Friday 31 May 2013

Series Spotlight: The Hunger Games #3

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Title: Mockingjay

Author: Suzanne Collins

Publisher: Scholastic

Publication date: August 25th 2010

Format: Paperback | 455 pages

Genre: YA | Dystopian

Goodreads



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? Kat, her family, friends, and entire District 12.

 

 

My thoughts:


So it's taken me this long to finish the series. Don't judge me :P To be honest, I've waited so long to finish these three books that I don't really know what to do with myself now.


I really enjoyed this book. The most disappointing thing to me though, was that I didn't enjoy it as much as I did the second book in the trilogy, Catching Fire. I could guess a lot of what was going to happen so it lost a bit of the excitement and intensity I loved in the previous two books. 


To get all of the problems I had with this read out of the way, I also found it to be lacking at the end. I found the ending a little rushed, especially when it came to the Capitol's fight. It all seemed a little too easy in a way - too quick. And I was hoping that whoever Katniss ended up with would have some heart wrenching speech to give before the book ended happily ever after - I was denied the lover's speech!


However, the book was still one that I couldn't put down, and when I had to, it took over all of my thoughts. The plot was still incredibly intense - everything is balancing on the thinnest thread and chaos is threatening to reign. A lot of lives hang in the balance and not finding out who Katniss ends up with until the end drove me crazy. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. I was very happy with the choice by the way.


I was also really happy with the characters. They were just as loveable as ever, and Katniss was just as strong as ever. They were all really well written and I can't believe what happened to some of them - brought me to tears. Peeta was just as sweet and Gale was a little more involved which I enjoyed. 

 

Overall, I really liked reading this one. It was chocked full of suspense and action with just the right amount of romance - enough that it keeps you wanting more from the characters, but not too much that it takes anything away from the main focus of the story. 

 

My rating: 8/10

 

Suzanne Collins:

Goodreads | Website 

 

The Hunger Games:

  1. The Hunger Games
  2. Catching Fire
  3. Mockingjay

Series Rating: 7/10

Wednesday 29 May 2013

Series Spotlight: The Hunger Games #2

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Title: Catching Fire

Author: Suzanne Collins

Publisher: Scholastic

Publication date: Sep 2009

Format: Paperback | 472 pages

Genre: YA | Dystopian

Goodreads



Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the Hunger Games. She and fellow District 12 tribute Peeta Mellark are miraculously still alive. Katniss should be relieved, happy even. After all, she has returned to her family and her longtime friend, Gale. 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 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.

 

 

My thoughts:


Oh my, what an amazing read that was. Excuse my fangirling while you read this review.


For one, I'm still trying to get over what actually happened. I did not expect that at all! Not any of it! Honestly, it was kind of a worry of mine that this book would get a little predictable - for me, this book would be completely ruined if I guessed even a tiny bit of something happening. But no, everything took me completely by surprise. I am so happy I have the last book already because I would not have been okay with waiting for the last book to come out like so many people had to.


I mentioned in the review of the first book in the series that I wished Gale was in the story a little more. I still feel that way to be honest - he was around a lot more but I wanted to get to know his character better than I did. I loved Gale when he was around though, and Peeta too. My God Peeta has to be the sweetest guy I've ever had the pleasure of reading about - the things he says to Katniss, so honestly too, just make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. 


The new characters introduced were brilliant. I fell in love with Finnick straight away. He appeared to be arrogant from the moment Katniss met him, but he slowly revealed his insecurities and weaknesses and I loved him for it. And I have to mention Haymitch - a lot more was revealed about his past and why he is the way he is. I think he became even more relatable and I started to understand his actions in this book - I actually thought Katniss is a lot like him in quite a few ways.

 

This book is just packed with suspense. When I got towards the last quarter I just gave up and stayed up into the early hours of the morning to finish it, I just couldn't resist - I tried to fall asleep and it was just calling to me...

 

Overall this was a fantastic book full of action and surprises that will get you on the edge of your seat biting your nails. I need to go and find out what happens now.

 

My rating: 10/10 

 

Suzanne Collins:

Goodreads | Website 

 

The Hunger Games:

  1. The Hunger Games
  2. Catching Fire
  3. Mockingjay

Monday 27 May 2013

Series Spotlight: The Hunger Games #1

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Title: The Hunger Games

Author: Suzanne Collins

Publisher: Scholastic

Publication date: Sep 2008

Format: Paperback | 454 pages

Genre: YA | Dystopian

Goodreads



Winning will make you famous. Losing means certain death.


In a dark vision of the near future, a terrifying reality TV show is taking place. Twelve boys and twelve girls are forced to appear in a live event called the Hunger Games. There is only one rule: kill or be killed.


When sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen steps forward to take her sister's place in the games, she sees it as a death sentence. But Katniss has been close to death before. For her, survival is second nature. 



My thoughts:


What can I say about this book that hasn't been said already? It's fantastic.


I have read this one before but since I haven't gotten to the second book in the series I thought I would do a series spotlight on it. I'm a little glad that I've waited so long to start reading the series again - I feel like I've gotten past the hype of the books coming out and the film enough for me to concentrate on how I feel about the story itself and not how it will live up to my expectations. 


This book though, is honestly one of the brilliant ones that can be put on your shelf forever and only be taken down to be read over and over again. The writing sucks you in straight away with the build up of suspense from the beginning of the book. First it's a build up to the reaping, then to the actual games, and then to the after the games where you realise that was only the introduction the series.


I did feel like I didn't have enough time to get to know most of the characters aside from Katniss and Peeta. Gale, for example, wasn't mentioned that much but I think that will change in the next book. What I did get from the characters though was great. I loved the fight in Katniss and her stubborn desire to make the best of things and keep her family going. Peeta was just a sweetheart…end of. Loved him.


The plot was definitely what stood out most. It really does have the shock factor - you don't know what to expect when you're reading and I still have no idea what to expect from the next two books.  It's also incredibly original. There's no worrying about whether you'll be disappointed with something you've seen over and over in a YA book. 

 

Overall this is definitely one of my favourite books and I seriously can't wait to find out what happens next. Plus, if you haven't seen the film already, go see it.

 

My rating: 10/10

 

 

Suzanne Collins:

Goodreads | Website 

 

The Hunger Games:

  1. The Hunger Games
  2. Catching Fire
  3. Mockingjay

Wednesday 22 May 2013

Review: Days of Blood and Starlight

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Title: Days of Blood and Starlight

Author: Laini Taylor

Series: Daughter of Smoke and Bone #2

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton 

Publication date: 08 Nov 2012

Format: Hardback | 528 pages

Genre: YA | Fantasy

Goodreads



Once upon a time, an angel and a devil fell in love and dared to imagine a new way of living – one without massacres and torn throats and bonfires of the fallen, without revenants or bastard armies or children ripped from their mothers’ arms to take their turn in the killing and dying.

Once, the lovers lay entwined in the moon’s secret temple and dreamed of a world that was a like a jewel-box without a jewel – a paradise waiting for them to find it and fill it with their happiness.

This was not that world.



My thoughts:


Days of Blood and Starlight basically starts off where Daughter of Smoke and Bone ended. There's not much time in between the books and what was left out was explained pretty well. One thing I did notice was that I fell right back in love with all of the characters at once - the first book was truly that memorable as was Laini's writing - I fell right back into the rhythm of it. Gorgeous, gorgeous writing style.


This book was one that was sad without anything truly upsetting actually happening. I just felt so much for the characters that when they cried I wanted to cry, when they were simply upset I was too and when there was that brief moment of happiness, I dared think that maybe Laini Taylor would make it okay in the end. I've never actually wished so much that an author make everything turn out okay - it just seems to cruel for this series to end in a bad way. Please Laini? PleaseI


I was actually reading this while revising for exams so, naturally, it took me ages. It drove me crazy - I was so close to dropping revision just to find out what happens because the suspense was killing me. The exam was terrible BTW but that's life sometimes :P


The plot was breathtaking. The best word that comes to mind is desperate. I felt the characters desperation the whole way through, even when nothing of great significance was happening - Zuzana's desperation to know Karou is okay, Mik's desperation to keep Zuzana safe, Karou's desperation to find a way out of multiple situations and Akiva's desperation to begin to atone for his mistakes. 


Akiva just broke my heart. His every thought and action and why he was doing what he was doing - it brought tears to my eyes multiple times. Both Akiva and Karou are two of my all time favourite characters in all of the books I've read so far in my life - really beautifully written characters in a beautifully imagined world. 


My rating: 10/10


Laini Taylor:

Goodreads | Blog

 

Daughter of Smoke and Bone:

  1. Daughter of Smoke and Bone
  2. Days of Blood and Starlight
  3. Dreams of Gods and Monsters

Monday 13 May 2013

Review: Gameboard of the Gods

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Title: Gameboard of the Gods

Author: Richelle Mead

Series: Age of X #1

Publisher: Penguin

Publication date: 04 Jun 2013

Format: Kindle | Netgalley

Genre: Adult | Dystopian

Goodreads

 

 

In a futuristic world nearly destroyed by religious extremists, Justin March lives in exile after failing in his job as an investigator of religious groups and supernatural claims. But Justin is given a second chance when Mae Koskinen comes to bring him back to the Republic of United North America (RUNA). Raised in an aristocratic caste, Mae is now a member of the military’s most elite and terrifying tier, a soldier with enhanced reflexes and skills. 

When Justin and Mae are assigned to work together to solve a string of ritualistic murders, they soon realise that their discoveries have exposed them to terrible danger. As their investigation races forward, unknown enemies and powers greater than they can imagine are gathering in the shadows, ready to reclaim the world in which humans are merely game pieces on their board. 



My thoughts:


I was dying to get my hands on a book by Richelle Mead so when this book popped up on netgalley I was thrilled. For the first book I've read by Mead, she sure left an impression.


I loved everything about this book. The first thing that stood out to me was that it was slightly complicated. I felt like I was thrown into the deep end until about half way through the book. I was out of the loop a lot of the time but I was desperate to find out what everyone was talking about. The language was sometimes confusing and it took a while to get used to, but it really made me think and it added to the world building a whole lot. I can tell some readers are going to need a bit of patience when this book comes out - it's definitely well worth it when you finally find out what's going on though.


The plot is definitely what got me most of all. It was flawless. Absolutely chocked full of action and suspense, balanced perfectly with a bit of complicated romance and a whole load of secrets to boot! Also, even though this book had a fulfilling ending where everything seemed to be resolved, I still have a lot of questions. A lot. I really need to find out what happens now and the first book hasn't even come out yet as I'm writing this review…#booknerdproblems


I loved all of the characters involved as well. Both Justin and Mae were really well rounded characters that had their strengths and their flaws. Justin made me laugh and he also made me sad at times, he just seemed so desperate in the 'he's doing the best he can' kind of way. He was definitely really endearing sometimes, but he also made me want to facepalm a lot. I always love characters to have their flaws though - makes them more relatable. 


I basically felt the same way about Mae. I loved her backstory and personality too. Her relationships with other characters and the way she interacted encouraged a whole lot of emotions on my part. She's a powerful character that doesn't seem to be afraid of tough situations or making mistakes. I definitely love both Justin and Mae.


Overall I can't fault this one. I'm definitely going to be picking up my own copy when it comes out and I really encourage you to do the same.


My rating: 10/10



Richelle Mead:

Goodreads | Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook

Friday 10 May 2013

Review: Drowning Instinct by Ilsa J. Bick

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Title: Drowning Instinct

Author: Ilsa J. Bick

Publisher: Quercus

Publication date: 28th February 2013

Format: Paperback | 345 pages

Genre: YA | Contemporary

Goodreads



…what if he wants to break them too?


Jenna's parents say they love her.

So why do they ignore her?


Jenna's brother says he loves her.

So why hasn't he visited her in years?


Jenna's teacher says he loves her.

He treats her well, he protects her and he tells her she's beautiful.


Mr. Anderson is the only one she can trust.


So why is Jenna telling her story to a detective?



My thoughts:


If I had to describe this book to anyone in one word it would be intense


Honestly, it wasn't what I was expecting at all. It was one of those reads where you cannot stop reading for the life of you. I was desperate to find out what happened to Jenna at the end so from the very beginning I was reading as fast as I possibly could.


The characters are what really stood out for me. Jenna just melted my heart. What she was dealing with while the story was progressing and what she had dealt with in the past that was slowly revealed. I loved how much I was able to really feel for her - I immediately managed to form a strong connection to her as a character because of her depth and how well rounded she was. Ilsa sure did a heck of a job writing the characters that's for sure.


I just have to mention the end before it drives me crazy. I cried. Like…a lot. I just couldn't believe what happened and I felt like my heart had stopped for a second from shock. I don't think I'll be able to stop thinking about it for a while. My God...


I also loved just how real this book was. It was incredibly poignant and it really made me think about life in general. I felt like I was pushed right into the character's minds where every secret was kept behind closed doors but only I had access. It was just between me and the characters. Sometimes, it made me so sad I couldn't bear it. 


Overall, this book has definitely made its way into my top favourites. I don't think I could read it again, knowing what I do, without being in the right mood, but I strongly urge you to pick this one up and read it because it's something else.


My rating: 10/10



Ilsa J. Bick:

Goodreads | Website | Facebook | Twitter

Wednesday 8 May 2013

Review: Emilie and the Hollow World by Martha Wells

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Title: Emilie and the Hollow World

Author: Martha Wells

Series: Emilie #1

Publisher: Strange Chemistry

Publication date: Apr 2 2013

Format: ebook | Netgalley

Genre: YA | Fantasy | Steampunk

Goodreads



While running away from home for reasons that are eminently defensible, Emilie’s plans to stow away on the steamship Merry Bell and reach her cousin in the big city go awry, landing her on the wrong ship and at the beginning of a fantastic adventure.

Taken under the protection of Lady Marlende, Emilie learns that the crew hopes to use the aether currents and an experimental engine, and with the assistance of Lord Engal, journey to the interior of the planet in search of Marlende’s missing father.

With the ship damaged on arrival, they attempt to traverse the strange lands on their quest. But when evidence points to sabotage and they encounter the treacherous Lord Ivers, along with the strange race of the sea-lands, Emilie has to make some challenging decisions and take daring action if they are ever to reach the surface world again.



My thoughts:


This is going to be one of those reviews that is difficult for me to write and is probably difficult to read. It always happens with the kind of book that I basically have no strong feelings about - while I was reading this, at times, I felt like I was reading it for the sake of reading. There didn't seem to be anything to get me excited or worried about characters.

 

The biggest problem I had was how the book started. Sometimes I love being thrown into the deep end of a story to be left to figure out what happened as the book goes on. There are always clues or little flashbacks to the protagonists past so that I'm given enough backstory to be able to get to know the main character better. That way I form an attachment of some sort - if that character goes through some sort of painful experience then I feel for them, in the same way that I enjoy reading about the character experiencing something pleasant. I didn't get that with Emilie. I didn't feel there was enough of a backstory revealed in order to satisfy me - I didn't really end up caring about what happened to her either way and I hated that.

 

I think that initial problem is what put me off the rest of the book. I ended up having the same problem with the rest of the characters, even though there wasn't any problem with them that I can put my finger on. 

 

One thing I did notice though, was that I loved the descriptive writing. The 'Hollow World' is a world set in the depths of the Earth, it gave the author a chance to use her imagination and I loved how that came across. There were times where I could picture everything described clearly in my mind just because the writing was so easy for me to take in and imagine myself. 

 

Overall this was a 'meh' kind of read for me. It had its moments but for me, if I don't really like the characters, I can't get into the book at all. However, as I always mention, give it a go if it seems like the kind of book you would go for…it's just my opinion. 

 

My rating: 5/10

 

 

Martha Wells:

Goodreads | Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook

Monday 6 May 2013

Review: Darkness Falls by Cate Tiernan

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Title: Darkness Falls

Author: Cate Tiernan

Series: Immortal Beloved #2

Publisher: Hodder and Stoughton

Publication date: 13th Sep 2012

Format: Paperback - 416 pages

Genre: YA | Fantasy

Goodreads



Just a few weeks ago, I'd seen a tiny crack of sunny promise splitting through the dark tarmac of my soul. I'd seen progress - I really had. What had happened? Everything felt ruined now. I'd faced so much - my heritage, my past, my emptiness.


I had faced it all and for what?


Nastasya has lived for more than four-hundred years, but nothing seems to get any easier. Desire, death and heart-breaking truths are revealed in book two of this compulsively addictive trilogy.


When you're born immortal, can you ever outlive your past?



My thoughts:


I can't believe I took this long to get back into this series. I came across the first book, Immortal Beloved, in my cupboard and immediately felt like rereading it. So, that brings me to the second book in the series which I have just read for the first time and absolutely fell in love with it. I fell in love with the characters and the series all over again and managed to read both the first book and second in a day.


I couldn't get enough of this book. In my opinion, the only downside is it wasn't long enough. What drew me in straight away - as well as in the first book - was Nastasya's personality. She's such a well rounded character with flaws up to her eyeballs - even though she's over 400 years old she's still relatable. She still makes mistakes even with all her experiences and she owns up to them. She doubts herself and she finds it hard to trust those around her. In other words, she's not perfect, just like the rest of us. Nastasya has to be one of my all time favourite characters - she may be incredibly stubborn and silly sometimes but boy does she make me laugh. This book definitely has its fair share of one liners from Nasty that will make you chuckle.


The plot of Darkness Falls is basically carrying on from the end of the first book. It's all about Incy with just a hint of something more coming. I enjoyed it immensely - it was different to the first book in that it got really dark at times. Incy got downright creepy towards the end to the point that he made me shudder a little bit. It definitely got you turning the pages.


The rest of the characters were just as amazing. Especially Reyn, which I'm guessing everybody knew I would eventually start gushing about him. Reyn is a GORGEOUS character. He's so complex and mysterious - I really can't wait to get to know him more in the last book. All of the characters in this series have a lot of depth - you don't find out everything about them so it intrigues you and makes you wonder. They all act the way they do for a reason.


Overall this book is definitely one I'm adding to the favourites pile. If you haven't started this series I would strongly recommend you do because you won't regret it.


My rating: 10/10



Cate Tiernan:

Website | Blog | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter

Saturday 4 May 2013

Review: Mila 2.0 by Debra Driza

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Title: Mila 2.0

Author: Debra Driza

Series: MILA 2.0 #1

Publisher: HarperCollins

Publication date: 28th March 2013

Format: ebook | Netgalley 

Genre: YA | Science Fiction 

Goodreads



No one suspects what she’s made of…
After the sudden death of her father, Mila’s at a new school, trying to fit in and falling for mysterious sexy Hunter. But her world slams upside down in a heartbeat when a car accident reveals a secret she never knew; a secret about herself.

Mila is devastated to learn that her memories are just chimeras, her dreams untrue. She can’t even rely on her emotions to tell her who she is. So how can she grieve for her father or feel the way she does about Hunter? And why is her mom running scared?

Worse still, who are the creepy stalkers so desperate to get their hands on her…?



My thoughts:


I'm going to start off this review by saying straight off I was disappointed with this book.


Mila 2.0  drew me in straight away with it's summary. I thought it had such potential since I'd never read anything with some kind of robot as its main focus, but to be honest, it was pretty much the same as every other book in terms of what happens. It was way too predictable for me - I was looking forward to something different and something that would take me by surprise. Maybe I just expected too much from it.

 

Don't get me wrong, I didn't outright hate it. It definitely had its merits. I loved how Mila had her problems right from the start before she even found out about her huge secret. It made her relatable right from the start and for Mila's character, that was especially important - she had to come across as human and vulnerable in her own ways. I thought that was achieved quickly enough that I really felt for Mila as the story went on.

 

I don't really know what to think about the characters though. On the one hand I really liked some of the personalities involved but on the other, I felt like they weren't around for very long. The book was divided at some point in the middle so most of the characters in the first half weren't involved in the last. The characters that I really liked disappeared pretty quickly so by the end of the book everything felt a little unresolved. 

 

Overall I think this was just one of those reads that wasn't for me. Judging by other reviews though, a good number of people enjoyed this one so give it a go.

 

My rating: 4/10

 

 

Debra Driza:

Goodreads | Website | Twitter

Thursday 2 May 2013

Review: Lords of Prophecy by Michael A. Rothman

 

As part of the book tour, I was sent all three books in the series to review so I thought I'd do something along the lines of 'mini-reviews' for all three.
 
 
 
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About Heirs of Prophecy:

The Riverton family had been enjoying a simple summer vacation when, through a fluke of nature, they found themselves in a strange new land. The Riverton brothers quickly realise that in this world, they have gained unusual powers. Powers that their parents fear will attract the attention of Azazel himself - the merciless wizard who brutally controls this world. The two brothers soon learn that an ancient prophecy has finally been initiated by their arrival in Trimoria. As the heirs of this prophecy, they are destined to lead the armies of men, dwarves, elves, and even a misfit ogre against the prophesied demon horde. Only one thing stands in their way. The evil wizard who has learned of their presence, and has sent assassins to wipe them from existence.


My thoughts:

I have to say I found this book incredibly easy to read. It reminded me a lot of the fantasy books I started out with when I had just started high school - definitely brought back a lot of memories.

What was really refreshing was the fact that the whole family is involved. It made the characters so much more loveable because of the way they interacted as a family and helped each other.

It's also the kind of book that delves straight into the deep end. It wasn't too long before the action started to get going and the adventures began. Always a plus with this kind of book. 

One thing I didn't like so much was that the characters seemed to adapt too quickly to their powers and surroundings.

Overall it was definitely a lovely read suited to the whole family.



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About Tools of Prophecy:
 
The Riverton brothers are the tools of a prophecy that has them destined to face off with the demons that nearly destroyed their world over five centuries ago. Despite their youth, a mysterious spirit has engaged them in an epic struggle to gain mastery of their newfound skills, help raise and train two armies, and stay alive long enough for their final showdown with destiny. The only things that stand in their way are the assassins hired to destroy them and the Demon Lord's minion who holds a personal grudge. He plans to witness the young boys' deaths.


My thoughts:

I read this one straight after the first and it definitely ups the pace a little. The characters have grown and with that the story gets a little darker and more action packed.
 
As with any series I was a little apprehensive I wouldn't like the characters as much as I did in the previous book. I have read series where the main characters have had some kind of identity crisis and just become utter brats but thankfully I liked the characters just as much as before. I enjoyed how the characters are slowly developing and getting a little more depth - they became a bit more well rounded individuals I felt.
 
The plot was enjoyable. It was simple but the book was no less intriguing - I was still sucked  right into the story.
 
 
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About Lords of Prophecy:

The time of the final battle approaches as the barrier that’s kept the demons at bay for centuries crumbles. The prophecies have promised the emergence of two brothers, lords of the prophecies who are destined to lead Trimoria’s forces against those of the demon lord Sammael. Yet, the challenges that the Riverton brothers face are none that anyone could have anticipated.

Assassins seek the end of the king’s reign, debilitating madness overwhelms many of the wizards, and the sudden appearance of an emissary from a long-lost civilisation brings with it unexpected consequences. The Riverton brothers must overcome the challenges arrayed before them, for the demon lord’s minions are amassing at the border.

The future of Trimoria hangs in the balance.


My thoughts:
 
 Well the story all came together in this book that's for sure. The final battle where everything is decided...
 
I still loved the relationship between characters. They really seemed to shine more than in the previous books because so much more is at stake. They were really endearing so I ended up not getting enough of them.
 
The plot was a little too predictable for me but I still enjoyed it nonetheless. What I like about these books most of all though, is that the plot includes a little of everything. It has the perfect mix of fantasy, action and romance which, personally, kept me from getting bored and kept me turning pages.
 
Overall I think this was my favourite book of the series. I've already persuaded my little sister to start reading them and so far she's enjoying the books too! 
 
 
My rating: 7/10
 
 
Michael author photo
 
About Michael Rothman:

I am an Army brat and the first person in my family to be born in the United States. This heavily influenced my youth by instilling a love of reading and burning curiosity about the world and all of the things within it. As an adult, my love of travel allowed me to explore many unimaginable locations. I participated in many adventures and documented them in what will be a series of books.
 
Some might put these books in the Fantasy genre, and I never had issues with this label. After all, the adventures were, without any doubt in my mind, fantastic. I simply quibble with the label of "Fiction" that some might put on these tales. These tales should be viewed as historical records, more along the lines of a documentary. 
I've learned one thing over the years. Magic is real. Keep exploring, and you too will find your magic.

Wednesday 1 May 2013

Series Spotlight: The Gatekeepers #5

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Title: Oblivion

Author: Anthony Horowitz

Series: The Gatekeepers #5

Publisher: Walker Books

Publication date: 04 Oct 2012

Format: Hardback - 672 pages

Genre: YA | Fantasy/Horror

Goodreads



Having escaped from Hong Kong, the five gatekeepers - Matt, Pedro, Scott, Jamie and Scarlett - are scattered in a hostile and dangerous world. As they struggle to re-group and plan their next move, the malevolent King of the Old Ones gathers his forces in Oblivion: a desolate landscape where the last survivors of humanity must fight the ultimate battle.



My thoughts:


Wow.


Honestly, I've just put this book down and I'm a little shocked as to how it ended.


I have to say, this was a brilliant book. It was incredibly long winded at times but I expected it from a story like this at some point. Plus with a book of this length, you should probably expect it to be, at least in parts. It was the kind of book where I would have to put it down and distract myself so I can give myself a second to take in everything that's happened. 


There's something to be said about reading the last book in any series. There are so many expectations I had before even turning the first page. Even though I loved the first four books, if I didn't like the last, it would all have seemed like a waste of time. But thankfully that didn't happen. I was really happy with the way this book ended and how it rounded the series off as a whole. I'm a little upset about the ending, but anybody could have seen it coming since there were quite a few clues to prepare you for it. 


Anthony Horowitz definitely knows how to write. I mean the level of suspense in this book was on another level compared to anything I've read before. It really had me turning the pages as fast as I could. I was constantly on the edge of my seat just waiting to find out how this book ends. It didn't help that I had to wait quite a while to get this one as well.


Overall this series is a definitely must read. It's creepy, full of action and packed with amazing characters. Give it a go.


My rating: 10/10


Series rating: 8/10


 

Anthony Horowitz:

 

Goodreads | Website | Twitter

 

 

 

The Gatekeepers:

 

  1. Raven's Gate
  2. Evil Star
  3. Nightrise
  4. Necropolis
  5. Oblivion