Madi Lalor's Blog, page 2

"The One" by Kiera Cass

"The One" by Kiera Cass 
Hey everyone! I'm back! Enjoy x



Novel: The One
Author: Kiera Cass
Published: 2014
Genre: Romance, dystopian
The number of pages: 323 
Series: The Selection #3

"There were four girls and one prince, and three of us would be leaving soon with little more than an interesting story of how our spent our fall." - America Singer

Blurb: The time has come for one winner to be crowned.

When she was chosen to compete in the Selection, America never dreamed she would find herself anywhere close to the crown—or to Prince Maxon's heart. But as the end of the competition approaches, and the threats outside the palace walls grow more vicious, America realizes just how much she stands to lose—and how hard she'll have to fight for the future she wants.


So, it was pretty much exactly what I expected. But, I will give Cass some credit. She threw in a few twists. Not all of them were the best twists but nonetheless, it was all that predictable. Let's all be real, we knew who America was going to choose before we even began the first novel. The other person didn't even stand a chance. I mean, I thought I'd be angry but I guess I wasn't. Maybe I was just learnt to accept it because I knew what would happen. Either way, America's story has finished now and she chose her man. I mean, maybe she did chose the right person. I always liked the other person but I guess I should have known. Either way, I still have two books to go in the series and I only recently learnt that it isn't about America and Maxon's story. It's about their daughter. To be honest, I just feel like the series should have stopped but I guess I can't diss it until I've actually read it. Who knows, maybe the daughter's story is better. Look, don't get me wrong. I didn't hate this series, it just wasn't my favourite. America could be really irritating at times and to be honest, if this was somehow reality, I doubt that a prince would even want her. She wasn't that nice to him in the beginning and we've all got to admit that egos usually get in the way. I just don't see how she would have been in the remaining four. Anyway, I guess I'm overthinking things. This is a novel after all and it isn't supposed to be completely realistic. Okay, moving on. There are a few things I didn't think needed to be added to the story. A few deaths that just weren't needed. A few characters that I was shocked to see go. I'm upset at some of Cass's choices regarding death but I guess she thought some of them were important somehow?On a lighter note, one of my favourite characters finally gets a happy ending and that probably made the book for me. 

PROS: The ending was happy. I like happy endings.
CONS: Deaths that didn't need to happen.

So, I give this novel a 7/10!
I'll see you all very soon (with a novel I am extremely excited to read! Can you guess?)

"The Toll" by Neal Shusterman

"The Toll" by Neal Shusterman 

Hey everyone!
I'm back! I've finally gotten around to ready the final book in the Arc of Scythe trilogy. And I must say...well, I must say that I have a lot to say.










Novel: The Toll
Author: Neal Shusterman
Published: 2019
Genre: sci-fi, dystopian
The number of pages: 631
Series: The Arc of a Scythe #3


"I want life to be about living" - Scythe Anatasia (Citra Terranova)

Blurb: I do not speak with the voice of the thunder. But the thunder does speak through me.Everything has changed in the world of the scythes. Citra and Rowan have disappeared. The floating city of Endura is gone. It looks like nothing else stands between Scythe Goddard and absolute power. Now that the Thunderhead is silent, the question remains: Is there anyone left who can stop him?The answer lies in the Tone, the Toll, and the Thunder.

Gah, so many feelings. When I first started this series, I was not expecting to like it that much. The first novel had been gifted to me as a Christmas present and I wasn't about to waste a book, even if it didn't look like something I would usually read. This was a series case of 'never judge a book by its cover', It was a really good series. A really, really good series. I'm very glad that I read it because I love to add unique reads to my life. Anyway, onto the actual review. Despite initially being worried about the length, it didn't feel that long. I was happy with the majority of the series, but I do wish there was more Rowan and Citra moments together. I really loved Rowan in this. I just suddenly felt like his personality grew heaps in this book. I loved him, he was my favourite by far. It's weird that I don't have a lot to add. I mean, it was good. I don't have a lot of complaining, except there are a few things I will mention. As I am sure you are all aware, I do not like books that end with unanswered questions. This was no exception. Unanswered questions will be the death of me. I have collected so many from so many books over the years that my brain will probably explode. There is nothing more frustrating than an author willingly deciding to let their audience decide on aspects of the ending. Like, seriously? It's your story. You decide. Also, I feel like the ending wasn't exactly what I wanted. The way that things happen aren't exactly what I had in mind. I had expected change and defeating evil people. Instead, we get (and I'll only say this one word and let you decide what it means because of #nospoilers) space.Anyway, other than that one question I have which will likely never be answered because this is the final book in the series, I was satisfied.Thank you, Shusterman, for creating Citra and Rowan and the world of Scythes. It had been a pleasure and I truly hope that the scrip that is in the works (yes!) will become a movie adaptation. 

PROS: I think it'll have to be Rowan.
CONS: that damn question, I tell you. It'll forever frustrate me.
So, I give this story an 8.5/10!

"Beautiful Disaster" by Jamie McGuire

"Beautiful Disaster" by Jamie McGuire
Hey everyone! I'm back! You probably weren't expecting this book as you are probably well aware that I am almost halfway through The Selection series. Anyway, I order this book and another a while ago and they finally arrived so I couldn't help myself. It would have been torturous trying to wait to read this when it's literally been sitting on my to-read list for so long.
Also, what is this weird new update from Blogger? If you have Blogger and you post, does anyone else agree that the layout is hard to get used to? 
Anyway, enjoy!



Novel:  Beautiful Disaster 
Author: Jamie McGuire
Published: 2012
Genre: romance
The number of pages: 416


I found a middle ground with this book. I'm sitting on a fence, my legs dangling on both sides of love and hate. 

“My name’s Travis. Travis Maddox.”

I rolled my eyes. “I know who you are.”
“You do, huh?” Travis said, raising his wounded eyebrow. 
“Don’t flatter yourself. It’s hard not to notice when fifty drunks are chanting your name."
- Abby Abernathy & Travis Maddox (I couldn't decide on just one quote, so here is there first official interaction.)

Blurb: Good Girl Abby Abernathy doesn't drink or swear and she works hard. Abby believes she has buried her dark past, but when she arrives at college, her dreams of a new beginning are quickly challenged by the university's walking one-night stand. Bad Boy Travis Maddox, sexy, built, and covered in tattoos, is exactly what Abby needs - and wants - to avoid. He spends his nights winning money in a floating fight club, and his days as the notorious college Lothario. Imminent disaster?Intrigued by Abby's resistance to his charms, Travis trickers her into his life with a simple bet. If he loses, he must remain celibate for a month. If Abby loses, she must live in Travis's apartment for the same amount of time.Or the start of something beautiful?Either way, Travis has no idea that he has met his match. Or that this is the start of an obsessive, intense relationship that will lead them both into unimaginable territory...

Okay, where to begin. Firstly, you are likely to have read my earlier comment. I neither loved nor hated said novel. I think the beginning and somewhat of the middle was the best parts for me. Then, it kinda went downhill. Look, I love a good protective boyfriend, but Travis was on a whole other level. I can admit to liking when guys stick up for the girls they like by shoving others away, but it comes to a point where I'm whispering run, bitch. Run for your life. It almost became too much for me and that's saying a lot. I liked After but I think there were points in that story that also became too much. Travis was really obsessive and I'm glad that at one point he actually understood that he was acting like a stalker. Obviously, they go through some things but he never lets Abby breathe. He never wants her out of his sight. Even at the end, he's still an insecure idiot. Like, where's the character development? Travis has a serious case of #mummyissues. The guy believes the entire story that Abby will leave him. I mean, don't get me wrong, he's right to feel that way. But seriously? Doesn't the ending prove to you Travis that - wait. I'm gonna stop right there. This is a spoiler-free zone. Moving on. Other than being a bit too obsessive, he's also completely impulsive. I hate that he gets her a tattoo with her name. It drives me insane when couples do that. Like, stop. And Abby is pretty much the exact same. Either that or Travis just really wears off on her. The ending was completely irrational and not what I was hoping would happen at all. I find it crazy that these characters were making life-altering decisions at the age of nineteen. That is literally me next year and I cannot fathom the idea of even doing half the things they do. It's ludicrous. Also, I hate when characters hurt other characters feeling. Like Abby is not innocent, she makes some terrible decisions throughout the story. And, in the blurb, it literally says she doesn't drink? Well, that's a lie. She gets extremely drunk or several occasions and also, I wouldn't necessarily classify her as a 'good girl'. Tessa Young is a good girl, Abby Abernathy? Not so much. Anyway, I guess when you put all that aside, there are some really cute, romantic moments in the story. For the first couple of days, I could hardly put it down. It's definitely addictive, that's for sure. I loved the concept and for the most part, Abby and Travis' love was cute enough. There was some swoon filled moments that made me smile and some sadder moments that made me frown. 


PROS:  For the most part, I found Abby and Travis' story cute.
CONS: Travis, calm down a bit, buddy. Don't be too obsessive, please.
So, I give this story a 7.5/10!

See you soon!

Madi xoxo

"The Elite" by Kiera Cass

"The Elite" by Kiera Cass
Hey everyone! I know it's been a while but I'm finally back. Unfortunately, I've had a lot of school work so it's been hard for me to find time to read. Anyway, TGIF! I finally finished!Enjoy x






Novel: The Elite
Author: Kiera Cass
Published: 2013
Genre: romance, dystopian 
The number of pages: 336
Series: The Selection #2


"The competition was deeper than I had guessed." - America Singer

Blurb: The Selection began with thirty-five girls. Now with the group narrowed down to the six Elite, the competition to win Prince Maxon's heart is fiercer than ever—and America is still struggling to decide where her heart truly lies. Is it with Maxon, who could make her life a fairy tale? Or with her first love, Aspen?

America is desperate for more time. But the rest of the Elite know exactly what they want—and America's chance to choose is about to slip away.


I think it started off a bit slow for me. The last 100 pages or so almost made up for the lacklustre start but not quite. Yes, I did have a lot of school work but it was also hard for me to find the motivation to continue when not a lot was happening. Nothing exciting was happening. There were a few little bits of excitement, like the few rebel attacks that happened. To be honest, I was hoping America might've got injured just to add to the excitement but no. Everything remained normal. I don't often skip a single word in a story but I found myself skimming over pages, just reading the dialogue. Towards the end, I did find myself more engaged with the story but the start really made it hard for me to continue. Nonetheless, I will be continuing with a series because I rarely give up when I'm already in so deep. Ok, a little on the characters now. America annoyed me. Maxon annoyed me. Aspen annoyed me. Everyone annoyed me. Case closed. Jokes. As you may already know, I cannot stand love triangles. They are the worst kind of love. So, naturally, I hated every time America was like omg I love Aspen he's my childhood love and then omg Maxon, he's the one, actually no, I want Aspen. Like, please. Just make up your mind. You must love someone more than the other and obviously, we all know you're going to choose Maxon because, duh. The story is literally about The Selection and it wouldn't make sense to choose Aspen. So obviously she'll choose Maxon, so why drag Aspen through the mud? Everyone was just so irritating to me. I couldn't gravitate towards any of the characters because it one way or another they all have irritating qualities about them.I will say one thing. Maxon actually grew on me. He's more than what he seems. More than skin deep. He has demons too, demons that may him seem more relatable, especially for America. I liked him when I realised he wasn't someone who would just become king. 

PROS: Getting to understand Maxon better.
CONS: Just about everything.

So, I give this a 7/10!
I'll see you as soon as I possibly can! Hopefully. 
Madi xo

"The Selection" by Kiera Cass

"The Selection" by Kiera Cass

Hey everyone! I'm back!
I know a lot of you who have read this probably read it years ago, but as per usual, I am indeed late to yet another party.



Novel: The Selection

Author: Kiera Cass

Published: 2012

Genre: dystopian, romance

The number of pages: 336

Series: The Selection #1


I've read plenty of dystopian teen novels in my time. I still have questions. But I'm excited that it's going to be a Netflix movie!



"I might be a Five, but I wasn't worthless." - America Singer


Blurb:
For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself—and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.



So. Well. Where do I start?
I really liked the idea of the plot. I mean, it sounded very much like the Bachelor which I don't actually watch but I was intrigued by the idea. Before I began to read it I thought it sounded like Red Queen and I loved Red Queen. But, I don't know, I guess it had similarities but it just didn't quite reach my Red Queen standards.
My first issue is that I don't know if I'm sold on Prince Maxon. Look, he's nice and all but he's kinda annoying. He has this very innocent, sheltered look on the world which makes sense when you've been brought up in a castle, I suppose. But it still annoyed me how he was always so calm. The way he spoke was also really annoying. What dude under the age of 60 says my dear? Gag. If I'm going to compare him to Cal from Red Queen I know who would win every time. Also, America literally said he was mysterious but nothing about Maxon is mysterious. He's an open freaking book. You pretty much know everything about him straight away.
Ok, onto America. Now, I liked her a bit better. One storyline that I'm not a huge fan of is the love triangle, especially when you know they won't end up with the person you want them to. I mean it's easy when I read Twilight, Red Queen and The Hunger Games. I liked who everyone ended up within those novels. But so far, I am not Team Maxon.
Getting back to America. One thing that really annoyed me was how she always went on about oh, I'm not pretty. Everyone else is so much prettier than me. Ok, shut up. When you have guys pining over you, you're obviously not some ugly creature. I mean, I'm not saying I want her to be really obnoxious but there is a middle ground between totally insecure and then really obnoxious. I also hate when characters lead people on. Like, please just make up your mind. You must like someone more than the other.
Okay, moving on to Aspen. Sweet baby Aspen. My favourite boy. I am, so far, Team Aspen. I know that he won't end up with America because, duh. She's going to be the freaking queen obviously. Aspen almost seemed like a bad boy but with a totally loveable personality and they are always my favourite types of characters.
Overall, I didn't mind the story. I will, of course, be continuing with the series. 1 down, 4 to go!



PROS: Aspen.

CONS: Maxon? I'm not sure at this stage if he's a con. I haven't made my mind up.


So, I give this story a 7/10!


See you soon!

Mads xoxo

"All Your Twisted Secrets" by Diana Urban

"All Your Twisted Secrets" by Diana Urban

Hey everyone! I'm back again!
Enjoy x



Novel: All Your Twisted Secrets

Author: Diana Urban

Published: 2020

Genre: Mystery

The number of pages: 400


I've had the worst luck with ending lately. This story was no exception.


"Some people can't see the light until you shutter them in darkness." - Amber Prescott


Blurb:
Welcome to dinner, and again, congratulations on being selected. Now you must do the selecting.

What do the queen bee, star athlete, valedictorian, stoner, loner, and music geek all have in common? They were all invited to a scholarship dinner, only to discover it’s a trap. Someone has locked them into a room with a bomb, a syringe filled with poison, and a note saying they have an hour to pick someone to kill … or else everyone dies.

Amber Prescott is determined to get her classmates and herself out of the room alive, but that might be easier said than done. No one knows how they’re all connected or who would want them dead. As they retrace the events over the past year that might have triggered their captor’s ultimatum, it becomes clear that everyone is hiding something. And with the clock ticking down, confusion turns into fear, and fear morphs into panic as they race to answer the biggest question: Who will they choose to die?


I loved their idea of this plot. It appealed to all the genres I love most. I remember reading a really similar book (the title has escaped my mind) but I know the review is somewhere on my blog. I remember not loving that book, so I was hoping this would be an improvement, seeing as it had a very similar storyline. Look, I wasn't really disappointed. I loved the story and the development it was making. Until the freaking end. 
Before we get into that, though, let's talk a little about the characters. Amber is ambitious but she isn't out to sabotage other people's success like popular girl, Sasha. Diego is the guy Amber has feelings for whilst she is dating jock, Robbie. And Priya is Amber's best friend, who she has recently fallen out with for reasons you soon learn. So everyone has their roles and they play them, somehow all fitting into each other's lives. Ultimately, they all believe they are going to be given a scholarship which brings them together for a night they'll never forget. A night they probably wish they could forget, however.
So, here is my issue. The story was going smoothly until it took a wrong turn, crashed and then set itself on fire. It was almost...bizzarre. Like, I didn't expect it to happen until I was about three chapters away from finding out the truth. It was not how I wanted the story to progress either. It was not really the character development I wanted. It almost didn't make sense. And, oh my gosh, the ending. The last page. Where do I even begin? I absolutely hate when you know there won't be a sequel but they leave everything up in the air for you to guess anyway. Not my idea of a good ending. It always makes me think that authors just can't work out the right ending so they leave it up to their readers. 
No thank you.


PROS: I initially liked the storyline

CONS: But it took a drastic turn 


So, I give this book a 7/10!


I hope I get to see you guys soon but I'm not sure at this stage. I'm going back to school on Wednesday (well, online school anyway thanks to Corona) and I like term one, I feel like it may be hard to squeeze in any leisure activities. 

Anyway, hopefully I will see you soon!

Love,

Mads xo

"Pieces of Sky" by Trinity Doyle

"Pieces of Sky" by Trinity Doyle

Hey everyone! I'm back!
Enjoy x





Novel: Pieces of Sky

Author: Trinity Doyle

Published: 2015

Genre: coming of age

The number of pages: 287



"Before Cam drowned, swimming was my life - and I want my life back" - Lucy 


Blurb:
Lucy's life was going as smoothly as any teenager's could. She was the state backstroke champion, and swimming was her world. She lived with her parents and her brother, Cam, in the small coastal town she'd known all her life. She had friends, she has goals - she had a life.
Now Cam is dead, her parents might as well be - and Lucy can't bear to get back in the pool. All she has to look forward to now is a big pile of going-nowhere.
Drawn to Steffi, the wild ex-best friend who reminds her of her artist brother, and music-obsessed Evan, the new boy in town, Lucy starts asking questions. Why did Cam die? Was it an accident or suicide? But as Lucy hunts for answers she discovers much more than she expects. About Cam. About her family. About herself.



It wasn't a bad book by any means. I didn't realise that it was set in Australia (my home!) when I first bought it, so that was a nice surprise when I was reading about all these places I know well. I loved that I could relate to the language more because of all the slang and the way that they go about their lives. I think I found it easy to relate to, which I loved.
I loved the idea of the story. Cam, a rebellious teen brother who may have been suffering in silence. Lucy, the girl who loves to swim. But then things change. It definitely sounds like something I would have written.
However, as much as I liked the idea of the plot and the setting, I found it to be lacking something. I don't think the plot was fast-paced enough. I mean, I know it was a coming-of-age story about facing your fears and fighting the demons, but I just wanted something more, some more action or something. I also wanted Lucy to end up with someone else, which often makes a story hard to read. And again, much like Sadie, there were a few questions left unanswered but nothing too drastic. I wish I could have understood Cam better but I feel like you never really get to grasp who he was or what he was about. I couldn't tell if he was a good character who made mistakes or if he was completely and utterly lost, trying to work his way through life.
In the end, it was a cute, heartfelt story but I think maybe it was a little juvenile for me. I don't mean to sound like 'omg I am way too old for this', because that isn't what I mean. I think it would have just been more suited to someone is the age bracket of 12-14? I sometimes find it harder to relate to characters who are a bit younger than me. Overall, it was good, just not something that I loved.



PROS: I really liked Ryan.

CONS: The uncertainty surrounding Cam.


So, I give this story a 7/10!

See you soon, 

Madi xo

"Sadie" by Courtney Summers

"Sadie" by Courtney Summers 

Hey everyone!
Back again. Not news here in isolation. Hope you're all safe.
Enjoy!



Novel: Sadie

Author: Courtney Summers

Published: 2018

Genre: mystery

The number of pages: 308



It may have been written well but one thing I hate it not having all the questions answered by the end. And that was exactly what happened.



"She's dead is the reason I'm going to kill a man" - Sadie Hunter


Blurb:
When popular radio personality West McCray receives a desperate phone call from a stranger imploring him to find a nineteen-year-old runaway Sadie Hunter, he's not convinced there's a story there; girls go missing all the time. But as soon as West's boss discovers Sadie fled home after the brutal murder of her little sister, Mattie, he sees the makings of something big and orders West to the small town of Cold Creek, Colorado, to uncover what happened.
Sadie has no idea that her story will soon become the subject of a blockbuster podcast. She just wants revenge. Armed with a switchblade, Sadie follows a meagre set of clues hoping they'll lead to the man who took Mattie's life, because she's determined to make him pay for it with his own. But as West traces her journey to the darkest, most dangerous corners of big cities and small towns, a deeply unsettling mystery begins to unfold - one that's bigger than them both. Can he find Sadie before it's too late?
Alternating between Sadie's unflinching voice as she hunts the killer and the podcast transcripts tracking the clues she's left behind, Sadie is a breathless thriller about the lengths we go to to protect the ones we love and the high price we pay when we can't. It will haunt you long after you reach the final page.



I know that there are many things I can appreciate about this novel. The writing, the mystery. But there is a lot I can't appreciate. Open endings are one of them. Open endings with no sequel are definitely one of them.
Sadie's life hasn't been easy. She's a character with a lot of baggage and a lot of evil in her past. She's been living in a dead-end town that many can't seem to break free from. Her sister's murder is the one thing that pushes her over the edge, sending her on a literal manhunt for the man she somehow knows is the killer.
The plot is good, sad, but good. It deals with issues that are unfortunately real. Sadie is like Robin Hood in away. She may be out for vengeance but she has good intentions. Sadie is a vulnerable character who you feel deeply sad for the entire novel. I liked the alternating POVs between West McCray, the man who is investigating Sadie's disappearance and Sadie, as she goes on her mission to track down the man who has ruined her life.
See, I liked the majority of the story. It felt like Sadie was really making progress, that West was really uncovering the truth. Unfortunately, it was not all that it seemed. The ending...no thanks, give me another one. I read a few reviews that said it was hopeful. I didn't get the vibe. I got the vibe that explained to me exactly what happened, just in vague terms. It wasn't a hopeful ending, it just confirmed exactly what I didn't want, without explicitly saying it. I know that it was supposed to highlight reality and how awful the world can be but...no. I didn't want that ending. It practically killed the entire message behind the story. But, regardless, it will be a story that haunts me for a long time.


PROS: Highlighting important issues in society

CONS: The ending.


So, I give this novel a 7/10.

See you soon!

Madi xo