{Review} The Maze Runner by James Dashner

Author: James Dashner
Release Date: October 6th 2009
Publishers: Delacorte Press
Pages: 374
Genre: Dystopia 
Links: Goodreads | Author's Website  | Buy the book

When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his name. He's surrounded by strangers--boys whose memories are also gone.

Outside the towering stone walls that surround the Glade is a limitless, ever-changing maze. It's the only way out--and no one's ever made it through alive.

Then a girl arrives. The first girl ever. And the message she delivers is terrifying.

Review

The Maze Runner surprised me in a good way. Although I had heard so much talk and praise for this trilogy it never really compelled me to read it. It's always been something sitting on my TBR list, not getting any notice. The trailer for the upcoming movie pushed me in the right direction and boy am I glad. But I have to say, James Dashner, you are a legend! This faced paced novel managed to pull me out of my slump and I can't wait to read the next.

Thomas woke up dazed in a lift surround by faces of boys who weren't familiar. He had no recollection of who he was - but his name - and of his past and he soon found out that none of them did either. The Glade is surrounded by 4 large walls that leads to a maze that is forever changing. But when nighttime hits so do the nightmares. Creatures called Grievers prowl during the night and no one is said to survive a night out in the maze. It's the Gladers job to figure out the maze before it's too late.

The one thing I loved about this book is that you can't compare it to any other dystopia. I find quite often that people always see similarities between dystopian books which always irks me because every book is unique in their own way. The whole concept of this novel intrigued me and I found myself becoming immersed in the world of the Gladers really easily. First thing I noticed was the strange slang and mannerisms of the characters in this novel. Quite often I've had to stop myself from slipping into their unusual slang.

Usually I don't like male protagonists because I find it harder to relate and the authors don't always get it right. Jame's Dashner's style of writing is different so it actually worked well. I usually prefer 1st person but in this case 3rd person worked really well and I found myself viewing everything in the main character point of view. Thomas as the protagonist was perfect. I felt like I was him the whole time because every emotion he felt, I felt. When he was confused, I was too, when he got angry, I was right along with him. Dashner's style of writing took you on the experience along with the protagonist.

Thomas was the best character. He was very curious, courageous and brave. When times got hard and it looked like they were never getting out of the situation he never stopped trying to solve the maze. His persistence to survive was admirable because to be honest, if I were him I would have given up long ago. I also really liked the secondary characters, especially Minho and Newt. It wouldn't have been the same without them and their humour had me smiling a lot of the time.

The start was very confusing because of the lack of information but it kept me interested. The whole book I was on the edge of my seat because I had no idea what would happen next, in a situation like this, anything could occur. Many times I was actually scared because Dashner's description was perfect and I could visualise everything in my mind easily.

The Maze Runner was a pleasing read and I can't wait to start the next one. If you like a fast paced novel which will keep you hanging off your seat you have to try this one. And besides the movie is coming out soon. If I had describe this book in one word it would be emotional because these characters had it bad and desperation was all they had. This was the perfect book to read to finish off the month on a good note!

2 Diva Bookish Discussions: The One - Theories

Sunny: So today we decided to do a joint discussion in a different format. We're thinking of doing more discussions like this so if you like it better this way please tell us!

Francoise: Since The One by Kiera Cass is being published on May 6th we thought we'd post our predictions for it. If you haven't read The Elite we strongly advise that you don't read this! And if you're Team Aspen...we're sorry!

oOo

Francoise: We have had many discussions about what we think will happen in The One. A lot of it revolves around who she'll choose and what's going to happen with the rebel attacks. 

Sunny: I think that there are numerous people who are involved in the rebellion. I think that Aspen and America's father are major parts in the rebel attacks.

Francoise: Yeah because think about it, her name is America which is conveniently what Illea used to be called. As soon as America confided in her dad about Gregory Illéa's diary the rebels tried to steal it. 

Sunny: It's likely they stole the other books in attempt to get the diary and it was a secret for a long time so how else would they have found out about it.

Francoise: Also, during the Halloween party, the father was walking around the grounds which is a bit suspicious if you ask me.
Sunny: So yeah I predict that her father is somehow involved in the attacks and that a bit more on that will hopefully be in the One. Also, the girl who part of the attack bowed sarcastically and she didn't raise an alarm. 

Francoise: Also I think Aspen is involved somehow. After all if the dad is involved they are good friends and it's funny how Aspen is a guard.
Sunny: Yes I know right, he can use America as an excuse to be there and find out information but also get a scope of the buildings.

Francoise: Exactly, how else would the rebels know where to go half the time. Maybe that's why he doesn't fight for her as hard, he just needs her to believe that he wants her. Basically in my eyes, he's using her.

Sunny: That's exactly what I think. Which also leads me to hope that we find out more about Aspen's character, cos we don't really know that much about him. No Aspen hate intended!

Francoise: Moving on from the theories on the rebel attacks, now let's talk about what we want to see. I for one really want to see more of a swoony Maxon.

Sunny: I would for him to defend himself more and just become stronger. He has good intentions and ideas, he just needs to voice them.

Francoise: He needs to grow more of a backbone, defend himself from the king and stand up against him. Also, he needs to be more straight forward with America and what he wants.

Sunny: Yeah they have communication issues. I want to see more of the Queen, I feel like she has the potential to be awesome. Learning more about Kota would be great because I think we all wanna know what's up with him.

Francoise: And finally, America needs to get her act together. I want the old America back, the one from The Selection. The one who knew what she wanted and wasn't so indecisive between each guy.
Sunny:Yeah America can rock when she wants, she just needs to find her awesomeness again. But overall these are just preferences and I think Kiera will do great.

So what did you think of this type of discussion?

Check out Sunny's blog to see our discussion on what team we're on and why!

Waiting on Wednesday

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine that shows upcoming releases that we're highly anticipating.

oOo

I don't do this meme often but there are two books that I am so excited to read. They aree both the last installments to their trilogies and they are both being published by HarperTeen!

Title: The One

Author: Keira Cass

Series: The Selection #3

Expected publication: May 6th 2014 by HarperTeen

The Selection changed the lives of thirty-five girls forever. And now, the time has come for one winner to be chosen.

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

From the very first page of The Selection, this #1 New York Times bestselling series has captured readers' hearts and swept them away on a captivating journey... Now, in The One, Kiera Cass delivers a satisfying and unforgettable conclusion that will keep readers sighing over this electrifying fairy-tale long after the final page is turned.

Title: Sweet Reckoning

Author: Wendy Higgins

Series: The Sweet Trilogy #3

Expected publication: April 29th 2014 by HarperTeen

It’s time. 

Evil is running rampant and sweet Anna Whitt is its target. Nobody knows when or how the Dukes will strike, but Anna and her Nephilim allies will do anything necessary to rid the earth of the demons and their oppressive ways.

The stakes are higher than ever, and Anna is determined that the love she feels will be her strength, not a liability. But trying to protect the ones she loves while running for her life and battling demonic forces proves to be perilous—especially as faces are changing and trust is fleeting. When the Duke of Lust sends Anna’s great love, Kaidan Rowe, to work against her, Anna must decide how much she’s prepared to risk.

In the most sensual and fast-paced installment yet, Sweet Reckoning brings all the beloved Neph together one last time to fight for their freedom.

{Discussion} What Movies Can Do That Books Can't

Since book to movie adaptations are all the talk at the moment, I thought this topic was appropriate. Some of you might be thinking, "What...books are always better!" Well I agree 100% but I think sometimes movies have the upper hand.

      1.    Music
Other than reading, music is another one of my passions that takes up a huge part in my life. Movies tend to have spectacular soundtracks that really go with the scene and it heightens the intensity of emotions the audience go through. In other words, the feels hit that much harder!

      2.    The actors/actresses
You have to admit that acting has gotten so much better these days and the casting for our favourite characters have been pretty accurate so far. These talented actors have been able to portray our characters and their emotions so well. With this our characters have come to life before us!
For example:

     3.    Cinematography
Along with the improved acting we also have better quality of cinematography. I saw Divergent recently and I was so impressed with what they did to make the scenery match the book.

      4.    More Advertisement
As much as I hate to say it, movies do have better advertisement. It’s not every day I’m walking down the street and see a poster for the newest release of a book. I wish they would do this because it would make it easier for us bloggers/readers. Along with this advertisement brings more fans. (I hate it though because people only read the book to watch the movie)

      5.    Brings fans together
Movies also bring fans together. There’s nothing like being in a cinema filled with fangirls and you all awwww or laugh at the same time. You feel like you’re part of a bigger community because sometimes you forget how many people enjoy the same things as you.

So these are my reasoning's for what movies can do that books can't. I'd love to here your feedback in the comments below ;)

Do you agree with me? 

Were there any points that I missed out?

{Review} Pivot Point by Kasie West

Author: Kasie West
Release Date: February 12th 2013
Publishers: HarperTeen
Pages: 343
Genre: Mixture of paranormal, sci fi and dystopian
Links: Goodreads | Author's Website  | Buy the book

Knowing the outcome doesn’t always make a choice easier . . .

Addison Coleman’s life is one big “What if?” As a Searcher, whenever Addie is faced with a choice, she can look into the future and see both outcomes. It’s the ultimate insurance plan against disaster. Or so she thought. When Addie’s parents ambush her with the news of their divorce, she has to pick who she wants to live with—her father, who is leaving the paranormal compound to live among the “Norms,” or her mother, who is staying in the life Addie has always known. Addie loves her life just as it is, so her answer should be easy. One Search six weeks into the future proves it’s not.

In one potential future, Addie is adjusting to life outside the Compound as the new girl in a Norm high school where she meets Trevor, a cute, sensitive artist who understands her. In the other path, Addie is being pursued by the hottest guy in school—but she never wanted to be a quarterback’s girlfriend. When Addie’s father is asked to consult on a murder in the Compound, she’s unwittingly drawn into a dangerous game that threatens everything she holds dear. With love and loss in both lives, it all comes down to which reality she’s willing to live through . . . and who she can’t live without.

Review

I know you didn't read the summary, go back up and read it! Seriously it will make you want to read this magnificent book. I have been in a reading slump for ages and this book just reminded me why I loved reading so much!

Loved these at the beginning of the chapters

Up the top I didn't really state what genre it is because to be honest I have no idea. It's like a mixture of paranormal, sci fi and dystopia and I think that's what makes this book so unique. Pivot Point in short is basically a girl called Addison - or Addie if you like - who lives on the Compound which is filled with people with advanced minds. And by advanced minds I mean people who have special talents and abilities. She has the power to see the two outcomes of a decision and her talent falls under the category of Divergence (weird I know!) which commonly gets mixed up with Clairvoyance. When Addie's parents confront her with their sudden divorce, she has to Search the outcomes on whether to choose to live with her dad or mum. But sometimes knowing what will happen doesn't make the decision any easier.

Each chapter alternates between Addison living with her mum and dad. I thought I'd get confused in each chapter but there's such a differentiation between each 'life'. If Addison decides to stay with her mum, she keeps living on the compound whereas her dad ventures out into the 'Norm' world leaving everything behind. One thing I liked is that each choice followed the same story-line yet have completely different outcomes in the end.

I haven't read any other novels written by Kasie West but she portrays such a good teen voice. I loved Addison as our protagonist and I felt such a strong connection with her. She was strong-willed and stood by her morals no matter what. Also she didn't care what people thought of her, as long as she stayed true to herself. Addie was also a very quirky character that often made me smile at her sense of humour.

Oh the romance! In each of her Searches there's a boy she'll end up with and to an extent it's almost a love-triangle...but not, because it's just what could happen. (Remember this whole book is about what could happen based on one decision) The love interests are polar opposites but have one common interest, football. This book is pure genius because every character somehow intertwines with each Search. If she stays with her mum she ends up with Duke, star quarterback, cocky with a winning smile and then there's Trevor who is a Norm. He once was a quarterback on the way to a bright future but got knocked out of the field after a fatal injury to his shoulder. From the beginning I was routing for Trevor but her decision isn't as easy as choosing one guy over the other.

I hold such a deep fondness for this ingenious story and I praise Kasie West for pulling me out of this long slump. It's so easy to immerse yourself into the clever plot and you won't be able to put the book down.  The only regret I have is not reading it sooner! Pivot Point was such a refreshing read with it's creative (but not too complex) storyline and it didn't suffer the 'No Parent Syndrome' or the common angsty teen drama which I loved.  My mission is to read all her other books and I'm dying to read Split Second. My review doesn't do the book justice but trust me when I say you won't regret reading this ;)

Happy reading!

{Review} Divergent Movie

Words cannot express how much I actually loved this movie! When the casting became public I was so worried that they would not do the book justice. Shailene Woodley was the best Tris and I can't imagine anyone else that would do a better job.

Jeez movies are becoming better and clearer! The first thing I noticed about the movie was the awesome cinematography. It wasn't what I imagined when I read the book but I have to say it was better. It was more modern and more...dystopia! They did a perfect job of how Chicago is meant to look. All the buildings were run down, exactly how a city after war looks like.

The Factions - 

The factions! The choosing ceremony was exactly how I imagined it and how the Dauntless jump off the train. Although I found the clothing very weird. It seemed a little fake and out of place for me at times just simply because of the vibrant colours but it worked well for the whole dystopian theme. The dauntless compound wasn't how I imagined it at all but it still fit into the movie really well.

The Fear Simulations -

I wish they spent a little more time on the aptitude test but I'm not entirely disappointed with that. It sort of breezed through it and I was like...ummm what just happened? The fear landscapes were amazing!!! It showed Tris's and Four's fears really well but again it wasn't what I imagined but it still was amazing! I would have liked them to focus more on Four's fears because I find that this scene is important to learn more of Four's character but I found it was still mainly focused on Tris.

Favourite Scenes - 

 My two favourite scenes in the movie were the Capture the Flag scene and the Zip-lining. They changed the capture the flag scene slightly but I don't want to spoil it for you. For those of you have watched it, don't you think it worked better with the different type of guns? The zip-lining was awesome because it showed the landscape much better. It showed how the effects of the war really took its toll on the city and how people today have to live with it.

Casting -

The characters...I felt like Christina, Will and Al weren't shown that much. As I said before, the movie was focused mainly on Tris and I would have liked to see more of her relationship with the other characters. Especially for later scenes because what should have had a great impact emotionally didn't really have one like it did in the book. Peter was not nearly as bad as he was in the novels. In the books I just had such hatred for him - almost on an Eric level - but in this one he was more snarky and almost funny. He needed to be more manipulative than just criticizing Tris. It was really weird to see Jai Courtney as Eric because I loved him in A Good Day to Die Hard and he was the good guy but he played Eric perfectly. Again I didn't really feel hatred for him like in the books, he was more intimidating.

Shailene Woodley portrayed Tris so well and I can't have picked anyone better. She went from poor defenseless Tris into a powerful girl who is more sure of herself. When Theo James was casted as Four, I'd have to say I was a little more than disappointed. He didn't look liked the Four I pictured but he acted the role naturally. He played the perfect cold-hearted training teacher at the start and then melted into that Four we all love and know.

This whole movie had me squealing with delight. I'm just so happy with what they did and even though there were a few changes in it, I still loved it. I was a little disappointed because Uriah wasn't in it :( Hopefully he'll be in the other movies. This movie had me going through all the Divergent feels all over again and I really want to see it again. (I'll probably buy the DVD!) I'm sorry if this review turned out to be a mess, it's a little hard to write when you're just thinking of Theo Ja- *cough* the movie! If you are a massive Divergent fan, then you must see it! You'll love it ;)

{Review} My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

Author: Huntley Fitzpatrick
Release Date: June 14th 2012
Publishers: Dial Books For Young Readers
Pages: 394
Genre: Contemporary 
Links: Goodreads | Author's Website  | Buy the book

"One thing my mother never knew, and would disapprove of most of all, was that I watched the Garretts. All the time."

The Garretts are everything the Reeds are not. Loud, messy, affectionate. And every day from her rooftop perch, Samantha Reed wishes she was one of them . . . until one summer evening, Jase Garrett climbs up next to her and changes everything.

As the two fall fiercely for each other, stumbling through the awkwardness and awesomeness of first love, Jase's family embraces Samantha - even as she keeps him a secret from her own. Then something unthinkable happens, and the bottom drops out of Samantha's world. She's suddenly faced with an impossible decision. Which perfect family will save her? Or is it time she saved herself?

A transporting debut about family, friendship, first romance, and how to be true to one person you love without betraying another.

Review

I've read so many reviews for this novel but for some reason I never managed to pick it up but now I can finally say I've read it. If you had asked me a couple months ago whether I liked contemporary, I'd probably just laugh and look at you as if you're crazy. I hated contemporary so much because I thought it had no action or excitement but my goal is to read a wider variety of genres this year so I'm slowly breaking out of my comfort zone. 

Samantha is part of a rich and dysfunctional family and the Garretts are the complete opposite to them. For years her mum taught her to never talk to them and they have forever been a mystery to her whilst growing up. She always watched them from afar from one of her windows and wished she could be a part of them. But this summer completely changed with the first encounter of one of the boys next door.  

One thing I love about the genre contemporary is how realistic it is. My Life Next Door was so easy to picture in my mind and Huntley Fitzpatrick manages to create such a vivid image of the setting. The romance was also very realistic (to an extent) because it explores what it's like to have a first love. It shows how everything is not like in the movies and not everything is perfect. I absolutely adored Jase as the love interest. He never stops working hard even though he has to deal with a lot of family issues. I would have liked it a little more though if their relationship didn't escalate as quickly but either way it was still done well.

Samantha was a good protagonist but I can't say there was anything particularly significant about her. I found that she was easily persuaded by her mum (especially towards the end) and for some reason I found this really annoying. Samantha had such a good relationship with the Garretts and I would say even more so than her own. I found all the characters very unique in their own way and I love reading about the Garretts large family. I don't say this very often but I really hated the 'best friend'. I found her to be very selfish and was taking advantage of Samantha. I did however like her brother Tim because his character had more depth and a story to it and he was incredibly funny.

My life Next Door was such a cute read which made me laugh and for some weird reason cry. (Very emotional!) One thing I also liked was that our protagonist was very confident of herself and we don't have the usual teenage angst. Our male lead was very swoony and loveable and this book was just perfect! Their relationship was a very loving, trusting and very mature and didn't have the usual teenage drama. I seriously recommend it if you like that summer, romance read and if you haven't added it to your TBR list...what are you doing???

Two Diva's Bookish Discussions - My love for Sci Fi

Ever since I was a child I have been obsessed with Science Fiction (Sci Fi) because I used to love (and still do) watching shows such as Doctor Who, Star Wars and Stargate. My obsession with this genre seems to have translated into my reading patterns and I find that I still search for a thrilling read.

I like anything involving time travel, aliens and futuristic themes. Two of my favourite science fiction novels are:

These are two completely different novels under the same genre! I Am Number Four is about aliens living in our society and the book is basically all about trying to hide there cool legcacies (I guess you can call them powers if you like) All Our Yesterdays was all about time travel and it was cool being in the different time zones. (literally)

I think the main reasons why I love this genre is because it's so mind blowing and it's hard to wrap your head around all the different concepts. Especially in time travel books, because you don't know when's the now and what's going to cause this effect and everything is just a massive race to see who can figure it out first. Also I love reading all the futuristic themes because I always wonder whether life will actually turn out like this!

Although the thing with genres is that there's never a clear line between them. Dystopia and Sci Fi I think get mixed up from time to time. Dystopia is meant to be a society where everything is bad and often has a corrupt government. Although dystopian society sometimes has futuristic themes so you never know what to call it. Dystopia is also often set in the future but the whole thing of it being a completely created place by the author is what makes it dystopian. But yet isn't sci fi also imagined???

So that's my small discussion on why I love Sci Fi! Be sure to check out Sunny's page because she doesn't agree with me! Isn't she crazy!!! Or do you agree with her?