FIVE SURVIVE by Holly Jackson

“Red Kenny is on a road trip for spring break with five friends: Red’s best friend, her older brother, his perfect girlfriend, a secret crush and a classmate. When their RV breaks down in the middle of nowhere, they soon realise that this is no accident. They have been trapped by someone out there in the dark, someone who clearly wants one of them dead. With eight burst until dawn, the six friends must escape, or work out which one of them is the target. Buried secrets will be forced to light and tensions inside the RV will reach deadly levels. Not all of them will survive the night…”

What is the book about?

Red Kenny and five of her friends are off on a road trip for spring break in a cramped RV. They all think that this will be a fun and relaxing trip, but, after a few wrong turns, they soon find themselves trapped in the middle of nowhere in the middle of the night. They think they have found a way to get back to civilization, however they realise that they didn’t end up stranded by accident – everything has been planned by a killer who is watching their every move and will kill them all if they run away. They only way out is to find out which of the 6 of them has a secret that the sniper wants, a secret worth killing for. As they try to find out the truth of what this person wants from them, Red and the others start to fight and turn against each other as tensions rise. Soon the RV won’t be any safer than the sniper and the darkness they’ll find outside. They must reveal their biggest, deepest secrets and find the truth or they will all die…but it is clear that not all of them will survive, but the question is which one of them will be the one to step into the unknown.

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

I first found out about Holly Jackson and her books one day when I was in the Works in town and spotted A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder on the shelf. This title attracted me more than I care to admit and I soon found myself in possession of the whole trilogy and the short prequel to go with it. After reading the first book I already knew these books were going to be strong favourites of mine. As soon as I finished all of the books I began to search for other books by the same author and soon I found Five Survive and just knew I had to have it, so I literally purchased it in that exact moment. Before I started to read I had been scared at what I would think of the book. I knew the writing and the plot were going to be incredible, but I had just come off reading the Grishaverse books, which left me feeling like I could never read any other books those. I was in a crazy bad reading slump, but I decided to give this book a try because if any book could get me out of a slump it would be an exhilarating mystery novel. Of course, I was correct and as soon as I started to read I knew I was going to love the book. It was impossible to put down and I finished it in one night, reading until 2 in the morning because I needed to find out what happened next.

Who was your favourite character and why? 

My favourite character would probably have to be Red because I didn't really like any of the other characters in the book as they all had some very clear flaws or I didn't fully know them or what they were like. Red also had some flaws and had an extreme lack of self-confidence that meant she didn't really think she was ever doing anything right or that her ideas were ever good, however I also really liked her for this because she was able to get past all of that and help her friends and other people that might've gotten hurt. My favourite thing about her was how kind-hearted she was despite all that she went through and how, after seeing certain people in danger, all she thought of was how no matter what she wasn't going to let them be in her position and end up suffering like her. She put herself in danger many times all because she was worried about someone else and what would happen if they were hurt just like the people she lost. I also loved how smart she was and how she used every bit of knowledge she had to try to help her friends and try to get out of the terrifying situation they ended up in. 

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

If I’m being entirely honest I have no clue what my favourite part is and I seriously couldn’t pick one if you put a gun to my head. This is mainly because of how fast I read the book (I mean I literally read it in one sitting and most of it was in the middle of the night when I was ridiculously tired), however it’s also because of how I really loved the whole book and enjoyed every part. If I had to say something I suppose my favourite parts were those that made me hold in my breath as I tensed knowing that something big was coming, like a secret or another round of bullets. I loved those parts because they made me truly forget I was reading and I actually believed I was in the story and that my life was also at risk. Five Survive had a lot of those parts and I always knew something more was coming and I would once again end up on the edge of my seat, rushing through the pages wanting to know what happened next. Most of the time I read pages so fast I was pretty much just skimming the book and I usually had to go back and reread certain parts as I realised that I missed something. I just loved this book so much and I can’t really say there was a specific point I could call my favourite.

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, I loved Five Survive and found every second of it thrilling and exciting. One thing that I specifically loved about the book was how easy it was to read and how the plot was so intriguing that I couldn't put it down. I honestly finished this book in one night and kept telling myself just one more chapter as it quickly got later and later and I then realised it was 2 in the morning and I had finished the book. The main reason for this was Holly Jackson's incredible writing and plot. She managed to make a story so interesting and so full of secrets that it was impossible to put it down because I always had new questions that needed answering. I had experienced the same thrill when reading her other books and was so happy to find that I had once again fallen in love with one of her books. Five Survive kept me on edge for the whole time I was reading and I was always holding my breath, just waiting for the next big secret to reveal itself. Another thing that I really enjoyed about the book was the ending. So much happened at the end in so little time and yet it was so easy to follow. I still had questions when I got to the end and didn't know for sure what had happened, however the last few pages managed to not only answer those questions but also give me some information about what may happen to the characters in the future. My favourite bit about the ending was how the ending was told through a letter from one character to another and I got most of the answers I needed through that correspondence. I really liked this because it was something that the author also did at the end of As Good As Dead, where I was able to see what the relationship between the characters was like and what their future had in store for them through only one text message. This was so similar and so emotional because it changed from me only being able to see things through Red's point of view to me being able to understand someone else's experience. It was such a nice ending and I know that Holly Jackson is one of those authors who I can trust with a great ending. One last thing I enjoyed about the book was the fact that, despite it being told from the perspective of the person with the biggest secret of all, nothing was ever revealed until the end and I didn't see any of the secrets coming. As a whole, Five Survive was an incredible read and I devoured it in one sitting. I just loved this book and I know that as soon as Holly Jackson publishes a new book I will be ordering it and reading it instantly. 

Would you recommend this book?  

I think this book is perfect for readers over 14 years of age who love mystery, thrillers and a bit of horrifying death. I definitely recommend you read this book, but I warn you: you will not be able to put it down and it will steal your time away. 

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

A thrilling mystery that leaves you on the edge of your seat and is impossible to put down.

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

THE TWILIGHT SAGA: THE OFFICIAL ILLUSTRATED GUIDE by Stephenie Meyer

 “The only official guide to the bestselling Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer! This must-have edition is the definitive encyclopaedic reference to the Twilight Saga and provides readers with everything they need to further explore the unforgettable world Stephenie Meyer created in Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, Breaking Dawn and The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner. This comprehensive handbook – essential for every Twilight Saga fan – is full-colour throughout, with nearly 100 gorgeous illustrations and photographs, and with exclusive new material, character profiles, genealogical charts, maps, extensive cross-references, an in-depth conversation with author Shannon Hale and much more.”

What is the book about?

This book is an official guide on the entire Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer. It contains all the information on how the book came about and details on all the books of the series. It also includes detailed character profiles on every single character from the series, gorgeous illustrations (including fan art at the back made by actual fans of the series), maps and exclusive new material, such as scenes of the book that were taken out in the editing process. This book is a must have for all Twilight Saga fans and it includes everything you need to know to further explore the incredible, magical town of Forks. If you have any unanswered questions, this book will help answer them with all the information clearly set out and a section at the end of the book made specifically for frequently asked questions. It is the perfect book to help you get a full grasp of the world we lived in while reading Stephenie Meyer’s creations. 

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

Well, I had previously borrowed the Twilight Saga almost 3 years ago from a family friend who was happy to lend some of her favourite books to a fellow book lover, however this book was not included in the bundle I had received from her, either because she didn't have it or because it had been trapped in one of the many corners of her house. A few days ago I went to her house to find her organising some of her books and when I spotted this book I immediately knew that I had to borrow it. She was happy to lend it to me and soon I was back home ready to curl up with the book and dive straight back into the world of vampires and werewolves. At first, I had been a bit worried because it had been a while since I had thought of the books and I wasn't sure if I would be able to get through the book without knowing some details of the plot. However that didn't stop me from starting to read and soon I realised that all the information I had forgotten was already written down for me. All my worries disappeared and soon I was nearing the end of the book, saddened that I would have to leave behind this world yet again. 

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

It was very difficult for me to decide on a favourite part because this book wasn’t like the usual books I read because it didn’t have usual chapters and was more of an information guide. However, after careful consideration, I decided that my favourite part of the book was the scenes of the book that were later taken out in the editing process. I really enjoyed these because I love getting to experience new scenes from a book, which I had previously missed out on because they were taken out from the final copy. It is always such a joy to see that there are extra, exclusive sections of a book that give me new information on what happened to the characters. I really loved these scenes in the book because they took me back to when I first read the books and the experience that came with it. They were an incredible addition to this official guide and I loved the information I got from them.

What was your overall impression of the book?

This official guide was incredible and I loved every part of it. One thing that I liked about the book was the character profiles. I really loved how detailed they were and the beautiful illustrations depicting each character, including the minor characters. I really enjoyed learning more about each of the characters and discovering the new details of some of their lives, which I had forgotten or never knew. Another thing that I liked about the book was the gorgeous fan art and illustrations. I miss the illustrations that would come in the books that I would read as a child and getting to see some more in a book that I enjoy now as a teenager. The illustrations really brought the characters and the book to life and helped me remember the events that happened a little easier. One last thing that I really loved was the scenes of the book that were later taken out in the editing process. I really loved these scenes in the book because they took me back to when I first read the books and the experience that came with it. They were an incredible addition to this official guide and I loved the information I got from them and that I got a sneak peek into more things that occurred to the characters during the series. This guide was incredible and I loved every part of it and the information I gained from it.

Would you recommend this book?  

I would definitely recommend reading this book if you have read the Twilight Saga and would like to continue learning about the incredible vampires and werewolves you read about. I think it is best for those who are over 15 who would love to dive back into the Twilight Saga world.

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

An illustrated, detailed guidebook that will take you back to a supernatural world and answer all questions previously left unanswered. 

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

WISH YOU WERE DEAD by Peter James

“Roy Grace and is family have left Sussex behind for a week’s holiday in France. The website promised a grand house, but when they arrive the place is very different from the pictures. And it soon becomes clear that their holiday nightmare is only just beginning. An old enemy of Roy, a lowlife criminal he had put behind bars, is now out of jail – and out for revenge. He knows where Roy and his family have gone on holiday. Of course he does. He’s been hacking their emails – and they are in the perfect spot for him to pay Roy back…”

What is the book about?

Detective Superintendent Roy Grace is always working, and always puts 110% into his job. He knows he needs to work more on making time for his family, so he thought that they would finally get a chance to relax and be together on a holiday in France. He found a grand house online and was promised a luxurious week’s holiday with his wife and kids. All he wanted was a chance to finally get away from his work and really enjoy his holiday, but, as soon as the house comes into view, it becomes clear that this holiday is not going to be anything like he had imagined. The place is so different from the photos on the website, and, if that wasn’t enough of a clue of this holiday nightmare, there is something clearly wrong with the hostess. Someone who hates Roy and wants nothing more than him to suffer has put in a lot of effort to get Roy to this isolated holiday location and now that he is out of jail and free, he is ready to get his revenge. 

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

When I first looked at the book I didn’t really have any idea about whether or not I would like it. It seemed like it was similar to some of the books that I have loved in the past and I knew that I used to love murder mysteries and that this was one, so I was hoping that I would enjoy it. I had not read any thrilling murder mystery books in a while and I always missed them because they used to be my favourite, so I was actually very excited to see what this one was like. Once I read the blurb, I knew immediately that I needed to read the book, because after reading that short paragraph I already had too many questions to leave unanswered and I was so intrigued to find out what it was about, so I decided it was time to dive into it and give it a go. Once I started reading it, I knew that I had made the right choice and within what felt like seconds I was already reaching the end, shocked and excited. 

Who was your favourite character and why? 

I don’t really think I have a favourite character in this book. It was a really short book and I don’t think I had enough time to really have a good idea of what each character was really like. In this book, none of the characters really stood out to me. I did kind of like some of the characters, like Roy Grace, who was an incredible detective and was very impressive in the way that he was able to handle two criminals with ease. However, I didn’t really find that any character was particularly impressive and I decided in the end that I didn’t have a favourite character and I liked all the characters equally. 

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

My favourite part of the book was when everything fell into place and all the clues leading to the truth started to make sense. Before this part, I had so many questions and it was so frustrating that I didn’t have any answers for them. However, once things started to get more interesting, I started to really fully enjoy the book and I loved getting the chance to experience reading a mystery book again. I had forgotten how much I loved trying to uncover the truth before the characters and then the feeling of shock when there is finally a plot twist that you weren’t able to see coming. This was actually what I loved most about the book – when everything started to get so interesting and finally the house was not just creepy but the story actually began and the real horrors started. 

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, I thought the book was quite good and I really enjoyed reading it. One thing that I really enjoyed was the plot of the book. It was very fast-paced and full of so much mystery. I loved when the real story began and the criminal finally started messing with the characters property. It was so tense and I was constantly on the edge of my seat, not knowing what was going to happen to the characters and if they were going to make it through the night. Another thing that I loved about the book was that I got to revisit my childhood and got to read a mystery book, which used to be my absolute favourite type of books. I had missed the feeling of being a detective and the happiness when you figure something out before the character. This book was great and I just loved how quickly I read it and how much fun it was to be on the edge of my seat while reading it.

Would you recommend this book?  

I would definitely recommend this book. I think it is best for readers over 16, who enjoy some murder, horror, mystery and action. 

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

A thrilling, dramatic and quick read filled with mystery.

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

BLIND SPOT by Paula Hawkins

 “‘How can you say things like this? How can you be so blind?’ Since they were kids, Edie, Jake and Ryan have been the closest of friends. It’s been the three of them against the world. Edie thought the bonds between them were unbreakable. So when Jake is brutally murdered and Ryan accused of crime, her world is shattered. Edie is alone for the first time in years, living in the remote house that she and Jake shared. She is grief-stricken and afraid – with good reason. Because someone is watching. Someone has been waiting for this moment. Now that Edie is alone, the past she tried so hard to leave behind is about to catch up to her…”

What is the book about?

Edie, Jake and Ryan have been the best of friends since they were kids. Ever since that day when Edie ran into Jake and Ryan, the three of them have been inseparable. It’s been them against the world and they never thought their life would’ve ended up as it did. One night, in the remote home that Jake and Edie, Jake was alone and was brutally murdered in his own living room. Now, Jake is dead and Ryan in prison, blamed for the murder of his best friend. So, Edie is all alone, with no one to turn to for help or comfort. She is grieving the death of her husband and the imprisonment of one of her best friends, but she is also scared. She feels like there is more to this murder and she doesn’t fully believe it was Ryan. And she should be terrified – because someone is watching. Someone has been watching and waiting for years for the opportunity to finally make these three friends pay for what they did. And finally, their plan may succeed…

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

When I first looked at the book I didn’t really have any idea about whether or not I would like it. I knew that I had read a few books similar to it and that I used to love murder mysteries, so I was hoping that I would enjoy it. I hadn’t read any thrilling mystery books in a while so I was actually very excited to see what this one would have in store for me. Once I read the blurb, I knew immediately that I needed to read the book, because after reading that short paragraph I already had too many questions to leave unanswered so I decided it was time to dive into it and give it a go. Once I started reading it, I knew that I had made the right choice and within what felt like seconds I was already reaching the end, shocked and excited. 

Who was your favourite character and why? 

I don’t think I have any favourite character because, in reality, all of the characters were extremely unlikable. They all had some little things about them that made them so annoying. Jake was so annoying (before he died) and in all the flashbacks he was extremely angry all the time. And, when I found out what had happened when they were younger, I hated him 100%. Ryan was maybe slightly more likable (until, of course, I found out the same thing and then I hated him twice as much), however, I found it extremely odd that he kept following Edie and Jake around. As if he wanted to be the third wheel in their relationship or he wanted to break them up (which he probably did). I found this disgusting because it was clear he was in love with Edie, and yet he let her get married to his best friend and then tried to do everything he could to be near her and ruin her relationship with her husband. Lastly, Edie was also very unlikable because of how gullible she was and how stupid she was. She was blind to everything that was happening and it took her ages to figure out the truth, even though it had been under her nose the whole time. All three main characters were so annoying and unlikable, which is what makes the ending so unsurprising. 

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

My favourite part of the book was when everything fell into place and all the clues leading to the truth started to make sense. Before this part, I had so many questions and it was so frustrating that I didn’t have any answers for them. However, once things started to get more interesting, I started to really fully enjoy the book and I loved getting the chance to experience reading a mystery book again. I had forgotten how much I loved trying to uncover the truth before the characters and then the feeling of shock when there is finally a plot twist that you weren’t able to see coming. This was actually what I loved most about the book – when the clues started to make sense and I started to figure out the truth. However, no matter how good of a detective I was, I don’t think I would’ve ever found out the truth or ever foreseen the ending. I loved how shocking the truth was and how the author really did do a great job in surprising me. It really was a great read. 

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, I really enjoyed reading the book and I thought that it was really good. One thing that I really liked was the ending. Although it definitely wasn’t what I was expecting and I was super surprised when I read it, I actually really liked it. I loved how it was a perfect example that sometimes things don’t work out and sometimes the ‘evil’ people win. Technically, in this case, both sides of the story were ‘evil’ and no matter how it ended someone ‘evil’ would’ve won, however this ending was not what I was expecting. In most of the books that I read, the good people defeat the bad people and win and, although this gives me the hope and happiness to continue with my life and helps me believe that maybe, if I just keep trying to be the best possible version of myself, I will get everything I have been wanting since I was little and I will win at life, I know this is completely unrealistic. This book helped bring me back down to Earth and made me realise that you don’t always get the picture perfect life or ending, and sometimes everything doesn’t work out. Another thing that I loved about the book was that I got to revisit my childhood and got to read a mystery book, which used to be my absolute favourite type of books. I had missed the feeling of being a detective and the happiness when you figure something out before the character. This book was great and I just loved how quickly I read it and how much fun it was to be on the edge of my seat while reading it.

Would you recommend this book?  

I would definitely recommend this book. I think it is best for readers over 16, who enjoy some murder, mystery and drama. 

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

A thrilling, dramatic and quick read that will leave you in absolute shock.

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

LORE by Alexandra Bracken

“Hunt or be hunted. In modern day New York, a murderous game is about to begin: the Agon. Every seven years, for one week only, Zeus punishes the gods and makes them mortal. Forced to walk the earth, they are savagely hunted by the descendants of ancient bloodlines who are eager to kill a god and seize their divine power and immortality. After her family was brutally murdered by a rival line, Lore Perseous fled, turning her back on the Agon’s cruel promises of eternal glory. For years, Lore had honoured her parents’ memory by doing one thing – surviving. For years, she has pushed away dark thoughts of revenge. Until now. As the next game dawns, Lore finds Athena gravely wounded on her doorstep. The goddess offers her an alliance against their mutual enemy and a way to leave the Agon behind for ever. But Lore’s decision to rejoin the hunt will come at a deadly cost – and may not be enough to stop the rise of a new god with the power to destroy all of humanity…”

What is the book about?

Every seven years, as a punishment for the gods, Zeus makes them mortal for one week and forces them to walk the earth where they are hunted by the descendants of ancient bloodlines who are desperate to claim a god's divine power and immortal for their own. This ruthless game – the Agon – is about to begin in modern day New York and once again hunters and gods alike will fight to the death to try and survive this deadly week. Lore Perseus wants to be free from the Agon ever since her family was murdered by a rival line in the last Agon. She fled and turned away from the cruel promise of eternal life and glory. Lore is the last mortal of the Perseus line and has been able to honour her family's memory by simply surviving. For years Lore has been able to push away feelings of revenge and hide from the heartbreak the Agon caused her, but now she must fight once more. The arrival of a lost friend brings many emotions to the surface and Lore must find a way to survive through another Agon. At the start of the next game, Lore finds a wounded Athena at her doorstep offering her promises of allegiance and revenge, something she has been trying to avoid for so long. Lore must choose and her decision to rejoin the Agon may not be able to stop the rise of a god with the power to destroy the whole human race…

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

After reading the Percy Jackson books, I had learnt a lot about Greek mythology and discovered that I had an interest in these powerful gods and heroes. One of my friends also has a rather major obsession with books like me and so when I went to her house I found myself returning with a bag filled with magical stories I had yet to discover, and one of them was Lore. The second I saw the book I knew I was going to enjoy reading it; however there was something more that made me very intrigued to try it. The author of Lore is the same author as the Darkest Minds series, which I had really liked reading, so I was very excited to read another one of her books. The blurb was really interesting and very informative, which is getting very rare for most books, and I already had many questions before even opening the book. Once I started to read I could see the book had promise with all the extra details that were given, including a map. As soon as I started to read I completely fell in love with the story and enjoyed every second starting from the very first word. Although it was a bit confusing at the start and it took me a few chapters to refresh my memory on Greek mythology and to properly understand what happened, I soon finished the last page, even though I had wanted the book to last. 

Who was your favourite character and why? 

A favourite character was very hard to choose for this book because there was something special about a lot of the characters. One character that I really liked was Miles because he was mortal. He had the choice to escape, he could have left New York, he could have been free from all the nonsense of Greek mythology, but he stayed. He didn't want to leave Lore to fight alone and he wanted to help. He chose to help his friend over his own safety and put his life on the line when he wasn't even a part of the Agon. Miles has no proper training and knew nothing about it but he threw himself into it with no hesitation and wouldn't take no for an answer. His friendship with Lore was one of the things that I loved most about the book and I really wish it was shown in more detail. Another character that really stood out to me was, obviously, Lore. She was the main character and so I learnt a lot more about her that any other character and I could also see how she felt a lot more clearly. Orphaned at a young age and forced to suffer through the pain of knowing she was responsible left Lore feeling alone, even when she was surrounded by those who loved her. She saw what the Agon could go to people and how even the most innocent, like her little sisters, couldn't avoid the torture of being born into it. All Lore wanted as a child was a chance to fight and to bring good fortune to her family, but now all she wanted was to escape the Agon and to never have to witness anything as horrible as her own family’s corpses again. Freedom was obviously not an option for her, but she never gave up and, even if it made matter for her even worse, as long as she helped her friends and saved as many people as possible, Lore didn't care if she was trapped for ever. Lore was ready for anything and she would never stop fighting for what she believed was right. 

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

There were a lot of good parts in the book and I loved basically everything, search using just one was an impossible choice. One part that stood out to me was near the end. At this part, Lore knew that everything was most likely over and she would never be free, but there was hope in her and I knew that she was ready for anything. No matter what happened Lore would find a way to be with her friends and to get back to the home that she had grown to love. She knew there was a chance that she would be alone for the rest of her Life but she was prepared for it and still believed that there was a possibility for something more. I think that it was that hope and friendship and love that led to the amazing ending of the book and that without that positive attitude things would have ended much more tragically. The ending was better than I could have ever imagined and I don't think that there are many books with an ending greater than this one.

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall I really enjoyed reading Lore and I don't think that anything could be done to make the book any better than it already is. There were many things about the book that made me see how incredibly amazing it was but it wasn't until the end that I truly appreciated the story and realised how much I actually loved it. One thing I liked was the flashbacks. Most books that have flashbacks and give you parts of the story bit by bit are ones that I really enjoy. This is because I am always on edge waiting to receive the next clue. It's always very effective in keeping me interested because there is usually something that I wish to know and many questions that I will not leave unanswered. The flashbacks to Lore's childhood were amazing for another reason too: the character development they showed. I got to see Lore as a child and understand how the trauma she went through shaped who she was and the reasons for why she was so desperate to escape the Agon. Another thing that I really enjoyed about the book was the romantic relationships. There was one couple (and I promise you will know who I mean the second you read about them) who literally had chemistry radiating off them. The second they spoke to each other I was already reading between the lines and sensing the possibility of romance starting up. Once the couple finally got together I was so happy I could barely keep it together. There was also another couple that I was very happy to see together but I think that the chemistry should have been a lot stronger between them. However, the romance was written very well and I enjoyed it very much. One other thing that made the book even more incredible was the amount of plot twists there were. I found myself surprised on multiple occasions and physical gasped at one point. I really love being caught off guard and being as surprised as if something actually happened in my life, and this happened quite a lot in Lore. It is something that made me see how well written the book is and how connected I was with it. The main thing that I loved about the book was the ending. I don't think I've ever read a more perfect ending. In most books I read I have always not just wanted, but needed more. Lore however, was different. I wanted to read on but I already had a sense of how things would go and the possibilities the ending provided to the characters. It was an ending full of hope and I had every one of my questions answered. I knew that it was the end and I didn't feel like there was something missing, I just felt a bit lost and lonely in my bedroom without the characters I had spent so long with. I hope to have the chance to read other books like this and experience another magical story like this one. 

Would you recommend this book?  

I definitely recommend this book for readers who enjoy Greek mythology, adventure and a lot of plot twists. I think that it is best for those over 13 and if you have some vague knowledge of the Greek gods you will find it much more enjoyable. 

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

A ruthless hunt with twists and turns that you will never see coming. 

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

LIFE AND DEATH by Stephenie Meyer

“There are two sides to every story… You know Bella and Edward – now get to know Beau and Edythe. In celebration of the 2015 tenth anniversary of Twilight comes Stephenie Meyer’s Life and Death, a bold and compelling, reimagining of the iconic love story that will surprise and enthral readers. When Beaufort Swan moves to the gloomy town of Forks and meets the mysterious, alluring Edythe Cullen, his life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn. With her porcelain skin, golden eyes, mesmerising voice and supernatural gifts, Edythe is both irresistible and enigmatic. What Beau doesn’t realise is that the closer he gets to her, the more he is putting himself and those around him at risk. And it might be too late to turn back…”

What is the book about?

Beaufort Swan moves to the dull, wet town of Forks to live with his dad. This is where he meets the mysterious and beautiful Edythe Cullen who seems to be hiding something. Beau thinks she hates him at first but he still becomes completely obsessed wishing she would like him as much as he likes her. Beau is determined to uncover her dark secret not caring about the consequences Edythe keeps warning about. After discovering the truth Beau grows closer to Edythe not worrying about what may happen because of his actions, and they become more than just friends. What Beau doesn’t realise is that the closer he is to Edythe and her family the more he puts his humanity on the line, and not just that but the lives of everyone he cares about. He isn’t frightened, or even concerned, about Edythe’s true identity and what he doesn’t know is that it might already be too late to turn back… 

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

I absolutely loved the original book, Twilight, and as soon as I heard there was another retelling of the book I knew that I had to read it. Before I started reading I was a little concerned that I would find the book boring and would think that it wasn’t any good as it was (supposedly) almost identical to the initial one. However, I should have never even considered that because even though it had the same storyline, it was like reading a completely new book because all the characters were different. Just like Twilight I found it really hard to put down once I had started and was very intrigued to find out more. Although the book started very well, at first, it was a bit confusing to try and remember wo each character was because they were all gender swapped, so in order to understand, I had to reference to Twilight when I could figure out who it was. 

Who was your favourite character and why? 

Even though this book was fairly similar to Twilight, I found it much harder to pick a favourite character. In Twilight, I decide that Bella was my favourite character because she was selfless and was really caring and wanted to make sure that no one was left unhappy. I found that I also liked Beau for these reasons but it was different because of the gender. Beau was still protective of his parents, specifically his mother, and I thought that it was very sweet and made Beau better than all the other characters. Beau also had the courage to see past the vampire parts of Edythe and look for the good in her, even when she wouldn’t see it and would only think about the monster side of herself. I think that it was really brave of Beau to follow his heart but also a bit stupid and I think one major flaw is that he is oblivious of the danger his choices may lead to not just for himself but for those close to him. His flaw makes it strange to imagine that he is protective over his mother and wants to ensure her safety and happiness because he endangers her and changes her life in a terrible, unfixable way.

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

My favourite part of the book was the end because of many reasons. Firstly, I think that it was the most interesting and action-packed part of the book and it is when many of the questions readers have, are finally answered. This was my favourite part in both Twilight and Midnight Sun because it is when the hunt begins. I think that I like this part mainly because it’s a bit mysterious and it reminds me a lot of the murder mystery books I read particularly of the moment when the characters know who the murderer is and are being chased. Unlike Twilight and Midnight Sun, Life and Death has an unexpected twist which answers new questions and shines a light on what could have been for Bella and Edward in Twilight. The final chapters of the book are exciting and full of suspense and reading this section made me enjoy the book even more.

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall I really liked Life and Death and found it really interesting to learn that genders didn’t matter and the story would still be the same – or could be the same. After a while it got easier to understand who was who and I stopped having to refer to Twilight. One thing that I didn’t like about Life and Death was that too many parts of the book changed and, as I had the Twilight book events in my head, it got a bit frustrated because, in my opinion, the Twilight version is better. Another thing that was a bit upsetting was that a lot changed about Bella, not just her gender but Beau’s appearance was very different, for example he didn’t have Bella’s chocolate brown eyes; he had pale blue eyes. Even though there were a lot of things that I found I didn’t enjoy, I still really loved reading the book. Strangely enough, when reading Life and Death, I still felt it was necessary to read another chapter in order to find out what happens next even though I already knew all of the events of the book from reading Twilight and I really enjoyed all the cliff-hanger endings.

Which book did you like best: Twilight or Life and Death?

Even though I really enjoyed Life and Death I would never even think of it replacing Twilight. Life and Death was an amazing book but I think there is a clear reason why Bella and Edward were chosen for the original book instead of Beaufort and Edythe. I think the events of the book changed too much when Bella and Edwards genders changed and although the book was still really good I had read Twilight first and the original version of them was better. I think that some parts of Life and Death were much better than in Twilight, mainly because they had been reused and revised so some of the words that didn’t really fit had been edited so they would make sense. I also think this was because that had been altered to make the book better for Beau and Edythe so it made sense to have Bella and Edward gender swapped. Life and Death was really interesting and, although I don’t regret reading it, I still think that it changed too much and that the book was much better in its original state. 

Would you recommend this book?  

I would absolutely recommend this book, specifically if you are 15 or older and enjoy romance or fantasy novels. The book is definitely worth reading however advice reading Twilight first as it is the initial book.

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

A reimagining of the amazing Twilight romance novel.

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

MIDNIGHT SUN by Stephenie Meyer

“I could see how easy it would be to fall into loving Bella. It would be exactly like falling: effortless. Not letting myself love her was the opposite of falling – it was pulling myself up a cliff face, hand over hand, the task as gruelling as if I had no more than mortal strength. When Edward Cullen and Bella Swan met in Twilight, an iconic love story was born. But until now, fans have heard only Bella’s side of the story. At last, readers can experience Edward’s version in the long-awaited companion novel, Midnight Sun. this unforgettable tale, as told through Edward’s eyes takes on a new and decidedly dark twist. Meeting Bella is both the most unnerving and intriguing event he has experienced in all his year as a vampire. As we learn we learn more fascinating details about Edward’s past and the complexity of his inner thought, we understand why this is the defining struggle of his life. How can he justify following his heart if it means leading Bella into danger? In Midnight Sun, Stephenie Meyer transports us back to a world that has captivated millions of readers, and brings us and epic novel about the profound pleasures and devastating consequences of immortal love.”

What is the book about?

Edwards’s life in Forks has been normal so far – well as normal as being a vampire in a human world – but everything changes when Bella Swan, daughter of the Chief of Police, moves into town. At first Bella Swan seems like a normal teenage girl until being within a mile radius of her could compromise everything Edward and his family has built. Edward tries to resist but finds it impossible and hopeless. After a while Edward stops trying and a relationship develops between him and Bella. Bella doesn’t seem to understand the consequences of spending time with a vampire and only seems to get herself into more trouble. Edward wishes to always be around be around Bella, but could satisfying his own desires mean leading Bella into danger?

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

As always I was desperate to read Midnight Sun, however, I was worried that it would be boring to read a book that is almost identical to one I have already read, even though it is from a different perspective. Even though I was uncertain about Midnight Sun, I was still intrigued at the possibility of still enjoying this book as much as the original, Twilight. Once I started reading, I knew I shouldn’t have doubted my love for the Twilight Saga and that this book wouldn’t be as good as the others. After I had read the first few pages, I realised that even though a book has the same main events, they are still very different because they are told from someone else’s view and not everyone will have the same opinion or see things in the same way. Retold novels are also different because there are moments where a certain character goes off on their own so all the other characters will be doing something unknown to that character. Both of these things changed Midnight Sun and made it an amazing novel.

Who was your favourite character and why? 

One of my favourite characters was Bella because of how her personality developed in a new light. Lots of people have said that Bella has no personality and that she was just a typical damsel in distress with no proper role until Edward came to save her. After reading Midnight Sun Bella’s personality was so much clearer and I think that one of the reasons Stephenie Meyer wrote this book was to show the readers that Bella did have a proper personality. In Midnight Sun, Bella showed she was selfless, brave, kind, protective, responsible and patient. I was shown how Bella was caring of others and made sure that they were happy even if it risked her own happiness. Even though a lot of her personality was implied in Twilight, everything was so much more explicit because Edward stated the obvious. My other favourite character was Alice also because of the new personality traits revealed in Midnight Sun. It was really interesting to learn about how impatient Alice was to become friends with Bella and how she helped and stood by Edward even when some of the Cullens didn’t trust his choices and thought he was being irresponsible.

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

It was really hard to choose a favourite part as the whole book was amazing but I did really enjoy the ending. In Twilight the ending was also my favourite part but I think that liked it much more in Midnight Sun. The ending stood out to me because it was very trilling and exciting as Edward followed the tracker and tried to get rid of the danger to save Bella. A lot was going on during this section of the book and it was very interesting to find out what lead to the tracker discovering Bella’s location, and how Edward was able to realise this in order to rescue Bella before her time ran out. This part is particularly interesting because I got to follow Edward and what he was doing while Bella was hiding from the tracker so the last few chapters were very different. I also finally understood how the Cullens were able to trick people into thinking that Bella had fallen out of a hotel window instead of them finding out what really happened. 

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, Midnight Sun was a great book that I really enjoyed. It was really interesting to get an inside view of Edwards thoughts and understand everything that he did in Twilight that might have been a bit confusing. I really liked reading about Edward and his opinion and I sometimes used Twilight to try and understand both Bella’s and Edward’s thoughts. Midnight Sun answered a lot of my questions particularly about Edward and vampires abilities. I got to know more about Edward and the burden of his abilities and it was fascinating to read about how puzzling it was for Edward not to be able to read Bella’s thoughts. It also intriguing to learn about Alice and Edward’s relationship and the strange way they were able to inconspicuously communicate. I also got to learn more about Edward’s past and some information on the other Cullens. I found Midnight Sun very interesting and informative and really liked reading it.

Which book did you like best: Twilight or Midnight Sun?

I think that my favourite book out of Twilight and Midnight Sun is probably Midnight Sun. Even though Twilight is the original book, Midnight Sun was a lot more interesting and action-packed. I think that a lot more information was given and a lot of questions that were left unanswered from Twilight were finally acknowledged – though there are a couple I am still puzzled about. I also liked Midnight Sun because it was written from Edward’s perspective. Due to Edwards extra ability, mind reading, I was able to read about more peoples responses to his and Bella’s actions which meant I was capable of understanding actions and emotions of certain characters that seemed unclear in Twilight. In Midnight Sun I read about the Cullens pasts which I really enjoyed as I like knowing a person’s backstory so I am able to properly analyse their actions to recognise the reasons for their behaviour.

Would you recommend this book?  

I would recommend reading this book, particularly for those who enjoy romance and fantasy novels. I think that Midnight Sun is most appropriate for reader 15 or older and that it is better to read Twilight first as it is the original story.

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

A new version of the incredible Twilight love story from a fresh new perspective.

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego 

BREAKING DAWN by Stephenie Meyer

“When you loved the one who was killing you, it left you no options. How could you run, how could you fight, when doing so would hurt that beloved one? If your life was all you had to give, how could you not give it? If it was someone you truly loved? To be irrevocably in love with a vampire is both fantasy and nightmare woven into a dangerously heightened reality for Bella Swan. Pulled in one direction by her intense passion for Edward Cullen, and in another by her profound connection to werewolf Jacob Black, she has endured a tumultuous year of temptation, loss and strife to reach the ultimate turning point. Her imminent choice to either join the dark but seductive world of immortals or pursue a fully human life has become the thread from which the fate of two tribes hangs. Now that Bella has made her decision, a startling chain of unprecedented events is about to unfold with potentially devastating and unfathomable consequences. Just when the frayed strands of Bella’s life – first discovered in Twilight, then scattered and torn in New Moon and Eclipse – seem ready to heal and knit together, could they be destroyed…forever?”

What is the book about?

Bella and Edward announce their engagement and the wedding plans begin. Jacob arrives at the wedding and returns from his time alone as a wolf causing more problems that no one could have possibly imagined. Bella and Edward marry and the story follows them through their eventful honeymoon on Isle Esme. When they return a chain of unpredictable events unfolds with the potential to destroy more lives than ever before. Bella’s decision has the potential for devastation consequences and her human life is now where the fate of two tribes hangs. More catastrophic events occur and the start of a new life begins to complicate things even further. As Bella’s life seems ready to heal and piece back together, will it finally be destroyed forever?

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

When I finished Eclipse I was desperate to start reading Breaking Dawn. I immediately grabbed the book and read the blurb, which encouraged me to begin reading. Unfortunately, I knew what was going to happen during the book after reading the blurb and was a bit annoyed about it because I would have like to be surprised. Luckily, I had already predicted Bella's transformation and wasn't to frustrated by the fact it was implied in the blurb. When I started reading, I was already hooked and determined to find out more. The story didn’t have a big introduction which was good because I am always bored when a book has a long opening it is extremely tiresome. I was glad that the story began right away and that the wedding was quickly planned because it meant that the first few chapters wouldn't be dull and that the interesting part would start soon.

Who was your favourite character and why?

My favourite character was Bella mainly because of her transformation. I really liked her because of how powerful and strong she was as a newborn vampire and how she was able to resist human blood in a way that not even an older vampire with more control could have done. I also liked learning about how her powers worked and how she could use them not just for protecting herself, but for protecting her whole family. I would have liked to understand more about why Bella was able to cancel out certain abilities as a human and why she had so much control over her actions. In Breaking Dawn, I got to see another side to Bella and witness her choice to save someone else and not just think about her own wellbeing.

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

My favourite part was near the end when the new vampires were introduced because it was really interesting. It was really fascinating to learn about the extensive range of extra abilities vampires can have and how special and unique they are. I also got to understand more about how the gifts some vampires get work and understand clearly why they get them. I also liked learning about Bella’s own ability and how it worked, however I would have liked to know more about why she was able to cancel out some vampire abilities in her human life, I think that although a lot of my questions were answered Stephenie Meyer could have given an explanation about Bella’s human mind and why it was different to everyone else.

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall I really liked Breaking Dawn because of many how it was written and the new characters introduces. One reason I really enjoyed the book was because of the new perspective we are given. In the epilogue of Eclipse, we read a small taste of Jacob Black’s point of view and how the wedding announcement influences his decision to run away. Breaking Dawn is not just written from Bella’s view but a part of it is also Jacob’s so we get to understand how Bella’s choices also cause major consequences in others’ lives, in particular the werewolves. Another aspect of the book that really caught my attention was he front cover. The cover specifically foreshadows Bella’s transformation and the huge leap she makes, taking the role as the strongest and most powerful member of her new family. In my opinion, I think that it is very clever how Stephenie Meyer uses cess pieces to show this and it really got me thinking about the other front covers too. One thing at I didn’t enjoy about Breaking Dawn was the end. When was nearly finishing the book, I got a bit frustrated at how it ended because a fight had been predicted and everyone was prepared for it but then there wasn't one. I understand that the Cullen's aren't very violent so they like to resolve everything in a more civilized manner and wished there was a way to stop any unnecessary battle, but they were planning to fight and I think that the book could have been better if it had actually happened. 

Which is your favourite book in the Twilight Saga? (1, 2, 3 or 4)

I really enjoyed reading all of the Twilight books and found this question almost impossible to answer. However I think that I especially liked Breaking Dawn because it was so much more interesting and had the most information. Another reason I liked Breaking Dawn the most was because it included a different perspective. Although Eclipse did have a short part where it was written from Jacob Black’s point of view, it was very small compared to part 2 of Breaking Dawn that is written completely form Jacob’s viewpoint. Reading Breaking Dawn also answered a lot more of my questions and didn’t leave me too curious about anything. Even though there were some things that I wish had turned out differently, as a whole I think Breaking Dawn is a really intriguing book and was my favourite book.

Would you recommend this book? 

Breaking Dawn has become one of my favourite books and I am sure that many people will enjoy it as much as me. I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys romance and fantasy books and I think that it’s most suitable if you are 15 or older.

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict) 

Another gripping novel with the potential to destroy more lives than ever before.

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

THE SHORT SECOND LIFE OF BREE TANNER by Stephenie Meyer

“I turned off my brain. It was time to hunt. I took a deep breath, drawing in the scent of the blood inside the humans below. They weren’t the only humans around, but they were the closest. Who you were going to hunt was the kind of decision you had to make before you scented your prey. It was too late now to choose anything. Bree Tanner can barely remember life before she had uncannily powerful senses, superhuman reflexes and unstoppable physical strength. Life before she had a relentless thirst for blood…life before she became a vampire. All Bree knows is that living with her fellow newborns has few certainties and even fewer rules: watch your back, don’t draw attention to yourself and, above all, make it home by sunrise or die. What she doesn’t know: her time as an immortal is quickly running out.”

What is the book about?

This is a story based on the Eclipse novel written in the point of view of a young girl named Bree who was one of the newborn vampires sent by Victoria to attack the Cullens and the Quileute werewolves. 3 months before the fight Riley, Victoria’s head minion, found Bree, who was just a runaway 15 year old girl, on the streets and took her to be changed into a vampire. Now Bree can hardly remember life before she became this powerful creature and the life that she thought was so simple with only a few rules is changing. Everything she has been told seems to be lies when Bree meets a strange vampire called Diego. A new friendship forms as Diego shows Bree hope of a happy life in her new body and suggests things she never thought of. Bree things she will be able to escape the clutches of Riley and her creator but what she doesn’t know is her time as a vampire is nearly over.

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

Once I finished Eclipse I was really looking forward to reading Breaking Dawn but I found that this shorter book was the next book in the series. I hadn’t really though that much about Bree but once I read the title of the book I began to think more about her and what it would have felt like to surrender but still get killed for it. Although the vampires in Eclipse were called newborns I didn’t actually think about how their age could affect them so I was really excited to read about their lives. When I read the blurb I realised that these vampires were not ‘vegetarians’ and that they were going to be very different to the Cullens and wouldn’t be as kind as them. I was really excited to start reading and wanted to see things from a fresh perspective.

Who was your favourite character and why?

It was really hard to pick a favourite character mainly because I liked a lot of people in the book but also because the book was shorter than the other 3 I have read so I didn’t have that long to get to know the characters and understand their personalities. I really liked Bree because she was very responsible and smart and was able to survive in a room full of newborn vampires with personalities completely opposite to hers. I also quite liked Diego because he was very curious and brave and had the courage to risk his life to find out the truth. Diego was also very smart as he was able to figure out the truth about all the lies they had been told because he was daring enough to challenge everything he had been taught. Fred was also another character that I liked because he was very nice and protected Bree from all the other vampires in their coven. I think together all of these characters made the book that much better.

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

My favourite part of the book was when Bella was introduced in the story. I liked this part because I liked looking at Bree’s thoughts and ideas when seeing Bella and what it was like for her. When I was reading this, I grabbed Eclipse and had it next to me so that I could compare what Bella thought of Bree to what Bree thought of Bella. I also liked his part of the book because I liked seeing what it was like for a newborn vampire to be near to a human and not be allowed to go near her. It was interesting to see how much suffering the vampires had to go through to be near Bella. Bree’s view on Bella and how hard it was to control herself around her made me think about the first book, Twilight, and how similar it must have been for Edward when he first sat near Bella and how much concentration it must have taken for him to not attack her.

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall I really loved the book and found it really refreshing to see something from another viewpoint because I think that everything is a bit biased from Bella’s point of view. I thought it was really effective how we got to see what life was like for the newborn vampires and I especially loved learning more about the fight between them and the Cullens and Quileute werewolves. When I read Eclipse I hadn’t really thought about Bree that much but as I began to read more of this book I started to wish that Stephenie Meyer had chosen to give her a much happier ending.  I found that it was a bit harsh to have Bree feel like she had lost everything and then get killed for not even harming a hair on any of the Cullens, especially seeing as I had gotten so attached to her throughout the book. I really liked learning about what it felt like to be a newborn vampire and I found that some things were really different to what I first thought; I also thought that it was really strange that Bree had been deceived her whole life and hadn’t been told that the superstitions of vampires weren’t real. I had always expected that if vampires were real all the usual stories of them would be real too but once I read Twilight I realised that vampires could be really different. It was peculiar to discover that some vampires still believed all those myths and that life could be very different for the Cullens and Bella if they were all true.

Would you recommend this book?  

I would definitely recommend this book for everyone who has read Eclipse as it is a great way to see things from someone else’s view. I think that this book is best for 15 year olds or older but I’m sure that many other people will love it too.

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict) 

A thrilling Eclipse novel with a new fresh perspective on vampires lives.

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

ECLIPSE by Stephenie Meyer

“‘Bella?’ Edward’s soft voice came from behind me. He pulled me into his arms at once, and kissed me. His kiss frightened me. There was way too much tension, too strong an edge to the way his lips crushed mine – like he was afraid we only had so much time left to us. As Seattle is ravaged by a string of mysterious killings and a malicious vampire continues her quest for revenge, Bella once again finds herself surrounded by danger. In the midst of it all, she is forced to choose between her love for Edward and her friendship with Jacob – knowing that her decision has the potential to ignite the ageless struggle between vampire and werewolf. With her graduation approaching, Bella has one more decision to make: life or death. But which is which?”

What is the book about?

Edward and Bella are back together and Bella’s friendship with Jacob is crumbling, they were best friends and are now finding it hard to speak to each other. Bella has to choose between love and friendship; however this decision could change not just her life but the relationship between vampires and werewolves forever. Meanwhile, The Cullens and the Quileute werewolves are investigating Seattle. There are mysterious killings every week, which could be because of crazed newborn vampires, and Victoria continues to seek revenge, Bella thinks these two dangers are connected and are happening because of her, but how? An alliance between the werewolves and the vampires is formed as a way to stop the killers, but will it be successful? United as one they must find a way to defeat the murderers but it isn’t all as it seems. The Cullens are worried that the Volturi will come for Bella and are desperate to destroy their new enemies but the Volturi have never let it get this far, could there be a reason?

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

After I had read New Moon I wanted to read Eclipse because I was quite curious and wanted to find out what would happen to Bella and her relationship with Jacob. I also wanted to know more about Victoria and was really interested in finding out if they would defeat her in Eclipse. The front cover of Eclipse didn’t appeal to me quite as much as Twilight and New Moon; it wasn’t as elegant and eye-catching as the others though it did have some intense red similar to the other covers which was quite noticeable. I found that the blurb really persuaded me to begin to read the book and it gave me a lot of questions I would need to answer by reading the book. I was also engaged by the immediate start to the book because an explanation to the previous books always annoys me as I have always read it. Unfortunately the book was a bit of a disappointment as it didn’t meet my expectations and the standard of the previous books in the book series.

Who was your favourite character and why?

I really liked Alice and think that she is my new favourite character in the Twilight Saga because she was really full of life which is a strange way to describe a vampire as you get very different and darker thought when you think about vampires. Alice is constantly trying to make sure Bella always had fun and lives her human life happily. I love how Alice always wants to plan parties and sleepovers for Bella and it really makes me think about Alice’s human life and how much she wishes she could still be human. Alice’s love for fun also makes me have thoughts on her relationship with Bella and that if Alice wasn’t such a kind and lovable person she probably wouldn’t get on with Bella because all Bella wants is to end her human life as soon as she possibly can. Another reason I really like Alice is because of her abilities to see the future. I think that it is really cool and I really wish that I could do that. I also think that her unique talent is also a curse because she may see things she wishes she didn’t. While choosing my favourite character I also thought a lot about my previous favourite character, Bella. She really made me think about how her actions affect the people around her and how her one decision to move to Forks changed the lives of many people. I always wonder what is going through other people’s heads when Bella is talking to them and I wish that I could get some insight on that, but I sometimes manage to create my own ideas and make up a new story along the way. I think that people’s personality get in the way of some of my thoughts but they also encourage some new concepts and help me develop a clearer understanding on character I don’t normally look at.

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

This was a really hard question to answer because there wasn’t really any part of the book that I had enjoyed more. However, I think that my favourite part of the book was the end where Victoria and all the newborn vampires were finally defeated. I loved this part because the whole point of the book was to finally get rid of these enemies and if this hadn’t of happened the book would have had no purpose. This part of the book was, in my opinion, the best but there was something that I would have liked to change. I found that I would have like the character Bree, who had a small part near the end, to have been alive longer so that I could find out something more about the newborn vampires and how they lived. Luckily there is a short book about Bree’s life so I will definitely be reading that next.

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, I really liked the book but there were some things that I found a bit boring and annoying. For example, the main focus of the book was the relationship between Jacob, Bella and Edward. This was like every other love triangle that I have seen in movies and in many other books, and it was never ending. I could tell that Bella really like Jacob and was beginning to fall in love with him but it was also obvious that she would never love him like she loves Edward so it was undeniably easy to tell that it wasn’t going anywhere. I also found that it had all the action packed in to the last few chapters just like Twilight which I both liked and disliked. It was strange to read as I had to pay attention to every detail so that I wouldn’t miss out on anything but I also loved it as it was exciting and thrilling to read about. One main reason why I loved the book was because it picked up where New Moon had finished and there was barely any explanation of the previous 2 books. This is one of the things that always stand out to me because I always read book series in order and it gets on my nerves when there is an explanation of the previous plot lines because it is common sense to read a series in order. The thing I liked the most about Eclipse was that we got hear some stories about the werewolves and learn a bit about how they began and what happened. I liked this because I love learning about the past especially about characters like Jacob because it is interesting what made them become who they are.

Which book did you like better, the first, the second or the third?

I think that New Moon is still my favourite book because Eclipse didn’t really meet the expectations I had for it. Eclipse needed a much better plot and needed a little more mystery to put it over the top. New Moon was more interesting because the story was less romance heavy and more focused on the new friendship between Jacob and Bella. Also I found it really hard to put the book down as Bella was always seeking a new way to threaten her life which was really exciting. There are many twists and turns which make the book that much more intriguing. Although I prefer New Moon I think I prefer the ending of Eclipse because it makes me want to read Breaking Dawn a lot more than I had wanted to read Eclipse. Eclipse also gave me a lot of new knowledge on the werewolves and their previous existence which was really fascinating as I had previously been very curious about it.

Would you recommend this book?  

This is a book that I would recommend. I think that it is most suitable for people over 15 but I think that if you have read any books like this you are sure to love it just as much as I did. Of course if you have read Twilight and New Moon then this is the next book you should read.

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict) 

A thrilling and exciting new vampire novel with more life threatening moments than ever before.

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

NEW MOON by Stephenie Meyer

“‘Shoot,’ I muttered when the paper sliced my finger; I pulled it out to examine the damage. A single drop of blood oozed from the tiny cut. It all happened very quickly then. ‘No!’ Edward roared… Dazed and disoriented, I looked up from the bright red blood pulsing out of my arm – into the fevered eyes of the six suddenly ravenous vampires. For Bella Swan, there is one thing more important than life itself: Edward Cullen. But being in love with a vampire is even more dangerous than Bella could have ever imagined. Edward has already rescued Bella from the clutches of one evil vampire, but now, as their daring relationship threatens all that is near and dear to them, they realize their troubles may be just beginning…”

What is the book about?

It’s Bella’s birthday and, although she doesn’t want anyone to make a big deal about it, Edward and his family have planned a party. During the celebration, something goes wrong and Bella is faced with six thirsty vampires. That isn’t the end of Bella’s problems as Edward drifts further away from her with no reasons she can think of. Edwards’s strange behaviour leads to Bella’s worst nightmare, a world without her true love, and as the months go by she still doesn’t recover. But life goes on Bella has to learn to live with the pain and go through each day with a whole in her heart. Then, one day, Bella hears the voice of the one person she thought she would never hear from again and she decides to find new ways to trigger the beautiful sound of Edward. Along the way, she is led towards an old friend and starts to open up again and feel like she used to, but not for long as her new friendship takes a sudden turn making Bella’s life more dangerous than ever before…

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

I was really excited to start reading the book because I had previously read the first book, Twilight, and loved it. I was really attracted to the front cover and I found the picture on the front really beautiful and striking but not as bright and colourful as some books I own, though a festive colour, like pink, doesn’t really scream vampires. Like Twilight, New Moon is a book that is very different to the usual ones I read as most of them aren’t very romantic but, Twilight was so I thought that New Moon was going to be too. As I had enjoyed Twilight, I knew that it was likely that I would also like the second book and that even if I wasn’t sure I should give it a try. It wasn’t hard to start reading and I found that I was soon nearing the end of the book. Before beginning books I always read the blub so that I am more encouraged and will know a little bit about the book. Usually, I find out enough to make me want to read the book in one day, however I think that the blurb in New Moon was a little scarce on details and it didn’t really make me want to read it any more than I already did, but I think the use of a section of the book was really creative and really persuaded me to start right away.

Who was your favourite character and why?

My favourite character in New Moon was Bella, just like in Twilight, because she was willing to drop everything and risk her life to save Edward even after he left her. I think that Bella was really tested in this book and she had to prove her kindness and strength to herself and everyone around her. When Edward left, Bella was portrayed as a very weak character and it was like she was hanging onto one string, about to snap if anyone put the slightest pressure on it.  Bella did show that she cared about her dad as she managed to pull together a bit for him but I could tell she was still lifeless. I did think it was a little crazy how she just happened to make friends with another creature that was meant to be mythical, I think that Bella is a magnet to all things from stories and that she always seems to put herself into a life or death situation, without even trying. Just like in Twilight she wanted to protect her family and her friends from all the chaos she got into, however, I think that if she had considered all those people, like her parents, then she wouldn’t have tried to trigger Edwards’s voice by doing risky and dangerous things, like learning to ride a motorcycle.

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

My favourite part was when Edward and Bella found each other again. I knew it was going to happen, it was easy to predict, but it was still nice to have a happy moment especially seeing as the chapter before this were mainly sad and lonely for Bella apart from when she was with Jacob. I also really liked this part because Edward and Bella were always together in the first book so it was a bit weird to have them separate and not knowing if they would ever see each other again. I knew after reading this that Edward and Bella are better when they are together and that if they are apart they won’t ever be as happy. This was a great part of the book because it showed that love is a blessing and can bring out the best in a person but love is also a curse because it makes you do strange things and can destroy people who can’t cope with losing their soul mate. I am really glad that Edward and Bella were able to be together again because if they hadn’t that would have most likely been the end of the Twilight Saga.

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall I think the book was really amazing and just as breath-taking as Twilight, I can see why it is so popular. It was really effective how Stephenie Meyer introduced a new mythical creature during the time Edward was away because it kept things interesting and gave Bella something else to do, and another way to be around danger. I also found it was really nice to learn about the past and hear more about the werewolves and it was nice to get a few of the questions I had about them answered.  Nothing in the book really bugged me, the chapters were still long and still had cliff-hangers at the end but I managed to get used to it and now enjoy the suspense in having to wait to find out what happened next, I think that reading New Moon has help me develop some more patience with books, and in general. I found New Moon a more interesting but a little less exciting and action-packed than Twilight however New Moon was still just as exciting to read.

Which book did you like better, the first or the second?

Looking at both books, I think that they were amazing and there isn’t much that makes me like one book over the other. I think that the second book, New Moon, is the book I like most but this is a really hard question. I liked New Moon best because I like learning about the past more than the present because I really like learning about the characters backstories. I think that New Moon includes a lot more about the vampires and how everything started, it also says a lot about the vampires’ enemies and explains a bit about how they are connected. I also like that Bella has a close friend in this book because I think that in Twilight she revolved around Edward and didn’t really connect with anyone like she does with Jacob in the second book.  I also think that there are a lot more characters in this book, a lot of people were mentioned in Twilight but I think that a lot more were involved in the story in New Moon. As a whole, both books were outstanding but I think that New Moon just stood out to me more.

Would you recommend this book?  

I would recommend this book specifically for people over 15 and I think it would be best to read this book after the first book and if you enjoy romance and fantasy books then this is a book you are sure to enjoy.

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict) 

An enchanting and breath-taking tale with a remarkable adventure.

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego