Book Review: Our Endless Numbered Days by Claire Fuller

Our Endless Numbered Days – Claire Fuller

*Warning – may contain spoilers*

Author: Clare Fuller

Publisher: Penguin Books

First published: 2015

Cover: Paperback (and it’s stunning!)

Pages: 292

Blurb: Peggy is eight years old when her father takes her to live in a cabin in a remote European forest. There, he tells her that her mother and the rest of the world are gone.

Now the two of them must scratch a living from the earth: trapping squirrels, foraging for berries, surviving winter as best they can.

But it is easy to lose your way in the forest, to lose yourself. How long will Peggy believe her father’s story? How long can you stay sane when the world is lost? And what happens when you stop believing in everything?

History of my copy: I picked up Our Endless Numbered Days, along with Me Before You  and In the Heart of the Sea at Tesco with my world book day vouchers. It was a complete cover buy; I hadn’t even heard of it before.

First of all, I think readers should be warned that, if you find it difficult to read about traumatic and distressing situations, this book really isn’t for you. Whilst a fantastic book, I did not expect it to be as bone-chilling as it was.

That being said, it is one of the best books I have ever read. Fuller’s writing is beautiful, using stunning imagery and language to weave a beautiful world for Peggy and her Papa to live in. I also enjoyed the sprinkling of references to Germany throughout the story.

Plot: The story jumps around a bit, and takes a few chapters to get used to. Peggy’s life as a child as she gets taken by her father to live in Die Hütte is juxtaposed with her being back home with her mother and brother after she escapes the forest. Her younger story starts with her spending the summer in the garden with her Survivalist father before he takes to away to live in the forest. Their journey is a little drawn out, but I think that was done with the intention of showing how long it took to get there, how isolated it is, and to emphasise how much of a child Peggy, who becomes Punzel, is at the time. The reader watches as Peggy grows up, and slowly starts to realise that her father is going mad. It climaxes with the arrival of Reuben, and with Peggy’s eventual escape from her world, discovering that the world hasn’t ended like her father said. The ending of this book is amazing, built with a fantastic plot twist that, whilst disturbing, throws a whole different light on the book and makes the reader realise just how bad isolation can be for a person’s mental health.

Setting: Fuller has created a beautiful world for the forest, and is a fantastic writer. It really feels like you are walking alongside Peggy as she makes her daily trips to the traps to see if any squirrels or rabbits have been caught. You can feel the snow in the winter, and see the river roaring past. I don’t think I have ever read a book so breathtakingly descriptive.

Characters: Peggy is one of my favourite main characters. She feels human. She doesn’t have ridiculous traits; she is far from perfect. You can taste her fear when she is scared, feel the rush of excitement when she discovers she isn’t stuck alone with her father. You also learn how vulnerable she is too.

                Her father, on the other hand, is a fantastic portrayal of someone with a clear mental health problem. The relationship between him and his daughter doesn’t feel forced at all and, although I ended up hating him by the end of the book, I still loved the concept of him as a character.

                It’s actually really hard to write about the characters without giving away the ending of the book, so I think I shall stop here for fear of spoiling it.

To read or not to read: Read. This book is so chillingly gripping and twisted that it just draws you in and you get lost in Peggy’s world. As mentioned before, this book covers some pretty dark and disturbing topics, so don’t pick it up expecting a happy fairy-tale story. That being said, it is definitely worth a read and I think it may need re-reading to see the story again in light of what you discover at the end.

Also, it ends almost on a cliff-hanger. Not enough to write a whole novel on, and not enough to drive you insane needing to know what happens, but just enough to perhaps want a short story, maybe even set a few years in the future, just to discover what happens to Peggy.

#SundaySeven (27/03/16)

First of all, I'd love to wish you all a Happy Easter! Have fun eating all those yummy chocolate eggs, or a good time going to church, or just have a fantastic day even if you don't celebrate this holiday.
I'm now on Easter break, which will sadly mostly be taken up by revision for my A-levels in only a few months time. I have, however, just bought a new camera to use for my bookstagram so keep an eye out for some awesome(-ish) photos!
Sorry again for being unable to do last week's #SundaySeven but, here I am, back to normal for the last weekend of March. Where has this month gone?!?
What a better way to end the month, and spend Easter, than flicking through my favourite bookstagram photos of the past fortnight? (As promised, I considered the previous two weeks due to the lack of post last Sunday).

1. 

@fandombooking

Kicking off this week's bunch is this beautiful Harry Potter themed photo. Including the first three books, just before things really started to get evil with the return of Lord Voldemort, I just love these editions of the books and that time turner necklace looks so beautiful! I also love the bookshelves in the background as they're just so colourful.

2. 

@weasleyswizardingbooks

Look how cute this photo is!!! Seriously, as soon as I saw this posted, I just knew it was going to make it into a #SundaySeven. The stars are so cute and such a unique addition to this photo. And the colours are just off to add to the photo, without being completely different. Man, I'm just so in love with this photo I don't even know how to describe it, but I hope you can see why.

3. 

@bookishlybelle

Belle's account is just full of so many stunning photos. It's one of those accounts that show that you really don't need a theme and a set background to pull off bookstagram. It's such a simple idea, yet she has pulled it off with style, the rose working well with the pattern at the top of the page. It also adds a nice splash of colour, without being too bold.

4. 

@paperfury

I stumbled across this photo when searching the #DitchThatJacket tag. Photos like this just remind me why I love love love hardback books without their dustcovers. Cait's photo looks cluttered, but not messy, and certainly gives off a really cute rustic feel. 

5. 

@mybookbliss

Me? A thing for hardback books? What on earth gave you that idea?? (Besides the fact I just said I did). Morgan's photo puts all those rainbow books to shame, just look how gorgeous it is! I really love the inclusion of the multicoloured ribbons and, along with the candles and bright colour of the books, it just feels like a bookstagram birthday photo!

6. 

@fantasyfangirlsbookblog

I love the fact that Dorothy and Misty run their bookstagram together. I totally wish I had a best friend to help me run mine and my book blog. This photo is so simply done, just throw a necklace over a book, but it looks amazing. The cover itself is so pretty and I think the way the necklace breaks the line of reflection makes this photo stand out.

7. 

@sobookinggood

Nothing says 'I love your account' more than the fact that Tracey has featured in three #SundaySevens now! (I promise she isn't paying for me to promote her haha). I just really really love her photos. Now that it's March, and after the gorgeous weather I experienced here in Cornwall on Friday, it really is starting to feel a lot like Spring. I haven't actually heard of the book here, but I just couldn't resist picking this photo for just how bright and Spring-y the daffodils make the photo.

Thankyou for reading, and thanks to all the bookstagram accounts (both those featured, and the countless others I poured through in order to decide on my seven). 

None of these photos are mine, and I have credited the account and notified them that I am using their image. Occasionally, it is known for accounts to repost photos without crediting the original owner. I do not support this. All photos are, to my knowledge, original to the accounts credited. If not, I will happily amend and assist in reporting accounts that are stealing photos. (To the accounts featured: I am not suggesting this applies to you, I am merely covering myself. This paragraph shall feature on all #SundaySeven posts in the rare and unfortunate case problems may occur.)

Book Review: The One by Kiera Cass

The One – Kiera Cass

*Warning – may contain spoilers*

Previous reviews: TheSelection; The Elite

Author: Kiera Cass

Publisher: HarperCollins

First published: 2014

Cover: Paperback

Pages: 323

Blurb:    When she was chosen to compete in the Selection, America never dreamed she would find herself anywhere close to the crown – or to Prince Maxon’s heart. But as the end of the competition approaches, and the threats outside the palace walls grow more vicious, America realises just how much she stands to lose – and how hard she’ll have to fight for the future she wants.

History of my copy: I bought The One, along with Lady Midnight (review here) and Winter to make the most of the postage I paid to receive Lady Midnight on release day and, after loving The Selection and The Elite so much, The One leapt to the top of my TBR list.

I have just realised that the covers of The Selection series are blue, red and white, coincidentally the colours of the American flag, and I can’t help but wonder whether this was done on purpose or not, especially as the main character is called America.

Plot: I can’t help but feel highly disappointed in the final instalment of Maxon’s Selection. The story itself had so many little twists that had the potential to become something fantastic, but were wrapped up much too soon. The alliance with the Northern rebels could have been developed so much more, giving an interesting side plot to the story as Maxon and America worked against the King for a different Illéa. Furthermore, the attack when the pair sneak out of the Palace also could have been a bit more dramatic and a lot less confusing, with perhaps one of them getting kidnapped. And what even happened to Paige after that?

         In terms of The Selection process itself, the book focusses on the remaining four girls: America, Celeste, Kriss and Elise. However, they don’t seem to do much. In fact, most of the book is Clarkson being harsh on America. The only vaguely interesting development was the Convicting.

         And then there is the ending itself, and the events leading up to it. C’mon, if you’re going to have a massive attack, make it interesting! Make it good! It seemed much too rushed, much too sudden and much too quickly brushed away and replaced by the wedding.

         Then there’s the matter of character development and the way Cass used the characters for different things, which I shall delve into later.

         I also feel as if having both the King and Queen dying in the attacks was a bit too strong. Yes, she died for him, but it just seemed a bit too sudden and a bit too much. Plus, Maxon didn’t even seem too bothered about it. I know he was a jerk, but he was your Father and your Mother was nothing but an angel. Show some respect.

Setting: Admittedly, Cass kept the setting up. I still want to go to the Palace and see how beautiful it is for myself. Maxon’s room sounds amazing. I also enjoyed how, when America went home, there was that contrast between her old home and her new one.

Characters: My first problem regarding the characters is the way Celeste entirely changed. For some reason, Cass decided to show a ‘nice’ side to the girl who had been a right bitch throughout, and the other girls seemed to forgive her? Why? Oh yes, just so that when she gets shot the reader is supposed to feel something for her. Sorry, didn’t happen. Celeste was more interesting as a mean girl, and the change in her character did nothing for me.

                Then there is America’s father’s death. Not sure why that happened either, maybe just to send America away from the Palace over Christmas, despite how beautiful any festive scenes between Maxon and America would have been? Oh and yes, of course, Aspen had to give America away at the wedding, a little symbol of their relationship between them. Didn’t like that at all, it felt like his death was just to show that, and to show that he was a Northern rebel. But it was nice to see why America had that name.

                And now to Maxon, who I did love but now I hate. His reaction to Aspen and America was ridiculous. At least give the girl a chance to explain! Jheez, grow up, don’t act all petty just because she had a previous romance and you didn’t.

To read or not to read: Don’t read. I know, if you’ve reached this far you just want to get to the end of Maxon and America’s story, but this book is such a disappointment compared to the other two. Sure, read it to finish this part of the series, but don’t go expecting much. I almost wish I’d finished The Elite and decided that I could imagine them ending up together and how it happened without picking up The One.

Book Review: Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare

Lady Midnight – Cassandra Clare

*Warning – may contain spoilers* (I have tried my hardest not to)

Author: Cassandra Clare

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

First published: 2016

Cover: Paperback with blue page edges

Pages: 669 + 22-page short story

Blurb:    In a kingdom by the sea…

 In a secret world where half-angel warriors are sworn to fight demons, parabatai is a sacred word. A parabatai is your partner in battle. A parabatai is your best friend. Parabatai can be everything to each other – but they can never fall in love.

Emma Carstairs is a warrior, a Shadowhunter. She lives for battle. Alongside her parabatai, Julian Blackthorn, she patrols Los Angeles, where vampires party on the Sunset Strip, and faeries – the most powerful of supernatural creatures – teeter on the edge of war with Shadowhunters. When the bodies of humans and faeries are found murdered in the same way Emma’s parents were when she was a child, an uneasy alliance is formed. This is Emma’s chance for revenge and Julian’s chance to get back his brother Mark, who is being held by the faerie Courts. All they have to do is solve the murders within two weeks… and before the murderer targets them.

Their search takes Emma from the sea caves full of sorcery to a dark lottery where death is dispensed. And each clue she unravels uncovers more secrets. What has Julian been hiding from her all these years? Why does Shadowhunter Law forbid parabatai to fall in love? Who really killed her parents – and can she bear to know the truth?

History of my copy: I got this copy delivered to me on release day and I have been reading it since then. I hate how long it has taken me to read it! If I had it my way, I would’ve stayed up all night to finish it. However, amongst school, being ill, and having to catch up on work, it took me so long to read.

Plot: Lady Midnight follows the Los Angeles Institute five years (I think) after the events of City of Heavenly Fire. It’s a world where Julian Blackthorn is the father figure to all his siblings, and practically runs the Institute himself. The plot follows the Blackthorn’s, along with Emma Carstairs and Christina as they secretly investigate some murders that are awfully similar to Emma’s parent’s death.

         Without spoiling the plot for anyone, I’m just going to say this: The Guardian was totally not who I expected it to be!!! Plot twist!

         My only major problem with the plot was Julian and Emma’s relationship. I just feel like the romantic side was so forced. To be honest, I loved the brief bit of Mark and Emma that happened just at the end!

         Also, the short story at the end – Sizzy and Clace!!!!!!

         Another great thing about the plot was that it was kept separate from The Mortal Instruments. Sure, it would help to read them to get the background story, to know who Jace and Clary are, etc. but there is nothing preventing you from reading The Dark Artifices as a stand-alone series.

Setting: I do feel as if the setting could have been described a little more, as a few times I wasn’t really sure what the landscape was like. As I’ve never been to L.A., I couldn’t really picture it too well.

Characters: As always, Clare has brilliantly crafted her characters so that you fall in love with them, whilst noticing their flaws, and preparing to have your heart ripped out.

                I do feel as if the Blackthorn family is a little too large – a few times I had to pause to try and remember which child it was, how old they were, what they’re like, etc. Maybe in future books they will all begin to play a major part, which would explain why there are so many of them.

                I would also like a lot more background on Christina and Diego, and what happened in Mexico, but I imagine that shall be explored in future books. I also would’ve liked a little more back story to Malcolm Fade, the warlock.

                Furthermore, I totally cannot wait to see Kit’s character to develop as he accepts his new identity.

                One of my favourite things about the characters though was the occasional sprinkling of all those old characters we love! From Jem and Tessa through to Jace and Clary, then there is Simon and Isabelle’s engagement and Alec and Magnus and their adopted kids!! This book contains a good mix of old and new that both die-hard fans and new readers will struggle to resist.

To read or not to read: Read. Overall, this is another fantastic Shadowhunter novel by Cassandra Clare. When first announced, there was a bit of an outcry that she was over-using the Shadow World. However, with an idea so brilliantly unique and well-crafted, as long as the stories remain unique and interesting, she can write as many as she wants in my opinion! Definitely go and read, regardless of whether you have read The Infernal Devices and/or The Mortal Instruments or not. I assure you, you won’t be disappointed. (And you will probably fall in love with Mark Blackthorn too). 

#SundaySeven (20/03/16)

I know it's not quite Sunday yet in the UK, but I thought I would update this week's Sunday Seven early.
I'm so sorry, but I won't be able to update this week as I was out this evening at a family meal, and tomorrow I'm off to Bristol to see Simple Plan.
To make up for it, and to ensure no fantastic photos are left out, next week's will include photos from the fortnight.
Sorry guys!

#SundaySeven (13/03/16)

Here we are at the second Sunday of March, this month really is flying by! There was a point last night where I thought I wouldn't be able to do #SundaySeven this week, as I had a horrific headache. This morning though, I'm just left with a lovely sore throat, but with the help of numerous throat sweets, I have powered on to deliver as promised.
This week featured my most anticipated release of the year, Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare! I've been pretty ill, so I haven't yet finished reading it, but I love it so much! I think I could read shadowhunter books forever.
This week has also been a rather Potter week, and quite a few Harry Potter themed photos have made it into the top 7.
But now you can see for yourself, here are my #SundaySeven:


1. 

@geekgirlbookworm

It seemed wrong to not have a Lady Midnight photo feature in this week's bunch, so here is my absolute favourite! I desperately wanted a copy like this, but by the time I had the money, they had all sold out! Ah well, better luck next time. But this cover is absolutely stunning (and I think it's signed too). Cassandra Clare and coffee, two of my favourite things. I hope you're loving the book!

2. 

@demmi_writist

I love Demmi's account! She is always tagging in for book tags, which I love doing (despite the fact I do let them build up, oops..). In fact, I'm even tagged in this wonderful photo. I love how simplistic yet eye-catching the white and black books are, and the hints of red just add a bit of brightness to the photo. And there's more coffee!

3. 

@emzbooksandco

A recent discovery for me, Em has some really lovely photos! As a huge Potterhead, as I've mentioned numerous times, I love seeing photos of everyone else's Potter collections. (I have so much, I can't even display it all). However, this collection is neat and tidy, and I am so in love with those covers!

4. 

@sobookinggood

Another point to Harry Potter, and another feature for Tracey, who was in last week's #SundaySeven too! In fact, having a quick scroll through her account just now, so many of her other photos were in my shortlist for this week too. This photo was a really interesting take on the bookish triangle tag. I love candles, I love Harry Potter, I love Tracey's account. Any surprises there?

5. 

@bookybooklove

I discovered this photo this morning, and had to just sit back for a moment. How come everyone else can get these really awesome sunlight photos and mine always suck?? This photo quite literally took my breath away. The ray of sun, to me, looks like a glass sword, which obviously suits the book perfectly! I'm not sure if the muddy background adds to the photo or not though.

(My headache is starting to return, let's hope I can make it through.)

6. 

@books_and_bobs

Last Potter photo of the week, I promise! This photo is so simple, probably didn't take much thought, but was pulled off so well! I'm a sucker for little crafty things so those stars really make it for me.

7. 

@inspiredbythepages

Amongst all the lovely bookish photos on bookstagram, sometimes it is really nice to see some work books. Just because you may be studying, and the work may be a little dull, it doesn't mean you can't take some awesome photos with it! I can relate to this photo too, with a work space that is organised, but a little confusing to anyone that isn't you.

Thankyou for reading, and thanks to all the bookstagram accounts (both those featured, and the countless others I poured through in order to decide on my seven). 

None of these photos are mine, and I have credited the account and notified them that I am using their image. Occasionally, it is known for accounts to repost photos without crediting the original owner. I do not support this. All photos are, to my knowledge, original to the accounts credited. If not, I will happily amend and assist in reporting accounts that are stealing photos. (To the accounts featured: I am not suggesting this applies to you, I am merely covering myself. This paragraph shall feature on all #SundaySeven posts in the rare and unfortunate case problems may occur.)

Book Review: Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

Me Before You – Jojo Moyes

*Warning – may contain spoilers*

Author: Jojo Moyes

Publisher: Penguin Books

First published: 2012

Cover: Paperback

Pages: 481

Blurb:    Lou Clark knows lots of things. She knows how many footsteps there are between the bus stop and home. She knows she likes working in The Buttered Bun tea shop and she knows she might not love her boyfriend Patrick.

What Lou doesn’t know is she’s about to lose her job or that knowing what’s coming is what keeps her sane.

Will Traynor knows his motorcycle accident took away his desire to live. He knows everything feels very small and rather joyless now, and he knows exactly how he’s going to put a stop to that.

What Will doesn’t know is that Lou is about to burst into his world in a riot of colour. And neither of them knows they’re going to change the other for all time.

History of my copy: I got this book last Friday at Tesco for only £2.85, as I used a World Book Day token. I also bought Our Endless Numbered Days and In the Heart of the Sea.

Perhaps I should mention right now that I’m not a fan of romance books. Sure, like most teenage girls, I do love an adorable couple but I need a story that doesn’t revolve around that. I knew from the start that Me Before You was not my kind of book, but its huge popularity made me give in and give it a go.

Oh how I regret that. I naively believed that there would be something more to this book, but I was wrong. I think people are selfish, and love is overrated, and true love certainly doesn’t exist so this entire book just seemed so fake and forced to me.

Plot: The majority of this book takes place over a six-month period in which Louisa Clark, bubbly, stuck-in-a-rut girl takes a job caring for Will Traynor, ex-businessman who is now a quadriplegic. She later discovers that she Will is going to end his own life, and she begins planning adventures to get him to change his mind. Of course, as these kinds of books always go, she falls in love with him. And, shock horror SPOILER ALERT (although is it really a spoiler when I saw it a mile off?) she fails. I now feel like I have just wasted hours reading a book that nothing really happens in.

Setting: Perhaps the one redeeming factor of this book is its settings. Moyes has done her research regarding quads and their needs. The places that Will, Lou and sometimes medical helper Nathan go to, are unique, interesting and seriously? I’m surprised they didn’t change Will’s mind. Even just the generic countryside was made to feel something a little special.

Characters: Cliché doesn’t begin to sum up all the characters in this book. None of them felt particularly different to what I’ve seen before, and I didn’t feel attached to any of them. Apart from perhaps Katrina because hey, it’s rare I see my name in a book okay?

                First we have Will’s family and friends: the father, who is having an affair; the mother, who is all business and worry; Will who is the typical difficult bloke, despite his disability; Will’s sister, who is barely even mentioned. Oh, and let’s not forget that Will’s ex ends up marrying his best friend. Wow, I’ve never seen any of this before!

                Now for Lou’s family: the father, who gets made redundant; the grandfather who has had a stroke; the mother who just looks after everyone; the sister and her son, who is a polar opposite of Lou; Lou herself who just feels like her ‘differences’ are forced. Oh, and she has been raped, haven’t seen that in a main female character’s history before! And then there is her boyfriend, who is so dull it hurts.

                The characters just feel like every other generic book, altered just a little to fit the plot. Yawn.

To read or not to read: Really don’t bother. I was highly disappointed by this book, and all that made me finish it was that I wanted to be done with it before Lady Midnight arrived. Sure, it was okay, just so generic and predictable. In fact, the preview of After You had me more hooked than the entire of Me Before You.

#SundaySeven (06/03/16)

It's that time of the week again! Just like last week, I really struggled to narrow it down to just seven photos, but I think I've found a good way of doing it now. I think I have even chosen a completely different group of accounts this week, which makes things even more fun! And I promise, there's a lot less Harry Potter in this weeks bunch.

So, now for less waffling and more photos!


1.

@inspiredbythepages

So, here is my favourite photo of the week! As you can see, it's very different from the top photo last week. I stumbled across this one when searching through the #conniggulden tag. I'm a huge fan of this series! I love the background to the photo, and the red rose just really finishes off this photo.

2.

@readorables

Funnily enough, second place is taken by the same book! It goes to show that sometimes it's not just what you do to the book, but what book you use. As mentioned last week, I desperately want to read this book, and I fall in love with the cover a little more each time. I'm not sure what it is that makes me love this photo, but I really enjoy the contrast between the city on the cover and the natural wood background.

3.

@sobookinggood

I'm not a huge fan of snow, and I totally agree with Tracey that March shouldn't have snow, but I have to admit it allows for some stunning photos! I have seen a few snow photos this week, but this one really takes my breath away. It really feels like an isolated winter wonderland, and it just looks so beautiful!

4.

@craftybookowl

England celebrated World Book Day this week, and so bookstagram was full of hundreds of photos of us celebrating our favourite day. This was made for a shop display and, whilst not the usual bookstagram post, it is absolutely stunning! A cute little dress made out of books? Yes please! Where can I buy one?


5.

@kcdunfordbooks

Fifth spot this week is also taken by a book with some petals! Shadow and Bone is another book that has been on my tbr for a while now. I've heard that the book is a mixture of horror and fantasy, and I think the roses and petals really show that. Some still look full of life, representing the fantasy, whilst others are withered and decaying, showing that a horror lies underneath. Great photo!


6.

@shadowcarstairs

This weeks #SundaySeven wouldn't be complete without a Cassandra Clare book because Lady Midnight comes out in two days!!!! I cannot contain my excitement!! I love photos where a book is featured on top of a sea of open books, and this one really caught my eye because I am a huge fan of anything and everything Shadowhunters!

7.

@book.lover14

Quite a few of Eleni's photos actually ended up in my shortlist for this weeks post, but this one was the only one to make it to the top 7. Look at those shoes! I'm really not a heel girl and I don't think I could make it 3 steps in them! But the colour of the shoe matches the books perfectly, and it's such a lovely colour.

Thankyou for reading, and thanks to all the bookstagram accounts (both those featured, and the countless others I poured through in order to decide on my seven).

None of these photos are mine, and I have credited the account and notified them that I am using their image. Occasionally, it is known for accounts to repost photos without crediting the original owner. I do not support this. All photos are, to my knowledge, original to the accounts credited. If not, I will happily amend and assist in reporting accounts that are stealing photos. (To the accounts featured: I am not suggesting this applies to you, I am merely covering myself. This paragraph shall feature on all #SundaySeven posts in the rare and unfortunate case problems may occur.)

Book Review: Cress by Marissa Meyer

Cress – Marissa Meyer

*Warning – may contain spoilers*

Author: Marissa Meyer

Publisher: Puffin Books

First published: 2014

Cover: Paperback

Pages: 550

Blurb:    Incarcerated in a satellite, an expert hacker and out to save the world – Cress isn’t your usual damsel in distress.

                Cress grew up as a prisoner. With only netscreens for company, she’s forced to do the bidding of the evil Queen Levana. Now that means tracking down Cinder and her handsome accomplice Emperor Kai. But little does Queen Levana know that those she seeks, and the man she loves, are plotting her downfall…

                As paths cross and the price of freedom rises, happily ever after has never seemed further away for Cress, Scarlet and Cinder.

                This is not the fairy tale you remember. But it’s one you won’t forget…

History of my copy: I picked up Cress along with The Elite a couple weeks ago. Having recently read Cinder and Scarlet, I have been desperate to finish the series. Now I just have to wait and see when I can get my hands on Winter.

Cress is hands down my favourite book in the series so far. So much happens, but at the same time, things start to be tied together. I was a bit slow at reading it at first, due to a couple bad days, but then yesterday I read the last half of the book because I couldn’t put it down! That rarely happens to me, as I enjoy having numerous books on the go at once.

Plot: Cress starts with Cinder, Thorne, Scarlet, Wolf and Iko rescuing Cress, the girl with the D-comm chip. However, things don’t go directly to plan, and the group gets split up. At this point, the book gets frustrating as you want to know what happened to everyone, but you follow only one of the group’s stories and then suddenly, when something is about to happen to them, you flash to someone else! It’s so frustrating because the story is so gripping and you just need to know! And, whilst all this is going on, you’re yelling at Kai to not marry Levana.

         Cress and Thorne end up remaining in the satellite as it plummets to Earth, before being stuck in the Sahara Desert, made even worse by the fact that Thorne is blinded. They eventually make their way to Dr. Erland (and wait until you discover his secret!), but it certainly wasn’t an easy path, and the terror you feel for Cress is immense.

         Scarlet ends up as a hostage of Sybil Mira and taken to Luna, where she is tortured by Levana and becomes a pet of Princess Winter, which introduces the title character of the last book in the series.

         Wolf, Iko and Cinder remain on the Rampion and end up heading to Dr. Erland too, where the eventually meet back up with Cress and Thorne. When they are all united, apart from Scarlet, and Iko is given a new body (no more spaceship Iko!), they break into the palace and kidnap Emperor Kai.

         The plot of this book is so fast paced and interesting, it just keeps drawing you in.

Setting: Cress has numerous settings from the vast emptiness of the desert, to the confined prison of Cress’ satellite. From the magnificence of the New Beijing palace prepared for a royal wedding, to Scarlet’s cage back on Luna. I can’t wait to discover more about Luna in the final book.

Characters: Meyer’s characters are absolutely brilliant. They are flawed, they are misfits, and yet you still love every single thing about them.

                Cress is adorably sweet and innocent, and her reaction to everything Earthen makes my heart ache for her a little more each and every time. And, although at first I couldn’t see Thorne and Cress together, now it’s probably my main ship from these books. Thorne himself changes a little in this book, as he is now blind, but Meyer portrayed that so well. It was nice to see a main character end up with a disability as impacting as blindness.

                I still love Iko so much! The problem is, I find her hard to imagine as this beautiful escort droid when I’m so used to the Iko from Cinder. However, her character is just as funny as ever, and there are so many moments when I had to put the book down just to laugh at Iko for five minutes, especially when she was the spaceship.

                I was never hugely fond of Dr. Erland, but in Cress you learn a lot about him, and your heart will shatter into a million pieces when he finally reveals his secret to the person it matters too. (I’m avoiding spoiling it because it’s just so good!)

To read or not to read: Read. Read. Read. I loved this book sososososo much! It makes you feel frustrated, elated, heartbroken, angry and so much more. You will cry, you will laugh, you will squeal in pure delight. It makes you feel everything. I really don’t think words can show how amazing this book is. Go read it right now!

World Book Day 2016

So, the most important day of the year in the book world is here! Happy World Book Day to fellow bibliophiles world wide, although I believe it's only celebrated today in the UK.

Now that I'm in sixth form, dressing up as my favourite book character is no longer an option, which is a real shame. I remember those primary school costumes that my mum spent hours on, my favourites being this beautiful mermaid tail we made with individual scales (although it was a pain to sit down in) and one year we had to wear a book-themed hat, for which we made this Charlotte's Web inspired top hat, with straw and soft animals.

There are also more recent memories, such as only a few years ago when I went as a shadowhunter, which was a lot of fun. I also went as a Hogwarts student numerous times.

World Book Day was first celebrated in 1995, and has become an annual celebration ever since, loved by bookworms both young and old. It's mostly celebrated in Primary Schools to encourage young children to read more, especially nowadays when games consoles and TV are becoming more and more popular. I highly support this motive, ass I feel that reading is an important part of development to both encourage imagination, and to help people become more accepting and open-minded of the world, and to help them in making decisions. For me, I find it much easier to make difficult and stressful decisions, if I can relate it to a book character and remember how they reasoned through it.

Although I always have numerous books on the go, I usually have a main one that is my priority to finish. Currently, Cress by Marissa Meyer is my main read, and I love it so much! The Lunar Chronicles just get better and better. I hope that I shall finish it soon, with a book review being posted within the next week.

So what books are you currently reading? And, if you're celebrating world book day, what are you up to?

Review Policy

I have just spent some time amending my 'review policy and recommendations' page.

If you are an author or publisher looking for someone to review your books, head there to find out how to contact me, and whether you are offering what I am looking for.
I am also open to hosting giveaways, author interviews, and guest posts.

I am also always happy to receive book recommendations from any of my readers, as well as being available to write a post for anyone else's blog.

Furthermore, I have often thought about having an extra person to help run my blog to make it more active, and to contribute some more ideas. If you would be interested, even if only temporarily, please drop me an e-mail (katticus07@gmail.com) so I can get to know you and see if you'd be a great help to my blog.