Book Review - Library Of Souls By Ransom Riggs

Library Of Souls by Ransom Riggs
(Third book to Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children)

Publisher: Quirk Books

Release Date: 22 August 2015

Pages: 400

Summary: Time is running out for the Peculiar Children. With a dangerous madman on the loose, and Miss Peregrine still in danger, it's up to Jacob Portman to channel his newfound abilities and defeat Caul before he loses his friends and their Peculiar world forever.

My Thoughts: Library Of Souls is my favourite book in this series. It started off right where Hollow City left off. Immediately, I loved it. Emma and Jacob are so great together and their journey to the end was so nerve racking and well written. 

The plot of this book was especially good and I loved seeing Jacob's ability develop more. All the Peculiar abilities are so cool and they really reflect the character's personality. 

The main action near to the end of this book was just so gripping. The whole concept about the Library Of Souls was thought out so well and so detailed you could really believe it was true. 

Also, as the final book in this series, Ransom Riggs did a perfect job at tying all the ends together to finish it off. It was one of the most satisfying wrap ups I've ever read and I was delighted to know how their lives continued on.

This series has been a wonderful story to follow and I really wish it wasn't over as I just can't get enough of the characters. Ransom Riggs is such an amazing author and I really hope you guys read these books!!

Anyone else excited to see Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children in movie form?

Book Review - Hollow City By Ransom Riggs

Hollow City by Ransom Riggs
(Sequel to Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children)

Publisher: Quirk Books

Release Date: 14 January 2014

Pages: 352

Summary: Having escaped Miss Peregrine's island by the skin of their teeth, Jacob and his new friends have to go to London, the peculiar capital of the world. Along the way, they encounter new allies, a menagerie of peculiar animals, and other unexpected surprises. 

My Thoughts: This book was so great. It picked off in the 1940's just where book one finished. The first significant amount of it was just them rowing away from the island but after that it really picked up the pace.

I loved hearing about The Tales Of The Peculiar and how they used them to find their way to London.

This plot was so well crafted and there was so many times when I was on the edge of my seat! All the children are so different and their personalities come across so easily and their are some very humourous moments. There was also a lot of new characters added which was nice to see.

The vintage pictures are absolutely beautiful and they really help for the reader to imagine the characters and some of the places they visit. For me, this is one of the best parts of this series and really makes it stand out.

Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children is such a unique series in YA. The pictures are something I've never seen before and the story line is amazing. Highly recommended.

Also, this cover is just gorgeous. What do you guys think?

Book Review - The Rose and The Dagger By Renee Ahdieh

The Rose and The Dagger by Renee Ahdieh
(Sequel to The Wrath and The Dawn)

Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books For Young Readers

Release Date: 03 May 2016

Pages: 432

Summary: Shahrzad has been torn from the love of her husband Khalid, the Caliph of Khorasan. She once thought he was a monster, but his secrets showed that he is tormented by guilt and a powerful curse that might keep them apart forever. She is reunited with her family, who have taken refuge with enemies of Khalid, and Tariq, her childhood sweetheart. But Tariq's forces are set on destroying Khalid's empire. While her father, Jahandar, continues to play with magic he doesn't yet understand, Shahrzad tries to uncover powers that may lie within her. With the help of a old, worn carpet and a young man, Shahrzad will attempt to break the curse and reunite with her one true love.

My Thoughts: I quite liked The Rose and The Dagger. I was disappointed in it in comparison to The Wrath and The Dawn, which I thought was excellent, as it just felt slow and honestly, kind of boring at times. The Rose and The Dagger is the final book in this duology and I think Renee Ahdieh didn't make the most of it as a conclusion.

The majority of the book was building up to the last 100 pages or so but had quite little action or drama. It took me until the main climax to actually make me feel as if I wanted to continue reading the book. It felt like it was all just flowing at a steady pace until then and it did nothing for me. However, the entire book is written so beautifully and the language is very unique.

Shahrzad is a great character. She really made it for the book in my opinion. She's very quick tongued and very fiery and the banter between her and other characters is always lovely to read. I love that Renee added a deeper relationship between Shahrzad and her sister, Irsa, as it created a softer touch to the story.

Although the beginning of The Rose and The Dagger was quite lackluster in my view, the finale was very gripping. It just got to a point where everything changed and I was very engrossed in the plot. It did make up for most of my previous disappointments and it finished with a lovely, calm epilogue which finished it off nicely.

For me, the characters pretty much made the series. The Wrath and The Dawn was way ahead of the sequel but I'm still delighted that I finished the series. I do think it is worth your while giving it a go as it is an interesting story line and the small element of magic is just enough. Plus, this series has some pretty amazing covers and the deckled edges are just gorgeous! I absolutely love the hardback versions! 

What do you guys think of this conclusion? Thumbs up or thumbs down? I'm going with middle of the road for me, if it wasn't for that ending it would have a much worse rating. 3 stars is still quite good!

Book Review - Yellow Brick War By Danielle Paige

Yellow Brick War by Danielle Paige
(Book three to Dorothy Must Die)

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Release Date: 07 April 2016

Pages: 288

Summary: In Yellow Brick War, the new girl from Kansas Amy Gumm is caught between her home and Oz. Tornadoes must have a thing about girls from Kansas, because-just like Dorothy Amy got swept away on one too. She landed in Oz, where Good is Wicked, Wicked is Good, and the Wicked Witches clued her in to her true calling: an assassin. The only way to stop Dorothy from destroying Oz and Kansas is to kill her and Amy Gumm is the only one who can do it. But she failed. Because of Amy, the portal between the worlds has been opened. And if she can't find a way to close it Dorothy will make sure she'll never get to go home again. She must stop Dorothy once and for all.

My Thoughts: This book was great. Probably my favourite from this series so far. The beginning continued on directly from where The Wicked Will Rise ended and I loved it. Yet again, Yellow Brick War ended in such an irritating cliff hanger I can't wait until book four comes out!!

I loved seeing Amy and her mother again. Their relationship changed and it was so nice to see it. I also liked how Danielle Paige stripped Amy of her powers in Kansas so she had to carry out her 'mission' without them.

The whole concept of finding Dorothy's shoes was so well done and the whole rest of the plot entwined so well. The action really made an impact on the book and made it really enjoyable for me to read.

The Dorothy Must Die series is a brilliant re-telling of The Wizard of Oz. It's so unique and it's nice to read something different every once in a while!

Tell me in the comments if this is your type of thing.

Book Review - The One By Kiera Cass

The One by Kiera Cass
(Third book to The Selection)

Publisher: Harper Teen

Release Date: 05 June 2014

Pages: 336

Summary: When she was chosen to compete in the Selection, America never dreamed she would find herself anywhere close to the crown or to Prince Maxon's heart. But as the end of the competition nears, and the threats outside the palace walls grow more vicious, America realizes just how much she can lose and how hard she'll need to fight for the future she wants.

My Thoughts: I have no words for this book. It was amazing!! A great finale to this portion of The Selection. It took me less than a day to read this book and I was completely engrossed. It was way to short to satisfy my needs with  these characters! 

The opening chapter just drew me in and the concept of the rebels really intrigued me in this book. The relationship with Maxon and America really developed and I was glad that it didn't just turn into instant love. It really allowed the reader to get to know them better.

 I also liked that the relationship between the remaining four girls became so much stronger and they had a few fun, light moments that were so lovely to read! Everything about this book is gorgeous.

*** Spoilers ***

I have to talk about some of the things that happened in this book!! First of all, my hatred for the king grew so much in this book. The way he manipulated America made me so mad, but when she stood up for herself it was so great!

I loved the part at the Convicting when she gave the prisoner her jewels to pay his debt off to the king instead of sending him to prison. I was so proud of her and she really showed the king what she thought of him! She's such a strong female character.

I was also so happy at America's friendship with Celeste, it was so lovely to see Celeste's change of heart and they got on so well. I was devastated when she died and it took me a minute to really process what had happened. I was so upset about it, of all the girls she ended up being my favourite by far.

The ending! Oh. My. God. I was over the moon when Maxon told America he had picked her but then, the shock when he caught her with Aspen! It was such a complication and I couldn't believe it. He said he was going to send her home and I was so sad. I hated Kriss and I felt so bad for America as she really did love Maxon. The love letters he wrote to her were so beautiful and the change in events was horrible.

When the rebels attacked the Great Room and Maxon got shot, I really thought he was going to die. He did realize though that she wouldn't hurt him in the way he thought she had and I was delighted that that issue was resolved! I was so afraid too that Aspen would die as, even though I prefer Maxon, I would hate for him to die either.

I was also so disappointed that the queen and America's dad died! That was such a sad moment in the book! I can't get over it, her dad was such a lovely character.

Overall, the very end was very good. The wedding was lovely and now I just feel empty that America's story it over!!

*** End Of Spoilers ***

I can't recommend this series enough, each book is just perfection and The One has left me so empty!! I wish America's part of the story wasn't over yet and I can't imagine loving another character the same.

If you've read this book, discuss with me in the comments! Make sure to alert for spoilers though because I'd hate for it to be ruined for anyone.

Book Review - The Elite By Kiera Cass

The Elite by Kiera Cass
(Sequel to The Selection)

Publisher: Harper Teen

Release Date: 23 April 2013

Pages: 336

Summary: In America Singer's world, a bride is chosen for the prince through an elaborate televised competition called The Selection. In The Elite, America is one of only six girls left in the running. But is it Prince Maxon and life as the queen that she wants? Or is it Aspen, her first love?

My Thoughts: The Elite was just as good as The Selection! I love the relationship between America and Maxon. The love triangle between the three is done so well and I loved reading it.

The plot kept me on my toes throughout the book and I love America even more now than I did before! The relationship between all the girls is written so well too and there is nothing I don't love about this book.

I literally have no complaints about this series and I think it's the type of thing everyone could read. It's such a great sequel and I highly recommend these books to you guys.

I hope you give The Selection a go and if you've already read it, who do you prefer, Maxon or Aspen?

Book Review - The Selection By Kiera Cass

The Selection by Kiera Cass

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Release Date: 24 April 2012

Pages: 336

Summary: For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon. But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a competition for a crown that she doesn't want. They are living in a palace that is constantly threatened by rebel attacks. Then America meets Prince Maxon and she starts to question all the plans she's made for her life and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

My Thoughts: I absolutely love The Selection. It's one of my all time favourite series now. America is an amazing character, she's very independent and she speaks up for what she believes in.

Maxon is another great character and I loved reading about life in the palace. I also love that this book is much more than what the cover lets on. There is a fantasy element to it, which really adds to the story. 

This book is beautiful, I flew through it so quick it was so hard to put down! The concept of The Selection is so interesting and I can't recommend this series enough.

Tell me your thoughts in the comments! 

Book Review - The Lifeboat Clique By Kathy Parks

The Lifeboat Clique by Kathy Parks

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Release Date: 01 March 2016

Pages: 336

Summary: Some people might say that Denver has a death wish. Why else would she dare to sneak into a Malibu beach party where she'd be surrounded by enemies? Oh yeah. Croix. Denver never thought in a million years that he'd be interested in her and during the party a tsunami hits the coast of California, and Denver and a handful of others escape death and are swept out to sea. Of course, one of her fellow castaways is none other than her ex-best friend, Abigail, who can barely stand the sight of her. Trapped on a small boat with the most popular kids in school and waiting to be rescued, Denver wonders what might kill her first dehydration, sunstroke, or the girl she used to think of as a sister

My Thoughts: This book was great. Denver was such a relatable character to me and I just loved her straight away. She's quite shy but very smart and she does stand up for herself and I liked to see that come out during the novel.

The story line was so funny about the tsunami but it still seemed like a survival story and it was really. Denver ended up in the boat with three other girls and one boy, and I hated all four of them. The Lifeboat Clique really created those cliques so well and you could really see the separation between the characters and the cruelty coming from some too.

It kind of alternated chapters from the present ( in the boat ) to the past when Denver and Abigail were friends and constantly building up to why that became ex - best friends. Honestly, I didn't enjoy those chapters as much and I just found myself skimming through them just because I didn't find them that interesting. 

Overall, it was a nice, light read. My favourite part was reading about how they managed to survive through everything and stay alive. I would recommend The Lifeboat Clique to anyone who is just in the mood for something simple and quick.

The cover is also a major bonus! It's so gorgeous and I love how they put in the little parrot on the side of the boat! What do you guys think? Have you read this book?