The One by Kiera Cass (No Spoilers!)

THE SELECTION changed the lives of thirty-five girls forever. Now, only one will claim Prince Maxon’s heart…
It’s swoon meets the Hunger Games in the third instalment of THE SELECTION series!
For the four girls who remain at the palace, the friendships they’ve formed, rivalries they’ve struggled with and dangers they’ve faced have bound them to each other for the rest of their lives.
Now, the time has come for one winner to be chosen.
America never dreamed she would find herself anywhere close to the crown – or to Prince Maxon’s heart. But as the competition approaches its end and the threats outside the palace walls grow more vicious, America realises just how much she stands to lose – and how hard she’ll have to fight for the future she wants.

I loved The Selection and The Elite. so I've been patiently waiting for The One!
I've had to do one of my love/hate reviews as I want to keep it as concise and spoiler free as possible!
What I loved:
Sisterhood- I loved how the sisterhood camaraderie Queen Amberley has with the previous Selection really took hold with the remaining girls. They definitely started to see themselves as a family rather than rivals and I loved how they started to share their true opinions with each other.
Twists- The One had so many twists it was a roller coaster! Some were tragic, some intriguing and some seemed so obvious afterwards. I loved how surprising and riveting this book was.
Triangle- I was initially put off this series by the idea of a love triangle however I think Kiera made it more than other love triangles. Neither Maxon or Aspen 'won' America or completely wrote themselves off. I loved that America didn't feel she had to pick one of them either, she could simply go home alone!
America- America grew more confident and compassionate throughout the series. I found her to always be fair and just, I loved how she encouraged the people to stand up for themselves not to hide away. Again I did find her frustrating because she had decided on who she loved ages ago but just wouldn't say!!
Maxon- Just continued to surprise me! I loved how attentive he was to each of the girls and how he thought out each move he made. After the revelations of The Elite it was interesting to see how he interacted with his father, he could have been more outspoken at times but Maxon is a quiet strength. As the book went on you could see glimpses of the King he would become.
Celeste- I couldn't stand her in the previous books but in The One she really opened up to America and the other girls. I liked how she admitted and apologised for all her sabotages. I grew to love her tenacity and her new found friendship with the others made the sisterhood lovely. I especially loved her friendship and support of America.
Rebels- I felt like I finally understood the difference between the Southern and the Northern rebels and I enjoyed all the twists and turns they provided.
The book had a huge climax at the end but I was left with questions about the rebels and their motives.
Side cast- America's family were all lovely and individual, I loved getting to know them better. America's bond with her father explained were she got her belief in equality and justice. I spent the whole book highly suspicious of Kota! He was just so rude and harsh to everyone. The maids were great companions and I enjoyed their interactions with America, Aspen and Maxon. I especially liked how devoted they were to America, for her kind personality rather than out of duty. Maxon's parents were so different from each other. The King was increasingly controlling and aggressive towards America. He didn't seem to understand that Maxon would be King after him and held a lot of important information back. Queen Amberley on the other hand was absolutely lovely. She was very maternal and supportive as the number of girls left diminished. I'm so glad she's getting her own novella.

The perfect end to a great series. However Kiera Cass has announced more Selection! The next book is called The Heir so I think it's safe to say this book was the perfect end to America's journey as a self aware champion for the lower castes. I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and I've already been rereading it!

Did you love The One?
Look out for my upcoming series review!
Much Love!
Lettie
Xxx

Pawn by Aimee Carter

Are you more than the number on the back of your neck?
For Kitty Doe, it seems like an easy choice. She can either spend her life as a III in misery, looked down upon by the higher ranks and forced to leave the people she loves, or she can become a VII and join the most powerful family in the country.
If she says yes, Kitty will be Masked—surgically transformed into Lila Hart, the Prime Minister’s niece, who died under mysterious circumstances. As a member of the Hart family, she will be famous. She will be adored. And for the first time, she will matter.
There’s only one catch. She must also stop the rebellion that Lila secretly fostered. The same one that got her killed…and one Kitty believes in. Faced with threats, conspiracies and a life that’s not her own, she must decide which path to choose—and learn how to become more than a pawn in a twisted game she’s only beginning to understand.

Thoughts!

I found Pawn very easy to read, and hard to put down! As this book is so complex it's hard to do an in-depth review without revealing any major plot points so I will keep it short and spoiler free!
The plot was engaging; full of twists and turns with everything that Kitty took for granted  to be based on a lie. The 'dystopic' elements were well thought out and explained. The ranking system was clever and controlling, giving everyone the illusion of equality but taking away their freedom. The concept of 'Masking' was intriguing and I think unique. Kitty was a smart and selfless lead, I enjoyed watching her adapt and flourish as Lila Hart. The Harts themselves were a mixed bag. I found Augusta highly controlling, selfish and slightly insane. Daxton was manipulative and cruel whereas Greyson was lovely and obviously perspective. Celia just seemed unhinged which was understandable in that family. From what Kitty learnt Lila seemed to be a clever but secretive member of the family and very popular. I'm looking forward to the development of these characters and  I loved Knox, he was in such a difficult position but really tried to help Kitty out. Benjy intrigued me, I liked what I saw of him but I'm sure there is more to him! Elsewhere was a truly barbaric practice that I fear will be popping up in the next instalment! I cannot wait to read Captive and see how all the characters adapt to the revelations of Pawn!

Rating!

 

A great new dystopia series with compelling characters and a complex plot!

 

Predicitons!

(no spoilers!)

• Kitty is a Hart extra, her eyes seem to be a clue!
• The rest of the country is less controlled.

Have you read Pawn? Do you have any predictions?
Much Love!
Lettie
Xxx

What's Left of Me by Kat Zhang.

I should not exist. But I do.
Eva and Addie started out the same way as everyone else—two souls woven together in one body, taking turns controlling their movements as they learned how to walk, how to sing, how to dance. But as they grew, so did the worried whispers. Why aren’t they settling? Why isn’t one of them fading? The doctors ran tests, the neighbors shied away, and their parents begged for more time. Finally Addie was pronounced healthy and Eva was declared gone. Except, she wasn’t . . .
For the past three years, Eva has clung to the remnants of her life. Only Addie knows she’s still there, trapped inside their body. Then one day, they discover there may be a way for Eva to move again. The risks are unimaginable-hybrids are considered a threat to society, so if they are caught, Addie and Eva will be locked away with the others. And yet . . . for a chance to smile, to twirl, to speak, Eva will do anything.
Why?
This book caught my eye ages ago but I put it off until I finally picked it up from my library and just dove in!

What I loved:

Concept and Plot~ Two souls in one body is such a mind blowing concept. It was so well explained and thought out. I enjoyed the background to Eva and Addie as well as getting to see other hybrids. It was so interesting to see how clearly Kat had differentiated between two souls. I liked that hybrids who did wish to be cured were included as they present another point of view and opinion. I did find the facility quite creepy with it's unknown injections and experiments but sadly realistic. The plot itself was full of engaging conflict, action and drama, which made it very hard to put down. I also appreciated that major details about hybrids etc. were repeated so you never got confused!
Addie/Eva~ I loved how different and well characterised each girl was. I didn't always feel that Addie was the more dominant as she was often slow to react to situations without Eva's urging. I loved how she had remained loyal and dedicated to Eva and was willing to risk her nice life for Eva to experience something new. I liked Eva, her point of view showed a lot of self reflection and determination. I loved reading her with Hally and Ryan and seeing how her personality came across outside of her mind. Both Addie and Eva have such a keen sense of right and wrong as well as courage to stand up for others that they make the book so easy to read.
Side Characters~ I loved the extra depth added to the series through the side characters, especially as the two minds tended to isolate Addy/Eva until Hally and Ryan.Looking forward to more on Kitty, Jackson and Ryan.
What I Didn't loved:
Adults~ I found the adult characters very disappointing! Addie and Eva's family especially, their Mum didn't seem too bothered about them once the government offered them a trade! The higher facility staff treated the teenage hybrids as if they were somehow to blame for remaining hybrid when they clearly had no control over it and treated them like animals!


Rating!

What's Left of Me is a unique and clever dystopia with brilliant characters and an engaging plot. I look forward to more!

What are you thoughts on What's Left of Me?
I've got Once We Were on my bedside table ready to pick up where this one left off!
Much Love!
Lettie
Xxx

Earth Girl by Janet Edwards.

I know what you call us. Throwbacks. Neanderthals. Apes.

In the far future, the universe is divided into two different groups Norms, who can portal between planets, and people like Jarra, the one in a thousand born with an immune system that doesn't allow them to survive anywhere but Earth.

But I have a plan.

Norms come back to Earth for one reason: to study human history- like the ruins of what was once New York City. But only if they don't have to interact with any Apes alone the way. 18-year-old Jarra has a plan to change that.

This one Earth girl who won't give in.

Why?
I loved the sound of Earth Girl and Earth Star so I was thrilled when Harper Fiction sent me the two books!

What I loved:

World Building- I liked the futuristic sci-fi feel to the book! I really loved how the universe had been spilt into different sectors named after the Greek alphabet. I'm looking forward to seeing more of the different cultures on Beta and Gamma as they seem the most diverse! The role the military played in the exploration and settling of new sectors made them seem much more like explorers than fighters! 

I enjoyed the 'concept' of ape people, it was a different concept I enjoyed how it was portrayed and all the prejudices. I especially liked the ide of pro parents who supported the ape children. The world building was amazingly complex and well written- I really felt like I understood how the world had evolved and developed!

Jarra- I felt Jarra really developed throughout the book. I loved her passion and thirst for knowledge and how she had fully immersed herself in her passion for History so she was clearly ahead of her class. The way she wanted to confront 'exos' was understandable but I liked how she grew to realise she was actually judging them more than they were judging her and realised they weren't that different. I really loved seeing how the class changed and challenged Jarra as a character!
Side Characters- Issette was my favourite side character. Issette really complemented Jarra with her positivity and optimism towards life and her acceptance of her life. I missed her during Jarra's breakdown! Krath intrigued me, I hope we read more of him soon! The Pre history class was full of such interesting different characters! Lolita and Lolmack represented the very different Beta sector and definitely added a dimension to the class. I loved their hidden secret motivations! Dalmora was such a genuinely sweet and caring person despite the fact Jarra assumed she would be snobby as she was from Alpha! Krath was obviously the loose cannon member of the class, brainwashed by a fanatic father. I admired Episilon girl determination to go to University and become a teacher to help her planet despite the fact all of her friends were getting married and starting families. Fian was my favourite Norm character. Again I felt he really complemented Jarra well with his patience and stubbornness. I also admired his passion and attention to detail, he always worked hard to make sure he was as good as possible. Playdon made a very good teaching character as he was willing to put aside prejudices in the face of clear ability and allowed his students to work to their own level

What I didn't love as much:
Breakdown- I don't want to spoil the book but Jarra's breakdown while realistic did seem to drag on a bit!


Rating!

I absolutely adored the world building and the character development!

 

I can't wait to read Earth Star!

Thank you to Harper Fiction for sending me the books!

Much Love!

Lettie

Xxx

Friday Five~ Dystopia Characters

End the week with a few favourites!

 
This is one of my new ideas! I always love hearing about other people's favourites whether it's books or TV so I thought I'd share some of mine!
I was initially just going to do Dystopia characters but I could not narrow it down to five so I've spilt it into three categories; male characters, female characters and side characters!
Most dystopias I read are led by girls or dual viewpoints with the female character being introduced first. However the male characters are usually well crafted, supportive and enlightened 'sidekicks' so picking five favourites was a challenge!
 

Xander~ Matched.

I named him as one of the things I loved most about Matched and if I'm honest I think I loved him more than Cassia! There was so much more to him than met the eye. He was perceptive, competitive, loyal but also observant enough to know who or what to be loyal to! Don't know if my opinion will change on reading Crossed and Reached but as it stands I find him to be a good solid male character with value and flaws!

 

Four~ Divergent.

What an intriguing character! It's hard to discuss him without spoiling Divergent! I loved that I was able to guess his secret and still be intrigued and surprised. I really respected how he isolated himself from the harsher approaches to Dauntless, and how he adhered to the basic princples at the heart of Dauntless. I liked how Four was withdrawn and low key but knew how to command respect and always seemed to be adhering to the basic principals of Dauntless. I'm really looking forward to reading more of him and Tris in Insurgent.

Perry~ Under The Never Sky.

Like Aria I wasn't Perry's biggest fan at the beginning of Under The Never Sky- he was quite rough and harsh. I did like how mysterious he seemed to Aria with his heightened senses and different values. I loved how he crafted Aria shoes as gesture of apology- I think that was my turning point in liking him. I really loved him and Aria together they fit so perfectly.  In Through The Even Night, I think Perry showed himself to be a true leader at heart despite his own doubts. He always put his people's best interests first regardless of how unpopular some of those choices were initially. I liked seeing a more vulnerable side to Perry when he felt isolated and was separated from Aria, it softened his harsh characteristics from Under The Never Sky. I cannot wait to see how he grows further Into The Still Blue.

Alex~ Delirium

 

I've only read Delirium but I loved Alex. He was such a layered and complex character yet initially he seemed so simple! The way he slowly introduced Lena to his life and the world she was unaware of was, showed how sensitive he was to her feelings and how important she was to him. I loved how fearless he was with his approach to life and I cannot wait to discover more about his life!

Maxon~The Selection.

I enjoyed Maxon's naivety and mystery in The Selection. Seeing him through America's eyes he seemed sheltered but serious. What I loved most about The Prince was getting such an insight into Maxon's views and opinions. I liked seeing that he too was confusion over the Selection and how he could pick a good wife and a good Queen. He was very considerate of the girls not toying with the ones he had little interest in and focussing on those he found most intriguing. His relationship with his father was clearly strained due to his father's strict controlling nature so it explained a lot about how they had interacted in The Selection. Maxon came across just as dedicated and considerate as he had been in The Selection but it was obvious that he was more independent than he or America realised! I hope he continues to grow as a character in The Elite.

Which male characters are your favourites?
Much Love!
Lettie
Xxx

Divergent by Veronica Roth

In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago world, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue--Candor, Abnegation , Dauntless, Amity, and Erudite. On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is--she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.
During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles alongside her fellow initiates to live out the choice they have made. Together they must undergo extreme physical tests of endurance and intense psychological simulations, some with devastating consequences. As initiation transforms them all, Tris must determine who her friends really are--and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes exasperating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers unrest and growing conflict that threaten to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her...

I put this book off for ages- what a mistake! It lives up to the hype and more!

What I loved:
Tris-  I admired her determination and drive! At times she really frustrated me with naivety and her inability to take direction but she was genuinely a good person. I loved how supportive she could be when needed and how she honoured the actual principles of Dauntless without losing the best parts of Abnegation.
Four- What an intriguing character! Hard to discuss him without spoiling it! I loved that I was able to guess the secret and still be intrigued and surprised. I liked how Four was withdrawn and low key but knew how to command respect and always seemed to be adhering to the basic principals of Dauntless
Side Characters- I loved the side cast! All the new Dauntless initiates were so diverse and had such contrasting motivations it was interesting to see how they coped with the pressures of initiation. I especially loved how Tris interacted both the Dauntless initiates and the Transfers. I liked getting to see the Abnegation people even briefly and I liked all the little insights in to the other sections through the side characters.
Setting- The setting was heavily influenced by the concept and the plot, each section had a part of the city. I liked how Abnegation was laid out and how Tris explained how the city was laid out as a whole. I'm really intrigued by what the rest of the world is like outside of the city and how they became the way they are!
Concept- I really liked this concept of Dystopia! I liked how it was based on personality not jobs or wealth. I loved the 5 different sections- very clever personality divisions. It was all explained really well seeing as it was Tris's point of view and she only had personal experience of two of them. My friend and I spent ages discussing which section we'd be in.
Fear landscapes- I loved this idea! It was a clever way to rank the initiates and really revealed the deeper fears that everyone has. I think it also showed the true meaning of Dauntless- not the absence of fear itself but the courage to work through the fear.

What I didn't love as much:
Character decisions- I loved Tris but my gosh she was told to lie low and she just didn't! She didn't seem to have any self preservation! I also disliked some the inevitable decisions
No Principles- Some of the initiates were so ruthless and cruel and  they got away with it. Fearlessness is not cruelty!

I loved this book- I can't believe i put it off for so long! Both my friend and her dad borrowed it while we were on holiday!

Did you love Divergent?
Much Love!
Lettie
Xxxx

Challenges 2013!

New Year! New Challenges!

I love challenges and I'm glad I have a whole year to complete these ones!
  

Genre Variety Challenge

 Hosted by Faye at Daydreamer's thoughts

Objective: To diversify my reading!
Aim: Cautious- 12 books=12 genres
Potential genres
Contemporary
Historical
Paranormal
Fantasy
Sci-Fi
Chick-Lit
Dystopian
Epic Fantasy
Biography
Autobiography
Fairy Tales
Classics
Travel Guides

British Books Challenge

Hosted by Sarah of Feeling Fictional

Objective: To be aware of more British authors!
Aim: The challenge is 12 books!
Potentials!
Zoë Marriott
Katie Dale
Lindsey Kelk

TBR Pile Challenge

Hosted by Evie of Bookish

Objective: To give equal attention to older books on my book shelves!
Aim: A Friendly Hug-11-20 books! Hopefully will do better than my similar 2012 challenge!
Potentials
Delirium trilogy

Dystopia 2013

hosted by Bonnie of Bookish Ardour

Objective: To continue my love affair with dystopia!
Aim: Contagion= 15 books!
Potentials
Delirium trilogy
Through The Ever Night,
Spark,
The Elite 

2013 New Adult Challenge

hosted by A Tapestry of Words, Tater's Tall Tails, Basia's Bookshelf & The 20 Something Fiction Writer.

Objective: To continue my love of 'New Adult'

Aim: Living On Your Own= 20 books!
Potentials
Fallen Too Far
The Edge of Never
A Toast to The Good Times
Clash
The Perfect Game

 

First Reads Reading Challenge

hosted by b00k r3vi3ws

Objective: To make sure I give new to me authors a chance!

Aim: Lover= 11-20 New Authors
Potentials
Michelle Hodkin
John Green

2013 YA Contemporary Challenge

hosted by Katie’s Book Blog

Objective: To keep reading new contemporaries!

Aim: Level 2= 10+ Books!
Potentials
Just One Day
Wrecked
Five Summers

What challenges have you signed up for this year?
Much Love!
Lettie
Xxx

Best of 2012!

2012 has been a phenomenal reading year for me!

After three years of hard work and partying I regained time for reading- I've read 50 books since June!
So my last post of 2012 is a quick round up of my 2012 favourites! I hope you all have a safe and happy New Year!

Favourite Debut

I picked this one up with nothing to go by and I loved it!

Favourite Start of Series

Divergent perfectly set the scene and the action for the rest of the series- just need to read Insurgent!

Favourite Standalone

 Morgan Matson is a firm summer time must read for me! I loved all the emotions and memories in this one!

 

Unexpected Favourite

I got this one free when I preordered Sophie Kinsella's latest book- I loved it! Very rarely does a free book surpass the one you paid for!

 

Favourite All Around

Dash and Lily had everything! Humour, sweet moments, stupid moments and action!

Favourite Latecomer

One of my last books of the year and one of my favourite! I'll be reviewing it next year!

The One I Should of Read Earlier!

Everyone's been raving about The Hunger Games for ages and I eventually picked it up in June this year- should have picked it up earlier!

 

Favourite End of Series

I was so happy to finally finish Ruby's story- I've loved her neurotic ways since 2006!

 

Favourite Sequel

I loved If I Stay but Where She Went had a little more resolution and perspective! Brilliant sequel!

Favourite 'Indie' Author

A random download led me to Abbi Glines! My favourite Indie author of 2012 because her books encouraged me to try other indie authors! 

 



Favourite Author

This one was hard! Veronica Rossi wrote a beautifully crafted world, a wonderful prequel and is very interactive! I'm already scouring my local bookshops for a freak early release!



Favourite Genre

 



 Before The Hunger Games I'd had no real interest in Dystopia but now I love it! I love all the different interpretations of the world, the intriguing mysteries and the characters. Not a fan of some of the love triangles but you can't love it all!


What were your favourites of 2012?
Happy New Year!
Much Love!
Lettie
Xxxx

Under The Never Sky by Veronica Rossi

WORLDS KEPT THEM APART.

DESTINY BROUGHT THEM TOGETHER.

Aria has lived her whole life in the protected dome of Reverie. Her entire world confined to its spaces, she's never thought to dream of what lies beyond its doors. So when her mother goes missing, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland long enough to find her are slim.

Then Aria meets an outsider named Perry. He's searching for someone too. He's also wild - a savage - but might be her best hope at staying alive.

If they can survive, they are each other's best hope for finding answers

Show Less

This was the first YA dystopia book I picked up by myself without hearing anything about it or seeing it everywhere! I clearly know how to pick them- I loved this book! It was intriguing, well crafted and left me wanting more! At least I'll have Roar and Liv's novellla to tided me over! 

What I loved:

• Realms- Loved this concept! The idea of virtual reality being an actual future possibility was popular in the 90s so I loved to see it 'resurrected' in this book. It seemed like such a perfect idea to keep people 'safe' while allowing them to 'experience' life. I also loved the issues that arose from living and experiencing life in a virtual reality.
• Senses- I liked that the Outsiders had a sort of evolutionary advantage. I loved how they were described and depicted. I was so intrigued by the different types and keeping to your own type. Can't wait to learn more! 
• Aria- Aria initially annoyed me but I grew to love her. I enjoyed how she grew and accepted the changes in her life with maturity. It was so interesting to see her adjust to the real world and real experiences outside of her cushioned life. I also respected how she dealt with all the 'random' events that happened to her without completely going crazy!
• Relationships- The relationships in this book were well written and developed. I loved how Aria and Perry developed. I liked how Aria and her mother were portrayed through Aria's eyes. Perry and Talon had such a sweet relationship and interesting bond  and I enjoyed the banter between Perry and Roar.  
• Perry- Like Aria I wasn't his biggest fan- he was quite rough and harsh but at least he had his reasons! I liked how mysterious he seemed to Aria with his heightened senses and different values. I loved how he crafted Aria shoes as gesture of apology as well as how sweet he tried to be about her starting her periods. He was also so self assured and impressive trekking across ground- I'd love to have him guide me somewhere!
• Roar- Roar provided a sort of foil to Perry. He was fun loyal and more relaxed. He seemed like a genuinely nice guy. I liked the bromance and acceptance between him and Perry. I loved how he treated Aria so nicely and looked out for her as well as connecting with her.. I loved his parallel forbidden love story with Liv. I'm excited to read more about him in the upcoming short novella!

What I didn't love as much

• Vale- I didn't really connect or feel much sympathy for him to begin with and the more I learnt about the less I liked! How can he be related to Perry, Talon and Liv? They all seem like decent people!
• Consul Hess- Typical power crazed high authority figure! How could he dump Aria outside while his son was the instigator and killer of the incident? He was very callous and selfish about the issues everyone was facing. He was also ruthless and devious with the way he blackmail Aria and dealt with Outsiders.
• Ward- He seem so weak willed and a bit pathetic. I'm sure he was aware of Hess' deceit/inappropriate experiments but he continued to happily work for him! He essentially betrayed Aria and her mother as Aria was so sure she could trust him....

 



I think I loved this book so much because it was unexpected! I'd never heard anything about Veronia Rossi or the book so it took me by surprise with it's brilliant and unique world building and fantastic characters!

 

Let me know if you loved Under The Never Sky too!
10 days to Roar and Liv!

Much Love!

Lettie

Xxx

Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan

16 years ago, Waverly and Kieran were the first children born in space. Now a perfect couple, they are the pride and joy of the whole spaceship. They represent the future. The ship is their entire world. They have never seen a stranger before. Old Earth is crumbling, and the crew is hoping to reach (and colonise) New Earth within fifty years. Along with their allies on the second spaceship - who set off a year before them and whom they have never met. One day, Kieran proposes to Waverly. That same morning, the 'allies' attack - and Kieran and Waverly are separated in the cruelest way possible. Will they ever see each other again?

This was my first sci-fi style dystopia and I really liked it! I actually picked up the gorgeous cover over a year ago but completely forgot about it until this summer!

What I loved:

• Kieran- He was highly likable and kind. Essentially he was a fundamentally a good guy if a little intense! I liked how he remained true to his convictions despite Seth's treatment.
• Setting- I really enjoyed the fact it was set in space on spaceships instead of a post-apocalyptic Earth for a chance. It allowed for a completely different environment and society.
• Comparisons- I couldn't help but make comparisons to colonial America. Jamestown which was more commercial and rough with more men seemed to correspond to Empyrean. New Horizon and New England were very clearly similar with the initial emphasis on family and the extreme religion. I liked the incorporation of colonial names such as Mathers, they gave a colonial feel to a sci fi setting.
• Waverly- She wasn't especially likable but she was brave, independent and very capable. I liked how she remained true to the Empyrean and had the good sense to question Anne.
• Dual Viewpoints- I always love this! It was especially useful as it allowed movement between New Horizon and Empyrean, Waverly and Kieran plus moved time along.

What I didn't love as much:

• Seth- Initially I liked him but after part 3 he went way down in my estimations. He had the choice to take charge or allow Kieran to, neither of which he did. When he did take charge but deception he really reminded me of his Dad and Anne Mathers with his use of brute force and fear. His treatment of Kieran although backed with logic was harsh and unnecessary. He's got a lot of work to do in Spark if I've ever going to be on his side!
• New Horizon- I get that Anne had a hold over them but they couldn't of all been that naive to think that girls recently ripped from their families would want to 'help' them. Disturbing bunch of people.
• Anne Mather- Insane cult leader! She was very creepy and disturbing. I think she was exaggerating the men of Empyrean- I'm sure they may have been  lecherous but a couple of the men on New Horizon seemed that way. New Horizon had  the exact same population due to fertility problems so the men didn't really have any 'new' women to fixate on. She was paranoid and a blatant liar. Even creepier she seemed to believe her own lies- how could she think what she did to Empyrean was justified, she clearly kidnapped innocent people for her own gain if it had been a rescue mission she wouldn't have been so selective. I really hope that she dies in one of the books, harsh I know!

I really enjoyed this book but it was highly disturbing at times- I think it's because the exploitation in this book is personal rather than violent as it usually is in dystopia! 

Have you read Glow?
What's your opinion on Kieran/Seth? Do you also eagerly anticipate Anne's death?

Much Love!
Lettie
Xxx

Matched by Ally Condie

Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate... until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black.

 

The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow.

I picked up this book over a year ago- didn't click with me and my workload at the time!

A year later I loved it! Took me awhile to get this review up!

 

What I loved:

• Society- I liked the set up, how controlling it was while the people were oblivious. I Obviously I wouldn't want to live with the Society but it was a good dystopia setting!
• Sorting- Sorting was such an intellectual version of courting which seemed both old fashioned and futuristic! I liked the idea that everyone had one perfect match and you didn't even have to search for them!
• Xander- I really liked him- he was a very layered character! He was highly competitive, loyal and law abiding . But he was also very perceptive and observant much more so than Cassia initially. I liked how he helped out Cassia and Ky irregardless of the situation. Good solid male character with value and flaws!
• Family- Cassia's family were so close it was touching! The sacrifices her father made for her Grandfather, the bravery and silent defiance of her grandfather and the familial loyalty of her mother. Even her brother was defiant in his own way. I think they showed how even the 'perfect' family could silently defy the Society.

What I didn't love as much:

• Romance- It might have been because I didn't connect with Ky but I just didn't feel much chemistry between Cassia and Ky. Not enough to warrant the risks they both took for one another. I'm hoping I'll get into in Crossed.
• Officials- They were like an army of stalkers so controlling but at the same time controlled themselves. It was very creepy- which I suppose dystopian society always is!
• Death- The way the Society 'took care' of old people at 80 was sinister. Especially as I have a lot of relatives over 80-  the idea of the goodbye banquet isn't too bad but the systematic killing? Sinister!

I loved the society but I didn't really connect with the passion- still a good read!
Crossed and Reached are on my Autumn TBR- I decided to read them together as I hear Crossed ends with a cliff hanger!
 

Did you enjoy Matched? Have you read Crossed?

Much Love!
Lettie
xxxx

August Round Up!

Monthly Feature- rounds up all the books I've read, progress on challenges and reviews my blogging!
It is kind of an expansion (?) of my favourite memes hosted by the lovely Shelia over at Book Journey!

August in numbers!

Total posts= 14

Book read= 11

Reviews Posted= 4

Meme Posts= 5

Other Posts= 5

Total Posts- 13 (unlucky!)

What I read in August!

*Plus*
The Future of Us by Kahlen Aymes.
The Boy Who Sneaks In My Bedroom Window by Kirsty Moseley.

What I Reviewed!
Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire
The Selection by Kiera Cass
Going Under by Georgia Cates

Weaker review month than July!
However this is because I stock piled reviews for my September holiday so the blog isn't abandoned while I'm gone!
I read two more books than July and I have reviewed over half of August's books all scheduled for Thursday onwards, not too bad!

What I Posted!
Discussion post- I'm really proud of this post- it took me awhile to write and post as it was my very first discussion post so I'm happy it's been well received! Just need to decided on the next subject!
Favourtie Books Post- Check out what books have been my favourite since starting this blog!
Update post- Technically a meme update but it evaluates which of the books I anticipated I'd read over summer and the result!

Did I achieve my blog goals?

Post at least one review and one book non meme post a week.
Didn't think this one through. Before August I had written very few non meme/review posts so I set the bar way to high for August! I am hoping to spend some time coming up with a good amount of ideas for these posts for October.
Make strong progress on my challenges.
Whoops! I kind of went on a YA contemporary spree- unfortunately I'm not taking part in a contemporary challenge!
Take part in more 'activities' like readthons and read alongs.
Yay- I did this one! I took part in the Summer Wrap-Up Readathon (4th August to 12th August) and Bout of Books (13th August to 19th August). I really enjoyed this goal and I hope that next time I can take part in the social aspect of readathons as well!
Beat my total monthly posts of 17!
I totally forgot to factor in the Olympics! All my friends and family caught Olympic fever so I neglected my blog- whoops. At least it's only every four years!

What I hope to achieve in September blog wise!

• To post 15 posts- This one is more achievable than last month as already have a lot of scheduled posts ready and I've factored in outside life! I am also hoping to post at least 8 reviews.
• To improve the standard of this blog- I have updated and posted a clear Review Policy. I am launching a ratings system today to help differentiate between reviews. I would love suggestions on how else to improve!
• To learn more about blog design. - I really want to change up my blog but my knowledge of blog design is so limited. If anyone has any tips or hints please let me know!!

I really enjoyed August as a blog month, I am disappointed I didn't achieve my goals but I have set more realistic ones for this month!
I will be posting my Autumn TBR list tomorrow so stop by to see what I plan on reading!  

How was your August? Did you succumb to Olympic fever too?
Much Love
Lettite
Xxx