Panic by Lauren Oliver Review

Panic by Lauren Oliver

Published HarperCollins 2014

Genre: Young Adult Contemporary

Format: Hardback from the library

Other books by this author: Delirium, Liesl & Po, Before I Fall

Buy this book: Amazon - Barnes & Noble

Panic began as so many things do in Carp, a dead-end town of 12,000 people in the middle of nowhere: because it was summer, and there was nothing else to do.

Heather never thought she would compete in Panic, a legendary game played by graduating seniors, where the stakes are high and the payoff is even higher. She’d never thought of herself as fearless, the kind of person who would fight to stand out. But when she finds something, and someone, to fight for, she will discover that she is braver than she ever thought.

Dodge has never been afraid of Panic. His secret will fuel him, and get him all the way through the game, he’s sure of it. But what he doesn't know is that he’s not the only one with a secret. Everyone has something to play for.

For Heather and Dodge, the game will bring new alliances, unexpected revelations, and the possibility of first love for each of them—and the knowledge that sometimes the very things we fear are those we need the most.

I adored this book. I sat down and read the entire thing straight through, the entire time having so much fun reading it, but also totally feeling for the characters! I love both Heather and Dodge, although Dodge definitely was not my favorite person. He would come off as a little annoying and confusing, but overall, he was an interesting character and was written very well, so I still enjoyed reading about him. Heather, however, I totally loved. She is such a relatable character. I loved everything she does and goes through. One of my other favorite characters was Bishop, especially his relationship with Heather. He reminds me of my best guy friend. Bishop was so lovable and funny and I adored the scenes with him in them. Our other main character was Natalie (known as Nat) who was just okay. I cared about her, but I wasn't totally in love with her character. 

The writing in this book, like all of Lauren Oliver's books, is absolutely gorgeous. Everything is so well placed and ties together beautifully in a bow. It was so interesting and kept me reading the entire time. The two POVs tied together very well, both showing different characters from different opinions and points of view. The challenges were crazy and exciting. Everything was just so well described and beautiful and I loved the writing style.

The challenges in this book were crazy insane. They were terrifying and so scary. I have no idea how some of these were even completed, which they weren't as some people got eliminated throughout the book. It was so crazy to read about and really scary. I have no idea how I would do in those challenges. Let's be honest, I wouldn't even enter into Panic. The ending was amazing and I adored everything about it. Some people haven't liked the end, but I really liked how it closed. The epilogue was also really nice and tied it up really nicely. The themes in this book were really cool and I really want to reread it again! 

Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard Review

Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard

Published HarperTeen 2012

Genre: Young Adult Steampunk

Format: Hardback from the library

Other Books in this series: A Darkness Strange and Lovely, Strange and Ever After

Buy This Book: Amazon - Barnes & Noble

The year is 1876, and there’s something strange and deadly loose in Philadelphia…

Eleanor Fitt has a lot to worry about. Her brother has gone missing, her family has fallen on hard times, and her mother is determined to marry her off to any rich young man who walks by. But this is nothing compared to what she’s just read in the newspaper—

The Dead are rising in Philadelphia.

And then, in a frightening attack, a zombie delivers a letter to Eleanor…from her brother.

Whoever is controlling the Dead army has taken her brother as well. If Eleanor is going to find him, she’ll have to venture into the lab of the notorious Spirit-Hunters, who protect the city from supernatural forces. But as Eleanor spends more time with the Spirit-Hunters, including their maddeningly stubborn yet handsome inventor, Daniel, the situation becomes dire. And now, not only is her reputation on the line, but her very life may hang in the balance.

I had very high hopes for this book. It had an amazing summary with some unique points and a gorgeous cover! I went in hoping for big things, and that is exactly what I got. This book is fun and action packed all the way through. What may seem like a crazy premise is executed beautifully and makes the entire reading experience interesting. 

Eleanor was a great leading lady. She lives at a time when women are not considered important, but she stands up for herself as an independent woman. Eleanor also has a lot of sass, but it isn't used to cover up anything or in case of bad dialogue. Her decisions are all logical and good. Sure, she does have many problems, but they are all relatable. Eleanor is a very interesting character and I cannot wait to see her develop. I loved her relationship with all the Spirit-Hunters, especially Daniel. 

The action, with all the zombies, had to be a central part of the book. There actually are not that many fight scenes, but they are described beautifully. The historical aspects are thrown throughout that really tie everything together. There is very obvious plot twist towards the end of the book, but the way everything falls into place is interesting. 

The book is perfectly paced and there really are not any boring parts. Overall, I can just not wait to pick up the second book in this series! I have big hopes for the next two books! 

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs Review

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

Published Quirk Books 2011

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

Format: Kindle ebook from the library

Other Books in this Series: Hollow City

Buy This Book: Amazon - Barnes & Noble

A mysterious island. An abandoned orphanage. A strange collection of very curious photographs.

It all waits to be discovered in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, an unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience. As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a deserted island for good reason. And somehow—impossible though it seems—they may still be alive.

I originally picked this book up a couple of years ago and I quickly put it down after the first chapter or so. Looking back on it, I have no idea why I did that. This book was amazing! 

I think the reason most people read this book is because of the interesting photography concept. Throughout the book are weird pictures that the author collected throughout the years and are intertwined into the story. I liked the way characters are shown and it really helps bring the creepy element into the book. It's also something I never have read before which makes it extremely unique. This is definitely the strongest part of the book as well. 

The only problem that I had with the book came with the characters. There are many at this house, which makes sense, but it does hurt that they are all introduced at once. However, the main character, Jacob, really stuck with me. I really liked his relationship with Emma and the minor characters that I did come to love I really enjoyed reading about. 

The action and plot was also well paced. There are eleven chapters in the book which is considerably a smaller number compared to page count. It was still a very well paced book. It was constantly exciting and it moved at a good pace. The end felt a little rushed to me. The story however was well thought out and I am very excited to pick up the second book!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it is definitely a unique book that I would suggest to fans of paranormal or fantasy books!  

172 Hours on the Moon by Johan Harstad

172 Hours on the Moon by Johan Harstad

Published Little Brown Books 2012

Genre: Young Adult Sci Fi/Horror

Format: Hardback from the library

Buy this book - Amazon - Barnes & Noble

It's been decades since anyone set foot on the moon. Now three ordinary teenagers, the winners of NASA's unprecedented, worldwide lottery, are about to become the first young people in space--and change their lives forever. Mia, from Norway, hopes this will be her punk band's ticket to fame and fortune. Midori believes it's her way out of her restrained life in Japan. Antoine, from France, just wants to get as far away from his ex-girlfriend as possible.
It's the opportunity of a lifetime, but little do the teenagers know that something sinister is waiting for them on the desolate surface of the moon. And in the black vacuum of space... no one is coming to save them.

OMG THIS BOOK!!! 

I think that is the first time in a while I have thoroughly had that reaction. This book gave me so much anxiety while reading...I was crying and shaking and on the edge of my seat the entire time. Thankfully, I read this book in the daytime because I don't think I will ever be able to look at the moon the same way again. 

This book is creepy and terrifying, but it's also so good! There is always a constant fear of something happening. Harstad's writing style is a little vague and allusive, all building up to bring some major point back together in the end. It just intensified the book and their experience on the moon. I loved all the characters but I was not emotionally attached to them. Sure, I wanted them to survive, but I would never have feels over them or anything. However, this really worked in the book's favor. It kept the tone focused more on the situation they were in than on the characters themselves. I was naturally scared for their safety anyway, so it did not take a lot more for me to love them. I really liked how they all came from different parts of the world and for different reasons, although why did no one apply just to go to the moon? Well, I get that now...

The action scenes were so good and so creepy. There was always a constant feeling of warning, that something was just on the edge of happening. I really liked all the different perspectives we got of this trip, from the old man who had past experience with this mission to each of the respective astronauts going on board. The entire book was just so intense. I want this to be a movie so badly...like seriously, I would probably have a panic attack or something in the theater, but it would all be worth it. 

Okay - all of you need to read this book. It was scary and intense and one of the best things I have ever read. Like ever. Go read it.

Blood Red Road by Moira Young Review

Summary: Saba lives in Silverlake, a wasteland ravaged by constant sandstorms where her family scavenge from landfills left by the long-gone Wrecker civilization. After four cloaked horsemen kidnap her beloved twin brother Lugh, she teams up with daredevil Jack and the Free Hawks, a girl gang of Revolutionaries. 

Saba learns that she is a fierce fighter, an unbeatable survivor, and a cunning opponent. And she has the power to take down a corrupt society from the inside. Saba and her new friends stage a showdown that change the course of her civilization.

Review: I actually read this book a while ago, but I wasn't sure how to approach this review. This book was a large book, somewhere around 400 pages. A lot happened in those four hundred pages - every page was packed with action and character development. It was almost overwhelming with everything happening in the book. 

Saba is a strong female character, literally strong. She is the most Katniss-like character I have seen in a female character. If it was Saba vs. Katniss in a fight, Saba might even pull of the win. She is not only physically strong, but mentally as well. She is smart and cunning, a good decision maker, strong willed. Everything about her is likable, but she also has such a strong front that it may seem a little hard to connect with her for the first few pages. Saba really is a character to desire to be like. Even to the way she deals with her love interest is admirable. Loved, loved this character!! 

The action is so well paced and plotted out. Everything is exciting and fun. There is no scene that feels boring or used as a filler scene. The book is long, but never boring. Everything is very well written, from all the fight scenes to the beautiful descriptions of the barren desert they fight their way through. It's really fun to read about. I would compare it to The Darkest Minds or Hunger Games in action. 

The writing style is a little awkward to read. It is written like The Knife of Never Letting Go, in Southern speak with misspelled words and bad grammar. It does add to the story, but sometimes can get a little hard to read. Eventually, it just seems natural, but I suggest reading certain scenes aloud if you can't understand them. It really does fit Saba's character, especially seeing their lifestyle and conditions. 

Overall, this book was a super fun read! I highly suggest it to any fans of action packed dystopias. 

5/5 Stars

Just One Day by Gayle Forman Review

Summary (via Goodreads): When sheltered American good girl Allyson "LuLu" Healey first meets laid-back Dutch actor Willem De Ruiter at an underground performance of Twelfth Night in England, there’s an undeniable spark. After just one day together, that spark bursts into a flame, or so it seems to Allyson, until the following morning, when she wakes up after a whirlwind day in Paris to discover that Willem has left. Over the next year, Allyson embarks on a journey to come to terms with the narrow confines of her life, and through Shakespeare, travel, and a quest for her almost-true-love, to break free of those confines.

Review: THIS BOOK! Was so good. Like incredibly good. I'm not really sure how to describe it - a feel good book? Not really. There was nothing incredibly mushy or heartwarming about it, but it still had an overall feeling of hope. It wasn't incredibly sad or happy. It was just like life. And that was beautiful. 

Allyson can relate to many people. She's the classic girl - not one created by movies - a real girl with an extroverted best friend, conflicting dreams, parental troubles, and her own internal problems as she tries to fit into the world. Her double persona of Lulu lets her become the person she has been wanted to be, a person that most people respect for their crazy daringness, like the personification of YOLO. However, Allyson doesn't always fit into this life. When she comes back to the States for college, she is faced with the dual personalities fighting for the way that she lives her life. As much as she wants this crazy part of her back, it will not come. She's haunted by the day in Paris. This day changed her life. First, I never thought one day could change your life before I read this book. One day seemed only a span of twenty four hours. After reading, I could probably make a list of over-looked days that did change my life. And while none of them are as crazy as Allyson's day in Paris, they still are important to the people we have all become. And then I figured - why can't every day be that one day that changes your life? That may seem impossible, but everyday we should do something new and exciting. That was what I took the most from this story.

It's been a while since I could really pull some type of deeper meaning from a book. Most of them, as according to the popular dystopian trend in young adult right now, focus on the same meanings of girl power and strength and heroism and self sacrifice. But after that message being pounded into my head for the past two years since The Hunger Games hit it's peak  and the onslaught of dystopian worlds being changed by one girl, I get the message. And I know what it means - it just seems hard to truly understand that when these people are in some terribly messed up government situations fighting for their life. That's not how I live though (and hopefully it never is). But in Just One Day, the girl and her relationships and her situations are real. They are relatable, even through the stretches of life in fiction. 

Overall, Gayle Forman nailed it with the writing. It was beautiful and flowing, with metaphors filling up every page, but not ever being thrown at the reader to understand them. The book took its reader in the direction it wanted, while letting them openly interpret, which is really how a book becomes meaningful. 

All of the locations were so well written. I could clearly see the various European locations, although I have never stepped foot on that continent. It was such a good idea of every place that they went. The characters were the same way - I felt like I knew all of them. It showed how there are good and willing people to help you wherever you go, just as they all help Allyson on her adventure to get back to Paris and Willem. 

This book is absolutely stunning. I highly suggest it! 

5/5 Stars

Forgive Me, Leonard Peacock by Matthew Quick Review

This book is one of my favorite books of this year - wait - life. I adored this book because it was truthful and honest. 

The main character is Leonard Peacock, who decides on his birthday, to kill his 'friend' and then himself. The entire premise is scary and terrifying, but so intriguing. The side characters are very important, as before he kills himself, he gives four presents to the four people he cares about. His old neighbor, Walt, made me cry during their last scene together. The violin player he listened to every day after school. The girl that he liked, but didn't like him back. His Holocaust teacher. All of them reacted in very different ways to the gifts, which also made them seem different as people. Another important thing is that they represent other ways that people could be prejudiced against - dealing with addictions, race, religion, and sexual orientation. The characters really make this book. 

The premise is both heartbreaking and intriguing. Matthew Quick handles this amazingly and really gets into the head of a person who is really dealing with these types of situations. It is extremely eye opening. 

Please read this book. It is amazing. Just do it. It will probably change your life. 

5/5 stars

Perfect Ruin by Lauren DeStefano Review

 Summary (from Goodreads): On Internment, the floating island in the clouds where 16-year-old Morgan Stockhour lives, getting too close to the edge can lead to madness. Even though Morgan's older brother, Lex, was a Jumper, Morgan vows never to end up like him. She tries her best not to mind that her life is orderly and boring, and if she ever wonders about the ground, and why it is forbidden, she takes solace in best friend Pen and her betrothed, Basil.

Then a murder, the first in a generation, rocks the city. With whispers swirling and fear on the wind, Morgan can no longer stop herself from investigating, especially when she meets Judas. He is the boy being blamed for the murder — betrothed to the victim — but Morgan is convinced of his innocence. Secrets lay at the heart of Internment, but nothing can prepare Morgan for what she will find — or who she will lose.

Review:

And just when you thought the dystopian genre had been exhausted, Lauren DeStefano comes up with this gem. Perfect Ruin is the firs book in the Internment Chronicles, a new trilogy. Her first, the Chemical Garden books, were terrible. However, I decided to give her books another chance because the summary was so intriguing. 

Internment is a city in the sky, characterized by its love of trains, extreme monarchy, and careful population control. People can also jump off the city in the sky, called jumpers, who are trying to kill themselves. Morgan's brother, Lex, is one of these. The book kicks off when Daphne, a fellow classmate, is killed in a city supposedly without problems. This leads to a chain of crimes in the city. 

Morgan is one of the best female characters. She isn't strong like Tris or Katniss. She is honestly a normal girl reacting in the same way I would (like a better version of Clary). Her best friend, Pen, would be amazing to have as a best friend. She is extremely funny and witty, the perfect comparison to Morgan. Basil is adorable and my new fictional boyfriend. Thomas and Pen were also very cute together, in a different way.

The book is written beautifully and all the pictures of the world are so drawn out. It is perfect for those looking for a fast paced read, while not necessarily action. Love, love, loved this book. Highly suggest. 

5/5 stars

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell Review

5/5 Stars

OMG THAT BOOK WAS SO CUTE! - first reaction

Fangirl is about Cath, sister to Wren (let's give a high five to Rainbow Rowell for best naming of a character ever) who is going to college. She lives with her mean roommate Reagan and Reagan's best friend, Levi, who is there enough that he practically lives there. We also get characters like Professor Piper, her fiction writer teacher, and Nick, who writes with her. 

Oh, wait, she's exactly like us!

Legit, Cath is the fangirl. She writes fanfiction, has a gay noncanon ship, buys merchandise, watches the movies, goes to the midnight release party. this character is us. 

I love Cath and Levi's relationship. It was so cute to see them develop together, from the beginning when they invited her to get out of her room with the protein bars. Just adorable. Wren was one of the most interesting characters with her alcoholism problem. I really liked how that topic was touched on. It was done beautifully and she really redeemed herself and their relationship. Great work!

The plot was much better than Eleanor & Park, in my opinion. The main character was much more human. While she had her faults, they didn't define her. She was strong without being an overdose. It was so hard watching her go through all of the dramas of her freshman year. 

Must read. Seriously, read this if you've ever loved a book. And because you are on Goodreads, then you probably have a favorite book. Just read it, okay?

Okay.