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The Book of Ivy #1
The Book of Ivy
After a brutal nuclear war, the United States was left decimated. A small group of survivors eventually banded together, but only after more conflict over which family would govern the new nation. The Westfalls lost. Fifty years later, peace and control are maintained by marrying the daughters of the losing side to the sons of the winning group in a yearly ritual.
This year, it is my turn.
My name is Ivy Westfall, and my mission is simple: to kill the president’s son—my soon-to-be husband—and restore the Westfall family to power.
But Bishop Lattimer is either a very skilled actor or he’s not the cruel, heartless boy my family warned me to expect. He might even be the one person in this world who truly understands me. But there is no escape from my fate. I am the only one who can restore the Westfall legacy.
Because Bishop must die. And I must be the one to kill him…
This year, it is my turn.
My name is Ivy Westfall, and my mission is simple: to kill the president’s son—my soon-to-be husband—and restore the Westfall family to power.
But Bishop Lattimer is either a very skilled actor or he’s not the cruel, heartless boy my family warned me to expect. He might even be the one person in this world who truly understands me. But there is no escape from my fate. I am the only one who can restore the Westfall legacy.
Because Bishop must die. And I must be the one to kill him…
282 pages, Paperback
First published November 4, 2014
About the author
Amy Engel
9 books2,091 followersAmy Engel is the author of THE FAMILIAR DARK, THE ROANOKE GIRLS and THE BOOK OF IVY series. A former criminal defense attorney, she lives in Missouri with her family. Her next literary thriller, I DID IT FOR YOU, will be published by Dutton in Summer 2023.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 3,099 reviews
January 31, 2023
"A boy who doesn't want to lie, married to a girl who can't tell the truth."
“You’re easy to read, Ivy, but the whole book of you is complicated.”
Wow, this is the first book that I loved the main characters(Ivy and Bishop❤) and no one else.. That's first!!! Except for the two of them I hated everyone else! I was suspicious about everything and everyone! I was right! And then, the ending ruined me!! Why????
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1)I love Bishop! He is just amazing! He is caring and trustworthy! Even when they were married, he didn't touch her not once! I liked how their relationship was built! I loved their truth or dare game :P
2) I hated Mr. Westfall , Mr. and Mrs. Lattimer! But I really really hated Callie!! She is such a bitch! Mr. Westfall and Callie lied to Ivy about how her mother died..she thought that Mr. Lattimer killed her which is not true. She killed herself because she was in love with Mr. Lattimer even though she was married with Mr. Westfall..
So, they had both romance and political issues :P Democracy vs Monarchy!! Who is which? They acting like they are both monarchy and they want to lead!
Callie, Callie, Callie!!!
I hate her!!!!!!!!!
She is acting like a sister to Ivy but the only thing she wants is power!!! She manipulated Ivy to do whatever she wanted even to kill Bishop!
3) Ivy wanted to protect Bishop and she sacrifice herself. I respect that! He doesn't deserve to die but she also protected her family who didn't deerve it! Wtf?? They should have protected her and they were acting like she was crazy and she would do something like that "alone". I hate her family more than I hate Bishop's family. Only Bishop believed in her! But she lied to him!! And now Callie is free to do whatever she wants with Bishop!!!! I hate her!!!
And now, Ivy is beyond the fence and she is alone because of her family!!
"I grieve the daughter I was, the wife I never wanted to be, the killer I refused to become, the traitor I pretended to be. I am none of those things now. I raise my head and wipe my eyes. Daughter. Wife. Killer. Traitor. They are all old versions of me. Now I will become a survivor."
February 14, 2017
I need the next book now. That was crazy!
May 2, 2015
YES! DAT ENDING DOE.
Okay, I was totally prepared to give this, like, 3.5 or 4 stars. It was enjoyable, but there wasn't much going on storywise. And then somewhere nearing the end things went exactly in the direction I wanted it to go, and the ending--even though it's a cliffhanger--still left me really really fucking satisfied. I thought this book was good before, but after finishing it, I can honestly say I would stamp "AWESOME" onto the cover.
Also, side note; before I read this book, I jokingly put in this review that perhaps Ivy was a descendant of Chaolaena (Celaena and Chaol from the Throne of Glass series) since her last name is Westfall. Do I still think it? Sure, why not? xD Ivy wasn't as badass as Celaena, but she was still pretty likable, and I have a feeling she will be more badass in book 2.
Lots of fun, this was! Really satisfying ending. I has high hopes for the rest of the series.
Okay, I was totally prepared to give this, like, 3.5 or 4 stars. It was enjoyable, but there wasn't much going on storywise. And then somewhere nearing the end things went exactly in the direction I wanted it to go, and the ending--even though it's a cliffhanger--still left me really really fucking satisfied. I thought this book was good before, but after finishing it, I can honestly say I would stamp "AWESOME" onto the cover.
Also, side note; before I read this book, I jokingly put in this review that perhaps Ivy was a descendant of Chaolaena (Celaena and Chaol from the Throne of Glass series) since her last name is Westfall. Do I still think it? Sure, why not? xD Ivy wasn't as badass as Celaena, but she was still pretty likable, and I have a feeling she will be more badass in book 2.
Lots of fun, this was! Really satisfying ending. I has high hopes for the rest of the series.
February 13, 2017
EXCUSE ME WHILE I PICK UP THE PIECES OF MY HEART THAT JUST SHATTERED ALL OVER THE PLACE
February 18, 2019
4,5
Είμαι θυμωμένη!
Είμαι ΕΞΑΛΛΗ και θέλω να βρίσω, αφού δεν μπορώ να μπω μέσα στο βιβλίο για να ξεριζώσω μαλλιά και να σπάσω μύτες και κεφάλια, αλλά κρατιέμαι γιατί το έχω χέσει (ουπς) με τις βρισιές. Αλλά θα σκάσω αν δεν το πω!!!
Έχω μισήσει σκύλες και σκύλες. Πρώτη και καλύτερη την Λεβάνα. Δεύτερη την Εβαγκελίν. Αλλά καμία, μα καμία δεν είναι τόσο καριόλα όσο είσαι εσύ ρε Κάλι! Συγχαρητήρια, τις έσκισες όλες!
Δεν μπορώ! Μόλις έχω τελειώσει το βιβλίο και είμαι ακόμα τόσο… μέσα στην ιστορία -αυτή είναι η σωστή έκφραση- που αν αρχίσω να λέω τι θέλω να κάνω στην Κάλι, θα γράψω εγώ βιβλίο με τίτλο “Οδηγός βασανιστηρίων για στριμμένες, κομπλεξικές, ηλίθιες, γεροντοκόρες, αγ…αμες :p (κάτι που εδώ κολλάει) σκύλες”
Δεν θα πω πολλά για το βιβλίο. Για μένα η ιστορία ήταν απλή, καμία σχέση με τις υπερπαραγωγές που διαβάζουμε και που κι εγώ απολαμβάνω και αγαπάω! Όμως σε αυτό το βιβλίο ήμουν η Άιβι και αυτό μου αρκούσε και μου αρκεί για να απολαύσω την ιστορία. βάλω πέντε και δεκαπέντε αστέρια. Ήμουν μέσα στην ιστορία και ένιωθα όσα εκείνη, θύμωνα, ζήλευα, πονούσα, γελούσα, και είναι ΑΥΤΟ ακριβώς που ζητάω από ένα βιβλίο. Να νιώσω και να ταυτιστώ.
Είμαι θυμωμένη!
Είμαι ΕΞΑΛΛΗ και θέλω να βρίσω, αφού δεν μπορώ να μπω μέσα στο βιβλίο για να ξεριζώσω μαλλιά και να σπάσω μύτες και κεφάλια, αλλά κρατιέμαι γιατί το έχω χέσει (ουπς) με τις βρισιές. Αλλά θα σκάσω αν δεν το πω!!!
Έχω μισήσει σκύλες και σκύλες. Πρώτη και καλύτερη την Λεβάνα. Δεύτερη την Εβαγκελίν. Αλλά καμία, μα καμία δεν είναι τόσο καριόλα όσο είσαι εσύ ρε Κάλι! Συγχαρητήρια, τις έσκισες όλες!
Δεν μπορώ! Μόλις έχω τελειώσει το βιβλίο και είμαι ακόμα τόσο… μέσα στην ιστορία -αυτή είναι η σωστή έκφραση- που αν αρχίσω να λέω τι θέλω να κάνω στην Κάλι, θα γράψω εγώ βιβλίο με τίτλο “Οδηγός βασανιστηρίων για στριμμένες, κομπλεξικές, ηλίθιες, γεροντοκόρες, αγ…αμες :p (κάτι που εδώ κολλάει) σκύλες”
Δεν θα πω πολλά για το βιβλίο. Για μένα η ιστορία ήταν απλή, καμία σχέση με τις υπερπαραγωγές που διαβάζουμε και που κι εγώ απολαμβάνω και αγαπάω! Όμως σε αυτό το βιβλίο ήμουν η Άιβι και αυτό μου αρκούσε και μου αρκεί για να απολαύσω την ιστορία. βάλω πέντε και δεκαπέντε αστέρια. Ήμουν μέσα στην ιστορία και ένιωθα όσα εκείνη, θύμωνα, ζήλευα, πονούσα, γελούσα, και είναι ΑΥΤΟ ακριβώς που ζητάω από ένα βιβλίο. Να νιώσω και να ταυτιστώ.
February 8, 2016
"A boy who doesn't want to lie, married to a girl who can't tell the truth."
The moment I saw this stunning cover, I've made up my mind whatever happened, I'll read it. Because, c'mon! Isn't it eye-catching?
-Her white backless dress indicated her early wedding.
-The knife held behind her back meant the very purpose she needed to get close to him.
-The silhouette of the city resembled where the story took place, including Westfall(West) and Lattimer(East) sides of it.
This is a story about arranged marriage. Following our beloved female mc, Ivy Westfall, she was forced to marry some guy she never met before her marriage when she was 16. Previously reminder: Long before the war in the U.S., the Westfall and the Lattimer family had been enemy politically; the former was the founder of the place, yet was under full control of the latter. With the view of seeking peace between the two parties, Lattimer legitimated the arranged marriage for boys and girls from both sides of the city to marry each other. Since Ivy's father was supposed to be the President instead of Mr. Lattimer, she served as a spy and had an important mission when she married Bishop Lattimer, the only son of President Lattimer.
In the beginning, she thought it would be easy to accomplish her goal, but as time went by, she realized that he wasn't what her father and older sister, Callie, had prepared her for. He wasn't the guy they thought would abuse her like some unfortunate, typical arranged marriages. Better yet, he appeared to have a kind heart and his words were genuine enough to send warmth to her.
When his scream fades into silence, he rests his forehead against the metal. "Sometimes," he says, voice raw, "I hate this place." He twists his neck and looks at me, hands still hooked in the fence above his head.
"I know," I say, barely a whisper. "Me, too."
However, with her constant meeting with Callie, her sister kept reminding her how crucial Ivy's phase of the entire plan was and stopped her from chickening out. So Ivy was caught in a dilemma, whether she had to choose a boy who helped her find freedom and the way to save herself, or someone who shared the same blood.
You're easy to read, Ivy, but the whole book of you is complicated.
I love the plot a lot, but somehow there's something missing in it. The chapters are pretty short and light to read; the action is addictive and really fast-paced, though I think if there are more tension and interaction between the newly-wed, it will undoubtedly make this story so much captivating and complete. Not that I'm complaining, it's just that I prefer more twists and pages and chapters for such a fantastic page-turner. Honestly, I just can't get enough of Ivy & Bishop! Bishop is definitely the best role model for an ideal boyfriend; he possessed all kinds of quality I'm expecting a bf has. He was extremely considerate and could always put himself into others' shoes or knew Ivy well despite the fact that she wasn't good at telling the truth of all time. In a nutshell, he knew how to sweet talk and still express himself truthfully. It's hard not to melt under the influence of his cheesy words.
"Why me?" I ask.
"Because everyone needs someone to put their faith in," Bishop says. "Life's too lonely otherwise. And I'm putting mine in you."
The ending was rather heartbreaking. It's amazing how such a short story could still strongly make me emotional. I'm not easy to cry over a book, but this one got me. Perhaps some may consider the end too cliche but for me, I just loved it. As a result, I can't wait to see how she dealt with her Poison Ivy behavior and the severe consequence she was responsible for.
Last but not least, I totally recommend this book/duology to everyone. It's a very enjoyably light read to get pass reading slumps and also a beautiful love story for someone who were forced to marry strangers.
Love isn't something you can legislate. Love is more than charts and graphs and matching interests. Love is messy and complicated and it is a mistake to deny its random magic.
October 19, 2015
3.5 stars
Lately, I have been a bit weary of hype. Hype can be a great thing because it enables you to find books you would otherwise never have picked up. However, it can also take the fun out of reading because you practically already know everything about a book before you’ve even read the first page. This is why I decided to pick up The Book of Ivy, which I really hadn’t heard that much about previously. In this case, the decision paid of. I really enjoyed this novel; it was a very short, quick read.
The Book of Ivy is a dystopian novel that takes place in the future after the United States has been destroyed by a nuclear war. Most people were completely wiped out and there was only a small population left. These people came together to establish a new “nation” but there were two rival sides: the Westfalls and the Lattimers. The Lattimers won and now, fifty years later, peace and control is maintained by marrying the daughters of the losing side to the sons of the winning group.
The story follows Ivy Westfall, who is forced to marry Bishop Lattimer at the age of sixteen. What nobody outside of Ivy’s family knows however, is that Ivy is on a mission to kill Bishop in order to restore the Westfall family to power.
My feelings for this book are bit all over the place so let’s break it down, shall we?
World building:
The world building is definitely the weakest part of the novel. It was meager at best. We got practically no explanations for what happened to the world. Although politics are the central issue in the novel, they were very simplified and not exploited. Having said that though, I was surprised by how little I actually cared about the lack of world building. This is very unusual for me, as I am world building freak; it’s part of why I love fantasy so much. Somehow, I found myself enjoying the story and not dwelling too much on the fact that nothing was really explained.
Characters:
I mostly really enjoyed the main characters, even though I did have a few problems with both of them.
Ivy was a very relatable and likeable protagonist. She is very compassionate and outspoken yet also impulsive which gets her into trouble. At times I did find Ivy a tad annoying, simply because she kept repeating the same thoughts over and over again in her head and her impulsiveness seemed quite reckless. Her character development was very typical for a dystopian: girl starts questioning and reevaluating her beliefs and realizes that some of the things she’s been taught her entire life are in fact incorrect or exaggerated. In that, she appeared a little indecisive and there were times where I just wanted to shake her. However, considering the fact that she was only sixteen and had been sheltered her entire life, she was a very realistic character and I found myself rooting for her. I could really feel how torn she was between the loyalty to her family and her budding feelings towards Bishop.
In my opinion (and I’m sure some of you will agree with me) there is a big difference between the bookish boyfriends we love to swoon over in our favorite books and the ones we would actually like to date in real life. Many brooding, dark bad boys might be amazing to read about, but if they were real I would probably steer clear. Bishop, however, is the opposite. He is literally the PERFECT guy in every way, everything anyone could ever want in a boyfriend. He is very kind and handsome, trusting and considerate, intelligent and selfless.
And that’s where the problem lies: as much as I loved Bishop, I don’t like characters that don’t have flaws. Not just out of principle, but because they are kind of…bland, dull. He was adorable but not interesting.
Plot & Romance:
The book of Ivy is essentially a love story. Yes, there are political and ideological elements involved but at its core it’s a novel about two star-crossed lovers. The plot wasn’t particularly thrilling but it did keep my attention throughout and the ending was very unexpected. I’m definitely curious to know what happens in the second installment since it’s going to have a very different premise than the first one!
I really enjoyed the romance, it was very cute and there was no insta-love or love triangle. Hallelujah! Some readers might consider their relationship too sweet (I sure thought I would) but honestly, I found myself completely engaged. The one thing I didn’t like was that cliché towards the end , which made me question what exactly Bishop saw in Ivy.
Themes & Writing:
This book does attempt to make people think. It asks some difficult questions with no right or wrong answers. Which side should Ivy chose? What is the morally correct thing to do? Can there be a positive outcome?
I also appreciated that the novel explored sexism and the role of women in society.
It’s still an issue and an important thing to talk about.
The writing was very simple yet gripping and fluid. Nothing special but definitely serviceable.
Overall:
I really enjoyed The Book of Ivy but it didn’t blow me away. It’s not a very original story, nothing I haven’t read before, however, the execution is well done and it was a very quick and engaging read. I recommend it if you like dystopians with a heavy emphasis on romance. I will be picking up book two.
This review can also be found on The Book Geek!
Lately, I have been a bit weary of hype. Hype can be a great thing because it enables you to find books you would otherwise never have picked up. However, it can also take the fun out of reading because you practically already know everything about a book before you’ve even read the first page. This is why I decided to pick up The Book of Ivy, which I really hadn’t heard that much about previously. In this case, the decision paid of. I really enjoyed this novel; it was a very short, quick read.
The Book of Ivy is a dystopian novel that takes place in the future after the United States has been destroyed by a nuclear war. Most people were completely wiped out and there was only a small population left. These people came together to establish a new “nation” but there were two rival sides: the Westfalls and the Lattimers. The Lattimers won and now, fifty years later, peace and control is maintained by marrying the daughters of the losing side to the sons of the winning group.
The story follows Ivy Westfall, who is forced to marry Bishop Lattimer at the age of sixteen. What nobody outside of Ivy’s family knows however, is that Ivy is on a mission to kill Bishop in order to restore the Westfall family to power.
My feelings for this book are bit all over the place so let’s break it down, shall we?
World building:
The world building is definitely the weakest part of the novel. It was meager at best. We got practically no explanations for what happened to the world. Although politics are the central issue in the novel, they were very simplified and not exploited. Having said that though, I was surprised by how little I actually cared about the lack of world building. This is very unusual for me, as I am world building freak; it’s part of why I love fantasy so much. Somehow, I found myself enjoying the story and not dwelling too much on the fact that nothing was really explained.
Characters:
I mostly really enjoyed the main characters, even though I did have a few problems with both of them.
Ivy was a very relatable and likeable protagonist. She is very compassionate and outspoken yet also impulsive which gets her into trouble. At times I did find Ivy a tad annoying, simply because she kept repeating the same thoughts over and over again in her head and her impulsiveness seemed quite reckless. Her character development was very typical for a dystopian: girl starts questioning and reevaluating her beliefs and realizes that some of the things she’s been taught her entire life are in fact incorrect or exaggerated. In that, she appeared a little indecisive and there were times where I just wanted to shake her. However, considering the fact that she was only sixteen and had been sheltered her entire life, she was a very realistic character and I found myself rooting for her. I could really feel how torn she was between the loyalty to her family and her budding feelings towards Bishop.
In my opinion (and I’m sure some of you will agree with me) there is a big difference between the bookish boyfriends we love to swoon over in our favorite books and the ones we would actually like to date in real life. Many brooding, dark bad boys might be amazing to read about, but if they were real I would probably steer clear. Bishop, however, is the opposite. He is literally the PERFECT guy in every way, everything anyone could ever want in a boyfriend. He is very kind and handsome, trusting and considerate, intelligent and selfless.
"I want to be someone strong and brave enough to make hard choices. But I want to be fair and loving enough to make the right ones."
And that’s where the problem lies: as much as I loved Bishop, I don’t like characters that don’t have flaws. Not just out of principle, but because they are kind of…bland, dull. He was adorable but not interesting.
Plot & Romance:
The book of Ivy is essentially a love story. Yes, there are political and ideological elements involved but at its core it’s a novel about two star-crossed lovers. The plot wasn’t particularly thrilling but it did keep my attention throughout and the ending was very unexpected. I’m definitely curious to know what happens in the second installment since it’s going to have a very different premise than the first one!
I really enjoyed the romance, it was very cute and there was no insta-love or love triangle. Hallelujah! Some readers might consider their relationship too sweet (I sure thought I would) but honestly, I found myself completely engaged. The one thing I didn’t like was that cliché towards the end , which made me question what exactly Bishop saw in Ivy.
Themes & Writing:
This book does attempt to make people think. It asks some difficult questions with no right or wrong answers. Which side should Ivy chose? What is the morally correct thing to do? Can there be a positive outcome?
I also appreciated that the novel explored sexism and the role of women in society.
I'm not sure how we got to this place, where a girl's only value is in what kind of marriage she has, how capable she is of keeping a man happy.
It’s still an issue and an important thing to talk about.
The writing was very simple yet gripping and fluid. Nothing special but definitely serviceable.
Overall:
I really enjoyed The Book of Ivy but it didn’t blow me away. It’s not a very original story, nothing I haven’t read before, however, the execution is well done and it was a very quick and engaging read. I recommend it if you like dystopians with a heavy emphasis on romance. I will be picking up book two.
This review can also be found on The Book Geek!
December 29, 2014
THIS BOOK WAS AMAZING!!!!
You guys, you NEED to read this! I couldn't put it down! I read it in 2 sittings which never happens! I loved everything about this book, the pacing was perfect, the characters were amazing, the love story was one of the best I've seen, not rushed, it was just perfect! Bishop is now one of my new book boyfriends for sure!
Its going to be a struggle waiting for the next book! I NEED to know what happens with Ivy!!!!!!
This book was sent to me for review by Entangled Teen for an honest review. I am SO happy they sent this to me!!!
You guys, you NEED to read this! I couldn't put it down! I read it in 2 sittings which never happens! I loved everything about this book, the pacing was perfect, the characters were amazing, the love story was one of the best I've seen, not rushed, it was just perfect! Bishop is now one of my new book boyfriends for sure!
Its going to be a struggle waiting for the next book! I NEED to know what happens with Ivy!!!!!!
This book was sent to me for review by Entangled Teen for an honest review. I am SO happy they sent this to me!!!
February 24, 2016
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
This book has shattered my heart into a million pieces and I'll never be the same again.....I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!!
VIDEO REVIEW: https://youtu.be/0W55NkH4cfM
BLOG REVIEW: http://thebookvagrant.blogspot.com/20...
This book has shattered my heart into a million pieces and I'll never be the same again.....I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT!!
VIDEO REVIEW: https://youtu.be/0W55NkH4cfM
BLOG REVIEW: http://thebookvagrant.blogspot.com/20...
November 18, 2015
My thoughts on The Book of Ivy are quite simple: I loved it.
It's been awhile since I have picked up a straight young adult dystopian book and I have to say that the experience was refreshing. This book is a testament to the idea that less can be WAY more. There is nothing complicated or overly complex about the book and honestly, it is part of what made is so enjoyable.
Amy Engel was able to capture something familiar yet enticing with her balance between politics and romance. The Book of Ivy, at it's core, is a romance between two teens on the opposite sides of a political war. You have Ivy, who is the daughter of a gilted would-be leader, who is determined to bring his family back to power. Then there is Bishop, the privileged and seemingly spoiled son of the president of Westfall, Mr. Lattimer. But there is a lot more to both teens story than meets the eye.
So on the joining of their families through their arranged marriage, we see them in a new position, away from both influences and forced to face the truth that both families may have lied and that they might not be what the other was expecting.
I found the romance in this book SO ADDICTING. It was a slow burn that had me turning pages, unable to put it down. I HAD to know what happened next between Ivy and Bishop and just when I thought I knew what would happen, I would be thrown off-guard.
It's a fast-paced read that will have you begging for more. And that ending?! SO CRAZY.
4.5 stars
Full review: http://leaninglights.blogspot.com/
It's been awhile since I have picked up a straight young adult dystopian book and I have to say that the experience was refreshing. This book is a testament to the idea that less can be WAY more. There is nothing complicated or overly complex about the book and honestly, it is part of what made is so enjoyable.
Amy Engel was able to capture something familiar yet enticing with her balance between politics and romance. The Book of Ivy, at it's core, is a romance between two teens on the opposite sides of a political war. You have Ivy, who is the daughter of a gilted would-be leader, who is determined to bring his family back to power. Then there is Bishop, the privileged and seemingly spoiled son of the president of Westfall, Mr. Lattimer. But there is a lot more to both teens story than meets the eye.
So on the joining of their families through their arranged marriage, we see them in a new position, away from both influences and forced to face the truth that both families may have lied and that they might not be what the other was expecting.
I found the romance in this book SO ADDICTING. It was a slow burn that had me turning pages, unable to put it down. I HAD to know what happened next between Ivy and Bishop and just when I thought I knew what would happen, I would be thrown off-guard.
It's a fast-paced read that will have you begging for more. And that ending?! SO CRAZY.
4.5 stars
Full review: http://leaninglights.blogspot.com/
November 3, 2015
OHMYGOD THIS WAS AMAZING
*review to come*
*review to come*
August 26, 2015
You can also read my review HERE.
Never mind that I have to wait for a year to read the sequel.
This book! This awesome and fantastic and brilliant book kept me up all night an I'm not even complaining! I remember saying ‘Okay, just the first chapter' then BAM! After almost 5 hours, I'm still in the same position, I've forgotten my hunger and bladder and yes, I was bit of a mess. Amy Engel, you are one genius lady!
Ivy is the daughter of the founder (the losing side) of their community, and as a tradition, she's part of the many teenagers who must marry the boys of the group who won to maintain peace. Because Ivy is special, the guy she's marrying is pretty special too. Its none other than the son's president, Bishop. Ivy doesn't care all about that because she only have one mission. And that's to kill Bishop, which should be easy because even before they met, she already hated him for his fathers doing. But Bishop turned out to be different from what Ivy is expecting, which made things complicated.
Ooooooh man. The characterization in this book is superb. Ivy is a very likeable protagonist. She may seem cold and distant at the first chapter, but as soon as she starts revealing the plans that she and her family planned, I started enjoying her POV's more. I felt for her. I can really feel how torn she is between her loyalty to her family to the guy she's starting to love. Talk about decisions!!
The plot was intense and absolutely thrilling. The author knows how to grip her readers. She knows when to make her readers gasps, or when to melt them with one of Bishop's line or when to break their hearts from Ivy's monologue. Seriously. For a debut novel, this is impressive.
What I really love about The Book of Ivy is that it will make you think. Morally, politically and you'll find yourself asking if what would you do if you're in Ivy's shoes. What is the right thing to do? Who has the right to say that its right.. or that its wrong. And who's side is the right one?
World building needs more improvement but for the first book, its very believable and convincing. The Book of Ivy has well written characters, gripping writing and heartfelt romance. Throw in some lies, twists and surprises... you have that successful dystopia book you're looking for. One of my favorite this year!
"My mission is not to make him happy and bear his children and be his wife. My mission is to kill him"
Never mind that I have to wait for a year to read the sequel.
This book! This awesome and fantastic and brilliant book kept me up all night an I'm not even complaining! I remember saying ‘Okay, just the first chapter' then BAM! After almost 5 hours, I'm still in the same position, I've forgotten my hunger and bladder and yes, I was bit of a mess. Amy Engel, you are one genius lady!
Ivy is the daughter of the founder (the losing side) of their community, and as a tradition, she's part of the many teenagers who must marry the boys of the group who won to maintain peace. Because Ivy is special, the guy she's marrying is pretty special too. Its none other than the son's president, Bishop. Ivy doesn't care all about that because she only have one mission. And that's to kill Bishop, which should be easy because even before they met, she already hated him for his fathers doing. But Bishop turned out to be different from what Ivy is expecting, which made things complicated.
Ooooooh man. The characterization in this book is superb. Ivy is a very likeable protagonist. She may seem cold and distant at the first chapter, but as soon as she starts revealing the plans that she and her family planned, I started enjoying her POV's more. I felt for her. I can really feel how torn she is between her loyalty to her family to the guy she's starting to love. Talk about decisions!!
The plot was intense and absolutely thrilling. The author knows how to grip her readers. She knows when to make her readers gasps, or when to melt them with one of Bishop's line or when to break their hearts from Ivy's monologue. Seriously. For a debut novel, this is impressive.
What I really love about The Book of Ivy is that it will make you think. Morally, politically and you'll find yourself asking if what would you do if you're in Ivy's shoes. What is the right thing to do? Who has the right to say that its right.. or that its wrong. And who's side is the right one?
World building needs more improvement but for the first book, its very believable and convincing. The Book of Ivy has well written characters, gripping writing and heartfelt romance. Throw in some lies, twists and surprises... you have that successful dystopia book you're looking for. One of my favorite this year!
December 29, 2014
[4.5 Stars]
Loved almost everything about this! I cried twice. I had to take off a half star because Ivy's actions for the last 100 pages or so were very frustrating for me to read. Highly recommend!!!
Loved almost everything about this! I cried twice. I had to take off a half star because Ivy's actions for the last 100 pages or so were very frustrating for me to read. Highly recommend!!!
December 7, 2018
readathon 17 : 31. βιβλίο με όνομα χαρακτήρα στον τίτλο (γυναίκα συγγραφέας 17)
λοιπόν, Μαρίες (Μαρία και Μαρέιρα), η Εβαντζελίν είναι σκέτη γλύκα μπροστά στην Callie, μη σου πω και η Λεβάνα ακόμα...
άντε καλά το παρατραβάω, η Λεβάνα παραμένει κορυφή κακιασμένης τύπισσας (χμμ άντε καλά ξέρω και μερικά αληθινά δείγματα ανθρώπων :p )
από εκεί πέρα, γλυκιά ιστορία, με τσίτα νεύρα γιατί λες θα την χαστουκίσω τώρα ή σε λίγο, σε δυστοπικό τοπίο, με "χαλασμένη" κοινωνία.
θα έλεγα 3,5 αστεράκια αλλά θα χαρίσω και μισό για τις πετσέτες και τις φράουλες και τον καναπέ και την μπουγάδα ... ή να αφαιρέσω;;;; (γκουχ μπούφος γκουχ ;p )
λοιπόν, Μαρίες (Μαρία και Μαρέιρα), η Εβαντζελίν είναι σκέτη γλύκα μπροστά στην Callie, μη σου πω και η Λεβάνα ακόμα...
άντε καλά το παρατραβάω, η Λεβάνα παραμένει κορυφή κακιασμένης τύπισσας (χμμ άντε καλά ξέρω και μερικά αληθινά δείγματα ανθρώπων :p )
από εκεί πέρα, γλυκιά ιστορία, με τσίτα νεύρα γιατί λες θα την χαστουκίσω τώρα ή σε λίγο, σε δυστοπικό τοπίο, με "χαλασμένη" κοινωνία.
θα έλεγα 3,5 αστεράκια αλλά θα χαρίσω και μισό για τις πετσέτες και τις φράουλες και τον καναπέ και την μπουγάδα ... ή να αφαιρέσω;;;; (γκουχ μπούφος γκουχ ;p )
April 13, 2015
4,5/5
Presque aussi bon que tout le monde le dit... à un détail près : il ne se passe vraiment pas grand chose, finalement, dans ce livre. Par contre, c'est en effet très intéressant au niveau psychologique et idéologique !
Aussi, la fin me semble un peu bancale. Ivy prend une décision très courageuse. Mais en voulant garder ce fameux secret, elle prend finalement le risque de voir son sacrifice vain... parce que la personne en question n'est pas plus en sécurité à présent.
Mais j'ai hâte de lire le 2e tome !! :)
Presque aussi bon que tout le monde le dit... à un détail près : il ne se passe vraiment pas grand chose, finalement, dans ce livre. Par contre, c'est en effet très intéressant au niveau psychologique et idéologique !
Aussi, la fin me semble un peu bancale. Ivy prend une décision très courageuse. Mais en voulant garder ce fameux secret, elle prend finalement le risque de voir son sacrifice vain... parce que la personne en question n'est pas plus en sécurité à présent.
Mais j'ai hâte de lire le 2e tome !! :)
January 30, 2018
4.5*
With politics, assassination plots, secrets and romance, The Book of Ivy is without a doubt one of the most enjoyable dystopians I have read in years.
I had no idea what to expect going in to this but I definitely don't expect to love it so much. It had me totally engrossed from the first page until the last. I adored the characters, (Bishop officially has a place in my heart) and the relationship dynamics were addictive and layered. I absolutely fell in love with the romance. Oh the romance. It was gorgeously addictive, heartbreaking and eurgh, just played with my heart in all the right ways. The fast paced plot had my full attention throughout and I honestly can't remember enjoying a dystopian quite as much as this since The Hunger Games years. It was addictive, gritty, heart pounding and impossible to put down.
TW: Rape. Suicide.
With politics, assassination plots, secrets and romance, The Book of Ivy is without a doubt one of the most enjoyable dystopians I have read in years.
I had no idea what to expect going in to this but I definitely don't expect to love it so much. It had me totally engrossed from the first page until the last. I adored the characters, (Bishop officially has a place in my heart) and the relationship dynamics were addictive and layered. I absolutely fell in love with the romance. Oh the romance. It was gorgeously addictive, heartbreaking and eurgh, just played with my heart in all the right ways. The fast paced plot had my full attention throughout and I honestly can't remember enjoying a dystopian quite as much as this since The Hunger Games years. It was addictive, gritty, heart pounding and impossible to put down.
TW: Rape. Suicide.
October 17, 2015
1,5/5 sanırım??
Bir diğer yorumlara bakıyorum bir de okuduğum kitaba da, biz aynı kitabı mı okuduk yahu :')
Distopya yönü o kadar zayıftı ki anlatamam. Nükleer savaşımsı bir şey olmuş, ufak bir topluluk kalmış, çit var bir tane, kimse o çitin dışında ne var bilmiyor vs... E ayrıntı biraz? Dünya hakkında hiçbir şey öğrenemedik. Temeli çok kötü kitabın.. :<
Hiçbir karakteri sevmedim. Ivy 16 yaşında olmasına rağmen inanılmaz iradeli, mantıklı, fedakar... Çocuk yaşında ama o yahu. Bishop da klasik kusursuz, en birinci erkek karakterlerden..
Sevemedim maalesef :<
Bir diğer yorumlara bakıyorum bir de okuduğum kitaba da, biz aynı kitabı mı okuduk yahu :')
Distopya yönü o kadar zayıftı ki anlatamam. Nükleer savaşımsı bir şey olmuş, ufak bir topluluk kalmış, çit var bir tane, kimse o çitin dışında ne var bilmiyor vs... E ayrıntı biraz? Dünya hakkında hiçbir şey öğrenemedik. Temeli çok kötü kitabın.. :<
Hiçbir karakteri sevmedim. Ivy 16 yaşında olmasına rağmen inanılmaz iradeli, mantıklı, fedakar... Çocuk yaşında ama o yahu. Bishop da klasik kusursuz, en birinci erkek karakterlerden..
Sevemedim maalesef :<
June 30, 2015
http://gamzeninkitapdunyasi.blogspot....
Kitabın son sayfasını da bitirip, kapattığım zaman neden herkesin Bishop diye haykırdığını çok iyi anladım :D Haklısınız.. O'nu okumaya doyamadım :)
Ivy ve Bishop'ın ilişkilerinin gelişimini okuyup, büyük keyif alırken birden distopik bir dünyada olduklarını unuttum yemin ederim :) Sanki büyük hayranı olduğum tarihi aşk romanlarından fırlayıp gelmiş gibiydi Bishop.
Bu distopik dünyada da yine biz 'güzel' insanoğlu elimizi attığımız her şeyi mahvetmiş, tüm dünyayı yıkımın, yok olmanın eşiğine getirmişiz... Yaşanabilecek çok az bir alan bırakmışız. Ee hal böyle olunca iktidar olmak için her şeyi yapacak olan aileler arasındaki süren çatışmalar durumu daha da acınası bir hale getirmiş. Ve bu iki aile arasında savaşı Lattimer'ler kazanır ve yaşadıkları toprağı yönetmeye hak kazanırlar.
Bundan sonra ise kaybeden ailelerin kızları kazanan ailenin erkekleri ile evlendirilir ki yeniden çatışma durumu kalmasın.
Ve işte kızımız Ivy ise 16sında Bishop ile evlendirilir.
Aslında Bishop ile evlenmesi gereken kişi Ivy'nin ablasıdır. Ancak Bishop 16 yaşında isminin gücünü de kullanarak evliliğini 2 sene erteler böylece şans Ivy'i bulur.
270 sayfa kitap mı olur! Tadı damağımda kaldı resmen..
Kitabın bitmelerine yakın bir olay var -okuyanlar eminim hatırlar- hah işte orada tam günümüz Romeo Juliet hikayesi olmuş bu dedim. (Ki ben Romeo ve Juliet hikayesini pekte sevmem çaktırmayın;))
Kitabı okumaya başlamadan önce ne gibi bir beklenti içinde olduğumdan emin değildim. Yani herkes tarafından okunmuş ve genel olarak beğenilen bir kitaptı. Bende beklentilerimi buna rağmen yükseltmedim çok şükür :D Çünkü ne zaman öyle yapsam hayalkırıklığım yerlerde sürünüyor resmen..
Baş karakterlerimizi sevdim. Ivy beni zaman zaman gerse de.. Bishop'un olduğu hiçbir satır gergin değildi, aksine suratınızda saçma bir sırıtış ile okuyorsunuz onu elinizde olmadan.
Ama bir Callie var ki..... Onu okuduğum her yerde yemin ederim gırtlaklayasım geldi -_-
Kitabın ismine veya konusuna çokta aldanmayın. Sizleri her sayfada büyük bir aksiyon beklemiyor. Ama buna rağmen de kitabı keyifle okuyorsunuz :)
Neyse kitap bitti sonra bir girdim baktım goodreadse ikinci kitabın çıkış tarihini okuyunca gözlerim pörtledi :D
Dedim kahretsin! O kadar zaman şimdi nasıl beklenir? :)
Bunun yanlış olduğunu bağırıp çapırmak istiyordum. Karşımdaki bu çocuğu tanımadığımı. Bütün hayatım boyunca onunla tek kelime konuşmadığımı. En sevdiğim rengin mor olduğunu ya da hala hatırlayamadığım annemi özlediğimi ya da korkudan öldüğümü bilmiyordu. Seyircilere panik dolu bir bakış attım ama sadece gülen yüzlerin bana yansıdığını gördüm. Bir şekilde, herkesin bu gösteriyi desteklemesi her şeyi daha da kötü hale getirdi. Kimse bağırmıyor ya da çocuklarının bir yabancıyla evlenmesini engellemiyordu.
"Neden benim için çabalamayı bırakmadın?" Kendime eğer uyuyorsa, bir daha sormayacağımı söyledim.
Uyumamıştı. "Ne demek istiyorsun?" Nefesi ensemdeki saçları gıdıkladı.
"Doğruluk mu, cesaret mi oynadığımız o akşam. Bir süre sonra annenin sevgisini kazanmak için çabalamayı bıraktığını söylemiştin." Durdum. "Neden benim için de pes etmedin?"
"Nedenini biliyorsun," dedi sessizce. Gözlerimi kapattım. Biliyordum ama duymak için hazır olduğumu sanmıyordum. Ancak bir parçam öyle olmalı, çünkü öbür türlü soruyu sormazdım. Özellikle Bishop'a. Gerçek zor diye asla kolay bir şey söylemeyi seçmeyecek oğlana. Belki de bilmek için duymayı istiyordun, bir kez ve sonsuza dek, geri dönüş yoktu.
"Çünkü sana aşığım, Ivy," diye fısıldadı. "Senden vazgeçmek bir seçenek değil." Saçımı ensemden kaldırdı ve oradaki hassas teni öptü.
Nefesim titreyerek çıktı. Sessizlik karanlık odada dönüp duruyordu ve belki de soruyu sormak aptalcaydı ama pişman değildim. Elini açtım ve avucunu öptüm, teni soğuk ve kuruydu. Elini kalbimin üsyüne yerleştirdim ve kendi elimle örttüm.
Böyle uykuya daldım. Dudakları ensemde. Kalbim ellerinde..
Kitabın son sayfasını da bitirip, kapattığım zaman neden herkesin Bishop diye haykırdığını çok iyi anladım :D Haklısınız.. O'nu okumaya doyamadım :)
Ivy ve Bishop'ın ilişkilerinin gelişimini okuyup, büyük keyif alırken birden distopik bir dünyada olduklarını unuttum yemin ederim :) Sanki büyük hayranı olduğum tarihi aşk romanlarından fırlayıp gelmiş gibiydi Bishop.
Bu distopik dünyada da yine biz 'güzel' insanoğlu elimizi attığımız her şeyi mahvetmiş, tüm dünyayı yıkımın, yok olmanın eşiğine getirmişiz... Yaşanabilecek çok az bir alan bırakmışız. Ee hal böyle olunca iktidar olmak için her şeyi yapacak olan aileler arasındaki süren çatışmalar durumu daha da acınası bir hale getirmiş. Ve bu iki aile arasında savaşı Lattimer'ler kazanır ve yaşadıkları toprağı yönetmeye hak kazanırlar.
Bundan sonra ise kaybeden ailelerin kızları kazanan ailenin erkekleri ile evlendirilir ki yeniden çatışma durumu kalmasın.
Ve işte kızımız Ivy ise 16sında Bishop ile evlendirilir.
Aslında Bishop ile evlenmesi gereken kişi Ivy'nin ablasıdır. Ancak Bishop 16 yaşında isminin gücünü de kullanarak evliliğini 2 sene erteler böylece şans Ivy'i bulur.
270 sayfa kitap mı olur! Tadı damağımda kaldı resmen..
Kitabın bitmelerine yakın bir olay var -okuyanlar eminim hatırlar- hah işte orada tam günümüz Romeo Juliet hikayesi olmuş bu dedim. (Ki ben Romeo ve Juliet hikayesini pekte sevmem çaktırmayın;))
Kitabı okumaya başlamadan önce ne gibi bir beklenti içinde olduğumdan emin değildim. Yani herkes tarafından okunmuş ve genel olarak beğenilen bir kitaptı. Bende beklentilerimi buna rağmen yükseltmedim çok şükür :D Çünkü ne zaman öyle yapsam hayalkırıklığım yerlerde sürünüyor resmen..
Baş karakterlerimizi sevdim. Ivy beni zaman zaman gerse de.. Bishop'un olduğu hiçbir satır gergin değildi, aksine suratınızda saçma bir sırıtış ile okuyorsunuz onu elinizde olmadan.
Ama bir Callie var ki..... Onu okuduğum her yerde yemin ederim gırtlaklayasım geldi -_-
Kitabın ismine veya konusuna çokta aldanmayın. Sizleri her sayfada büyük bir aksiyon beklemiyor. Ama buna rağmen de kitabı keyifle okuyorsunuz :)
Neyse kitap bitti sonra bir girdim baktım goodreadse ikinci kitabın çıkış tarihini okuyunca gözlerim pörtledi :D
Dedim kahretsin! O kadar zaman şimdi nasıl beklenir? :)
Bunun yanlış olduğunu bağırıp çapırmak istiyordum. Karşımdaki bu çocuğu tanımadığımı. Bütün hayatım boyunca onunla tek kelime konuşmadığımı. En sevdiğim rengin mor olduğunu ya da hala hatırlayamadığım annemi özlediğimi ya da korkudan öldüğümü bilmiyordu. Seyircilere panik dolu bir bakış attım ama sadece gülen yüzlerin bana yansıdığını gördüm. Bir şekilde, herkesin bu gösteriyi desteklemesi her şeyi daha da kötü hale getirdi. Kimse bağırmıyor ya da çocuklarının bir yabancıyla evlenmesini engellemiyordu.
October 13, 2017
Review also available at:
https://edwardsghostengine.wordpress....
This book, especially the ending, gave me feels. The author did a really good job here of developing her characters, building her plot and writing in a beautiful, suspenseful style.
Let me start with Ivy, she was a really well thought out character whom I could emphasise with throughout the book (even though the way she never ratted on her family frustrated me). She was constantly under pressure from society and her family to perform in different ways, but the way her romance with Bishop developed was to me, heartwarming and well crafted. Bishop himself was also a strong well-developed character with a lot of depth and personality to him and I would definitely say he has just as much potential as Ivy in the next book.
At the beginning there was some sort of world history, but for me I think it could have been a tad more in-depth with more about how the war developed and more on how the two families formed. But other than that it really did set up the scene well and the world was very believable.
The writing. Oh yes, I loved the way this author writes and while this wasn’t an action driven plot, the writing itself still managed to make the story exciting. Engel also manages to play with our feelings throughout as myself and a lot of others on GR were saying the ending was crazy and for me in particular it was a rollercoaster of feels.
So this was a very exciting and thoughtful ride with lots going on and an easy reading style. (In fact I loved that ending so much that I immediately ordered the next book from my library as soon as I’d turned the last page!)
https://edwardsghostengine.wordpress....
This book, especially the ending, gave me feels. The author did a really good job here of developing her characters, building her plot and writing in a beautiful, suspenseful style.
Let me start with Ivy, she was a really well thought out character whom I could emphasise with throughout the book (even though the way she never ratted on her family frustrated me). She was constantly under pressure from society and her family to perform in different ways, but the way her romance with Bishop developed was to me, heartwarming and well crafted. Bishop himself was also a strong well-developed character with a lot of depth and personality to him and I would definitely say he has just as much potential as Ivy in the next book.
At the beginning there was some sort of world history, but for me I think it could have been a tad more in-depth with more about how the war developed and more on how the two families formed. But other than that it really did set up the scene well and the world was very believable.
The writing. Oh yes, I loved the way this author writes and while this wasn’t an action driven plot, the writing itself still managed to make the story exciting. Engel also manages to play with our feelings throughout as myself and a lot of others on GR were saying the ending was crazy and for me in particular it was a rollercoaster of feels.
So this was a very exciting and thoughtful ride with lots going on and an easy reading style. (In fact I loved that ending so much that I immediately ordered the next book from my library as soon as I’d turned the last page!)
May 19, 2017
Μικρό σχετικά βιβλίο, αλλά ολοκληρωμένο. Βασίζεται κυρίως στην ψυχολογία της ηρωίδας, στα διλλήματα και στις εσωτερικές διακυμάνσεις που βιώνει. Σε κάποια σημεία μπορώ να πω ότι με εκνεύρισε, αν και παραδέχομαι ότι από την στιγμή που η συγγραφέας βασίστηκε στην αληθοφάνεια όσον αφορά την ψυχολογία ενός ατόμου που βρίσκεται στην δύσκολη θέση της Άιβι, δεν θα μπορούσε να το λήξει διαφορετικά. Μου άρεσε πολύ.
October 17, 2022
What a GREAT book! I knew I wanted to read it but wasn't sure how I would enjoy it. Let me tell you how much I loved this book...I started it at 8:30ish in the evening and didn't put it down till after 2 in the freaking morning! AHHHH so good, in fact so good that I tweeted the author telling her how upset I am that I have to WAIT for book 2! GAH!
This book is engaging, entertaining, unputdownable, sweet, exciting, and devastating!
The story follows a society where 2 parties went to war, 1 party fell and the other party's family rose in power. To keep the peace between the 2 fighting parties/families the daughter, (Ivy Westfall) would marry the son of the President (Bishop Lattimer).
I loved Ivy's character because she was so human and so relatable. This girl who was raised by the family who fell and who knew her sister would marry the son of the President in order to kill him so their revolution may commence so justice and the rights and order be brought back to where it "belonged." But when Bishop lets everyone know that he will not marry till he is 18 that pushes Ivy's sister out of the league to marry and kill him, so when Ivy becomes the next in line to marry Bishop she is rushed into training and everything in order to do what she needs to do to carry out her father's wishes and kill Bishop.
I loved that she was so human with the desire to do what is right, please her family, question everything that she was taught to believe, she has fears, she finds the truth behind the lies and learns to sacrifice when the time comes.
Enjoyed her character development, I thought it was just the right amount of time and essence to get the reader invested in this character.
I also loved how the author chose to write Bishop Lattimer's character. I feel that in a lot of YA authors are writing in "bad boys" that treat girls not nicely and still have the female girls fall in love with them and somehow the "bad boy" changes and is all works out? I mean really what is that setting girls up for? but that is another topic.
Bishop is NOT what Ivy was taught to believe he is. He is everything a man should be, he is kind, gentle, thoughtful, aware, helpful, hard working, and everything that makes this male character "swoon worthy."
Overall I loved the story and look forward to book 2!
Sexual Content: mild (PG-some talk of honeymoon night)
Language: mild
Violence: moderate (talk of killing, of a hanging, a woman getting hit)
Drugs/Alcohol: mild
This book is engaging, entertaining, unputdownable, sweet, exciting, and devastating!
The story follows a society where 2 parties went to war, 1 party fell and the other party's family rose in power. To keep the peace between the 2 fighting parties/families the daughter, (Ivy Westfall) would marry the son of the President (Bishop Lattimer).
I loved Ivy's character because she was so human and so relatable. This girl who was raised by the family who fell and who knew her sister would marry the son of the President in order to kill him so their revolution may commence so justice and the rights and order be brought back to where it "belonged." But when Bishop lets everyone know that he will not marry till he is 18 that pushes Ivy's sister out of the league to marry and kill him, so when Ivy becomes the next in line to marry Bishop she is rushed into training and everything in order to do what she needs to do to carry out her father's wishes and kill Bishop.
I loved that she was so human with the desire to do what is right, please her family, question everything that she was taught to believe, she has fears, she finds the truth behind the lies and learns to sacrifice when the time comes.
Enjoyed her character development, I thought it was just the right amount of time and essence to get the reader invested in this character.
I also loved how the author chose to write Bishop Lattimer's character. I feel that in a lot of YA authors are writing in "bad boys" that treat girls not nicely and still have the female girls fall in love with them and somehow the "bad boy" changes and is all works out? I mean really what is that setting girls up for? but that is another topic.
Bishop is NOT what Ivy was taught to believe he is. He is everything a man should be, he is kind, gentle, thoughtful, aware, helpful, hard working, and everything that makes this male character "swoon worthy."
Overall I loved the story and look forward to book 2!
Sexual Content: mild (PG-some talk of honeymoon night)
Language: mild
Violence: moderate (talk of killing, of a hanging, a woman getting hit)
Drugs/Alcohol: mild
Read
January 20, 2015I started this last night and finished by lunch today. SO GOOD! That cliffhanger was a doozy though, aaaaah!
December 29, 2015
A light and quick read which does not strain too many brain cells. This reminded me a lot of The Selection – minus its painful main character, America Singer.
I read The Book of Ivy in one sitting. Despite its standard not being particularly high, I found my eyes glued to the pages, which brings to mind a term I’ve already used in my review for The Selection: Addictive YA rubbish.
I’m going to keep this light and short like the book itself.
The „rubbish“ part
☛ The world-building was lacking. There’s some info-dumping along the way about nuclear wars and survivors and power struggles, but the author keeps the world-building at a shallow level.
☛ I thought most of the characters were rather dull, with the exception of the main character, Ivy Westfall. Let me describe the love interest, Bishop Lattimer: Handsome, muscular, with perfect manners and idealistic visions. In other words: too perfect. While I did enjoy Ivy’s interactions with Bishop, I was endlessly hoping for a spark of character – and I almost gave up on him, until he suddenly surprised me at the end. The side characters were equally bland and remained so throughout the book: Ivy’s family, Bishop’s family, and every other sorry soul that has crossed my path in this book.
☛ The plot managed to keep me entertained (obviously) but it was rather uneventful, most of the ink being devoted to Ivy’s new life as Mrs. Lattimer. Meh.
The „addictive“ part
☛ Ivy Westfall is one of the reasons this book earned 3 stars. She’s engrossing with her quick-witted, loud mouth and her hunger for justice in her world. While she seems narrow-minded in the beginning, she soon begins to question her knowledge of right and wrong, seeing the world less in black ind white. I really liked this development.
In a world where arranged marriages are supposed to secure reproduction and the expansion of the almost eliminated human species, Ivy continously finds herself questioning the anti-feministic system. While the search for a match is more of a reality show in The Selection, it actually serves a greater purpose in The Book of Ivy. As the story progresses, Ivy also starts questioning her family, which leads to an engrossing finale with a painful cliffhanger. Damn you, Ivy, why must you have such shamelessly good morals? (Except for that moment where you lose it and almost rip someone to shreds with your bare hands… I salute you!).
☛ The growing romance between Ivy and Bishop. I’m a sucker for impossible or forbidden romance, so sue me.
Conclusively, if you’re looking for epic world-building, a range of engrossing characters and lush writing, you’ve got the wrong book. What this book really has going for it is its heroine who does not fear to speak her mind, even if it gets her in trouble, and its entertainment level.
I read The Book of Ivy in one sitting. Despite its standard not being particularly high, I found my eyes glued to the pages, which brings to mind a term I’ve already used in my review for The Selection: Addictive YA rubbish.
I’m going to keep this light and short like the book itself.
The „rubbish“ part
☛ The world-building was lacking. There’s some info-dumping along the way about nuclear wars and survivors and power struggles, but the author keeps the world-building at a shallow level.
☛ I thought most of the characters were rather dull, with the exception of the main character, Ivy Westfall. Let me describe the love interest, Bishop Lattimer: Handsome, muscular, with perfect manners and idealistic visions. In other words: too perfect. While I did enjoy Ivy’s interactions with Bishop, I was endlessly hoping for a spark of character – and I almost gave up on him, until he suddenly surprised me at the end. The side characters were equally bland and remained so throughout the book: Ivy’s family, Bishop’s family, and every other sorry soul that has crossed my path in this book.
☛ The plot managed to keep me entertained (obviously) but it was rather uneventful, most of the ink being devoted to Ivy’s new life as Mrs. Lattimer. Meh.
The „addictive“ part
☛ Ivy Westfall is one of the reasons this book earned 3 stars. She’s engrossing with her quick-witted, loud mouth and her hunger for justice in her world. While she seems narrow-minded in the beginning, she soon begins to question her knowledge of right and wrong, seeing the world less in black ind white. I really liked this development.
But I want to be better than the lessons they taught me. I want my love to be greater than my hate, my mercy to be stronger than my vengeance.
In a world where arranged marriages are supposed to secure reproduction and the expansion of the almost eliminated human species, Ivy continously finds herself questioning the anti-feministic system. While the search for a match is more of a reality show in The Selection, it actually serves a greater purpose in The Book of Ivy. As the story progresses, Ivy also starts questioning her family, which leads to an engrossing finale with a painful cliffhanger. Damn you, Ivy, why must you have such shamelessly good morals? (Except for that moment where you lose it and almost rip someone to shreds with your bare hands… I salute you!).
☛ The growing romance between Ivy and Bishop. I’m a sucker for impossible or forbidden romance, so sue me.
Conclusively, if you’re looking for epic world-building, a range of engrossing characters and lush writing, you’ve got the wrong book. What this book really has going for it is its heroine who does not fear to speak her mind, even if it gets her in trouble, and its entertainment level.
July 17, 2017
Κεντρικός πυρήνας της ιστορίας η Άιβι και η δανεική δίψα της για εκδίκηση . Η πένα της Amy Engel όμως επι��υλάσσει μεγάλη συμπάθεια (ίσως και περισσότερη) για τον σύζυγό της , τον Μπίσοπ. Πλένει, μαγειρεύει, δανείζει βιβλία, ντύνεται σένια, σέβεται (σίγμα τελικό έγινε στον καναπέ), τριγυρνάει με πετσέτα, κάνει πεζοπορία. Όλες τις χάρες έχει και φτάσαμε στα 2/3 του βιβλίου για να τον αποκαλέσει η Άιβι με το όνομά του. Επισήμως μπήκε ο Μπίσοπ στη λίστα με τα bookboyfriends μαζί με Τράβις (Beautiful disaster), Άλεξ & Τζούλιαν (Delirium), Καλ (Κοκκινη Βασίλισσα) , Άνταμ (Μυστικό κύκλο), Σολάριν (Οχτώ). Τελικά η λίστα είναι μεγάλη και σίγουρα έχω παραλείψει κάποιον.
Αμφότεροι, προσπαθούν να βρουν τη δική τους ταυτότητα παρόλο που ζουν στη σκιά των επιλογών των πατέρων τους. Σκοντάφτουν από τη μία αμηχανία στην άλλη μέχρι να πέσει ο ένας στην αγκαλιά του άλλου. Αγανάκτησα με τη συστολή αυτών των παιδιών αλλά ευτυχώς αποζημιωθήκαμε (χμ περίπου). Η γραφή της Εngel είναι απλοϊκή αλλά οφείλω να παραδεχτώ πως είναι προσεκτική στις σκιαγραφήσεις της. Δεν είναι σχηματικά ανεπτυγμένοι οι ήρωες, δη οι βασικοί.
Το βιβλίο δυστυχώς δεν σφύζει από δράση και δεν επιφυλάσσει καλοστημένες εκπλήξεις. Λάθος μου! Στις τελευταίες 50 σελίδες έρχονται τα πάνω κάτω και έτρεμε το βιβλίο στα χέρια γιατί έτρεμα από τα νεύρα μου γιατί δεν άντεχα τέτοια αδικία.
Επιπλέον, η συγγραφέας κατορθώνει να οικοδομήσει τον υπό- κατασκευή κόσμο μετά τον πυρηνικό πόλεμο και ν' αποτυπώσει το γενικότερο κλίμα με έναν ''ελεγχόμενο'' βομβαρδισμό πληροφοριών . Με αυτόν τον τρόπο ο αναγνώστης αφομοιώνει με ευκολία τα νέα δεδομένα. Αυτό που μου έκανε εντύπωση είναι το γεγονός πως κατακρίνει τους καταναγκαστικούς γάμους. Δείχνει πως κάποια κορίτσια θέλουν μανιωδώς να εκπληρώσουν την κοινωνική τους θητεία αλλιώς θα στιγματιστούν. Ήταν ωραία και διαχρονική πινελιά.
Εν κατακλείδι, το μετα-αποκαλυπτικό μυθιστόρημα αποδείχτηκε ισάξιο των προσδoκιών μου (το ευχαριστήθηκα φουλ) και σίγουρα θα καταπιαστώ με τη συνέχεια γιατί oh lorddd δεν μπορώ να ζω μες στην αγωνία και την αδικία.
Αμφότεροι, προσπαθούν να βρουν τη δική τους ταυτότητα παρόλο που ζουν στη σκιά των επιλογών των πατέρων τους. Σκοντάφτουν από τη μία αμηχανία στην άλλη μέχρι να πέσει ο ένας στην αγκαλιά του άλλου. Αγανάκτησα με τη συστολή αυτών των παιδιών αλλά ευτυχώς αποζημιωθήκαμε (χμ περίπου). Η γραφή της Εngel είναι απλοϊκή αλλά οφείλω να παραδεχτώ πως είναι προσεκτική στις σκιαγραφήσεις της. Δεν είναι σχηματικά ανεπτυγμένοι οι ήρωες, δη οι βασικοί.
Το βιβλίο δυστυχώς δεν σφύζει από δράση και δεν επιφυλάσσει καλοστημένες εκπλήξεις. Λάθος μου! Στις τελευταίες 50 σελίδες έρχονται τα πάνω κάτω και έτρεμε το βιβλίο στα χέρια γιατί έτρεμα από τα νεύρα μου γιατί δεν άντεχα τέτοια αδικία.
Επιπλέον, η συγγραφέας κατορθώνει να οικοδομήσει τον υπό- κατασκευή κόσμο μετά τον πυρηνικό πόλεμο και ν' αποτυπώσει το γενικότερο κλίμα με έναν ''ελεγχόμενο'' βομβαρδισμό πληροφοριών . Με αυτόν τον τρόπο ο αναγνώστης αφομοιώνει με ευκολία τα νέα δεδομένα. Αυτό που μου έκανε εντύπωση είναι το γεγονός πως κατακρίνει τους καταναγκαστικούς γάμους. Δείχνει πως κάποια κορίτσια θέλουν μανιωδώς να εκπληρώσουν την κοινωνική τους θητεία αλλιώς θα στιγματιστούν. Ήταν ωραία και διαχρονική πινελιά.
Εν κατακλείδι, το μετα-αποκαλυπτικό μυθιστόρημα αποδείχτηκε ισάξιο των προσδoκιών μου (το ευχαριστήθηκα φουλ) και σίγουρα θα καταπιαστώ με τη συνέχεια γιατί oh lorddd δεν μπορώ να ζω μες στην αγωνία και την αδικία.
December 28, 2015
This book was so addicting! I had to stay up until 3:30AM to finish it because I had to know what happened. Bishop may also be my new book boyfriend. ;) All silliness aside this book was dark and provided an interesting perspective on women's rights and a society without democracy, and had me feeling very grateful for my own life. While the beginning of the book was a bit predictable, the ending certainly was not. I want the next book, but I've heard mixed things. We'll see...I don't think I can go without knowing what happens to Ivy and Bishop.
March 15, 2017
I think I'm kind of burnt out on YA dystopia
March 28, 2017
This review is also posted on my blog, Anatea's Bookshelf.
Every time I see a dystopia book, I'm kind of skeptic to read it because they all have so similar concept and I can't help but feel that I've already read something alike. I'm happy to say that it wasn't the case with The Book of Ivy. I was actually pleasantly surprised with its concept and its originality, even though it had some dystopia stereotypes. I ended up LOVING the book! Though, I think that a lot of my doubts were because of the cover. I know I shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but I can't help it. It's the first thing I notice about the book, and this cover just isn't something that would make me want to read the book. Entangled people, please re-design this cover and make a better one that would do the book justice.
After a nuclear war, two families, Westfall and Lattimer, ended up fighting for the power. Lattimer's were the winners, while the Westfall's lost. To ensure the peace between the two sides of the country, they decided to arrange marriages for their children. All girls from the losing side should marry a guy from the winning side, and the girls from winning side should marry a guy from losing side. This year it is time for Ivy Westfall to marry, and none other but the son of the president, Bishop Lattimer. Unhappy with the Lattimer's rule, Westfall's conspire to dethrone Lattimer's, and Ivy has an important task in the mission. To kill Bishop Lattimore, her future husband. But is her family right? And, will she be able to do it?
Ivy was the kind of character who I was wary about at first, but as the book went on, I slowly began to like her. At first, she seemed cold and like she had no brain of her own. She was following whatever her family said to her and never questioned it, but later, when she married Bishop and started to see that not everything her family tells her is true, she started to question their intentions, she started thinking about it, and it's her sense of morality that made me like her in the end.
It's completely different story with Bishop. I fell in love with him straight away. I could see that he would be a good guy and I was praying Ivy would notice it too. I loved how they slowly built their friendship and trust in each other. I loved how invested Bishop was in knowing Ivy, and I loved how their romance progressed. It was the right kind of slow-burning romance.
For the end, the only thing I have left to say is that you will not regret reading The Book of Ivy. Even if you're not a fan of dystopia books, I'm sure you'll fall in love with this amazing book and it'll make you flip the pages so fast you won't even notice that you read the whole thing in one go. But beware, after that ending, you'll wish the next one to come out right away!
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Every time I see a dystopia book, I'm kind of skeptic to read it because they all have so similar concept and I can't help but feel that I've already read something alike. I'm happy to say that it wasn't the case with The Book of Ivy. I was actually pleasantly surprised with its concept and its originality, even though it had some dystopia stereotypes. I ended up LOVING the book! Though, I think that a lot of my doubts were because of the cover. I know I shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but I can't help it. It's the first thing I notice about the book, and this cover just isn't something that would make me want to read the book. Entangled people, please re-design this cover and make a better one that would do the book justice.
After a nuclear war, two families, Westfall and Lattimer, ended up fighting for the power. Lattimer's were the winners, while the Westfall's lost. To ensure the peace between the two sides of the country, they decided to arrange marriages for their children. All girls from the losing side should marry a guy from the winning side, and the girls from winning side should marry a guy from losing side. This year it is time for Ivy Westfall to marry, and none other but the son of the president, Bishop Lattimer. Unhappy with the Lattimer's rule, Westfall's conspire to dethrone Lattimer's, and Ivy has an important task in the mission. To kill Bishop Lattimore, her future husband. But is her family right? And, will she be able to do it?
Ivy was the kind of character who I was wary about at first, but as the book went on, I slowly began to like her. At first, she seemed cold and like she had no brain of her own. She was following whatever her family said to her and never questioned it, but later, when she married Bishop and started to see that not everything her family tells her is true, she started to question their intentions, she started thinking about it, and it's her sense of morality that made me like her in the end.
"It's doubtly important that we think for ourselves. We're not our parents. We don't have to agree with everything they stand for."
It's completely different story with Bishop. I fell in love with him straight away. I could see that he would be a good guy and I was praying Ivy would notice it too. I loved how they slowly built their friendship and trust in each other. I loved how invested Bishop was in knowing Ivy, and I loved how their romance progressed. It was the right kind of slow-burning romance.
"If I had to get married, I wanted to marry someone who I was interested in knowing. You're easy to read, Ivy, but the whole book of you is complicated. That's why I wanted you instead of your sister."
For the end, the only thing I have left to say is that you will not regret reading The Book of Ivy. Even if you're not a fan of dystopia books, I'm sure you'll fall in love with this amazing book and it'll make you flip the pages so fast you won't even notice that you read the whole thing in one go. But beware, after that ending, you'll wish the next one to come out right away!
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May 1, 2022
“I want to be someone strong and brave enough to make hard choices. But I want to be fair and loving enough to make the right ones.”
I'm gonna add this book to the infinite list of dystopic novels that came out during the Divergent/The Hunger Games era, and in case you're wondering, I'm definitely adding it to the positively-judged column.
If I read The Book of Ivy when I was 16 I totally would have obsessed over it for months and consumed its pages by reading it over and over; now that I'm almost twice that age, I'm most certainly not impressed about it, but I've definitely read worse.
The Book of Ivy's strongest point is its fast narration, which I absolutely appreciated because it made it easy to keep reading even when the plot wasn't of the most original.
Not gonna lie, I also sort of liked the romance even though I'd expected more...conflict. The characters and plot were okay; I probably should read the sequel to form a final idea, but I'm not into it that way, so yeah, I'll have to stick with what I found here and make it do.
Overall, I think fans of the genre could give it a chance and end up liking it like I did.
It could have been a huge bust (I'm looking at you, Matched) and I'm glad it wasn't.
book #37
◾this hashtag is something I self-indulgently created for fun when I decided to thin out my immense tbr list as a new years resolution starting from books I added on GR back in 2017/2018/2019, and since I can't seem to do anything quietly and I'm well known for being an overachiever, I had to go and turn it into an official thing. Feel free to check out the #PenguinOnATBRMission shelf if you don't mind keeping up with this insanely over-hyped adventure I got myself into. Take it as a chance to rediscover some books from a few years ago that might have accidentally flown under your radar, or to simply share with another fellow reader your very own reading experience. Happy reading and stay penguin-y!◾
To Be Continued...🐧
January 18, 2015
Is there an “I’m in love with Bishop Lattimer” club? Because I need to be in it.
The Book of Ivy is probably going to be on my list of favorite books come the end of the year… and even though It’s only January I feel pretty confident in saying that.
It’s the future, and a brutal nuclear war has left what we think of as the United States barely unrecognizable. A group of survivors banded together to create their own town, but the families couldn’t agree on how to govern the people and war broke out between the two leaders.
Years later, The Lattimer family has come out on the winning side and the Westfalls not so much. To maintain peace and control it’s determined that each year all the 16 year olds will be matched up to marry, so the losing sons and daughters are married off to the winning side hoping that will keep and kind of uprising from happening.
This year Ivy Westfall turns 16 and she’s been specifically chosen to marry Bishop Lattimer, the President’s son.
But Ivy has a task… she’s not just getting married, she’s finding a way in so that her family can end the Lattimers and take over control of the city. Ivy has been tasked with killing her husband.
You guys… I started this book and I couldn’t put it down.
I could sit here and tell you how amazing the writing is… because it is. I could tell you how wonderfully plotted the story is… because it is. I could tell you that Engel created this amazing post-apocalyptic world that is believable and a bit scary … because it is. Instead, I think I’d rather talk about Ivy and Bishop, our two main characters.
Ivy, our sixteen year old heroine who has been forced into marriage with basically her family’s sworn enemy, has been waiting for the day that she could start proving to her family that she is strong, that she can fulfill the tasks that are necessary to restore them as leaders of the city. But what she doesn’t count on is Bishop himself. Ivy is smart and tough and fierce, but I think the characteristic I loved most about her was her empathy and her loyalty… and eventually her questioning all the things she was raised to believe about the Lattimer family and even her own beliefs about her family.
And Bishop… good lord you guys. I heart him madly. He’s so not the boy that Ivy thought. He’s not just a sycophant of his father, he pushes Ivy to have her own thoughts and opinions and he listens to them even if he may not agree with them.
"I think," Bishop says, "that we can love our families without trusting everything they tell us. Without championing everything they stand for." He delivers the words matter-of-factly, but his eyes are locked on mine. "I think that sometimes things aren't as simple as our fathers want us to believe.”
He’s kind to her and he’s sweet and patient and I’m pretty sure if you look up swoony in the dictionary you’ll find a picture of him there.
"Because I'm in love with you, Ivy," he whispers. "Giving up on you isn't an option." He lifts my hair away from the back of my neck and kisses the delicate skin there.
My breath shudders out of me. The silence spirals into the dark room, and maybe it was foolish to ask the question, but I'm not sorry. I uncurl his hand and kiss his palm, his skin cool and dry. I place his hand over my heart, cover it with my own.
We fall asleep that way. His lips on my neck. My heart in his hand.
I love that Engel took the time to let the relationship between them build and she let them get to know each other fully before any kind of romance was on the table… it made the story just that much more believable for me.
The ending of this book will have you dying to get your hands on book 2 – I know I am. I can’t wait to see where Engel takes this story and what happens next!
If you haven’t picked up The Book of Ivy then I highly recommend it. I’ll just be over here waiting for The Revolution of Ivy as patiently as possible!
The Book of Ivy is probably going to be on my list of favorite books come the end of the year… and even though It’s only January I feel pretty confident in saying that.
It’s the future, and a brutal nuclear war has left what we think of as the United States barely unrecognizable. A group of survivors banded together to create their own town, but the families couldn’t agree on how to govern the people and war broke out between the two leaders.
Years later, The Lattimer family has come out on the winning side and the Westfalls not so much. To maintain peace and control it’s determined that each year all the 16 year olds will be matched up to marry, so the losing sons and daughters are married off to the winning side hoping that will keep and kind of uprising from happening.
This year Ivy Westfall turns 16 and she’s been specifically chosen to marry Bishop Lattimer, the President’s son.
But Ivy has a task… she’s not just getting married, she’s finding a way in so that her family can end the Lattimers and take over control of the city. Ivy has been tasked with killing her husband.
You guys… I started this book and I couldn’t put it down.
I could sit here and tell you how amazing the writing is… because it is. I could tell you how wonderfully plotted the story is… because it is. I could tell you that Engel created this amazing post-apocalyptic world that is believable and a bit scary … because it is. Instead, I think I’d rather talk about Ivy and Bishop, our two main characters.
Ivy, our sixteen year old heroine who has been forced into marriage with basically her family’s sworn enemy, has been waiting for the day that she could start proving to her family that she is strong, that she can fulfill the tasks that are necessary to restore them as leaders of the city. But what she doesn’t count on is Bishop himself. Ivy is smart and tough and fierce, but I think the characteristic I loved most about her was her empathy and her loyalty… and eventually her questioning all the things she was raised to believe about the Lattimer family and even her own beliefs about her family.
And Bishop… good lord you guys. I heart him madly. He’s so not the boy that Ivy thought. He’s not just a sycophant of his father, he pushes Ivy to have her own thoughts and opinions and he listens to them even if he may not agree with them.
"I think," Bishop says, "that we can love our families without trusting everything they tell us. Without championing everything they stand for." He delivers the words matter-of-factly, but his eyes are locked on mine. "I think that sometimes things aren't as simple as our fathers want us to believe.”
He’s kind to her and he’s sweet and patient and I’m pretty sure if you look up swoony in the dictionary you’ll find a picture of him there.
"Because I'm in love with you, Ivy," he whispers. "Giving up on you isn't an option." He lifts my hair away from the back of my neck and kisses the delicate skin there.
My breath shudders out of me. The silence spirals into the dark room, and maybe it was foolish to ask the question, but I'm not sorry. I uncurl his hand and kiss his palm, his skin cool and dry. I place his hand over my heart, cover it with my own.
We fall asleep that way. His lips on my neck. My heart in his hand.
I love that Engel took the time to let the relationship between them build and she let them get to know each other fully before any kind of romance was on the table… it made the story just that much more believable for me.
The ending of this book will have you dying to get your hands on book 2 – I know I am. I can’t wait to see where Engel takes this story and what happens next!
If you haven’t picked up The Book of Ivy then I highly recommend it. I’ll just be over here waiting for The Revolution of Ivy as patiently as possible!
May 8, 2019
Από τα λίγα βιβλία που είναι επικεντρωμένα στους χαρακτήρες των 2 πρωταγωνιστών από την αρχή. Δεν έχει σκηνές δράσεις αλλά αυτό δεν το κάνει λιγότερο ενδιαφέρον.
Το βιβλίο είναι ευκολοδιάβαστο και ανταποκρίθηκε στις προσδοκίες μου.
Βέβαια, έπαιξαν ρόλο και τα θετικά σχόλια των φίλων εδώ στο GR που με έκαναν να θέλω να το διαβάσω.
Το βιβλίο είναι ευκολοδιάβαστο και ανταποκρίθηκε στις προσδοκίες μου.
Βέβαια, έπαιξαν ρόλο και τα θετικά σχόλια των φίλων εδώ στο GR που με έκαναν να θέλω να το διαβάσω.
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