Desirae Clark's Blog, page 9

Top 5 Books I’ve Read This Summer

I’ve managed to read a lot of books this summer and many of them will always have a special place in my heart. I will definitely be re-reading most of them sometime in the future.

I can’t decide which of these books are my favorite, so the list is in no particular order.

1. ME BEFORE YOU by Jojo Moyes

Lou Clark knows lots of things. She knows how many footsteps there are between the bus stop and home. She knows she likes working in The Buttered Bun tea shop and she knows she might not love her boyfriend Patrick.

What Lou doesn’t know is she’s about to lose her job or that knowing what’s coming is what keeps her sane.

Will Traynor knows his motorcycle accident took away his desire to live. He knows everything feels very small and rather joyless now and he knows exactly how he’s going to put a stop to that.

What Will doesn’t know is that Lou is about to burst into his world in a riot of colour. And neither of them knows they’re going to change the other for all time.

To be completely honest with you, I bought this book because the movie was about to come out and I prefer to read a book before watching a movie.

I was sure I was going to watch a movie, because I was fangirling really hard when I found out that Emilia Clarke (Game of Thrones) and Sam Claflin (The Hunger Games) were cast as the lead roles in it.

I was left with no other choice than to read the book.

It took me a day and a half to finish this book.

I haven’t written a review, but let me know if you want one.

WHY READ THIS BOOK?

Because it’s an easy, emotional read that will make you appreciate your life and will convince you to make a bucket list of your own… or was that just me?

2. LADY MIDNIGHT by Cassandra Clare

In a kingdom by the sea…

In a secret world where half-angel warriors are sworn to fight demons, parabatai is a sacred word.

A parabatai is your partner in battle. A parabatai is your best friend. Parabatai can be everything to each other—but they can never fall in love.

Emma Carstairs is a warrior, a Shadowhunter, and the best in her generation. She lives for battle. Shoulder to shoulder with her parabatai, Julian Blackthorn, she patrols the streets of Los Angeles, where vampires party on the Sunset Strip, and faeries—the most powerful of supernatural creatures—teeter on the edge of open war with Shadowhunters. When the bodies of humans and faeries turn up murdered in the same way Emma’s parents were when she was a child, an uneasy alliance is formed. This is Emma’s chance for revenge—and Julian’s chance to get back his brother Mark, who is being held prisoner by the faerie Courts. All Emma, Mark, and Julian have to do is solve the murders within two weeks…and before the murderer targets them.

Their search takes Emma from sea caves full of sorcery to a dark lottery where death is dispensed. And each clue she unravels uncovers more secrets. What has Julian been hiding from her all these years? Why does Shadowhunter Law forbid parabatai to fall in love? Who really killed her parents—and can she bear to know the truth?

The darkly magical world of Shadowhunters has captured the imaginations of millions of readers across the globe. Join the adventure in Lady Midnight, the long-awaited first volume of a new trilogy from Cassandra Clare.

She did it again. Cassandra Clare did it again!

For everyone who has read The Mortal Instruments or The Infernal Devices know what I am talking about and this book was probably one of your must reads.

Cassie has written so many books about Shadowhunters that I really thought she couldn’t came up with another story that would force me to keep on reading until the very end. Luckily, I was wrong. She did that and a lot more.

That book was perfect. Emma was perfect. Julian was perfect. Christina was perfect. … well I think you know where I’m going with this.

One question, before I continue with my list. Did anyone else start screaming (out loud or inside their head) when our favorite characters from previous books came into the story?

WHY READ THIS BOOK?

Because Emma is grown up and even more badass than Izzy and Clary ever were. She is pure awesomeness.

3. THRONE OF GLASS series by Sarah J. Maas

After serving out a year of hard labor in the salt mines of Endovier for her crimes, 18-year-old assassin Celaena Sardothien is dragged before the Crown Prince. Prince Dorian offers her her freedom on one condition: she must act as his champion in a competition to find a new royal assassin.

Her opponents are men-thieves and assassins and warriors from across the empire, each sponsored by a member of the king’s council. If she beats her opponents in a series of eliminations, she’ll serve the kingdom for four years and then be granted her freedom. Celaena finds her training sessions with the captain of the guard, Westfall, challenging and exhilirating. But she’s bored stiff by court life. Things get a little more interesting when the prince starts to show interest in her … but it’s the gruff Captain Westfall who seems to understand her best.

Then one of the other contestants turns up dead … quickly followed by another. Can Celaena figure out who the killer is before she becomes a victim? As the young assassin investigates, her search leads her to discover a greater destiny than she could possibly have imagined.

Celaena Sardothien is by far my favorite character ever. She is fearless, sassy, resourceful, sarcastic, strong, badass, … and yet she can also be sensible and a regular teenage girl.

After reading this series I wanted to be an assassin (luckily, I’m not persistent and disciplined enough to start training). I also wanted to learn swordplay, parkour and many other things that Sarah manages to describe extremely well. Sometimes too well because a lot of times I wanted to put the book down and start training immediately.

This happens to me every time I read a good book.

WHY READ THIS SERIES?

Because it contains more plot twists than you could ever imagine. It has magic (eventually), badass assassins, cool story and a handsome prince.

Well, of course there are others beside the prince, but they don’t have a cool, high title like him.

4. COVENANT series by Jennifer L. Armentrout

The Hematoi descend from the unions of gods and mortals, and the children of two Hematoi pure bloods have godlike powers. Children of Hematoi and mortals–well, not so much. Half-bloods only have two options: become trained Sentinels who hunt and kill daimons or become servants in the homes of the pures.

Seventeen-year-old Alexandria would rather risk her life fighting than waste it scrubbing toilets, but she may end up slumming it anyway. There are several rules that students at the Covenant must follow. Alex has problems with them all, but especially rule #1:Relationships between pures and halfs are forbidden. Unfortunately, she’s crushing hard on the totally hot pure-blood Aiden. But falling for Aiden isn’t her biggest problem–staying alive long enough to graduate the Covenant and become a Sentinel is.

If she fails in her duty, she faces a future worse than death or slavery: being turned into a daimon, and being hunted by Aiden. And that would kind of suck.

DISCLAIMER: I’ve only read Half-Blood and Pure. I’ve ordered Deity, Apollyon and Sentinel, but I am still waiting for it to arrive.

These books made me more antisocial than I’ve ever been in my entire life.

I was sitting with a book in hand, headphones in my ears and ignoring the whole world for two straight days until I finished reading. I was cursing the whole world because I haven’t had other books with me.

Ugh, I just love Greek mythology so much and books like that make me want to cry because I am not a demigod.

JLA, why do you have to write so many good books? Why do your stories have to be so damn interesting? And why is it killing me not knowing what will happen with Alex, Seth and Aiden?

A piece of advice, when you start reading this series, make sure you have all books in this series (that’s how addicting they are).

Advice on how to read: turn off your phone and ignore everyone around you.

Preferable location of reading: deserted island, empty park or just lock your bedroom door.

WHY READ THIS SERIES?

Percy Jackson meets Vampire Academy. Need I say more?

5. A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES series by Sarah J. Maas

She stole a life. Now she must pay with her heart.

When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature arrives to demand retribution. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she knows about only from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not an animal, but Tamlin—one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled their world.

As she dwells on his estate, her feelings for Tamlin transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie and warning she’s been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But an ancient, wicked shadow over the faerie lands is growing, and Feyre must find a way to stop it . . . or doom Tamlin—and his world—forever.

DISCLAIMER: I am currently reading A Court of Mist and Fury so no spoilers, please.

One of the best fairy tale retellings that I’ve ever read, not that I’ve read many.

This book was a masterpiece with satisfying plot twists, which I’m beginning to think are one of Sarah’s strong suits.

Another strong and independent female character. World of faeries and magic. What more could you wish for?

WHY READ THIS SERIES?

Because of its unique take on a fairy tale Beauty and the Beast. Its strong characters and its power of making you consider who the real beasts and monsters really are.

 

Written by Anya Blackhart-Clark

Review: The Guardian by Elizabetta Holcomb

„1312, A knight destined to rule…

Jareth Tremaine, the first Duke of Dover, has seen how he’s remembered in history books—either a saint who rules his lands with justice or a religious extremist whose harsh treatment of the church nearly has him executed. But what history doesn’t disclose is that he’s essential to the world’s survival. After being wounded by ancient Huns using 21st century weapons, a girl is brought to aid his recovery—a girl who would become his duchess and the key to the future of Dover’s Amalgam.

A 21st century girl whose future has not been written…

Elizabet Blackwell isn’t surprised by wormholes. What shocks her is the multi-faceted personality of the titled knight. Sir Jareth is a nobleman, translator, surgeon—and he’s intent on locating and protecting a host. The host, she discovers, is a boy who practically lives in her backyard 700 years into Jareth’s future.

The re-scripting of history for the survival of nature’s attack on mankind…

Together they embark on their life’s journey and discover that they must protect each other even as they prepare the host for his destiny. Their quest must be to ensure the boy is secure and hidden from the evil forces who seek to exploit the power he contains. „

***

A while ago, I was sent an ARC by Elizabetta Holcomb in return to write an honest review.

First thing I want to say is that I would love to read the sequel!

Characters were lovable and felt real. I liked Jareth and Elizabet. They had a great connection. I liked Gabriel and Minh and all their constant bickering. It was very entertaining.

Jareth was very smart and skillful with anything and everything. He was handsome and confident. Basically he was everything a girl wants, except maybe his charming personality. Yes, he was charming when he wanted to be, but he also knew how to insult someone even though he didn’t really want to. He said some hurtful things to Elizabet at the beginning of the book, but to be honest, she wasn’t really nice to him either.

Elizabet was loyal and brave. She would do anything for the people she loved. I felt sorry for her when we got to know her, her story. When she was speaking about her secret, I immediately thought the worst and literally started laughing when I finally found out what her secret was. But to think of it now, it must have been very hard for her…

Story kept me guessing until the very end. I never knew what was going to happen or in what direction the story was going but I was very entertained.

I would tell you about my favorite part, but it would contain a spoiler, so I will just leave you with this: knowing too much about your future can be both exciting and scary.

I felt that scenes were written very well. While I was reading the book, I was really drawn into it and felt like I was living in it… in Dover, Louisiana, … It was really exciting.

Story was really interesting and at times I couldn’t stop reading which led to sleepless nights but it was worth it. Jareth and Elizabet were worth it.

I liked the ending, but felt that there are still some things that are missing. I am quite confident that there will be a sequel, because we still didn’t get all the answers. Besides, with an ending like that, it is impossible not to expect a sequel. I hope.

I found the theme of the story very interesting. At first I had a bit of trouble to grasp the concept of time travel or the way it worked in this book. Especially because I was still kind of living in a book I’ve read before that (Precious Stone trilogy by Kerstin Gier) and kept thinking that traveling in the future is impossible. Oh, how wrong was I. Luckily, I quickly got on board of this book and it’s time travel rules, which were very interesting if I may say.

The book was confusing at first and hard to understand which almost made me give up. I was confused because they were talking about guns and canons in medieval England and of course eBay was mentioned which threw me off guard and caught me completely by surprise. I mean how could a Duke in medieval England order a book on eBay? Truly fascinating!

I liked author’s writing style. I liked the words she used and the way Jareth was expressing himself. I found interesting the fact that his thought were in Latin.

I liked this book even though it was a bit slow and confusing. I took me some time to get into it, but I was glad I did because the story was really good and well thought.

Would definitely recommend this book to everyone who loves historical fiction and time travel.

My rating: 4/5

Book review by Anya Blackhart-Clark

Add me on Goodreads, Instagram, Wattpad and Twitter.

The Guardian by Elizabetta Holcomb

„1312, A knight destined to rule…

Jareth Tremaine, the first Duke of Dover, has seen how he’s remembered in history books—either a saint who rules his lands with justice or a religious extremist whose harsh treatment of the church nearly has him executed. But what history doesn’t disclose is that he’s essential to the world’s survival. After being wounded by ancient Huns using 21st century weapons, a girl is brought to aid his recovery—a girl who would become his duchess and the key to the future of Dover’s Amalgam.

A 21st century girl whose future has not been written…

Elizabet Blackwell isn’t surprised by wormholes. What shocks her is the multi-faceted personality of the titled knight. Sir Jareth is a nobleman, translator, surgeon—and he’s intent on locating and protecting a host. The host, she discovers, is a boy who practically lives in her backyard 700 years into Jareth’s future.

The re-scripting of history for the survival of nature’s attack on mankind…

Together they embark on their life’s journey and discover that they must protect each other even as they prepare the host for his destiny. Their quest must be to ensure the boy is secure and hidden from the evil forces who seek to exploit the power he contains. „

***

A while ago, I was sent an ARC by Elizabetta Holcomb in return to write an honest review.

First thing I want to say is that I would love to read the sequel!

Characters were lovable and felt real. I liked Jareth and Elizabet. They had a great connection. I liked Gabriel and Minh and all their constant bickering. It was very entertaining.

Jareth was very smart and skillful with anything and everything. He was handsome and confident. Basically he was everything a girl wants, except maybe his charming personality. Yes, he was charming when he wanted to be, but he also knew how to insult someone even though he didn’t really want to. He said some hurtful things to Elizabet at the beginning of the book, but to be honest, she wasn’t really nice to him either.

Elizabet was loyal and brave. She would do anything for the people she loved. I felt sorry for her when we got to know her, her story. When she was speaking about her secret, I immediately thought the worst and literally started laughing when I finally found out what her secret was. But to think of it now, it must have been very hard for her…

Story kept me guessing until the very end. I never knew what was going to happen or in what direction the story was going but I was very entertained.

I would tell you about my favorite part, but it would contain a spoiler, so I will just leave you with this: knowing too much about your future can be both exciting and scary.

I felt that scenes were written very well. While I was reading the book, I was really drawn into it and felt like I was living in it… in Dover, Louisiana, … It was really exciting.

Story was really interesting and at times I couldn’t stop reading which led to sleepless nights but it was worth it. Jareth and Elizabet were worth it.

I liked the ending, but felt that there are still some things that are missing. I am quite confident that there will be a sequel, because we still didn’t get all the answers. Besides, with an ending like that, it is impossible not to expect a sequel. I hope.

I found the theme of the story very interesting. At first I had a bit of trouble to grasp the concept of time travel or the way it worked in this book. Especially because I was still kind of living in a book I’ve read before that (Precious Stone trilogy by Kerstin Gier) and kept thinking that traveling in the future is impossible. Oh, how wrong was I. Luckily, I quickly got on board of this book and it’s time travel rules, which were very interesting if I may say.

The book was confusing at first and hard to understand which almost made me give up. I was confused because they were talking about guns and canons in medieval England and of course eBay was mentioned which threw me off guard and caught me completely by surprise. I mean how could a Duke in medieval England order a book on eBay? Truly fascinating!

I liked author’s writing style. I liked the words she used and the way Jareth was expressing himself. I found interesting the fact that his thought were in Latin.

I liked this book even though it was a bit slow and confusing. I took me some time to get into it, but I was glad I did because the story was really good and well thought.

Would definitely recommend this book to everyone who loves historical fiction and time travel.

My rating: 4/5

Book review by Anya Blackhart-Clark

Add me on Goodreads, Instagram, Wattpad and Twitter.

Review: Paper Towns by John Green

Description: 

Who is the real Margo?

Quentin Jacobsen has spent a lifetime loving the magnificently adventurous Margo Roth Spiegelman from afar. So when she cracks open a window and climbs into his life—dressed like a ninja and summoning him for an ingenious campaign of revenge—he follows. After their all-nighter ends, and a new day breaks, Q arrives at school to discover that Margo, always an enigma, has now become a mystery. But Q soon learns that there are clues—and they’re for him. Urged down a disconnected path, the closer he gets, the less Q sees the girl he thought he knew…

Guest star rating: 4/5 stars

Book reviewed by: Anya Blackhart-Clark

***Spoiler alert***

This book is something special.

It makes you think a lot without you knowing it. Because of it, I’m gonna have a book hangover for days, maybe weeks to come.

The book itself is really, really good and interesting. Margo is one of the most unique characters I’ve ever encountered, which makes it even more interesting and appealing to read. But at the end you realize that she isn’t what she seemed to be, because you never truly get to know her. All you know is how people see her. How her friends see her, how the main character sees her and how others non-important people see her.

Q hasn’t really been her best friend for almost 10 years, he loved the idea of her. How she seemed from a distance. He loved that popular, happy girl that Margo showed to everyone. But the truth is that she was far from that. She is more complex. Margo doesn’t really let anyone see her for who she really is. She is a paper girl.

Like Ben said, he was in love with Lacey; that popular, cool, perfect and funny girl that he knew from afar. He never imagined he’d really have her. But now that he did, it was harder. Because he is not in love with her as a person, but in the idea of who she’s supposed to be or who he saw her to be. He can see her flaws now. The ones she didn’t let anyone to see, instead her friends. And now he is struggling to love her, to be with her.

After Margo went missing, Q put his whole life on side track. He was convinced that if he found Margo, that would be his happy ending. His heart was kind of crushed when the ending was far from what he expected. From what we all expected it to be.

Q’s conviction that Margo will return can convince even readers. He never thought that she wouldn’t return, his biggest fear was that she was lying dead in some abandoned place.

Road trip was really fun and refreshing, although it was also dangerous. After that almost-life-ending event on highway, Q starts thinking that maybe she isn’t really worth it to be found. But he quickly ignores those thoughts.

The ending is something completely different than I could imagine. I was really surprised with how Margo reacted and with Q’s hesitation.

This is a part of my interpretation of this book, if anyone wants to talk more about it, feel free to write me.

I think that the REAL ending of this book is free for us to interpret.

I feel confident that one day John Green’s books will be obligatory readings at schools, like Fitzgerald is. Because JG’s books are the kind that make you think about the story long after you’ve read it and make you try to find a connection between a story and real life.

Wattpad

Goodreads

Paper Towns by John Green

Description: 

Who is the real Margo?

Quentin Jacobsen has spent a lifetime loving the magnificently adventurous Margo Roth Spiegelman from afar. So when she cracks open a window and climbs into his life—dressed like a ninja and summoning him for an ingenious campaign of revenge—he follows. After their all-nighter ends, and a new day breaks, Q arrives at school to discover that Margo, always an enigma, has now become a mystery. But Q soon learns that there are clues—and they’re for him. Urged down a disconnected path, the closer he gets, the less Q sees the girl he thought he knew…

Guest star rating: 4/5 stars

Book reviewed by: Anya Blackhart-Clark

***Spoiler alert***

This book is something special.

It makes you think a lot without you knowing it. Because of it, I’m gonna have a book hangover for days, maybe weeks to come.

The book itself is really, really good and interesting. Margo is one of the most unique characters I’ve ever encountered, which makes it even more interesting and appealing to read. But at the end you realize that she isn’t what she seemed to be, because you never truly get to know her. All you know is how people see her. How her friends see her, how the main character sees her and how others non-important people see her.

Q hasn’t really been her best friend for almost 10 years, he loved the idea of her. How she seemed from a distance. He loved that popular, happy girl that Margo showed to everyone. But the truth is that she was far from that. She is more complex. Margo doesn’t really let anyone see her for who she really is. She is a paper girl.

Like Ben said, he was in love with Lacey; that popular, cool, perfect and funny girl that he knew from afar. He never imagined he’d really have her. But now that he did, it was harder. Because he is not in love with her as a person, but in the idea of who she’s supposed to be or who he saw her to be. He can see her flaws now. The ones she didn’t let anyone to see, instead her friends. And now he is struggling to love her, to be with her.

After Margo went missing, Q put his whole life on side track. He was convinced that if he found Margo, that would be his happy ending. His heart was kind of crushed when the ending was far from what he expected. From what we all expected it to be.

Q’s conviction that Margo will return can convince even readers. He never thought that she wouldn’t return, his biggest fear was that she was lying dead in some abandoned place.

Road trip was really fun and refreshing, although it was also dangerous. After that almost-life-ending event on highway, Q starts thinking that maybe she isn’t really worth it to be found. But he quickly ignores those thoughts.

The ending is something completely different than I could imagine. I was really surprised with how Margo reacted and with Q’s hesitation.

This is a part of my interpretation of this book, if anyone wants to talk more about it, feel free to write me.

I think that the REAL ending of this book is free for us to interpret.

I feel confident that one day John Green’s books will be obligatory readings at schools, like Fitzgerald is. Because JG’s books are the kind that make you think about the story long after you’ve read it and make you try to find a connection between a story and real life.

Wattpad

Goodreads

Guest Review: Paper Towns by John Green

Description: 

Who is the real Margo?

Quentin Jacobsen has spent a lifetime loving the magnificently adventurous Margo Roth Spiegelman from afar. So when she cracks open a window and climbs into his life—dressed like a ninja and summoning him for an ingenious campaign of revenge—he follows. After their all-nighter ends, and a new day breaks, Q arrives at school to discover that Margo, always an enigma, has now become a mystery. But Q soon learns that there are clues—and they’re for him. Urged down a disconnected path, the closer he gets, the less Q sees the girl he thought he knew…

Guest star rating: 4/5 stars

Book reviewed by: Ancchy

***Spoiler alert***

This book is something special.

It makes you think a lot without you knowing it. Because of it, I’m gonna have a book hangover for days, maybe weeks to come.

The book itself is really, really good and interesting. Margo is one of the most unique characters I’ve ever encountered, which makes it even more interesting and appealing to read. But at the end you realize that she isn’t what she seemed to be, because you never truly get to know her. All you know is how people see her. How her friends see her, how the main character sees her and how others non-important people see her.

Q hasn’t really been her best friend for almost 10 years, he loved the idea of her. How she seemed from a distance. He loved that popular, happy girl that Margo showed to everyone. But the truth is that she was far from that. She is more complex. Margo doesn’t really let anyone see her for who she really is. She is a paper girl.

Like Ben said, he was in love with Lacey; that popular, cool, perfect and funny girl that he knew from afar. He never imagined he’d really have her. But now that he did, it was harder. Because he is not in love with her as a person, but in the idea of who she’s supposed to be or who he saw her to be. He can see her flaws now. The ones she didn’t let anyone to see, instead her friends. And now he is struggling to love her, to be with her.

After Margo went missing, Q put his whole life on side track. He was convinced that if he found Margo, that would be his happy ending. His heart was kind of crushed when the ending was far from what he expected. From what we all expected it to be.

Q’s conviction that Margo will return can convince even readers. He never thought that she wouldn’t return, his biggest fear was that she was lying dead in some abandoned place.

Road trip was really fun and refreshing, although it was also dangerous. After that almost-life-ending event on highway, Q starts thinking that maybe she isn’t really worth it to be found. But he quickly ignores those thoughts.

The ending is something completely different than I could imagine. I was really surprised with how Margo reacted and with Q’s hesitation.

This is a part of my interpretation of this book, if anyone wants to talk more about it, feel free to write me.

I think that the REAL ending of this book is free for us to interpret.

I feel confident that one day John Green’s books will be obligatory readings at schools, like Fitzgerald is. Because JG’s books are the kind that make you think about the story long after you’ve read it and make you try to find a connection between a story and real life.

Wattpad

Goodreads

Review: The Rain by Virginia Bergin

Description: It’s in the rain…and just one drop will kill you.

They don’t believe it at first. Crowded in Zach’s kitchen, Ruby and the rest of the partygoers laugh at Zach’s parents’ frenzied push to get them all inside as it starts to drizzle. But then the radio comes on with the warning, “It’s in the rain! It’s fatal, it’s contagious, and there’s no cure.”

Two weeks later, Ruby is alone. Anyone who’s been touched by rain or washed their hands with tap water is dead. The only drinkable water is quickly running out. Ruby’s only chance for survival is a treacherous hike across the country to find her father-if he’s even still alive.

I give it: 5/5 Stars

Whoa. Okay I don’t know where to start….

You’ve probably read the description of this book so I won’t tell you what’s it about. But here’s my review:

THIS BOOK IS BY FAR THE BEST BOOK I’VE EVER READ!

If you’re into apocalyptic/fight-to-survive/teenage books then this is the read for you.

Before you start reading, I recommend setting up a camp in your room, somewhere you’re alone, bring popcorn or snacks (make sure it’s not water), if it’s raining close the window and enjoy!

I’m absolutely in love with the author’s writing style. Virginia Bergin’s work was not only refreshing, but one you can’t help but read in one sitting. Stimulating, beautifully written work that will keep you at the edge of your seat.

No spoilers ahead.

This book starts with the main character Ruby being at a party. Now, let me tell you the one thing I notice first when it comes to reading a book. I always notice the writing style of the author and then as I go on reading the book, I forget about it. But as I was reading The Rain, I couldn’t help but admire and appreciate the way it was written. With all the examples and Ruby’s compelling story-telling, you can’t help but feel this wonderful atmosphere and even laugh at some points. Even though… people are dying.

Yeah, I might be a bad person. Anyway, what I like most it’s that this book isn’t too dark. It isn’t really that depressing and it has just the right measure of humor in it. I think Ruby’s reaction was so realistic, even though at times I wanted to tell her she shouldn’t be wasting time on her hair but go out and get something to drink and eat.

Obviously, this girl hasn’t read that many apocalyptic books. All jokes aside, the reason this book is my favorite is because YOU NEVER RUN OUT OF ANY PLOT TWISTS.

This book gives you plot twists until the end. Oh my Gods, never in my life have I ever read a book that’s so intense, in a way. The surprises just keep on coming and when you think nothing can surprise you anymore…. BAM! You get another plot twist.

The events in this book are so full of imagination and I admire Virginia Bergin so much for creating this world… this story.

I just… I don’t want to spoil anything for you guys but you NEED to read it ASAP!

Love,

Desirae

Confession: How My Life Changed In a Year

I don’t do confessions often but when I do, I go all out. For the last year, I’ve been doing this ‘experiment,’ if you will. I’ve started a journey I had no idea was going to change my life so drastically.

So, let’s start at the beginning.

A year ago, I had a falling out with my best friends. I lost everybody I loved. I had no friends, at the time my mom abandoned me and my siblings and I dropped out of high school for the year.

I hit rock bottom. All I had left were my books and the dream of being an author. I didn’t know what to do but read. It helped me. A lot. I started doing booktube videos, reviewing books, filming book hauls and stuff. It was a perfect distraction from the mess my life was.

The summer of the year 2014 was enlightening for me. I got to find out who I was again. I bought more books because I found out they’re what I’m passionate about. I love putting my ideas into words and reading other’s books is like finding out their ideas. It’s like looking into their soul. At the time, I wasn’t aware of that like I am today.

I made an account on Wattpad, finally deciding I needed to do this. If I wanted to become an author and follow my dreams, I needed to start somewhere and the earlier the better.

Let me tell you, I was so nervous. I didn’t believe in myself and I didn’t believe anyone would read my books. And that was okay, I guess. At the end of the day, I was writing for myself, not for others. See, writing is a great way to get your emotions, your anger, your hurt and everything negative out. But you can do it with a spin, give the readers a moral of the story so they learn something from it.

It’s funny. I never knew what to do in real life, how to react to a certain situation and when I wrote it into my book, I suddenly realized what I had to do. What the right thing to do would be. As a writer, you need to be like an actor and get into your fictional character’s head. You need to be them. And being in someone else’s head instead of yours is somewhat freeing.

When September came, I repeated the year in a new high school. And I met new people. People who, to this day, still believe in me, support me and love me the same way I love them. They are the best friends I have ever met. Each of them as special and unique as the other.

In September, I haven’t published my book yet. I did that in November I think. But at the time, I had started writing it and I was happy about it. I was happy to have something to do at home.

Let’s skip October 2014 and get to November. November was a special month for me. I had about 10 chapters written because I stopped writing. I needed people to encourage me. So, I decided to make myself a cover and a summary of the book. Then I published the first chapter.

With the first few chapters came new comments and new people supporting me. I wasn’t aware that this was just the beginning. I was just a kid with self-esteem issues. I was so insecure and hoped people wouldn’t hate on me because at the time, I couldn’t take anything bad.

But the more I updated, the more comments I got. I remember how excited I was to tell my friends at school that I got 1000 reads on my book. Oh my Gods, it was like a miracle. And then the reads kept coming! People kept sending me messages, fan mail, they followed me and they told me their experiences. I knew it was hard for them as it was hard for me and all I wanted to do is be there for them because I know what it feels like when you have no one.

Back then yes, writing helped me a lot but I’ve also been dealing with consequences my previous high school left me which was basically an emotional scarring. If any of them were reading this, they wouldn’t get it and think I am being over-dramatic which I might be. But the thing is, I felt like every bad feeling was a thousand times stronger than a good one.

Then came New Years. I was happy. If you count sitting on your bed, surrounded by tissues, watching a movie, being alone as happy. At the time, I stopped talking to a person who was for 2 years very dear to me. But I survived. I was determined to have many new years resolutions, which you know never turn out okay.

BUT !

Before I tell you about that but, here’s my list:

Finish writing a book
Write a new book
Get to #1 in Teen Fiction (that one was a little bit far-fetched)
Get to 1M reads (a goal which I thought I knew wouldn’t come true in years)
Get to 1K followers on Wattpad
Listen to people who need to talk to someone

In February 2014 I finished writing My Badboy Neighbour. I ended it the way my school year ended last year. With me leaving. While I was writing My Badboy Neighbour, I started writing Playing Against the Player for NaNoWriMo on Wattpad and I managed to write 50K words in 30 days. After that then I started writing My Badgirl Roommate, a sequel to My Badboy Neighbour. It was about the main character attending a new school and dealing with every that has happened in her past. Only the ending was one I wanted to have. I wanted to get closure but even now I know I can’t.

I’m scared. If whoever’s reading this ever tells anyone I said that, I’ll deny it. I’m never scared or at least I never admit it but that part of my life is so over I’m not brave enough to try to bring it back to life. I don’t want to talk to people, my ex-best friends and I don’t want to open old wounds. But living with this big burden I have, it’s not healthy for me or anyone.

Anyway, let’s skip forward. I got 1K followers. I freaked out when I had 10, but 1000 followers is … really incredible. Then 1 million reads followed and I was so surprised! I remember telling my best friends I had 20 thousand reads but 1 million?! I wouldn’t have dared to even dream about getting that far.

To celebrate, I took my friends out for a pizza. It was the best time of my life.

Not everyone on Wattpad gets that far and to believe I got… it’s just surreal, okay?

So, by now I have finished:

My Badboy Neighbour
My Badgirl Roommate
My Badboy Neighbour: Collection of Extras
Playing Against the Player

And I’m currently writing Playing Against the Sister and What Happened To Spring?

I was proud of my accomplishments but what shocked every living thing out of me was that on July 29, 2015 my book was number 1 in Teen Fiction!!!!!!!

Oh gosh, I cried. I cried and felt like my hard work has paid off. Everything has paid off. It’s finally time for me to really feel happy and to start believing in myself.

Because at the beginning of this school year people of my school found out about my Booktube, I deleted my videos because they made fun of me. Now, I kind of regret it because just like writing, it was something I did for myself and not for them.

When summer came, I started filming videos again and it was really empowering. I got much more confidence and right now, I don’t care what people might think of me. I used to care when it came to Wattpad, but I know all I have to do is give it time. And when I have thousands of subscribers and they have none, I’ll be the one laughing.

I mean, I got so far on Wattpad, who’s to say I won’t get far on Youtube? They can mock me and humiliate me, they can tell me I’m ugly or can make fun of my accent but I don’t care. Not anymore.

I spent my whole life worrying about what other people might think and now I don’t anymore. And it’s all thanks to Wattpad. To people there, to books, to me.

At the end of the day, I’ve got to thank myself. If I didn’t hit rock-bottom, I wouldn’t be here. One has to fall apart in order to pull himself together.

I did just that. I fell apart and it felt like somebody pulling the rug beneath your feet or it felt like jumping off the cliff. The landing was hard but the come-back I made was heavenly.

If you’re still reading this, all I want to tell you is don’t stop dreaming because when you stop dreaming, you stop living. Don’t be afraid to be successful, don’t underestimate yourself. Go catch your dreams before they get away.

And trust me, if you think your life is super bad now, just wait a year because it’ll do you good, trust me.

A year ago, I was no one. Now, I’m me.

It’s all about perception and how you see yourself.

Review: Moonlands by Steven Savile

Moonlands is a wonderful, well-written and thought through book with fantastic characters and marvelous storytelling.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

It’s Ashley who thought all her life she was ordinary yet still a little weird fifteen year old girl. But her life was turned upside down with the death of her Aunt who wasn’t really her Aunt.

The woman left three things for Ashley: a journal, an umbrella and a pair of goggles. Those three things would help Ashley fulfill her destiny and become who she really was. But at the same time Blackwater Blaze, a Wolfen, was sent to kill her.

Ashley would need all the protection she could get if she was to win a fight. The journey this book offers is incredible, with so many things adding up that you really feel like you’re living in a fairy tale. Ashley is an epic character with so much to lose and so little hope but she doesn’t give up and still fights.

At first, I got a little irritated with Blackwater Blaze’s point of views, but as the book started explaining the situation a little more and we got to know what was actually happening, it got a lot more interesting. I liked that it was fairly short and didn’t drag on.

The book itself was enjoyable and the world it offered was very unique. I’m not going to try and explain it as I’m going to recommend you the book, but I can guarantee the whole fictional universe is not like anything you’ve seen before.

Plot twists blow you away and the author’s writing style is incredible.

But the one thing that won me over was the ending. Having read so many books, I never thought I’d say this but by far, Moonlands has the best landing I have ever seen or in this case read.

There are three words I only have to say to you: READ THE BOOK!

That is, when it comes out on April 17th. I have to thank the author and his people for sending me the Advanced Reader Copy.

Desirae

WATTPAD: Top 8 Books That Would Be Perfect For Summer

Hello!

For all of you who read on Wattpad and are looking for new stories to read, well, I have quite a few for you. Let’s begin.

A BOOK THAT WILL ACCOMPANY YOU TO NEW PLACES

A Summer Doesn’t Last Forever by millie_

Blurb:

Seventeen year old McKenna Bryant isn’t happy about being shipped to the small town of Vernon in California for the summer while her mother and step-father vacation in Brazil. Seven long years have passed since McKenna saw any of the six O’Connor children. What she fails to realize is that love isn’t always so obvious and that seven years can really change a person. Can McKenna survive the summer in Vernon or will she be pushed to the breaking point?

Why this book is perfect: The whole story is very interesting, it’s cute and filled with many unexpected situations. Sometimes, they may be awkward but other times, it’s just so damn cute. This book is perfect for when you go somewhere you haven’t been in a long time so your adventures could match McKenna’s.

Link: http://www.wattpad.com/story/1610855-summer-doesn%27t-last-forever

A BOOK FOR MAKING NEW FRIENDS

Just Another Summer… Or Is It? by Monica 4242

Blurb: 

Like every other teenager, Angelina had plans for the summer that include camps, parties, and beach days with her friends. The final day of school arrives and Angelina thinks that she is now free from all the boy drama for three months. But that was before she got home and found three hot brothers there: Andrew the player, Riley the cutie, and William the childish one. Angelina soon discovers that they are staying with her and her father for the summer. Will her summer turn out the way she wanted it to be, better, or even worse? Join Angelina as she tries to survive the summer with the Turner brothers.

Why this book is perfect: Angelina, the main character finds herself unexpectedly surrounded by guys all summer. She is forced to spend time with them and get to know them better, yet has to let them in too. This book is perfect because Angelina faces with the difficult task of trying to make new friends while everyone else was away for the summer.

Link:  http://www.wattpad.com/story/680396-just-another-summer-or-is-it

THE BOOK THAT WILL INSPIRE YOU TO ACCOMPLISH YOUR GOALS

The Bucket List by NeveAdams

Blurb: 

Ellie is one of those nerds who blocked herself away from people and studied non-stop ever since her mother passed away. During her senior year, she decided to make a bucket list to change the way her life is and soon she finds herself making a deal that she’d regret with the most popular and hot-tempered boy in the school.

Why this book is perfect: Like Ellie, we all probably have things we want to do in our lives, but there’s no perfect time than summer. Whether you’ve always wanted to be brave and do crazy things, go on a summer adventure and cross that off your bucket list while you’re at it. The Bucket List is perfect for when you have things you want to do but you’re afraid to do them. Join Ellie on a journey along with yours.

Link:  http://www.wattpad.com/story/8991969-the-bucket-list

A BOOK THAT HAS A GUY AND A GIRL MEET IN THE MOST PECULIAR WAY

The Cell Phone Swap by DoNotMicrowave

Blurb: 

Keeley accidentally swaps cell phones with a rivaling high school’s star quarterback. Unable to switch back until a week later, she must interact with the arrogant boy, passing along texts and voicemails. As she gets to know him better, she realizes there’s more to him than sexual innuendos and egotistical comments. But when identities are revealed and secrets are exposed, will Keeley’s feelings remain?

Why this book is perfect: This book will show you that you can meet a guy in many strange ways, but I recommend you to read this book because a) It’s extremely funny, b) The story is amazing, c) The chemistry of the boy and the girl is incredibly, d) It is a must read. This book will make you laugh and cry at the same time. Honestly, it’s one of my favorite books on Wattpad but if you’ve asked me that seven months ago, my answer would probably be very different.

Link:  http://www.wattpad.com/story/1994914-the-cell-phone-swap-fate%27s-game-1

A FAMOUS GUY MEETS NORMAL GIRL

Like Crazy by millie_

Blurb:

Meet Aria Austin. She’s a normal seventeen year old teenage girl. She receives good grades, she’s nice and has a stable after-school job at the town’s local book store. She’s the complete opposite of her two best friends, Holland and Clark, who are completely and totally obsessed with all things Hollywood. Aria, on the other hand, couldn’t care less about keeping up with the latest scandals. That is until Mason Carter comes back to his home in Indiana and finds his way into the tattered old book shop where he and Aria meet for the first time. Despite the fact that she’s a normal non-famous high-schooler and he’s the most famous teenage actor on the planet, the two become fast friends. It doesn’t take long for a relationship to blossom between the two but when you’re one of the most famous people in the world, it’s hard to get any privacy. With paparazzi constantly snooping around, jealous friends revealing their true colors, fake romances and the whole world interjecting their opinions, can a relationship like this really make it? Or will it be dead before it’s even gotten the chance to live?

Why this book is perfect: If you have a celebrity crush and he/she doesn’t even know about you, well you may daydream but in this book, the celebrity meets the normal girl. So many plot twists, such a great story that keeps you at the edge of your seat and makes you want to read more and more. In a world where paparazzi are a constant companion, a relationship could either blossom or die. Will it? I guess you’ll have to read.

Link:  http://www.wattpad.com/story/6141229-like-crazy

A BOOK THAT WILL ACCOMPANY YOU THROUGH MAJOR MAKEOVERS

The Devil Wears Playboy Boxers by makemebreakme555

Blurb: 

When a girl gets a complete makeover the hot guy is suppose to start liking her. Not Forrest Take, he merely said “nice outfit” and walked right pass me. I guess getting the school’s notorious playboy to fall in love with me was going to be harder than I thought.

Why this book is perfect: In this book, things don’t go exactly as planned. Many awkward situations, hard choices, funny scenes and entertaining characters are just a part of it, though. I personally love this book because it’s not that cliche but at the same time, it is a little so if you’re feeling down for a fantastic read, well… this one is for you.

Link:  http://www.wattpad.com/story/217690-the-devil-wears-playboy-boxers

A BOOK WITH BAD BOYS AND ROMANCE

The Bad Boy Stole My Bra by Cherry_Cola_x

Blurb:

Picture this: You wake up in the middle of the night, swamped in your star wars covers and completely and utterly groggy to the extent that you look like something from the Monsters Inc. movie. You hear a sound, so you sit up and turn your lamp on, and that’s when you see it. Your new neighbour, clambering halfway through your window (Still managing to look like some sort of a Greek god, I may add) holding your MICKEY MOUSE BRA. What do you do? Well, you scream obviously. Then what? Why, you get revenge of course.

Why this book is perfect: This book is one of the funniest books I’ve ever read. The bad boy steals her bra and she gets revenge. It’s really an amazing, fast-paced read you have to give a chance.

Link:  http://www.wattpad.com/story/7780689-the-bad-boy-stole-my-bra

A BAD BOY AND THE GIRL PLAY A GAME

Bad Boy’s Game by beautifultragedies

Blurb: 

He lit his cigarette, I lit nothing.

He drank alcohol, I drank water.

He smirked, I smiled.

He didn’t love me, I didn’t love him.

He and I together wouldn’t last a day. And then the game started… He said he found me intriguing, unique, interesting because I didn’t swoon over him.

“You and me Grey, let’s play a game. We’ll date and in three months time I promise you will fall for me. When you fall in love with me between that time span, I win. If in any way you were to win I’ll give up all the alcohol, cigarettes, and player ways.”

It was a game I wasn’t willing to lose, but all games had accidents and consequences. It takes a broken heart to know how to break a heart.

Why this book is perfect: You guys had to know this was coming. Seriously. If you’re going through a period of heartbreak, you don’t usually agree to date another guy right after you became single. But this story might be different. With revenge on her ex and attempts to win a game against the bad boy, Ellie has been quite occupied. But the one thing she never expects is to find herself in a situation where she has to choose her best friend or the bad boy. Read to find out more because this is one of my favorite stories.

Link:  http://www.wattpad.com/story/9556691-bad-boy%27s-game

Of course, that is it for today. Make sure to check out my stories on Wattpad, my username is yabookprincess and I’m currently the author of My Badboy Neighbour (Good Girl #1), My Badgirl Roommate (Good Girl #2) and Playing Against the Player.

Hope you enjoyed and happy reading!

Desirae