Free Falling, Kirsty Moseley

Free Falling by Kirsty Moseley, reviewed by Bronte

What is this book about?

They say that your school years are supposed to be the best years of your life, and that you should make the most of them because you’ll miss them when you’re all grown up. Up until Maisie Preston’s senior year, she would have totally agreed with that statement. Life was great, she had everything going for her, excellent grades, great parents, an annoying yet caring twin brother, and an impossibly sweet boyfriend. Everything was perfect - that is until the arrival of Zach Anderson. A misfit delinquent that seemed to bring with him a lot of bad karma. Is it just a coincidence that his arrival marks a significant change in Maisie’s life? Up until senior year, life was perfect, but things seem to be going downhill fast.

Who should read this book?

If you liked Always You, this is a spin off book, which still stands on its own. In other words you don't have to have read one to read the other, or vice versa. Its a young adult book, it says realistic fiction but personally some parts seem pretty un realistic in day to day life!

How long is this book?

281 pages, a short book.

Marks:
Story Line: 7/10
Well written: 5/5
Enjoyabililty: 4/5
Overall: 16/20

Star Rating: 4 Stars

Question 1. What character would you most like to have tea with?
Zack, because Zack is pretty cool. He is really funny and can have a laugh with you and joke around a lot. He's also had a bit of a rough past, which makes you feel sad for him. Also I want to find out more about him because he is quite secretive.

Question 2. What character would you most like to throw tea at?
There is an obvious choice, but telling you that would give away the book so I'm going to go with Maisie. She is very naïve and gets annoyed with her dad and twin brother for being overly protective over her, but of course they are going to be because she just seems to stroll into danger completely oblivious as to what she is doing. However she does know what she is doing which makes it worse because she knows the dangers is imminent.

Question 3. What do you think of the cover?
This cover doesn't blow me away. I mean it relates to the book, its simplistic(which I like) but there is just nothing that makes you look back at it, its just as it is.

Question 4. What do you think of the title do you think there is an alternative?
The title is okay, it does come up in the book and has a literal and mental meaning.

Question 5. Favourite quote!
There weren't very many quotes from this book, but I quite like this one-
“Some girls, deserves to have you treat her like a princess everyday, just like you always do to me."

Overall: This book actually has quite a lot of twists and almost turns in to a detective novel, which gave the book a lot of levels making it a very enjoyable but a quick read. I thought that there were surprises in this book, just like other Kirsty Moseley novels, that made me smile and laugh but also sometimes a sadness to the book. A good holiday read.

What did you think of this book? What would you like us to review next?

The Host, Stephenie Meyer

The Host by Stephenie Meyer, reviewed by Bronte

Page to Screen Comparison

What is this book about?

Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. The earth has been invaded by a species that take over the minds of human hosts while leaving their bodies intact. Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, didn't expect to find its former tenant refusing to relinquish possession of her mind. As Melanie fills Wanderer's thoughts with visions of Jared, a human who still lives in hiding, Wanderer begins to yearn for a man she's never met. Reluctant allies, Wanderer and Melanie set off to search for the man they both love.

Who should read this book?

If you hated Twilight, don't be put of by the fact that this book is by Stephenie Meyer, even more reason for you to read it; to experience some really awesome writing and story from her that isn't about odd vampires, shirtless ware wolves and naïve humans. This book is 10 times better than Twilight and you should read it if you love fantasy/science fiction dramatic love story's. I'm feeling the need to point out that I don't actually think Twilight is awful, The Host is just much much better in comparison.

How long is this book?

619 pages, a long book.

Marks:
Story Line: 9/10
Well written: 5/5
Enjoyabililty: 4/5
Overall: 18/20

Star Rating: 5 Stars

Question 1. What character would you most like to have tea with?
I'm in a little bit of a predicament. This is because having tea with Jeb would be really fun because he is essentially the 'king', which is cool. However think of all the other amazing stories that Wanda hadn't even told yet which means chatting with her would be fascinating. But then there is Jared, who is Jared. So.

 Question 2. What character would you most like to throw tea at?
Wanda. Which seems pretty mean really. I wouldn't want to throw tea at Melanie so I would have to throw the tea at just Wanda; and souls as souls are so beautiful it would be sacrilege to throw tea over her! But she was so naïve sometimes it annoyed me. Not all the time though, mostly she was lovely.

Question 3. What do you think of the cover?
This cover fits the story well, but I'm not going to lie, I do find it a bit creepy. And Melanie has brown eyes.

Question 4. What do you think of the title do you think there is an alternative?
I like this title because it simplistic and easy to remember.

Question 5. Favourite quote!
 “Perhaps there could be no joy on this planet without an equal weight of pain to balance it out on some unknown scale.”
A honest and totally human quote coming from a dystopian science fiction book.

Overall:
I really liked this book. It's one of the books that's on your reading list for ages but its so long and you can't really summon up the patients to read it. A sunbed in Italy is all you need. Now after reading it I am so glad I have done so because it was Wandaful (see what I did there) and yes, the beginning drags on a little and some bits Wanda does makes you wonder if there is such a thing as common sense. But then there are parts that make you laugh, smile and cry and you go back to loving everything about this book again. It also contains one of the most complicated love, rectangles? ever. Well worth a read!

What did you think of this book? What would you like us to review next?

All These Things I've Done, Gabrielle Zevin

All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin, reviewed by Eleanor

What is this book about?
In 2083, chocolate and coffee are illegal, paper is hard to find, water is carefully rationed, and New York City is rife with crime and poverty. And yet, for Anya Balanchine, the sixteen-year-old daughter of the city's most notorious (and dead) crime boss, life is fairly routine. That is until her ex is accidentally poisoned by the chocolate her family manufactures and the police think she's to blame. Suddenly, Anya finds herself thrust unwillingly into the spotlight -at school, in the news and, most importantly, within her mafia family. (goodreads.com)

Who should read this book?
12+, YA dystopian, romance

How long is this book?
351 pages

Marks
Story Line: 6/10
Well written: 4/5
Enjoyabililty: 3/5
Overall: 13/20

Star Rating:
3 stars

Question 1. What character would you most like to have tea with?
Anya's Nana because she was born in 1995 and I was born a year later and that's kinda cool (this book is set in 2082/3)


Question 2. What character would you most like to throw tea at?
Mr Delacroix. I know he has his reasons for not wanting Anya and Win to be together but I would still throw tea at him because they're a cute couple!

Question 3. What do you think of the cover?
I'm not so sure about the front cover of the edition I read but I do love the cover of another edition so I'm putting a picture of that up instead.

Question 4. What do you think of the title? Do you think there is an alternative?
I like the title. It's quite catchy after a while and suits the book.

Question 5. Favourite quote!
"Should have. Would have. Could have. Didn't."

Overall: I loved the main characters in this book, Anya is a likable protagonist, her older brother, Leo, is so sweet and her younger sister, Natty, is pretty cute. And then there's Win. Although he's no Jace Wayland, I did like his character too. The problem for me was that I found the romance to be rather rushed. One day Anya's not interested in Win, the next she's really not interested in him and then the next she's suddenly kissing him. Hmmm. Also, the book is written as though Anya is writing her life down for the reader (e.g. "N.B. This is foreshadowing, dear readers...") however when she has time for this/why she's doing it is not explained and so I'm not sure if this really worked. Maybe it shall all become clear in the sequel though, which I'll definitely be reading on its release!

This summer I seem to have given rather a lot of 3 stars out in my reviews. Any recommendations for books I'd be able to like enough to give 4 or even 5 stars to?

Revolution, Jennifer Donnelly

Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly, reviewed by Eleanor

What is this book about?
Andi lives in present-day New York and is dealing with the aftermath of her brother's accidental death.
Alexandrine lives in Paris and is desperately trying to save a young boy from the ravages of the French Revolution.
Their paths collide as Andi unlocks a route to the past which might just hold the key to reconciling herself to her own history -and her future blurb

Who should read this book?
14+ historical fiction novel

How long is this book?
471 pages

Marks
Story Line: 7/10
Well written: 3/5
Enjoyabililty: 3/5
Overall: 13/20

Star Rating:
3 stars

Question 1. What character would you most like to have tea with?
Virgil, I want him to sing to me like he sings to Andi

Question 2. What character would you most like to throw tea at?
Louis XVI's cousin -the Duke of Orléans, just because (am I allowed to say that, seem as he was a real person and all?!!!)

Question 3. What do you think of the cover?
It's a nice cover I like how it's mysterious at first until you learn about where this key came from. (I also love the little sparrow on the back cover!)

Question 4. What do you think of the title do you think there is an alternative?
I don't think the title is all that great, although the novel is based on the French Revolution I still don't think it really fits.

Question 5. Favourite quote!
"When you can write music that endures, bravo. Until then, keep quiet and study the work of those who can"

Overall: This book took me quite a long time to read and this wasn't at all because it wasn't good but just because I could tell how much research had been put into the book and I was determined not to skim over a single detail of it. The book is engaging and although I don't know much about the music the character's in the book like so much, it doesn't matter because Andi's love for music is so strong that I forgot I'd never properly heard any of the songs! The story line is well put together and the 'twist' at the end is good. I haven't given this book any more than 13 out of 20 because it was quite hard to read, however I really like Donnelly's style of writing and definitely recommend this book along with one of the author's other novels, A Gathering Light (A Northern Light)

Did you enjoy this book?

My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece, Annabel Pitcher

My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece by Annabel Pitcher, reviewed by Eleanor

What is this book about?
Ten-year-old Jamie hasn't cried since it happened. He knows he should have - Jasmine cried, Mum cried, Dad still cries. Roger didn't, but then he is just a cat and didn't know Rose that well, really.
Five years on, it's worse than ever: Dad drinks, Mum's gone and Jamie's left with questions that he must answer for himself. blurb

Who should read this book?
This book can be read by children as well as adults because, despite a quite grown up theme, it is funny and relatable to readers who are just entering the YA bracket.

How long is this book?
221 pages, a fairly short book

Marks
Story Line: 7/10
Well written: 4/5
Enjoyability: 3/5
Overall: 14/20

Star Rating:
3 stars

Question 1. Which character would you most likely to have tea with?
Sunya was definitely my favourite character. It's always nice when you find a child (even if she's fictional) who doesn't care what others think of her.

Question 2. What character would you most like to throw tea at?
Probably Jamie's Mum, although I can't say why because I don't want to ruin the plot.


Question 3. What do you think of the cover?
I quite like the cover of this book on the edition that I read. I like the drawing of the girl, even though I'm not exactly sure what she is supposed to represent (I'm guessing the dead sister, Rose, but I'm not certain) And I like that the title and cover fit nicely together.

Question 4. What do you think of the title do you think there is an alternative?
I really like long titles (just as I like one-worded titles) and so love this one. It really does make you stop and pick it off the shelf, simply because the title is so different and eye catching.

Question 5. Favourite quote!
“In fact she was quite bad and according to Jas she was naughty at school, but no one seems to remember that now she is all dead and perfect.”

Overall: I enjoyed this book because it was something a bit different. The narrator is lovable and explains things in a way that really emphasises his feelings towards what is taking place in the novel. The book is emotional and brings up some quite controversial themes yet it will be able to reach a much younger audience, which just adds to the cleverness of the book.

What did you think of this book? What's your book blog called? (If you have one!)

Breathe, Sarah Crossan

Breathe by Sarah Crossan, reviewed by Eleanor

What is this book about?
Oxygen levels have fallen due to deforestation and now, years later, people live in the Pod; a huge structure which has oxygen pumped into it. Society is divided into Premiums, who can afford enough oxygen to live a normal life, and Auxiliaries who can barely breathe each day.

Three teenagers end up outside of the Pod with only two days worth of air. Outside, they begin to wonder if their government back home has been telling the complete truth...

Who should read this book?
This is a young adult book, for anyone who enjoys dystopian/vaguely post-apocalyptic novels

How long is this book?
372 pages

Marks
Story Line: 7/10
Well written: 4/5
Enjoyabililty: 3/5
Overall: 14/20

Star Rating:
3 stars

Question 1. What character would you most like to have tea with?
I'd say Jazz, she's a nine year old girl in the rebel group and her outlook on life is pretty amusing so it would be quite funny having a cup of tea with her, I think.

Question 2. What character would you most like to throw tea at?
Quinn because it's so obvious that his best friend likes him yet he fails to notice. Pffft, boys.

Question 3. What do you think of the cover?
I like the colours on the cover because purple is my favourite colour, it's quite an eye catching picture and it looks very science fiction.

Question 4. What do you think of the title do you think there is an alternative?
I really like titles that are one word long so I think Breathe is a really good title. And it makes sense that the book would be called this with the low oxygen levels outside, etc...

Question 5. Favourite quote!
 "I cough and cough and before long the cough turns into panicked pants. I'll die here."

Overall: I sometimes find that characters in dystopian books can be quite unlikeable and boring but I really liked the characters in this book. Alina, Quinn and Bea were all interesting to read about, which made the book a lot more enjoyable. Although I wouldn't say this is my favourite dystopian book, the plot is exciting and fast paced and it's worth reading.

What did you think of this book? What should we review next?

Noughts and Crosses, Malorie Blackman

Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman, reviewed by Eleanor

What is this book about?
Callum is a nought -a second-class citizen in a world run my the ruling Crosses...

Sephy is a Cross, the daughter of one of the most powerful men in the country...

In their world, noughts and Crosses simply don't mix. And as violence turns to peace and love, can Callum and Sephy possibly find a way to be together? They are determined to try.

And then the bomb explodes... blurb

Who should read this book?
YA/Teen

How long is this book?
512 pages

Marks
Story Line: 8/10
Well written: 4/5
Enjoyabililty: 4/5
Overall: 16/20

Star Rating: 4 stars

Question 1. Which characters would have the most awkward conversation whilst drinking tea?
I would have to say Meggie and Mrs Hadley (Callum's Mum and Sephy's Mum) After Mrs Hadley firing Meggie, I can see a potentially awkward/angry conversation between them.


Question 2. What character would you most like to throw tea at?
Jude, Callum's older brother, because he infuriated me for the whole book with his huge inability to think before speaking. I know there were some bordering-on-evil characters in the book, but quite honestly Jude annoyed me more than all of them!

Question 3. What do you think of the cover?
It's simple but clever because the only colours used are black and white and these really make the shapes stand out.

Question 4. What do you think of the title do you think there is an alternative?
I can't decide if I like the title or not. It's simple, like the cover, yet I think it could possibly have been something a little more inventive. Maybe. No idea what though!

Question 5. Favourite quote!
"Do you ever wonder what it would be like if our positions were reversed? If we whites were in charge instead of you Crosses?"

Overall: I really enjoyed this book! It's clever and thought provoking and has a really unexpected ending, which I love in a book! I've been meaning to read Noughts and Crosses for a long time and I'm so glad I finally have. It was definitely worth reading!

Do you have any summer reading recommendations?

Cover VERSUS Cover: Sarah Dessen Edition

Beautiful Sarah Dessen book covers all in one place, but which will be your favourite? (I am aware that there is the 'new' and the 'old' covers, but I went for the newer ones as I think that the old ones are very similar to each other)

1.   vs

Eleanor: This Lullaby
Izzy: This Lullaby
Bronte: The Truth about Forever

2.  vs  

Eleanor: Just Listen
Izzy: Keeping the Moon
Bronte: Just Listen

3.   vs  

Eleanor: Dreamland
Izzy: Dreamland
Bronte: Lock and Key, I like the simplicity

4.   vs  

Eleanor: Along for the Ride
Izzy: Along for the Ride
Bronte: The Moon and More

5.   vs   (It's like 'feet vs feet'!)

Eleanor: Someone Like You
Izzy: What Happened to Goodbye
Bronte: Someone Like You

Which is your favourite cover out of ALL of them? Do you prefer these covers or the other ones better?