My review of Article 5

Article 5 (Article 5 #1) by Kristin Simmons
Release Date: January 31, 2012
Goodreads | Amazon UK | Amazon | The Book Depository


New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., have been abandoned.

The Bill of Rights has been revoked, and replaced with the Moral Statutes.

There are no more police—instead, there are soldiers. There are no more fines for bad behavior—instead, there are arrests, trials, and maybe worse. People who get arrested usually don't come back.

Seventeen-year-old Ember Miller is old enough to remember that things weren't always this way. Living with her rebellious single mother, it's hard for her to forget that people weren't always arrested for reading the wrong books or staying out after dark. It's hard to forget that life in the United States used to be different.

Ember has perfected the art of keeping a low profile. She knows how to get the things she needs, like food stamps and hand-me-down clothes, and how to pass the random home inspections by the military. Her life is as close to peaceful as circumstances allow.

That is, until her mother is arrested for noncompliance with Article 5 of the Moral Statutes. And one of the arresting officers is none other than Chase Jennings—the only boy Ember has ever loved.


Article 5 is another brilliant addition to the dystopian genre. I couldn't put it down! It has an amazing plot and extraordinary characters! If you enjoyed Divergent or Eve then I think this one is the one for you!

Ember Miller lead an ordinary life. Until her mother was arrest for breaking Article 5 of the Moral Statutes. To make matters worse, one of the officers who arrested her mother was Chase Jennings. The only boy Ember has ever loved and cared for, but he isn't like he used to be. He's changed. And Ember doesn't know what to do to bring him back.

I really enjoyed Ember's voice. I didn't mind listening to her problems and worries. She is a very strong and courageous character who, in many ways, reminded me of Tris from Divergent. I loved reading about her relationship with Chase, from start to finish that boy had me swooning! Handsome, confident, clever, have I mentioned the fact that he is so handsome? 

The book was action packed and full of exciting twists! It was slightly predictable at times but apart from that, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Kristen Miller has delivered a book that will appeal to many fans of young-adult fiction. I can't wait to find out what she has got installed for us next!

Overall, Article 5 is a fun and daring book that will leave you anxiously awaiting for it's sequel. 

Rating

Teaser Tuesday (2)

Hey!

This is a weekly bookish meme is hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading.
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To participate you:

* Grab your current read

* Open to a random 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!
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This week's teaser is out of Seeking Crystal by Joss Stirling, the 
third book in the Benedict series. If you haven't read the first two books then this probably won't make sense, but for those who HAVE read Finding Sky and Stealing Phoenix, enjoy.......

"'My God, it's you! I can hear you in my mind!' Diamond gazed up at her saviour as if he was Christmas day and all her birthdays rolled into one. If I dipped into my Savant sight I could see all her swirling space junk was now centred on him, like a magnet dragging iron filings.

'Yes, it really is me.' Then, without another word being exchanged, he gathered her in his arms and kissed her.

Wow. I didn't now if to applaud or laugh, It was like watching some really clichéd romantic film -- love at first sight -- impromptu embrace like that famous photo of the sailor kissing the nurse on VJ Day in Times Square.

Jealous much? Of course I was.

Finally, they broke apart.

'Who are you?' At last my sister had the sense to remember they hadn't even been introduced."

If you haven't heard of this series before then I think you should really click this link to Goodreads for Finding Sky.

Click HERE for more Seeking Crystal teasers!

Until next time, 
Sam :)

Asunder - Incarnate 2

Hey!


So, guys, have you ever seen this....

If you've never seen or heard of this book before then please check it out as soon as possible because it is absolutely amazing!

New soul: Ana is new. For thousands of years in Range, a million souls have been reincarnated over and over, keeping their memories and experiences from previous lifetimes. When Ana was born, another soul vanished, and no one knows why.

No soul: Even Ana's own mother thinks she's a nosoul, an omen of worse things to come, and has kept her away from society. To escape her seclusion and learn whether she'll be reincarnated, Ana travels to the city of Heart, but its citizens are afraid of what her presence means. When dragons and sylph attack the city, is Ana to blame?

Heart: Sam believes Ana's new soul is good and worthwhile. When he stands up for her, their relationship blooms. But can he love someone who may live only once, and will Ana's enemies—human and creature alike—let them be together? Ana needs to uncover the mistake that gave her someone else's life, but will her quest threaten the peace of Heart and destroy the promise of reincarnation for all?

Have you ever thought about what the sequel's cover would look like? Whether it'd look as good as the first? Well, just see for yourself......

Isn't it gorgeous? Isn't it just stunning? If you want to read the blurb or find out what 'Asunder' means then visit Jodie's blog HERE.

Tell what you think of the cover in the comments!

Sam :)

Children's Book Week Giveaway Hop

Hey,

For this giveaway I'm giving you the choice of book from the Book Depository. Anything you want! As long as it's a middle grade/picture/young adult book. This giveaway is international.

GIVEAWAY CLOSED

The winner is: Ashleigh P.

Until next time, Sam :D

My review of Skin Deep

Skin Deep by Laura Jarratt

Release Date: March 5, 2012

Goodreads | Amazon UK | Amazon | The Book Depository

Ugly people don't have feelings. They're not like everyone else. They don't notice if you stare at them and turn away. And if they did notice, it wouldn't hurt them. They're not like real people. Or that's what I used to think. Before I learned...

After the car crash that leaves her best friend dead, Jenna is permanently scarred. She struggles to rebuild her life, but every stare in the street, every time she looks in the mirror, makes her want to retreat further from the world. Until she meets Ryan. Ryan's a traveller. When he and his mother moor their narrow boat on the outskirts of a village, she tells him this time it will be different. He doesn't believe her; he can't imagine why this place shouldn't be as unwelcoming as the rest. Until he meets Jenna. But as Jenna and Ryan grow closer, repercussions from the crash continue to reverberate through the community. And then a body is found...

Skin Deep is a cute YA contemporary that was a joy to read! Mysteries, romance and complicated families.


I'm not quite sure where to begin, Jenna, a fourteen-year-old, was in a car crash not long ago, leaving a scar on her face. She's always kept her head down, kept to herself, kept invisible. She hates it when people stare at her with that sympathetic look in their eyes. Until she meets Ryan. A traveller, a sixteen-year-old, a boy way out of her league. But he's not like any other boy she's met. He's kind, funny and thinks she's beautiful. She slowly comes out of her shell and things start to look up, until the police suspect that Ryan is a killer. The killer of the boy who scared Jenna's face.

One thing I didn't like about the book was the character's ages. Jenna is FOURTEEN and she's allowed to go out at night with guys older than her? Her parents even suggest having The talk with her? Come on! She's fourteen!!! But, looking past that, you have some pretty awesome characters! Ryan was very amusing and can make you laugh in the most toughest of situations.

Jenna is a very sensitive girl. A quality that can make a character look weak, which I thought of Jenna when I first met her. But as the story progressed my thoughts and feelings towards her changed and I was able to see a different side to the girl. I understand that Jenna's face isn't in the best condition and it was interesting to read about a girl who didn't look perfect. Laura Jarratt, I think, is very brave for taking on a topic like this one. 


Overall, Skin Deep is a very touching story that I would recommend to anyone who's looking for a contemporary read that will make you cry, laugh and smile! 

Rating

My review of Until I Die

Until I Die (Revenants #2) by Amy Plum
Release Date: May 3, 2012
Goodreads | Amazon UK | Amazon | The Book Depository


I wish there was only today, just right now, and no forever.

It seems fitting that I fell in love in Paris, the most beautiful city in the world. And if I pretend, I can almost believe that my life is normal and everyone I care about is safe.

But as long as I’m with Vincent, “normal” doesn’t exist. Gorgeous, charming, and witty, he’s everything you could ask for in a boyfriend—but his destiny is so much more.

Even more terrifying than his destiny are his dangerous enemies, enemies who will kill for immortality. How are Vincent and I supposed to be together forever if we’re always in danger?

I know I’ll do whatever it takes—even if it means lying to the people I love—to fight against a fate that is trying to tear us apart.


I am completely head over heals for this series! The world of Revenants has both fascinated and intrigued me. I now wish that I lived in a world with hot undead guys.

In Die For Me, Kate meets Vincent and finds out his most terrifying secret. He is a Revenant - an undead with the duty to help people and die for them. In Until I Die, Kate and Vincent are trying to find a way of being together without Vincent's urge to die for someone. Vincent has to make sacrifices and Kate has to go behind his back to find out information to help him. Can the two really be together? While one grows old and dies, the other has to live for eternity saving those in need.

Before I go on I must say, that is one hell of a cover! Once I held a copy in my hands all I could do was stare in awe. Yes, the beauty does seep into the book and Amy Plum does deliver the sequel we have all been hoping for. In this book, I felt a lot of pain and confusion from the characters. While Vincent is trying to find a way to be with Kate without dying, he also collects a number of dark bruises over his body. Yes, all girlfriends would be worried, right? Kate is feeling that worry and does so much research I thought her head might explode. 

The book is packed full of action, mysteries, tension, humour and, of course, romance. To be honest, I would have liked to see a bit more between Vincent and Kate but I guess their situation isn't exactly simple! So, in Until I Die we still have Vincent's words to keep us calm. He is still that charming guy from Die For Me just not in the best condition. His relationship with Kate is heartbreaking. No couple would want to be in the mess that their in. It was extremely interesting to see how they dealt with their problems and disagreements. 

I don't want to give too much away about the ending, but I can tell you that it is unexpected and just so UNFAIR. Yes, guys, it's a sad ending! It will also leave you craving the next instalment. 

Overall, Until I Die is a very exciting sequel that those who loved Die For Me should get their hands on RIGHT NOW! And if you have never heard of this series before then, please, go to your library/bookstore and start experiencing this bright new world!

Rating

- A special thanks to Atom books for sending me a review copy!

My review of The Selection

The Selection (The Selection #1) by Kiera Cass
Release Date: June 7, 2012 (UK), April 24, 2012 (US)
Goodreads | Amazon UK | Amazon | The Book Depository

Thirty-five beautiful girls. Thirty-five beautiful rivals…

It’s the chance of a lifetime and 17-year-old America Singer should feel lucky. She has been chosen for The Selection, a reality TV lottery in which the special few compete for gorgeous Prince Maxon's love.

Swept up in a world of elaborate gowns, glittering jewels and decadent feasts, America is living a new and glamorous life. And the prince takes a special interest in her, much to the outrage of the others.

Rivalry within The Selection is fierce and not all of the girls are prepared to play by the rules. But what they don’t know is that America has a secret — one which could throw the whole competition… and change her life forever.

The Selection is a book with a plot that I really, really enjoyed. I don't think I've read anything like it! It's unique and wow, just look at that cover! I loved everything about the book: the characters, the emotion, the writing, have I said that I just love the cover?

America Singer, a seventeen-year-old, has been chosen for The Selection, a show where 35 girls compete to win Prince Maxon's heart. America is taken away from her tough life and pushed in to a life of luxury. But she's leaving something behind, her first love, Aspen. Can America ever bring herself to love Maxon? Or will the rebels attack before she ever gets to know him?

I can understand why some people might not like this book, there's the typical mean girl and love triangle. The dresses and the balls. The make-up and the fights. But, the book is very, very addictive! Once you start reading about America's world you just can't stop because her life is so exciting.

What I loved about the book was the fact that I could relate to the main character. Ever been bossed around by your mother? Expected to do the best because your the first child? A father who knows you better than anyone? Well, that's America Singer for you! The book, I felt, had plenty of emotional scenes. Yes, I did cry a few times. When America had to break up with her first love, Aspen, I thought my heart would crack! 

One think that I hated about the book was the ending. It was a CLIFFHANGER. I hate them so much. I think you guys should read this book closer to the release date of the sequel because the ending to this book will make you want MORE!

Overall, The Selection is a really fun and intense book that I would recommend to everyone who loves a girly dystopian novel. I can't wait to read the sequel! 

Rating

- Thank you HarperCollins UK for sending me a review Ecopy

Waiting on Wednesday (6)

Hey!


This week, I'm waiting for......

Once (Eve #2) by Anna Carey

Release Date: July 3, 2012

Sixteen years have passed since a deadly virus wiped out most of the Earth’s population. After learning of the terrifying part she and her classmates were fated to play in the rebuilding of New America, eighteen-year-old Eve fled to the wilds and Califia, a haven for women determined to live outside the oppressive rule of the king of New America. However, her freedom came at a price: she was forced to leave Caleb, the boy she loves, wounded and alone at the city gates. Eve quickly learns that Califia may not be as safe as it seems and soon finds herself in the City of Sand and the palace of the king. There she uncovers the real reason he was so intent on her capture, and the unbelievable role he intends her to fill. When she is finally reunited with Caleb, they will enact a plan as daring as it is dangerous. But will Eve once again risk everything—her freedom, her life—for love? 

Once is the sequel to Eve, which I'm really excited about! I really enjoyed Eve and can't wait to find out what happens next!!!! :D

Leave a link to your WoW post!


Until next time, 
Sam :)

My review of Insurgent

Insurgent (Divergent #2) by Veronica Roth
Release Date: May 1, 2012
Goodreads | Amazon UK | Amazon | The Book Depository


War looms in sixteen-year-old Tris’s dark dystopian world as disputes between the factions grow. Tris must now fight against all odds to discover the truth that can save her and the people she loves. Sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge – and the choices she makes will have devastating and unexpected consequences


BOOM! 


That's what reading Insurgent was like. BOOM, BOOM, BOOM! It's fast paced, exciting, action-packed and full of twists that will have readers on the edge of their seats. Veronica Roth has delivered a mind-blowing sequel!


Insurgent picks up from where Divergent left off. We follow Tris and Four as they take a journey to find out what's really going on between the factions. They take shelter with Amity, which I found extremely interesting because all we saw in Divergent was a whole lot of Dauntless and glimpses of Erudite and Abnegation. It was great to see what the Amity was like in the stability of their own land. I loved the new atmosphere that the book had and the pure joy of reading scenes with Tobias in it!


Yes, Tris has decided to call him Tobias! And may I say, what a great choice! In this book we get lots more Tris and Tobias romance (no objections here) and I loved every page of it. Tobias is a very protective and strong male character who definitely deserves are equally strong female character, Tris. Their relationship in this book wasn't exactly the most simple or the most perfect but it was exciting and very, VERY fun to read about! 


We all know that Veronica Roth is amazing at writing action scenes, right? Well, she doesn't let us down in this one! Some authors make action scenes so boring but Insurgent never has a dull moment.


Overall, Insurgent is a stunning sequel that has definitely delivered and will satisfy all Divergent fans! If you loved Four in Divergent....be prepared to fall in love with him all over again in this unforgettable book about love, loss and betrayal. 

Rating

- A special thanks to HarperCollins Children Books for sending me a review copy!

Spring Fling Giveaway Hop

Hey!

For this giveaway ONE winner can pick ONE book of their choice from The Book Depository (£10/$15). This giveaway is international as long as TBD ships to you.

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Winner is: Kerry H.


Make sure you enter the other giveaways!


Until next time, 
Sam :)