All The Truth That's In Me, Julie Berry

All The Truth That's In Me by Julie Berry, reviewed by Eleanor

Author: Julie Berry's Website

Publisher: Templar Publishing

Buy this book: Amazon uk/Amazon us

Number of pages: 272

What is this book about? Judith has been missing for a long time. Kidnapped two years ago she has now returned home to her mother and brother, only without a tongue. Unable to speak, Judith silently pours out her thoughts to Lucas, the boy she is completely in love with. (blurb)

Who should read this book? Young Adult.

Star Rating: 4 stars

Would you have tea with the protagonist?

Yes, I would. Although, as she cannot talk, there would not be much conversation.

Would you fall for the main love interest?

I don't think I would. Lucas is great for Judith but not for me.

Would you want to 'strain' the main antagonist?

There isn't a main antagonist, there are just lots of misunderstood people who I probably wouldn't strain.

Were the characters three dimensional?

Yes, they were 3D and they were real people.

Do you like the authors flavour of writing?

The style of writing is not 'modern' at all but I really really liked it.

Was the writing strong or weak?

I would definitely describe the writing as strong but in a really good way.

Was the ending to your taste?

The ending was very much to my taste. It tied up loose ends but not so much that it became sickening.

If this cover were tea, would you drink it?

No. I don't mind the cover but it is a little bland, in my opinion.

Favourite Quote:

“And what rules of economy dictate that a boy without a foot is more whole than a girl without a tongue?”

Overall: You have to start this book with an open mind. It's different to your typical young adult book and, at first, it is quite a slow read. But then, all of a sudden, you realise that you absolutely have to know what happens and that you do not want to put the book down until you have heard the whole of Judith's story. Judith makes this book. She is a truly amazing protagonist who makes normal people decisions, (I cannot stand it when the (main) characters in books make stupid, unnecessary decisions that no one would ever even contemplate) she's not annoying and she's real. The plot is clever and unwinds slowly as Judith opens up more and more to Lucas, the boy she loves with all her heart. The whole book is written in second tense, which is different but only adds to the book in a positive way and makes it stand out against other novels. This book surprised me with how good it was and, although it is very different to a lot of the books out there, I would definitely, definitely recommend it. I loved it!

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

Bright Before Sunrise, Tiffany Schmidt

Bright Before Sunrise by Tiffany Schmidt, reviewed by Bronte

Author: Website Twitter

Publisher: Walker Childrens

Pages: 288

Buy this book: Amazon, Barnes and Noble

What is this book about?

When Jonah is forced to move from Hamilton to Cross Pointe for the second half of his senior year, "miserable" doesn't even begin to cover it. He feels like the doggy-bag from his mother's first marriage and everything else about her new life—with a new husband, new home and a new baby—is an upgrade. The people at Cross Pointe High School are pretentious and privileged—and worst of all is Brighton Waterford, the embodiment of all things superficial and popular. Jonah’s girlfriend, Carly, is his last tie to what feels real... until she breaks up with him. 

For Brighton, every day is a gauntlet of demands and expectations. Since her father died, she’s relied on one coping method: smile big and pretend to be fine. It may have kept her family together, but she has no clue how to handle how she's really feeling. Today is the anniversary of his death and cracks are beginning to show. The last thing she needs is the new kid telling her how much he dislikes her for no reason she can understand. She's determined to change his mind, and when they're stuck together for the night, she finally gets her chance. (Goodreads)

Who should read this book?

If you, like me, really enjoyed Schmidt's Send Me a Sign debut novel I think you will really enjoy this book too. Its a really cute novel and if I hadn't of read it already, it would definitely be on my Top Ten Books That Will Be In My Beach Bag list!

Marks:

Story Line: 8/10

Well written: 5/5

Enjoyabililty: 4/5

Overall: 17/20

Star Rating: 4 Stars

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

This maybe weird, but I think that I would most like to have tea with Brighton's father. From what I read he sounded like a really nice, kind, lovely caring person who would be really easy to just talk to. (Although I don't mean "nice"...how about great...inside joke)

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

Potentially everyone at some point...Brighton for being such a 'teflon' person, Jonah for being so mean at the beginning, his Mum for changing, Paul for being so horrible to Johan...but anyway. I can only pick one which would have to be Paul as he is consistently horrible whereas the others all change to some degree.

Question 3. What do you think of the cover?

I think this cover is so cute! It was actually what drew me in to read it in the first place - and then when I realised Schmidt had written it, it became top on my list of books to read next.

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

This title made no sense to me before I read the book! Only after I finish the book did I realise: Brighton is her name (Bright is her nickname) and we see her personality change at night, before the sun has risen. I think it is the perfect title because it makes me want to read more to understand!

Question 5. Favourite quote!

'One night with Jonah and I've morphed from Teflon to something that reacts when scratched...a record or a match."

Overall:

We all know how much I enjoyed Send me a Sign so it is difficult for Schmidt to beat it; maybe its because I finished the book yesterday and I'm still basking in the post book enjoyment period, but I think I almost enjoyed this book more! I think again, however, Schmidt rushed the ending slightly more than was necessary, but I do understand that as a 300 paged book that covers a 12 hour period, it does have to end somewhere. I would have perhaps liked to see Brighton and Jonah develop their relationship a bit more though. Overall, great book and I can't wait to read more from Tiffany Schmidt if they keep getting better!

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

The Rosie Project, Graeme Simsion

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion, reviewed by Eleanor

Author: graemesimsion.com/twitter
Publisher: Penguin
Pages: 298 pages
Buy this book: Amazon

What is this book about?

Don Tillman, professor of genetics, has never been on a second date. He is a man who can count all his friends on the fingers of one hand, whose lifelong difficulty with social rituals has convinced him that he is simply not wired for romance. Yet he must concede to the statistical probability that there is someone for everyone, and he embarks upon The Wife Project. So Don sets out to find the perfect partner. She will be punctual and logical—most definitely not a barmaid, a smoker, a drinker, or a late-arriver.

Yet Rosie Jarman is all these things. She is also beguiling, fiery, intelligent—and on a quest of her own. She is looking for her biological father, a search that a certain DNA expert might be able to help her with. Don's Wife Project takes a back burner to the Father Project and an unlikely relationship blooms, forcing the scientifically minded geneticist to confront the spontaneous whirlwind that is Rosie—and the realization that love is not always what looks good on paper. (Goodreads)

Who should read this book? The main characters are all adults but this does not make it an adult book. 'The Rosie Project' is definitely suitable for older teens as well.

Star Rating: 4 Stars

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

Don. Because he is a scientist and so am I. And also, he's just such an interesting person!

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

Don again. Because although he has a very high academic ability, his Asperger syndrome causes him to sometimes misunderstand things in social situations and so he says some pretty abrupt things. And these things are occasionally worthy of lots of thrown cups of tea.

Question 3. What do you think of the cover?

I really like this cover. Simple is best.

Question 4. Can you read the tea leaves from the beginning or are there twists in the plot?

There aren't really any plot twists in this book, the 'main part' of the ending is fairly predictable... i.e. 'The Rosie Project,' but, for me, this is what makes the book so lovable. As the reader you can see what is happening and where the story is going but Don Tillman is COMPLETELY oblivious. This makes the book more about his own self discovery rather than surprising the reader and I think this is what made the book work so well.

Question 5. Favourite quote!

“You know what I like about New York?” he said. “There are so many weird people that nobody takes any notice. We all just fit right in.”

Overall: I really really loved this book. It made me laugh out loud at some points and my eyes to fill with tears at others. The main characters are just so great, the love story realistic and the story is well paced so it becomes very difficult to put the book down. In some ways it was a little similar to 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time' by Mark Haddon, which is another book that I very highly recommend! Overall, definitely pick up this book, it's a very special one that you'll want to tell everyone about.

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

After the End, Amy Plum

After the End by Amy Plum, reviewed by Bronte

Author: http://www.amyplumbooks.com

Publisher: HarperTeen

Pages: 352

Buy this book: Amazon, Barnes and Noble

What is this book about?

World War III has left the world ravaged by nuclear radiation. A lucky few escaped to the Alaskan wilderness. They've survived for the last thirty years by living off the land, being one with nature, and hiding from whoever else might still be out there.
At least, this is what Juneau has been told her entire life.

Now Juneau is adrift in a modern-day world she never knew existed. But while she's trying to find a way to rescue her friends and family, someone else is looking for her. Someone who knows the extraordinary truth about the secrets of her past. (Goodreads)

Who should read this book?

People who love dystopian with a twist and if you enjoyed Plums Die for Me series. I would say it is for readers 13+.

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?

Probably Juneau's father as I feel that I would be able to get some answers. This book ends with the reader still questioning just about everything and that for me is so annoying! In a good way - I can't wait for the next book.

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

Miles. Although he is quite an interesting character, he does have serious trust issues which I found to be frustrating at the beginning. However, I can see why he might have issues which Juneau's stories, but he could have been kinder to her.

Question 3. What do you think of the cover?

I quite like this cover - it isn't as bright or intricate as the Revenants covers but I like the simplicity and boldness of it. You can easily see why Juneau was intimidated by the modern world we live in.

Question 4. Can you read the tea leaves from the beginning or are there twists in the plot?

I think this plot takes multiple twist and turns and it was not obvious what was going to happen - nor was it easy to predict how it ended! It is very much unlike your average dystopian which I liked.

Question 5. Favourite quote!

“I'm lying here in a tent, pretending to be asleep but actually fearing for my life as I watch a bunny murderer have a conversation with our campfire.”

- There were lots of funny quotes like this all the way through as Miles struggled to contemplate what on earth was happening!

Overall:

Overall I thought this book was really good. It was unlike most dystopians and the plot was unpredictable. I think that Plum did a really good job, as the Die for Me series was so good, writing something equally as amazing is a trait of a great author. The ending was a little frustrating as I felt that although the plot is good, I wonder if it can be stretched across two novels - so I am expecting something extravagant to happen at the start of book two. Overall though I liked it a lot and am looking forward to the next!

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

Love Reborn, Yvonne Woon

Love Reborn (Dead Beautiful, #3 by Yvonne Woon, reviewed by Bronte

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

Dead Beautiful
Life Eternal

What is this book about?
Renée has in her possession a legendary chest said to contain the secret to eternal life-if only they could solve the clues that lie within it. With both the Liberum, a Brotherhood of the Undead, and a team of Monitors, led by Renée's own grandfather, in hot pursuit, Renée and Dante must keep the chest safe or risk having it fall into the wrong hands. (Goodreads)
Who should read this book?
Anyone who read and enjoyed the previous books, obviously. Also people who enjoy books with suspense and thrilling turns. Maybe 13+ I would say.

How long is this book?
368 pages, actually the shortest of the other books.
Marks
Story Line: 8/10
Well written: 4/5
Enjoyablilty: 4/5
Overall: 16/20

Star Rating: 4 Stars


Question 1. What character has remained the same pot of tea?
Anya. I love Anya, Renee's closest friend at the moment. I think that she is just lovely and cares about the right things and right people. She is quite odd and has some weird aspects about her, but isn't everyone a bit weird in their own way; its what makes them them.

Question 2. Which character has a whole new flavour?
Noah. Aww, this part of the story make me so sad as I loved Noah. If you did the 'Team Dante' 'Team Noah' think, I think that I probably would chose Noah. He was just so lovely. Now he is quite detached and you don't see much of him in the story. The ending was a bit disappointing and left things hanging a bit...but thats all I am saying.

Question 3. Which characters would have the most awkward conversation whilst drinking tea?
Renee's Grandfather and Dante near the end. Obviously, for those who have read the book, this wouldn't happen, but if it did it would be funny. The look on her Grandfathers face when he realises he was *gasp* wrong!

Question 4. What book would you prefer to read while drinking tea?
I'm still going with Dead Beautiful because it was just so great. I have actually read it twice and even during the second sitting I still read it for hours on end so I could know what was going to happen, even though I knew!

Question 5. Favourite quote!
This quote is actually from Dead Beautiful but I didn't have a stand out quote from Love Reborn so here it is - 'Everyone has the ability to hurt. It's the choice that matters.'

Overall:
I really liked this book, and this series. It was thrilling and taking twists that I couldn't have ever guessed! The characters had personality and were relatively realistic but this is where my problem occurs.

You have to think back to the beginning because originally Renee was so absorbed into Dante she became almost - obsessed, maybe? for a couple of terms, which then made her want to go on the most dangerous adventure of her life, that many had attempted, failed and even died just trying. It makes me question - why was she doing this for a boy that she had known for just over half a year? I mean, obviously they share the same soul - so that perhaps is my answer. But this whole series is basically created because a girl fell in love with someone she couldn't be with so because they couldn't be a couple she went on the adventure - but how was she ever to know that they would still want to be a couple after only meeting each other a few months ago.

I have babbled to much about it now, but even though it is a bit ambiguous it made for an excellent story that I thoroughly enjoyed! I like the fact that Woon left the ending slightly open so perhaps another novel might be coming. I'd like that.

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

The Spectacular Now, Tim Tharp

The Spectacular Now by Tim Tharp reviewed by Izzy


Author: Twitter
Publisher: Scholastic
Pages: 304 pages
Buy this book: Amazon
Rating: 4 Stars

What is this book about? 
SUTTER KEELY. HE’S the guy you want at your party. He’ll get everyone dancing. He’ ll get everyone in your parents’ pool. Okay, so he’s not exactly a shining academic star. He has no plans for college and will probably end up folding men’s shirts for a living. But there are plenty of ladies in town, and with the help of Dean Martin and Seagram’s V.O., life’s pretty fabuloso, actually.

Until the morning he wakes up on a random front lawn, and he meets Aimee. Aimee’s clueless. Aimee is a social disaster. Aimee needs help, and it’s up to the Sutterman to show Aimee a splendiferous time and then let her go forth and prosper. But Aimee’s not like other girls, and before long he’s in way over his head. For the first time in his life, he has the power to make a difference in someone else’s life—or ruin it forever.

Who should read this book?

It will have most impact on teens aged 13 and up

Would you have tea with the protagonist? (Aimee)

Yes of course.

Would you fall for the main love interest? (Sutter)

For me, Sutter would be the boy I would want to save.

Would you want to 'strain' the main antagonist? (Sutter's Dad)

Yes. The scene between Sutter and his Dad made me weep.

Were the characters three dimensional?

YES. Sutter particularly was possibly one of the most interesting characters I have ever read, not just in YA fiction but in fiction generally.

Do you like the authors flavour of writing?

Easy to read, but continually interesting, yes.

Was the writing strong or weak?

Strong. Tharp created a voice that was 100% recognizable- a difficult feat but managed with such ease.

Was the ending to your taste?

At first no, but after consideration, yes. I feel this may be the answer given by lots of people.

If this cover were tea, would you drink it?

I had the cover with Miles Teller on the front. So what do you think? Have you seen Miles Teller? Come on, Miles Teller people. He was in Footloose. Footloose. (Please say Miles Teller never reads this)

Favourite Quote?

"Childhood was a fantastic country to live in." 

Overview: The most remarkable thing about The Spectacular Now was that it was not what I was expecting at all. Sutter was not how I imagined him and he was a character I had never read before. His voice shone throughout the book and he became utterly real and alive to me. Even with books I adore this doesn't always happen. I cried and laughed for him. For the character of Sutter Keeley, YA literature should be eternally grateful to Tharp. The plot was good and strong, but Sutter really lifted this book into "great" for me. 

Stargirl, Jerry Spinelli

Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli reviewed by Izzy

Author: Website

Publisher: Scholastic

Pages: 186

Buy this book: Amazon

Rating: 4 Stars

What is this book about?

From the day she arrives at quiet Mica High in a burst of color and sound, hallways hum “Stargirl.” She captures Leo Borlock’s heart with one smile. She sparks a school-spirit revolution with one cheer. The students of Mica High are enchanted. Until they are not. Leo urges her to become the very thing that can destroy her - normal (Goodreads)

Who should read this book?

12+

How long is this book?

186 pages

1. Would you like to have tea with the protagonist? (Stargirl)

YES

2. Would you fall for the main love interest? (Leo)

No, unfortunately Leo was not for me.

3. Would you want to "strain" the main antagonist? (Hillari)

Meh. She was unpleasant but I wouldn't strain her.

4. Were the characters three dimensional?

Interesting question with this book. I'm going to say no. 

5. Would you like to have tea in a cafe in Mica High?

Ugh, definitely not. It is a high school that celebrates conformity.

6. Do you like this authors flavour of writing?

Yes

7. Was this writing strong or weak?

Medium. Not beautiful, but fine.

8. Was the ending to your taste?

Yes

9. If this cover were tea, would you drink it?

YES- so pretty. 

10. Favourite Quote?

"Live today. Not yesterday. Not tomorrow. Just today. Inhabit your moments. Don’t rent them out to tomorrow. Do you know what you’re doing when you spend a moment wondering how things are going to turn out with Perry?

Overview: Stargirl Caraway is the ultimate Manic Pixie Dream Girl. She is beautiful and wonderful, but I don't believe her. Spinelli was trying to personify the antithesis of conformity which he did extremely well in Stargirl. Can we relate to her? No. Does this stop the book being enjoyable? No. I'd heard so many good things about this book and I would echo them. I can't promise it will be to everyone's taste but if you are in High School right now, this book is perfect. Spinelli has truly created a modern classic.

The Iron King, Julie Kagawa

The Iron King by Julie Kagawa, reviewed by Eleanor

Author: Website/Blog
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Pages: 363
Buy this book: Amazon
Rating: 4 STARS
What is this book about?

Meghan Chase has a secret destiny—one she could never have imagined...Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan's life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school...or at home. When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she's known is about to change. But she could never have guessed the truth— that she is the daughter of a mythical
faery king and is a pawn in a deadly war. (amazon)
Who should read this book?

If you like YA paranormal romance, this book is for you.

1. Would you like to have tea with the protagonist? Yeah, why not. She doesn't annoy me (surprisingly!)

2. Would you fall for the main love interest? Maybe. If he was a little less icy.

3. Would you want to strain the main antagonist? When I think of the main antagonist, I think of the Iron King and, to be honest, he seemed like an alright guy. So no.

4. Were the characters three dimensional? Yes, these characters are very believable.

5. Would you like to have tea in a cafe in Faeryland? No, who knows what spells and other concoctions they would put into tea they were serving to a mortal. Too risky.

6. Do you like this author's flavour of writing? I love it.

7. Was this writing strong or weak? Strong. In a good way.

8. Was the ending to your taste? Yes. (But then, I literally started reading the second book as if it was just the next chapter of the first book book!)

9. If this cover were tea, would you drink it? I wouldn't go as far as drinking it. But I do like it.

10. Favourite Quote?

“No, no. We can kill each other later.” 

Overview: Aaaah. This book is incredible. I obsess over books a lot but it is actually pretty hard to get me to give a book 4 stars (and this very nearly got 5, nearly) The story is brilliant, a fantasy book about faeries, which intertwines A Midsummer Night's Dream fey and other 'well-known' faeries and this makes it particularly interesting. Although Meghan is a bit of a damsel at the beginning and Ash is a little too cold towards everyone, all the characters are very likable -especially Grimalkin the cat, who I love dearly! I will definitely be reading the whole series and recommending it to everyone!

You Had Me At Hello, Mhairi McFarlane

You Had Me At Hello by Mhairi McFarlane reviewed by Izzy

What is this book about?

Rachel and Ben. Ben and Rachel. It was them against the world. Until it all fell apart. It’s been a decade since they last spoke, but when Rachel bumps into Ben one rainy day, the years melt away.

They’d been partners in crime and the best of friends. But life has moved on: Ben is married. Rachel is not. Yet in that split second, Rachel feels the old friendship return. And along with it, the broken heart she’s never been able to mend. (Harper Collins)

Who should read this book?

This book has been doing really well in the adult market in England, however it's great for anyone over the age of thirteen. Nothing explicit but I think it's a bit slow moving for anyone under the age of 13.

How long is this book?

 436 pages

Marks
Story Line:  5/10
Well written:  4/5
Enjoyablilty:  3/5
Overall:   12/20

Star Rating: 3 stars

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

Rachel's best friend was called Mindy and although she was a bit of an airhead, for a secondary character McFarlane made her very real and brilliantly enjoyable. Plus, she was just hilarious, probably with some of the best one liners in the whole novel.

Question 2. What character would you most like to throw tea at?
  
SIMON. SIMON. SIMON. I'm not a fan at all and I knew his true colours from the beginning.

Question 3. What do you think of the cover?

It's okay, but for such a great book I think it's not doing the storyline complete justice. But hey, no photo. Wohoo! Fist pump!

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

It reminds me so much of my favourite line in one of my favourite romantic comedies, Jerry Maguire. Completely brilliant. So cute and lovely.

Question 5. Favourite quote!

“It's pathetic, I knew I did from that first moment we met. It was...not love at first sight exactly, but - familiarity. Like: oh, hello, it's you. It's going to be you. Game over."


Overall: This book was SO much better than I expected, and I absolutely loved it. So enjoyable, though slow moving in parts. The ending reached a pretty sharp conclusion, but I still really enjoyed. A sparkling, debut by someone who really knew her setting. I'm certain this isn't the last time McFarlane will be topping the Kindle charts.

Before I Die, Jenny Downham

Before I Die by Jenny Downham, reviewed by Eleanor

Author:

Publisher: David Fickling Books

Pages: 327

Buy this book: Amazon

Rating: 4 stars

What is this book about?

Tessa has just a few months to live. Fighting back against hospital visits, endless tests and drugs with excruciating side-effects, Tessa compiles a list. It's her Before I Die list. And number one is sex. Starting tonight. Released from the constraints of 'normal' life, Tessa tastes new experiences to make her feel alive while her failing body struggles to keep up. Her feelings, her relationships with her father and brother, her estranged mother, her best friend, and the powerful, bittersweet first love she finds with the boy next door - all are painfully yet beautifully crystallized in the precious weeks before Tessa's time finally runs out. (goodreads)

Who should read this book?

There are some scenes of a certain nature in this book, making it very much young adult and not a pre-teen book. But a very good young adult book.

1. Would you like to have tea with the protagonist? No.

2. Would you fall for the main love interest? Hmm, no.

3. Would you want to strain the main antagonist? YES. I'm going to go all metaphorical and say that I take Tessa's leukemia as the antagonist. Straining it would be great.

4. Were the characters three dimensional? Yes.

5. Would you like to have tea in a cafe in England? Sure.

6. Do you like this author's flavour of writing? Yes.

7. Was this writing strong or weak? It's strong writing. Short sentences are used to show the message of the story -our lives are a series of moments.

8. Was the ending to your taste? I don't want to ruin the ending (although it is rather obvious!) but I will say that yes the end is sad. But it's perfect too.

9. If this cover were tea, would you drink it? No.

10. Favourite Quote?
"Life is made up of a series of moments, each one a journey to the end."

Overview

It may just seem like another cancer book, but Before I Die isn't just 'like another' anything. It's emotional and thought provoking and real. You start and cannot put it down until you have reached the last page and can barely read it through tears. And that's all there is to say. This book is beautiful.

The 5th Wave, Rick Yancey

The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey, reviewed by Eleanor

What is this book about? 
After the 1st wave, only darkness remains. After the 2nd, only the lucky escape. And after the 3rd, only the unlucky survive. After the 4th wave, only one rule applies: trust no-one.

Now, it's the dawn of a 5th wave, and on a lonely stretch of highway, Cassie runs from 'Them.' The beings who only look human, who roam the countryside killing anyone they see. Who have scattered the Earth's last survivors. To stay alone is to stay alive, or so Cassie believes. And she must choose: between trust and despair, between defiance and surrender, between life and death. To give up or to get up. (Goodreads)

Who should read this book?
I would say this is a young adult book for 14+ because it was really quite scary.

How long is this book?
457 pages

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

Star Rating:
4 stars (Another 4* book, crazy)

Question 1. What character would you most like to throw tea at?
I would have to say Evan, he just seemed a teeny tiny bit creepy at times. He was okay at other times though so I wouldn't want to throw a lot of tea at him, just half a mug.

Question 2. What do you think of the cover?
I don't mind this cover, although it seems to be emphasising the sun and I don't remember much about the sun in the book. There's probably a metaphor that I'm missing.

Question 3. What do you think of the title do you think there is an alternative?
I like the title because it's quite intriguing, I think.

Question 4. Can you read the tea leaves from the beginning or are there twists in the plot?
I didn't really get any huge plot shocks but there are lots of little twists throughout the book and you don't quite know where the story is going until it all fits nicely together at the end.

Question 5. Favourite quote!
"You can only call someone crazy if there's someone else who's normal. Like good and evil. If everything was good, then nothing would be good."

Overall:
With the start of my A levels I haven't been reading very much, which is bad. So a couple of days ago I decided I would read for a bit instead of constantly doing homework and I chose to read this book which has been on my kindle for a couple of months. It was brilliant and I was completely hooked for the next five days (it took so long to read because I unfortunately wasn't able to stop homework altogether). The 5th Wave is terrifying, at one point it actually made me jump (a book has never made me jump before!) and the whole time reading it was spent huddled under my duvet as my sub conscience became surer and surer that at any second an alien would break down my door and get me. The characters are lovable and the plot is very fast paced. So read this book, because it's good.

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

Partials, Dan Wells

Partials by Dan Wells, reviewed by Eleanor

What is this book about?
Humanity is all but extinguished after a war with partials–engineered organic beings identical to humans–has decimated the world’s population. Reduced to only tens of thousands by a weaponized virus to which only a fraction of humanity is immune, the survivors in North America have huddled together on Long Island. The threat of the partials is still imminent, but, worse, no baby has been born immune to the disease in over a decade. Humanity’s time is running out. (blurb)

Who should read this book?
Young adults/adults who like dystopian novels

How long is this book?
468 pages, and average to long sized book

Marks
Story Line: 9/10
Well written: 4/5
Enjoyabililty: 4/5
Overall: 17/20

Star Rating:
4 stars (YES)

Question 1. What character would you most like to have tea with?
Saladin. Being the youngest human alive, at 14 years old, would be pretty cool... and also kind of scary because the human race is clearly dying out.

Question 2. What character would you most like to throw tea at?
Marcus, ahh he annoyed me so much and I can't really explain why as it would slightly spoil the story. But I think you'll understand once you've read it (which will be SOON)

Question 3. What do you think of the cover?
I don't think this cover is particularly special, but there's nothing wrong with it.

Question 4. Can you read the tea leaves from the beginning or are there twist in the plot?
I couldn't predict anything in this book, it was all just surprise after surprise, especially the twist toward the end (although I should have seen it coming!!)

Question 5. Favourite quote!
"Look on the bright side," said Marcus.
Kira waited.
"This is the point at which you would traditionally suggest a bright side."
"I've never been a real traditional guy," said Marcus.

(Fine, although he annoyed me, Marcus did make me laugh.)

Overall: Yes yes yes, I finally found a 4 star book, hooray! I loved this book so much, it's a brilliant story, the idea hasn't been used before so it's a different read from other dystopian books out there. This time humankind have managed to destroy themselves by creating 'partials', engineered human lookalike robots who turned against their creators, leaving only 'tens of thousands' of humans left -definitely not The Hunger Games. The characters are lovable, Kira, the protagonist, in particular because her actions may be impulsive but they're understandable as well. The only problem is that it's slightly slow paced but in general this is just an all round great read so give it a go.

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

Eleanor and Park, Rainbow Rowell

Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell, reviewed by Bronte

What is this book about?

Set over the course of one school year in 1986, Eleanor and Park is the story of two star-crossed misfits – smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try. When Eleanor meets Park, you’ll remember your own first love – and just how hard it pulled you under.

Who should read this book?

I think that quite a wide range of people could read this book. It is a young adult romance, but that doesn't necessarily mean that older people wouldn't enjoy it. 15+ though.

How long is this book?

335 pages, an average sized 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?
If I am honest with myself there isn't really anyone who I clearly and definitely would want to have tea with. Park would be okay to have tea with as would Eleanor, but I don't really know what I would talk to them about; we have nothing in common really. Maybe because I'm from 21st century England and their from 1980's America.


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

Question 3. What do you think of the cover?
This cover is really sweet and I really like it. Its really simple and doesn't show anything but the back of Eleanor and Park, so we don't judge them; yet we see the most defining aspect of them that makes them them: the fact that they bonded over the music and that that's the only thing that matters.

 Question 4b. Can you read the tea leaves from the beginning or are there twist in the plot? (New Question)
Other reviews said that the ending was disappointing however even so I could not have second guessed what was going to happen. Some things became obvious as I was reading but I would say that this book wasn't entirely predictable, which is good.

Question 5. Favourite quote!
"Eleanor was right. She never looked nice. She looked like art, and art wasn't supposed to look nice; it was supposed to make you feel something."
I also really liked the Star Wars quotes, but I thought that would give too much of the book away.

Overall:
Overall I can say that I did really enjoy this book. It is a bit different and not normally something that I would usually pick up; but it had been recommended by a certain person called Izzy, so I read it. I'm glad I did. What I struggled with in this book, which the author and any other person couldn't help, is my complete lack of American 80's trivia. There were lots of references to people, clothing items and various objects and things that I didn't understand. However this didn't detract from my general enjoyment of the whole book because I could get the gist of what Rowell was trying to imply. The ending, for me, was not disappointing. I can see why Eleanor did what she did and it was left open which allows a reader to finish it in effect, which I liked.

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