Mars by Jasmine Rose

Book Details:

Author: Jasmine Rose

Ages: 13+

Rating: 8/10

Number of Pages: 159

Plot:  Amaryllis Wolfe is struggling with her recent breakup with her boyfriend Ethan; her life is full of confusing moments as her ex tries desperately to win her back. Amaryllis’ life is turned upside down when the new boy Logan Masterson pulls her aside in class and tells her she is beautiful. Logan is full of mystery; until he reveals his secret.... he has cancer. This book is full of romance, heartbreak and the odd moment that will make you laugh out loud.

I was sent this book by a book publisher and was extremely excited to see what it would be like. I have since read the book several times, and each time I find more elements of the book that I love. The book follows a similar story line to The Fault in Our Stars by John Green, so at first I was a bit sceptical about the plot, but after reading the whole book I loved the characters and the plot just as much.

I especially loved the development of Amaryllis and Logan’s relationship, as I felt it perfectly mirrored real life teenage relationships. The author clearly made all of the characters, even the more minor characters, like Amaryllis' Dad, likeable, for example Jenna, Amaryllis' best friend is extremely sarcastic yet the reader can tell that she loves Amaryllis like a sister. My favourite character was Logan as I thought that despite him having cancer he deeply cared about Amaryllis and added humour to the book at point where it was quite sad. 

"I don't love you, because I love my sister and my parents. What I feel for you is different. It's something so profound that my heart feels it'll fall out of its chest if you ever get hurt," he smiles at me. "I'm completely, totally in love with you, Amaryllis." - Logan 

Overall I absolutely adored this book! Despite it feeling quite similar to the work of John Green at the beginning, the remainder of the book was truly unique. The characters each had their own distinct personalities that make the reader instantly relate to the individual characters. I would gladly recommend this book to anyone who loved The Fault in Our Stars or any other John Green book. If you would like to find more about the author or book, find them on Goodreads;

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23279048-mars

Reviewed by Daisy Wallis

Lord of the Flies by William Golding

Book Details

Author: William Golding
Ages: 12+
Rating: 9/10
Number of Pages: 248
Plot: Set on a deserted island, Golding portrays his views on human nature, without the restraints of society evil will always prevail, through the actions of a group of young boys escaping the hardships of war. Throughout the novel the characters, even the most innocent, become more savage and sadistic in the hopes for survival. Golding uses a range of characters to symbolise the many different people in society; Ralph is the natural leader, Piggy is the victim etc. The novel follows the group of boys as they try to find new ways of survival and ways to get rescued. As the novel progresses the characters and the island itself become more and more damaged. 

Golding wrote the novel in response to the novel 'The Coral Island' by R.M. Ballantyne; Ballantyne's novel follows the same concept as 'Lord of the Flies' but suggests that in this situation, of being away from society and civilisation, that boys will not turn savage and strictly follow the bible. Golding used the same concept idea to show how he feels boys would react in this situation. 

I studied this book as part of my English Literature GCSE course, and since then I have read this book multiple times. The characters each have their unique characteristics which make each of them memorable and relatable. Golding uses the characters to portray his views on human nature, characters like Jack and Roger are key example of this as they go through the most deterioration compared to the other characters. Some of the characters, I felt, came across as being annoying and spineless, the worst being Piggy.

Golding also uses the setting to portray the idea of deterioration. From the beginning of the novel Golding uses the setting to show how the island, much like the boys, is decaying and deteriorating. From the continuous use of fire and the fruit that causes the boys to become ill, the island is full of natural aspects that show  decay. Golding uses these methods throughout the whole novel to emphasise the negative effects humans have on the natural environment around us and the idea that good and evil coexist even in the natural world. 

'Lord of the Flies' is a great modern classic that has an easy plot to follow and is enjoyable for any age group. I really liked the characters and the use of description of the natural environment around the boys to help portray Golding's views on human nature. I would recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys adventure novels or any novel that has a deeper darker message or meaning.

Reviewed by Daisy Wallis

The Fault In Our Stars by John Green

Book Details
Author: John Green
Ages: 13+
Rating: 7/10
Number of Pages: 313
Plot: Hazel, a sixteen year old teenager with terminal thyroid cancer, lives a life full of hospital appointments, reading the same book over again and watching America’s Next Top Model with her mother. Until she meets Augustus Waters, a seventeen year old who lost his leg after a battle with osteosarcoma, at a cancer support group for teens. The fault in our stars is full of humour and tragedy with points that will make you laugh or cry.

I wanted to read this book after seeing how popular it had become in the summer. I first read the book before the film adaptation, with Shailene Woodley and Ansel Elgort, came out in the cinema and I felt that it did not live up to the high expectations that my friends had built it up to be. I thought that the overall structure of the plot was very similar to Jodi Piccoult books that I have read in the past, I also found the book predictable and didn’t feel any strong connections with the main character. Despite this, after reading it again and watching the film I began to enjoy and like the book.
I liked the ongoing idea of the book that Hazel and, later, Augustus obsess over as it made the characters seem more believable and relatable for readers who maybe haven’t gone through the same traumas as Hazel and Augustus. I like the use of the character of Peter Van Houten, the fictitious writer of their favourite book, An Imperial Affliction; the character not only made you hate him every time he spoke but also personified the idea that not all dreams come true the way you want it to. The obsession of the book also made the book more unqiue and took the attention away from the fact that the characters have cancer.
However, as much as I love Hazel and Augustus’ relationship, I felt that the friendship between Augustus and Isaac, a teenager who lost his sight because of cancer, was not addressed enough throughout the book. My favourite passage in the whole book, and the film, is not linked to the main love story in the book but the love Isaac has for his friend Augustus;

“But I will say this: when the scientists of the future show up at my house with robot eyes and they tell me to try them on, I will tell the scientists to screw off, because I do not want to see a world without him.” - Isaac

I loved the character of Isaac and really liked his humour despite having lost his sight. I think the humour of the book really took away from the idea that the book is about teenagers with cancer, but more like the life of a small group of friends.
Overall, I at first didn’t think much of the book but after reading it again I can understand why the book is so popular amongst the teenage age group. I would really love to see maybe a sequel/prologue centred on  Augustus and Isaac’s relationship and to see An Imperial Affliction made into a real book.

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

Book Details

Author: Gayle Forman
Ages: 14+
Rating: 7/10
Number of Pages: 210
Plot: For seventeen year old Mia life is perfect; a loving family, caring friends, an extraordinary boyfriend and a fantastic future ahead of her. However, life can change in an instant. One accident and all of Mia's choices are taken away from her - except one. All alone, Mia must come to terms with the accident and make the most difficult choice of all.

I decided to read this book as the film adaptation starring Chloe Grace Moretz comes out soon. I had already watched the trailer so I had some idea on what the book was going to be like. From the trailer, the ideas surrounding the novel and film reminded me of books written by Jodi Picoult (who wrote My Sister's Keeper).
I really loved how the writer used flashbacks to give the reader an insight into the lives of Mia, her family and how she met her boyfriend and friends. I felt that by doing this the writer helped make the relationships and heart break more realistic and more thought-provoking. It also helped create empathy between the reader and Mia; in parts you really felt the pain that Mia was feeling.

'If you stay, I'll do whatever you want... maybe coming back to your old life would be too painful, that maybe it's be easier for you to erase us. And that would suck, but I'd do it. I can lose you like that if I don't lose you today. I'll let you go. If you stay.' - Adam (Mia's boyfriend)

I feel that the novel would probably affect people in different ways, for example, people who read this genre regularly would probably be affected by the novel more. So, for me after finishing the book the ideas didn't play on my mind for hours and hours like other books.
However, I did really enjoy the whole idea of the novel. I especially liked the different relationships depicted within the many flashbacks, for example, Mia and Kim's relationship is shown through the great lengths Kim goes to to get Adam to the hospital. The author not only shows how important friendship is but also the lengths friends are willing to go to for each other.
I also really loved the characters of Mia's parents, despite only learning about them throughout the flashback periods. Throughout the novel we learn how loving and encouraging Mia's parents are towards Mia and Teddy especially when it comes to music. The author creates a realistic relationship between child and parent which I feel helps the reader relate to the relationship in the book.
To conclude, despite not being as emotionally attached to the book as I thought I would have been, I really liked the ideas and overall structure of the novel. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has read and enjoyed novels by Jodi Picoult and John Green.

Reviewed by Daisy Wallis

Thirteen by Tom Hoyle

Book Details
Author: Tom Hoyle
Ages: 11+
Rating: 7/10
Number of Pages: 322
Plot: Adam Grant is a normal thirteen year old until he discovers that a murderous cult called 'The People' need to sacrifice him in order to take over the world. Coron, the crazy cult leader, has already eliminated twelve boys who all share a similar characteristic - they were all born at midnight on the start of the new millennium; and Adam is the thirteenth and last to be sacrificed.

Not to contradict the popular saying 'don't judge a book by it's cover', the cover of this particular novel drew me in immediately. I had never heard of the book or the author and so knew little of the style or general idea of the book.
From the prologue to the end of the novel I was hooked on every word; the writer uses interesting characters and clever plot twists to keep the reader entertained. I liked how the book was set in modern day London (2013-2014)  as the majority of novels I have read in this genre are set in the future in America.
The author also used lots of action which captivated the reader and made the novel more exciting. The author in some parts, I felt, could have made the fights more realistic, for example, would a thirteen year old boy know how to fire a gun successfully.

'By the time he is fourteen, the boy has become a man...... Thirteen is the last year of childhood...... They boy must die before he is a man.' - Coron's 'Great Book' 

My favourite idea throughout the book was the use of the cult and the crazy cult leader Coron as this made the novel more unique and different to other YA books on the market. The author clearly shows how the cult leader is insane through the third person narrative and the erratic description that surrounds the character. The author also creates a dictatorial relationship between Coron and his people; this can be seen throughout the novel when Coron directs speeches or dictates others - his 'subjects' are always described as being in awe of him and his leadership skills.
Overall I thought that the novel follows a very unique idea that is executed in a descriptive and imaginative way that holds the readers interest throughout. Despite the scenes and actions that can only be described as being unbelieveable; this book is full of suspense ans is a real page turner.
I would recommend this to anyone who is a fan of the Gone series by Michael Grant. I look forward to reading the next in the series and future novels by Tom Hoyle.

Reviewed by Daisy Wallis

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Book Details:

Author: Jay Asher
Ages: 13+
Rating: 6/10
Number of Pages: 288
Plot: Clay Jensen arrives home to find a package with his name on it; inside the box he discovers seven cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker - a girl who committed suicide weeks earlier. Through the tapes Clay discovers that there are thirteen reasons, or people, as to why Hannah killed herself - and Clay is one of them. As Clay listens and learns about the girl he came to love he realises that his life, and the twelve other 'reasons' will change forever.

After seeing this book in a bookshop and then reading the reviews on Goodreads, I thought that this book would be one of the best books I have read but it wasn't. I liked the whole idea of the plot, but, in my opinion, I thought that in parts the book was somewhat scary and haunting.
I liked how the writer used Clay as the main character to contrast with Hannah's cassette tapes throughout as the reader gets a real indication into how he did love her. It would have been interesting, however, to have seen what the other characters reactions would have been to the tapes and how Clay reacted to them after finishing the tapes.

'I hope you're ready, because I'm about to tell you the story of my life. More specifically, why my life ended. And if you're listening to these tapes, you're one of the reasons why.' - Hannah

I have never read a book about suicide so I tried to remain open minded, but, after finishing the book I felt as if the writer didn't let the reader get an emotional connection to Hannah, which would probably expect from a book like this. Despite this, because of the ongoing slow pace of the book, I thought the book was a real page turner and after every revelation I just wanted to know more about the journey Hannah and then Clay went on.
I also found it difficult at times to differentiate between the two characters (even though the cassette tape is in italics throughout) because I felt that in some parts Clay's opinions were flat and held little emotion towards Hannah.
Despite the flaws in the novel it was a very thrilling and engaging read which kept the reader in anticipation throughout. The writer, cleverly, doesn't make Hannah the victim and shows that she too has done bad things in the past. Also, in the end Hannah doesn't come across as being bitter (which some may have thought at the beginning of the novel). Overall I would recommend this book to anyone who likes gripping, page-turner novels.

Reviewed by Daisy Wallis

The Giver by Lois Lowry

Book Details

Author: Lois Lowry

Ages: 11+                                                 

Rating: 7/10

Number of Pages: 240

Plot: Set in the future, this novel at first appears to be set in a utopian society but as the book  progresses we learn that the environment in which humanity lives is of more of a dystopian nature. The novel follows a 12 year old boy, Jonas, who lives in a community where there is no war, no pain and no hunger. Everything in the community is controlled by the 'Elders', a group of highly respected councilmen and women; these 'Elders' have the power to decide what each citizen will do for an occupation for the rest of their lives. At the age of twelve, all citizens are told their occupation in a ceremony where the whole community gathers, it is here where Jonas learns that he has been chosen to become the Reciever of Memories. Through his new occupation and meeting The Giver he soon learns that the 'perfect' community he has lived in may not be so perfect after all and the mysterious method of 'release' is more deadly than described. 

          

I found this book after watching the trailer or the film adaptation, starring Meryl Streep and Jeff Bridges; the whole idea of the book appealed to me as it was a unique twist on other dystopian novels that I have read in the past. I thought that this would be my next favourite dystopian novel but despite this there are aspects of the book that I think make the book less captivating. I found the first few chapters quite slow and somewhat repetitive but that was probably intentional (to show how controlled their lives are). I really liked the character of Jonas, as the clever description of Jonas contrasted with the other civilians and so highlighted the importance of the character. However I thought that the age of Jonas was unbelievable, he is portrayed as being twelve, I feel that because of the plot and the complexicity of the things Jonas says throughout the novel makes him seem a lot older and mature. 

" Now he became aware of an entirely new sensation: pinpricks? No, because they were soft and without pain. Tiny, cold, featherlike feelings peppered his body and face. He put out his tongue again, and caught one of the dots of cold upon it. It disappeared from his awareness instantly; but he caught another, and another. The sensation made him smile." - Jonas

My favourite part(s) of the book were the memories that The Giver gave to Jonas. The memories are described so beautifully and portrayed in a way that shows how this is Jonas' first experience of things that we take for granted in everyday life like snow and colour. Jonas' reaction to these new memories also highlights the idea of how controlled the community is even in the way they think. 

I felt as if the book could have been a lot longer and some of the relationships with other characters like his father could have been included. The ending, which I am not going to spoil for those who have not read the book, seemed to be quite abrupt and left me wanting to find out what happened to Jonas. 

Overall, the idea and concept really appealed to me, as I am a huge fan of dystopian novels, but some of the aspects of the novel really infuriated me because I wanted to know more. 

                            

Reviewed by Daisy Wallis 

Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Book Details

Author: Rick Riordan
Ages: 10+
Rating: 8/10
Number of Pages: 375
Plot: This novel is the first in a series of five books which depicts the life of Percy Jackson, a twelve year old boy who suffers from dyslexia and ADHD and has been kicked out of multiple private schools. As Percy's life becomes more strange and peculiar he makes the amazing discovery that he is a demigod, half human half god, and the magical world of the Greek gods is real. With help from his satyr friend Grover Percy arrives at Camp Half Blood where he meets more demigods including Annabeth, one of the daughters of Athena, who he instantly becomes friends with. The novel follows the action packed and dangerous life Percy now faces as a demigod and how his life of being kicked out of schools and putting up with his smelly stepfather Smelly Gabe is over.
As Percy learns more skills and finds out who his father is his life gets a whole lot harder and he is put on a dangerous quest in order to prevent a war against the Gods.

I have recently read this book after my younger brother told me how interesting it was. I know very little about Greek mythology so, at first, I was unsure if I would enjoy it as much as other series I have read like Harry Potter and The Hunger Games. Despite this, I was pleasantly surprised. The characters all have well thought out back stories and the interesting mix of modern day and Greek mythology make the book interesting, unique and appealing to the target age group.

We first learn about Percy Jackson's life and his different school troubles; through humorous short sentences we immediately get the idea that Percy is a troubled yet charismatic character. As Percy's life becomes full of Furies, centaurs and magically enchanted pens Percy learns that his life is not what it seems and he soon learns that he is a demigod. After defeating a Minotaur Percy and Grover, his satyr friend, arrive at Camp Half Blood where demigods are safe to train and live without the fear of being killed by monsters. Percy meets many new characters who each have a difficult past and a range of skills, for example Annabeth and Luke. With the aid of Annabeth and Luke he learns how to fight and begins to fit in before his father,Poseidon, one of the three greatest Gods claims him as his son. From here, Percy's life is threatened by even more monsters and powerful Gods as he is accused of stealing Zeus' lighting bolt. In order to save his own life and prevent the outbreak of a war between the Gods Percy must find who stole the lightning bolt with the help of his friends Grover and Annabeth.

The quest in which Percy must take showcases the different powers and abilities that the Gods and monsters possess and how powerful Percy has actually become. As the book progresses the main trios friendship grows stronger making their unlikely friendship more relatable for the reader. Each character also has very different personalities, Percy becomes more brave and courageous as he faces more monsters and stands up to powerful Gods like Ares. Grover, my favourite character, at first appears to be quite timid and scared but as the quest continues and he tries to protect the innocent the reader can see that he too is brave and also a loyal and protective friend, at one point sacrificing his own safety for Percy's mothers freedom. Annabeth, much like her mother, is strong and intelligent and becomes a good friend to Percy, despite their parents rivalry.

Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief is a great book for those who enjoyed Harry Potter and is very good for those who are interested in Greek mythology. Overall, I really liked the plot and the main characters but in some points I thought that Percy was older than twelve, taking on a giant Minotaur was one of them, and I think it would have been more 'believable' if he would have been an older teenager. Despite this, I believe that this book mixes education, humour and excitement to create a truly unique piece. I can't wait to read the rest of the series!

Reviewed by Daisy Wallis

Divergent by Veronica Roth

Book Details

Author: Veronica Roth
Ages: 13+
Rating: 10/10
Number of Pages: 487
Plot: Set in the future, this novel tells the story of a sixteen year old living in a secluded society controlled by a faction system. The society is separated into five distinct factions, Abnegation (those who favour selflessness), Erudite (those who favour intelligence), Candor (those who favour honesty), Amity (those who favour kindness) and Dauntless (those who favour bravery), in which everyone must conform or become factionless. In this divided society sixteen  year old Tris must find a way to fit in to hide her secret. In order to protect herself Tris ventures to a new faction, away from her family, where she learns that no one can be trusted and everyone is a threat to her survival.
As she learns how to fight and protect herself, Tris befriends initiates from a range of different factions and falls in love with one of the instructors, the mysterious Four. In order to protect the innocent Tris must team up with those who share her unique and dangerous 'gift'.

I have read and reread this book so many times I have actually lost count. I found out about Divergent through my English Literature teacher; at first I was sceptical as it seemed very similar to other dystopian novels/ series such as The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. How wrong I was. The clever plot is simple yet so intricately detailed as the book progresses that it becomes more than just another dystopian novel. even the characters have qualities that people can easily relate to and see in their friends or family members. I absolutely adored this book from the first chapter.

Beatrice Prior, or Tris as she is later known, is one of my all time favourite protagonists. She is brave, strong, extremely sarcastic and is not one of them characters you just want to scream at in frustration every chapter. Her almost awkward and reserved personality, I feel, perfectly portrays the members of the Abnegation faction and helps to emphasise the completely contrasting world she is now forced into. We are first introduced to Beatrice as she approaches the day in which she must devote her life to a faction. She must make the hard decision to either stay with her family in a faction where she feels that she does not belong or leave her family in hope for finding a place in this dictatorial society.

After making her decision and changing her name Tris now must fight in order to survive in her new faction where the weak and cowardly are discarded and made factionless. Through the initiation process we meet the mysterious Four. Four is a strong and hard character who seems to open up as he gets closer to Tris; as we learn more about Four we discover that he is not only brave, but also kind, intelligent and selfless - a perfect mix of the factions. Four, much like Tris, is so cleverly thought out that the reader instantly falls in love with him - well, I did anyway.

As we learn more about the set up of the factions, we learn that there is friction and sinister plots brewing amongst the factions and when violence erupts Tris must team up with Four to defeat the enemy. Secrets are revealed and shocking revelations unravel as the violence hits a shocking climax.

Divergent is an excellent example of a gripping read throughout. Roth's amazingly unique plot and mix of characters has helped to make this book a huge success. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoyed The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins or the Gone series by Michael Grant (which are also great examples of dystopian novels). I have started reading the next book in the series, Insurgent, which is just as gripping and amazing as the first! Furthermore, I would recommend that you read the book first before seeing the film adaptation, as it will give you more background information on the characters and understanding of the quite complex faction system. I recently saw the film and, unlike some film adaptations, it is everything I hoped it would be and more. Of course, some characters like Uriah have been removed (which is unforgivable!) but other than that the set, cast and action are everything I hoped they would be. I cannot wait to finish the series and read more about Tris and Four.

Reviewed by Daisy Wallis.