Showing posts with label HarperCollins. Show all posts
Showing posts with label HarperCollins. Show all posts
Insurgent by Veronica Roth
Insurgent Pages: 525
Release Date: May 1st 2012
Publisher: HarperColins
Series: Divergent #2
Other books in series: Divergent
Source: For Review from Publishers
Buy it: Amazon | The Book Depository | B&N
Add it: Goodreads
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.
My Thoughts
Let me just start with expressing my love for Divergent. It was love you guys! Like, love at first
I dived into Insurgent as soon as I got my copy. We are brought right where Divergent left off, thankfully something I can work with. Tris, Four, Caleb, Peter and Marcus now reside at the Amity faction having survived from the dreadful attacks by the Erudite. There's more where that action came from too, a lot more is brought into this addition.
Especially Tris! Talk about character development. We see so much more from her, what she can do and what she's capable of. I love everything about her. With the death of Will, she's been emotianally unstable and it's also something that stays with her and I think makes her a whole lot more stronger too. Then there's Tris and Four.
I am just going to dive into the deep end and tell you what we see less them. How I just love this couple. They have just have to be one of the cutest and my most favourite. But Awrhh. Yes I know people, I hear your pain and feel your despair. BUT, there's nothing to fear. I say this because, we do however get moments with Tris and Four. REAL moments. And, I can happily tick off intensity, passion and hot kissing right off the list. They are all there! Their relationship is real too meaning that it's not all lovey dovey and gushy gushy. They have bumps in the road and even though its all quite unnerving, it's what completes their relationship.
FOUR. Yes am indeed going to take up some time gushing and fan girgling on everything Four. What can I say about this guy. I am undeniably and irrevocably in love with him. We get a good glimpse of our Four. So much more is revealed, his flaws his secrets. God, I just love him. His intrigue, his kindness, his sudden angst yet undeniable care towards Tris, makes him Four. And dude, he is so damn SMART. I swear, you'll see why his actions really amaze me. Four's Erudite side of him has be a very dominating factor. Oh I just have so much love for this guy.
I am actually a bit glad that we're not with Tris and Four all of the time. Yes you heard me correctly. Meaning that, this isn't a YA book that predominantly revolves around the romance aspect of things. Hey, the romance is what gives it that spark, but then we're left with the plot, the factions, the other characters, I'm talking about the BIG picture that brings it to life you know. That makes Divergent, DIVERGENT that makes Insurgent INSURGENT.
So we're brought with the bigger picture. The ACTION. It is just so so much better, so much full of energy and suspense. It's safe to say that Roth has done us justice. We are brought with whole sheebang, the good the bad and a heart stopping ending as we expected. However, what we're left with is truly breathtaking.
Hereafter by Tara Hudson
by Tara Hudson
Pages: 404
Release Date: 7the June 2011
Publisher: HarperCollins
Source: For Review from Publishers
Buy it: Amazon
Add it: Goodreads
Can there truly be love after death?
Drifting in the dark waters of a mysterious river, the only thing Amelia knows for sure is that she's dead. With no recollection of her past life—or her actual death—she's trapped alone in a nightmarish existence. All of this changes when she tries to rescue a boy, Joshua, from drowning in her river. As a ghost, she can do nothing but will him to live. Yet in an unforgettable moment of connection, she helps him survive.
Amelia and Joshua grow ever closer as they begin to uncover the strange circumstances of her death and the secrets of the dark river that held her captive for so long. But even while they struggle to keep their bond hidden from the living world, a frightening spirit named Eli is doing everything in his power to destroy their new found happiness and drag Amelia back into the ghost world . . . forever.
Thrilling and evocative, with moments of pure pleasure, Hereafter is a sensation you won't want to miss.
My Thoughts
I've had Hereafter on my bookshelf for a pretty long time. I wasn't planning on reading it for a while and by that I mean a very long time. But then, I had an urge to read something ghostly and so Hereafter it was. Now, I just regret not reading this sooner!
Amelia is a ghost. She's dead, hanging around Earth not having a clue of what her past life had held. Until one day. A car accident happened where she saved a boy called Joshua from drowning. This was the first time someone actually saw her. The first time someone talked to her. The first time she could really figure out things about herself.
I've always had a thing for ghosts. Fictional ghosts. Obviously! And so as I read Hereafter, I was instantly entrapped in this world of love, death and possibilities. I loved how Amelia as a ghost saw things in the world and really got in touch with everything even though she really couldn't connect with anything or anyone.
Except Joshua. Joshua is just someone else entirely. I love his character. I love how he brings warmth wherever he goes, how he cares for Amelia and how he is such a good good good character. Though, I don't really like his name but that's not really an issue.
Things really picked up as Joshua and Amelia started to know each other more and more. Everything become more exciting yet twice as frustrating as Eli came into the picture. He's a ghost too and needless to say, the perfect villain. The events following had me hooked!
Hudson had done a marvellous job. Especially since this is her first novel. I really enjoyed reading this! I can't wait to see what happens with Amelia and Joshua!
Reviewed by Iram: The Carrier of The Mark by Leigh Fallon
The Carrier of the Mark
by Leigh Fallon
Pages: 320
Release Date: October 27th 2011Publisher: HarperCollins Children's
Source: For Review from Publishers
Buy it: Amazon
Add it: Goodreads
A move to Ireland is about to introduce Megan to her destiny, her real destiny, can she embrace it and will she survive it?My Thoughts
A tragedy in Megan’s past set her on a predetermined course. A chain of events has been set in motion that brings Megan to Kinsale, a small town in the south of Ireland where her destiny awaits her. Her life starts to fall into place as she makes new friends and settles into her new school. However, the reclusive and distant Adam DeRís calls to her body and soul.
She finds herself increasingly drawn to Adam and his strange family. Adam knows a secret from her past and he and his family hold the key to her future. A future that binds her to Adam and his world, a world of power, mystery and ancient orders. A world that unbeknownst to her, she very much belongs in.
I found this book totally adorable. It is quite amazing. If like me you are the kind of person that loves an irresistible romance with a fantastic storyline to give it that edge than this book is worth indulging.
Megan is drawn towards Adam and sees quite a few unreal, strange things happen that make her curious as well as grabbing the curiosity of the reader. When she finds out the truth her world is turned around and she discovers a new enchanting aspect to her life.
Its a real cool love story involving great magical powers and prophecies to keep you entertained. The relationship between Megan and the mysterious Adam is gripping because their love is forbidden but nothing can get in the way of true love. Can it? The book is that more exhilarating to see Megan and Adam fight for each other, nor matter what the future may hold they will always stick together.
All the characters are great and keep the story moving. My favourite part of the book would be all the cool things that the characters do with there powers and the way the scenes are described. The only thing which I didn't enjoy were the information overload at times but apart from that it was a awesome piece of writing.
The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson
by Maureen Johnson
Pages: 352
Release Date: September 29th 2011
Publisher: HarperCollinsChildren'sBooks
Source: For Review from Publishers
Buy it: Amazon
Add it: Goodreads
Thrilling ghost-hunting teen mystery as modern-day London is plagued by a sudden outbreak of brutal murders that mimic the horrific crimes of Jack the Ripper."A gorgeously written, chilling, atmospheric thriller. The streets of London have never been so sinister or so romantic." Cassandra Clare, author of THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTSSixteen-year-old American girl Rory has just arrived at boarding school in London when a Jack the Ripper copycat-killer begins terrorising the city. All the hallmarks of his infamous murders are frighteningly present, but there are few clues to the killer’s identity.“Rippermania” grabs hold of modern-day London, and the police are stumped with few leads and no witnesses. Except one. In an unknown city with few friends to turn to, Rory makes a chilling discovery…Could the copycat murderer really be Jack the Ripper back from the grave?My Thoughts
Maureen Johnson completely surprised me with The Name of the Star. I read 13 little blue envelopes a while ago and though I did enjoy reading it and thought it was good, it didn't really grab me. But with The Name of the Star, it was just amazing. I loved reading it and I definitely think that the whole edited version of Jack the Ripper thing was pretty cool.
London has yet again been attacked with a series of murders leading to many investigations and troublesome media. And the deaths are so gruesome that its as though Jack the Ripper has returned. Well, someone who's been imitating his work. It was at this time where Rory arrives in London all prepared for their senior year in Wexford Academy. So then it begins, as Rory gets entrapped into the world Jack the Ripper bringing chaos yet more excitement that she could have ever imagined.
Rory is a very quirky teen. She has a great character and so she's most definitely someone you could easily hang around with. I love the way she sees London and their way of life. Really interesting stuff here. She meets lots of nice people. I love her roommate Jazza, she's just so cool and oh Alistair too. Jerome is alright for your average guy. I was a bit edgy with him at the beginning but I can safely say he's a great guy.
With the Jack the Ripper idea and how Jonson had brushed it with her touch, I have got to say it got me going. It was endearing and gripping. I really really liked it. Though the only thing I didn't like was that this isn't a book you should read in the night! I can't wait to see what Johnson has in store for us next!
Doc Mortis by Barry Hutchison
by Barry Hutchison
Pages: 288
Release Date: August 4th 2011
Publisher: HarperCollins Children'sBooks
Series: Invisible Fiends #4
Other books in series: Mr Mumbles, Raggy Maggy & The Crowmaster
Buy the Book: Amazon UK | Amazon US
The fourth thrilling book in this darkly funny, horror series Darren Shan called 'deliciously nightmarish'. The first book, Mr Mumbles, is shortlisted for the Royal Mail Awards for Scottish Children's Books Kyle wakes up in hospital -- which is strange, because he doesn't remember being ill. And that's not all. He's also deliriously flitting in and out of the Darkest Corners, and in the shadow version of the hospital the surfaces aren't clean, and the sharp instruments aren't used for healing. It's Kyle's most terrifying experience yet, and it's about to get much, much worse. The doctor will see him now! The fourth installment of this darkly comic horror series.My Thoughts
Even within a couple of pages of Doc Mortis I knew that I would like reading this book. And I did. I really enjoyed it. At first I didn't think it'll be my type of book as it's mainly aimed at children but boy was I wrong. Doc Mortis is without doubt for everyone and anyone over 9.
Doc Mortis continues where it's left off in the previous book in the series, The Crowmaster. Kyle, the protagonist, is not in a very pretty situation having had to deal with another Invisible Fiend, and a whole load of other problems. Things just keep getting worse though the book keeps getting better and better.
Doc Mortis takes you on one horrifying yet thrilling rollacoster. It's very creepy and the imagination in it is just amazing. I have to give it to Hutchison, he sure knows how to keep us readers on our toes. Everything about this book is just wow. And oh did I mention the cover is also very awesome. It totally goes with all the other books in the series. Very spooky indeed.
I really enjoyed reading this book! I can't wait to see what the other books have in store for us. I can't wait to read the next book either! I thoroughly recommend Doc Mortis (:
Looking for Alaska by John Green
by John Green
Pages: 263
Release Date: July 3rd 2006
Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books
Buy it: Amazon
Before. Miles “Pudge” Halter is done with his safe life at home. His whole life has been one big non-event, and his obsession with famous last words has only made him crave “the Great Perhaps” even more (François Rabelais, poet). He heads off to the sometimes crazy and anything-but-boring world of Culver Creek Boarding School, and his life becomes the opposite of safe. Because down the hall is Alaska Young. The gorgeous, clever, funny, sexy, self-destructive, screwed up, and utterly fascinating Alaska Young. She is an event unto herself. She pulls Pudge into her world, launches him into the Great Perhaps, and steals his heart. Then. . . . After. Nothing is ever the same
My Thoughts
At first, I was quite put off by reading Looking for Alaska. Reason? My friend had read it and liked it but didn't like it at the same time. So she had mixed emotions. I let this get to me. How stupid of me!
This book is awesome. I really really liked reading it! So, it's about this guy, Miles who has this thing of memorising people's last words. He moves to this boading school in the hope of making some new friends. A guy, Chip and a girl, Alaska come along becoming great friends with Miles. With these friends, he hopes to find his 'great perhaps'
Everthing was just so good! I loved Miles character! Okay so not just him, they were all so so awesome! Each charcter had something special and different about them and so it wasn't boring or anything like that at all!
There wasn't much of a plot but it doesn't really matter as something or another then did happen. The story kept going driven by the pranks, characters and words. That's what makes it different.
John Green sure knows what YA readers want to and need to read. And so for us, this simply has to be a big score :)
Divergent by Veronica Roth
by Veronica Roth
Pages: 496
Release Date: April 28th 2011
Publisher: HarperCollins Childrens
Buy it: Amazon
In Beatrice Prior’s dystopian Chicago world, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can’t have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.
During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles alongside her fellow initiates to live out the choice they have made. Together they must undergo extreme physical tests of endurance and intense psychological simulations, some with devastating consequences. As initiation transforms them all, Tris must determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes exasperating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers unrest and growing conflict that threaten to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her.
My Thoughts:
Divergent is an unforgetabble read. It's most definetly an outastanding debut. I was immediatley consumed into it reading on until I completled it. I could not put it down. I need to read the next one now!
I am really starting to love Dystopian books now. In Divergent, it revolves around a society that is dived into fractions that are based on various virtues- Honesty, Braveness, Intelligence, Peace and Selfishness. At the age of 16, people get to choose which fraction they belong to.
Tris, the protagonist is a strong character. I instantly loved her. She’s a divergent and that’s not a good thing at all. So then she chooses to enter the Dauntless and faces many trials and tribulations, Each time it gets better and better.
I personally loved it when Tris had those private tests. You see, they were just full of adventure and life. I has this urging feeling wondering how she’s gunna get though each and every one. It was totally enjoyable to read.
Four. Tobias. Tobias. Four.
Ahhhhhh! What can I say I LOVE Tobias (familiarly known as Four). I think I prefer Tobias better, sounds way hotter ;) Roth doesn’t even put much description into Tobias, but hey everything he does just spells out h-o-t-n-e-s-s. The way she writes is simply amazing!
I never would have thought Tris and Tobias would get together. So unpredictable and you just have to love that. And their moments are ones that you cherish. Yes you got it. It’s the parts where when you finish book, you just have to go back and re-read them!
Oh and the ending! I was flabbergasted! Yes, shocked same thing. It was a hell of an awesome book. You see words cannot describe how awesome this book is like totally way beyond beyond. I LOVED IT! OBVIOUSLY, the next book, Insurgent is one to pine for! :D
Afterlife by Claudia Gray
Afterlifeby Claudia Gray
Pages: 368 pages
Release Date: March 8th 2011
Publisher: HarperCollins Childrens books
Other books in the series: Evernight, Stargazer, & Hourglass
Buy it: Amazon
The fourth book in this electrifying vampire series has all the romance, suspense, and page-turning drama that have made Claudia Gray’s Evernight books runaway successes.
Having become what they feared most, Bianca and Lucas face a terrifying new reality. They must return to Evernight Academy, Lucas as a vampire and Bianca as a wraith. But Lucas is haunted by demons, both personal and supernatural. Bianca must help him fight the evil inside him, combat the forces determined to drive them apart—and find the power to claim her destiny at last.
Readers have fallen in love with Bianca and Lucas, and they will be thrilled to read this exciting conclusion to their romantic adventure...
My Thoughts
With this final installment of the Evernight series, I expected so much from Afterlife so I really really hoped the ending would be to my liking. Escpecially, seeing how the events in Hourglass had left me hanging. With Bianca being a WRAITH and VAMPIRE it was pretty hard to figure how everything would work out.
As soon as I started reading Afterlife I was instantly absorbed into book. Time was ticking away as Balthazar and Bianca were awaiting for the sun to set as that was the time Lucas would fully awaken. When Lucas came into being, there was struggle. I was reaaaallly shocked. It was scary the way Lucas was acting. He was so not himself so there was a lot of action there.
New decisions, ideas and thoughts have to be taken now. Lucas faces his mother not knowing whether she will accept him the way he is. A lot of breathtaking drama and fierce action passes by with many choices yet to make. I don't want to give anything away but Lucas's mum is a right little meanie! I have definetly grown to dislike her. A lot.
Lucas and Bianca are forced to then seek refuge to an enemy. I really did not expect this one coming. It was very strange and funny I have to admit though. Seeing as another side was portaryed of the enemy. Living under thier roof they fight they way around trying to live their life and uncover the most deadliest of secrets.
I really enjoyed the way the whole story was going. Personally, I didn't really like the ending I wanted a few adjustments. Thought, it was a fantastic finish to the series. Remarkable!
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