It Ends with Us Review

Author:Collen Hoover

Genre: New Adult, Romance, Contemporary

Rating: 5+stars

Dear Colleen Hoover, 

I feel like writing my review in this manner would speak to you, to the readers who have had the pleasure of reading this gem, and also to everything the story is about. First of I would like to say thank you. It was so hard to read those pages and I am so sure it was 100% worse having to write it. I have read several of your novels and I have loved you for so long. You never fell short of entertaining me. However, reading It Ends with Us might as well have been reading a completely different author. You didn't try to make thisentertaining, no, you were trying to tell a story that isn't often heard. 

"I feel like everyone fakes who they really are, when deep down we’re all equal amounts of screwed up. Some of us are just better at hiding it than others.” 

I can't say I have ever gone through that in my life. I am still pretty young and naïve. Anyways, I have definitely heard about these situations. And I don't want to be a liar but I have definitely judged, as an outsider, in that situation. In It Ends with Us , I wasn't allowed to be objective, I wasn't allowed to sit on the side lines. With everything that happened with the plot, I swear I felt all the naked emotions. So when I was a mess of tears at some points in this novel (UHM, BASICALLY ALL OF IT), I realised unless I have truly lived through an event for myself, I had no reason or place to judge. 

I am confident that the next sentence I am about to write has never been written or spoken aloud before. When he was wiping that cow shit on me, it was quite possibly the most turned-on I have ever been. 

I connected so much with Lily Bloom . I wanted to be her. I didn't want to be her. I wanted to support/cheer her on. I wanted to berate her. Thats when I realised I cared so much for these people in It Ends with Us . I didn't (and still don't) see them as characters. I see them as real living people. People who have all struggled, who are still struggle and who will continue to. They go through their ups and downs and... just live you know? I think a lot of people need to do that. I found aspects in each "character" that I could relate to a friend, family member or acquaintance. It was quite eye opening and made me connect so much more with the novel.

"You warned me. You said one time with you wouldn’t be enough. You said you were like a drug. But you failed to tell me you were the most addictive kind.” 

So not only was the characterisation superb, the plot was meticulously woven. Everything had a purpose and also everything had a time. So I honestly don't have any flaws to speak about. Even if there was, I. did. stop. me. from. loving. everything. about. this. Also now that I have read It Ends with Us , the Note from the Author is even more resonating. I suggest you all read that AFTER read this. It was beautifully written and beautifully honest, much like the novel. Maybe I should have waited a day or even a night before writing this review, but in honour of the honesty that is this novel, I wanted my feelings, emotions, reactions to be naked and raw.

Because I’ve been feeling like drowning lately, and sometimes people need a reminder that they just need to keep swimming. 

If I could sum it up in a phrase it would be this, "It Ends with Us f***ed me." (This is as poetic as it gets.)

But no matter how different the substance of a love might be at different ages in a person’s life, I know that love still has to weigh the same. 

So Colleen (I think we are at a first name basis after this novel) thank you writing this story.

Sincerely,

Your most devoted reader and fan girl

Diana

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This Savage Song Review

Author: Victoria Schwab

Genre: Fantasy,Young Adult, Paranormal

Rating: 4.5 stars

“Plenty of humans are monstrous, and plenty of monsters know how to play at being human.” 

This Savage Song is a lyrically and hauntingly beautiful story about humans who act monstrously and monsters who crave humanity. The novel had light, darkness and shadows. The novel had two sides; good and evil. But.... strangely one does not know which side is which. This is not your ordinary good versus evil it is....

good versus evil,
good versus good,
evil versus evil. 

“Every weakness exposes flesh,” he’d said, “and flesh invites a knife.” 

This Savage Song begins with the introduction of Kate Harker. Kate has been to 6 boarding schools in 5 years. She is tired of being away from home, away from her father. With drastic measures, she finally gets the attention of her father and moves home. Home is North City of Verity where her father is the ultimate ruler. A war 6 years ago divided the city into two sides the North and the South. The South is under the protection of Henry Flynn. These cities might as well be different countries. In the South, the buildings look like skeletons, a reminder of the damage of war. While in the North, the streets are clean and the people are protected. 

“People are users. It’s a universal truth. Use them, or they’ll use you.” 

August Flynn is the son of Henry Flynn. Hmm... son is not the right word for it. How can you be a son if you were never born? This is what August Flynn struggles with; he is a being but not a being at the same time. He is a monster in human skin hidden from the world. He loves music and loves to play music especially the violin. However, as the story advances, it is clear that playing music comes with its consequences. 

There was light. There was darkness. There was music. There was peace. 

August and Kate's destinies were never supposed to cross. (UN)Fortunately, they are both sent to Colton Academy, a private school in the suburbs. Within Colton, both worlds clash together. August and Kate find companionship, friendship and a shaky alliance with each other. Despite coming from different worlds, they both share a lot of similarities; the need to rise to their responsibilities, the itch of not quite fitting in, and an emptiness. 

In a school that clung to the illusion of safety, he didn’t shy from talk of violence. 

Victoria wins the award for one the best settings of a story. Once you read this gem you will understand. Her world-building is a magical skill, woven elegantly. There isn't too much of an info-dump but you aren't left blind either. The characters in This Savage Song oddly remind me of The Grisha Series. There was a depth to them that is has to replicate. They were smoke, constantly shaping and reshaping. I can't wait to see the growth of both August and Kate. They began as teenagers in high school but soon turned into characters who had seen too much, done too much and didn't really know their place in the world. 

Living hurts. 

I wait anxiously to read the fate of Verity and the individuals living in it. 

"You’re a monster.” “It’s a monster’s world."

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Air Awakens Review

Author: Elise Kova

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Magic

Rating: 4 stars

When will you stop being afraid, read, and learn more about who you are?

Air Awakens by Elise Kova really did awaken something powerful in me. It awaken my passion and love for reading after a dark and uncertain time in my life. I don't know what it is about high fantasy that always has a substantial affect on me. People will tell me "magic isn't real, so why do you waste your time reading it?" and I reply, " I am so sorry for you because when I READ I get to feel magic, this whirlwind sensation, while you will never  will experience something like that". Some people are addicted to alcohol or drugs, I am wholeheartedly addicted to novels. This novel just reminded me of all the reasons people should fight to read and experience more. 

Vhalla wanted to feel special. She wanted to feel important. She wanted to feel she was special and important to the crown prince, of all people. But she only felt like an object.

Elise Kova creates an amazing world surrounded by magic, court games, love and friendship. Vhalla is a seventeen year old librarian apprentice who has been content with her life but always felt as though something was missing. She is on her way to becoming a prominent figure in the library due to her love for reading and knowing. The question is, is that enough? One night, tragedy strikes in the palace and a prince is rushed back from war with a bad injury at critical condition. All the librarians are brought together in order to find the cure for a certain poison. The anxiety and pressure get the best of Vhalla and she vehemently writes all the possible solutions to the cure. Her notes then form the catalyst to her new life. 

Something about it terrified her; something about it shamed her; something about it pushed her forward.

Vhalla imprinted her magic in those notes and basically announced herself as a sorcerer. This is not necessarily what she wants, but that doesn't mean she isn't intrigued by the individuals with the black robes and the emblem on their chests. Vhalla is particularly interested in crown prince Aldrik, who personifies darkness himself. ( Little side note,  Aldrik is slightly similiar in character to the Darkling in the Grisha Trilogy). As Vhalla delves deeper into the world of magic, she begins to face the realities of the world around her. Two paths emerge and Vhalla must decide what type of person she wants to be; one who is scared of the unknown due to ignorance or one who accepts the truth about and around herself. 

She simply saw someone who was lonely, someone who could likely count their friends on one hand, and perhaps wanted to one day use two hands.

Most readers will relate to Vhalla in some shape or form. She is, at times, the epitome of our insecurities. Just like us, she is afraid of change and possesses a lot of self doubt. What makes her character so rich is the development; watching Vhalla acknowledge her insecurities and own them ( or they will own you). Both princes are enigmatic and dynamic. This just makes you want to know more. The main characters were approached well but the way the author dealt with Vhalla's previous friends didn't feel right. Her friends could have become complex characters but remained static throughout the novel. 

“I’m simply learning where I’m meant to be.” It was the only response because it was the truth.

Air Awakens is the first novel from the series and acts as an introduction into the world. Due to this, there isn't a lot of the 'conventional' plot or action seen here. It is mostly the physiological exploration of the characters and the high court, preparing the reader for the sequel. It does its job. Well. I drank up this novel so fast I am surprised I didn't choke. It was THAT good. 

They were sending her to war, so she would go and become something they had every right to fear.

And in the words of Taylor Swift: " This (book) is sick!"

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Saving Francesca Review

Author: Melina Marchetta

Genre: Contemporary, Young Adult, Coming of Age

Rating: 5 stars

"Left alone with a dial tone....excuse me, operator, why is no one listening?"

I reinvented my blog last night to suite my tastes and personality. With the layout to my pleasing, it seemed necessary to refresh my content to project my personality and who I am. My blog can not fully represent me without having Saving Francesca somewhere. Reading is a huge part of my life but at times it does become monotonous and uninspiring and this summer I NEEDED a novel to PUSH me. Saving Francesca did just that and after months from my reading, I am still musing over it. 

"I was born seventeen years ago," I tell him. "Do you think people have noticed that I'm around?"

"I notice when you're not. Does that count?"

People may read this novel and come back and say "Diana, nothing much really happened..." and I will tell them "you missed the point". Saving Francesca is not a novel involving a vast physical plot or action; it is pretty stagnant in that department. And yet, I loved it as much as I loved Heir of Fire or the Grisha Series. Why am I praising this novel so much? It is because it does something MAGICAL by touching everyone. It takes a small middle class family and projects our needs, wants and fear in life. Saving Francesca is characteristically normal and common and because of this, Melina Marchetta creates a universal work. Saving Francesca is truly a story about enduring life; it is a journey to self-discovery and acceptance. It is a shout to society saying "NO, this is ME, I am who I am, and I love myself for that". 

“It's a weird smile, but it reaches his eyes and I bottle it. And I put it in my ammo pack that's kept right next to my soul and Justine's spirit and Siobhan's hope and Tara's passions. Because if I'm going to wake up one morning and not be able to get out of bed, I'm going to need everything I've got to fight this disease that could be sleeping inside of me.” 

Francesca wakes up one morning going from a world of music, of life, to a world of silence. She wakes up to this stillness that makes someone's heart stop. Her energetic and charismatic mother does not get up. This once vicarious and lively woman is bedridden from a sickness that leaves a ghost of herself. Without Francesca's mother telling her who to be, she is lost, confused and in a state of turmoil. The big question is who is Francesca? Who is she truly, away from society's expectations?

I want to go around the neighbourhood saying, “We’re depressed.” If my mum can’t get out of bed in the morning, all of us feel the same. Her silence has become ours, and it’s eating us alive.

Her journey of self discovery begins in a reformed all boys school, St. Sebastian. Here, Francesca stumbles upon her misfit group of friends that makes her come to terms with the person she became. Her home situation slowly deteriorates as depression takes hold of her mother. Francesca is forced to accept her mothers depression and the facade she has been living under. Once the lies have been revealed, it becomes difficult to hide under the facade of a perfect family. The ultimate fall out is ugly, brutal, raw and shockingly beautiful. 

Just ask how I'm feeling, I want to say. Just ask and I may tell you.... No one does.

Melina Marchetta creates a true and authentic depiction of the effect of an illness upon a family. Not only that, she shows how everything can change from a single moment.The novel is soft spoken and delivers a clear message through Francesca's narration. She is funny, sarcastic, intelligent and critical of the life around her. It is refreshing yet poignant. There is something heartbreakingly beautiful about the day to day struggles and what it makes of a person. 

I want to be an adjective again. But I'm a noun. A nothing. A nobody. A no one.

Melina Marchetta crafts a work that is vital and universal to any demographic. By the end, you begin to appreciate the beauty and struggle around you because it means YOU are LIVING.

Tara Finke nudges me. "Fascism at its best here. They train them young."

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Before We Were Strangers Review

Author: Renée Carlino
Genre: Romance, Contemporary
Rating: 5 stars

We both cried together, surrendering to the reality that we had to accept. 

I have been so scared of reviewing Before We Were Strangers by Renée Carlino for some particular reason. Maybe it's the fact that it affected me so much that every time I think about the novel, I want to burst into tears. This is not a normal reaction. It is also not a rational or explainable reaction. It is what it is. And Before We Were Strangers is definitely brilliant.

Friends forever might have been a tired expression, but when he asked, it was like music or poetry. I knew it meant something else. I knew it meant I need you in my life.

Matt and Grace met in NYU at what was arguably the best time of their lives. They were both artists with strong pasts. They became fast friends, creating such a unique and poignant bond that almost nothing could tarnish it. Both leaned on each other and complemented each other on a physical, emotional and psychological level. This is hard to achieve. It is even harder to create such a distinct and raw relationship in a novel; Renée Carlino achieved it all. 

Three seconds doesn’t seem like a long time, but when you’re gazing into someone’s eyes, it’s long enough to make a silent promise.

The operative word used previously was "almost" when stating that few things could have endangered Matt and Grace's relationship. There were a few instances where their relationship was tested and pulled. What I loved most about this story was the authenticity and rawness in the conflicts. It felt so authentic, mimicking real life and its struggles. This makes the reader relate to the issues presented. It makes you care. It makes you feel. It makes you think and question your own life. While reading, thoughts popped up like; I am truly happy? I am living to my most potential? When I look at myself, am I the person I wanted to be? These are simple thoughts but the fact that someone else story could make me question my own was a bit unnerving. 

Poetry is just the evidence of life. If your life is burning well, poetry is just the ash.

A truly great novel doesn't need flash, glitter or a production. It just needs to break the barrier between the reader and touch the heart. Great novels makes you feel. I state this a lot in my reviews, but its the truth. Feeling reminds us we are human, we are vulnerable and susceptible to the world. Before We Were Strangers felt like drinking wine after a long day. The writing was poetic and basically flowed across the page,as if a song and dance was going on.  The plot remains haunting beautiful, tragic and so so raw. It was gut wrenching and somber. The characters.... were not characters in the manner where you know they are fictional. Before We Were Strangers felt like a glimpse into the genuine lives of two individuals and the world around them.

I became acutely aware of everyone around me carrying on, living life. I was static, standing on the platform, watching train after train go by, wishing I knew which one to be on.

Matt and Grace fought fate and ended up together at the end. The fact that they conquered all odds is heart warming. I really, really enjoyed this novel. It just made me wonder and hope... 

She was perfect . . . poetry in motion—the evidence of a life burning well and bright.

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Not You It's Me Review

Author: Julie Johnson

Genre:Contemporary, Romance

Rating: 4 Stars

“I can’t imagine there’s any man on earth who would regret kissing you.”

As I read more and more contemporary romance, I begin to feel disappointed in myself for thinking novels like 50 Shades of Grey were a great novels (besides the erotica). As the years continue and romance novels move back to Romance instead of Sex, I feel grateful. Don't get me wrong, sex is a huge part of most relationships, but it is not everything. I loved Not You It's Me because it had the perfect balance of both. First of all, Julie Johnson has a name that is just made to be published. I don't know why I find this important but it is! 

I might have given my heart to this novel.I can tell a novel is great from my body's response to it. There were shivers going through me. My body was saying; Yes, MORE of THIS! A novel is great, in my opinion, when it unifies not only your mind but your body, your soul. There is a certain magic in that that I rarely encounter. 

“You’re one of those weirdos who plays chess against himself, and lays awake at night thinking through strategy, and has a first edition of The Art of War on his bookshelf, aren’t you?” I shake my head in faux-exasperation. “I have a strict rule against dating men like that. I don’t want to be the Luke to anyone’s Yoda, you know what I’m saying?”

Not You It's Me is a story about two individuals, Gemma and Chase, brought together from years of pain, anger and disappointment. Gemma Summers is a 29 year old art curator, who is too scared of showing her art, her soul, to the world. Chase Croft is the soon to be CEO of Croft Industries, crushed by the pressure of expectation and duty. During a basketball game, their worlds combine and set in motion a chain of events that end in their happiness. 

“Stop looking at me like that, Gemma,” he says, his voice so low, it sounds like a threat. Probably because it is one. “Like what?” I ask defensively, my eyes locking with his. “Like you’d like to see what not dating me entails.”

Not You It's Me is a beautifully simple story. That is what makes it so special; it allows the reader to explore emotions rather than plot. I was a completely endearing story about struggle and love. The plot could be easily predicted but that didn't take away from the story too much. However, the ending felt too rushed; it could have been developed better to end on a stronger note. But the characters really did make up for it. Both major and minor characters made the novel flow naturally and realistic. I couldn't help but relate to their issues, laughing at their jokes, and crying alongside them.

“I know how it feels to be disappointed by family — by the people who are supposed to love you unconditionally. It’s a betrayal of everything that makes us human.

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The Darkest Minds Review

Author: Alexandra Bracken

Genre: Dystopian, YA, Romance

Rating: 3 stars

The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken is one of the most original stories to come out in 2012. The boom of dystopian novels brought upon a series of similiar, if not same, novels in the genre with the same very obvious formula. It is a very acclaimed genre, however, the amount of unoriginal stories makes dystopia very tedious and repetitive. The true founders of dystopia are George Orwell with 1984 and Margaret Atwoods' The Handmaid's tale. These two novels revolutionised the literary world and set the standard for great dystopian and Post Apocalyptic novels. 

Alexandra Bracken might have broken the tedious cycle with the Darkest Minds. This was not romance placed in a futuristic world or a contemporary forced into the distinct genre. The creativity, passion and work from Bracken placed into this novel makes The Darkest Minds are household name. The world is meticulously dark and despondent. The societal values, rules and guides are authentic and genuine, making the story all that more believable and enjoyable. With these factors, Alexandra Bracken has created a work that reminds reader why they continue to read dystopian novels.

With that said, its time to get to the tough part. The Darkest Minds had everything I needed to love it, but this didn't occur. I liked and respected it but throughout the whole reading process I felt disconnect from the general plot as it lacked a goal or aim despite the great world building and writing style. The beginning of the novel was stellar; seeing the children camps from inside created an intense atmosphere that pulled you into the story. However, as the novel progressed and the main character distanced herself from the camps, the plot lost a lot of heat and halted my personal progress from liking to loving. Three fourths of the novel became a cat-and-chase road trip between 4 young teenagers. Slowly, the Darkest Minds loses its strength and dulls in comparison to the first few chapters. 

Ruby wasn't the strongest protagonist. This is not saying that all protagonists have to be instantly strong and brave, because that isn't realistic either. Ruby lacked major character development and the novel suffered from that. She is seen as a leech, first in the camp where her best friend takes punishment for her and on the road where Liam and the others sacrifice themselves to protect her.She is one of the most "powerful" users in the US and yet she refuses to use her power to better her own world. She cowers to danger and runs, figuratively and literally, from the problems in her society. Ruby wasn't the greatest of protagonists but she was kind, loyal, caring and funny at times. The supporting character really made this story phenomenal; I loved them all for all their quirks and all! 

Overall, this could have been a great novel and a game changer. It had a lot of potential but the execution was lacking . Please take into consideration that this is my personal comments and opinions. It might not be accurate an indicator of the novels value and merit! I truly believe a large amount of readers will and have enjoyed this series. Alexandra Bracken does really know her craft and I applaud her for her dedication and work drive.

Find The Darkest Minds on Goodreads, Amazon and Barnes & Noble. 

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