Bel:

Cover

I believe I have the US 2012 paperback. The face of a delicate young lady and a forest in glorious shades of green and cream grace this surreal looking cover. The font of the title is in a burnished gold, and I don’t know if it’s the paper or an overlay effect, but it’s dewy and shiny and it gives the cover dimension. All said and done it is extremely beautiful. I’m glad they left the visible eye on the lady as a semi regular colour rather than photo shopping it to blend in more with the back ground, making it pop.

Characters

This book took me by surprise. It’s a little bit classic literature, with gentlemen and gentlewomen, and a little bit teen drama. However, as with all good books not everyone is as they seem and just when you think you have someone sorted, they go and change on you.

Favourite

I have to say I loved Rose. Honest to a fault and though everyone takes her to be a fool, she’s got hidden depths.

Least Favourite

My goodness I could not STAND Briony. I wanted to smack her up the side of the head. But I guess the constant self-deprecating inner dialogue works for the story. I had, however, had enough by the 5th chapter.

Beginning

We are brought in on a request by Briony to be hanged for being a witch.

Storyline

The story plods along and we learn about life in Swampsea, and her budding friendship with Eldric.

Ending

Not what I was expecting, but it was enough to redeem the book from driving me completely nuts to actually liking it.

Thoughts

If you have no issue with reading a narrative told from the point of view of a truly miserable character, then you’ll love this book.

The setting was lovely and the use of old mythology brought perils for locals to be wary of.

Quote

Wine and bread. This has always seemed rather ghoulish to me, as though one were smearing the threshold with puree of Christ.

http://www.frannybillingsley.com/index.html

361 pages Paperback

Published April 12th 2012 by Speak (first published March 17th 2011)

ISBN 0142420921 (ISBN13: 9780142420928)

Bel:

Cover

I have the UK paperback edition so there’s an orange doorway with a hand print to the right of the opened door and a disheveled book laying on the ground. It doesn’t really make me sit up and take notice like some of the other editions do, but after reading the book it makes more sense. I don’t love it or hate it. It just is.

Characters

This book made me question the perception of good and evil characters, which was a really nice surprise. There were large areas of grey when it came to how much I liked each one.

Favourite

That would have to be Brimstone, without doubt. A character, who in any other story, would be portrayed as evil, and amoral. Hidden depths make me really like them so much more.

Least Favourite

This is a difficult one, because in each character’s mind they are only ever doing what they see and ‘the right thing to do’, but for the sake of picking one I have to choose Chiro.

Beginning

Life for Karou is all about doors, where they lead and what she’ll find on the other side.

Storyline

Karou meets an angel, Akiva, and I can’t tell you any more in case you’ve not read the book. I do not want to spoil it.

Ending

The crap hits the fan and book 2 is going to be EPIC!

Thoughts

I was taken aback as to how much this book made me think outside the box. You and I both know there are no winners in a war, but to see something from both sides of the coin, really was a change of pace for your good versus evil tale of woe.

Quote

“I don’t have many rules to live by,” he said. “But here’s one. It’s simple. Don’t put anything unnecessary into yourself. No poisons or chemicals, no fumes or smoke or alcohol, no sharp objects no inessential needles – drug or tattoo – and… no inessential penises, either.” ~ Brimstone

Krista:

BBC Daughter of Smoke and Bone –Below are  Krista’s thoughts aka I listened to the audiobook and loved it!

Cover

The US hardback edition has the face with the blue mask. I was unsure of how it represented the book until the end, and it really does hold true to the best part of the story. Also the blue mask, I think, represents the main character’s hair colour.

Characters

It was nice for a change to read a fantasy novel in which the characters are not meant to be relate-able to the reader specifically but meant to take you to another world. These characters are not the norm, they are fantastical and there were traits that I liked about each and didn’t like. It was a very back and forth read leaving me unsure exactly who I wanted to root for in the end.

Favourite

I agree 100% with Belinda on this one, Brimstone is one of those characters that was hard to nail ie do I like him or hate him. The enemy or the protective father figure? The relationship he held with Karou is what won me over.

Least Favourite

At this moment I am going to pick Kaz, Karou’s ex-boyfriend, who is pretty obnoxious and cocky. I mostly get this because of Karou’s emotions, as she currently hates him as well. He never did grow on me, but I do have a feeling we will see more of him in the series, and my feelings may change.

Beginning

The first part of the novel did take awhile to get into. The world was very fantastical and every time she’d travel through a door it took awhile to get readjusted mentally of the setting.

Storyline

Strange hand prints are starting to pop up on doorways and strange tells of how they got there. The errands that she runs for Brimstone are starting to over-run her life and she is noticing that strange things are happening. Enter Akiva, an Angel that she falls for or who’s really out to destroy her.

Ending

A little more than halfway through, all the stories begin to intertwine. The plot becomes more complex and it’s a roller coaster ride? The ending was amazing, it answers a lot of questions, yet leaves so much more to happen next.

Thoughts

Again, I agree with Belinda here. The story takes you to a new place that gets you to question what you normally thing of heaven vs hell and good vs bad. My favourite part was that there were just a few characters which the author has taken great detail to round out and I found myself really getting attached to each in their own way. I wanted to add that I actually listened to the audio-book for this one and really enjoyed it. I think the narrator did a great job with the accents of the characters.

Quotes:

“Have you ever asked yourself, do monsters make war, or does war make monsters?”

“Love is a luxury.”

“No. Love in an element.”
An element. Like air to breathe, earth to stand on.”

Lisa:

Cover:

May I say this is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen?

Characters:

I was a bit confused at first with who was who (when am I not?) but once I got into the groove and started learning names (which by the way are all very unique) I started really enjoying the characters, their personalities and the roles they played throughout the story.

Favorite:

My favourite would have to be Karou, the main character! Again she’s really unique, just like the rest of the characters. She’s an art student,with blue hair, and doesn’t know where she’s from, who she is, or who her parents are. Karou’s childhood wasn’t normal. Instead of growing up in a foster or group home, she grew up with Brimstone; the definition of Evil. If I didn’t pick Karou as my favorite character, I would have pick Brimstone, simply because he isn’t who people assume he is.

Least Favorite:

I don’t think I disliked anybody, which is surprising! All characters had depth, personality, and play an interesting role in The Daughter of Smoke and Bone.

Beginning:

We get to quickly learn about a blue haired art student, who isn’t who she seems. Karou lives a second life outside of school, and drawing, she runs errands for an Evil lord!

Story line:

The Daughter of Smoke and Bone follows the story of Karou, her running of Brimstone’s errands (such as collecting teeth), and discovering who she really is and where she is from.

Ending:

*I’m still in shock from the ending, and can’t find the words to explain it*, but one thing I can say, is I would have never guessed the ending!

Overall Thoughts:

It’s about time I finally read this book. When it first came out, there was tons of hype throughout the blogging world, and really, I’m not one to jump on the bandwagon right away. But now I see why everyone did! If you haven’t read The Daughter of Smoke and Bone yet, you really should! (The second book just came out at the beginning of November, and I can’t wait to read it!)

http://www.lainitaylor.com/

Mass Market Paperback, UK, 418 pages

Published June 7th 2012 by Hodder Paperback (first published September 27th 2011)

ISBN 1444722662 (ISBN13: 9781444722666)

Belinda:

Cover

I have a 4^th edition copy (I think), with thanks to Renee. It has a black backdrop, purple flourishes, eye popping title font and an beautiful innocent brown eyed brunette representing Violet.

Characters

I liked that the players were relatively few in numbers. Their roles were well defined and I couldn’t imagine the story working as well as it did without each and every one of them.

Favourite

Phoenix – An odd choice. Granted he’s not a model exile, but he makes Violet smile when not much else is.

Least Favourite

Violet’s Dad – I realise he’s an absentee parent for a reason, but that is no excuse. In the real world I would hope that someone would call family services on someone as self-centered as he is.

Beginning

Violet is dreading her 17^th birthday, mainly because it is a constant reminder of the day her Mother died. The people in her life begin acting weirdly and she’s expected to do a whole lot of growing up in an incredibly short period of time.

Storyline

As far as ultimatums go, Violet is left with a life or death situation. Life isn’t supposed to be fair … but seriously?

Ending

The ending is sweet, and makes a nice change from the emotional upheaval of the last half of the book.

Thoughts

I think this book would have been more appealing if Violet was able to create a bond with Magda. Considering there were really only 3 female characters in the book, Violet spends most of it looking for justification and validation from only the guys. I felt she was overly reliant on male leadership, and not enough value was placed on the vital role of a really good girlfriend.

That being said, I did enjoy the book for its unique take on angels and I applaud Jessica for not sending me to the dentist with sickly sweet overtures.

I have a feeling in future books Violet will kick some serious exile butt. I just hope she learns to do it without the constant need for approval by her male counterparts.

Quote

“Jesus.”

“No. He wasn’t there.” ~ Steph and Violet talking.

Krista:

Cover

I love the color purple. For the U.S. cover it shows her back to us, with pretty white wings and feathers to represent the story.

Characters

There is a love triangle between Lincoln, Phoenix and Violet. With some minor characters to help support their stories.

Favourite

I was going to say Phoenix, like Belinda. But I am going to say Griffin, kind of grumpy but brings some fun to the story I wasn’t expecting.

Least Favourite

Here I do have to agree it’s Violet’s dad. It always gets to me when parents are so mean; gets my emotions all riled up.

Beginning

With all the emotions and changes that Violet’s going though she frustrated me in the beginning. Her impulsiveness was frustrating for me at times. As the story progresses her emotions become more understandable to the reader. On her birthday, things with Violet will start with a bang, so many things to deal with all at once.

Storyline

Centuries old war, fallen angels and the protectors of humanity. Lincoln is her trainer and love interest. Phoenix is there to pick up the pieces when she breaks – also a love interest, bad boy. And a battle between Angels and Exiles which catches Violet in the middle. If she trusts the wrong person, it could be detrimental.

Ending

Loved the ending. It was on a high note for me. Something that will definitely get you wanting to pick up the next book in the series.

Thoughts

I have read a lot of Angel stories over the past 2 years. It becomes overwhelming, but when you get a story like this one that has a very great mythological twist to it, that’s unique to the rest of them, it’s worth the read. I have to say that I was not a huge fan of some of the characters, and their relationships to each other. What I really enjoyed was the world building and stories behind the different beings, what they stand for and the battle that must happen. There is also a lot of lusty, more mature sexual adventures in this story than in most YA. Some heavier topics, like rape. And the battle is handled a little more darkly as well. It will be interesting to see where the rest of the series goes.

Quote

Smiling at the phone, my fingers fumbling over the keypad quickly. ’Yup-see you there!’

I deleted the exclamation mark and counted to thirty before I allowed myself to press send.

Lisa:

Cover

We all know the saying, “don’t judge a book by it’s cover”, and we all also know, that we all do it anyways! Looking at the cover of a book, I’m looking for three main things, originality (it shouldn’t be able to match any other book in its genre; it shouldn’t be generic), it has to give the readers a hint or idea of what the story inside might be inside, and lastly it should give off a good vibe. The cover of a book is like a first impression, it’s everything. And I’m glad to say Embrace has all three! The cover is unique, and it lets the readers know a little about the story.

Characters

There were a lot of interesting characters in Embrace.

Favourite

Two characters really stuck out to me and caught my liking! Both in different ways. While Lincoln had me going “awwh!” out loud while reading Embrace, Phoenix was dark, sexy and mysterious!

Least Favourite

I can’t really say thatI dislike any of the characters, but I do wish the reader could learn more about some of them. How did Lincoln become an angel?What’s his story? Who is Phoenix really? Did Violet’s mother know that Violet was going to be an angel? I just had a lot of questions while reading, but I’m sure they’ll all be answered in the second book!

Beginning

With her seventh birthday coming up fast, Violet is already dreading it. Birthdays aren’t just birthdays for her, instead every year they just remind her of the death of her mother. But things this year aren’t the same, and won’t ever be again. Violet’s life changes dramatically!

Story Line

Throughout Embrace, Violet has to make the decision of whether to accept becoming an angel. Many factors come into play, but when Violet’s close friend and angel partner, Lincoln is badly hurt and laying in his death bed, Violet has to decide quickly what she wants to do. Become an angel and save Lincoln, or forget everything and go back to a normal life, leaving Lincoln left to die.

End

The ending is nothing like I thought it would be. I don’t want to say anything at all, because I don’t even want to give a little bit of it away!

Overall Thoughts

Embrace was something totally new, and fresh! I’ve never read anything like it, and I couldn’t get enough! If you haven’t read it yet, and are looking for something about angels and don’t mind it being over 300 pages long, this book is for you!

http://www.jessicashirvington.com/

Paperback, 382 pages

Published March 13th 2012 by Hachette Australia (first published March 6th 2012)

ISBN139780734412393

Clary Fray just wishes that her life would go back to normal. But what’s normal when you’re a demon-slaying Shadowhunter, your mother is in a magically induced coma, and you can suddenly see Downworlders like werewolves, vampires, and faeries? If Clary left the world of the Shadowhunters behind, it would mean more time with her best friend, Simon, who’s becoming more than a friend. But the Shadowhunting world isn’t ready to let her go — especially her handsome, infuriating, newfound brother, Jace. And Clary’s only chance to help her mother is to track down rogue Shadowhunter Valentine, who is probably insane, certainly evil — and also her father.

Hardcover, 1st Edition, 453 pages

Published March 25th 2008

Margaret K. McElderry Books

ISBN 1416914293 (ISBN13: 9781416914297)

Belinda:

Cover

I found the audio book of City of Ashes in my local Library; the cover is the same as the paperback with a muscular, redhead in a tough girl stance super imposed over the Brooklyn Bridge.

Characters

There are a wide variety of supernatural characters, and though there is political crap to sift through, they work really well together to add depth to the story.

Favourite

Jace (Jonathan). He’s conflicted thanks to his lineage, but lets his morals guide him. He’s a smart mouth, a tough guy, and he’d fight to the death for his adopted family.

Least Favourite

The Inquisitor. It’s one thing to not believe a teenager in an impossible situation, but it is another thing entirely when you do the things she does. Nasty, nasty.

Beginning

Clary’s Mum is in a coma and Jace is facing a situation with his biological father that throws the Lightwood family into chaos.

Storyline

Valentine is up to his old tricks again and it’s Jace, Clary, Isobelle, and Alec’s job to stop him.

Ending

There are answers to be had but you’ll have to read the book, because I don’t want to spoil it for you.

Thoughts

I tried to get my hands on the first book, City of Bones, so I could lead into City of Ashes… not only were there no copies on the shelves in any of my local stores, but the holdings list for the library was impressive, and after listening to City of Ashes, I now understand why.

This series is gritty and will tear at your heart. It will be interesting to see if the good guys win in the end. At the moment all bets are off.

Quote

Rather than a quote, I dedicate the song What You Want, especially the film clip to the book. The two really mesh, and the lyrics are so relevant it gives me goose bumps.

Krista:

Cover

I love the covers for all of the Cassandra Clare books, the colors are beautiful and there is really a lot of detail.

Characters

This series contains an ensemble of characters that come into play. Some readers find it overwhelming, but I for one love getting to know each of them and their relationships with each other.

Favourite

Luke is by far my favorite character. He is the only father figure that Clary knows. In the first book the reader is a little unclear what his position will turn out to be. But the relationships that form between Jocelyn (Clary’s Mother), Luke and Clary are my favorite.

Least Favourite

This early in the series I think it would be Magnus that is my least favorite. This does change later on, but in City of Ashes he seems really smug and indifferent to the rest of the group. He definitely is a personality type that you have to get used to.

Beginning

The end of book one really left us off with a crazy whirlwind of events. This book jumps right into where we left off with Clary having her world turned upside down. The beginning here will introduce us again to what transpired in the first book and focus on the whereabouts of Valentine and Jace.

Storyline

Jace is torn between his fellow Shadowhunters who have taken him in, and the return of his father Valentine into his life. Clary is pulled in several different directions as well with her mother in a magical coma, and learning who her real father is. She is not ready to lose Jace completely but starts to really feel like she belongs among the Shadowhunters.

Ending

Cassandra Clare has an amazing way of building up to an intense climax with each book. Several different events take place and lead into what could possibly happen in the next book. Not exactly a cliffhanger, but something that will make you say WOW!

Thoughts

There is a lot of action, great plot and fabulous writing style. There is a constant flow of action and entertainment until the last page.
My absolutely favorite part of this particular story was the relationship between Simon and Jace. And, oh boy, does Simon go through a lot of stuff in this one!

Valentine is a creepy and well written villain as well. He has the potential to be a real Voldemort. I really loved to hate him.

Quotes

“Look,” Luke went on, “In all the years I’ve known him, there’s always been exactly one place Simon wanted to be, and he’s always fought like hell to make sure he got there and stayed there.”
“Where’s that?”
“Wherever you were.”

“I keep thinking about blood, I dream about it. Wake up thinking about it. Pretty soon I’ll be writing morbid emo poetry about it.” – Simon

Lisa:

Cover

Every single book in this entire series is an eye catcher! Doesn’t matter if you pick up the Hardback or the Paperback copy; they both look A-MAZING! But my favorite part about this series, has to be the way they look together on my shelf. After purchasing all of Cassandra Clare’s books, you do have quite a shelf full!

Characters

I love all of the characters. from the love triangle between Clary, Jace and Simon to the evilness of Valentine.

Favorite

Jace or Simon would have to be my favorite (I guess I’m in a little triangle of my own). I love how sweet Simon can be to Clary, he is just the kind of guy they will always be there for her. While Jace is Clary’s starcrossed lover, and part-time badass, with a motorcycle!

Least Favorite

I don’t really dislike any characters in this book, but Maryse (mother of Isobelle, Alec and Max) did frustrate me a few times throughout the story. I wish she’d have believed, trusted and stood by Jace’s side more often!

Beginning

Jace is living with the Lightwoods, while he is having problems with his father Valentine. Clary is living with Luke, as her mother is in a coma. Clary is also having feelings for her best friend Simon. Not liking the first book in the series, The City of Bones, I think caused me to start reading this book very skeptically, which ended up making me feel that the beginning of this book was simply okay.

Story Line

Valentine is starting to build a army. With almost no help Jace and Clary and a few others (Luke, Isobelle, Alec and Simon) try to stop him before things go to far, and time runs out. Spending a lot of time together, Clary and Jace start to rekindle their feelings for one another, causing jealousy from Simon. The relationships were very interesting and about 1/5 of the way through the book, I start enjoying and loving the story!

Ending

It’s almost hard, describing the ending, without giving away too much, but I’ll try my best anyways! Defeating Valentine and most of his evil plans, Jace proves Maryse wrong, and that he deserves her trust and respect. Things and especially relationships (not just love ones, but also biological ones) may not be what they seem!

My Overall Thoughts

Disliking the first book, caused me to go into The City of Ashes with a bad taste in my mouth. I didn’t really enjoy the beginning but once things started heating up, I couldn’t (and didn’t really want to) put the book down. I can’t wait to see how the series continues, and how things between Clary, Jace and Simon work out!

http://www.cassandraclare.com/

Audiobook, 11 Discs

Published April 1st 2010 by Bolinda Publishing (first published January 1st 2008)

ISBN139781742338484

“We know you are here, our brothers and sisters.

We will, one day, emerge from the Dome to join you in peace.

For now, we watch from afar, benevolently.”

Pure by Julianna Baggott

Paperback, 416 pages

Publication: February 14 2012

Hachette Australia

ISBN 9780755385485

Belinda:

Cover

I was handed the ARC (advance reader copy) of Pure and along with it came the media release and a promo card. The above quote is on the card. With a raised eyebrow I thought, ‘Hmm this quote can’t be good.’

So I moved on to my first impressions of the book in anticipation of getting to the story.

The book, because it is in its arc form, is void of artwork, and what you would initially view as boring. The title is in a gloss white where the rest of the cover is a matt, stark, bright white.  However, after finishing the book with the plain white cover, I think it pretty much says it all. Now that the book has been published, there is a white cover like the ARC and a black one in the same style.

I’m not sure if it’s the heat, or if it’s just the long hours of reading, but my finger prints are now marring the cover. It just seems fitting that I leave a mark on the book that has well and truly left a mark on me.

Characters

I was blindsided by the tragic circumstances the characters were left in and really disturbed by the awful things that happen to some of the others.

Favourite

Partridge. He’s searching for family and seeking the truth. He also has a heart in a heartless environment… this made me like him the most.

Least Favourite

El Capitan. He’s morally corrupt and makes me sick.

Beginning

In the opening scene we are with Pressia, after the detonations, as the propaganda papers (with the above quote on them) are dropped on the shattered, charred remains of the closest town to the Dome.  The Dome is where the ‘Pure’ people sheltered against the bombs; where they avoided the horrific fates of those outside.

For those unlucky enough to be left to fend for themselves in the fallout from the bombs, fusing their bodies to whatever they were touching, be it buildings, pavement, car engines or children, or in Pressia’s case her doll, survival becomes their only concern.

Storyline

It has been ten or so years since the detonations and Partridge, the ‘Pure’ son of the mastermind behind the Dome, escapes to the outside in pursuit of his mother, whom he believes managed to survive the bombs. He is joined on his crusade by Pressia and Bradwell; Perssia, to save the life of her grandfather, Bradwell, to learn the truth.

Ending

After how book one ended I don’t think I can put myself through reading book two.

Thoughts

I am still processing the emotions Pure has stirred in me, months later. I am horrified by the deformities of the survivors, by the struggle for survival. I am sickened by the emotional supremacy of the Dome residents and I was angered at the possibilities of something like this happening in reality.

The sentiment that has stayed with me is you need ugliness to be able to appreciate beauty.

Please don’t be put off by my precious emotional state. This is an extraordinary saga. Brilliantly written and it is all consuming. The film rights sold to Fox even before the book’s release, this really does speak volumes about the hope many people have for the future of Baggott’s career.

The heart of this story will beat with the convictions of its readers.

Quote

“With a bow tie, anything is possible.” ~ Partridge

http://pure-book.com/ and  www.puretrilogy.com.au

For more information on the Fox deal http://io9.com/5694604/another-dystopian-ya-trilogy-gets-a-half+million-dollar-book-contract-plus-a-movie-deal

Krista:

Cover

At first I was unsure what I thought about the cover, but after finishing the story I think it’s a perfect fit. I like the butterfly in front of the Dome. I am unsure if all countries have a similar cover as the U.S. The U.S. Cover is black with the Dome represented in the background as a glass bubble. You can see the reflection of masses of dirty air swirling and the beautiful blue butterfly up front. All of these symbols are relevant to the book and I think it’s a good match.

Characters

Favorite

I’m not exactly sure if she counts as one, but my favorite character is Partridge’s mother. Although she is not actually a prominent actual character in the book, we get to learn a lot about her and how she lived her life, through stories told by Partridge and others on the outside of the dome. She seems like a very unselfish, strong and determined woman. But I also felt the same way about Bradwell who is an actual physical character, so I suppose they are both my favorites.

Least Favorite

I would have to say the group of the OSR and their leader. They gather up the children that have reached the age of 16 and teach them to fight and use weapons. They disgusted me, and I did not like their reasoning or their actions.

Beginning

Pressia lives with her grandfather. They are survivors of detonations that destroyed most of the world 10 years ago. Pressia is one of those deformed by the fire and radiation. They live outside the Dome, while tucked away safe and sound inside the Dome are the Pures, a select group who escaped the explosions unharmed. Partridge is a Pure who’s father is one of the highest in command in the Dome. For those outside the Dome, life is hard and food is scarce. As Pressia nears her 16th birthday she finds her name on the OSR (military) draft list. She must hide, run or be taken in where she will be forced to kill, or used for target practice. The beginning of this story is told from their alternating perspectives.

Storyline

As Pressia runs for her life from the OSR, Partridge is searching for the secrets to his past. Their paths cross and their journey has them discovering more about themselves and the world they live in.

Ending

The ending; everything was leading up to this ending. I think that I am definitely going to continue reading this series, although it’s dark and gritty and harsh. It shows us a world that has been seriously damaged by war, new technology and the effects it can have on a society. Although this is a work of fiction and I don’t see a Dome in our future, the stories and relationships between the people, their coping with the hardships and devastation is something to think about. I am always up for a good, dark story that will get me thinking.

Thoughts

Although I did not love the 2 main characters in the book and I felt that some of the events fell into place a little too easily, I still loved this book. I found that the research that went into it impressive. It is being marketed in the U.S. as a Teen/Adult crossover book, it has some very gruesome and dark subject matter. Everybody that reads this story is going to take away something different from it. I thought it was very unique and thought-provoking.

Quotes

“I remember the ugliness is what makes the beautiful things beautiful….—one can’t truly exist without the other.”

“she thinks about what is lost—how the world went from amusement parks, movie theaters, birthday parties, fathers and mothers…to ash and dust, scars, permanent burns, and fused, damaged bodies.”

Lisa:

Cover:

On the cover you see a beautiful blue butterfly, and some weird brown dome shaped thing. First looking at it, it might be a bit confusing as to why these two (very different) things are put together. In the story, the Dome represents purity, and cleanliness. Before the Apocalypse hit, people escaped into this Dome where nothing could harm them. Unfortunately there wasn’t enough room or time to fit everyone in, and some were left to survive outside.

The butterfly represents the main character. Throughout the story she builds these butterfly toys out of various junk she can find, and sells them, so she can buy food for her and her grandpa. I love the cover, and I cant wait to see what the other books will look like!

Characters:

In Pure I didn’t really have any problems with any of the characters! They all seemed pretty interesting, and unique!

Favorite:

Even though I’m usually all for the strong female character, sticking up for herself, I really liked Partridge! He is a Pure who lives in the Dome and survived the Apocalypse with not even a scratch. At the beginning of the story you learn more about how his brother “committed suicide” (as far as we know), and how his dad is a big fat jerk!

You also find out, they Partridge has lost his mother. While he, his brother and his dad made it into the Dome just  in time, his mother wasn’t so lucky. Deciding to search for his mother, Partridge escapes the Dome (which has never happened before) and goes on his hunt.

Least Favorite:

Again, I didn’t really have any problem, with any of the characters. But I did think Partridge’s dad was the worlds biggest jerk. But we don’t really get to read or know a lot about him, so maybe that will change in the next book.

Beginning:

In the beginning of Pure, you find out how society works outside of the Dome, where the main character, Pressia, and her grandpa live. When you turn 16, the soldiers hunt you down, get you, and take you somewhere else; away from your family and loved ones. Pressia is turning 16 in the matter of hours, and already has a hiding spot, and escape route planned for when they come to pick her up. I’m usually not interested in futuristic books, this I admit caught my attention!

Story Line:

While Pressia is running away from something, Partridge is running to something. Throughout the story they bump into each other, and actually start working together. There are a lot of interesting things you find out in the middle of Pure, but I really don’t want to spoil things! I’ll I will say is, my jaw dropped to the floor, and I had to read the page three times over! I couldn’t believe it!

Ending:

Pure is the beginning to a series (I’m not sure how many books), so it does end in a bit of a cliff hanger. Not too bad of one, where you get angry, but a really good one, where you’re just determined to get the second book once it comes out

Overall Thoughts:

I usually don’t like books in this genre, but the beginning, as I said earlier, really caught my attention! I ended up loving it, and I cant wait to see what happens to Pressia and Partridge

Matched

Reading level: Ages 14 and up
• Hardcover: 384 pages
• Publisher: Dutton Juvenile; First Edition edition (November 30, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0525423648
• ISBN-13: 978-0525423645

In the Society, Officials decide. Who you love. Where you work. When you die.

Cassia has always trusted their choices. It’s hardly any price to pay for a long life, the perfect job, the ideal mate. So when her best friend appears on the Matching screen, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is the one… until she sees another face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black. Now Cassia is faced with impossible choices: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she’s known and a path no one else has ever dared follow — between perfection and passion.

Belinda Says:

Cover

The stark white backdrop feels very clinical compared to the green bubble containing Cassia in her Match ceremony dress. She looks to be testing her boundaries within the bubble, and as that is essentially what the book is about, it fits perfectly.

Characters

We have a strong cast of rebellious characters; I think their strength is made more obvious by the way they conceal their inner thoughts from the Society.

Favourite

Xander. He’s got every right in the world to be sullen and pensive with all that Cassia is up to, but he’s not. I can’t go into it too much. *Spoilers*

Least Favourite

The Society; forever changing the rules to manipulate people is enough to make me bristle with irritation.

Beginning

Cassia is on her way to her Matching ceremony, to be told who the Society has matched her to.

Storyline

After Ky’s face comes up in place of Xander’s, Cassia wonder’s if the society really did make a mistake, and makes moves to get to know the mysterious and illusive Ky.

Ending

After getting to know Ky better the Society throws up one last obstacle and it is up to Cassia to break through it.

Thoughts

With the global governments implementing new laws, and expecting the laws be followed; the hijinks of the Society in Matched run a little too close to the possibility of reality for my liking. It unnerved me that we may, one day, be expected to follow without question and trust without thought.

I believe the purpose of the book was to inspire us to look within ourselves and find our own path, and question those who think they know what is best for us.

Favourite Quote

“Cassia,” he whispers. “I am giving you something you won’t understand, yet. But I think you will someday. You, more than the rest. And, remember. It’s alright to wonder.”

Krista Says:

Cover:
I love this cover! I found it really original and ties into the story concept well.

Characters

Favorite:

Favorite by far is Cassia’s parents. They are supportive of her in the best possible way that they can in this world that they live in.

Least Favorite:

My least favorite characters were the Society workers, especially the woman that discusses the mix up with her (Cassia’s) marriage chip that displayed two people instead of one. Her overall stance on her job and the “mix-up” just irked me so much. I hated how robot-like their behaviors are, they don’t seem to have any human feelings.

Beginning:

This story is focused on love. Cassia loves Xander but when the possibility comes up that the Society thinks Ky is her match as well. She becomes tortured on who she should be with.

Story Line: Cassia loves Xander but when the possibility comes up that the Society thinks Ky is her match as well, She begins to question who she should be with, who Ky really is and get to know him better. When I think that the choice is clear (Team Xander )
So you will find that 80% of the novel is just about Cassia (ka-sha) going back and forth between who she should be married to. When really she doesn’t get the choice, because the society decides everything. She almost becomes obsessed with Ky, who he is, where he comes from and how he seems to know things that are being kept from the people in her town. There is a something more sinister happening here and Ky seems to be the key to finding out what is happening in the world outside her own.

Ending: As this is the first book in a trilogy, we find no answers by the end of the story. We end it with a lot of questions and Cassia being separated from her family. We don’t know what is going to happen to her, her family or Ky and Xander. I finished the book with several questions and curiosities of what the next book will bring.

Overall Thoughts: The world that Ally has come up with here is very unique and interesting. In the least, it is worth the read just to imagine what it would be like to live in this kind of world. I found the characters smart and likable. The things that I did not like about the book was the monotone feel I get from it. BUT I think it was meant to be written this way. For example the people are not allowed to run, shout, be overexcited, it’s against the law. So whenever something happened that normally you’d see some acting out on, you do not get that from this story. You see the characters acting the way they always should and just say “ok I will not run.” even when you want them to really badly.

I am a reader that does not like a mushy love story. Cassia’s struggle between Xander and Ky was just obvious for me but I enjoyed the love triangle here. Cassia’s struggle made sense to me and I enjoyed my own thoughts going back and forth on who I thought Cassia should end up with.  My favorite parts of the book were the descriptions of The Society and how it was ran. The world she lived in was more interesting that the one going on in her head. But I want to learn more about her world, so I can see myself picking up the next book.

2 Favorite Quotes:

“Once you want something, everything changes.”

“They are giving us pieces of a real life instead of the whole thing. They have perfected the art of giving us just enough freedom; just enough that when we are ready to snap, a little bone is offered and we roll over, belly up, comfortable and placated like a dog… – Cassia”

Lisa Says:

Cover:

Love. Love. LOVE, the cover! I’m not exactly sure what the bubble is, or why it’s green, but I do have a pretty good guess. Cassia lives in this very controlling society, which is represented through the bubble, and her sitting inside of it. Why green? Well throughout the story, you get to learn that every citizen in this society gets three different pills, I don’t want to give away what they’re for, but I can say one is green (Matched cover), one is blue (Crossed cover), and the last one is red (my guess is, that the third cover is red)!

Characters

Yes, there are countless Young Adult books with love triangles! I know, but for some reason, I really like them. I can read twenty books, with them in it, and never get bored, I guess their just one of my favorite types of books! In Matched, there is a triangle between Cassia, Xander, and Ky. I love all three of them, and no matter which one Cassia chooses, I would be happy for her(:

Favorite:

I can’t decide if I like Ky or Xander better! I love both of them, and their both guys who I, myself would want to hangout and be friends with. While Ky is kind of the bad boy type (which is really hot!), Xander is the sweet guy. He’s always been around and he would never do anything to hurt Cassia. So I really enjoyed reading about both of them, and I can’t wait to see how things work out.

Least Favorite:

I don’t have a least favorite character, I think Ally Condie did a great job with each character, making them seem real, with real feelings and emotions. But on the other hand I don’t really like how the society works, I love how it makes the story work out. But it’s crazy, how the society controls everyone and everything. It amazes me that these people let things go this far! So even though I don’t like how the society runs things, but it makes the story intense!

Beginning:

Many reviews I’ve read, before I even purchased the book, said the beginning was extremely boring. But when I cracked it opened, and paged throughout, I thought it was brilliant! I loved it! Ally Condie, took so much time and care into creating this whole new world, with tons of rules, and details! It just blew my mind.

Story Line:

I loved it, even though many people said it started off slow, I felt like that was really necessary. Why? Because the readers need to know what’s going on, they need to know a little bit of the past, and the rules. The reader just needs some background knowledge, to be able to understand the Matched.

Ending:

I read Matched a long time ago, way before Crossed even came out. So when I finished, I just want Ally Condie to send me her drafts so i could keep reading. I had such a fun time reading, that I wanted to slowly read throughout, almost saving it until Crossed sat on the bookshelves at Barnes and Nobles. But I couldn’t get stop myself.

Overall Thoughts:

One of my top books for 2011!

Favorite Quotes:

I’ve read this book months ago, I don’t really remember any

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awtlVW72WfQ&feature=channel_video_title

Get your copy and join them!

Reading level: Young Adult

Hardcover: 336 pages

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers; 1 edition (October 12, 2010)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1442408537

ISBN-13: 978-1442408531

Bec Says

Attention book lovers! There are some fantastic spots to hang out online and connect with other readers.

goodreads.com is a terrific place to join reading groups, hear about (and share) recommendations, and generally network with fellow readers. (If you haven’t already, you should join the Marianne de Pierres group, by the way)… You can build your own book shelf, let your friends know what you’re reading, rate your reads, and start and join all kinds of communities. It’s a great starting point for building an online reading group.

Aussie readers will no doubt all be aware of the ABC’s very fabulous First Tuesday Book Club, hosted by the incredibly well-read Jennifer Byrne. On their website, you can find out extra info, including  Facebook, Twitter, and  SMS details, how to join the studio audience, and news about upcoming shows and comps.

Teenreads.com is info overload; this contantly updated site will keep you busy for hours on end. If you’re a teen who likes to read, this is the place for you.

The Big Book Club is an Aussie-wide initiative that features monthly reads, literary events, and giveaways.

Very helpfully, the Random House site includes suggested reads and prompter questions to kick off your reading group discussions.

If you’d like to do some good while you read, you can join the MS Readathon and take up their Novel Challenge right through until the end of August. (What a great idea).

So, there are some ideas to get you started. You can also check out your local library, favourite publisher, or just grab your friends and start your own club. A book group can enrich your reading experience, broaden your literary horizons, and just be a great excuse to hang out with like-minded people over some new reads.