Tidal

Amanda Hocking

Watersong #3

This cover looks cool, but is too
melodramatic...

Summary:

Her only hope lies with her greatest enemies.

Gemma is facing the fight of her life.

Cursed by beautiful but deadly sirens, her extraordinary powers have a terrifyingly dark side, and becoming human once more is proving her greatest challenge yet. As she struggles to break the curse, the sirens, Penn, Lexi and Thea, are determined to kill her before she can set herself free.

Gemma’s only allies are her sister, Harper, and Harper’s boyfriend, Daniel. Together they must delve into their enemies’ mythical pasts – to discover their darkest secrets. But Penn has also set her sights on Daniel. Soon, the sirens threaten everything Gemma holds dear: her family, her friends, her life, and her relationship with Alex-the only guy she’s ever loved. Can she save herself and those she cares about before it is too late?

In One Word: Average (mediocre/not very good)

Plot:

To be honest I would’ve liked some more progress in this book, especially in the first part, where it didn’t seem to really go anywhere. The writing is okay, it’s easy to read, but it’s not something to get excited about. There are also way too many moments where the characters do something completely idiotic and you feel like yelling at them.

Characters:

I don’t particularly like any of the characters in this series. My favourite was in this particular book was probably Alex, since I like troubled characters. The girls are all interesting enough, but I would’ve liked to know more about the sirens’ history and I didn’t get emotionally attached to any of the characters. I do still like the chemistry between Harper and Daniel, but as individual characters they don’t really interest me all that much.

Who should read this:

13+, the language is this book is not exactly mild and the violence throughout is also a little disturbing. There is also a little sexual content. If you enjoyed the previous books in this series you will probably like this one as well, but if you didn’t then don’t bother. This series is not for anyone who want something profound.

My rating:

I didn’t hate reading this book, but it wasn’t nearly as good as it could’ve been. 2/5

Quote:

“And you'd be surprised what you can do to the people you love.”

Read my reviews for 'Wake' and 'Lullaby'!

Lullaby

Amanda Hocking

Watersong #2

Summary: (Warning: Possible spoilers of previous book ahead!)

Gemma tried not to hate them, but it was just too little, and way too late.

Gemma had to disappear with Penn, Lexi and Thea afte a night of incredible violence on the island. She can still barely come to terms with her new affinity with the ocean – and the siren powers that go with it. Now she’s been transformed, Gemma has no choice but to leave all she loves behind. She swears she won’t lose her huanity, but the call of the sea is maddening and compulsice.

Harper won’t give up on her missing sister. The search draws her closer than she’d like to bohemian Danel, but she could really use his help. They’d almost given up, until a small news item tells of a horrific murder in a nearby beach town, and Harper thinks she’s found the deadly group. But can Gemma’s curse be reversed – and what if she doesn’t want to come home?

In One Word: Underwhelming

Plot:

So this was a pretty okay story. There was action, some romance and a little mystery. But overall, it was just a little predictable and there was nothing that made me excited to read it. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t all that good either. The writing is okay, except for some of the dialogue, which was a little stilted and didn’t sound completely natural. Some of the descriptions could also have been better, and some of them got a little repetitive. Overall the story was interesting enough that I want to read the next book in the series, but not enough to get mereally excited about it.

Characters:

I feel like there’s been an little bit of an improvement as far as characters go in this installment. In my review of ‘Wake’ I said I’ll just remember them as ‘that mermaid’, ‘that mermaid’s sister’ etc. In this book they were still a little too flat and generic to make them really stand out, but I liked the chemistry between the characters more in this one. Daniel and Harper especially, since it felt natural for them to develop feelings for each other. The relationship between Gemma and Harper is also not too bad, but it’s nothing extraordinary either.

Who should read this:

12+, there is a little violence and some references to sexual content and also some language. If you liked the previous book you should enjoy this one as well. Don’t expect too much and you won’t be disappointed. If you want a story about mermaids that’s easy to read and doesn’t take a lot of concentration then this would probably be exactly what you want. Don’t read this if you’re looking for something profound.

My rating:

It wasn’t good, it wasn’t bad. There were things I enjoyed and things I didn’t. But overall it was just a little ‘meh’ in my opinion. 2/5

Quote:

Nope, no quotes this time around...sorry...

Read my review for 'Wake' here!

The Amulet of Samarkand

Jonathan Stroud

The Bartimaeus Trilogy #1

Summary:

The sulphur cloud contracted into a thick column of smoke that vomited forth thin tendrils...There was barely perceptible pause. Then two yellow staring eyes materialized in the heart of the smoke.

Hey, it was his first time. I wanted to scare him.

When the 5000-year-old- djinni Bartimaeus is summoned by Nathaniel, a young magician’s apprentice, he expect to have to do nothing more taxing than a few simple illusions. But Nathaniel is a precocious talent and has something rather more dangerous in mind: revenge.

Against his will, Bartimaeus is packed off to steal the powerful Amulet of Samarkand from Simon Lovelace, a master magician of unrivaled ruthlessness and ambition. Before long, both djinni and apprentice are caught up in a terrifying flood of magical intrigue, murder and rebellion.

Set in a modern-day London controlled by magicians, this hilarious, electrifying thriller will enthrall readers of all ages.

In One Word: Hilarious

Plot:

I loved this story, I thought it was entertaining and funny and at times suspenseful. It kept me interested right through. I loved the parts that were narrated by the djinni, who adds all these really funny footnotes. I liked the magical and exciting feel of it as well. The writing was good and the author doesn’t try too hard or take himself too seriously. I was also a little worried that it was going to be another Harry Potter rip-off, but while it did remind me of it because of the setting, I don’t feel like it was too similar at all.

Characters:

Like I said I really thought the djinni was hilarious. I know some people don’t like vain or cocky characters, but I usually find them very entertaining, and this was no exception. This character thinks he is the best thing on this planet and it is so funny how he proves this belief wrong time and again. Nathaniel is also a very good character in my opinion, he’s not that unique or that much of a stand-out type of character, but I liked that he was in contrast with the full-of-himself and never serious djinni.

Who should read this:

12+, it’s mainly for violence and magical elements that may be frightening. Except for that I don’t think there is very much objectionable content. If you like stories that have magical and realistic elements in them as well as funny moments and more serious ones then this is definitely a good choice for you. If you enjoyed Harry Potter, but want something that’s not exactly like it then definitely try this. However, if you don’t like fantasy or have a problem with magic then skip it.

My rating:

I thoroughly enjoyed every minute I spent reading this book and I can’t wait to read the next one. 5/5

Quote:

“He was transfixed at the sight of the lords and ladies of his realm running about like demented chickens.”

City of Bones

Cassandra Clare

The Mortal Instruments #1

Summary:

There is a world hidden within our own.

Clary Fray is seeing things: vampires in Brooklyn and werewolves in Manhattan. Irresistibly drawn to the Shadowhunters, a secret group of warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons, Clary encounters the dark side of New York City – and the dangers of forbidden love.

In One Word: Controversial? (apparently I’m behind on the gossip about this book...oh well...)

Plot:

So, apparently you’re either supposed to love or hate this book, the haters are mainly angry because of some plagiarism problems in relation to Harry Potter. I did not know about this, nor did I notice it while I was reading, so honestly I don’t care about any of that. I was expecting this book to be a let-down after the Infernal Devices (which I loved), since that seems to be the overall opinion. I will say this, I do prefer the Infernal Devices (because, no matter how hot Jace is, he’s just no Will Herondale, I’m sorry). The story was okay, it wasn’t all that interesting, and I guessed the ending (again....do I have a superpower for guessing book endings? UGH!), but it wasn’t extremely hard to get into. The writing wasn’t as good as in the Infernal Devices, but it was easy to read and enjoyable enough. I will continue this series, because I think it will be interesting to see how the two series tie together.

Characters:

Here’s where my real problem with this book came in. Now before I say this, I do realise that this book was probably written before the Infernal Devices, so these are probably the original characters, but still. Jace and Will, they’re so similar, it’s kind of scary. Only I fell in love with Will, I merely found Jace entertaining. Then Clary and Tessa, they're also similar, only Tessa kicked butt, while Clary just seemed to hang around. Isabelle also reminded me of Jessamine. And so forth. I do like Alec, I think he’s a very interesting character. It was really nice to see Magnus Bane again, one of my favourite characters from the Infernal Devices. Overall I liked the characters, but they weren’t nearly as memorable as the ones in TID.

Who should read this:

13+, for language, violence and some mild sexual content. If you already read the Infernal Devices then don’t expect too much, if you haven’t and you’re looking for something easy to read and fun, with some action and humor then maybe you’ll enjoy this one. I will however suggest reading the Infernal Devices instead.

My rating:

I know I draw a lot of comparisons to the Infernal Devices in this review, but it did really remind me of that, only it wasn’t as good. I did enjoy it, I didn’t feel like not finishing it, but it just wasn’t as good as I know Clare can write. 3/5

Quote:

“If you were half as funny as you think you are, you'd be twice as funny as you are now.”

The Edge of Nowhere

Elizabeth George

Saratoga Woods #1

Summary:

Becca King is on the run. .From an abusive stepfather and from her own unusual talent for ‘hearing’ other people’s thoughts. Becca’s mother arranges safe haven on Whidbey Island but that doesn’t quite turn out as planned, and Becca is left to rely on her wits – and on the islanders.

Whom can she trust? Eighteen-year-old drop-out Seth Darrow? Motel owner Debbie, raw with grief at the death of her daughter? Derric Mathieson, a Ugandan orphan with a mysterious past and a painful secret of his own?

Becca is on a voyage of discovery, one that leads to a deepening of her powers and an eventual understanding of why fate has brought her to this island.

In One Word: Meh...

Plot:

This story had a lot of potential. 'A girl who can almost read minds has to run for her life and then a lot of crazy things happen and she gets mixed up in it all' sounds pretty awesome when you hear it like that. However, this story was just mediocre in every sense. The writing was probably the thing that bothered me most, since it seemed choppy and almost like a retelling of the story instead of the actual book. I also think there could’ve been a lot more done with Becca’s ‘power’, but instead she plugs in a device so she (and the reader) can’t hear anything, which is great if such a power was real and you wanted to be a nice person, but the story would’ve been almost exactly the same even if she’d just been a normal person.

Characters:

The characters were also a little flat, but unlike the story there were moments where I connected with them. The overall feel of the characters were, however, that the author tried too hard to make them interesting and forgot to give them normal human feelings and just describing those. I liked most of the characters well enough, but I kept feeling like I was missing something where they were concerned.

Who should read this:

10+, there are some references to drugs, sex and violence, but nothing too extreme, as well as some cursing. This is not as complicated a story as the summary might make it sound, and it’s not hard to understand. If you like stories about mind readers I guess you might like this one, but I cannot say that I’ll recommend this to anyone.

My rating:

I didn’t feel connected to this story or the characters, even though the subject matter and idea fascinates me, so that’s not a good sign. 2/5

Quote:

And once again, I couldn’t find a quote that I liked...

Chime

Franny Billingsley

Summary:

‘I’ve confessed to everything and I’d like to be hanged. Now, if you please.’

Briony knows she is a witch. She also knows that now her beloved stepmother is dead she must look after her beautiful but complicated twin sister, Rose. Then the energetic, electric, golden-haired Eldric arrives in her home town of Swampsea, and everything that Briony thinks about herself and her life is turned magically, dizzyingly upside down.

                                                             

Plot:

This is a wonderfully twisted fairytale. I liked almost everything about the story, even though I had a pretty good idea about what the big plot twist was going to be (maybe I read too much? I seem to know exactly what’s going to happen in every book I read these days). However, even with the predictable storyline, the descriptions are different and intriguing and the story is easy to read. I liked that the story had an old-fashioned feel to it (it’s set in the 1800’s) but still manages to stay relevant. This creates that fairytale atmosphere without making the reader feel disconnected to the story.

Characters:

(WARNING, SOME SPOILERS ABOUT THE CHARACTERS MAY FOLLOW!) What I liked most about the main character is the strange sort of self-denial she’s got fixed in her brain about herself being a normal, feeling human being (that rhymes...sort of...anyways), she’s convinced herself that she isn’t capable of loving someone. This kind of character, who is so clueless about things, irritates me sometimes, but in her case I just sympathised, which means the writing was pretty good. I really fell in love with Eldric as well, he’s the perfect storybook hero, without being too perfect...if that makes sense. The villian (trying not to add too many spoilers here) is extremely scary, once you realise the depth of her (or his) depravity.

Who should read this:

12+, there is practically no language, but the violence and sexual content might be a little too much for younger readers, it’s never explicit, just a little disturbing. The idea of witches, and strange swamp-creatures (no ogres, this is not Shrek) might also be objectionable to some people. If you like fairytales, but want something a little different you might enjoy this one.

My rating:

I enjoyed this book, but it wasn’t exciting enough to make me feel like I couldn’t put it down. The best part was undoubtedly the characters.4/5

Quote:

‘That fellow was a hero, and I’m not a hero at all.’

Wake

Amanda Hocking

Watersong #1

Summary:

Beautiful. Fearless. Dangerous.

The kind of girls you envy. The kind of girls you want to hate.

Strangers in town for the summer, Penn, Thea and Lexi have caught everyone’s attention, including the eye of practical Harper. But it’s her sister, Gemma, they’ve chosen. Sixteen-year-old Gemma seems to have it all – carefree, pretty and falling in love with the boy next door. But her greatest passion is the water. She craves solitary late-night swims under the stars, where she can belong to the sea. But lately she’s had company.

Penn, Thea and Lexi spend their nights dancing and partying on the cove, and one night Gemma joins them. She wakes, groggy on the beach the next morning and knows something has changed. Suddenly Gemma is stronger, faster and more beautiful than ever. And as she discovers her new mythical powers, Gemma is forced to choose between staying with those she loves – or entering a dark world brimming with unimaginable secrets.

Plot:

I liked the premise of this story, it sounded like a easy read with some creepiness thrown in and that’s always fun. However, the story was a tad too predictable for me (spoiler alert-She’s a mermaid?!...Sorry Siren, 'cause mermaids don't exist...but now she's in her mermaid form again? Oh never mind...). The writing was okay, it wan’t hard to read, but it didn’t really flow in my opinion and it didn’t draw me in. This story has so much potential, but unfortunately it wasn’t as well-written as I would’ve liked. Also, the descriptions could've been so much better.

Characters:

I liked the main characters in this story, but the problem is I’ll only remember them as: that mermaid, that mermaid’s sister (who kind of sounds like me), that mermaid’s boyfriend and that mermaid’s sister’s boyfriend (who was probably my favorite out of these). The characters are just too generic for me, I would’ve liked at least a little something that made them a bit different. The other three mermaids, however, have a lot of potential and I’ll read the next book only because I’m interested in knowing more about them and their story, since I feel like there's more to it than what I read in this book.

Who should read this:

10+, there is a bit of violence (some of it is pretty gross...but I’m kind of desensitized at the moment after reading all that Game of Thrones), some language and mild sexual content. I don’t think anyone over the age of 20 would really enjoy this. If you’re looking for an easy read and you liked Twilight, you will probably like this as well. Don’t read this if you’re looking for the next great literary work.

My rating:

I had no trouble finishing this book, and it kept me interested, but there was just something about it that I didn’t like. I don’t know if it was the characters being one-dimensional or the story being predictable, but it was all just okay. 3/5

Quote:

Sirens are real, mermaids are not.

Fairy, Texas

Margo Bond Collins

Fairy, Texas #1

Summary:

Fairy, Texas. A small town like any other. Laney Harris didn’t want to live there. When her mother remarried and moved them to a town where a date meant hanging out at the Sonic, Laney figured that “boring” would have a whole new meaning. A new stepsister who despised her and a high school where she was the only topic of gossip were bad enough. But when she met the school counselor (and his terminal bad breath), she grew suspicious. Especially since he had wings that only she could see. And then there were Josh and Mason, two gorgeous glimmering-eyed classmates whose interest in her might not be for the reasons she hoped. Not to mention that dead guy she nearly tripped over in gym class. She was right. Boring took on an entirely new dimension in Fairy, Texas.

Plot:

First of all let me just say, I received this book from goodreads' 'first reads' program for free, but that will not influence my review.This is definitely an interesting read. It’s original and just slightly disturbing, which of course makes it even more interesting. I liked the writing style, it’s easy to read and simple, yet flowing. It had a couple of tense moments that had me afraid for the characters’ lives and some others that were a little more humorous, which I also liked.

Characters:

I didn’t love the characters in this book. Laney started off a little whiny, but she grew out of that after a while. If I had to pick my favourite character it would probably be either Josh or Kayla, I think they’re the most interesting. I didn’t, however, really start feeling for any of the characters, and I got a little confused as to who I should be rooting for. I also didn’t really understand exactly what type of ‘thing’ the characters were supposed to be, and why there were differences between them. Maybe this will be explained more in the next book.

Who should read this:

13+, and even then I advise caution as some of the content can be a little disturbing, for example rape and other violence (it’s not too graphic, but it’s still a little unsettling). If you’re looking for a YA book that’s a little different, easy to read and has some suspense then you might like this one.

My rating:

I enjoyed this book, but I didn’t love it, there were many things I liked and many I didn’t. This is one of those books I'll pick up again not because it was great, but because it's a relaxing and easy read. 3/5

Quote:

‘Of all the things that frightened me about starting a new school, finding a dead guy on day one didn’t even make it into my top hundred. I guess it should have.’

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'!

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.'

New Moon

Stephenie Meyer

Twilight #2

Summary:

‘Shoot,’ I muttered when the paper sliced my finger; I pulled it out to examine the damage. A single drop of blood oozed from the tiny cut.

It all happened very quickly then.

‘No!’ Edward roared...Dazed and disoriented, I looked up from the bright red blood pulsing out of my arm – into the fevered eyes of the six suddenly ravenous vampires.

For Bella Swan, there is one thing more important than life itself: Edward Cullen. But being in love with a vampire is even more dangerous than Bella could ever have imagined. Edward has already rescued Bella from the clutches of one evil vampire, but now, as their daring relationship threatens all that is near and dear to them, they realize their troubles may be just the beginning.

Plot:

So this is most definitely my least favourite book in this series. This is because it mainly comprises of Bella being depressed, obsessed and just a little stupid. Her reaction to everything that happens between her and Edward in this book is, to say it in Charlie’s words: not normal. And while I get it, they’re soul mates, the belong together forever etc. it’s just really depressing to read about...The only good part is that we get to see more of Jacob and watch him and Bella’s relationship grow, but even that is tainted by the fact that she is basically just using him (which is her words, not mine...)

Characters:

Except for Jacob (who grows, like, literally a LOT) there is very little character growth in this book. Also, we get to see the ‘hero’ of the story, Edward, act like a total idiot. Not heroic at all...Bella, like I said, is just obsessed and depressed. Those are the main characters in this book, you don’t get to see a lot of anybody else, so there aren’t very much room for change there...

Who should read this:

12+, mainly for violence, there aren’t a lot of other mature content, and if there is it’s very mild. Obviously, since this book is about vampires there is some violence, but the vampires are pretty m.i.a throughout the book, so that is also kept to a minimum. If you absolutely love Twilight, you should probably read this at least once, but I would recommend reading the series without this instalment. Watch the movie so you don’t lose the storyline, it’s shorter, and you’ll still be able to understand Eclipse.

My rating:

Bleh, I don’t hate this book, but I really, really don’t like it...There are parts of it that make it okay, but mostly it’s just too long for so little actually happening. The characters are disappointing (Talking ‘bout you Edward!) and it’s just not worth it in my opinion. 2/5 

Quote:

“I think she's having hysterics. Maybe you should slap her.”-Alice (I know what you mean Alice!)

“Romeo wouldn’t change his mind. That’s why people still remembered his name, always twined with hers”-Bella (even she realised Edward was acting really stupidly for the hero of a romance story!)

And just to make sure you understand, I don’t hate the Twilight series/franchise in its entirety, in fact you can read my review for Twilight here, I just really don’t like this particular book...