Tag: ya fiction

Fiction Friday: Book Review- The Belles by Dhonielle Clayton (The Belles #1)

The Belles (The Belles #1)The Belles by Dhonielle Clayton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
In the world of Orleans, people are born gray and colourless. Belles are the only ones who can add colour and beauty to the people of Oreleans. Camellia does not want to be just any Belle- she wants to be the Favourite. The Favourite is the most important of the Belles. She is the one chosen by the Queen to beautify the royal family.
However once it is time for the Belles to take over their new roles, it becomes clear that something very strange is going on in Orleans.
The people are obsessed with their looks-almost to the point of insanity. There is odd noises in the middle of the night and something is not right with the Princess of Orleans.
This was a really interesting read with incredible world-building. I felt like the first half of the book had very little in terms of plot but I found the world of the Belles interesting so I was happy to keep reading.
This is a well-written book with unexpected plot twists. I definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys fantasy.

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Book Review- Rebel of the Sands by Alwyn Hamilton

Rebel of the Sands (Rebel of the Sands #1)Rebel of the Sands by Alwyn Hamilton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I decided to reread this series before I tackle Hero at the Fall. I was in a reading slump when I read Rebel of the Sands AND Traitor to the Throne so I needed to renew my excitement for this series before it ends.
Amani dreams of leaving her deadbeat town and when she encounters Jin, she gets the opportunity to do so. But on their way out of the town, the two of them keep getting caught up in trouble, adventures and encountering mystical creatures (none of which I have EVER seen before). The only way I can describe this novel without spoiling anything is to say that it is totally unique. It was surprising and unpredictable and I loved every second of it. Since I read this so long ago and was in such an awful book slump , I also couldn’t remember lots of details about this book. Rereading was a great way to get back into this world and I can’t wait to binge-read the rest of this series. If you haven’t read this yet, now is the perfect time to binge the series.

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Fiction Friday: Book Review- The Selection by Kiera Cass

The Selection (The Selection, #1)The Selection by Kiera Cass
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

In an unusual dystopian world, society is distracted by it’s troubles by the Selection, which is a combination of The Hunger Games and the Bachelor. America doesn’t want to be Selected- she is already in love with someone else- but she realises that it is what is best for her family. When America finally meets Prince Maxon, the two of them begin a tentative friendship. Maxon knows that America is not interested in him but he finds her honesty refreshing.
This was the first audiobook I ever listened to and I found it just okay. The story was cliche and pretty easy to predict. However I did find this book pretty fun (and then I came home and read spoilers for the rest of the series and ruined any chances of me finishing the rest of the books). This was a great light read and it took me out of my reading slump. Definitely read this book if you’re looking for something fun and cheerful.

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Book Review: Alterations by Stephanie Scott

AlterationsAlterations by Stephanie Scott
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I received a digital copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Amelia is a quiet and reserved girl who has been in love with her mother’s employer’s son, Ethan for as long as she can remember. When her grandmother signs her up for a prestigious fashion internship in NYC, Amelia is reluctant to go. She doesn’t want to be away from home and she certainly doesn’t want to be away from Ethan. After all, this summer was going to be her chance to show him that they belonged together. However once Amelia gets to New York, she discovers a totally new world as well as a totally new side to herself. Returning back to Miami as a changed and more confident version of herself, Amelia catches the eye of Ethan while working with his brother, Liam.
This was a pretty long read but I enjoyed it immensely. I loved how focused and career-orientated Amelia was. She reminded me of myself back in high school and I really enjoyed seeing that. I loved watching Ethan go from a flat character who was just hot, rich and popular to an actual fleshed-out person. This was a fun, light-hearted read that I definitely recommend to anyone who enjoys YA.

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Book Review: Final Girls by Riley Sager

Final GirlsFinal Girls by Riley Sager
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. And oh, what a read this has been. It has been about a month since I finished this book and I am still not over it.
Quincy, Lisa and Sam have been dubbed “Final Girls” by the press. Each of the girls were the only remaining survivor of three different massacres. It’s been a decade since Quincy and her friends were attacked at a cabin in the wood and she has put the past behind her. She has a great life, a great career and an amazing boyfriend. Her life is pretty perfect… Until she finds out that Lisa has killed herself. Lisa was a motivational speaker and possibly the most upbeat of the Final Girls. Her death leads to Sam showing up to meet Quincy in person. As the remaining Final Girls bond, two things quickly become clear- 1) Quincy is not as okay as she thought she was and 2) Sam can’t be trusted. Quincy may be done with her past but her past is certainly not done with her.
This novel had me glued to my seat. The plot was compelling and the writing was great. I also enjoyed the many plot twists. This novel was unexpected but so enjoyable. I will definitely be reading more from this author in the future. If you enjoy mystery novels and thrillers, you will love this book.

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Fiction Friday: My Most Anticipated September Book Releases

For some reason, September has incredible book releases. I love when all of my anticipated reads release close to one another (I’m less likely to forget a book) however I run a high risk of spending all my money and/or not reading any of the books because I can’t pick a book to read. Here are some of my most anticipated September reads:

2017 september reads

 

1) One Dark Throne by Kendare Blake( Three Dark Crowns #2):

The battle for the Crown has begun, but which of the three sisters will prevail?

With the unforgettable events of the Quickening behind them and the Ascension Year underway, all bets are off. Katharine, once the weak and feeble sister, is stronger than ever before. Arsinoe, after discovering the truth about her powers, must figure out how to make her secret talent work in her favor without anyone finding out. And Mirabella, once thought to be the strongest sister of all and the certain Queen Crowned, faces attacks like never before—ones that put those around her in danger she can’t seem to prevent.

In this enthralling sequel to Kendare Blake’s New York Times bestselling Three Dark Crowns, Fennbirn’s deadliest queens must face the one thing standing in their way of the crown: each other.

Release Date: 19 September 2017

 

2) Tower of Dawn by Sarah J. Maas (Throne of Glass #6):

Chaol Westfall has always defined himself by his unwavering loyalty, his strength, and his position as the Captain of the Guard. But all of that has changed since the glass castle shattered, since his men were slaughtered, since the King of Adarlan spared him from a killing blow, but left his body broken.

His only shot at recovery lies with the legendary healers of the Torre Cesme in Antica—the stronghold of the southern continent’s mighty empire. And with war looming over Dorian and Aelin back home, their survival might lie with Chaol and Nesryn convincing its rulers to ally with them.

But what they discover in Antica will change them both—and be more vital to saving Erilea than they could have imagined.

Release Date: 5 September 2017

 

3) Christmas at Mistletoe Cove by Holly Martin (Hope Island #3):

Growing up on Hope Island, Eden Lancaster always believed that if you wished hard enough for something, dreams really could come true. But Eden’s greatest wish is also her biggest secret: she has been completely in love with her childhood friend, the charming and attractive Dougie Harrison, for as long as she can remember. And he has no idea.

When Dougie leaves his successful life in New York to return home to Hope Island for good, Eden can’t escape her feelings. Her heart is full of hope that her romantic dreams are finally, at long last, going to come true…

This Christmas could change everything. But can a lifelong friendship really turn into the perfect romance? And will Eden get the happily ever after she’s always wished for?

Release Date: 22 September

 

4) Tarnished City (Dark Gifts #2) by Vic James:

In a modern Britain where magic users control wealth, politics—and you—an uprising has been crushed. In its aftermath, two families will determine the country’s fate. The ruthless Jardines make a play for ultimate power. And the Hadleys, once an ordinary family, must find the extraordinary strength to fight back.

Abi Hadley is a fugitive. Her brother Luke, a prisoner. Both will discover that in the darkest places, the human spirit shines brightest.

While amid his family’s intrigues, Silyen Jardine dreams of lost powers from an earlier age. As blood runs in the streets of London, they will all discover whether love and courage can ever be stronger than tyranny.

How do you choose when you can’t save everyone…?

 

Release Date: 5 September 2017

 

What book are you most excited for in September? I’d love to know below.

Fiction Friday: My Seven Favourite Contemporary Romance Authors

I don’t always read contemporary romance but when I do, I go for authors that I’ve already read before. Here are seven of my favourite contemporary romance authors.

 

My 7 Favourite Contemporary Romance Authors

 

  1. Nora Roberts- I feel like most of the world is obsessed with Nora Roberts and rightfully so. Her characters are real and her writing feels soothing. I’ve yet to find a Nora Roberts book that I didn’t enjoy.
  2. Lisa Kleypas- Like Nora Roberts, reading Lisa Kleypas books soothes me. I think it’s because I’ve read them all so often that rereading them feels like coming home to an old friend.
  3. Rachel Morgan- Rachel Morgan writes contemporary YA romance as Richelle Morgan. Her Trouble series is one of my all-time favourite YA contemporary books. It still breaks my heart that the series is over. The books were SOO good.
  4. Jennifer Gracen- Another automatic go-to author is Jennifer Gracen. Her characters usually have some sort of darkness or issue holding them back but it just makes me love them more.
  5. Holly Martin- Holly Martin’s books are light and lovely and they make me want to curl up in bed with a snack and read read read. LOVE THEM!
  6. Joanne Macgregor- I haven’t read that many YA contemporary romances by Joanne Macgregor (just Scarred which I really enjoyed!) but I love her writing and how real her characters are. She’s recently released a contemporary retelling of The Little Mermaid called Hushed.
  7. Kody Keplinger- I loved loved LOVED The Duff book and the movie. I haven’t read anything else by Kody Keplinger but it’s fine. I trust her writing. Also, I kinda threw myself at her books when I found them on sale at the bookstore (there was only one copy of each left and I didn’t want anyone else to get them).

What are some of your favourite contemporary books and authors? What authors do you buy even if you don’t know much about their books? I’d love to know below.

Book Review: Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

FangirlFangirl by Rainbow Rowell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book and was incredibly sad when it ended. This story begins with Cath moving in to her dorm at college. Things are frosty between her and her twin sister, Wren. While Cath is freaking out about leaving her father alone and all of the changes that college may bring along with it. Wren simply moves on with her new life at college. And Cath is not a part of this new life. While Wren parties and makes new friends, Cath refuses to leave her room and buries herself deeper in her fanfiction writing.
I could relate to this story as I also struggled with college at first. I especially enjoyed how much Cath and I were alike. Cath is a fangirl and it is her fanfiction that gets her through life. Atleast that is how it has always been until now. I loved the character of Levi. If I was the kind of girl who swooned, he would definitely make me swoon.
This was a cute light read that I would definitely recommend. I thought the characters were well-written, the writing was funny and I really liked the illustrations displayed on the inside cover of the book.

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Fiction Friday: Book Review- The Sun is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon

The Sun Is Also a StarThe Sun Is Also a Star by Nicola Yoon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I had really high hopes for this book since I absolutely loved “Everything Everything”. Nicola Yoon has incredible writing and I love that she writes in such a unique manner. In order to allow me to properly fangirl over this book, I’m going to state everything I disliked now and discuss the positives later. Firstly reading on the Kindle app was incredibly difficult as the characters’ viewpoints were all mixed up. Something was wrong with the formatting which made for several very confusing moments. I also don’t understand why the book is called “The Sun is Also a Star” since that’s a line only used once in the novel. Lastly I wished the ending was more complete. Like “Everything Everything”, the ending feels more like a beginning and I WANT TO KNOW MORE!
Now for the positives: I love love love LOVE this cover. It’s so pretty and colourful and honestly it’s the first thing that drew me to this book (the author was second).
“The Sun is Also a Star” tells the story of Natasha and Daniel who meet and fall in love on Natasha’s last day in America. Natasha and her family are being deported, a fact she doesn’t share with Daniel. Daniel is supposed to be on his way to an interview for Yale when he decides that Natasha is his future. Daniel and Natasha are complete opposites. He’s a dreamer while she’s practical and certainly doesn’t believe in love. And if their totally different personalities and Natasha leaving weren’t enough obstacles for their budding relationship, Natasha is Jamaican while Daniel is Korean. While this isn’t a problem for them, this might be a problem for their families.
What I really enjoyed about this book was the many different viewpoints. Usually I struggle to keep track of more than four characters but it was easy to follow everyone in this book. While this is a story primarily about Natasha and Daniel, there are scenes that show the lives that Natasha and Daniel impact on without even trying.
This book had a ending that I felt was really natural and I was like “aww this is beautiful”. The epilogue was what kicked me in the gut and left me speechless. This book was beautiful and really made an impact on me (so much so that when I went to sleep, it was all I could I think of even while asleep). I love Natasha’s character and I really enjoyed seeing everyone’s backstory. I wish the ending was a bit more complete though as I wasn’t ready to let go of these characters.

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Fiction Friday: Book Review- Refuse (Recoil Trilogy #2) by Joanne Macgregor

Refuse (Recoil Trilogy, #2)
Refuse by Joanne Macgregor

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“Refuse” picks up instantly after the thrilling cliffhanger in “Recoil”. Jinxy is captured and taken in for questioning. The great thing about this book is that it does eventually provide a recap of the previous book. This is really helpful since I couldn’t really remember precisely what the government’s real agenda was.
Jinxy finds out that her ex-boyfriend’s brother is being held in the same facility that she is and she’s desperate to get him out (she was the one who put him in there in the first place).
To do this she has to get back into the organisation that captured and tortured her. Cam Jinxy stand to go back to the people who think nothing of torturing a child? Will she even be accepted back into an organisation that thinks of her as a traitor to their cause?
This book was such a rollercoaster ride of emotions. I hated some characters with such intensity and I loved other characters with the same intensity. My favourite part of Joanne Macgregor’s writing is that she always creates characters that are well-fleshed out and real. (Honestly I started this series to see more of Macgregor’s great characterisation but stayed for the intriguing plot). The characters in “Refuse” certainly do not disappoint. I especially enjoyed seeing how characters have developed since the first book.
I loved that this book had the same fast-paced action as the first one. Jinxy has so many unique skills that help her throughout the novel. At several points I literally had to put the book down to absorb all the clever things she found or did.
“Refuse” was a wonderful read but again, I strongly believe this is a series that should be binge-read. The book was 50 chapters which I found intimidating at first but at the end I really wanted more.
I think this series is one of the most unique and believable dystopian books around. The issues with the government in this series is something we see everyday.
I strongly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys YA fiction or dystopian novels. Hell, read it even if you don’t like dystopian novels. This is just that great of a read. I found this book impossible to step away from.

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Purchase a copy of Refuse from Readers Warehouse

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