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.

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.’

Across the Universe

Beth Revis

Across the Universe #1

Summary:

A love out of time. A spaceship built of secrets and murder.

Seventeen-year-old Amy joins her parents as frozen cargo aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed and expects to awaken on a new planet, three hundred years in the future. Never could she have known that her frozen slumber would come to an end fifty years too soon and that she would be thrust into the brave new world of a spaceship that lives by its own rules.

Amy quickly realizes that her awakening was no mere computer malfunction. Someone - one of the few thousand inhabitants of the spaceship - tried to kill her. And if Amy doesn't do something soon, her parents will be next.

Now Amy must race to unlock Godspeed's hidden secrets. But out of her list of murder suspects, there's only one who matters: Elder, the future leader of the ship and the love she could never have seen coming

Plot:

I thought this was a very good story, it was intriguing and really had me wondering what was going to happen next. However one thing I didn’t like was the descriptions and explanations of everything on the ship. I know some people might find them interesting, but I just couldn’t make myself focus on them and found it boring to read about all the technical stuff. I would’ve liked if these details had been more integrated into the story instead of a monologue explaining everything. Except for that the writing was pretty good, the story was well-paced and very interesting, although it got a little predictable after a while.

Characters:

I liked the characters in this book, but I didn’t connect or relate to them as much as I would’ve liked. They were all believable, some surprised me, while others were more predictable, but all of them had some bad and some good in them, which I really liked. My favourite character was probably Elder’s best friend: Harley. He showed the most emotion in my opinion, and I really liked that about him. The main characters are likable, but not perfect, and both have a lot of self-doubt, but still manage to make the right choices, most of the time. The chemistry between the characters were also handled pretty well, although the romance was a bit sudden in my opinion.

Who should read this:

13+, I definitely recommend caution with this one. There’s a lot of sexual content, but it’s not natural, so it may confuse younger readers. Also, some pretty scary scenes of violence. There’s very mild swearing, but on the ship they use a lot of slang terms so the swear words aren’t exactly what we’re used to. If you enjoy dystopian and sci-fi, you might like this, as it combines the two, but if you prefer them seperately or only enjoy one I’m sure there are better options.

My rating:

I thought this was a good story, with good characters, but some parts bored me. I might have expected a bit much, but overall I really enjoyed this book, especially the idea of combining sci-fi with dystopian 3/5.

Quote:

“This is the secret of the stars, I tell myself. In the end, we are alone. No matter how close you seem, no one else can touch you.

Shatter Me

Tahereh Mafi

Shatter Me #1

Summary:

Juliette hasn’t touched anyone in exactly 264 days.

The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette’s touch is fatal. As long as she doesn’t hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don’t fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war – and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she’s exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.

Plot:

This is a pretty typical dystopian novel as far as the story goes. It’s the characters that really make it original. I found Juliette’s inner monologue interesting, especially the way it developed and changed as the story progressed. I think it is an interesting way to tell a story. However, at times it didn’t really make sense. I think there were some things that could’ve been better, some of the parts were a little slow, with nothing really happening except Juliette thinking.

Characters:

The main character, Juliette starts of a little weak, but soon show her strength when she realises that the ‘villian’ intends to use her as a weapon. Because of the perspective from which the story is told we don’t really get to see the other characters’ motives and personalities clearly, but it works pretty well in this case.

Who should read this:

13+, mainly for violence and frightening scenes, but also some language and sexual content (a girl who hasn’t been able to touch anyone for almost a year suddenly finds someone she can touch...). If you enjoy dystopian, YA fiction you might like this one.

My rating:

While I did enjoy reading this book it had many things that I would’ve liked to be different. However I think the next installment will have a lot more happening and so I will be reading it. 3/5

Quote:

“All I ever wanted was to reach out and touch another human being not just with my hands but with my heart.”

Insurgent

Veronica Roth

Divergent #2

Summary:

I have done bad things. I can’t take them back, and they are part of who I am.

Tris has survived a brutal attack on her former home and family. But she has paid a terrible price. Wracked by grief and guilt, she becomes ever more reckless as she struggles to accept her new future.

Yet if Tris wants to uncover the truth about her world, she must be stronger than ever… because more shocking choices and sacrifices lie ahead.

Plot:

This is a good story, with a good balance of personal issues and political problems. It answers many of the questions you had after finishing Divergent, but leave you with enough mystery to be excited for Allegiant. There is a good mix of action, romance and friendship, just enough of each to not get overwhelming, and yet enough keep it interesting.

Characters:

Tris is very different in this book. She’s no longer an innocent girl whose biggest problems are fighting in initiation. After the ending of Divergent she now has to deal with so much more, not just because of what’s happening in her world, but also because of things she’s done and choices she must make. You learn more about Tobias/Four’s past and get to know him as a character much better. There are a lot of characters, and it got a little confusing here and there, but most of them are pretty interesting. I was slightly disappointed by Tris’s brother Caleb, but I hope to learn more about that in the next instalment.

Who should read this:

13+, mainly for violence, some mild sexual scenes and very mild language. While the violence is not super graphic or gory, it’s still disturbing. If you enjoyed the first book you will probably enjoy this one. This series is definitely a must for dystopian fans. If you don’t like too much action/fighting this might not be the one for you. It’s an easy read, but like I said, the characters got a little confusing.

My rating:

This book kept me interested throughout, I felt for Tris and the other characters and I definitely enjoyed reading it. However it didn’t get me as excited as Divergent. 4/5

Quote:

“Insurgent,” he says. “Noun. A person who acts in opposition to the established authority, who is not necessarily regarded as a belligerent.”

Read my review for Divergent here! I'll link Allegiant as soon as I review it!

The Hunger Games

Suzanne Collins

Hunger Games #1

Summary:

Winning means fame and fortune, losing means certain death. The Hunger Games have begun...

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister’s place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before – and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

Plot:

This is probably one of the most hyped-about dystopian YA fiction of our time. It’s not extremely original, young teens battling the tyrannical rule of an unfair government, but the concept of the Games are pretty unique. I enjoyed reading the book, now that I’m pretty familiar with the movie and comparing the two. I think the film-makers did a pretty decent job, although there are some things in the book I forgot about until I read it again now. What I would’ve liked are more plot twists, or just moments that make me sit up and pay attention. Maybe it was less exciting for me because I know the story, but I feel that a truly excellent book would’ve captured my attention even after I know the story. The best part of this book is probably the way it subtly exposes things for how they truly are, the plastic surgery and make-up, or the reality TV-show of kids dying, none of these are concepts that are completely foreign to us. All in all this is a very good book for its genre, definitely one of the better ones, and I do enjoy reading it.

Characters:

Katniss is the perfect hero. She’s strong, skilled, kind-hearted, but not soft and extremely brave. Yet she’s imperfect and has her moments of weakness and confusion. I think she’s very relatable, and older sister, trying to keep her family together at all costs, yet still just a girl herself, confused about love, friendship etc. If it weren’t for her this would’ve just been another story, but she makes this book worthwhile. The only other character we really get to know is Peeta, her fellow tribute. He is very likable, humble and just a nice guy, without being annoyingly good. The other tributes are all very interesting, and Katniss’ family (including Gale) are nice to read about, but I feel like they’re all a bit understated.

Who should read this:

13+, the violence is not described very graphically, but the subject matter is obviously not meant for very young kids. I didn’t notice any language, and except for Haymitch’s drinking there is very little other content that could be objectionable to some people. If you like dystopian novels, or just YA fiction in general, this is one you probably should’ve read already. If you like romantic, light, fluffy type books this might not be the one for you...

My rating:

I really do like this book, but it doesn’t have a big enough impact on me to be added to my favourites shelf. 4/5.

Quote:

‘Stupid people are dangerous.’

Matched

Ally Condie

Matched #1

Summary:

Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate... until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black.

The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow.

Plot:

I liked this book’s setting. I like dystopian settings to be relatable, but still contain many things that are different from our way of living. This book managed that very well. It was still Earth, but in a completely different way. However, the story wasn’t as good as I’d hoped it would be. Love triangles tend to annoy me, especially when the heroine or whoever is at the tip of the triangle can’t seem to make up her mind. I can excuse two guys being in love with one girl, but one girl loving two guys, and basically cheating on both just doesn’t seem right to me. The story also seemed a little melodramatic to me. Their lives aren’t that bad, not at the moment, and yet there seems to be little or no humour, except maybe for Cassia’s little brother. I would have liked some light-heartedness. The writing also seemed a little stilted at times, as if the author was trying too hard to sound good. It didn’t flow enough for me.

Characters:

I do like most of the characters. The problem is that, of the main characters, the heroine is probably my least favourite. I don’t dislike her, but the others are just better in my opinion. She’s not a bad character, but I couldn’t relate to her, and because the book is written from her perspective there are no mysteries like there is with Ky. I like her little brother, Bram, and both her love interests. Ky is a very interesting character, and I would love to learn more about him in the next books. Xander may be Cassia’s safe choice, but he’s also not afraid to break the rules and he’s incredibly smart.

Who should read this:

10+, this is probably the cleanest dystopian novel I’ve read so far. There’s very little, to no language or other mature content and the violence is not very graphic. If you like love triangles and dystopian books then you might like this one, but I feel like there are better options.

My rating:

Like I said, I feel that there are so many dystopian books out there that are better, I just don’t think this one is quite up to standard. But I didn’t dislike it. 3/5.

Quote:

‘I already know the person you’re going to marry? That’s so strange.’  ̴ Bram

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!

The Elite

Kiera Cass

The Selection #2

 

Summary: 
The Selection gets fierce as rivals stake their claim on the Prince.

Six girls, one life-changing prize...

America Singer will leave her pre-destined life for a world of glamour and luxury, if she wins...

But surviving the Selection is tough. Rivals are battling to become Prince Maxon's bride as the threat of rebel violence just beyond the palace walls escalates into war.

Only six girls are left and sworn friendships are tested to breaking point. America's feelings for Maxon grow stronger, but she suspects darker mysteries in his royal past. With ex-lover Aspen waiting for her in the shadows, where do her loyalties truly lie?

Plot:

I didn't like this book as much as The Selection. It actually bored me here and there. The story seemed to go around in circles until I wanted to tell America to just make up her mind already. I had high expectations, but was pretty disappointed. I did like the interesting little twist on the history of Illea, though, and I will probably read the third book to see how that turns out.

Characters:

The characters stayed pretty much the same, which was quite irritating. I would’ve liked to see some growth or change. These happenings in all of their lives should’ve impacted them in some way, right? America makes some stupid mistakes, Maxon fools around and Aspen seems to move to the background every  now and then leaving me wondering what he’s up to. Not all that great.

Who should read this?

13+ for all the same reasons as the Selection. Mild mature content, a little violence. Fans of the first book should read this, but if you didn’t like the Selection don’t waste your time. I would definitely recommend reading The Selection first, or else The Elite won’t make sense.

My rating:

This wasn’t nearly as good as The Selection (I actually started painting my nails while reading, just for something to do…that’s not normal for me…) so I’m hoping the third book is better! I will read it, just because I don’t like not knowing what happens next, but not because this series is all that wonderful. 2/5

Quote:
“It turns out I'm absolutely terrible at staying away from you. It's a very serious problem.

I will link the reviews of The Selection and The Prince here!

The Prince

Kiera Cass

The Selection #1.5

Summary:
Before thirty-five girls were chosen to compete in the Selection…

Before Aspen broke America’s heart…

There was another girl in Prince Maxon’s life…

Plot:

Now I can’t really comment on this book’s plot, since it is the same as the Selection, but I did enjoy Prince Maxon’s point of view. It explains some of the questions asked in the Selection, but I do wish it had gone on longer, it stops in the middle of the Selection’s story. I wanted to know how Maxon felt about everything that happened later on. Still is was nice to see what his first impressions of all the girls were. Just so you know, the previous romance it talks about in the summary doesn’t play a huge part in this book.

Characters:

There are only one new character, which is the girl mentioned above. Daphne is a French Princess that loves Maxon so much she’ll give up her crown to marry him. I liked her character, although we didn’t see much of her, she reminded me slightly of America. Prince Maxon’s character is also shown a bit more clearly, not just how America sees him, but how he really is. However, my views on him didn’t change much.

Who should read this?

13+, although this one had absolutely no violence at all, simply because I gave the Selection that rating and you won’t like this if you don’t read the Selection first. Mild mature content, but nothing terrible. I guess fans of the Selection will like this, I don’t think I’ll recommend it to anyone else.

My rating:

It was okay, a little short for my taste, just like this review! 3/5

Quote:
“Knowledge isn’t love”

Read my reviews for The Selection and The Elite here!

The Selection

Kiera Cass

The Selection #1

Summary: 
For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.
But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.
Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself, and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined

Plot:

I liked this book’s story, I know that dystopian books are a trend right now, and this one was a little less violent than some of the others I’ve read or heard of. The story is simple, but nice, with enough action to keep me interested. This is first and foremost a love story, (with a love triangle, because where would any book be without one?) and the dystopian world is merely the setting to provide a twist and make it different. 

Characters:

I liked the characters in this book. The heroine, America, is a witty, slightly strange girl with a sense of humor, who isn’t always sure of herself. The hero, who I suppose is the Prince, is a very nice guy, and though he comes of as a bit of a wimp around girls he is quite level headed and intelligent in matters of state. The other person in the love triangle, Aspen, is a passionate and slightly overeager character, he is very caring, but sometimes acts without thinking.

Who should read this?

13+, I think, there are some references to mature content and some scenes between Aspen and America might not be appropriate for younger readers. However, there is not a lot of violence, and the little that is mentioned is not described very graphically. I think this book is mainly aimed at girls, and if you liked the hunger games, but wished there were more romance and less violence, read this one.

My rating:

This book managed to keep my interest throughout, it wasn’t written as well as some of the other books of this genre, in my opinion, but it was readable. Probably won't make my favorites list, so I’ll give it a 3/5

Quote:
“You get confused by crying women, I get confused by walks with princes.” 

I will link my reviews for The Elite and The Prince, the sequel and a novella from the prince's perspective here!