Monday: The Immortals Box Set containing the first four books of Alyson Noel's The Immortals Series was delivered.
Wednesday: I finished reading I Am Number Four, and started reading Evermore.
Book Review: I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore
Friday and Saturday: I ordered 9books from Amazon on Friday and they came on Saturday. Also my I Am Number Four Giveaway started.
Books I Got This Week
Giveaway: I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore. Ends 31st March (International)
Sunday: I finished reading Evermore and started reading Perfect Chemistry.
Evermore by Alyson Noel
Also I am wondering if you would like to hear more of what I do when I'm not reading in my week, and if you want pictures or not.
Please post what you have been doing this week and link any reviews etc..
Sunday, 27 February 2011
Book Review: Evermore by Alyson Noel
Series: The Immortals
Author: Alyson Noel
Publisher: Macmillian Children's Books
Publication Date: September 2009
Pages: 356 (Depends on version of the book)
Special Features:
ISBN:978-0330512855
'Since a horrible accident claimed the lives of her family, sixteen-year-old Ever can see auras, hear people’s thoughts, and know a person’s life story by touch. Going out of her way to shield herself from human contact to suppress her abilities has branded her as a freak at her new high school—but everything changes when she meets Damen Auguste…
Ever sees Damen and feels an instant recognition. He is gorgeous, exotic and wealthy, and he holds many secrets. Damen is able to make things appear and disappear, he always seems to know what she’s thinking—and he’s the only one who can silence the noise and the random energy in her head. She doesn’t know who he really is—or what he is. Damen equal parts light and darkness, and he belongs to an enchanted new world where no one ever dies.'
The Book At First Glance?
I had heard of Evermore during the beginning of my reading obsession, so basically around the time it was published. To me the story wasn't at first appealing, but as time went on I finally got round to wanting this book, and ended up buying the box set of the first four books at a bargain price.
I love the cover. The use of my favorite colour purple, and also how the red tulip, a significant prop in the story is made to stand out, and catch the eye of the reader.
What I Thought?
The book was enjoyable and a great read, but would never come close to reaching my favorite books.
The story line was unique but cliche at the same time, but I do love a little bit of cliche every now and then.
Parts of the story reminded me of other books I have read more than likely by coincidence.
Also I had to occasionally re-read bits due to the book not making sense, or for example a change in time not being obvious.
The characters were created well for the roles they had in the books, with a slight hint of cliche, which was needed for the characters a bit. My favorite character is main girl Ever's little sister Riley (who also has a series devoted to her). Riley shows the majority of the characteristics a younger sister needs, and I know this as I'm a younger sister. She is a character that will always linger in my mind and someone I will never forget.
Also parts of the book show great emotion and writing skill, due to being mainly a supernatural type book, no one will be able to relate to certain parts, but for some reason it seemed like I could.
Ever's way of dealing with the death or her parts and her powers are perfectly wrote. Trying to hide away in attempts to numb the pain of her parents death, and also due to the torture of her powers, making her feel like a freak and knowing esactly what people think of her.
All round the book was a great read, but not close to being the best.
I would recommend this to all YA readers as a book to read whilst you have nothing else to read or you just want something nice and simple.
The book doesn't have to be read as part of the series due to the ending, but can be.
I give this book...
Saturday, 26 February 2011
In My Mailbox 8
In My Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren.
Due to alot of criticism of this weekly Meme, i would just like to say that i do not do this to brag or attempt to make other jealous, but instead to give people incite on what I bought this week, and to introduce views to new books.
Luckily I had quite a bit of money spare from a shopping spree and decided to spend all the money on Amazon :P.
All the items together costed about £60 or $100.
I bought The Immortals first four books in a box set so if your interested heres the link to them: The Immortals 1-4 Box Set- Amazon UK
Friday, 25 February 2011
Follow Friday (1)
Follow Friday is a weekly event hosted byParajunkee where you can discover great blogs and make some new friends while you're at it. Happy Friday!
This week's question:
Q. Share your current fav television show! Tell us a bit about it...
Currently my favorite program is Greek on ABC Family. I don't live in America so I don't have ABC Family so instead every Saturday at exactly 2pm I watch that weeks Greek. I don't know why i love it so much really, im not that keen on some of the characters, i guess its the whole waiting for Cappie and Casey to get together, something which I love in a show.
Wednesday, 23 February 2011
Book Review: I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore
Title: I Am Number Four
Series: Lorien Legacies
Author: Pittacus Lore
Publisher: Razor Bill
Publication Date: August 2010
Pages: 400
Special Features:
ISBN: 978-0141330860
In the beginning we were nine.
We left when we were very young almost too young to remember. Almost. And now...
Three are gone.
We are here to keep our race alive, which was almost entirely obliterated. We were just trying to survive.
Six are left.
But we are hunted, and the hunters won't stop until they've killed us all.
They caught Number one in Malaysia.
Number Two in England.
And Number three in Kenya.
I am Number Four.
I know that I am next.
One word- AMAZING
What I thought of the cover?
The cover, like the book i believe is aimed at the male audience, that doesn't particually appeal to me nor make me want to buy it. The cover has the space theme which is one of the main themes in a book.
What I thought of the title?
Without originally knowing slightly what the book is about by the constant trailer for the film which currently seem to be stalking me I would be interested in the book ignoring the cover. It's a title which creates mystery, a title you can tell there is much more to it, which would lure me into picking up the book.
The Characters?
None of the characters are particularly special, nor bad. The characters dont stand out from other books, which i guess isn't exactly a bad thing. I cant really pick my favorite characters, maybe the main character, John's dog: Bernie Kosar he made the book what it is with a tad bit of humor, really brighten the book up.
What I thought of the book?
The book has the most unique story line i have ever came across, and nothing will be able to compare. I was hooked throughout the whole book and their was never a boring moment in it.
On the down side the writing was a problem for me, the majority of the book had a great selection of vocabulary and also varied sentences etc... but there was some occasionally pieces that sounded so simple, so child like: paragraphs of short sentence, bland words, and occasional repeated words. Also there were small mistake throughout the book which i noticed, but nothing major.
All round its a great and enjoyable book, full of action and romance. With one of the most gripping first chapters ive ever came across. This book doesn't mess around it gets straight to the point.
I give this book...
It was completely enjoyable and i loved it, but the writing brought it down.Sunday, 20 February 2011
Book Review: Sea Change by Aimee Friedman
Series: N/A
Author: Aimee Friedman
Publisher: Point
Publication Date: June 2010
Pages: 320
Special Features:
ISBN: 978-0439922302
'Sixteen-year-old Miranda Merchant is great at science...and not so great with boys. After major drama with her (now ex) boyfriend, she's happy to be spending the summer on small, mysterious Selkie Island, helping her mother sort out her late grandmother's estate.
On the lush, beautiful island, Miranda finds new friends and a community with a mystical history, presenting her with facts her logical, scientific mind can't make sense of. She also meets Leo, who challenges everything she thought she knew about boys, romance...and reality.
Is Leo hiding something? Or is he something that she never could have imagined?'
Sea Change is a story about love, fantasy and also becoming a new person. Miranda Merchant and her mother go to Selkie Island to sort out Miranda's deceased Grandmother's holiday home, but Miranda discovers the truth of her Grandmother, and also witnesses her own change to becoming a woman, she begins to care about how she is portrayed to others, and finds unlikely friendship in some people she would never even consider looking at normally. But Miranda also finds something she never thought she would find, not just on holiday but ever. She begins to fall in love with the mysterious Leo, a permanent resident on the island, and someone who is looked down upon by the Summer visitors. But she knows there is more to him than meets the eye, but refuses to believe any of the clues or warnings she has found warning her of the mer-folk.
What I thought of the cover?
To me the cover is enchanting, and i fell in love with it the first time i saw it. The cover obviously shows that it is a form of romance. The hint of blue adds to the effect of not just the Island that Miranda visits, but also the mythical water creatures that feature in this novel.
I wouldn't be able to guess what the book is fully about by the cover, but i understand it much more after reading the book.
What I thought of the title?
Like most titles i believe they dont give much away about the book. But i like this title and have came up with my own theory to why it has been named what it has. Sea Change, meaning that when the mermaids/men go into the water in their human form they then CHANGE into their true form.
The Characters
To me the characters are quite cliche but worked well. Like most female protagonist's in books Miranda is a shy, nerdish girl who doesn't particually fit in with her peers, Leo the male protagonist carries of the known cliche of being a mythical creatures, and s very mysterious, but this is a trait Leo needs to be him.
What I thought of the book?
This book is wonderfully amazing and enchanting. A great romance but also fantasy book, for all YA lovers. It will appeal to most people, but will have aspects all will love.
Thanks to Sea Change I was brought back into my book reading obsession. Throughout the reading process of the book I was constantly in need to read it, and was constantly caught reading it in the middle of class, something which i do not recommend, but i was just so addicted to it. Now ive finished it I feel slightly lost.
I give this book a...
Sunday, 13 February 2011
Book Review: Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman (New)
Series: Noughts and Crosses Trilogy
Author: Malorie Blackman
Publisher: Corgi (UK) Simon and Schuster (USA)
Publication Date: 1st April 2002 (UK) 9th January 2007 (USA)
Pages: 448
Special Features: the English copy of Noughts and Crosses also hold An Eye For An Eye, a short sequel story to Noughts and Crosses
ISBN: 978-0552555708 (UK) 978-1416900177(USA)
'Callum is a nought- a second-class citizen in a world run by the ruling Crosses...
Sephy is a Cross, daughter of one of the most powerful men in the country...
In their world, noughts and Crosses simply don't mix. And as hostility turns to violence, can Callum and Sephy possibly find a way to be together?
They are determined to try.
And then the bomb explodes...'
Noughts and Crosses is a story about emotion, racism and forbidden love. Imagine a world just like ours but the black (Daggers/Crosses) are the ones in control and the the white (Blankers/noughts) are the lower class citizen. A world where the black and white can't go to the same schools, cant shop in the same shops and cant socialize with someone of a different skin color. Remind you of just a few years ago??
But Sephy and Callum, two people of different races, go against what everyone says ans attempt to make their relationship work. Despite Sephy's powerful and Nought hating father and Callum's Cross hating father and brother respected members of Liberation Militia, a violent terrorist organisation aimed at promoting equality between the two races.
Malorie Blackman is a famous English Children's author who i believe does not receieve enough credit nor recognition for this amazing piece of literature. Blackman had been planning on writing this book for a while, due to the lack of black protagnisits in books, along with a dream of reading a book with someone like herself star in it. The idea came to her one day when she was in need of a plaster but could only find pink plasters, made to go with the skin colour of white people, this is also put into the book.
As she grew up, she was always at the end of verbal attacks from people who hate her due to her skin colour, even today where racism is apparently no longer meant to exist she is still verbally abused and even spat on.
I believe the idea of the book is amazing, she is true we don't have enough books by black people nor books that black people star in. Also the book makes people realize that racism still exist but people try to hide it.
What I thought of the cover?
The cover is very plain and simple, after reading this book i couldn't imagine it having any different cover, it perfectly sums up the book. Also it was the cover that drew me towards it.
The cover only uses the colors black and white, to sum up the story of the first page. It shows the racial issues that take place throughout the book.
What I thought of the title?
The title 'Noughts and Crosses' automatically causes me to think of being back in lower school around the ages of 5-6, when during reading time we would be read books mainly based on African Amercains, i think one of the books was about Noughts and Crosses.
Malorie Blackman chose this title because Noughts and Crosses (Tic Tac Toe) is a game which is played many times throughout childhood, but is completely forgotten as we grow. It's a game full of stradgeies and game plans a game where if you win the battle you will not win nor lose in the war.
The title is different in America though being 'Black & White' this is because American's dont refer to Noughts and Crosses as Noughts and Crosses but instead Tic Tac Toe, but the title didn't fit well. But the title Black &White wouldn't make me want to particullary pick up the book.
Interesting things I discovered
When looking over the book, mere minutes before starting this review I realised someting about the book I did not before. O the blurb and inside the book Crosses u
se upper case for the first letter of the word, where as noughts use lower case for the first letter of the word. It is used to show the Crosses superiority over the noughts.
se upper case for the first letter of the word, where as noughts use lower case for the first letter of the word. It is used to show the Crosses superiority over the noughts.
The Characters
All the characters in the book are completely believable. i also think they are quite simple characters, but this is what makes them the way they are.
Sephy is quite naive when she is around Callum, and is willing to almost give anything up for him.
Callum is protective over Sephy, and a great believer in equal rights.
The character which i believe is most believable is Sephy's mother Jasmine Hadley. Jasmine is supposed to be a trophy wife to her powerful husband Kamal. But deep down inside she is emotionally breaking down: her husband barely coming home, the fear of him cheating or leaving her, and turns to alcohol to heal all her wounds. She is a great literature version of many women.
The book is quite realistic, and i feel that many people would be able to relate to the character. I am unable to. The racism aspect and the forbidden love, along with many of the other characters small sub plots, would be relatable to most of the books readers.
The book is incredibly written, i was able to feel the emotions of the characters when reading the book. I constantly kept a packet of tissues next to me.
I couldn't really pick a favourite and least favourite part of the book, i loved the whole book (all the emotional bits a tad bit less, due to the need to make me cry).
I would recommend this book to everyone, of all ages. Mainly for those who want to see more coloured people star in books.
Ithink the message of this book is....
'Don't judge a book by its cover
Don't judge a person by its colour'
I give this book...
Check out Malorie Blackman's website for more info on this book and any of her other books: Malorie Blackman
Saturday, 12 February 2011
Book Review: Wannabe A Writer? by Jane Wenham-Jones
Title: Wannabe a Writer?
Author: Jane Wenham-Jones
Release Date (England): 1st May 2007
Publisher (English): Accent Press Ltd
Price (UK pounds): £9.99
Genre: Non-Fiction Advice
Series: N/A
No. Pages: 320
'This hilarious, informative guide to getting into print, is a must-have for anyone who's ever thought they've got a book in them. Where do you start? How do you finish? And will anyone ever publish it when you have? Drawing on her own experiences as a novelist and journalist, "Writing Magazine's" agony aunt Jane Wenham-Jones takes you through the minefield of the writing process, giving advice on everything from how to avoid writer's bottom to what to wear to your launch party. Including hot tips from authors, agents and publishers at the sharp end of the industry, "Wannabe a Writer?" tells you everything you ever wanted to know about the book world - and a few things you didn't...'
I decided to buy this book due to the good reviews i had already seen and obviously a thought of writing my own book. I didnt expect it to be much though, just how to make your characters to come alive, how to plan your book etc... But its much more than that. It tells you the harsh reality of being an author.
What i love most about this book is that its not just how she believe your should write a book but it always has what other writers and journalists do to keep to their deadlines.
The writing qualilty is very chatty, which made it easier for me to read a book like this, it is also very funny, to the point where i was crying from laughter at some points.
After reading this I definitely plan on buying her other books, along with her other writing guide book: Wannabe a writer we've heard of?
So everyone who has an ambition of being a bestselling author pick up your copy of Wannabe a Writer? ASAP. Definately worth the money.
I give this book...
Thursday, 10 February 2011
My Top Five.... Favourite Books
Infinite Days gave me a different outlook on vampire based books, its not like any of the others: human girl falls head over heels for drop dead goergous vampire. No, this book is from the point of view of a female vampire over 500 years old who has risked everything to become human again, but her vampire 'children' are searching for her and want her back.
It really was an enjoyable book, and a definite read for all vampire or romance lovers.
2. Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
3. Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman
Noughts and Crosses is probably actually my favourite book. For me reading isnt just about enjoying a book, but getting a message from it, causing you to think. It is decribed as the racial version of Romeo and Juliet, making people realise that sterotyping is wrong, that everybody is equal. We cant judge people due to the colour of their skin nor can we judge those who are nice to those of a different race. Even though racism was banned many years ago, it still happens today, and i believe this would of been a difficult book for Malorie Blackman to write, and it was difficult for me to read, through the tears and the happiness.
I recommend this to you all, please everyone just give it a chance, you will all enjoy it.
4. Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Another cliche book i guess you could say. I put off reading Hunger Games for ages, the cover never really appealed to me, nor did the story line, but i decided to read it anyway, and compeltely fell in love with it from day one. It's another book that i believe makes you think, even long after it has finished. A message to us all saying we need to change our ways or the future could possibly lead to being like in the Hunger Games, and yes i do believe this could possibly happen.
The characters (all except Peta... TEAM GALE!!) are lovable in their own unique way and the story line is one like no other.
Once again another book full of enjoyable characters.
I read this book whilst going through my majoy vampire phase.
Me and my bestfriend were constantly argueing over if werewolves or vampires were better. She bought this book and recommended it to me, i didnt really want to read it, as i had no intrest at all in werewolves, but this is the only book my friend has fully read so i kinda had to read it.
It was amazing and another tearjerker.
Next weeks top 5 will be..... Favourite Character.
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