20, 000 Leagues Under The Sea 7/10

20, 000 Leagues Under The Sea by Jules Verne

7/10
"Verne's prophetic masterpiece of maritime adventure has fascinated every generation of readers since its publication in 1870"

Jules Verne's 20 000 Leagues Under The Sea is a science fiction novel following Professor Aaronax, a professor of marine biology, who goes to study a mysterious submarine creature that is wrecking ships in the year of 1866. When the Professor is lost overboard along with two of his companions, he is saved by this creature, which turns out to in fact be an extremely modern submarine vessel known as the 'Nautilus', run by the erratic and allusive Captian Nemo. The novel follows the Nautilus as it journeys around the world, with each chapter having a new adventure that reveals more about the the world, the vessel and the characters within.

I really enjoyed reading this novel. It is slow to read due to the older-fashioned language used however this does not detract from the story line. It is a fascinating read and if you are looking for a more classic novel to fill your bookshelf, I would recommend. You need to have patience to read this book, but it is well worth it. Travelling under the sea with Professor Aaronax has taught me so many interesting things and I feel that I have a better grip on the world- as crazy as that sounds. Also as a side note, Jules Verne wrote Journey To The Center Of The Earth, which you may have seen the adaption in cinemas. :)

The Selection Series 6/10

The Selection Series by Kiera Cass

Book 1: 7/10, Book 2: 6/10, Book 3: 5/10

The Selection Series follows the story of America Singer, a low class girl who is chosen to participate in what is known as The Selection- where her and thirty-five other girls will compete against each other to win the heart and hand in marriage, of gorgeous Prince Maxon. However, America wants nothing more than to stay with her family and love of her life Aspen, not prance around the Kings castle competing for a man she doesn't know's hand in marriage. As America learns the way of royalty, she begins to see that Prince Maxon is much more than he seems, and she may want to stay after all...

I didn't really like this series. I think that I would have enjoyed them much more a few years ago. Nevertheless, here I am. The major bone that I need to pick with Kiera Cass is the plot of the novels. This is as the romance feels rushed and the set-up unnatural. The series is basically a written version of The Batchelor- and this is a bigger fail than Blake & Sam in 2014. I definitely do not recommend this book, whilst the first is not bad, the rest of the series will let you down and there are thousands of other amazing books out there. Go check out my recommendations if you are thinking of reading this- because I don't think it is worth your time. Click here to see The Selection Series on goodreads

Since You've Been Gone 7/10

Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson

7/10 

Morgan Matson's 2014 novel 'Since You've Been Gone' is a contemporary novel that delves into the the importance of friendship and love, especially for seventeen year-old Emily Hughes. When Emily's best friend Sloane disappears with her family, leaving no trace except for  a list of things for Emily to accomplish in the summer, Emily is lost. She resolves that if she completes the list she may be able to find Sloane. However the list is made up of things that are the opposite of Emily's shy, reserved nature, including to go skinny dipping, kiss a stranger, break something and more. The novel follows Emily as she ventures to complete the list over the summer, and the relationships that form as a consequence.

I very much enjoyed reading this book. Morgan Matson makes her books really special as she includes extra things into the book such as music playlists and handwritten letters, almost as if it is a journal. This is really awesome because it is fun when you can recognise some of the songs and feel more deeply involved with the characters. Also, Frank is an awesome, funny and easy-to-love character that is created so well by Matson.
The reason that I am not giving this book a higher rating is simply because it is not the type of book that I love to read. However, this is the type of book that would be perfect to cure a book hangover after a particularly good series or a world-stopping romance as it is an all-round feel-good book with a fantastic storyline and comforting ending. Click here to see Since You've Been Gone on goodreads

A Court of Thorns and Roses 10/10

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Mass

Book 1: 10/10, Book 2: 10/10, Book 3: released in May 2017

A Court of Thorns and Roses is a fantasy trilogy following a girl named Feyre who, after killing a wolf who was in fact Fairie, is taken to the world of the Farie's. As she is forced to live with the temperamental High Lord of the Spring Court, Tamlin, she starts to see a different side of him and become wrapped in this world she has become a part of. I can't say anythin more without giving away the events of the novel.

Recently I stumbled into the world of ACOTOR after a fellow book lover recommended me the series. I was skeptical, but by god I shouldn't of been. These two books (the third book comes out in 2017) were so well written, with the story line and characters developing seamlessly and in a way that allows you to revel in the world that Feyre has become apart of. Mass has a stunning writing style and the world that she has created so vividly seems so real in my mind. I cannot recommend this series enough. One of the few books that will keep you reading all night and desperate for more. If you are ever looking for an amazing book that intertwines adventure, fantasy and love, this is your novel! My stomach gets butterflies just thinking about the book. READ IT.  Click here to see A Court of Thorns and Roses Trilogy on Goodreads

Everyday 6/10

Everyday by David Levithan

6/10  

This book is about 'A', a human soul who wakes in a different body every day. After of sixteen years of waking up in a different body with the age of the host corresponding with the age of A, one day A wakes up in the body of Justin. However, after meeting Justin's girlfriend Rhiannon, a deep connection is formed between with this girl. However, unlike every other day, A wants nothing more than to stay with this amazing girl. As the novel progresses, you see the struggle of desire versus practicality, hope versus promise, witnessing how loneliness and a lack of belonging strengthens the desire for love in individuals.

Altogether, this book was a fascinating read. It was interesting to see glimpses into peoples lives and the perspectives of people who are boys, girls, have disabilities, gay, depressed, etc. Levithan has accurately portrayed a various array of sixteen year-old's- no easy feat- whilst simultaneously not going over the top with stereotypical teenage mindsets. However, the novel looses its points in the love story between this lonely soul 'A', and everyday girl Rhiannon. To me, the romance felt forced and unreal. 'A' just happened to do something special with someone and it was instantly attached, it was the stereotypical 'love at first sight' kind of notion which does not appeal to me. At all. So, while this book is interesting and an original concept, I wouldn't recommend as it dragged on and did not leave me feeling satisfied. Click here to see Everyday on goodreads

Legend Trilogy 7.5/10

Legend Trilogy by Marie Lu

Book 1: Legend 8.5/10, Book 2: Prodigy 7/10, Book 3: Champion 7.5/10

Set in a futuristic dystopian society where oceans have risen and caused America to split into two country's known as the Colonies and where the novel is based, the Republic . This book follows the story of two people: Day (guy)- an attractive, loving and street smart criminal who hates the Republic and lives in the slums, and June (girl)- a smart, deadly, prodigy who is a devout follower of the Republic. When June's brother dies and she is sent on a mission to find the criminal suspect who killed him (Day), she discoveres that the Republic, the government that she has trusted her whole life, is hiding some pretty major secrets. The runaway pair soon become unlikely allies and work to discover the reality of both the Republic and the Colonies.

So, this trilogy is really intense and interesting. It is written so descriptively through the eyes of both Day and June. Marie Lu has created two extremely smart and free-thinking characters who pick up on things that most people would miss. Being written through their eyes, when they see something, it is fully analysed and conclusions are drawn that lead you further into the dilemma's and conflicts in the book- instead of just describing it. Marie Lu has created something that is mentally stimiluating yet still has time for romance. Additionally, the ending to the trilogy is creative and different. Marie Lu doesn't tell you exactly what happens yet all ends are still tied off. My major critique about the books was that at times, it was not as gripping as I would hope. However, I am glad I read this series and hence, do recommend this book. 

Click here to see the Legend Trilogy on Goodreads

Divergent Trilogy 10/10

Divergent Trilogy by Veronica Roth

B1: Divergent 10/10, B2: Insurgent 10/10, B3: Allegiant 9.8/10
The novel follows a girl named Tris, who lives in a dystopian post-apocalyptic Chicago in a society whereby everyone lives in one of five factions. These factions stop anyone from exercising free will and if someone was to rebel against their faction, they are killed. Tris, after finding out that she is a rare 'divergent' who does not fit into a faction, chooses the faction of Dauntless. The novel is about Tris finding herself and dealing with her new life where she has to keep secrets from everyone, even her gorgeous instructor who seemingly gets under her skin like no one else.

You probably have heard of this trilogy before or even watched the movies, but honestly, the hype surrounding these books is all justified. Roth has an excellent writing style and is realistic about the consequences of war. Also, if you have seen the movies, don't pass off the books. Like most movies, only the basic plot is covered. The books go way deeper into Tris and Tobias as individuals and what is happening in the world around them- plus they make more sense than the movies. Furthermore, the romance is a great feature of the novels! So, even if you think you already know what happens, still have a read. I don't give a book 10/10 for nothing so you know that this series takes awesome to a new level. DEFINITELY RECOMMEND!!!!  Click here to see the Divergent Trilogy on goodreads


Click here to see the Divergent Trilogy on goodreads