Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson

Summary

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... 

Emily now has this unexpected summer, and the help of Frank Porter (totally unexpected), to check things off Sloane's list. Who knows what she’ll find?

                                                                             Go skinny-dipping? Wait...what?

Review

This is my first time reading a Morgan Matson book and I have to say this author is already becoming one of my favourites . Since You've Been Gone is one of the cutest and funniest contemporaries I've read in a while. It's about breaking out of your shell, doing things out of your comfort zone and it also centres around friendship.

The book was laugh out loud funny at many occasions and I found myself liking each and every side-character. I love how they stood out and they weren't just there to make the MC shine.

Emily was a great protagonist. I could really relate to her when it came to her shyness and her awkwardness and I loved seeing her develop from a girl that hid in her best friend's shadow to someone more confident and out going. She was flawed,of course, but that's what made her more real and fun to me.

Also, Frank was like a breath of fresh air. Usually in a book with a shy, reserved main character the person who helps her break out of her shell,and also her love interest, is a 'bad boy' (am I the only one who seems to come across this type of books, all the time?) and although I can't say I don't enjoy a good bad boy it does get tiring after a certain amount of time to read about them. Frank, on the other hand, was so sweet and funny and adorable!

I love how the romance was slowly built. Frank and Emily were purely friends for the majority of the book, getting to know each other. Their relationship was so incredibly cute! Frank supported Emily and even helped her complete that list, however crazy some of the things in it sounded, because he knew how important it was for her. Their romance was definitely one that left me with a cheesy smile permanently stuck on my face.

This book actually also inspired me to go out running... a bit irrelevant, I know, but no other book has managed something like that before (take into account I'm a very lazy person)!  In the book, Frank and Emily have these daily running laps which were going on for the majority of the book and since I was on vacation, in a small village, I decided why not do it myself! I applaud you, Matson, I applaud you.

Lastly, I feel the need to add that...I loved the list! It was so crazy and fun!

Overall, Since You've Been Gone was an amazing contemporary full of funny, cute moments and great characters! I adored it!

Publisher : Simon & Schuster

 Publication Date: May 6th 2014

 Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary

 Pages: 449

 Format: Paperback

 Rating : 5/5

Review : Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. 

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.

Goodreads

Review

I can't believe it took me so long to pick up Cinder! Truth be told, I was a bit apprehensive to read it due to all the hype surrounding it but so many people kept recommending it to me that I finally gave in and read it. And it blew me away! It made me laugh, tear up and even squeal! (apparently I do that)

Cinder is the sci-fi retelling of the beloved fairytale Cinderella where the main character, Cinder, is an acclaimed mechanic in New Beijing. Oh, she's also a half cyborg! How cool is that! But when Prince Kai comes seeking her help and she becomes a guinea pig for the research of an antidote for the plague that has caused the lives of many, things start to get interesting....

Cinder was truly an amazing book, worthy of all the hype surrounding it. I loved the world that Marissa Meyer created. Learning more about New Beijing, the Commonwealth and the mystery behind the Lunars was a very fun experience! The story had enough twists to keep you at the edge of your seat, a nice pace that matched it perfectly and incredible writing! And I also loved the diversity in it, the fact that the characters were Asian, and how the romance didn't really take centre stage and it developed naturally.

Cinder instantly became a favourite character! Her quirky and fiery personality and the fact that she was a cyborg (with cool abilities!) made her very interesting for me to read about. The girl had a lie detector and unlimited Internet! I hated how people treated her(even her own family), like she was some kind of parasite, and how her step-mother always reminded her that she was unable to cry. 

Iko! My favourite android! I love her to pieces! She was probably the comic relief in the book! So cheerful and full of life(even if she's technically a robot)! And the girlyness! She was so girly! With her love of dresses and jewelries and make up! She was so cute!

Adri, how I hated Adri! At some point I wanted to give her a chance * She'd just lost her daughter....* *sobs*Pearl!*sobs* but I swear it was like she wanted me to hate her! Her actions and words towards Cinder were inexcusable! I may actually hate her more than Levana!

On a much nicer note, Kai! *fangirls* He was amazing! As a girl who enjoys watching anime and read manga I have a soft spot for Asian guys, and Prince Kai wasn't an exception! He was funny, clever and caring leader. *when he took the blame for the mirror found in Levana's food!*

And lastly, Levana. As the main villain in the Lunar Chronicles, Levana did a great job on making people dislike her. While breathtaking on the outside she's just as much evil and cruel on the inside. She's manipulative, a liar and overall, a pretty great villain!

Overall, Cinder was an incredible read! A book with amazing world building, a cute romance and strong characters, it's a book you don't want to miss!

 Book info:

Hardcover, 390 pages

First Published: January 3rd 2012

Publisher: Fewel & Friends

Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Romance, Retelling

Rating: 5/5

Review: Shatter Me by Tahereh Maffi

Juliette hasn’t touched anyone in exactly 264 days.

The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette’s touch is fatal. As long as she doesn’t hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don’t fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war – and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she’s exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.

Review

Shatter Me was the first book I finished in 2015 and I loved it! It was an amazing dystopian with a paranormal twist full of action, suspense, romance and well-written characters. 

When it came to the romance, it was really sweet and at times even a little bit steamy. Juliette and Adam definitely had an undeniable connection from the start of the novel that got stronger with each passing chapter. But the book was also full of twists and surprises that kept me at the edge of my seat holding my breath! In truth, though, what first captured my attention about Shatter Me was its writing.  I completely fell in love with it! Tahereh Maffi's writing is incredibly lyrical, beautiful and unique! It really helped capture Juliette's emotional state in the book. 

Juliette is a very strong and complex character. Declared as a monster by society and locked away in isolation for the better part of a year she's in a turmoil of emotions. In a way she's broken and lost but at the same time, in many parts of the book, you can really see the strength she carries. She's definitely a very inspiring character!

I liked Adam. I really did. I didn't love him, but I liked him. He was very kind to Juliette and in a way he was what kept her from completely going insane, her rock, even though he started out as a huge jerk... Another thing about him was his devotion and love for his little brother. It really moved me in many ways. 

Warner was.... well, he was truly something else. I know that about 80% of the people who've read the Shatter Me trilogy are completely in love with this character but for now, I don't really see it... Maybe it's because it's the first book? But even though, at least for now, he is not the kind of character you fall in love with he was a great antagonist.  He was cruel at times and his way of thinking sometimes made me think he was also a bit mad but I have to admit he is a fun character to read about. He certainly has many layers I can't wait to explore in the next books.

Another character that really stood out for me was Kenji. Despite not appearing much in the first book, Kenji certainly made a great impression on me. He was, the least to say, hilarious! On the few pages he was in I was constantly laughing out-loud! I'd really like to see more of him in the next instalments!

Overall, this was an amazing read and a book you really should pick up if you're into the dystopian genre! 

Book info:

Hardcover, 374 pages

First Published: November 15th 2011

Publisher: Harper

Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian, Romance, Paranormal.

Rating: 4.5/5

Review : These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner

It's a night like any other on board the Icarus. Then, catastrophe strikes: the massive luxury spaceliner is yanked out of hyperspace and plummets into the nearest planet. Lilac LaRoux and Tarver Merendsen survive. And they seem to be alone. 

Lilac is the daughter of the richest man in the universe. Tarver comes from nothing, a young war hero who learned long ago that girls like Lilac are more trouble than they’re worth. But with only each other to rely on, Lilac and Tarver must work together, making a tortuous journey across the eerie, deserted terrain to seek help. 

Then, against all odds, Lilac and Tarver find a strange blessing in the tragedy that has thrown them into each other’s arms. Without the hope of a future together in their own world, they begin to wonder—would they be better off staying here forever?

Everything changes when they uncover the truth behind the chilling whispers that haunt their every step. Lilac and Tarver may find a way off this planet. But they won’t be the same people who landed on it

Review

I am not going to lie to you. When I made the decision to buy this book it was not for its amazing plot - I don't think I had even bothered to glance at the description in the back- it was for its gorgeous cover. If I could, I would have this cover made into a giant poster for my wall. What I didn't know, was that its content was as beautiful and breath-taking as its exterior. These Broken Stars is on my top 5 books of 2014! ( I didn't put it on my TTT list because I hadn't finished it yet at the time) It was captivating, enchanting, compelling and it completely blew me away!

I loved the dynamic between the two main characters! Their interactions were often hilarious and their chemistry was amazing. The characters themselves were very complex, had many layers and really developed through out the book. Oh and you know how we all hate insta-love? Yeah you won't find any of that here. Although there is an immediate attraction, Lilac and Tarver start off wanting to rip each others' heads off. It was so fun watching their relationship grow from bickering and insulting each other to coming to trust one another and eventually fall in love.

The dual PoV was a success in my opinion. I loved getting to know each character and view situations from both aspects. It made bonding with them and caring for them and their story easier. The writing was also incredible. Both writers have an amazing talent for story telling and their writing flowed really well while being lush and descriptive at the same time. It made this whole world come to life in my mind in a matter of seconds

I admit, I started off not liking Lilac much. I thought she resembled the stereotypical rich girl image- spoiled, self-centred and a bit too whiney. Through out the course of the story though, I started sympathising with her and understand her situation more. By the end of the book she had gone under a great deal of development, becoming a very strong and level-headed female character. 

Tom Hiddleston approves too :)

Tarver... I really liked Tarver. Scratch that. I really loved Tarver. He was just.... just.... well, amazing. Hard-working, brave, equipped with witty comebacks and completely swoon worthy (I think I have used this word in almost every single one of my reviews...). In short, I wouldn't mind having a Tarver in my life!

Overall, this book was, with one word, beautiful. It captured the sense of survival, had an amazing, slow-burning romance you rarely find in books, well-developed characters and incredible writing. I couldn't praise it enough! You should just go and read it right now! Seriously. Don't waste any time. Just go.

 Book info:

Hardcover, 374 pages

First Published: December 10th 2013

Publisher: Disney Hyperion

Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Romance.

Rating: 5/5

Review: Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris--until she meets Étienne St. Clair. Smart, charming, beautiful, Étienne has it all...including a serious girlfriend. 

But in the City of Light, wishes have a way of coming true. Will a year of romantic near-misses end with their long-awaited French kiss?

After reading Anna and the French Kiss I am convinced that Stephanie Perkins may just be the queen of contemporary novels. This book was amazing! Cute, light-hearted and funny, it gave me butterflies and left me grinning like an idiot!

I loved Etienne and Anna's relationship! They become fast friends from the beginning of the book  and through out its course they quickly turn into best friends. Their interactions were often 'laugh out loud' hilarious and very sweet! But even though the romance was incredibly cute it was also a bit frustrating. We know that Etienne has a girlfriend but even when he realises he has feelings for Anna he still refuses to break up with her because,  after a heart-breaking revelation about his mother he is afraid to be alone. And even though I understood him at some point, I was still a bit frustrated with his choices, as was Anna.

I think Anna was a great main character. She was funny and flawed but she was the kind of girl that, in the end, recognised her own faults and tried to make things right. (Spoiler) Like with Juliette. When she found out she was with Trip she cut all ties with her but, at the end of the book, she understood why she did what she did because she had done the same thing to Mer. 

She wasn't there, they fell in love and Juliette didn't how to tell her. I really respected Anna when she wrote that letter back to her. (End of Spoiler) 

And let's not forget Etienne. How could anyone not like Etienne St. Clair? He is witty, charming and British!

.... I seem to have developed a thing for British guys lately...

Okay, confession time. I have been studying French for the past 4 years or so and even though I love the language, I've never been really interested in the country. Until this book. I felt like Anna and the French kiss was my personal tour guide of Paris and even though it didn't show me everything it did spark my interest for the City of Lights. The Louvre museum, the point zero, all those little theatres.. It would be a dream come true to one day visit them myself!

Overall, Anna and the French Kiss was an entertaining, cute, fluffy love story that made me laugh, swoon and tear up. Definitely a book I will be re-reading soon!

   Book info:

Paperback, 372 pages

First Published, December 2nd 2010

Publisher: Speak

Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult.

Rating: 5/5

Review: The Evolution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

Mara Dyer once believed she could run from her past.
She can’t.

She used to think her problems were all in her head.
They aren’t.

She couldn’t imagine that after everything she’s been through, the boy she loves would still be keeping secrets.
She’s wrong.

In this gripping sequel to The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, the truth evolves and choices prove deadly. What will become of Mara Dyer next?

Goodreads    

I picked up The Evolution of Mara Dyer literally a few minutes after finishing The Unbecoming and considering that was around 2 am in the morning I think it shows how much I already loved the series. Well, this book made me love it even more!

It was dark and even more creepy than the previous one. I'm ashamed to admit it, but by the end of it, I had stolen my fair share of glances behind me to make sure everything was still normal and I also jumped on the sound of my dad knocking at my door.... Yeah.... It was creepy alright...

I sympathised a lot more with Mara, who goes through so much in this book. From being thrown into a mental hospital, sleepwalking, getting wierd prophesies from crazy old ladies and being kidnapped, this girl couldn't catch a brake! And that was only half of it! 

Though, despite all the crazyness of the book there were some pleasant surprises too! One of them being Jamie! He's back! 

Jamie is one of my favorite characters in this trilogy! He's witty, a great friend and overall fantastic! Him coming back, was one of the high lights of the book for me!

Another high light was well.... almost every scene between Mara and Noah!

I can't describe to you how much I ship those two! Their romance was intense and beautiful. I loved how their relationship developed through out the book! They became closer and opened up more to each other about how they felt. Also some of their scenes were pretty hilarious.

Noah, was even more perfect in this book. How could he not be? He's loyal, always supportive of all the crazy plans Mara comes up with, deviously witty, loving and, let's not forget, Brittish. How can you not love him!

We also meet a few new characters, one of them being Phoebe. Oh, how I hated Phoebe. She was one of the teens in the mental hospital-school-thing Mara was enrolled to and she was creepy, disturbing and a complete psycho.

Lastly, The Evolution answered a lot of questions from the first book but, of course, left us with a couple more. Also, something worth mentioning is Michelle Hodkins writing. I said it before and I will say it again, her writing is so easy to get through! It's descriptive and yet it also flows really well! Makes you fly through the book!

Overall, The Evolution of Mara Dyer was a fantastic read! Dark, creepy and full of romance, the sequel in the Mara Dyer trilogy was as thrilling as the first one! Fingers crossed the last one will be as good!

    Book info:

Paperback, 546 pages

Published, September 23rd 2012

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Genre: Mystery, Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult.

Rating: 5/5

Review: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

Mara Dyer believes life can't get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there.

It can. 

She believes there must be more to the accident she can't remember that killed her friends and left her strangely unharmed. 

There is.

She doesn't believe that after everything she's been through, she can fall in love. 

She's wrong.


A full week  has past after reading this book and I'm still trying to gather my thoughts in order to write a proper review so if this seems a bit over the place.... Bear with me people.

I loved this book to bits. It was dark, suspenseful and pretty creepy at times. Seriously. I stole my fair share of glances behind me to ensure no creepy dead person was standing there watching me. The writing was really easy to get into and the pacing was amazing. And don't get me start on the romance! 

Oh, Noah... *sigh*  

I don't think I can properly describe to you how hard I was fangirling at the scenes between Noah and Mara! Those two had an unbelievable chemistry that I just couldn't get enough of!

So let's move on to the Characters.

We begin with Mara, a16-year-old girl, who's been in an accident that she has no recollection of and wakes up to find her best friend, boyfriend and his sister dead. After that, she begins having hallucinations of them and imagining people's deaths few minutes before they happen. Naturally, she begins to think she's crazy. But what if she isn't?

I really enjoyed Mara's character. She was flawed, damaged and overall lost. Do you even wonder why I liked her? *enter sarcasm* But, jocking aside, I think that's what made her 'real'.  She is dignosed with PTSD, is really confused and for the most part of the book she tried to cast aside what she was seeing as hallucinations or simple coincidents which was something that anybody else in her place would have done. She was, for the most part, a credible character and that's something I really liked about her.

Then we have Noah. The mysterious beautiful boy who takes an interest on Mara. I loved him! What more is there to say? He was complex and always ready with a witty response. Smart and determinded, he was a really swoon-worthy male character! He was also there for Mara when she need him and a nice destraction for her from all the weird stuff happening. Definitely high up on my book-boyfriend list!

I also can't go on without talking about one of my favorite characters, Jamie. Although he didn't stay long in the book Jamie was the comic relief to this book for me. He was so sassy and also a very good friend, one that stands up to people when they've wronged someone. He was just awesome!

On another note, that cliffhanger! It had me gaping at the book and then, of course, throwing it on my bed and jumping onto the next one. I am not kidding. I started The Evolution of Mara Dyer in the span of 3 minutes after finishing The Unbecoming. And so far? It's so good!

Five out of five stars, this is a book I really recommend reading! It's something differenet and exciting! And if you are in the mood for something creepy and mysterious? Even better!

Book info:

• Paperback, 466 pages
• Published, September 27th 2011
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
• Genre: Mystery, Paranormal.
• Rating: 5/5

Mystery= The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer

Review: The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson

A princess must find her place in a reborn world.

She flees on her wedding day.

She steals ancient documents from the Chancellor's secret collection.

She is pursued by bounty hunters sent by her own father.

She is Princess Lia, seventeen, First Daughter of the House of Morrighan.

The Kingdom of Morrighan is steeped in tradition and the stories of a bygone world, but some traditions Lia can't abide. Like having to marry someone she's never met to secure a political alliance.

Fed up and ready for a new life, Lia flees to a distant village on the morning of her wedding. She settles in among the common folk, intrigued when two mysterious and handsome strangers arrive—and unaware that one is the jilted prince and the other an assassin sent to kill her. Deceptions swirl and Lia finds herself on the brink of unlocking perilous secrets—secrets that may unravel her world—even as she feels herself falling in love.

Let me just get this out of the way and say that I loved this book. It's probably one of the best books I've read in the past 3 months.

The first thing that I noticed about story was the writing. Mary E. Pearson's writing is phenomenal! It's descriptive and lush and beautiful and so many other things. It made me fly through this book easily and not once left me feeling confused. 

Another thing, was the setting. Terravin, the little village in which the princess heads to so as to start a new life, is up in the list of fictional places I would not mind living in! It's basically a small little town outside the kingdom that everybody seems to ignore it exists which grants the residents a peaceful and easy-going life. Which happens to be exactly what our princess needs!

This book is also told in three perspectives. Lea's (who is the narrator of the story), The Prince's and The Assassin's. Did I mentioned we don't know who is who? The Boys' names are Rafe and Kaiden but we have no absolute idea for at least half the book who is the Assassin and who is the Prince. I really liked that. I think it made it easier for the reader to connect with Lea as we go through almost the same journey as her since we actually get to know those two characters in the same way she does. Of course, it really killed me not knowing who was who! I kept trying to find any hinds in their PoVs that might lead me to a conclusion and when i thought I was on the right track something would happen that made go like "Nope, that's not it..". Needless to say I belong to the group of people that didn't get it right.... Oh well!

The story is also, I would think, separated into two parts. The first half of the book leans towards historical fiction while in the second part the story takes a more journey-like, adventurous turn where most of the character development happens since this is where our Main Characters goes through some more dark situations and starts being more connected with the element of magic and prophecies and her supposed destiny.

Lastly, I also loved our main characters! Lea was such a brave, loyal, stubborn and clever character with a bit of recklessness running through her veins (but we wouldn't have it any other way) and I loved seeing her grow through the book from an unsure princess that yearns for a little freedom to a strong female character who has the potential to be a great leader. The Assassin and The Prince were both very complex characters with unique personalities. They were both very strong male characters (although I liked the Prince more). 

The romance was really sweet and although a lot of people say that the love triangle took centre stage throughout most of the book i think it was not really that much of a triangle and nevertheless, Pearson managed to beautifully wove it with the story.

Overall, this story was beautifully written and heartbreaking at times, with amazing characters and swoon worthy male interests! I really do think this is the beginning of a great series!

Book info:

• Paperback, 489 pages
• Published, July 8th 2014
• Publisher: Henry Holt
• Genre: Fantasy, Romance
• Rating: 5/5

Green Cover  = Kiss of Deception

Review: Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

In a time when Shadowhunters are barely winning the fight against the forces of darkness, one battle will change the course of history forever. Welcome to the Infernal Devices trilogy, a stunning and dangerous prequel to the New York Times bestselling Mortal Instruments series.

    The year is 1878. Tessa Gray descends into London’s dark supernatural underworld in search of her missing brother. She soon discovers that her only allies are the demon-slaying Shadowhunters—including Will and Jem, the mysterious boys she is attracted to. Soon they find themselves up against the Pandemonium Club, a secret organisation of vampires, demons, warlocks, and humans. Equipped with a magical army of unstoppable clockwork creatures, the Club is out to rule the British Empire, and only Tessa and her allies can stop them....

The Mortal Instruments being one of my favorite series,  I had The infernal Devices high on my to-be-read list  for a-longer-than-I’d-like-to-admit time and when I finally got to read it earlier this month it really blew me away!

As a story it was well-written, engaging, full of twists keeping me at the edge of my seat at all times and action packed. It started a bit slow for my liking but I think that contributed to the world building which left me completely enchanted. I was fascinated by  Cassandra Clare’s view on the Victorian London and the fact that she tried to stay true to the rules and morals of that time such as the way she showed us through Tessa and Jessamine how women thought back then and what was their ‘duty’ according to society- we see an example of that by Tessa’s reaction on seeing Sophie dressed in gear. 

Another thing that intrigued me was how different Shadowhunter women where from everyday girls. For example, the girls who were Shadowhunters  were first fighters and then ladies whereas the ‘mundane’ girls had their mind set on finding a man and settle down and dress elegantly.  I found it really interesting observing the differences between them.

I loved the complexity of each of the characters and the way they intrigued you from their very first appearance.  By the end of the book I felt connected with them and invested in them and their storylines.

Magnus’ appearance was also an amazing addition to the book!  (Was I the only one who when I saw Camille and Magnus together I shouted: “Nooo! Malec forever!”….. Hahahaha! You should have seen the look my brother was giving me!)

Characters

Tessa, without a doubt, belongs in the small list of female main characters that I love.

She was strong willed, brave, had a functioning brain which she actually used and above all, she was a fan of literature. I loved the fact that she was willing to do anything possible to save her brother and that even though she was undeniably attracted to Will she wasn’t one of those female characters who swoons over the guy all the time and takes  whatever insult he sends their way.

Now, Will….. Oh Will…

William Herondale is one of the most complex and secretive main characters I’ve ever read about. Between his mood swings, his ability to quote famous novels and his occasional swoon worthy scenes….  I was torn between wanting to slap him and kiss him (you know, providing that, in an alternate universe, he was real *sigh*). Still, as a character he was very interesting and I’m really excited to learn more about his past in Clockwork Prince.

I really liked Jem. He was very kind-hearted and compassionate compared to Will and his story completely broke my heart but I still do like Will a little bit more…. ( Sorry Jem fans!)

Lastly, I can’t end this review without talking about my favorite character….. Henry Branwell! I adored Henry from the moment he entered the dining room with his arm on fire and without even realizing it! He is such a funny, good-natured character!

I have a feeling he’ll do great things in the next installments of the series!

Overall, this book was a solid 4.5/5 for me and not because I thought it was lacking something but because from what I’ve heard and saw this series will get even better in the next books!If you haven’t read Clockwork Angel I recommend you pick it up immediately, especially if you are a TMI fan!

Book info:

• Paperback, 479 pages
• Published, August 31st 2010
• Publisher: Walker Books
• Genre: YA / Paranormal / Historical fiction
• Rating: 4.5/5

HAVE YOU READ CLOCKWORK ANGEL BY CASSANDRA CLARE? WHAT WERE YOUR THOUGHTS ON IT? 

Better Off Friends By Elizabeth Eulberg

Plot: For Macallan and Levi, it was friends at first sight. Everyone says guys and girls can’t be just friends, but these two are. They hang out after school, share tons of inside jokes, their families are super close, and Levi even starts dating one of Macallan’s friends. They are platonic and happy that way.

Eventually they realize they’re best friends — which wouldn’t be so bad if they didn’t keep getting in each other’s way. Guys won’t ask Macallan out because they think she’s with Levi, and Levi spends too much time joking around with Macallan, and maybe not enough time with his date. They can’t help but wonder . . . are they more than friends or are they better off without making it even more complicated? 

From romantic comedy superstar Elizabeth Eulberg comes a fresh, fun examination of a question for the ages: Can guys and girls ever really be just friends? Or are they always one fight away from not speaking again — and one kiss away from true love?

  

   This story took the word ‘cute’ to an entirely new level! I loved the friendship between Macallan and Levi, the fact that they were always there to cheer up each other or as a shoulder to cry on made my little bookish heart swoon! They have so much chemistry and i loved all their inside jokes and their clever wit!

                                             
                                            

                                                                                     

    At one point though, when they start developing romantic feelings for each other, the situation gets so unnecessarily complicated and SO frustrating! Every time is like ‘I realized that I like Macallan! But… she’s with this guy now… so… I’ll just have to get over it’ or ‘I really like Levi! But… he’s with this girl now… and he’s finally living his high school dream of being a jock with a cheerleader hatched on his arm and also it might ruin our friendship… so… I’ll just pretend everything is okay and hope for the best’

                                                    .................

  

         

    I really just wanted-and that’s a popular opinion- to lock them into an isolated room until they just made up and cleared things out!

    
Despite all, I really liked the fact that this book took place during the time from 7^th grade to Senior year as it gave me the opportunity to see these characters grow, make mistakes and learn from them in the process. In addition I really came to like Macallan as she is the kind of person who doesn’t just sit and watch when someone is being bullied and she is also seems to value family very much.

    
 I loved watching those characters grow a little more in each page but in the end I think I wanted a bit more, as this book -like most contemporaries- ended just after the couple came together giving no insight to their blooming new relationship.Overall, this book was such an easy and fun read and definitely one that I recommend to all contemporary lovers out there

Better Off Friends is definitely one of those heartwarming books that make you chuckle and squeal every few pages.  

                                                                   4/5 stars
Book Info:

• E-book, 288 pages
• Published, February 25th 2014
• Publisher : Point
• Genre : Contemporary
• Rating: 4/5 

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