Tuesday 29 August 2017

Review: One of Us Is Lying by Karen M McManus

“I don't know why it's so hard for people to admit that sometimes they're just assholes who screw up because they don't expect to get caught.”

Yale hopeful Bronwyn has never publicly broken a rule. Sports star Cooper only knows what he's doing in the baseball diamond. Bad boy Nate is one misstep away from a life of crime. Prom queen Addy is holding together the cracks in her perfect life.
And outsider Simon, creator of the notorious gossip app at Bayview High, won't ever talk about any of them again. He dies 24 hours before he could post their deepest secrets online. Investigators conclude it's no accident. All of them are suspects.
Everyone has secrets, right?
What really matters is how far you'll go to protect them.

This book has been described as "Pretty Little Liars meets The Breakfast Club" and I suppose that's true to some extent in that the whole book really lacks originality. It was one of those books where the whole idea for the plot is very exciting but the actual novel doesn't live up to the hype and seems kind of lackluster. I found the characters to be very cliche of a teen novel, there really wasn't anything unique about them, which was quite disappointing actually. I was also kind of gutted that all four of the protagonists seemed one dimensional and undeveloped, all of their backgrounds and their individual stories weren't given the time they deserved as the author flitted between them all each chapter. It was interesting getting everyone's unique perspective but the readers don't really get a chance to fully understand the characters, meaning none of the scenes are particularly shocking or emotional.

What I love most about murder mystery novels are the plot twists that usually have me gripped and hanging on to every word but all of the supposedly surprising revelations in this novel were predictable and I'd already guessed them. The scenes in school were overly cliche and unrealistic as well, and I appreciate that it is a work of fiction but it does make it harder to enjoy the book and relate to the characters when that's the case. Also, the overly done, typical bad boy romance in this book was poorly written. If done well, it could have added a lot to the plot but as it was it just wasn't believable or relevant. 

This book was marketed and hyped up as a shocking murder mystery book with some unlikely teens banded together who bond over their shared experience as falsely accused but it just didn't live up to that at all. It was slow and not fast paced as a good thriller should be. I can't recommend it but you should always read a book for yourself to make your mind up!

3/10

Tuesday 22 August 2017

If You Liked Everything Everything by Nicola Yoon...


Everything Everything is a beautiful, sweet coming of age romance with the stakes being slightly higher than usual when protagonist Maddy leaves the house to chase her true love despite being confined to her home due to a rare medical condition. Maybe you loved the film, released in the UK August 18th, and you want to read books of a similar genre. Therefore, if you loved this novel, here are my top 10 books you should read next!

1. I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson
This book will always be a favourite of mine and I think at least one element of the story will mirror your own experiences of growing up. It's a story about two siblings experiencing their first love and loss at the same time but in different ways. It's beautifully written and full of bright, vivid descriptions. It reads almost like poetry, a truly perfect novel.







2. Ask the Passengers by A S King
A friend got this book for me and I'm so glad she did because it's completely changed my perspective on things. A coming of age novel mixed in with the beginnings of a teenager asking philosophical questions, despite being fiction it feels like a very true story. Astrid is beginning to discover her sexuality and find first love while struggling with the constraints of unaccepting parents and judgey small town life.






3. A Quiet Kind of Thunder by Sara Barnard
This book is about an anxious, mute teen girl who finally finds her voice communicating through sign language with her deaf boyfriend Rhys. It's a lovely story as neither is dependent on the other in developing themselves but instead supported in a healthy relationship that feels as perfect and sometimes painful in all the ways first loves do. 







4. The Memory of Flora Banks by Emily Barr
Living with a rare form of amnesia, Flora has no recollection of anything longer than a few hours ago and her last memories are from when she was 10. Her parents keep her overprotected and when the chance arises, Flora travels halfway across the world for an opportunity to make her own memories. Very reminiscent of the rebellious streak in Maddy when she defies her mother!






5. When We Collided by Emery Lord
When I say this story is vibrant, I'm not just talking about the front cover! It's an absolute rollercoaster of first love and a beautiful exploration of the feelings of both people involved. The intensity of it all will keep you gripped as a reader and the realism in this novel is what really makes the story. Nothing is sugercoated!







6. The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
If what you're looking for is a genuine first discovery of romance then look no further than the novels of YA romance author Jenny Han! A perfect read for the summer, you can practically feel the rays on you as you're reading. Protagonist Belly begins falling for family friends Conrad and Jeremiah while discovering her independence as a young woman. Definitely worth the read!






7. This Song Will Save Your Life by Leila Sales
This novel is a little different to the others in this list but if you liked Everything Everything I'm guessing you really love a coming of age book! Outsider Elise discovers an underground DJ scene where she finally feels accepted and as though she can be herself despite a traumatic incident in her near past and difficulties at school. 







8. Unspeakable by Abbie Rushton
A beautifully honest book about two young girls discovering themselves through their first relationship. Megan doesn't speak but bubbly new girl Jasmine brings out the voice in her. Something has happened that Megan cannot speak about but around Jasmine, she can finally speak. One of the best YA LGBT romance books with a mystery thrown in.








9. Everything Leads to You by Nina Lacour
Set in LA, everything about this book screams that it needs to be made into a film. Vibrant Emi and her best friend Charlotte are working on a film when they embark on a search for an old Wild-West movie star's grand daughter, all while being left with the heavy responsibility to do something epic while staying in her brother's flat for the summer. Hope, betrayal, loss and guilt make this a recipe for a perfect coming of age novel.






10. Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell
Lovers of Rainbow Rowell probably hold this novel to be the single book that embodies all the best elements of a YA romance/coming-of-age story. Eleanor and Park have an intense relationship, realistic to that of when your 16, all whilst exploring their identities and struggling with problems in their personal lives. A fantastic read that I fully enjoyed and can definitely recommend. 


Tuesday 8 August 2017

Review: After The Fire by Will Hill

“Love changes how you see everything. It blinds you, but in a good way.” 

Father John controls everything inside The Fence. And Father John likes rules. Especially about never talking to Outsiders. Because Father John knows the truth. He knows what is right, and what is wrong. He knows what is coming.

Moonbeam is starting to doubt, though. She's starting to see the lies behind Father John's words. She wants him to be found out.

What if the only way out of the darkness is to light a fire?

After The Fire by Will Hill is a fantastic novel with a brilliant narrative and a disturbing yet gripping plot. This book is unique in that I've never read anything like it and yet it's a novel that should be shared because it shines a light on religious cults and how easy it is for someone to take power and manipulate something peaceful for their own personal gain. I cannot recommend this book enough, having been partly inspired by true events it's certainly an important story to tell and I think Will Hill has done a fantastic job of doing so.

Moonbeam's story is told out of chronological order, jumping between the past and the traumatic events she suffered, and the future as a psychiatrist and government agent attempt to help her heal and piece together the truth. This creates a really interesting narrative that made the book gripping and full of suspense.  

What Will Hill gets right is despite outlining all the horrific events inside The Lord's Legion, a Christian cult, he does not attack Christianity or make it seem a violent religion followed only by the gullible. He also does not disrespect any members of religious cults, instead exploring the complex reasons why people are attracted to them, portraying each character as genuine human beings, who are both compassionate and flawed.

I would recommend this book to anyone who's looking for a unique YA read that's grounded in real life. Also, it's great for anyone with an interest in religion as it explores how a peaceful, genuine faith can be twisted to oppress and take advantage of others. Definitely worth the read!

9/10

Tuesday 1 August 2017

If You Liked The Mortal Instruments...


Have you ever read a series so good it seems like nothing will ever compare? Ever finished a book so brilliant you NEED to find others like it or you fear you'll never read again? Have you ever got yourself into a reading slump because every other book pales in comparison? We've all been there, and for me it was about 6 years ago when I first got into The Mortal Instruments series. Therefore, I felt like I was in a position to help you guys out! Here follows my top 10 books you'll LOVE if you're obsessed with The Mortal Instruments. 

1. The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare

So it's the amazing writing style of Cassandra Clare that combines all the elements of your favourite fantasy novels that's got you gripped? Have no fear, she's a fairly prolific author with a few more series to sink your teeth into. Set in Victorian London, The Infernal Devices follow Tessa as she's thrust into the world of Shadowhunters. If you're a TMI fan, some old favourites such as Jem and Magnus feature in these novels so it's a great follow on. 








2. Half Bad by Sally Green

If you're attracted to the darker side of YA fantasy, then the Half Bad series is perfect. The story follows Nathan as he lives isolated, kept in a cage after being rejected for being the illegitimate son of renowned Black witch Marcus. Nathan is a half-code, sticking out in his family of White witches and he struggles to survive the persecution, all while being aware that while there is good in him, the evil could still win. Definitely worth a read!








3. Throne of Glass by Sarah J Maas
If you loved The Mortal Instruments, I'm guessing you're not opposed to a headstrong female protagonist, namely Celaena Sardothien, a trained assassin competing to win her freedom while living undercover as a Lady in the castle. This series is set in a fantasy world and if what you love in TMI are those mythical, magical elements, then Throne of Glass is packed with those too, and full of action, violent scenes to quell the need for Shadowhunting the series probably ignited.







4. The Bane Chronicles by Cassandra Clare, Sarah Rees Brennan and Maureen Johnson
Perhaps what, or who, you're missing so much since finishing TMI is the free-wheeling bisexual warlock Magnus Bane and his boyfriend, the reserved and serious Shadowhunter Alec Lightwood. This novel is a collection of short stories from Magnus' past and his life today with Alec and should be enough to treat your TMI withdrawal symptoms in the short term. 









5. Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
This series was one of my favourites for a long time and if you love a good YA fantasy novel, it's perfect for you. The story follows Ethan as he delves into a world of dark magic that's been living right under his nose for his entire life. He falls in love with the mysterious, complex Lena but their powerful love will have consequences as a family curse threatens to put all their lives in danger. The film came out a few years back, but the book is always better! 


6. The Novice by Taran Matharu 
If you loved the mythical world of demons in The Mortal Instruments, then you'll probably enjoy this book! After summoning a demon and being wrongly accused of a crime, Fletcher travels to Vocans Academy, a school for Summoners to learn to control their power. This book has a vividly created universe in which its set, which is always key to a brilliant fantasy novel so if you like the sound of that then definitely check this book out. 









7. Hush Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick

This book is a fantastic story of dark and forbidden teen romance between Nora and fallen angel Patch. It feels quite reminiscent of Twilight at times but also has the forbidden love elements of Clary and Jace's relationship. The two find themselves in the midst of a battle between Nephilim and fallen angels. If you were fascinated by Nephilim in The Mortal Instruments and the angelic side to mythology then Hush Hush is a great series to move on to. 








8. Magisterium: The Iron Trial by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare


Like I mentioned before, Cassandra Clare has written a lot more books to sink your teeth into, one of those being The Iron Trial co-written with bestselling author of The Spiderwick Chronicles Series Holly Black. Aimed at a younger audience, the story follows young magician Callum Hunt as he tries to fail the entrance exam to the Magisterium. He fails so spectacularly that he is forced to join the academy, plunging deep into a world of magic he has been taught to reject all his life. Accompanied by his two friends, Call delves deeper into the frightening yet attractive world of magic and discovers some dark secrets from the past. I can't recommend this book enough and being lucky enough to attend a book signing on their UK tour, I had the pleasure of hearing Black and Clare's genius firsthand. 



9. Frozen by Melissa de la Cruz and Michael Johnston




This book is unique among many YA fantasy novels in that it's set in a futuristic, post-apocalyptic world in which a dawn of new magic is coming. Readers follow the marked Nat as she relies on shady Wes to help her in her journey to the mythical world of The Blue. This book is filled with danger, mythical creatures and strong protagonists and really sticks in my mind as something different in the over-saturated YA fantasy genre. 






10. The Dark Days Club by Alison Goodman




This series feels almost too reminiscent of The Infernal Devices but if what you're craving is a fix of the supernatural underworld then this could be for you. Lady Helen is making her debut into high society but stumbles upon a dark world of demonic creatures and dangerous power. If you love a kind of 19th century Pride and Prejudice style novel then you'll almost certainly love The Dark Days Club as balls and promenades collide with the fight against demons.