The Reader Bee: Dystopian

Showing posts with label Dystopian. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

My Thoughts: Rebel by Marie Lu

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42288081-rebel

Respect the Legend. Idolize the Prodigy. Celebrate the Champion. But never underestimate the Rebel.

With unmatched suspense and her signature cinematic storytelling, #1 New York Times–bestselling author Marie Lu plunges readers back into the unforgettable world of Legend for a truly grand finale.

Eden Wing has been living in his brother’s shadow for years. Even though he’s a top student at his academy in Ross City, Antarctica, and a brilliant inventor, most people know him only as Daniel Wing’s little brother.

A decade ago, Daniel was known as Day, the boy from the streets who led a revolution that saved the Republic of America. But Day is no longer the same young man who was once a national hero. These days he’d rather hide out from the world and leave his past behind. All that matters to him now is keeping Eden safe―even if that also means giving up June, the great love of Daniel’s life.

As the two brothers struggle to accept who they’ve each become since their time in the Republic, a new danger creeps into the distance that’s grown between them. Eden soon finds himself drawn so far into Ross City’s dark side, even his legendary brother can’t save him. At least not on his own . . . (Goodreads)

I was a little late to the party when it came to reading the Legend series by Marie Lu, but I finally read all of the books last year, and really enjoyed the story. I thought the series had ended with Champion, the third book in the series, so imagine my surprise when I discovered that there would be a fourth book, named Rebel, set to release in 2019!

Rebel is an interesting addition to this already successful series. It features a lot of the characters that you know and love from the previous book, give or take a few, and a few new interesting characters as well. The story is told by alternating viewpoints between Daniel, (yes, that Daniel from the original books), and his brother, Eden. This was interesting because we got to know Eden a bit from the previous books, and it was interesting to see inside his mind. We also get to see a lot of June as well, and I loved getting to see all that she had been up to since the previous story.

I was super curious to know how the storyline would go for this book, especially considering the way Champion left off at the end. The story felt brand new, with very few references to the original storyline, so that was interesting. I don’t know if there is going to be more books after this one or not, but the end of this book wraps up nicely, and it feels like we’re getting some of the closure that we didn’t get with Champion. I am very happy with the ending of this book.

Overall; Rebel was definitely and interesting addition to the Legend series, and I am really glad that I chose to read the book. Was it a necessary addition, not really, but it was nice to fall back into the world that Marie Lu created, and to get to see some of our favorite characters again, after such a long time away. I definitely enjoyed it, and if you decide to read the book, then I hope you do as well!

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Tuesday, November 6, 2018

My Thoughts: Legend by Marie Lu (Series Review)

https://www.goodreads.com/series/50673-legend

Legend
by Marie Lu
Website | Twitter | Instagram

Publisher: Speak
Genre: YA | Fantasy | Sci-Fi | Dystopia

Legend (Legend #1)
November 29th 2011 • 305 Pages
ISBN: 9780141339603

Prodigy (Legend #2)
January 29th 2013 • 371 Pages
ISBN: 9780399256769

Champion (Legend #3)
November 5th 2013 • 369 Pages
ISBN: 9780399256776

In a violent, futuristic, half-flooded Los Angeles governed by martial law, fifteen year old Day lives on the streets as the country's most wanted criminal. When a murder forces him to cross paths with June--a wealthy, brilliant fifteen year old girl loyal to the state--the two are thrown into direct opposition and combat. But are they truly meant to be enemies? Or is there more to their society than meets the eye? (Marie Lu)

I was more than a little late to jump on the bandwagon for Marie Lu’s Legend series, but the series had been sitting on my bookshelf for THE LONGEST, and I was determined to finally read it, (as well as the Warcross series), this year. Now that I’ve finished the series, I’m totally kicking myself for not having read it sooner!! Here are my thoughts on the books!

(I thought about reviewing each book individually, but decided instead to try something new, and review the WHOLE series together. This is my first time doing this for a book series, if I remember correctly, so bear with me during this new process!!)

I went into Legend not really knowing what to expect, because even though the series is super popular, I never really looked up to see what it was about. I’m actually glad that I did this, because I went into the first book completely clueless to the storyline, and I just settled in for the ride.

So, what did I like about the series?? First, the storyline. I really enjoyed the fantasy and dystopian storyline. It has been a while since I last read a good dystopian, and even though I have read a LOT of them, I’m always curious to start a new one. Sometimes the story can seem so familiar, that I instantly lose interest, but that didn’t happen at all with the Legend series. The storyline was completely fascinating, and I was completely hooked.

Another thing I really liked about the series were the characters. June and Day come from completely different worlds, yet whose paths cross in the most unexpected way, and they end up having to work together, even though it’s the last thing either of them want. I enjoyed watching their relationship grow over the course of the series, and I LOVED their ending when I read the very last chapter of Champion. There are some pretty great secondary characters in the story as well, one of my most favorites being Eden, Day’s brother.

I also want to add that I even though I own all of the books for this series, I opted to listen to it in audio format, and I’m so glad that I did. All of the audiobooks for this series are narrated by Mariel Stern and Steven Kaplan, and they both did such a fantastic job with the voices and narration.

Overall; The Legend series by Marie Lu was on my list of book series to *finally* read this year, and I’m so thrilled that I have finally read it! I really enjoyed the storyline and the characters, and it was a great series all-around. I’m super curious for more info on the newly announced 4th book in the series, which is set to release sometime in 2019! While I wait for more news on that book, I will be working my way through Marie’s The Young Elites series, and then I will be officially caught up on her books!! If you’re a fan of good dystopian, sci-fi stories, do check out the Legend series!!

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Tuesday, April 10, 2018

My Thoughts: King's Cage by Victoria Aveyard

When the Lightning Girl’s spark is gone, who will light the way for the rebellion?

Mare Barrow is a prisoner, powerless without her lightning, tormented by her lethal mistakes. She lives at the mercy of a boy she once loved, a boy made of lies and betrayal. Now a king, Maven Calore continues weaving his dead mother’s web in an attempt to maintain control over his country—and his prisoner.

As Mare bears the weight of Silent Stone in the palace, her once-ragtag band of newbloods and Reds continue organizing, training, and expanding. They prepare for war, no longer able to linger in the shadows. And Cal, the exiled prince with his own claim on Mare’s heart, will stop at nothing to bring her back.

When blood turns on blood, and ability on ability, there may be no one left to put out the fire—leaving Norta as Mare knows it to burn all the way down. (Goodreads)

I didn't originally plan to start reading King's Cage so soon after finishing Glass Sword, but after that pretty massive cliffhanger ending, I couldn't wait to dive back into the story. I really needed to know what was going to happen next, even though I knew reading this book would make my wait for War Storm that much harder. I started the book anyways, and now I need the next book in my hands ASAP!

I don't want to mention too much about the storyline and spoil anything for anyone who hasn't yet read the book (or the series), but I think I can mention a few things. King's Cage picks up right where Glass Sword leaves off, and since, as I mentioned above, Glass Sword ends with a pretty massive cliffhanger, I was dying to know what was going to happen next for Mare and the rest of the characters in the story. This book is yet another wild ride, full of quite a few twists that I totally didn't see coming, and a few I actually did. It ends with yet another cliffhanger ending, and I'm currently dying once again to know what's going to happen next!

Even though I'm kicking myself for not having read the second and third book in the series sooner, I'm actually glad that I waited, because that has given me the opportunity to read the books back-to-back, which has been really awesome. Having to wait a year or more to get my hands on the next book in the series would have made me crazy. Just having to wait a little over a month for War Storm is totally going to make me crazy, and that's just a few weeks! Gah! Haha!

Overall; King's Cage was an excellent addition to this already fascinating series, and I'm now eagerly anticipating getting my hands on War Storm as soon as it's released next month! And, thank goodness I don't have to wait too long for it to release, as I know that wait would kill me. Here's hoping for great things with War Storm!

Tuesday, March 20, 2018

My Thoughts: Scythe by Neal Shusterman

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28954189-scythe

Scythe
(Arc of a Scythe #1)
by Neal Shusterman
Website | Twitter | Facebook

Publication Date: November 22nd 2016
Publisher: Simon Schuster Books for Young Readers
Pages: 435
ISBN: 9781442472426
Genre: Young Adult | Sci-fi | Dystopia
Source: From Publisher

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Available for Purchase:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

Thou shalt kill.

A world with no hunger, no disease, no war, no misery. Humanity has conquered all those things, and has even conquered death. Now scythes are the only ones who can end life—and they are commanded to do so, in order to keep the size of the population under control.

Citra and Rowan are chosen to apprentice to a scythe—a role that neither wants. These teens must master the “art” of taking life, knowing that the consequence of failure could mean losing their own. (Goodreads)

I had not originally planned to read Scythe just yet, but when a copy of it arrived on my doorstep along with its sequel, Thunderhead, I was curious enough to dive into it right away, without really knowing what to expect. Of course I had seen the book around before, but I had never really looked into it, so I basically went into the story completely blind. And the story I got completely blew me away!!

I want to start this by saying that I can’t even imagine living in the world which takes place in the book. Yep, no thank you! Sure it is a world world no hunger, no disease, no war, no misery… But first, I can’t imagine living as long as some of the characters in the book do, and second, some of those reapers are pretty darn scary. I wouldn’t want to meet with them on the last day of my life! Regardless, these things definitely made the story unique and interesting. I can’t say that I’ve ever read anything like this book, and I’m actually really curious to continue the story with Thunderhead!

The characters in the story were all really interesting, including the two main characters, Citra and Rowen, who are both chosen to be apprentices to a Scythe. (It is one of the nicer Scythes, at least.) It was interesting to see what these two characters had to endure to become a Scythe over the course of the book, and how they both completely changed as a character as well. I can’t imagine how these two felt going through all that they went through throughout the story, especially Rowen. I don’t think I could have done it. (Correction, I know I would not have been able to do it, so these kids are definitely stronger than I am!) After that ending, I’m super curious to know what’s going to happen next for these two characters.

Overall; I didn’t know what to expect when I started Scythe, but I really enjoyed the well written characters and unique storyline. I’m hoping to get started on Thunderhead, the sequel to the book, as soon as I can, as well as the third book, The Toll, which is currently set to release in 2019. If you want to read something unique, do check out Scythe! And keep checking back soon for my thoughts on Thunderhead as well.

Thursday, March 15, 2018

My Thoughts: Restore Me by Tahereh Mafi

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34992929-restore-me

Restore Me
(Shatter Me #4)
by Tahereh Mafi
Website | Twitter | Facebook

Publication Date: March 6th 2018
Publisher: HarperCollins
Pages: 448
ISBN: 9780062676368
Genre: Young Adult | Dystopian
Source: Own

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Available for Purchase:
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Juliette Ferrars thought she'd won. She took over Sector 45, was named the new Supreme Commander, and now has Warner by her side. But she's still the girl with the ability to kill with a single touch—and now she's got the whole world in the palm of her hand. When tragedy hits, who will she become? Will she be able to control the power she wields and use it for good? (Goodreads)

Restore Me by Tahereh Mafi was one of my most anticipated reads for 2018, and I’m so glad to have finally read the book. I just recently finished my re-read of the original series, so that the story would be fresh in my mind for when I finally read Restore Me, and I super curious to see which direction this new part of the series would take. Now that I’ve finished the book, I’m definitely curious to know more.

One of the things I love most about Restore Me is that almost all of my favorite characters from the previous books are in the new book as well, including one particular character who is my most favorite. (I won’t mention who it is, but read the first chapter of the book and you’ll know. Also, I think we all can agree that this particular person really needs their own series already. *wink*) I love all the old familiar characters, but we also get to meet a lot of interesting new characters in the story as well, which I found refreshing. Some of these characters I definitely want to know more about, and some have me a little worried, but all of which I want to know more about.

The storyline for the book takes place just a few weeks after where Ignite Me leaves off, so if you don’t remember much about the story, you may want to check out some recaps for the previous books. I’m really glad I reread the original series before starting this one, as there is so much I had forgotten! As I mentioned above, I was curious to see where the storyline was going to go for this series, and I was definitely digging it at first. I’m still debating on how I feel about the end of the book, but now that the stage has been set, so to speak, and I’m even more curious to see what’s going to happen next.

Overall, Restore Me is off to an interesting start, and now that I know which direction this new part of the series will be taking, I’m definitely curious to check it out as well. If you like the previous books in this series, or if you’re just a fan of Tahereh Mafi’s awesome writing, you’ll definitely want to check out this book!

Monday, January 29, 2018

My Thoughts: Ready Player One by Ernest Cline (Audiobook Review)

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9969571-ready-player-one

In the year 2045, reality is an ugly place. The only time teenage Wade Watts really feels alive is when he's jacked into the virtual utopia known as the OASIS. Wade's devoted his life to studying the puzzles hidden within this world's digital confines, puzzles that are based on their creator's obsession with the pop culture of decades past and that promise massive power and fortune to whoever can unlock them. When Wade stumbles upon the first clue, he finds himself beset by players willing to kill to take this ultimate prize. The race is on, and if Wade's going to survive, he'll have to win—and confront the real world he's always been so desperate to escape. (Goodreads)

You know those books that you’ve had one your shelf for way too long, and it seems like everyone has read it but you? Ready Player One by Ernest Cline is one of those books for me. I think almost everyone I know has read this book, and while I have wanted to for a while now, I never managed to pick it up. Then I saw the trailer for the movie, and I decided that I would have to read the book as soon as possible. I am so glad that I finally read it. Everyone warned me that I would absolutely love this book, but I totally did not expect to love it as much as I actually did. It was great!

I didn’t really know what to expect going into the book, as neither the summary for the book nor the movie trailer explain much, but I have to admit I was pretty curious by what little I knew of it. Having finally read the book, I have to say that there was so much that I liked about it! I don’t want to give too much away, as I’d rather you read the book for yourself to see what you like about it, but… The world-building for the book was pretty insane. Not only because of the dystopian type future that the main characters lives in, but also in the virtual reality world that has been created. Imagine being able to escape the reality of life and go to a place where you could be anyone or anything that you wanted to be.( For an introvert like me that’s a dream come true. Bahaha!)

Besides the world-building, the storyline for the book is completely engrossing as well, and there are a lot of great characters throughout the story, including the main character, Wade/Percival. I spent a good chunk of the book rooting for him, and for his friends as well. My favorite part of the story, hands down, is the 80’s nostalgia. (I’m an 80’s baby, if you haven’t guessed. *wink*) I LOVED this! So many of the games I played growing up where mentioned, as well as all the 80’s movies that I’ve never had a chance to watch, but totally plan to binge-watch as soon as possible. (This will be happening ASAP.) Put all these things together, and you have an excellent story to read.

Though I own a physical copy of this book, I opted to listen to it in audiobook format, because I had so many people tell me that it’s a great to listen to. And, it’s narrated by Wil Wheaton, so there’s that. Wil did such an awesome job narrating the story. I totally spaced out many times while he read the story to me, and I could picture everything perfectly in my mind. They say the narrator definitely makes the story, and that’s definitely the case with this one. If you have the opportunity to check out this book in audio format, do it!

Overall; I didn’t expect to love Ready Player One by Ernest Cline as much as I did, but I totally do. I’m super excited to get my hands on his next book, Armada, which I hear is another pretty awesome read, and is apparently being made into a movie (or tv show?) as well. (Yes, I plan to listen to the audiobook for it too!) If you’ve not yet checked out Ready Player One, I strongly recommend that you do so, and I hope you enjoy the book just as much as I did.
audiobook-review

Friday, September 30, 2016

My Thoughts: The Kill Order by James Dasher #DashnerDash

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13089710-the-kill-order

The Kill Order
(The Maze Runner 0.5)
by James Dashner
Website | Twitter | Facebook

Publication Date: August 14th 2012
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Pages: 327
ISBN: 9780385742887
Genre: Young Adult | Sci-Fi | Dystopian
Source: Own

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Available for Purchase:
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The prequel to the New York Times bestselling Maze Runner series.

Before WICKED was formed, before the Glade was built, before Thomas entered the Maze, sun flares hit the earth and mankind fell to disease.

Mark and Trina were there when it happened, and they survived. But surviving the sun flares was easy compared to what came next. Now a disease of rage and lunacy races across the eastern United States, and there’s something suspicious about its origin. Worse yet, it’s mutating, and all evidence suggests that it will bring humanity to its knees.

Mark and Trina are convinced there’s a way to save those left living from descending into madness. And they’re determined to find it—if they can stay alive. Because in this new, devastated world, every life has a price. And to some, you’re worth more dead than alive. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts...
Before starting the Dashner Dash read-along, I had already read the first three books in the Maze Runner series, but this was my first time reading The Kill Order. To be honest, when I first started the book, I wasn't really sure how I was going to like it, since it didn't have any of the characters I know and love from the other books in it. However, I found myself enjoying the book *and* all the new characters SO much more than I expected to. I'm super curious to continue the prequel along with The Fever Code next.

As I mentioned above, in The Kill Order, we get a completely new set of characters, all that we've never met before, but also all who are completely interesting as well. I was hooked on their story. The main character in this story's name is Mark, and the story follows him and his best friend/crush Trina, who were there in the very beginning when the sun flares ravaged the earth, and the mysterious disease started to spread. Mark reminded me of Thomas in so many ways, his strength and courage, but also with is fear and uncertainty. There are a lot of really great secondary characters in the story as well, including a little girl that I'm wondering if we are going to see more of in The Fever Code.

The storyline for the book follows much along the same storyline as The Maze Runner books, but as it is a prequel, it's the story of what happens *before* Thomas and the Maze. We find out what exactly The Flare is, and how it came to be, which seriously just about gave me a panic attack. This is something I could see happening in real life, and that's completely terrifying. The second half of the book almost gave me a major anxiety attack, there was SO much going on, I was literally sitting on the edge of my seat, holding my breath. It was INTENSE! And it left me completely wanting to know what's going to happen in the next book, where we get to see how Thomas and the Maze came to be.

Overall; I'm so glad to have finally read The Kill Order, and I'm SUPER excited to move along to The Fever Code. I'm really glad that I read/reread all the books beforehand, because everything is fresh in my mind, and I'm SO ready to see what happens next.

Friday, August 26, 2016

Review: The Death Cure by James Dashner #DashnerDash

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7864437-the-death-cure

The Death Cure
(The Maze Runner #3)
by James Dashner
Website | Twitter | Facebook

Publication Date: October 11th 2011
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Pages: 325
ISBN: 9780385738774
Genre: Young Adult | Sci-Fi | Dystopia
Source: Own

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Available for Purchase:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

It’s the end of the line.

WICKED has taken everything from Thomas: his life, his memories, and now his only friends—the Gladers. But it’s finally over. The trials are complete, after one final test.

Will anyone survive?

What WICKED doesn’t know is that Thomas remembers far more than they think. And it’s enough to prove that he can’t believe a word of what they say.

The truth will be terrifying.

Thomas beat the Maze. He survived the Scorch. He’ll risk anything to save his friends. But the truth might be what ends it all.

The time for lies is over. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts...
This is my second time reading The Death Cure, this time as part of the #DashnerDash read-along of The Maze Runner series by James Dashner, and I seriously can't get enough of these books!

All the characters that we know and love, and a few that we really dislike, are back again in this third installment of the Maze Runner series. I have loved watching the friendships between these characters grow and grow, and I'm constantly amazed at what these characters accomplished as the series went along. Thomas, Newt, Minho and more really make this series something special.

To be honest, I found The Death Cure a little bit harder to read than the previous books, and most of that was because of Newt. Without giving anything away, I will just say that Newt has been one of my most favorite characters in this series, and reading about what was happening to him was SO hard to read. It made me super sad.

The storyline for the book continues along the same line as the previous books, and boy was it a wild ride! I can honestly say that I hope what happens in these books never happens in my lifetime, as I would totally be the first person to perish. (Ha!) I'm really glad I reread this book, because as with the previous books, I had forgotten a lot of what happened, including the ending. Now that I remember, I'm pretty excited to get started on the prequels, starting with The Kill Order next.

Unfortunately the movie for The Death Cure won't be released until 2018, so there's no review for that, but I am anxiously waiting for its release! I hope it's as good as the previous movies, and the book!

Overall; I think this series just gets better as it goes along, and I'm super excited to start The Kill Order now, as it will be my first time reading the book, and I'm super excited to start it! There's still time to join in the #DashnerDash read-along, in preparation for The Fever Code's release in September!!

Mark Your Calendars!!

Come join this month’s Google Hangout with James Dashner
And Editor Krista Marino as they talk about THE DEATH CURE!
AND…maybe James will read from the much-talked about page 250…

Wednesday, August 31st at 8pm EDT
https://plus.google.com/u/4/b/115020835543123360597/events/csdttftq3cgidth9gopin2d4v1o

Thursday, August 25, 2016

Book & Movie Review: The Scorch Trials by James Dashner #DashnerDash

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7631105-the-scorch-trials

The Scorch Trials
(The Maze Runner #2)
by James Dashner
Website | Twitter | Facebook

Publication Date: October 12th 2010
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Pages: 360
ISBN: 9780385738750
Genre: Young Adult | Sci-Fi | Dystopian
Source: Own

Add to Goodreads

Available for Purchase:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

Solving the Maze was supposed to be the end.

Thomas was sure that escape from the Maze would mean freedom for him and the Gladers. But WICKED isn’t done yet. Phase Two has just begun. The Scorch.

There are no rules. There is no help. You either make it or you die.

The Gladers have two weeks to cross through the Scorch—the most burned-out section of the world. And WICKED has made sure to adjust the variables and stack the odds against them.

Friendships will be tested. Loyalties will be broken. All bets are off.

There are others now. Their survival depends on the Gladers’ destruction—and they’re determined to survive. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts...
I started my re-read of The Scorch Trials for part of #DashnerDash, a binge read of the Maze Runner series by James Dashner, and also because I haven't seen the movie yet, and I almost always have to read the book before I watch the movie. It was great to re-read this story again, as most of the story wasn't as clear in my mind as when I reread The Maze Runner, so it was nice to get in a little refresher!!

I first read The Scorch Trials a few years ago, and as with the first book, my first time reading it was actually listening to it on an audiobook. I enjoyed reading the print version this time, and I feel like I gained a little more information this go around. As I mentioned above, there was a lot that I have forgotten from the story, and it was almost like reading it for the first time.

I know I may have said this in my previous review of The Maze Runner, but I really, really love so many of the characters in this book, and I adore the friendships that have been forged between them. Thomas, Minho and Newt are such great friends. With all the things that they have to go through as the story goes along, you can't help but appreciate their friendship.

The storyline for the book is just as addictive as that of the first book, and I was completely hooked throughout the story, waiting to see what was going to happen next. I have read this book before, and I was still hooked! I love rereading a story and enjoying it as much as I did the first time.

Surprisingly, I really enjoyed the movie for this book just as much as I did the first movie. I'm not usually a fan of movie adaptations that have lots of changes in them, but I was so engrossed as the movie went along, that they didn't really bother me. I love the cast of characters. They are perfection, and I can't wait to see them all again in the next movie!!

Overall; Both the book and the movie were great additions to this awesome series, and I can't to continue the read-along and dive into The Death Cure next!! You still have time to join along in the series if you haven't already!

The Movie Trailer

Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Book & Movie Review: The Maze Runner by James Dashner (Audiobook)

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6186357-the-maze-runner

The Maze Runner
(The Maze Runner #1)
by James Dashner
Website | Twitter | Facebook

Publication Date: October 6th 2009
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Pages: 384
ISBN: 9780385737944
Genre: Young Adult | Sci-Fi | Dystopian
Source: Library

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Available for Purchase:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

"If you ain't scared, you ain't human."

When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his name. He's surrounded by strangers--boys whose memories are also gone.

Outside the towering stone walls that surround the Glade is a limitless, ever-changing maze. It's the only way out--and no one's ever made it through alive.

Then a girl arrives. The first girl ever. And the message she delivers is terrifying. (Goodreads).

My Thoughts...
My first experience with The Maze Runner by James Dashner was back in 2014, when I started listening to the audiobook of the series. I remember really enjoying the story, and I ended up binge-listening to the next two books in the series as quickly as possible. When I heard about the #DashnerDash, a binge read of the series in anticipation of The Fever Code's release on September 27th, I knew I wanted to participate! This time I actually read the book, instead of listening to the audiobook, and I FINALLY watched the movie as well. Here are my thoughts on both!!

As I mentioned above, it's been a good 2 years since I first read The Maze Runner, and I was worried that I might have forgotten a lot of the story since I've read a LOT of books since then, but once I got back into the story, everything was surprisingly familiar to me. I love the setting for the story. Can you imagine, living in a huge maze? I also really loved all the characters, and most importantly, the friendships that were formed over the course of the story. It was all great, and I really loved diving back into the story.

I ended up enjoying the movie a lot more than I expected to, even despite all the changes from the book. I do understand that they have to make some changes when they make a movie adaptation, but for me, those changes can either make or break a movie. These changes I was not at all annoyed with. All of the actors in the movie were so great, especially Thomas, Chuck, Newt, Minho, Frypan, and yes, even Galley. Theresa as well. Also, the graphics in the movie were pretty awesome. That maze was HUGE!! I loved how realistic it all looked, and I can't wait to watch the next movie.

Overall; This is my second time reading The Maze Runner, and I can't wait to continue on with the series. I'm excited to read ALL the books this time as well! Check back soon for my book & movie review for The Scorch Trials, which I'm reading now!! There's still time to participate in the #DashnerDash reread, so if you haven't started reading the series, here's your chance!! And don't forget to check out the movies as well!

Monday, October 12, 2015

Review & Giveaway: Illuminae by Amie Kaufman & Jay Kristoff

Hey guys!!

Today I'm participating in the blog tour for
Illuminae
by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff!!

Scroll down to check out my review for this awesome book,
and then enter the giveaway to win a copy for yourself!!

And stop by Jay's Website and check out the of the rest of the stops on this tour!!

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https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23395680-illuminae

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. (Goodreads)

When I first discovered Illuminae, I knew I'd have to read the book as soon as possible. Not only did the summary sound pretty awesome, but the book is co-written by Amie Kaufman, whose Starbound series I really adore, and I was super excited to read something new by her. I'm new to Jay Kristoff's writing, so I didn't know what to expect from putting these two authors together in this book, but the story I got was completely captivating and totally engrossing. I really enjoyed it!

I have to say I really, really loved the characters in this story. Kady was such a great main character; I loved how snarky and sarcastic she was, and I found her very relatable. The girl did what she had to do to survive, and you can't fault her for that at all. She got the job done. Ezra is pretty awesome as well, and I loved the interactions between him and Kady throughout the story. There are also some great secondary characters in the story as well.

I really enjoyed the storyline for the book. It reminded me a lot of The 5th Wave series by Rick Yancey, and I think fans of that series will really enjoy this one as well! While the book starts off with a bang, it gets a little slow towards the middle as we start to learn more information and back-story. The last half of the book, however, is full of action and tons of suspense. I was definitely sitting on the edge of my seat, waiting to see what was going to happen next!

I also really liked that instead of the story being told from a characters point of view, it is told through different formats; emails, instant messages, interviews, etc. I thought it was really interesting to read the book this way, as SO much more information was included than we'd normally get from just one character's POV.

Overall; I really enjoyed reading Illuminae!! I'm super curious for the next two books in the series, as I'm pretty excited to see what's going to happen next as the series goes along. If you're a fan of sci-fi, or just a fan of awesome stories in general, I highly recommend you check out Illuminae!!

Happy Reading!

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*Giveaway*

Open to US/Canada Only
Must be 13 years or older enter.
Ends 10/19.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Waiting on Wednesday #211 - Queen by Aimee Carter

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25246657-queen

Queen
(The Blackcoat Rebellion #3)
by Aimee Carter
Website | Twitter | Facebook

Publication Date: November 24th 2015
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
ISBN: 9780373211616

Available for Pre-Order:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

PAWN...CAPTIVE...QUEEN?

Kitty Doe is a Blackcoat rebel and a former captive with a deadly connection to the most powerful and dangerous man in the country, Prime Minister Daxton Hart. Forced to masquerade as Daxton's niece, Lila Hart, Kitty has helped the Blackcoats take back the prison known as Elsewhere. But Daxton has no intention of ceding his position of privilege—or letting Kitty expose his own masquerade. Not in these United States, where each person's rank means the difference between luxury and poverty, freedom and fear...and ultimately, between life and death.

To defeat the corrupt government, Kitty must expose Daxton's secret. Securing evidence will put others in jeopardy, including the boy she's loved forever and an ally she barely trusts. For months, Kitty's survival has hinged on playing a part. Now she must discover who she truly wants to be, and whether the new world she and the rebels are striving to create has a place in it for her after all. (Goodreads)

Squeeeeeeeeeee!!
The third and final book in The Blackcoat Rebellion series will soon be ours!!
I can't wait to get my hands on Queen, as I really loved Pawn and Captive,
and I'm dying to see where the story goes!!
Is it November yet, because I really need this book in my life!!

**"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine,
that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.**

Monday, February 16, 2015

Review: The Glass Arrow by Kristen Simmons

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15750874-the-glass-arrow

The Handmaid’s Tale meets Blood Red Road in Glass Arrow, the story of Aya, who lives with a small group of women on the run from the men who hunt them, men who want to auction off breeding rights to the highest bidder.

In a world where females are scarce and are hunted, then bought and sold at market for their breeding rights, 15-year old Aya has learned how to hide. With a ragtag bunch of other women and girls, she has successfully avoided capture and eked out a nomadic but free existence in the mountains. But when Aya’s luck runs out and she’s caught by a group of businessmen on a hunting expedition, fighting to survive takes on a whole new meaning. (Goodreads)

I was really looking forward to reading The Glass Arrow, as I am a super huge fan of Kristen Simmons’ Article 5 series. I absolutely couldn’t wait to see what adventure she was going to come up with next with this new release, and I definitely wasn’t disappointed.

The main character in the story, Aya, is a rebel in her own right. Having lived in the wild all her life made her fearless and daring. She was not willing to conform to anything that society tried to make her, and took every chance she could to try to escape. All she wanted was to escape the city and get back to her family in the wild, and she is willing to do whatever she has to do to reach them. While there were a few times throughout the story when I wanted to shake her for the decisions she made, I was really rooting for her throughout the story. I wanted nothing more than for her to escape this horrible world in which she was thrown into.

There are quite a few characters in the story that you’ll love in an instant; Brax and Kiran being two of my favorites. Then there are characters that will grow on you over time. But there are also some characters that you are going to hate with a purple passion throughout the whole entire story.

The world-building for this book was both unique and completely terrifying. Imagine living in a world where a girl has not rights at all, not even her body is her own. Imagine being put up for auction and sold to the highest bidder just to be a breeding instrument to boost the male population. And if you go against the rules of the city, you are punished in the worst ways possible. Some parts of the story were super hard to read, as they were so insanely terrifying. This is the world that exists in The Glass Arrow. It was definitely interesting, and the suspense was pretty intense as I flew through the pages. I also like that this book is a standalone novel as well, so everything came together pretty nicely in the end of the book.

Overall; I thought The Glass Arrow was a really interesting novel. It’s always interesting when an author starts a new book or series, and it’s completely different in every single way from the worlds they’ve created before. I’m really excited to see what Simmons’ will come up with next!

The Glass Arrow on Instagram:

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Review: Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

Red Queen
(Red Queen Trilogy #1)
by Victoria Aveyard
Website | Twitter | Facebook

Publication Date: February 10th 2015
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 400
ISBN: 9780062310637
Genre: Young Adult | Fantasy | Dystopia
Source: Edelweiss/Own

Add to Goodreads

Available for Purchase:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository

Graceling meets The Selection in debut novelist Victoria Aveyard's sweeping tale of seventeen-year-old Mare, a common girl whose once-latent magical power draws her into the dangerous intrigue of the king's palace. Will her power save her or condemn her?

Mare Barrow's world is divided by blood--those with common, Red blood serve the Silver- blooded elite, who are gifted with superhuman abilities. Mare is a Red, scraping by as a thief in a poor, rural village, until a twist of fate throws her in front of the Silver court. Before the king, princes, and all the nobles, she discovers she has an ability of her own.

To cover up this impossibility, the king forces her to play the role of a lost Silver princess and betroths her to one of his own sons. As Mare is drawn further into the Silver world, she risks everything and uses her new position to help the Scarlet Guard--a growing Red rebellion--even as her heart tugs her in an impossible direction. One wrong move can lead to her death, but in the dangerous game she plays, the only certainty is betrayal. (Goodreads)

I have to admit, the first thing that got my attention about Red Queen was its stunning cover. I definitely could not resist something so gorgeous. Then I started reading the story, and I was completely blown away by the awesomeness in this book. If you don’t already have this book on your to-read list, it’s one that you will definitely want to check out as soon as possible.

There are so many characters in the book that I love; the first being Mare, the main character. Through the whole story I rooted for this girl; her strength and determination were admirable. She did what she had to do to survive, and for her family to survive, and you can’t blame her at all for that. I loved Mare’s family as well, especially her mom, who was always trying to be supportive. There are SO many characters that I can go on and on about in the story, but I don’t want to spoil anything. But I should mention, that while there are characters in the novel that you will fall in love with, there are even more that you are going to hate. Again, I’m not going to mention any names, as I don’t want to spoil anything, so you should totally read the book and see what you think.

I really loved the world-building for the book and the uniqueness of the storyline as well. It was very well thought out and executed throughout the story. There are a lot of twists and turns, action and suspense throughout the story that will keep you on your toes. There never seemed to be a dull moment as I flew through the pages. Quite a few plot twists throughout the story had me surprised, although I did see one major one coming, and I totally punched my fist in the air for being right on that one. Haha!

Overall; I think I love everything about Red Queen; from the stunning cover, to the unique storyline, to the characters that you can’t help but in love with. Red Queen is definitely a great start to what should definitely be a pretty amazing series. I absolutely can’t wait to get my hands on the next books in the series, as I’m super curious to see what’s going to happen next with Mare and the rest of the story.

Red Queen on Instagram:

Monday, December 1, 2014

Review: Captive by Aimee Carter

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10944842-captive

For the past two months, Kitty Doe's life has been a lie. Forced to impersonate the Prime Minister's niece, her frustration grows as her trust in her fake fiancé cracks, her real boyfriend is forbidden and the Blackcoats keep her in the dark more than ever.

But in the midst of discovering that her role in the Hart family may not be as coincidental as she thought, she's accused of treason and is forced to face her greatest fear: Elsewhere. A prison where no one can escape.

As one shocking revelation leads to the next, Kitty learns the hard way that she can trust no one, not even the people she thought were on her side. With her back against the wall, Kitty wants to believe she'll do whatever it takes to support the rebellion she believes in—but is she prepared to pay the ultimate price? (Goodreads)

Captive is the second book in The Blackcoat Rebellion series by the super talented Aimée Carter. I was really excited to get back into this story, as I really enjoyed the first book in the series, Pawn.

I really loved Kitty in the first book, but found her to be a bit frustrating in Captive. Yes, I love that she is such a strong character, but there were more than I few times that I wanted to tell her to pipe down before she got herself in some serious trouble, or worse. I like my characters strong, but I also like it when they know when to stop and think as well, and it felt like Kitty was constantly putting herself in danger throughout the book.

Knox is a character that has intrigued me since I first met him in Pawn. I can’t quite seem to figure him out, and he’s always managing to throw me twists right when I least expect it. I’m really looking forward to meeting him again in the third book.

As in the first book, the romance really didn’t overpower the story for me in Captive. The relationship between Kitty and Benjy felt comfortable and awkward at the same time. Meaning that they’ve known each other for so long that their relationship feels comfortable, but when they try to be more, it’s just really awkward. Ah, first love.

The storyline for the book followed the same plot for the first book, but the settings for each book were so completely different. I had grown used to the world that Kitty had been first thrust into when I read Pawn, that the world she was thrown into in Captive was so insanely different. Elsewhere is the most terrible place to ever have to be, and the descriptions of the place and all the things that Kitty/Lila went through where just horrible. It was hard to read at times. However, I did enjoy the twists that were thrown throughout the story, one massive twist that I kind of saw coming since the first book. I can’t wait to see how the story plays out in the end.

Overall; While I didn’t love Captive as much as Pawn, I still really enjoyed the story. I’m really looking forward to getting my hands on the next book in the series, Queen, which will be out in 2015!