Review : Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

  Hello! Sorry if this took awhile to finish, but here is my review! 

Title : Thirteen Reasons Why

Author : Jay Asher

Published : October 18th, 2007

Pages : 304

ISBN : 9781595141712

  Clay receives a bundle of emotion spread across 13 tapes. Who did it come from? Hannah Baker. What are on the tapes? An account on why Hannah killed herself. In the time period of one night, Clay is taken on a roller coaster ride of many events that led Hannah to the decision that cost her life. Why did Clay get these tapes? Because he is of the 13 reasons. We get to see the world through a confused and hurt teenager who can't seem to get a break. 

  

  I enjoyed how engaging this book was. I felt as if I was right along with Hannah the whole time. I felt her pain, and it was really touching. There was a scene in the book where Hannah speaks with Mr. Porter, and it just broke my heart. I so wish I was there in that moment to speak to her, to let her know everything was okay. Although this story is fiction, kids like Hannah commit suicide every day. I enjoyed this book as much as I did, because it touches on this cause of death that grows rapidly. 

  One thing that I didn't enjoy, was that it was a bit too dramatic to me. I mean I just couldn't see anyone in Hannah's situation that would go as far as to kill their self. I mean I wasn't in her shoes, but it was just kinda off to me. I know of people who have much worse off situations who still are fine. I don't mean to be too harsh, because I know she did have struggles, but it's just how I feel. Other than that I loved this book and won't ever forget about Hannah and her descent into a dark and sad mind set.

Purchase Here : http://www.amazon.com/Thirteen-Reasons-Why-Jay-Asher/dp/159514188X

Review : City of Bones by Cassandra Clare (#1)

Hi everyone, I have finished this very popular novel! If you are wondering whether or not to start this book, I hope my review sways you one way or another! Enjoy.

Title : City of Bones (#1)

Author : Cassandra Clare
Published : March 27th, 2007

Pages : 485
ISBN : 9781416914280

Rating : ★★★★☆ 4 Stars

Clary Fray was your average girl in New York, nothing special about her. One night clubbing turns her world upside down. She is introduced to a world she never knew about. There are demons, vampires, werewolves, and much more living beside her that she is now just noticing. Why? Because she is a shadow hunter. A shadow hunter hunts demons and protects the world from the evil creatures. With her mother missing, and an uprising from a shadow hunter assumed to be dead, Clary turns to Jace and his friends to help find her mother and stop this madness. 

This book was actually really good. I started this not liking it so much, and ended up in a bit of a slump as I continued. Towards half way through, it began picking up very nicely. I think I read 100-200 pages in this final day which is pretty good for me. The flow of action and adventure leaves readers wanting more. As soon as you put this book down, you will be aching to pick it back up! The budding romance between Clary/Jace was also something to look forward to. I thought they were so good together, although there is something shocking that happens in the end. It wasn't the book I thought I was getting, but it was really great. All the raves and movie coming out soon definitely made me think that City of Bones would be a no question 5. I did give it a 4, almost 3.5, but I really ended up liking Cassandra Clare's world. 

Oh my GOD, this book ends with a twist that broke my heart. A relationship is pretty much ruined. I was so upset to find out this information! It really made me think about my 4 star rating, but it did leave the reader to think and feel shocked. One thing I didn't like though, was that the twists were really obvious. Clary was so shocked everytime something happened, and I kinda already knew what was going on behind the scenes. Either Clary's just kinda stupid, or Cassandra Clare wrote this for stupid people. Nonetheless, it was a must read. A staple in Young Adult readers bookshelves, City of Bones will definitely be a series that shakes up our world.

So, that wraps up my review! I plan on starting another book tonight and posting a May Book Haul soon. Stay tuned.

Trilogy Review : Divergent

Divergent & Insurgent

Title : Divergent
Author : Veronica Roth                                                                                          

Published : February 28th, 2012                                                                        

Pages : 487

ISBN : 9780062024022

Title : Insurgent

Author : Veronica Roth

Published : May 1st, 2012

Pages : 525                                                                                      

ISBN : 9780007442911

  With the highly anticipated third and final novel, Allegiant, coming out in October, I knew I had to read and review these two books. Also a movie is in the works for 2014. I'm definitely picking up that last book the day it comes out, and reading ASAP! In 5 months, watch out for that review! ;)


                                                  Rating : ★★★★★ 5 stars


Divergent by Veronica Roth was incredible. I think this book really sets the bar for any Dystopian novel out there. Roth takes you into an incredibly unique world that is very fun to read. I was so excited to read this book, and it totally fulfilled my expectations. I was so looking forward to continuing on to Insurgent, reads like these only come around once in a great while!Divergent takes place in Chicago where their society is divided into 5 factions. There are Abnegation (Selfless), Dauntless (Brave), Amity (Peaceful), Erudite (Intelligent, and Candor (Honest). Each faction promotes their ideals to the members who inhabit them. Beatrice Prior is of Abnegation, but she doesn't quite fit in there with her family. She doesn't feel as selfless as the others, and thinks she belongs somewhere else. Every year, a day is set aside for all the 16 year olds to choose which faction they wish to belong to for the rest of their lives. They get help from their aptitude results which are administered in school. Beatrice gets some shocking results and has to choose to remain with her family in a place she does not belong, or make a selfish decision of becoming something that is more true to her. Read Divergent to find out Beatrice's decision, her scary secret that she must tell no one, and where these factors take her in this chaotic world.

I instantly fell in love with this book. As soon as the world came together, I knew I would enjoy every page. It was a really interesting place to read about and viewing it through Beatrice's eyes. I wish there were more backstory to how this world came to be, but I think the second one will go a bit more in depth. The main part of the story is where Beatrice ends up, and her initiation into her faction. It was thrilling to read, because the initiation was very extreme. It pushed Beatrice to her limits and there were some bad apples among the initiates that got in her way. Through initiation she meets Four, who is just perfect for her. I think their romance was so cute, especially how protective of her he was! As I'm reading the novel I'm currently on, I'm still itching to move on to Insurgent. I can't help myself! I wish I could wait a bit longer, so the gap between Insurgent and the 3rd book wont be as long, but screw it! Veronica Roth has made me a fan and I am eager to read more of her work now. Cheers to an excellent series and read!



Rating : ★★★★★ 5 stars


Boy, oh boy. Veronica Roth sure knows how to whip up a sequel! You know, most books in series will never compare to that first golden book. However, Insurgent proved that theory wrong. I was pleasantly surprised to find this book just as amazing as Divergent. It was filled with the same action, thrill, adventure, and creativeness that made me want to continue this series. From the beginning I was hooked. I loved how there was so much more world building, and a glimpse into more of Amity and Candor. We got to see more of the world that Roth created, and I was very intrigued. We also meet the factions leaders, and are introduced to this political struggle and all the faction's standpoints. Insurgent was just beautifully created and did it's predecessor justice.

(Do not read below if you haven't read Divergent yet)

After the events of Divergent, Beatrice and Tobias are left to scramble together to regain strength and control of their lives. Along with them are Caleb, Susan, and Marcus. They travel to Amity in hope of shelter and safety. Unfortunately, they don't see eye to eye and eventually leave after a surprise attack from the Dauntless traitors/Erudite. They then travel to Candor in hopes of allying with them, and even attempt to ally with the factionless. This book continues the struggle of the Dauntless and the Divergent (some shocking new admissions) vs the Erudite. It's full of action and twists, as new and exciting secrets are revealed. Who will come out on top?

If you haven't started Divergent yet, now is the time. Especially with the beautiful Allegiant cover just revealed, this series is a must. In Insurgent, there are some shocking twists. I won't spoil, but there is a traitor among them who really shocked me! Also, the conclusion changes the whole series. I am so wondering what's going to happen in the final installment with this new information present. I reccommend this book to those interested in an amazing, Dystopian, Young adult series. Start Divergent if you haven't and then jump to Insurgent as soon as you can. You will not regret picking these up


If these reviews sparked your interest, you know what to do! I'll provide some amazon links to where you can purchase. Until then!

Divergent : http://www.amazon.com/Divergent-Book-1-Veronica-Roth/dp/0062024035

Insurgent : http://www.amazon.com/Insurgent-Collectors-Divergent-Veronica-Roth/dp/0062234935/ref=pd_sim_b_1

Review #2 : 50 Shades of Grey

Title : Fifty Shades of Grey
Author : E.L. James
Published : June 20th, 2011
Pages : 514
ISBN : 978-1612130286

  Today I finished reading Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James. I have mixed feelings towards this book. It's like the horror movie you can't turn away from, it's too dark and addicting. On one side, this book is very romantic and suspenseful, yet it is very twisted and sick. Continue reading if you want to see my full review!


When literature student Anastasia Steele goes to interview young entrepreneur Christian Grey, she encounters a man who is beautiful, brilliant, and intimidating. The unworldly, innocent Ana is startled to realize she wants this man and, despite his enigmatic reserve, finds she is desperate to get close to him. Unable to resist Ana’s quiet beauty, wit, and independent spirit, Grey admits he wants her, too—but on his own terms.

Shocked yet thrilled by Grey’s singular erotic tastes, Ana hesitates. For all the trappings of success—his multinational businesses, his vast wealth, his loving family—Grey is a man tormented by demons and consumed by the need to control. When the couple embarks on a daring, passionately physical affair, Ana discovers Christian Grey’s secrets and explores her own dark desires. (GoodReads).



  The book starts with Anastasia Steele going to meet Christian Grey on an errand for her friend Kathryn. She is supposed to interview him for the school newspaper. Of course they hit it off, it is somewhat of a romance novel after all. From that moment, they start bumping into each other and their relationship evolved from there. Christian is basically a stalker, I'm sure the times they've met were no coincidence. He was drawn to her, and he wanted to know more about her. Ana is always so intimidated by him, constantly blushing and acting clumsy whenever he is around. I really did not grow to like her, she was no heroine at all. She is just a foolish girl in love, and would do anything for him. Their relationship really takes off when she learns more about Christian's dark side. I'm sure most people know this, but he is into BDSM. Ropes, chains, toys, cuffs, you name it. He isn't looking for love, just rough sex. Of course the naive Ana, although weary of it, doesn't consider this a deal breaker. At this point I would be get away from his as fast as I could, it's just too sick. Plus Ana is portrayed as this innocent virgin, yet she doesn't seem to mind that this guy is messed up in the head.  

   The main conflict in the story is when Anastasia starts putting down her limits, and that is when the book starts getting better. I was beginning to think she'd succumb to anything, but she doesn't. I was proud of her. Although agreeing to some terms of his contract, one which states the things their relationship would entail, she draws fine lines. Of course Christian doesn't like this, he wants to be her "Dominant". He wants her to do as she's told, and obey his every command. I really did not like him for this, although I know it's not his fault. Later on in the story you find he's seduced into this lifestyle and has been victim to it since. He agrees to her negotiations, but she doesn't fully accept yet. I find it funny that throughout the whole book, the contract was not signed once. They just come to a mutual agreement. Anastasia tries to go along with the whole Dominant torture sex acts, while she tries to convince Christian to give her more in this relationship. He doesn't want love, and she wants it more than ever. Even though you can tell he is so drawn to her, he never admits how much he loves her. He cares for her deeply, and it is so apparent. Towards the end of the book, they come closer and closer to each other's agreements. He is letting her into his sad background, and showing more and more of how much he truly feels about her. In return she agrees to opening up more to his kinky lifestyle. The book ends on a deal breaking decision that may or may not ruin their relationship. With much progress they've made, how do you think their relationship is at the end of the first book of this three part trilogy? I won't spoil it, read for yourself if it interests you!

Rating : ★★★☆☆ 3.5 Stars

  I think the biggest turn off, were the explicit sex scenes. Without them, I think this book would easily be a 4 for me. Looking past the sex scenes, I really do enjoy this book. It's a dark and romantic book that is very addicting. The whole idea of Anastasia trying to change this sad, twisted man that she's in love with is a great read. There's a lot of suspense to this book, the darkened vibes make me want to read more. I find myself wanting to see what's going to happen next in their relationship. I do see a lot of Twilight by Stephanie Meyer in this book as well. (Fun Fact : Fifty Shades of Grey started off as an erotic fan fiction of Twilight,  under the name of Snowqueens Icedragon). I plan on reading the next two in the trilogy, because I did enjoy it somewhat. Let me know what you think! If you aren't sure if you want to read it or not, keep this in mind. If you can look past the sex scenes, I say it is a good book. If not, then you may want to pass this one. 

Review #1 : Mockingjay

Title : Mockingjay
Author : Suzanne Collins
Published : August 24th, 2010
Pages : 390
ISBN : 978-0-439-02351-1

Alright, this is officially my first review! I am so excited, I feel like once I post this my blog is officially up and running. So here is the first of many, enjoy! Let me know of what you thought of Mockingjay by commenting below.

Note : Mockingjay is the 3rd and final book in The Hunger Games trilogy. Start out with The Hunger Games and read your way up if interested!

Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. Gale has escaped. Katniss's family is safe. Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. District 13 really does exist. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding. It is by design that Katniss was rescued from the arena in the cruel and haunting Quarter Quell, and it is by design that she has long been part of the revolution without knowing it. District 13 has come out of the shadows and is plotting to overthrow the Capitol. Everyone, it seems, has had a hand in the carefully laid plains--except Katniss.The success of the rebellion hinges on Katniss's willingness to be a pawn, to accept responsibility for countless lives, and to change the course of the future of Panem. To do this, she must put aside her feelings of anger and distrust. She must become the rebels' Mockingjay--no matter what the personal cost.

First off, let me say that I think the Hunger Games series is if not the best, one of the best series I have ever read. It is so unique, and full of surprises and great emotions. It is a page turner for sure, I could not put it down. It has it's slow parts here and there, but the suspenseful parts were so great. Coming into Mockingjay I did not expect a good book at all. I've heard so many friends say it was the worst of the three. I completely disagree. It was an amazing ending, to an amazing series.

Katniss has to really tackle a sense of leadership throughout this book, facing many hard decisions. The rebels are counting on her. She is the Mockingjay, the face of the rebellion against the Capitol. With her leading them to victory, they believe it's a sure win for the rebels. She comes to many obstacles, some they can climb over, and some that wrench your heart. Collins packed this book with emotions alnd leaves such strong thoughts in your mind. Mockingjay is not all about fighting and war between the two opponents. It has a such a stronger meaning, one that questions and boggles your mind. Even as I sit writing this review, I am still thinking what I would do if put into this situation. Dealing with death, struggling for power, and having to sacrifice so much. Such a brilliant, unique book. I give props to Katniss, she is so brave and strong. She isn't the typical damsel in distress who has to depend on a man to get her out of a sticky situation. Although stuck between two guys, she constantly relies on herself and gets herself out of any problem she faces. Katniss is a very inspirational, independent role model that girls could look up to.

Rating : ★★★★★ 5 stars!

I would highly recommend this series to anyone who hasn't read it yet, and tell those just starting that you won't be disappointed! If you enjoy a suspenseful book, this is definitely for you. There are so many surprises and exciting twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat grasping and fidgeting for more. Even as the book comes to an end you don't want to put it down. I absolutely loved this book, and I'm sure most do too. Give it a try, you will love it just as much!