BLOODLINES by RICHELLE MEAD

Bloodlines

by Richelle Mead

Published: January 2011

Publisher: Razorbill

Genre: YA, fantasy 

*spoilers if you haven't read Vampire Academy*
Buy this book here*

"Sydney protects vampire secrets - and human lives.

Sydney belongs to a secret group who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the world of humans and vampires.
But when Sydney is torn from her bed in the middle of the night, she fears she's still being punished for her complicated alliance with dhampir Rose Hathaway. What unfolds is far worse. The sister of Moroi queen Lissa Dragomir is in mortal danger, and goes into hiding. Now Sydney must act as her protector.
The last thing Sydney wants is to be accused of sympathizing with vampires. And now she has to live with one..." -taken from Goodreads

Bloodlines is the first book in the spin-off series to Vampire Academy, whilst a few of the characters from VA appear in this series it predominately focuses on new characters, or characters that didn't play a massive part in the other series, this book creates another dimension to the VA world.

Sydney, the main protagonist was first introduced in Blood Promise (from the VA series) and this spin off series focuses on the aftermath of helping Rose Hathaway with her predicaments from the previous series. Sydney is an Alchemist, which is a group that works alongside the Vampires and covers up any Strigoi attacks, however, they absolutely hate both the Moroi and the Dhampirs and think that they are an abomination. So when Sydney Sage is enlisted to help try and protect the next in line to the Moroi crown she isn't too pleased. Or so it seems. Her role in helping Rose has ensured that she is left throughly confused about if the Alchemists views on Vampires is entirely true. 

In Vampire Academy Sydney was a very odd, one-dimensional character with no real personality, however, this book she really gets to show herself off. She is annoying and flawed, like almost every protagonist in YA fantasy fiction, she is arrogant when it comes to her intelligence and sometimes her inner turmoil over the Vampires is a little frustrating, but totally understandable given the circumstances.

Adrian, for me is the real star in this book. I liked him a lot in VA but I absolutely love him in Bloodlines. I love that he is so flawed and a complete mess but he knows it and owns it. He has the best one liners with his sarcastic, witty usually rude remarks and always, always offers a sense of relief and entertainment. I am glad that he is finally having a life after Rose completely ditched him at the end of VA (nope, I'm still not over it). 

The plot in this book was brilliant, it was fairly slow at the start when it was setting the scene and the characters but as it progressed I was hooked. I like that although Sydney is the main protagonist, every other character like Eddie and Jill as well as Adrian all have their moments of spotlight and I really feel as if you get to know them all, rather than just getting one side of the situation. Its clever how even though it is all through Sydney's perspective you still feel as though you are getting to know the other secondary characters.

Overall, I was very impressed with this book and am extremely excited to continue on, I love Richelle Mead's writing and the way she world builds and her character progression is like no other.

4.5/5 STARS

On a side note though, I really wish that both this series and Vampire Academy have cover changes as they just really, really don't give an accurate representation of the book and I feel like so many people will be put off by the covers. 

THE LEMON GROVE by HELEN WALSH

The Lemon Grove
by Helen Walsh
Published: February 2014
Publisher: Tinder Press
Genre: Adult, contemporary
 "The story takes place over one week in the heat of Deia, a coastal village on an island off the southeast coast of Spain. Jenn and Greg go for a break to enjoy languorous, hot afternoons by the pool. But the equilibrium is upset by the arrival of Greg's daughter (Jenn's step-daughter), Emma, and her boyfriend, Nathan. Jenn is in her early 40s, loves her husband and her daughter and she is content, to an extent. But when this beautiful, reckless young man comes into her life, she is driven by a sexual compulsion that she's seldom felt since adolescence. The holiday progresses and her world is thrown into tumult as the lines blur between desire and obsession--it is not just the idea of sexual fulfillment that Jenn finds attractive but the suggestion of youth: by Nathan's side, Jenn is young and carefree once again, and at this stage in her life, the promise of youth is every bit as seductive as the promise of passion. What follows is a highly charged narrative liaison that puts lives in jeopardy and percolates with just enough sexual tension to make it impossible to put down." -taken from Goodreads

I only really picked this book up because I have seen it everywhere recently and so I wanted to see what it was about. All I really knew was that the stepmother starts to have an affair with her daughter's boyfriend when on holiday.

I don't really think that this book had much depth at all, I felt like it was just trying to achieve the shock factor but the relationships between the characters were not very well developed and were rushed. The only thing that was fairly well done was the descriptions of the location, but even they were boring.

There was no progression of feelings from Jenn about Nathan, it just sort of happened, it could have been explored with so much more passion and feeling, but it just fell flat. The blurb says that this is a 'highly charged narrative', I honestly don't understand how that can be said when there was nothing of the sorts.

This was quick paced read that lacked anything special. I would give this a miss because even if you are into erotica, even those scenes were rushed and just tacky. I understand why it had such a buzz to it because the plot is so taboo but it could have be done so much better and so much more realistically.

3/5 STARS

THE WINNER'S CURSE by MARIE RUTKOSKI

The Winner's Curse
by Marie Rutkoski
Published: March 2014
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Genre: YA, fantasy
"Winning what you want may cost you everything you love.
As a general’s daughter in a vast empire that revels in war and enslaves those it conquers, seventeen-year-old Kestrel has two choices: she can join the military or get married. But Kestrel has other intentions. One day, she is startled to find a kindred spirit in a young slave up for auction. 
Arin’s eyes seem to defy everything and everyone. Following her instinct, Kestrel buys him—with unexpected consequences. It’s not long before she has to hide her growing love for Arin. But he, too, has a secret, and Kestrel quickly learns that the price she paid for a fellow human is much higher than she ever could have imagined. 
Set in a richly imagined new world, The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski is a story of deadly games where everything is at stake, and the gamble is whether you will keep your head or lose your heart." -Taken from Goodreads 
I must admit that what attracted me to this book was the cover, I think it could be one of my absolute favourites but after reading the description I knew it would be a book that I would enjoy. It certainly didn't disappoint. Usually when a book has a lot of war strategy in it I tend to turn off and get bored but although there is a lot a strategy it is done so well that you don't feel bored, or at least I didn't. 

The only thing that bothered me about this was the slave, Arin, he was just so unlikable and arrogant and to be honest the relationship between him and Kestrel was just really strange and not at all likely considering the situation. I understand that the author wanted us to really like Kestrel and the fact that she is so gentle towards her slaves is supposed to make us feel like she is badass by going against the crowds, but in reality she cant be that against it for the fact she has so many at her house. So the way that she lets Arin take over and act as though he is the king of the castle just seems slightly pushing it. I felt like he was the one in control, which when you consider her position in society it would be normal for her to be outraged at being trodden on, especially when he continues to embarrass her in front of her friends, surely someone who has lived a privileged life would have something to say about that. 

I didn't mind that Kestrel was so indecisive because to be honest, I think that is what makes her character so realistic, how many teenagers do you know that have no idea what they do want but they know exactly what they don't want? Exactly.  

The world building is exceptional and there wasn't any points in the book that I was confused with what was going on, which is pretty good going for a first book. There was very subtle foreshadowing in this book that I appreciated and it was obvious the effort taken to write this book which could have only been done by such a skilled author.

I felt like the writing flowed really well, the plot although sometimes slow at the start got incredibly interesting and dangerous. This is the first book in a trilogy, I believe, and I think that it has done a really great job at setting the scene and I am eagerly anticipating the other books, because if they continue at the standard of this book, it will be fantastic.

4.5/5 STARS

WE WERE LIARS by E LOCKHART

We Were Liars
by E Lockhart
Published:
Publisher: Hot Key Books
Genre: Contemporary, for all ages but be aware of strong language

"A beautiful and distinguished family.
A private island.
A brilliant, damaged girl; a passionate, political boy.
A group of four friends—the Liars—whose friendship turns destructive.
A revolution. An accident. A secret.
Lies upon lies.
True love.
The truth." - taken from Goodreads
The hype around this book is crazy and I just had to read it. I managed to avoid spoilers at all costs and so I had literally no idea what this book was about before I started reading it, and that is exactly how you should go in to this book. So because of that I will not give you any spoilers at all, instead I will just focus on what I thought about it.

I must sadly and I don't know if this was because of the hype I was slightly disappointed. I just didn't think it was completely original and although I didn't completely guess the twist it just fell a little bit flat. However, in saying that the writing flowed very well and was very beautiful, it did keep me intrigued, that along with the shortness of the novel allowed me to start and finish this book within a few hours.

The characters are very interesting in this book and to be honest I cant say you get particularly close or fond of any of them but that's totally not the point, you're not supposed to like them, you are just supposed to be an onlooker viewing the proceedings.

I would recommend this book, certainly it is an interesting read. I didn't sob like many have stated that they have but it was poignant and powerful. This is such a difficult book to review without giving anything away, its just such a haunting novel.

4/5 STARS

ROOMIES by SARA ZARR AND TARA ALTEBRANDO

Roomies
by Sara Zarr and Tara Altebrando
Published: July 2014
Publisher: Hodder
Genre: YA, Contemporary

"It's time to meet your new roomie.
When East Coast native Elizabeth receives her freshman-year roommate assignment, she shoots off an e-mail to coordinate the basics: television, microwave, mini-fridge. That first note to San Franciscan Lauren sparks a series of e-mails that alters the landscape of each girl's summer -- and raises questions about how two girls who are so different will ever share a dorm room.
As the countdown to college begins, life at home becomes increasingly complex. With family relationships and childhood friendships strained by change, it suddenly seems that the only people Elizabeth and Lauren can rely on are the complicated new boys in their lives . . . and each other. Even though they've never met." -taken from Goodreads
I was pretty excited about this book as the synopsis sounded really intriguing. I thought that it was a really clever way of showing the experience of getting your college roommate and knowing that you will have to spend the next year with them despite not knowing anything other than their name.

This is a fun and quite addicting read about friendship and relationships as well as dealing with leaving home for the first time. I really enjoyed the duel POV as you were able to see obviously two sides of the story and to see how they both reacted to each other's emails.

I wouldn't necessarily say that I liked one more than the other because they both had moments were I thought that they were being irritating but then they also had their moments that were funny and real. I guess that is what I appreciated the most about this book is that the characters are both very real with real problems. The love interests weren't that developed or gave me a strong enough feeling to want to root for them working out but then I don't think that is the point in the story.

This book is about growing up and the summer before one of the biggest events in a teenagers life. It was fun, easy and slightly addicting, its nothing particularly memorable or brilliant but just an easy to read book that did the trick.

3.5/5 STARS

*this book was sent to me in exchange for an honest review*

AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Alysha Kaye

Alysha Kaye is an independent author who is the debut author of The Waiting Room. She teaches English in between being a writer in Austin, Texas. Here is what she had to say about her book, life and tacos.

_________________________________________________

Tell me a little bit about your book 'The Waiting Room' and why you think people should buy it. 

The Waiting Room isn't your typical romance there is a huge emphasis on the possibilities of the afterlife and the philosophies/beliefs that go hand in hand with that. If you've ever asked yourself, "What happens after we die?" then this novel is for you!

What was your inspiration for writing 'the Waiting Room'? 

I had an amazing dream! I was standing in a room that looked so much like an airport terminal, but I somehow knew that I was in fact dead. I was staring out huge windows, watching my boyfriend and family mourn me. A receptionist was calling names and those people were walking through a side door. I just stood, waiting. That's when I woke up and had to start writing!

Do you think that being an English teacher helps with writing? (e.g Do you find yourself analysing your book as if you would in a class?) 

I finished the novel before I became a teacher, but I wish I could go back in time and use the knowledge that I now have! With my next novel, I'll definitely be utilising some of my "teacher skills" haha

What is more rewarding writing or teaching? 

Oh wow, what a great question! They are both soooo fulfilling for me, in such different ways. Teaching is rewarding on a daily basis- every time I see a lightbulb go off in a kid's brain, I'm reminded why I love what I do. Being able to interact with teenagers and actually have an effect on their education is... amazing. Writing is more of a once-in-a-blue-moon type of reward. Anytime I get an unexpected review on Amazon, for example! Most of the time, though, writing is a bit of a self-loathing process haha you have to remind yourself why you write. Whereas, when I teach, the kids remind me why I teach--I don't have to remind myself!

What are your favourite books? What are your most anticipated releases for 2014? 

Oh gosh. Can I just link my Goodreads? Haha. Right now, I'm REALLY into The Lunar Chronicles series. I can't wait for the fourth instalment to be released!!!

Apart from being a lover of the written word is there anything else that you love? 

I'm extremely obsessed with these things: WordPress, breakfast tacos (come to Austin, TX and I'll take you on a taco tour), Netflix, and Cards Against Humanity.

Click here if you want to buy Alysha's book on Amazon

Click here for Alysha's Twitter

Click here for Alysha's Goodreads

Click here for Alysha's Website

THE CURE FOR DREAMING by CAT WINTERS

The Cure For Dreaming
by Cat Winters
Published: October 2014
Publisher: Amulet Books
Genre: YA, historical fiction, with hints of fantasy

"Olivia Mead is a headstrong, independent girl—a suffragist—in an age that prefers its girls to be docile. It’s 1900 in Oregon, and Olivia’s father, concerned that she’s headed for trouble, convinces a stage mesmerist to try to hypnotize the rebellion out of her. But the hypnotist, an intriguing young man named Henri Reverie, gives her a terrible gift instead: she’s able to see people’s true natures, manifesting as visions of darkness and goodness, while also unable to speak her true thoughts out loud. These supernatural challenges only make Olivia more determined to speak her mind, and so she’s drawn into a dangerous relationship with the hypnotist and his mysterious motives, all while secretly fighting for the rights of women. Winters breathes new life into history once again with an atmospheric, vividly real story, including archival photos and art from the period throughout." - taken from goodreads

Wow. This is an important book. At first when I requested this book I must admit it was purely a cover decision, I thought it was going to be a fun horror novel. Oh my goodness was I in for a treat, because no, this is not a stereotypical horror novel with ghouls and monsters, but instead it is a horror novel about oppression and inequality. The horror is the injustice of what life used to be like before people had any sense. This is a book to make you talk and to make you think. I think it's going to be massive.

I have recently been reading up on feminism and the feminism movement and after reading this book it made me realise that unless there were no women to fight for the right to have their voice heard then just imagine how different life would be. The world (or at least 'first-world countries') has come so far since then, we have a long way to go before women are completely equal, but we have come so far and it is important to remember that. However, not only does this book bring up the issue of feminism, it also brings up the vote in general. I live in the UK and every time there is an election the number of people who have registered to vote dwindles rapidly, THIS IS NOT OKAY. People, not just women, but people, have fought to get the vote and to have the freedom to have their say in how the country is ruled and by not voting you are insulting them and being foolish, do not not vote just because it is easy, vote because you can and because you should.

Back to the actual book, the plot is very well thought out and it is clear that the novel has been researched extremely meticulously. A very nice aspect of the book is the pictures and diagrams from the period of the novel that are scattered throughout, it brings an interesting aspect to the novel. Olivia, the main protagonist, is a strong-minded woman who goes on such a journey throughout this book and I am so, so happy that even at the end she is independent and going out by herself. Henri and his sister, along with Frannie, are all brilliant and fun additions to the story and whilst not overly developed, because they don't really need to be, they help Olivia on her journey of escaping the ghouls that haunt her. Olivia's father was a monster, he is probably one of the worst characters I have read about, because of how 'normal' he seemed and at times I feared for Olivia and what he would do next. It so scary to think that there were actually men who had the same opinions and 'values' that he did and I really would like to think that there isn't any anymore, but I cant be too sure about that.

Overall, if you are thinking about reading this then do it, just pick it up and become enthralled and I challenge you to come away from it without thinking about the bigger picture that this book creates.

4.5/5 STARS

*this book was sent to me in exchange for an honest review*

JULY AND AUGUST WRAP UP

Apologies for not posting a July wrap up last month but I was on holiday and it seemed silly putting it up half way through August. So here is my combined wrap up for the two months, I did really well in July as of course I was on holiday and had nothing else to do but I have had two pretty good reading months, until the end of August when I just couldn't seem to get in to a book.

JULY

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

Read my review here. I am so in love with this trilogy and this was just as amazing if not even better than the first book. Honestly it baffles how Cassandra Clare wrote these books at the same time as the Mortal Instruments as these are just on another level.

5/5 stars

Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare

Read my review here. This was a brilliant conclusion for the trilogy, I was slightly concerned because I thought that I had heard a spoiler but when I actually read it I realised that it never actually happened, so I was pretty excited by that and also this was so beautiful and I miss Jem and Will now. Honestly read these even if you didn't like the Mortal Instruments because these are about a billion times better!

5/5 stars

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Read my review here. At first I was unsure. The Russian names were confusing and there wasn't any explanation of the way of Grisha or the army, but at about 50 pages onwards the explanations came and so did my interest with the story.

4/5 stars

Four: A Divergent Story Collection by Veronica Roth

Read my review here. It was really interesting to see this side of Four, it makes me wonder how Veronica Roth was able to write Four so well in these novellas, but completely destroy him in Allegiant. I don't know who the Four in Allegiant was but he certainly doesn't fit in with the Divergent, Insurgent or the Four from these novellas at all. I can only imagine what Allegiant would have been like if she had written him then as she has here.

4/5 stars

The Selection by Kiera Cass

Read my review here. I was really impressed by this, I was looking for something slightly lighter to read but still have a slight edge to it and this book is so perfect for that. It was fun, light hearted but also had moments of urgency and intrigue.

4/5 stars

Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo

For a second book in a trilogy, which is usually just a filler book, this tried its hardest to try and be just as epic as the first whilst still trying to hold off until the next book for anything major to happen really well.

4/5 stars

Don't Even Think About It by Sarah Mlynowski

Read my review here. This was a really fun contemporary YA book with a bit of a twist to it, I enjoyed it and think it was the perfect summer book when I was approaching a slump in my reading. 

3.5 stars

The Elite by Kiera Cass

Again, this was surprising enjoyable, my only issue is that I wish that America was more assertive with her decisions, occasionally I found myself getting irritated that she kept changing her mind.

4/5 stars

The One by Kiera Cass

Read my review here. I really, really enjoyed this trilogy and this final book was a brilliant conclusion. The whole trilogy is such an easy read and although it has its imperfections it has done the trick and I am left very entertained and very surprised by how much I liked it.

5/5 stars

Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo

Read my review here. I was a little bit disappointed with this book as I just felt like the ending was a bit of a cop out and the main protagonist deserved so much more and occasionally I did find myself getting a little bored.

4/5 stars

Bloodlines by Richelle Mead

I really liked finding out more about Sydney. There have been comparisons to it being too similar to Vampire Academy but to be honest I really don't agree, I think that this series will delve into the world more and introduce characters that are just as brilliant. Also it has Adrian in it which is always a positive

4.5/5 stars

The Lemon Grove by Helen Walsh

This was such a bleh book, I felt like it was just trying to shock people rather than focus on a good developing plot with strong characters.

3/5 stars

The Winner's Curse by Marie Rutkoski

Normally I don't like having masses of war talk in books but in this book it was never boring but clever and action packed. The characters although have flaws were normal and realistic when you consider their position. I am looking forward to the next book coming out as this was very enjoyable and I can see it will be a very good trilogy if it carries on with the standard of this book.

4.5/5 stars

AUGUST

The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead

Yet another fantastic addition to this already super developed world. I love these characters so much more than in Vampire Academy as everyone gets their chance to shine and the plot is just so much more fast-paced.

4.5/5 stars

Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson

Oh god this was such a brilliant book. Definitely my new favourite young adult contemporary book. I loved the way that it was written, the characters all had personality and flaws, they had fantastic relationships, amazing plot and I loved the progression of Emily's character throughout the book, from being unhealthily dependent on Solane to being a strong, independent teenager with friends who she makes memories. She is no longer known as 'the girl who is friends with Solane' but known as Emily instead. Argh all the characters and everything about this book was amazing and I loved it.

5/5 stars

Obsidian by Jennifer L Armentrout

There was a bit of insta-love in this book but honestly it didn't really bother me too much, the aliens in this book weren't corny, which is the reason why I hadn't read a book about aliens. This was really easy to read and whilst not fantastic and flawed it was entertaining.

4/5 stars

Onyx by Jennifer L Armentrout

Obviously this series is not perfect and occasionally the descriptions of Daemon and her love get a little nauseating, the action and plot are undeniably good. I missed Dee in this book though and I can't help but feel that Katy is so focused on herself as to forget her friend, I really hope she sorts that out in the next book because Dee is going to need a friend.

4.5/5 stars

Opal by Jennifer L Armentrout

I have my issues with them, specifically in this book with Daemon constantly telling Katy she cant do something because it is dangerous. Well duh, you're an alien and she is a hybrid, its hardly going to be a walk in the park.

4/5 stars

We Were Liars by E Lockhart

This book is so hyped and I was so excited to read it. To be honest I understand why no one tells you the plot, it's probably because they have no idea what the hell actually happened. That ending oh my god that ending was like "wwwhhhhaaattt????!!!"

4/5 stars

Roomies by Sara Zarr and Tara Altebrando

This was an addicting book. Full of drama and friendship and crazy teenage drama. It was fun, well written and well though out. But not really anything that individual or particularly memorable.

3.5/5 stars

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

Wow, so I decided to pick this up because of the upcoming movie release and oh my this is a total emotional roller coaster. I love Mia I think she is such a brilliant person and so real and that is what makes this book so undeniably sad and just amazing.

5/5 stars

Anya's Ghost by Vera Brogsol
This is a really interesting graphic novel. One of the first that I have read that hasn't been in colour as that is generally what I prefer, whilst this graphic novel hasn't changed that opinion completely, I will certainly be less resistant to buy a black and white novel in the future. The colour scheme, or lack of really complimented the story because I think it showed both Anya's and Emily's thoughts and mirrored the lack of colour they saw in life. Really short, easy, fun story and I really liked the illustrations, they kind of reminded me of the Scott Pilgrim drawings
4/5 stars

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
This is a soft, contemporary novel that has great characters, a fun plot line and a reasonable romance. However, towards the end of the book the romance got a little too much and a bit too soppy. I don't like it when authors make contemporary book from a teenagers perspective and make their love seem so pure and poetic because it just isn't that way at all. That was my only issue though and I liked the way this author wrote so I will be picking up more of her books.
4/5 stars

I have written reviews for most of these books and if the links haven't been given then the posts just haven't been published yet, so when they have I will keep adding to it, if not check out my blog on Thursdays for new blog posts!

Publisher spotlight: HOT KEY BOOKS

In the past two months I was put on Hot Key Books blogger list, which I was extremely excited about as I love the books that they publish and I also really appreciate the fact that they give small bloggers like myself a chance to review their books pre-publication, which is something that hardly any other large publishing companies would even consider.

In the next few months I will be posting reviews of the books that I have been sent (I currently have a back log of book reviews waiting to go up, hence the wait.) So as a little show of appreciation before I am able to post a blog with the reviews that each book deserve, I thought I would highlight some of the books that they have recently published along with their descriptions.

 

Check out Hot Key Books website here to look at the whole selection of their books.

SINCE YOU'VE BEEN GONE by MORGAN MATSON

Since You've Been Gone
by Morgan Matson

Published: May 2014
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Genre: YA, Contemporary

"It was Sloane who yanked Emily out of her shell and made life 100% interesting. But right before what should have been the most epic summer, Sloane just...disappears. All she leaves behind is a to-do list.
On it, thirteen Sloane-inspired tasks that Emily would normally never try. But what if they could bring her best friend back?
Apple picking at night? Okay, easy enough. Dance until dawn? Sure. Why not? Kiss a stranger? Um...Go skinny-dipping?
Wait...what?"- taken from Goodreads
First of all I just want to say that after reading this fantastic book it is now my favourite contemporary novel to date. It was fun, happy and totally light-hearted, which is exactly what I am looking for in a contemporary novel. Too often, these types of books rely on making the romance the main compartment in the book when in actuality this book focused on friendship and the coming of age of the main protagonist, Emily.

To start with Emily was unhealthily reliant on Solane and was almost a shell of person but throughout the book, without her even realising she was becoming an individual who can hold herself with her own friends who appreciated her for her and not because of who she was friends with. This isn't to say that Emily didn't still have flaws even at the end of the book because of course she did, what teenager do you know that is the model representation of a teenager?

The friends that Emily makes on the way of her completing her list are equally as imperfect as Emily but their friendships and the interactions between them all are hilarious, real and caring towards each other. Yes, they have their arguments and disagreements but thats fine because they all help each other to better themselves. I actually disliked Sloane more than I liked her, I think she was selfish for always just assuming that Emily would go along with everything she did. To be honest I never felt like in any of the flashback chapters when Emily is reminiscing on why certain things are on the list, that Sloane ever really wanted to give Emily a chance to shine.

Some people who have read and reviewed this book mention that they don't like the fact that at the end of the book there isn't closure with all of the characters and you aren't entirely sure if all is rosy in their garden but I don't think that is an issue, in some ways its what makes this book even more real and relatable because in life not everything is resolved with a simple 'sorry' or within a few days and I appreciated that because it did what a lot of YA contemporaries are afraid to do and that is not wrap everything up with a pretty ribbon just because it is the end of the novel. One thing for certain is that I am about to go and buy everything that Morgan Matson has ever written because if they are as good as this then I will certainly be very happy.

5/5 STARS

THE ONE by KIERA CASS

The One
by Kiera Cass
Published: June 2014
Publisher: Harper Collins
Genre: YA, dystopian
*This will be a spoiler free review UNLESS you haven't read the previous two books*

"THE SELECTION changed the lives of thirty-five girls forever. Now, only one will claim Prince Maxon’s heart…
For the four girls who remain at the palace, the friendships they’ve formed, rivalries they’ve struggled with and dangers they’ve faced have bound them to each other for the rest of their lives.
Now, the time has come for one winner to be chosen.
America never dreamed she would find herself anywhere close to the crown – or to Prince Maxon’s heart. But as the competition approaches its end and the threats outside the palace walls grow more vicious, America realises just how much she stands to lose – and how hard she’ll have to fight for the future she wants." -taken from goodreads

This is the final book in the Selection trilogy and it concluded remarkably well. This was by far the best book in the trilogy and I really felt like it this one had far more action and plot than the other two. I felt like their was so much more development with the characters, especially the other contestants in the Selection.

There was a little bit more of a development with the world and the Rebels which was done pretty well but still didn't make the read totally dark as most dystopians are.

Maxon was always my choice right from the start, I never really got Aspen and America's relationship at all I thought that Aspen was so obnoxious and irritating, he had no personality other than acting like the hard shipped six.

I did think that Americas's humility did her well but occasionally it did seem as if she was trying too hard to be the selfless lower caste.

Anyway, all in all I think that this trilogy is a really easy light read that has kept me entertained and although yes, it does have its imperfections, it will be a great re-read and I did really like it.

5/5 STARS

Q and A with LAUREN OLIVER

I had the amazing opportunity to talk to Lauren Oliver recently. Lauren is currently in the UK promoting the release of her newest novel Panic which has just been published by Hodder Books in paperback. However, she is has also written other young adult books such as the Delirium trilogy and Before I fall. Her first adult novel is Rooms and for younger readers she has written The Spindlers and Lisel and Po. Lauren is a New York Times best seller and has sold millions of books worldwide that have been translated in to more than 30 languages.

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* Give me a brief synopsis of Panic and why you think people should read it.
Panic is about a group of teens in a town called Carp, they have invented a dangerous game that they play every summer, they collect money throughout the year and then the seniors play the game. They have to take on crazy, dangerous tasks and as a result the people who complete without fear win and win a large amount of money. The two protagonists Heather and Doge play for different reasons but they are both after the same thing, everyone has something they want to play for. People should read Panic because it is fast paced and real, it also has romance and there is tigers as well!

* How do you prepare yourself to write? Is there a specific location that you get the best inspiration for writing?
I don't have a specific preparation, I'm pretty flexible about where and how I write and I often write on my phone. I travel so much these days that if I wasn't flexible I would never find the time to write. I suppose it has just become a habit by this point and actually my father, who is a non-fiction writer, would encourage me to write wherever and whenever, even stopping on the side of a road if an idea came in to either of our heads, he encouraged the ideas to just float to our consciousness. 

* What has been your favourite book to write so far?
I actually don't enjoy any of them when I am writing but I do enjoy the challenge. It doesn't really get any easier to write a book despite how long I have been writing but it is rewarding in the end! My most pleasurable moment when writing a book is getting the pure unadulterated idea in my head before I have a chance to screw it up! *laughs*

* Have you used anyone in real life as inspiration for any of your characters?
Yeah, of course! I haven't directly used anyone and just completely smushed them exactly the same on the page, they are more distorted versions of themselves. Actually, Raven (from Pandemonium), is a distorted version of my sister, even though they are not physically similar, Raven's badass personality is a reflection of her. I also used to have a friend who inspired Hana from Delirium, whose name was also Hana, again not physically inspired, but she was rich and super interesting (which was very annoying! *laughs*) and that definitely shows up in some of the tensions between Hana and Lena in the books. 

* Have you had any real life experiences that have kick started the idea for one of your books?
Yes. Although not specific experiences I feel like everything that happens helps with the ideas for my books and this helps to make the plot feel more real and allows the reader to feel more connected. Some of the inspiration for Delirium was from a long term, on and off, very passionate relationship I had with a man who was an alcoholic and died as a result of that, and I think if I had been offered the Cure at the moment in time, I would have definitely taken it as a way to cut out the pain that comes along with love. Subconsciously I was dealing with my grief as Lena was dealing with hers.  

* What age group do you find the easiest and most enjoyable to write for?
I think if I didn't find writing for any of the age groups that I have very interesting then I wouldn't have done it, I enjoy that they allow you to write for different reasons and opens up the door for different experiences.

* If you had to live in the world of one of your books, which would it be and why?
I don't know... it wouldn't be Delirium! The world of Before I Fall, is probably the most similar to ours but I certainly wouldn't want to go back to high school! I was actually asked this a while ago and it made me realise that I haven't written a world that would be particularly enjoyable! I haven't written a Hogwarts type world so I think I will chose that instead! *laughs* 

* What are your favourite books? What are your most anticipated releases?
Oh my gosh. I just finished reading an imaginative story called The Glass Sentence by S E Grove, which has a very epic feeling. Obviously Harry Potter, I also really enjoyed We Were Liars by E Lockhart, Middlesex by Jeffery Eugenides and One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. I really enjoy reading magical realism books, so books like Harry Potter are fantastic for me. Weirdly enough because I am so busy I never really know about new releases until maybe a week or so before or even if I just stumble upon it in the bookstore!

* Is there a book that you wish you had come up with the idea for?
Harry Potter!! Are you noticing a theme here? *laughs*

* What did you think of the Delirium Pilot episode? And are you disappointed that it won't be continuing on?
I am disappointed but it doesn't mean there wont be any hope for a film release, I get the rights back in the not so distant future and the producers want to carry on its journey, so who knows? I did enjoy it I thought it was fun. I think its the best of both worlds because just because it didn't get picked up for TV who knows what the future holds and theres always the books!

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Thank you very much Lauren and Hodder books for making this interview possible! PANIC is available in all good booksellers across the UK!

Want to find out more about Lauren Oliver? Reach her at...
Twitter: @OliverBooks 
Website: laurenoliverbooks
Facebook: Lauren Oliver
Tumblr: Lauren-Oliver
Goodreads: Lauren Oliver

*Sentences may have been slightly changed as this interview was done over the phone and Lauren's answers were originally jotted down in note form*