The Evolution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

 
 
 
 
The Evolution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

published by Simon & Schuster

pages 546

genre unreliable narrator/ psychological thriller.

 

 

Mara Dyer once believed she could run from her past.
She can’t.

She used to think her problems were all in her head.
They aren’t.

She couldn’t imagine that after everything she’s been through, the boy she loves would still be keeping secrets.
She’s wrong.

In this gripping sequel to The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, the truth evolves and choices prove deadly. What will become of Mara Dyer next? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What i thought

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'm really sorry, but this review will contain a lot and a lot of spoilers. Please read the book first, all I can say is that this series is definitely one of my favourites and I would highly recommend it. Also, please be warned that this book << the evolution of mara dyer>> is the second book in the trilogy.

So let's get started with the review. <<Contains spoilers>>

 

 

I have just finished this book and my mind is so blown right now. I'm sure all of you will know, as the ending was just so epic. And definitely the most epic cliffhanger I ever read.

 So first of all, I really couldn't believe that Noah and Mara were the only ones who believed Jude was still out there. I mean, all the circumstances Mara's family had to go through. It definitely could not only have been Mara. And even though Mara may have killed Claire, how would she possibly be able to bring her back. It's not as if Mara isn't sad about the loss of her friend and killed claire on purpose.

The only thing I really need to talk about is the ending. Noah dead? Please for god's sake don't let Noah be dead, his character was absolutely my favourite! Dr. Kells part of some sort of complot starring Jude against Mara? What! From the beginning I knew Mara was right, even though this book is written from an unreliable narrator's point of view. I just couldn't believe that Mara wasn't truthful. And I just didn't trust Dr. Kells' character. But the fact that Dr. Kells knew everything about Mara and Jude, and she even monitored Mara's house, was just an awfully good plot twist I definitely was not expecting.

 I'm going to keep this review short and sweet, as it is almost midnight right now, and the only thing that is on my mind is the "death" of Noah. I definitely need the 3th part of the series right now! It is absolutely ridiculous how addicting this series is. Perfect for binge reading

 

What did you think about the ending?

Let me know, in the comments down below.  

xxxx Zoë

 

BTW : please don't finish this book before you go to bed because it will get you so pumped and excited for the next book ;)

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Diviners by Libba Bray

The Diviners by Libba Bray

Published by little,brown books

Pages 578

Genre YA Horror

 

 

Evie O’Neill has been exiled from her boring old hometown and shipped off to the bustling streets of New York City—and she is pos-i-tute-ly ecstatic. It’s 1926, and New York is filled with speakeasies, Ziegfeld girls, and rakish pickpockets. The only catch is that she has to live with her uncle Will and his unhealthy obsession with the occult.
Evie worries he’ll discover her darkest secret: a supernatural power that has only brought her trouble so far. But when the police find a murdered girl branded with a cryptic symbol and Will is called to the scene, Evie realizes her gift could help catch a serial killer.
As Evie jumps headlong into a dance with a murderer, other stories unfold in the city that never sleeps. A young man named Memphis is caught between two worlds. A chorus girl named Theta is running from her past. A student named Jericho hides a shocking secret. And unknown to all, something dark and evil has awakened.

 

 

 

 

 

What I thought

 

"Naughty John, Naughty John, does his work with his apron on. Cuts your throat and takes your bones, sells 'em off for a coupla stones."

 

Since I have been so busy with school lately, I'm really glad to have finally finished this book.  Because this book was absolutely amazing, therefor I gave it a five out of five stars. Obviously it wasn't perfect, but I didn't think the little things that weren't really right, were a reason to take of points.

This book is set in the roaring twenties in New York. Speakeasies, theathers and lively clubs with flapper girls. I absolutely loved to read about the history and the culture of the times.  and also, the spiritual elements. One thing that I did notice was the over excessiveness of the book. A lot of little fragments - meaning certain chapters- were really unuseful and weren't really interesting to read. However, the parts that were important to the story were incredibly fast paced and captivating. The excitement and thrill in certain chapters kept me on the edge of my seat. The writing was wonderful and the characters were really intruguing.

 

One of the main characters was Evie O'Neill. A lovely seventeen-year old girl who loves to enjoy life to the fullest. However much I liked her, there were times were she really annoyed me. Sometimes her extravagent personality was to much for me. I thought she was a little to hectic and utterly girl like.  Don't get me wrong here, but I did really love the characters, even Evie.

 

Now this book is mainly about the Diviners that are awakened and obviously about the murders and the ghostmurderer. But between these stories about the humans with impacable powers and trying to unravel the mysteries of the murders, there was an amazingly sweet love story between Evie and a certain fella. Now I'm not going to spoil anything in this review, I'd say give this lovely book a try to find it out ^-^

 

If you are easily scared, this book will give you goosebumps and keep you up at night. If you aren't really scared of ghost and murderes, this book will be even creepy for you. I did really enjoy the "horror" in this book, but I didn't think it was extremely scary. So even for the lovers of horror, I'd still recommand this book, because it was just really captivating and amazingly written.

 

As I read through my review, I think I will have to change my ratings. Thinking more about the book, and the things that really bugged me.  I believe a rating of four and halve stars will suit this book better. I really recommand this one, and I am really looking forward for the next books to come. Even if you don't like "horror" that much, this book was really really good and I still recommand it to you guys.

 

Have you read this book,

what were your thoughts?

xxx Zoë

 

P.s.: Can we talk about Jericho, I mean what the fudge happened there? I still can't get over it, it was an amazing twist and I definitely didn't see that coming. I still love Jericho though, his character is so interesting.

And also, the cover! If you have bought this book in the hardcover edition you will know what I am talking about. The cover, the dustjacket and the inside make this book really stunning. And I'm definitely putting it on my selves for display.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



All the truth that's in me by Julie Berry

All the truth that's in me by Julie Berry 

Published by Viking Juvenile

Genre YA fiction

Pages 274

Four years ago, Judith and her best friend disappeared from their small town of Roswell Station. Two years ago, only Judith returned, permanently mutilated, reviled and ignored by those who were once her friends and family. Unable to speak, Judith lives like a ghost in her own home, silently pouring out her thoughts to the boy who’s owned her heart as long as she can remember—even if he doesn’t know it—her childhood friend, Lucas. But when Roswell Station is attacked, long-buried secrets come to light, and Judith is forced to choose: continue to live in silence, or recover her voice, even if it means changing her world, and the lives around her, forever. This startlingly original novel will shock and disturb you; it will fill you with Judith’s passion and longing; and its mysteries will keep you feverishly turning the pages until the very last. 

What I thought 

Even though I have read this quite a long time ago, the story is still wondering in my mind. It was absolutely amazing! Finding this book on goodreads with many mixed reviews, I became really curious about this novel. So I gave it a try. And I'm so glad I did! 

One thing about this book that absolutely blew my mind was the amazing depicture of the ages the story took place. Now the time period is actually never really revealed, but the very religious town, for me, hints at Colonial America.  Which was so interesting since this is not a common time period for YA, at least I haven't really read anything like this. The time period is very important to this story. Judith was treated so terribly, as if she were to blame for what happened to her. Due to the religious and superstitious town. If this had happened in the 21ste century I think this story would have gone differently. Everybody either ignored her or despised her. I found myself sympathize with her, since we get to know all the secrets about the crime, I just didn't understand how those blind people didn't see what actually happened. For example, I was so mad at her mother. Who had grown cold hearted towards her own daughter! Ok, Judith's father died while she was missing and her mother blames Judith for this. But that's not a reason to treat your own daughter so miserably 

I see why people don't like this book or can't really get themselves to read it. In the beginning of the book, we as readers don't really know what is going on. But Julie Berry drops subtle and sudden clues to what actually happened and what the book actually is about. I actually didn't read the back, only some reviews, so I was absolutely clueless when first reading this book. But I found that rather amusing and thrilling. 

This book was so beautifully written and the story was really amusing. This book is as thrilling in finding out what happened, as it is a beautiful and sweet love story unlike any other romance we find in YA these days. 

If you haven't read this book yet, I can definitely recommend this. Not able to put the book down at any time, I read this in literally one sitting. And I regret nothing. Absolutely an amazing book! 

Have you read this book? 

What did you think of it? 

Let me know in the comments down below 

xx Zoë 

The iron Trial by Cassandra Clare and Holly Black.

The iron trial by Cassandra Clare and Holly Black.

Published by Scholastic Press  

Genre fantasy middle-grade

Pages 295 

From NEW YORK TIMES bestselling authors Holly Black and Cassandra Clare comes a riveting new series that defies what you think you know about the world of magic.

From two bestselling superstars, a dazzling and magical middle-grade collaboration centering on the students of the Magisterium, an academy for those with a propensity toward magic. In this first book, a new student comes to the Magisterium against his will -- is it because he is destined to be a powerful magician, or is the truth more twisted than that? It's a journey that will thrill you, surprise you, and make you wonder about the clear-cut distinction usually made between good and evil.

~goodreads~

What I thought: 

The Iron Trial was in my opinion a very clever and interesting fantasy book. Even though it’s middle-school, it felt as if I were reading a YA book. Cassandra Clare and Holly Black have done a beautiful job in portraying the characters and the world. I loved the magical concept. Whereas most books I have read about magicians and magic would feature a lot of spells and magic potions, this book was about the five elementals - water, wind, fire, air and chaos.

It was hard to put the book down, but due to a lot of exams I just had too. The story about Callum Hunt and his mission to fail at something he is finally good at kept me so on edge. The book has a lot of plot twists. It kept me guessing and wanting to get to know what Callum’s secret was –since even Callum didn’t know-

The book is really fast paced. Beginning with a sad prologue featuring Callum’s father, the book continues with the beginning of the trial. To eventually lead to the further explanation about the gripping prologue.  I thought this book was quite angsty – as far as middle-school can get angsty- and it contained a lot of interesting scenes of Callum and his team members completing tasks. Reading this book was a lot of fun and made me scream a little inside. Especially when Callum’s secret finally is revealed.

Something about Callum’s character I absolutely loved, was the fact that he was physically disabled (partly) Most main characters in books are perfect, bad-ass, reckless people. Not Callum, which made me happy. It displays that every person has the same chance to shine. You don’t have to be athletic, beautiful or clever to make it out there. Just be yourself.  

I absolutely loved this book and definitely recommend it. Don't be fooled by it being a middle-school book. Because to me it didn't feel like reading middle-school. The plot and the characters were so interesting and amazing. Also the writing was fantastic. 

Bonus; the book contains the questions Callum and the fellow students got during the first test of the trial. It was so much fun to try to awnser the questions. Totally looking forward to the next book that will probably come out in September 2015. 

 My spoilery thoughts: Please read the book first before reading this segment. 

Before we found out Aaron is the Makar in the story, I was absolutely sure that Callum would be the Makar. To me it made so much sense, because of his father wanting him not to go to the Magisterium in the first place.  

I was really into the book, it kept me guessing - something I think really makes a good book, to make the reader curious and wanting to read the whole story. The concept was very interesting. Growing up my favorite cartoon was Avatar the last air bender. The five elementals made me think of Avatar. I was always so curious about the whole concept about the elementals, so to me the concept of the magic was absolutely amazing. The only downside though was that the performing of the magic wasn’t really detailed, because obviously how are you going to describe the process of doing magic detailed. But it wasn’t annoying.

The scene in the old bowling centrum was amazing. After finding out Constantine Madden was never behind the silver mask, it really got me thinking who the enemy of death actually would have to be. Since Constantine’s soul was living inside of Callum Hunt’s body, the enemy of Death could never be Constantine Madden.

For me it was a shock to find out Callum was the “enemy of death”. Now I did think Callum would be the Makar, but I never ever thought about Callum being the enemy of death. So this was really thrilling and exciting to find out. It really makes the story so much more interesting.

I’m really looking forward to read more about Callum and him being the Enemy of Death.  

Have you read this book? 

If you were Callum, would you have done the same? 

Please let me know in the comments down below. 

xx Zoë. 

The lost by Sarah Beth Durst

The lost by Sarah Beth Durst

Published by Harlequin MIRA

Genre fantasy contemporary(?)

Pages 350

It was only meant to be a brief detour. But then Lauren finds herself trapped in a town called Lost on the edge of a desert, filled with things abandoned, broken and thrown away. And when she tries to escape, impassable dust storms and something unexplainable lead her back to Lost again and again. The residents she meets there tell her she's going to have to figure out just what she's missing--and what she's running from--before she can leave. So now Lauren's on a new search for a purpose and a destiny. And maybe, just maybe, she'll be found...

Against the backdrop of this desolate and mystical town, Sarah Beth Durst writes an arresting, fantastical novel of one woman's impossible journey...and her quest to find her fate.

What I thought

Overall this book was great. I really enjoyed this book and I will most definitely continue reading this series. Sarah Beth Durst writing was good and funny. Eventhough this book does contain a serious subject, she carried it lightly. Whereas I cry reading John Greens "The Fault In Our Stars" <In which John Green obviously wants the reader to feel all emotions> I didn't cry reading the Lost.  Eventhough this book contains the same subject <only in the Lost it's not the main subject, it's a second story woven into the story itself>.

I gave this book four out of five stars, just because I'm still confused about the world Sarah Beth Durst has created. I really liked this book, the story and the characters, but I would have changed some tiny things. The first thing I wanted to talk about are the characters. 

Sarah Beth Durst has done an explicit job of creating characters and mapping out the world. In my imagination it just all makes sense as far as looks go. Lauren was a funny girl and not as naive as some girls can be in young adult books. The other main characters <Claire and Peter> where lovely decribed and seemed so nice aswell. 

The only thing that I found quite annoying was the way Lauren sometimes handled situations. Now I don't know how I would handle the situations and I'd probably react the same way Lauren does. But sometimes she could annoy me just slightly. Another thing I really can't get my head around is the world Sarah has created. As I said above, it made the mosts of sense in my head. But just as far as looks go. Don't get me wrong, but I just don't understand this world. 

// This part can contain spoilers //: 

Going through a dust storm Lauren somehow gets herself in the city Lost. She gets to know a lot of people, even almost having a relationship with the Finder called Peter. When Lauren is in this city <which she is for a long time>  I got the feeling this world was real. Eventhough I found myself wondering " How could there be a city in which people find what their lost and go to this special person 'the missing man' to get back to their lives out of the city.  And how would they do this, going into another city and returning.  Some people were there for a couple of years. Does their live stop when they end up in Lost?" When Lauren get's out of Lost and she ends up laying in a coma in the same hospital as her mother, I really didn't understand it anymore. Sarah Beth Durst makes us think that this city Lost is imaginary. Lauren would have been in a dream, a dream that seems so real. Maybe this city will make more sense in the second book? 

At the end of the book I really wanted to continue with the series, I wanted to know more about Lauren. About Peter and Claire. I recommend getting both book one "the Lost" and two "the Missing" when entering this new lovely world. Totally loved this book. The characters, the concept and the writing. Defenitely check this series out if you haven't already!

Have you read this book? What did you think? 

Let me know in the comments down below. 

                                                       x Zoë

Reboot by Amy Tintera

Reboot by Amy Tintera

Published by Harper Teen

Genre young adult dystopian

Pages 365

Five years ago, Wren Connolly was shot three times in the chest. 

After 178 minutes she came back as a Reboot: stronger, faster, able to heal, and less emotional. 

The longer Reboots are dead, the less human they are when they return.

 Wren 178 is the deadliest Reboot in the Republic of Texas. Now seventeen years old, she serves as a soldier for HARC (Human Advancement and Repopulation Corporation).

Wren’s favorite part of the job is training new Reboots, but her latest newbie is the worst she’s ever seen. As a 22, Callum Reyes is practically human. 

His reflexes are too slow, he’s always asking questions, and his ever-present smile is freaking her out. 

Yet there’s something about him she can’t ignore. 

When Callum refuses to follow an order, Wren is given one last chance to get him in line—or she’ll have to eliminate him. 

Wren has never disobeyed before and knows if she does, she’ll be eliminated, too. 

But she has also never felt as alive as she does around Callum.

The perfect soldier is done taking orders.

Verdict

What I thought

I really liked the plot of this book. I thought it was something new, a fresh take on the well-known zombies. However, there was a lot left to be desired. 

These Reboots are seen as awful, disgusting and inhuman. They are supposed to be strong, fast, able to heal and they don't have the emotional feelings the way humans do (if they have been dead for a long time before "rebooting") Our main character, Wren 178,  is the deadliest Reboot in Texas. But for me, she wasn't that deadly and scary, as she is supposed to be. Yes she is a good fighter but she isn't intimidating at all. This might be the reason why Callum wasn’t intimidated by Wren aswell. Something she couldn't get her head around. 

Wren, because she is 178, is supposed to not have any human emotions and feelings at all. In the beginning of the book, you think she hasn't. But when Callum comes into the picture you see she's just like any other teenage girl. I did think we'd experience an epic growth in her emotions and feelings. But the one moment she doesn't show any, and the other she is an emotional wreck. 

Callum now is training with Wren. Wren describes that she doesn't understand why girls are so into boys, what people like about kissing. But Wren seemed to fall for Callum so fast. I didn't expect the romance to begin so early into the book. I didn't mind it though, but I did find this a little bit of a letdown. 

Also, at the very end of the book, it was very quick paced. They fought HARC; they conquered and went to a place where Reboots could live free. However, this felt too beautiful to be true. 

I don't like to be too negative. As this wasn't a horrible book! I really did like it. There were a few things that let down to the awesome plot. But I did enjoy their romance (even though it was a bit fast paced) and the original take on the zombies. 

Reboot was quite entertaining; even though Wren was a typical love-struck girl, whom was supposed to be a bad-ass girl. The ending did make me very curious for the sequel. To me this was a pretty average dystopian read. 

Since you've been gone by Morgan Matson

Since you've been gone by Morgan Matson

Published by Simon & Schuster

Genre Contemporary

Pages 449

The Pre-Sloane Emily didn't go to parties, she barely talked to guys, she didn't do anything crazy. 

Enter Sloane, social tornado and the best kind of best friend—the one who yanks you out of your shell.But right before what should have been an epic summer, Sloane just... disappears. 

No note. No calls. No texts. No Sloane. 

There’s just a random to-do list. 

On it, thirteen Sloane-selected-definitely-bizarre-tasks that Emily would never try... unless they could lead back to her best friend. 

Apple Picking at Night? Ok, easy enough.

Dance until Dawn? Sure. Why not? 

Kiss a Stranger? Wait... what?

Getting through Sloane’s list would mean a lot of firsts. 

But Emily has this whole unexpected summer ahead of her, 

and the help of Frank Porter (totally unexpected) to check things off. 

Who knows what she’ll find?

Verdict 

What I thought

First of all I'd like to say that I totally loved this book! The writing was beautiful and the story was interesting. It felt as if I was Emily herself, probably because I can relate to her.

But, who would leave their friend behind without saying anything? I know I wouldn't be able to do so. The book is based on the idea that Sloane leaves Emily behind with this list she needs to complete. Even though I found this super interesting and I really wanted to complete the list myself. I kept thinking about Sloane, who'd left Emily behind without saying a word. If you're such close friends, why would you want to give that up? As Emily works her way through the list, she finds growth both socially and mentally.  

I have never connected so well with a character. Sometimes I felt as if I was Emily, as if I have known her all along. She is very passive, doesn't like to make small talk with strangers or do things out of her comfort zone. Contrary to her friend Sloane, as Sloane loves to talk and be noticed. Everytime Emily completed a task of the list, I felt so proud. Really seeing her grow was an eye opener for me. Thinking, if Emily could complete this list filled with some crazy things,  I could do it as well.

And Frank Porter! Do I need to say more? The over-achiever and good guy who helps Emily along the way with completing the list. Frank was such a sweet, caring and supportive guy. When Emily and Frank went for a run, I totally wish I was running next to him. 

Talking about running. Running was the activity that brought Frank and Emily together. Flipping through the book I saw these lists, and I was super excited to find out what they were. The book contains a lot of playlists filled with awesome songs! 

I loved this book so much, it was a real eye opener for me. It make me feel powerfull and energetic. It made me want to begin with stepping out of my comfort zone, making new friends and having wonderful,new experiences. I'm already making lists for what my friends and I can do this summer. One of them is definitely re-reading this book. It's such a light hearted, summer read, which yet contains a serious message. For me this message was: try to live your life to the fullest. 

I definitely recommend this book to everyone. Pick this book up as soon as you can. It was delightfull!

Morgan Matson did a great job once again! Thank you!