Let It Snow - Maureen Johnson, John Green & Lauren Myracle

Began reading: 23.12.2015
Completed reading: 26.12.2015
Overall rating: 4 stars

The worst blizzard for fifty years.

Three wintry love stories.

One magical night.

It's Christmas Eve and Gracetown has been buried by snow. But the weather is more than just an inconvenience. When one girl unexpectedly steps off a stranded train, she sets off a series of life-changing events.

Soon fourteen pumped-up cheerleaders will descend on the local Waffle House, the Duke's DVD night will be rudely interrupted for a Twister mission, and a lovesick barista will determine the fate of a single teacup pig...

As the three stories collide, strangers cross paths and romance blossoms with heart-warming consequences.

Let It Snow by Maureen Johnson, John Green and Lauren Myracle is a Christmas-themed young adult novel which involves contemporary romance to bring festive cheer to the holidays. I wasn’t going to review this book, as I’m not really into Christmas-themed novels, but I thought that reading stories of snowy Christmas stories would be a great contrast to the usual hot Australian Christmas. Personally, I wasn’t disappointed!

The novel was well-written, and filled with some great quotes. For example:

…when it’s real, when it’s your life… that person can feel even farther off and more unobtainable than an actual celebrity. Proximity doesn’t breed familiarity (p. 5).

…once you think a thought, it is extremely difficult to unthink it (p. 195).

‘We are all flawed, my dear. Every one of us. And believe me, we’ve all made mistakes’ (p. 294).

More quotes from the book can be found here.

I really loved the humour that had been scattered throughout the novel. I chuckled a few times, and got weird stares from strangers around me. Here are a couple of examples:

Just then, my phone started ringing. The ring must have been damaged by the water as well, so now it had a high, keening note — kind of the sound I imagine a mermaid might make if you punched her in the face. Surprised. A little accusatory. Hurt. Gurgley (p. 117).

‘No offense, but Billy Talos is a little bit greasy, isn’t he? I feel like if you wrung out his hair every day or two, you could potentially end America’s dependence on foreign oil’ (p. 153).

                                                       

I thought that the short stories varied, in terms of interest. I extremely enjoyed Maureen Johnson’s story, The Jubilee Express. John Green’s story, A Cheertastic Christmas Miracle was ok, but I didn’t really enjoy Lauren Myracle’s story, The Patron Saint of Pigs. I will explain Johnson’s story later, but John Green’s story didn’t disappoint. Having read The Fault in Our Stars, I had an idea of what to expect — quirky humour — and I wasn’t let down. However, the ending to this story was a little predictable. I will also explore Lauren Myracle’s novel later.

The three stories were linked to each other, which made it seem as though the book was one story, told in three different perspectives. Anyway, I enjoyed it, as it never left me questioning what happened to characters. In each story, the characters would make an appearance or were mentioned, which was great!

                   

My favourite character by far was Jubilee. She was quirky, friendly, realistic, and therefore relatable. I was glad that she made an appearance in the end of Myracle’s story, because I couldn’t get enough of her character.

Speaking of Jubilee, I really liked Johnson’s story the most. The story was unpredictable, adorable, and unique. So much happened in this story, but I suppose that is why I enjoyed it the most. I loved seeing how Jubilee realised her relationship with her boyfriend was detrimental, and how her character developed. I’m glad she found happiness in the end.

I didn’t enjoy reading Lauren Myracle’s story very much, as it was repetitive and the main character was so annoying! Throughout the story, Addie kept saying how everyone was targeting her, saying how she was putting herself before others. I agreed with everyone — she didn’t see how she affected others. She started saying ‘I love you’ too early for my liking, which just emphasised how clingy and odd she was. Also, she asked too much of her boyfriend, Jeb. For example:

‘I… I want you to follow me onto a plane and serenade me in the first-class cabin, like Robbie did to Julia in The Wedding Singer,’ I said. ‘I want you to build a house for me, like Noah did for Allie in The Notebook. I want you to fly me across the ocean at the prow of an ocean liner! Like the guy in Titanic, remember?’ (p. 232).

                        

Recommendation time! If you like How to Keep a Boy from Kissing You and How to Convince a Boy to Kiss You by Tara Eglington, Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell, and The Chronicles of Narnia series by C.S. Lewis, you will love this book. Also, I recommend this book to anyone who likes Love Actually, and The Polar Express.

Happy reading!

Buy the book

Like and follow!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Basic-Bookworm/659139380862740
Instagram: @thebasicbookworm
Twitter: @BasicBookworm

The Winner's Crime - Marie Rutkoski

Began reading: 18.12.2015
Completed reading: 22.12.2015
Overall rating: 4.1 stars

FOLLOWING

YOUR HEART

CAN BE A CRIME

A royal wedding should be a celebration, with fireworks and dancing till dawn. But for General's daughter Kestrel, betrothed to the Crown Prince, marriage is a trap.

Just as they fell in love, Arin became her enemy. Kestrel aches to tell him the truth - that her engagement was the price she paid to save his life. But in a world of lies and intrigue, how can she trust him if she doesn't even trust herself? The truth will come out, and when it does, Kestrel and Arin will learn the high cost of their crime...

The Winner’s Crime by Marie Rutkoski is the second novel in The Winner’s Trilogy. This young adult book combines fantasy, romance and dystopian themes to create a story about how one’s beliefs and actions have the power to impact other individuals. Personally, I thought that this book was better than the first. I’m looking forward to reading the third and final book of the trilogy!

As with the first book, this novel was well-written with some pretty good quotes throughout. For example:

Arin would trade his heart for a snarled knot of thread if it meant he would never have to see Kestrel again (p. 13).

…as a child, Kestrel had been charmed by the idea of gods. They made for good stories (p. 30).

Verex: ‘Borderlands is a game, not a book.’

Kestrel: ‘Borderlands could be like a book, if one had constantly shifting possibilities for different endings, and for the way characters can veer off course into the unexpected. Borderlands is tricky, too. It tempts a player into thinking she knows the story of her opponent. Take the story of the unexperienced player. The beginner who doesn’t see the traps being set’ (p. 41).

‘If you won’t be my friend, you’ll regret being my enemy’ (p. 44).

Her anger was folding onto itself in as many layers as her ball gown — anger at Arin, at the way he was committing political suicide.

Anger at herself. At her own bare feet and how they were proof — pure, naked, cold proof — of her hope, her very need to see someone that she was supposed to forget (p. 61).

…she hadn’t expected this: this stupid hope, this punishing one, for who would long to see someone who was already lost? What good would it have done?

None (p. 62).

Kestrel: ‘Pressing where you’re not invited seems to be a habit with you.’

Arin: ‘And yours is to put people in their place. But people aren’t gaming pieces. You can’t arrange them to suit yourself’ (p. 109).

‘Kestrel, I know you think that you’ve hidden your heart where no one can see it.’ Verex’s dark eyes held hers. ‘But you need to hide it better’ (p. 279).

‘Sometimes you think you want something,’ Arin told him, ‘when what you need is to let it go’ (p. 308).

More quotes from the book can be found here.

I thought that the plot was well-paced. If you read my review for the previous novel, you would know that I thought the story was slow-paced, but turned out to be great. This novel was well-paced throughout, which I enjoyed. Because of this, I enjoyed the story from start to finish.

                                                  

There was some humour in the book, which kept me interested. For example, Kestrel’s conversation with Jess:

‘I didn’t sleep well last night […]. You snored,’ Kestrel said.

‘I did not.’

‘You did. You snored so loudly that the people in my dreams complained’ (p. 63).

*WARNING: POSSIBLE SPOILER* This use of humour demonstrated how close the girls were. Unfortunately, their close relationship ended soon after this. I would have liked to have known more about Jess, and see these two interact more, but their ruined friendship also helped keep the plot interesting.

The plot twist in the end was definitely unexpected, and made me weep just a little bit. I won’t say who was involved in this sudden development, but it hurt because the two characters were meant to be so close! All I can say is that HE SHOULDN’T HAVE DONE THAT!! HOW COULD YOU?!

                     

As in the first book, I wouldn’t say that Kestrel was my favourite character; however, I did find her to be most likeable. She was strategic, compassionate and confident. She hasn’t really changed since the first book, especially with betraying those she loves. I just wished she would express her feelings and thoughts better.

As I mentioned previously, I would have loved to have known more about the characters, especially Jess and Risha. I would love to know what Risha thought about her family in the east, and I hope she will make more of an appearance in the next book! I also would have loved to have read more about Sarsine. I’m not sure why, but I think she is an interesting character.

                    

Recommendation time! If you like the Luxe series by Anna Godbersen, the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas, you will love this book. Also, I recommend this book to anyone who likes the Matched series by Ally Condie, and The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer.

My review for The Winner’s Curse can be found by clicking on the title.

I will also be reviewing the final book of The Winner’s Trilogy, The Winner’s Kiss, when it becomes available next year. Keep an eye out for that!

Happy reading!

Buy the book

Like and follow!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Basic-Bookworm/659139380862740
Instagram: @thebasicbookworm
Twitter: @BasicBookworm

The Winner's Curse - Marie Rutkoski

Began reading: 14.12.2015
Completed reading: 17.12.2015
Overall rating: 4.1 stars

WINNING WHAT YOU WANT

MAY COST YOU EVERYTHING

YOU LOVE

As a general's daughter in a vast empire that revels in war and enslaves those it conquers, Kestrel has two choices: she can join the military or get married. Kestrel has other ideas.

One day, she is startled to find a kindred spirit in Arin, a young slave up for auction. Following her instinct, Kestrel buys him - and for a sensational price that sets the society gossips talking. It's not long before she has to hide her growing love for Arin. But he, too, has a secret and Kestrel quickly learns that the price she has paid is much higher than she ever could have imagined.

The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski is tale of forbidden love and choices that have the power to change society. This young adult book combines fantasy, romance and dystopian themes to create a story about how one’s beliefs and actions have the power to impact those around you and change the way society operates. I was reading some reviews on Goodreads recently, and I didn’t understand why there were so many negative reviews. I LOVED THIS BOOK!

Firstly, the book was well-written, as it contained a lot of literary techniques and no errors. I especially enjoyed some of the quotes, including:

‘Isn't that what stories do, make real things fake, and fake things real?’ (p. 6).

Her arm went limp when Arin gripped it. She remembered the auctioneer in the pit, in the full heat of summer. This lad can sing, he had said. She remembered the man’s boot on her hand. The fact that the whole city knew her weakness for music. As Arin pulled her from the room, Kestrel thought about how this might be what hurt the most.

That they had used something she loved against her (p. 218).

More quotes from the book can be found here.

While I was reading, I felt that the story was slow-paced, as there was little happening; however, as I read the second half of the novel, I thought that everything that occurred in the first half was a lead-up to or explanation for what would happen in the second half. After I realised this, I began to enjoy the story more. I’m grateful that I stayed focused and interested through the first half; otherwise I wouldn’t have enjoyed the second half at all.

                  

I’m not sure why, but before I purchased this book, I thought it was an adult romance novel, similar to E. L. James’ Fifty Shades of Grey. I was pleasantly surprised, as it was not raunchy in the least. I would have liked a little bit more romance though. In the novel, Kestrel and Arin share a kiss, and suddenly she’s in love. It seemed a bit unrealistic… I’m not a fan of books with a lot of romance, but in this case, a little more wouldn’t have hurt.

Each character had their unique personalities, which was great! I read on Goodreads that the characters seemed bland, distant and foreign. I think this may have been avoided by describing the characters in more detail. The appearances of characters, for example, were hardly described — only their hair colour, and maybe their eyes or shape of their nose were mentioned. It would have been better to give readers a better idea of the characters’ behaviours and so on. I think this lack of detail may have affected many of the reviews for this novel.

                    

I liked how the story was told from both sides — the aristocracy and those in servitude. This provided readers with an insight into what everyone in the hierarchy thought — what the Herrani thought of the Valorians and vice-versa. It also strengthened the theme of forbidden love, as it emphasised how the social classes reacted to the rumours of Kestrel and Arin.

I wouldn’t say that Kestrel was my favourite character; however, I did find her to be most likeable. She was strategic, compassionate and confidant. In spite of this, I didn’t understand how she could betray her Valorians the way she did. Why help the Herrani, after everything they did to upend her lifestyle and almost kill her friends? On the other hand, I was pleased to read that she came up with a bargain with the emperor, making the social classes slightly more equal.

As I mentioned previously, I would have loved to have known more about the characters, especially Lirah, Jess, Ronan and Sarsine. Also, I wonder if Kestrel and Sarsine become close friends… I doubt it, as Kestrel would be increasing her social standing in the next book.

                   

*WARNING: POSSIBLE SPOILER* My favourite parts of the book were Kestrel’s duel with Irex, and her engagement to the emperor’s son. I liked Kestrel’s duel because it reminded me of Celaena in Sarah J. Maas’ Throne of Glass series. It also demonstrated Kestrel’s relationship with her father. I enjoyed the engagement section of the novel, as it emphasised how Kestrel valued her fellow Valorians, and strived to improve the lifestyle of the Herrani rebels.

Recommendation time! If you like the Luxe series by Anna Godbersen, the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas, Matched series by Ally Condie, and The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer, you will love this book. Also, I recommend this book to anyone who likes Countdown by Michelle Rowan, Carnival of Souls by Melissa Marr, and Naughts and Crosses by Mallorie Blackman.

I will also be reviewing the rest of the books from The Winner’s Trilogy, including The Winner’s Crime. Keep an eye out for those!

Happy reading!

Buy the book

Like and follow!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Basic-Bookworm/659139380862740
Instagram: @thebasicbookworm
Twitter: @BasicBookworm

I am Juliet - Jackie French

Began reading: 12.12.2015
Completed reading: 13.12.2015
Overall rating: 3.8 stars

Everyone knows the story of Juliet Capulet and her love for Romeo. The star-crossed lovers from the warring Capulet and Montague families of Verona whose love was doomed. But who was this girl Juliet?

Who am I? Only a daughter?

A Capulet, wed to my father's choice?

No! I am the girl who chose her destiny,

whose love outlasts the sun.

I am Juliet.

I am Juliet by Jackie French is a re-telling of the classic Romeo and Juliet, according to Juliet Capulet. This book combines history and romance to create a historical fiction suitable for individuals from the age of ten and up. Personally, I was excited to learn about Juliet’s thoughts on falling for Romeo and his exile; however, I felt that the plot was slightly dull. Jackie French is a renowned author in Australia, and I studied two of her other texts in high school: Hitler’s Daughter and Macbeth and Son — which I really liked.

                    

As I expected, I am Juliet was well-written. Everything was explained in great detail, and a fair amount of literary techniques. There were some great quotes that I have to share, including:

…this book was more valuable than gold. All gold can do is shine. This book of stories took us to a hundred places and a thousand hearts (p. 17).

What was love, except the duty one owed one’s parents and one’s husband? Dreams were just that: shadows of the night (p. 42).

I was not the daughter they had tried to make, like the sugar cups my mother had made for the feast. The sugar cups had dissolved. I had dissolved too. The good daughter had vanished, leaving only me (p. 66).

If this should be the only night of love I had, I would cram a lifetime into every hour (p. 98).

I lifted up Romeo’s dagger. It was warm from his body, the only warmth left of him for me to know. I pressed it to my heart. Romeo, my love, I am the sheath for your dagger now (pp. 164-165).

Each one of you [will weep]. Even you men, sitting straight as broomsticks so your neighbours don’t see your tears. Every day till you are dust, you will remember how you watched a young girl die in front of you, for love (p. 169).

I really enjoyed how the classic story was told from a different point of view, allowing us to see into Juliet’s mind. The book contains the perspectives of two characters: Rob, the young actor who is asked to perform as Juliet for the play’s debut, and that of Juliet Capulet. Juliet’s perspective repeatedly emphasises the traditional gender expectations of that period — daughters were expected to marry, while sons were given freedom to do what they wanted. This continued emphasis through the book quickly became unnecessary — I understand that it was a significant influence in everyday life, but saying it once or twice would have been gotten the message across just as effectively.

                     

Amongst the drama and tension, there was some humour. My favourite part was at Juliet’s betrothal feast to Paris. The couple were given some sugar ornaments, including a knight that resembled Paris, and Paris gave Juliet the ornament. This funny quote accompanied the scene, and made me laugh:

Juliet: ‘I thank you, sir. I will indeed accept your knight.’

Paris: ‘Which part will you eat first?’

I flushed with anger. I hoped he would take it modesty. ‘Why, sir, he is too fine. I will keep him to admire.’

My mother nodded almost imperceptibly at my answer.

‘By your bed?’ He looked around the table, expecting everyone to applaud his wit.

‘Nay, sir, I would not keep him so confined. By the window, so he can look down upon the town.’

And where, hopefully, a sparrow would eat  him before breakfast tomorrow (p. 49).

As there were only two characters, I would have to say that Juliet was the most relatable — headstrong, yet obedient, compassionate and considerate. I also liked Joanette, the youngest of Juliet’s maids (also known as the Joans).

Juliet’s parents were aloof and cruel. The Nurse was irritating. Friar Lawrence was a coward. Paris was a douche. So, it was difficult to really like a particular character.

                                                             

I came to like Rob’s character, or more specifically, his performance at the end of the book. It felt like a great way to add closure to Juliet’s character. It was really sweet! It was definitely loved the ending, so I would say it was my favourite part of the book.

Recommendation time! If you like Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, Prince of Shadows by Rachel Caine and Still Star-Crossed by Melinda Taub, you will love this book. Also, I recommend this book to anyone who likes Romeo + Juliet, Romeo and Juliet (2013), The Borgias, and Reign.

Happy reading!

Buy the book

Like and follow!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Basic-Bookworm/659139380862740
Instagram: @thebasicbookworm
Twitter: @BasicBookworm

Queen of Shadows - Sarah J. Maas

Began reading: 25.11.2015
Completed reading: 11.12.2015
Overall rating: 4 stars

No masters. No limits. No regrets.

Celaena Sardothien is cloaked in her assassin’s hood once more. She is back in Rifthold, but this time she is no one’s slave. She must delve into her more painful memories and fight for her survival, while resisting a smouldering passion that might very well consume her heart. And she will face her former master, the King of Assassins, again — to wreak revenge for a decade of pain…

Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas is the fourth instalment of the Throne of Glass series. Queen of Shadows combines genres such as fantasy, romance, paranormal and adventure to create an enthralling novel suitable for young adults. Personally, I believe that this series gets better and better with the book, and I don’t think that Sarah J. Maas’ writing will ever disappoint. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, and I can’t wait until the fifth book is released!

As always, Sarah J. Maas has included some great quotes, amazing dialogue and detailed descriptions. Some of my favourite quotes from the novel include:

‘You bring my court into this, Chaol,’ Aelin said with lethal softness, ‘and I don’t care what you were to me, or what you have done to help me. You betray them, you hurt them, and I don’t care how long it takes, or how far you go: I’ll burn you and your gods-damned kingdom to ash. Then you’ll learn just how much of a monster I can be’ (pp. 122-123).

‘You’re here — and you’re perfect. You always were, and you always will be’ (p. 187).

My absolute favourite quote was from when Aelin played the piano forte for Rowan in the theatre. The quote is:

It was not the sorrowful, lovely piece she had once played for Dorian, and it was not the light, dancing melodies she’d played for sport; it was not the complex and clever pieces she had played for Nehemia and Chaol. This piece was a celebration — a reaffirmation of life, of glory, of the pain and beauty in breathing (p. 295).

The reason why I loved it so much was because it described the type of relationship that Aelin had with the characters mentioned.

                    

*WARNING: POSSIBLE SPOILER* I’m not sure if this is an error, but I just have to bring it up. In the novel, Arobynn’s bodyguard, Wesley, revealed that Arobynn ordered Sam’s death and how Farran was to torture him. It was similar to how Lysandra had to endure Arobynn, knowing that he killed her lover. So, when I read this quote from Aelin’s thoughts, I was confused:

She wondered what it was like to have to endure the man who had slaughtered your lover (p. 191).

*WARNING: POSSIBLE SPOILER* This book also had a few interesting ideas that I thought were pretty genius. For example, using stones to decorate a grave instead of flowers: “Stones were eternal — flowers were not (p. 199), was brilliant. The entire scene where Aelin visits Sam’s grave was so sad, and brought back the feels. However, I’m glad that it brought closure to his character. Well done!

Finally, there was some humour, which I appreciated! For example, when Rowan got a haircut:

‘Your hair was so pretty. I was hoping you’d let me braid it one day. I suppose I’ll have to buy a pony instead.’ She cocked her head. ‘When you shift, will your hawk be plucked, then?’

His nostrils flared, and she clamped her lips together to keep from laughing (p. 237).

I was hoping Mort would make an appearance in the book, but sadly, he was only mentioned in passing. The way in which he was mentioned seemed to mean that he wouldn’t be returning in the upcoming novels, which I’m disappointed about.

                 

As I mentioned in my review for Heir of Fire, Manon Blackbeak was quickly overtaking Celaena in becoming my favourite character. I can now say that Manon and Celaena/Aelin are equal in being my favourite characters. Manon and Aelin are so alike, and I was so glad that they FINALLY came face-to-face in this book.

Speaking of, their argument and fight was one of my favourite parts of the novel. Both characters were badass, yet compassionate towards each other. Two leaders facing off against each other — it was both exciting and tense. I loved it! I also enjoyed reading about Asterin’s story and how it inspired her to become Manon’s Second.

I really like the idea of Dorian and Manon together. I don’t think that they really suit each other, but I think that their interactions in this book were so cute, especially when Manon visited him at his castle!

                     

*WARNING: POSSIBLE SPOILERS* I’m glad that Lysandra and Kaltain contributed to helping the ‘good’ characters. I was especially happy that Lysandra and Aelin became such close friends. Also, I enjoyed reading about Evangeline. I hope she makes an appearance in the next book!

To be honest, I thought that Chaol acted like such a d*ckhead in this novel, so I don’t know how I feel about him anymore. I’m just glad that he was helpful and assisted Aelin with her missions.

Recommendation time! If you like The Assassin, Hanna, Reign, Kill Bill and Kill Bill 2, you will love this book. Also, I recommend this book to anyone who likes The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis, The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare, the Blue Bloods series by Melissa de la Cruz, and the Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling.

My reviews for The Assassins Blade, Throne of Glass, Crown of Midnight, and Heir ofFire can be found by clicking on the titles.

I will also be reviewing the rest of the Throne of Glass series when the books are available. Keep an eye for those!

Happy reading!

Buy the book

Like and follow!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Basic-Bookworm/659139380862740
Instagram: @thebasicbookworm
Twitter: @BasicBookworm