About Me: Results

Hi guys, I hope you all had a great summer and are ready for another year of school and hard work. I just wanted to let you know (though I'm sure many of you don't really care) that I got exactly what I wanted for my GCSE results. There were a couple of subjects that I got one grade less than what I wanted, but overall I am very pleased and proud of how I did. I am glad to know that all my hard work was definitely worth it and now I feel like I could achieve anything and that I can definitely ace my A levels if I work just as hard as I did for GCSEs.

For my A levels I will be doing Mathematics, Economics, Law and Spanish (only as AS level). Traditionally you only do 3 subjects, but somehow I was convinced, when I went in for enrolment at my college, to do a AS Spanish as well. I am still a bit concerned that it will be too much, but I am fluent so hopefully it all turns out alright. 

I hope all of you who have done exams this year got what you wanted and any of you who will be doing exams in the future are ready and achieve what you want and need for later in life. Good luck and keep reading – it is a great way to escape reality for a little while, forget all your troubles and go on wonderful adventures that would never seem possible on planet Earth.

YOU’LL BE THE DEATH OF ME by Karen M. McManus

“Skipping school is fun – until someone gets murdered. Ivy, Mateo and Cal used to be close – best friends back in middle school. So, when Cal pulls into campus late for class and runs into Ivy and Mateo, they decide to ditch school. Just like old times. But they’re not the only ones skipping school that day. When the trio spot class mate Brian ‘Boney’ Mahoney acting suspiciously downtown, they follow him into an empty building, and walk straight into a murder scene. Now that their day of freedom has turned deadly, it’s only a matter of time before the truth comes out…”

What is the book about?

Ivy, Mateo and Cal used to be the best of friends, an unbreakable trio – or at least that was what they thought. Despite their close friendship, they grew apart when they went into high school, but still had some dormant feelings between each other. So, when they run into each other in the school car park and Cal suggests they skip school, they are all happy to ditch for their own reasons. Completely unaware of the day that they have ahead of them, they believe it is just like old times and they will be able to recreate the Greatest Day Ever, from when they first ditched together in middle school. But, they aren’t the only ones with the idea of ditching school and they end up spotting their classmate Brian ‘Boney’ Mahoney acting suspiciously. They follow him into an empty building and accidentally walk into a murder scene. Now they are all involved with the murder whether they like it or not and they must try the truth before all of them end up in more trouble than they thought they would be. Their day of freedom has turned deadly and they know that it’s only a matter of time before all comes out and everyone knows what really happened…or what they want to believe.

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

As I have already read the other 4 Karen M. McManus books, as soon as I found out that You’ll Be the Death of Me was available for pre-ordering on Amazon, I knew that I needed. My friend, who has also read all the Karen M. McManus, had also pre-ordered You’ll Be the Death of Me, so we decided that we would read the book at the same time so we could discuss what had happened and our thoughts so far. Unfortunately, the book was actually released when we were both revising for our GCSE exams, so we had to make the choice to leave this book until after our exams. So, by the time the exams ended, I was dying to read the book (no pun intended). As soon as I laid eyes on the pristine white cover with the gorgeous purple lettering and paper edges, I knew that I was going to love the book just as much as the others. What I love the most about Karen M. McManus books is that all of them are designed in the same style and have the same covers and lettering, which really satisfies my strange OCD where everything has to be matching. The blurb only encouraged my ultimate love for the book and my friend agreed that she was very excited to start reading the book. We had both finished it in 3 days and both agreed that the book was just as incredible as we thought, with a few minor comments. 

Who was your favourite character and why? 

When I first started the book in Ivy’s point of view, I thought that I was going to come out thinking that Ivy was my favourite character because she seemed organised and prepared like I always am, but after the first couple of chapters I began to think that Ivy was a bit too jealous, spoilt and annoying to be my favourite character. My friend then told me that, after reading the first chapter in Cal’s perspective, she thought Cal was going to be her favourite character because he seemed to have a very good sense of humour and the most chill out of the bunch. However, we ended up both agreeing that Mateo was probably the best one and he was our favourite. Mateo seemed to be the most normal at one point and the one who could be sympathised with the most and whose problems weren’t petty and pathetic. He had really suffered but he chose not to give up and instead he got 3 different jobs to help his family. He took responsibility and grew up; while Cal and Ivy probably never had to work to help their family and probably had their parents buy most of their things. One thing he could have been better at was asking for help when he needed it, but I understand that he was stubborn and didn’t want to seem desperate and preferred to prove that he could do it by himself. He was never selfish and did all he could to help his family and friends no matter what.

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

Strangely there wasn’t really any part that actually stood out to me as my favourite part as the book was so hectic and crazy and full of death and mystery. However, if I had to pick, my favourite part would probably be near the end when some of my questions started to get answered and the truth was beginning to be uncovered. I chose this part because one of the things that Karen M. McManus has always done really well in all of her books so far is the way she uses the different points of view to build tension and keep her readers on edge and You’ll Be the Death of Me was no exception. The book bounced back and forth between characters and kept me on the edge of my seat for the majority of the last third of the book. I found it completely exhilarating and my friend completely agreed with me. This is definitely one of the things that I love the most about Karen M. McManus books and I hope to find that she continues to use this in her next books. 

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, the book really was absolutely incredible and I loved the majority of it. One of the things that I adored (which I mentioned above) was how Karen M. McManus used the different points of view to build tension and keep her readers on edge. My friend completely agreed with me and said that she was flipping through perspectives so fast. The reason I loved it so much was because all of a sudden the character narrating would change just as one of the characters was going to uncover a new clue that would help uncover the truth. This meant that it was always just there but out of reach and it kept me desperate to read on. It was a very good technique to keep the readers hooked and Karen M. McManus used it perfectly in You’ll Be the Death of Me. Another thing that I really enjoyed about the book was how all of the main characters were relatable in different ways and, despite their differences; they were all able to work together. I liked all three of them (Ivy, Mateo and Cal) for different reasons, but what I liked best was how easily they got back to talking after being apart for so long. Although it seemed very unrealistic, I thought that it was sweet and it gives me hope that, even if I lose contact with some of my friends as we are going to different colleges, we will still be able to reconnect, as all of my friends mean the world to me and I wouldn’t want to lose our strong friendship. One last thing that I want to mention is the ending and how it could have been a bit better. The truth was uncovered and everything seemed to be in order, however, the way that the book ended left me with some questions that – unless another book is written – will remain unanswered. My friend was actually the first one of us to mention it and the way she put it was that the ending should have been more drawn out and with that I completely agree because I felt like we weren’t given enough closure. However, in conclusion, I adored the book and I am quite glad that I waited until after my exams because I wouldn’t have wanted to read it with the stress of them looming over me. 

Would you recommend this book?  

I would 100% recommend this book to absolutely anyone who wants to dive into a standalone murder mystery that you can devour in one sitting. I particularly recommend it to readers over 12 who love reading murder mysteries and books filled with action and adventure. 

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

A mysterious standalone novel that will keep you on your toes. 

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego 

THE ROSE AND THE DAGGER by Renée Ahdieh

“‘I am surrounded on all sides by a desert. A guest, in a prison of sand and sun. My family is here. And I do not know whom I can trust.’ In a land on the brink of war, Shahrzad has been torn from the love of her husband Khalid, the Caliph of Khorasan. She once believed him a monster, but his secrets revealed a man tormented by guilt and a powerful curse – one that might keep them apart forever. Reunited with her family, who have taken refuge with enemies of Khalid, and Tariq, her childhood sweetheart, she should be happy. But Tariq now commands forces be set on destroying Khalid’s empire. Shahrzad is almost a prisoner caught between loyalties to the people she loves. Refusing to be a pawn, Shahrzad tries to uncover powers that may lie dormant within her. With the help of a tattered old carpet and a tempestuous but sage young man, Shahrzad will attempt to break the curse and reunite with her one true love.”

What is the book about?

After being separated from the love her life – the Caliph of Khorasan, Khalid – Shahrzad finds herself feeling alone in a camp full of her old friends and her family. She should feel happy as she has been reunited with the people she loves, but instead she feels more scared and lonely than when she was trapped in the palace with the man she believed would murder her. Now she is not only a metaphorical prisoner, but there is also war brewing and she doesn’t know what to do or who to help. Torn between loyalties, Shahrzad tries to find a way to help all those that she loves before it is too late. With nothing but an old, tattered rug, Shahrzad is able to form a strange new alliance that may hold the secret to how to break the curse that holds her love hostage. But all is not what is seems and more betrayal and lies follow each day and it is impossible to know what is true and what is just built on a foundation of lies. Somehow, Shahrzad must find a way to discover the truth and be able to decide she can actually trust so she can be reunited with her true love and help all she loves. 

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

As I had just finished the first book in this duology, of course I was desperate to begin reading The Rose and the Dagger because I wanted to know I was coming next and was very curious and ready to dive in to continue the adventure that I had left in the first book. When I first saw the two books and hadn't read anything about them, I wasn't entirely sure I would like them because they didn’t really look like the books I usually read, especially not The Wrath and the Dawn, but it was incredibly surprising that, as soon as I started reading the first book, I absolutely loved it. As I had adored the first book, I went in thinking that I was definitely going to like the second and final book – The Rose and the Dagger. However, I was a bit concerned that the book wasn’t going to be what I thought as I had some doubts at how the book would end and whether it would completely ruin the whole series as so many final books had done. But, as soon as I started to read, all my doubts disappeared and I disappeared into the world of betrayal, battles and love and when I reached the end I knew that I had been completely wrong to judge a book by its cover.

Who was your favourite character and why? 

When I started the book, I had been confident on my decision of who my favourite character would be, but, by the time I reached the end, my mind was conflicted, so in the end I decided on two favourite characters, Irsa and Shahrzad. Shahrzad was one of my favourite characters because of the same reason I loved her in the first book – she had all the qualities that I think make a great person. She carried on surviving and striving to help everyone, even though the danger of her death was still strong. One thing that I loved the best was that Shazi never gave up on Khalid and she knew she had to try because, if not, she would have never been able to live with herself knowing that she hadn’t done all she could to save the man that she loved.  I also loved seeing how she was not afraid to tell people her opinion and that she had the courage to stand up for herself, even when she really should have kept quiet. She was also very stubborn, which helped her a lot and it showed me that it's alright to have a strong belief and to not let anyone change that. Once again, I really liked that she was still human and she was still a young girl, who wanted to just get past all the war and suffering and get to love and be herself, but now she had to also take on the role of Calipha of Khorasan. My other favourite character was Irsa, who, unsurprisingly, was a lot like her older sister – Shahrzad – but in a more quiet way. At first she seemed very shy and quiet and she didn’t really want to attract too much attention to herself and kept many of her thoughts to herself, which doesn’t sound at all like Shazi, so I thought that she was a complete contrast to her sister. However, when she was needed, she was strong, brave and courageous and was able to get people’s attention quickly and efficiently. When Shazi needed her, she was there ready to back her up and take her spot as leader. I really liked the character development I saw in Irsa and I loved how I got to see her flourish into a young woman that could say what she wanted and get what she wanted without hesitation. 

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

Strangely enough right now there is no doubt in my mind that my favourite part was definitely the ending. Now, when I first started the last chapter my heart nearly left my chest and I was screaming and crying inside, that is how dramatic and tense the ending was. At first I was sure that this book had ruined everything for sure, but I continued reading, my heart pounding and my hands gripping the book as if it was all I had. Finally I reached the end of the chapter and all my earlier thoughts disappeared and I nearly fainted from the tension and dramatic turn of events. Luckily, I didn’t faint or else I wouldn’t have been able to read the glorious epilogue that left me with an overpowering sense of closure that not many books leave me with. I can’t say much more, but the ending really was beautiful and I adored it and wish I could read more about the characters that I spent hours reading about. 

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, I really loved the book and I am happy to say that it was all I had expected and more. Of course, once again I must say that is really annoyed me that there were so many (too many) words that I could not pronounce and, although it made the book really special, I just wished that there was some way to hear how the author intended for them to be said because I am sure that I can’t talk about the book with anyone because I will end up embarrassing myself when I say something wrong. However, I loved the book and found that everything else was flawlessly perfect. One of the things that I loved the most about it was that it was written in the third person, but The Rose and the Dagger was slightly different to The Wrath and the Dawn as it had other people and not just Shahrzad as the focus person. Normally I hate all books that are not written in first person, because I thought it was impossible to truly get into a book unless it was in first person because you wouldn’t be able to feel what the character was feeling, but I knew I was wrong when tears rolled down my cheeks and I felt as heartbroken as the characters. I didn't feel at all limited and I actually found that I was able to get into the story of a lot more than if it had been written in the first person as I was able to spot all sorts of different details that I wouldn’t have been able too if I was only able to see what the character in first person saw. I also really enjoyed how this book kept me on edge the entire time, just like the first book and how there were so many secrets and there was so much mystery, which I loved. One last thing that I loved about the book was the ending, which, although I wish that I could, I cannot really talk about. However what I can say is that it left me with an overpowering sense of closure that not many books leave me with and it really was beautiful. It really completed the whole story and, even though I went in thinking that it was going to end terribly, I loved the ending and everything about the book. As usual, I loved that I read the series but I wish that it hadn’t ended so that I could continue reading about all the characters I grew to love.

Which is your favourite book in The Wrath and the Dawn series? (1 or 2)

Although I loved both books, there was something about the first book that I just cannot forget and the decision I made of The Wrath and the Dawn being my favourite book rather than The Rose and the Dagger was a relatively easy one. Although The Rose and the Dagger had all that I loved about The Wrath and the Dawn as well as a perfect ending, I loved the first book more for one reason and one reason only: the romance. Ever since reading the Folk of the Air trilogy I have had a soft spot for enemies to lovers romance and have not been able to stop thinking about it. Although it seems like the most complicated type of romance in the world, I can't help wishing that I could have something like that because of all the excitement that comes with throwing yourself into a romance that you yourself forbid. It has the element of mystery, drama, adventure and it really completed the whole story. It was clear what was going to happen from the start and, although it was obvious, I loved seeing Shahrzad and Khalid fall in love and the shock that came for both of them when they realised what was happening. I loved The Wrath and the Dawn immensely, and I also loved The Rose and the Dagger quite a lot; together they made the perfect duology and I am glad that I got the chance to read it.

Would you recommend this book?  

I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone who would like to read a mysterious novel full of romance, betrayal and lies in a land on the brink of war. However, I particularly recommend this book to people over 13 and you definitely need to read the first book first.

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

A sensational and romantic conclusion to a wonderfully mysterious duology.

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

THE WRATH AND THE DAWN by Renée Ahdieh

“‘So you would have me throw Shazi to the wolves?’ ‘Shazi? Honestly I pity the wolves.’ Every dawn brings horror to a different family in a land ruled by a killer. Khalid, the eighteen-year-old Caliph of Khorasan, takes a new bride each night only to have her executed at sunrise. So it is a terrible surprise when sixteen-year-old Shahrzad volunteers to marry Khalid. But she does so with a clever plan to stay alive and exact revenge on the Caliph for the murder of her best friend and countless other girls. Shazi’s wit and will get her through to the dawn that no others have seen, but with a catch…she may be falling in love with a murderer. Shazi discovers that the villainous boy-king is not all that he seems and neither are the deaths of so many girls. It’s up to her to uncover the reason for the murders and to break the cycle once and for all.”

What is the book about?

In Khorasan, a land ruled by a murderous king, all families dread the start of a new dawn as they wait in fear that their daughters will be taken from them. Khalid, the eighteen-year-old Caliph of Khorasan, takes a new girl to be his wife each day and then has her executed at sunrise for no known reason. This is why is comes as a terrifying shock when sixteen-year-old Shahrzad volunteers to become Khalid’s next wife and victim. However, although Shazi may be acting like an innocent young girl, she enters the palace with a plan to stay alive and avenge the countless girls Khalid has murdered, especially her best friend. Against all odds, Shazi gets through to the dawn no others have seen and brings hope to the people in Khorasan, who wish for an end to their torment and fear. However, everything comes for a catch and this time it may be more than Shazi can deal with…she may be falling for the villainous king. However, things don’t seem to be what they appear and Shazi discovers that the cold, cruel Caliph is not as vicious as he seems and may have a heart after all and the deaths of all those girls may be for a true reason. It is up to her to uncover the truth and end the murders before it is too late. 

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

Initially, I wasn't sure I would like the book mainly due to the interesting cover that didn't exactly look like the books I usually read. I had had this book – and the next book in the duology – sat on my shelf for quite a while because they had been lent to me by a friend before the GCSE exams, so I hadn't had time to actually read them until now. Although at first glance I didn't think I would enjoy the book and wasn’t entirely sure I even wanted to read it, I decided not to judge a book by its cover and once I looked a little deeper and read the blurb I did think that there was a possibility that I would actually like the book as it seemed a lot more like the books I usually read and had an element of enemies to lovers romance (by far the best fictional book genre in existence). However, what really made me start reading was that it was strongly recommended by one of my friends who usually likes books that I like too and I knew that, if she wanted me to read it and was willing to have me keep the books for over 4 months, then it must have been a special book duology indeed. Finally, I started to read the book and I was really glad that I did because it had all the elements that I love in a book and I reached the end quicker than I would have thought.

Who was your favourite character and why? 

My favourite character by far was Shahrzad, not just because she was the main character and the person I heard the most from, but because she had all the qualities that I think make a great person. She was brave, strong, smart, resilient and, although this may not seem like a redeeming and lovely quality, stubborn. She represented all that I want to be and all that I wish I could be. She knew that the chances of her surviving through to the dawn were very slim, yet she still went into the palace with confidence and did not give up. Shazi knew she had to try because, if not, she would have never been able to live with herself knowing that she had let her cruel king get away with the murder of her best friend and the murders of countless other girls, who had years of happiness ahead of them. I loved seeing how she was not afraid to tell people her opinion and that she had the courage to stand up for herself, even when she really should have kept quiet. Her stubbornness helped her in so many cases and it really showed me that it's alright to know what you want and go for it and not let anyone stop you, so I hope that I have the courage and stubbornness to go out there and get what I want, once I know what that is, of course. Although all these qualities make Shazi seem like a perfect girl, she was far from it and what I liked best about her was that she was still human and she was still a young girl, who wanted nothing but someone to care for her. She was taken in by the promises of love and care and, despite her best efforts, fell in love with her enemy, and for that I admire her.

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

As always this is a very hard question to answer and as always I somehow find an answer. In this book my favourite was actually a series of parts where Khalid and Shahrzad begin to open up to each other and embrace the fact that they were falling in love. It was hard for both of them to accept it, but once they stopped fighting their emotions, everything was different and more special. Out of all of these moments the best is when Shazi is told the truth and she is finally able to understand why so many young girls had to die. She had found something that made her question whether the Caliph was really as cold-hearted as he seemed and she realised that maybe he wasn’t as bad as she thought. I can’t say much else without fear of ruining the story; I just hope that this romance lasts until the end of the next book because I really think that they are perfect for each other. 

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, I really enjoyed the book and loved every second I spent reading it. Before I start talking about all the amazing things that I loved, there is one small thing that really annoyed me and that was the fact that there were so many (too many) words that I could not pronounce and could not figure out how to say them and, although it made the book unique, I just wished that there was some way to hear how the author intended for them to be said because it really annoys me and worries me as I feel like I can’t talk about the book with anyone so as not to pronounce something wrong. But, the book was truly amazing, so let’s get to complimenting the author for the amazing story she wrote. One of the things that I loved the most about it was that it was written in the third person. Now, normally I despise all books that are not written in first person, mainly because I always felt like it was impossible to truly get into a book unless you are able to be the person and feel what they feel, however this book was an entirely new experience. I didn't feel at all limited and I actually found that I was able to get into the story of a lot more than if it had been written in the first person. When a book is written in the first person, you are only able to see what that one person sees, however, in the third person you can spot all sorts of different details that you didn't think you would be able to because it's like there's an omniscient narrator in the background watching everything and listening to all conversations. I also really enjoyed how this book kept me on edge the entire time. The whole story centred around one secret that was only revealed at the very end, so I found it very difficult to put down the book as I was desperate to discover the truth. I really loved the sense of mystery which brought me back to the first book genre I really loved – murder mystery. Although the book didn't make me cry and didn't really make me laugh, I felt something and once a book makes you feel something you know that this is a good book because if it doesn't make you feel something then the book has not completed its purpose. One last thing that I utterly adored was the enemies to lovers romance. Ever since reading the Folk of the Air trilogy I have not been able to stop thinking about this romance and, although it seems like the most complicated type of romance in the world, I can't help wishing that I could have something like that. It really completed the whole story and, even though I could see it coming from a mile away, I loved the romance and I loved everything about the book. I cannot wait to start the next book and, although it is the final book, I'm excited to see how it ends and if it is anywhere near as good as the first.

Would you recommend this book?  

I absolutely recommend this book to all who would like to dive into a new adventure full of mystery and romance. I particularly recommend this book to readers over 13 and those who enjoy romance (enemies to lovers), mystery, action and adventure. 

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

A thrilling, romantic mystery that all will enjoy.

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

DAVE’S BIG DAY

What is the book about?

It is about a boy who is called Dave and is eight today and he got his mates to come.

Who was your favourite character and why? 

 My favourite character is Dave because he is nice.

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

 My favourite part was when Dave’s mates gave Dave lots of cool presents.

What did you think of the book and why?

I liked the book because it was very interesting and fun and Dave got lots of presents.

Reviewed by Fabiola Gutierrez Reviriego