Tag Archives: Easy Reading

The One by Kiera Cass

April 25, 2016Book ReviewDystopia, Easy Reading, Kiera Cass, Romance, The One, The Selectionskyebjenner

Title: The One
Author: Kiera Cass
Series: The Selection #3
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dystopia, Easy reading, Romance
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: HarperTeen
Year: 2014
5th sentence, 74th page: “I’d like that.”

When she was chosen to compete in the Selection, America never dreamed she would find herself anywhere close to the crown – or to Prince Maxon’s heart. But as the end of the competition approaches, and the threats outside the palace walls grow more vicious, America realizes just how much she stands to lose – and how hard she’ll have to fight for the future she wants.

Ever get to that point in the series when you just know that it’s the book that you’ve been waiting for – the time when the hero (or heroine) is going to triumph, win their lover or finally make it home? THIS was that book for me. After reading (and falling in love with) The Selection and The Elite, I knew that The One was when all my dreams (and America’s) were going to come true. But, Cass managed to add in some great twists and turns so that you were still held in suspense.

Every single time I was sure that the story was going to end in a nice little bow, Cass threw a spanner in the works – someone was attacked, someone died, someone said something stupid. While I was reading this, it was REALLY frustrating – why couldn’t America and Maxon just end up together, happy ending, icing on the cake? There were even moments that I was like “what are you doing to me?!?!” Why can’t it just happen? But, don’t let that fool you. Every single twist and turn, every dramatic pause and spanner in the works just made the finale of this book so much more gut wrenching, deliriously joyful and tear jerking.

Those moments when Maxon’s inability to just decide, and America’s talent for putting her foot in it that I found inherently frustrating throughout just made that final chapter so breathtakingly beautiful that (I’m not ashamed to say) I wept like a baby. Yes, Maxon frustrated the hell out of me, but that final commitment, that final moment was just so gooey goodness. The very indecision that was so prevalent throughout the book made every good moment more special – which I’m sure was Cass’ goal all along. After all, why write an entire novel that has no conflict before reaching the happy ending? Boring!!!

The epic journey to find love not only had me devouring this book in less than a day – it is also one of the most realistic love stories that I’ve read in a long time. Alright, we don’t all find princes and we’re not living in some far out dystopian reality, but I don’t think that love (or a person’s love story) is ever really simple. Every couple has had battles to get to that moment of peace. And even after that commitment, I’d be surprised to find anyone who isn’t still plagued with moments of doubt and conflict – it’s human nature and life. And it’s what makes those stolen glances and moments all the more precious. At least in my case.

<- The Favorite Review

The Heir Review ->

Image source: Wikia

The Elite by Kiera Cass

April 24, 2016Book ReviewCinderella, Dystopia, Easy Reading, Kiera Cass, Romance, The Elite, The Selectionskyebjenner

Title: The Elite
Author: Kiera Cass
Series: The Selection #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dystopia, Easy reading, Romance
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: HarperTeen
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: I was left gasping for breath after the song, so I took a seat at one of the many tables sprinkled around the room.

America Singer is one of THE ELITE and Prince Maxon only has eyes for her.

If she wins the competition for his heart, she will leave her pre-destined life for a world of luxury. But the outcome is less than certain; the threat of rebel violence just beyond the palace walls is escalating into war and bitter rivals are ready to take her down.

And as America’s feelings for Maxon grow stronger, ex-lover Aspen waits for her in the shadows. Where do her loyalties truly lie?

The next step in The Selection series, The Elite follows the final six girls in the competition. Those that are left were the obvious choices, since they featured more predominately in the first novel. However, their journey is just amazing. Even though you’re sure that America has Maxon’s heart, that Celeste is positively evil and that Aspen is going to continue fighting for her, every single twist still pulls at your heart.

I loved both the characters of Aspen and Maxon from the beginning, and America’s inability to decide between them comes to a head in this novel. It is the classically difficult decision to make between the familiar, comfortable past and the exciting, dangerous present. As you watch Maxon and America’s relationship deepen, you feel her fear and reluctance to let Aspen go. I was curled into a tight ball the entire time I read this, I was so tense about her decision. But, no spoilers here – you need to read the book to find out who she chooses!

As with The Selection, Cass doesn’t just focus on the romantic storyline, the rebellion is alluded to and introduced in the first book, but it is in The Elite that we begin to understand more about its complexities. This subplot starts to really gain traction and adds another layer of excitement and suspense to an already brilliant storyline.

<- The Selection Review

The Guard Review ->

Image source: Goodreads

The Selection by Kiera Cass

April 23, 2016Book ReviewCinderella, Dystopia, Easy Reading, Kiera Cass, Romance, The Selectionskyebjenner

Title: The Selection
Author: Kiera Cass
Series: The Selection #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Dystopia, Easy reading, Romance
Pace: Fast
Format: Novel
Publisher: HarperTeen
Year: 2012
5th sentence, 74th page: “Would you like to say something, dear?”

In a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels THE SELECTION is the chance of a lifetime: to compete for gorgeous Prince Maxon’s heart. But for America Singer it means turning her back on her secret love, and leaving home for a prize she doesn’t want.

Then America meets Maxon and all her plans start to crumble. Can the life she’s always dreamed of compare to a future she never imagined?

I loved The Selection on two entirely different levels. The first was just the beautiful imagery and story of this dystopian Cinderella story. The idea that a strong-willed and tough girl somehow accidentally ends up in a bid for the Prince’s hand and heart is such a Cinderella-rags-to-riches story. Even though you’re sure that she is going to develop feelings for the prince (what kind of romance would it be otherwise?), every step of the journey from The Selection to The Elite is beautiful, intricate and makes you fall in love again and again and again. Not only with the characters, but the setting, the dystopian future and Kiera Cass herself.

The other aspect of this novel that I am entirely obsessed with is the comments that Cass makes on stereotypes of class systems with the use of the eight-tiered Caste system. This reminds us that our thoughts and judgements of others according to their position in life are not always correct. Nor should people be forced to fit a certain mould because they are born into it. I thought that Cass subtly and brilliantly commented on both the current socio-economic climate and our perceptions of it. This book not only reminded me to believe in true love, but also that everyone deserves a change – regardless of their socio-economic status.

I think that America Singer is one of my new favourite heroines. I fell in love with her in the first pages and the more I got to know her, flaws and all, the more I was able to relate to her. I loved the contrasts in her character, she’s so innocent in the pursuit of love (both of Aspen and Maxon), yet so stubborn and strong in her knowledge and experiences of the world and poverty. This characterised contrast was further emphasised in the storyline – the innocence of love between people was offset by the fear of royalty and the unknown that is so heavy and obvious within the text.

<- The Prince Review

The Elite Review ->

mage source: WordPress

Switched by Amanda Hocking

April 22, 2016Book ReviewAmanda Hocking, Changelings, Easy Reading, Fae, Paranormal Fantasy, Switched, Trylleskyebjenner

Title: Switched
Author: Amanda Hocking
Series: Trylle #1
Rating Out of 5: 3.5 (Liked this)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fae, Paranormal fantasy
Pace: Slow
Format: Novel
Publisher: Tor
Year: 2010
5th sentence, 74th page: A wind came up, blowing back her coat a bit, and she reminded me of some kind of action star, like she should be in The Matrix.

Wendy Everly knew she was different the day her mother tried to kill her and accused her of having been switched at birth. Although certain she’s not the monster her mother claims she is – she does feel that she doesn’t quite fit in…

She’s bored and frustrated by her small town life – and then there’s the secret that she can’t tell anyone. Her mysterious ability – she can influence people’s decisions, without knowing how, or why…

When the intense and darkly handsome newcomer Finn suddenly turns up at her bedroom window one night – her world is turned upside down. He holds the Key to her past, the answers to her strange powers, and is the doorway to a place she never imagined could exist: Forening, the home of the Trylle.

Finally everything makes sense. Among the Trylle, Wendy is not just different, but special. But what marks her out as chosen for greatness in this world also places her in grave danger. With everything around her changing, Finn is the only person she can trust. But dark forces are conspiring – not only to separate them, but to see the downfall of everything that Wendy cares about.

The fate of Forening rests in Wendy’s hands, and the decisions she and Finn make could change all their lives forever…

I have to admit that I was a little worried when I started reading this. Goodreads had suggested Amanda Hocking as an author, so I obliged. And the beginning of this book felt a little bit like a teeny-bopper romance along the lines of Twilight. I love a good romance novel, but not the teeny-bopper, angsty, dramatic crap. Most of the time I think that it just makes the lead female look whiny, needy and kind of sad. Luckily for me, this novel quickly turned out not to be one of these sagas.

Don’t get me wrong, there was still a little teenage angst and she kind of made a fool of herself multiple times for a guy. But who hasn’t really? The darkness of her past and her inability to connect with others echoed a state that many of us have felt as teenagers. I also thought that it added a sobering amount of reality. Love stories are rarely easy (in my experience), and it’s the hurt, both in one’s past and present that make it such a beautiful thing.

Switched wasn’t just about romance and teenage love though, it embraced the idea of Changelings and the Fae (a not-so-mild obsession of mine). I loved the incorporation of teenage dilemmas with faery tales that have existed since modern man stood on his hind legs. The new and the old were a great combination that has made me order the second book online… now I just have to wait for it to arrive!

<- More Amanda Hocking reviews

Torn Review ->

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Raelia by Lynette Noni

April 21, 2016Book ReviewAustralian Authors, Easy Reading, Fantasy, Lynette Noni, Raelia, The Medoran Chroniclesskyebjenner

Title: Raelia
Author: Lynette Noni
Series: The Medoran Chronicles #2
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Fantasy
Format: Novel
Publisher: Pantera Press
Year: 2016
5th sentence, 74th page: Suffice it to say, after that display, Professor Marmaduke had given them theory exercises for the rest of the lesson.

“Life is full of crossroads, Alex. Full of choices.”

Returning for a second year at Akarnae Academy with her gifted friends, Alexandra Jennings steps back through a doorway into Medora, the fantasy world that is full of impossibilities.

Despite the magical wonder of Medora, Alex’s life remains threatened by Aven Dalmarta, the banished prince from the Lost City of Meya who is out for her blood.

To protect the Medorans from Aven’s quest to reclaim his birthright, Alex and her friends seek out the Meyarin city and what remains of its ancient race.

Not sure who – or perhaps what – she is anymore, all Alex knows is that if she fails to keep Aven from reaching Meya, the lives of countless Medorans will be in danger. can she protect them, or will all be lost?

I thought that Akarnae was good, but I couldn’t put Raelia down! My poor partner was forced to deal with a book faced girlfriend for the ten or so hours that it took to read this. He was so frustrated that he offered to throw this amazing book in the bin. So needless to say, it is one of my new favourite books. I mean, you know a book is fantastic when someone can’t put it down and completely ignores their entire family for a whole day (alright, I do this often, but still…)

Noni’s extension of the world of Medora continued to pull me deeper and deeper into Alex’s reality. I’m so in love with it that part of me wishes that Medora was an actual place! Sometimes it’s hard to relate to created realities. I love Anne McCaffrey, but I have to keep reading passages to understand the world of Pern. But Medora isn’t like this. It’s so damn similar to what we all experience every day that it’s like stepping into your own skin – easy, comfortable and right.

Raelia took me on a rollercoaster of emotions as I travelled with Alex and her friends – it made me laugh, cry and gasp out loud. It was just lucky that I was reading at home (I might have been a little scary if I had have done this on the bus…) The emotions just kept on building until finally it ended in an incredibly heart stopping conclusion! I love when books do this, but I also hate it when the next book in the series isn’t out yet. So now I will just have to wait until next year before I can read more about the fantastic world of Medora.

<- Akarnae Review

Draekora Review ->

Image source: Lynette Noni

Akarnae by Lynette Noni

April 20, 2016Book ReviewAkarnae, Australian Authors, Easy Reading, Fantasy, Lynette Noni, The Medoran Chroniclesskyebjenner

Title: Akarnae
Author: Lynette Noni
Series: The Medoran Chronicles #1
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Fantasy
Format: Novel
Publisher: Pantera Press
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: Talk about high definition.

With just one step, sixteen-year-old Alexandra Jennings’ world changes – literally.

Dreading her first day at a new school, Alex is stunned when she walks through a doorway and finds herself stranded in Medora, a fantasy world full of impossibilities.

Desperate to return home, she learns that only a man named Professor Marselle can help her… but he’s missing.

While waiting for him to reappear, Alex attends Akarnae Academy, Medora’s boarding school for teenagers with extraordinary gifts. She soon starts to enjoy her bizarre new world and the friends who embrace her as one of their own, but strange things are happening at Akarnae, and Alex can’t ignore her fear that something unexpected… something sinister… is looming.

An unwilling pawn in a deadly game, Alex’s shoulders bear the crushing weight of an entire race’s survival. Only she can save the Medorans, but what if doing so prevents her from ever returning home?

Will Alex risk her entire world – and maybe even her life – to save Medora?

I bought this book last week because it was $10 – and I wanted a new book. I finished it in a day because it was just AMAZING. I’m actually at a loss for words to explain how much I loved this book (which is rare, I assure you!) The fact that Lynette Noni is also Australian just made me want to buy the sequel even more. Which is exactly what I did the morning after I finished the book.

So what made this such an amazing book to read? Not only is Noni’s just beautiful technically speaking, she draws you right into Alex’s world. From that point, believe me, you are lost. Noni has created this beautiful, relatable and inherently sweet heroine who I couldn’t stop thinking about long after I finished reading her books.

The creation of Medora ticks all fantasy world boxes for me. It is so similar to our own reality that you can’t help but feel at home in the first few paragraphs. Yet it is different enough that I was constantly turning the page to discover the next adventure Noni was going to take me on.

I think that the part of the book that really drove Akarnae into my heart was Alex’s friendships with Bear and Jordan. These boys embodied everything that anybody could ever want in friends. They’re unerring, loyal and accept Alex EXACTLY as she is (coming from a different world and all).

<- More Lynette Noni reviews

Raelia Review ->

Image source: Goodreads

Mister Monday by Garth Nix

April 19, 2016Book ReviewArthur Pennington, Australian Authors, Easy Reading, Fantasy, Garth Nix, Keys to the Kingdom, Mister Mondayskyebjenner

Title: Mister Monday
Author: Garth Nix
Series: Keys to the Kingdom #1
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Year: 2003
5th sentence, 74th page: Noon frowned again, then slowly and deliberately hung up the earpiece, let it sit for a moment, then took it up again.

Arthur Penhaligon is not supposed to be a hero. He is, in fact, supposed to die an early death. But then he is saved by a key shaped like the minute hand of a clock.

Arthur is safe – but his world is not. Along with the key comes a plague brought by bizarre creatures from another realm. A stranger named Mister Monday, his avenging messengers with blood-stained wings, and an army of dog-faced Fetchers will stop at nothing to get the key back – even if it means destroying Arthur and everything around him.

Desperate, Arthur ventures into a mysterious house – a house that only he can see. It is in this house that Arthur must unravel the secrets of the key – and discover his true fate.

This is a nice, easy read. Mister Monday is so obviously aimed at children (unlike a lot of other young adult books I have read) that it brings you back to the simplicity and innocence of childhood. Reading this reminded me of the joy of reading a book for the first time as a kid. The times when I would spent entire days locked up in my room reading – because I quite simply didn’t HAVE to do anything else.

Garth Nix has been one of my favourite writers for a long time and his use of a very obvious physical ailment in his hero was kind of brilliant. I am so used to heroes and heroines having a very drastic internal flaw, that reading about a kid with asthma, a kid with an external issue was entertaining, engaging and just fantastic.

I’ve noticed it before in Garth Nix’s books, but his creation of an entire world and reality, different from our own is so well done. He takes aspects of our known lives and weaves them into a world that often exists parallel with us. Mister Monday and the Keys to the Kingdom series are no different. His creation of Monday’s domains is both familiar and starkly contrasting to our own.

I can’t wait to buy and read the next book in this series. It such a nice change of pace to many of the fantasy novels that fill my shelf. A welcome return to childhood innocence.

<- More Garth Nix reviews

Grim Tuesday Review ->

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Arrow’s Fall by Mercedes Lackey

April 17, 2016Book ReviewEasy Reading, Fantasy, Heralds, Heralds of Valdemar, Mercedes Lackey, Strong Women, Valdemarskyebjenner

Title: Arrow’s Fall
Author: Mercedes Lackey
Series: Heralds of Valdemar #3, Valdemar #25
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Daw fantasy
Year: 1988
5th sentence, 74th page: I’ve told you that before.

VALDEMAR’S PERIL!

With Elspeth, the heir to the throne of Valdemar, come of marriageable age, Talia, the Queen’s Own Herald retursn to court to find Queen and heir beset by diplomatic intrigue as various forces vie for control of Elspeth’s future.

But just as Talia is about to uncover the traitor behind all these intrigues, she is sent off on a mission to the neighboring kingdom, chosen by the Queen to investigate the worth of a marriage proposal from Prince Ancar. And, to her horror, Talia soon discovers there is far more going on at Prince Ancar’s court than just preparation for a hoped-for royal wedding. For a different magic than that of the Heralds is loose in Ancar’s realm – an evil and ancient sorcery that may destroy all of Valdemar unless Talia can send warning to her Queen in time!

Arrow’s Fall was an epic end to my first Mercedes Lackey trilogy. The climax that had slowly been building in the previous two books finally reached a crescendo, and I’m not ashamed to say that I shed more than a tear or two.

Talia is finally strong enough to face her demons; both internal and external, and her ability to triumph in the worst of situations is awe inspiring. Not only does she overcome her own ragged insecurities, she survives torture and loss to eventually come home to love in the final chapters.

The highly climatic end to the trilogy perfectly sets the storyline of Valdemar for the next trilogy (Mage Winds) which I have yet to read. The series leaves you content because Talia’s battle has been won, but also tense because you know that your beloved characters are on the precipice of war. I really loved this combination of tying up loose ends and setting the reader up for the next series.

All of the Valdemar books tend to do this – they are very interrelated and once you have read one series, you generally have access to main characters in another. But they are also easily read in isolation of one another, so you can start reading these emotionally turbulent books at any point within the chronology of the Valdemar universe.

<- Arrow’s Flight

By the Sword ->

Image source: Fantastic Fiction

Arrow’s Flight by Mercedes Lackey

April 5, 2016Book ReviewArrow's Flight, Easy Reading, Fantasy, Heralds of Valdemar, Medieval, Mercedes Lackey, Strong Women, Valdemarskyebjenner

Title: Arrow’s Flight
Author: Mercedes Lackey
Series: Heralds of Valdemar #2, Valdemar #24
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Easy reading, Fantasy, Strong women
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Daw fantasy
Year: 1987
5th sentence, 74th page: “So that you have an excuse to carry arrows wherever you go,” Kyril replied.

HERALD’S CHALLENGE!

Talia could scarcely believe that she had finally earned the rank of full Herald. Yet though this seemed like the fulfillment of all her dreams, it also meant she would face trials far greater than those she had previously survived. For now Talia must ride forth to patrol the kingdom of Valdemar, dispensing Herald’s justice throughout the land.

But in this realm beset by dangerous unrest enforcing her rulings would require all the courage and skill Talia could command – for if she misused her own special powers, both she and Valdemar would pay the price!

Lackey is a unique writer. She takes insecurities and some (very) deep seated issues and turns them into a sort of power, or a hurdle to jump. It’s why I love her books, depression, anxiety, even a variety of forms of abuse are taken and help to shape her characters into stronger people. I know that it doesn’t always work like that in real life, but the idea that you can take all of those bad things and become a stronger person is somewhat inspiring. It’s what I’ve spent my life trying to do.

Arrow’s Flight takes the insecurity and unsurity of person that Talia felt in Arrows of the Queen and investigates what happens when these feelings are amplified. It asks what happens when others prey upon your insecurities? What happens when they get amplified tenfold? The addition of supernatural powers just helps to illustrate her point even better. I loved this take on a main character; the fact that she is just so damn vulnerable makes her a heck of a lot more relatable and loveable.

Not only were Talia’s insecurities explored, but through this journey, her strength and abilities were found. This, along with her growing sense of self and relationship with her mentor made Arrow’s Flight an incredible journey. The growing relationship between Kris was one of my favourites of the whole series. For all of Talia’s softness, she has a backbone and when Kris oversteps his bounds, she puts him straight back into his place. It’s a mixture of comradery, passion and familial love and it just works beautifully.

The juxtaposition between strength and vulnerability in this book is awe-inspiring and made me realise that I have flaws, but I have strengths too. And we can all use these.

<- Arrows of the Queen

Arrow’s Fall ->

Image source: Goodreads

The Burning Bridge by John Flanagan

March 29, 2016Book ReviewArchery, Australian Authors, Easy Reading, John Flanagan, Medieval, Medieval fantasy, The Burning Bridge, The Ranger's Apprentice, Will Treatyskyebjenner

Title: The Burning Bridge
Author: John Flanagan
Series: The Ranger’s Apprentice #2
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Easy reading, Medieval fantasy
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Random House Australia
Year: 2005
5th sentence, 74th page: He seized the bandit by the arm and dragged him upright, frogmarching him across the clearing to throw him, none too gently, against the rock face at the far side.

The Kingdom of Araluen is sure to be defeated in a surprise three-sided attack – unless Will can find a way to prevent it.

Every time I read this, it just gets better! And I still want to cry at the end when Will and Evanlyn are in trouble.

Building on The Ruins of Gorlan, Flanagan’s hero takes us on an amazing journey through a new country and into new dangers. Watching the young friendship between Horace and Will grow from the previous book is such a delight. As is the reminder that they are children – the journey is serious, but there are still light, joking moments to remind you of their innocence.

The introduction of a strong-willed, strong-minded girl in the shape of Evanlyn made this book (and indeed the whole series) even more relatable. Instead of requiring their constant protection, Evanlyn is able to find and use her own strength. And ultimately she plays a huge part in saving the day.

The ending of this story sets up the next few books in this series perfectly. I wouldn’t recommend finishing it until you have the third book in hand – you’ll want to know what happens next!

<- The Ruins of Gorlan Review

The Icebound Land Review ->

Earth and Skye

The ramblings of a bibliophile.

Tag Archives: Easy Reading

The One by Kiera Cass

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The Elite by Kiera Cass

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The Selection by Kiera Cass

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Switched by Amanda Hocking

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Raelia by Lynette Noni

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Akarnae by Lynette Noni

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Mister Monday by Garth Nix

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Arrow’s Fall by Mercedes Lackey

Arrow’s Flight by Mercedes Lackey

The Burning Bridge by John Flanagan

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