THE FAULT IN OUR STARS by John Green

“Despite the tumour-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel’s story is about to be completely rewritten.”

What is the book about?

Hazel has known her whole live that, despite all the drugs and the small miracle that has bought her a few more years; she will never survive her cancer. She has mainly spent her time so far either at school or at home and doesn’t have much of a social life, but what’s the point if she is just going to die anyway. Hazel is sure that she will never find the incredible true love that is always described in movies and books, but when she meets a gorgeous, smart, funny Augustus Waters at Cancer Kid Support Group her whole world is completely turned around. Maybe there is a chance for her to have a happily ever after, even if it is just happily after.

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

The Fault in Our Stars was always a book that I had vaguely heard about but was never that interested in reading it, but that was only because I had never actually looked at what it was about. A little while ago I had a look at a list of some popular books for teenagers and The Fault in Our Stars was on that list. I immediately started looking at the book online and was sure that I would like it. Unfortunately, a few months before reading the book I read a spoiler which really annoyed me but did not discourage me from trying the book. Once I picked up the book (after it being on my shelf for several weeks) I read the blurb, which reminded me why I wanted to read the book in the first place, and started to read. As soon as I began to read, I automatically wondered why I had ever left The Fault in Our Stars on the shelf for that long and started to really doubt my choices on when to read books. Even though the start wasn’t exactly the most exiting few chapters, I still absolutely loved every word and before I knew it I was almost nearing the end of the book. 

Who was your favourite character and why? 

My favourite character was definitely Augustus because of how sweet and funny he was. I loved how he saw the world and all his metaphorical thoughts. There were many times where I found what Augustus was saying extremely puzzling and that was one of the things that I really like about him. He always spoke in a way that made whatever he was saying, even if it were something simple, sound like it was the most amazing and complicated thing in the world. He was also incredibly good-looking which certainly made him one of the top characters in the book. I also really liked Augustus because even though he knew what was coming, he stayed positive and didn’t make the people around him feel miserable. I also liked how he helped Hazel and showed her that even she was capable of having her own little infinity and even though she might not live as long as other people she could still be happy. He made her feel special just like every girl wishes that someone would make her happy and he showed her how to make the most of every second because one day that will be the last second you have left.

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

I found it very difficult to choose a favourite part and in the end I have ended up with two: the meal at Oranjee or Augustus and Hazel’s first kiss. I loved Augustus and Hazel’s date at Oranjee (a restaurant) because I think it is when Hazel realises that she really does love Augustus and that she needs to stop keeping herself away from him. I like that they get a chance to know each other more and have a really special moment just the 2 of them. I also chose Augustus and Hazel’s first kiss as my other favourite part because, although I think that Hazel begins to loosen up around Augustus at Oranjee, this is really when she accepts the fact that they love each other and that, even though she feels that getting close to each other will only cause them more pain, it’s better to have a few really good moments than live a life full of regret. I also like this moment because I was getting rather frustrated at Hazel because I could see that she and Augustus were perfect for each other but she was keeping her distance not wanting to start something that would eventually lead to one of them getting hurt. Both of these moment show how Augustus helped Hazel see that she was capable of having happiness and that it was worth having an amazing time even if it would mean that eventually someone would be hurt because, in practically everything in life, someone gets hurt.

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, The Fault in Our Stars was an absolutely extraordinary book and I loved it. One of the things that I loved about the book was how many new words I learnt. Although it was annoying to have to keep a dictionary handy, it was also really nice to learn some new words and how to put them properly into context. Another thing that I loved about the book was how much it made me smile, and sometimes even laugh. There were so many funny moments in the book and I loved reading them because I got a chance to really be with the characters. The Fault in Our Stars also made me cry but, even though it was sad, I also really like those parts because I knew that it was a good book and that it had been worth reading it. If a book makes you feel something then it is a good book (unless all you are feeling is absolute boredom and hatred for the book). The best about The Fault in Our Stars, in my opinion, was that you open a random page in the book and you can find the most beautiful things like “It would be a privilege to have my heart broken by you”, or “That's the thing about pain, it demands to be felt.” Its quotes as beautiful as these that made the book one of the most incredible ones I have read because of how they make you think about everything and really make you feel something. I undeniably loved every single second of reading The Fault in Our Stars and I wouldn’t trade the memory of this book for anything (well, except maybe more books).

Would you recommend this book?  

I 100% recommend this book for readers over 14 who enjoy romance with a pinch of drama. If you have not yet read it and are not sure what to read next I think that The Fault in Our Stars would be a wonderful choice and I think that it will completely change the way you look at life.

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

A beautiful but tragic love story that will make you cry.

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

THE FATES DIVIDE by Veronica Roth

“Cyra and Akos have been ruled by their fates since they were determined at birth. Now, they are inescapable. Despite his fate, Akos is in love with Cyra, and is willing to die in service to her family. So, when Cyra’s thought-to-be-dead father, Lazmet, reclaims the Shotet throne, Akos is sure his end is close. As Lazmet ignites a barbaric war, Cyra and Akos must work together to stop his tyrannical reign. For Cyra, that could mean taking the life of her father, and, for Akos, it may mean giving his own. In a stunning twist, the two of them will discover how fate defines their lives in the most unexpected ways. Fate brought them together. Now will it divide them?”

What is the book about?

Cyra Noavek and Akos Kereseth have been ruled by their fates since they were determined at birth and know that they are inescapable. There is no chance that they will be able to escape it and their fates define how they live their lives. But, despite his fate, Akos still loves Cyra even though it may mean his destruction. Cyra and Akos thought that all the pain would be over now that there was no Noavek leading the Shotet, but when Cyra’s supposedly dead father, Lazmet, returns and reclaims the Shotet throne, they realise that it isn’t the end yet. As the Shotet and Thuvhesit begin a war, Cyra and Akos must work together to stop Lazmet’s tyrannical reign. For Cyra, this may mean taking the life of the only family she has left, and, for Akos, this may mean fulfilling his fate and giving his own. In an unexpected twist, Cyra and Akos will discover how fate truly defines them in the most bizarre ways and will need to be strong to get past their incredible discoveries. Fate is the reason that they are together, now will it be the reason they divide?

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

Once I had finished Carve the Mark, I was really excited to start The Fates Divide. Carve the Mark had left me with tons of questions and I was desperate to start reading The Fates Divide so I could continue with the story. The blurb left me even more interested and intrigued at what would happen in the book and I was anxious to discover what the twist would be. As soon as I started to read I was transported back into the wonderful galaxy Veronica Roth created in Carve the Mark and immediately loved every single word. The book started quicker than any book I have ever read and I was already on the edge of my seat after reading only the first chapter. I loved how quickly the book began because it then felt as if I had never left. The first few chapters were incredibly interested and I had already added about 100 extra questions to my list. I absolutely loved the book from the very start and was already both excited and upset that the adventure would soon be ending.

Who was your favourite character and why? 

I found it really hard picking a favourite character because there were so may amazing ones in The Fates Divide that it was impossible to pick just one, so this time I have two favourite characters: Akos and Cyra. I really liked Akos because, despite his fate, he still loved Cyra and tried his best to show her that she was better than what she thought she was. He was able to see past the brave warrior that Cyra presented herself as and see that deep down inside there was a good person that deserved mercy. When Akos found out the truth about his fate I was rather disappointed and annoyed with him because of his reaction, but once I realised that he was doing it so that no one would have to live in fear again I began to understand his actions and I was relieved once his mission ended. The other character that I liked was Cyra because of how resilient and brave she was. She was probably one of the characters who had been through the most pain and had suffered the most, but she still kept looking forward and was strong enough to get past it all. Cyra really stood out to me during 2 parts of the book. The first part was when she decided that it was worth giving up everything she had to save everyone else. Even though she wasn’t sure what would happen or even if it would work, she risked her life for everyone else and was strong enough and selfless enough to do it. The other part was when she reminded Akos of how he showed her mercy when she didn’t even think she deserved it. She also forgave him for what he did and reminded him that she understood the pain he had gone through and helped him see that he was worth it, just like he helped her in Carve the Mark. In both these parts Cyra was selfless, brave and kind, and was able to look past her own pain to help others. I really liked Cyra and Akos and I think that they are perfect for each other because of how they are both similar and different and are always there to help the other back on their feet.

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

Despite the book being absolutely amazing, there weren’t really any parts of the book that stood out to me, so, if I had to choose, I think that my favourite part would probably have to be the ending. Although I was sad when reading the end of the book because it meant that there would be no more adventures with Cyra and Akos, I still really liked it because even though I knew that there was a lot left to do for Cyra and Akos to have a truly happy ending, they were as happy as they had been in the whole series and I was glad that they got to experience happiness together, as it was what they deserved. I also liked the ending because the end of the book meant that, hopefully, there would be no more life threatening situations and that Cyra and Akos could just have some time to think of themselves, instead of being heroes and not having the time to relax and spend time with each other. 

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, I really enjoyed reading The Fates Divide and think that it was an incredible book. There isn’t anything that I would want to change about the book other than the ending. One thing that I really liked about the book was that I got to hear from more than just Cyra and Akos which meant that I got a couple more perspectives about the story and that there were more than 2 storylines to follow. I also liked getting to hear from more people because I got to get to know some of the characters more and understand more about them as well as Cyra and Akos. Another thing that I liked about the book was that there were a lot more characters that were more involved in the story and more new characters were introduced. I liked this because I got to meet more good people and see that there weren’t just horrible people in Akos’s and Cyra’s world. I also really liked the twist in the story which I did not see coming. The twist made some huge changes in the story and, even though I didn’t really like some of the changes, I really loved the surprise. The book was really wonderful and I loved reading it, however, the ending, though it wasn’t bad, still left me wanting more. I really wish that The Fates Divide hadn’t ended like it did because it made me wish that I had more time with Cyra and Akos and made me really dread that the story had ended. The end made me think about the future and that I would get to read about anything else about the characters and that I wouldn’t get to read about what their lives would be like once all the issues have been sorted. But, apart from the ending, everything in the book was remarkable and I loved reading it. 

Which was your favourite book in the Carve the Mark series? (1 or 2)

I really enjoyed reading Carve the Mark and The Fates Divide and I think that both books are quite similar, however I think that Carve the Mark was the better book. The main reason for this choice is that Carve the Mark had a much more interesting storyline because of how many twists and turns there were. It felt like every few chapters there would be a new mission but it also always felt like they were are linked. I liked how Carve the Mark kept me on my toes and, although The Fates Divide also had an interesting story and a stunning twist, it was the more intriguing adventure. I also enjoyed the romance in Carve the Mark a lot more than in The Fates Divide. I liked how the romance between Cyra and Akos started and how they began to understand their feelings and at the end they knew that they would always be there for each other. In The Fates Divide, their romance really annoyed me because of all the ups and downs and I got frustrated because I knew that they belonged together but they sometimes didn’t feel that way. Other than these 2 things, I think that Carve the Mark and The Fates Divide were both just as amazing as the other and I loved reading them both, I am very sad to see the end of Cyra’s and Akos’s adventures.

Would you recommend this book?  

I definitely recommend The Fates Divide to any reader, particularly over the age of 12, who enjoys a good fantasy adventure with a pinch of romance. I suggest reading Carve the Mark first, or you will be incredibly confused, and I am sure that anyone who tries this book will love it.

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

A stunning, breath-taking and out of this world adventure with an incredible twist.

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

CARVE THE MARK by Veronica Roth

“Cyra and Akos grew up in enemy countries on a vibrant yet divided planet. Cyra’s ability to transfer extraordinary pain with a simple touch makes her a dangerous weapon for her tyrannical brother. When Akos is kidnapped and forced to serve Cyra, it’s clear that their hatred is mutual. But, as Akos fights for his survival, he recognises that Cyra is also fighting for hers, and that her true gift – resilience – might be what saves them both. Their world is on the brink of political chaos, and Akos and Cyra must decide if they will fight for what’s right, even if it means betraying their families and countries. When the time comes, will they choose loyalty or love?”

What is the book about?

Cyra Noavek and Akos Kereseth both live in the same divided planet but live in enemy countries. They are both from fate favoured families and have been stared at their whole lives. Cyra developed her currentgift far earlier than usual, an extraordinarily dangerous power to transfer pain to anyone with one touch. When Akos is kidnapped by Cyra’s brother, Ryzek, and forced to serve Cyra by keeping her pain at bay with his own currentgift that cancels other gifts, he realises that Cyra is just as trapped as he is. Ryzek sees his sister only as a weapon he can use to his advantage. But, despite her reputation as Ryzek’s Scourge, Cyra’s true power is her resilience and her ability to survive. Their world is on the brink of chaos with their countries close to war, and Akos and Cyra must decide if they will fight for what they believe in and betray their families and countries in the process. When the time comes, will they chose to stay loyal or fight for what is right?

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

When I first saw the book I was immediately excited about reading it. Carve the Mark is by the same author as Divergent, and I absolutely loved Divergent and am completely obsessed with it, so I sure that Carve the Mark would be just as incredible. After I read the blurb, I was even more intrigued in knowing what the book would be like and I was really interesting in joining Cyra and Akos in a new magical world. When I started reading, I was a bit disappointed because the book started quite slowly and wasn’t as amazing as I has thought. However, after reading a few more chapters, I started to enjoy the book a little more and found that, although it wasn’t as wonderful as Divergent, it was still a really good book. 

Who was your favourite character and why? 

My favourite character was definitely Akos because of how, despite everything he went through, he still had hope. Throughout the whole book, Akos never gave up on his brother, Eijeh, even when everyone told him that he was gone and it wouldn’t be worth saving him because he wouldn’t be himself anymore. Another reason why I really liked Akos was because of how he saw the good in people even when they didn’t think there was any. He proved this when he helped Cyra see that she was not just a tool for Ryzek to use, that she was her own person. Because of Akos, Cyra’s currentgift changed and she started to believe in herself more. He saw that she wasn’t a murderer like everyone thought and that she was really in just as much pain as everyone else, maybe more. The best thing about Akos was that, even though he knew what his fate was, he didn’t let that stop him from doing what he wanted and being with whom he loved, and he never gave up on anything or anyone.

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

My favourite part of the book was probably when Cyra’s currentgift changed because it was when she finally saw that her power was not a curse like she had always thought. This part is when Cyra truly accepts herself and begins to see why her ability is called a gift. I also liked this part because Akos is the one who helps her see the strength her currentgift has given her and how she has learnt to deal with the pain it causes her. He shows her that she can do anything and that she is strong enough to bear the pain without having to share it with anyone. Once Cyra realised that she had the strength to survive, she was able to pull back and keep Akos from experiencing the pain she knew he didn’t deserve. Even though she had to go through excruciating pain to keep Akos safe, Cyra knew she could survive through it, since survival was one of her best skills. I loved how Cyra’s love for Akos really shone in this part and how she knew that he deserved to be free from her brother even if it meant that she would most likely die; Cyra wanted to risk her life for Akos and knew that it was worth it.

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, I think that the book was really good and I really enjoyed reading it. One thing that I really liked about the book was that we got to hear from both Akos and Cyra and understand their thoughts and feelings in certain situations. I also liked that the book was split into 4 parts, showing and highlighting the different sections of the story. Another thing that I both liked and disliked was that sometimes the book changed perspective and left me wanting to know more about a certain person. This was really effective of the author as it kept me, as the reader, hooked and waiting to know more, but also very annoying for me as I was very impatient to discover what would happen next. One thing that really made the book stand out was how the whole book was based in whole new galaxy created by the author with planets all incredibly distinct and magical. I loved how I got to travel around in a universe that doesn’t even exist, but while reading Carve the Mark it was as real as Earth. Reading Carve the Mark really made me think about the main reason I love to read: to be able to travel the world and have adventures with incredible characters in places that don’t even exist but are real to me, all from the comforts of my own home. I really liked reading Carve the Mark and cannot wait to read the sequel: The Fates Divide.

Would you recommend this book?  

I really enjoyed Carve the Mark and recommend it for anyone over 12. If you have read Divergent I am sure you will enjoy Carve the Mark, although it isn’t as incredible. I am sure any readers who enjoy fantasy, thriller and a bit of romance will love reading this book.

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

An out of this world, incredible read full of brutal but wonderful twists.

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

PAULA THE VET

What is the book about?

The book is about a lady named Paula who is a vet.

Who was your favourite character and why? 

 My favourite character was Paula because she was a very good vet.

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

 My favourite part was when the dinosaur came because it was funny.

What did you think of the book and why?

I really liked the book because it had animals and was very good.

Reviewed by Fabiola Gutierrez Reviriego

WE WERE LIARS by E.Lockhart

“We are liars. We are beautiful and privileged. We are cracked and broken. A tale of love and romance. A tale of tragedy. Which are lies? Which is truth? You decide.”

What is the book about?

The Sinclair family are absolutely perfect: good-looking, smart, tall, athletic and rich. They are a big happy family, or at least they try to be. Every summer the Sinclair family meet on their private island (Beechwood Island) and spend their whole summer together. Snorkelling, swimming, kayaking, sunbathing; the best ever holiday anyone could ever imagine. But even though a family might look perfect on the surface, they are really just covering up their messed up lives with dazzling smiles keeping together to make sure nothing slips through the cracks. But one summer tragedy strikes and all of this changed. The Sinclair family was no longer as normal and wonderful as they claimed to be. But which are lies and which is truth? 

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

I had never heard of We Were Liars until I read One of Us is Lying. A friend of mine said that she was interesting in getting it and clearly she did, because one day I found it in a bad she stuffed full of books she thought I would love and just had to read. As soon as I saw it I was really curious to read it because I had heard so many things about the incredible plot twist. Once I read the blurb I was even more intrigued to discover the truth and could not wait to start reading. After reading the blurb I had created an image in my head about what the book would be like and it wasn’t at all what I was expecting – it was better! From the very first page I already had 100 questions and was bursting with curiosity. The start of the book was quick and amazing, and I would enjoy the book from the very beginning.

Who was your favourite character and why? 

This was a very difficult questing to answer because there weren’t really that many characters that really stood out to me in We Were Liars but I guess if I had to pick a favourite character then it would probably be Gat. The reason for this is how aware he is of how cruel and selfish it is for the Sinclair’s to be so rich and have their own private island when there are people on Earth that have no food, no water, and no roof over their head. Even though Gat was hanging around all summer with a rich family that had everything they needed, he still didn’t let it get in his head and thought about where he came from. He was sometimes the other Liars moral compass reminding them that the world doesn’t revolve around them and that their cooks, housekeepers, and other servants, also have names and families. I liked how Gat could just sit and relax on the beach and enjoy the sun, but instead he chose to think about how other people were suffering in the world. He also sometimes brought religion into the picture and made it clear that he didn’t think there was a God because it’s clear that there is no one watching over the homeless people so why would there be someone watching over the rich and healthy. He really shone a light on all the issues there are with believing in a God and how sometimes people are really alone. I really loved how sweet and selfless Gat was and I think he was a really great character. 

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

My favourite part was undoubtedly the plot twist. I was really enjoying the book so far and then all of a sudden out of nowhere came the most unexpected twist I have ever read. That part made me completely fall in love with the book and I absolutely adored every bit of explanation. The second I found out the truth my brain was working so fast trying to put together the puzzle pieces and make sense of the whole story. This part was not just absolutely shocking but it was also quite sad, but I even enjoyed the tragic parts that came with it. The whole book was extraordinary but this plot twist put it so far over the top that it left me stunned and unable to keep reading, not matter how utterly desperate I was to continue reading, and a book has almost never kept me from reading it.

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall We Were Liars was an absolutely brilliant book. One thing that I really liked about it is that the mystery started to get revealed but by bit and at first it was all incredibly mixed up and some pieces seemed like they were completely irrelevant, but in the end everything fit together into one puzzle and gave a clear view on everything. Another thing that I enjoyed about the book was that, even though it was a really confusing mystery, almost everything made sense before it was even put together to make the big picture. I really liked how I had tons of questions but I wasn’t that muddled with anything really, I kind of just rolled with the story waiting for the answers to just come by. The best thing about We Were Liars was the plot twist. It left me completely shocked and for a minute I forgot that the whole book was fictional and the characters were not real. When I got to the twist I wanted to keep reading but every so often I had to pause and just think ‘Oh my goodness me, what the flip just happened!!’ It was really surprising and also tragic but I really enjoyed it. I think this is the first book that has ever sprung such a mind-bowing twist on me and I loved it, I always figure things out before they happen but this time, and I was left utterly stunned. Everything after the plot twist was also remarkable. I found the ending parts really wonderful yet still devastating, it was tragic and yet beautiful at the same time. I really loved We Were Liars and I don’t think I will ever forget it.

Would you recommend this book?  

I definitely, absolutely, 100000000% recommend reading We Were Liars. If you are looking for a book to read then I suggest you read this one, it will blow your mind. I think that any person will enjoy it and find the twist unforgettable. I think that it’s probably best for over 13 year olds but other readers are sure to also enjoy it.

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

One of the most beautiful, thrilling and clever novels I have ever read with the most mind-blowing, unforgettable twist in existence.

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego