Across the Universe by Beth Revis

Series: Across the Universe, Book One

Publisher: Puffin

Format: Paperback

Published: 3rd March 2011

Number of Pages: 416

Book: Bought

Genre: Science-Fiction, Dystopia, Fantasy, Action, Romance, Murder Mystery, Thriller, YA

Recommended Age: YA: 12+

Amy has left the life she loves for a world 300 years away.

Trapped in space and frozen it time, Amy is bound for a new planet.  But fifty years before she’s due to arrive, she is violently woken, the victim of an attempted murder.  Now Amy’s lost on board and nothing makes sense – she’s never felt so alone.

Yet someone is waiting for her.

He wants to protect her –

and more if she’ll let him.

But who can she trust amidst the secrets and lies?
A killer is out there – and Amy has nowhere to hide...

Review:

I’ve seen rave reports for this book all over the place.  My expectations were so high I was sure that it couldn’t possibly live up to them.  Well.  I was wrong.

It exceeded them by a long shot. 

Starting with the first few chapters, that had me so hooked I didn’t notice how late it was getting as I read.

The novel begins with Amy (our female protagonist) undergoing freezing, the process that will allow her to be alive when the ship reaches her new home, three-hundred years away.  These chapters scared the life out of me, and I could imagine the ice filling my veins.  But what was worse was that her mind was awake while she was trapped in that ice: she had nightmares, memories, dreams all mixed up.  It would have driven me insane.  And then there’s the unfreezing as well, another few chapters that felt scarily, horribly real.  (I had nightmares about it; ice everywhere: in my veins, my lungs, my heart.  No book has done that to me for as long as I remember.  Which is why this one stayed with me.)

Someone tried to murder Amy, and she doesn’t know why.  She was just baggage, non-essential.  There was no point to it.  But they still tried.  And she has nowhere to run, nowhere to hide.  She doesn’t even know who she can trust.  But Elder is determined to be that person, the one she can rely on.  He wants to keep her safe.  Only, there’s a killer aboard the ship; but can they stop him before he strikes again...

Amy was a brilliant character, vibrant, strong and so brave.  She made an impossible decision, one I know I wouldn’t have been able to make.  My heart went out to her: she felt like a freak on the ship, and had no way to escape it.  I loved her determination and goodness, and completely understood – and felt – her confusion and anger at being on a strange ship where absolutely nothing makes sense. 

I loved Elder too, the way he was determined to find the truth; his independence.  I felt for him: his childhood was absolutely horrible.  His life was completely believable, and so was the pressure on him as the next Eldest (leader) of the ship.

Now Harley was so incredible!  He was just so mad, funny, and, well, I loved him!  Plus, gotta love the whole is he-isn’t he insane.  Kept me on my toes.  And his nickname for Amy: Little Fish, had me laughing.

Everything was one-hundred-per-cent believable; the ship (it was perfectly and convincingly described), the flaws the main characters had: it made them so real and interesting: three-dimensional.  The relationships between the characters was amazing, especially the one between Elder and Amy.

But most of all, I loved not knowing who I could trust.  Never a dull moment: so many lies, secrets, and mysteries to unfold.  I was constantly on my toes: there were so many twists and turns: I sped through the book and had finished it far too soon.  The short chapters were perfect, and each left me something to think about.  And I really liked how the POV jumped between Elder and Amy, so I could see the events from both an insider and outsider’s views. 

The murder-mystery side of the story was absolutely amazing as well: I can honestly say that I had no idea who the killer was.  Well, I kind of did, but I didn’t guess the exact character...  Well, that will make no sense to those of you that haven’t read this, but if you have, maybe you can relate.  But the mystery was brilliant, and I loved it all.  (I’ve very into all the crime-drama, like CSI, Bones, NCIS, Law & Order, etc.)

Then there’s the concept, which is something I’ve never come across before.  Humans controlled by drugs, like animals.  And how everything from earth (Sol-Earth to the people of the ship) was twisted around and used to control them.  It was weird, but really interesting the way they used some key points in history.

It was so beautifully written: haunting and quite frankly genius.  And it really made me think “what if”.  Should we let science control us?  And if we do, how far do we go?

 Have you ever read a book that leaves you longing for more, desperate for more?  Well, I have to say Across the Universe left me like that.  I can’t believe I have to wait until Spring 2012 for more, to know what happens aboard the Godspeed.  Already counting down the days!

Oh, and I loved ‘frex’, a swearword aboard the ship.  It made me laugh.  As did their use of “brilly”.  I’m going to guess it means brilliant.  Gotta love it!

Star Rating:
5 Out of 5

Read this book if you liked:

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

Challenges It's Taking Part In:

100 Books in a Year Reading Challenge 2011 (Hosted by Book Chick City)

Waiting On Wednesday (#8)

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, and it's a weekly meme all about the books that are coming out soon that we really can't wait to read.

 

Beautiful Malice

By: Rebecca James

Published: 1st April 2011

Published By: Faber and Faber

Found: On Amazon

 

Synopsis From Amazon:

So. Were you glad, deep down? Were you glad to be rid of her? Your perfect sister? Were you secretly glad when she was killed? Following a horrific tragedy that leaves her once perfect family devastated, Katherine Patterson moves to a new city, starts at a new school, and looks forward to a new life of quiet anonymity. But when Katherine meets the gregarious and beautiful Alice Parrie her resolution to live a solitary life becomes difficult. Katherine is unable to resist the flattering attention that Alice pays her and is so charmed by Alice’s contagious enthusiasm that the two girls soon become firm friends. Alice’s joie de vivre is transformative; it helps Katherine forget her painful past and slowly, tentatively, Katherine allows herself to start enjoying life again. But being friends with Alice is complicated – and as Katherine gets to know her better she discovers that although Alice can be charming and generous she can also be selfish and egocentric. Sometimes, even, Alice is cruel. And when Katherine starts to wonder if Alice is really the kind of person she wants as a friend, she discovers something else about Alice – she doesn’t like being cast off. Shocking and utterly absorbing, Rebecca James’s strong narrative will grip readers from the very first page. BEAUTIFUL MALICE has become a publishing phenomenon, sparking numerous auctions worldwide, selling to 27 countries, and launching a previously unknown writer into the centre of the international book market.

This looks brilliant, and is a psychological thriller: one of my favourite kinds of books.  And it's set to be the most-read book of 2011, so I need to get in on the trend!  Amazing, amazing, amazing looking book!  Did you know "Friendship Can Be Deadly..."

 

 

 

The Fool's Girl

By: Celia Rees

Published: 4th April 2011

Published By: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Found: On Amazon

 

Synopsis From Goodreads:

A lush, epic historical novel by bestseller Celia Rees, with an added Shakespearean twist
Young and beautiful Violetta may be of royal blood, but her kingdom is in shambles when she arrives in London on a mysterious mission. Her journey has been long and her adventures many, but it is not until she meets the playwright William Shakespeare that she gets to tell the entire story from beginning to end. Violetta and her comic companion, Feste, have come in search of an ancient holy relic that the evil Malvolio has stolen from their kingdom. But where will their remarkable quest—and their most unusual story—lead? In classic Celia Rees style, it is an engrossing journey, full of political intrigue, danger, and romance.
This wholly original story is spun from Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, and includes both folly and suspense that would make the Bard proud.
I love Celia Rees, and I just found the other four in this series on my bookshelf.  Witch Child
is actually the next on my TBR list!  And this looks incredible!  I can't wait!  (:

Sisters Red

Series: Sisters Red, Volume One

By: Jackson Pearce

Published: 7th April 2011

Published By: Hodder Children's Books

Found: On Amazon

 

Synopsis From Goodreads:

The story of Scarlett and Rosie March, two highly-skilled sisters who have been hunting Fenris (werewolves) -- who prey on teen girls -- since Scarlett lost her eye years ago while defending Rosie in an attack. Scarlett lives to destroy the Fenris, and she and Rosie lure them in with red cloaks (a colour the wolves can't resist), though Rosie hunts more out of debt to her sister than drive. But things seem to be changing. The wolves are getting stronger and harder to fight, and there has been a rash of news reports about countless teenage girls being brutally murdered in the city. Scarlett and Rosie soon discover the truth: wolves are banding together in search of a Potential Fenris -- a man tainted by the pack but not yet fully changed. Desperate to find the Potential to use him as bait for a massive werewolf extermination, the sisters move to the city with Silas, a young woodsman and long time family friend who is deadly with an axe. Meanwhile, Rosie finds herself drawn to Silas and the bond they share not only drives the sisters apart, but could destroy all they've worked for.

I've been wanting this book forever, and it's finally coming out in paperback!  I can't wait!  It looks amazing!  And that cover is gorgeous.

 

 

 

Savannah Grey

By: Cliff McNish

Published: 7th April 2011

Published By: Orion Childrens

Found: On Amazon

 

Synopsis From Goodreads:

It's a difficult time for fifteen-year-old Savannah Grey - she's settled into her latest foster placement, but her body is acting strangely. Then other strange things begin to happen: nature, it seems, is exerting an overpowering force on the world. Birds behave erratically. Gusts of wind blow leaves so fiercely they seem to lure people away. And Savannah discovers she has supernatural powers. Meanwhile, she feels drawn to the new boy Reece whose life is even stranger than hers. Quickly Savannah and Reece realise that nature has a purpose for them both. For they are on course to meet the vile and evil Ocrassa, who wants to destroy the world by corrupting nature. And it wants Savannah Grey to help realise its savage intent.

This looks incredible.  And the cover is gorgeous.  And the "A Monster's Out There.  Only One Girl Can Stop It.  But Will Love Get In The Way?"  is incredible. 

 

 

 

Blood On My Hands

By: Todd Strasser

Published: 7th April 2011

Published By: Walker

Found: On Amazon

 

Synopsis From Amazon:

Some girls are glamorous, beautiful … and deadly. Found kneeling by a dead body, with a bloody knife in her hand can only mean Callie Carson is guilty of the brutal murder of Katherine Remington – can’t it? Joining the in-crowd is tough; leaving is a killer.

This is the story of Callie, a seventeen-year-old-girl accused of murdering her best friend... Wow or what?  And then there's "Guilty Until Proven Innocent..."   I can't wait for this!  And I love the cover: the purple and white look brilliant!

 

 

 

Hanging Hill

By: Mo Hayder

Published: 14th April 2011

Published By: Bantam Press

Found: On Amazon

 

Synopsis From Amazon:

What if you found yourself divorced and penniless? With no skills and a teenage daughter to support? What if the only way to survive was to do things you never thought possible, to go places you never knew existed …

These are questions Sally has never really thought about before. Married to a successful business man, she’s always been a bit of a dreamer. Until now.

Her sister Zoe is her polar opposite. A detective inspector working out of Bath Central, she loves her job, and oozes self-confidence. No one would guess that she hides a crippling secret that dates back twenty years, and which – if exposed – may destroy her.

Then Sally’s daughter gets into difficulties, and Sally finds she needs cash – lots of it – fast. With no one to help her, she is forced into a criminal world of extreme pornography and illegal drugs; a world in which teenage girls can go missing.

Two sisters intent on survival. Until one does something so terrifying that there’s no way back …

Doesn't it look amazing?  "Two sisters intent on survival"...   Sounds good to me!  And then there's the whole: "You would die for your child.  But would you kills for her?"  It has me wanting more!  This looks like the YA Thriller of the year, and I can't wait for it!  Plus, the cover is scarily brilliant.

The Emerald Atlas

Series: The Books of Beginning, Book One

By: John Stephens

Published: 14th April 2011

Published By: Doubleday Childrens

Found: On Amazon again

Synopsis From Amazon:

They were snatched from their beds in the dead of night, when the world was covered in snow.

Ten years on, Kate, Michael and Emma have grown up in a string of miserable orphanages, and all memories of their parents have faded. Arriving in the eerily silent Cambridge Falls, the children quickly realise there is something strange going on...

With the discovery of an old leather book, an ancient magical prophecy is set in motion which will take them on the the adventure of several lifetimes, to worlds outside their own. Only they have the power to save the town - and their own future.

(From Back Cover)

Kate is in charge. The oldest. The only one who remembers their parents. Promised to protect her brother and sister until they return.

Michael is the bookish brother. Scrawny, bullied at every orphanage (his glasses somehow always end up in the toilet). Loves stories about magic, especially involving dwarves.

Emma is a pint-sized brawler. Devoted to her brother and sister. Thinks Michael is deeply weird. Will fight anyone who says so. Secretly threw Michael's glasses in the toilet – twice.

Together, they will learn:

1. Magic is real

2. Old books cause trouble

3. Only they can save the world

This one looks awesome, even if it may be more of a children-pre-YA book.  I just love the sound of it, the gorgeous cover and the whole magic-discovery.  Can't wait for it!

 Wow, that's one or two.  They do all look good though!

So, what are you waiting for?

Teaser Tuesday (#6)

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

Here are the rules:

Grab your current read

Open to a random page

Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

From Never Bite A Boy On The First Date by Tamara Summers, Chapter Four, Page 42

Olympia asked me to stop throwing him out winows though.  They're expensive to replace and the noise might disturb the neighbours.

Never Bite A Boy On The First Date by Tamara Summers

Synopsis From Blurb:

When we found the guy and saw the holes in his neck, the cause of death was obvious. 

"It wasn't me," I said.  "I made one mistake and suddenly every little vampire attack is my fault?  That's so unfair!"

But it doesn't matter how much I protest, unless I can prove my innocence I'll be spending the next decade in a padded coffin.

So now I'm on a mission to track down the real murderer.

I've narrowed it does to three suspects.

All acting suspiciously.

All boys.

And all very cute...

This is a very teenager read, but it's cute, short, funny and quite addictive!  Plus, isn't the cover cute?  And the name makes me laugh every time.  Review should be up soon!

Does anyone else have any teasers to share?

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Series: The Hunger Games Trilogy, Book One

Publisher: Scholastic

Format: Paperback

Published: USA: 2008

UK Edition: 2009

Number of Pages: 464

Book: Bought

Genre: Dystopia, Science-Fiction, Action, Fantasy, YA

Recommended Age: Young Adult, 12+

Contains Violence, Death, Suspense

 

Winning will make you famous.

Losing means certain death.

In a dark vision of the near future, a terrifying reality TV show is taking place.  Twelve boys and twelve girls are forced to appear in a live event called the Hunger Games.  There is only one rule: kill or be killed.

When sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen steps forward to take her sister’s place in the games, she sees it as a death sentence.  But Katniss has been close to death before.  For here, survival is second nature.

Review:

The Hunger Games is set it a world where the Capitol watches over the twelve districts, and they are controlling, dangerous, everywhere.  It’s a world where every year, twelve boys and twelve girls are forced into taking part in a horrifying live event known as the Hunger Games, which is seen as a form of entertainment.  The citizens are forced to watch as children from their District are brutally murdered, all because the Capitol wants to keep them completely under control.  Why?  Seventy-five or so years before our story’s set, there was a rebellion that led to the Capitol destroying the thirteenth District.  And to show their control and just how easily they could destroy every single district if they so pleased, the Capitol introduced the Hunger Games.

So when Katniss’s twelve-year-old sister Primrose gets chosen, she knows she can’t let her go through that.  So she steps forwards to take Prim’s place.  Even though it very likely means her own death...

 I loved The Hunger Games.  I sped through the book, completely and utterly hooked, unable to put it down.  It was terrifying: a real psychological thriller, and the scariest thing about it all is, with the way society’s going at the moment, the Hunger Games – or something like them – may become reality.  I couldn’t get that out of my head as I read: it was all just so thought-provoking, and at the same time petrifying.

Katniss was a brilliant protagonist: she was so strong and brave.  She was just a good ol’ kick-butt heroine, which was so refreshing after all the wimpy, useless damsel-in-distress leads that are in YA fiction so much at the moment.  Actually, in that respect and with her smart-mouth attitude, Katniss reminded me quite a bit of Rose, out of Vampire Academy.  I admired how level headed, and defiant she was.  It felt like I was there with her, feeling all of her emotions, stuck in all the situation with her.  As a lead, she was amazing, and I loved the softer side of her, when it briefly shows.  It made her feel more real.

Peeta was an amazing male lead, and the complete opposite of Katniss’ attitude.  As a brief flashback of Katniss’ reveals that Peeta gave her two loaves of bread when she was younger and starving, and getting punished for doing so, I instantly fell in love.  I saw his goodness and his heart, but I wondered why he would risk it.  It didn’t matter: I was Team Peeta!  And the chemistry between him and Katniss was so believable, and real. 

The supporting characters are brilliant too, with little Rue, a twelve year old from District 11, Prim, Gale – Katniss friend from home – and Haymitch.  Unlike a lot of books, the characters was fleshed out as well, not just empty vessels, used for a certain conversation.  The relationships were perfect and real too; it was all just amazing!

The Hunger Games is non-stop suspense, the plot goes at breakneck speed, and is unbelievably addictive.  And although it’s very dark, scary, and atrocious, it was funny at times, as well as having me choke up with tears.  Literally an emotional roller coaster that was so vivid it left me dizzy, overwhelmed with all I had felt.  I wondered briefly about the bizarre names (Katniss, Rue, Cato, Peeta), before deciding that didn’t matter because I was hooked.  I had to finish the book, so I could know what happened. 

Suzanne Collins is an absolute genius: she created a world so utterly believable my heart pounded as I read.  I can’t get enough, and the ending left me breathless and desperate for more.  And her writing was amazing: somehow raw and beautiful at the same time – a combonation I didn’t even think was possible.  You seriously have to read this one, because it is absolutely incredible.  I’ve already started gushing about it to a friend, telling her she has to read it!

If I had to describe it in one word: epic.

Star Rating:
5 Out of 5

Read this book if you liked:

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

Gone by Michael Grant

The Host by Stephenie Meyer

Challenges It's Taking Part In:

100 Books in a Year Reading Challenge 2011 (Hosted by Book Chick City)

Off the Shelf Challenge (Hosted by BA Reading Challenges)

In My Mailbox (#7)

In My Mailbox was created by Kristi at The Story Siren.  It's a perfect way to see who's reading and review what.  Awesome!

My Mailbox is late again!  But I have a reason: I wanted to read.  ;)

And I finally got some books from my Wishlist and Waiting List!  I'm so excited!

So, In My Mailbox this week there is...

Bought:

Across the Universe (Across the Universe, Book One) by Beth Revis (Goodreads | Amazon)
They're So Close, But Still So Far Away...
I started this one the minute I got it, and have already nearly finished it: the opening is the most powerful, scary and gripping I've read for a long time.  It's so addictive, and I'm lovin' the short, short chapters!  It was on my Waiting list, too, so I'm thrilled that I have it now!  My review should be up tomorrow!  This cover is gorgeous, but I think I prefer the hardcover version...

The Glass Collector by Anna Perera (Goodreads | Amazon)
With Hope, Anything Is Possible...
I love the look of this book; it looks beautiful.  I read and loved one of Anna Perera's other books: Guantanamo Boy, so I'm really looking forwards to this one.  My only fault with it is the dayglow green along the outside of the pages.  And I mean bright, bright, bright green!  Other than that: amazing!

Immortal Beloved (Immortal Beloved, Book One) by Cate Tiernan (Goodreads | Amazon)
Discover The Secret To Everlasting Life
This looks brilliant.  I read a few sentences, and I'm sure it's going to be good.  Besides, read and loved Tiernan's Sweep/Wicca series, so I'm looking forwards to it.  Plus, on my wishlist!And is it just me, or is that cover something to fall in love with?

Trash by Andy Mulligan (Goodreads | Amazon)
You Never Know What You'll Find...
This one looks amazing as well.  About a boy called Raphael who has spent his life in trash, sifting, sorting, searching, sleeping.  Then he finds a bag that changes everything, and he and his friends are on the run.  "It's three street boys against the world..."  Amazing or what? 

Radiant Shadows (Wicked Lovely, Book Four) by Melissa Marr (Goodreads | Amazon)
I'll admit, this series has disappointed me once or twice, but I love the world.  So I keep going back.  Faerie Romance land is my guilty pleasure! ;)

Darkest Mercy (Wicked Lovely, Book Five) by Melissa Marr (Goodreads | Amazon)
Enter A World Of Faerie Romance
The Final Wicked Lovely Book
And I got this one in a set with Radiant Shadows for only £7! Result!