Life Eternal, Yvonne Woon

Life Eternal (Dead Beautiful, #2) by Yvonne Woon, reviewed by Bronte

Warning, this book may contain spoilers of the first book.

Read Eleanor's review of Dead Beautiful

What is this book about?

Renee Winters has changed. When she looks in the mirror, a beautiful girl with an older, sadder face stares back. Her condition has doctors mystified, but Ren e can never reveal the truth: she died last May, and was brought back to life by the kiss of her Undead soul mate, Dante Berlin. (Goodreads)

Who should read this book?

People who enjoy paranormal romances, but equally I think people who like mysteries/thriller books would also thoroughly enjoy reading this novel.

How long is this book?

464 pages

Marks:

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

Star Rating: 5 Stars

Question 1. What character has remained the same pot of tea?
I think I would have to say Renee's Grandfather. I feel that he is still quite secretive and doesn't tell Renee anything that is going on. He is also still relatively unsympathetic to Renee's situation - i.e. Parents died, moved across the country, started a new school, discovered the Undead, discovered monitoring, realised her parents were murdered etc. he just doesn't seem to understand her, as a Grandchild, as much as he should.

Question 2. Which character has a whole new flavour?
Dante! He is also being very secretive which is something that we have yet to discover why, really. I feel as he is not such a physically prominent character in Life Eternal and we, like Renee, discover perhaps a more frustrating side to his character.

Question 3. Which characters would have the most awkward conversation whilst drinking tea?
Dante and Noah I would say. Although I feel it would be more awkward from the angle that I don't think either would speak - so I guess it's not really a conversation. Dante would just want to avoid the topic, because he is like that and Noah would be shy as Dante is not only Undead but also has - what he must consider to be an odd relationship with the girl he likes.

Question 4. What book would you prefer to read while drinking tea?
Probably Dead Beautiful as I feel it has more of an element of surprise and suspense as you really do not know what is going to happen and the story takes turns which leaves you second guessing most of the time so you really have to keep reading! Also I found this book had a rather creepy element to it...I am scared relatively easily...

Question 5. Favourite quote!
'How do you measure someone’s life? By the scope of their accomplishments, or the number of people they’ve touched, or by the width of a hand? None of it seemed fair. None of it seemed like enough.'

Overall:
This book (and series) is fantastic and one of the best I have ever read from this genre and Yvonne Woon is a masterful creator of amazing story lines! I would love to know how she came up with them!! I cannot wait to read the conclusion.

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?

Goddess, Josephine Angelini

Goddess (Starcrossed, #3) by Josephine Angelini, reviewed by Bronte

FINALLY IT'S HERE! This is me^^^when it finally downloaded onto my Kindle!

Warning, this review may contain spoilers of the first and second book.

Starcrossed
Dreamless

What is this book about?

Helen's powers are increasing—and so is the distance between her and her mortal friends. To make matters worse, the Oracle reveals that a dangerous traitor is lurking among them, and all fingers point to Orion. Still unsure whether she loves him or Lucas, Helen is forced to make a terrifying decision, or risk all-out war. The final book in this heart-stopping trilogy.

Who should read this book?

Someone who enjoyed Starcrossed and Dreamless will have to read this book. Again, it's the same as Starcrossed and Dreamless really, Greek mythology, thrilling and page turning and a fantastic romance.

How long is this book?

464 pages

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

Star Rating:

5 Stars

Question 1. What character has remained the same pot of tea?

Lots of characters, for me, changed slightly in this book in a way that is hard to explain unless you read the book. They didn't change for the good or the bad, they just changed and for that reason, I will have to say the either Noel or Kate remained the same caring, kind and generous people.

 Question 2. Which character has a whole new flavour?

Cassandra came out more in this book, in that she was there a lot of the time and seemed more aware of herself. Rather than being the in control person that everyone looks to for confidence, assurance and answers she became the timid little girl that she really is.

Question 3. Which characters would have the most awkward conversation whilst drinking tea?

Lucas and Orion with Cassandra watching on the side lines. Oh wouldn't that be funny in a way that it shouldn't.

Question 4. What book would you prefer to read while drinking tea?

Out of the trilogy my order of favourite would be Starcrossed, Goddess and then Dreamless, just because Dreamless became a little bit repetitive after a while and I thought the ending could have been much better in Goddess. I can't really fault anything about Starcrossed so there you have it.

Question 5. Favourite quote!

'How many horses do you see trotting around these days?' - Jason

Overall:

To be absolutely honest I though that the ending of Goddess was a little disappointing. Not totally, but a little. At the end of Starcrossed we knew that Helen and Lucas were not cousins, but they thought that they were throughout two whole books, probably the most heart pulling annoying dramatic irony in YA book history; so you could/would expect there to be some amazing ending when they finally found out that they weren't cousins! There wasn't too much and I would almost go as far as saying I though that the ending was a little bit rushed. I wanted to know how everyone was in a few years time. When I see that a book has an epilogue I instantly scream and jump around in happiness because it usually means that there is going to be a '5 years later' or something along those lines, but there wasn't, it was more like a '15 hours later'. I have this fear, yet another fear, that although everything may be all great at the end of a book, things might go disastrously wrong and Helen would have to save the world yet again in a few years time, so I like to have a 'later on' part to the book.
Now I have babbled on too much about the bad bits of this book you probably don't have the energy to carry on reading the amazing parts of this book so I will keep it short and sweet.
This is still one of the best trilogies I have ever read. I still love Greek Myology. I wish this trilogy carried on and I could read about Helen and the others forever, but that would defeat the idea of a trilogy. Thank you Josephine Angelini for writing these amazing and enjoyable books, I can't wait, WAIT, to read more from you!

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

Starcrossed, Josephine Angelini

Starcrossed by Josephine Angelini, reviewed by Bronte

What is this book about?

Helen Hamilton has spent her entire sixteen years trying to hide how different she is—no easy task on an island as small and sheltered as Nantucket. And it's getting harder. Nightmares of a desperate desert journey have Helen waking parched, only to find her sheets damaged by dirt and dust. At school she's haunted by hallucinations of three women weeping tears of blood . . . and when Helen first crosses paths with Lucas Delos, she has no way of knowing they're destined to play the leading roles in a tragedy the Fates insist on repeating throughout history.

As Helen unlocks the secrets of her ancestry, she realizes that some myths are more than just legend. But even demigod powers might not be enough to defy the forces that are both drawing her and Lucas together—and trying to tear them apart.

Who should read this book?

Someone who likes a good love story, mythology particulary Greek and suspence. If you don't like reading into the early hours of the morning, don't read this book!

How long is this book?

501 pages.

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

Star Rating:

5 Stars

Question 1. What character would you most like to have tea with?

Lucas. We would have tea in the sky, soaring over the roof tops, maybe have a bagel in New York and visit Athens while we are at it. Is that a breach to the rules, doing more than just having tea with him. He is also lovely, kind, smart and just seems like great company to have. This seems to predictable though so I wouldn't mind having tea with Kate, we both love baking so maybe she can give me some tips!

Question 2. What character would you most like to throw tea at?

Daphne, just because she abandoned her daughter.

Question 3. What do you think of the cover?

I love this cover so much! The colours are just amazing, and its different, I think, from what you would expect the book to be about.

Question 4. What do you think of the title do you think there is an alternative?

I'm not sure that there is an alternative that would be as good as this one because it works so well. However remember if you search for it, it is Starcrossed with no space, unlike many, many other books!

Question 5. Favourite quote!

“So, what can't you take? Decide which of the two options is harder, and do the other. That way, no matter how hard your choice turns out to be, at least you can find comfort in knowing you're avoiding something even worse.”

Overall:

I really really like this book. It is one of my favourite ever just because I love, LOVE Greek mythology! The story line is as close as it could get to the actual myths (because I have a kindle I can look up the names and it tells me all about them, or any other Greek item or something). I also love the story line, how it keeps you turning the pages in to the early hours because you need to know what is going to happen. It keeps you thinking and its almost impossible to come to a conclusion on what you think will happen in the end. The character are just great. Josephine Angelini did such a great job I think, not many books have over 8, what I would consider main characters, but I still felt I knew so much about each of them. However I did read the whole book thinking Helen was dark haired only to discover her hair was blond towards the end...my mistake.
I know that lots of people don't like this book because I have read other reviews however I fail to see why. It is well written, the plot twists and turns and leaves you wanting more, the characters are fantastically written and are all individual which makes it a really good book.
I have just recently re-read this series for when Goddess comes out, so expect reviews coming up for them soon! Unfortunatly, the books still left me turning the pages so I have to wait another 6 days, ontop of the 11 months I have already waited! THANK YOU for writing this book!

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

The Hunger Games, Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, reviewed by Bronte

What is this book about?

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister’s place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before—and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender.

Who should read this book?

This book can be read by pretty much everyone over the age of 8. I loved it and I have friends that loved it as well as parents and younger people I know that all say this novel is amazing!

How long is this book?

374 pages, an average sized book.

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

Star Rating:

5 Stars

Question 1. What character would you most like to have tea with?

I would either have tea with Peeta or Gale. But probably Peeta because I love him just a little incy weeny bit more as he is so amazing yet sweetly innocent. But I would then feel guilty so would probably have tea with Gale to0. Poor old Gale was always disapointed in this book and I don't want to disapoint him too. That would be very mean of me. So, lots of tea for me then, the irony of it is I don't even like tea...

Question 2. What character would you most like to throw tea at?

Hmmm, let me see, I am really sorry but I am going to have to be cliché here: President Snow. I think he would look great with a large amount of tea all over him, staining his all his white hair brown.

Question 3. What do you think of the cover?

Well, it's simple, eye catching and relating to the book so I think the cover is perfect.

Question 4. What do you think of the title do you think there is an alternative?

I think the title is great as it really makes you think about what this book is about, therefore making you want to read it. I thought it was a fight over food to start with. Imagine The Hunger Games being about a food fight! Haha!




Question 5. Favourite quote!

“I am not pretty. I am not beautiful. I am as radiant as the sun.” 

Overall:

The Hunger Games is a great book that can be enjoyed by everyone. It has engaging characters that all have their own voice and it is quite easy to really get into the story line. The plot has twists and turns that are set in a place that is different to most dystopian stories. Therefore I would recomend this book to anyone who is bored and needs enjoyment for a day or two. It really does transport you somewhere else.

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

Divergent, Veronica Roth

Divergent by Veronica Roth, reviewed by Bronte

Firstly, I would like you, after you have read this book, to comment, in the comment box, what factor you would most like to be in as I am curious as to which is most popular. For myself, I would love to be in Amity and would go even if I was born into another factor.

What's this book about?

In the world of Beatrice, the world is split into 5 factions, each one having a specific personality type, allowing you to be a part of it. At the age of 16 you must pick which faction you will belong to. The choice splits up families and friends alike.

Who should read this book?
Any person, child (well 12ish +) and adult, who is loving a bit of dystopian, fantasy tied in with a thrilling romance.

How long is this book?
487 pages, an average to long book.

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

Star Rating:
5 Stars

Question 1. What character would you most like to have tea with?
I would most like to have tea with Four, also known as Tobias, why? Why would Roth even make that his name, such a girly, posh, snotty, 'unstrong' sounding name! Four is perfect for me which is why for me he will be Four, forever and always. So, Four, such a lovely person, good personality, rough past but in some way that just makes you like him more because you feel sorry for him. I just love Four and wish he was real, I often find myself wishing for characters to be real...

Question 2. What character would you most like to throw tea at?
Caleb. This is because I don't know how you could be so selfless and lovely to your family and then just leave and appear to show no emotion about it. It just annoyed me. Tris showed emotion over the fact that it meant a lot to her to leave her family but from Caleb nothing, nothing. He would get a pot of tea, not just a cup over his head from me.

Question 3. What do you think of the cover?
I like this cover, not a lot but I don't dislike it. It is effective in catching your eye and sort of showing what the books setting is, without giving to much to away.

Question 4. What do you think of the title do you think there is an alternative?
Well, I'm not entirely sure what to say about this title, actually being honest I'm not sure what it means. Okay, after googling it, for those of us in the same boat as me it means 'tending to be different or develop in different directions'. After reading this I think that it is perfect because in the book, that is basically what a Divergent is, a sneaky title, unless you knew what it meant of course!

Question 5. Favourite quote!
Oh my gosh, this is tricky, but...
'It must require bravery to be honest all the time'
But I have to say there are many other quotes I loved but would involve to much dialogue to put in my review!

Overall:
I really liked this book. It was different, imaginative and new. It wasn't a normal dystopian read and for that I commend Roth for coming up with new ideas, but then I guess that is what makes a good author! I would encourage anyone to read this, including adults as I believe anyone can enjoy this humorous, romantic thrilling book.

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