Noughts & Crosses

Malorie Blackman

Noughts & Crosses #1

Summary:

Callum is a nought – an inferior white citizen in a society controlled by the black crosses.

Sephy is a Cross – and the daughter of one of the most powerful, ruthless men in the country.

In their hostile, violent world, noughts and Crosses simply don’t mix. But when Sephy and Callum’s childhood friendship grows into passionate love, they’re determined to find a way to be together.

In One Word: Perturbing (Causing anxiety/unsettling)

Plot:

This is probably one of the best dystopians I’ve ever read, not because it's a great story (even though it is) or because the characters were great (which they are), but because it’s so extremely realistic. Most dystopians show a future that we can’t really imagine becoming reality, but the situation in Noughts and Crosses has been a reality in many countries. This way of looking at racism, in a fictional sense with two characters on opposite sides of the fence, is inspired. I liked that the author (who admits that some of the less intense parts of the novel actually happened to her) makes the black people the ruling class, which shows that she is not writing this because she has a grudge, but more because she feels like she should get the message out about how pointless racism is. The plotline of this story is extremely engaging and I couldn’t put it down for a second. This is also one of the very few books that made me cry, which really doesn’t happen very often. I didn’t really notice the writing all that much, which is a good sign in a book that is story- or character-driven like this one.

Characters:

I really loved the main characters in this book. They are realistic, flawed and relatable, all of which are qualities I look for in storybook characters. There are times when you don’t even like them all that much, which in some cases would’ve been a bad thing, but strangely works in this novel to make them feel like real people. In the end you really care for them, and anything that hurts them hurts you too. The minor characters weren’t as developed as the main ones, but they added something to the story as well without being distracting, especially Sephy’s mother and Callum’s brother.

Who should read this:

13+, mainly for violence and some sexual content, I don’t remember any language (I was too lost in the story to take notice). If you’re looking for something that will make an impact, make you cry or you have an interest in racial differences I definitely suggest this.. Also, if you’re looking for a dystopian that is completely original and different from anything you’ve read before then try this one. I think I would pretty much recommend this to anyone although I do realise that it will make some people highly uncomfortable.

My rating:

It’s hard to say that I loved this book, simply because it is so heart-wrenching and also pretty disturbing, but I did. I didn’t want to put it down, it touched me emotionally and it will be really hard to forget what happened in this story. 5/5

Quote:
That's just the way it is. Some thins will never change. That's just the way it is. But don't you believe them.

Percy Jackson and the Last Olympian

Rick Riordan

Percy Jackson and the Olympians #5

Summary:

Most people get presents on their sixteenth birthday, I get a prophecy that could save or destroy the world.

It happens when you're the son of Poseidon, god of the Sea. According to an ancient prophecy, I turn sixteen and the fate of the entire world is on me. But no pressure.

Now Kronos, Lord of the Titans, is beginning his attack on New York City. And the dreaded monster Typhon is also heading our way. So it's me and forty of my demigod friends versus untold evil...

In One Word: Brilliant (exceptionally clever)

Plot:

The thing I loved most about this particular installment in this series is the fact that even though it has the most tense and nerve-wracking moments of all the previous books it also had the most humour and funny parts. I really love how the author manages to make you laugh out loud while at the same time making you hold your breath in anticipation for what’s going to happen next (trust me, it’s a really weird feeling, laughing while holding your breath at the same time...you should try it sometime). This book also managed to surprise me, which has not been happening that often lately, so it was pretty exciting that I couldn’t guess what was going to happen next. This also shows that even though it’s a middle-grade book, it isn’t predictable or too simple for older people to enjoy as well.

Characters:

I definitely think that this installment was the best as far as character-development went. Percy becomes a true hero, without completely losing himself and becoming a completely different person. I also liked how Grover went from an insecure, funny guy to a force to be reckoned with. Annabeth didn’t develop that much during this book, but she remains a great character. I also liked Thalia in this installment (if you read my previous review you’ll remember I didn’t like her all that much before), but I really like how she’s changed. Nico is still one of the more interesting characters in my opinion, but I preferred his portrayal in the previous book.

Who should read this:

10+, once again, mild violence, no sexual content or language and if you have problem with mythology, skip this series. If you’re searching for something similar to the first 2/3 books in the Harry Potter series then I definitely suggest these. I don’t think adults will enjoy this as much as younger people, but I do think there's something ageless about this series.

My rating:

This was my favourite book in the series. I loved the action and humor and the storyline and I really liked how the author ended the series, leaving it open enough to make me want to read ‘The Heroes of Olympus’, but not too much so it felt like the series didn’t end at all. 5/5

Quote:

“With great power... comes great need to take a nap. Wake me up later.”

Read my reviews for 'The Lightning Thief', 'The Sea of Monsters', 'The Titan's Curse' and 'The Battle of the Labyrinth'!

Fairest

Gail Carson Levine

Summary:

Once upon a time, there was a girl who wanted to be pretty...

Aza’s singing is the fairest in the all the land, and the most unusual. She can ‘throw’ her voice so it seems to come from anywhere. But singing is only one of the two qualities prized in the Kingdom of Ayortha. Aza doesn’t possess the other: beauty. Not even close. She’s hidden in the shadows in her parents’ inn, but when she becomes lady-in-waiting to the new queen, she has to step into the light – especially when the queen demands a dangerous favor. A magic mirror, a charming prince, a jealous queen, palace intrigue, and and injured king twine into a maze that Aza must penetrate to save herself and her beloved kingdom.

In One Word: Beautiful

Plot:

It’s official: Gail Carson Levine is a genius at fairytale retellings. In this book she manages to capture the essence of Snow White, but put a modern and relatable spin on it. Her stories are a little darker than your average middle-grade book, but that’s what I like about them, and they’ll never fall in the category of average anyway. I enjoyed every second of reading this, I liked that it has a positive message about how you shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover and all, without ever becoming preachy, or making it sound easy to accept yourself fully. I loved the writing, simply because I can’t really remember what the writing was like, I was too wrapped up in the story to take much notice.

Characters:

The characters in this book are incredibly complex and interesting. Our main character, Aza, is extremely relatable (I’m pretty sure everyone’s had those days where they look in the mirror and go: ‘I’m possibly half-ogre’...and were serious about it). I really liked how the author handled the character development with her: she doesn’t end up perfect, or perfectly happy, but it’s okay. I also really liked Prince Ijori, who is probably what every girl should hope for in a guy, without being too unrealistic. The antagonist, queen Ivi, is probably the most interesting of the characters. You don’t know whether to hate or sympathize with her. Overall all the characters are great, they go through significant development without it being too unrealistic and the fairytale characters (ogres, elves etc) are very well handled.

Who should read this:

10+, there’s no objectionable content in this book, and I think it will spread a positive message, so I suggest this for any young girl (or boy). If you’ve read Ella Enchanted and liked it, then I definitely suggest this one (some of the characters from it make an appearance!). If you don’t like childrens’ books, or fairytale-retellings, then don’t read this one. However I feel like this book can appeal to all ages and has a universal message.

My rating:

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I couldn’t put it down. I also really liked that, while this could’ve been extremely similar to Ella Enchanted, it wasn’t. I only thought about EE when some of the characters made an appearance. 5/5

Quote:

Voices and faces aren’t manifestations of good or bad.

The Knife of Never Letting Go

Patrick Ness

Chaos Walking #1

Summary:

Todd Hewitt is the last boy in Prentisstown.

But Prentisstown isn’t like other town. Everyone can hear everyone else’s thoughts in a constant, overwhelming, never-ending Noise. There is no privacy. There are no secrets.

Or are there?

Just one month away from the birthday that will make him a man, Todd unexpectedly stumbles upon a spot of complete silence.

Which is impossible.

Prentisstown has been lying to him.

And now he’s going to have to run...

In One Word: Haunting

Plot:

I’ve heard many great things about this series, but I never expected this. At first the writing was a little hard to get into, seeing as the narrator (and protagonist) is a little illiterate. The author writes his thoughts, exactly as he thinks them, which means run-on sentences, bad grammar and atrocious spelling, but strangely, this book wouldn’t have nearly the same impact without it. I loved the concept of the mind-reading, and it was executed very well in my opinion. The story is dark and dreary and frightening, but extremely compelling and there’s no way I could’ve put it down once I got into it. It’s a strange feeling, loving every minute of reading such a tragic story (as well as not minding the feeling of being punched very hard at some points while reading...)

Characters:

I liked Todd right from the start, his rebellious attitude combined with his naivity made him an extremely interesting character and the development is really great to see. He’s also not perfect in any way, but manages to learn from his mistakes, and gets to know himself better as the story progresses. Viola is also a very wise, and at times mysterious character. Then there’s the extremely lovable talking dog Manchee, who is the main source of some dry humor from our main character. The villians are also wickedly fascinating and horribly scary, and probably one of the best (and worst) parts of the book.

Who should read this:

13+, there is a lot of violence (some of it really scary and disturbing), as well as some pretty explicit language. There is some mild sexual content, but it’s not extreme or graphic. If you like dystopians, science fiction or fantasy, but you’re tired of reading the same story over and over again, you might like this. I don’t suggest this to anyone who likes happy ‘fluffy’ reads, because you won’t find it here.

My rating:

I loved this book. I didn’t know if I would at the start, but it was all so fascinating and horrible at the same time I couldn’t put it down. I cannot wait to start the next book in the series. 5/5

Quote:

‘Without a filter, a man is just chaos walking.’

A Storm of Swords

George R.R. Martin

A Song of Ice and Fire #3

Summary:

WARNING: POSSIBLE SPOILERS OF PREVIOUS BOOKS AHEAD!

Of the five contenders for power, one is dead, another in disfavor, and still the wars rage as violently as ever, as alliances are made and broken. Joffrey, of House Lannister, sits on the Iron Throne, the uneasy ruler of the land of the Seven Kingdoms. His most bitter rival, Lord Stannis, stands defeated and disgraced, the victim of the jealous sorceress who holds him in her evil thrall. But young Robb, of House Stark, still rules the North from the fortress of Riverrun. Robb plots against his despised Lannister enemies, even as they hold his sister hostage at King's Landing, the seat of the Iron Throne.

Meanwhile, making her way across a blood-drenched continent is the exiled queen, Daenerys, mistress of the only three dragons still left in the world. Filled with the stench of death and decay from the destructive dynastic war, Daenerys is gathering allies and strength for an assault on King's Landing, hoping to win back the crown she believes is rightfully hers.

But as opposing forces maneuver for the final titanic showdown, an army of barbaric wildlings bent on overwhelming the Seven Kingdoms arrives from the outermost line of civilization. In their vanguard is a horde of mythical Others-a supernatural army of the living dead whose animated corpses are unstoppable. And as the future of the land hangs in the balance, no one will rest in the quest for victory until the Seven Kingdoms have exploded in a veritable storm of swords...

Plot:

I feel like this series is very consistent, in that every time I sit down to review one of the books I feel like I’m just repeating myself. However, this one is probably the most exciting and most shocking yet. While with the previous ones I found myself putting the book down for a while, with this one, especially the second part, I just couldn’t do it. I also cannot wait to see what happens next.

Characters:

I really felt like the characters developed in this installment. Tyrion is probably one of my favorite characters, simply because he is such a strange, sometimes likable, other times despicable character, and I really felt like he was brought to life in this installment. All the characters were shown to grow and change, but they always stay true to themselves and you still don't really know who to root for. Oh, and, don't fall in love with any of the characters, chances are...they're going to die...

Who should read this:

16+, and like always, these books are not for the faint-hearted or sensitive. It is very graphic and violent and there is quite a bit of language involved. If you enjoyed the previous installments, then you should read this one! If you didn’t, why would you continue the series? Fans of high-fantasy should definitely check this series out, it's brilliantly written.

My rating:

I didn’t like the things that happened in this book, but I still felt like this was the best one so far, so I have to give it a higher rating...5/5

Quote:

“Old stories are like old friends, she used to say. You have to visit them from time to time.”

I did read this book in two parts, but I've said previously that I despise it when a book that's meant to be one is published as more than one, so that's why I combined them in this review.

Read my reviews for 'A Game of Thrones' and 'A Clash of Kings' here!

The Book Thief

Markus Zusak

Summary:

-There is a small fact-

You are going to die.

1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier.

Liesel, a nine-year-old girl, is living with a foster family on Himmel Street. Her parents have been taken away to a concentration camp. Liesel steals books. This is her story and the story of the inhabitants of 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 thievery.

-Another thing you should know-

Death will visit the book thief three times.

Plot:

Some books play with your mind, this one plays with your heart. It’s also the kind of book that you want to start over when you reach the last few pages because you just don’t want it to end, or you know you won’t be able to handle the end.It’s brutally honest, but never becomes gory or overly graphic. I think it’s great that the story centres on a German family instead of a Jewish one. The writing is incredible, the author creates pictures and describes things in a way that captures you completely. He plays with words and breaks language rules, without which this story would have been entirely too sad to read. Every word, sentence, paragraph and chapter of this book needs to be savoured. This is not a happy book, but it’s a beautiful one. And one thought kept popping into my head while I read: “everybody dies sometime, and maybe that's okay”.

Characters:

You absolutely fall in love with the characters in this book. Even the ones you don’t really like all the time. Death, the narrator, is shown in such a strangely positive way that you actually sympathise with him instead of the human characters. Liesel is incredible and you root for her from the very first page. I also fell in love with Rudy, Liesel’s best friend. None of the characters were perfect and all of them were relatable. You felt for every character, even the ones who did the wrong thing.

Who should read this:

13+, mainly for the dark themes (the book is narrated by Death...) and some language. If you like historical fiction, but want something different this is absolutely the one for you. I would actually recommend this to anyone and everyone. If you’re looking for a book that will capture your mind, heart and imagination you don’t need to look any further. However, if you’re looking for a quick, light or happy read this is definitely not the one for you. Just because this is YA, does not mean adults can't enjoy it too, trust me.

My rating:

I usually walk away from books that were over-hyped feeling extremely dissapointed. This was not the case with ‘the Book Thief’. It’s everything I want in a novel, emotional, original and well-written. This book has all the ingredients to become a classic. I will definitely be rereading it, because I feel like this is one of those books you can get something new from with every read. 5/5

Quote:

Almost every sentence in this book is quotable, but this one sums up the book pretty well for me:

“I have hated words and I have loved them, and I hope I have made them right”-Liesel.

It's Not Summer Without You

Jenny Han

Summer #2

Summary:

When something is perfect, you hope it never ends.

Isabel’s lazy, long hot summers at her family friends’ beach house are over.

Conrad-sexy and unavailable – is the only boy she’s ever loved. He’s left for college, taking her heart with him.

Jeremiah-his gorgeous brother, is still Isabel’s best friend – but maybe friendship isn’t enough for him any more...

Isabel just wants everything to stay the same, because change means moving on. But if she stops looking back, will she find a future she never knew she wanted?

Plot:

I thought this was a very good sequel to ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’, it had less of that summery, fun feel to it and was a little darker. The first one didn’t touch me as much as this one did. I really felt for the characters in this installment and I couldn’t put the book down. I also think this love triangle is one of the better ones out there, it never feels forced. Like with the previous book the story is pretty generic, but it’s never predictable. The romance can be a little overly dramatic, but I think it’s very relatable if you’re a teenage girl.

Characters:

In the first one I liked the characters, in this one I didn’t always like them, but I felt more emotionally connected to them, if that makes sense. I’m not the hugest fan of Belly, but the boys develop and grow in this installment and it was great to see. Belly started annoying me a bit in the first couple of chapters, but she too changed and I liked her much more when the book ended.

Who should read this:

13+, the themes in this novel are a bit darker, there are some references to sex as well as alcohol use. The language was also more frequent. If you enjoyed the first one, but thought it was lacking a bit in character depth this is definitely going to surprise you in a good way. If you like easy reads that will tug at your heartstrings and keep you interested without taking up too much of your time, this might just be the one for you. This whole series was definitely written with girls in mind.

My rating:

In my opinion this was a better book that the first in the series, while I really liked the first one I couldn’t put this one down and I really felt for the characters. 5/5

Quote:

“We stood there, looking at each other, saying nothing. But it was the kind of nothing that meant everything.”

Read my review for 'The Summer I Turned Pretty'.

Clockwork Princess

Cassandra Clare

The Infernal Devices #3

Summary:

Danger and betrayal, secrets and enchantment in the breathtaking conclusion to the Infernal Devices Trilogy.

Tessa Gray should be happy – aren’t all brides happy? Yet as she prepares for her wedding, a net of shadows begins to tighten around the Shadowhunters of the London Institute. A new demon appears, one linked by blood and secrecy to the Magister, the man who plans to use his army of pitiless automatons, the Infernal Devices, to destroy the Shadowhunters. The Magister needs only one last item to complete his plan. He needs Tessa. And Jem and Will, the boys who lay equal claim to Tessa’s heart, will do anything to save her.

Plot:

I had very high expectations of this last installment of a truly great trilogy, and I was not disappointed. The story is fascinating, full of suspense and danger and had satisfying answers to all the question I’d collected as I read the previous books. It is also heartbreaking, and beautiful and I was so glad to see that the author didn’t lose those funny, light-hearted moments that just make this series perfect.

Characters:

I’d already fallen in love with the characters in the previous novels, I didn’t think I could love them more, but I do. I liked that Jem wasn’t shown as being as perfect in this novel as he was in the previous ones, while still remaining the character I came to know. Also, Will Herondale...no need to say more...All the characters developed and changed, but remained true to themselves, which is not an easy thing for a writer to accomplish.

Who should read this:

13+, there’s a lot of violence, a little language and some sexual content. Once again, if the demons/angels theme or the idea of magic is objectionable to you, don’t read this series. If you liked the first and second books (or even just the first one) don’t stop now, this is a perfect conclusion. A must for any fans of fantasy/supernatural YA books.

My rating:

This trilogy started of amazing and just kept getting better. I loved every second of reading it, and I’m only sad that it’s now over. It had me crying and smiling and laughing all at the same time, and was just an all around great read. 5/5

Quote:

“Life is a book and there are a thousand pages I have not yet read.”

Read my review for 'Clockwork Angel' and 'Clockwork Prince'!

Clockwork Prince

Cassandra Clare

The Infernal Devices #2

Summary:

Love and lies can corrupt even the purest heart...

In the magical underworld of Victorian London, Tessa Gray finds her heart drawn more and more to Jem, while her longing for Will, despite his dark moods, continues to unsettle her. But something is changing in Will – the wall he has built around himself is crumbling. Could finding the Magister free Will from his secrets and give Tessa the answers to who she is and what she was born to do? As their search for the truth leads the three friends into peril, Tessa’s heart is increasingly torn, especially when one of their own betrays them...

Plot:

I really enjoyed this part of the story. Questions I was left with after reading the first novel were answered and new ones were asked, and now I can’t wait to read the last part of this trilogy. The supposed surprise twist weren't as surprising as I would've liked and I did miss all those funny moments that I loved in the first book: there weren’t as many of them in this installment. There was still enough emotional moments that had me really feeling for the characters to draw me into the story and keep me interested.

Characters:

I fell even more in love with the characters in this book. I don’t think Tessa is the most remarkable character, but I also think that a relatable and relatively normal main character has it’s own merit. It makes it easier for the reader to put themselves in their shoes. The two main male characters, Jem and Will, are both incredible, although I do like Will better, simply because he’s not as perfect and seems more realistic than Jem. I loved the minor characters and their roles and I really felt like all of them developed, even if it wasn’t in a good way.

Who should read this:

13+, There is some violence, language and mild sexual content. Once again I feel like I should mention that if you have a problem with the whole ‘Angels vs. Demons’ thing, or with magic in general this might not be the one for you. I definitely recommend this trilogy to anyone who likes supernatural YA fiction. Although if you didn’t like the first one I don’t recommend continuing since I didn’t like this one as much, although I still loved it.

My rating:                 

Like I said, I didn’t love this installment quite as much as the first one, but I still loved it, and I can’t really find anything wrong with it. So I’m still giving it a 5/5.

Quote:

“Reparations,” said Jem very suddenly, setting down the pen he was holding.

Will looked at him in puzzlement. “Is this a game? We just blurt out whatever word comes next to mind? In that case mine is ‘genuphobia’. It means an unreasonable fear of knees.”

“What’s the word for a perfectly reasonable fear of annoying idiots?” inquired Jessamine.”

Read my review for 'Clockwork Angel'!

The Return of the King

J.R.R. Tolkien

The Lord of the Rings Part #3

Summary:

The armies of the Dark Lord are massing as his evil shadow spreads ever wider. Men, Dwarves, Elves and Ents unite forces to do battle against the Dark. Meanwhile, Frodo and Sam struggle further into Mordor in their heroic quest to destroy the One Ring.

Plot:

If I had to describe this part of the story in one word it would be ‘epic’. The huge battles, incredible creatures and strange settings all make this a worthy ending for a great story. I liked that there was a bit of romance thrown in in this part, and I also liked the fact that I was never sure that good was going to prevail, which kept me interested. As I said in my previous reviews: Tolkien’s writing is extremely detailed and descriptive, and while I really like that I don’t know if everyone will.

Characters:

I loved how the characters I came to love in the previous parts grew and developed in this installment. I grew to like Sam (who I think is my favorite hobbit in the story) and Aragorn (my favorite human) a lot more. I would’ve liked to read more about Legolas (my favorite elf), but he was not as present in this part of the story as in the previous ones. I still really like how Tolkien made me care for the characters, so that when they were in danger it was really tense and when they were happy I was happy.

Who should read this:

13+, there is no sexual content or language, but there is some violence and some really scary things happening. Also the writing style might bore younger readers. If you enjoyed the previous two parts (or even just finished them, no matter your enjoyment of it) you just can’t stop now. If you’re a fan of fantasy you should have read this already.

My rating:

This book just kept getting better as it went along. My rating would’ve gone up after this part if it hadn’t been for the fact that it’s already at it’s max...so 5/5.

Quote:

“For like a shaft, clear and cold, the thought pierced him that in the end the Shadow was only a small and passing thing: there was light and high beauty for ever beyond its reach.”

Read my reviews of the first two parts here: The Fellowship of the Ring & The Two Towers 

Clockwork Angel

Cassandra Clare

The Infernal Devices #1

Summary:

Magic is dangerous-but love is more dangerous still

When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray arrives in England during the reign of Queen Victoria, something terrifying is waiting for her in London’s Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Friendless and hunted, Tessa seeks refuge with the Shadowhunters, a band of warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons. Drawn ever deeper into their world, she finds herself fascinated by – and torn between – two best friends and quickly realizes that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.          

Plot:

First of all, let me just say that the summary above really doesn’t provide a clear picture of what this story is about. It’s not a love story with some action thrown in, it’s a fantasy/supernatural story with some romance added. I really liked this story, it kept me interested, I liked the writing style, and I liked the way the author created tense moments throughout the story. My favourite part of this book, however, is the fact that it actually made me laugh at times, which I really appreciated. I really did like the characters’ wit and humor, it made the darker parts easier to bear and made the book more fun to read.

Characters:

I think the characters in this book are fascinating. None more so than Will Herondale, who is a hero at times and a total jerk at others. I’ve always liked characters that either go from bad to good, or that seem to be bad, but turns out to be good, I don’t know yet if he falls into one of these categories, but i really hope so. I liked the main character as well, she becomes a little whiny at times, but realises it herself and apologizes, which I think is much more realistic than a person who never complains about anything. I really liked Jem’s character as well, although I did think he was a bit too good to be true. I found all the characters to be intriguing and memorable, although some was more so than others.

Who should read this:

13+, mainly for violence and some language, there’s no explicit sexual content, but there are some things that are implied. Some people might also have a problem with the whole angels vs. demons theme of the book, so if that’s not your thing, don’t read this. If you like YA fantasy/supernatural type books this is definitely one I would recommend.

My rating:

I really enjoyed this book, there were no times where I got bored and I finished it in a day, which is always a good sign in my opinion (except when it’s because the book was so thin...). I really liked the characters, as well as the story and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. 5/5

Quote:
'Only the very weak-minded refuse to be influenced by literature and poetry.'

The Two Towers

J.R.R. Tolkien

The Lord of the Rings Part #2

Summary:

The Company of the Ring is sundered. Frodo and Sam continue their journey alone down the great River Anduin – alone that is, save for a mysterious creeping figure that follows wherever they go...

Plot:

I found this part of this story much more exciting than the first. I now really care for the characters, and any danger to them makes me feel very uneasy. We don’t see much of Frodo in the first half of the book, which mainly tells the story of the rest of the Fellowship, but the second half is in turn mainly Frodo and Sam’s adventures. There were many light-hearted moments, and also some very sad ones as well as some scenes that made me pretty anxious. There was more action in this one, I feel, and also more strange settings, that were unlike the ones I’d read about in the Hobbit and the Fellowship. Some parts, however was a little hard to understand, and I got a little confused by all the different names of places. As I said before, Tolkien’s writing is exquisitely detailed, and his descriptions are beautiful.

Characters:

There are some new characters, but not too many, most of which are pretty interesting. There are of course, the likable characters we met in the first part, and many I dislike. The ‘villians’ (or just bad characters) are pretty creepy, and definitely serve their purpose in making the story more exciting. I enjoyed getting to know more about the characters from the first part of the novel, but I must say the new characters that were introduced made this book incredible.

Who should read this:

13+, there is still no language or sexual content, but some thematic material that might be frightening, including violence and some pretty scary creatures. Once again, the writing is good, but very detailed and descriptive, so if that kind of thing bores you I would suggest reading the Hobbit first as a test. Fantasy-fans, you should have read this already...or at least be planning to soon... You cannot read this one without having read part one, that's like starting a book on the 100th page, you won't get it...

My rating:

I really, really enjoyed this book. I have very high hopes of the last part, and I really hope the ending doesn’t let me down like I felt the Hobbit’s did. This rating is for the entire book, I’m not rating each part separately. This part didn’t lower my opinion of the novel at all, and so it stays 5/5.

Quote:

Frodo and Sam have a conversation about whether their story will be told in years to come. This is part of that conversation, which sums up this part of the novel very well for me:

‘You and I, Sam, are still stuck in the worst places of the story...

Read my review for Part 1: the Fellowship of the Ring  and Part 3: The Return of the King!

The Fellowship of the Ring

J.R.R. Tolkien

The Lord of the Rings Part 1

Summary:
In a sleepy village in the Shire, a young hobbit is entrusted with an immense task. He must make a perilous journey across Middle-earth to the Cracks of Doom, there to destroy the Ruling Ring of Power – the only thing that prevents the Dark Lord Sauron’s evil dominion.

Plot:

This story has so many twists and turns an things happening it would be impossible to sum it up in a couple of sentences. There’s a lot of action, a lot of beauty, some pretty sad parts, and some that are more humorous. I know this is not a trilogy, and I know Tolkien wrote it as one (very long) novel, but since that novel would take forever to finish, I’m doing my review in three parts. However I don’t see this as a series, but as a very long story. This is a very long, very detailed story, and at times it becomes almost too detailed, but that is Tolkien’s style and I really like the way he wrote these novels. They’re different from most of the other fantasy novels I’ve read in so many ways.

Characters:

This book gets a little confusing at times because there are just so many different characters. You get to know the main ones pretty soon, but the other, less important characters gets a little muddled. This is not really a problem, you don’t need to remember all the characters for the story to make sense. I loved all the characters. I think they’re flawed enough to make them believable (even the ones who are described as flawless, like the elven ‘Queen’ figure), yet they’re likable, and most of them are honourable. The anti-heroes aren’t described very graphically, but the little you know of them is enough to make you nervous when they’re near.

Who should read this:

13+, there’s no language or sexual content, but I wouldn’t suggest this to younger readers, because of the length of this story. It is not an easy read. The style of writing is not hard to understand, but it’s very descriptive and might bore some people. If you’re a die-hard fantasy fan, you should definitely have read this already. I do recommend reading ‘The Hobbit’ first, since it’s shorter, but written in the same style. It will help you decide if you will enjoy this novel or not.

My rating:

I enjoyed this novel much more than the hobbit. Therefore I must give it a higher rating. I truly loved this book, and I will definitely be reading it again, as it’s one of those books where you will discover something new every time you read it. 5/5

Quote:

‘It’s the job that’s never started as takes longest to finish.’

I'll link my review for the movie here as soon as I watch it! Read my Review for Part 2: The Two Towers and Part 3: The Return of the King!

Five Quarters of the Orange

Joanne Harris

Summary:

Beyond the main street of Les Laveuses runs the Loire, smooth and brown as a sunning snake – but hiding a deadly undertow beneath its moving surface. This is where Framboise, a secretive widow named after a raspberry liqueur, plies her culinary trade at the crêperie – and lets her memory play strange games.

Into this world comes the threat of revelation as Framboise’s nephew – a profiteering Parisian – attempts to exploit the growing success of the country recipes she has inherited from her mother, a woman remembered with contempt by the villagers of Les Laveuses. As the spilt blood of a tragic wartime childhood flows again, exposure beckons for Framboise, the widow with an invented past.

Plot:

This is an exceptional work of fiction, brilliantly written and fascinating from start to finish. It keeps you guessing by giving you tiny bits of information, but makes you wait for the full story. Harris’ writing style is excellent, descriptive without being boring or overdone. This story will keep you thinking long after you’ve put down the book.

Characters:

Again Harris shows her genius in creating characters that are much too complex to describe in a couple of words. All the characters have major flaws, which makes them all the more interesting. Some are surprising, others are more predictable. The dynamics between the characters are also very interesting, how they change and develop.

Who should read this:

(13+) Mainly for language and non-graphic, but still upsetting, violence and sexual content. If you enjoyed Harris’ other books I would definitely recommend this one. Also if you like books with atmosphere and intrigue that will pull you in this might be the one for you. This is not a light or simple book, but it’s easy to read and understand.

My rating:

I almost like this book better than Chocolat, I though the descriptions were exquisite and the storyline intriguing. I’ll definitely read it again, because I think you could discover something new every time. 5/5

Quote:

“I let it go. It's like swimming against the current. It exhausts you. After a while, whoever you are, you just have to let go, and the river brings you home.”

As the Crow Flies

Jeffrey Archer

Summary:

Charlie Trumper’s earliest memory is of hearing his grandfather’s sales patter from behind his costermonger’s barrow, and when Grandpa Charlie dies, young Charlie wants nothing more than to follow in his footsteps-his burning ambition to own a shop that will sell everything: ‘The Biggest Barrow in the World’.

Charlie’s progress from the teeming streets of Whitechapel to the elegance of Chelsea Terrace is only a few miles as the crow flies.

But in Jeffrey Archer’s expert hands it becomes an epic journey through the triumphs and disasters of the century as Charlie follows a thread of love, ambition and revenge to fulfill the dream his grandfather inspired.

Plot:

This is a wonderful story of one man’s extraordinary journey to follow and achieve his dreams. It has many twists, turns, sad parts as well as humorous moments that make up Charlie’s life. Archer manages to capture the characters entire existence in one book without leaving too much out, yet not overdoing it. It keeps you guessing, and has a great ending.

Characters:

Archer uses a different tactic in this novel, creating memorable characters and making them more than just part of their story. Also we get to see things from most of the main character’s perspectives as well as a 3rd-person narrator. This is a very interesting technique that gives the reader great insight into the story as well as the characters.

Who should read this:

(13+) there are some sexual content and violence, but nothing extreme. This is a pretty long novel, but it’s not hard to read, although some people may find the size of the book a little daunting. If you enjoyed books like ‘Great Expectations’, that is also about a man’s life, but want something a little easier to read, you might like this one. It does get a little complicated at times, Archer isn’t known for simplicity, but it’s never overly hard to understand.

My rating:

This is probably my favourite Archer novel, perhaps because it was the first I read, or the interesting narratives from the different characters, or just the intriguing storyline...I don’t know. 5/5

Quote:

When Grandpa asked me what I wanted for my fifteenth birthday I replied without a moment’s hesitation, “My own barrow,” and added that I’d nearly saved enough to get one.

Skin

Ted Dekker

Summary:

A freak storm has spawned three tornados that are bearing down on the town of Summerville.

Yet under the cover of the storm looms a much more ominous threat: a vindictive killer known as Red who’s left a string of victims in his wake and is now bent on exacting his final revenge on the unsuspecting town.

But there is an enigma surrounding Red that the FBI is unwilling to admit – closely guarded secrets of something gone terribly wrong beneath the skin of Summerville. Secrets that will destroy far more than one small town.

Caught in the middle is Wendy Davidson, a recovering cult survivor who takes refuge in Summerville on her way to visit her estranged mother. And with her, four strangers, any one of whom could be the next victim...

...or the killer.

Plot:

After reading two of Dekker’s other novels I know to expect the unexpected from him, yet he manages to surprise, shock and thrill me every time. This novel pulls you in on the first page and keeps you on the edge of your seat, guessing every possible and impossible outcome to this story, until you close the book, and even then it doesn’t completely let you go. Thrilling is the best word to describe this novel, some parts are horrifying, and you never know what’s going to happen next.

Characters:

The characters are the reason I prefer Dekker’s book over Frank Peretti’s, he builds his stories around his characters. You get a look into a crazy killer’s brain, and it’s both incredibly scary and strangely fascinating at the same time. All the characters in this book are slightly crazy, which seems to be a pattern for Dekker’s books. You start rooting for some of them, and some of them are not likable at all, but all of them have faults and positive points, even though it may be hard to spot.

Who should read this:

16+, this is definitely not one for anybody who is sensitive to graphic descriptions of murders, some of which are incredibly cruel and disturbing. Also, this is not a happy, nice or in any way light-hearted story, so if that’s what you’re looking for skip this one. If you enjoy thrillers that will keep you guessing, even after you finished reading, or something that’ll make you think I would definitely recommend this one.

My rating:

It’s really hard to say I loved this book, because it’s such a disturbing story, but I did. It’s just a great book, well-written and thought-provoking, even if it is horrifying at times. Although I prefer Dekker’s more famous book ‘Thr3e’, this one is definitely worth a read as well. 5/5

Quote:

“What we see may deceive us - the skin may be deceptive - but there has to be one truth, right? It can't all just be a jumble of perceptions. So what really exists out there, beyond what we can see? We're so dependent on the surfaces of what we see. But if we could see past the skin of this world...”

Divergent

Veronica Roth

Divergent #1

Summary:

In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago world, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue--Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is-she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

Plot:

This story is everything a dystopian novel should be. It has enough mystery and suspense to keep you guessing, enough romance to keep it interesting and enough drama to make it capture your mind. It pulls you in from page one, and keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout. Very well written and paced it never bored me for a moment.

Characters:

The characters in this book are very interesting. All of them, especially the main characters, have flaws, and big ones at that. However most of these faults are due to their upbringing in a world were your values and way of thinking are dictated to you. This makes you root for them even when you don’t really like their actions or thoughts. The bad characters are calculating and cruel, but still human enough to be believable.

Who should read this?

13+, mostly due to violence, very mild language and references to other mature content. While the violence isn’t extremely graphic it is quite intense and emotional. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who likes dystopian novels, especially fans of the 'Hunger Games' series. If you don’t like action-packed, nerve-racking books, don’t read this one.

My rating:

I really liked this book, it’s definitely one of my favorites of the genre. I would go as far as to say it’s a perfect example of how this genre should be written, so I’m giving it a 5/5.

Quote:
“A brave man acknowledges the strength of others.”

Here's the link for the second installment 'Insurgent'. I'll link Allegiant as soon as I review it!

Eldest

Christopher Paolini

The Inheritance Cycle #2

Summary:

Eragon and his dragon have just saved the rebel state from destruction by the mighty forces of King Galbatorix, cruel ruler of the Empire. Now, Eragon must travel to Ellesmera, land of the elves, for further training in magic and swordsmanship, the vital skills of the Dragon Rider. It is a journey of a lifetime, filled with awe-inspiring new places and people, each day an adventure.

Plot:

This is an incredible sequel to Eragon, it answers many questions that arose in the first book, but asks new ones, making you want to continue reading the series. I really enjoyed the storyline, and while it started a little slow, when I reached about a quarter of the book I couldn’t put it down. I especially enjoyed Paolini’s creation of Ellesmera, the elves’ country, or province or whatever. It’s rich in imagination and I found it fascinatingly beautiful. The battle scenes were also handled better in this novel than the first, with more suspense and action, but less gore. The ending is also adds a marvelous twist, which makes me even more excited for the third book.

Characters:

There is great character development in this book. Especially in the main character, Eragon, who learns more about magic and being a dragon rider from the elves. Saphira also grows, and we see a different side to her, she shows her immaturity more, but still retains respect. I cannot describe all the characters in this book, as there are too many, but Paolini manages to separate them enough that it never gets too confusing.

Who should read this?

13+, again, as with Eragon, it’s mainly because of violence, as there are little other mature content. I felt the violence in this book was slightly less graphic than the first, but maybe that’s just me. Some people might also feel uncomfortable with the magic used in this novel. I think fans of Eragon should definitely read this, however if you didn’t like the first book, don’t bother. Paolini’s style hasn’t changed. Also, this is a long book, as with the first, so if you like shorter, easier reads, this might not be the one for you.

My rating:

I really loved this book, it gripped me more than Eragon did and I adored the different settings and cultures implemented into the story. I would give this a 5/5.

Quote:
“....avoid roasted cabbage, do not eat earwax, and look on the bright side of life!"
-Angela”

Read my reviews for the first and third books in this series, Eragon and 'Brisingr', here! As well as the movie 'Eragon'.

Thr3e

Ted Dekker

Summary:
Enter a world where nothing is what it seems. Where your closest friend could be your greatest enemy. Kevin Parson is driving his car late one summer day when, suddenly, his cell phone rings. A man who identifies himself as Slater speaks in a breathy voice: You have exactly three minutes to confess your sin to the world. Refuse, and the car you're driving will blow sky high.

Kevin panics. Who would make such a call? What sin? Kevin ditches the car. Precisely three minutes later, a massive explosion sets his world on a collision course with madness.

Plot:

This was an exceptionally good story that had my mind reeling. The author’s use of suspense throughout made this book impossible to put down. The pace was thrillingly fast, without one moment of nothing happening. Gripping! I could say a lot more, but I'm afraid of giving something away...So, read it!

Characters:

This book emphasized a belief I’ve had for a while, that no person on this planet is completely and utterly evil. The characters in this book are incredibly ‘fascinating’ (read the book to understand the quotation marks). You find yourself rooting for them and fearing for their lives, feeling sorry for some and loathing others.

Who should read this?

13+, only because this is a thriller. Some violence and strange behavior is the only mature content. This is not an easily understood story, so if you want something simple and straightforward, this isn’t the one for you. However if you’re looking for something that will stimulate your mind and make you see the world and people differently you should definitely read this one. If you like books that will hook you from page one and keep you on the edge of the seat this is perfect for you. I’ll recommend this to anyone interested in psychology and who likes thrillers.

My rating:

As you can see from my review (sorry about the raving, I just can’t find anything bad about this book) I loved this book! One of my new favorites and I will definitely be reading more of Dekker’s stories as soon as possible! 5/5

Quote:
“Though being freed from sin, most remain slaves, blinded and gagged by their own deception.”

Eragon

Christopher Paolini

The Inheritance Cycle #1

Summary:

When poor farm boy Eragon stumbles upon a strange blue stone in the forest, his journey into a world of magic and adventure has only just begun. For the stone is in fact a dragon’s egg from which will hatch his beloved blue dragon Saphira. Overnight his simple world is changed.

Eragon and Saphira must take up the mantle of the legendary Dragon Riders to rescue an Empire that is ruled by a king whose evil knows no bounds. There are bloody battles ahead and lessons to learn, and it is only Eragon who can restore goodness…

Plot:

This was a great story. It was well paced, without long descriptions of the setting, and with just enough action and mystery to keep me interested. Paolini’s way of writing has just the right mixture of old and modern English, making it easy to read, but keeping the medieval feel of the book alive. The story itself is fascinating, with secrets, adventure, a long journey, war and the sparkle of magic (I love the word sparkle J). Although I’m not a huge fan of fighting scenes, or war etc this book had just enough. It wasn’t fighting from beginning to end, but had enough action keep it interesting.

Characters:

I loved the characters in this book. And I loved their names. The dragon, Saphira, is a wonderful, witty character, keeping Eragon (Eragon..Dragon, am I the only one who picked up on this?), who is prone to lose sight of reality, in check. You have bad guys, and good guys, and guys you can’t figure out. You have humans, and dragons, and elves and dwarves. Some of the characters are all out evil, which I always appreciate in a fantasy novel.  The hero, Eragon, develops throughout the book, and goes from a normal young boy to a strong warrior. This book has a lot of characters, but they are all different enough to not get confusing.

Who should read this?

13+, because of violence. Also this is a long book, and if you don’t like spending a lot of time on one novel you should probably skip this one. I think fans of the Lord of the Rings series by J.R.R. Tolkien would enjoy this, or those who tried to read them, but found it too hard. This book is written more simply, I think and is easier to read. Any fan of fantasy books should read this.

My rating:

I loved this book, and I can’t wait to read the others in this series (which I will review if I get around to it!). Also, when I read that Paolini started writing this book when he was just  15 I was like…whaaat??? I’m sorry, that wasn’t a very grammatically correct sentence, but I just had to say it like that. So my rating for this book is: 5/5

Quote:
Saphira: “If anything happens, I'm going to pin you to my back and never let you off."
Eragon: "I love you too."

Read my reviews for 'Eldest' and 'Brisingr' here, as well as the movie 'Eragon'.