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

TOWER OF DAWN by SARAH J. MAAS (2017)

Title: Tower of Dawn
Author: Sarah J. Maas

Series: Throne of Glass #6
Pages: 660
Published: Sep 5th 2017
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children

I do not know why it took me a year from its publication for me to read this book. It was two years ago I read a Throne of Glass book. Which I almost feel ashamed to admit. On the other hand my mind will be fresh when I finally get my hands on final instalment Kingdom of Ash which came out yesterday.

I think the real reason I put this book off was because I knew that it wasn't going to follow the main characters but focus on Chaol and Nesryn. Chaol, I was looking forward to since I truly missed him in the last book, but Nesryn I wasn't so keen on and I suppose it put me off. Big mistake, I don't know why I ever doubted that Sarah J. Maas would allow a book to be less amazing because of the lack of favourite characters. This book smashed it!

Not only was it exciting to follow Chaol's story again but there was a new country and new politics to follow. And introductions to a whole new family, court and culture. This book did certainly not go to waste. If anything it really gave the characters the time the deserved. It also introduced a new character which adds a new spin to the plot: Yrene. Yrene is mentioned in the prequel book The Assassin's Blade and is now given her time to shine and she is such a good addition. She is fun, relatable and a very strong character who brings a lot to the table, but emotional

ly and as a plot devise. Her instalment in the story will hopefully make for a very interesting finale and I am pumped to see the role she will play in the next book.

With other words, don't let the lack of Aelin in this book or the change in book cover put you off. The danger, excitement and steamy love scenes are still there and Sarah J. Maas, as usual, does not disappoint.

Plot Summary:

A glorious empire.
A desperate quest.
An ancient secret.
Chaol Westfall and Nesryn Faliq have arrived in the shining city of Antica to forge an alliance with the Khagan of the Southern Continent, who's vast armies are Erilea's last hope. But they have also come to Antica for another purpose: to seek healing at the legendary Torre Cesme for the wounds that Chaol received in Rifthold.
After enduring unspeakable horrors as a child, Yrene Towers has no desire to help a young Lord from Adarlan, let alone heal him. Yet she has sworn an oath to assist those in need - and will honour it. But Lord Westfall carries darkness from his own past, and Yrene soon comes to realise that it could engulf them both.
And deep in the shadows of distant mountains, where warriors soar on mighty ruks, long-awaited answers slumber. Answers that might offer their world a chance at survival - or doom them all.

My Rating:

8/10
Only because of the lack of certain characters.

Other Books in the Series:

The Assassin's Blade (Throne of Glass Prequel)
Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass #1)
Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass #2)
Heir of Fire (Throne of Glass #3)
Queen of Shadows (Throne of Glass #4)
Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass #5)
Tower of Dawn (Throne of Glass #6)
Kingdom of Ash (Throne of Glass #7)

Other Books by Sarah J. Maas:

A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses #1)
A Court of Mist and Fury (A Court of Thorns and Roses #2)
A Court of Wings and Ruin (A Court of Thorns and Roses #3)
A Court of Frost and Starlight (Court of Thorns and Roses novella)

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.

BLOOD OF ELVES by Andrzej Sapkowski (1994)

Title: Blood of Elves

Author: Andrzej Sapkowski
Series: The Witcher #3
Pages: 315
Published: 1994
Publisher: Gollancz


Did you know that the famous video game The Witcher is becoming a TV Series by Netflix? And it's starring Henry Cavill as Geralt of Rivia? It will be Netflix's own epic fantasy series and it is going to be based on the books by Andrzej Sapkowski.

As my boyfriend is a huge fan of the video game The Witcher he basically forced this book on me and four months later I took it upon myself to find out what the deal really was, about this Geralt of Rivia.

This book is hilarious. It's right out funny, humorous and entertaining. The characters Ciri, Geralt, Tess and Yennifer bounce off each other so well and you notice the lack of fire when they have conversations with other characters that aren't as witty and give off less of an impact. My personal favourite is Ciri, who has no shame and really drives the story forward. She makes this book a page turner.

For people new to fantasy, this is the book you should check out. If you are sceptical towards reading page after page about a long journey in an ancient land full of description and no dialogue, then fear no more. This book is all dialogue. At points it almost reads as a script and the only way of following  the dialogue is through the tone of voice the characters present, which is cleverly presented through the choice of words. Sapkowski is the king of dialogue. There are no lengthy descriptions of locations or events, but it's not necessary. As a reader you get the feel of a place without extravagant words. Sapkowski's writing is effective and has the right impact for a fast paced storyline.

Personally, I enjoyed the first half of the book the most. This does not mean I was not a fan of the second half of the book but I am not the biggest fan of politics. And most of the political conversations did take place in the second half, but it was also here that the plot moved forward more and introduced the reader to the bigger picture. So although the first half was entertaining and truly introduced you to the characters the second half drove the plot forward and left us with a very anti-climatic ending that just begged to continue.

Blood of Elves proves that a fantasy does not have to be long and wordy, or that humour only belongs in contemporary fiction. This is quite the reading experience. Pick up Blood of Elves now and spend the time waiting for the TV series reading the story in anticipation. Good luck Netflix, I trust you will do these book justice.

Plot Summary:

For more than a hundred years humans, dwarves, gnomes and elves lived together in relative peace. But times have changed, and now the races fight each other once again. In this tumultous time a child is born: Ciri. She has strange powers and a stranger destiny, for a prophesy names her as one with the powers to change the world, for good or for evil.

The Witcher Geralt has taken Ciri to the relative safety of the Witchers' Settlement, but it soon becomes clear that that Ciri is not like the other Witchers. As the threat of war hangs almost palpably over the land, Geralt and Ciri are pursued by someone who understands what the prophesy means - and exactly what Ciri's powers could do. This time Geralt may have met his match.

Favourite Quote:

'Remember,' she repeated, 'magic is Chaos, Art and Science. It is a curse, a blessing and progress. It all depends on who uses magic, how they use it, and to what purpose. And magic is everywhere. All around us. Easily Accessible.' - Yennifer

My Rating:

8/10

Other Books in the Series:

The Last Wish (The Witcher #1 collection of short stories)
The Sword of Destiny (The Witcher #2 collection of short stories)
Blood of Elves (The Witcher #3)
Times of Contempt (The Witcher #4)
Baptism by Fire (The Witcher #5)
The Tower of Swallows (The Witcher #6)

If you liked THE HANDMAIDS TALE...

If you haven't watched MGM Television's TV series adaptation of The Handmaids Tale I suggest you head over and do that on Sky Atlantic. If you have watched it I suggest you sit down and read the book. If you've read the book I suggest you sit down and read The Jewel by Amy Ewings.

If you've read The Handmaid's Tale you'll know that the handmaids are used to reproduce babies for the people of the higher social standards that are unable to have children. This is because they are fertile and their 'gift from God' needs to be used for the greater good. It's set in a dystopian world with a strange new social system. The Jewel is actually quite similar. In fact is features the same themes. In a dystopian city called The Lone City, where the people living in the centre of the  circular city are the aristocracy young girls are used to produce babies for these people. But don't worry. This book is not a copy and it featuresThe Jewel is a Young Adult version of The Handmaid's Tale with new elements of magic, fantasy, royalty, romance and social intrigue. And best of all, it's a trilogy. There is a greater story behind all of this.

There are also many more exciting factors. The girls have magical abilities, this is why they've been chosen to reproduce. And they are not simply chased down by the new government, they are taken from their families at a young age and then, when ready, auctioned to the higher society members.

For my review of the The Jewel by Amy Ewing click here. For the review of The Handmaid's Tale click here. 

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.