Thursday 31 May 2012

Monument 14 by Emmy Laybourne

Monument 14Monument 14 by Emmy Laybourne

Add it: Goodreads
Source: eARC from publisher
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Format: Hardcover, 294 pages
Release Date: June 5, 2012

Your mother hollers that you’re going to miss the bus. She can see it coming down the street. You don’t stop and hug her and tell her you love her. You don’t thank her for being a good, kind, patient mother. Of course not—you launch yourself down the stairs and make a run for the corner.

Only, if it’s the last time you’ll ever see your mother, you sort of start to wish you’d stopped and did those things. Maybe even missed the bus.

But the bus was barreling down our street, so I ran.

Fourteen kids. One superstore. A million things that go wrong.

In Emmy Laybourne’s action-packed debut novel, six high school kids (some popular, some not), two eighth graders (one a tech genius), and six little kids trapped together in a chain superstore build a refuge for themselves inside. While outside, a series of escalating disasters, beginning with a monster hailstorm and ending with a chemical weapons spill, seems to be tearing the world—as they know it—apart.
Monument 14 is a novel that immediately caught my eye. I mean... being trapped in a superstore? I think we've all had that fantasy at some point (I know I certainly did). There are so many directions with which the author could have taken the story and I would have been thrilled! Unfortunately, while I did moderately enjoy this book while reading it, it did not live up to my (admittedly high) expectations.

I think a large part of the problem for me was the main character, Dean. I was actually rather surprised by the choice of having Dean as a main character and while I can appreciate that the author was trying to use a character that I could sympathize with, it just didn't happen for me. I honestly found Dean's narration dull and frankly bizarre at times. It's the end of the world and everyone except your little group of school children may be dead... but you're going to spend lots of time writing in your journal about the exact dishes you prepared at every meal?

Some of the younger children were adorable (especially the twins!) and they had some fun adventures that were entertaining to read about but, for the most part, I felt the characters clinged to stereotypical roles.

An exciting and intriguing plot twist presented itself when NORAD chemicals start to make an appearance. The chemicals have different results on different people but without spoiling anything, I'll just say that some of the effects were pretty dramatic.

With events such as these, the action in the book increased substantially and I found myself very intrigued to continue reading. At some points, I did feel as though events happened randomly and I would have liked better flow but for the most part, Monument 14 was entertaining to read.

Despite the fascinating premise, Monument 14 failed to earn my complete adoration. However, I am interested in reading the sequel, especially if there is a change in narration!

Cover Comments: I really like it! It's so dramatic with the stormy sky and backs of the characters... It almost looks like a movie poster!

3/5

Tuesday 29 May 2012

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Shadow and Bone (The Grisha Trilogy, #1)Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

Add it: Goodreads
Source: ARC gifted from the AMAZING Mimi (THANK YOU!)
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co.
Format: Hardcover, 368 pages
Release Date: June 5, 2012

Surrounded by enemies, the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh. Now its fate may rest on the shoulders of one lonely refugee. 
Alina Starkov has never been good at anything. But when her regiment is attacked on the Fold and her best friend is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power that saves his life—a power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free. Wrenched from everything she knows, Alina is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling. 
Yet nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. With darkness looming and an entire kingdom depending on her untamed power, Alina will have to confront the secrets of the Grisha…and the secrets of her heart.

Before I even say anything, do yourself a favour and (pre-)order this book. Trust me when I say that it is one of THE BEST books of the year and one that automatically made my favourites shelf.

Alina starts off as a fairly unremarkable character and yet from the very beginning, I found myself drawn to her. Leigh Bardugo masters the point of vulnerability and self-doubt before it comes off as annoying or whiny and that is so apparent in Alina. Watching her transition from a girl that thinks of herself as just an ordinary person to one with immense power and status is (um, literally) breathtaking to read about.

The romance! Ahh, I don't want to say too much but between the two strong males featured in this book, I am sure that one of them will have you swooning, whether it be the aloof and mysterious Darkling or the fun and charming Mal.

I don't want to reveal anything that may ruin the experience for you, but man did this book have me surprised! I LOVE it when a book can make me feel something so strongly and then just flip it all inside out and have me totally reconsider. It hasn't happened in a while but with Shadow and Bone? Definitely. The plot of this book just keeps on rolling and what begins as a seemingly ordinary journey soon develops into a fast-paced thrill ride.

One of the many reasons I enjoy fantasy so much is because of the world-building and this novel does not disappoint. Everything about the world of the Grishas is explained perfectly without ever bogging down the story and I'm excited to learn even more about the Shadow Fold in the next instalment!

So, basically, this book rocked my world. For your own sake, please read it.

Cover Comments: I love it! It's not the typical YA cover which is perfect since this isn't the typical YA book. I love the colour scheme and that font is fabulous. PLUS, a Veronica Roth blurb? *dies* Totally deserving.

5/5

Sunday 27 May 2012

Blogspiration (5)





Blogspiration is a weekly meme hosted by GrowingUp YA & saz101. The meme was created to help spark inspiration among bloggers, readers & writers alike. An inspirational quote/picture/video is posted weekly, on the day of the author's choosing, so that it may inspire creativity, conversation & just a little SOMETHING.




Source: Time Slept, When Swords Woke


asdjhasjkfhasjkfh WHERE DO I SIGN UP?


But yes, so inspiring. Just because you don't see something, doesn't mean it's not there :') And if you meet a huge and wonderful red-headed family while you're searching for it, that's just an added bonus, isn't it?


Happy reading! <3

Friday 25 May 2012

Cover Reveal: Days of Blood & Starlight

Do you remember that book from last year that I could not shut up about? Daughter of Smoke & Bone was my favourite book of 2011 (#1!) and I am BEYOND THRILLED today to share the cover for its sequel, Days of Blood & Starlight. Here you are!



TELL ME IT IS NOT BEAUTIFUL. I love this cover so much. It's dark and gorgeous and can I fawn over the font some more? I just need to have this book, it's as simple as that. Laini Taylor strings together some stunning words.

What are your thoughts on the cover? Have you read Daughter of Smoke & Bone? If not... 
Amazon! Barnes & Noble! Book Depository! Chapters! YOUR LIBRARY!

(Just imagine me flailing wildly because... that's what I'm doing.)

Thursday 24 May 2012

Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Insurgent by Veronica Roth


Add it: Goodreads
Source: Purchased
Publisher: HarperTeen
Format: Hardcover, 525 pages
Release Date: May 1, 2012

One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.
Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.
New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth's much-anticipated second book of the dystopian Divergent series is another intoxicating thrill ride of a story, rich with hallmark twists, heartbreaks, romance, and powerful insights about human nature.

Dear Insurgent,

You must have been feeling pretty anxious before I read you. I mean, all I seemed to be doing (in between desperately wanting you) was worrying about whether or not you would be able to match up to the awesomeness Divergent was. It's enough to give any book an inferiority complex. I shouldn't have worried though. You completely DESTROYED any fears I'd set up - I love you just as much as I did Divergent despite your differences.

First off, I have to start some loud and wild applause for Tris Prior. I am consistently amazed by the utter strength and power that Tris possesses and the way that she seems to find it within herself right when she needs to. By no means whatsoever is she invincible or fearless (if anything, I think this book definitely proved that) and there is something achingly real and raw about her character. I didn't necessarily agree with all of her decisions but I know that I'll cheer for her until the end.

Four. I didn't really know that it was possible to love Four more than I already did but somehow I do. I can't give higher praise than saying that I LOVE the way that he treats Tris - exactly the way she deserves. He does not coddle or talk down and treats her like she is strong and capable. Insurgent, would you mind recommending this to a few of your bookish friends? Tris and Four encounter some bumps on the road but in the end emerge stronger than ever. They are absolutely one of my favourite couples EVER.

I am a little stunned at the amount of ground that's covered in you, Insurgent. From exploring the Amity and Candor factions to even more daring missions, there was never a moment I wanted to take pause. This series is jam-packed with action and I'm starting to suspect every page has been charmed with a spell to make it compulsively readable. Or maybe that's just Veronica Roth's magic writing.

So Insurgent, if you'd like to magically transform into your sequel so that I can sneak in a read... I'm on board. Just saying.

Love,
Sonia

(This is my 2nd time doing a review in a letter format... I really enjoy it actually! I feel like it makes it pretty easy to express my feelings. Any feedback on it?)


5/5 stars although I would gladly give it a planet or two.

Wednesday 23 May 2012

Finding the Time


As a student (or maybe just functioning member of society) I often feel like I don't have the time I want, or need, for reading.

Prime example: I bought Insurgent and City of Lost Souls on the same day and I didn't start either of them for days after. DAYS. We're talking about two of my most anticipated releases of the year and so for me to put devouring them on hold speaks volumes.

(I have since started Insurgent and OMG SO GOOD. Can Four just come live with me? <3)

I'm sure that not everyone spends as much time on school as I do but given the very, very high importance it has in my life, it (unfortunately, sometimes) needs to come first. This is great in some ways but not so fabulous when it comes to reading time. So what do I do?

Well. I've decided that reading is just not for me and I'll never pick up another book again.

Source

*shudders* Not even kidding, guys, that was a little tough to type.

I've always loved to read and I'm confident that I always will... even if that doesn't prove true, it certainly is for the time being. So I read when I can. By this, I pretty much mean that I read in every spare moment I can find. In the two minute walk I take between classes, there is a good chance you'll find me with a book in my hand (I've actually gotten so good at manoeuvring the halls while doing this haha). It doesn't always work out -- I've yet to master eating and reading at the same time for fear that I'll spill something on a page -- but it helps.

Over the next week weeks, I'll be posting (most likely on Saturdays) some of the experiences I've had reading in different places (the bus, the bathtub... you get the idea).

How do you find the time to read?

Wednesday 16 May 2012

Mirage Teaser 2

Who's ready for another teaser?!

MirageMirage by Kristi Cook

Add it: Goodreads
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Format: Hardcover, 384 pages
Release Date: June 5, 2012

Seventeen-year-old Violet McKenna is back for her senior year at Winterhaven, and thrilled to be with Aidan after a long summer apart. But when a violent and disturbing vision begins to haunt her, Violet suddenly feels unsure of everything: who to trust, if she is in danger, and—worst of all—whether she and Aidan are really meant to be together.


***


"Thank you," I murmured, breathing in his scent, allowing myself to experience the full brunt of the Aidan effect.  "God, you smell so good."
  
"Better than Dr. Hottie?" Aidan asked huskily, one hand pressed into the small of my back, steadying me.


"Way better," I shot back, before I'd thought better of it. (MIRAGE ARC, page 65)


If you missed the first teaser, you can see it HERE. The excitement I'm feeling for Mirage just keeps building! :) Have you read the first book?

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. (And it's usually held on... wait for it... Tuesday. I sometimes get my days mixed up.)

Saturday 12 May 2012

The Last Princess by Galaxy Craze

The Last PrincessThe Last Princess by Galaxy Craze


Add it: Goodreads
Source: ARC for review
Publisher: Little, Brown BFYR
Format: Hardcover, 295 pages
Release Date: May 1, 2012

Happily ever after is a thing of the past. 
A series of natural disasters has decimated the earth. Cut off from the rest of the world, England is a dark place. The sun rarely shines, food is scarce, and groups of criminals roam the woods, searching for prey. The people are growing restless. 
When a ruthless revolutionary sets out to overthrow the crown, he makes the royal family his first target. Blood is shed in Buckingham Palace, and only sixteen-year-old Princess Eliza manages to escape. 
Determined to kill the man who destroyed her family, Eliza joins the enemy forces in disguise. She has nothing left to live for but revenge, until she meets someone who helps her remember how to hope—and to love—once more. Now she must risk everything to ensure that she not become... The Last Princess.

This book definitely starts off with a bang. Two pages in and you can already see the very dramatic beginning of a revolutionary political movement as the Queen of England lies dead on the grass from a poisoned fruit. From there, the excitement doesn't lower too much. This book is a constant adventure filled with action, betrayal and even a little romance.

I'll start with the negative. Although this book isn't too short (almost 300 pages) there is a lot to cover. It takes place in a fairly short time period but still. Eliza makes the transition from precious princess to disguised spy and in the course of the book, a lot of huge things linked with political, country-wide wars occur. Although it was nice to have such a quick, fast-paced read, I wish there would have been more time spent building up to certain events.

The rebels that threaten to destroy the royal family are not entirely without reason. Really, there was a point near the beginning of the novel when Eliza's family is having a BALL and yet you also read descriptions of the poverty and famine outside the castle gates. Yeah... getting a new leader? It's not sounding like too bad of an idea. The political side of this novel fascinated me. It wasn't all black and white and there were times I wasn't sure who to be rooting for. Galaxy Craze doesn't shy away from the harshness of the situation and you can really feel the desperation (or at least I could) of the citizens.

Eliza herself is likeable enough. I was able to justify her transition from a sheltered princess to a bold warrior largely because of the impossible situation she was in. People do extraordinary things when they need to after all. I think my favourite part of Eliza was the genuine desire she seemed to have to make her country a better place. She wasn't blind to the fact that her father had made bad decisions and she didn't try to justify them to anyone. I wanted her to succeed.

Exciting and fast-paced, The Last Princess definitely makes an enjoyable read if you're willing to look over some seemingly unbelievable events.

(Oh, and I'm just going to pretend this is a standalone. WHY IS IT NOT A STANDALONE?)


Cover Comments: Can we have a round of applause for the people behind this cover? Seriously, it's gorgeous. The England landscape in the background with that murky quality and then the bright, eye-catching sky. It's just lovely.

3.5/5

Friday 11 May 2012

Black Heart by Holly Black


Black Heart (Curse Workers, #3)Black Heart by Holly Black

Add it: Goodreads
Source: Library
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry
Format: Hardcover, 296 pages
Release Date: April 3, 2012
Cassel Sharpe knows he’s been used as an assassin, but he’s trying to put all that behind him. He’s trying to be good, even though he grew up in a family of con artists and cheating comes as easily as breathing to him. He’s trying to do the right thing, even though the girl he loves is inextricably connected with crime. And he’s trying to convince himself that working for the Feds is smart, even though he’s been raised to believe the government is the enemy. 
But with a mother on the lam, the girl he loves about to take her place in the Mob, and new secrets coming to light, the line between what’s right and what’s wrong becomes increasingly blurred. When the Feds ask Cassel to do the one thing he said he would never do again, he needs to sort out what’s a con and what’s truth. In a dangerous game and with his life on the line, Cassel may have to make his biggest gamble yet—this time on love.

Amazing. Just simply amazing. If you haven't yet started the Curse Workers series, you are missing out BIG TIME. I don't really know how else to say it.

At the risk of sounding like a broken record (I think I've probably said most of this stuff in my reviews for White Cat and Red Glove) I love this world that Holly Black has created. It's inventive, it's fun and it's exciting. There are little trademarks that go along with it (the gloves! the amulets!) and just the idea of the mafia magic is fascinating. Holly Black writes with such expertise on the universe that I have absolutely no trouble believing that the crimes and manipulation could happen. If nothing else, you have to agree that this is a high-concept, original series.

Cassel Sharpe. Not only is it a nice change to shift into a male's perspective, it's a nice change to shift into Cassel's mind in general. At times he's all over the place in this book, not sure what he wants, and that is so realistic. He struggles with what he's been taught all his life and that deeper instinct within himself to be "good." Cassel from Book 1 to now has grown and matured a lot and I think that's evident in this book.

Admittedly, I've never been a huge fan of Cassel and Lila as a couple. I love Cassel but at times it just felt like his relationship with Lila would never work out, either because of Lila's situation as the heir to head of a huge crime family or just because I didn't think she was good enough for him. In this book though, I was definitely turning around. It seemed like some things just clicked into place and I was a lot more supportive of their HEA.

While you may think that most of the action is resolved from the ending of Red Glove, at least for Cassel, that is so not true. There are new mysteries to be solved and, once again, I was too slow on the uptake to crack the mystery before Cassel did. I love that even though we're reading from Cassel's POV, there are still tricks up his sleeve that we're not privy to.

If you haven't started this series yet, I really have nothing more to say than go NOW. You won't regret it.

Cover Comments: Gahhhh. Do I like it? I DON'T KNOW. In some ways, I think the updated look the series has gotten is great because of the bright flashes of colour and way that it jumps out at you. It definitely has that darkness going for it. Other times though? They kind of weird me out. I mean, what the heck is with the person on the White Cat cover? That said, I definitely like this new cover for Black Heart more than the original. It always just looked so... ridiculous to me. What do you think?


5/5

Wednesday 9 May 2012

Destroy Me by Tahereh Mafi

JUST IN CASE you have not already seen this news, I wanted to share it. I really, really, really loved Tahereh Mafi's debut novel Shatter Me and I've been dying for the sequel. Yesterday, Tahereh announced that the wait for more of her wonderful world will be shorter than we previously believed because...

There's going to a novella! Except it's not even just a novella, really! Watch this video for all of the details:


But if you can't/don't want to watch the whole thing, I'll tell you the gist of it. There is going to be a novella released. That will happen October 12th, 2012. IT WILL BE IN WARNER'S POV. Yeah. That Warner.


I'm so excited!!! Are you?!

Waiting on Wednesday (44)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine so that (this is me paraphrasing) we can all FREAK OUT TOGETHER about some rocking upcoming books. Warning: extreme fangirling may occur.

MirageMirage by Kristi Cook

Add it: Goodreads
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Format: Hardcover, 384 pages
Release Date: June 5, 2012

Seventeen-year-old Violet McKenna is back for her senior year at Winterhaven, and thrilled to be with Aidan after a long summer apart. But when a violent and disturbing vision begins to haunt her, Violet suddenly feels unsure of everything: who to trust, if she is in danger, and—worst of all—whether she and Aidan are really meant to be together.

You may or may not have seen the teaser I posted yesterday for this but not only was it 'AHH!' worthy to some of you, it totally was to me too. I can't wait to read Mirage! Fingers crossed for a sequel that's just as fun and exciting as the first.

What are you waiting on this Wednesday?

Tuesday 8 May 2012

Teaser from Mirage by Kristi Cook!

Hi everybody! As you can probably tell, I am back from my trip and in just one word, it was AMAZING. One of the best experiences, seriously. Anyways, back to books! :)

I recently got the chance to join the Winterhaven Warriors, which is basically the street team for Kristi Cook's novel Mirage. Mirage is the sequel to Haven, a book about a supernatural academy (how fun is that!) that I reaaaally enjoyed when I read it last year.

You can see my review of it here and my interview with the lovely author here.

As a Winterhaven Warrior, I now have international permission to challenge you all to duels until you concede to reading this book. (Just kidding but really... read it.)

Mirage


Add it: Goodreads
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Format: Hardcover, 384 pages
Release Date: June 5, 2012

Seventeen-year-old Violet McKenna is back for her senior year at Winterhaven, and thrilled to be with Aidan after a long summer apart. But when a violent and disturbing vision begins to haunt her, Violet suddenly feels unsure of everything: who to trust, if she is in danger, and—worst of all—whether she and Aidan are really meant to be together.




READY FOR THE TEASER? Prepare yourself... we like to call it the Aidan Effect.

"I must have dropped the barrier around my thoughts then, because I heard the sharp intake of his breath, felt his fingers dig into my hips as he dragged me backward, pinning me against the wall in the blink of an eye."  (MIRAGE ARC, page 36)

Be sure to check back next week for a brand new teaser! :)

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

Wednesday 2 May 2012

Trees, Soil and Other Cool Stuff

Source: Garth Lenz


Isn't it beautiful? That's where I am right now! (Okay, not really... that's actually just a random picture of a forest I found on Google.) Close enough though! For the next few days, I will be... somewhere... for an environmental school competition. The competition focuses on soil, forestry, aquatics and wildlife (I'm the aquatics expert!) and I know you're all actually really fascinated by that stuff, so I'll give you a few fun facts.


  • It takes over 500 years for 2 cm of topsoil to grow.
  • Ontario has around 85 billion trees - now you say 'wow!'
  • White pine trees have 5 needles (red pine have 2)
  • Beavers are rodents! 
  • The four types of wetlands are bogs, fens, marshes and swamps

So now that you are sufficiently educated in the matters of forestry, wildlife, aquatics and soil, I shall leave you to ponder what you can do to save our earth. Hope you have a great week! <3 



Source: NightTimeThoughts

Hey look, a stream!

Waiting on Wednesday (43)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine so that (this is me paraphrasing) we can all FREAK OUT TOGETHER about some rocking upcoming books. Warning: extreme fangirling may occur.

Tiger LilyTiger Lily by Jodi Lynn Anderson


Add it: Goodreads
Publisher: HarperTeen
Format: Hardcover, 304 pages
Release Date: July 3, 2012

Before Peter Pan belonged to Wendy, he belonged to the girl with the crow feather in her hair....
Fifteen-year-old Tiger Lily doesn't believe in love stories or happy endings. Then she meets the alluring teenage Peter Pan in the forbidden woods of Neverland and immediately falls under his spell.
Peter is unlike anyone she's ever known. Impetuous and brave, he both scares and enthralls her. As the leader of the Lost Boys, the most fearsome of Neverland's inhabitants, Peter is an unthinkable match for Tiger Lily. Soon, she is risking everything - her family, her future - to be with him. When she is faced with marriage to a terrible man in her own tribe, she must choose between the life she's always known and running away to an uncertain future with Peter.
With enemies threatening to tear them apart, the lovers seem doomed. But it's the arrival of Wendy Darling, an English girl who's everything Tiger Lily is not, that leads Tiger Lily to discover that the most dangerous enemies can live inside even the most loyal and loving heart.
From the New York Times bestselling author of Peaches comes a magical and bewitching story of the romance between a fearless heroine and the boy who wouldn't grow up. 

So who do I need to bribe to get a copy of this book?...

Just kidding, obviously not but ahhh, this sounds so amazing! I've always loved Peter Pan (the boy who wouldn't grow up <3) and Tinkerbell is of course a fabulous and intriguing character. I've read some very promising early reviews already and I. can't. wait. to see for myself.

What are you waiting for this week?

Tuesday 1 May 2012

Revived by Cat Patrick

RevivedRevived by Cat Patrick


Add it: Goodreads
Source: Publisher for review
Publisher: Hachette Book Group
Format: Hardcover, 336 pages
Release Date: May 1, 2012

As a little girl, Daisy Appleby was killed in a school bus crash. Moments after the accident, she was brought back to life.
A secret government agency has developed a drug called Revive that can bring people back from the dead, and Daisy Appleby, a test subject, has been Revived five times in fifteen years. Daisy takes extraordinary risks, knowing that she can beat death, but each new death also means a new name, a new city, and a new life. When she meets Matt McKean, Daisy begins to question the moral implications of Revive, and as she discovers the agency's true goals, she realizes she's at the center of something much larger--and more sinister--than she ever imagined. 

I was and still am amazed at the idea behind this novel. Sure, coming back from the dead isn't a novel idea (although Daisy doesn't eat brains...) but the idea of a secret government agency? An entire underground experiment being launched with children from a bus crash as the test subjects? Parents that are really secret agents? That's just awesome. The cool factor of Cat Patrick's Revived still hasn't worn off for me.

I think the most interesting part of this novel for me besides the concept was the development of Daisy's view on the program throughout the novel. It's understandable that Daisy -- having died and been revived five times -- is supportive and grateful to the Revive project in the beginning of the novel. It's influenced her in so many ways; having two agents as parental figures has resulted in an analytical, adaptable girl and she's a character very easy to slip into the mind of.

And then. Stuff happens in this book. There's a completely life-changing event in Daisy's life that forces her to step back from the happy bubble she's been living in and really change her perspective on life and the Revive drug. I really liked seeing Daisy grow and start to question what she's been made to believe her entire life. She does some admirable things and I loved that she stayed real and honest.

Matt and Audrey, the McKean siblings that Daisy befriends are simply wonderful. They're both such open and kind people that it made me smile every time Daisy was with them. The relationship with Daisy and Matt is nothing earth-shattering but it has a sweet and genuine quality that I adored.

Backed up with solid writing and a fascinating premise, Revived is sure to make you question who should really have control over life and death.

Cover Comments: THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A HARRY POTTER REFERENCE. Death. The veil. You knoooooow.

3.5 stars out of 5