Book Review – ‘November 9’ by Collen Hoover

Trashy tropes and shenanigans.

Genre: N/A, Contemporary, Romance

No. of pages: 310

From Goodreads:

Fallon meets Ben, an aspiring novelist, the day before her scheduled cross-country move. Their untimely attraction leads them to spend Fallon’s last day in L.A. together, and her eventful life becomes the creative inspiration Ben has always sought for his novel. Over time and amidst the various relationships and tribulations of their own separate lives, they continue to meet on the same date every year. Until one day Fallon becomes unsure if Ben has been telling her the truth or fabricating a perfect reality for the sake of the ultimate plot twist.

I loved reading this book. The Drama! I was hooked from the first line.

I think this book is great in illustrating that we are all fallible. Everyone makes assumptions, mistakes, and it is how we recover from these that defines our character.

All the characters are great: fully realised, they jump from the page, warts and all! You get clear character development from the cast too, so by the end you feel like you’ve gone through a journey, and it has changed you.

I really liked our protagonist, Fallon – her insecurities can translate to any girl with aspects of her body that she does not like. It was also great to see her get over her wallowing and deciding to make something of her career. That get-up-and-go attitude really resonated with me, and I instantly became invested in her story. That and the hilarious and sassy conversation with her father at the start of the book had me hooked.

As for the worst: I found Fallon’s love interest Ben to be a little long-winded, a little whiny, and a little over-expository. But I loved his character. I think the failings I had with his personality is another reason I deducted half a mark… Though he is tenacious, altruistic, and incredibly romantic. After finishing ‘November 9’ I decided his good traits outweighed the bad.

‘November 9’ is an easy read with some great wit. I did get a little annoyed and the small amount of swearing – and Ben calling Fallon ‘babe’ – but that is just a pet hate of mine and I didn’t let is sway my rating. Colleen Hoover weaves angst and tension in there as seamlessly as she always does, and one of the elements in her writing style that always has me coming back for more.

I would have rated this higher if something about the story didn’t creep me out a little. But that’s all personal. And I won’t discuss it here because I don’t want to spoil your reading experience with giving away the best part of the plot.

The discussion of ‘insta-love’ and other bookish elements was a great touch, using them as an underlying theme had me cheering. The pacing is well done too, even though it takes place over many years, you don’t get bogged down with too many irrelevant aspects not important to the main storyline.

I will say I did not see, or remotely guess the plot twist. I revelled in the drama. For me the ending was sweet, if a bit meh… but that is my personal taste given the situation, not the writing, how everything was brought to culmination. Again all of the issues I had with ‘November 9’ stem from my own reactions to the situations faced by Fallon. Another great title from CoHo herself and something I’d recommend to all faithful fans and lovers of contemporary romance.

Overall reaction: Messy people make for a great read.

© Casey Carlisle 2017. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Casey Carlisle with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

#bookporn

A collection of must read film adaptations… only because I’m dying to see the movies, but am stubborn enough to wait until I’ve read the book… which only worked for half of these. Doh!

What’s your favorite book to film adaptation?

#bookquotes

Love this quote – like we should never underestimate ourselves.

For some reason it also reminds me of that quote from the film ‘Sucker Punch,’ “You have all the weapons you need. Now fight.”

Inspiring.

#bookporn

I can’t wait to crack the spines on this collection. Since finishing off some of the series I’ve had sitting on my shelves for years, I’m rewarding myself with something new… and action science fiction trilogy set on Mars. Count me in!!

#bookquotes

I’ve had this book on my TBR for ages, but the release of the film adaptation has given me the push to read the book.

This quote really jumped out at  me though. I love the twist of perception and tone of positivity.

Book Review – ‘Through the Ever Night’ (#2 Under the Never Sky) by Veronica Rossi

Adventure, Aether and All-out-love…

Genre: Y/A, Science Fiction, Dystopia

No. of pages: 341

From Goodreads:

It’s been months since Aria last saw Perry. Months since Perry was named Blood Lord of the Tides, and Aria was charged with an impossible mission. Now, finally, they are about to be reunited. But their reunion is far from perfect. The Tides don’t take kindly to Aria, a former Dweller. And with the worsening Aether storms threatening the tribe’s precarious existence, Aria begins to fear that leaving Perry behind might be the only way to save them both.

Threatened by false friends and powerful temptations, Aria and Perry wonder, can their love survive through the ever night? 

18 months ago I picked up ‘Under the Never Sky’ after some tribulation, and it fell into the dystopian genre with ease. There were elements in this story that I had read many times before. But I did enjoy the story and the premise it set up. We got a great villain, an interesting mythology with the Ever Blue, and a clash of cultures. Not to mention the technology and some people developing enhanced senses. Because I’d only given it an average rating, and wasn’t sure I wanted to continue with the trilogy it took some time before I finally picked up ‘Through he Ever Night.’

While we don’t get answers to the questions posed in the first book in this series, we get a whole stack of new problems for our protagonists Aria and Perry. Told in dual perspective ‘Through the Ever Night’ mainly deals with them adjusting to tribal life now that they have escaped influence of the Dome, and are out to track down the fable of the Ever Blue under the Aether storms that wrack the planet increasing with frequency and ferocity threatening their lives.

I think I enjoyed this more than the debut. There was more adventure, more at stake, and plenty of twists and turns. Plus the description and encounters with the Aether storms really felt threatening this time. I could see it all play out in my mind.

I’m still on the fence about the dual perspective – but it worked because of the separate storylines of both Aria and Perry (Peregrine.) It’s when they are together that the alternating narrative feels redundant.

Perry was really tested, screwed up, but grew and become a leader. I wasn’t all that sold on him in ‘Under the Never Sky’ ‘but I’ve grown a new found affection for him now.

Aria turned her stubborn streak into determination. Though hers is more a survival story. I can see her being shaped into a leader as well. Especially with her dealing with Dweller discrimination. She was no longer relying on Perry for survival, but carving her own path.

Roar, a member of their tribe, had to be my favourite though. Like a gentle giant at times, and a ferocious warrior the next. This was really his time to shine – I’m curious to see what the future brings him. The interactions between him and Aria are endearing.

I was a bit disappointed to see that the mechanics of the plot that were introduced in the first novel were ignored for the most part, and this novel brought about a subplot all of itself. Having said that, it has set this series up for an explosive climax and I’m actually excited to see what will happen.

There are lots of chapters ending on small cliff-hangers, and the pacing is pretty good. There were moments when my attention waned, but on the whole the flow is engaging and I love how this book concluded. Being the second book in a trilogy, I was delighted it performed so strongly.

I love the hardback covers, muted tones in the background hinting at a storm and weird nature growth with a hot guy on the cover – though to be honest, I imagined Perry looking more tribal and jungle than the pictured guy that looked like a 1990’s band throw-back in casual clothes and a leather wrist band. The inner cover is just plain black with coloured foiled lettering to match the hues of the dust jacket and the font of the book is large, making you feel like you are flying through the story quickly.

I’m definitely chuffed to read the finale, and at the time that this review is being posted, I’m already starting to jump into ‘Into the Still Blue.’

Overall reaction: You’ve got my attention… continue.

© Casey Carlisle 2017. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Casey Carlisle with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

#bookporn

The collection of historical themed novels waiting on my TBR shelf.

*chuckles madly* “My pretties” *in a hoarse whispery voice*

Wrap up – The Matched Trilogy by Allie Condie

A dystopian adventure that left me a little disturbed.

  

Such an amazing concept – the Matched trilogy has hues of ‘The Giver’ and ‘Divergent’ but did not deliver as well as those did. Sad to say, but this series has got to be the lowest rated I’ve read to date. Maybe it’s because it was released at the start of the dystopian craze and marketed towards a tween demographic, leaving me feeling like I’d read it all before and the immature narrative tone felt boring.

I didn’t know what to expect going into the series because of such mixed ratings on Goodreads and from my friends, so I took it on faith of Ally Condie’s popularity as an author.

I guess the best way I can sum this series up is ‘soft,’ having all the elements to make a great dystopian, but not quite hammering them home for me. The pacing felt slow to start with, though the descriptions of the landscape are inspiring, the story lagged. The poetry elements were also lost on me – I skipped over every one of them.

Each book seemed to be an improvement on the last; especially in terms of character development and pacing. Though I can say I was never sure where this story was going to go. Not because of predictability, but because of its narrative style. The changing perspectives and what felt like a lack of direction left my interest waning several times. The world-building felt over simplified and at times waffly. There felt like a compulsion from the author to pair all the characters up too. It was too nice for a dystopian series. I wanted more grit, higher stakes for the characters and the world.

I supposed ‘stylized’ is the best way to describe the treatment of this trilogy. While it was entertaining, the characters took a while for me to care about, I was frequently bored or frustrated. And ultimately, upon finishing the series, I did not feel satisfied. Book 1 ‘Matched’ dealt with escape; Book 2 ‘Crossed’ with a battle for survival in the wilderness; and ‘Reached’ turned out to be a rebellion… fought in a Lab. It wasn’t cohesive and felt like an author’s first draft.

The elements of medical science and technology were really interesting and I would have liked them more in the forefront of the plot (with details – many times the details were skipped over or dumbed down.) As too with the survival aspects – fighting in a war and trekking across inhospitable landscapes. I love these aspects, but wasn’t lead to feel like they were desperate and on the brink of death – which they were.

I did like the covers, the simplicity and symbolism. They definitely drew me in. The collection as a whole blended well together aesthetically. Large readable font in the hardback boxed set that I purchased. The cover art definitely lead me to believe there would be a heavier sci-fi element than was represented.

So a great premise, but lukewarm delivery for me. Sadly the trilogy took a slow downward slope to disappointment. Not a collection of books I’d recommend. 😦

For individual reviews click on the links below:

‘Matched’ – https://strokingfire.wordpress.com/2016/12/02/book-review-matched-by-ally-condie/

‘Crossed’ – https://strokingfire.wordpress.com/2017/01/24/book-review-crossed-by-ally-condie/

‘Reached’ – https://strokingfire.wordpress.com/2017/06/22/book-review-reached-by-ally-condie/

© Casey Carlisle 2017. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Casey Carlisle with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Book Review – ‘Fire With Fire’ (#2 Burn for Burn) by Jenny Han and Siobhan Vivian

Payback is a bitch… make that three bitches.

Genre: Y/A, Contemporary, Paranormal

No. of pages: 517

From Goodreads:

Lillia, Kat, and Mary had the perfect plan. Work together in secret to take down the people who wronged them. But things didn’t exactly go the way they’d hoped at the Homecoming Dance.

Not even close.

For now, it looks like they got away with it. All they have to do is move on and pick up the pieces, forget there ever was a pact. But it’s not easy, not when Reeve is still a total jerk and Rennie’s meaner than she ever was before.

And then there’s sweet little Mary…she knows there’s something seriously wrong with her. If she can’t control her anger, she’s sure that someone will get hurt even worse than Reeve was. Mary understands now that it’s not just that Reeve bullied her—it’s that he made her love him.

Eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth, burn for a burn. A broken heart for a broken heart. The girls are up to the task. They’ll make Reeve fall in love with Lillia and then they will crush him. It’s the only way he’ll learn.

It seems once a fire is lit, the only thing you can do is let it burn…

After enjoying the first book in this trilogy ‘Burn for Burn’ despite its immature narrative tone, I was eager to see where all the elements that were introduced in the debut were going… and well, ‘Fire With Fire’ took an unexpected turn – and I loved it! I felt this book was much better than the first. Having established all the characters in the first book, there was no confusion over who was who. We also got many of the plot elements developed further or answered in ‘Fire With Fire.’

There are a few turn-abouts with the characters which are executed deliciously‎. It follows suit of the first novel with the main trio of characters unveiling a different point of view to reveal an alternate opinion on their group of friends (and frenimies). I was a little frustrated with how the facts (and the reasons Lillia, Kat, and Mary began their little pact) were forgotten, or became blurry, the more convoluted their situation became.

We don’t get the numerous flashbacks like in the first novel either, which was a welcome change.

The paranormal element gets heavily explored here too – and I loved it. It was hands down my favourite part of the book. I can confidently say ‘Fire with Fire’ does not suffer middle-book-syndrome. It felt more complete to me than the debut.

I’m getting really frustrated with Lillia, she got date raped in the past from drinking and hanging out with randy teenage boys – and then keeps repeating that behaviour. No-one deserves to be drugged and sexually assaulted, but it seems like she hasn’t learnt her lesson and intentionally putting herself in a position for it to happen again. Dumb.

Lillia is my uptight drama queen. And although she can annoy the crap out of me at times, her antics and personality really pad out the narrative.

Excited about the exploration of Mary’s character, but am still on the fence about her storyline – I wanted more face time with her – it was a little brief and left me feeling like I’d only scratched the surface.

Kat’s character still felt like she did in the first novel, even though she’s meant to be edgy, maybe a bit gothic, I found her a little vanilla.

The pacing was also much better – but in saying that, there were also a few spots that really dragged. The writing style felt like it had improved from the debut – it didn’t feel as flat. Though, we don’t get as much of the comedic elements as we did in ‘Burn for Burn.’ Neither did we see much of Nadia (Lillias little sister) and that familial dynamic Han writes so well.

It was nice to read towards the end how the main cast were acting a little more responsibly and having realistic reactions to things that had both happened, and we’re currently happening.

The cliff-hanger (and ending of the novel) threw me, and I did not see it coming in a million years! It has me gagging for the final book in the series ‘Ashes to Ashes‎.’ Packaged with beautiful cover art, a diverse cast, a contemporary story line with a paranormal edge, this series has spacious typesetting and large font aiding to its overall aesthetic and ease of completion.

Another quick read, despite its 517 pages. I spread it out over 2 sittings and 2 days, but could have easily completed it in one. I was dubious about this series at the start, but am coming to love it now. Let’s hope ‘Ashes for Ashes’ can bring it on home!

Overall reaction: had me clapping!

© Casey Carlisle 2017. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Casey Carlisle with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

#bookquotes

Reading Stephen King always takes me back to my teen years, nestled up on my bed to escape the world outside and get a scare. The safe adrenaline junkie!

The main character in ‘The Dark Half’ is a writer, so it was doubly exciting to see the antagonist traits of a writers psyche come to life.