Book Review - Four

Title: Four
Author: Veronica Roth
Series: Divergent (Short Story Collection)
Publisher: Harper Collins Children's Books
Release Date: 8 July 2014
ISBN-13: 978-0007582891

Synopsis
Two years before Beatrice Prior makes her choice, the sixteen-year-old son of Abnegation’s faction leader does the same. Tobias’s transfer to Dauntless is his chance to begin again. Newly renamed 'Four' he discovers that initiation is only the beginning.
Four must claim his place in the Dauntless hierarchy. And his decisions will affect future initiates as well as uncover secrets that could threaten his own future—and the future of the entire faction system.
Two years later, Four is poised to act but the course is still unclear. The first new initiate who jumps into the net might change all that. With her, the way to righting their world might become clear. With her it might become possible to be Tobias once again.

My Review
I was so excited when this came out, but I haven't bought a copy yet as I want the American version, as I have the other books in this series with those covers and I have ot have them match. So I was waiting to read it until I got my copy, but as that hasn't happened I decided I should request it from the library to read. That way I still get to enjoy the story and I can keep looking for the American cover I want. 
This book opens up the world of Divergent a bit more and reveals a lot about Four's past. He's the guy we all love from the series and this is a great read. It really lets you see where he really came from, it just gives him another dimension, makes him seem well rounded. The book starts with Four's test and Choosing ceremony, then moves through his Initiation and then features the time he becomes a trainer - when Tris is first introduced. It was really refreshing to see the story from another point of view and made me see some details I hadn't noticed before. 
I read this in one sitting, it's easy to read and will envelope you into the world just as much as the original Divergent series did. It was like coming home and revisiting old friends. 
This is a must read for any fan of the series, it's fresh, fun and an amazing read.

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Book Review - Take Me On

Title: Take Me On
Author: Katie McGarry
Series: Pushing the Limits (Book 4)
Publisher: MIRA Ink
Release Date: 6 Jun 2014
ISBN-13: 978-1848452909

Synopsis
Champion kickboxer Haley swore she'd never set foot in the ring again after one tragic night. But then the guy she can't stop thinking about accepts a mixed martial arts fight in her honor. Suddenly, Haley has to train West Young. All attitude, West is everything Haley promised herself she'd stay away from. Yet he won't last five seconds in the ring without her help.
West is keeping a big secret from Haley. About who he really is. But helping him fighting for her is a shot at redemption. Especially since it' s his fault her family is falling apart. He can't change the past, but maybe he can change Haley's future.
Hayley and West have agreed to keep their relationship strictly in the ring. But as an unexpected bond forms between them and attraction mocks their best intentions, they'll face their darkest fears and discover love is worth fighting for.

My Review
I love Katie McGarry's books, she is one author I will always pick up no matter what. I never thought she would be my type of book, as I usually head towards fantasy and paranormal, but I have actually discovered I quite like contemporary romance and Katie is the cream of the crop when it comes to contemporary.
This is the fourth book set in the world of the Pushing the Limits novels, they are all individual stories following different characters but some of them do cross reference to the other books so it will make more sense if you read them in the order they came out but you can follow it without. But really why wouldn't you read them all, they are fantastic books and well worth a read.
This book follows Hayley and West. Hayley used to be a champion kick boxer, she had won titles and was the top of her game, but then something happened, something that changed it all and she swore never to enter the ring again, never to fight anyone again and never to get involved with boys who trained as fighters. But an old grudge still stands between Hayley, her ex boyfriend and her brothers. Then new boy West gets involved, he's new to this area but gets thrown in at the deep end. When he agrees to a fight in order to protect Hayley, he's not got much hope of winning, but maybe if they work together they can pull it off. But both of them have secrets, problems at home and things they don't want the other to know. They must get past all of that and then maybe they have a hope of winning, or at least not getting killed!
I started reading this book and was immediately thrown straight back into the world, although it's been quite a while since I visited, this book has been out for a while but somehow I missed it. It was only when I saw the announcement for the new book coming out this month that I looked back at the ones already out and realised I hadn't ever got a copy of this one. I requested it straight away and moved it to the top of my pile. 
It was nice to see Isaiah and Rachel feature again and made everything tie up nicely, it even answered some questions I had about how their story ended which was an added bonus. 
I loved Hayley as a character, she is dealing with some pretty bad things and has no one she can really tell. Everything is piling up on her but she refuses to quit. She is naturally tough, and although she has moments where she breaks down - these just make her so much more human. I felt like she was the sort of girl I would have been friends with at school, if I wasn't scared of her tough exterior that is! 
She has a very level head and a very loyal heart, she will do anything to try and keep her family together and just do the right thing. 
West is more of an unknown, and although he plays the tough guy bit, he is actually very caring and sensitive, most of the fights he gets into are because he is trying to protect someone he loves, and once he's met Hayley this is no different. He can tell that she is the type of girl who can take care of herself, but he can also see through her facade and realises she needs someone at her side too. 
The pair work well together throughout the book, they have a fair share of arguments and fights but you can really feel the romance blossoming between them.
Katie McGarry is one of those writers who writes 'real'. the situations, the characters, the world. It all just comes to life on the page and makes you feel like you know the people and could just step through the pages of the book into their world.
I literally read this in one sitting, after saying I would put the book down and go to bed, I ended up sitting for a further 2 hours and finishing the whole thing. I just couldn't walk away, and everytime I considered it something would pull me back.
These books really are amazing and will make you have serious feels!
Maybe not appropriate for some younger readers due to the issues involved such as abuse. But otherwise I would recommend it to all!

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Book Review - Eternal

Title: Eternal
Author: C C Hunter
Series: Shadow Falls After Dark (Book 2)
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Release Date: 28 Oct 2014
ISBN13: 9781250044617

Synopsis
All her life, Della's secret powers have made her feel separated from her human family. Now, she's where she belongs, at Shadow Falls. With the help of her best friends Kylie and Miranda, she’ll try to prove herself in the paranormal world as an investigator—all the while trying to figure out her own heart. Should she chose Chase, a powerful vampire with whom she shares a special bond? Or Steve, the hot shapeshifter whose kisses make her weak in the knees? When a person with dark connection to her past shows up, it’ll help her decide which guy to choose–and make her question everything she knows about herself.  

My Review
As soon as I know there is a new book by CC out I go totally crazy, I couldn't wait for this one and discovering more about Della. The day this book arrived I was literally jumping up and down. There had been a few issues getting a copy and I actually wasn't expecting a paperback copy so when it appeared I was ecstatic! Thank you CC and team - you literally made my day.
I of course wanted to dive in straight away but I was already part way through a book and then I had a university assignment due in, but this was my motivation to get through. This was my reward for doing the hard work. And it was the best reward ever!
I started to read this in my lunchbreak at work and managed to read 60 pages in just 45 minutes, I was immediately immersed into the world again and it felt like I was being welcomed back by old friends, like I belonged in that world. When I got home from work I told myself that I would read for an hour and then catch up with emails and blogs and other bits and bobs (as I am not home much at the moment because of work, uni etc I have to do things when I can) But that soon went out the window - 3 hours later I had sat and read the entire book! I hadn't moved an inch in that whole time, I was in that world 100 percent and when I finished it was like waking up and finding myself back in reality. And I missed it, straight away, I didn't want to leave. I want more!!
Della is really evolving as a character, she is still her tough, sassy, sarcastic self but she is also letting her guard down a little bit and showing a more sensitive side and I feel honoured that I get to see that side of her. But don't be fooled, she could still kick you to the curb if necessary. I absolutely love her witty comments and the way she says exactly what's she's thinking with just a few words and a look. 
It's also great to see the other characters we love like Kylie, Miranda, Holiday and Burnett. And to know more about new boy Chase, he is really intriguing and hope his story will carrying on developing too.
There is a love triangle in the book, Della has to choose between Chase and Steve, but it's done really well and doesn't feel irksome at all. However I did find myself changing sides constantly throughout, I still couldn't tell you who I wanted her to end up with. 

There are so many things I want to still know, and for every question that is answered, you get given another mystery to solve, it keeps you totally hooked and begging for more, and I just have to know what happens to everyone. I need to know what Della is going to do about that situation- I mean Oh my goodness!!!
 
If you haven't read these books then you need to go and get them all, shut yourself in a room and not come out until you have finished. Start with the original Shadow Falls series, then move onto these After Dark books. You will not regret it for a second. 
In fact, if you are stuck for a Christmas gift - these are perfect! 
Now I am desperately counting down to the release of the next book.

My Rating

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Book Review - The Trouble With Flying

Title: The Trouble With Flying
Author: Rachel Morgan
Release Date: 20th June 2014
ASIN: B00L8A3BMK
ISBN13: 9780992233914

Synopsis
When nineteen-year-old introvert Sarah boards a plane to fly home after an overseas holiday, the last thing she expects is Aiden, the guy sitting next to her who’s never flown anywhere before and refuses to shut up. Hours of random conversation later, they part ways. Sarah can’t stop thinking about Aiden, though, and wondering if she made a terrible mistake letting him go. Should she abandon her safe, predictable life and go in search of him, or would she be chasing a happily ever after that could never exist in real life? 

My Review
I was offered the chance to review this and was sent a copy in exchange for an honest review. Although not my typical read I do like the odd contemporary romance and light read so I agreed and at only 256 pages I thought it was worth a shot.
Sarah lives in Africa but has been in the UK visiting her sister, all she wants now is a quiet journey home. She's very shy and introverted and prays the seat next to her stays empty so she doesn't have to talk to anyone, so when Aiden sits down and begins a long conversation she's frustrated. Aiden has never flown before and has a terrible fear of flying, so he gets Sarah to distract him, talk to him, keep him calm. Although uncomfortable at first Sarah begins to enjoy herself and she feels a connection to him. But when the plane lands they must go their separate ways, after all Africa is a big place - right!?
This book was slightly predictable, it was obvious to me that they would meet up again - otherwise what would be the point of their meeting! But saying that, I enjoyed the inevitability of it and once they did find each other again I enjoyed the development of both of their characters individually and coming together. They both have pasts - we all do, and finding out about theirs was interesting and added a bit of a twist in places.
I really liked Sarah as a character, shy and quiet but willing to try for the right thing and change her life for the positive. In a way she reminded me of myself and I was rooting for her to stand up and take control. She definitely develops throughout the story and I love the character she becomes too.
Aiden is one of those characters you can't help but like right from the start, he may be a bit annoying but he has a cheeky personality with an obvious caring side that you just have to like him. 
The imagery of the book was fabulous, I could picture everything as I read, especially the climb up the mountains, I could almost fool myself that I was there.
So although a very simple book, it was very well written and ended up being a very enjoyable read, I read it all in about 2 hours non stop and it flew by.

My Rating

       

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Book Review - Sleep of Death

Title: Sleep of Death
Author: Aprilynne Pike
Series: Charlotte Westing Chronicles (Book 2)
Publisher: Imaginary Properties LLC
Release Date: 8 Jun 2014
ASIN: B00KV6LGRO

Synopsis
Oracles can see the future, but are sworn to never interfere. Charlotte Westing learned this lesson the hard way--but after a series of murders in her small town, she's beginning to wonder if she learned too well. Are there some futures Charlotte as a responsibility to change?

When a new girl with strange powers shows up at school on the same day Charlotte has a vision of a grisly double homicide, Charlotte must decide whether the time has come to free herself from the rules of the Sisters of Delphi once and for all. But what will be the price?

My Review
After finishing book 1 and discovering that there was another one to follow I knew I had to download it - it's only currently available on Kindle.
Charlotte is still trying to get over the murders of her classmates and the discovery that she was being used by John. A lesson she had to learn the hard way, but even so she still wants to try and help people, but she has to decide whether to follow the rules and resist her visions or if she should let them come and try to change the future. Then she sees a vision of a grisly double homicide and things start getting complicated, especially when the new girl at school finds out about Charlotte's powers and reveals some unusual gifts of her own.
As the girls dig further into the future and try to figure out just who is behind the murders things start to get more and more complicated and soon one of them may be in just as much trouble.
Again these books are not my usual taste in books, the mere mention of a homicide let alone a gruesome one would have me running a mile, but I love Pike's writing and wanted to know what happened to Charlotte next so I got stuck in.
It was quite gory in places and very violent, in fact I jumped in my seat a few times but I did figure out who was responsible as soon as the character was introduced - it was so obvious to me, so instead of being surprised by the revelation I was still waiting for them to attack again, I knew more would come and man I was not wrong. This took a seriously creepy turn but yet I still had to keep reading. 
I have to admit that after reading this book I did have nightmares that night but I am a wimp so it's only to be expected I suppose. I'm still glad I read it, as it was such a gripping read, Pike does it so well, a true horror master - if you can get someone so involved they physically can't turn away from the story!

I am even hoping that there will be a third book in the series, I can't help it - I want more. (I think I'm mad) :)

My Rating

     

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Book Review - City of Ember

Title: City of Ember
Author: Jeanne DuPrau
Series: Book of Ember (book 1)
Publisher: Corgi Childrens
Release Date: 6 Jan 2005
ISBN-13: 978-0552552387

Synopsis
Many hundreds of years ago, the city of Ember was created by the Builders to contain everything needed for human survival. It worked - but now the storerooms are almost out of food, crops are blighted, corruption is spreading through the city and worst of all - the lights are failing. Soon Ember could be engulfed by darkness-But when two children, Lina and Doon, discover fragments of an ancient parchment, they begin to wonder if there could be a way out of Ember. Can they decipher the words from long ago and find a new future for everyone? Will the people of Ember listen to them?

My Review
I have had this book on my shelf for absolutely ages, I found it in my local discount bookshop and thought it was worth a try. I knew there was a movie too and it sounded good so I picked it up. I actually ended up watching the film sometime last year and rather enjoyed it although there were a few things that didn't quite add up- a few plot holes, but overall it was enjoyable. But still I didn't read the book. Then last week my mum saw the DVD on my shelf and asked if we could watch it, I didn't enjoy it as much the second time but still thought it was a fairly good story, so I decided it was time to dig the book out. 
I kind of wish I hadn't, maybe if I had read the book first or even left it a bit longer after seeing the movie I might have enjoyed it more, but as it was I found the book very slow. It starts off pretty much identical to the film and I got straight into the story, but it went downhill from there. 
The world is set up well and is very well described, Jeanne DePrau has a was with imagery but the story itself was just lacking for me.
I kept waiting for a bit of excitement, something to get my heart pounding and the story moving, but it was just Lena trying to solve the mystery of the paper she found, and she certainly struggles with that. 
Although only 269 pages it seemed longer and yet there didn't seem to be that much content. I know there is a second book and I am slightly curious as to what becomes of them all I don't think I will be reading it. I just wasn't overly inspired by it. 
Who knows, maybe the film influenced me and I would have enjoyed this book better if I didn't have that version in my head, but as it was I have to say, although it's a very rare confession from me, but the movie was better.

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