Review Wednesday: The Princess Trials by Cordelia Castel

Title: The Princess Trials (The Princess Trials #1)

Author: Cordelia Castel
1st Date of Publication: May 2, 2020

ISBN:  9798642502532
# of Pages: 202

Genre: Young Adult Dystopian Society

Age Rating: 13+

Buy it on Amazon

Book Description:
Thirty young women. A handsome prince. A battle to the death.

Water is scarce. Deserts have taken over the land. Nuclear war has devastated humanity. Humans live in walled super cities to keep out the irradiated. The land that was formerly known as America is divided into kingdoms ruled by royal elites.

Born into the lowest Echelon of the Kingdom of Phangloria, sixteen-year-old Zea Calico faces a life of hunger, thirst, and toil. The only way out of this drudgery is revolution, and Zea is desperate to help the cause.

When the palace calls for candidates to compete to marry Prince Kevon, Zea joins the Princess Trials to search the palace for weaknesses.

The trials should be a fairytale of sumptuous meals, ballgowns, and romance, but one misplaced word causes Zea to attract the Prince's attention. When Zea uncovers the man beneath Prince Kevon's public facade, she is at risk of falling in love and losing sight of her mission.

But the televised beauty pageant turns deadly, and Zea must fight for survival.

Setting: Phangloria
Point of View: 1st person- Zea Calico

Goodreads Rating: 3.43

My Rating: 3.25

Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Both

View on the Cover: This must be America still because she has red hair, but she's beautiful.
View on Title: After the trilogy has ended, it makes sense that the novellas that could follow would show how happy the start of America and Maxon's lives are together.

Pros:

• The concept of the novel/series is really interesting. It is basically a twist of The Selection and The Hunger Games. I thought the execution of this was done well enough.
• The characters in the novel were an interesting mix and was a perfect mix of The Hunger Games and The Selection
• Zea Calico reminds me more of a Katniss Everdeen as she is a rebel heart but her motivations are similar to America Singer. Zea is a bit on the naive side and is fueled by both anger and a desire for change.
• Ryce Wintergreen reminds me very much of Gale Hawthorne. He's a born leader and encourages Zea to fight for what she believes in. He does come off to be a little manipulative, and I wish there was more characterization on him.
• Prince Kevon doesn't remind me too much of the characters from The Hunger Games and The Selection. The closest association would be Prince Maxon simply because he seems to be taking this whole Princess Trials thing seriously as he tries to find his wife and future queen. I am looking forward to more of his characterization in the upcoming books.
• The cliff hanger makes me want to keep reading on despite some of the struggles of staying with the book in the middle of it.

Cons:

• This book felt a little bit difficult to stay focused on. It got lost mid-way through and struggled to get back into the story.
• Some of the plot was a little bit all over the place so it was sometimes hard to keep track of what is going on.

Critics' Reviews:

“This book was fast paced and I couldn’t put it down. I loved the story. I think the characters are well written and there is a good balance to the writing. I was really looking forward to reading the book and it did not disappoint." —Amazon Review

Cordelia K. Castel's Website:

http://www.cordeliakcastel.com

 

Other Recommendations:
The Jewel by Amy Ewing

The Selection by Kiera Cass
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Review Wednesday: Happily Ever After by Kiera Cass

*DO NOT READ THIS REVIEW UNTIL YOU HAVE READ THE SELECTION TRILOGY. THERE MAY BE SOME SPOILER. If you want to read this series, read my review about The Selection by clicking on the link: Review: The Selection by Kiera Cass

Title: Happily Ever After (The Selection #0.4, 0.5, 2.5, 3.1, 3.5, 5.1)

Author: Kiera Cass
1st Date of Publication: October 13, 2015

ISBN:  9780062414083
# of Pages: 387

Genre: Young Adult Dystopian Society

Age Rating: 13

Buy it on Amazon

Book Description:
Meet Prince Maxon before he fell in love with America, and a girl named Amberly before she became queen. See the Selection through the eyes of a guard who watched his first love drift away and a girl who fell for a boy who wasn't the prince.

This series companion is a must-have for any Selection fan, and includes:
The Prince
The Guard
The Queen
The Favorite

Setting: Illea (United States) in the future
Point of View: 1st person- America Singer

Goodreads Rating: 4.17

My Rating: 4.25

Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Both

View on the Cover: This must be America still because she has red hair, but she's beautiful.
View on Title: After the trilogy has ended, it makes sense that the novellas that could follow would show how happy the start of America and Maxon's lives are together.

Pros:

• There isn't too much to say about this because these are separate novellas from the original series.
• All I have to say is that I love how you can get a view of several characters that we all love dearly. If you're Team Aspen or Team Maxon, this may sway you to be in the middle because I know I was Team Maxon when I read the original trilogy but now I am in the middle because Aspen's motivations are very valid and you can see his change a little more clearly. 

Cons:

• I felt both satisfied and unsatisfied because I definitely wanted to read more about each of these characters.

Critics' Reviews:

“Reality TV meets dystopian fairy tale in Kiera Cass's delightful debut. Charming, captivating, and filled with just the right amount of swoon!" —Kiersten White, Author of Paranormalcy

Kiera Cass's Website:

http://www.kieracass.com/

 

Other Recommendations:
The Jewel by Amy Ewing

Eve by Anna Carey
Matched by Alley Condie

Review Wednesday: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

*DO NOT READ THIS REVIEW UNTIL YOU HAVE READ THE HUNGER GAMES OR CATCHING FIRE. THERE MAY BE SOME SPOILER. If you want to read this series, read my review about The Hunger Games by clicking on the link: Review: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Title: Mockingjay (The Hunger Games #3)

Author: Suzanne Collins

1st Date of Publication: August 24, 2010

ISBN: 9780439023511
# of Pages: 400

Genre: Young Adult Dystopian Society

Age Rating: 15+ (Violence and Child Cruelty)

Buy on Amazon

Book Description:

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games twice. But now that she's made it out of the bloody arena alive, she's still not safe. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge. Who do they think should pay for the unrest? Katniss. And what's worse, President Snow has made it clear that no one else is safe either. Not Katniss's family, not her friends, not the people of District 12.

Setting: Panem (United States in the future)
Point of View: 1st person- Katniss Everdeen

Goodreads Rating: 4.04

My Rating: 4.75

Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Both

View on the Cover: The bird is now taking flight and the lines are all broken, which means some major destruction is going to happen.
View on Title: So is the Mockingjay Katniss? Or is the Mockingjay something bigger?

Pros:

• Mockingjay is a much different read when you look at the tone of it all. Sure, Katniss has gone through a lot of PTSD before The Hunger Games really started and more so in Catching Fire. But, you truly see the mental and emotional impact of the Hunger Games and war has on people. You don't necessarily see it in just Katniss. You see it in Finnick, Peeta, Gale, Prim, Buttercup, and Haymitch. You pretty much see it in everyone. You watch how everyone copes with the entire issue whether that's complete avoidance, drugs, alcohol, or keeping your hands busy with anything to try to get your mind off all the pain and suffering they and their loved ones have and are currently enduring.
• This book really shows what war is like and how it can bring both the best in people and the worst in others. War brings some hard losses, broken relationships, and misguided delusions. I know most of the time Katniss is pretty close to being completely incapacitated (You would be if you were in her position.), but the people she loves gives her the strength to fight and be what the people of Panem needs: the Mockingjay.
• This book really pulled at my heartstrings because the book comes full circle to the beginning of the series and the purpose of why Katniss really went to the Hunger Games in the first place.
• I really liked the ending before the epilogue. I thought it was another clever ending and shows how Katniss really starts Panem with a fresh start despite costing her pretty much everything. 
• Overall, the book was well done as the installments prior to that. I would not recommend this book to someone who is looking for a light or fun read. This series, in general, is pretty dark, but this book in the series is probably the darkest.

Cons:

• I thought the epilogue was a bit unnecessary and forced, but I understand the purpose of it. It's to show that there is hope despite everything that Katniss and Peeta and everyone else has gone through.
• Some of the deaths in this novel seemed a bit excessive, but this is war after all. Death and destruction happen.

Critics' Reviews:

"Fans will be happy to hear that Mockingjay is every bit as complex and imaginative as Hunger Games and Catching Fire." —Entertainment Weekly
"Suspenseful... Collins' fans, grown-ups included, will race to the end." —USA Today
"At its best the trilogy channels the political passion of 1984, the memorable violence of A Clockwork Orange, the imaginative ambience of The Chronicles of Narnia and the detailed inventiveness of Harry Potter." —New York Times Book Review
"Unfolding in Collins' engaging, intelligent prose and assembled into chapters that end with didn't-see-that-coming cliffhangers, this finale is every bit the pressure cooker of its forebears. [Mockingjay] is nearly as shocking, and certainly every bit as original and thought provoking, as The Hunger Games. Wow." —Los Angeles Times
*"This concluding volume in Collins's Hunger Games trilogy accomplishes a rare feat, the last installment being the best yet, a beautifully orchestrated and intelligent novel that succeeds on every level." —Publishers Weekly

Suzanne Collins's Website:

http://www.suzannecollinsbooks.com/

 

Other Recommendations:
The Last Princess by Galaxy Craze
Divergent by Veronica Roth
Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Review Wednesday: Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

*DO NOT READ THIS REVIEW UNTIL YOU HAVE READ THE HUNGER GAMES. THERE MAY BE SOME SPOILER. If you want to read this series, read my review about The Hunger Games by clicking on the link: Review: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Title: Catching Fire (The Hunger Games #2)

Author: Suzanne Collins

1st Date of Publication: September 1, 2009

ISBN: 9780439023498
# of Pages: 391

Genre: Young Adult Dystopian Society

Age Rating: 15+ (Violence and Child Cruelty)

Buy on Amazon

Book Description:

SPARKS ARE IGNITING.

FLAMES ARE SPREADING.

AND THE CAPITAL WANTS REVENGE.

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games. She and fellow District 12 tribute Peeta Mellark are miraculously still alive. Katniss should be relieved, happy even. Yet nothing is the way Katniss wishes it to be. Gale holds her at an icy distance. Peeta has turned his back on her completely. And there are whispers of a rebellion against the Capitol - a rebellion that Katniss and Peeta may have helped create.

Much to her shock, Katniss has fueled an unrest that she's afraid she cannot stop. And what scares her even more is that she's not entirely convinced she should try. As time draws near for Katniss and Peeta to visit the districts on the Capitol's cruel Victory Tour, the stakes are higher than ever. If they can't prove, without a shadow of a doubt, that they are lost in their love for each other, the consequences will be horrifying. Katniss is about to be tested as never before.

Setting: Panem (United States in the future)
Point of View: 1st person- Katniss Everdeen

Goodreads Rating: 4.29

My Rating: 4.75

Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Both

View on the Cover: The bird in this one has no arrow but it looks like it is ready to take flight. Also, those lines look very intentional and specific.
View on Title: What is catching fire? Could it be Katniss? The Capitol? The districts?

Pros:

• I feel like the first book is full of so much world-building that you don't see as much of Katniss' growth as you can see it here. There is still some more world-building when it comes to seeing the other districts outside of District 12, but it's more character development and plot development that you see in this installment.
• The twists and turns of this entire book were so good, which is why Catching Fire is my favorite book in the trilogy. I thought the arena was absolutely clever in how Suzanne Collins structured it. The part that really intrigued me was how much the other victors truly hated the Capitol. It makes sense but the things they do and say when they go through their pre-arena process. I liked being able to see Katniss' growth as she gets to know and work with the other victor tributes.
• And boy, that ending! I never saw that coming when I first read the series, but I won't give that away.
• I think this book and series deserves all the praise it gets. It's usually one of the first book series I recommend to people who want to get into reading because it takes you for a wild ride.

Cons:

• I think the star crossed lovers piece in this book is much easier to swallow because you start to see that it may not be entirely fake on either end. Peeta definitely softens Katniss' rough edges and you can see that through her time in both arenas with him.
• I think there is too much focus on the love triangle here. Although the first few times I've read this series I was all Team Gale, as I get older I have become much more Team Peeta. I think it was Gale's boldness I liked but realized it's more of a boldness out of hatred of the Capitol rather than a real boldness for Katniss. Sure, Peeta never said anything to Katniss until their reaping and (coincidentally) found that the last time he could express his true feelings was then.

Critics' Reviews:

"Whereas Katniss kills with finesse, Collins writes with raw power." —Time Magazine

"Collins has done that rare thing. She has written a sequel that improves upon the first book." —The New York Times Book Review

Suzanne Collins's Website:

http://www.suzannecollinsbooks.com/

 

Other Recommendations:
The Giver by Lois Lowry
The Maze Runner by James Asher
The Selection by Kiera Cass

Review Wednesday: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Title: The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games #1)
Author: Suzanne Collins

1st Date of Publication: September 14, 2008

ISBN: 9780439023481
# of Pages: 374

Genre: Young Adult Dystopian Society

Age Rating: 15+ (Violence and Child Cruelty)

Buy on Amazon

Book Description:
WINNING MEANS FAME AND FORTUNE.
LOSING MEANS CERTAIN DEATH.
THE HUNGER GAMES HAVE BEGUN. . . .

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and once girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before—and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

Setting: Panem (United States in the future)
Point of View: 1st person- Katniss Everdeen

Goodreads Rating: 4.33

My Rating: 4.75

Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Both

View on the Cover: When I first saw this I thought the cover was fairly minimalistic but I knew birds and arrows are symbolic. I was curious as to what the symbolism meant of it and if there was any significance to the circles and lines.
View on Title: What exactly are the hunger games? Are people hungry and play games to win food? The title definitely piques the interest as to what that means.

Pros:

• Suzanne Collins is a well-seasoned writer as is clearly seen in The Hunger Games. If you have done any research on any of the characters, places, and events in The Hunger Games and/or the rest of the series, you will see how much work was put into writing this book/series. From the name Katniss to her connection to being an archeress to the name Panem, it is rich in subtle references to mythology, nature, and results of political satire. Despite this book being more than a decade old, it continues to stay relevant in so many aspects of life and with current events.
• Sure it seems like it duplicates pieces from the mythological story Theseus and the Minotaur, which Suzanne Collins has mentioned influenced this series in several interviews. But, it is clearly its own story. This book clearly pulls at your heartstrings and makes you think because no one truly wants to see your child or younger sibling be thrown into an arena and be forced to watch them most likely die or just come back with trauma.
• Its widespread popularity has given many young women confidence that they can do anything they put their minds to as seen by the character Katniss. The depth of Katniss' character is exceptionally subtle and requires at least three reads to truly see her growth. Katniss may come off as this ruthless and selfish person. Think about it. How would you feel and react if you or your younger sibling were given a death sentence and wholly stripped of who you are? I bet you would react the same way. Yes, she is calculating, but behind all that, Katniss truly is being selfless. Pay attention to how she thinks through her actions and others.

Cons:

• I hear a lot of people gripe about the star-crossed lover romance portion. I believe it is over-the-top and is somewhat nauseating but is essential for Katniss' growth. The romance piece did add depth to it but in a lot of subtle ways.
• Katniss' growth seems pretty stunted for the most part unless you look really deep into her characterization. It actually took me about 3 read-throughs of this installment of it to see the subtle growth she goes through, which is why I heavily wrote about Katniss' characterization in my senior.

Critics' Reviews:

"This is a grand-opening salvo in a new series by the author of the Underland Chronicles. Sixteen-year-old Katniss poaches food for her widowed mother and little sister from the forest outside the legal perimeter of District 12, the poorest of the dozen districts constituting Panem, the North American dystopic state that has replaced the U.S. in the not-too-distant future. Her hunting and tracking skills serve her well when she is then cast into the nation’s annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death where contestants must battle harsh terrain, artificially concocted weather conditions, and two teenaged contestants from each of Panem’s districts. District 12’s second “tribute” is Peeta, the baker’s son, who has been in love with Katniss since he was five. Each new plot twist ratchets up the tension, moving the story forward and keeping the reader on edge. Although Katniss may be skilled with a bow and arrow and adept at analyzing her opponents’ next moves, she has much to learn about personal sentiments, especially her own. Populated by three-dimensional characters, this is a superb tale of physical adventure, political suspense, and romance." —Booklist

Suzanne Collins's Website:

http://www.suzannecollinsbooks.com/

 

Other Recommendations:
Divergent by Veronica Roth
The Maze Runner by James Asher
The Selection by Kiera Cass

New Release Review: The Betrothed by Kiera Cass

Title: The Betrothed (The Betrothed #1)

Author: Kiera Cass
1st Date of Publication: May 5, 2020

ISBN: 9780062291639
# of Pages: 320

Genre: Young Adult Dystopian Society

Age Rating: 13

Buy it on Amazon

Book Description:
When King Jameson declares his love for Lady Hollis Brite, Hollis is shocked—and thrilled. After all, she’s grown up at Keresken Castle, vying for the king’s attention alongside other daughters of the nobility. Capturing his heart is a dream come true.

But Hollis soon realizes that falling in love with a king and being crowned queen may not be the happily ever after she thought it would be. And when she meets a commoner with the mysterious power to see right into her heart, she finds that the future she really wants is one that she never thought to imagine.

Setting: Kingdom of Coroa (Fictional)
Point of View: 1st person- Lady Hollis Brite

Goodreads Rating: 3.06

My Rating: 4.00

Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Both

View on the Cover: The cover is absolutely gorgeous. The young woman is breathtakingly beautiful and seems pretty ladylike.
View on Title: I wonder who is betrothed to the king and what that looks like.

Pros:

• This book hasn't been getting the greatest reviews because people are either not reading the story and saying it's basically The Selection or they are comparing it to The Selection. The Betrothed is an entirely different book in its own right and needs to be judged as such. It is meant to be a tale of what it is like to grow up as a noble in a kingdom rather than a rags-to-riches tale like The Selection.
• The Betrothed is to be a little more suited for an audience slightly younger than The Selection. Personally, I think there is less teenage girl drama than The Selection because Hollis keeps a close circle and she really isn't competing with anyone.
• I like how this is a story about a young lady who is careful and just happens to accidentally catch the attention of the newly crowned King Jameson who has been trying to find a wife to become the new queen.
• I think a lot of young teenagers can relate to Hollis as she just wants to have a good time. She's witty and a great conversationalist, which she uses to her advantage.
• There was a twist in the story I wasn't expecting, but it added some depth to the story.
• I found it interesting how this novel touched on how politics happen between two different countries, especially ones that are somewhat at odds with each other.
• This story is great if you're looking for a short and fun read. I felt like I breezed through this tale.
• I am someone who doesn't like love triangles. This technically contains a love triangle but it didn't feel like it was really one. I think there was a clear indication and not much confusion for Hollis to choose between the two men.

Cons:

• There is not very much character development in most of the supporting characters, except for Delia Grace and Valentina, and you can't really relate or truly like the male characters, such as Jameson and Silas. I think this intentional for Hollis' journey because this is about Hollis learning about who she is and who she wants to be.
• Hollis' character seems fairly flat until you get to the last third to quarter of the book. It really started getting more interesting then and you can really see Hollis grow and have real conviction.

Critics' Reviews:

“Fans of The Selection series will anxiously await the second installment of this duology to learn Hollis’s fate." —School Library Journal
"A headstrong heroine whom Cass’s loyal following will champion." —Publishers Weekly

Kiera Cass's Website:

http://www.kieracass.com/

Other Recommendations:

The Selection by Kiera Cass
Eve by Anna Carey
The Jewel by Amy Ewing

New Release Review: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins

Title: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (The Hunger Games #0)
Author: Suzanne Collins

1st Date of Publication: May 19, 2020

ISBN: 9781338635171
# of Pages: 517

Genre: Young Adult Dystopian Society

Age Rating: 15

Buy on Amazon

Book Description:
It is the morning of the reaping that will kick off the 10th annual Hunger Games. In the Capitol, 18-year-old Coriolanus Snow is preparing for his one shot at glory as a mentor in the Games. The once-mighty house of Snow has fallen on hard times, its fate hanging on the slender chance that Coriolanus will be able to out charm, outwit, and outmaneuver his fellow students to mentor the winning tribute.

The odds are against him. He's been given the humiliating assignment of mentoring the female tribute from District 12, the lowest of the low. Their fates are now completely intertwined - every choice Coriolanus makes could lead to favor or failure, triumph or ruin. Inside the arena, it will be a fight to the death. Outside the arena, Coriolanus starts to feel for his doomed tribute... and must weigh his need to follow the rules against his desire to survive no matter what it takes.

Setting: Panem (United States in the future)
Point of View: 3rd person- Coriolanus Snow

Goodreads Rating: 3.98

My Rating: 4.00

Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Both

View on the Cover: Birds are very symbolic in The Hunger Games trilogy. Snakes are also very symbolic in literature as being deceptive while birds represent freedom so I was excited to see what that would represent.
View on Title: It's honestly a mouthful and can be difficult to remember when you first see it. It actually took me several times of looking at the title on different occasions when I was telling friends after it was first announced. That doesn't mean I don't love the title. I think it's pretty clever once you read the book.

Pros:

• I didn't know exactly what to expect when it comes to this book, but overall I really enjoyed it. It wasn't as good as The Hunger Games trilogy but it was definitely worth the 10-year wait. It is and should be read as its own book rather than as part of The Hunger Games series.
• I loved the angle that Collins took for The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. You only see President Snow as this heartless and cold leader in The Hunger Games trilogy, but Collins did an excellent job in really humanizing President Snow as an 18-year old student who goes by Coriolanus. You can see his personal struggles outside of the Hunger Games, which makes you want to continue reading and get the answer as to why he became such a heartless and cold antagonist that you see him be in the trilogy.
• When I first read the synopsis, I was really interested to see how Snow was a mentor to tributes when he was born as a Capitol citizen. It makes sense that since it's only the 10th Hunger Games that it still is in the experimental phase. It's interesting to see how the Hunger Games morphed into what they are in the trilogy and how Coriolanus Snow had a hand in a lot of it pretty early on. You can clearly see the struggle of young minds (not just Coriolanus) wrestling with and trying to figure out what is deserved versus being cruel.
• The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes also doesn't disappoint in all the symbolism and irony through the use of Greek mythology, especially when it comes to the characters.
• If you read The Hunger Games series, so many of the questions you have revolving around President Snow, Katniss, and their connection make so much more sense in this novel.
• Whether you read The Hunger Games series or not you will not be missing out because you don't know you're missing it. If you do read both the prequel and the trilogy you, you really gain more of an appreciation for Suzanne Collins's writing.
• You really see how the Hunger Games become what it is from the experimental phase, why it is called the Hunger Games, and why the Capitol sees it as necessary.

Cons:

• If you're looking for more fun read, then you should be cautious toward this book. It is much darker than The Hunger Games and Catching Fire. It seems to be more on the dark level of Mockingjay.
• This one is more of neutral point...This novel also opens the door to more questions that can be answered in another novel, such as Tigris and Snow's fall out. If I was Collins, I would definitely write a prequel with Haymitch and incorporate the fall out there for reasons I can't explain without spoiling the pieces of The Hunger Games trilogy.

Critics' Reviews:

"It’s been a decade since Mockingjay, the final book in the Hunger Games trilogy, was published and fans are going to be thrilled with Suzanne Collins’ unexpected prequel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. This novel has been under serious lockdown, so all that can be said until May 19 is that it begins on the day of the reaping for the tenth annual Hunger Games, and an eighteen-year-old Coriolanus Snow is mentoring the underdog tribute from District 12. Prepare to read this in book one sitting because you won’t be able to put it down." —Amazon Book Reviewer

Suzanne Collins's Website:

http://www.suzannecollinsbooks.com/

 

Other Recommendations:
Divergent by Veronica Roth
The Maze Runner by James Asher
Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Review Wednesday: Reign of Shadows by Sophie Jordan

Title: Reign of Shadows (Reign of Shadows #1)

Author: Sophie Jordan
1st Date of Publication: February 9, 2016

ISBN: 9780062377647
# of Pages: 304

Genre: Young Adult Dystopian Society

Age Rating: 13+

Buy on Amazon

Book Description:
Seventeen years ago, an eclipse cloaked the kingdom of Relhok in perpetual darkness. In the chaos, an evil chancellor murdered the king and queen and seized their throne. Luna, Relhok’s lost princess, has been hiding in a tower ever since. Luna’s survival depends on the world believing she is dead.

But that doesn’t stop Luna from wanting more. When she meets Fowler, a mysterious archer braving the woods outside her tower, Luna is drawn to him despite the risk. When the tower is attacked, Luna and Fowler escape together. But this world of darkness is more treacherous than Luna ever realized.

With every threat stacked against them, Luna and Fowler find solace in each other. But with secrets still unspoken between them, falling in love might be their most dangerous journey yet.


Setting: Relhok in the future
Point of View: 1st person- Luna

Goodreads Rating: 3.66

My Rating: 3.0

 

Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Both

View on the Cover: Everything is dark and looking dead or at least dying.
View on Title: How are the shadows ruling over the land and people?

Pros:

• The main characters are a very interesting mix. The characters are complete opposites, but the novel makes you continue to question if that's really the case.
• Luna has a sense of duty to protect those she loves and will even do anything that will hurt her. She sees the best in others.
• Fowler is very closed off and refuses to let others see his weaknesses. He has a hidden past but realizes that he needs to hide his past more and more as he finds out Luna's past.
• The idea of Luna being blind is really interesting take on the book. Since she lacks in sight, her other senses are heightened, which is also a proven scientific fact.

Cons:

• There was a lack of characterization, which made the book seem a little slow.
• There was also a lack of depth in the storyline so it wasn't as exciting as it could have been.

Critics' Reviews:
“Effortless fantasy with high romance, REIGN OF SHADOWS keeps you intrigued until the final sentence.” -RT Book Reviews
“Star-crossed romance smolders.” -Kirkus Reviews

Sophie Jordan's Website:

https://www.sophiejordan.net/

Other Recommendations:

Cinder by Marissa Meyer
The Shadow Queen by C.J. Redwine
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah Maas

Review Wednesday: The Black Key by Amy Ewing

*DO NOT READ THIS REVIEW UNTIL YOU HAVE READ THE JEWEL. THERE MAY BE SOME SPOILER. If you want to read this series, read my review about The Jewel by clicking on the link: Review: The Jewel by Amy Ewing

Title: The Black Key (The Lone City #3)

Author: Amy Ewing

1st Date of Publication: October 4, 2016

ISBN: 9780062235848

# of Pages: 295

Genre: Young Adult Dystopian

Age Rating: 15+ (Language, Violence)

Buy on Amazon

Book Description: 
For too long, Violet and the people of the outer circles of the Lone City have lived in service to the royalty of the Jewel. But now the secret society known as the Black Key is preparing to seize power.

And while Violet knows she is at the center of this rebellion, she has a more personal stake in it—her sister, Hazel, has been taken by the Duchess of the Lake. Now, after fighting so hard to escape the Jewel, Violet must do everything in her power to return to save not only Hazel, but the future of the Lone City.

Setting: Various Locations in Lone City (Fictional)

Point of View: 1st Person- Violet Lasting

Goodreads Rating: 4.11

My Rating: 4.25

Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Both

View on the Cover: The cover looks really cool. It looks like the girl is surrounded by broken glass, and there's a person in each little shard of glass.

View on the Title: In the second novel, you find out that the Black Key is a rebel society fighting for equality, but they have not physically fought yet.

Pros:

• The book seemed like it went so quickly that I didn't realize that I was near to the end. The action was very balanced and continued at a very quick and easy path.
• I really liked Violet's character in this book. She has more purpose and drive to get the Auction to stop and for everyone to be free. Her character becomes more mature
• The Paladin are better exlained and their powers are truly seen by the end of the series. It makes me want to be a Paladin.
• The Duchess of the Lake, the villanous, becomes a more redeemable character. Her actions to her entire situation make her seem more human.

Cons:

• The only real issue I had was Ash. I wish Ash's character had more development. I felt that he has always lacked in character after the firs book. He's the boy who is taken advantage of and is willing to do anything for Violet. I just feel like his character is very flat.

Critics' Reviews:

“Excellent world building… skillful descriptions.” -Booklist
“Ewing writes a fast-paced story that takes readers into the inner workings of a society that is obsessed with power and perfection.” -School Library Journal
“The story’s setting is interesting. A decadent matriarchal society is thought provoking. This is a quick read. Good storytelling.” -VOYA
“Ewing bravely blends several genres. This solidly sets fans up for the next volume.” -Kirkus

Amy Ewing's Website:

www.amyewingbooks.com

Other Recommendations:

The Selection by Kiera Cass

Eve by Anna Carey

Wither by Lauren DeStefano

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

New Release Review: The Crown by Kiera Cass

*DO NOT READ THIS REVIEW UNTIL YOU HAVE READ THE SELECTION. THERE MAY BE SOME SPOILER. If you want to read this series, read my review about The Selection by clicking on the link: Review: The Selection by Kiera Cass

Title: The Crown (The Selection #5)

Author: Kiera Cass
1st Date of Publication: May 3, 2016

ISBN: 9780062392176
# of Pages: 279

Genre: Young Adult Dystopian Society

Age Rating: 13

Buy on Amazon

Book Description:
When Eadlyn became the first princess of Illéa to hold her own Selection, she didn’t think she would fall in love with any of her thirty-five suitors. She spent the first few weeks of the competition counting down the days until she could send them all home. But as events at the palace force Eadlyn even further into the spotlight, she realizes that she might not be content remaining alone.

Eadlyn still isn’t sure she’ll find the fairytale ending her parents did twenty years ago. But sometimes the heart has a way of surprising you…and soon Eadlyn must make a choice that feels more impossible—and more important—than she ever imagined.

Setting: Illea (United States) in the future
Point of View: 1st person- Eadlyn Schreave

Goodreads Rating: 4.12

My Rating: 4.25

Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Both

View on the Cover: Eadlyn looks absolutely stunning again. It makes me jealous that I'm not her even though that dress seems like it would be hot and heavy. She looks even more determined and knows what she wants
View on Title: It's pretty obvious. She's going to become queen and she's going to have her future husband be the prince consort.

Pros:

• I absolutely love Eadlyn in this book. She has taken such a turn around from The Heir. The cliffhanger of The Heir made the year wait for this book excruciating, but well worth it. You can really see Eadlyn's growth as she goes from a spoiled princess with a "woe is me" attitude to a responsible royal who finds empathy and sympathy for her people through her mother's health scare. She quickly realizes it's time to put up the tiara and start wearing the crown like a true royal. Eadlyn learns what it takes to be a true royal while also staying true to herself and not giving into temptation. I feel like the story had some unexpected twists and turns that really elevated the storyline.
• Her epiphany of what true love looks like was inspiring as she watched her parents together as she truly sees her parents' love and realizes that their love is selfless. She sacrificially takes her father's role leading the country as regent just so her mother can heal and her father can sleep.
• The suitors all develop nicely and so does their relationships with Eadlyn. I personally like Kile. He's the childhood friend that had a falling out but became Eadlyn's best friend. I was rooting for him. Hale is sweet but I always felt off with his character. My suspicions about him are almost spot on. Henri is also very sweet but I have a hard time seeing him with Eadlyn. Then there's Erik who is Henri's translator and not a suitor. His character development is seen more as he helps Henri, and we learn that he comes from humble beginnings.
• The twists in the book were absolutely unexpected but perfect. It kept me reading as the novel continued. It made me love all the characters and fear the same uncertainty Eadlyn feels.
• All in all, this is an excellent conclusion to the entire series.

Cons:

• The only gripe I had with Eadlyn was she made me love one character and then changes her mind.
• I was never really a fan of Marid in The Heir, and my suspicions of him were right in The Crown. Even though he seemed to be a reliable character at the beginning of the novel, I couldn't stand him in this installment.
• The issue with Ahren bothered me. It's a cruel thing to up and leaves your family home without a single word, which causes his mother to have a heart attack. This forces Eadlyn to take control and lead her country early, but I feel this was also very necessary to happen. It also seemed somewhat out of character.

Critics' Reviews:

“An engrossing tale reminiscent of Shannon Hale’s Princess Academy and Ally Condie’s Matched. Fairy-tale lovers will lose themselves in America’s alternate reality and wish that the next glamorous sequel were waiting for them.” --School Library Journal

Kiera Cass's Website:

http://www.kieracass.com/

 

Other Recommendations:
Eve by Anna Carey
The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter
Entwined by Heather Dixon

Review Wednesday: The Heir by Kiera Cass

*DO NOT READ THIS REVIEW UNTIL YOU HAVE READ THE SELECTION. THERE MAY BE SOME SPOILER. If you want to read this series, read my review about The Selection by clicking on the link: Review: The Selection by Kiera Cass

Title: The Heir (The Selection #4)

Author: Kiera Cass
1st Date of Publication: May 5, 2015

ISBN: 9780062349859
# of Pages: 346

Genre: Young Adult Dystopian Society

Age Rating: 13

Buy it on Amazon

Book Description:
Twenty years ago, America Singer entered the Selection and won Prince Maxon’s heart. Now the time has come for Princess Eadlyn to hold a Selection of her own. Eadlyn doesn’t expect her Selection to be anything like her parents’ fairy-tale love story. But as the competition begins, she may discover that finding her own happily ever after isn’t as impossible as she always thought.

Setting: Illea (United States) in the future
Point of View: 1st person- Eadlyn Schreave

Goodreads Rating: 3.90

My Rating: 4.05

Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Both

View on the Cover: The dress again takes my breath away. Plus, America's daughter is absolutely gorgeous and looks like someone you don't want to mess with.
View on Title: I would have thought the heir to the Illéa would be given to the oldest male heir so this really intrigued me, especially after finding out that Eadlyn is having a selection of her own. 

Pros:

• You get a glimpse of what royalty is like. You also see The Selection when the narrator is the bachelorette and has many suitors.
• Before I talk about the main storyline and Eadlyn, we need to talk about the characters who are around from the trilogy. I really loved how you got to see all the main and supporting characters as well as some homages to others from the original trilogy. You got to see where all of the characters ended up with their roles from America and Maxon to Marlee and Aspen to May and Lucy. All the interactions that Eadlyn has with the characters from the original trilogy seemed very authentic but in a more mature manner. America and Maxon are still adorable and wonderful parents. Marlee is always sweet and lovable. Aspen is redeemable in this book, but I think that's thanks to Lucy. America and Maxon have managed to make peace in their country! Or did they?
• The suitors are a diverse group of mostly nice young men.
• You can definitely tell that Eadlyn is her parents' child. She is stubborn and strong like her mother America, but she is also very devoted and driven like her father Maxon.
• Her brothers (Ahren, Kaden, and Osten) are adorable and it makes me wish I had more brothers that I was close to if I had that many.
• This book gives you a glimpse of what it's like to be on the opposite side of The Selection than you did in the trilogy with a female lead. You get to see how men can be like when they are put in a situation where they are fighting for the hand of the future queen. I enjoyed the developing relationship between Kile and Eadlyn as they realize that the things they are most upset about are pretty much the same thing. You get to see the other suitors and how they are whether that's good or bad.
• The ending was such a heart-wrenching twist, which makes me feel uneasy because I don't know what to do with myself about it. It truly becomes a turning point for me emotionally.

Cons:

• There is very little world-building done in this novel so it is pretty much confined to the palace, unlike the original trilogy.
• The Heir definitely caught me off guard. We all knew America as this stubborn mostly-selfless protagonist who has gone through so much in her childhood. And sure, America had her heart broken prior to The Selection and had a ton of missteps because her heart wasn't completely in it, but she naturally progressed into the beloved character you see in The Heir. Her daughter is a mixed bag. Eadlyn is sometimes hard to handle because she is whiny and can be just as stubborn as her mother as she starts to feel the heavyweight of running Illea as queen soon. She wants to help her parents and her country the best she can, but her fears of getting married are very valid and seem to be a normal response to her privileged upbringing. I feel like her growth is very slow in this novel so I have a feeling her growth will be much quicker in the next/last installment. The real issue I had was that Eadlyn seemed so self-centered, but that partly has to do with the fact that she is somewhat sheltered and has a ton of comfort, which she does not want to give up. Eadlyn's attitude about doing what she doesn't like really bothers me, which shows her entitlement and that angers me.

Critics' Reviews:

“Reality T.V. meets dystopian fairy tale in Kiera Cass’s delightful debut. Charming, captivating, and filled with just the right amount of swoon!” --Kiersten White, Author of Paranormalcy
“Deliciously entertaining.” --Publishers Weekly
"Cass’s immensely readable debut novel is a less drastic Hunger Games, with elaborate fashion and trappings. The fast-paced action will have readers gasping for the upcoming sequel.” --ALA Booklist

Kiera Cass's Website:

http://www.kieracass.com/

 

Other Recommendations:
The Jewel by Amy Ewing
Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

Review Wednesday: The One by Kiera Cass

*DO NOT READ THIS REVIEW UNTIL YOU HAVE READ THE SELECTION. THERE MAY BE SOME SPOILER. If you want to read this series, read my review about The Selection by clicking on the link: Review: The Selection by Kiera Cass

Title: The One (The Selection #3)

Author: Kiera Cass
1st Date of Publication: May 6, 2014

ISBN:  9780062059994
# of Pages: 323

Genre: Young Adult Dystopian Society

Age Rating: 13

Buy it on Amazon

Book Description:
The time has come for one winner to be crowned.

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.

Setting: Illea (United States) in the future
Point of View: 1st person- America Singer

Goodreads Rating: 4.21

My Rating: 4.30

Part of the Book that Caught My Attention: Both

View on the Cover: The dress is absolutely breathtakingly beautiful. Obviously, it's a wedding dress.
View on Title: I love that it's a pun. The One as in the highest caste in the social system. The second The One is in the man that America will marry and/or the woman Maxon will marry.

Pros:

• The One is my favorite book in The Selection trilogy despite knowing the main part of the ending. It was the journey that made it beautiful. It is a perfect blend of how The Selection and The Elite's structures are written. You get to see America equally with Maxon as she is without him. Her growth in the trilogy felt like it slowly sneaked upon you and into something extremely beautiful and mature.
• The ending was very satisfying but not too satisfying. It has a typical dystopian ending of a happy ending with a sense of loss and sadness. This installment truly shows the impact of love and loss. It was a rollercoaster of emotions. I felt love, grief, excitement, and fear. America's emotions are so raw and real, but she handles them in a much more refined and regal manner unlike how she acted in the previous two books.
• I love America's character so much more in this book than in The Elite. She knows what she wants and isn't playing around when it comes to love and even diplomacy.
• I continue to fall in love with Maxon's character as he develops more thoroughly. He truly stays to be the character he always was.
• I thought it was neat how the rebels became incorporated more into the novel and how essential they were in order for America and Maxon to really work together as a possible royal couple.
• You'll realize that the characters you thought you didn't like are not really as bad as they seem. They are struggling as well and are reacting to the only way they are used to reacting. I thought that the way Celeste's character is developed more and you come to really realize her character.

Cons:

• I absolutely abhor King Clarkson. I think he is very scummy. He treats America so poorly even though she could very well be his daughter-in-law.
• Aspen's character frustrated me so much. He should not be pushing America to do something she does not want to do.
• The ending seemed a little excessive (you'll understand once you read it), but I feel like it was a necessary part of the novel.

Critics' Reviews:

“A real page-turner. Romance, royalty, and revolution in a reality-show format serve Cass’ boldly rendered heroine well in her quest for justice and love.” —ALA Booklist

"Who will become the future queen of Illea and Prince Maxon's wife? The final book in Cass's "Selection" series begins in the midst of a rebel attack on the palace. The heroine, America, is one of four remaining ladies competing in the selection process in this dystopian saga. Through bravery and a strong character, America has won the people's hearts. However, the king continues doing everything in his power to undermine her opportunities to succeed. While the contestants are competing for Maxon's heart, many other events from the outside world transpire: America's father dies and leaves her a letter, she is shot visiting rebels outside the city, the relationship between Aspen and America shifts, and the Southern rebels begin attacking people in the castles. All the while, the protagonist continues to fall deeply in love with Maxon even though he is involved with her competition. Fans of this series will not be disappointed by the ending. Major plotlines are tied up, and questions left unanswered in the previous installment are resolved here. The star-crossed duo's relationship has its many ups and downs, but their love for each other remains. For general purchase in libraries where the earlier books remain popular and for devotees of beauty pageants, dystopians, and drama-filled romances." —Seattle Public Library, WA

Kiera Cass's Website:

http://www.kieracass.com/

 

Other Recommendations:
The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi