Delirium (Delirium #1)

Read in April, 2014

Author: Lauren Oliver

5 Stars 🙂

I loved this book. It brought forth great concepts and ideas; it was very thought-provoking; brilliantly written; had great character development; made me fall in love with the characters; made me laugh; made me cry; and made me realise just how much I take for granted. – It was just a beautiful story! Not to mention, it left on a HUGE cliff hanger which, as much as I hate reading them, I love them too.

WWW Wednesday #4

WWW Wednesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MzB of Should Be Reading. To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…

• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you’ll read next?

This is the easiest WWWW yet! Because, sadly, it hasn’t changed from last week… 😦 The holidays are over, I have homework and a French exchange student… It doesn’t make for much reading…

Share a link to your own WWW Wednesday in the Comments and I’ll be checking it out! 🙂

Teaser Tuesday #3

Teaser Tuesdays (TT) is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

Grab your current read.

Randomly open a page.

Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page.

BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!
(Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

I realised that I was trembling. “If I believed…”

Share a link to your own Teaser Tuesday in the Comments and I’ll be checking it out! 🙂

Musing Monday #2

Musing Mondays is a weekly bookish meme posted by MzB of Should Be Reading that asks you to muse about one of the following each week…

• Describe one of your reading habits.
• Tell us what book(s) you recently bought for yourself or someone else, and why you chose that/those book(s).
• What book are you currently desperate to get your hands on? Tell us about it!
• Tell us what you’re reading right now — what you think of it, so far; why you chose it; what you are (or, aren’t) enjoying it.
• Do you have a bookish rant? Something about books or reading (or the industry) that gets your ire up? Share it with us!
• Instead of the above questions, maybe you just want to ramble on about something else pertaining to books — let’s hear it, then!

My Musing…

Yesterday I went shopping with a couple of my friends and came home with seven books – ironically, we were there for over three hours yet those books were purchased in the last ten to fifteen minutes… So, anyway, I LOVE this bookhaul!! I bought…

I have read six out of the seven books I bought and I have to return one of them because it’s already been bought for me but that’s okay because I got a refund. 🙂

I also really want to go buy The Eternity Cure and The Forever Song by Julie Kagawa because I saw them at Big W and the covers on Book Depository are bad… (Which I just did – so excited!!)

As to why I bought them? I’ve got two words that say it all: Cassandra Clare. And, you know, I like John Flannagan too (I’ve met him!) though not enough to realise he had another book out… So I bought it! What else could I do? I have ALL his other books and this one’s got a Ranger in it! I really hope it’s someone we know… It would be SO awesome if it was Maddy!!

I could also technically include Looking For Alaska by John Green because my friend bought a second copy of hers so the covers would match and justified buying it by giving her original copy to me – awesome, right? ^_^

I’m going to stop talking right now because my writing is steadily deteriorating the more I write this… I apologise for the badly written post – at least I updated though! Hi-Five for that ;).

Let me know your Monday Musings! I’d love to hear them :).

Which YA Dystopian Heroine Are You?

A really cool quiz! I am June Ipris from “Legend”. Let me know who you are! ^_^

TheFandom News

Want to find out which dystopian heroine you’re most like?  Take our latest quiz and find out!

Then post your results.  We love it when people share! #IAm________ #YAHeroine

Click below to take the quiz!

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Take Me Tomorrow

Read on 11th July, 2014

Author: Shannon A. Thompson

I would like to thank Shannon A. Thompson for providing me with an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) of this book in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 Stars 🙂

Two years after the massacre, the State enforces stricter rules and harsher punishments on anyone rumored to support tomo – the clairvoyant drug that caused a regional uprising.

But sixteen-year-old Sophia Gray has other problems.

Between her father’s illegal forgery and her friend’s troubling history, the last thing Sophia needs is an unexpected encounter with a boy.

He’s wild, determined, and one step ahead of her. But when his involvement with tomo threatens her friends and family, Sophia has to make a decision: fight for a future she cannot see or sacrifice her loved ones to the world of tomorrow.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

While I loved this book, I do admit that it was confusing at times (hence the .5). It took me a while to fully grasp the concept of how the drug tomo was the symbol of hope for the oppressed. I came to the conclusion that it was because it made you see that tomorrow would come. There was a line in the book that said the tomo showed peace after the war – which got me slightly confused because I thought that it only showed what tomorrow would bring – not any farther into the future. However, tomo is based largely on interpretation – so that could be part of it.

A very unique story, Take Me Tomorrow had great characters that you couldn’t help but love (aside from those such as Phelps and Anthony/Tony which are the obvious enemies).

Sophia isn’t one to mess with and, even when she was in the dark, you could count on her to stick up for her friends and put up a fight. I loved her knives and how she wasn’t afraid to use them – I’ve always been partial to knife-throwing. In the opening scene, we really see her relationship with her dog, Argos, and how she finds freedom in the forest behind her house. I love how her nickname isn’t just “Sophie” but “Soph E”. Sophia’s such a pretty name ;).

Noah was an intriguing character. At first I, like Sophia, thought that he was a bad guy (government propaganda and all that). Luckily for us Noah fans out there, he’s not the one at fault here. However, the fact remains that he’s a tomo addict and I’m not quite sure how I feel about that other than gladness that here we have an obviously imperfect lead guy in fiction – which is surprisingly hard to find. I do believe though, his addiction isn’t that hard to believe and is perhaps even expected considering who his parents are. Despite his addiction, I do love Noah and it was rather amusing how he interacted with all the characters on an individual level.

Lily was the awesome best friend that I wish I had! (Ironically, one of my best friends is called Lily and she’s blonde and really smart – do with that what you will). As I was journeying throughout this book, I actually thought that Lily wouldn’t be much help but, as it turns out, she had a really big influence on how things turned out – and ended up “saving the day” more than once. I feel really bad for her about what happened at prom (and still don’t quite understand precisely why it had to happen but you know, I’m rolling with it). Even at a young age, Lily was amazing – she deciphered the boys’ codes and times without them suspecting a thing! Which brings me onto a side note…

I love those watches!! At first, when we’re introduced to Broden in the hospital, we learn about his watch and his strange habits – constantly checking the time even though the face is broken and the time’s completely wrong, etc. Sophia then makes the remark that Noah was the same watch, but black. I think nothing of it. However, as we go deeper into the story we learn just how cool these watches are – Broden, Miles and Noah each have one and it’s how they communicate (it acts like a walkie talkie kind of thing), the watches are in sync at the “wrong time” so they can meet at times unknown to others and the last epic thing that we see these watches do is unlock Noah’s house – pretty awesome, huh? The latter quality leads me to wonder – how many are there? Is it a family thing? A rebellion item for key members? Are they hand-me-downs? What else can these watches do?

Back to the characters now, Miles and Brody were really cool (I know what you’re thinking – if they’re so cool then why did you group them together? The real question however, is why not group them together?) Miles turned out to be super smart – after all, he stole a train as a pre-teen, how awesome is that?! I feel really sorry for Brody. First, he gets in a fight for which there’s word that he has to go back to military school (after only two years of freedom). Then, he gets himself arrested. Poor thing… In the beginning, he also tries really hard not to get Sophia involved in the whole tomo/illegal activity they’re got going on. Which, as you know by the synopsis, doesn’t work out too well.

Let’s talk about Dwayne Grey (otherwise known as Sophia’s father). I loved his character so much! While he was out of town a lot, when he appeared he was just the best! Teaching his daughter to throw knives, hiding a forgery in his basement and – this one’s the best – being hired to work for Phelps (the evil dictator dude) on the account of being caught crossing illegally – in other words, for being a criminal. Yep, doesn’t this dude sound like the best dad? Well, he was despite and probably because of hiding a huge part of his life that was only unearthed when Noah came to town.

Lyn was really cool. With her tattoos, nursing skills, baby bump and three-year-old son, she was the backbone to this odd group. Easy going despite her tough exterior, Lyn was the one to go to in a crisis – particularly if you needed something to aid in illegal activity. She was the getaway driver, nurse and motherly figure that kept them all in line.

All in all, a great story with awesome characters who had each other’s backs in a unique dystopian world. I highly recommend Take Me Tomorrow to those seeking an interesting read with characters that you can love and a plot line that twists and turns.

WWW Wednesday #3

Sorry I haven’t posted my Musing Monday and Teaser Tuesday this week! I’m now officially off my break so while I’ll try to keep up the weekly memes, there’ll be times when I won’t be able to. 😦

WWW Wednesday is a weekly bookish meme hosted by MzB of Should Be Reading. To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…

• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you’ll read next?

I am currently reading The Stone Key by Isabelle Carmody which is the fifth instalment of the Obernewtyn Chronicles.

Yesterday, I finished The Keeping Place by Isabelle Carmody which is the forth instalment of the Obernewtyn Chronicles as well as The Shadowhunter’s Codex by Cassandra Clare.

Next, I plan on reading The Sending by Isabelle Carmody which is the sixth instalment of the Obernewtyn Chronicles but I also have My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult and Prayer: A Personal Testimony by Alfred Stanway to read.

There’s my WWW Wednesday! Please leave the link to your WWW Wednesday in the comments below, I’d love to hear from you! 🙂

Buddy Read: What’s Left of Me (Hybrid Chronicles #1) – Review

Read From 6-9th July, 2014

Aaaaaaand here it is! The final review ;). Thank you go those of you who have travelled with Stefanie and I this week as we’ve progressed through Kat Zhang’s first instalment of the Hybrid Chronicles What’s Left of Me.

I would also like to thank lilnerdling for allowing me to borrow her copy of this book and Stefanie for buddy-reading with me.

4 Stars 🙂

What’s Left of Me is a dystopian novel based in a world of hybrids – that is, two souls in one body – but who end up “settling” at a young age – as in, one of the two souls permanently leaving. Those who don’t are considered “abnormal” and are hunted and feared. In this world, the government press all sorts of propaganda and lies against hybrids and foreigners, leading people to believe that they are “unnatural”, “dangerous” and “to be feared”.

I loved the world building in this book. It was enthralling and while what they did to the people of the Americas without them even knowing and to the hybrids made me sick, that’s how you’re supposed to feel.

Addie was quite frustrating for most of the book and there were times when I felt like tearing my hair out because of her. In the beginning, she came across as somewhat spoilt, but she seemed to grow out of it as the story progressed. Thankfully, she did change, growing a backbone and becoming strong, I really grew to like her in the end.

Eva was so sweet, and I couldn’t help but feel sorry for her – trapped, paralysed and unable to move. I’m so glad that she got her chance! I love her and Ryan together and even before anything really happened, I shipped them so much!

I feel that we didn’t really get to know Devon all that much. He was the hacker, and rather anti-social. While I selfishly wish that something will happen between Addie and him, I know that that’s not going to happen (synopsis of the third book).

I love Ryan!! He is so cute, and obviously cares very deeply about Eva. He’s the mechanic and the coin sensors he made are just so awesome! Not to mention, he’s a bookworm too ;).

Hally and Lissa were just the best. While I couldn’t find much distinction between their personalities, I really enjoyed their character. I felt so sorry for them though – a half foreign hybrid? That’s just the hight of social outcast. Also, it’s always amazing when there’s a character with the same name as you that you really like :).

My heart went out to Lyle. He was just touched me so much and was filled with so much life. Since it was inevitable that Addie/Eva were going to have to stay in the hospital, I’m so glad that it meant that he was able to be healthy again! He, too, was a bookworm, which was super cool.

A point that I am really curious about is hybrid marriages. After Addie’s reaction when Eva and Ryan kissed, it brought this up in my mind. After all, they are two different people, and I really hope that this is a concept that will be explored further as we venture deeper into the trilogy.

All in all, it was a very enjoyable novel and I’ll certainly be on the lookout for the other two books.

Friday Finds #2

FRIDAY FINDS showcases the books you ‘found’ and added to your To Be Read (TBR) list… whether you found them online, or in a bookstore, or in the library — wherever! (they aren’t necessarily books you purchased). Friday Finds is hosted by MzB from Should Be Reading and anyone can play along!

Borrowed from the library.

Re-borrowed from the library (not renewed, there’s a difference).

Shannon was kind enough to supply me with an ARC of her wonderful book! 🙂

Added to my to-reads – I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy!

Added to my to-reads. I don’t quite remember how I came across it – I think it was from a friend’s reading challenge on Goodreads?

 

Those are my Friday Finds! Let me know what you think and leave a link to your own Friday Finds and I’ll be sure to check them out :).

The Book Thief + Some Thoughts on the Movie

Read on 10th July, 2014

Author: Markus Zusak

4.5 Stars 🙂

It’s just a small story really, about, among other things, a girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist-fighter, and quite a lot of thievery.

Set during World War II in Germany, Markus Zusak’s groundbreaking new novel is the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich. Liesel scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist: books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids – as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement before he is marched to Dachau.

This is an unforgettable story about the ability of books to feed the soul.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

First of all, I would like to thank my friend Zahra (who will never read this…) for lending me her copy of The Book Thief and putting up with my having it for several months. The irony is, she’s interstate so I can’t give it back to her for another two weeks or so…

It’s been a long time since I had a book that gave me a good, long cry. The Book Thief was amazing, with flawed, loveable, relatable characters (aside from Viktor Chemmel and Franx Deutscher who we’re meant to hate, I loved all of the characters) on a backdrop of one of the worst wars but in that finding hope, friendship and happiness. For some reason, it took me longer to read this book than it usually would, but that didn’t make it any less beautiful.

I loved Death and how he was portrayed. I loved the little bits and pieces that he put in and how he came across as a character. While I didn’t quite understand the concept of the “colours”, I think I got the general sense of what he was on about. At first, the prologue didn’t make sense, but it unravelled and revealed itself as we read on. Some people say that they didn’t like Death narrating because he gives out spoilers on who’s going to die – I actually quite liked these as they really ingrained with his character.

The library. Can I have a library like that? Please? That would be AMAZING! As a total bookworm myself, I could really relate to Liesel in that sense.

Honestly, this is probably only about the fifth book I’ve picked up about WWII and the first four were not only a few years ago, but were short and in a series that I grew very frustrated with (I couldn’t even bring myself to finish the last one). Anyway, I loved it and I appreciated the viewpoint from Germany itself – after all, not all Germans were Hitler-mad.

On the Movie

I found the movie to be a really good adaptation. I did actually see the movie before I read the book (not something I commonly practice) and my opinion hasn’t changed on it. Not to mention, both the book and the movie made me cry – a lot (which may sound weird as a positive note but so long as I’ve got a box of tissues I love a good cry over a book and/or movie). So don’t miss out on the movie because you don’t want to ruin your experience of the book! (Trust me, this is a valid reason for many. It’s also part of the reason why I cringe at the very thought of the Percy Jackson movies).

All in all, I loved it and it is definitely on my list of books to buy! Plus, it’s pretty awesome that he’s an Australian author – I really think that The Book Thief is going to become a classic.