FAIREST by Marissa Meyer

“‘Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who's the fairest of them all?’ Fans of the Lunar Chronicles know Queen Levana as a ruler who uses her “glamour” to gain power. But long before she crossed paths with Cinder, Scarlet, and Cress, Levana lived a very different story – a story that has never been told . . . until now.”

What is the book about?

This short novella gives readers a glimpse into Levana's life before and as she gradually became the tyrant queen that we have grown to hate throughout the first 3 books of the Lunar Chronicles series. Levana was the youngest child, her older sister Channary was the one destined to be Queen of Luna. However, since she was old enough to understand what being queen meant she knew that she could and would be a much better queen than her sister, who couldn't care less about politics or their people. Not only that but she has always been confident that her sister didn't deserve the power and respect that would come with her new title as she is as cruel as she is beautiful. Ever since Levana could walk her sister tortured her and used her for her own enjoyment to the point that Levana has to use glamour constantly to cover the scars that her sister left on her after one traumatising day. Levana has her own story and it doesn't appear like she has always been as cruel and violent as we all thought. She may be the villain of Cinder's story, but she is the victim in her own story. 

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

Initially I was a little annoyed that I had to read a novella before getting to the fourth and final novel in the Lunar Chronicles series, Winter. I was very keen to continue reading and find out how the story that just kept getting better would finally end, and I was so desperate that I considered leaving Fairest until after I read the final book in the main series. However, after reading the blurb of the book and finding out what the novella was actually about I was intrigued to read it. I didn't know what to expect but I knew I would enjoy it and I was very interested to find out the truth about Levana and what led her to become the cruel leader that will stop at nothing to get everything she wants. Soon my initial thoughts changed and I was no longer annoyed and much more excited to read it. Once I started reading I found it a little hard to get used to the novella as there were none of the characters that I had grown used to, however I soon got used to and found that I was enjoying it as much as the actual novels in the series. 

Who was your favourite character and why? 

I don't think I could choose a favourite character in this novella without it being partly a lie. It feels so wrong to say that I liked Levana after all she did and it is also clearly a lie. Even though I feel so bad for her and I know she would be a much better person if she hadn't been treated so badly since she was a child she is still a monster. Most of what she did she thought she was justified in doing and she made some very questionable decisions but every time she claimed she was doing it for the good of her kingdom. I know deep down she felt like she was good but slowly she turned into a monster and I cannot honestly say that I liked her. Even the other 'good' characters weren't exactly good and treated Levana so badly when all she was was just a child who had never felt love. Evret who strung her along for 10 years without telling her that he would never love her, when it was clear she believed that they could be happy together. Winter who would never address her directly, even when all she did was try to give her a mother. Her sister who tortured her and called her ugly since she was little and made her live in her shadow. Her parents who clearly didn't do any good parenting. Everyone in this book thought themselves to be good and thought they were fighting against the villain but it was clear that the villain was herself just a victim. No one deserves the title as my favourite character. 

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

I honestly cannot pick a favourite part because this whole novella was just torture and threatened to tear me apart at any moment. In every single part of the book there was something so so sad that I could not keep out of my mind. The main theme throughout the whole book was that Levana just wanted to be happy and at every moment it was clear that she thought she was getting her happiness. When she married the love of her life without knowing he would never love her back, when her sister died and she realised she would finally get the chance to be queen, even if it was just for 12 years, when she killed her niece believing it was for the best and she would get to keep her role as leader of Luna, the thing that meant so much to her. She never even realised that she never actually had any of that. She spent years believing she had everything she could ever want and need and she didn't realise till the end that it was all a lie. I felt so bad for her and how she had been tortured and manipulated by everyone and had never had the protection and loved that she so craved. Every part was so tragic and I can't in good conscience choose a favourite part of such a sad book.

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this short story and I soon found myself believing that maybe Levana was just misunderstood. One reason I really enjoyed the novella was because I got a glimpse into the past and some much needed information on the supposed villain of the Lunar Chronicles series. I always love when books have flashbacks and for some reason they are always my favourite parts. I love being able to see the characters that I have grown to really know as their younger selves and to see what made them who they are. However, I love novellas set in the past even more because it's a whole book dedicated to exactly what I said above. This book was exactly that but it was also so much more because it was a short story on the life of Queen Levana, the villain for all intents and purposes. This leads me on to another reason why I loved this book: it made me feel sorry for Levana. After everything she has done and everything that she is hoping to achieve I never thought anything, not even a whole story about her past, could change my mind on what a cruel and unfeeling woman she is. Although I still stand by these beliefs, I also know that she is also just a victim herself and one that has been mistreated by those who should have cared for her since she was young. Learning what her sister did to her broke my heart and how she continued to use the scars that she had against her and call her ugly when she is really just injured and broken was enough to leave me in tears. Although I won't condone her reactions and everything she did after that, she was just trying to protect herself and her people. She honestly thought that she was the best person to be Queen and if she let her young niece rule then she was sentencing her people to a terrible future. She did what she thought was right and, no matter how messed up it was, she sacrificed so much for Luna, including the one person she loved more than anything. The poor girl had never known love before and did everything she could to try to get someone to love her and when she realised that would never happen she gave everything up and threw herself into her role as queen and turned herself into a monster for what she thought was the good of her people. It was a great novella that left me feeling so much for this cruel Lunar Queen and I now don't know what to think. 

Would you recommend this book?  

I would definitely recommend that anyone who has enjoyed reading the Lunar Chronicles series or is interested in starting it should read this short story. It offers some great new information and is full of all the stuff that you would love in the main novels of the series. 

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

A short story full of romance and heartbreak that will leave you thinking that maybe there is never a villain, only victims that react differently to their suffering. 

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

THEN SHE WAS GONE by Lisa Jewell

“‘She was fifteen, her mother's golden girl. She had her whole life ahead of her. And then, in the blink of an eye, Ellie was gone.’ Ten years on, Laurel has never given up hope of finding Ellie. And then she meets a charming and charismatic stranger who sweeps her off her feet. But what really takes her breath away is when she meets his nine-year-old daughter. Because his daughter is the image of Ellie. Now all those unanswered questions that have haunted Laurel come flooding back. ‘What really happened to Ellie? And who still has secrets to hide?’”

What is the book about?

Ten years ago fifteen-year-old Ellie Mack left her house to go to the library and never came home. She had her whole life ahead of her, was about to do her GCSEs, was predicted the highest grades, and within moments she was gone and no one knows what happened to her. Since her disappearance, her mother Laurel has never given up on finding Ellie, however everyone else appears to have completely forgotten about it and have moved on with their lives. Since that moment, Laurel changed and lost the life she had and the things that made her happy no longer had any effect. However, one day, she unexpectedly meets a charming, charismatic man who appears to be perfect in every way and he slowly starts to bring happiness back into Laurel's life. However, when she meets his nine-year-old daughter, she starts to once again ask the questions that haunted her since Ellie left and never came home. Because his daughter is the spitting image of Ellie when she was that age. Something clearly happened that night when Ellie disappeared and all the unanswered questions come flooding back. What happened to Ellie? And what does this young girl who looks just like her have to do with her disappearance? Who still has secrets to hide and what do they have to do with that fateful day 10 years ago?

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

I had never heard of Then She Was Gone or even the author, Lisa Jewell, until my only reader friend (which is who I always get new book recommendations from) sent me a book list of suggestions of what I could get her for Christmas and Lisa Jewell’s The Family Upstairs was on it. In order to decide which book to get her I did what I usually do, which is to search all the books up and pick the one that I like best for myself (as I know I will be able to borrow it from her rather than buy it again), so I read the blurb of this other book by the same author as Then She Was Gone and was immediately in love. As a result, I spent around an hour searching through Amazon and adding all the books I could find by Lisa Jewell and then I put them all on my own list for Christmas and the one I got was Then She Was Gone. The blurb left me completely shocked with more questions than I ever thought were possible and even a few theories that I had started puzzling out before even opening the book. Once I opened the book I completely forgot I was reading and within what felt like seconds I had finished the book in tears. I had known from the second I read the blurb that this book was going to be one of the best mysteries I had ever read and I have never found that my initial thoughts have been more right than they were for this book. 

Who was your favourite character and why? 

My favourite character was definitely Ellie because of how she dealt with what happened to her and how much I feel for her and everything she lost. I can’t really explain much because I don’t want to ruin the whole mystery but what Ellie went through was something that no one should ever have to experience, let alone a fifteen-year-old girl. However, despite the fact that she had gone through all of that she never lost the qualities that had made her the golden girl, the perfect daughter, the one who brought light into her family’s lives. Through the flashbacks to her experience, I got to read Ellie’s thoughts and she barely thought about losing hope and never gave up and became depressed as one would in her situation. She stayed strong, brave and brilliant (which was made clear in the epilogue, which made me cry so much) and she thought of her family and how much she loved them every moment of the day. Ellie’s attitude was admirable and it was only made more impressive when I thought of everything she lost because of what happened. She had had her whole life ahead of her and I know that she would have had the most promising future ever, but she didn’t get any of that and that completely breaks my heart. I cannot imagine what it would be like to be in that situation and though I hope that nothing like that ever happens to me but I would like to believe that I would be strong enough to be like Ellie and not lose myself in the process. 

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

My favourite part of the book was 100% the ending because it was the most beautiful ending in the world. The story and everything that Ellie and Laurel and everyone else went through was completely devastating, however the ending helped make everything beautiful again. The main part of the book follows Laurel and how much her life was completely changed when her youngest daughter disappeared. Her family was pulled apart because of the tragedy that happened to them and as a result they lost any connection they used to have. The book follows Laurel as she tried to put her family back together and prevent them from losing complete contact with each other. In the end all she needed to do was uncover the mystery and stop punishing herself and her family for what happened to Ellie. The book ending shows a complete circle where Laurel finds herself in the same position she was before the tragic day when her daughter never came home and the beauty of it is that the family found themselves reunited because of Ellie once again. I love when books are circular and every piece makes sense once again. This book was absolutely incredible and I can’t wait to read another one by this author.

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, Then She Was Gone was the most heart-breaking and devastating yet completely amazing book I have ever read and there was absolutely nothing that I would change about it. One of the things that I really loved about the book were the flashbacks to Ellie’s life after the disappearance and also another person’s life at that time as well (if you read the book you will understand why I can’t tell you their name). While we were being told Laurel’s story and trying to help her solve the mystery of her daughter’s disappearance, we also heard from these characters’ points of view which helped tell the story of what happened to Ellie. These flashbacks really helped because in reality only person knew the truth about what had happened and that person wasn’t present in Laurel’s story so without having these flashbacks I would never have known the truth. I also really loved them because flashbacks are something that I always enjoy because of the little glimpses to the past that they give you and the deeper understanding they help you develop. Another thing that I enjoyed about the book was the story and the writing in general. This story was one of the most shocking, heart-breaking and disturbing stories I have ever read and there was a strong chance of everything going wrong with the book and it being too devastating and dark to be able to be read. However, Lisa Jewell used some incredible writing to turn this dark story into a masterpiece that left me in tears every few chapters and left me wanting to go back in time just so that I could read the story once again for the first time. I cried so much reading this book and felt so much for these characters and their tragic story. This book did its job – it made me feel something – and I will never forget reading it. One last thing I would like to mention that I really liked about the book was the way that I was slowly able to piece the mystery together. Before I had even started reading I had a general theory and overall I was sort of right, however as the book moved along I was able to adapt my theory. It was a slow-burn mystery that was uncovered piece by piece and each time a new piece of information came to light I adapted my theory and had a clear idea in my mind of what I knew to be true and the possibilities of what could have happened afterwards. In the end I knew the whole story and was shocked by it but the gradual understanding made the book even more interesting and impossible to put down. This is a story that will haunt me forever and I will never stop recommending because this experience is one which I believe everyone needs to experience at least once in their life. Then She Was Gone was one of the most amazing books I have ever read and as soon as I finished reading it I went and bought every other book by Lisa Jewell that I could get my hands on and I can’t wait to have my heart crushed once again. 

Would you recommend this book?  

I would 10000000% recommend you go and read this book right this very second as it is a completely incredible novel filled with suspense and mystery. It is devastating, dark and amazingly well-written and I know that anyone who picks it up won't be able to put it down. However, I think it's best for those over 17 as there is some strong language, violence and it can be deeply disturbing.

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

A dark, devastating and disturbing thriller that will leave you in tears and completely shocked.

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

OUR VIOLENT ENDS by Chloe Gong (My True Thoughts)

WARNING: DO NOT READ THIS REVIEW IF YOU HAVE NOT READ THESE VIOLENT DELIGHTS OR OUR VIOLENT ENDS - IT CONTAINS SPOILERS. (Please read them - you won't regret it!)

I know that a lot of you have probably already seen that I have reviewed his book already and are confused to see the title coming up again, but if you were truly paying attention to my review Our Violent Ends, then you probably know what this is going to be about. I wasn't truly honest to you guys when writing the review because I avoided mention the one thing that is most important in a book: the ending. 

I didn't write my thoughts on the ending in the real review because of two reasons: one, I didn't want to spoil it for you guys because the series is a truly incredible read, and two, I wasn't ready. Now that I have processed what happened, after a literal week of not being able to read or think about anything else, I am ready to talk. 

The closest I got to the end, the more I filled with dread. I knew it was coming but I wasn't ready. I was filled with so much hope that Roma and Juliette would defy their fate, a face which was written in the stars (or literally written by Shakespeare). I tried so hard to convince myself that the ending wasn't going to be the same as the real Romeo and Juliet because it was a retelling and and this author wasn't going to want to write the same story. However, after talking to my sister about the book, she told me to snap back into reality and face the facts: Our Violent Ends was going to end exactly the same way as the play written by Shakespeare, which it was undeniably based on. 

As I read the last few pages, it felt like those last two chapters were longer than the whole two books put together. I was gripping the book so tightly, that I had it imprinted on my hands when I finally let it go. I was staring at the words so hard, that my eyes hurt when I finished reading. It was not the ending that I wanted. I wanted Roma and Juliette to be able to have a proper life, a happy life with children, a family and I wanted to have them living in a city where there was no longer a rivalry dividing them. It didn't matter what I wanted, for the ending with out of my hands. I just had to sit there and read, completely powerless, as the two characters were taken from me. 

The worst part was that I didn't get the other character's immediate reaction to what had happened and I simply got an epilogue a year later with only Alisa's view. And all they got was a grave with the wrong names engraved. 

I hated it so much and when I finished I just wanted to scream and throw the book across the room. Roma and Juliette were worth so much more than that and they defied so many things to get to where they were and they had to be defeated at their own hands. I know that they died together and they died happy, knowing that they were able to defeat one last monster before they left, but Juliette Cai and Roma Montagov were supposed to be powerful and undefeatable, especially together, and they shouldn't have died. They should have gotten their happy ending after everything they went through. 

The epilogue was also completely pointless. I know that its purpose was to give the readers closure, but for me everything was wrong. Roma Montagov and Juliette Cai were supposed to be unstoppable and eternal, but they were dead. Something else that felt completely out of place was that Benedikt and Marshall just left the city, after everything Roma and Juliette did to try and save the city. They just abandoned it, leaving behind Benedikt's only remaining relative. I know that they went to pursue their own happy ending, but I felt like they wouldn't actually leave and it just felt completely out of place and not all like them. I know that their plan was to leave, but that was with Roma and Juliette, not without them.

I am so glad that I finally got these feelings off my chest and I think it's finally time for me to set aside the book and move on with my life. At least, until I can get someone to read the book so that they can listen to my endless ranting about it. 

If you have read the book and you feel the same way, then please leave a comment so at least I know that someone out there agrees with me. And if you have a different opinion then I'm also glad to have someone to argue with because I have kept this bottled up for far too long.

Keep reading and stay strong for there are a lot more unhappy endings to look forward to.

OUR VIOLENT ENDS by Chloe Gong

“The year is 1927, and Shanghai teeters on the edge of revolution. Juliette has been a girl on the warpath. One wrong move, and her cousin will usurp her place as the Scarlet Gang’s heir. The only way to protect Roma, and herself, is to let the boy she loves believe she murdered his best friend in cold blood. Roma is still reeling from Marshall’s death, and his cousin Benedikt will barely speak to him. Roma blames himself for letting the ruthless Juliette back into his life, and he’s determined to set things right – even if that means killing the girl he hates and loves with equal measure. Then a new monstrous danger emerges in the city. Shanghai is at boiling point: the Nationalists are marching in, whispers of civil war are brewing, and gangster rule faces complete annihilation. Roma and Juliette must put aside their differences to combat monsters and politics, but they aren’t prepared for the biggest threat of all: protecting their hearts from each other.”

What is the book about?

It is now 1927 and Shanghai is not only being torn apart by a blood feud between two rival gangs, but also so by an inevitable revolution. Juliette has always been a girl going down one straight path – a warpath, obliterating anything and everything that gets in her way, determined to do everything she possibly could to continue to be in her father's good gracious. This is because if she makes one wrong move her cousin will take her place as a Scarlet Gang’s games heir and she will die before she lets that happen. So now, the only way to continue down that path is to let the boy she loves believe that she murdered by one of his best friends and that she never loved him. Roma is still fuming from watching Juliette kill Marshall, but he has no one to blame but himself. It doesn't help that his cousin Benedikt is barely speaking to him and also blames him for what happened. Roma is determined to set things right, even if that means killing the girl he loves and hates equally, but that is easier said than done because, even now, he still cannot pick up a gun and shoot her. On top of all this romance and personal drama, there are five new monsters and their puppeteer is not going to stop terrorising Roma and Juliette's people. And if that was enough, Shanghai is on the brink of a revolution: the Nationalists are marching in, aiming to take over and the Communists are leading the workers to do the same. Once again, Roma and Juliette must join forces destroy their common enemy. But monsters and politics are not all that they face; they must also protect themselves from their hearts and they're undeniable feelings for each other, which no matter what they do to each other they can't seem to shake away.

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

After finishing the first book in the duology (These Violent Delights), I was left on a cliff-hanger and so I immediately wanted to grab the next book and pick up where I left off. I really wanted to find out what was going to happen next and I had no doubt that Our Violent Ends was going to be as beautifully well written as the previous book. I read the blurb and was even more intrigued and was ready to dive right in; except for the one thought that kept circling through my mind; that Our Violent Ends would end exactly like the real story of Romeo and Juliet. I was terrified to start reading, but I just couldn't leave it alone and had to pick up the book and begin. It started off really quickly, which was much better than These Violent Delights, which had been quite slow, and so soon was racing through the book reaching the dreaded ending not wanting to turn the next page, but also not being able to resist.

Who was your favourite character and why? 

My favourite character has probably got to be once again Kathleen, or Celia, however you want to call her. There was a change in her in this book, which didn't surprise me at all because I knew from the very beginning of the very first book that there was something about her that wasn't quite right and that if she ever decided to leave the comforts of the Scarlet Gang, she would probably end up doing something incredible. She was so brave and smart and she wasn't afraid to stand up for the people in her city. Even though Juliette was also brave and smart and wasn't going to stand down from her cause, even if the whole world was against it, she was also stubborn and prone to running straight into danger without thinking about her safety. However, Celia was different – she would be calm and calculate a good plan before running into danger, because she was kind-hearted and didn't want to harm anyone unless it was truly necessary, including the enemy. She was probably too kind-hearted for the world she was born into, probably even for our world because we all know that the world we live in is a place where, unless you are prepared to do absolutely anything for your cause, to be ruthless, mean and dishonourable, then there is no place for you up top. However, Celia did not let that get to her and she was determined to do everything she could to make her city safe and happy again because she did not want to see anyone in pain. She was a true inspiration and it's quite disappointing that I'm never going to be able to read another story about her, unless I re-read the duology. 

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

This was also an easy decision to make and I think that my favourite part of Our Violent Ends was when Roma and Juliette were at the safe house and finally had a conversation that they should have had ages before. I really enjoyed this part because it kind of made me feel like hope was not lost, and it raised my spirits a lot, because it showed me that even after everything that they had been through, Roma and Juliette never lost sight of their feelings for each other and what was most important – keeping each other, and those they loved, safe. I know it didn't change anything and the situation was still as complicated as ever, but it showed me that, even though there's little hope of them ever being able to be together without someone or something trying to kill them, they still had to try and not give up even the tiniest hope they had for a better future. The parts that followed this were a mix of happy scenes that give me hope and scenes where I just wanted to throw the book out the window and not pick it up again in the hopes that things wouldn’t get any worse than they already were. But every time things got bad, I just thought this one part and the part that I really enjoyed in These Violent Delights and they made me realise that even if things ended as I dreaded, at least, deep down, they both knew that they cared for each other and nothing was going to change that.

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, Our Violent Ends was an incredibly written novel, and I found that I really enjoyed reading it. One thing that I absolutely loved was the enemies to lovers romance and, to be honest, any book that includes this will probably (if it's well written) become one of my favourites. It is just so entertaining and intriguing to watch how two people can go from feeling absolute hatred for each other and then they can have such a passionate love that you don't even think that something like that could be possible. I know that technically it's all just a story, so it's not possible, but try telling a reader that a story she reads isn't possible and isn't true because to me every single book that I have read lives within me and is so real that no one could possibly make me believe that the book I read was just words on paper and not real. Another thing that I really loved was the character development of Kathleen (AKA Celia). Kathleen was my favourite character in the first book, but there was something about her that just made me think that she was going to play an important role in the next book, and I was right. I loved seeing how she finally accepted that the role that she had been playing as Kathleen was not the real her and, when she took the step into becoming her true self, then she truly became my absolute favourite character. This character development was incredibly well-written and, now that I think about it, the transition was just so well written that I barely realised she had changed until she changed her name and fit it so nicely. It wasn't directly written, but it was clearly implied, and at one point in the story she's just switched and I loved it. Our Violent Ends was a great book and, although it is sad to see the characters go, I just can't wait to see if Chloe Gong writes anything else and I will definitely be ready to pre-order it.  

Which is your favourite book in the These Violent Delights series? (1 or 2)

Even after strong consideration of both books and writing a pros and cons list for each of them, I still cannot decide whether or not I like These Violent Delights or Our Violent Ends more. One thing that made Our Violent Ends stand out to me more was how it started much quicker and there wasn't even a single moment where I felt bored or like I wasn't going to enjoy it; I was hooked from the very first word that I read. In contrast, These Violent Delights was very slow to start and, at one point, I felt like there is no point in reading the book because I was going to find it boring and clearly wasn't going to enjoy it, though now I am glad I gave it a chance. One thing, however, that made me think These Violent Delights was the better book was the fact that the plot felt a lot better. There wasn't anything specifically wrong with the plot of Our Violent Ends but one thing that just made me feel like something was just not exactly how it should be was that it almost felt like the author has just come up with a bunch of different new ideas and shove them into a second book just to make the second book longer and better, whereas I actually now feel at the first book was better. There wasn't much sequel syndrome, which was really good and I do think that the author did write an incredibly amazing sequel; however so much happened in the second book that it almost overshadowed the most important parts, which to me were Roma and Juliette’s romance. One last thing that I feel both books did incredibly well was enhance the enemies to lovers romance. Absolutely loved how they didn't just go enemies to lovers in the first book they went enemies to lovers to enemies to lovers to enemies to lovers to enemies to lovers (you get the idea) throughout both books and that bouncing back and forth made the whole series so much more interesting and every time Roma and Juliette were together it was truly incredible. I don’t know which of the two books I liked the best, but, either way, this series has been an absolute delight to read and I am just sad that I still feel like I need more.

Would you recommend this book?  

I would definitely recommend reading this book, but I suggest reading the first book in the duology first. It is a great read for anyone over 15 who loves some romance, adventure, action and some murder.

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

A tragic and terrifyingly thrilling romance based on Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. 

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

THESE VIOLENT DELIGHTS by Chloe Gong

“The year is 1926, and Shanghai hums to the tune of debauchery. A blood feud between two gangs runs the streets red, leaving the city in chaos. Juliette Cai is the proud heir of the Scarlet Gang – a network of criminals far above the law. Roma Montagov is the prodigal son of his greatest rivals, the White Flowers, who have fought the Scarlets for generations. He is also Juliette’s first love…and first betrayal. When a deadly madness strikes gangsters on both sides, the people start to whisper. Of a contagion, and a monster in the shadows. And as the deaths stack up, Juliette and Roma must set their guns – and their grudges – aside and work together. For if they can’t stop this mayhem, there will be no city left to rule.”

What is the book about?

It is 1926 and Shanghai is divided. Blood runs through its streets from the blood feud between the two gangs that each rule half of the city – the Scarlets and the White Flowers. Juliette Cai is the heir of the Scarlets and she has just come back from America and is ready to reclaim her role as one of the most important people in Shanghai. Roma Montagov is the assumed heir of the rival gang, the White Flowers, but he has yet to prove to his father that he is worthy of the title. Juliette and Roma, though from enemy gangs, were lovers once, but since Roma’s betrayal, neither has seen the other in four years and they were hoping to never have to face each other again. However, when a deadly madness strikes and no one knows who or what is causing it, Roma and Juliette must learn to set aside their differences and grudges and work together as they used to be able to do. Both White Flowers and Scarlet alike are dying from this madness – as well as many innocent citizens – and, if they don't work together, the death toll will continue to rise and the city will be lost…forever.

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

Ever since it was released, this book remained on my wish list and I was constantly talking to my friends that how much I wanted to read it. I'm an absolute sucker for all retellings of old fairy tales, old plays and pretty much anything else and I absolutely love some enemies to lovers romance. So when I unwrapped my unsurprisingly rectangular-shaped gift from my reader friend, I was overjoyed to see the cover of These Violent Delights. As soon as I got it, I started to look to see if there was any sequels and when I found out I could pre-order the sequel and get it in November, I immediately ordered it with a gift voucher I had been given, not even waiting to see if I was going to enjoy These Violent Delights. Impatiently, I waited until the sequel arrived because I didn't want to be left on a cliff-hanger, which I knew was what would happen. As soon as I picked up the book (once the sequel had arrived), I was overjoyed at the fact that I would finally be able to read a book that I had wanted to since the very beginning. However, when I open the first page, my high hopes for the book started to vanish. From the very beginning I began doubted that I was going to like the book as much as I thought because I found that it was a little tiny bit too slow for my taste. However, as soon as I really got into the book, I was speeding through it and I found that I could not put it down and I was constantly on the edge of my seat. I'm sure a lot of you will find the book is also a bit slow to start with, but I promise you it will be worth it if you just give it a chance.

Who was your favourite character and why? 

Before I had even started to read, I thought that this decision was going to be an easy one. I thought I'd just pick the strong female protagonist in the book, which in this case was going to be Juliette. However, her strong-headedness, impatience and stubbornness (all qualities that I know we share), was enough to make me think twice about my decision. After strong consideration, I believe that my favourite character is probably Kathleen. Although to a lot of people she probably seemed like an extremely minor character, to me she played an important role. She had all the qualities that I liked about Juliette: she was brave, smart, resourceful and she knew when to pick up a gun and wasn’t afraid to shoot it. However, she also had the opposite qualities to the ones that I dislike to actually app: she was patient, kind and she knew you that she had the think before acting. I think the best thing about her was that, although she wouldn't hesitate to act, she would certainly think on her actions and she wouldn't do anything that wasn't thought through and she knew was going to do something good. A lot of people mistook her as a pacifist but in reality she was just practical and she knew that, although violence is needed, it isn’t always the first answer.

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

This wasn’t a difficult decision at all, however I don't want to ruin the book for anyone who hasn't read it so I'm going to try to be extremely discreet, but I know that all of those of you who have read it will know what I'm talking about. My favourite part of the book was when certain couple of people were at a certain bar in a certain room where they finally succumbed to some feelings. I really liked the part because of how I reacted to it. It had been a while since I read an enemies to lovers romance and I missed all the feelings of hatred and all the squeals when something really good happened and I was really glad to finally be able to feel these again in this book. This book was certainly a rollercoaster adventure, but this part made me feel like all the highs and the lows were worth it. They were moments when I couldn't stand reading the book and there were moments where I thought it was the most amazing, incredible read ever, but this part felt like the rollercoaster had finally slowed and I was just enjoying the view; it was the most amazing thing in the entire world. I know that this romance is not possible for me, but at least I have my books and they are the closest thing I'm ever going to get.

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, These Violent Delights was one of the most amazing books I have read in a really long time. One thing that I absolutely loved was how I was always on the edge of my seat just waiting for the next twist. Every time I felt like I was getting closer to figuring out the truth about the madness, another clue was thrown at me and I was just as lost as all the characters. Another thing that I really loved was how I felt like the author was just stringing me along, giving me tiny little bits of information about Juliette and Roma's past, but not enough to make me actually understand what had happened those years ago. However, it didn't stop me from getting so connected to them and becoming extremely over excited at even the slightest look between them, just praying that they would get together again and I would finally get some much needed romance in an extremely violent book. One last thing that I really liked about the book was the tiny and subtle flashbacks to Juliette and Roma's past. A flashback is one of the things that I will always love in a book and, even if it is one of the worst I've ever read, this automatically makes me increase it by one star. So, when I was reading a flashback in this book, which was already on at least four stars, it made me feel like I was actually reading perfection, even though in reality the book was far from perfect. Although at the beginning I had doubted my love for the book, I realise that I shouldn't have been so quick to judge because, even though it had a slow and slightly bumpy start, in the end These Violent Delights has a quick favourite and I cannot wait to begin reading the sequel!

Would you recommend this book?  

I would 100000% recommend These Violent Delights for it is one of the most confusing and yet unbelievably amazing books I have read this year. It is perfect for anyone over the age of 15, who absolutely loves adventure, romance, action and doesn't mind for things to get a little bit bloody.

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

A violent and astonishing retelling of one of Shakespeare's most romantic plays.

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

THE SONG OF ACHILLES by Madeline Miller

“Greece in the age of heroes. Awkward young prince Patroclus has been exiled to the court of King Peleus. Despite their differences, Peleus’s golden boy Achilles befriends the shamed prince. As they grow into young men, their bond blossoms into something deeper – despite the displeasure of Achilles’ mother, the sea goddess Thetis. But when word comes that Helen of Sparta has been kidnapped, Achilles must go to war in distant Troy and fulfil his destiny. Torn between love and fear for his friend, Patroclus goes with him.”

What is the book about?

Patroclus has always been a disappointment for his father, not like a man should be: he was awkward and weak. At age 10, after an unfortunate event, Patroclus is exiled from his kingdom and forced to leave the only home he had ever known. When he arrives in Phthia, it isn't too difficult for him to settle in, as he is just as much of a shadow as in his own kingdom, except now he doesn't have his princely title – he is a nobody. The King of Phthia's son, Achilles, is everything Patroclus's dad wanted him to be – strong, brave, handsome, a great warrior – and their paths should never have crossed. But, one day, Achilles decides to take the exiled prince under his wing and soon their friendship is no longer a lie. As they grow into young men, their friendship blossoms into something more, despite the constant reminder from Achilles's mother, the goddess Thetis, that Patroclus is worth 100 times more than Achilles. When Achilles is forced to go fight to bring back Helen of Sparta from Troy, where she was taken after being kidnapped, Patroclus willingly goes with him. The many years of battle test everything they have learnt and all they love. However, the Fates are not in their favour and they can never know when it will be the last time they see each other...

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

This is a book that I have wanted to read for a while now, but never got around to actually even buying it or asking to borrow it from anyone. It was just one of those books that I admired from afar and had a wish to read but I didn't think I would actually read it. It had been recommended so many times that I knew I was going to love it, but after a while I stopped thinking about it. Then, when I spotted it on the shelf of the college library, all the thoughts I had initially had my first learnt about this book came flooding back and I knew that I need to read it. After reading the blurb of the book, I thought that I was going to most likely enjoy the book, however there are certain books that I can never really know and I was quite unsure about this one because, although it's had a tonne of Incredible reviews, it wasn't the sort of book I usually read. However, I was quite optimistic and determined to enjoy it. Once I began to read, I had some doubts because it was a little bit slow starting, however soon those doubts disappeared and I realise that it was going to be another incredible read. The whole time I was reading, I was thinking about how badly I wanted to reach the end and find out what would happen, but I also knew it was going to be a tragic ending and I wasn't prepared for a very sad finish.

Who was your favourite character and why? 

Strangely enough, there is no doubt in my mind that my favourite character was definitely Patroclus. Although to everyone else it just seems like he was in Achilles' shadow, he was incredible, brave and beautiful in his own way and, even though he didn't know how to fight very well and wasn't the traditional man that most people wanted him to be, he was still the most incredible character. At the beginning of the book I wasn't sure which of the two boys (Achilles and Patroclus) I liked better, however, once I got near the end of the novel, I knew that I would never have actually liked Achilles if it weren't for Patroclus, so it was a no-brainer when deciding who I liked better (especially after a certain attitude near the end of the book). He was so kind and sweet and thought about others rather than himself. When you found out that Achilles was going to have to go to the war, he didn't think about how he didn't know how to fight and he wouldn't be able to defend himself, all he thought about was that he wanted to be with Achilles and accompany him. He was such a special person and in a way he was like the good angel sitting on Achilles' shoulder, ready to tell him to make a different choice when he was going to make the wrong one. Without Patroclus, Achilles' path would have been very different and he would have led a more violent, bloody life. Without his dear companion, Achilles wouldn't be the hero that we know about today, Patroclus brought out the best in Achilles in every way and he was the saviour he didn't know he needed. Patroclus taught him kindness, compassion and love, and their relationship was definitely the best think to ever happen to either of them. Many people saw and still see these qualities as vulnerability and weakness, however, I believe that they show strength because you have the ability to show your emotions and confide in people. 

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

After thinking it through very thoroughly, I have got to say that my favourite part has got to be the moment when both Achilles and Patroclus realise that their friendship has grown into something more and that they are no longer just companions, but so much more. I loved how, although it was never directly said, they loved each other so passionately. They didn’t even need to say the words to each other; they just knew through their actions, emotions and so much more. They lived and breathed their love and they were so much more than lovers, they were soulmates and the ending completely tore me apart. The ending was definitely the part that made me realise that I was so grateful to have read the novel, and, although this seems weird, I think it was also my favourite part, but it links so much to the build-up of their relationship and without the feelings between each other, it wouldn’t have been such a strong and influential conclusion. 

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, I really loved the song of Achilles and there was nothing that I would change full stop one thing that I really loved about the book was how the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus was portrayed. The author never directly had them proclaim their love for each other; however it was shown to us through everything that the couple did. Every touch, every word, every glance was written in a way to show how much the two characters cared about each other. I especially loved how, with everyone else Achilles felt like he had to be the perfect unstoppable Hero that they all wanted him to be, but with Patroclus he was able to be his true self and he showed such kindness and affection for him that it made him such a more amazing person. Patroclus also found his home with Achilles because everywhere else he had felt like an outsider, exiled from his own home; finally he was accepted somewhere and cared for, like a real human being, and not a disappointment. Another thing that I loved about the book was the incredibly sad and tragic ending. Even though I wished that the characters would live happily ever after, I knew that descending was coming. The thing that made it much more emotional was the conversation that the two main characters had had together and how confident Achilles was when he said, “I'm going to be the first.” By the first, he was referring to the first Greek hero to be famous and happy. He then said that the reason for this was Patroclus. The fact that they swore it to each other and that they both believed that it could happen was what made the tragedy at the end more emotionally impactful. I knew there was no chance of this other happening, but I hoped with all my heart that there would be a chance of happiness for the two. One last thing that I definitely need to say about the book, which is also about the ending, is the final character that was introduced and how that showed that Achilles was definitely the person he was for only one reason: his love the Patroclus. There is a character introduced in literally the last chapter, and this character is basically the version Achilles would be if he had never even met his companion. Patroclus was the only one who stopped Achilles from becoming a ruthless, violent killer. I think this was most incredible thing for the author to do to really highlight the importance of the relationship and that there had been a purpose for there are romance and that, although Patroclus was not remembered by anyone and it was in fact Achilles who had all the fame, he was the only reason for Achilles being remembered so well. I wish I could say so much more and I am in real need of someone to talk to about this book, but I don't want to spoil it for anyone because it really is an incredible book and I believe that everyone should read it. You have not experienced books or life properly until you have read this book.

Would you recommend this book?  

I undoubtedly recommend that you immediately read this book. I particularly suggest it for over 13 year olds and I suggest you prepare yourself for a lot of tears. It is perfect for people who love romance, adventure and don't mind a tragedy, but I know anyone who reads it will love it. 

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

A beautifully written Greek tragedy with an incredible romance and adventure.

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

FAMILY OF LIARS by E.Lockhart

“Lying runs in the family. A windswept private island off the coast of Massachusetts. A hungry ocean, churning with secrets and sorrow. A fiery, addicted heiress. An irresistible, unpredictable boy. A summer of unforgivable betrayal and terrible mistakes. Twenty-seven years before the events of We Were Liars comes another summer, another generation, and the secrets that will haunt them for decades – a story that is scandalous, tragic, and layered with mystery. Welcome back to the Sinclair family. They were always liars.”

WARNING: DO NOT READ THIS REVIEW IF YOU HAVE NOT READ WE WERE LIARS - IT CONTAINS SPOILERS. (Please read We Were Liars, I promise it will be a read you will never forget!)

What is the book about?

The Sinclair family is perfect: beautiful, intelligent, wealthy and athletic. They have everything and more. But everyone is flawed. Everyone has secrets. And everyone cracks every once in a while. On a stunning private island off the coast of Massachusetts, the Sinclair family spend each and every summer. Surrounded by an ocean churning full of secrets, the Sinclair sisters prepare themselves for a summer that they will never forget. An addicted heiress and an unpredictable boy – a summer full of betrayal and mistakes, romance and sorrow. Twenty-seven years before the events of We Were Liars, the young Sinclair girls head into what may be the most scandalous, tragic, shocking and mysterious summer they may ever see. The worst thing they had ever done before that will seem like pure honesty when school begins again. The Sinclair family is not perfect; they were always liars.

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

After reading We Were Liars, I felt completely lost and for a little while I didn't want to read anything at all because I felt like no book would ever be as incredible. As soon as I found out from my friend that there was a prequel to the most amazing and shocking standalone I have read so far, I knew I had to have it and I immediately sent my mum the link so she could order it. I had to wait a little while before I could read it, but, as soon as I got back from my summer holidays in Spain, I started reading Family of Liars and I didn't put it down until I finished it. I had only just read the first sentence and I was already in tears and wanting to read the end but also never have to see the book finish. I went in with extremely high expectations and came out feeling completely satisfied with what I had read. Once I finished (I read it in only a day), I felt like I had to tell everyone of what I read and share it, but also like it was too precious to let anyone else read it. It was an amazing read from the very first word. 

Who was your favourite character and why? 

This was definitely one of the hardest choices I have ever had to make. All the characters were good and bad in different ways and I liked something about all of them. If I really have to pick one character to be my favourite I think it would most likely Carrie for no reason other than the fact that she seemed to be the only one who felt something. She was the one to tell the story to her son Johnny, not to make things better for herself, but so that he could finally rest. She wanted to help him and she decided to try to be truthful and admit to the worst thing she had ever done. She tried as hard as she could to be truthful, while the rest of her family continued to be liars and never ever be honest in life. She was not perfect and had many problems and made a lot of bad choices, but she admitted to it and tried her best to help others. She was in some ways the glue in the family; she kept her sisters together and helped them whenever they needed her. She might have been a little annoying at times and thought that she was different to the rest of her family, when, really, she was exactly the same, but she tried as hard as she could to help all her little sisters and make sure that they all felt happy and comfortable. 

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

Choosing a favourite part in this book was also an incredibly difficult decision. I enjoyed the whole book and there weren’t many parts that truly stood out to me. However, if I really had to pick a favourite part of Family of Liars, I would most likely pick a very sweet and sad part of the book. I can’t really explain much about this part, because if I did I would most likely ruin the whole book for many of you, but the main reason why I liked this part was because Carrie finally did the right thing and helped one of the other characters be set free from what was keeping them on the island. Really she had been keeping them there the whole time and had actually been ruining their ‘life’ in more ways than one, but when Carrie finally looked past her own issues and problems, she was able to do one of the only selfless things she had probably done in all her life. She did the right thing, although it was most likely one of the hardest and saddest moments of her life. 

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, I absolutely adored this prequel and it was exactly what I was expecting. I had been worried that it wouldn’t live up to my expectations, however, E.Lockhart is an amazing author and I don’t know how I could have ever doubted her even for a second. One of the things that I loved the most about this book was how it made me feel. Like I have said many times before, a book hasn’t done its job unless it made you feel something. It has to make you sad, angry, happy or excited for the characters (boredom doesn’t count!) and it needs to make you feel like you lost something when you closed the book for the last time and like it will always be a part of you and its characters will always be inside you. We Were Liars and its prequel are 2 novels that I will never be able to forget. Family of Liars made me cry after reading only the first sentence. This may just be because I am relatively sensitive and emotional, but I think that it was mostly because of the incredible writing and how I really connected to all of the characters. Another thing that I really enjoyed about the book was how it made me so happy to be able to look back and see what made the Sinclair sisters the way they were in We Were Liars. When I found out about the book I knew I needed to read it because I was so desperate to find out more about the beautiful and privileged Sinclair family. We Were Liars had been so incredible and had made such a powerful impression on me that I knew I, not just wanted, but needed to read Family of Liars, and I am so glad that I did. One last thing that I really enjoyed was the ending. It was just like in We Were Liars, perfectly conclusive, and it just gave me that much more closure. I really enjoyed it and the whole novel; I just wish things didn’t have to end. I really hope that I am able to read more of E.Lockhart’s novels and that she keeps on writing these incredible mystery and drama books.

Which was your favourite book – We Were Liars, or its prequel?

Although I thoroughly enjoyed Family of Liars, nothing can ever top the emotional rollercoaster I went on when I read We Were Liars. Even though it is a book that is impossible to read a second time because of the heartbreak I went through when reading it, it is a novel that I will never forget and I will always hold close to my heart. I absolutely adored everything about We Were Liars and literally devoured it in one sitting. Family of Liars was also perfect in every way, but the only thing it was missing was the most shocking plot twist I have ever read. Both books probably made me cry the same amount – actually that’s a lie, We Were Liars definitely made me cry more with its incredibly emotional plot twist that left me stunned for a full 15 minutes. Both books were truly incredible, but We Were Liars is definitely the clear winner and it’s a book that I will always remember and forever recommend. 

Would you recommend this book?  

I would 100% recommend this book to absolutely anyone, but obviously read We Were Liars first. If you are someone who loves to read mysteries, thrillers, adventures and dramas, then this is definitely the book for you. And if you are someone who thinks reading is a waste of time then We Were Liars and Family of Liars are absolutely the books to change your mind. I particularly recommend this book for readers over 14, but it is an incredible read that I am sure everyone will love.

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

A moving and mysterious prequel to one of the most shocking and incredibly written standalone novels I have ever read.

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

ALL THE BRIGHT PLACES by Jennifer Niven

“Theodore Finch wants to take his own life. Violet Markey is devastated by her sister’s death. They meet on the ledge of the school bell tower, and so their story begins. It’s only together they can be themselves… But as Violet’s world grows, Finch’s begins to shrink. How far will Violet go to save the boy she has come to love?”

What is the book about?

Theodore Finch wants to take his own life. He spends most of his life worried about the Asleep and the other part experiencing it. Violet Markey has a normal, perfect life until her sister’s death changed everything and made her revisit her thoughts on life. They meet on the ledge of the school bell tower both considering the same thing and wondering what would happen if they jumped. Together, they manage to get down and carry on with their lives, but now they are connected and their story begins. They both feel that life is not what it should be, that they should be able to be happy and feel free all the time, but it’s only when they are together that they can be their true selves. Violet spent the time after her sister’s death being cautions and fading into the background almost as if her life had stopped, but Finch is the opposite and he thrives in making himself seen and showing the world that he is a part of it. Violet has never met anyone like Finch and she begins to see that just because she is alive and her sister isn’t doesn’t mean that she isn’t allowed to live. But as Finch helps Violet’s world grow, his own begins to shrink. He starts to change and it’s almost like he isn’t present at times. Violet must make a choice and she must find a way to save him, but how far will she go and how much is she willing to do for the boy she has come to love? Violet has already lost one person she loved and she doesn’t want to make it two. 

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

Most books that I liked to read where mystery and adventure, fictional books that bring magic to life. But when I started this blog I wanted to try out as many new genres as I could and I also wanted to read books with more important meanings. All the Bright Places was one of the books that had caught my eye when I was looking for young adult fiction books. I had really enjoyed reading The Fault in Our Stars and All the Bright Places was suggested for readers who liked it, so I thought I would try it out. I have always found that most the books I liked were too unrealistic and made me have rather high and strange expectations for real life, but All the Bright Places was a story that, even though it was fictional, still gave a realistic view on life and how not all stories end happily. The blurb made me even more intrigued and I was very interested in learning how someone who wants to die teaches someone else how to live. The book started really well and I was already hooked from the very first sentence: “Is today a good day to die?” I found that every page was more interesting than the last and I was ready for anything. I quickly found myself at the end of the book, and now I partly wish that it had never finished. 

Who was your favourite character and why? 

My favourite character was definitely Theodore Finch. Violet was also a great character, but Finch was the one who made her life better and, even though she also did this for him, he was able to show her that she didn’t have to stop living just because her sister died. Finch was a rather odd character and he acted kind of crazy at times. One of the best things about him was that he saw the good things in life a lot better than others and was able to see the beauty in the world clearer than Violet did. When Violet visited somewhere that wasn’t relatively nice she told herself to look at it through Finch’s eyes and then everything became beautiful and magical. Although he had suicidal thoughts and always researched and considered different ways to die, he was still a really good and even inspiration character because of how he lived life to the full, as if every day was his last day. The strange thing about him wanting to die was that, despite how horrible his day, he always found something good to use as a reason to stay alive, no matter how small it was. There is one thing that makes me rethink my choice of Finch as my favourite characters, but there was so much good in him, that it is easy to ignore. Finch had his own problems and he struggled to stay present in the world, but he was still able to show Violet that she shouldn’t give up on life just because she is alive and her sister is not. It seems weird that a boy who wants to die is able to show someone how to live, but Finch had a really deep understanding on living and how you have to let go of your fears to be able to enjoy your time on Earth. He gave Violet an experience that she will never forget and he changed lots of people by just being himself. He was present for those he loved even when they barely payed any attention to him and didn’t acknowledge that he had a problem. Finch gave me, as a reader, a realistic view on what it’s like to be a teenager that is bullied, has problems of their own and sometimes thinks that life would be better if they had never existed. He might have been real, but he made some wrong choices and even though it is normal to make mistakes, it is important to see that sometimes a different path is better. 

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

There were a lot of good parts in All the Bright Places and a few bad, but there was one part that I remember really well and really enjoyed. This is the part when Violet and Finch were on top of Purina Tower and Finch mentions the Jovian – Plutonian effect. At first I was a bit confused at what he was saying and why he was discussing something so strange, but once he explained himself I knew that it was one of the sweetest, nicest things ever. It was like Finch declaring he loved Violet without saying those 3 special but simple words. Although he had already said “I love you”, hearing how he put his thoughts into words and managed to describe what Violet made him feel like so perfectly was one of the most beautiful and romantic things ever. It seems impossible to be able to explain just how much you love someone, but he made the most accurate description ever with just one simple thing. It might have been weird, but it showed Violet the true Finch and how he felt about her. They knew they were in love, but this gave them something special just for them that would explain their feelings without saying the words that so many people use to express themselves. The scene was perfect and, in a book that is meant to be realistic, this showed me that there are times when life is good and when it feels like you are living in a fairy tale, but you have to suffer to get the good or you will never appreciate those moments and you will miss them when they come. 

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, All the Bright Places was a really incredible book and there was a lot that I loved about it. The number one thing that made me love the book was how realistic it was. The characters were real, the story was real, but it was all fictional. When a fictional book is real, it’s one of the most wonderful things ever. I really liked how some of the things that Finch and Violet said and thought were really relatable and put some of the things that go though most teenagers minds into words. I really enjoyed how it showed both sides of death: what it’s like to want to die, and what it’s like to have someone you love die. All the Bright Places was just such a meaningful and realistic book that showed me that even in fictional stories you have to feel pain to get to the happy parts, and even after that life has a way of making things worse even after you have hit rock bottom. Another thing that I enjoyed about the book was the amazing writing. There were so many beautiful quotes that put things that are hard to express into words. Every page there was something wonderful to read, even in the sad parts, and every word made me love the book even more. I have read lots of books with really amazing quotes, and this All the Bright Places is one that I will never forget. One other thing that surprised me about the book was how, even though it was supposedly a very sad book, it made me laugh. So many parts of the book had funny moments and strange thoughts that made me smile. There might have been a lot of sadness but the funny and sweet parts made up for it and showed that sometimes you have to laugh through the pain and see the good things in life rather than just the bad. 

Would you recommend this book?  

I really enjoyed reading All the Bright Places and I recommend you read it. I think it is best for readers 14 and over, but if you think you are ready to see the truth about life and how it isn’t all good then I definitely suggest you read it. 

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

A story full of love, laughs and tears that will give you a new definition of life and change your world. 

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

HEARTLESS by Marissa Meyer

“Long before Alice fell down the rabbit hole… And before the roses were painted red… The Queen of Hearts was just a girl, in love for the first time.”

What is the book about?

Before Alice fell down the rabbit hole and Hearts was ruled by a bloodthirsty monarch, the Queen of Hearts was just a girl falling in love and wishing for a new fate. Catherine Pinkerton is the daughter of the Marquess and Marchioness of Rock Turtle Cove and her life is not her own. The King has taken a fancy to her and now she is destined to become his wife and the next Queen of Hearts. Her parents are sure she wants it and are proud to see their daughter become a royal, but Catherine is not as pleased as her fake smile might suggest. Glittering crowns, beautiful dresses, and shining jewels are not her dream; the only thing she wishes for in life is to run her own bakery with her maid, her best friend, by her side. But she is the daughter of a Marquess, she is a lady, and there is no way her impossible dream can become possible. At the King’s black and white ball, one shocking event after another places Catherine in the presence of a man completely out her reach, but Catherine seems to only have impossible dreams and nothing she wants in life seems to be coming true. Catherine begins to fall in love and for once she starts to think that maybe there is a small chance of the future she has always dreamed of. Her love’s specialty is impossible and there may be a way for Catherine to be happy. But not all fairy tales have happy endings and it seems Catherine’s dreams are too far out of reach…

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

I didn’t know about Heartless until one of my friends said she found it interesting and wanted it when I asked her what she would like me to get her for her birthday. Of course, as soon as I looked on Amazon to buy it, I was completely mesmerised and was intrigued. I had always liked twisted fairy tale books because it gave a new view, usually from the villain’s side, and gave you interesting information on why the person was seen as evil. I’ve always loved being able to see into a villains past because I have never believed that a person just starts off evil, as said by Regina Mills in Once Upon A Time: ‘Evil isn’t born, it’s made.’ Once my friend had finished reading Heartless, I begged to borrow it and finally she brought it in to school for me to take home. I always loved Alice in Wonderland and adored the little animals and fascinating plants as a child; I always liked it and was interested in seeing what Heartless would bring. The blurb was short and to the point, so I didn’t get much insight on what would happen in the book, but I knew there would be a tragic ending for whoever it was that the Queen of Hearts was in love with. Once I began the book, it took me a few chapters to start to get used to the book but soon I was flying through it and wishing I would never find its end. The first few chapters weren’t the most interesting, however once I met the love interest, everything got a lot more fascinating. I knew it was going to be sad yet I still found it very upsetting, but I am glad I read the book as I have discovered another amazing author. 

Who was your favourite character and why? 

There were a lot of unimaginable characters in Heartless and I would consider quite a few of them as my favourite, but there were a couple characters that I liked more than the others. One of my favourite characters was Jest. He was so funny and optimistic and when he came into Catherine’s life he made it seem like he could make her impossible dreams possible, and he almost did. He was such a brave and sweet character and gave Catherine everything he could. Even when Catherine began to doubt that there was any way for her to achieve happiness, he managed to find a way, no matter how difficult it seemed he was there for Catherine and was ready to give up everything, to ignore his orders, and her fell in love just as much as he did. Jest was able to put a smile on Catherine’s face even in the darkest of times and he never stopped fighting for their future together, even when it seemed so far out of reach that they would have been able to achieve it even with all the magic in the world. The other character that I liked was Catherine. The best thing about her was that she was a dreamer. Her whole life had pretty much already been decided, but she was ignorant to this and kept on believing that her little bakery would be possible and that she would be able to escape her fate. She was brave and strong and, even though she was destined to be the Queen of Hearts, she was kind. Catherine reminded me so much of Alice and I couldn’t help but see all the qualities we love in Alice also shining in her. The only bad thing about Catherine was that she let her anger and vengeance get the best of her and turn her into a heartless monster. I now have a lot more sympathy for the Queen of Hearts than I ever had before, but she let the thoughts of revenge, of murder, take over her mind when she should have been thinking of all the happy times she had and of how lucky she was to have experienced love. Not all stories can end happily, but sometimes you have to look past the bad and just wait for another chance to come along. Catherine definitely deserved better, and Jest too, but things could have ended differently if she had chosen to let her pain make her a better person instead of a villain. 

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

There were quite a few happy parts in the book, but also a lot of sad ones. If I were to choose a favourite part it would definitely be one of the happy because it gave, not just me, but the characters hope that there was a chance at a happier future. There were two parts that stood out from all the others. The first one, and most likely the best one, was when Jest and Catherine were together at the treacle well. This was such a happy part, the happiest and definitely the best. The reason for this is because it was when they admit to being in love and when a lot of my questions were answered. In that moment, Catherine and Jest believed that their love was possible and that they could actually have a future that doesn’t mean being forever apart. It gave them hope and, even though it didn’t last very long, it was the most beautiful part of the book because they were both given the chance to express their feelings and show how in love they really were. I can’t even begin to explain how much I loved this part and I am sure it is the most amazing part in the book. Even though I have said that the treacle well was the best part of the book, there was a second part that I also really enjoyed and might be my second favourite part of the book. This is the part when Catherine and Jest are dancing together. I know it seems very simple and normal, but it was anything but that. There was so much complicating their lives in that moment and it was as if everything around them was falling apart. But, although everything was an utter mess, they were together and holding each other in front of an audience without a care in the world. It was a short but sweet moment and I think it was the moment Jest and Catherine both knew that they wanted nothing but each other and would do anything to get to be together forever. Both of these parts were really romantic and sweet, even though the whole book was really good, I am sure that these were the best parts in the story.

What was your overall impression of the book?

Overall, I really enjoyed reading Heartless and I thought that it was a beautifully well written book. One of the things that I liked about it was how the characters spoke. It was sometimes difficult to understand what they were saying because they were speaking like the characters in Alice in Wonderland. However, despite the struggles to understand, I really liked it and I thought that a lot of what was said was really beautiful. This made me see what a great author Marissa Meyer must be if she is able to write such strange but wonderful conversations, and I really want to read other books she has written. Another reason I liked the book was because it was an absolutely unbelievable retelling of one of my favourite fairy tales. I have always enjoyed fairy tales and I still do, even now when I am probably much too old for them. But a few years ago I became extremely interested in twisted fairy tales that showed me things from the villains view and made me sympathise with them. I didn’t think it would be possible to make me feel sorry for the Queen of Hearts, I always liked her as a character because of her power and strength but I wasn’t sure I could ever see her as part of a tragic love story. Heartless was able to make me see that no villain ever starts of evil and that the truth is not always what it seems. One last thing to mention about Heartless, which I thought was another thing that made me love the book but also something that I hated, was the ending. I knew there was going to be something terrible that would happen concerning Catherine and Jest, but I was still shocked at what happened and wish that things could have ended differently. Obviously there was no possible way for them to have a happy ending because this was a story made to show how the Queen of Hearts ended up so evil, but neither of them deserved to lose their happy ending. This made the book connect with me on a much deeper level, and I think it made me love the book even more because it made me see, once again but ever clearer, that not all fairy tales have happy ending and that even villains have their own stories. I really loved reading Heartless and I think that it was a perfect book and I don’t think I am even ‘mostly right’ after reading it. 

Would you recommend this book?  

If you enjoy fairy tales, adventure and a tragic romance then I recommend you read Heartless. I think that it is best for readers 13 or over, but I am sure that if you are looking for a perfect fairy tale retelling then you will love this book. 

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

A magical romantic tragedy about a girl whose destiny is to become queen of a kingdom forbidding her to dream. 

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

THE FAULT IN OUR STARS by John Green

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

What is the book about?

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

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

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

Who was your favourite character and why? 

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

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

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

What was your overall impression of the book?

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

Would you recommend this book?  

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

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

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

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego

WE WERE LIARS by E.Lockhart

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

What is the book about?

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

What were your initial thoughts on the book?

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

Who was your favourite character and why? 

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

What was your favourite part of the book and why?

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

What was your overall impression of the book?

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

Would you recommend this book?  

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

Summarise the book in one sentence. (Verdict)  

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

Reviewed by Jimena Gutierrez Reviriego