Category: 4 Stars

The Girl on the Train by: Paula Hawkins

10/30/2017

The Girl on the Train by: Paula Hawkins
Synopsis: The debut psychological thriller that will forever change the way you look at other people's lives.
EVERY DAY THE SAME
Rachel takes the same commuter train every morning and night. Every day she rattles down the track, flashes past a stretch of cozy suburban homes, and stops at the signal that allows her to daily watch the same couple breakfasting on their deck. She’s even started to feel like she knows them. Jess and Jason, she calls them. Their life—as she sees it—is perfect. Not unlike the life she recently lost.
UNTIL TODAY
And then she sees something shocking. It’s only a minute until the train moves on, but it’s enough. Now everything’s changed. Unable to keep it to herself, Rachel goes to the police. But is she really as unreliable as they say? Soon she is deeply entangled not only in the investigation but in the lives of everyone involved. Has she done more harm than good?

Creepy, addicting and absolutely mind blowing, The Girl on the Train is perfect for anyone looking for an intoxicating thriller.

Going into this book, I had fairly low expectations because I had heard so many mixed reviews. However, as cliche as it sounds, I was completely hooked from the very first page. Similar to Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl, the twisted plot and deranged characters in this novel keep you on your toes and guessing from beginning to end. The unpredictably and authenticity of their actions and emotions maintained the eerie and hair-raising mood/tone as well as made them very relatable. The complexities of the human condition were so prevalent in this novel that nothing felt out of place or random but rather felt like an insight into the nature of mankind.

The only itty bitty problem that is preventing me from giving this book 5 stars was the simplicity of the writing style. There were some things that didnt flow as well as I would have liked and at times, it felt kind of choppy. Just my personal opinion. :)

Because of the well deserved hype surrounding this novel, the movie adaptation of it will be released sometime in October starring Emily Blunt and Haley Bennet! YAY! I am a huge Blunt fan and I think she is the perfect Rachel. I definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a gripping and mature read that is perfect for the Fall/spooky Halloween season.

Happy reading nerds!

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Animal Farm by: George Orwell

12/26/2015

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Animal Farm by: George Orwell
Synopsis: Tired of their servitude to man, a group of farm animals revolt and establish their own society, only to be betrayed into worse servitude by their leaders, the pigs, whose slogan becomes: "All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others." This 1945 satire addresses the socialist/communist philosophy of Stalin in the Soviet Union.

Alright... its review time!!

Do you know when you have those SUPER WEIRD dreams that you wake up from and you're just so disturbed that your mind is capable of coming up with something so ridiculously strange that you start to think you may need to see a health professional? I feel like that is what happened to George Orwell, except instead of getting a psychiatrist, he just wrote it down on paper and somehow got it published. The scary part for me is that my brain somehow jumped on the same crazy train he must have been on... and I loved it...

This story was so strange and unique!! Going into it, I knew it was about animals rebelling against humans (which I thought sounded pretty freaking cool) but I must admit, I did not expect what this novel had in store! Everything was so twisted and even when I put the book down, I couldn't stop thinking about it. All I know is that I will not be getting any sleep tonight because I won't be able to get this story out of my head. And THE ENDING THOUGH. BLEW MY MIND A BIT. These kind of weird, unique stories are what our generation needs more of. So happy I read it!

The only reason I didn't give it 5 full stars is because i found the middle part of the book was lagging a bit for me and there was like a solid 2 chapters where I was less engaged. Besides that, I can totally understand why George Orwell's writing is so well known and considered a literary "classic".

Happy reading nerds! Sound off in the comments with your opinion on this crazy novel!

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Half-Blood by: Jennifer l Armentrout

7/22/2015

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Half Blood by: Jennifer L Armentrout
Synopsis: The Hematoi descend from the unions of gods and mortals, and the children of two Hematoi pure bloods have godlike powers. Children of Hematoi and mortals--well, not so much. Half-bloods only have two options: become trained Sentinels who hunt and kill daimons or become servants in the homes of the pures. Seventeen-year-old Alexandria would rather risk her life fighting than waste it scrubbing toilets, but she may end up slumming it anyway. There are several rules that students at the Covenant must follow. Alex has problems with them all, but especially rule #1:Relationships between pures and halfs are forbidden. Unfortunately, she's crushing hard on the totally hot pure-blood Aiden. But falling for Aiden isn't her biggest problem--staying alive long enough to graduate the Covenant and become a Sentinel is. If she fails in her duty, she faces a future worse than death or slavery: being turned into a daimon, and being hunted by Aiden. And that would kind of suck.

Alright... its review time!!

Alright so I have quite a few mixed emotions about this puppy!! First off, I just want to say... HOLY FRIDGE IN A FRICKIN KITCHEN THAT WAS AMAZING. Second of all, I just want to say that I have slightly disappointed in Jennifer L Armentrout. And last but not least, Seth is bae.

Okay, so now that we got that out of the way, lets talk about this book. I was so excited to start this novel. I am a huge fan of JLA's Lux series so when I heard she had another paranormal series I lost my mind. I had heard from other reviews I have read that apparently Half-Blood was very similar to Vampire Academy. When I heard that, it barely even phased me cuz I am so in love with Richelle Meads vampire books. Any who, lets just say I was in NO WAY prepared for how similar they would actually be. Now when I say this, I don't just mean one or two plot twists that were the same or that the characters in this series resembled Rose and Dimitri. I mean that at least the first 100 pages was EXACTLY LIKE VAMPIRE ACADEMY. Im not going to go through every detail that was similar because I would a) probably lose my mind b) it would only take 80 YEARS. It was infuriating (even though I was completely hooked from the beginning)!! As some of you may know, I also read Wait for You by Jennifer Armentrout a week or two ago and I also felt like JLA had completely replicated Hopeless by Colleen Hoover. The review in which I ranted about that can be found here: Wait for You by: J.Lynn Ive always labelled this woman as one of my favourite authors so I must admit that I am quite disappointed with the fact that she seems to be incapable of coming up with her own books.

Alas, even if she isn't that creative, I must still admit, this woman can write one heck of a book.

I was completely drawn in from the very first page and I couldn't help but root for Alex. I must admit, I have a soft spot for badass female heroines (even if she was almost identical to Rose Hathaway). I found the whole Pure-Blood vs Half-Blood thing pretty interesting and I was immediately loving the covenant because they all drive KICKASS HUMMERS. Nothing can achieve more points then that simple fact in my books. I loved Aiden and the attraction between him and Alex. The sexual tension was driving me absolutely crazy... until Mr. Seth showed up. I like him. I like him a lot. :) As the book progressed it began straying from the VA plot line and kinda became its own book, which was much appreciated. It definitely kept me guessing the entire time and I am actually kinda frustrated with myself for wasting my time writing this review when I could be starting the sequel (which I am about to do in... 3...2...1... now. :) I definitely recommend them to anyone who hasn't read Vampire Academy or to anyone who isn't a diehard VA lover. If you are (like me) you might lose your sanity at parts.

Happy reading nerds and sound off in the comments with your perspectives and opinions on this book!!

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A Stolen Life by: Jaycee Dugard

5/18/2015

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A Stolen Life by: Jaycee Dugard

Synopsis: In the summer of 1991 I was a normal kid. I did normal things. I had friends and a mother who loved me. I was just like you. Until the day my life was stolen.
For eighteen years I was a prisoner. I was an object for someone to use and abuse.

For eighteen years I was not allowed to speak my own name. I became a mother and was forced to be a sister. For eighteen years I survived an impossible situation.

On August 26, 2009, I took my name back. My name is Jaycee Lee Dugard. I don’t think of myself as a victim. I survived.

A Stolen Life is my story—in my own words, in my own way, exactly as I remember it.

Alright, its review time!

Wow. This story. I can't even put into words what Im feeling. I saw her memoir at a local garage sale yesterday and I IMMEDIATELY knew I needed to read it. I brought it home and finished it in one sitting. Jaycee Dugard was abducted almost 10 years before I was born so obviously I do not remember any of the news stories when it happened. I do remember when she was found though. I was only 8 or 9 years old at the time and even at such a young age, It was so clear that everything I was hearing on tv was so wrong and disturbing. I remember watching the news when they aired the actual videos that Phillip and his wife Nancy filmed at parks and playgrounds of little girls playing. For some reason, that has been ingrained in my head for years. I remember watching it see clearly. I remember being so disgusted.

Reading Jaycee's memoir broke my heart. There is no possible way to even begin comprehending what she went through or how that has affected and will effect her for the rest of her and her children's lives. I have so much respect for this woman because of her strength, courage and the undying amount of love she has of her children. I have no idea how she survived the sexual, physical and physiological abuse that she went through. It blows my mind. This book, while disturbing and unfathomable, was so interesting and to an extent, motivational. I wish Miss. Dugard the best during her continuous recovery and I wish her and her kids, happiness.

One of the (many) things that bothered me a lot through her story though was the media and how to this day, they won't leave the poor woman alone. She writes about not being able to go to her children sports events etc, in fear of being recognized and having people make the connection to her children. I makes me so angry that after everything she went through, people still won't leave her alone. In addition, the law enforcement system infuriated me through out Jaycee's entire ordeal. I can't believe that no one would notice anything. Here you have this man who was previously charged with the raping a different young woman and who is clearly not okay in the head and NO ONE even comments on the children that are living in his house or anything FOR 18 YEARS!? Jaycee says that a few times the parole officers came over, her and her daughters were in the house and even TALKED to the officers under the guise that they were just some neighbours who came to live with them? It just seems extremely fishy to me and makes me so angry and disappointed in the people who are specifically given the job to serve and protect.

This story was so powerful and heart breaking. I highly recommend this memoir to anyone who remembers Jaycee and her daughter's story.

Happy reading nerds! Sound off in the comments with you opinions and perspective on this memoir!

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Volition by: Lily Paradis

4/26/2015

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Volition by: Lily Paradis
Synopsis: You know that feeling in the pit of your stomach that stays with you, then tears you apart slowly at first, and all at once shreds every fiber of your being?
It’s because you’re contradicting the universe.
Everything lines up so perfectly that you couldn’t have imagined it to work out better, but then you have to go and do everything humanly possible to ruin it because you can’t stand to have it go right?
That’s what I did.

I did it because there’s a darkness that surrounds me, and I think I want it there.

My name is Tate McKenna, and my soul is blacker than my heart.

Alright, its review time!

I must admit, I enjoyed this book a lot more then I thought I would!! I read Lily Paradis' first book, Ignite last year I believe (which I thoroughly enjoyed) but I must admit, I liked Volition a bit more!! This book was such a great fast paced read that definitely kept me guessing throughout! I really loved Hayden (so freakin swoon worthy) and I loved how at the end of the novel, the writing started switching between multiple characters perspectives! The biggest part of this book though was obviously Tate. I can understand how a lot of people could really struggle reading about someone like her because of how dark and screwed up she was. Personally, I loved it. I could connect with her on so many levels and I honestly felt like I was listening to someone talk to me instead of just reading words off a page. I think its pretty difficult to find authors who can capture a characters voice as well as Miss Paradis did in this novel. She was just such an interesting girl and I loved watching her grow and mature. Especially when it came to Jesse. I kind of wish I could sit down and talk with her cuz I feel like I might have a Jesse of my own.

My only main problem with this book was the actual writing when it came to things the characters did. There were a couple times I found bits in which a character would pick an object up and then it would never be mentioned again or someone would clearly stop walking but then somehow arrive at their destination seconds later. I just picked up on a few flaws but besides that, this book was a fast whirlwind of a read that I definitely enjoyed! Im very excited to see this author continue to progress and write more novels!

Happy reading nerds! Sound off in the comments with your opinion on this crazy novel!

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The Ring and the Crown By: Melissa de la Cruz

8/7/2014

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The Ring and the Crown By: Melissa de la Cruz

Synopsis: Princess Marie-Victoria, heir to the Lily Throne, and Aelwyn Myrddn, bastard daughter of the Mage of England, grew up together. But who will rule, and who will serve?

Quiet and gentle, Marie has never lived up to the ambitions of her mother, Queen Eleanor the Second, Supreme Ruler of the Franco-British Empire. With the help of her Head Merlin, Emrys, Eleanor has maintained her stranglehold on the world's only source of magic. She rules the most powerful empire the world has ever seen.

But even with the aid of Emrys' magic, Eleanor's extended lifespan is nearing its end. The princess must marry and produce an heir or the Empire will be vulnerable to its greatest enemy, Prussia. The two kingdoms must unite to end the war, and the only solution is a match between Marie and Prince Leopold VII, heir to the Prussian throne. But Marie has always loved Gill, her childhood friend and soldier of the Queen's Guard.

Together, Marie and Aelwyn, a powerful magician in her own right, come up with a plan. Aelwyn will take on Marie's face, allowing the princess to escape with Gill and live the quiet life she's always wanted. And Aelwyn will get what she's always dreamed of--the chance to rule. But the court intrigue and hunger for power in Lenoran England run deeper than anyone could imagine. In the end, there is only rule that matters in Eleanor's court: trust no one.

Alright... review time! This was a very....... interesting read. I honestly don't know how to describe it besides saying its "interesting". Truthfully, it was like the Soap Opera "The Young and the Restless" in the 1900s. Let me give you an example, I came down stairs and my mom asked me how my book was and I replied with this:

"Ohh yes, its really interesting mom! This one girl, Isabelle just ran away to marry her like second generation cousin removed and then he was murdered and she found out she was pregnant and she doesn't know if its her ex husbands (the prince who basically sexually abused her) or if the kid is her perverted uncle's. He used to sexually assault her as well, you see??"

It was in that moment that I realized that maybe there was like 7 too many plot twists thrown into this book. haha! This novel switches between 5 or 6 points of view which was also very hard to follow. I loved the magic and the role that the merlins and magic people played in society but the relationships between the characters really lost the book some major points. I really think that one of the main things that angered me about this book though, was the fact that none of the couples ended up together. Like I had to read through 300 pages of all the love triangles and forbidden romance and dramatic SOAP stuff and its all for NOTHING! *facepalm*

I really enjoyed the world in which this story took place and i liked the characters (although I couldn't really relate to them) but Melissa de la Cruz really needs to calm down with the plot twist and drama. I honestly felt like I should have had a pen and paper and been taking notes to keep track of it all...

Okay! Happy reading nerds and sound off in the comments with you opinions and perspective in this novel!! :)

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The Unbecoming Of Mara Dyer By: Michelle Hodkin

12/3/2013

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The Unbecoming Of Mara Dyer By: Michelle Hodkin
Synopsis: Mara Dyer doesn’t think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there.

It can.

She believes there must be more to the accident she can’t remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed.

There is.

She doesn’t believe that after everything she’s been through, she can fall in love.

She’s wrong.

Alright.... Its review time! I bought this book at the beginning of July because I had heard quite a few good things about it. The next day I had to leave town for family matters and when I returned, I couldn't bring myself to read it. Finally a couple nights ago I convinced myself to try it and I'm very happy I did. This book was funny, romantic, and very creepy. Mara Dyer, the main protagonist kind of frustrated me and at times I was a little confused but I still really enjoyed it. 4/5 stars.

****** DO NOT READ ANY FARTHER IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THIS BOOK******

Ok, I LOVED the way this book started and I continued to love it until I reached the 60% mark. The beginning was sooooo creepy and it made me really want to learn more about Mara and her history. The fact that she survived the collapse of that building and none of her friends did was really sad to think about. I could also relate to Mara because I have gone through a situation like she did with Rachel and Claire, going from having a friend to becoming the awkward third wheel.

When Mara and her family moved to Florida and school started I just knew that there was going to be a romantic boy who want to fix her, blah blah blah. And boy.... although it was so predictable I loved Noah and Mara together! Im a totally sucker for the whole cliche romance: bad-boy goes good-boy for the new girl in town. I loved how the two of them were always bickering and Noah's humour was hilarious. I also really liked Jamie. (why am I always ready books in which the characters have the same name as me??....*shudders*) I thought he was really nice so I was really upset when Mara started ignoring him and when he got expelled, I wish we got to know more about him as a person. He was just trying to be nice and give Mara advice about Noah based on past experiences. It frustrated me because after Jamie was expelled, Mara didn't try very hard to get in touch with him and it never said anything about what happened to him. Also it never explained much about Anna and if Mara's Spanish mark ever got changed.....

I thought Mara's ability to kill people was really cool and I loved how throughout the book you never knew if what she was seeing was real or just something she was imagining. It was so creepy.
The point in the book that confused me though was when Noah showed up at her window to tell her that her brother was kidnapped. I get how it all played out in the end with Noah's abilities but in the moment is was really abrupt. It just seemed weird. Also when they find the buildings in which her brother is being held captive in, Noah asks Mara which building they should check first and she just so happens to choose the one he was in and no one saw them. It just seemed to convenient.

After that it started to get better which I was happy about, until the courthouse scene. I get why Mara would want to kill the guy who kidnapped her brother etc. but I didn't get where the mom of the victim came from and how Mara's dad was shot. Maybe I missed something? Im not sure but I was really confused. The other thing that made me really mad was when she went to the police station to turn herself in. She didn't think about what it would do to Noah and I knew right away that she was going to get placed in a crazy house. I must admit though, I was kind of surprised when she saw Jude though. I wish it would have been Rachel or Claire instead just because I hated Jude so much but it was an interesting twist to the story.

After reading the first chapter of the 2nd book I'm very excited to find out what happens. There were some flaws and scenes in which I was confused but I still really enjoyed it.

Happy reading nerds and sound off in the comments with your opinion and perspective on this book.

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The Girl on the Train by: Paula Hawkins

Animal Farm by: George Orwell

Half-Blood by: Jennifer l Armentrout

A Stolen Life by: Jaycee Dugard

Volition by: Lily Paradis

The Ring and the Crown By: Melissa de la Cruz

The Unbecoming Of Mara Dyer By: Michelle Hodkin

Jamie

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