The Scorch Trials by James Dashner.

                                                               Phase Two.

                                                              The Scorch Trials.

                                                              There are no rules.

                                                              There are no guidelines.

                                                              Make it or die.

Summary:

Solving the Maze was supposed to be the end. No more puzzles. No more variables. And no more running. Thomas was sure that escape meant he and the Gladers would get their lives back. But no one really knew what sort of life they were going back to.

In the Maze, life was easy. They had food, and shelter, and safety... until Teresa triggered the end. In the world outside the Maze, however, the end was triggered long ago.

Burned by sun flares and baked by a new, brutal climate, the earth is a wasteland. Government has disintegrated—and with it, order—and now Cranks, people covered in festering wounds and driven to murderous insanity by the infectious disease known as the Flare, roam the crumbling cities hunting for their next victim... and meal.

The Gladers are far from finished with running. Instead of freedom, they find themselves faced with another trial. They must cross the Scorch, the most burned-out section of the world, and arrive at a safe haven in two weeks. And WICKED has made sure to adjust the variables and stack the odds against them.

Thomas can only wonder—does he hold the secret of freedom somewhere in his mind? Or will he forever be at the mercy of WICKED?

No, I am still not, nor will I ever be over the feels of this book.

What even was that?

I can't quite tell whether that ending was pure genious or pure torture.

So, as you will know from my previous review of The Maze Runner, the first book in this series (you can check that out here if you're interested:  ) this series was off to a great start. Botth baffled and amazed by the first books pure genious I thought that it couldn't get any better - boy was I proven wrong.

This book was both fast paced and kept me hooked from page one. The whole way through it I always found myself admiring it's cleverness and the outstandingly creative way that everything fits together like a puzzle.

I thought that it couldnt get any worse for the gladers - that at least things would make a little bit more sense, but instead they were thrown into even more chaos and confusion than The Maze! Not to mention that this book left even ME more confused than the last.

Strangely, that feel of unknowing makes me love the book even more, makes my brain attempt to grasp at loose straws to try and figure it all out.

I just can't name one fault in this book; beautifully written with a killer of a story.

5 stars all the way.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Anathema by Megg Jenson.

Summary:

Reychel is a slave girl surrounded by magic, lies, and manipulation. Her best friend disappears in the middle of the night leaving Reychel to face her fifteenth birthday, the day her master burns his brand into the back of her bald head, alone. 

Sheltered from the outside world and without any hope for escape, can Reychel learn to believe in herself?

                                        'FORGET PROPHECY, MAKE YOUR OWN DESTINY'

  This book intrigued me; A hella rad cover? Talk of Prophets? Young adult? Yes please! But, I was actually kind of dissapointed in this book, although I could still see the attraction to it for others - perhaps pre-teens could enjoy it? Which was a shame because usually I thoroughly enjoy books of all genres for all ages.

  But, saying that, I DID enjoy this book to some extent, just not quite as much as others I've read.

  The plot-line was intriguing, although could be predictable, yet I still found myself wanting answers and wondering about things which added to the reasons why it wasn't a bust of a book for me - you know the ones? Where you just cannot read anymore and eventually have to slam it shut in frustration.

   It's quite quick paced and doesn't have many, if at all, sections that are just not needed that cause drag in the story (bookish buffering), which is a real skill this author shows as too many books I read have that issue far too often but, I still felt that the writing was a little bit wooden and felt a bit choppy in sections - but, with that in mind, perhaps a different, younger age group would see that in a completely different light? Who knows? But for me, it dragged the story down a grade.

  Again, this is just my personal opinion, maybe it was the quick to love theme that put me off enjoying this book too much, but I remember that I used to like that sort of thing when I was younger so maybe I've grown up too much (god damnit).

  That being said, it was still a good book - I know there are quite a few critisms in this review but that doesn't mean this is a 'bad book', it's quite the contrary actually! It was an enjoyable, light read and I think I may actually look out for the next installment - see where this goes. 

  *** 3/5 stars***

5 Books I Love That No One Seems To Know About.

So, recently in my entrance to the world of books online - blogs, bookstagram, booktube, so on - I've begun to notice that a lot of the books that I love, even though best sellers, are unknown to the book-loving community, that I find not only strange, but kind of sad. 

  It's time.

      To stop.

           The madness.

...I really don't know guys, I'm just trying to be dramatic here...it's late okay, sleep deprivation is who I blame, if it were a person, which it is not...carrying on...

So I wanted to introduce you guys to a few of my favourite books that are pretty much invisible to all you online bookaholics out there.

1.

    The Demon Trappers by Jana Oliver.

  This series is honestly my all time favourite series. I'll spare you the dreary sob stories behind why this personally speaks to me, but I feel that I can really relate to the protagonist, Riley. 

  I fell in love with this book from the first page and haven't forgotten it since. Now if you know me, you'll be aware that I am NOT a re-reader - I don't understand how people have the time to re-read old books when there are so many new books out there dying to be opened! It's a mystery to me. But out of all of my books this series would be the first I would crack open to re-experience it all over again.

  Yet, it baffles me that, although it IS in fact a best seller, and, of course, holds that title for an extremely valid reason, nobody seems to know about it! Where is the TDT fandom? Can somebody please tell me because as a super fan of this series (possibly even the biggest fan, might I add), I need other people to fangirl about it with! It's not good for the soul to have to keep the feels all cooped up.

  Seriously, if you haven't got this series get it now.

  Like now.

  Are you going?

  Can I see that bum skooting to the bookshop?

  Good. You've just made your life ten gazillion times better.

2.

    The Morganville Vampires by Rachel Caine.

(I'm aware I'm missing fourteen in paperback, I have it on kindle I'm going to try and get the paperback version this weekend) 

  Again, this is another series which, although is a best seller, doesn't seem to have a presence in the online bookish world. Which is a shame because Myrnin's bunny slippers should be admired by the world.

  Although, this series seems to be on its way up with the new online series being released soon which actually looks super duper cool - I know that I'll definitely be watching it. I've wanted a film/TV program  to be made of this series for a long long long time now!

  [link to trailer : http://youtu.be/o0sf67L1wOk

  Episode one : http://youtu.be/fcoe2nCFYuQ ]

  This book is a vampire series in which the whole town is run by vampires, which in itself is pretty awesome (although kind of scary), it's again another dark romance (my guilty pleasure) and just oh my, just read it.

  Out of all the books in this post this one is a bit more well known than the others but I still feel there should be way more love for these books.

3. 

    The Weather Warden series by Rachel Caine.

 

              (I appologise for the mismatched covers!)

 This series is again, like The Morganville Vampires, by Rachel Caine, although this is a more mature book aimed for an older audience.

  These books always make me feel really intelligent afterwards because you learn quite a bit of technical information about the weather! Okay, okay, I know; ew, learning, right? Calm down guys! It's not educational, just interesting with of course it's fair share of steamy romance, epic fights and action that we all love.

  It's a really fast paced series and I fell in love from the first page. It has a unique idea expanded on expertly and I definitely moped more than a bit when it unfortunately had to end.

  Rachel Caine is brilliant at creating super long series - Morganville being 15 books long, and the Weather Wardens 9. Every single one of them is amazing.

  Get yourself these books and look out for Rachel Caine! She really is an excellent author.

4.

    The Dark Heart series by Lee Monroe.

  

  A long time ago (probably only 2 years but feels like 2 million) I fell in love. With the cover of this book! How absolutely beautiful is it!? Very much so...very much so...

  Anyway, moving on; love at first sight, blah de blee, blah de blaa. I've had an addiction for dark romances since very early teens so before I was birthed into fandoms and bookstagram, blogs and booktube, it was literally the only genre I would buy, so seeing a new one clad in a goddamn gorgeous cover (cannot and will not get over it), with the promise of WEREWOLVES, it got a mmmmhmm girl, I gotta buy that shnazzle from me.

  This is an absolutely outstanding series and the reason I still know that, years after reading it is because I remember it, even if bits and pieces are muddled and such like (I have a terrible memory, honestly, I'd put Dory to shame).

  If you have read this series you shall notice I am missing the final installment, yes, I have yet to buy it along with the frequently growing list of 'buy me's' calling to me in the back of my brain but currently I'm just trying to power through my to-be-read list because dear me, it's long.

  ALSO I APPOLOGISE FOR THE BROKEN SPINE...My mum borrows my books and defiles them.

  A moment of silence please.

  Any who, this is a great series, can't wait to get the last one and yeah, you should totally get them.

5.

   The Program by Suzanne Young.

  This is actually a very recent read for me (well, compared to the rest of the books mentioned in this post anyway), but it quickly shot itself up to number two on my fave series list. This book literally makes me squeel. Like, it makes me tingle...and a book that makes me tingle - well damn, the poo is about to get real!

  Again, this is a series and currently the first and second book is out, yet, alike to the dark heart series, I haven't had chance to buy it yet, but it is called The Treatment and I'm oogling the pretty cover that matches with this one and if I don't get the matching one...well, somebody's gonna die, that's all I'm saying...

  I love the concept - the main plot is based around how suicide has become an epidemic and it's kind of showing the reaction to that - the steps put in place to try and prevent it and the struggle that teens face in this, well I guess it is, dystopian world.

  I'm going to put a quick little note in about triggering - for me this book didnt actually trigger me and I really don't want to say 'trigger warning, don't read if you're sensitive to the topics' because I think this was a fabulously good book and I don't want any of you to miss out, but I also want you all to stay safe, stay clean and stay happy, but, this book doesn't really focus so much on the depression side of things, it's kind of the foundation to the story; but yeah, just throwing that out there!

  I loved this book from start to finish so...yeah, get your butts reading!

Darkness by Erin Eveland.

Summary:

One Girl. One Boy. And the Masters of Darkness. See the Shadow Creatures. They are everywhere. But you can't run from the shadows or the Masters who control them.

Catherine has been born with a supernatural power called Darkness. The Masters of Darkness have found her and it's just a matter of time before someone claims her.

An Interactive Novel
A QR Code starts the beginning of each chapter connecting the reader to specific art or music that ties into the mood and setting of the novel. Using the quick response code in print and eBook formatting, Darkness incorporates visual and sound to heighten the reading experience.

  The first thing I'm going to do is point out the obvious - this book, as the title infers, is indeed dark, and when I say dark, I mean DARK.

  Every possible hurrendous thing you can think of that can happen to a girl in her teens has happened to Catherine, and to top it all off, she's dragged into matters to do with a dark, possible perceived as evil, force called 'Darkness', something she never asked for, nor wanted.

  This book is brilliantly written and is actually quite frightening in places. It's a very dreary novel, but not in a bad way - it has an atmosphere running from start to finish that feels quite murky; not sadness or anger but more a mood of hopelessness.

  I also quite like the idea of the interactive side of this book, although I didn't really participate in that side of it that often myself, but I could see what it was trying to achieve and thought it was a new and innovative idea.

  And can I just make a quick mention that I sincerely hope there is going to be a sequel to this book...you can't just leave it like that! It's not good for the soul.

  Great read!

**** 4/5 stars ****

The Maze Runner by James Dashner.

Summary:

When the lift cranks open, the only think Thomas remembers is his first name. But he's not alone - an army of boys welcomes him to the Glade, an encampment at the centre of a terrible maze. The Gladers have no idea why they're there, or what's happened to the world outside. And following the arrival of a girl with a message, they must find a way out - or die.

                                                   'DAY ONE GREENIE. RISE AND SHINE.'

  From the very first page I was hooked. And when I say hooked, I mean HOOKED. Many nights I shed a tear from sleep deprivation just for that one more chapter; one more page; one more sentence. This book turned me into a readaholic, and I loved every minute of it.

  I can officially say this screwed with my head more than once and I found myself trying to solve it all along with the characters. I wanted to know more; no, scratch that I NEEDED to know more. With beautiful torture this book withheld all the answers I was dying to know and though it made me rather frustrated, it also made me love it all the more.

  This is the definition of a clever book.

  The idea was amazing and followed through perfectly. It was written well and not once did I find myself bored or having to re-read paragraphs over again. The Maze Runner has climbed it's way up to my top 3 (within series) and I'm literally twitching because I've yet to buy the rest of the series.

  This has left me with a whopper of a bookhangover, I can tell you that.

  I think it's pretty obvious as to what the ratings going to be.

  ***** 5/5 stars *****

The Pointless Book by Alfie Deyes.

Summary:

Brought to you by YouTube Vlogger Alfie Deyes, The Pointless Book, accompanied by the free downloadable app, is the ultimate addition to his YouTube channel a weird & funny video-diary of fun, challenges and nothingness: bake a cake in a mug; take part in a people-watching challenge; create a time capsule; diarise a week of your life and learn to make origami. Fully illustrated and packed with a host of games, activities and pranks, Alfie invites you to join his online following as he challenges you to complete your journal of pointlessness and do virtually nothing with pride.

  When I bought this book I had no idea what to expect, and what I found was actually a pleasant surprise! 

  I'd heard about another book called 'Wreck this Journal' a while ago when there was a big hype around it from many of my friends but never seemed interested in it myself. The idea of disfiguring a book just really seemed horrifying to me.

  But, strangely enough, I absolutely loved doing all the activities in The Pointless book!

  The Pointless Book is basically a book filled with a ton of pointless (yet still awesomely fun!) activities for you to fill in, participate and in some cases, do as you please! This book is basically yours to do as you wish (oh, the power! *insert evil laugh*) and although you may not want to participate in all of the activities, there are plenty there to choose from, so, if you wish, you can be picky.

  The other thing I love about this book is the interactive factor - the app you can download to accompany the book. You can scan it on some of the pages and see what Alfie wrote for his, and even watch videos of him participating in the books activities, which is really entertaining and fun to do.

  So, while this book may be pointless, it definitely doesn't fall short of a source of entertainment.

  Brilliant concept which I thoroughly enjoyed.

  

***** 5/5 stars *****

  

Timesmith by Niel Bushnell.

Summary:

Thirteen -year-old Jack Morrow is haunted by the past. 

For Jack is a Timesmith, someone with the ability to travel through Sorrowlines, the channels that connect every gravestone with the date of the person's death.

Desperate to help his family Jack finds himself in a secret world deep under the streets of 1940's London. Hunted by the undead knights of the Paladin Jack must find the fabled lost sword of Durendal before it can be used to resurrect the Paladin's evil master, Rouland.

Separated from his friends Jack is forced into an uneasy alliance with Hilda, a strange girl with a hidden past. Together they must find their way through the treacherous underground city of Ealdwyc and stop Rouland's return. Jack's future, and that of his entire family depends on it.

  I was originally sent this book for review and was oblivious to the fact that it was the second book in the series (total face palm moment) and quickly had to recover and buy the first book, Sorrowline, as fast as I could.

  Now, if you follow my reviews, (if you don't then there's been a hole missing in your life - ta-da you just found it!) then you will be aware that I absolutely loved Sorrowline, fantastic book, that, although I wasn't exactly the age range, as this is a middle grade book, I still enjoyed and didn't feel at all as if it was too young for me or anything like that. I eased into the story straight away and was hooked from start to finish.

  Timesmith, the sequel to the book, followed in its footsteps and didn't dissapoint at all. Again it had a thrilling plot line to keep you on your toes, it was beautifully written and well thought out, and, again, just as Sorrowline had, the end left me wanting more.

  I will definitely be keeping up with this series and this author. This book would be perfect for 13/14 year olds + and it's definitely one of my favourite middle grade series's.

  First class book.

***** 5/5 stars *****

The Program by Suzanne Young.

Summary:

In Sloane’s world, true feelings are forbidden, teen suicide is an epidemic, and the only solution is The Program.

Sloane knows better than to cry in front of anyone. With suicide now an international epidemic, one outburst could land her in The Program, the only proven course of treatment. Sloane’s parents have already lost one child; Sloane knows they’ll do anything to keep her alive. She also knows that everyone who’s been through The Program returns as a blank slate. Because their depression is gone—but so are their memories.

Under constant surveillance at home and at school, Sloane puts on a brave face and keeps her feelings buried as deep as she can. The only person Sloane can be herself with is James. He’s promised to keep them both safe and out of treatment, and Sloane knows their love is strong enough to withstand anything. But despite the promises they made to each other, it’s getting harder to hide the truth. They are both growing weaker. Depression is setting in. And The Program is coming for them.

  One of the best books I've read in a long time.

  It's shot straight up to my top two favourites series-wise. Seriously, if you have not got this book, you just HAVE to.

  It's emotional, exhilarating, it honestly feels like you're there, taking you through the twists and turns of emotions just as Sloane does. I can tell you now, I gasped more than about twenty times in this book. So many shocks!

  I would reccomend this book to anyone, anyone at all because for me, this is my second favourite series and I literally cannot wait to read The Treatment - the second installment in the series - but unfortunately due to the massive to be read pile growing on my shelf it seems I'm going to have to wait (crys).

  I could write a twelve page essay about why this book is so amazing but I neither have the time, nor will you want to read it - so, the only other thing I can say to you is BUY THIS BOOK. Like now. No matter where you are or what your doing you need to buy this book right now.

  I was in love with The Program from the first page.

**** 6/5 stars *****

Talented (#1) by Sophie Davis.

Summary:

Block it out. Impossible for Talia Lyons. When you’re a Mind Manipulator, it’s hard enough to block the thoughts of others, let alone your own.

Block it out. The pounding, siren-ready world Talia inhabits as she trains with her fellow Hunters, the country's top-secret covert operatives. The physical demands. The emotional toll.

Block it out. The secrets that Talia’s boyfriend is hiding. Talia’s unbidden feelings of frustration and annoyance toward her teammate, the Casanova of the compound. The wondering why she cares what he thinks.

Block him out. Ian Crane. The man behind the bloodshed marring Talia’s memories of her murdered parents. The man she’s determined to kill.

Block it all out. Focus.

Talented is an emotionally raw Dystopian Romance, about the life of a girl with extraordinary psychic powers, and what happens when a heart is torn between love and rage.

  For me, I felt that the beggining of this book was hard to read - I felt really disconnected from the characters and it suffered from description overkill - but, when it got more into the story and the plot solidified I began to quite enjoy it.

  Slowly, but surely, after that first period of awkwardness I felt, I started to create a connection with the protagonist - Talia - and some of the other characters also, such as Henri and Erick. I really did feel for her and this was when I really began to get into the book.

  That's when it gets exciting and we see how amazing the plot is! Invigorating and exhilarating I sped through the rest of the book in a few hours and it left me craving more. I grew to love some of the characters and hate others - and that ending...THAT ENDING! I just need the second book now.

  So although there were some issues with over description in the writing, the book was structurally sound and made for a really enjoyable read!

  I'll be waiting eagerly for the next installment of this series!

  ****4/5 stars****

Afterworlds by Scott Westerfield.

Summary:

Darcy Patel has put college and everything else on hold to publish her teen novel, Afterworlds. Arriving in New York with no apartment or friends she wonders whether she's made the right decision until she falls in with a crowd of other seasoned and fledgling writers who take her under their wings… 

Told in alternating chapters is Darcy's novel, a suspenseful thriller about Lizzie, a teen who slips into the 'Afterworld' to survive a terrorist attack. But the Afterworld is a place between the living and the dead and as Lizzie drifts between our world and that of the Afterworld, she discovers that many unsolved - and terrifying - stories need to be reconciled. And when a new threat resurfaces, Lizzie learns her special gifts may not be enough to protect those she loves and cares about most.

  So, first off, I have to say that I preffered this book by a ton to Scott Westerfields previous work, Uglies. Although it didn't completely grab my attention at times, I never thought it was actually boring, like I did with Uglies. So, there's a plus.

  I was very excited to read this book, especially with the main protagonist being a young author herself, I thought that I would click and connect with her straight away - and I was correct. I loved the fact that there were two stories in this book - and part of a third (Pyromancer) - but, despite this, it still meant that it became quite a lengthy novel and I thought it was quite heavy - you know, like when you eat a slice of cake and it's so good but it's also really hard to finish? That's what this was like, and I guess, if I'd have been more relaxed whilst reading it, I might have had a different opinion; but I guess it's all a matter of taste.

  That being said though, I found no other faults in this book; it was written impeccably, the story flowed brilliantly with the plot clearly well thought out and, though complicated, understandable. I also loved how, rather than just one, we got two, and part of a third, if you count the start of 'Pyromancer' stories, and how, in Darcy's world, and in some cases Lizzies, Westerfield managed to keep it realistic. Oh yeah, he also chucked in a death god for purposes of YA hotness, which is always a bonus!

  So, overall, though this book didn't make it into my favourites, I still enjoyed it and would definitely reccomend it - just make sure you're ready for a long read before you start!

  I really do hope there's going to be a sequel to this book and if there is I'll be at the front of the line waiting to snatch it up.

****4/5 stars****

Don't let go by Sharla Lovelace.

Summary:

Noah Ryan and Jules Doucette spent every moment together, first as best friends and later as young lovers. The two had planned a life together—until one unspeakable decision tore them apart for good.

Twenty-six years later, Jules is still carefully living the life her mother planned out for her. She’s running her mother’s store, living in her mother’s house, following her mother’s rules, and keeping the secrets her mother made her bury.

Then Noah comes home and any sense of an ordered life flies out the window. Noah’s return does more than just stir up old memories—it forces Jules to see her life in a whole new way and uncovers secrets even she didn’t know were buried. Secrets that could easily destroy her world once more.

  Oh. My. Lord. This book!

  I honestly can't even settle my feelings right now.

  This book managed to make me so emotional that it was unreal. It even managed to draw out the secret romantic side in my that I've damned since the first day I'd found it.

  This is definitely, DEFINITELY, reached it's way up into my top ten, and was an absolutely fantastic way to delve into a new genre, because, this happened to be my first ever contemperary romance - yes, okay! I admit it, I jumped on the band wagon of 'contemporary romance book? Boring'. Oh, how I was so wrong, in fact, I pity the old me because I've just landed on a gold mine...well, if a 'gold mine' consists of going on a romance rampage then, it most defintitely fits the bill.

  So I love, love, LOVED the style of writing - it was beautiful and I connected with Jules instantly, it really felt like I was right there, living her life with her, which was a little creepy but we've all got to have some creepy sometimes right? Creepy is good...well, this kind of creepy was good anyway.

  And dead lord did this book make me cry. I've been a blubbering mess since the moment I started it. It came with plenty of shocks and gasps and laughs and a wallowing pit of sadness that made my heart hurt. A lot.

  Okay, yeah, I loved the book a lot and I'm a little crazy about it. Deal with it.

  Oh and by the way, Noah Ryan? Yep, wouldn't mind some of him...

  It was written beautifully and I never, ever wanted to end, I can't wait for the next book, I seriously can't. I'm still tingling after this one. Good lord, Sharla Lovelace what have you done to me? I've been turned into a soppy lovey dovey mushy mess.

  And I love it.

  There's no doubting the rating on this one.

  ***** 5/5 stars *****

Peter: An Untold True Story by Christopher Mechling.

Summary:

Chris Mechling's new historical novel, Peter, introduces readers to the amazing true story behind the fairy tale of Peter Pan. The book tells the adventures of the real boy who came to London and became a well-known figure more than a hundred years before James Barrie penned his classic. 

Peter the Wild Boy lived in eighteenth century England, through the reigns of three kings (all named George), and achieved legendary status in his own lifetime. He was not only a popular figure, but also drew intense philosophical and scientific study, and was a subject of interest to literary figures such as Daniel Defoe and Jonathan Swift. Peter retained a youthful appearance throughout his life, and had a joyful, intuitive spirit that was both challenging and infectious. 

This imaginative dramatization of the life of Peter the Wild Boy captures the joy, innocence and fire of a bright, feral child living in the midst of the Age of Enlightenment. It is narrated by the girl who perhaps knew him best. The epic story of his life, spanning approximately seventy years, navigates a tumultuous and thoughtful period in English history, rich with characters. 

  This was a story that would be able to make even the coldest of hearts melt.

  A beautifully light story that manages to take you back to the time period it was set, whilst also not being dull and boring, to even one of the younger generations minds. It was funny, charming and sad all in one, and also managed to be very interesting and informative, which I guess is the point of a historical novel.

  This one, incidentally, my first historical novel, and I have to say that I did love it - it was something different, but in this case, that was a good thing.

  The story line was clear and concise and it wasn't choppy or lost my attention at all, which I usually find with books inclined to a more older audience; which isn't a problem, but it was good that this book held that bit of an edge.

  It was written beautifully and made me feel like I was a child again, being read a story by an adult before being tucked in and falling asleep - it held that kind of innocence that took you to a floaty place and I really enjoyed that.

  So overall, this book exceeded my expectations and I look forward to reading more of Christopher Mechling's work.

  

***** 5/5 stars *****

Disruption (The Cambridge Files #1) by Steven Whibley.

Summary:

At fourteen, Matt Cambridge has executed so many pranks - the latest nearly destroying his school - that his parents are out of discipline options. So his father pulls a few questionable strings to get his son into Camp Friendship: A camp that promises to strengthen the moral compass of today's youth. With a name like Camp Friendship Matt imagines three punishing weeks of daisy chains and Kumbayas.

Within minutes of arriving at the camp, however, Matt's nearly killed--twice. It doesn't take long for him to realize there's more to this picture-perfect place than meets the eye. What sort of summer camp has programs in forging passports? Why do they have endless fight training, and weapons drills, and what is with the hidden rooms? Matt wonders if his parents realize they've enrolled him in what seems to be some kind of freakish, elite spy school.

What Matt doesn't yet know - and is soon to find out - is that Camp Friendship's ultimate purpose is far more sinister than he could possibly have imagined. With each dot he connects, he begins to understand that in the end he'll be left with two choices: pull the prank of a lifetime to escape this place...or die trying.

  So I received this book on my kindle for review and I have to say it was outstandingly brilliant.

  From the very first page I fell in love with Matt Cambridge, I loved his quick wit, yet, he was still a realistic character and showed his weaknesses and, like all the characters in this book, his character development was perfectly executed.

  This was a fantastic read and I found myself hooked from start to finish; the concept was brilliant and left me dying to know more at every page. It was also a quick read and I managed to fly through it, so those of a younger audience would also be able to enjoy it, although, I believe this is just one of those books that has no age boundary from the youngest teens and up.

  I was also impressed by the impeccable writing, it flowed beautifully and made me feel connected to the world of this book, which not many books really manage to do. And I can tell you now that no part of this novel was predictable, it took me down twists and turns that I could never have even begun to imagine.

  It was exciting, funny and even left me jaw-droppingly baffled at some points, but I loved it, through and through.

  This will definitely be a series I will be looking out for.

***** 5/5 stars *****

  

Searching For Darkness by Leah Ward.

  Summary:

Edwin is a Seer, one of the few remaining in the world, who can see places and animals that the normal eye cannot. When his parents, the legends that would find the ancient cave and destroy the book Darkness, are killed before they can, Edwin finds it his duty as heir to the legends, to live out their destiny. In this day and age, wolves twice the size of the average ones with red beady eyes, walking piranha that destroy anything in water or on land, and even a pearlescent white dragon will only be some of the creatures Edwin will have to cross to reach the cave that Darkness is hidden in. Along the way he learns of several powers that he has been gifted with, when strangely a normal Seer is only gifted one. The cave will reveal incredible secrets and what he thought to be true may just unravel the world that he is so desperately trying to save.

  So, I was given this book to review and also to be part of a street team where I got a bunch of cool goodies to do with the book including a tee and some bookmarks! (I'll post a picture somewhere). It's by a fairly new author who has also got a poetry book - The Art Of Words - which is pretty cool too and I may do a post on it in the future.

  The style of writing of this book straight away reminded me of a book a read a few years ago that I really enjoyed because it was fast paced and, unusual for a book of the early-teens age range, was actually fully illustrated. Anyway, I'm getting off track - that book was something very different and I loved the style and I was actually very happy to find it again in another book.

  The book flows smoothly and the plot line is exciting and actually kept me hooked throughout my 2 day holiday in Wales, whereas usually, when on holiday, unfortunately I tend not to read much.

  It was also a light read, which was good and if I'm honest, I couldn't really fault it; the ideas were imaginitive, the characters didn't annoy me (makes a change, haha!) and it really was something new and different, which really is a big thing I look for in a book and I know from experience that it's a hard thing to achieve.

  

  I'd also like to make a quick mention to the cover (I'm really sorry! I'm a cover fanatic) as JUST LOOK AT IT! It's beautiful! I love it quite a lot and when it arrived in the mail I believe I was just sat on my bed stroking it for about half an hour! Woops!

  I think that this is a book that will take the populous of young teens by storm. Innovative, interesting and hooks you at the first page. I reccomend it to around the 11-14 age range, or if your just someone who would like to try something new! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more of Leah's work.

***** 5/5 stars *****

City Of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare.

  

  Summary:

In this dazzling and long-awaited conclusion to the acclaimed Mortal Instruments series, Clary and her friends fight the greatest evil they have ever faced: Clary's own brother.

Sebastian Morgenstern is on the move, systematically turning Shadowhunter against Shadowhunter. Bearing the Infernal Cup, he transforms Shadowhunters into creatures out of nightmare, tearing apart families and lovers as the ranks of his Endarkened army swell.

The embattled Shadowhunters withdraw to Idris - but not even the famed demon towers of Alicante can keep Sebastian at bay. And with the Nephilim trapped in Idris, who will guard the world against demons?

When one of the greatest betrayals the Nephilim have ever known is revealed, Clary, Jace, Isabelle, Simon, and Alec must flee - even if their journey takes them deep into the demon realms, where no Shadowhunter has set foot before, and from which no human being has ever returned...

Love will be sacrificed and lives lost in the terrible battle for the fate of the word in the thrilling final installment of the classic urban fantasy series The Mortal Instruments!

  So, those of you who have been on tender hooks for the release of this novel will know that it's the final installment of The Mortal Instruments series and that world wide people are going crazy over it - tons and tons of new fans every day; it's even got it's own film version with my beloved Robert Sheehan...

  Anyway, onto the review!

  This book had the unfortunate timing of coming out slap bang in the middle of my exams, so, I have to admit that it was cast aside and abandoned for quite some time, I did start it but wasn't enjoying as much as I should have done and found it a struggle; through no fault of the book, just exams wearing on me.

  But, when my exams were over I sped through this massive 725 page book! I could hardly put it down, as per usual, Cassie blew me away with her magnificent writing skills and broke my heart more than once, I swear I almost had a heart attack near the end of this book!

  I love this world and, yes, I am sad to say goodbye to it, but it was a good clean ending without loose ends, but I must admit, I have got quite a book hangover from it!

  I just couldn't fault it, Cassie has a gift and I would reccomend this series to absolutely anyone who would listen. It will stay in my heart forever.

  *****5/5 stars*****

The Midlife Of Dudley Chalk by Peter James Lamb.

Summary:

Following a near-fatal flying accident, Dudley Chalk is placed in a medically-induced coma. Before being taken to hospital, while still lying broken and tangled in the material of the paraglider he so recently failed to fly, another version of Dudley appears. The new version of Dudley watches dispassionately the scene unfolding before him, then enters a world of his own. As one Dudley is taken to hospital, the other finds himself standing in a place called Arlingberry Forest. And so begins the Midlife of Dudley Chalk. He now exists as two versions of himself—one a man close to death in a hospital bed, and the other a fledgeling Private Investigator, looking for a missing person in the depths of a forest where crimes have been committed over the centuries, where ghosts and UFOs are frequently seen, where other lives come back to haunt him. Arlingberry is a place like no other. Dudley's first attempt to fly nearly killed him. Dudley's first attempt to find a missing person proves to be as life-altering, but in a very different way. Both worlds are linked, aided by the healing hands of an eternal spirit called Kathleen Morrison, and by the ancient paths that track their way through Arlingberry Forest...

  So, the beggining of this book was very confusing for me, I didn't really understand what was going on but, as the book progressed and the plot came together it became clear what was happening and I began to really enjoy it.

  This book isn't a genre I would usually delve in, but lately I've been wanting a bit of a change and I've been checking out different types of genres, from the YA I usually stick to. Of course I have read mystery/crime type books in the past - growing up in a house of lovers of the great Agatha Christie doesn't allow not reading the books! But I found that I did enjoy it - even though it did take me a while to get through.

  This was quite a challenging read, but maybe that's just due to my age; I would definitely say it's more for an older audience or for people who are up for a challenge and who don't mind it being slow paced.

  It was a light read but definitely memorable, I especially enjoyed some of the philosophical ideas that Peter James Lamb touched on, like when he mentioned that time is nothing - 'there is only before 11pm and after 11pm' and such like that, it really made me think as a reader and challenged my thoughts.

  So, overall I did enjoy it even though I wasn't really the audience it was aimed at and I would definitely reccomend it to people interested in this genre - it was written well, the plot was well thought out and it was most definitely interesting.

***3.5/5 stars***

Branded (A Sinners Series #1) by Abi Ketner and Missy Kalicicki.

Summary:

Fifty years ago the Commander came into power and murdered all who opposed him. In his warped mind, the seven deadly sins were the downfall of society. He created the Hole where sinners are branded according to their sins and might survive a few years. At best. 
Now LUST wraps around my neck like blue fingers strangling me. I’ve been accused of a crime I didn’t commit and now the Hole is my new home. 

Darkness. Death. Violence. Pain. 

Now every day is a fight for survival. But I won’t die. I won’t let them win.

The Hole can’t keep me. The Hole can’t break me. 
I am more than my brand. I’m a fighter. 
My name is Lexi Hamilton, and this is my story.

  So I had the privilege to recieve a copy of Branded to review as part of its blog tour and the best thing I can say to describe this book is simply that it's a definite up and coming best seller.

  I was actually surprised to find out that it wasn't already, this book has all the key elements to be a best seller, plus more! Originality, though, is a major bonus for this book.

  I loved the ideas weilded through this book in a sort of Hitler-ish dictatorship, which, although frightening is a completely plausible turn that the future could take. It was realistic, in the best way, some parts of the book made me uncomfortable; made me cringe, shiver and want to cry, sometimes even all at the same time. But that wasn't a bad thing. I felt involved in the story, even though many of the events featured fortunately hadn't had a personal link to me before; it felt like I was really living in the story.

  The romance was spot on as well - I have a thing against 'soppy' romance, although it usually depends on my mood - it felt like it was the real deal, and you felt as the characters did towards both of them; I fell in love with most of the characters in this book; the rest I despised, but for good reason!

  I've never seen nor read anything like this before even though it's a genre that I am distinctly familiar with, and that itself should deserve this book a number one rank.

  It's written beautifully aswell although, like with all books, there are one or two typos, it's very common and I personally know how easy it is to miss the little things, but the typos didn't at all affect the flow of the writing, so that was another plus.

  If I'm being honest, I really couldn't find a fault to this book, and sometimes I can be really picky but I honestly did love it - through and through.

  It actually made it into my favourite series, just behind Jana Oliver and The Demon Trappers, yet in front of The Hunger games, Divergent, The Mortal instruments and The Infernal Devices. And seen as all of the above are best sellers and all (except The Demon Trappers) have movie adaptions, it's not that hard to predict where Branded is headed.

 I will eagerly be awaiting on the sequel to this book and look forward to buying my very own physical copy because, just look at the cover!

  Truly a brilliant book.

  

  *****5/5 stars*****

The Revealed by Jessica Hickam.

Summary:

Lily Atwood lives in what used to be called Washington, D.C. Her father is one of the most powerful men in the world, having been a vital part of rebuilding and reuniting humanity after the war that killed over five billion people. Now he’s running to be one of its leaders.

But in the rediscovered peace on Earth, a new enemy has risen. They call themselves the Revealed – a powerful underground organization that has been kidnapping 18 year olds across the globe without reservation. No one knows why they are kidnapping these teens, but it’s clear something is different about these people. They can set fires with a snap of their fingers and create a wind strong enough to barrel over a tree with a flick of their wrist. No one has been able to stop them, and they have targeted Lily as their next victim.

But Lily has waited too long to break free from her father’s shadow to let some rebel organization just ruin everything. Not without a fight.

So, I was given a copy of this book to review through netgalley and I've got to say I was mainly attracted by the cover - beautiful covers drive me to them like a moth to a flame. Then, when I read the blurb, I just knew I had to have it.

  So before I go into all the good stuff I've got to comment on the actual writing and structure of the book; I thought that the writing flowed beautifully, holding my very short attention span (trust me I'm honestly like a goldfish when it comes to memory and getting distracted easily) and never once faltered or vered off down a course that I couldn't understand or comprehend, I was able to follow it without the frustration of having to re-read sections over and over again, which is an activity I find myself having to repeat quite frequently in some books. I also loved the plot and thought it was well thought out and took me down some twists and turns that I never could have predicted.

  Unpredictability was another talent that this book weilded with expertise, most books, of course, can be predicted - due to the fact that there isn't really such thing as a completely original story. Not that that's a down side, I still enjoy practically every book I read, even when I see what's coming. But the fact that I couldn't guess what was going to happen next in this particular novel just made it all the more of an adventure for me.

  What else that struck me as magnificent for this was the way it was written - the style. Usually in books I watch over the events, it's like I'm kind of a ghost; I can see all the characters and see them as they play out their parts but I usually know, or have a feel for what they're thinking and feeling - who I can trust although on the odd occasion I would find myself disoriented from a plot twist. With The Revealed this was not the case - I was thrust inside the main character (Lily) and was limited to only being able to think in the way she does, when she felt betrayed, I felt betrayed, when she didn't trust someone, neither did I, I found myself feeling exactly the same as she was throughout the book and that was something that I hadn't come across before, and being as active a reader as me, to come across something for the first time must mean it's extremely rare. And as both a reader, and a writer 

, this is extremely exhilarating and enlightening.

  This book had all you could ever wish for - a secret organisation said to have strange abilities - a parent-daughter conflict, showing a lack of freedom that I,  and I'm sure many other teens across the globe, can relate to - and, of course, what is a YA book without a swoon-worthy man. (Just saying, I ship Kaly so hard).

  I loved this book and I'm 100% positive that in no time YA lovers will be snatching it off the shelves.

  Thoroughly enjoyable read.

  *****5/5 stars*****

(Find out more about the book at www.jessicahickam.com.)