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Book Review: “Windfall” by Jennifer E. Smith

Title: Windfall 

Author: Jennifer E. Smith

Published: May 4th, 2017

Publisher: Pan Macmillan 

Find the Author: Goodreads 


I received this book for review on my blog! As always, my reviews are fair and unbiased.

Alice doesn’t believe in luck—at least, not the good kind. But she does believe in love, and for some time now, she’s been pining for her best friend, Teddy. On his eighteenth birthday—just when it seems they might be on the brink of something—she buys him a lottery ticket on a lark. To their astonishment, he wins $140 million, and in an instant, everything changes. 


At first, it seems like a dream come true, especially since the two of them are no strangers to misfortune. As a kid, Alice won the worst kind of lottery possible when her parents died just over a year apart from each other. And Teddy’s father abandoned his family not long after that, leaving them to grapple with his gambling debts. Through it all, Teddy and Alice have leaned on each other. But now, as they negotiate the ripple effects of Teddy’s newfound wealth, a gulf opens between them. And soon, the money starts to feel like more of a curse than a windfall. 


As they try to find their way back to each other, Alice learns more about herself than she ever could have imagined . . . and about the unexpected ways in which luck and love sometimes intersect.

First Thoughts

Jennifer could write a book about anything and I would be right there waiting in line to read it. Her novels have that kind of magical power that just can turn a bad day into a soaring wonder of a moment, escaping into these beautiful worlds she creates. Windfall sounded like a movie to me in my mind, the way I read the blurb. Then I found out it had been optioned for film the other day! How amazing is that?! I’m SO happy for you, Jennifer, if you’re reading this (I hope so!).

My Review

Windfall? More like the most wonderful, wonderstruck and absorbingly gorgeous novel of the year. Alice is just the most stand-out, brilliant character and how she’s written just gels so effortlessly throughout Windfall. The thing is, Alice hasn’t had the best life. Her Parents died not long after each other, and she’s been secretly in love with her best friend, Teddy, for as long as she can remember. They’ve both not had the greatest luck, and that’s something that ties them together in this unspoken connection. So when Alice buys Teddy a lottery ticket for his birthday and he wins – and wins big – everything they knew changes completely in an instant, sending their lives into different paths and changes the way their lives used to be. But when you’re Alice and Teddy – you have a way of finding your way back to each other, and they are the true stars of this novel, their sheer connection almost 3D through the book pages.

Even though Jennifer’s previous books have been amazing, Windfall has stolen my heart completely and utterly. I have a great love for this book and these characters, far greater than I first anticipated. I fell head over heels for Alice and Teddy and the way they love. I laughed and I cried through their words and breathtaking moments filled with hope for the future and characters with the biggest hearts. I turned pages far faster than I could comprehend and I finished Windfall in a day, happy and sad at the same time that it had gone by so fast (I just want to read it again, already!). There’s a special kind of something in Jennifer’s latest book that makes my heart happy – not just a notion but a firework of feelings; happiness and beauty and hope for everything in life. 

Overall, Jennifer has clearly outdone herself yet again. Just when I thought that This Is What Happy Looks Like, was my favourite Jennifer book, Windfall has come out of the shadows and straight into the spotlight, brimming with heartfelt moments, hope and the power of pure love and friendship. If you’re going to delve into one YA read this year, make it this one. Without a doubt, I cannot imagine anyone not loving this book. It has my heart – five stars completely. 

Rating


Have you read Windfall?


What did you think?


Let me know in the comments or at @LittleMemoirs on twitter! 


happy reading!

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Blog Tour: Dear Charlie by n. d. gomes

Title: Dear Charlie

Author: N. D. Gomes

Published: October 20th, 2016

Publisher: Harlequin 

Find the Author: Goodreads | Twitter


I received this book for review on my blog! As always, my reviews are fair and unbiased.



Death should never meet the young. But it did. Thanks to my brother, death made fourteen new friends that day. Maybe even fifteen, if you count Charlie.

At sixteen, Sam Macmillan is supposed to be thinking about girls, homework and his upcoming application to music college, not picking up the pieces after the school shooting that his brother Charlie committed.

Yet as Sam desperately tries to hang on to the memories he has of his brother, the media storm surrounding their family threatens to destroy everything. And Sam has to question all he thought he knew about life, death, right and wrong.

School shootings are a huge issue in our society, as sad and devastating as it is. I haven’t read any books as of yet that touched upon the subject, yet alone with care and carefulness so when I heard the great things about how Dear Charlie was written, I knew it was going to be a worthwhile read. 

After Sam’s brother Charlie takes a gun to school, killing himself and fourteen other students, Sam’s entire world tips over and shatters into a million pieces. He struggles in the time that spans after the event, feeling like when Charlie took the lives and his own, he created a void that sucked everything Sam once knew into it with him. He feels alone in the world, pulled apart from his friends and school that he can’t go back to, his thoughts thinking over and over if there were any signs he might have missed that would have helped Charlie. 
N. D. Gomes captures the subjects that Dear Charlie covers beautifully and painfully. Not only does the book delve into Sam’s head, but Charlie’s also. Sam has to recover from the ordeal, inside and out. His Parents are under scrutiny by the media, and also are grieving, causing an even larger wound in their lives. Charlie’s actions cast Sam’s life into a new one that forces him to change and adapt to a different way of life in the following times as he tries to heal emotionally and come to terms with the fact that his brother is gone and that things will never be the same. 
Overall, Dear Charlie is a gripping, eye-opening YA novel that I wish I could put in everyone’s hands. Our world has had some of the biggest disasters because of guns and I am thankful that in YA literature we have a new author to shine a light on the realistic aspects of day to day life in society. I wish that guns never existed in the hands of people who have no business using them or thinking they are entitled to them. Charlie, like many others who have used them, took a gun to school and its a heartbreaking subject, but N. D. Gomes writes it with strength, believable edge and with a memorable story to last a lifetime. Although I found it hard to get through at times because of the enormity of the realistic subject, there is no denying that Dear Charlie is a brilliant book from an amazing author to watch. 


 YA readers who like gripping books with realistic aspects. 


N.D. Gomes was born in Scotland and graduated from the University of Stirling with a BA in Media & Journalism Studies, and went on to receive her Master’s degree in Education in the US. She currently works in a public school system to increase educational opportunities for students with special needs. Previously, N.D. Gomes wrote for the London-based online student political magazine, deAlign and stage-managed student plays at the LeeStrasberg Theatre Institute in New York City where she attended for two years. She currently divides her time between the US and Scotland, but hopes to spend more time at her cottage in Hay-on-Wye in Wales. Dear Charlie is her debut novel.

Have you read Dear Charlie?


What did you think?


Let me know in the comments or at @LittleMemoirs on twitter or using the tag #DearCharlie.


happy reading!

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Book Review: “Better Than Perfect (Wild Cards #1)” by Simone Elkeles

Title: Better Than Perfect (Wild Cards #1)

Author: Simone Elkeles 
Genre: Young Adult – Contemporary Romance
Release Date: August 4th, 2014
Published by: Bloomsbury Childrens


I received this from Bloomsbury Childrens in exchange for an honest review. As always, my reviews are fair and non-bias. 



Ashtyn’s life just got complicated. Her boyfriend is being distant and her sister’s back at home after ten years – with a stepson in tow!

 Derek has a perfect body, THE sexiest smile and a car – Ashtyn’s only way to escape from her crazy life. But Derek likes to play by his own rules and is keen to take Ashtyn on a ride she’ll never forget. As they spend more and more time alone together, will Derek’s flirty games drive Ashtyn wild?

 A sweet and steamy romance from New York Times bestselling author Simone Elkeles.

I was immediately intrigued when I stumbled upon Simone’s novels a little while ago because I had heard so many amazing things about her Perfect Chemistry series, so I jumped at the chance to read this! So ultimately I was going into Better Than Perfect searching for a new favourite Contemporary YA Author!


Ashtyn isn’t your typical girl and her life is far from perfect. She’s a football player for a start, and it’s really important to her that she is treated as equal and not because she’s a girl. Derek, on the other hand, is your typical bad boy. Expelled, he’s sent to live with his Father’s new Wife back in her hometown, walking right into Ashtyn’s life and shattering it into thousands of complex little pieces. 
At first it seems like this is your usual bad boy meets good girl, but when Better Than Perfect gets going, it headed right into my favourite reads right away. Ashtyn and Derek’s connection is lively and they weave straight into each others lives, the game of back and forth glances and flirty conversations become more inevitable. Ashtyn is a very driven, hardworking girl and all she wants is to be noticed doing what she loves in football, maybe even to get a scholarship. But Derek isn’t driven for anything like Ashtyn is, and he knows her type just like she knows his. They’re not “supposed” to be meant for each other, but their fiery chemistry begs to differ. From the nicknames to the addictive, enchanting romance, Better Than Perfect played all it’s cards right for me. Simone’s writing style was charming and distinctive, and I can see how she is easily one of the best YA Contemporary authors out there. 
Overall, Better Than Perfect couldn’t have been better – it was perfect. For fans of Katie McGarry, Simone’s novels are on my TBR list for sure now! I can’t wait to read more from her. 


I think there were so many little moments that were my favourites, it would give away WAY to many spoilers if I even dared. But when you read them, they’ll become your favourites too, definitely. 

Like I said above, for fans of Katie McGarry and anyone who loves a YA Romance with an unique spin on it. 

Have you read Better Than Perfect?


What did you think?


Tell me in the comments, on twitter or by using the hashtag #BetterThanPerfect

happy reading!

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Book Review: “Flirty Dancing” by Jenny McLachlan


Title: Flirty Dancing 

Author: Jenny McLaughlan
Genre: Young Adult – Contemporary 
Release Date: July 3rd, 2014
Published by: Bloomsbury Childrens


I received this from Bloomsbury Childrens books in exchange for an honest review. As always, my reviews are fair and non-bias. 



 Bea Hogg is shy but fiery inside. 

When national dance competition Starwars comes to her school looking for talent, she wants to sign up. It’s just a shame her best friend agreed to enter with school super-cow Pearl Harris. Bea will fight back! But when school hottie, Ollie Matthews, who also happens to be Pearl’s boyfriend, decides to enter the competition with Bea, she will have more than a fight on her hands.

This warm, nuanced, hilarious story about friendship, fortitude . . . and dancing is impossible not to fall in love with. Jenny’s voice is fresh and convincing, and she handles both darker and lighter elements of the story with equal panache.

Flirty Dancing looked like a fun, spontaneous and hilarious read right from the synopsis. And, come on, a book about a dance competition, love and friendship? It’s criminal not to read it.
Bea is a smart, sometimes shy, and always hilarious, main character of Flirty Dancing. When she gets word of a fabulous new national dance competition called Starwars, she wants nothing more than to dance. Although her skepticism holds her back at first, she gets a pep talk from her Grandma and decides that she has what it takes and she should go for it. But when she finds out her best friend; Kat, has joined her arch enemy (although former best friend turned mean girl) Pearl’s team, she is stuck for a partner to dance with. 
But then, her Grandma’s connections at dance lessons stick Bea with her crush and the hottest boy at school; Ollie. Although they haven’t talked much and Bea can’t help but hold back because Ollie is dating her competitor and ex-friend; Pearl. But when they get further and further into the competition and become closer as dance partners, there’s a dance chance they could become more than just dance partners. 
The book also zooms in on friendship and how easily we forget how much a friend or ex-friend used to mean to us and how we change as people growing up and for Pearl, she turned against Bea, but Bea wasn’t like Pearl and tried to give her the benefit of the doubt, cowering down all the time. It was refreshing to see a girl stand up to someone who belittled her and because of that, Bea was an all-star character for me. 
Flirty Dancing was everything I expected and more. It was packed full of hilarious one-liners, clever characters that were lambently witty and honestly original, not to mention how unique the story was in itself. I’ve only ever read a few books in all my time reading that intergrate dance-themes into them and Flirty Dancing beat them all – and other books alike – to the top spot. Playful, comical and not to mention how I couldn’t put it down, Flirty Dancing was a five-star YA that I dare you not to love. 

I loved dance rehearsals, Betty (she was so fun) and Bea’s courage to overcome that shyness around dancing and going up against her arch enemy. 

 YA book lovers of all genres will love Flirty Dancing, but in particular Contemporary readers who favor a little fun and romance in their YA books. 




Have you read Flirty Dancing?

What did you think? 

Tell me in the comments or at @LittleMemoirs on twitter!

happy reading!
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Book Review: “Rebecca Newton and The Sacred Flame” by Mario Routi




Title: Rebecca Newton and The Sacred Flame

Author: Mario Routi
Genre: Young Adult – Fantasy / Mythology 
Release Date: April 8th, 2014
Published by: Oak Tree Press


I received this from Oak Tree Press in exchange for an honest review. As always, my reviews are fair and non-bias. 

Rebecca’s life is about to change!


In the beginning, the ancient Gods created not just the earth. They also created three other worlds: the Elysian Fields, a paradise where they themselves live; Tartarus, the dark world of demons and Titans, ruled over by the ancient deity Cronus; and finally the Land of the White Sun, where all the heroes and creatures of myth dwell – Centaurs and Minotaurs, Cyclopes and Gorgons, Amazons and flying horses! In this land the Creator planted the Sacred Flame, the Cosmic Source that keeps the universe in balance and must be protected from the Dark monsters and Evil Gods who desire to seize it, in order to destroy all the worlds.


Hearing that Rebecca is charismatic, Turgoth, ruler of the kingdom of Beast, arranges for her abduction. When the two of them come face to face, they realise that there is a strange bond between them and their destinies become entwined forever. But although they start to share deep feelings for each other, they are doomed to fight on opposite sides…


Rebecca Newton and the Sacred Flame is a tale of epic wars, grand passions, mythical creatures and ancient Gods – an adventure story which reaches to the core of what we mean when we speak of “Good” and “Evil”.

I haven’t read many books heavily influenced by mythological elements, but I was keen to start delving into more genres that opened up some myths and legends within YA literature. 


Right from the start, I was amazed by the effort that had gone into creating such an imaginative and creative world surrounded by mythological creatures, worlds and the elements of good and evil. Rebecca (name-twin!) is a courageous, bright main character who really comes to life on the pages. Although the story is mostly set in the Land of the White Sun, Rebecca starts her training after leaving Earth to become something much, much greater. 
But when she is abducted, things get troublesome very quickly for her and all that awaited her on the other side of everything she knew. Meeting Turgoth, the ruler of the kingdom of Beast, was an eye-opening moment. They form a sort of special bond with each other, although their doomed relationship whatever it may be is struck by the fact that they will be fighting against each other regardless of that connection. 
Ancient Gods come to life in this magnificent, wildly spectacularly world where everything is as far from real-life as possible. It’s a book you can just escape to be among mythical creatures and a story of bold characters and an unforgettable adventure. Rebecca’s character development was by far my favourite and although I didn’t get a chance to connect as well with the rest of the characters, the story itself made up for it. 
For fans of adventure, imaginative myths and fascinating journeys. It was a lovely change from a contemporary read and I look forward to delving into the myth-worlds more in the future! 





 The moments with Rebecca and Turgoth were a highlight for me, but there were so many little moments that I loved that I couldn’t possibly write them all down. 

Fans of mystery, love and an epic adventure. A great escape to another world, for YA fans definitely. 


Have you read Rebecca Newton and the Sacred Flame?

What did you think? 

Tell me in the comments or at @LittleMemoirs on twitter!

happy reading!

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Book Review: “Always Emily” by Michaela MacColl

Title: Always Emily

Author: Michaela MacColl
Genre: Young Adult – Historical Fiction / Mystery
Release Date: April 8th, 2014
Published by: Chronicle Books


I received this from Chronicle in exchange for an honest review. As always, my reviews are fair and non-bias. 

Emily and Charlotte Brontë are about as opposite as two sisters can be. 


Charlotte is practical and cautious; Emily is headstrong and imaginative. But they do have one thing in common: a love of writing. 
This shared passion will lead them to be two of the first published female novelists and authors of several enduring works of classic literature. But they’re not there yet. 
First, they have to figure out if there is a connection between a string of local burglaries, rumors that a neighbor’s death may not have been accidental, and the appearance on the moors of a mysterious and handsome stranger. The girls have a lot of knots to untangle—before someone else gets killed.
Historical fiction, particularly YA is fairly new to me. I’m usually a Contemporary girl, or steadfast Paranormal fan, but recently the historical elements have been weaving themselves into my reading habits. I’m sure almost everyone has heard of the Brontë sisters in one way or another and even though this is the first time I was actually learning more about them, I was excited to get some classic fiction into my library. 

Charlotte and Emily couldn’t be more different, and that is definitely clear from the start. But one thing that is undeniably clear is how they became so known for their name and place in history.
A true romantic and hard-working girl, Charlotte is always thinking straight and toward her planned future. She follows the traditions and rules and aside from her love of writing, romance plays a huge part in her story, but the thing she wants the most was for Emily to feel at home at the Academy as she does. But Emily is different, she craves a wild adventure, seeks freedom and doesn’t want to be tied down to anyone or thing. She had a wandering mind and spirit that couldn’t be contained in any space or time. It’s no surprise she loved writing like her sister, but that was probably their only similarity personality or hobby wise. 
Charlotte wants Emily to be more observant and conventional to the times, but Emily wasn’t one to follow the rules. I could definitely see why the sisters are loved and how inspiring the scenes in their hometown conjured up their love for writing, especially on the moors that inspired some of their works.
Mysteries always hook my attention and Always Emily lived up to my love of them. I found myself turning page after page as the anticipation grew with the telling of the story. Adventure-seeking Emily and traditional-bound Charlotte are spun into the secrets and enigma, building to a novel that any Brontë fan will adore as they work together to piece the pieces of a mystery together. This was my first time reading about anything Brontë, and I’m definitely going to do more research and reading into the sisters that made a massive name in Literature and our novel-loving hearts. 



The climax of any mystery is always my favourite part. When all the details come together to have made the story possible just gives me that book-buzz.



Brontë fans of course, and Historical Fiction lovers will eat this up. And not to sound cover-obsessed, but it is gorgeous! By far one of the most beautiful I’ve read.


Have you read Always Emily?

What did you think? 

Tell me in the comments or at @LittleMemoirs on twitter!

happy reading!
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Book Review: “Boy21” by Matthew Quick

Title: Boy21

Author: Matthew Quick
Genre: Young Adult – Contemporary 
Release Date: June 19th, 2014
Published by: Headline


I received this from Headline in exchange for an honest review. As always, my reviews are fair and non-bias. 



It’s never been easy for Finley, particularly at home. But two things keep him going: his place on the basketball team and his girlfriend, Erin – the light in even the darkest of his days.

Then Russ arrives. He answers only to Boy21, claims to be from outer space, and also has a past he wants to escape. He’s one of the best high school basketball players in the country and threatens to steal Finley’s starting position.

Against all the odds, Russ and Finley become friends. Russ could change everything for Finley, both for better and for worse. But sometimes the person you least expect can give you the courage to face what’s gone before …and work out where you’re going next.

When I saw The Silver Linings Playbook, I had no idea that it was in fact, a book. So I was beyond excited for Boy21 to be my first book from the same author as the film I loved so much. 
Finley loves basketball. It’s what his life has revolved around ever since it came into his life when he so desperately needed it. Erin loves basketball too, and their love of the game is what brings them closer. She’s now Finley’s girlfriend, and they’re both about to start Senior year and both want the same thing – to get out of their claustrophobic town – and basketball has a way for them to do that. 
When Russ arrives, he wants to only be known as Boy21. He’s quirky and gives Finley a run for his money in his life on the basketball team and as a character. But what struck me was their fast friendship and understanding of each other. They’ve both lost things and people and what their newfound friendship gives them each is something they hadn’t expected. They find a braveness and backbone that they didn’t have on their own, and without knowing, it steers them in the direction of their future in a way they wouldn’t and couldn’t have imagined. 
Boy21 captured my attention, my heart and my feelings. It hit me where every good book should, pulling on my heartstrings, but making me laugh nevertheless. It was honest and about a genuine friendship where they didn’t have to ask for anything or explain how they felt. They could communicate by knowing each other well, like every good friend does for us, in our actions and expressions. Matthew Quick is swiftly climbing up my favourite authors of the year so far, with Boy21 definitely not going to be trumped for a long time coming. It was a shorter read than usual, just under 300 pages. I read it in one night and when I woke up that morning, it was still there in my thoughts. And that is a five-star book. Not because of it’s subjects or themes, but because the story goes far beyond the last page. 
In one word? Outstanding.



A quote always does it best.

“Someday an opportunity will come. Think about Harry Potter. His life is terrible, but then a letter arrives, he gets on a train, and everything is different for him afterward. Better. Magical.”

YA Book Lovers (and Adults alike) that love a friendship, or sport-ish themed book. It’s a total one-off and I can’t think of anything to compare it to, but it reminds me of the feeling you get when you finish a John Green book. 

 Have you read Boy21?


Tell me in the comments or on twitter!


happy reading!

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Book Review: “Shut Out” by Kody Keplinger

Title: Shut Out

Author: Kody Keplinger
Genre: Young Adult – Contemporary 
Release Date: June, 2014
Published by: Hodder Children’s Books


I received this from Hodder Children’s Books in exchange for an honest review. As always, my reviews are fair and non-bias. 

The girls of Hamilton High School are going on strike.

 Sick of the rivalry between their boyfriends’ American football and soccer teams, Lissa and her friends are determined that the boys won’t see any action from them until they put an end to their immature pranks.

 But Lissa hasn’t counted on a new sort of rivalry: an impossible girls-against-boys showdown that hinges on who will cave to their libidos first …

I heard about Kody’s books way back when she wrote The Duff, but as of today, it’s still unread on my shelf. I have no idea why I haven’t picked it up because CLEARLY, Kody’s novels are extremely popular. The Duff is getting made into a movie. And as soon as I saw the synopsis for Shut Out, it pulled me right in and looked far from your ordinary high-school book.
Lissa likes things in order and most importantly, to be in control of things, ever since her Mom died. She’s dating Randy, who’s on the football team. Sure, he’s not perfect, but Lissa loves him and he loves her. Except she get’s pretty annoyed with him when he takes the rivalry between Hamilton High’s football and soccer teams more seriously than her. So when he chases after someone who eggs Randy’s car when they’re both inside, leaving her alone and neglected, she pretty much decides enough is enough. 
She ropes together the girlfriends of the both teams, including her best friend Chloe and ex-best friend Ellen. They kind of broke apart when their boyfriends were on different teams and slowly grew apart, but Lissa was hoping this might bring them together a little. Lissa brings up the subject of a sex-strike to the girlfriends of the teams, to get control over the situation and try to end this once and for all. They are unsure to start with that the plan would work and things like; what if the boyfriends just get new girlfriends? But when they start to see results, Lissa feels like she might just have changed things for good. 
But it’s never quite that easy, and things start to go awry when Lissa starts to stray from Randy and give into Cash’s advances. Cash is on the soccer team, and when he starts to work at the Library after school like Lissa, she starts to see a different side to him other than the one she thought she knew from a past she wanted to never have existed.
But when the boys try to get even, and the girl’s can’t resist, things start to get bad fast. Not only does Randy turn out to be a jerk, but Lissa is finding maybe her way wasn’t the best and that the advice Cash was giving turns out to be what she was looking for all along. 
Full of hilarious one-liners (Chloe, definitely!), drama and wisdom, Shut Out is a high-school rom-com you don’t want to miss. You’ll root for Lissa, cheer for the girls and get hooked to the excitement and dramatics. Kody hit the mark on this one, and the inventiveness of Shut Out blows the book competition out of the water. Five star ++! 


I always say the endings of books are my favourite and although Shut Out’s ending was perfect, I think my favourite would be a quote from the book. One that should inspire all of us, and that I personally believe is very true. 

“It’s never too late.” 

For fans of Katie McGarry, Miranda Kenneally and Jennifer Echols! And if you’ve read The Duff, then Shut Out has to be your next read! 

Have you read Shut Out?


Tell me in the comments or on twitter!


happy reading!

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Book Review: “The Winner’s Curse” by Marie Rutkoski

Title: The Winner’s Curse

Author: Marie Rutkoski
Genre: Young Adult – Historical Romance / Fantasy 
Release Date: July 3rd, 2014
Published by: Bloomsbury Childrens


I received this from Bloomsbury Childrens in exchange for an honest review. As always, my reviews are fair and non-bias. 





Winning what you want may cost you everything you love.

As a general’s daughter in a vast empire that revels in war and enslaves those it conquers, seventeen-year-old Kestrel has two choices: she can join the military or get married. But Kestrel has other intentions. One day, she is startled to find a kindred spirit in a young slave up for auction.

Arin’s eyes seem to defy everything and everyone. Following her instinct, Kestrel buys him—with unexpected consequences. It’s not long before she has to hide her growing love for Arin. But he, too, has a secret, and Kestrel quickly learns that the price she paid for a fellow human is much higher than she ever could have imagined.

Set in a richly imagined new world, The Winner’s Curse by Marie Rutkoski is a story of deadly games where everything is at stake, and the gamble is whether you will keep your head or lose your heart.

Historical fiction isn’t usually my go-to read, but there was something compelling about The Winner’s Curse. I had heard so many great things about the story and the romance and that it was a must read, so I was going in with high hopes. 
The high hopes I went into The Winner’s Curse with were met with exceeding enchantment and allure into the Historical backdrop and charismatic characters. Kestrel was especially interesting, although being set in the third person POV didn’t give me a full look into her thoughts and I wasn’t sure what that would mean until Arin was introduced and I saw why there was a different point of view situation where we could see into both of their worlds. Although they were both about to collide massively. 
Kestrel is the General’s daughter, and she has everything she could possibly want. She also had a question weighing on her shoulders; to join the military like her father or get married. But when she sees a slave auction in progress and the slave up for grabs being Arin, she sees something in him that she hasn’t quite seen in anyone else. Promising he can sing, she buys him even to the dismay of her best friend; Jess. Although the consequences that follow were something Kestrel couldn’t have pictured. She feels a connection with Arin, even if he is secretive and distant. But when they talk about music, especially Kestrel’s piano that she adores, they seem more matched than she ever thought. But it was becoming obvious that they had a certain connection and scandal hits the town, forcing them to be frightfully honest about how they saw each other. But Arin has ulterior motives, even if he is growing to hate being dishonest to Kestrel. His plans are wild and outrageous, but he’s not the one in control. He still tries to save Kestrel when the plan goes forward, and sends her world spiralling out of control into a one she doesn’t even recognize. One completely opposite to the life she has lived all her life. The roles get reversed. People get hurt. And still there is still a spark between them, even if Kestrel is filled with hate and Arin with slight remorse. 
The Winner’s Curse is unlike anything I’ve ever read – genius, enrapturing and with a hopelessly destined love. Filled with enamoring qualities and a world with stakes higher than ever, where the roles of rich and poor are tested like a game. An incredible – possibly even the best – Historical YA book I have ever read. A definite favourite this year.
I can’t wait for The Winner’s Crime, book two of the trilogy!



A game of bite and sting, anyone? (You’ll only understand if you’ve read The Winner’s Curse, which you SHOULD!) Speaking of, you can actually play it here on Marie’s website for the book. 

Historical YA fans, even stretching to the Fantasy lovers. It’s one of those books where even if you don’t normally read the genre, you’d love. 

Have you read The Winner’s Curse?


Tell me in the comments or on twitter!


happy reading!

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Book Review: “Looking For Alaska” by John Green




Title: Looking For Alaska

Author: John Green
Genre: Young Adult – Contemporary
Release Date: March 1st, 2011 
Published by: Harper Collins (UK)

Before. 
Miles “Pudge” Halter’s whole existence has been one big nonevent, and his obsession with famous last words has only made him crave the “Great Perhaps” (François Rabelais, poet) even more. 
He heads off to the sometimes crazy, possibly unstable, and anything-but-boring world of Culver Creek Boarding School, and his life becomes the opposite of safe. 
Because down the hall is Alaska Young. The gorgeous, clever, funny, sexy, self-destructive, screwed-up, and utterly fascinating Alaska Young, who is an event unto herself. 
She pulls Pudge into her world, launches him into the Great Perhaps, and steals his heart.
After. 
Nothing is ever the same.

I knew as soon as I could fit another one of John Green’s books into my TBR list, I’d thank myself later, because they always end up being HUGE favourites of mine, like The Fault In Our Stars and An Abundance of Katherines. From what I had heard previously about the book, it was a clear five-star read so I definitely went in with high hopes. But gladly, I didn’t know any spoiler-ish details, because I hate missing out on the little unveilings.

Miles “Pudge” was a very unique kind of character and extremely relateable like every lead John Green creates. He had very little friends at home and was stuck in this vicious circle of not stepping out of his comfort zone and doing something amazing, which kind of inspires the adventurer in him, seeking his own Great Perhaps like he had read about from a poet called François Rabelais. Miles loves learning people’s last words, and so that was a highlight throughout the novel that popped up every now and again and I thought it was such an interesting and unique thing to add into the storyline. It gave a mature edge to Miles that some of the other characters when he went to Culver Creek didn’t have, well, until he met Alaska. 
She was different, and such a compelling character in the least. I thought her character development was perfect and I didn’t feel like there were any flaws in her character. Although, Miles’s first friend was The Colonel, who’s kind of the first person who nicknames him Pudge and gives him this whole new side to him that the old Miles wouldn’t quite recognise, although it wasn’t a huge rebellious thing, it was just a little growing up mixed with the influence of the new crowd he was hanging out with. 
Miles was enchanted by Alaska all the time in her charm and wisdom, despite being up-and-down in her behaviour, and aside from him having another love interest, she was always on his mind and he cared for her a great deal. But she had a boyfriend, and so they were both pulled in different directions a little. Still, in reading a John Green book’s final conclusion, the “after” part (there are parts to the novel like 100 days before and then after) was when I was teary-eyed (code for crying like a baby) and enveloped more if that was possible. 
Filled with happiness, then sudden anguish, Looking For Alaska was about everything that happens when we grow up; regret, newfound ways, guilt and friendship, even if not all the answers we desire are given to us. I was taken on the journey with them the whole way and it was a twisted, enthralling and sorrowful one. This book is truly one of the greatest treasures of YA Fiction and if you haven’t read it, you’re surely missing out. A clear five-star read. 
Waiting for the Looking For Alaska movie to be made! Would love to see it made into one, because we all know John Green movies are THE best.


“Sometimes I don’t get you,’ I said.

She didn’t even glance at me. She just smiled toward the television and said, ‘You never get me. That’s the whole point.” 
– Miles (Pudge) and Alaska
Everything is better said with a quote, clearly.

I’m going to keep it simple. This book is perfect for: EVERYONE. (Really.)

Have you read Looking For Alaska?


Tell me in the comments or on twitter!


happy reading!

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Book Review: “Deep Blue” by Jennifer Donnelly


Title: Deep Blue

Author: Jennifer Donnelly
Genre: Young Adult – Fantasy
Release Date: May 6th, 2014 
Also by the Author: The Tea Rose, A Northern Light
Published by: Hodder (UK) 


Thanks to Hachette for the ARC of this book! As always, my reviews are fair and non-bias. I received this from the publishers in exchange for an honest review.




 The first in a series of four epic tales set in the depths of the ocean, where six mermaids seek to protect and save their hidden world.
Deep in the ocean, in a world not so different from our own, live the merpeople. Their communities are spread throughout the oceans, seas, and freshwaters all over the globe.
When Serafina, a mermaid of the Mediterranean Sea, awakens on the morning of her betrothal, her biggest worry should be winning the love of handsome Prince Mahdi. And yet Sera finds herself haunted by strange dreams that foretell the return of an ancient evil. Her dark premonitions are confirmed when an assassin’s arrow poisons Sera’s mother. Now, Serafina must embark on a quest to find the assassin’s master and prevent a war between the Mer nations. Led only by her shadowy dreams, Sera searches for five other mermaid heroines who are scattered across the six seas. Together, they will form an unbreakable bond of sisterhood and uncover a conspiracy that threatens their world’s very existence.


 As soon as I heard that Deep Blue was a book about Mermaids, I was instantly catapulted back to my favourite Disney character; Ariel. I haven’t ever read a book about Mermaids, and seeing how the folklore has changed and adapted into more and more mythical creatures coming to life in YA fiction, I was happy to add Mermaid to the list!

 Deep Blue is all about recreating our image of Mermaids. There wasn’t a moment where I thought; oh, that’s been done before, because it was quite a unique reading experience. When I did a character profile list back in early May, we met the characters; Serafina, Neela, Ling, Becca (name-twin!), Ava and Astrid. In the book, they play very different roles from each other in the history of the book and for the majority of the beginning of Deep Blue, there’s a lot of back story and world-building that goes on to show us more into the world of the characters. Our main character, Serafina – who though very headstrong and tough, is frightful and scared for her home underneath it all, unveiling a whole new layer to her character that slowly shows itself over the course of the book. 
There were great uses of puns for the Mermaid’s, with witty, playful and clever takes on their world, like Currensea as money. But it also uses some girl-power type themes being very female-driven, which was one of my favourite things about the book. It’s going to set a great example for younger YA readers with that friendship aspect. I was constantly trying to remind myself that Deep Blue is set…under the sea. I kept forgetting that all this was underwater, so it was definitely a new and diverse way of envisioning the world in the eyes of the characters. 
Although it’s not my usual genre choice, I really enjoyed Deep Blue. It was a fresh idea that surprised me, made me laugh and learn tons about a deep, enchanting history and all that would come with the sequel. I felt that book one has set a good jump into book two, getting all the things we as readers needed to know in our minds and leaving us with the anticipation for more. If you’re looking for something exciting and a modern take on what lurks in the ocean, Deep Blue is going to be the book for you. Plus being a major franchise for Disney, I can easily see myself watching and loving Deep Blue as a film. 

 I usually say that there’s a “scene” that was my favourite, but I actually liked the parts where we learnt what things like what money was called (currensea) and that Dolphins speak Dolpheen. They were little parts that made it unique, but amusing nevertheless.

For younger-to-mid YA readers, this will be something you’ll enjoy the most. For older YA readers and Adults, I’m going to say it’s subject to if their open-minded and creative with the novels they read and have an understanding of Fantasy. Whereas I’m older YA, and I really liked Deep Blue. So it’s really down to individuals. 



Have you read Deep Blue?


Tell me what you think in the comments or on twitter!

happy reading!

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Book Review: “The Forever Song (Blood of Eden #3)” by Julie Kagawa *Spoiler-free*

* Spoiler-free Review! *

Title: The Forever Song (Blood of Eden #3)

Author: Julie Kagawa
Genre: Young Adult – Paranormal
Release Date: May 2nd, 2014 
Published by: Mira Ink


Thanks to Mira INK for the review copy of this book. As always, my reviews are fair and non-bias.

Vengeance will be hers.


Allison Sekemoto once struggled with the question: human or monster? With the death of her love, Zeke, she has her answer.
Monster.
Allie will embrace her cold vampire side to hunt down and end Sarren, the psychopathic vampire who murdered Zeke. But the trail is bloody and long, and Sarren has left many surprises for Allie and her companions – her creator Kanin, and her blood brother, Jackal. The trail is leading straight to the one place they must protect at any cost – the last vampire-free zone on Earth, Eden. And Sarren has one final, brutal shock in store for Allie.

In a ruined world where no life is sacred and former allies can turn on you in one heartbeat, Allie will face her darkest days. And if she succeeds, her triumph will be short-lived in the face of surviving forever alone.


THE FINAL HUNT IS ON.

Julie Kagawa is probably one of the best Fantasy writers out there. Never does she not write something brilliant and enthralling, and so when I started the Blood of Eden novels way back, I knew this series was going to be one of my favourites, and it really has been. And I was super lucky to get a copy and even though the series was ending and bittersweet, I was dying to find out The Forever Song‘s last words.

It’s hard to stay spoiler-free for this review because of all the things I just want to write here and fan-girl over, but for all those who haven’t started the Blood of Eden novels or are on the first or second book in the series, I’m going to keep this spoiler-free and just display my adoration in another way!
The Immortal Rules will always be my favourite in the trilogy, even after reading all of the series – and it’s not because they don’t match up to it – but because the first book really just captured my attention to make me feel like this series was going to be a favourite. Whereas The Immortal Rules was a beginning of a story to come, The Eternity Cure was more action-packed and less story building, so with The Forever Song, we get the best of both worlds. 
Allie’s character really grew in the last book, alike Jackal. Where Allie had been fighting who she truly was for so long, and believing that she was a monster, Jackal’s character was almost awakened with potential to be the character of the book. 
The twists in TFS were tightly wound around the aftermath of TEC, and when the action built up, the whole story-world was just catapulted into a race against time and darkness, startling events and new unveilings. Allie was just a breathtaking character throughout the series and Zeke alike, but in this last book, even though it was bittersweet to see this series that I loved so dearly, disappear, it was one amazement of a read. The Forever Song was nothing if not the most gripping of the series, and an absolute must-read. The roller-coaster twists and turns were brought to beginnings and ends throughout the novel, and eventually brought the novel to a heart-warming ending that my eyes didn’t quite want to be true, that it was the end, but when the book was closed, there isn’t a single page that I regretted building to it. 
I seriously can’t recommend this series highly enough! If you’re a Fantasy book lover, whether your preference is YA or Adult, this series will satisfy your thirst. 

Without spoiling anything, I’m definitely going to say the final page and dialogue of the book. I think it was just *the* perfect ending. 

Fans of Julie’s other novels, Fantasy/Paranormal fans for YA and Adult readers alike. The Blood of Eden series is also out now, so it’s the perfect series to get stuck into right now. 

Did you love this as much as I did? 


Don’t forget to tell me in the comments or on twitter; @LittleMemoirs. You can also use #TheForeverSong on twitter if you’re reading it! 


happy reading!

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