Review: All the Bright Places

All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This goddamn book had me sobbing at the end. I can't believe how fast I began to love its characters. It is a rare occasion when a book makes you fall in love with a character so early in the story but All the Bright Places did that for me. I read it in a day and I couldn't stop because of how much I wanted these characters to have a happy ending. Finch was lovely. His personality changed so much but his essence stayed the same. I love that about him. His wanders were brilliant and I couldn't help but love him for how he displayed his emotions. I myself have a growing collection of post-its full of quotes that stuck to me. The writing was cool and I love how full of poetry it was. I could somehow relate to the characters because words are really important to me and either read or written they are a big part of my life. This story, although painful, is real and deals with mental illnesses. The stigmas and labels that surround these illnesses are a big part of the book and something I most certainly do not like. The only thing that I can say regarding the plot is that I may have seen it coming but it most assuredly felt like a blow. I'm astounded with the book and I certainly never thought I would like it as much as I did.

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Review: Dark Places

Dark Places by Gillian Flynn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have conflicted feelings about this book. I enjoy the story so much, it is full of mystery and intrigue. But I had two main problems. The first one was that I watched the movie when it came out last year so I already knew how the book would end. This took a lot of the need I felt to know more. I simply knew the story already and it made it a bit dull. The other problem was that this book was slow for me. It took me about 150 pages to really get into it and being such a short book, 150 pages is half of the story. Apart from that I really did enjoy this book. I found it much better than Gone Girl and the writing style was easy to read. Specifically, I adored Libby’s character development. She was such a wreck at the beginning of the book it made it difficult for me to read. Halfway through the story she starts to change and gains a surprising amount of confidence. Next, I really love Ben’s character. Poor kid, grew up in a very difficult environment. His father absent and his mother too tired and worried to look after her kids properly. I understand the easiness with which he was manipulated but I can’t fathom why he stays an observer and can’t be bothered to act. I really just want to reach into his 15 year-old self in the book and hug him. Tell him not everyone is an ass, that he can be himself without worrying what others think. My heart goes out for him, he didn’t deserve what happened to him but it was bound to happen. His life was just out of control. Regarding Diondra I can say nothing but that she is despicable and that I hate her as a human being. Manipulative, sleazy, and self-centered. All horrible qualities that have no good counterparts to be redeemed with. This story shows how screwed-up people can really be and that despite that, some people aren’t defined by it.

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Review: Glass Sword

Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was so much better than Red Queen. The world was explained a lot more thoroughly and its characters expanded on. I really enjoyed the turns it took and the action sequences were fun to read. I have to say that Mare stressed me out sometimes, especially when she repressed her true feelings instead of letting them out. Cal was one amazing character. His essence didn't change but his view of the world did. He began being a part of nothing but end up choosing where he stood. I adored him as a character and loved him for his strengths as well as his flaws. His capacity to show mercy was very interesting. The plot was better than the first book's and I must say, seeing all the new abilities was exciting. I cannot help but feel that the third book will be the best one yet. I am looking forward to know what happens to Mare and Cal, as I've grown fond of them in the past book as I didn't in the first one.

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Review: Me Before You

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a great book but having finished it a few minutes ago I can't help but feel pissed. Nicely written and with great characters. I admire Will's determination to decide for himself, frustrated at not being able to do anything else by himself. I adore Louisa's uniqueness and her perseverance. For Louisa's family I can say nothing good. They're all deeply selfish and care too much about money. They treat Louisa like trash and she doesn't deserve it, which had me cussing at them half the book. I would've liked reading from Will's POV, I think that would've helped me understand his character in a way I couldn't bring myself to by reading about him as everyone saw him. I like how this is not focused on the love story aspect but more on a developing friendship between Lou and Will. I need to talk about the ending though. I was so damned pissed. I understand the reasons behind the decision that was taken and I can see why it was made but by my life I can't understand giving the other option a chance. It would've only been a bloody opportunity not a certain future. Apart from that, I do understand and I can see why the choice had to be made. The constant topic of living throughout the book was heartwarming, it was nice to see Louisa grow and learn to live without fear. I think it was amazing the way Will and Louisa changed each others' lives in the course of 6 months. Anyone can presume to teach you how to live but you won't do it unless you learn for yourself.
4.5/5 stars

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Review: The Hidden Oracle

The Hidden Oracle by Rick Riordan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was rally good! Easily one of Riordan's funnier books, it made me laugh constantly. On to more serious matters, I'm deeply impressed by Apollo's character development. I love how he says that only mortals can mature and grow and that he couldn't, being immortal. But that was a complete irony, he matured a lot during his first trial and he became less selfish through humanity. I want to talk about the other characters. First we have Meg, I don't like her much and I didn't trust her fully throughout the book. Next, I was so glad to see Percy even for a little while. When he appeared near the ending I actually yelled YES! out loud. I had missed him a lot. Now, about the ending. I knew it! I saw that mole coming chapters before it happened! I also saw coming the small part of the prophecy that will lead into the next book. I can't say how excited I am for seeing those 3 go in a quest. The next book looks so full of promise, I'm sure I'll love it.

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Review: Lady Midnight

Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Holy crap what did I just read. I can't wait for the next book! It's been a while since I started a series that wasn't already finished and the feeling of dread at the waiting I'll have to endure is horrid. I'm thoroughly impressed by how Cassandra Clare's writing has improved over the years. With a world already built, this book went straight to the action and its plotline was great. I can't say I was bored at any point of the book. It kept me anxious for the characters but it also made me laugh. It is so great to see past characters weave within the story and help it develop. The new characters were also thrilling and I noticed how their personalities and character traits were so thorough and detailed. It was great to come back to this world in such a way. Many things changed during the 5 years between the events of CoFH and LM and it helped create new storylines that will surely end up brilliantly. I especially loved Emma's attitude, Julian's perseverance and Cristina's back story. Cassandra Clare did it again! I'm officially in love with the story and its characters.

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Review: Clockwork Princess

Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It took me a long while to reread his book not only because things kept getting in the way but because I kept postponing it as well. I was hesitant of rereading the epilogue. It being like an icicle lodged against my heart. But I finally did it and I can say I'm not disappointed. My feelings changed whilst rereading Clockwork Princess but by no means did they lessen. I felt more heartbroken, less angry. I understand certain things differently now but I still cannot read the epilogue and feel satisfied with it. I don't regard it at all, it is nonexistent in my eyes. Apart from that it is easily one of my favourite books of all time, the characters are so lovable and relatable that I feel myself too immersed in the story. Constantly action-packed the book was exciting and it had a special focus on the love story instead of the surrounding conflicts. This could be unwise but I find it quite accurate as teenagers mostly focus their thoughts on their inner turmoil rather than take a look and see their surroundings as well. Regarding the characters I feel I can only say that Will Herondale is it. The character I love most. He grows up so much during the trilogy and has such an intricate personality built that I cannot find anything I dislike about him. It is with both pleasure and sorrow that I say goodbye to this trilogy once again but it will always stay close to my heart.

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Review: Clockwork Prince

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have no words to describe the love I hold for this book. Sequels usually don't live up to the first book in a series but Clockwork Prince manages what Clockwork Angel failed to accomplish. It imbues your heart with love and shatters it into a million pieces at the same time. The characters' development is brilliant. Will, Tessa and Jem go through so much. Especially Will, who grows and shines so much more than the other characters. The book itself was a rollercoaster, the ending was a plunge into freezing water. Unexpected and shocking it makes way for Clockwork Princess which undoubtedly will be amazing.

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