you haven't read If I Stay. Then don't read this review as there are spoilers.

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If I Stay #2
Pages: 274
Published: Apr 2011
Genres: YA, Romance, Contemporary

Goodreads Synopsis...  
It's been three years since Mia walked out of Adam's life.
And three years he's spent wondering why.
When their paths cross again in New York City, Adam and Mia are brought back together for one life-changing night.

Adam finally has the opportunity to ask Mia the questions that have been haunting him. But will a few hours in this magical city be enough to lay their past to rest, for good - or can you really have a second chance at first love?
 
Review...
If you've read my review of If I Stay, then you know I compared it to a stained glass window. This book is like stepping away from that window, from the light that shines through its newly put together pieces. Turning around and facing a new direction. You can still feel the warmth of the sun, and you know the colours and pictures are just behind you. But you no longer see them.

I loved the honest and unique way in which Adams story unraveled. He is in a very bad place, and we get to feel how much previous events have effected him. 

Just like If I Stay, the writing is simple yet truthful. The characters, feel real and their struggles become the readers struggles. I am becoming a big fan of Formans writing style, with its excellent pacing. And lyrics at the start of each chapter that connected things wonderfully, and that I would be thrilled to see become real songs.

The one thing I was missing in this book was Mia's family. They were not only my favourite thing in the previous book. But the flashbacks allowed for a balance between sorrow and happiness. That made the happy times sweeter, and made the sad present even more heartbreaking. Even so I still enjoyed this book, and would definitely recommend it to those who have read If I Stay.
 
4/5

Book Review: If I Stay by Gayle Forman

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If I Stay #1
Pages: 201
Published: Apr 2009
Genres: YA, Romance, Contemporary

Goodreads Synopsis... 
Just listen, Adam says with a voice that sounds like shrapnel.

I open my eyes wide now.
I sit up as much as I can.
And I listen.

Stay, he says.

Choices. Seventeen-year-old Mia is faced with some tough ones: Stay true to her first love—music—even if it means losing her boyfriend and leaving her family and friends behind?

Then one February morning Mia goes for a drive with her family, and in an instant, everything changes. Suddenly, all the choices are gone, except one. And it's the only one that matters.

Review...
I feel like this book is a stained glass window. At first you look at the picture made up of little pieces of coloured glass, and the picture they make up is beautiful. You are just starting to look at all the different parts when BAM!!! Gayle Forman takes a baseball bat to the window, sending shards of glass flying your way. Then she starts putting the pieces back together. You just stand there with blood dripping from your wounds, because you have no other choice. You must see that window again.

Mia's family was my favourite thing about this book. They made me love them. Yes, they made me. I had no choice. The laughter, the sarcasm, the cute adorable little brother. All shown through flashbacks, made me fall in love with Denny, Kat, Teddy, Kim, and Adam (because Kim and Adam are part of the family too!)

The other thing that made me fall in love with them, was the writing. It was so honest, and detailed in the perfect moments. Yes there were flaws, and things could have been smoothed out a little bit more. But this story, this family, and the love that burst from them. As softly as cello chords, and as loudly as a rock concert was so real, and so heartbreaking. That those flaws meant little to me.

4.5/5

Book of the Week: The Child Thief by Brom

Inside the book:
This peter pan inspired story, is more dark and haunting then you would imagine. There were several times I had to take a breather, because of how brutally honest and gritty this book was. It is however a truly beautiful story, and this is very much aided because of the illustrations throughout the book.

Outside the book:
Arms outstretched, eyes closed, hovering in the air, is Peter. He is the main character of the book, and with his red jacket and weapon worthy shoes, he perfectly warns the reader of the eerie and exceptional story inside.

Buy The Child Thief
Goodreads page

Book Review: Allegiant by Veronica Roth

*This is the third and final book in a series. If you haven't read Divergent and Insurgent. Then don't read this review as there are spoilers. 

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Final book in the Divergent series.  
Pages: 526
Published: Oct 2013
Genres: YA, Dystopian, Romance

Goodreads Synopsis... 
The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered—fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she’s known, Tris is ready. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties, and painful memories.

But Tris’s new reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human nature—and of herself—while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love.
 
Review...
One of my favourite things about Divergent and Insurgent, is that there was so much action. Things kept happening and it was so fast paced, and fun to read. So I should have known that for the last book in this series. The author would take away all my favourite things, and give me somewhat whiny Tobias perspectives in return.

Dont get me wrong, I actually liked the book. I very much enjoyed Roth's writing style. It also explained everything, giving answers to all my questions. The relationship between Tris and Four also got more complicated, and it was interesting to see their struggle. Both with their relationship and as individuals. There was a real effort to make things and reactions realistic and honest, and I did appreciate that.

However there were many things that made me dislike this book. Firstly I found Four to be really different then he was in previous books. This may be because we got chapters from his perspective, but it still felt strange. Also I felt like the relationship between Tris and Four was sometimes a bit cheesy, and uncomfortable. Some of the things they did and thought, really surprised me.

Up until around the 400 page mark, everything felt very drawn out. The plot was predictable, and there was very little action. I had to push myself to read on, which is the opposite of how I felt reading Divergent. It was also sometimes hard to distinguish which perspective I was reading, because they weren't distinctive or different enough.

Another complaint I have is that I felt we saw very little of the side characters. They seemed really interesting but only made quick appearances in what was basically the 'Tris and Four Show'. And let me tell you, I changed the channel often.

One thing I am happy about is the end. It was where things finally picked up, and got interesting. I felt somewhat content finishing the book, and was happy with most of the events leading up to the very end. Even the one that some people are incredible mad about, and many have been spoiled about.

All in all, I'm disappointed with the book as a whole. But I did like it, and was happy with how the series ended. 

3/5 

Book Review: An Abundance of Katherines by John Green

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Pages: 229
Published:Sep 2006
Genres: Young Adult, Contemporary

Goodreads Synopsis...
Katherine V thought boys were gross
Katherine X just wanted to be friends
Katherine XVIII dumped him in an e-mail
K-19 broke his heart
When it comes to relationships, Colin Singleton's type happens to be girls named Katherine. And when it comes to girls named Katherine, Colin is always getting dumped. Nineteen times, to be exact.

On a road trip miles from home, this anagram-happy, washed-up child prodigy has ten thousand dollars in his pocket, a bloodthirsty feral hog on his trail, and an overweight, Judge Judy-loving best friend riding shotgun--but no Katherines. Colin is on a mission to prove The Theorem of Underlying Katherine Predictability, which he hopes will predict the future of any relationship, avenge Dumpees everywhere, and finally win him the girl. Love, friendship, and a dead Austro-Hungarian archduke add up to surprising and heart-changing conclusions in this ingeniously layered comic novel about reinventing oneself.

Review...   
I took two days to read this book. It just so happens that there's a 5 month gap between those days.

This is a John Green book, which I've come to find means certain things. Which by all means can be found in this book:
-There is something very authenticly teenager about his writing. The thoughts characters have, the discoveries that might be simple, but change everything. Remind me so much of when I was a teenager. (Not that it was that long ago)
-Along with that authenticity comes intelligence, espcially in this book about a prodigy who aims to be a genius. The author doesn't dumb down the characters, infact he showcases their wit and intellegence, and best of all their sarcasm!  -The beauty is in the details. You can easily tell that a lot of work went into this book. The arabic, the anagrams, the footnotes and all the maths. As well as this, all the little quirks and small things. That are put together to make a beautifully detailed story. That has complicated and unique characters.

My main problem with this book, is I didn't get much out of it. I didn't love the characters, the plot felt aimless, and the themes didn't speak to me. I enjoyed reading it, but didn't miss it or feel the need to read it over my 5 month gap. I just sort of felt detached from what was a really well written story.

This is my third John Green book, and it is my least favorite so far. Thats not to say that I didnt like it. I just didnt care that much. Still, Im looking forward to reading Paper Towns.

3/5

Book Review: The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey

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Pages: 423
Published: Feb 2012
Genres: Fairytale Retelling, Fantasy, Magical Realism

Goodreads Synopsis... 
Alaska, 1920: a brutal place to homestead, and especially tough for recent arrivals Jack and Mabel. Childless, they are drifting apart--he struggling to maintain the farm; she crumbling from loneliness and despair. In a moment of levity during the first snowfall, they build a child out of snow. The next morning the snow child is gone--but they glimpse a young girl running through the trees. 

This little girl, who calls herself Faina, seems to be a child of the woods. She hunts with a red fox at her side and somehow survives alone in the Alaskan wilderness. As Jack and Mabel come to understand this child who could have stepped from the pages of a fairy tale, they begin to love her as their own daughter. But in this beautiful, violent territory things are rarely as they appear, and what they eventually learn about Faina will transform them all.

Review...   
This book is magic. That's what I was thinking while reading it. I took a curious bite out of the poison apple, and I was in this land no longer. I was in Alaska, in the home of Jack and Mabel. I felt their quiet desperation, the wordless pain that laced every look.

The way that this couple was shown to me is by far my favourite thing about this book. Though the book often felt like a dream, their lives ruled by sadness was very clear. It was depicted in such a simple way. In the absence of things, of laughter, of noise, of children. The nothingness took up all the space and pressed against me. 

Then comes Faina, the snow child. Who fills this absence with a certain kind of magic. Whether it is a literal magic or just the magic of her presence, we are never quite sure. This is how she is portrayed throughout the book. As a mystery, something we can never quite grasp. Which adds immensely to the magical feeling of the snow child.

All of this is set in the diverse and often contrasting land of Alaska. Where it goes from shivering nights to sweat filled days. And where quiet mornings are interrupted by neighbours bursting with energy.

I woke somewhat abruptly from reading it. Wondering if I would ever know completely the mysteries of Faina. If her magic would ever be explained. Smiling at the sweet memory of Jack and Mabel. Wishing that I would fall asleep, so I could return back again.

The Snow Child made me an instant fan of Eowyn Ivey, and I look forward to what she has to offer next.

5/5

Book of the Week: The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey

Inside the book:
Based on a Russian fairytale about a girl, half human half snow. That visits an elderly couple without children each winter. This book is set in Alaska, and follows the tragic but beautiful tale of a girl named Faina, and the childless couple, Jack and Mabel. Whose lives she changes forever.

Outside the book:
I love blue books, and the simple colour scheme and design of this book are absolutely perfect. They give a glimpse of this beautiful story, and drew me immediately to the cover. The snowflakes at the start of each chapter, on the spine, and inside the cover are so beautiful. Adding just the right amount of winter magic.

Buy The Snow Child
Goodreads page

Book Review: The Giver by Lois Lowry

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Pages: 179
Published: Jan 1993
Genres: Children's, Classics, Dystopian

Goodreads Synopsis... 
Jonas' world is perfect. Everything is under control. There is no war or fear or pain. There are no choices. Every person is assigned a role in the Community. When Jonas turns twelve, he is singled out to receive special training from The Giver. The Giver alone holds the memories of the true pain and pleasure of life. Now, it is time for Jonas to receive the truth. There is no turning back.

Review...  
This book is like closing your eyes, and experiencing a memory you've never seen before. You know whats happening and you can feel the emotions that are brought out. But you just cant name them, explain them. Its on the tip of your tongue...

So instead of trying, Im just going to give you three reasons you should pick up The Giver.

1. It is not a fast paced dystopian, it is a journey into another world. One that seems perfect and oddly reasonable at first. But that surprises you with how different it is, and how little things can change everything.

2. One of my favourite themes is that to experience pleasure, we must endure pain. It is a lesson often repeated, but the simple way this book shows it, makes it mean more. Makes it striking in its tragic balance. 

3. The way the story is written is so simple, yet so hauntingly beautiful. There is an ambiguity that is present throughout the whole story, especially at the end. And I think this adds to the book. Its like being in a dream. Feeling the intense emotions from what is happening, and then waking only remembering how it felt. 

This was a beautiful book, and I look forward to reading it again in the future. And seeing what it has to say to me then.

4.5/5

Book Review: Seraphina by Rachel Hartman

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Seraphina #1
Pages: 512
Published: Jan 2012
Genres: YA, Fantasy, Mystery

Goodreads Synopsis... 
Four decades of peace have done little to ease the mistrust between humans and dragons in the kingdom of Goredd. Folding themselves into human shape, dragons attend court as ambassadors, and lend their rational, mathematical minds to universities as scholars and teachers. As the treaty's anniversary draws near, however, tensions are high.

Seraphina Dombegh has reason to fear both sides. An unusually gifted musician, she joins the court just as a member of the royal family is murdered—in suspiciously draconian fashion. Seraphina is drawn into the investigation, partnering with the captain of the Queen's Guard, the dangerously perceptive Prince Lucian Kiggs. While they begin to uncover hints of a sinister plot to destroy the peace, Seraphina struggles to protect her own secret, the secret behind her musical gift, one so terrible that its discovery could mean her very life.

Review... 
I was really sick when I picked up this book. And it wasnt just a little cold, it was me in bed, in pain thinking about dying (because I'm a melodramatic like that). I think its a huge testiment to this book, that while I was reading it, I forgot I was sick. I let go of everything except for Seraphina, and all the dragons! Oh I love me some dragons!

So lets start by talking about the dragons in this book. They were so different from the way dragons are usually depicted, in that they could turn themselves into a human form. This let you see so much more about what its like to be a dragon, and also added so much dimension to these characters.

All the characters really were pretty amazing. Seraphina, is an incredibly likeable protagonist. She is talented, smart and really interesting. I loved seeing the story through her eyes, and also through her head.

The other thing that made this story so captivating was the world. The way that Hartman describes this world is so detailed but not overbearing. Her prose is amazing to read, and her entire story is so well paced. I wanted to keep reading, but I never felt like I was rushed. Also the political and royal  aspects to this world were very interesting, and added so much to the story.

The only aspect of the book that wasnt completely appealing to me was the romance. It was a very small part of the story, the dragons taking most of the spotlight (as they should). I just wasn't feeling the romance, it felt a bit unnecessary and the chemistry was lacking.

All in all though, I loved this book, and cant wait for the next installment which comes out in March 2015. Let the waiting begin!

5/5

Book Review: Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

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Shatter me #1
Pages: 338
Published: Jan 2011
Genres: YA, Dystopian, Romance

Goodreads Synopsis... 
Juliette hasn’t touched anyone in exactly 264 days.

The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette’s touch is fatal. As long as she doesn’t hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don’t fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war – and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she’s exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior

Review... 
You know in the tv show Friends. When Joey writes a letter to an adoption agency for Monica and Chandler. And he tries to sound smart, so he uses a thesaurus on every single word. Turning
"They're warm, nice people with big hearts." into "They're humid, pre-possessing homosapiens with full-sized aortic pumps?"

Yeah... That's kind of what Tahereh Mafi did here. Except instead of using synonyms she used metaphors. I think you can probably see the point Im trying to make. That sometimes, simpler is better. And in the case of this book, simpler would have been much better.

Thats not to say that some of her metaphors aren't amazing to read. "I spent my life folded between the pages of books.” There are more but I cant remember them right now.

However there are also many many ridiculous metaphors.
-"I’m a tangle of butterflies."
-"My eyelashes trip into my eyebrows; my jaw drops into my lap."
-"He says it with a small smile the size of Jupiter."
-“I always won­der about raindrops. I won­der about how they’re always falling down, trip­ping over their own feet, break­ing their legs and for­get­ting their para­chutes as they tum­ble right out of the sky toward an uncer­tain end.” 

If you can get past this style of writing, then you get to the actual story and the characters. The characters are stereotypical, and dull. But hey at least their really hot. The plot is predictable, as its basically a love triangle parading as a post-apocalyptic dystopian.

The only thing I liked about the book, was that it was relatively easy to read, and fast paced in the second half. Also there were some really amazing metaphors, hidden among the thousands of ridiculous ones.

Needless to say, I don't recommend this book. I will not be reading the next book in the series. And hopefully no one will ever wonder about raindrops in my presence again.

1.5/5

Book Review: Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

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Pages: 328
Published: April 2012 
Genres: YA, Contemporary, Romance 

Goodreads Synopsis...
Set over the course of one school year in 1986, ELEANOR AND PARK is the story of two star-crossed misfits – smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try. When Eleanor meets Park, you’ll remember your own first love – and just how hard it pulled you under.

Review...
This book, and basically every book by Rainbow Rowell, has an enormous amount of hype surrounding it. So when I picked up this book, I had some high expectations. And let me say, all of them were met! I loved this book, it was even better than I was expecting, and is now definitely one of my favourite books this year.

This first thing to love about Eleanor & Park, is how unique everything about it is. The characters are flawed both mentally and physically (meaning they arent incredibly hot with piercing eyes). Which is basically unheard of in young adult books. The plot itself was unpredictable, and complicated by real human problems. This is a love story primarily, but it is so much more than that. Also how the romance begins and develops is so genuine and different.

The author takes what is cliche, flips it around and puts it in the real world. Still managing to make it interesting and fun to read. Another thing this Rowell does really well is balancing light and dark in the book. It was both good and bad to feel depressed and also elated while reading this book. 

This was such an amazing experience and such a privilege to read. I offer it to you with scarf covered wrists, singing its praises!

5/5

Book Review: Cress by Marissa Meyer

*This is the third book in a series. If you haven't read Cinder and Scarlet. Then don't read this review as there are spoilers.

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Book 3 in The Lunar Chronicles.  
Pages: 550
Published: Feb 2014
Genres: YA, Fantasy, Romance

Goodreads Synopsis... 
Rapunzel’s tower is a satellite. She can’t let down her hair—or her guard.

In this third book in the bestselling Lunar Chronicles series, Cinder and Captain Thorne are fugitives on the run, with Scarlet and Wolf in tow. Together, they’re plotting to overthrow Queen Levana and her army.

Their best hope lies with Cress, who has been trapped on a satellite since childhood with only her netscreens as company. All that screen time has made Cress an excellent hacker—unfortunately, she’s just received orders from Levana to track down Cinder and her handsome accomplice.

When a daring rescue goes awry, the group is separated. Cress finally has her freedom, but it comes at a high price. Meanwhile, Queen Levana will let nothing stop her marriage to Emperor Kai. Cress, Scarlet, and Cinder may not have signed up to save the world, but they may be the only ones who can.

Review...
I loved this book, which was to be expected because I loved the first two. Cress was just such a joy to read, its one of those books that just makes me happy while reading it, and sad when it ends. Its fast paced, action packed and full of romances I cant help but root for. 

The character Cress was smart, sweet, and so darn adorable. I loved seeing Scarlet and especially Cinder again. And all the characters were fun and interesting to hear about. It was also really interesting to be able to get some insight into Levana, and what she thinks. Im excited to delve deeper into her character in the next book.

The only negative things I have to say, is that I wanted more Cinder. I really enjoy the idea of each new book, introducing a new character. But I yearn for Cinder scenes. Her plot line is definitely the one that interests me the most, and her romance makes me happiest of all. As well as this, I felt like the romance in Cress, and the suggested one for Winter; that was touched on in this book. Are coming just a little bit too easily. It seems like everyone has a perfect match just waiting for them, which leaves the romances to simple and uncomplicated. And romance should and normally is very, very complicated.

I still really enjoyed the book, and the things I didn't like were negligible compared to how much fun it was to be caught up in this story and world. Now begins the wait for the final book Winter. And just like the Stark's I will recite constantly and fervently, that winter is coming! 

5/5

Book Review: Eon by Alison Goodman

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Dragoneye Reborn #1
Pages: 544
Published: Jan 2008
Genres: Fantasy, Adventure, Magic

Synopsis... 
This book is about Eon, who is a one of the candidates to becoming an apprentice for one of the 12 energy dragons. Using Dragon magic, and becoming a Dragoneye, is one of the highest positions in the land. But there are some obstacles in Eons way. Firstly that he is a cripple, trying to persuade everyone but more importantly a dragon that he is worthy of using dragon magic. Secondly that he is actually a girl, who has been pretending to be a boy for years. And if anyone finds out Eon is actually Eona, she will be killed, as females are forbidden to use dragon magic.

Review...
Let me just start off by saying... DRAGONS!!! I love dragons, and that was enough to get me to buy and read this book. But there are so many more reasons you should read Eon. First of all the suspense. I could not sit still reading this book, I was pacing and standing. And generally just all over the place waiting to see what would happen. Reading as fast as I could, but not skimming. 

Secondly the plot, and how unique and unpredictable it was. This is one of the reasons there was so much suspense. Because the plot was so unexpected, you never knew what was coming next. It was so refreshing to step out of the predictable and into the crazy amazing story that Eon is.

Along with a great plot, came very detailed and elaborate world building. I felt immersed in this world, not only because of the descriptions of the setting. But also because of the explanations of the culture and practices in this world. The culture and politics were so well thought out, and there were very few holes in this story and in its world building.

I definitely recommend this book, and just to reiterate. DRAGONS!

5/5 

Book Review: World After by Susan Ee

*This is the second book in a series. If you haven't read the first book, Angelfall. Then don't read this review as there are spoilers.

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Book 2 in 'Penryn & the End of Days' series.  
Pages: 314
Published: November 2013
Genres: YA, Paranormal, Fantasy, Romance, Post Apocalyptic

Goodreads Synopsis... 
The survivors of the angel apocalypse begin to scrape back together what's left of the modern world. When a group of people capture Penryn's sister Paige, thinking she's a monster, the situation ends in a massacre. Paige disappears. Humans are terrified. Mom is heartbroken.

Penryn drives through the streets of San Francisco looking for Paige. Why are the streets so empty? Where is everybody? Her search leads her into the heart of the angels' secret plans where she catches a glimpse of their motivations, and learns the horrifying extent to which the angels are willing to go. Meanwhile, Raffe hunts for his wings. Without them, he can't rejoin the angels, can't take his rightful place as one of their leaders. When faced with recapturing his wings or helping Penryn survive, which will he choose?

Review...
It wasnt as good as Angelfall, and to be honest I was expecting that. However it was still what I can only describe as amazingly creepy, unputdownable, soul wrenching, so damn awesome I could cry, and just as freaking enjoyable as the first book! So there's that...

It got darker and even creepier, how that happened I dont know. But I was so glad it did. Penryn and her family are highlighted more in this book. Especially Penryn, her faults and her relationships with her sister and mom. This meant that these three characters specifically were shown in even more depth, and became so real and believable. 

Also Susan Ee continued to provide a complicated story with basically no plot wholes, which for me is unheard of. Some explainations were given for things, but there are still so many questions. Which I cant wait to hear the answers to in the next book. Im sure it will blow me away just as much as this one did.

I cant finish this review without mentioning Pooky Bear. I love Pooky Bear! And you will too! Definitely recommend World After by Susan Ee to everyone!

5/5 

Book Review: Angelfall by Susan Ee

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Book 1 in 'Penryn & the End of Days' series.
Pages: 247
Published: May 2011
Genres: YA, Paranormal, Fantasy, Romance, Post Apocalyptic

Synopsis...
Six weeks ago, angels descended onto earth and caused chaos. Now in a post apocalyptic world, where everyone lives in fear of the warrior angels, the street gangs, and basically everyone else. A seventeen year old girl named, Penryn. Her wheelchair bound little sister, and her crazy mother who thinks she is terrorized by demons. Try to escape the city, and get to somewhere more isolated.

As they try to do this, they stumble across an all out fight among some angels. Penryn helps to save one of the angels, and her younger sister is stolen from her in the process; while her mother vanishes. She makes a deal with the angel she saved named, Raffe. To find her sister, and save her from the cruel angels who snatched her. The two of them travel together across California, a very very unlikely pair. 

Review...
So this may sound like some run-of-the-mill YA, paranormal romance, but just with angels. But believe me when I say it is so much more. Let me start by saying I have nothing negative to say about this book. Nothing! Nothing at all is wrong. Its just perfection, and Im pretty sure it may be my favourite book this year. The characters were so interesting, they had such depth, and where so three dimensional. Especially the crazy mom, who does things like draw with lipstick on dead bodies, and who is continually hiding from demons no one else can see. (Maybe because they don't exist, but who knows?) She was without a doubt my favourite character, I love her so much!

The setting was incredibly well described. I felt like I was there, and it was done so in a seamless way. It was fast paced, it was action packed, and it drew me in immediately and never let go. Also this book had the perfect balance of creepiness and weirdness thanks to the mom and the amazing writing. I recommend this book with every bone in my body! Please, read it! You wont regret it.

5/5 

Big Unboxing Book Haul

 

I bought some books that I probably shouldn't have... is that not always the case. Anyways check out the video above for the full book haul and unboxing. Also I've included links to all of the books mentioned, as well as pictures of all of them below.

Hope your having a fantastic day, and happy reading!

Dylan

BOOKS MENTIONED
Wonder
Days of Blood and Starlight
Darkhouse
Nicholas St. North
Prodigy
Allegiant
Eon 
Eona
Middlemarch
Madame Bovary