In the Afterlight - Alexandra Bracken

In the Afterlight – Alexandra Bracken

In the Afterlight is the third and final book in the Darkest Minds Series, a series of which I have absolutely loved right from the very start! I am going to be quite vague with this review in case anyone reads it who hasn’t read the previous two in the series.

‘Ruby can't look back. Fractured by an unbearable loss, she and the kids who survived the governments attack on Los Angeles travel north to regroup. With them is a prisoner: Clancy Gray, son of the president, and one of the few people Ruby has encountered with abilities like hers. Only Ruby has any power over him, and just one slip could lead to Clancy wreaking havoc on their minds. 

They are armed only with a volatile secret: proof of a government conspiracy to cover up the real cause of IAAN, the disease that has killed most of America's children and left Ruby and others like her with powers the government will kill to keep contained. But internal strife may destroy their only chance to free the "rehabilitation camps" housing thousands of other Psi kids.

Meanwhile, reunited with Liam, the boy she would-and did-sacrifice everything for to keep alive, Ruby must face the painful repercussions of having tampered with his memories of her. She turns to Cole, his older brother, to provide the intense training she knows she will need to take down Gray and the government. But Cole has demons of his own, and one fatal mistake may be the spark that sets the world on fire.’

In the Afterlight follows shortly on from Never Fade, and that of the grief and turmoil left behind after the incident in Los Angeles. Hidden away in a warehouse, the remaining league children and others with psi abilities are planning their next move with a group of somewhat corrupt group of agents around, already showing a sign of trouble to come. We follow the psi children, as they take control of their own situation, build plans to uncover the true horrors of the camps, and save those still left behind. All of this in hope to find a way to get back to their families, to have a normal life again, especially with research of a cure to hand.

This final book in the series is filled with action, suspense, friendship, love and such heart ache that it really is one massive emotional rollercoaster.  There isn’t a moment in this book where something isn’t going on. Which truly makes it a great book to end the series, despite that I never wanted it to end.

The characters and the relationships in this book were brilliant, and a credit to Brackens writing, they were put under some very stressful times causing a great strain on a lot of the characters. Liam and Ruby being pulled in different directions by their differing opinions. Cole and Liam, being siblings and constantly sparring with each other over every little thing, I don’t think they ever agreed on anything. Vida and Ruby, Vida and Zu, Vida and Chubs…in fact Vida with everyone in this novel really, but her character is brilliant none the less. Chubs was his usual great self too of course. Then of course the infamous Clancy, not once in this book did I pity him, he was horrible and cruel, and I honestly cannot believe how it panned out with his character, the control that he actually had still. I couldn’t believe how much I hated him in the final few paragraphs after what happened at Sawtooth. Although I feel the end was just deserved for him over all.

It is really difficult giving a review on a book that is in a series, as I really don’t want to spoil it for anyone who has never read the previous books. However, I truly loved this trilogy, it was great fun, it was action packed, and there was heart ache in pretty much each and every book. Bracken kept us engaged and involved with every page we turned, and that was a true credit to her writing style. I loved Ruby as the main protagonist, she was everything I wanted from a lead, and the friendships she developed were each unique and brilliant as they went along.

I honestly couldn’t recommend this series enough. So I would say if you like YA, Dystopian and paranormal novels, with a lot of kick ass action and great characters. Then this really is the book for you. SO I would say pick it up and give it a go, it won’t disappoint!

I have given this book a 5 out 5

The Darkest Minds Never Fade in the Afterlight

Miss Mayhem - Rachel Hawkins

Miss Mayhem – Rachel Hawkins

Miss Mayhem is book 2 in the Rebel Belle series, to which I absolutely adored the first book. Miss Mayhem was still good and enjoyable, however I feel it was slightly lacking that humour and direction that was in the first book.

‘Life is almost back to normal for Harper Price. The Ephors have been silent after their deadly attack at Cotillion months ago, and best friend Bee has returned after a mysterious disappearance. Now Harper can return her focus to the important things in life: school, canoodling with David, her nemesis-turned-ward-slash-boyfie, and even competing in the Miss Pine Grove pageant.

Unfortunately, supernatural chores are never done. The Ephors have decided they’d rather train David than kill him. The catch: Harper has to come along for the ride, but she can’t stay David’s Paladin unless she undergoes an ancient trial that will either kill her . . . or connect her to David for life.’

Miss Mayhem follows on from book 1 in the series, and the aftermath of the cotillion and Blyth’s ritual. Things are starting to get back to normal, well as normal as things possibly can be for a Mage, Paladin and Oracle in high school. We see the struggles Harper faces as she juggles yet more responsibility, and the strain being put on her and David’s relationship. All made even worse by the bombshell that Harper has to take part in something called Peirasmos, a trial that had to be taken in order to truly be a paladin, a trial to which, failure meant death.

There are highlights and low lights in this book for me. The highlights being that of the relationships, the friendship between Bee and Harper, remaining strong, even when hitting a few bumps in the road (well maybe pot holes would be the case for some incidents) The relationship between Ryan and Harper, who are slowly trying to rebuild their friendship after everything that happened in the last book, and the same with Harper and David, from enemies to ‘boyfie and girlfie’ Hawkins really knows how to create brilliant relationships and dynamics in this story. Especially the further developed and covered relationship of that of Harper and her aunts, in particular Aunt Jewel. You could really tell Harper is a well loved character throughout this story.

Some of the low lights in this was firstly the length of this story, it is far shorter than I thought it would be, it felt a little too rushed and compact at the same time, like the story went really fast, but it also took a long time to get anywhere. I didn’t really know where this story was going and I feel like the direction of it seemed uncertain throughout. I also missed the humour and sass that was in the first novel. It was still very buffy esque, but Harpers humour seemed nonexistent throughout the story, and it was greatly missed as it was one of the more enjoyable bits of the previous story.

I cannot believe how this story ended, it seemed so final and yet not final at all, as you are left hanging with no idea what is happening, or what will happen next. I have no idea when the next book it due for release, I am assuming a year from now, which will be a struggle to wait to find out what will happen, to Harper, David, the Ephors and what of their powers? I cannot believe Rachel Hawkins left us hanging like that and i cannot wait to read the next book to find out.

I would say if you enjoy a quick easy read, like Buffy, the supernatural and a kick ass protagonist, then this series is for you and I only hope that humour will be back for the third book in the series.

I have given this 3 out of 5 stars.

The Taking - Kimberly Derting

The Taking – Kimberly Derting

Having read The Body Finder series by Kimberly Derting, I stumbled across The Taking series. To which I instantly went and bought to carry on my need for Dertings writing style and stories. I was eager to read more of her writing, and see what other world she could bring to life.

‘When sixteen-year-old Kyra Agnew wakes up behind a Dumpster at the Gas ’n’ Sip, she has no memory of how she got there. With a terrible headache and a major case of déjà vu, she heads home only to discover that five years have passed . . . yet she hasn’t aged a day.

Everything else about Kyra’s old life is different. Her parents are divorced, her boyfriend, Austin, is in college and dating her best friend, and her dad has changed from an uptight neat-freak to a drunken conspiracy theorist who blames her five-year disappearance on little green men.

Confused and lost, Kyra isn’t sure how to move forward unless she uncovers the truth. With Austin gone, she turns to Tyler, Austin’s annoying kid brother, who is now seventeen and who she has a sudden undeniable attraction to. As Tyler and Kyra retrace her steps from the fateful night of her disappearance, they discover strange phenomena that no one can explain, and they begin to wonder if Kyra’s father is not as crazy as he seems. There are others like her who have been taken . . . and returned. Kyra races to find an explanation and reclaim the life she once had, but what if the life she wants back is not her own?’

I thoroughly enjoyed The Taking, it was different to the Body Finder series, yet it was still a great read. The premise of the story, if thinking about it from your own perspective would be truly terrifying. I mean, how you would handle losing 5 years of your life and finding that everything has changed. People had grown up, moved on, and yet you were still the age you were when you left, exactly the same, with no memories between then and now. It would be awful and truly terrifying. I found that Kyra our lead protagonist handled the whole situation remarkably well, granted she didn’t fit in and struggled with the changes to her family life, but how she remained sane is beyond me.

My main struggle with all this was her relationship with Tyler, her boyfriend/ex boyfriends little brother. He was 12 years old when she last saw him, and now 5 years later she is 16 and he is 17, and suddenly there is a connection between the two, and she doesn’t find it a little weird. Sure she is stubborn with admitting her feelings towards him, but as far as she was concerned, yesterday he was 12 and today he is 17, there were no 5 years for her, yet she accepted this all so easily. Regardless of that I did enjoy reading the development between the two, and Austin did come across incredibly selfish in comparison. 

The characters in this story were incredibly vast and different. Kyra’s parents for one, I disliked how the mum was towards her daughter on her return, how she handled the NSA and completely disregarded anything her daughter said and believed it to be untrue. I absolutely loved her dad, who at first seemed like one of those controlling over bearing parents, but actually was funny, and probably the only person even close to the truth, I am excited to learn more about his character in the next book.

Austin and Cat, Kyra’s ex boyfriend and best friend were an interesting duo. I think Cat’s character will be an intriguing one to see unfold, she seems like a great best friend, and still somewhat loyal (disregarding who she is currently in a relationship with of course) I think we will probably see more of her in the next book, as she seems adamant to get her best friend back and make up for all those lost years. Austin, well, at the start of the book he seemed really sweet, him and Kyra looked like the perfect couple, however College Austin came across incredibly selfish, looking to just make himself feel better, with no concern over how Kyra is, or what even happened to her. It was quite upsetting to see Kyra deal with that situation.

Tyler was an interesting character, he seemed sweet and caring, and someone Kyra could rely on during this strange time she was going through. He really became her rock, even if he did have a massive crush on her, and adamant to make her realise she felt the same.

This story was fun and enjoyable, and really action packed near the end with the introduction of Simon and the returned. It was certainly an emotional rollercoaster and the ending really left you needing to know more. So much so, that I ordered book two in the series instantly after finishing this one. I honestly cannot wait to find out where this story is taking us and just what happens to each of the characters.

If you are looking for a fun, sci fi YA story, with a hint of action and mystery then this is a book for you. I managed to finish this story in less than a day, so it is an incredibly quick read, so i would highly recommend you give it a go. Dertings writing is incredible, as always, and hooks you right into the story instantly which is perfect for a story such as this.

I have given this 4 out of 5 stars.

                                                             

Rebel Belle - Rachel Hawkins

Rebel Belle – Rachel Hawkins

I have seen many reviews of this book, a lot that compared it to a southern version of Buffy, so of course I instantly knew that meant I had to go out and get this book. This is the first book by Rachel Hawkins that I have read, and I have found her to be a great writer, producing a brilliant voice throughout this story.

First here is the blurb, so you have a jist of what the story is about:

‘Harper Price, peerless Southern belle, was born ready for a Homecoming tiara. But after a strange run-in at the dance imbues her with incredible abilities, Harper's destiny takes a turn for the seriously weird. She becomes a Paladin, one of an ancient line of guardians with agility, super strength and lethal fighting instincts.

Just when life can't get any more disastrously crazy, Harper finds out who she's charged to protect: David Stark, school reporter, subject of a mysterious prophecy and possibly Harper's least favourite person. But things get complicated when Harper starts falling for him—and discovers that David's own fate could very well be to destroy Earth.’

Rebel Belle was a fun and hilarious read, I absolutely loved the characters, and loved the humour throughout. There were points where I literally laughed out loud at what the main protagonist Harper would come out with. One of my favourites being the following:

“I picked up the nearest weapon I could lay my hands on: a stapler. I lifted it, going for “menacing.” I admit it lacked a certain elegance, but hey. It was worth a shot. David placed his hand on my arm and pushed it back down.
“What?”
“Just . . . that’s embarrassing for all of us,” he replied.” 

Although there is an intricate and action packed plot within this, with myths and details about ‘super powers’ this is such an enjoyable and light hearted read that can easily be devoured.

Hawkins development of the characters throughout this book was great. Harper and David, were by far incredibly enjoyable to read and follow, from their feuding, to the moments of gratitude they so disdainly felt for each other, it was brilliant and entertaining. Harpers group of girlfriends, were good fun as well, all be it that it was clear to see that they could be quite catty and gossipy. I really did take a dislike to Mary Beth, instantly, but I guess that’s because she really was all over Harpers boyfriend Ryan. I struggled with Harpers relationship with Ryan as you could see that things were not right for a while, and that they both would have been happier potentially as just friends, but Harpers need to achieve at everything and be the ultimate multitasker, blinded her to this. Harpers best friend Bee… I'm not sure how I feel about her, she is constantly told she is the ‘Best best friend ever’ but half the time she really isn't, the way she manipulates Harper into going to the Cotillion, and the way she has a go at Harper for not replying to her texts. It was only over the weekend….two days…how can someone not survive two days without a text back. Especially knowing you will just see them Monday at school, but I don’t know, maybe that is just my own grievances there.

I thoroughly enjoyed the plot of this story, and there were some unexpected twists and turns, especially with the ending! Rachel Hawkins leaves you wanting more, no in fact, she leaves you needing more. As that is how enjoyable this book is. I honestly cannot wait to get my hands on the next book in the series Miss Mayhem.

I would highly recommend this book if you are looking for a light hearted, enjoyable and hilarious read, with a great plot and brilliant characters. There really isn’t much to dislike, if at all.

I have given 4.5 out of 5 stars.

The Darkest Part of the Forest - Holly Black

The Darkest Part of the Forest – Holly Black

Holly Black has done it again with this novel; she has created a magical world, filled with mystery, suspense and excitement. Creating such an amazing world filled with strong, unique characters and bringing it all together with her fantastic way with words to tell a unique stand alone story.

After reading The Coldest Girl in Coldtown, i instantly fell in love with the way Holly is able to create a standalone story, giving just enough to fill your need for more, and satisfyingly wrapping it all up into a neat bow at the end. That is what she does perfectly again in The Darkest Part of the Forest.

‘Near the little town of Fairfold, in the darkest part of the forest, lies a glass casket. Inside the casket lies a sleeping faerie prince that none can rouse. He's the most fascinating thing Hazel and her brother Ben have ever seen. They dream of waking him - but what happens when dreams come true? In the darkest part of the forest, you must be careful what you wish for...’

The blurb was enough to pull me in and make me instantly want to read this book and it really did not disappoint.

The way Holly Black weaves a modern day world into that of the fantasy Faire world is brilliant. It keeps it interesting and engaging.  We are introduced to such creepy creatures throughout, that there are no holds barred as to the extent of their eerie nature, an example being sorrow, making those she is near weep and wail from some of their saddest and worst memories being brought back to the surface, i mean creepy!

The dynamics created between the characters was truly brilliant, Hazel and Ben, having a great brother and sister relationship which is really at the core of this story and fuelling it along. The dynamics they have with their friends, their hippy artistic parents. Then of course the romance that also takes place. I really enjoyed the dynamics of it all and thoroughly enjoyed watching each relationship develop as the story progressed.

Overall i really enjoyed Holly Blacks latest novel, i enjoyed seeing the fantasy world unravel and seeing the array or creatures and characters throughout the story. I would say if you enjoy a good fantasy stand alone novel, with great characters, a great world, and great relationships. Then this is really a read for you. I mean, who couldn’t love a Holly Black novel?!?!

I have given this 4 out of 5 stars

We Were Liars - E Lockhart

We Were Liars – E Lockhart

Having seen a many mixed review about this novel, and seeing the element of mystery and secrecy around it, I just knew I had to read it to see what all the fuss was about. I thought I would potentially be able to produce a great review for it and encourage others to pick it up and give it a read, as I didn’t understand why no one else was able to do so in great detail. Well, safe to say now I do.

We were Liars was a great book, I had no idea what I was going into, and quite frankly I had no idea I would be coming out the other side as much of an emotional wreck that I was, as boy is this story a bumpy ride.

‘A beautiful and distinguished family.
A private island.
A brilliant, damaged girl; a passionate, political boy.
A group of four friends—the Liars—whose friendship turns destructive.
A revolution. An accident. A secret.
Lies upon lies.
True love.
The truth.’

As much as I would love to go into detail about this story, to do so would completely ruin it for the reader. This is a story where you have to go into it not knowing what to expect, to fully enjoy its impact and mystery.

Lockhart’s writing is incredible in this, I had a few issues with the formatting of it, and found it very clipped and short at times, however allowing the character to use fairy tales to describe a situation was simply brilliant. Especially with the characters in the story themselves being so fixated on their own mythology, it really added to the mystery of the novel. This was a sad and haunting story, with twists that I really did not expect or see coming. To which is an amazing achievement for an author to do.

I would highly recommend this story; if you like a good coming of age story full of mystery and uncertainty, then this will be perfect for you.

I would give this book 4 out of 5 stars.