September Wrap Up

Hey bookworms! This month I decided to do a September Wrap Up and show you guys all the books I read this month! I read quite a few as you can see from the picture below! I don't own all of the books I read this month but I'll list those for ya:
1. A Million Suns by Beth Revis
2. The Eye Of Minds by James Dashner
3. Chopsticks
4. We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

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September Book Haul

What up, bookworms! Here is my September Book Haul for you! All the books here were either bought at Half Price Books or at my library!

Paper Towns by John Green

Paper Towns by John Green

Rating: PG-13

Score: 4 stars

Genre: Fiction, Mystery, Coming Of Age

Quentin Jacobsen has spent a lifetime loving the magnificently adventurous Margo Roth Spiegelman from afar. So when she cracks open a window and climbs into his life - dressed like a ninja and summoning him for an ingenious campaign of revenge - he follows. After their all-nighter ends, and a new day breaks, Q arrives at school to discover that Margo, always an enigma, has now become a mystery. But Q soon learns that there are clues - and they're for him. Urged down a disconnected path, the closer he gets, the less Q sees the girl he thought he knew . . .

Review:

Pros:

1. One of the reasons why I love this book is because it has many elements that really give the story a lot of depth. It has a little bit of romance as well as a ton of mystery and humor throughout the story. I really loved all of them together and just thought it created a very interesting story overall.

2. Once again, I loved the characters. I had my favorites but still loved the side characters as well! I loved how they all grew closer together through everything that was currently happening and how they each had their own personality that grew through the book.

3. I also totally loved all of the laugh out loud moments in this book! I found myself literally laughing out loud and looking like a maniac. The jokes were funny and gave the story a very lighthearted feel even though the story is a bit deep. 

4. I really loved the ending of this book as well. Don't worry! No spoilers here! But the ending might be sad in a sense but I thought of it as more of a hopeful one. It made me smile and taught a very good lesson about life and coming of age in a big world. Definitely an amazing book!

Cons:

1. The only thing I didn't like about the book is that it got a bit slow at times. I know it's rare to find a book the doesn't do that but unfortunately, this book wasn't one of them.

Age Recommendation: 14+ 

I hope you guys enjoyed this book review! If you have any more book requests you would like me to review, just leave a comment or send me an email! Read on bookworms! See you in the next chapter!

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The Maze Runner: Movie Review

The Maze Runner

Rating: PG-13

Score: 5/10 stars

To start off with this movie review, there was a lot that I loved about the movie that I just couldn't keep my excitement about contained! I was highly anticipated about today and I almost had a heart attack just waiting for the movie to begin. The previews looked iffy from a book nerd's perspective but pretty good from a movie buff's point of view as well. Be warned, there are some SPOILERS that I had to include in order to give an informal review for the movie! So, without further a due, here is my review:

Pros: 

1. First off, the casting. I loved how well they cast the characters and how each actor really portrayed the epic roles of the characters from the book and really brought them to life. My favorite castings were for Minho, Chuck and of course, Thomas. The other characters were so well matched with the other actors that I just couldn't imagine any other actor to play their roles. 

2. The maze. The whole reason the story even exists. I was so incredibly pleased with how epic the maze itself was designed. With incredibly tall solid stone walls covered in vines and really creepy creatures lurking inside them, I really felt that the maze couldn't have been done better than it was! 

3. It wouldn't be The Maze Runner without action, am I right? I loved all the action scenes, even if they were changed just a bit, and I also loved how each of those scenes was so action packed that you tense up just watching with your eyes glued to the screen. Truly epic!

4. The Grievers. We all know and love the creatures despite their violent attacks and blood thirsty actions. I really loved the design for the Grievers, from their slimy bodies to their robotic legs and tails just waiting to take another victim into the maze. Their pretty much dead on to how they're described in the book and for that, I applaud them.

5. I really loved the ending scene where Chuck evidently is killed (we all know it had to happen) despite the fact that it was a bit different from the book. It was very touching and extremely emotional and I just loved how Thomas reacted to losing his friend. Tear jerker moment!

Cons:

1. One major thing I just could not get used to was Theresa's whole involvement in the movie. For at least half of the book, she's in a coma and she doesn't really have much else to do with the story until later on. First off, she doesn't come into the glade until three days later (unlike in the book) and she announces Thomas's name as soon as she wakes up in the box before passing out again, only to wake up a day later and help out the other gladers find a way to escape. It was all really badly done in my mind and I wish it could be changed.

2. Yes, the movie was action packed but one scene that I was really looking forward to seeing was when Thomas and Minho basically drop-kick four Grievers into a huge pit after being trapped in the maze for the night. That scene was cut out which I felt could have really made the movie in a way.

3. Another thing I didn't like was how Thomas comes to learn about WICKED and his connection to them. He finds out about it through dreams that he has, which in the book, happens after he gets stung by a Griever. In the movie, however, he has those dreams on the very first night in the glade. He also eventually remembers his involvement with WICKED in a very rushed and somewhat lame way, not at all as portrayed in the book.

4. I also wasn't a fan of how Alby's death plays out in the movie. In the book, he rushes into a head-on attack with a Griever to create a distraction for the other gladers to get by. In the movie, however, he gets taken by a Griever when the maze doors don't close and the gladers hide in the house. I felt like his death could have stayed the same since there was really no need to change it.

5. I also didn't really like how the gladers find themselves in the lab once they successfully escape the maze. I wish they could have played the scene out the same as in the book, when the doctors explain everything about the maze, what it was for, and why they survived. It was almost completely different from the book and not a favorite scene of mine.

6. Lastly, we all know the epic catch phrase of Newt's, "Great, we're all bloody inspired now." Guess what?It was cut out too. You may now form a mob with pitchforks and fire.

Overall, from a movie point of view, it's definitely one to go see, with action and suspense, it's just a movie that's pretty cool to watch. From a book fan's point of view, it wasn't exactly one of the best book-to-movie adaptions of the year. Either way, I still want to see The Scorch Trials on the big screen.

I hope you guys enjoyed this movie review! If you have any more book requests you would like me to review, just leave a comment or send me an email! Read on bookworms! See you in the next chapter!

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Four by Veronica Roth

Four by Veronica Roth

Rating: PG

Score: 5 stars

Genre: Fiction, Sci-fi Fantasy

Two years before Beatrice Prior made her choice, the sixteen year old son of Abnegation's faction leader did the same. Tobias's transfer to Dauntless is a chance to begin again. Here, he will not be called the name his parents gave him. Here, he will not let fear turn him into a cowering child. Newly christened "Four," he discovers during initiation that he will succeed in Dauntless. Initiation is only the beginning though; Four must claim his place in the Dauntless hierarchy. His decisions will affect future initiates as well as uncover secrets that could threaten his own future- and the future of the entire faction system. Two years later, Four is poised to take action, but the course is still unclear. The first new initiate who jumps into the net might change all that. With her, the way to righting their world might become clear. With her, it might become possible to be Tobias once again.

Review: 

Pros:

1. One thing I love about this prequel to the Divergent trilogy is that it follows the course of two years of a very powerful and memorable character in the series. Four is already somewhat of a vague character in the series but this prequel takes the reader into his past and not only reveals secrets we didn't know, but also goes deeper into the ones we already knew.

2. The main character in the book of course is Four but I fell in love all over again with not only his character, but the others as well. I loved how they all kind of complemented each other in different ways such as being loose and goofy at times in a dark and scary environment. 

3. I loved Four's character in the Divergent trilogy but wished that I could've gotten to know more about his past and his story. This book delivered perfectly! The story starts out with Tobias getting ready for his Choosing Ceremony, at the time living with his abusive father, Marcus Eaton. It follows him through that time, through the ceremony and documents his journey after joining the Dauntless faction. I loved seeing his character grow from a scared and battered person to a much stronger and braver character that still struggles with his fears and his past. 

4. The story kept me hooked from beginning to end which isn't always easy with a book, especially when it's a part of a series told from a different point of view. Luckily the story was very powerful with emotions of fear and pain and I loved reading further into the book as Four grows stronger not only physically but mentally and emotionally too. It wasn't as action packed as Divergent but still kept me on the edge of my seat as secrets were exposed and enemies were made.

Age Recommendation: 12+

I hope you guys enjoyed this book review! If you have any more book requests you would like me to review, just leave a comment or send me and email! Read on bookworms! See you in the next chapter!

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Anna And The French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Anna And The French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Rating: PG

Score: 5 stars

Genre: Romance, YA Fiction

Anna is happy in Atlanta. She has a loyal best friend and a crush on her coworker at the movie theater. So she's not too pleased when her father decides to send her to a boarding school in Paris for her senior year. But despite not speaking a word of French, Anna meets some cool new friends, including the handsome Étienne St. Clair, who quickly becomes her best friend. Unfortunately he's taken- and Anna might be too. Will a year of romantic near misses end with the French kiss she's been waiting for?

Review:

Pros:

1. This story of romance and loyalty is just the definition of a perfect love story! This book holds a secure proud place on my bookshelf and I will more than likely be picking it up again in the near future. If you love Sarah Dessen or Gayle Forman, this book will steal your hearts!

2. The characters in this book are definitely some of my favorites! I just fell in love with them and their personalities. I loved watching their friendship grow stronger with each day and struggles they go through including the overwhelming romance that made your own heart beat faster with each beautiful chapter.

3. It was so beautifully and wonderfully written that I just flew through it in a matter of hours. It was so easy to read and so well written, I just wanted to jump right in the book and emerse myself in the emotions and romance. Once again, Stephanie Perkins does not fail in making you fall in love with one of her characters!

4. The story really captured the emotions and the feeling of being in love! It was truly magical in every sense and I just loved how each page kept you on the edge of your seat wondering when the French Kiss will finally happen! Truly romantic, charming and funny at times. You'll want to live inside the story forever.

Age Recommendation: 13+

I hope you guys enjoyed this book review! If you have any more book requests you would like me to review, just leave a comment or send me an email! Read on bookworms! See you in the next chapter!

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Chopsticks by Jessica Anthony & Rodrigo Corral

Chopsticks by Jessica Anthony & Rodrigo Corral

Rating: PG

Scored: 5 stars

Genre: Novel

Glory Fleming is a young piano prodigy. Her father raised her with the goal of playing sold-out shows at Carnegie Hall and across the globe. Brilliant and lonely, Glory is drawn to Frank, who moves in next door. She loses herself in his paintings and drawings, mix CD's and late-night IM conversations. Soon, Frank becomes both her connection to the world and her escape from reality. Before long, Glory is unable to play anything but the song "Chopsticks" for reasons unknown. Now, Glory has disappeared. But nothing is what it seems. And we must decide what is real, what is imagined, and what has been madness all along . . .

Review:

Pros:

1. The story was truly beautiful, strange and haunting in a way that makes you want to keep thinking about it for days on end. I loved so much about this story from the emotions to the unique writing style. The story is a mystery, one that continues to stay in the back of your mind long after you finished reading it.

2. I loved the characters in this book so much! The story focused mainly on Glory and Frank and I actually liked the simplicity of that. As you get to know more about the two, you end up loving them yourself and want to see how much their relationship grows.

3. I just loved the way the story is told! The book is nothing but pictures with a few words here and there guiding you in the right direction. It's a picture book and one that I found enjoyable. It was a very quick read, one that only took thirty minutes out of my time and even in the short amount of time I ended up falling in love with the book!

4. The story is very unique. Because the story is told through pictures, the mystery of what was real or not becomes more interactive since you, as the reader, have to pay close attention to the details and piece together in your head what was imagined, what was real and what was madness from the very beginning. It's a bit difficult to explain without giving out any spoilers but if you ever have half an hour to read, pick this book up and see for yourself. The ending is a total shocker! 

Age Recommendation: 13+

I hope you guys enjoyed this book review! If you have any more book requests you would like me to review, just leave a comment or send me an email! Read on bookworms! See you in the next chapter!

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

Rating: PG

Score: 5 stars

Genre: Fiction

Seventeen year old Cadence spends the summers on her family's private island off the coast of Massachusetts every year with family, cousins and friends, including a special boy named Gat whom she's in love with. Her summer's are always filled with wonderful and unforgettable memories. Except her fifteenth summer. Cadence only remembers being found on the beach late one night, frozen cold with burns on her hands and feet, her clothes missing. She can't remember a single thing that happened that night or anything from that certain summer. All she has is migraines that leave her bed ridden for days and medication that doesn't work. So on her seventeenth summer, two years after her mysterious accident, Cadence takes it into her own hands to find out what happened that summer, and why no one will even speak a word of what happened that night on the beach. Not even her closest friends.

Review:

Pros:

1. The story is very beautifully written and one that leaves you with tears in your eyes and your mind blown. The book is very meaningful as well as full of mystery with romance and family drama mixed in to create an amazing story about truth and mistakes that you think could never be forgiven.

2. The characters were so amazing and lovable. I fell in love with Cadence's character as she struggles to uncover the truth of her fifteenth summer with the 'help' of her friends. I loved all of the family members and of course her friends and love interest. I felt they all had their own secrets and mysterious ways about them that made the story more interesting and kept you guessing from beginning to end.

3. It was very easy to read with very short chapters and smooth wordings. I didn't once get confused or lost in what I was reading which of course I liked. I read very smoothly from start to finish, very impressed with the story.

4. The major thing I loved about this book is the amazing and spectacular ending and major plot twist in the story! I won't give any spoilers but the ending definitely left me with my mouth hanging open and realization taking full control of me as the story wrapped up what really happened to Cadence on her fifteenth summer in Massachusetts. It was a mind-blower and something completely unexpected that left me openmouthed and more surprised than ever.

5. Overall, this book was an amazing read and I will most certainly be picking it up again in the future. Perhaps if it becomes a movie maybe? Are you listening, Hollywood?

Age Recommendation: 13+

I hope you guys enjoyed this book review! If you have any more book requests you would like me to review, just leave a comment or send me an email! Read on bookworms! See you in the next chapter!

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The Eye Of Minds by James Dashner

The Eye Of Minds by James Dashner

Rating: PG

Score: 4 stars

Genre: Sci-fi , Action

Michael is a gamer. Like most gamers, he almost spends more time in the VirtNet than in the actual world. The VirtNet offers total mind and body immersion and it's addictive. And the more hacking skills you have, the more fun. Why bother following the rules when most of them are stupid anyway? But some rules were made for a reason. Some technology is too dangerous to fool with. Recent reports claim that one gamer is going beyond what any gamer has done before: he's holding players hostage inside the VirtNet. The effects are horrific- the hostages have all been declared brain-dead. And the gamer's motives are a mystery. The government knows that to catch a hacker, you need a hacker. And they've been watching Michael. They want him on their team, the risks enormous. If he accepts their challenge, Michael will have to go off the VirtNet grid. There are back allies and corners of the game human eyes have never seen before and predators he can't even fathom. And there's the possibility that the line between game and reality will be blurred forever.

Review:

Pros:

1. This sci-fy action of a story is fast-paced from beginning to end and also keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire time. With cool action scenes and awesome game creatures just waiting to suck the life out of you, literally, I really enjoyed this read! Perfect for not only gamers themselves, but also boys and girls who love a story like this one!

2. The book didn't really focus all that much on getting to know the characters but I liked that part a little bit. The story is very fast-paced and didn't really have a lot of time to use up on explaining who the characters are but just gave a simple idea of their personalities. Nonetheless, I loved the characters in this book, even if it was a bit vague on them. They were all pretty smart and strong in their own ways and also very go getting and not at all afraid of a challenge.

3. The story is once again another read unlike any other I've read before. Combining video games and reality together made the story very interesting and also very interactive as you had to visualize the worlds and the on-goings in your head as you read. There is tons of action and plenty of intense scenes that any fan of sci-fy or video games would love!

4. Most importantly I love love loved the plot-twists and of course the ending of the book! I'm not going to spoil anything but the ending and plot-twists in the book definitely left me open-mouthed and wanting to know what happens next! Once again, James Dashner does not disappoint with another amazing action and heart stopping storyline. If you loved The Maze Runner, then you'll love this masterpiece!

Cons:

1. The only problem I had with the story is that since it is a fast-paced gamer adventure, you do have to stay pretty focused on reading it since the scenes in the book will change in the blink of an eye. I got a bit lost a couple of times while reading but was able to get back on track in a short time.

Age Recommendation: 13+

I hope you guys enjoyed this book review! If you have any other book requests you would like me to review, just leave a comment or send me an email! Read on bookworms! See you in the next chapter!

D4rk Inside by Jeyn Roberts

D4rk Inside by Jeyn Roberts

Rating: PG-13

Score: 5 stars

Genre: Suspense, Horror

"Something bad is about to happen. A lot of people are going to die. And it's only the beginning."

A murderous rage has been unleashed. Moments after earthquakes rock the world, people start to change in the most terrifying ways. Friends turn on friends, girlfriends on boyfriends, husbands on wives, sisters on brothers. Nobody can be trusted. Not even yourself. For those who survive the first wave of killing, the world is a different and deadlier place. Four friends, Michael, Aries, Mason and Clementine must battle to stay alive in a world determined to kill them. All they have is one another . . . but can they even be sure of that? 

Review:

Pros:

1. This apocalyptic and heart stopping story holds a very special place on my bookshelf. If there are any fans out there who love a story full of action, suspense and horrific scenes then stop right here because you've found one! The best way to describe this story is by saying The Walking Dead meets I Am Legend. Without the zombies, sadly.

2. The story follows the point of views from four different characters and each chapter lets you learn about each character individually which I liked. All the characters in the book were fighting to survive on their own, slowly making their way to a desired safe place and eventually crossing each others paths, now stronger than the day before. I really loved how each character went through things that changed them and made them both stronger and wiser. 

3. Of course, the action scenes were spectacular! The scenes were heart stopping and kept you on the edge of your seat throughout the entire book. It never once got slow for me with all the murders and killings going on as well as the suspense that followed after every chapter. 

4. The story grabs you from the very first page which of course gave me some good signs for the rest of the book. Within the first five pages, there is already a huge explosion scene which I found also very promising, considering it is a darker book than most.

5. Overall, this book is perfect for a scary read and perfect for both boys and girls who love suspense and dark stories. I just loved this book and might even pick it up again in the future!

Age Recommendation: 13+

I hope you guys enjoyed this book review! If you have any more book requests you would like me to review, just leave a comment or send me an email! Read on bookworms! See you in the next chapter!

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