REVIEW: Vendetta - Catherine Doyle

GENRE: YA Romance

PAGES: 352
PUBLISHER: Chicken House

FORMAT: Paperback
BUY IT: Waterstones
RATING: 4 Stars
 

SUMMARY

When five brothers move into the abandoned mansion next door, Sophie Gracewell's life changes forever. Irresistibly drawn to bad boy Nic Falcone, Sophie finds herself falling into an underworld governed by powerful families. When Sophie's own family skeletons come to life, she must choose between two warring dynasties \- the one she was born into, and the one she is falling in love with. When she does, blood will spill and hearts will break ...

 

REVIEW

A wonderful take on the star-crossed lover genre. Featuring a strong cast of characters, all of who add the the plot in their own way, it's a really immersive story and I soon found myself caught up in Sophie's ever more dangerous world. A great story of family, love, secrets and lies... and when the truth comes out Sophie had better take cover! A fantastic debut novel.

 

-Gem.

REVIEW: City of Halves - Lucy Inglis

GENRE: Fantasy
PAGES: 352
PUBLISHER: Chicken House
FORMAT: Paperback
BUY IT: Waterstones
RATING: 4 Stars

SUMMARY

London. Girls are disappearing. They've all got one thing in common; they just don't know it yet... 

Sixteen-year-old Lily was meant to be next, but she's saved by a stranger: a half-human boy with gold-flecked eyes. Regan is from an unseen world hidden within our own, where legendary creatures hide in plain sight. But now both worlds are under threat, and Lily and Regan must race to find the girls, and save their divided city.

REVIEW

I absolutely loved this book! I really liked the fact it was set in London - the familiarity of the London backdrop made the whole thing seem real, despite the fantastical creatures and goings on. The plot was interesting and the prophecy element gave it an extra depth. I usually prefer novels in first person as it makes me feel closer to the character, but this was so well written that I felt like I'd been transported into Lily's world. I can't wait to find out what happens next!

- Gem.

REVIEW: Solitaire - Alice Oseman

PAGES: 400
PUBLISHER: HarperCollins
FORMAT: Paperback
BUY IT: Waterstones
RATING: 5 Stars

This book is released in July and can be preordered in store now for a £3 deposit.

SUMMARY

In case you're wondering, this is not a love story. My name is Tori Spring. I like to sleep and I like to blog. Last year - before all that stuff with Charlie and before I had to face the harsh realities of A-Levels and university applications and the fact that one day I really will have to start talking to people - I had friends. Things were very different, I guess, but that's all over now. Now there's Solitaire. And Michael Holden. I don't know what Solitaire are trying to do, and I don't care about Michael Holden. I really don't. This incredible debut novel by outstanding young author Alice Oseman is perfect for fans of John Green, Rainbow Rowell and all unflinchingly honest writers.

WE ARE SO EXCITED ABOUT THIS BOOK!!

No, seriously. It's going to be huge.

REVIEW

Full of wit, cynicism, sarcasm and humour, Solitaire is a fantastic début novel and I'm incredibly jealous that Alice Oseman is only 19! Accurately depicting modern teenage life, this book is relatable yet original at the same time. I really loved Tori's narration, and as the plot advanced it was fascinating to read her thoughts on the situation she was in, and I liked seeing how her friendship with Michael Holden developed. The Solitaire aspect was fascinating, I guessed who was behind it pretty early on but it was still great seeing what they would come up with next! I would recommend this to fans of Rainbow Rowell and John Green, it really is awesome!

- Gem.

Alice Oseman casually showing off her first novel.

Watch this space for an equally awesome giveaway!

REVIEW: Fire and Flood - Victoria Scott

GENRE: Fantasy
PAGES: 384

PUBLISHER: Chicken House
FORMAT: Paperback
BUY IT: Waterstones
RATING: 5 Stars

SUMMARY

Tella's brother is dying. He's got cancer, and Tella is helpless to save him. Or so she thought. When an invitation arrives for Tella to compete in the Brimstone Bleed, a deadly competition that will lead her through treacherous jungle and scorching desert, she doesn't think twice. Because the prize is a cure to any illness. But Tella will be facing more than just the elements.

REVIEW

I was so surprised by this book, the blurb makes it sound a bit Hunger Games-ish, but it is SO MUCH BETTER than that! It has a fantastic and unique twist that makes the plot unlike any other YA book I've read. Tella is a brilliant character; she's brave, feisty, determined but above all she feels "real". Coming from the present world, not a dystopian world, makes it much easier to relate to her as she strives to reach the end of the trials. I laughed out loud lots of times, and I also sobbed my eyes out at least twice! I can't wait for book 2.

- Gem.

REVIEW: Breaking Butterflies - M. Anjelais

GENRE: Contemporary/Issues
PAGES: 352

PUBLISHER: Chicken House

FORMAT: Hardback

BUY IT: Unavailable

RATING: 4 Stars

This review refers to an uncorrected advance edition. It will be released in August 2014 and is available to preorder for a £3 deposit.

SUMMARY

Two teens are drawn together, trapped by the expectations of their dreaming mothers. One is sweet and empathetic, the other brilliant and charismatic - but damaged. A beautiful and twisted story of first love.

REVIEW

I wasn't sure what to expect from this novel, and it kept surprising me throughout. Sphinxie is a great character, really different to a lot of female leads in YA at the minute, and the situation she finds herself in is told in a captivating way. It really is the kind of book to read in one sitting as you'll be desperate to know how it finishes. 

I can't really say a lot without giving away any plot points, but I will say I thoroughly enjoyed it, and the fact it was unlike anything I'd read before made me like it even more!

- Gem