Matched: Ally Condie

Title: Matched
Author: Ally Condie
Release Date: 30th November 2010

Synopsis: Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is her ideal mate . . . until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black.

The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow.

My Review: I was so eager to reach this book and hug it. I'll admit, I didn't realize how much hype there was surrounding Matched until about three weeks before the release date. This drove me crazy, and I wanted it even more.

I really liked the premise of the book. The whole thing with The Society controlling everything they do... who they love, where they work. When they die.

The beginning starts on a high note. I liked the idea of a Matching Banquet, and the way Condie opened up the first few chapters was extraordinary to me. The middle of the book is rather slow compared to the end and the high beginning, but not too slow. I found it just right, and sped through this novel in 2 1/2 days. (I'm a slow reader, so this was really fast for me.)

I loved Cassia. From her name, to her character. The way she followed her heart, but was still cautious and didn't do anything too out-there. I really liked Ky, and kept rooting for them to get together. Xander was cool, too. Some people may find it hard to choose, but I found it rather easy. (TEAM KY)

I thought it was really well written. Condie added tiny details that weren't exactly important, but together formed an amazing setting to fall back on. The middle of the story is mostly world building, which I liked. We find out more about how people die and how they work. I could have read more about The Society, and the way it works.

I didn't expect the ending to happen the way it did. The climax didn't do it for me.... not that it wasn't good enough, but because I just ate up this novel: and in comparison to the rest... the climax let me down just a tad.

However, the ending is promising. I can't wait to pick up Crossed, the next book in this series. 

Matched is awarded 4 stars.

Elixir: Hilary Duff

Title: Elixir
Author: Hilary Duff & Elsie Allen
Release Date: October 12th 2010


Synopsis: Clea Raymond has felt the glare of the spotlight her entire life. The daughter of a renowned surgeon and a prominent Washington DC politician, she has grown to be a talented photojournalist who takes refuge in a career that allows her to travel to the most exotic parts of the world. But after Clea’s father disappears while on a humanitarian mission, Clea’s photos begin to feature eerie, shadowy images of a strange and beautiful man—a man she has never seen before. 

When fate brings Clea and this man together, she is stunned by the immediate and powerful connection she feels with him. As they grow closer, they are drawn deep into the mystery behind her father’s disappearance, and they discover the centuries old truth behind their intense bond. Torn by a dangerous love triangle and haunted by a powerful secret that holds their fates, together they race against time to unravel their pasts in order to save their lives—and their futures.

My Review: When I first heard about this book, I immediately wanted to pick this up, just because it was by Hilary Duff (yes, the feelings of obsession I had when I was younger came rushing back) even though I thought it wouldn't be very good. This, however, was not the case.    

This book is full of mystery, and a solid paranormal love story is present. It  is full of great characters--Clea being one of my favouirtes. (I'll admit, I couldn't not picture her as Duff, herself.) 

The writing itself was better than I expected to be. Maybe not the best out there... but it is her debut novel.   

Practice makes perfect.  

There were a few freaky scenes where I suddenly felt the urge to scratch my skin. (That thing in the room at the end... *shudders*)

The ending wasn't the best, I'll admit. You could tell it was written to be part of a series. It was abrupt.

Clea and Sage's romance was good. The only cliche thing for Hilary to do is have Clea fall for the best-friend, which I hope does not happen.

Elixir is awarded 3.5 stars  

My Favourite Book.

I've read so many books, and I plan on reading so many more. But the one book that has stuck with me, and has been granted a place high up on my pedestal, surround by rays on sunshine and happiness, is:
The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins.

I just love this series--especially the first book. Though I had a few bones to pick with the final book in the series, Mockingjay, it was still fantastic!

Katniss Everdeen. The girl who was on fire. So much to tell: She's brave, endearing, beautiful inside and out. I can't get enough of her voice. I would read pages and pages of nothing if only she was telling it. Collins writes in such a spectacular, clear way that you can't help but lose count of the time as you flip through pages, automatically wanting more, and gasping for breath when you forget to breathe.
Katniss is my #1 favourite Heroine. Peeta is one of my favouirte male love interests in the YA Genre. Collins takes home two trophies for favourite characters. (And I just love Effie. And of course, lovable Rue.)

If you have not read this series, I strongly, highly (OHMYGOD-WHAT-ARE-YOU-WAITING-FOR) suggest that you read these books. The Hunger Games is number one, and though nobody can take Katniss' place, I do hope they pick a good enough actress to play her in the movies.

Across the Universe: Beth Revis

 Title: Across the Universe

Author: Beth Revis

Release Date: 11th January, 2011

Synopsis: A love out of time. A spaceship built of secrets and murder.

Seventeen-year-old Amy joins her parents as frozen cargo aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed and expects to awaken on a new planet, three hundred years in the future. Never could she have known that her frozen slumber would come to an end fifty years too soon and that she would be thrust into the brave new world of a spaceship that lives by its own rules.

Amy quickly realizes that her awakening was no mere computer malfunction. Someone-one of the few thousand inhabitants of the spaceship-tried to kill her. And if Amy doesn't do something soon, her parents will be next.

Now Amy must race to unlock Godspeed's hidden secrets. But out of her list of murder suspects, there's only one who matters: Elder, the future leader of the ship and the love she could never have seen coming.

My Review: I read the first chapter of Across the Universe when it was up on-line for the world to see, when the website was counting down the time until the spaceships departure (release date of book.)

I loved the first chapter, and I really could not wait for this novel. I emailed Beth Revis, informing her how much I loved the first chapter--somehow, through email, I figured out that she had been to Malta (where I live) before. This made me like Beth Revis even more. I know of hardly any authors that have been here.

Anyway, I picked up the novel months later, and let me tell you - wow.

I loved this novel! I loved both Amy and Elder's point of view. I liked how this novel kept me turning the pages. The chapters were not too short, nor too long. They were the perfect length. I never felt tired reading this. My favourite character was definitely Amy. I cared to know what happened to her.

I was expecting a little more romance, what with the all romantic-ness in most YA Lit.
Across the Universe was a really fantastic read.

This novel is part of a series, but can definitely be a stand-alone. I will surely be picking up the next book--even though I have no idea what could happen next. 

Across the Universe is awarded 4.5/5 stars.  :)

Welcome Post + Introduction.

First and foremost, I'd like to say Thank You for taking the time to read this.

Introduction:
Apart from reviewing books, I shall also be posting about my own writings, writing ideas, ways of writing, and so forth. Most of all, I'd love to interact with you guys and see the similarities between us. We shall share ideas, procedures of editing, different ways of pushing through that abhorrent phase we call Writer's Block.
This site is not just for my enjoyment, but also for me to make new friends and learn new things about writing.

About Me:
I am a 15 year old boy with an obsession: Story-ing. Plotting. Creativity(ing).
I'm always making up stories, whether they be in my mind, or crafted by pen and paper. My characters are my friends, and don't be surprised if you one day find a blog post written up by one of them. They are alive and well!
I live in Malta (Europe), which is a tiny island situated in the middle of the Mediterranean sea. I read all branches of Young Adult Fiction, and some other genres: anything I can get my hands on, really.
But on a more serious note, all you have to know for me to like you is this: I love cheese. (Cheddar and Feta have an extra-special place in my heart.)

:)