Reviewing... [67] Broken Bargain

The series continues, and the world builds up, now...

you may have to expect some comparisons between this book, second in the Hidden series, and the first book... while it doesn't contain anything I view as a Reaper's Rhythm spoiler-and certainly not for Broken Bargain- if this bothers you or you'd rather get the picture from the first book, please feel free to instead check out my Reaper's Rhythm review (link in box below), either way... thank you for checking out this post!

You may be wondering, if you're still here reading, whether to continue the series, having read RR, and I'd suggest you do, in short! Why? Read on!

Reviewing... [67] Source: Received in exchange for an honest review (thanks Clare!) Author: Clare Davidson Recommended for: Those who like plots which are particularly aided by driven characters, but aren't just controlled by characters... (wait, does that make sense? I hope it does?)If not, I said in the Reaper's Rhythm review:

Reviewing... [65] Pandemonium

Reviewing... [65] Source: Bought myself Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton  Author: Lauren Oliver Reviewed by: Amy Bookworm | Holly Peckitt (our other post is here) Recommended For: Anyone :)

The book starts with a Lena whose been in the Wilds, we quickly meet Raven. How did you feel about the way that she met Raven? It was a bit dramatic….

It was dramatic but the wilds are like that! I’m so glad that Raven chooses to save Lena but as we can see, Raven is a big softie inside. It was a great way to be introduced to her… Of course, with Lena in a difficult situation when they meet it’s hard to describe Raven at first & say we meet her XD So, later finding out about this hard exterior she has & which all need in the Wilds- including Lena is… interesting! Dramatic is one word but it’s so much more XD I think most readers will like the character of Raven; her & Lena are such different people. Raven could be like a substitute Mother; it partly seems that way! Lena learns from Raven…

She learnt so much from Raven. And you could see that whilst they did argue and clearly had their moments of anger, she has so much respect for Raven and obviously looks up to her.

Surviving in the wild is hard, it also seems like a disaster then when Lena is in the wilds she experiences less love; it’s a harsh reality & I miss the family relationships. The friendships just seem so fragile, can you agree with that?

I couldn’t agree more with that. Whilst Lena made the choice that she made, it kind of feels like although she is letting people in, she doesn’t form friendships like the one which she had with Hana. I really missed the relationship between them that was there in Delirium.

I definitely concur! She’s forced to form friendships; she can’t rely on her own, none in the wild can- it’s like a pack :P So, it’s very different. Even with Raven, who does become like a friend, it’s still like a co-worker kind of relationship. They give & get, would these two girls have naturally been friends otherwise? Obviously, I think not! Lena also definitely misses family, esp Grace (who I adore also!) so when she’s back in US you kinda wish it was nearer Portland; things have changed but how much? :P

Also, the way she meets Julian (maybe I’m getting ahead!) is very different to Alex. It’s less wild and impulsive; which is such a contrast to how she meets Raven, hehe.

The Way that Julian met Lena was completely different. Lena was thrown into a situation from which there was no escaping.

Maybe it’s more similar to the Wilds than I was thinking. I will always think the one between Alex & her was… wild. It was; you just wouldn’t expect to fall in love that way when love is forbidden.

Reviewing... Contemporary! (Mini reviews #3)

I know I'm definitely known for short reviews (I'd love to be known for anything, so who wants to advertise that Amy Bookworm writes some stinking long reviews?) but today, shaking it up! Here's some mini-reviews, I hope you don't mind. They may not look mini but my ones (2&3) are definitely less than 200; it turns out my Mum does succinct naturally so that's short too! Hope you enjoy these reviews & find a book you'd like amongst more boyish humour, one for a little more chick-lit laughs & serious "issue dealing" contemporary.

Reviewing... in short! Sources -- JC: OUP. TPTD&awlol: Grabbed on Kindle from Amazon. H2SaL: Also Kindle ebook I bought from Amazon.

The Private Blog Of Joe Cowley

(Sidenote: This review is by my Mum, who loves OUP & since we got this from their Jan event she felt she ought to review it as a 'Thank You' so here it is; the main purpose of this post!)
Joe Cowley. What a great dude!! (and I’m NOT saying that because I’m a secret Captain Picard follower!!) The main description is “Adrian Mole meets The Inbetweeners”: MUCH better than AM (tho I can see the same theme of trying to get the girl, his dad excruciatingly attempting to be young again). And despite the toilet banter between the lads, it’s actually not really sex-obsessed like Inbetweeners. Only using “cock” as favourite expletive reminds me of it...

Reviewing... [61] Hidden

This is, with no shadow of doubt in my mind, the better start of Boland’s series’- this is a book which exceeded my expectations. Will it exceed yours?
You'll have to read it to find out...

Reviewing... [61] Source: Received for an honest review.  Author: Shalini Boland Recommended For: This book seems to captivate one type of reader for the former half the book and another for the latter half, I'm not too sure...

Hidden is definitely a book about vampires that I’d consider different and it works. I mean, even though there’s definitely insta-attraction at some point its explained well so its somewhat understandable. It, I’m just being vague to avoid wrecking the book for you, did seem gorgeous enough to warrant insta-attraction. Maddie certainly did discourage her own feelings and didn’t understand the supernatural; in fact this is another book where the protagonist experiences hate/love for somebody.
I found that, strangely, Maddie’s perspective wasn’t actually believable. I guess there’s something magical & transporting about the Victorian England and even more so the foreign lands.

Reviewing... [58] Half My Facebook Friends Are Ferrets

It didn't actually make me want to get my Facebook account back. Should it'd have done? Nooo, there's not THAT many ferrets on Facebook. Half of Josh's FB friends isn't telling us a lot anyway. Are there more cats on FB? Check out my interview with Josh here. Cats or dogs? What do you think?

Reviewing... [58] Source: Received for honest review... they had no idea. Publisher: Curious Fox Author: J.A Buckle Recommended For: I think lots of people will like this. But you've probably realised how little male protagonists are in YA?

Hmm... J.A. Buckle. Is it me or might you assume, if you didn't know, a male author is writing a novel from a male POV? Well, it's a female but still- hold that thought. I believe she can write from a male perspective. I'm still as much a girl as ever but, somehow... I feel like I've been let into this secret about guys. *gasp* It's not impossible to understand guys? I obviously cannot say if it's accurate for most boys but I found I could totally believe it. Obviously, boys, you still need to read it. But girls, we don't know, even as readers where the best books suck us in and make us feel like we're there, having these thoughts. You don't get to be inside a guy's head like you do in Facebook Ferrets very often... With wit, honesty and twisted charm, we're opened up to the world of much more than Ferrets.

Reviewing... [54] Amber

Reviewing... [54] Source: Lovely publishers <3 Publisher: Curious Fox  Author: Julie Sykes Recommended for: Well... specifically a) if you liked Sky Song, read this. b) if you liked this, read Sky Song. (They have certain things in common. Both have Watchers in them- but it varies between the books).

Amber. Where do I even begin?  With the cover's compliments? I don't want to say too much, but I loved how it tied in with the book very well, it's one of the most stunning covers and the font 'Amber'  is written in is perfect; it somehow managed to capture the disjointedness she felt, how there were loose ends of the tapestry that was her, unravelling. What had it looked like when ravelled? We join Amber on her journey to discover that... Also, she discover her musical talent (which I think is lovely! At one point I was sat there wondering what the love song would sound like). She meets Dan and yes, it's insta-attraction; but there is a reason why she was so attracted to him which we find out later and meant that I actually appreciated why that had happened. There was lots of things like that with this book- eventually it makes sense. I knew one of the major points of the book and it just kept being hinted at, by different characters, which in a way was foreshadowing some of you may have picked up upon. If you want to guess it before its revealed, just look up for things characters repeatedly say to Amber, and mainly as a joke! You'd think it'd be a fundamental thing, in a mystery, that you should be in the dark (about the events) to enjoy it. But it actually wasn't... It's not like I knew everything, but I knew quite a good deal and I still managed to enjoy this and there were moments where I was pleasantly a little surprised. Luckily not enough to fall off my chair, or anything as likely to end in bruising. 
This book is so different from normal paranormal romance, I can't tell you why exactly... One thing that I love (because I'm the sociological type) is one of the themes, just the fact that yes, humans are relatively stupid about caring for our planet. I can't wait to see this developed (if there is a next book, there so should be). Amber has decided its an important issue, so NOW we need to see her do something about it. Before we go over the tipping point on global destruction. But yes, there's a lot of sociology. 
This is definitely a good read with good characters (who save you from flying netballs), good guys (who are very good at sailing), good nurses (sweetie!), bad guys (you had it coming to you, gonna banish you!) Amy Bookworm rated Amber (and no, not talking about the book blogger, obvs)...

Happy reading my dearies!

Reviewing... [48] Harry Potter & the Philosophers Stone (with Harry!)

~This is an old review from my Kid's Korner post @ Once Upon A Series. It was written when I was a HPVirgin. Technically, it is still a review although... hmm. It's very different, shall I say? You'll see! It was really interesting to do & hopefully interesting to read...~

With no further ado, I give you:

Reviewing... [48] Source: Purchased (by both parties... haha, lol! You'll see that as well).Reviewed by: Amy Bookworm (primarily), with summary from Chrissie (see above).Author: *headdesk* J.K. Rowling. (You must know this! I met someone who lived under a risk... they knew that).Publisher: Uhh... you mean one of them? Bloomsbury Publishing! Recommended for: *raises eyebrows* Everybody? It's a children's fantasy but let me tell you... I hope you, any children you may have & even teens really enjoy reading this- if you know any kids thinking of reading, get them to read this & they may be convinced to read, before watching, the Harry Potter series! It's OK to do this of course but I'd love to hear that you've got people to read this, or just you've read it & enjoyed it!~

My Review-me-bob-thing:

Amy: So, I haven’t read Harry Potter. How?

You must have heard so much, did you say?

Well I knew who Harry Potter was. You’re a wizard, Harry.

Living with the Dursleys, I knew. Arrived in the night.

Hagrid, Albus Dumbledore and Minnie Mcgonagall. Professors.

Giants- triple the man Voldermort is.

Or shall I call him He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named?

You-Know-Who. Slytherin.

I knew about that, and have heard of Snape.

There’s snakes and languages wizards sometimes use to communicate-

Speaking to snakes isn’t that normal though.

Should a Gryffindor have that power?

Not a Huffle Puff or a Ravenclaw,

Harry is one of a trio: him, Hermione and Ron.

They go through Hogwarts, year after year.

Death eaters nor Quidditch destroy their friendship.

But- the question is- is there more to Harry Potter?

I believe it must be about more than just those things.

More than just those and a tale of Azkaban to follow, or why is it so popular?

Everlasting hype, is that what made millions recommend it to me,

Or should I say- push it at me, guilt-tripping me...

I hadn’t read it. But then I did.

Director: CUT! This wasn’t supposed to be a poetry competition. You can’t tell us random things which you knew before reading, what else did you find out during reading? You’ve got to tell us your thoughts. This is a review. You’re writing a poem. So, we’ll need to get someone to help you.

Amy: What? So I’ll do a joint review? You can get someone to do that... Well, I better let the other person speak. Already have spouted over 200 hundred words and I’ve not yet said what I think.
Director: Exactly. Now we’re going to get somewhere. I’m going to get Chrissie to introduce this, is that OK?
Amy: I just said it was OK if they speak. Go on, then *looks at fellow reviewer* Anapneo!
Director: Who said Chrissie had blocked airways?
Amy: She wasn't speaking!
Director: They probably don’t want to speak to someone who has a babbling curse. If we undo it then maybe we can get on with this review in a... well, an efficient manner?
Amy: Pardon? Evanesco Director! *smiles at nicer companion than Director and then blanches* Wait, you’re not Chrissie! I need Chrissie to review this with but, umm... hello! *looks at boy and stands up so she can walk round him, she looks him up and down* No, you’re not really... Not really...
Harry: Um, sorry? I really am Harry Potter, if that’s who you mean. Who’s Chrissie and what do you mean, review?
Amy: You lived with muggles! How do you not know about book reviews? They give books, like your books, fame and then even now- people are still reviewing them, or sharing their opinions about the series with the world. Chrissie and I both review here... You’re in Once Upon A Series’ set and we were just about to discuss “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone”.
Harry: How strange. I don’t know I arrived here. I’m tempted to wipe your memory but in the second book we find out that’s a bad idea- even with the right wand!
Amy: Ah, wands. Can I see your wand, please? I remember you walking into Diagon Alley with Hagrid, finding the shop with wands and really, even you were blown away! Mr. Ollivander sure likes his wands... Remembers every sale, from Hagrid’s wand to He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named, You-Know-Who!
Harry: Surely your set is safe enough to say Voldermort? Surely?
Amy: Shut up. I liked you better in the book. I just plain really liked all three of you especially. You make a fantastic trio, you know?
Harry: Well, thank you kindly.
Amy: I trust you don’t get bigheaded like Hermoine... Or Percy, he’s a lot worse. I don’t know how Ron copes with Hermoine and his brother both jabbering on like they came from the same nest. Talking about nests, I really think Hagrid should stop nurturing baby monsters. I have a feeling the Dragon wasn’t his first monster which got him, and you, in trouble! But, well, we’ll find out. Of course, there is so much to explore in the series and; I’m far from done with your world, Harry... What do you think about the fact that all the time people of many ages are finding the Harry Potter series...?
Harry: If you don’t mind me pointing it out, isn’t this supposed to be about your opinions?
Amy: Well, yes... I think it’s magical. Your turn!
Harry: That’s cheating, and you’ll think I’m bigheaded if I say...
Amy: Well, I’ll say it for you, your adventures are amazing. One thing that did annoy me was how your adventure happened in the middle of the exams, at the end of the year and whatnot. It’s not especially good to have a slow build up of the world, and characters, for more than half a book- why did it need to take half a book- and then zip zam... All the action is gone in a blink and you’re back in safe realms of Hogwarts being awarded house points!
Harry: Zip Zam isn’t a spell, it’s just weird, you know?
Amy: Don’t you know when to keep quiet? How many times? Shut up.
Harry: Maybe you’re pretending to be Hermione. Your hair isn't curly enough, you have the piles of books nailed but so far you haven’t actually corrected me, just told me to be quiet.
Amy: Ha, I’m not Hermoine. Book bloggers are a bit like her though, we definitely like books. Has she really never told you to be quiet?
Harry: *raises eyebrows* You are a muggle, you know.
Amy: I’m actually 2/7 wizard. I have 5 more books to go.
Harry: Go read. I refuse to talk to you anymore...
Amy: Tell Hermoine I love her and not to over-revise for exams, she has the talent and puts my procrastinating soul to shame...
Harry: *mumbles* She puts anyone to shame *disappears in a puff of smoke*
Amy: I really need to learn that spell...
Chrissie: What spell?
Amy: You’re here, finally. You’re late and you missed Harry...
Chrissie: You’re imagining things, Amy. So, you don’t need me? Not even for the Summary?
Amy: You could do the Summary, as you didn't so much as do the introduction *tuts but hands over parchment*

Summary (from Chrissie) - A great start to what is supposed to be an amazing series. And I'm sure that things will continue to get even better as the series continues now that the scene has been so beautifully set in this first novel. I can't wait to see what else is in store for Harry and his friends.
(Amy: I literally couldn't wait... Umm, oops? I reviewed it finally though, with a little help from Chrissie, I hope you enjoy the books, or you may have already, & this fun review!)

Reviewing... [41] Out of the Darkness

Reviewing... [41] Source: Purchased Author: Nigel Hinton Recommended for: It sounds odd but thinkers. Not just people that can think but people that like to think or think so deeply naturally. If you've ever thought about how science & things like religion go together, read this.

Despite my recommendation, this isn't really a book about religion. It's more than that- although Lelia definitely has a faith & this affects her actions (which is interesting to see but can I point how bored I am that I've only ever seen one YA regarding a christian just y'know... doing anything fictional, like Lelia?). It is interesting to see the mix of her serene attitude as she trusts in a "greater power" as Liam struggles to find peace at all & understand the implications of what Lelia says & the fact, at least a little, seems to have some truth to it. Lelia is a special girl, who has been treasured & has huge burdens. She copes with the burdens as she is still clearly cared for and appreciated for the lovely daughter she is to the Khan's. Liam has burdens but being around Lelia he realizes that some burdens & troubles are part of a plan, to be accepted & are good to have. Lelia is at peace with her path & the many troubles- she looks to the future. I get the feeling that Liam is not the only one weighted by his path. Lelia knows it too (she knows a lot, a bit of a Mary Sue but she's got reasons to be that way & isn't actually the one with the biggest destiny) & so do we.
I consider it probably the right amount of lead up to the main plot (make up your own mind, it's 25% of the book & definitely pretty gripping even though it's nothing compared to the other 3/4)- which occurs probably a year after we hear the contrast of their thirteen birthdays- but we come to understand way more about Liam & how he developed. I don't get the full picture of Lelia accept she's travelling because she's in danger. I came to pity her more when the story opened up & she met the boy whose life was entwined with hers- you guessed it- he's called Liam.
I felt so sorry for Liam almost non-stop. It didn't stop, even when the worst was over (that quarter is just torture to read if you're an empathetic reader, but it's a torture I appreciated & had to put myself through cos there was something rewarding about it, I also knew I'd see the light soon- aka. Lelia).
I don't know how I feel about there being such an obvious contrast between a light & dark character. Obviously, as the title may hint at, Liam came out of his "darkness" (not self-inflicted so he's not 1D/2D or anything) but really... Lelia didn't have far to go. She relied on Liam a lot and was a lot less 3D, or should I use a more traditional term, dynamic than Liam. Therefore, I love Liam more.
He made me want to cry, laugh, sob dramatically, smile, cry tears of joy and tears of... WWWWWWHHHHHYYYY?

I probably looked a bit like this:

(Nope, don't know who I've got a GIF of this time either...)

Well, if feeling sorry for Liam wasn't an occurence all the time I was never going to feel like I was on the same wavelength as Lelia. There were points I could've felt sorry for her but I just hadn't reached out to her, I felt sorry for Liam when there was reason to & sometimes he was upset because Lelia was, or something to do with Lelia. I completely gave my sympathy to Liam even though I knew most would, or should, be like 'Poor Lelia' instead. Tough. Liam turned out to be the one, who while miles apart- a gender & lifestyle apart- from me seemed more relate-able than his soulmate who seemed to use him. She used him, they didn't fit each other but they had a connection & he was the one that really showed that he was 'manning up' even though he hadn't yet touched adulthood by law. That's just so sad.
They both had to grow up so early & as only 14/15 year olds it's heartbreaking, and weird, how they take a journey across continents- traversing various countries in Europe first (the scope of different places & cultures is an amazing feature & this happens to be one of the books I've seen this best executed in), shortly into the main story... But it's believable. As a teenager, I related to their actions & the plot was pretty great. Lelia shares very little with me, but a gender at least, and she seemed a nice character. One that was created to like & give Liam things to think about, she was a better character than I've previously suggested. But she didn't seem the same age as Liam & I think that's why I pitied Liam. He was more of a victim & a character the reader has to focus on. Simply put, he's not just likeable. He's a lot more- flawed but forgiving, confused but determined.
The novel is often intense, there's a clear sign of right & wrong (but still sometimes quite grim reading). It's totally suitable for YA's & I do recommend it!... Shame the kindle edition went from 99p, when I bought it, to another £4* on top! I'm not sure if you'd buy it for that (I probably wouldn't) but I suggest that you keep an eye out in case you see it on a bargain or in a library.
Hope you liked this review!

((*It looks like older paperback editions can be bought for less than £3... I bet you'd prefer that! Check it out here at Amazon))

Amy Bookworm rated Out of the Darkness:

...and I wish you a good day! May 4*s be with you, and find you...

Reviewing... [37] Diamond Thief

Reviewing... [37] Source: I'm part of Team Fox so I received this for review. Author: Sharon Gosling Recommended for: People who do like crime but... not "gritty" crime. From gem stealing to pick pockets of London, this is crime novel, old-fashioned flair & all. Historical, "dated" crimes but still a thriller, just for those who like variety... Talking about variety, this is appropriate for such a range of ages!

Of course, crime, when the world it takes place in is all gadgets, has been explored before. But not so much... steampunk. Technology hasn't advanced yet. Entertainment is found in circus'... One in particular has travelled to London; yet all is not as it seems. The circus didn't come just to entertain wealthy Victorians. Not all are wealthy, there is a gap in the development of London. We explore much of London, rich and poor. Advancements and declines.

But first: we want to know what is happening in the circus. Transported to the circus', we realize that Rémy is totally awesome. She deals with the downfalls mentioned and comes across the advancements- both in the mystery and the development of technology. Both these elements I loved.
Discovering the inventions of a certain Professor is a delight, night-glasses and electronic means of communication... It's all very different and part of the Industrial Revolution. I've never seen this specifically explored, especially not in this way. I wasn't just in awe of  Rémy, I was in awe of the way technology was thought about, experimented with & would come to be a real invention.

Oh, BOOM. I know what that is! (:

Simply, it was fairly realistic in most parts. You know what? It's a weird thought: this could’ve been contemporary a few hundred years ago (maybe if we took some of Desai's powers away it would be completely!?).. Am I saying it’s a historical or a classic? Hehe! It’s too much of a ‘mysterious Steampunk’ to properly count (incase you're wondering what I'm jabbering on about go here*) for the SRSChallenge but I can almost imagine it being penned hundreds of years ago as an account of a young, amazing circus girl finding herself and her place in this world... Will Rémy think of France as her home still?
I can see why she had to be distanced from the Circus and am glad that emphasis was put on why she was determined and why she had to, and why Thaddeus had to, get the gem. They both have good intentions & I always felt they were genuine and realistic. Sure, they may not have been totally like what they had seemed but Rémy is clearly fiesty, with a circus upbringing which makes her so unique from other characters.
I even understood those tiny moments when the 'little policeman' would be rash & Rémy's annoyance with him amused me... probably more than it should've. I just loved the characters and how even though they were unpredictable it all slotted together & made for an amazing journey... I can't believe the standard of this debut. Or many debut's. But what specifically stands out is this: Diamond Thief was published this year, traditionally. I have heard how this year in YA is a bit like marmite. The books are either loved or hated...
Gosling's Diamond Thief? Most definitely not hated. Surprisingly, although Gosling has written more about Rémy and the sequel is set to be published by Curious Fox later on, this ends with no cliffhanger. However, this is so promising I can almost guarantee her second adventure shall be met with a great response.
The imagination and captivation has lead to, well, this (I think it says it all really... there is slight improvement for the sequel- dare I say I expect it to be mind-blowing & more risky- I don't want any characters suddenly appearing as plot devices *cough* Desai *cough*?):

Amy Bookworm (@Amy_Bookworm) rated The Diamond Thief

*I don't think I'm being mad with this... I mean, I said the book didn't feel like it was the best book ever, just a really lovely book. I can't put my finger on why... But anyway, in contemporaries often characters seem so realistic & the same for this- characterization was such a strength. Diamond Thief was, and characters with one exception especially were, realistic. They just took us back more than a century...
(Also, unrelated a bit, thanks Charli & CatHannah for letting me off one genre, I still am reading a lot of genres for this challenge... Oh, and this has been done for the 1st Challenge of SRS: Read a book you’ve been meaning to read for ages and review on your blog).

Reviewing... [35] Runners

I've really meant to put this review up for an age but you know about the issues which don't exist now (it all gets solved when laptops are repaired)... So, here you are!

. Reviewing... [33] Source: Received for review.Author: Sharon SantRecommended for: Fans of Thief (by Malorie Blackman).

Just to show you that some bookworms like weather...
Or are like british weather (forget futuristic), really, really evil...

Unfortunately, although Runners held appeal because it was a dystopian, it didn’t meet the genre expectations entirely. I regard dystopian as catalysed by Sci-Fi, although elements did exist the book wasn’t as futuristic as you’d expect- renewable energy is hopefully going to be reality by the time I’m 30. I care more about the intricacies of society and clear motivations than weather. Surely characters are not more concern about weather than war? Issues didn’t seem to be linked clearly to reality; although the storyline was realistic I wasn’t entirely sure the world was tangible enough to be a dystopian Britain.
It seemed like some areas (of the setting, not book) were definitely crumbling but why...? I’d imagine government to do their norm (in fiction) & crack down on people in some idiotic way or be offering multitudes of issues in their world & not just to a certain group... Instead, well... I don’t even know if Britain is still democratic (oh... that might be why it’s not the same as other dystopian).

It’s all clear now why children were affected... Now, would you like me to get back to the review?
I probably have these questions as the world is so unique- it doesn’t contain the buzz of life or a culture engrained like Britain. It just simply isn’t a book which can be compared to another. How many books do you know where timelines cross and destiny seems mesmerizing.
I know it sounds weird but I love how they were children. They weren’t made to act older by superficial means or just convenience, they were who they were & they honestly rocked like polka dot socks (don’t ask).
They learnt to be independence & I could easily define this is as a coming-of-age story which sets Runners apart from other dystopian. There are strong themes about friendship, resilience, identity & so on. Our characters start having the chance to wonder if there are other people affected- even by the CMO- which is most likely the dystopian element. Does Science mean anything in this book? I think it’s more about time which obviously is an element of science but this was way more the emotional, or physiological, feel. That’s how this book came to be enjoyed, redeeming from the lack of accuracy (I feel) in genre expectation.
If you’re into books that are futuristic, reflective & feature interesting characters this is for you! In terms of what the characters are age & maturity wise it’s like ‘Thief’ (Malorie Blackman). As mentioned above, if you liked that then read this! Yes, I’m saying if you like books by the frickin’ children’s laureate then you’ll love this book by a storyteller without fault in those abilities which include: allowing readers to emerge from the novel, or in breaks, with several new characters stories written in their hearts; creating a plot that has meaning & finally... that meaning? Sant can carry that meaning through, not stretch it, I just mean utilize it & develop on that.
I came to love every single character- Tessa a rather large amount. I think it’s because she had developed beyond that childhood- even though many are Runners they are still full of this- innocence and learning. She wasn’t coming of age but she still held little authority compared to many of the adult figures, Braithwaite & so on. She was charming and eager to make a change, like an ideal character.
I can only hope Sharon doesn’t just write prologues for Runners, give me a story following Tessa’s life after well... a certain incident, shall I say? This was one of the points at which, as aforementioned, science-fiction elements came to be more realistic because of emotion involved. I’ll leave you hanging there.
When you take a chance on Runners let me know if there’s one you particularly took a shine too. Was it Elijah with his dynamic qualities? Rosa, cunning, but still with her regrets. Seemingly distant Xavier or his brother who likes being on the same page? Sky with her visions or the plainer easy-going younger boys, Rowan &/ Jimmy?

Who will you love; who will you believe?

Amy Bookworm (@Amy_Bookworm) rated this book: 

Reviewing... [23] Afterlife Academy

Do you remember Jaimie? Tea-drinking arachnophobic author? If you don't it's because I mainly talked about her YA book Afterlife Academy last time (by which I don't mean last blog post... it was the cover reveal- lovely that).
Now I've read said YA paranormal romantic comedy.

Reviewing... [23] Author: Jaimie Admans (as I've remembered to you, we are buds*) Source: Review copy for tour* Recommended for: Teens (or above) who've been bullied/been unpopular (and it's got something for a goth not just us laughing readers XD)

It was enjoyable seeing Riley step inside (having not mastered the magically appearing thing after 5 minutes of death) a school identical to her old school- the contents of the school are much different & they are all in their afterlife and apparently understand her "adjustment issues". Yeah, well- it'd be easier if their was a thing to like underneath all the maths, redemption, haunting, visualisation and... well, therapy. It'd have been quiet cool to see Riley learn that but, perhaps, she learns some more valuable lessons (minus maths in this case). There are definitely paranormal aspects but they all seem to be described early on, there wasn't a lot of emphasis put on red-horned dinner ladies, vampire pumpkins and Art rooms devoid of colour. This is just the world which fades into the background (perhaps that's how Wade- the living boyfriend- you & I missed it?) "Death World" wasn't entirely likeable to me (it seemed more "parallel universey", they even called it "life") but this is a paranormal novel- not "Afterlife- the theology" so I suppose it would be original for the death theme.

It's comedy, it's paranormal & it's romance? With a death theme?... *fangirls*

Well, the characters were quite original too. Riley wasn't what she seemed. Sure, she was a bully (and she won't lie, but rightfully shares the blame) but she doesn't want to continue being a bully, especially when it seems like she wouldn't be getting a popularity as a reward. Now, I expected to sort of like Riley but to be honest she spent most of the book getting on my nerves. I don't know why but books that seem to focus on character's & have a plot facade annoy me... I was honestly thinking the reason she must be going in circles so much was so that she could wear a hole in the ground or something & go into a vortex.
However, in hindsight I realize how well it was executed- even with the snakes 'n' ladders I was engrossed, the story was embellished in that respect. I loved Adman's style, it didn't seem like Riley was just whining for the sake of it, it felt like... I don't know, real. Even though the book didn't span over much more than a few weeks it felt like it did. It felt like there was a reason she wasn't learning & if I felt at any point that it was like Riley was just turning to her "readers" to moan every minute I'd have put it down. Probably.
She didn't just get away with it- people do guide her (firmly) & Riley doesn't have her emotions spared (poor girl). I'd like to share one little quote with you that I loved in Afterlife Academy, it summarizes this: "Accepting that you weren’t always fair goes a long way to righting the wrong."
So, I accepted Riley's turmoil eventually- thanks to the goths/emos (and the above). Eeek, I love how there seemed to be a mix of cultures (stereotypes or not, they're up my street) that had to come together! They were the BOMB because they were so realistic. If you're wondering, it wasn't much of a romance (however the visualisations & flashbacks were umm... something like that)- she didn't create a romantic relationship with a goth either. Bonds and friendships seemed to mean more in the afterlife & I think that's something Riley struggled with- I know I would... I do know, I was concealed but I was THERE. Pretending to be the Haribo-eating- and apparently vampire- pumpkin of course... I felt like I was there though (:
Nice bit of scenery, me! Not. :P If I wasn't scenery in the book I'd have created more action... not the bad kind, readers of this know what I'm on about, there was some "action" but not a lot of real of edge-of-the-seat moments (I did read this in two places anyway, neither car: a) bed    b) car on 3-4 hour journey) but there was tension. Tension has more beauty to it... Y'know?
I may have (actually or am I still talking about if I wasn't scenery?) visibly been laughing at Riley's humour. She'd probably appreciate (maybe not on second thoughts) the girl laughing at her & her comical (not clumsiness though) ways/words (yes, I didn't actually laugh out loud, I didn't want family getting grouchy every 5 minutes)... Ooh, it may have distracted her from moaning. I should've been in Afterlife Academy :P

Given that I actually wanted to be in the book (and sorry that I kept stating reasons I should've been like, umm... Caydi a character), I think it's better than the average star rating... That's about 3 and ¾ out of 5.

Whereas, Amy Bookworm rated Afterlife Academy:

However at the end I'm not sure if I'd have read it for more than 3 hours straight if the circumstances had been different. Admans did create a novel worth the read (and the magnet & postcards in my case).

Talking about magnets... That's one of the prizes in this wonderful international giveaway:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

You can win Afterlife Academy notebook, pen, magnet, and signed postcard swag set (INT) during May! Why not enter and buy the ebook?... Here's the blurb (yes, it does sound funny but not romantic, doesn't it? Hence Puck's raised eyebrows, and clearly well-contained fanboying, above):

Even being dead isn’t enough to get you out of maths class. Dying wasn't on sixteen-year-old Riley Richardson's to-do list. And now, not only is she dead, but she's stuck in a perpetual high school nightmare. Worse still, she's stuck there with the geekiest, most annoying boy in the history of the world, ever. In a school where the geeks are popular and just about everything is wrong, Riley has become an outcast. She begins a desperate quest to get back home, but her once-perfect life starts to unravel into something not nearly as great as she thought it was. And maybe death isn’t really that bad after all... Welcome to Afterlife Academy, where horns are the norm, the microwave is more intelligent than the teachers, and the pumpkins have a taste for blood.

*Even if a review copy is provided my review will still be honest & not affected.

Reviewing... [20] Sky Song

...This is the book you want to win. This is the book I wanted to read. I read it.

Reviewing [20] Author: Sharon Sant Recommended for: slightly pre-YA/YA (about 12-22). Source: Kindle (free promotion on Amazon).

Prophecies have happened before?...
OK, well... we have guides for the person that's probably
had songs written about them 1000 years ago!

I was considering giving this 4.5 books as it was as short as a real novel can be. It just passed that short story line... But hey, Sharon doesn't like to waste her words. Perhaps she has a similar premise to One Thousand Words for the Trilogy XD
It worked. No section bores me and none of it seemed false or badly executed.
Another thing that seemed genuine was Sant's own race of Alien-type humans (they aren't time lords). She managed to create these and keep them as part of the novel, but not always, in perfect measure.
With astral-travel you manage to discover two worlds entwined with prophecy. Normally I'd say that's a boring idea, especially if one was Earth... But maybe the prophecy in Sky Song wasn't just are a way of upping the MC! Honestly, Jacob doesn't have to spend 100 pages denying it or searching for more information. Instead he realizes that although he, and everyone, thought he was a genius but he might have to take the 'Ioh For Dummies' pamphlet and read it at his wonderful school. (I like that school. The fact that guys like Luca are popular is actually interesting) He doesn't find that songs have been written about him (see above). If he did, who would let that go to his head? Not me.
As for Ellen... Coooor.
I don't really know if Ellen was popular or not but I might as well mention that's she the Crackle to the Snap & Pop. SNAP, CRACKLE... Uhh, Hermione. No, Ellen's not. You might be interested to know that Jacob is that intellectual one crossed with Harry from what I can imagine... She's certainly not Ron but perhaps she's a Ginny. In fact that might be Ellen's middle name.
Anyway, it's the dynamic that matters and this dynamic is effective, believable & you may see why... It's just easy to imagine the relationships and I love how they all remain level-headed most of the time (even when it seems like some heads don't contain only one mind). If they didn't I'd probably be very sad.
I don't know what I expected the trio to be like but they weren't what I imagined. They were a lot more easy-going and didn't deceive each other as if their life depended on it. I'm going to leave you guessing what it's like- I guarantee you'll love it! The relationship may not feel completely wrapped up (in fact it's probably more open that the plot) but it's in a series. On further thought, that's not just it. It means it's more realistic. Relationships don't "wrap up"- they're far more complex than destinies! Gosh.
What I am going to do is read the next one & I don't care that Sky Song didn't end with a killer cliffhanger. I'm left feeling that more would benefit me not just for the sake of it as such.
Are you fed up for trying to find a remedy for cliffhangers? Is it the next book?
Perhaps you should just pick up Sky Song by...
The Lovely Hybrid Book Queen.

Amy Bookworm rated this book:

Reviewing... [12] Thief!

Malorie Blackman month is done with Char @ From The Shadows I Review. Check this awesome blog out for more Malorie Blackman stuff SOON! :D

Reviewing...[12] Author: Malorie Blackman (because we're dedicating month to her books which are all very highly acclaimed...). Source: CHRISTMAS :D Recommended for: Teens and under...

 @Amy_Bookworm rated (no tweet available)

Sometimes when you look at your reading experience of a book in retrospect you realize you bit off more than you could chew... You didn't expect the unexpected.
I wolfed this down. Hindsight doesn't make that more true.
Ideally there would have been a twist earlier than 80% of the way through but for some reason I was hooked before that. The rest was less unpredictable unfortunately- I had a sense of Deja Vu (just because this isn't the start of my Dystopian journey at all) with some of the dystopian elements which is sort of a positive as it did mean that it was more vivid. I would have expected a bit of a different scene for the world in the 2040's but little areas of the book helped the reader to understand why it was like this; just withholding a vital piece of information until more than three quarters of the way through... It tells you something that even though I might not have done things the same way I still loved it...

Perhaps I didn't fall of my chair (I was reading on my bed anyway... 
that tired when you won't sleep)

Even despite not being the most unique in terms of plot (how many times do characters have to try & change the past which isn't great?) her storytelling skills are exemplary. How do you manage to pull of a plot that was partly given away (oh, synopsis you helped)? FESS ALL!
To be completely fair the futuristic element of this book isn't common in Malorie Blackman's books so it was a great addition to her variety of books. Girl, you rock that dystopian town (/genre)!

The characters were totally real and important to this book, entwined. I loved seeing the balance between loyalty and distrust in such a clear way. Lydia was an excellent- and believe it or not, was twelve- protagonist. She developed really brilliantly. Same as Fran who for some reason was just so cute. I normally only collect book boyfriends but guess what? I'm collecting little sisters now too!
Wait... can I have a little brother too? Aww, Danny!
The characters were all really realistic and their actions were really... Just...

Yes, I want one... UP TOP Malorie Blackman ~ for your characters emotion!

Reviewing... [6] A Little Birdie Told Me

Getting into the hang of reading e-books...

Reviewing... [6] Author: Victoria BestSource: Purchased for kindleRating: Recommended for: 11-16, people who want quick, insightful reads

Apparently flicking through a book is important. You can see the author's structure. Yeah, that really works on a kindle! *cheeky laugh*
But if the first sentence was anything to go by, I'd empathize with things that were happening. Have you ever began a book and slipped straight into the scene?

One of the first flocks of birds flew up, their beautiful feathers shining in the early autumn sun. They glided gracefully in a ‘V’ like formation, slowly and gently moving their delicate wings. I stood watching them for a few minutes, unable to look away. (Kindle Locations 53-54)

There was something serene about that- a beginning I could be content with. But believe me there were some bits I wasn't content with. I don't mean in the novel exactly, I mean the times when I'd be reading it and a parent would walk in a tell me the time like that was a good enough reason for my reading to end.

The night before last I had actually cried about where I'd had to leave the novel (I don't think I'd have cried in a normal situation :P).

The author had made it so clear and understandable and there was a handful of characters all who were like teenagers you could expect to see walking down the street, with the exact same demeanor, perception and skills. For a debut, at 15, Victoria writes contemporary well. The inner-workings of the families and the school are pretty good but the school's popularity ladder (I think that's what I mean to say) wasn't completely sound- it was close. It's just a book that doesn't seen sensational but is still an eye-opener for the simple fact that the issues haven't appeared in most teen fiction... It's normally not seen as an issue to be popular or to spread gossip. And its not seen as an issue for a guy to stand up for what he believes in & so on. In the background there was little issues and then the focus was on deeper things.

Mira has a foot in many social groups and I surmised that she's not as different from me as I assumed she would be (from her past, that is, which does remain, definitely, a contrast). I have opportunities to spread things which should be confidential (well, actually not on members of the opposite sex- but definitely other girls!) But I didn't only empathize with her- in some scenes I was all for Mira, and others all for Liam. Some it was easiest to relate to Danielle or Sam.