Top 5 Reads of 2010

Hey guys! So it's that time of the year again where I present the best 5 books that I have read this year!

5. Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

I was looking forward to reading this after reading the Mortal Instruments series. I enjoyed it very much, looking forward to the sequel!



   4. Someone Like You by Sarah Dessen

This is probably by favourite Sarah Dessen book of all time. Classic Sarah Dessen, love it!

3. Looking for Alaska by John Green

This was my first John Green book and I really, really liked it. Looking forward to reading more John Green in the future!

2. Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

This was amazing, I loved it. It was definitely one of those WOW books for me. Can't wait to read Delirium next year!

1. Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma

Words can't describe this book. It was such a powerful, emotive novel.AMAZING.

REVIEW: Matched by Ally Condie

Sorry I haven't updated in ages, been very busy with school! I'll hope to be posting more frequently in the coming weeks. Anyway, here's the review:

Matched is Ally Condie's first major novel, a dystopian novel, set in a civilisation where at the age of 17 you are 'Matched' with another person. It's setting is in a futuristic society where your choices, actions and moves are controlled by government 'Officials' in order to maintain a perfect society. It is based around a girl called Cassia who is 'matched', however, she finds herself falling in love with someone else...

I was drawn to reading this book (and its cover) the moment I heard of

it, I've always loved dystopian novel (i.e. Uglies, The Hunger Games, Brave New World) and this sounded right up my street! Unfortunately, I was quite dissapointed with this novel, which surprised me. I found that the pace of the story was quite slow, it wasn't hard to put down. I thought it would get better throughout the novel but that didn't really happen. There were no high tension or action scenes which you would expect from a dystopian novel. I know that you don't want action all the time but I felt that was lacking in Matched.

As for the main character, Cassia, I felt there was development from her from the start to the end but the romance between her and Ky didn't feel realistic enough. She didn't seem to be in love with Ky. Furthermore, I didn't feel there was much emotion emitted from the character, I didn't feel any of the raw emotions that I usually feel in romance novels. This may be due to the writing style the author used which was quite plain - first person, short, simple sentences.

However, I found still find the idea very interesting. The idea of society being that way, everything being controlled - what you eat, what you wear, how many children you have, when you die etc. It makes you think what things would really be like if you couldn't make choices in life. The author presented this picture to the audience well.

As for the ending, I thought it was interesting. It didn't necessarily leave me craving for more but I am intrigued to know what will happen in the next part (Crossed - out Nov 2011) of the trilogy.

Plot: 3.5/5
Characters: 3/5
Ending: 3.5/5
Writing: 3/5
Cover (love it!) : 5/5

Overall: 3/5

Lies by Michael Grant - Trailer

As I just finished reading this book, I thought I would post the official trailer for it. It's kinda scary (lol)! Anyway, here it is:

REVIEW: Private by Kate Brian

Private is about a girl called Reed Brennan who gains a scholarship to the privileged boarding school Easton Academy, where she meets a group of girls called the 'Billings Girls'. It's the first book in the popular 'Private' series.

When I first read the synopsis of this book, it strangely reminded me of the Gossip Girl books (i <3 gossip girl!), as it is based around similar characters. So I was hoping it would be as good. And I was not dissapointed!

Firstly, I liked the narrative style the writer used as it was in first person and I really did get a good insight into the character's mind and thoughts. It was also quite engaging from the beginning and I immediately got interested in the story.

The Billings Girls seemed like such strong, individuals and they each had different personalities and traits even though they weren't described that much. There was Taylor - the smart one, Noelle - seen as the 'leader' of the Billings Girls, Ariana - the modest one. And regards to the main character, Reed, my first impression was that she kind of follows others and she wasn't really going to Easton for a particular reason but as you learn more about her family background, you understand her more and I could actually relate to her in a kind of way.

The 'Billings' Girls also reminded me of 'Mean' girls but not as mean (lol)

Anyway, it was a great start to a series and it was definitely one of those books that left me wanting more! The next book is called 'Invitation Only'.



Old cover

Plot: 4/5
Characters: 5/5
Ending: 4/5
Writing: 5/5
Cover(there's 2 covers, this is the rating for the one I read (as pictured <--)): 3/5


Overall: 5/5

What Happened to Goodbye by Sarah Dessen!

The new Sarah Dessen book, What Happened to Goodbye, cover has been revealed!!

What Happened to Goodbye is about a high school senior who, after her parents’ divorce, has taken up the practice of assuming a new identity in each of the four towns she’s lived in

Although, the cover will probably look different in the UK. Probably something similar to this:

Anyway, this is coming out in May 2011 (so excited!!). Definitely will be posting a review to this new book.

The Versatile Blogger Award

I recently discovered that I received the Versatile Blogger Award from Kate @ Literary Explorations (thanks so much!!!).

For the people that won the award, here are some things that you need to do:

1. Thank and link back to the person that gave this award

2. Write 7 things about yourself
3. Pass the award along to 15 bloggers who you have recently discovered and who you think are fantastic
4. Contact the bloggers you've picked to let them know about the award


Here are the bloggers that I picked for the award:

Elena's Book Cafe
Persnickety Snark
Reading Vacation
Mindful Musings
The Sweet Bonjour
What's Cracking Coops?
Call Me Crazy
Wondrous Reads
A Flight Of Minds
Books Are Life
The Crazy Bookworm
The Naughty Book Kitties
The Bookette

Steph Su Reads

Here are seven things about me:

1. I live in London, England

2. I play the piano

3. I want to go to university/college abroad

4. I love Amazon.com for not just books but loads of other stuff too!

5. I'm learning Spanish at the moment

6. I love watching US dramas such as; Gossip Girl, Glee, Ugly Betty, Desperate Housewives and 90210!

7. I'm a Cancerian, born in July

REVIEW: A Note of Madness Series* by Tabitha Suzuma

*Just to clarify, this review is the whole series (A Note of Madness and A Voice in the Distance) so I'm reviewing them together.

 A Note of Madness and A Voice in the Distance are one of Tabitha Suzuma's first books which she wrote in 2007 and 2008. The story follows Flynn, a student at the Royal College of Music who suffers from Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depression)

When I finished one of Suzuma's more recent books, Forbidden, I couldn't wait to read her other books as I loved Forbidden. And I wasn't dissapointed. Firstly, I felt that the author did her research into the topic really well. She didn't portray Bipolar Disorder as just a mental illness that can be cured, she expressed that there was more to it than just that. It was like you could feel Flynn's pain.

I also liked the romance in the story between Jennah and Flynn (and I love romance!) which was kind of like 'Forbidden Love'. Furthermore, I also found both books to be very absorbing and I finished them really quickly.

The other characters, Harry, Kate, Rami etc. were also portrayed realistically and well.

Overall, I found this to be a great series (although not as good as her other book, Forbidden) and very moving. I hope she writes another book to continue the series.

Plot: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Ending: 3.5/5
Writing: 5/5
Cover: 2/5


Overall: 5/5

REVIEW: Hunger by Michael Grant

Hunger, is the second book in the popular series ,Gone, by Michael Grant. It follows the characters from Gone and focuses on general 'FAYZ' life and their struggle, particularly hunger (hence the name).

I found this book throughly entertaining and engaging throughout. The author wrote it well and I liked the way he gave the story from different points of view of thew characters (but it was mainly based around one of the lead characters, Sam). I think I found Hunger, more entertaining than the first but I love both!

However, I found the book to be quite scary at times and a bit frightening! I think the warning sign on the back of the book is there for a reason...It was also kind of violent too, I would recommend it for people 13-14+.

After reading this book, I've also realized that I love sci-fi/fantasy fiction . I just love the ideas that the author has created. It is a realistic idea even though some could argue that some of the topics seem unrealistic (in this world).

However, I found myself wondering throughout the book, what will happen in the very end of the series? And when will we find out why everyone over the age of 15 has dissapeared?

Overall, I found this book to be very good and engrossing! I can't wait to read the third book, Lies!

Plot: 5/5
Characters: 4/5
Ending: 5/5
Writing: 4/5
Cover: 3/5


Overall: 4.5/5

On My Wishlist #2

On My Wishlist is a fun weekly event hosted by Book Chick City and runs every Saturday

My Name is Memory by Ann Brashares

Publication Date: June 2010

Genre: Teen Romance

I saw this today in the bookshop and I've seen alot of reviews for it and sounds pretty good!

Synopsis from Amazon:

Daniel tells me that he’s always loved me. That I feel the same. That I always have. Not just in this life, but in my last life, and all my lives before. But I don’t remember him. He says he is always searching for me. Always hoping that one day I will remember. But it is only he that carries the memory of our love. I know that finding true love is never easy. Perhaps you have fought for it. Perhaps, like Daniel, you have endured the pain of it being unrequited.  But I hope your quest ends happily. I hope you never have to face the heartbreak that inevitably awaits us. This is our extraordinary, unforgettable story.

Lies by Michael Grant

Publication Date: September 2010

Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy

I just finished reading the 2nd book in the series, Hunger (will be posting a review soon). It was brill and I can't wait to read the next one, Lies.

Synopsis from Amazon:

It happens in one night: a girl who died now walks among the living, Zil and the Human Crew set fire to Perdido Beach, and amid the flames and smoke, Sam sees the figure of the boy he fears the most - Drake. But Sam and Caine defeated him along with the Darkness - or so they thought. As Perdido Beach burns, battles rage: Astrid against the Town Council; the Human Crew versus the mutants; and Sam against Drake. And the prophetess Orsay and her companion, Nerezza, are preaching that death will set them all free. As life in the FAYZ becomes more desperate, no one knows who they can trust.

Fortune by Megan Cole

Publication Date: July 2010

Genre: Romance

I was gonna buy this when it came out, however, for some reason I didn't. It also kinda reminds me of Gossip Girl and I love the GG series...

Synopsis from Amazon:

Step into the world of the mega-rich… and the mega-bitches.

Three girls. One life-changing fortune…

Madison is so over New York. Her mom won't let her have botox and she can't leave the city because her step-father is sick. Snoresville. So when she gets a mysterious invitation to a private party in Capri, held by billionaire music mogul Brad Masters, she's determined to go.

Simonetta wants her mamma off her back. Of course she's not going to give up modelling in Rome to go back to her fusty little village. When she gets her invitation, she sees the chance to lose her roots forever.

Sapphire just wants to write songs and hang out in the London record shop where she works. When she's invited to Brad's party, she doesn't even want to go – but her mum seems strangely excited about it.
Madison, Simonetta and Sapphire: three girls from different worlds who are about to find out they have more in common than they think.

Teaser Tuesday!

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along!

Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers! 

Hunger by Michael Grant

'Little kids, drinking rum.

 He'd seen it.'

On My Wishlist #1

I Now Pronounce You Someone Else by Erin McCahan

Publication Date: June 2010

Genre: Teen Romance

I've seen this book around on blogs and book websites for a while now. It sounds quite interesting.

Synopis from Amazon:

Here Comes the Bride -- If She Can Pass Chemistry. Eighteen-year-old Bronwen Oliver has a secret: She's really Phoebe, the lost daughter of the loving Lilywhite family. That's the only way to explain her image-obsessed mother; a kind but distant stepfather; and a brother with a small personality complex. Bronwen knows she must have been switched at birth, and she can't wait to get away from her "family" for good. Then she meets Jared Sondervan. He's sweet, funny, everything she wants -- and he has the family Bronwen has always wanted too. She falls head over heels in love, and when he proposes marriage, she joyfully accepts. But is Jared truly what she needs? And if he's not, she has to ask: What would Phoebe Lilywhite do?

The Eternal Ones by Kirsten Miller
Publication Date: August 2010
Genre: Thriller/Romance

When I first saw the cover for this book, I thought it was a vampire book. However, when I saw what it was about it sounded quite intriguing to me.

 Synopis from Amazon:

 Haven Moore has always known she's different: there are the talents that can't be explained; the knowledge of places she's never been; and then there are the visions that overwhelm her - terrifying visions of a life that ended tragically two decades earlier and more than a thousand miles away in New York City. The citizens of Haven's rural, highly religious community, believe that she's been possessed by a demon. But this is no demon: it's reincarnation. Haven journeys all the way to Manhattan in search of clues about her past life and a decades-old murder. One wrong move could lead her into the clutches of the sinister villain at the center of a conspiracy much larger than she could have ever imagined. But if she makes the right choices, Haven will find the answers she's been seeking her entire life. This is an epic and thrilling romance set in the snake-handling churches of Appalachia, the dusty ruins of ancient Rome, and the grand mansions of Manhattan. The Eternal Ones tells the story of the first battle in a war between undying love and eternal evil.

 

The Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Publication Date: September 2010

Genre: Fantasy

And of course there is the Clockwork Angel! I recently finished re-reading City of Glass and that's made me want to read the Clockwork Angel even more!

Synopsis from Amazon:

Magic is dangerous—but love is more dangerous still.

When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos. Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What's more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa's power for his own. Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by—and torn between—two best friends: Jem, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm's length...everyone, that is, but Tessa. As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world...and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.

Diary of A Wimpy Vampire: The Undead Have Feelings Too by Tim Collins

Publication Date: May 2010

Genre: Humour

After reading the original series 'Diary of A Wimpy Kid', I have wanted to read this for a while. This is quite cool as the author is mixing two popular phenomenons, Twilight and Diary of A Wimpy Kid.

Synopsis from Amazon:

Like Edward Cullen in "Twilight", Nigel Mullet was transformed into a vampire when he was still a teenager, and will remain this age forever. Unfortunately, Nigel became a vampire at the awkward age of fifteen, and must spend eternity coping with acne, a breaking voice, and an ineptitude with girls...In this, his excruciatingly funny diary, Nigel chronicles his increasingly desperate attempts to be noticed by the love of his life, Chloe Sparrow, the constant mortification caused by his vampire parents (not to mention the worry that they might accidentally eat one of his friends), and the frustration one feels when you've got the whole of boring eternity stretching out in front of you and you can't even have a lie in (vampires don't sleep). Forced to hang out with the Goths and emo kids due to his pale skin and social awkwardness, and constantly battling his embarrassingly overwhelming desire to sink his fangs into Chloe's neck, will Nigel ever get his girl? Fantastically witty and hugely enter tanning, this fun and accessible diary will appeal to any fan of "Twilight" or "Adrian Mole", teenage or otherwise.

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver - Book Trailer!

Hey guys, I came across this book trailer on youtube and I thought I'd post it as it is an awesome book and I would recommend all of y'all to read it! 

Book Descripion from Amazon:

They say ‘live every day as if it’s your last’ – but you never actually think it’s going to be. At least I didn’t. The thing is, you don’t get to know when it happens. You don’t remember to tell your family that you love them or – in my case – remember to say goodbye to them at all. But what if, like me, you could live your last day over and over again? Could you make it perfect? If your whole life flashed before your eyes, would you have no regrets? Or are there some things you’d want to change...?



Buy the Book: Amazon

REVIEW: City of Glass by Cassandra Clare

City of Glass, is the third work of fiction in the Mortal Instruments trilogy written by Cassandra Clare. Instead of being set in New York, the book is mainly based in Alicante in Idris,  the main city where Shadowhunters originated. It focuses around the main characters, Jace and Clary, and their relationship and fight against the enemy, Valentine.

This was my second time reading the book, and I actually enjoyed the book alot more second time round. I found it an enjoyable read and couldn't put the book down. I felt I understood the characters well, because of the way Clare described them and their struggles and emotions throughout the book. I particularly noticed this with Alec and him being the 'black sheep' of the family as he is gay. Also, with Jace, behind the sarcastic remarks and irony, I saw a young boy who had fallen in love.

However, as for the writing style of the book, I didn't think it was that good. Although I didn't mind it in 3rd Person, I felt that Clare's writing wasn't advanced or original enough. Furthermore, I thought a certain person's death in the book was unecessary, although, this was to be expected as usually a character dies in these kind of trilogies.

Lastly, I was pleased with the ending and thought it was a good ending for a good series. On the other hand, my only doubt was that I thought it was a bit predictable.

Overall, I throughly enjoyed the book and I thought it was the best book so far in the series. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the Mortal Instruments sequel, City of Fallen Angels, which is to be released in 2011. In addition, the Clockwork Angel, the spin-off, which was released recently.

Plot: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Ending: 4/5
Writing: 3/5
Cover: 3/5


Overall: 5/5

REVIEW: The Hunger Games:Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins (contains spoilers)

Release Date: 25 August 2009

Publisher: Scholastic

Pages: 448

Buy the Book: Amazon

Mockingjay, is the third long awaited novel in the bestselling trilogy, the Hunger Games. The book follows Katniss, the main character and her participation in the rebellion against the Capitol.

After reading the first two books in the trilogy, I was used to the author getting straight to the story. However, with Mockingjay, I felt the book took longer to get into and the action didn't really start until I was about a quarter into the book.Nevertheless, once I was fully engrossed in the book, I enjoyed it,

Furthermore, with the Katniss, Gale, Peeta love triangle they made a big deal of the whole 'who will she choose?' situation, in the first two books, however, I felt this wasn't really explored enough in Mockingjay. The scenario was built up quite a bit in the first two books, yet, there wasn't as much mention of it in this novel.

And with regards to the ending, I actually thought it was very rushed and vague. Again, there wasn't much detail for who she chose, or what happened to Gale. Also, I think that Collins killed off too many characters at the end. I actually thought it was unecessary, especially Prim. I mean, Katniss has been through enough, don't you think you should give her a break?!

Overall, I thought this book had high points and low points. It was a good book to a great series but I wasn't as blown away as The Hunger Games and The Hunger Games Catching Fire.

Plot: 4/5
Characters: 3/5
Ending: 3/5
Writing: 3/5
Cover: 4/5

Overall: 3.5/5

REVIEW: Stolen by Lucy Christopher

Release Date: 4 May 2009

Publisher: Chicken House

Pages: 320

Buy the book: Amazon

‘It happened like this.

I was stolen from an airport.

Taken from everything I knew,

Everything I was used to.

Taken to sand and heat, dirt and danger. And he expected

me to love him. This is my story.

A letter from nowhere’

Stolen is probably one of my favourite books of all time. The book is about Gemma, an inner city inhabitant British teenager who is captured while on holiday with her parents. Her kidnapper, a young man called Ty takes her to the sandy, desolate Australian outback where there is no sign of life from miles around. As Gemma comes to terms with her awful predicament, she must learn to accept it or die trying to fight it. This book is written by Lucy Christopher and it is her first novel.

Of all the many books that I have read, I found this book to be unique, unusual and nothing like I’d ever read before. At times, the book was scary, challenging and controversial but still a, ground-breaking novel that exceeded my expectations.

The book starts off with Gemma being captured by her kidnapper, Ty. Initially, Gemma despises him and is desperate to get away.

‘I screamed and struggled all the way back. I bit you again. Several times. I spat too.’

However as the story progresses, and you learn more about him, you actually develop a liking for the kidnapper which is odd as the captor is usually portrayed as the ‘bad guy’. Nevertheless, Christopher successful managed to persuade the reader and make you feel sympathetic towards him despite his misdoings.

One of the best things felt that I liked about the book was the way she described the characters. Ty, the kidnapper, is a, misunderstood, complex character. He isn’t the usual kind of kidnapper who is violent or aggressive. Instead he was unusually kind and normal. With regards to Gemma, she begins as a plain, normal and moody teenager but by the end of the book, you feel a special connection or bond with her.


One of the unusual features of the book was the style of narrative that the author used. It was written in the second tense. Although it took some time getting used to, it liked the quirkiness of it and how it was different to other books.

I also think that the author (Lucy Christopher) did a superb job of describing the Australian Outback. Her description provided a vivid and clear picture of what the scene would look like. It really adds to the whole experience of the book. The Australian outback was like a character in itself!

To conclude, I think this book was brilliant! It was ‘unputdownable’! I strongly recommend this book to anyone that wants a good summer read!

Plot: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Ending: 4/5
Writing: 5/5
Cover: 5/5