Atlantia by Ally Condie

Atlantia by Ally Condie

Rating: PG

Score: ★★★★

Genre: Dystopian, Fantasy

Page Count: 301

Standalone Book

Publisher: Dutton Books

Published: November 4, 2014

For as long as she can remember, Rio has dreamt of the sand and sky Above- of life beyond her underwater city of Atlantia. But in a single moment, all her plans for the future are thwarted when her twin sister, Bay, makes an unexpected decision, stranding Rio Below. Alone, ripped away from the last person who knew Rio's true self- and the powerful siren voice she has hidden- she has nothing left to lose. Guided by a dangerous and unlikely mentor, Rio formulates a plan that leads to increasingly treacherous questions about her mother's death, her own destiny, and the complex, system constructed to govern the divide between land and sea. Her life and her city depend on Rio to listen to the voices of the past and to speak long-hidden truths.

Review:

Pros:

1. This fantasy book is the newest one from Ally Condie, author of the Matched trilogy, an international bestseller. I'm a big fan of the trilogy and I was really excited when this lovely came out and I just had to get my hands on it! Let's get started with the review!

2. The world of Atlantia was very unique but still had the classic feel of an underwater city. Although not based on the famous city of Atlantis, Atlantia still amazed me and got me very interested in its roots. From delicate architecture to enchanting ocean structures, it was one world that I would love to explore.

3. Before you get excited, this book is NOT about mermaids! If you're looking for a mermaid read, I suggest The Little Mermaid. But if you love sirens, keep reading! Ever since reading one of favorite siren trilogy's, I've been on the hunt for a new read with sirens and I was excited to find this one. Although the book doesn't go into detail about the sirens or where they came from, it was fun reading about them and reading why they are considered dangerous in the city Atlantia.

4. The book was very easy to read and get through, no complicated writing or description. It was very well put together and left no gaps in the story or questions. It was well fleshed out and an enjoyable read overall.

Cons:

1. I liked the characters but I didn't connect with them like I would've liked too. They were a little vague and weren't that relatable in my eyes. I would've liked to see their personalities a little more and would've liked to know more about their pasts.

2. It started out a little slow and didn't pick up until at least 30 pages but made up for it later as the story progressed. 

Age Recommendation: +13

I hope you guys enjoyed this book review! If you have any other book request 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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Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

Rating: PG

Score: ★★★★★

Genre: Horror, Dark Fantasy

Page Count: 348

Book #1 of the Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children series

Publisher: Quirk Books

Published: 2011

 It all waits to be discovered in Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, an unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience. As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen year old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that Miss Peregrine's children were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a deserted island for good reason. And somehow- impossible though it seems- they may still be alive. 

Review:

Pros:

1. This creepy yet fascinating book is definitely a book unlike any other I've ever read. If you're in the loop with all the newest updates about what everyone is currently reading, then you should have seen this book before about a million times. That's what happened in my case and I just couldn't let this book sit on my shelf any longer. Let's just say, I don't regret picking this one up!

2. One thing I really loved about this book was the characters but for different reasons this time around. The characters were very . . . well, peculiar to say the least. I thought it was really interesting to see what each child could do, what their "power" was and how they used it. I loved how the unique abilities between the children weren't those that were common. Consisting from super human strength to being able to bring non-living things to life, the children were very interesting to read about.

3. I really loved how the old vintage pictures used to create the story were so well interwoven that it seemed as though the photographs were taken especially for the book itself. The pictures were sometimes creepy and just hands down terrifying, but others were sweet, funny and even a little witty. I love how the story gave the pictures such a unique meaning and really made me as a reader want to dive in deeper to know more about the pictures.

4. The story is dark and somewhat horrific but was also funny and witty. I got a Lemony Snicket kind of vibe from reading this book, seeing that there was so much mystery and unique characters and had a darker, almost Gothic, kind of tone. It was also lighthearted at times, though rare, but it made me smile, laugh, and sometimes was creepy and scary, almost getting under my skin. It was an enjoyable read that I couldn't stop thinking about even after I finished reading it.

5. Overall, this book definitely deserves the hype that it's been given and so much more. If you're a fan of a mysterious and dark type of book, perfect for a rainy day, then this one is the next book you should pick up! Come on, you know you want too!

Age Recommendation: 12+

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!

Be sure to read this one before the movie hits theaters in March 2016!!

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Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Rating: PG-13

Score: ★★★★★

Genre: Dystopian, Romance

Page Count: 338

Book #1 of the Shatter Me trilogy

Publisher: Harper Teen

Published: November 2012

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 into 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:

Pros:

1. This dystpoian book was a winner for me in many ways from the very first page. I loved pretty much everything about this book and it definitely deserves the hype that its been given!

2. The characters in this book were just amazing. I really loved all of their personalities and I loved the development of them all. I really connected with them all which can be hard to do sometimes. They were all very different and some made me laugh while others were infuriating but lovable at the same time.

3. The story was so well built that it all flowed so well together. The climax was perfect and I loved all the thrilling scenes sprinkled throughout. There was a touch of mystery that added just that much more interest to the story.

4. I loved all the elements weaved seamlessly into this book. It had a big dystopian feel that reminded me of The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken meets The Young Elites by Marie Lu, kids with cool powers treated like dangerous criminals and used as weapons. It's an amazing blend of romance, super cool abilities and secrets that are surprising, sweet and mind blowing in every way.

5. I couldn't put this book down when I started reading it! The writing was so amazing and somewhat poetic. I really loved the crossed out words and sentences, I felt like it really brought the reader into what the character was really thinking and what she actually said and did. 

Age Recommendation: 13+

I hope you guys enjoyed this book review! If you have any 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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November Book Haul 2014!

I won't waste any time on this one since I bought a load of books this month! November was loving my wallet is the least I can say. Let's get started then shall we?

Faithful by Janet Fox- Half Price Books- $1

Three Rivers Rising by Jame Richards- Half Price Books- $1

Airhead by Meg Cabot- Half Price Books- $1

Ranger's Apprentice: The Lost Stories by John Flanagan- Library- $1

Atlantia by Ally Condie- Half Price Books- $14.98

Shopaholic Ties The Knot by Sophie Kinsella- Half Price Books- $2

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi- Amazon- $7

Evermore by Alyson Noël- Half Price Books- $1

Blue Moon by Alyson Noël- Half Price Books- $1

The Reptile Room by Lemony Snicket- Half Price Books- $4.50

The Slippery Slope by Lemony Snicket- Half Price Books- $2.50

Boys R Us by Lisi Harrison- Half Price Books- $1

P.S I loathe You by Lisi Harrison- Half Price Books- $1

That Summer by Sarah Dessen- Half Price Books- 81¢

Keeping The Moon by Sarah Dessen- Half Price Books- $4

Thunder Dog by Michael Hingson with Susy Flory- Thrift store- $1

Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs- Half Price Books- $8

Elixir by Hilary Duff- Half Price Books- $2.50

Days Of Blood And Starlight by Laini Taylor- Amazon- $7

Daughter Of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor- Amazon- $7

Divergent: Collector's Edition by Veronica Roth- Wal-Mart- $14

The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken- Amazon- $6

Wicked: Witch and Curse by Nancy Holder & Debbie Viguié- Thrift store- $1

Scarlet by Marissa Meyer- Amazon- $6

Cinder by Marissa Meyer- Amazon- $5

Wake by Lisa McMann- Half Price Books- 81¢

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead- Half Price Books- $4

So which books did you buy this month? Tell me in the comments down below!

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The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken

The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken

Rating: PG-13

Score: ★★★★★

Genre: Dystopian, Action, Sci-Fi

Page Count: 488

Book #1of The Darkest Minds trilogy

Publisher: Hyperion

Published: December 18, 2012

When Ruby woke up on her tenth birthday, something about her had changed. Something frightening enough to make her parents lock her in the garage and call the police. Something that got her sent to Thurmond, a brutal government "rehabilitation camp." She might have survived the mysterious disease that had killed most of America's children, but she and the others emerged with something far worse: frightening abilities they could not control. Now, sixteen, Ruby is one of the dangerous ones. When the truth comes out, Ruby barely escapes Thurmond with her life. She is on the run, desperate to find the only safe haven left for kids like her- East River. She joins a group of kids who have escaped their own camp. Liam, their brave leader, is falling hard for Ruby. But no matter how much she aches for him, Ruby can't risk getting close. Not after what happened to her parents. When they arrive at East River, nothing is as it seems, least of all its mysterious leader. But there are other forces at work, people will stop at nothing to use Ruby in their fight against the government. Ruby will be faced with a terrible choice, one that may mean giving up her only chance at having a life worth living.

Review:

Pros:

1. This book was pretty much a winner for me from the very beginning seeing as all my favorite genres were wrapped into one amazing book like this one. Once again, this is a five-star book in my opinion and it's no wonder why this book has gotten so much hype in just a couple of years. If you're a fan of Article 5 or The Young Elites, this book is for you!

2. The characters in this book completely won me over from the beginning. Ruby is very strong and a very feisty female lead that I thought made the book that much more empowering. The other characters, Liam and Chubs, were just a joy to read about. With all their funny jokes and sarcastic comments, I really loved them. Zu was just adorable as well as a little girl you really don't want to mess with. I really loved how the villain in this book came in many characters from the entire government to a friend they thought they could trust.

3. All the genres in this book really won me over. It has a huge dystopian feel to it, which you all should know that I'm a sucker for. It also had adventure, action and even a little romance that I thought blended very well into the rest of the story and wasn't rushed at all.  I really loved all the supernatural abilities that these kids had, from reading minds to erasing people's memories, it was just so cool!

4. The writing for this book is absolutely flawless. Alexandra Bracken is an amazing author. Her writing is so easy to read and keeps you on the edge of your seat. I couldn't put this book down and I couldn't read it fast enough. She created an amazing set of characters, built an amazing new world and created stories for every character she wrote about. 

5. Lastly, the book kept me interested from the very first page to the very last. It had a lot of fast-paced scenes and an amazing yet heartbreaking ending. It was sweet, funny, dark, and mysterious all at the same time. I'm really excited to read the second book and I'll be flying through that one as well.

Age Recommendation: 13+

I hope you guys enjoyed this book review! If you have any 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 100 by Kass Morgan

The 100 by Mass Morgan

Rating: PG-13

Score: ★★★★

Genre: Dystopian, Post-Apocalyptic, Drama, Sci-fi

Page Count: 323 pages

Book #1 of The 100 series

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Published: September 3, 2013

In the future, humans live in city-like spaceships orbiting far above Earth's toxic atmosphere. No one knows when, or even if, the long-abandoned planet will be habitable again. But faced with dwindling resources and a growing populace, government leaders know they must reclaim their homeland . . . before it's too late. Now, one hundred juvenile delinquents are being sent on a high-stakes mission to recolonize Earth. After a brutal crash landing, the teens arrive on a savagely beautiful planet they've only seen from space. Confronting the dangers of this rugged new world, they struggle to form a tentative community. But they're haunted by their past and uncertain about the future. To survive, they must learn to trust- and even love- again.

Review:

Pros:

1. Once again, this is one book that 
I really don't regret picking up. There are very mixed reviews when it comes to this book, you either really hate it or really love it but I'm happy to say that I'm part of the latter one. Let's get this review started shall we?

2. The story was written in four points of veiw which seems like a lot but was actually pretty enjoyable. Half the story takes place on earth where three of the points of view are set while the fourth takes place on the ship at the same time. I really liked how the author wrote it so that half the story was told on earth and some of the mystery about what was happening there while the other half of the mystery was taking place on the ship, all combining into one story and conclusion. 

3. I also really enjoyed the characters. 
Their personalities were interesting and I loved learning about their pasts and their biggest secrets. It was really cool to see them grow closer to each other and watch their stories unfold to create a really amazing aspect of the book.

4. I love all the genres this book held. 
With a little action here and there, tons of sci-fi with romance sprinkled throughout the book and an awesome ending, I thought the book was a fun read and had a little something for everyone. If you want a better description, try Star 
Trek meets Wall-E but without all the cuteness and a lot more . . . well . . . death.


Cons:
1. The only thing I didn't like about the book was that it started out a little slow and didn't really pick up for me until at least four chapters in. Overall, the book was well written and an enjoyable read.


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!


Be sure to watch THE 100 on the CW and Netflix!


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Article 5 by Kristen Simmons

Article 5 by Kristen Simmons

Rating: PG-13

Score: ★★★★

Genre: Fiction, Action, Dystopian

Page Count: 364

Book #1 of the Article 5 trilogy

Publisher: Tor Teen Books

Published: 2012

New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C have all 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 don't usually 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 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. In the three years since the war ended, 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 what's worse, one of the arresting officers is none other than Chase Jennings . . . the only boy Ember has ever loved.

Review:

Pros:

1. This action packed sci-fi dystopian story has lots that I loved about it. If you're a fan of any of those genres, this book is a winner from me to you. 

2. The story isn't all that original, two teens on the run from the government, but this take on the story is very interesting and hard to put down. There's a few actions scenes that weren't too over the top for the book as well as some romance sprinkled throughout the pages. The story was thought out very well and gave something new to the whole aspect of the non original subject.

3. The story flowed very well and I felt like it was fleshed out perfectly. It would make a great stand alone but of course, it isn't one. The story wasn't rushed and it didn't seem forced in certain places like some stories tend to be. The story was very well written and easy to understand. It also wasn't too descriptive like some action/sci-fi books can be.

4. The characters were just perfect. I really loved how both main characters were hard at first but later softened as the story progressed. I really liked their backgrounds and the relationship they had with each other in the past and how it was so much different in the present day. 

5. Overall, this book had a little something for everyone, romance, action, sci-fi, a dystopian feel, and a very good storyline and plot. The climax was amazing and was also fast paced for most of the book.

Cons:

1.The only thing I didn't like about this book was that the beginning starts out pretty slow. For me, it didn't pick up until about fifty pages in. It's hard nowadays to find a book that perfect from beginning to end but this book didn't quite cut it.

Age Recommendation: 13+

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

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