A WIZARD OF EARTHSEA by URSULA K. LE GUIN (1968)

Title: A Wizard of Earthsea

Author: Ursula K. Le Guin
Series: Earthsea Cycle #1

Pages: 183

Published: 1968
Publisher: Bantam Spectra

Believing this book was originally a Swedish classic I bought this book in Swedish. Only to find out that it is in fact an American fantasy classic. So despite going by my rule to not read translated books when it can be avoided, I read this in my mother tongue and I don’t think it mattered terribly.

Despite being a very short book (about 250 pages) it took me a while to read. Possibly because it was written in 1968 so the language is a little older, or because my Swedish is simply shit. It may also however, just be that the book is quite slow.

This first instalment about the Earth Sea follows the story of a young wizard on the quest to destroy the evil he has accidentally set free to the Earth Sea. 

With no great amount of dialogue and plenty of descriptive parts the book was mostly overlooking the story of our protagonist Ged, and zooming in on some parts of his journey. This meant that although the book moved quickly through his life the pace was surprisingly still slow.

It was not the most exciting plot but somehow the writing kept me reading, and part of me wonders if that is not what makes a great author, to be able to keep someone’s attention despite the excitement of the story. It was not the most exhilerating reading experience, I did not much care for it, but I still recommend it. I am grateful that I read it and I will read the sequel. I believe it’s healthy to read an older book, or classic now and again. Fantasy or not. It opens your eyes for different types of writing and storytelling and from an author's point of view. I think it may be good research to read this book for a good understanding of language and narrative. It is an interesting read and a good example of good authorial voice.

Although slow, it is a light read and does not require much attention. There is world building but it is not a complicated world as such. If you look to widen your horizons in terms of genre and time period I recommend this and I think it was a healthy read for me to read between all the YA Fantasy, Sci-Fi and Dystopia. I got a chance to clear my head a bit from all the complex worlds and actions while still reading fantasy. And I am proud to say that I have opened my eyes to older books and authors and widened my reading horizons.

Overall, I think it’s safe to say that there’s no harm in reading older written texts. It’s a good practice to see where perhaps some of your favourite current fantasies have come from, borrowing from stories such as this back in the day. Much like old films having a slower pacing, the techniques change with the times and it’s refreshing to revisit the past from time to time. It just might not be to everyones taste.

For young upcoming writers however, I recommend giving it a read and letting your mind critically analyse the authors style to help identify and develop parts of your own. 

Slow, meandering, yet sometimes charming and endearing. 

Plot Summary:

Ged, the greatest sorcerer in all Earthsea, was called Sparrowhawk in his reckless youth. 

Hungry for power and knowledge, Sparrowhawk tampered with long-held secrets and loosed a terrible shadow upon the world. This is the tale of his testing, how he mastered the mighty words of power, tamed an ancient dragon, and crossed death's threshold to restore the balance.

My Rating:

5/10 

Other Books in the Series:

A Wizard of Earthsea (Earthsea Cycle #1)
The Tombs of Atuan (Earthsea Cycle #2)
The Farthest Shore (Earthsea Cycle #3)
Tehanu (Earthsea Cycle #4)
Tales from Earthsea (Earthsea Cycle #5)
The Other Wind (Earthsea Cycle #6)
The Daughter of Odren (Earthsea Cycle novella)

Other Books by Ursula K. Le Guin

The Day Before the Revolution (Hainish Cycle Prequel)
The Dispossessed (Hainish Cycle #1)
The Word for World is Forest (Hainish Cycle #2)
Rocannon's World (Hainish Cycle #3)
Planet of Exile (Hainish Cycle #4)
City of Illusions (Hainish Cycle #5)
The Left Hand of Darkness (Hainish Cycle #6)
Four Ways to Forgiveness (Hainish Cycle #7)
A Fisherman of the Inland Sea (Hainish Cycle #8)
The Telling (Hainish Cycle #9)
The Birthday of the World and Other Stories (Hainish Cycle #10)
Winter's King (Hainish Cycle Novella)
Gifts (Annals of the Western Shore #1)
Voices (Annals of the Western Shore #2)
Powers (Annals of the Western Shore #3)
Catwings (Catwings #1)
Catwings Return (Catwings #2)
Wonderful Alexander and the Catwings (Catwings #3)
Jane on Her Own (Catwings #3)
Dancing at the Edge of the World: Thoughts on Words, Women, Places (About Writing)
Steering the Craft: Exercises and Discussions on Story Writing for the Lone Navigator or the Mutinous Crew (About Writing)
The Wave in the Mind: Talks & Essays on the Writer, the Reader & the Imagination (About Writing)
Conversations with Ursula K. Le Guin (About Writing)

EVERLESS by SARA HOLLAND (2018)

Title: Everless
Author: Sara Holland
Series: Everless #1
Pages: 362
Published: Jan 2nd 2018
Publisher: Harper Teen

This book was a classic YA fantasy with an original idea set in a different fantasy universe. It is exactly what my brain craves sometimes. Personally for me, it wasn't the most exciting YA fantasy I've read. It is a bit slow, if not unexciting at parts but it's an easy read and plenty happens.

The book is written in first person but I love the amount of characters. There are enough side characters of each social status to give an understanding of how Everless is ruled. Jules lives with the servants, where she has friends, she has her family and a friend from home, she has the Gerlings, that she knew as a girl and the Queen and her daughter whom she serves. It gives a very well understanding of Everless as a whole, and it's wonderful. What else is great is that Jules moves around these ranks quite frequently and therefore we understand the places and what's generally going on the story. It's great.

What's more, is that, since the book is written from Jules's point of view we always know what she's thinking and are therefore often reminded of her childhood, her memories, her dreams. The world of Sempera and Everless is built up to the reader through Jules's thoughts. And theses are not repetitive or annoying since she starts questioning a lot of things that are going on with time.

The time aspect of this book is very interesting. How blood and time are linked and how they are used and contained. It is a very interesting concept and I give Sara Holland all the credit for thinking through her story.

Unfortunately I just wished there was more. The cogs only really started moving towards the end. Jules's journey felt like it stood still for quite a while, and when things finally started clicking into place we were almost at the end of the book and it felt almost rushed and I didn't get enough time to process everything that had been revealed. 

A very nice YA fantasy, but not quite the epic. Although the story had loads of potential and the character is likeable I had small issues with pacing.

Plot Summary:

In the land of Sempera, the rich control everything - even time. Ever since the time of alchemy and sorcery, hours, days and years have been extracted from blood and bound to iron coins. The rich live for centuries, the poor bleed themselves dry. 

Jules and her father are behind on their rent and low on hours. To stop him from draining himself to clear their debts, Jules takes a job at Everless, the grand estate of the cruel Gerling family. 

There, Jules encounters danger and temptation in the guise of the Gerling heir, Roan, who is soon to be married. But the web of secrets at Everless stretches beyond her desire, and the truths she must uncover will change her life forever... and possibly the future of time itself. 

My Rating:

7/10

Enjoyable, but not quite as exciting as I expected.

Other Books in this Series:

Everless (Everless #1)

Evermore (Everless #2)

MORTAL ENGINES by PHILIP REEVE (2004)

Title: Mortal Engines

Author: Philip Reeve

Series: The Hungry City Chronicles #1

Pages: 373

Published: Sep 1st 2004

Publisher: Harper Collins US UK

I read this book because I found myself in the unusual situation where my boyfriend recommended me a book and not the other way around. It also just so happens that Peter Jackson is coming out with the film adaptation next month so it felt like the perfect opportunity to read the book now so I can go see the film.

This book follows two 15-year-old people in a futuristic dystopia where cities and towns are constantly on the move, devouring each other and then reusing all their materials. It is a little bit weird, and new, something I have not read before. But it is an action filled book, which is beautifully written with very subtle but cleverly interwoven descriptions of this new world. Descriptions that makes the world what it is are mentioned in by-passing, so casually and low-key that one almost misses them. Reeve does not make a big deal about building up a world for the reader but rather places the reader in this world and lets them explore it for themselves. It's very relaxing and easy to read and get immersed this way.

Despite being written for the Young Adult audience, the reader is introduced to the grown up characters as well and their mind-set. This was very refreshing and one followed the stories from different points of views, but to a limited amount. There were not too many to follow and remember and enough to keep up with but still enough to understand the whole of the story - good and evil. We follow Tom (and through him the story of Hester and Anna Fang and Shrike), Katherine (including Bevis Pod and the historians) and Magnus Chrome (the rest of London and the politics). This creates dramatic irony in the sense that the reader always knows more than any of the characters but it creates suspense and anticipation. 

The book is not the most exciting in sense that it is not an action filled page turner. At least, not for me. But it is captivating and you somehow keep reading. Reeve's writing doesn't let you finish the book unfinished.

Seeing the film bringing this story to life will be incredibly exciting and to finally be able to see things that I may have struggled to picture while reading will be incredibly satisfying.

Plot Summary:

London is hunting!

The great Traction City lumbers after a small town eager to strip its prey of all assets and move on. In the not-so-distant future, mobile cities consume one another to survive, a practise known as Municipal Darwinism.

Tom, an apprentice in the Guild of Historians, saves his hero from a murder attempt by the mysterious Hester Shaw - only to find himself thrown from the city stranded with Hester in the Out Country. As they struggle to follow the city, the sinister plans of London's leader begins to unfold...

My Rating:

7/10
An enjoyable book definitely.

Other Books in this Series:

Mortal Engines (The Hungry City Chronicles #1)

Predators Gold (The Hungry City Chronicles #2)

Infernal Devices (The Hungry City Chronicles #3)

A Darkling Plane (The Hungry City Chronicles #4)

The Traction Codex (The Hungry City Chronicles)

Traction City (The Hungry City Chronicles novella)

Night Flights (The Hungry City Chronicles prequel)

The Illustrated World of Mortal Engines (The Hungry City Chronicles)

Other Books by Philip Reeve:

Fever Crumb (Fever Crumb #1)

A Web of Air (Fever Crumb #2)

Scriveners Moon (Fever Crumb #3)

Larklight (Larklight #1)

Starcrossed (Larklight #2)

Mothstorm (Larklight #3)

Railhead (Railhead #1)

Black Light Express (Railhead #2)

Station Zero (Railhead #3)

Oliver and the Seawigs (A Not-So-Impossible Tale #1)

Cakes in Space (A Not-So-Impossible Tale #2)

Pugs of the Frozen North (A Not-So-Impossible Tale #3)

Carnival in a Fix (A Not-So-Impossible Tale #4)

Jinks & O'Hare Funfair Repair (A Not-So-Impossible Tale #5) 

Pug-a-Doodle-Do! (A Not-So-Impossible Tale #6)

Roly-Poly Flying Pony: The Legend of Kevin (A Not-So-Impossible Tale #7)

Goblins (Goblins #

Goblins vs Dwarves (Goblins #2)

Goblin Quest (Goblins #3)

Night of the Living Veg (Buster Bayliss #1)

The Big Freeze (Buster Bayliss #2)

Day of the Hamster (Buster Bayliss #3)

Custardfinger! (Buster Bayliss #4)

Here Lies Arthur

Isaac Newton and His Apple

Horatio Nelson and His Victory

No Such Thing as Dragons

Doctor Who: The Roots of Evil

MINA DRÖMMARS STAD by PER ANDERS FOGELSTRÖM (1960)

Title: Mina Drömmars Stad (City of My Dreams)

Author: Per Anders Fogelström

Series: Stadsserien (Stockholm Series)

Pages:  301

Published: 1960

Publisher: Albert Bonniers Bolag
Language: Swedish


I have a friend back in Sweden who picks her books very carefully. Her argument is that if she'd going to spend loads of time, sitting a reading a book, it might as well be good. So she often picks critically acclaimed books, classics or highly recommended books.

Last summer she was reading the Stockholm Series by Per Anders Fogelström. A modern classic from the 60's which follows the generations of a family that lives in Stockholm between the 1860s to the 1960s.

This year I set myself the goal to read one classic per summer and really felt like reading these, so much that I even visited the local library out in the countryside to get hold of a copy so I could read it, even though I'd brought twenty other books with me from England.

This book is heaven. It is a very light read, so it is not a daunting classic. It is not too long either and the chapters vary in length, but are never too long. It is very enjoyable and entertaining, while at the same time being a bit of a history lesson. It's amazing how little I found that I new of my own city and country at the time the book takes place. The book is very relaxed however in how it tells the story. It mentions things that one would regard as quite major incidents in history, simply in the passing. Fogelström does not set out to educate and inform the reader of the time period. But simply to transport them. If they pay enough attention they will notice the details. Things that were trivial at the time are given such attention in the book, even if I as the reader regard it as major. It is a very interesting take read in this sense, seeing as Fogelström published this book a hundred years after the story takes place. Had it been written in the 1860s I would not have been surprised at this writing technique.

It is a very refreshing read from all the fantasy and sci-fi I usually immerse myself. To read something about my own history as well as something that uses, not old, but traditional language is very stimulating. I highly recommend this book. It is a Swedish classic which deserves the attention it is given. It is also translated into English so if you would like to try something new and foreign I highly recommend this book.

Plot Summary:

A summer evening in 1860 a man named Henning walks into the city that he has dreamt of. Times are changing, industries are forming and possibilities are opening up.
The narrative follows a group of working-class people on Södermalm in Stockholm between 1860-1880.

My Rating:

7/10

Other Books in the Series:

Mina Drömmars Stad (Stockholm Series #1) - [City of My Dreams]
Barn av Sin Stad (Stockholm Series #2) - [Children of Their City]
Minns Du Den Stad (Stockholm Series #3) - [Remember the City]
I En Förvandlad Stad (Stockholm Series #4) - [In a City Transformed]
Stad I Världen (Stockholm Series #5) - [City in the World]

THE HANDMAID'S TALE by MARGARET ATWOOD (1985)

Title: The Handmaids Tale

Author: Margaret Atwood

Pages: 311
Published: 1985
Publisher: Anchor Books

I did not read this book in school as I know some people did but I did know of it and I heard even more of it when the TV series came out. Eventually I got it on audible and listened to it. I highly recommend the audiobook. The narrator is so pleasant to listen to and really expresses Offred's feelings well.

When first listening to the book I must admit I was confused. I had not read a synopsis, I had not heard what it was about. I had no idea. The word 'handmaid' I felt implied that it took time in the past and knowing it was a classic it must have taken place in the past, right? This was highly confusing. as I was wrong. The book takes place in the future. In fact, it's a dystopian future, which I did not expect at all. It is in fact a very interesting future Atwood paints for the reader. A future which isn't actually that far fetched. That although it seems absurd it could somehow be possible. And that is scary.

Especially in such a pro-feminist culture as we are currently living in. Where feminism is a movement that takes part of a lot of people's everyday life. It is a constant battle. In The Handmaid's Tale, women are diminished to an unspeakable level. They are not allowed to read, they cannot dress as they wish (in fact they've gone back to dresses), they are locked inside their city and they are only allowed outside the house at certain times. The later especially applies to the Handmaids. It is such a bizarre world, that we would never consider to be possible today. Yet, in Atwood's book it is exactly what has happened. Although the Handmaids have no power, and many have been close to brainwashed they still think for themselves, they still attempt to talk of the 'time before' and a rebellion is coming.

Although this book shows a world where women have been brought down it is such a pro-feminism book. It is incredibly interesting to read about and to speculate over. It provides for seriously interesting conversations and debates.

If you have not read the book I highly recommend it, and even if you don't read it, consider the TV series which is available on Sky. The second season is currently out which is will be fascinating as there is only the one book. However, the book does finish on quite an unfinished note that begs for more, so I'm very intrigued to see what else they've got in their bag as they did develop a lot of the characters from the book that the first person narration didn't allow for.

Favourtite Quote:

“Ignoring isn’t the same as ignorance, you have to work at it.”

My Rating:

7/10

Although slow at times it is very thought-provoking.

Plot Summary:

Offred is a Handmaid in the Republic of Gilead. She may leave the home of the Commander and his wife once a day to walk to food markets whose signs are now pictures instead of words because women are no longer allowed to read. She must lie on her back once a month and pray that the Commander makes her pregnant, because in an age of declining births, Offred and the other Handmaids are valued only if their ovaries are viable. Offred can remember the years before, when she lived and made love with her husband, Luke; when she played with and protected her daughter; when she had a job, money of her own, and access to knowledge. But all of that is gone now...

Other Books by Margaret Atwood:

The Blind Assassin
Alias Grace
Cat's Eye
The Robber's Bride
The Heart Goes Last
The Penelopiad
The Edible Woman
Hag-Seed
Stone Matress: Nine Tales
Surfacing
Lady Oracle
Moral Disorder and Other Stories
Wilderness Tips
Bluebeard's Egg
Bodily Harm
The Tent
Lie Before Man
Dancing Girls and Other Stories
Negotiating with the Dead
Good Bones
Good Bones and Simple Murders
The Circle Game
The Door
Up in the Tree
I Dream of Zenia with the Bright Red Teeth
You are Happy
Happy Endings
Morning in the Burned House 
Payback: Debt and the Shadow Side of Wealth 


and more.

If you liked THE INVASION OF THE TEARLING...

Yep, I'm not mentioning The Queen of the Tearling but the second instalment in the Tearling because this is where a theme is introduced which is very to similar to... The Handmaid's Tale.

Spoilers ahead. If you've read The Invasion of the Tearling you know of the references to Lily and the time before the Crossing. These flashbacks fit into quite a dystopian theme. Personally I found it hard to get accustomed to this at first but very much enjoyed it further into the book. If you were a fan of this dystopian element to the book then I suggest you take a look at The Handmaids Tale by Margaret Atwood that includes flashbacks to a time before the dystopian current setting of the book and the crossover to between the past and the present. 

I personally listened to audiobooks of both of these books and highly recommend the audiobook versions from Audible. If you are interested in my full review of The Invasion of the Tearling by Erika Johansen you can read it here. A review of The Handmaids Tale is coming soon.

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas (2017)

Title: The Hate U Give

Author: Angie Thomas

Pages: 448

Published: Jun 4th 2017
Publisher: Walker Books Ltd


I can often feel that when a book comes out and gets all the praise and all the attention I’m forced to read it. Not that I’m not already interested - because I was very tempted to read this book - but as if it’s forced on me and then I become reluctant to. So although I kept dumbing into this book I repeatedly decided not to buy it. Until I came to the point where I had one book in the ‘buy one, get one half price’ deal, with a gift card I wanted to spend and no other book in the deal that I was yearning to read this one second. So I turned to the whole shelf dedicated to The Hate U Give and thought “fine, you’ve got me”.

This book is FANTASTIC! It’s absolutely raw and open and deep, every feeling is laid out to the reader and it’s honest and out there. The book is written so beautifully. It’s funny, sad and heartbreaking. It’s a well written YA book, with a good story and strong characters. It was highly enjoyable but also gave some food for thought. Such a reading experience.

The authenticity in the language of this book is so well executed. I am a Swedish white woman living in England. I have not grown up in 'the ghetto'. And although I went to an international school for three years, I lived in an area where the majority of the population consisted of white Brits. So, because of where I’ve lived all my life, up until University life, I have not had the chance to be really exposed to the language that is used in The Hate U Give and even though I was very unused to reading a book with such new use of vocabulary or slang words it was very interesting and quite honestly, quite cool to read. It really gave a new reading experience and felt truly authentic. 

Her voice is heard, by me and all the other readers out this. This book has to be read, by everyone. It covers such an important subject that everyone, American or not, white or black, boy or girl, man or woman should read. Although improved over the years, racism is such an important issue in all countries all over the world and not only between black and whites. It’s about time a book was written about this issue and for our young adults as well. Our generation must bring over a change, and for the better.

I am lost for words. Everyone should read this book. What is important to understand is that although this is a story with fictional characters set in a fictional surrounding it does not mean that what happens is not true. This book has been written because similar events have taken place in the past. It’s important to understand that this is a real issue and not mistake it for a fictional plot device by the author. It is only the medium the author has used to reach the audience, a YA book.

Plot Summary:

Starr lives in two worlds: the poor neighbourhood where she was born and raised and her posh high school in the suburbs.
The uneasy balance between them is shattered when Starr is the only witness to the fatal shooting of her unarmed best friend, Khalil, by a police officer. Now what Starr says could destroy her community.
It could also get her killed.

Favourite Quote:

"Daddy once told me there's a rage passed down to every black man from his ancestors, born the moment they couldn't stop the slave masters from hurting their families. Daddy also said there's nothing more dangerous than when that rage is activated."


My Rating:

9/10


Other Books by Angie Thomas:

On the Come Up

ESTRID by JOHANNE HILDEBRANDT (2015)

Title: Estrid

Author: Johanne Hildebrandt

Series: Sagan om Valhalla

Pages: 524

Published: Oct 21st 2015

Publisher: Forum
Language: Swedish


After having nicked the prequel to this book from my grandma's bookshelf she brought this new sequel with her on her visit to England. I read is straight after Sigrid. This book takes place 15 years later and although still following the love story between Sigrid and Svend, now includes the story of her daughter Estrid. Estrid is said to have been chosen by the dark Norse God Hel and hallucinates and coughs badly along with her sickness. She has only one friend, and guardian, Katla. Katla, one of my favourite characters, has an unknown nature however and while her ending in this book made me happy it also very much upset me. Estrid goes through an internal battle between Christianity and the Norse beliefs in the Gods of Asgård. Sigrid, however, still remains faithful to the Norse Gods and is convinced that she is chosen by Freya to do her bidding on earth.

Like the previous book, Sigrid, this book is based on true characters of the Viking Age and cleverly interweaves Norse mythology and a sense of magic. It is a perfect book if you are interested in Vikings, Scandinavian history, fantasy and mythology. Even if you would just like to try something new. It is gripping and includes several perspectives of the wars going on in Scandinavia. Would strongly recommend this book if you are a fan of the TV series Vikings. It is mostly classified as a book aimed at women, and I believe that my grandma found it more enjoyable than my grandpa. Great historical fantasy.

Plot Summary:

In Estrid, the latest instalment in loved Saga about Valhalla, the love story between the Viking Age's most legendary queen and king: Sigrid Storråda and Svend Tveskägg, continues. Follow us to the Viking Age of the 900's when Scandinavia was born from legendary kings' battles, and Valhalla's gods still stand strong against the Christians. Two children can save the world from falling into war and chaos but the battle for their lives and souls are hard, and only with the forces' help can they survive.
- translated from Goodreads

My Rating:

8/10

Other Books in this Series:

Freja (Sagan om Valhalla #1)
Idun (Sagan om Valhalla #2)
Saga från Valhalla (Sagan om Valhalla #3)
Sigrid (Sagan om Valhalla #4)
Estrid (Sagan om Valhalla #5)

Book 1 to 3 work as a trilogy on their own and book 4-5 is there own series. However, it is referred to as a trilogy and I suspect there will be a 6th book.

THE BOOKTHIEF by MARKUS ZUSAK (2006)

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. 

SELECT by MARIT WEISENBERG (2017)

Title: Select

Author: Marit Weisenberg

Series: Select #1

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

Other Books by Marit Weisenberg:

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FOREVER by MAGGIE STIEFVATER (2011)

Title: Forever

Author: Maggie Stiefvater

Series: The Wolves of Mercy Falls #3

Pages: 388

Published: Jul 12th 2011

Publisher: Scholastic Press

I started reading Forever just after Linger, but for some reason I put it down. A weeks ago or so, I decided to finish the books I had and having started Forever, I thought that I wouldn't get anywhere unless I started with that one. No matter how unmotivated I was (because I like to start new books) I knew I had to finish that one.

Therefore I was a bit confused when I started a hundred pages in. I had to remind myself of what happened in the end of the last book (or at least the beginning of this one). I convinced myself that I wouldn't know exactly but I do remember the main events and things will be revealed again. As soon as I started I didn't have problem with catching up and I so badly wanted to finish it. Because I was hooked or because I just wanted to finish the series? I don't know. Both probably. But, like with many books I read, I was thinking about it constantly.

I absolutely love the relationship between Isabelle and Cole. I know they aren't the protagonists but I can't wait for another Isabelle chapter or another Cole chapter because their relationship (and forgive me if you disagree) is so much more exciting than Sam and Grace's. Sam and Grace were really interesting in Shiver, but then they didn't have problems with loving each other. Isabelle and Cole do. Their emotions are so much more confusing and tangled and I love it.

Plot Summary:

'Gace,' I whispered. 'This isn't how it ends.'

Sam has always loved Grace. As a wolf, he watched her from afar. As a boy, he held her in his arms.

Now facing the possibility of a life without her , he will do anything to keep her safe. Even if it means facing his demons. Even if it risks everything he has.

Anything, as long as their love can survive...

Favorite Quote:

Please ask me in - Cole

My Rating:

8/10

Other books in this series:

Shiver (The Wolves of Mercy Falls #1)

Linger (The Wolves of Mercy Falls #2)

Forever (The Wolves of Mercy Falls #3)
Sinner (The Wolves of Mercy Falls #4)

Other Books by Maggie Stiefvater:

The Raven Boys (The Raven Cycle #1)
The Dream Thieves (The Raven Cycle #2)

Blue Lily, Lily Blue (The Raven Cycle #3)

The Raven King (The Raven Cycle #4)

Lament: The Faerie Queen's Deception (Book of Faerie #1)

Ballad: A Gathering of Faerie (Book of Faerie #2)

The Scorpio Races