Comic Reviews: Wonder Woman (Her Greatest Battles) & WW (The Lies)

I know I know I know. I'm so sorry about not posting actively all my reviews right now! I'm really swamped with the huge amount of work load I should be doing for University, which makes it very hard to focuss on actually writing reviews for all those books and comics I read. But today I've got two little reviews about one of the greatest superheroes ever! Who else could it be than Wonder Woman? Hope you'll enjoy!

About the comic

Title: Wonder Woman: Her Greatest Battles

Edition: Collection of several different stories
Author: Various

Genres: Graphic Novels, DC Comics, Superheroes

Published: February 14th, 2017

Read: February 2017

My Copy

Publisher: DC Comics

Edition: Kindle

Purchase Location: NetGalley
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review

My Rating:

Goodreads Summary

The perfect companion piece to 2017’s highly anticipated film Wonder Woman is here. With the powers of a god and the fighting spirit of an Amazon, Wonder Woman is Earth’s fiercest defender. On Themyscira, Diana was trained from birth to be a warrior. Her skills in battle are unmatched, as are her bullet-stopping bracelets and Lasso of Truth. Now, relive her greatest triumphs! In these stories from such top-tier comics talents as Greg Rucka, George Pérez, John Byrne, Brian Azzarello, Cliff Chiang and Gail Simone, the Amazing Amazon must use every ounce of her strength and steel to bring down gods, monsters and—when mind-controlling villains take control—even her friends. (Collecting WONDER WOMAN #6, #119, #210, #219; WONDER WOMAN #41; JUSTICE LEAGUE: PART THREE #3; WONDER WOMAN #23.)

My Review

Such a fun collection of so many great different fights with Wonder Woman. Seeing her battle so many different foes in just one collection really made me want to read more and more. I will definitely have to try to check out some of the older stories because I got very curious about some of these fights.

Reading about Diana fighting against Superman (and nearly killing each other) or her fighting next to Power Girl against evil children amongst many other different stories showed me quite a few things I didn’t know about Wonder Woman yet. I haven’t read a lot of her stories yet, sadly (I actually only really started with the Rebirth series) so there’s so much still for me to discover and this served as some kind of guide to where I should pick up some of her older stories.

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About the comic Title: Wonder Woman: The Lies Edition: Volume 1 (Rebirth) Author: Greg Rucka Genres: Graphic Novels, DC Comics, Superheroes Published: February 28th, 2017 Read: March 2017 My Copy Publisher: DC Comics Edition: Kindle Purchase Location: NetGalley I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review

My Rating:

Goodreads Summary

New York Times best-selling writer Greg Rucka returns to Wonder Woman! After suffering an unimaginable loss, Diana must rebuild her mission as Earth's ultimate protector and champion. However, in the midst of her grief, her Lasso of Truth stopped working! Start down the rabbit hole as dark secrets from Wonder Woman's past unravel her present! From the ashes of DC Universe: Rebirth, critically acclaimed writer Greg Rucka along with illustrator Liam Sharpunveil a tale that will forever alter the DC icon in Wonder Woman, Volume 1: The Lies! (Collecting: Wonder Woman 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, Rebirth)

My Review

Wonder Woman is probably one of the greatest heroes ever. She’s also one of the first I ever knew. Next to Superman and Batman she belongs to the Big Three. I didn’t hesitate to pick this copy up! I’ve actually read it in singles when I got them from my local bookstore, but I also got a digital copy via NetGalley and I loved rereading it!

The art is so beautiful and Liam Sharp did an amazing job! This isn’t the first story I’ve read written by Greck Rucka and once again he made me a very happy reader. :)

This is my first time getting to know Cheetah (as I’ve only read about her character passively in the past) and to find out how intertwined her story with Diana is, was really interesting. I’m a big Steve and Diana fan and I can’t wait to find out how it continues (as I’ve said above: I’ve got the Wonder Woman Rebirth series on my Pull list (basically my local comic bookstore just orders the series for me and puts my issues on the side until I can go and collect them) and I need to pick up reading them again, because I’ve fallen quite behind because of Uni).

And I must mention: I was so confused at the beginning because the single issues skipped this story every other issue so that another story could be told in parallel. My review of that story will be up when the next collecting-volume gets published.

I'd like to know

Do you read Graphic Novels or comics in general? If so, what do you like to read? Have you read any Wonder Woman stories? Or have you read any other Rebirth series? I would LOVE to talk to you more about comics in the comments! :)

Mini Book Reviews: ACOTAR & Carry On

Once upon a time it was December in 2016. I finished two books and didn't even manage to review them. So I decided to share those reviews with you today, here and now. These are a little shorter versions of my usual reviews and don't go into the story too deep because I don't have all too much time right now, but I'd love to talk about these books anyways because they're AWESOME! :)

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About the book

Title: A Court of Thorns and Roses

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Series: A Court of Thorns and Roses #1
Genres: New Adult, Fantasy, Romance, High Fantasy

Published: May 5th, 2015

Read: December 2016

My Copy

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Cover: Paperback

Purchase Location: Kinokuniya Singapore

My Rating:

Goodreads Summary

Feyre is a huntress. She thinks nothing of slaughtering a wolf to capture its prey. But, like all mortals, she fears what lingers mercilessly beyond the forest. And she will learn that taking the life of a magical creature comes at a high price... Imprisoned in an enchanted court in her enemy's kingdom, Feyre is free to roam but forbidden to escape. Her captor's body bears the scars of fighting, and his face is always masked - but his piercing stare draws her ever closer. As Feyre's feeling for Tamlin begin to burn through every warning she's been told about his kind, an ancient, wicked shadow grows. Feyre must find a way to break a spell, or lose her heart forever.

My Review

I felt kind of forced to read this book because EVERYBODY was talking about it. Well, I don’t mind really, reading books that are hyped about, because I usually love them (yeah, I know, I’m too mainstream. I usually like every single book I pick up, but seriously, I wouldn’t pick up a book if I didn’t think I’d like it so that solves that kind of problem, right?). However, I didn’t feel as flabbergasted or senselessly in love with the story as everybody else seemed to be...

Don’t get me wrong! I enjoyed reading the book and I think it makes for a good story. I think the main reason I didn’t like this book all too much is my own fault. It took me two and a half months to finish it and that just took a lot of patience out of me. I guess I shouldn’t have started it at the beginning of my first semester at Uni. I still felt this book deserved a four star rating from me, though.

The story was actually pretty interesting (it’s been a long time since I’ve read a fantasy book which such an imaginative world, and I really want to read these kind of fantasy books more often) and there were a lot plot twists and turns. I really liked the characters and feel like Sarah J. Maas did a really great job in creating this new fantasy-place.

Maybe the story felt a little too slow-paced for me, and there are definitely chapters that could have been shortened a lot in my opinion, but I liked Sarah’s writing style a lot! This is my first book of hers and I’m definitely going to continue the series and even start the Throne of Glass series sometime.

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About the book Title: Carry On Author: Rainbow Rowell Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance, Lgbt, Magic Published: October 8th, 2015 Read: December 2016 My Copy Publisher: Macmillan Edition: Paperback Purchase Location: Waterstones London

My Rating:

Goodreads Summary

Simon Snow is the worst chosen one who's ever been chosen. That's what his roommate, Baz, says. And Baz might be evil and a vampire and a complete git, but he's probably right. Half the time Simon can't even make his wand work, and the other half, he sets something on fire. His mentor's avoiding him, his girlfriend broke up with him, and there's a magic-eating monster running around wearing Simon's face. Baz would be having a field day with all this, if he were here - it's their last year at Watford School of Magicks, and Simon's infuriating nemesis didn't even bother to show up. Carry On is a love letter to love stories and the power of words - to every 'chosen one' who ever had more on their mind than saving the world...

My Review

I can finally say it! I’ve nearly read every single book by Rainbow Rowell (there’s only My True Love Gave to Me left for me to read). I’ve loved most of them and this is definitely one of my favourites. I was skeptical at first because a lot of people disliked it because of its supposedly being a rip off of Harry Potter (and when it comes to HP I’m really overprotective). Honestly, I did not go far into that theory and didn’t research it either (so I have no clue what Rainbow’s reaction to this is). But I say: WHO CARES? Because Carry On is seriously such a cute story!

If it’s really fanfiction about Draco and Harry, then I must say: Well done. I really adored the story of the two nemesis, although we’re basically thrown into their “ending” part of the story. If you’ve read Fangirl like me, then you know that Carry On was the fan fiction Cath wrote about her favourite children books about Simon Snow. And now we got the actual story she wrote and it’s great!

There are similarities to Harry Potter, so I cannot deny that those allegations aren’t based on solid grounds, but I find it really well done. We all need some fan fiction now and then and turning it into such a great book needs a lot of talent. Carry On is definitely one of those books that I’m probably going to reread endless times, because it just makes you feel happy and be in a good mood and is a perfect read for a rainy day!

I'd like to know

Does anybody know if Rainbow is planning on bringing out a new book sometime soon? I need new reading material from her and I just want to cuddle up with a new fantastic story written by her. Also, let me know how YOU felt about these books! I'd love to talk more about them with you :)

Comic Reviews: Batman (Rise of the Batmen) & Nightwing (Better Than Batman)

About the comic

Title: Batman: Rise of the Batmen

Edition: Detective Comics (Rebirth), Volume 1
Author: James Tynion IV

Genres: Graphic Novels, DC Comics, Superheroes

Published: February 7th, 2017

Read: January 2017

My Copy

Publisher: DC Comics

Edition: Kindle

Purchase Location: NetGalley
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review

My Rating:

Goodreads Summary

The Dark Knight and series co-star Batwoman team up to take new protégés Red Robin, Spoiler and the villainous Clayface under their leathery wings! The only problem is, neither new super-instructor knows exactly what they're in for as the attempt to train these wiould-be heroes before a mysterious army takes Gotham for themselves. (Collecting: Detective Comics 934-940)

My Review

With Rebirth there comes a lot of responsibility. And James Tynion IV did a wonderful job in turning that responsibility into a great new story arc. The new team Batman puts together includes a lot of awesome people (Batwoman, Spoiler, Red Robin and Orphan) and to my surprise Clay Face. Somehow it works out great.

With a lot of turning events and tension the story goes along pretty fast paced and doesn’t leave you hanging. (Except at the end of course with a major cliffhanger which I still don’t know how to handle.)

A father would do anything to keep “his little girl” save, even though she might already be a grown woman and can make choices of her own. The complex story between Kate and her dad ensures an interesting plot. A lot of great fight scenes are involved which are executed perfectly with the beautiful artwork.

I’ve heard a lot of mixed opinions about this new installment in the Rebirth series, but I for one am really glad to have picked it up because it was such a great read! I’m sure a lot of people would enjoy this, too, if they’d give it a chance. The Batman family is displayed in such a great way in this new story!

I need to know how the story goes on because that cliffhanger sure wasn’t nice at all. I do not know where the Batman family stands right now or how their future looks like. I’m very excited for the next volume.

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About the comic Title: Nightwing: Better Than Batman Edition: Volume 1 (Rebirth) Author: Tim Seeley Genres: Graphic Novels, DC Comics, Superheroes Published: January 25th, 2017 Read: January 2017 My Copy Publisher: DC Comics Edition: Kindle Purchase Location: NetGalley I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review

My Rating:

Goodreads Summary

He's been Robin, he's been a super spy, a ghost. Now, Dick Grayson finds himself back in Gotham City fighting to reclaim the life that was taken from him. But when a new evil threatens those closest to Dick, as Nightwing he must once again choose whether or not to tear himself away from his home in order to combat this dark force. Everything Dick thought he knew about being Nightwing will be brought to bear, and his relationship to his former mentor Batman will be put to the test in Nightwing: Volume 1, Better Than Batman! (Collecting: Nightwing 1-4, 7-8, Rebirth)

My Review

I don’t know exactly when, but somewhere along the line of me discovering more and more of the DC universe Nightwing, or better Dick Grayson, has become one of my favourites in the Batman family. I haven’t read a lot of him yet, sadly, but his charm that I got to know in the Batgirl series hasn’t left me yet. So I decided to pick up the Nightwing Rebirth series, too.

I must admit, I’ve read better stories involving him, but there’s something about this first installment in his rebirth series that I like. It’s definitely not Raptor, because that’s a character I do not understand or like at all.

The plot is a little predictable, but I like Batman’s involvement in it. Him being a big part of Dick’s life makes him so much more likeable for me, although I’ve been a big Batman fan a long time already.

This story arc tells us a lot about Dick and who he is, or who he wants to be. Batgirl (who I LOVE) has some appearances and we get to know a little about his parents, too. Which I must admit I didn’t know anything about before. As I’ve mentioned, this is my first time reading a Nightwing story on its own. But Grayson is still high on my TBR list.

I can’t wait to tell you how it continues with Nightwing because I’ve started collecting the singles and they’re awesome. The story definitely picks up after this one, and in my opinion this is a great way for newbies (like me at the beginning) to get to know Dick Grayson.

I'd like to know

Do you read Graphic Novels or comics in general? If so, what do you like to read? Are you a (secret) Nightwing fan yourself? Or have you read any other Rebirth series? I would LOVE to talk to you more about comics in the comments! :)

Book Review: Miss Mayhem

About the book

Title: Miss Mayhem

Author: Rachel Hawkins

Series: Rebel Belle #2
Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult

Expected Publication: April 7th, 2015

Read: January 2017

My Copy

Publisher: Speak

Edition: Paperback

Purchase Location: Rome

My Rating:

Goodreads Summary

Life is almost back to normal for Harper Price. The Ephors have been silent after their deadly attack at Cotillion months ago, and her best friend, Bee, has returned after a mysterious disappearance. Now Harper can focus on the important things in life: school, canoodling with David (her nemesis-turned-ward-slash-boyfie), and even competing in the Miss Pine Grove pageant. Unfortunately, supernatural chores are never done. The Ephors have decided they’d rather train David than kill him. The catch: Harper has to come along for the ride, but she can’t stay David’s Paladin unless she undergoes an ancient trial that will either kill her . . . or make her more powerful than ever.

My Review

So … my first reading progress update on Goodreads says: "I'm not eyerolling as much as I did when reading the first book so I guess that's a good sign, right? :3". I think it’s safe to say that it was a good sign. I remember not enjoying the first book at all. I think the plot was just kind of weird to me, without any real subtext and I didn’t like the style too much. Which makes me even prouder to tell you that I picked up the second book anyways, and actually quite liked it.

This book was filled with a lot of suspense, turning events and a lot of tension. I’ve come to like (okay, maybe that’s a strong word, let’s go with appreciate) Harper’s character a little better. In Rebel Belle she annoyed me quite a bit which isn’t a good thing for a book, when you don’t like the protagonist. However, it seemed to me that she matured quite a bit and took things more serious. She feels like she has to have everything under control, although that’s clearly not possible and the plot put a lot of obstacles in her way.

I’ve seen a lot of reviews of my friends who feel like they’ve been disappointed, let down even. I’m happy to say that this book actually made the whole series more interesting and against my expectations actually surprised me in a good way. I’m definitely going to pick up the last book in the trilogy Lady Renegades, but I’ll have to wait until the paperback version from speak gets released.

Spoiler Alert! Proceed with caution.

I was so glad to see Bee return, however, I think Rachel Hawkins made it way too easy. I would have liked to see more about her background story. What happened to her exactly when she was away? How did she cope with things? How does she take in the world she’s come back to? I mean really, all the book told us was basically: Oh yeah Bee’s back. She didn’t like her Paladin training. But she’s stronger and better now than Harper. And she’s in love with Harper’s ex-boyfriend. But she doesn’t want to be a Paladin. I was a little disappointed with that turn of events. It was just a way too shallow description in my opinion.

The ending had me really upset. I need the next book to read on what happens. It didn’t make sense to me how David actually managed to leave, because it was clearly said that he couldn’t. I thought maybe he’d die trying or whatever, instead he “just walked over” the town line. I think this made for a pretty good cliffhanger, though! :)

Other books in the series

Rebel Belle #1 (My Review)

I'd like to know

Have you picked up the Rebel Belle series? What are your thoughts on the books so far? If you've read the third book, please don't spoil me! How do you go on with series where you didn't enjoy the first book all too much? I'd love to read your thoughts on this in the comments! :)

Comic Review: Green Lanterns, Vol. 1

About the comic

Title: Green Lanterns: Rage Planet

Edition: Volume 1 (Rebirth)
Author: Sam Humphries

Genres: Graphic Novels, DC Comics, Superheroes

Published: January 25th, 2017

Read: January 2017

My Copy

Publisher: DC Comics

Edition: Kindle

Purchase Location: NetGalley
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review

My Rating:

Goodreads Summary

New Green Lanterns Jessica Cruz and Simon Baz debut a new era of emerald greatness, tackling the universe's toughest beat: Earth. These rookie Lanterns promised to protect others in brightest day or blackest night, but as the "Red Planet" begins to rise, the duo finds themselves confronted with an unimaginable threat from Bleez and the Red Lanterns!

My Review

A few years back, I watched the Green Lantern movie starring Ryan Reynolds and honestly, I thought it was really bad. I thought the idea was kind of cool, but the implementation didn’t do it justice. Since then, I never picked up a Green Lantern comic, either because I didn’t feel like reading it or because I’ve only heard negative criticism. Probably because of both.

When the Rebirth series launched I was overwhelmed by all the new stories, but wasn’t interested in reading Green Lanterns at first. Then, I kept hearing good things about the rebirth singles and the people at my local comic store advised me to read it. So when I saw the first Volume on NetGalley I gave it a shot and re quested to read it. And how glad I am, that I did.

The story of Earth’s two new Green Lanterns Simon Baz (I chuckled at the name because I still can’t get over Carry On by Rainbow Rowell) and Jessica Cruz is quite enjoyable. Having to fight together against evil trying to take over the world without liking each other can bring some obstacles more, than you’d like. The story had a natural flow, you understand quite a lot even if you didn’t read the New 52 Comics (although, there are still a lot of lacking background information, naturally) and the artwork is pretty good and impressive.

I think it’s great to see a superhero fighting her anxiety and shows that everybody can be a hero by overcoming their fears in certain situation. Classic interpretation, but the implementation in the story is very important and beautifully done!

I’m really interested in seeing where the story continues with Jessica and Simon and the rogue Guardian. Maybe this’ll shed some light on the whole Rebirth evolution?

I’m really glad I picked this up and so should you! :)

I'd like to know

Do you read Graphic Novels or comics in general? If so, what do you like to read? Do you think you'd pick up Green Lanterns? Or have you read any other Rebirth series? I would LOVE to talk to you more about comics in the comments! :)

Graphic Novel Review: Mer

About the book

Title: Mer

Author: Joelle Sellner

Genres: Graphic Novels, Fantasy

Expected Publication: April 19th, 2017

Read: January 2017

My Copy

Publisher: Diamond Book Distributors

Edition: Kindle

Purchase Location: NetGalley
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review

My Rating:

Goodreads Summary

Twilight meets the legend of Atlantis in this gripping graphic novel from writer Joelle Sellner and artist Abby Boeh. After the death of her beloved mother, Aryn’s father has moved her family to a new town hoping for a fresh start. At first things seem to be going well—Aryn is making friends and has even caught the eye of one of the hottest guys in school. But there are dark forces moving under the surface that Aryn cannot see; and her new crush may not be … human.

My Review

The story captures your attention right from the beginning. With a brutal intro, I couldn’t stop reading on and enjoyed Mer very much. The story concept contains a very cute idea and the artwork was quite my taste. However, there wasn’t a natural flow between the change of sceneries and I missed the time & place stamps I’m so used to in comics. But bear in mind, I just read a non-final copy so here's hoping they’ll change that before the final edition.

In my opinion Joelle Sellner did a wonderful job writing this story and if you enjoy reading fast paced comics without having to wait too long for action scenes, then you should definitely pick up Mer!

Spoiler Alert! Proceed with caution.

There were two big plot twists. One, when it was first assumed that Julia was on the dark side, and two, when it was revealed that everything was just an act to save her friends. Although it was kind of an obvious plot line, I didn’t quite know if I should trust her character or not, which made it much more interesting and suspenseful.

I really liked the characters, and although the story was quite fast paced I think I got to know them quite well. There are still so many open questions, though, like did Arwyn’s dad also have feelings for Ophelia? Did she make it out alive? What’s happening in Atlantis? And is that Adrian in the end rising from the water? Hopefully, I’ll get my answers some day!

I'd like to know

Do you read Graphic Novels or comics in general? If so, what do you like to read? Do you think you'd pick up Mer? I would LOVE to talk to you more about comics in the comments! :)

The Mortal Instruments: City of Ashes

Welcome to the official (very spontanious) Shadowhunters Week here on my blog. To start of I'd like to share with you my review of City of Ashes (The Mortal Instruments #2) which I finished rereading last week. This book does not count as part of my readathon, but should inspire me (and maybe you) to read more in the series.

About the novel

Title: City of Ashes

Series: The Mortal Instruments #2

Author: Cassandra Clare

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult, Paranormal, Supernatural, Romance, Magic

Published: March 25th 2008

Read: Reread: April 2016, Read first: 2014

My Rating: ★★★★

My Copy

Publisher: Walker Books

Cover: Paperback

Purchase Location: Can't remember :(

Goodreads Summary

Clary Fray just wishes that her life would go back to normal. But what's normal when you're a demon-slaying Shadowhunter, your mother is in a magically induced coma, and you can suddenly see Downworlders like werewolves, vampires, and faeries? If Clary left the world of the Shadowhunters behind, it would mean more time with her best friend, Simon, who's becoming more than a friend. But the Shadowhunting world isn't ready to let her go — especially her handsome, infuriating, newfound brother, Jace. And Clary's only chance to help her mother is to track down rogue Shadowhunter Valentine, who is probably insane, certainly evil — and also her father. To complicate matters, someone in New York City is murdering Downworlder children. Is Valentine behind the killings — and if he is, what is he trying to do? When the second of the Mortal Instruments, the Soul-Sword, is stolen, the terrifying Inquisitor arrives to investigate and zooms right in on Jace. How can Clary stop Valentine if Jace is willing to betray everything he believes in to help their father? In this breathtaking sequel to City of Bones, Cassandra Clare lures her readers back into the dark grip of New York City's Downworld, where love is never safe and power becomes the deadliest temptation.

Book Review: Illuminae

About the novel

Title: Illuminae

Series: The Illuminae Files #1

Author: Amie Kaufman, Jay Kristoff

Genres: Young Adult, Science-Fiction, Action, Space

Published: Release Date

Read: October 22nd 2015

My Rating: ★★★★

My Copy

Publisher: One World Publications

Cover: Paperback

Purchase Location: Kinokunyia, Singapore

Goodreads Summary

This morning, Kady thought breaking up with Ezra was the hardest thing she’d have to do. This afternoon, her planet was invaded. The year is 2575, and two rival megacorporations are at war over a planet that’s little more than an ice-covered speck at the edge of the universe. Too bad nobody thought to warn the people living on it. With enemy fire raining down on them, Kady and Ezra—who are barely even talking to each other—are forced to fight their way onto an evacuating fleet, with an enemy warship in hot pursuit. But their problems are just getting started. A deadly plague has broken out and is mutating, with terrifying results; the fleet's AI, which should be protecting them, may actually be their enemy; and nobody in charge will say what’s really going on. As Kady hacks into a tangled web of data to find the truth, it's clear only one person can help her bring it all to light: the ex-boyfriend she swore she'd never speak to again. Told through a fascinating dossier of hacked documents—including emails, schematics, military files, IMs, medical reports, interviews, and more—Illuminae is the first book in a heart-stopping, high-octane trilogy about lives interrupted, the price of truth, and the courage of everyday heroes.

Book Review: Percy Jackson and the Greek Gods

About the book

Title: Percy Jackson and the Greek Gods

Series: PJ and the Olympians companion book

Author: Rick Riordan

Genres: Fantasy, Greek Mythology, Young Adult, Children, Adventure

Published: August 6th 2014

Read: February 2016

My Rating: ★★★★

My Copy

Publisher: Penguin Export

Cover: Paperback

Purchase Location: Kinokunyia, Singapore

Goodreads Summary

"If you like horror shows, blood baths, lying, stealing, backstabbing, and cannibalism, then read on... Who could tell the origin stories of the gods of Olympus better than a modern-day demigod? In this whirlwind tour of Greek mythology, Percy Jackson gives his personal take on the gods and goddesses of ancient Greece - and reveals the truth about how they came to rule the world.

Book Review: Everything, Everything

Title: Everything, Everything
Author: Nicola Yoon
Series: -
Genres: YA, Contemporary, Romance, Fiction, Teen
Published: September 3rd 2015
Read: March 2016
Rating: 4 ★

My Copy

Publisher: Corgi Childrens
Cover: Paperback
Purchase Location: Kinokunyia, Singapore

Goodreads Summary: Madeline Whittier is allergic to the outside world. So allergic, in fact, that she has never left the house in all of her seventeen years. But when Olly moves in next door, and wants to talk to Maddie, tiny holes start to appear in the protective bubble her mother has built around her. Olly writes his IM address on a piece of paper, shows it at her window, and suddenly, a door opens. But does Maddie dare to step outside her comfort zone? Everything, Everything is about the thrill and heartbreak that happens when we break out of our shell to do crazy, sometimes death-defying things for love.

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My Review

This is the first book that I've read that I really really enjoyed the beginning and then was completely disappointed in the character's choices moving on. I loved the build up in this book and enjoyed the small chapters with all the different titles and the e-mail conversations and the cute drawings which gave the book a nice edge. 

The plot was well thought-through. From the beginning you get swept up in the protagonist's bubble and you can feel sympathy for her situation. Now after reading the blurb I actually thought that this character was a lot like me. "Allergic" in the sense of "real dislike" of the outside-world and not actually ill. The first half of the book is really sweet and if it weren't for work I would have read this book in one sitting. However, when I got to the middle part I was so perplexed that I didn't really continue reading for hours, but slowly got to the end after a week. 

Because of the importance of the content the following part of the review might contain spoilers! Continue on own account.

I understand that love can make you reckless and you want to do silly things and stuff, but hopefully I'll never become suicidal for another person. I can't really comprehend that Maddy left her house to go on a vacation with Olly, who's such a sweet guy (!!), and risk her own death. I mean it all went well, but she didn't know that. She actually left the house thinking she'd never return. Couldn't she imagine a future where she would get to life and where she would get to integrate Olly into her home? On the other side I can fathom that you would want to actually live and not just be stuck in a bubble your entire life. Especially when you've never had any real friends or a first love.

The major plot twist of this story wasn't actually that surprising. I keep track of my thoughts whilst reading in a notebook and quite early on I played with the thought that the mother could have invented her illness in order to not lose her as she did her husband and son (again me and my consiparcy theories). In a way I can actually sympathize with this and I feel really sorry for her. She just wanted to keep her baby safe and I hope that I'll never know what she must have felt during that time. 

Another thing that really bothered me was Maddy's reaction to finally finding out that she wasn't sick. Somehow she must be able to see why her mother did this and that she was sick and needed help. But she just kept being angry at her and didn't let it go and in the end even moved out of state. I could never do that to my mother even if she kept me hidden from the world for 18 years (because she somewhat had good intentions). Sure I'd be mad for a while, but after a few days/weeks I would beginn to forgive her. As far as I can see Maddy didn't and we don't know if she ever would.

Often I get very mad at book characters because they're too forgiving and not holding a grudge at all against people who betrayed them in some way. But in this case I'm mad at Maddy for being too much unforgiving and holds a grudge until the end of the book. I think I'll never be satisfied with any option the author delivers because I'll always want the opposite to happen.

Book Review: Champion

Title: Champion
Author: Marie Lu
Series: Legend #3
Genres: YA, Dystopia, Sci-Fi, Romance, Action
Published: November 5th, 2013
Read: February 2016
Rating: ★★★★ 


My Copy

Publisher: Penguin Books
Cover: Paperback
Purchase Location: The Works, London

Goodreads Summary: June and Day have sacrificed so much for the people of the Republic - and each other - and now their country is on the brink of a new peaceful existence. June is back in the good graces of the Republic, working within the government's elite circles while Day has been assigned a high level military position.

Prequels: 

 

Legend (#1) (review) & Prodigy (#2) (review)

Book Review: Prodigy

Title: Prodigy
Author: Marie Lu
Series: Legend #2
Genres: YA, Dystopia, Sci-Fi, Romance
Published: January 29th, 2013
Read: February 2016
Rating: ★★★★ 


My Copy

Publisher: Penguin Books
Cover: Paperback
Purchase Location: The Works, London

Goodreads Summary: Injured and on the run, it has been seven days since June and Day barely escaped Los Angeles and the Republic with their lives. Day is believed dead having lost his own brother to an execution squad who thought they were assassinating him. June is now the Republic's most wanted traitor. Desperate for help, they turn to the Patriots - a vigilante rebel group sworn to bring down the Republic. But can they trust them or have they unwittingly become pawns in the most terrifying of political games?

Other books in the series:

 

Legend (#1) (review) &  Champion (#3)

Book Review: The Bane Chronicles

Title: The Bane Chronicles
Author: Cassandra Clare
Co-Authors: Sarah Rees Brennan & Maureen Johnson
Series: The Mortal Instruments / The Infernal Devices
Genres: YA, Fantasy, Magic, Short Stories
Published: 2014
Read: February 2016
Rating: ★★★★

My Copy

Publisher: Walker Books Ltd
Cover: Paperback
Purchase Location: Hugendubel

Goodreads Summary: It is not easy being Magnus Bane. As a warlock, he's often called upon to fix the problems of others. His life has been long, and his loves have been many. And Magnus has a way of making sure he's in the right place at the right - or perhaps wrong - time. The French Revolution, Prohibition, the first great battle between Valentine and the New York Institute... Magnus was there, and usually in the middle of it. Magnus will never be able to tell all of his tales. No one would believe him. But these eleven stories shed a little light on his often inscrutable character. They are stories he probably wishes had never got out.

Book Review: P.S. I Still Love You

Title: P.S. I Still Love You
Author: Jenny Han
Series: To All The Boys I've Loved Before #2
Genres: YA, Contemporary, Romance, Fiction, Chick Lit
Published: May 26th, 2015
Read: January 2016
Rating: ★★★★


My Copy

Publisher: Scholastic
Cover: Paperback
Purchase Location: Waterstones, London

Goodreads Summary: Lara Jean didn’t expect to really fall for Peter. She and Peter were just pretending. Except suddenly they weren’t. Now Lara Jean is more confused than ever. When another boy from her past returns to her life, Lara Jean’s feelings for him return too. Can a girl be in love with two boys at once? In this charming and heartfelt sequel to the New York Timesbestseller To All the Boys I've Loved Before, we see first love through the eyes of the unforgettable Lara Jean. Love is never easy, but maybe that’s part of what makes it so amazing.

Prequel

To All the Boys I've Loved Before (review)

Book Review: Love Letters to the Dead

Title: Love Letters to the Dead

Author: Ava Dellaira

Series: -

Genres: YA, Contemporary, Romance, Fiction, Teen

Published: April 1st, 2014

Read: January 2016

Rating: ★★★★ 

My Copy

Publisher: Hot Key Books

Cover: Paperback

Purchase Location: Waterstones, London

Goodreads Summary: It begins as an assignment for English class: write a letter to a dead person - any dead person. Laurel chooses Kurt Cobain - he died young, and so did Laurel's sister May - so maybe he'll understand a bit of what Laurel is going through. Soon Laurel is writing letters to lots of dead people - Janis Joplin, Heath Ledger, River Phoenix, Amelia Earhart... it's like she can't stop. And she'd certainly never dream of handing them in to her teacher. She writes about what it's like going to a new high school, meeting new friends, falling in love for the first time - and how her family has shattered since May died. But much as Laurel might find writing the letters cathartic, she can't keep real life out forever. The ghosts of her past won't be contained between the lines of a page, and she will have to come to terms with growing up, the agony of losing a beloved sister, and the realisation that only you can shape your destiny.