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

LEGENDARY by STEPHANIE GARBER (2017)

Title: Legendary

Author: Stephanie Garber
Series: Caraval #2
Pages: 451
Published: 2018
Publisher: Flatiron Books


If you've read my review of Caraval you will know that I was all over it. It was the best book I read last year and I could not get over it. I waited over a year for this sequel and I was more than excited.

And it was magical. It was amazing that we got to follow Donatella this time, although I must say I really did miss Scarlet. I almost got the feeling that I knew Scarlet better than Donatella did and I almost fell like I missed the person who introduced me to the world of Caraval. I tend to like the first book in a series the most and this was the case with Caraval as well. It's like the beginning of a love affair where everything is new and you get to know everything for the first time. It's butterflies in your stomach, the feeling that you don't know what's around the corner and the excitement of new characters and a new world. Although this Caraval was different in many ways it didn't have the first impression of excitement. 
The plot was very exciting though. So many new characters were introduced and the story was really brought out from Caraval and into the real world, involving the Fates and the girls' mother. There is so much new to learn about Legend and the world where Caraval is set.

So as much as I enjoyed this book, because it really did think it was a good sequel, it didn't quite measure up to Caraval. That book is simply unbeatable. I'd still encourage people to read Legendary and keep following the story because it truly is unbelievable and I cannot wait for the Finale!


Plot Summary:

A heart to protect. A debt to repay. A game to win.
After being swept up in the magical world of Caraval, Donatella Dragna has finally escaped her father and saved her sister, Scarlett, from a disastrous arranged marriage. The girls should be celebrating, but Tella isn’t yet free. She made a desperate bargain with a mysterious criminal, and what Tella owes him no one has ever been able to deliver: Caraval Master Legend’s true name.

The only chance of uncovering Legend’s identity is to win Caraval, so Tella throws herself into the legendary competition once more—and into the path of the murderous heir to the throne, a doomed love story, and a web of secrets…including her sister's. Caraval has always demanded bravery, cunning, and sacrifice, but now the game is asking for more. If Tella can’t fulfill her bargain and deliver Legend’s name, she’ll lose everything she cares about—maybe even her life. But if she wins, Legend and Caraval will be destroyed forever...
Welcome, welcome to Caraval . . . the games have only just begun.

My Rating:

8/10

Other Books in the Series:

Caraval (Caraval #1)
Legendary (Caraval #2)
Finale (Caraval #3)

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.

DIVERGENT by VERONICA ROTH (2012)

Title: Divergent
Author: Veronica Roth

Series: Divergent #1

Pages: 487

Published: Feb 28th 2012

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

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

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

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

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

Plot Summary:

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

Favourite Quote: 

Be brave.

My Rating:

10/10
I was hooked from the first page.

Other Books in This Series:

Divergent (Divergent #1)
Insurgent (Divergent #2)
Allegiant (Divergent #3)
Four (Divergent novella)
Free Four (Divergent novella)
The Transfer (Divergent novella)
The Initiate (Divergent novella)
The World of Divergent (Divergent novella)

Other Books by Veronica Roth:

Carve the Mark (Carve the Mark #1)
The Fates Divide (Carve the Mark #2)

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. 

EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING by NICOLA YOON (2015)

Title: Everything, Everything
Author: Nicola Yoon
Pages: 310
Published: Sep 1st 2015
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers


I am so in love with Nicola Yoon's writing it hurts. Not only is she a phenomenal author but she explores themes and ideas that a lot of books don't even consider.

The format of this book is great. It short quick chapters with diagrams and drawings which are just wonderful and charming and add to Maddy's character. It is a brilliant book if you want to get into reading, need a good summer read (I read it in February, though) or just have nothing else to do. If you want to take a break from all other books and read something else this is great because it is a short stand alone book that just makes you appreciate reading so much.  I have recently been really attracted to fantasy and it feels like it's all I've been reading for a very long time and I just needed to refresh my brain with something new and this book swept me off my feet.

I know there are loads of positive opinions and views of this book and I agree. I guess I'm going to go with the flow cause I have nothing original to say about this book! All has been said. I'm literally just expressing my love for it in seven different ways.

I read 'The Sun is Also a Star' by Nicola Yoon last year and I mentioned how much I loved her attention to science and art and questioning the universe and everyone's existence. I didn't expect the same from this book but she has once again gone into the subject and brings up things such as fate, own decisions, planets, family, and love.

What I truly, truly love about Yoon's characters are that they are so culturally diverse. I feel like this is something that doesn't pop up as much in young adult, but is slowly improving. Maddy (the protagonist) is half African American and half Japanese. In 'The Sun is Also a Star' the characters are Jamaican and Korean. I absolutely love this. Having moved from Sweden to England and been to an international school for three years with loads of international friends I truly value this attention to detail. Praise to Nicola Yoon for her originality in character nationality.

Plot Summary:

My disease is as rare as it is famous. Basically, I'm allergic to the world. I don't leave my house, have not left my house in seventeen years. The only people I ever see are my mum and my nurse, Carla. 

But then one day, a moving truck arrives next door. I look out my window, and I see him. He's tall, lean and wearing all black - black T-shirt, black jeans, black sneakers, and a black knit cap that covers his hair completely. He catches me looking and stares at me. I stare right back. His name is Olly.

Maybe we can't predict the future, but we can predict some things. For example, I am certainly going to fall in love with Olly. It's almost certainly going to be a disaster. 

-Goodreads

My Favourite Quote:

"The problem is chaos theory. There are too many inputs to the formula and even the small ones matter more than you think. And you can never measure them precicely enough. But! If you could, you could write a formula to predict the weather, the future, people."
- Olly from The Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon

My Rating:

10/10

I don't think I'm alone with this opinion. 

Other Books by Nicola Yoon:

Everything, Everything

The Sun is Also a Star

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:

Select

Select Few

THE BAD BEGINNING by LEMONY SNICKET (1999)

Title: The Bad Beginning

Author: Lemony Snicket

Series: A Series of Unfortunate Events

Pages: 162

Published: Sep 30th 1999

Publisher: Scholastic Ink


I didn't read these as a kid and therefore chose to buy it now when I'm older as I am told they are very very good. Nevertheless, it just sat on my bookshelf for almost a year until my 10-year old sister expressed her love for the TV series. So we sat down and read two chapters every night and where we hooked? Oh yes.

The Bad Beginning is so exciting and intriguing. I love the narrator voice of Lemony Snciket as it appears very educational and it explains complicated things easily. It's very imaginative and allowed my sister and I to put on exciting voices for different characters.
The books are quite short and there are thirteen off them so you are immediately thirsting for more. Me and my sister both enjoyed it very much. If you read it alone it probably won't take you even a day. But reading it as a good night story and having my sister ask for one more chapter was part of the fun to drag out the excitement and reading it aloud added character to the story.

Plot Summary:

Dear Reader,
I'm sorry to say that the book you are holding in your hands is extremely unpleasant. It tells an unhappy tale about three very unlucky children. Even though they are charming and clever, the Baudelaire siblings lead lives with filled with misery and woe. From the very first page of this book when the children are at the beach and receive terrible news, continuing on through the entire story, disaster lurks at their heels. One might say they are magnets of misfortune.
In this short book alone, the three youngsters encounter a greedy and repulsive, itchy clothing, a disastrous fire, a plot to steal their fortune, and cold porridge for breakfast.
It is my sad duty to write down these unpleasant tales, but there is nothing stopping you from putting this book down at once and reading something happy, if you prefer that sort of thing.
With all due respect,
Limony Snicket

Favourite Quote:

"He found himself reading the same sentence over and over. He found himself reading the same sentence over and over. He found himself reading the same sentence over and over."

My Rating:

8/10

Other Books in the Series:

The Bad Beginning (A Series of Unfortunate Events #1)
The Reptile Room (A Series of Unfortunate Events #2)
The Wide Window (A Series of Unfortunate Events #3)
The Miserable Mill (A Series of Unfortunate Events #4)
The Austere Academy (A Series of Unfortunate Events #5)
The Ersatz Elevator (A Series of Unfortunate Events #6)
The Vile Village (A Series of Unfortunate Events #7)
The Hostile Hospital (A Series of Unfortunate Events #8)
The Carnivorous Carnival (A Series of Unfortunate Events #9)
The Slippery Slope (A Series of Unfortunate Events #10)
The Grim Grotto (A Series of Unfortunate Events #11)
The Penultimate Peril (A Series of Unfortunate Events #12)
The End (A Series of Unfortunate Events #13)

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

LINGER by MAGGIE STIEFVATER (2010)

Title: Linger
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Series: The Wolves of Mercy Falls #2
Pages: 360
Published: Jul 13th 2010
Publisher: Scholastic Press


I read Linger when I was on summer holiday in Florida. I read it surprisingly quickly because I had gone further than halfway through when I thought: well this is an odd way to start a book. Only, I wasn't at the start of the book anymore.

It's just so cosy to read just for the sake of reading, you know.

Steifvater has really thought the plot through, like many authors. The plot just makes sense with the potential cure and the enigma of the wolves in the first place. I also like the introduction to Isabelle and Cole. They are both complicated characters, yet simple. I'm glad that they are given attention, or I'm worried I would get tired of Sam and Grace (because their relationship is too perfect, if you subtracted the wolves from the equation). They are lovely characters too, but their relationship needs a contrast. I like the twist at the end. I was surprised and confused in the way that I had no idea what was going on, but I wasn't surprised in the way: why is this happening? Of course it had to happen; ir it would be too simple. But why?

It's an excellent book if you don't want to concentrate too much but simultaneously want something to happen. The four narrators unfold as you read and all the relationships and their opinion of each other is great.

Plot Summary:

I felt the weight of the pack's gaze...

Grace and Sam must fight to be together. For Grace, this means defying her parents and keeping dangerous secrets. For Sam, it means grappling with his warewolf past... and figuring out a way to survive the future.

But just when they manage to find happiness, Grace realizes she's changing in ways she could never have expected.

Favorite Quote:

'she made her home in between pages of books'

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