The Host, by Stephanie Meyer

Hello, internet. I know I've been gone for ages, but my (not so brief) hiatus is over, and I'm looking forward to posting some reviews. In other words: I'M BACK, BITCHES. I promise to be good this time round and hit you with some regular reviewing/ranting. I've written some already, because I know I get lazy and forget to post.




So, today I've decided to review a book that's been getting a lot of heat lately and has a massive fandom that's managed to get it made into a movie. 'The Host' is Meyer's big follow-up to her immensely popular Twilight saga and aims to fill that Twilight-shaped hole in teenage girls hearts worldwide. I won't go as far as to say that this book was bad, but it didn't match up to my expectations.

The concept, I must say, is awesome. The idea of a planet Earth that has been taken over by an alien species that call themselves 'souls' is brilliant, but I don't think it was used as well as it could have been. Too much attention was diverted to the Twilight-esque love triangle and it detracted from the overall impact of the novel. I get that the fans were crying out for another Edward and Jacob, but as a guy who isn't a Twilight fan I was slightly let down by it.

I can overlook the concept and the love triangle because, fair enough, it's what sells and that's what's important, right? Fair enough. The thing that killed the book for me was the protagonist. I desperately wanted a strong protagonist, someone that the reader really roots for. Someone like Katniss of Tris may have been too much to ask for, but it would have been nice for Wanda to have some sort of conviction. Instead, I got Bella Swan with a few flashes of determination from Melanie which stopped the second Jared came into the room. Sorely let down by that.

I don't like Jared's character either, to be honest. I find him quite one-dimensional and irritating. Doc and Ian, on the other hand, were both my favourite characters, the proverbial spark of hope in an otherwise mediocre novel. I loved the fact that they weren't as heartless as everyone else, and their transition from hating to liking (or loving) Wanda was gradual rather than sudden (as is Jared's case).

All in all, a cool concept, an okay storyline (if a little slow) and a protagonist I couldn't bring myself to like. It's not a bad read, but it's a book to pass the time, it has no real impact. If you're a Twilight fan, though, this is the book for you, and may still the pain in your heart with another dose of Meyer.

5.5/10


Keep reading,

JRD.

Beautiful Creatures, Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

I was bored last weekend, so I decided to pick up the 'Caster Chronicles' and see what all the hype was about. It was basically a book I picked up to kill some time, and I'm afraid that that may be all that it's good for. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it, but I felt it lacked the depth of some of its more, shall we say, better YA counterparts.

The story was well thought-out and entertaining, but in the way an action movie is entertaining: with loads of flashing lights and loud noises but not actually saying anything. You come out of the theater having enjoyed yourself, but not having actually gained anything from the experience. That's what this book was like for me.

It just saddens me that such a cool concept was put second to an extremely cliché YA romance. Ethan and Lena's relationship is frighteningly stereotypical, and I don't mean that in the good way. They fall in love in what seems like five minutes, and they are completely and utterly passionate about each other ever since. So much so that they're willing to die for each other. I mean, give me a break.

I have to say, though, that there's good stuff too. I liked Ridley and I thought Link was awesome, making their relationship even cooler. They were the only characters in the novel that brought any comic relief into it, and I'm pretty sure that without them the book would be crap. Like, one star.

I found it peculiar that the book was written by to female co-authors and yet they chose to write it through the eyes of a teenaged boy, and I'm afraid they just didn't quite manage to pull it off. There's just something off about him, and I can't quite manage to put my finger on it.

Anyway, I'm going to read the second book in case it gets any better. If it doesn't, I'm warning you, you can expect a scathing review. I won't be as nice about it as I have been about this one.

Variant, by Robinson Wells GUEST REVIEW.

Hello! This week I decided to spare you guys from my writing, so I asked my fellow bloggy people Rachel and Megan over at 'Read.Write.Ramble' to write a guest review for the blog! It's one of my personal favorite book blogs so, if you guys haven't seen it yet, go now. Or after reading the review. Whatevs. Click here and prepare for much book awesomeness (and a side of epic fangirling).

Just for the record, I thought this book was awesome too! Anyway enough from me, here goes the review:



Rachel: This is one of those books that I think deserves so much more attention than it gets. It seems to have flown under the radar since it was released, and I would love to see it gain more readers. Variant is strange and creepy and action-packed, and I wish more people would appreciate its awesomeness.

Megan: Definitely! This book had me feeling so paranoid!  Picture living in a boarding school where there are no adults, but cameras watch your every move and punishment means not eating for two days. Sounds kind of terrible right? I've always wanted to go to a boarding school, but I most definitely do NOT want to go to Maxfield Academy. 

Rachel: The absence of adults in this book is so weird. There are so many YA books where the parents/teachers/etc are just kind of in the background or whatever, but there are no adult characters in Variant. The students at the school are left to do everything by themselves--they even have to teach themselves--while a bunch of powerful people they don't even know control everything about their lives.

Megan: Yeah, you would think that having no adults around would be awesome and the school would turn into one giant party, but NO. Anyway, some of my favorite scenes in the book were the paint ball games. They were just really intense and I loved the fact that Benson basically had no clue what he was doing, because let's be honest, if I was forced to play paint ball, that would totally be me!

Rachel: Ooh, yes! The paint ball games were really cool. In the beginning of the book, it seems like there isn't going to be much action or anything. You think the book is just going to be about a bunch of kids going to school and whatever. But the paint ball games are introduced pretty early on, and they provide some SUPER INTENSE ACTION that I totally wasn't expecting.

Megan: I really liked how everything about this book was unexpected. As soon as Benson started to kind of settle in and get used to everything and he started to think he understood how things were going to work, BAM. Something else happens that completely changes everything. It completely left me guessing because there were so many of those moments, right up until the end of the book.

Rachel: There were crazy plot twists throughout the entire book. Even the last page had something totally unexpected. Reading Variant was such a weird experience. I literally had NO idea what the next sentence/page/chapter would bring.

Megan: The ending definitely left me wanting to read the sequel. My reaction to it was basically "What the heck is happening and what did I just READ?" I can't say this book made me want to go to a boarding school any less, but I definitely wouldn't consider going to Maxfield Academy. There's some weird stuff that goes on there. 

Rachel: Yeah, seriously. Like, congrats Robison Wells on writing the CREEPIEST BOOK EVER. I was totally freaked out and unsettled the whole time I was reading this. Which might not sound all that great, but let me assure you, it was AWESOME.

Megan: So basically, if you haven't read Variant yet, what are you waiting for?

Hush, Hush, Becca Fitzpatrick

I have mixed feelings about this one, guys. I'd heard a lot about it, and there were some good reviews and some bad ones, so I thought "what the hell?". I want to get this straight before I begin. It wasn't a terrible book, it was just sorely lacking in some aspects. Lets just say it isn't very high up on my recommendations list and leave it at that. What I also heard a lot was that it was a rip-off of the Twilight saga. I get where you're coming from, but I don't really think that they were all that similar.

Before I do my review, I thought you might like to know what the book is actually about, so here goes the synopsis:

A SACRED OATH
A FALLEN ANGEL
A FORBIDDEN LOVE

Romance was not part of Nora Grey's plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how hard her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch comes along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Patch draws Nora to him against her better judgment.

But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is and seems to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.

For she is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost Nora her life.


How about we start with the good? Yeah, I think that's a good idea.

The writing was pretty good, I have to say. It isn't overly descriptive, it's pretty fluid and it kept the unimportant details to the minimum. All traits that I look for in a book, so I'm happy with that, no complaints. The main pro to me is the front cover and the concept. I mean, fallen angels fighting a war as old as time itself? Sounds like an epic story is about to unfold. I loved the fact that the front cover didn't show Patch's face, because I hate when books do that. I mean, LET ME IMAGINE MY CHARACTERS, FOR GOD'S SAKE. So yeah, cool cover.

I liked Vee, for some strange reason.  I know a lot of people hate her because she's superficial or whatever, but that's the whole point of her character. She was actually my favourite character in the book because, aside from Patch's occasional Jace-y sarcastic remarks, she was the only person who brought any comic relief to the book.

And now: the bad.

The characters seemed extremely stereotypical to me. I'm sorry, but Patch is basically a cross between Edward Cullen and Jace (Wayland? Herondale? Lightwood? Whatever.), only more irritating and less awesome at fighting (I'm talking about Jace here, my knowledge of Edward doesn't extend further than what I hear people fangirl about). Honestly, who hasn't used a character that's basically a tortured, extremely good-looking bad boy with a supernatural flair? It's getting old, people.

Nora. I have nothing to say. I just don't like her. She's missing substance and personality, I mean, she hates Patch one moment and then, all of a sudden, falls straight into his arms? Ah, is it were only that easy... She can't make a decision without second-guessing herself about twenty times, which is extremely irritating. Also, for a person who claims she hates lying and is terrible at it, she sure does it a lot.

And finally: the ugly.

Nora and Patch's relationship. I'm sorry, but I don't buy it. They go from Patch teasing her to being desperately in love in what seems like days. And when I say desperately in love, I don't mean it in a giving each other stupid nickname kind of way, I mean it in a "I'd die for you" kind of way. It seems like Fitzpatrick needed a strong relationship but couldn't be bothered to put in the work to actually put in the necessary emotional investment.

The twist at the end was pretty bad too. I'm sorry, but everyone saw that coming. If you have a character that is constantly quiet, brooding and disappears at key moments when all the bad stuff goes down, you know something's up. Let's try and make it a little more unexpected next time.

I started reading the second book in the series, but I'm afraid it actually gets worse, and so I've decided to give up on the series. If you're into mindless romance and cheesy violence, go ahead and read it. But remember: I warned you.

Happy reading,

-JRD

Zom-B: Underground

SORRYSORRYSORRYSORRYSORRY! I know, I've been terrible, but I've had loads of stuff with school, uni applications and family stuff. But I'm back now. Because it's been forever since my last post, I've decided to come back with a real treat for you guys. 

As you guys may or may not know, Darren Shan is one of my all-time favourite authors, and I've grown up reading his Cirque du Freak and Demonata series. So, you can probably imagine how excited I was when he announced he was writing another series called Zom-B. I assume I don't have to explain to you what it's about. 

The first book was simply called Zom-B, and was centered around zombie attacks occurring in London and what happened to the main character, nicknamed "B". I'm not going to tell you any more about this book, because if I give away anything else the twists will be revealed and you will hate me for it. If you haven't read the first one, stop reading NOW. Trust me. Go, read it, and come back here. I'll wait for you, I promise. GO AWAY.

Hello, people that stayed. I don’t know if you’ve actually read the first book or if you ignored me. But whatevs. Many first books spoilers to come. But before I start gushing over Shan’s new book, let’s find out what it’s about. Ready? Set? Boom, here goes the synopsis:




Waking up in a military complex, months after zombies attacked school, B has no memory of the last few months. Life in the UK has turned tough since the outbreak, and B is woven into life- and battle- in the new military regime quickly. But as B learns more about the zombies held in the complex and the scientists keeping them captive, unease settles in. Why exactly was B saved? And is there anyone left in the world to trust?
 
Right, so I finished reading this book literally ten minutes ago, and I wanted to write my review as soon after as possible, because I didn’t want to forget any of the cool bits. I was left reeling by both of the twists in Zom-B, especially the one at the end. I was all like “HE JUST KILLED THE PROTAGONIST! WHAT?”  which, I’m sure, is exactly the reaction he wanted to get. But, of course, she wasn’t really dead. Well, she was, but not in the way you think. Confused, much? Let me clear that up for you.

Basically, B has turned into a totally badass zombie. But she’s not a mindless beast like the rest of them, because she regains her consciousness. The name given to this kind of zombies is ‘revitalized’ or ‘Zom-head’. She’s exactly the same person as she was in the first book (well, aside from the fact that she now has fangs, a gaping hole in her chest and razor-sharp bones sticking out of her fingers).
In the first book, I hated B. I think Shan took the task of creating a character no one liked and making them like her anyway upon himself. She used to be a racist, violent bigot. Granted, this was because of her father’s influence, but I couldn’t help disliking her intensely. After reading this book, though, I just can’t anymore. I hate to admit this, but Shan really has managed to redeem the character!

I challenge anyone to start reading this book and stop halfway through. It’s physically impossible. The breakneck pace and the fascinating storyline just make the reader keep turning the pages, intrigued as to what is going to happen next. It’s completely action-packed and gory, and I recommend it to all readers who are out there. Well, if you’re scared of clowns maybe you should think twice about it (look at the cover of Zom-B: City. Yes, that's an eye on his nose).

I don’t want to give the ending away, but let’s just say that zombies aren’t the worst things B is going to find herself faced with in this new world she finds herself in. Two books in to the series, and I’m already hooked. Shan has a gift; he’s one of the only authors than can keep the twists fresh and unexpected, making the reader question everything every step of the way. I love it. Go get it and read it, people. Seriously.

Keep reading,

-JRD

I know, I've been a terrible blogger lately...

Okay, guys, I know what you're thinking. The last actual book review I posted was aaaages ago. I'M SORRY. I'm so sorry I'm going to show you my sorriness in gif form, which is a big thing for me.

But that all ends now! My exams have finished, I have no projects due and no NaNo to distract me! (even though I failed epically at it). So basically, I'm reading all sorts of books, and should have loads of books reviewed really soon! This is basically me right now:

So, um, yeah! I'm almost finished on 'The Rise of Nine', by Pitticus Lore, and will probably have a review up by tomorrow or the day after!

Oh, and I just broke 1500 views! YAY! I know, it's not really impressive, but it's a milestone fo my blog! So, to all of you who read my blog:

Okay then. I will see you guys soon, I promise. No more weeks on end without any posts, honestly. BYE.

Keep reading,

- Jai

Why do I love YA?

Before we begin: YES: I MISSED THE DEADLINE FOR THIS POST. YES: I'M EXTREMELY PISSED OFF ABOUT IT. But you know what? I'm going to do the post anyway. I know there's no point in doing it after the deadline, but whatevs.

I love YA fiction because it's awesome. It's impossible not to like YA, and whoever says they don't like it just hasn't found the right book yet. I mean, I get that Twilight isn't for everyone, but how about not giving up straight after that? Why not pick up a copy of Harry Potter? Or The Hunger Games? I'm lucky, because the first YA books I read was Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (when I was six, it took me like a month of intense reading to finish it).

The thing is, I love other genres too. I think Jeffrey Archer, John Grisham, Robert Ludlum and Sidney Sheldon are all incredible writers. But, let's face it, no one can relate to Jason Bourne. When you read about Simon in TMI, you're like "Yeah! That could be me!" (y'know, apart from the fact that he's a badass vampire now). You get my point.



Once I expanded from J.K. Rowling into people like Christopher Paolini, Michael Grant and Darren Shan I realized that the world of YA is much bigger than I could have possibly imagined. Now, what seems like a bajillion years (actually 11, 'cos I'm 17) and even more books later, I'm still going strong, devouring books as fast as I possibly can. And I intend to keep it that way.

For all you non-readers out there: Pick up a book, for god's sake. It's really a lot better than it looks. Maybe, instead of spending ten hours a day playing Call of Duty or kicking a ball about, you could actually read and learn something fore once in your lives. (I'm looking at YOU, jocks). If you don't know what to pick up, come check out my recommendation tab, or go and check out other blogs! There's a load of people out there who love to read, and you guys should really give it a try.

Now, for all you readers out there: I love you guys. Honestly. DFTBA.

I'm pretty much done here so, um, bye.

Keep reading,

-JRD.