Rebel Heart - Moria Young

Haven't read 'Blood Red Road' yet?  What're you waiting for?  It's awesome!  Watch out, this review may contain 'Blood Red Rad' spoiler.


A Spoiler Free Bit About The Book

After defeating Vicar Pinch, Saba, Lugh, Emmi and Tommo are heading to the Big Water.  And that's where they'll meet Jack.

But it's not that simple.  Traumatised after Epona's death, Saba's not her normal self.  And to top it all off, the Angel of Death has a price on her head.


My Review

'Blood Red Road' was one of my favourite books of 2013, only really being beaten by 'Divergent'.  So I was really excited about reading the second in the 'Dustlands Trilogy' and I wasn't disappointed.  I know many people were but I wasn't one of them.

Although the first part of the book written in third person following Jack did throw me off a bit and took me a while to get into.  But I'm the kind of reader who can't get enough of Jack so I was quite happy learning more about him and seeing what he was up to.  It was a strange kind of way of throwing me back into the series but I think it was clever.  It just made me hungrier for the rest of the novel.

Once back in Saba's first person point of view I was home.  I fell back into I as thought I'd finished 'Blood Red Road' and picked up 'Rebel Heart' straight away.  Saba was a little different this time around but I found that to be realistic.  The things she went through in 'Blood Red Road' would change a person.

My only criticism is that it took a while to get going.  It didn't take forever like far too many books I've read, but compared to the pace of 'Blood Red Road' it was a little slower.  But never fear, once it got going it got going!

There were a few new characters I liked as well as a few of the ones cropping up again.  Young did a good job of reminding me who all the characters were without me consciously being aware that I was being reminded.  And fans of DeMalo (like me) won't be disappointed!  You just wait.

I must dedicate a paragraph to Molly.  I loved her.  She did my name proud just as Molly Weasley in 'Harry Potter' and Molly Hooper in 'Sherlock' have.  The addition of Molly in 'Rebel Heart' made it all the more enjoyable.  She was a no-nonsense, excellent character and I enjoyed every part she was in.  Other than my obvious main character favourites, Molly was the best.

'Rebel Heart' surprised me in places and a little shock is always good.  I'm not surprised nearly enough by YAs anymore so it was awesome.  If you've read 'Rebel Heart' you'll probably know which bit I'm referring to and my question to you is did you expect that?


Evaluation

Plot - 9/10 - heading to the Big Water, another long journey story

Way Plot Was Pursued - 10/10 - liked all the steps on the journey

Characters - 10/10 - go Molly!

Style - 10/10 - love the narration and that it's written in Saba's dialect

Pace - 9/10 - Slower than 'Blood Red Road'


Would I recommend it? - Yes, I'm loving this trilogy

Would I look up the author? - Yes.  I definitely would.


Everything I loved about 'Blood Red Road' I loved about'Rebel Heart'.  Bring on 'Raging Star'!


Molly Looby

Author / Reviewer / Blogger / Editor / Movellian / ZA Ready

Requiem - Lauren Oliver

This review contains spoilers from 'Delirium' and 'Pandemonium'.  If you're interested in reading the trilogy I would avoid this review.

A Spoiler Free Bit About the Book

Alex is alive.  Just when Lena was trying to move on with Julian.  But there are more important things happening in Lena's world.

A rebellion.

My Review

I enjoyed 'Requiem' more than 'Pandemonium' but again it was no where near meeting the brilliance of 'Delirium'.

Like 'Pandemonium', I felt 'Requiem' had a very slow start.  but not only that, I couldn't understand why it took so long to get going.  I felt that some of the build up was unnecessary.  I just wanted to get to it.  Fast.  Much faster than 'Requiem' allowed.

The dual perspective didn't shock me as a lot of YA novels (including some of mine) use this.  But it did shock me who had the second perspective.  It was a twist on the norm and it was fantastic.

I loved getting some of the old characters back as I missed them so much in 'Pandemonium'.  But I found I  cared less and less for Julian who I never particularly liked in the first place, which probably didn't help.

Again, as always, there were beautiful turns of phrase and description, something I expect with Oliver now.

The ending, once I got there at long last, was excellent.  I felt the sting of betrayal as though it was my own.  I got to the point where I had my hand permanently over my mouth, heart pounding, terrified with every chapter I was going to let characters die by reading but I couldn't put it down.

The final paragraph was one of the most beautiful pieces of writing I've ever come across.  I read it over and over and had to share it with my best friend.  It took my breath away, cleansed my soul and altogether tore me apart.

Unfortunately there was a particularly huge loose end left over that was never resolved.  I was disappointed it wasn't fully solved and felt a little cheated.


Evaluation

Plot - 6/10 - YA fiction's full of rebellions, nothing new here.

Way Plot Was Pursued - 7/10 - The two perspectives were a great new way to look at the world.

Characters - 8/10 - I couldn't have been happier to see the old ones again.

Style -7/10 - Usual Oliver style, no disappointments there.

Pace - 6/10 - too slow, far too slow.


Would I recommend it? - No.  I'm still of the opinion that you should just read 'Delirium' and leave it there.

Would I look up the author? - Yes.  I'm intrigued about the excerpt in the back for Oliver's new book which I will look up.


'Requiem' was okay.  But again, it wasn't 'Delirium'.


Molly Looby
Author / Reviewer / Editor / Movellain / Wrimo / ZA Ready

Contact me about all things book here: molly.looby@hotmail.com

Pandemonium - Lauren Oliver

This is the sequel to 'Delirium' so if you haven't read 'Delirium' and you plan to I wouldn't read on past here.  This review doesn't have spoilers from 'Pandemonium' though.

A Spoiler Free Bit About the Book

After escaping Portland, Lena must live in the Wilds and learn fast how to make a life there.  But how can she do that without the reason she escaped in the first place?  How can she do that without Alex?

My Review

If you've read my review of 'Delirium' you'll know just how much I adored it, the whole idea that love was a disease was fascinating.  But 'Pandemonium' wasn't about that.  It was about a group who didn't believe in the disease or the cure and who wanted to fight for love.

'Pandemonium' was such a disappointment as I loved 'Delirium' so much.

In comparison, 'Pandemonium' felt very slow.  I didn't know where it was going but I wasn't hooked so I had to make myself read it, which is never a good thing.  Also, as it went on I found that I didn't like where it was going anyway.

But it wasn't all bad.  I liked the separation between 'Now' and 'Then' and the way that shaped the story with the back and forth between them.  I liked learning about how they lived in the Wilds and how different it was there.  Also, little things surprised me and as in 'Delirium', Oliver included some beautiful phrases.

The new characters were great.  I connected with them and wanted to know more about them but that didn't mean they could compare to the characters we left behind in 'Delirium'.  I spent a lot of 'Pandemonium' pining for the old characters as much as Lena was.  Or perhaps that was the point.

The twist at the end in my opinion, was so predictable.  I knew  it was coming through most of the book.  I don't think that's a negative on Oliver's part as it wasn't hinted at too much or anything.  It was just one of those things that had to happen and I was very aware of that.

Evaluation

Plot - 6/10 - The plot wasn't really gripping enough for my liking.

Way Plot Was Pursued - 7/10 - I liked the 'Then' and 'Now'.

Characters - 7/10 - Not as loveable as the characters in 'Delirium'.

Style - 7/10 - Oliver's style is beautiful but I wanted more action.

Plot - 6/10 - It started slow and seemed slow most of the way through.  I expected something to speed it up and it didn't.

Would I recommend it? - No.  To feel the real power behind 'Delirium' it's probably best not to read 'Pandemonium' if like me you need a faster pace and more urgency in a novel.

Would I look up the author? - Yes.  I'm still interested in Oliver's 'Before I Fall' and look forward to reading it at some point.

'Pandemonium' was okay.  I doubted anything could top 'Delirium' anyway.

Molly Looby

Author / Reviewer / Blogger / Editor / Movellian / Wrimo / ZA Ready

Contact me about reading, writing, books and anything here:  molly.looby@homail.com

Allegiant - Veronica Roth

'Divergent' and 'Insurgent' spoilers ahead.  Tread carefully.

A Spoiler Free Bit About the Book

The Edith Prior video only exacerbates the factionless/faction conflict.  But now they know that the Divergent have a mission.

Tris and Tobias have to search for their destiny beyond the city walls.

My Review

'Allegiant' for all its hype and buzz, started way too slowly.  I wanted to dive right in and search for the people outside the fence but no, there was a bit of stuff I had to get through first.  Stuff if I'm honest, I didn't quite see the point of.

Tobias's point of view threw me a bit.  At first I didn't like it at all.  It was really difficult to get used to.  I liked the way Tris saw him much more than the way he saw himself.  But of course I did love learning more about him.  Seeing Tris through his eyes was interesting too, it gave her a different edge.

The information flow was just right and I applaud Roth for this as there was so much for me to understand and wrap my head abound.  The pacing of the chapters was perfect as was the development of old and new character as usual.

If you've read 'Divergent' and 'Insurgent' you know how fond Roth is of killing off characters once they've served their purpose.  Well . . . prepare yourself.  I had many broken heart moments during 'Allegiant' where I went "No.  Well that can't happen."  But sometimes these are the best bits.

I cried multiple times during 'Allegiant' and again when I shut the book.  The trilogy only occupied a few months of my life which is such a small amount for a trilogy.  I'm sad I caught it right at the end but then again glad because I know the hype is just beginning.  I sped through all three, wishing I'd savoured the pages.

Evaluation

Plot - 9/10 - Still couldn't top 'Divergent' but I don't think anything can.

Way Plot Was Pursued - 9/10 - Liked where we ended up and how it all went.

Characters - 10/10 - I loved them all.

Style - 9/10 - Unsure about Tobias's point of view.

Pace - 8/10 - It started way too slow for a huge finale of a trilogy.

Would I recommend it? - Yes.  If you've got this far you don't have a choice but to finish the trilogy.

Would I look up the author? - Yes.  I can't wait till Roth writes more.  I'm even going to look into the little stories from Tobias's point of view from earlier in the trilogy.

Well, the 'Divergent' trilogy is over.  What a ride it was.

Molly Looby

Author / Reviewer / Blogger / Editor / Movellain / Wrimo / ZA Ready

Contact me about cool stuff here: molly.looby@hotmail.com

Goodbye 2013

This year I had a fair few ambitions.  Write a lot and read a lot.

I succeeded.

I read over 30 books this year which was better than the target of 26 that I gave myself.  I discovered some amazing books this year.  These ones have to be my favourite:

Warm Bodies - Isaac Marion
Light - Michael Grant
Eve and Adam - Michael Grant and Katherine Applegate
Delirium - Lauren Oliver
Blood Red Road / Rebel Heart - Moira Young
Unearthly / Hallowed - Cynthia Hand
More Than This - Patrick Ness
Divergent / Insurgent / Allegiant - Veronica Roth

The absolute favourite winning my book of the year is 'Divergent' by Veronica Roth.  The film in 2014 better be good.  (It will never be good enough.)

Next year I'm looking forward to so many patient books on my shelf, one of which is 'The Fault in Our Stars' by John Green which I expect great things from.


Now on to the writing and editing side of my year which has been on fire!

I released two books this year.

'Gambling a Fairytale' the second book in my 'Immorality of Immortality trilogy'.
 http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gambling-Fairytale-The-Immorality-Immortality/dp/1481784137/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1388338102&sr=8-1&keywords=gambling+a+fairytale

And 'ZA' my stand alone zombie novel.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/ZA-Molly-Looby-ebook/dp/B00ENK4FO0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1388338158&sr=8-1&keywords=ZA+molly+looby

I'm starting to create a real portfolio of books.  This year, as well as releasing two, I also wrote two.  One that is kinda about werewolves and another which is a tragic love story with a twist (what else but NaNo 2013.)  My grand total is now eight books in my four years of writing.

An ambition for next year is to reach ten books in five years and then I might slow down!

Oh yeah, I did some A'levels too.

And let's not forget that I was shortlisted for the Sony Young Movellist of the Year Award with my NaNo'12 novel 'I Dare You'!

And was also in the paper!

This year has been amazing.  But next year is going to be even better.  My loyal fans will enjoy the final instalment of the 'Immorality of Immortality trilogy', 'Chancing the Truth'.  And 'I Dare You' is also on my list for next year when I'll give it the love and attention it deserves.  

2014 is the year it's all going to happen.

Mark my words.

Molly Looby

Author at heart

molly.looby@hotmail.com

Insurgent - Veronica Roth

This review may contain 'Divergent' spoilers.  Read at your own risk.


A Spoiler Free Bit About the Book

Heading off to Amity headquarters with Tobias and Caleb, Tris knows one thing.
The Divergent are not safe.


My Review

'Insurgent' was so different from 'Divergent' but somehow it matched its brilliance.  The plot was extremely detailed and clever and I could hardly put it down.

Roth has an amazing talent and reading 'Insurgent' had bubbles of emotion filling me.  I felt everything Tris felt.  I can't even believe how attached I grew to Tris across the novel.

The new characters were as good as the old ones and their development was excellent.  Even knowing more about them, I still loved them.  Nothing seems to be able to put me off these characters.  I don't care what they do.  I'm committed.

In 'Divergent' we gain an understanding of Abnegation, Dauntless and Erudite, leaving Amity and Candor behind somewhat.  But don't worry about that.  'Insurgent' gives you a full understanding of all the factions which still even after reading 'Divergent', fascinated me.

A few lines in 'Insurgent' were phenomenal.  They stuck with me and rendered me speechless.  Just another one of Roth's talents.

I was left awed and gasping for the finale - 'Allegiant'.


Evaluation

Plot - 9/10 - didn't enjoy quite as much as 'Divergent'.

Way Plot Was Pursued - 10/10 - I wanted more info on the factions and I got it.

Characters - 10/10 - new and old all excellent.

Style - 10/10 - I can't praise Roth enough.

Pace - 9/10 - Although fast paced, at times you had to trek.


Would I recommend it? - Yes, of course.  All readers of 'Divergent' have to give 'Insurgent' a try.

Would I look up the author? - Yes, if there was anything for me to look up.


'Insurgent', though not as good as 'Divergent' was still a blast to read.


Molly Looby

Author / Reviewer / Blogger / Editor / Movellian / Wrimo / ZA Ready

Email me here about books, writing, zombies, vampires, werewolves, Movellas, NaNoWriMo, teen fiction and all of that awesome stuff: molly.looby@hotmail.com

Divergent - Veronica Roth

A Spoiler Free Bit About the Book

The world is divided into five factions: Abnegation, Amity, Candor, Dauntless and Erudite.  The selflessness, the peaceful, the honest, the brave, the intelligent.  At the age of sixteen you are tested to see which faction you have an aptitude for.  And then at the Choosing Ceremony you must pick one and if you chose to leave your family your faction become your new family - faction before blood.

We follow our protagonist, Tris Prior, born of Abnegation.  But she's sure she isn't selfless enough for it.

The Choosing Ceremony is only the beginning.


My Review

'Divergent' had cropped up a lot in the teen fiction community over the past few months and after hearing about it I knew it was one I just had to read.  I knew it was going to be amazing, so amazing I would become obsessed, or it would be overrated.  Well, let's just say a few chapters in I looked up and said to whoever was in the room at the time "this is going to be awesome".

I wasn't wrong.

My first love of 'Divergent' was our protagonist, Tris.  She was so real to me, doing what anyone would do and making good decisions.  She worries about weakness as we all do and yet again on some level she still wants to be helped.  Her battle between being brave and being herself sucked me in and kept me reading.  I connected with her from the off and the simple voice Roth gives her makes you want to follow her to the end of the universe and not just to the end of the book.  Tris worries about the truly important.  She knows what it means to be selfless and she knows what it means to be brave.  She was my perfect heroine.

The other characters too, stole my heart.  They were round and full and so real.  But what shocked me most was that they were so very quickly, meaning they had plenty of time to develop across the novel.  They were all different and relatable for different reasons.  And they all had sound motives which teenage fiction is sometimes lacking in my opinion.  I loved the ones I hated but not as much as the ones I loved and that if nothing else, is the mark of incredible characters.  Roth paints real friendships with their ups and downs and sometimes the characters broke my heart.

The universe in itself with its five factions was so interesting.  I just wanted to know more, wanted to know everything.  (I suspect I would be in Erudite.)  The idea is great and I loved how different the factions were in ideals and personality.  And of course how even with this system, humanity will always mess it up.

Th pace was excellent.  I could hardly put it down from the first sentence and the action was perfect.  It was so easy to follow even thought it was fast paced and I always knew who was throwing the punches.


Evaluation

Plot Idea - 10/10 - five factions, different from anything I've ever read.

Way Plot Was Pursued - 10/10 - I can't imagine the story being told any differently.

Characters - 10/10 - Rounded.  Different.  Relatable.  Loveable.

Style - 10/10 - loved Roth's peppering of short sentences and Tris's narration.

Pace - 10/10 - not slow at all, couldn't put it down.


Would I recommend it? - Yes.  It's without a doubt the next big thing in teen fiction.

Would I look up the author? - Yes.  Or I would if this wasn't her debut.  I certainly would.


'Divergent' was everything I wanted in a story.  I can't fault it.  The only novel so far I've given perfect ten all round.


Molly Looby

Author / Reviewer / Editor / Writing Coach / Blogger / ZA Ready / Wrimo