Samstag, 30. Mai 2015

Review: Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

“ I turn to him, slowly, and his eyes are wide and brown and totally open. There’s this pause. We’re still looking at each other. And there’s this feeling in my stomach like a coil pulled taut.‘It’s you,’ I say.‘I know I’m late,’ he says. “

Content:

Simon Spier is sixteen and trying to work out who he is – and what he’s looking for. But when one of his emails to the very distracting Blue falls into the wrong hands, things get all kinds of complicated. Because, for Simon, falling for Blue is a big deal … It’s a holy freaking huge awesome deal.

Cover:

Although I actually do not like these types of covers usually, this one immediately caught my eye in the bookstore. It’s simple, yet really well designed and I really like the colors. The cover (plus the blurb) was actually the reason why I bought this book.

My opinion:

I honestly do not know where to start. I finished this book a few hours ago and I still can’t process my thoughts and feelings, and this review will contain a lot of fangirling, so you shall be warned!

I didn’t expect a lot from this book when I picked it up, because I never heard anyone mentioning it on BookTube or elsewhere, so I didn’t really know what to think of that. But honestly, where is the hype this book definitely deserves? You should all just go and buy and read this book RIGHT NOW.
But let’s start off with the writing-style. On the cover of the book there is a quote by Teen Vogue and it says “The love child of John Green and Rainbow Rowell”, and let me tell you, it is exactly that. The writing-style is just so light, easy and fun to read. I always take ages for English books usually (because my mother tongue isn’t English), but I just flew through this book and actually read it in two sittings, which is almost impossible for me. I loved every single bit of this book and the writing especially. It felt like I was talking to a real seventeen year-old.
Now let’s talk about these amazing characters. First of all, Simon was one of the most perfect protagonists I’ve ever read about. Usually in YA-Contemporary books the main characters are somewhat “perfectionised”, if you know what I mean, but Simon just felt real and authentic to me. I felt like I was reading the story of a REAL guy. Also the other characters seemed pretty realistic to me, which was great and so refreshing. I just want to give them all a hug and be friends with every single one of them (except Martin maybe, but, you know, even he deserves some love).
Lastly, the plot: What can I say? It was absolutely perfect. There were some serious issues (like blackmailing, coming out, and finding out who you truly are and want to be) addressed in the book, and it really makes you think about the struggle some people might have to deal with when talking about these issues, although I never really thought about it myself until now. Nevertheless this book never missed to make me smile, and since I finished this book I just walk around with a huge grin on my face, because the ending was really perfect and life is beautiful. The mystery aspect in this book also left me speechless at some points, and I would have never thought that HE turns out to be Blue. I thought it was someone completely different. But I am honestly so happy with how everything turned out, that, again, I just want to hug everyone and tell them how much they mean to me, because in such a short time these characters became my best friends.
(Also: Simon & Blue are like THE OTP, right? They are so cute together, I can’t even … I can’t handle it! They are perfect together, and I would die to read something from their future, like kids or marriage? Please Becky?)

Conclusion:

This is probably the best contemporary book I’ve ever read, and the best book that I’ve read this year so far. I recommend this book to everyone; go and read it, people!

Rating:

5|5 stars
★-★-★--

Freitag, 29. Mai 2015

Review: Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

“I've risked my life for you. I've walked half the length of Ravka for you, and I'd do it again and again and again just to be with you, just to starve with you and freeze with you and hear you complain about hard cheese every day. So don't tell me why we don't belong together.“
 

Content:

Alina Starkov has never been good at anything. But when her regiment is attacked on the Fold and her best friend is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power that saves his life—a power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free. Wrenched from everything she knows, Alina is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling.
Yet nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. With darkness looming and an entire kingdom depending on her untamed power, Alina will have to confront the secrets of the Grisha . . . and the secrets of her heart.

Cover:

The English cover is just so much more beautiful than any other version of this cover. You can see the “palace” which is described in the book, and I think it fits perfectly in my opinion.

My opinion:

As usual, let’s start with the writing style. I have to be honest here, it took me around 50 pages to get into this book. The first few pages were terrible to get into, and I actually wanted to put the book down, because it really annoyed me. After the first 50 pages, though (and with the first appearance of the Darkling) I started to enjoy the writing-style a little more, and it was easier to get through.
Moving on with the plot and the characters: I hate to say this, but for me the story was nothing new. There is a girl with a special ability that she first denies to have and then suddenly accepts? There is a boy, whom she knows since her childhood and loves, and who “obviously” isn’t interested in her, but suddenly he is? One person turns out to be evil, although everyone thought things are great with them? I read these things already in like 50 books, which was probably also why the “plot-twist” also didn’t come as a surprise to me then. The only which was kind of unique in this book for me was the setting. I didn’t read anything which was taking place in Russia yet, and it was great and refreshing to read. (Although I didn’t know how to pronounce the characters’ names most of the time ;) ) Nevertheless though, I did enjoy the main plot and I also enjoyed the characters. I love YA books, so I always looked forward to getting to this books again, but as I said, it was nothing new for me. There are two more books in the series; I do not know when I will read them, but eventually I will try to get to them! :)

Conclusion:

A pretty interesting setting with decent characters and a good plot; nothing too unique, but it was alright!

Rating:

3.5|5 stars
----

Dienstag, 26. Mai 2015

Review: Opal by Jennifer L. Armentrout

“You're amazing.""I know it didn't take you this long to realize that.""No. I've always known it." I watched him root around for another strawberry. "Maybe not in the beginning..."He peeked up. "My awesomeness is all about the stealth.” 
 

Content:

After everything, I’m no longer the same Katy. I’m different... And I’m not sure what that will mean in the end. When each step we take in discovering the truth puts us in the path of the secret organization responsible for torturing and testing hybrids, the more I realize there is no end to what I’m capable of. The death of someone close still lingers, help comes from the most unlikely source, and friends will become the deadliest of enemies, but we won’t turn back. Even if the outcome will shatter our worlds forever.

Cover:

I do not like this cover at all, actually. It looks much too cheesy and romantic, and it doesn’t represent the book at all.

My opinion:

Let’s start off with the writing style first. As always it was very fluent and easy to read, which was great. You could fly through these chapters and I love books which can be read fast. So that was definitely great; I love Jennifer’s writing.
Now onto the plot and characters: To be honest, I always was rather annoyed by Katy’s behavior, in the first, as well as in the second book. And that also didn’t seem to change in the third book, but additionally to that all the others annoyed me too. Daemon fought with Katy over things which were complete nonsense, and the relationship, or rather the “non-existing” relationship between Katy and Dee just seemed too forced, as if Dee didn’t even want to be friends with Katy anymore (and not, like she said, she “tried” it). Of course I understand what Dee goes through, but she could at least try to understand Katy. One thing which was good though, was that Katy and Daemon finally stood behind their relationship and didn’t tell themselves that they don’t love each other anymore. That saved a lot of time in this book. The plot-development itself was kind of predictable, and everyone knew that there was something wrong with Blake, right? So these things didn’t come as a surprise to me, actually, but I did enjoy it overall. At some points I was kinda bored, because things didn’t seem to get going, but I really enjoyed the last 50-100 pages. The thing which I hated and loved the most about this book was the ending. It was unpredictable and a huge cliffhanger; it was bitter-sweet and I loved it. This was honestly the best part in the book, and I am really excited to read the fourth book when it comes out in Austria.

Conclusion:

Whereas some scenes and characters were a real pain, all in all I enjoyed the writing and the plot itself a lot. Actually I would have given this book a 3 or 3.5 | 5 stars, but the ending was too great for that.

Rating:

4 | 5 stars
----

Montag, 25. Mai 2015

T-B-R pile Tag

Hello everyone and welcome back to my Blog!
Today I will do the “T-B-R pile Tag”! I was tagged by Jessy from Staystrong and be Untamed. Thank you so much for tagging me! :)


Let’s start with the questions:


1. Which book on your T-B-R pile is the newest?

An Amber in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir.



2. Which book on your T-B-R pile is the oldest?


Probably Lucian by Isabel Abedi.



3. Which book on your T-B-R pile did you buy last?


An Amber in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir.

 

4. Which book has been on your T-B-R pile the longest?


Percy Jackson and the Titan’s Curse by Rick Riordan. (I know, I do feel ashamed)



5. Which book on your T-B-R pile has the most beautiful cover?

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick. I love this cover so so much.



6. Which book did you buy immediately on the release-date, but is still on your T-B-R pile?

FOUR – A Divergent Collection by Veronica Roth. I actually just lost interested in starting it immediately. I will read it though at some point.



7. In which book on your T-B-R pile are you actually not even interested anymore?

Actually none; If I would be fed up with a book I would sell it :)



8. Which books on your T-B-R pile didn’t you buy yourself, but got from another person?

Forever too far by Abbi Glines & Red Rising by Pierce Brown.



9. Which book on your T-B-R pile has the most boring cover?

Forever too far by Abbi Glines.


10. A book on your T-B-R pile that has been released in 2015:

An Amber in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir; Wow I use this book a lot in this tag ;)



11. A book on your T-B-R pile that has been released in 2014:

Red Rising by Pierce Brown.



12. The first part in a series on your T-B-R pile:

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick; Red Rising by Pierce Brown; An Amber in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir; The Maze Runner by James Dashner; I have so many first books here ;)



13. Another part in a series on your T-B-R pile:

Actually none I think :D



14. Do you have a whole series on your T-B-R?

No :)



15. How many E-books are on your T-B-R pile?

I don’t have an E-Reader, so none :D



16. How many Paperbacks are on your T-B-R pile?

12 as far as I’ve counted ;)



17. How many Hardcover are on your T-B-R pile?

5 (really few, right? I am proud)



18. Do you already know which book will be the next on your T-B-R pile?

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard. I am really excited about this one.



19. How many books did you start, but then ceased and put it onto your T-B-R pile again?

None that I remember; I actually always like to finish my books, no matter how bad it is.



20. How many books are on your T-B-R pile?

17! Far less than I expected; I like it ;)



I really enjoyed this Tag, thanks again for tagging me. I tag ALL OF YOU, so in case you want to do this Tag, feel free to consider yourself tagged by me ;)



Mittwoch, 13. Mai 2015

Review: City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare

*Disclaimer* This review will contain spoilers


“We are all the pieces of what we remember. We hold in ourselves the hopes and fears of those who love us. As long as there is love and memory, there is no true loss.” 


Content:

In this dazzling and long-awaited conclusion to the acclaimed Mortal Instruments series, Clary and her friends fight the greatest evil they have ever faced: Clary's own brother.
Sebastian Morgenstern is on the move, systematically turning Shadowhunter against Shadowhunter. Bearing the Infernal Cup, he transforms Shadowhunters into creatures out of nightmare, tearing apart families and lovers as the ranks of his Endarkened army swell. When one of the greatest betrayals the Nephilim have ever known is revealed, Clary, Jace, Isabelle, Simon, and Alec must flee - even if their journey takes them deep into the demon realms, where no Shadowhunter has set foot before, and from which no human being has ever returned...

Cover:

I absolutely love the cover. (Not only because Sebastian is on it, but that is an important part) It really suits the plot and the feeling of the book. It’s great.

My opinion:

Where should I start? I don’t know it. I am so incredibly sad that this series is over now. But before I start with the review you should know that Sebastian Morgenstern is my favorite character of all time. He is the best and most complex and best written villain ever. Okay, so with that being said, let’s get started.

First off, Cassie’s writing style is perfect. She knows how to make me feel extremely happy on one page, and very sad on the next, I probably also laugh continuously when reading her books, because some of her characters are just so sarcastic and funny, it’s great. I live for Cassandra’s writing style!

Next, let’s talk about the characters. I mean, what do I have to say? 10/10 stars for all of them. There were people that I hated, people that I loved and got so attached to, but all of them were just amazing. These people got so close to my heart, and I love it. I am sad that this series has ended now, but I am happy that these characters will come back in TDA. I am not able to let go these characters yet. I also really loved it that a few people from former stories appeared in this one, such as Jem and Tessa.

Lastly, let’s talk about the plot-development. I was spoiled for almost all the deaths and I knew in which direction the plot will go (thank you Fandom). Thus, the plot itself wasn’t really a surprise for me, but I really enjoyed it nevertheless. The demon-realm was great, and I loved how almost everything turned out. Six people that we know by name have died, and three of them were too sad for me. A lot of people don’t seem to mind the deaths of Jordan and Raphael, but I loved both of them and I was really sad when I read about their deaths. They were both great characters and close to my heart. I definitely cried a lot when these two were killed. Whilst I didn’t really mind Maureen, Meliorn and Amantis though, the most horrible death was Sebastian. As I said, he also has been my favorite character, and it hurt a lot to see him first become “good”, to see the demon get drained out of him, and then see him die. It was Jonathan who died, and no one deserved it less to die than him. He said, and I quote, “I’ve never felt so light”, because demon blood burns Shadowhunters, thus he must have suffered his whole entire life. But now that Clary brought the heavenly fire into his veins and the demon blood was gone he felt light, without any pain. If you didn’t cry at that part I don’t know what makes you cry.
Despite the deaths, the ending was quite satisfying though. Malec was fixed again, Simon got his lost memory at least half back, Clace is good again, Jace is becoming a Herondale, Luke and Jocelyn are married, Jem and Tessa will marry, seems all perfect right? Yeah … despite Sebastian.

Conclusion:

A great end to the series. I am so sad that this series is over now. I loved every single book and it will stay with me forever.

Rating:

4.5 | 5 stars
---★-

Donnerstag, 7. Mai 2015

Shadowhunters TV-Show: CASTING NEWS, Sizzy & Clary

Hello everyone and welcome back to my Blog! :)
It has been a while, I know, but I am in the middle of my final exams currently! More stressful than anything else, you know.

But today I have CASTING NEWS for y'all concerning the Shadowhunters TV-Show! Last week and yesterday three cast members have been revealed, and today I will share them with you guys!
so without any further ado, let's get started.




As you can see, Clary, Simon and Isabelle have been revealed. Here is a list of the cast so far:


As a huge fan of the series I have to say that I am beyong excited about the TV-show and the cast. They all seem to fit perfectly for the characters! exactly how I pictured them. 

If you want more information on the TV-show, and want to be the first one to know when they announce new casting-news, make sure to follow their official Twitter account: 
https://twitter.com/ShadowhuntersTV 


As always, I will keep you up-to-date with new casting news as soon as they are revealed!
See you then :)




Samstag, 2. Mai 2015

Wrap-Up: April 2015

Books I read in April:


















Never too far (Rush of Love #2) - Abbi Glines {92 pages read in April}
Shadowhunter's-Codex - Cassandra Clare & Joshua Lewis {310 pages}
Unbreakable (The Legion) - Kami Garcia {333 pages}
City of Heavenly Fire - Cassandra Clare {396 pages read in April}

All in all: 3 1/2finished books
Total pages: 1131