Insurgent (Divergent #2) by Veronica Roth

Insurgent (Divergent #2)

by Veronica Roth

I couldn't wait to begin with Insurgent after Divergent finished. Roth's writing is cleverly written and worded to match the dystopian, post-apocalyptic genre. I dived straight into the book, reading chapter after chapter trying to understand and come to grips with the new characters introduced and the fraction-less. 

After the alliance with Marcus that Tris makes I rolled my eyes, a very typical movement and plot 'twist'. I liked how it still focused on Tris and Tobias but also parted away from them until the end. Showing the typical romance everyone craves for. 

Insurgent was a brilliant second installment to the Divergent trilogy and I enjoyed it as much a as Divergent. All in all I do hope that the final installment to he Divergent trilogy; Allegiant will higher my standards and close the series with a bang.

4.5/5 stars

Lydia S Jones

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Divergent (Divergent #1) by Veronica Roth

Divergent (Divergent #1)

by Veronica Roth

It took me a while to finally begin reading the Divergent Series. I knew I would enjoy each novel and fall in love with the narratives. However, I decided to wait till the hype was hushed and then began the series. I am truly happy I did, I enjoyed this take on the Dystopian genre.

As a fan of this science fiction, dystopia genre I was interested in the way this story would pan out. At first I didn't enjoy the main protagonist names, as myself cringe at the name. So I smiled open heartedly at Tris becoming her name. 

I knew romance would be a recurring theme, especially with Tobias/Four, that was a given soon as Tris entered the Dauntless. I enjoyed how society was ranked into different categories that represent different strengths and personality traits. I believe in my opinion that the ending war seemed rushed to finish, but I bow down to the ease of not hiding blood and violence and making it known. Roth's writing is strong, which matches with the brave characters she holds well within this first installment. I am looking forward to reading Insurgent.

4.5/5 stars

Lydia S Jones

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Return to Labyrinth (Return to Labyrinth #1) by Jake T. Forbes, Chris Lee

Return to Labyrinth (Return to Labyrinth #1)

by Jake T. Forbes, Chris Lee

As a lover of all things Jim Henson's Labyrinth I was curious on what this graphic novel had to offer within the fiction world. I was impressed when my boyfriend handed me this graphic novel having known he knows nothing of the Labyrinth, film or not. I wanted to enter the world of Jareth's Labyrinth, reliving my childhood at nearly 20 years old.

I wondered where this journey would take me, introduce me to new characters and imaginative creatures. I was utterly impressed by the creation of a new story, following Toby growing up and how Sarah's world is now his. Toby's characteristics seems very selfish, his personality is very morbid and controlling over who he is and what he wants. However, this was a very likely outcome for Toby seeing as he very much was that child in the original Labyrinth; Sarah's annoying little brother. In my opinion, Toby and Sarah are similar characters as their characteristics mold together into their parents. I would enjoy seeing more about Sarah in the next installments and see where her childhood takes her.

Favoring Jareth, the Goblin King I admire his passion and devotion towards Sarah and how his love for her has not passed throughout the years. I am excited to see what happens with Jareth and how he has left the thrown to Toby.

As a fan of Jim Henson's Labyrinth and a first reader of any sort of graphic novel, I was impressed and loved Return to Labyrinth. If you have ever watched Labyrinth growing up, visited the world I once had I recommend this journey back into this world. Revisit Hoggle and Ludo once more!

4/5 stars

Lydia S Jones
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What Remains by Nicole R. Taylor

What Remains  

by Nicole R. Taylor

Firstly, I placed this book on my want Christmas list hoping I'd find a new love for a book. I was intrigued by the Dystopian genre that I have grew fondly of. I honestly, can say I actually enjoyed this book. 

Maybe Prue's discomfort, childish running away from others began to get irritating, however in the perspective of someone left alone in the wild for 3 years without speaking to anyone or having to go through so many challenges created this new unique dangerous protagonist who only minimally needed a male's help. Her lack of vocabulary was irritating but as you grew to come to turns with who Prue is, you understand and believe her character will become more reliant within meeting Shaw. 

Every book needs a male and female lead, Prue met Shaw. Shaw was a masculine character who himself was so similar to Prue with death, family and hidden broken past's. They suited from the start.

I really did enjoy Nicole R.Taylor's take to the Dystopian genre, enhancing out creatures and diseases into the wild and creating something more threatening for society, human's becoming violent as well as mutant living creatures.

4/5 stars

Lydia S Jones

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Requiem (Delirium Trilogy #3) by Lauren Oliver

Requiem (Delirium Trilogy #3) 

by Lauren Oliver

Again, I found myself having incredible difficulties in actually becoming interested in this third instalment. Similarly to Delirium, I found myself becoming bored with waiting for the action, drama and light within the book. Once it finally picked up halfway through it got interesting, yet rapidly fell again. I was expecting so much more from this book from what I got with Pandemonium, which was the best in the trilogy. 

I did enjoy minor factors within the novel and found myself becoming to like more characters. It was interesting reading from the perspective of both Lena and Hana, one foot inside and one foot outside. It shown how much society can affect you and how a place without love can be destroyed by those who believe. All in all, I actually did overall enjoy this trilogy although I did expect much more. I do honestly recommend in reading this trilogy, it was a steady read which fair enough became difficult and frustrating to get into. However, I did enjoy the trilogy all in all, if you fancy reading a science-fiction/ dystopia novel I do recommend giving it a chance.

3.5/5 stars

Lydia S Jones

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Pandemonium (Delirium Trilogy #2) by Lauren Oliver

Pandemonium (Delirium Trilogy #2) 

by Lauren Oliver

After completing Delirium I was surprised, surprised on how it finally captured my attention. I was expecting such a slow steady paced novel that flowed the exact same way as Delirium flowed. I was proven wrong as the narrative began to intrigue me more. It may have been from the character's I was fond of or the character's I was newly introduced to. However, Pandemonium began on a confused note, I was put off my balance by the odd chapters from Then & Now. But as I got into the flow of the chapters flipping back and forth, the narrative was picked up again. 

The change of setting is what this novel needed, somewhere new and fresh to bring this narrative to life. I enjoyed the introduction to the Wilds and the journey that Lena had to go on in order to become stronger. Although she began to irate me in area's, it shown the growth within her character. It was incredibly typical to introduce a new male character who will help form this love triangle for Lena. The ending was a typical podium to fall upon. I am excited to read the last instalment in the trilogy, Requiem.


4/5 stars

Lydia S Jones

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Delirium (Delirium Trilogy #1) by Lauren Oliver

Delirium (Delirium Trilogy #1) 

by Lauren Oliver

At first I wasn't as placed into a different world with beginning this book. It certainly didn't take my interest very well. A slow start. It took a while for me to be intrigued within the narrative. I was hoping throughout many chapters it wasn't just another Dystopia themed book.

It was until it kicked in, Lena's portrayal was so weak and steady that she began to annoy me in ways when she was first introduced and kept the steady pace of her silly childish ways. Then there is Hana, the rebel best friend who thinks she's better than others. Hana shown difference to Lena, being more aware of who she was and what she wanted especially about the so called disease 'Deliria'. Alex was the first strong open character who was then introduced which was obvious from the start that he didn't belong in Portland and he was there to cause Lena to believe who she really is and what she actually believes in even when she didn't know it.

As much as the linear narrative began to strain and bore me, it luckily picked up. It hit its high after half way through the book, in a way that is incredibly late for an author to achieve. I am now intrigued into the rest of the novel's within the series which hopefully do not suffer like the first few chapters of Delirium. If you enjoy the Dystopian genre and want a new series introducing love as a disease and seeing how it affect's society and the government this certainly is the right book for you.


3.5/5 stars

Lydia S Jones

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Doctor Who: Summer Falls and Other Stories by Amelia Williams

Doctor Who: Summer Falls and Other Stories

by Amelia Williams

As a 'Whovian' as they call it. I was in love with the story of Amy and Rory's beautiful heartwarming fairytale love. When I got bought this novel for my 19th birthday not too long ago (26.10.2013) I couldn't wait to begin to take action and get my head stuck into it.
The introduction by Amelia Williams played with my heart strings. Amy's beautiful words directed at her raggedy man shown her passion and heartache of letting go of him for him to be alone. What I loved about this beginning of the novel that contained these amazing short stories was the tone of voice. I could hear Amy's words as I read along. I fell in love with this.

I began with the first short story within the novel; Summer Falls's by Amelia Williams. I didn't know what to expect in all honesty when I started the novel. However, in some sense of science fiction narrative I enjoyed this little story of a painting and monster. It was an interesting read that started off a good novel. 

The Angel's Kiss by Melody Malone, of course was brilliant! It was my favourite story from the three included in the book. I could feel the River Song charisma behind the protagonist; Melody. I was impressed with the overall outcome within this narrative. 

The final short story was Devil in the Smoke. It was an interesting read that I was not too thrilled about starting, however I grew to enjoy the storyline and of course Madame Vastra was an interesting character to anyone. It was a brilliant story and reminded me of the snowman monsters within the episodes that have aired. Overall, I was greatly impressed with this selection of short stories and loved the journeys that each of these narratives took me on

4.5/5 stars

Lydia S Jones

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Specials (Uglies #3) by Scott Westerfeld

Specials (Uglies #3)

by Scott Westerfeld

As a reader, I certainly have a bad habit of reading the very last page of a series that I am very much enjoying, this to me is to make me fully aware that the main protagonist, which is Tally in this case has chosen the right person in the end. Well the person I think she should be with. I really enjoyed the third novel, even with my hatred of Shay's annoying presence throughout this book. Fair enough she holds a little hate towards Tally from what she has done, but in my view what Shay did to Tally was much worse. Her changing into a viscous Special, a creature not a human. Tally's time as a special was interesting to discover, it shown how in the society of the Uglies, Smokies, Rusties and Pretties there is a much disturbing 'icy' upgrade. Doctor  Cable's creations all cause some form of fear throughout characters, but the ones to fear the most are the ones under Special Circumstance, the cutters. An 'icy' role and addition to this cruel world that Westerfeld has embarked upon. I have to admit as a girl I did want more of David within this book, I had a hunch that Tally would make the right choice in the end. You go girl! I also admit that Zane's ending didn't not surprise me at all I though that would be the outcome for him as he was soon introduced into the story.

 All in all, I really surprisingly enjoyed the series and it was a long time coming, thrilling, intense, dangerous fight to enforce the right rules upon society and how it can effect the world world we live in. If you want a roller-coaster to ride upon, this young adult science fiction series is for you. 

4/5 stars

Lydia S Jones

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Pretties (Uglies #2) by Scott Westerfeld

Pretties (Uglies #2)

by Scott Westerfeld

After reading Uglies, I really wanted to find out more about Tally's new life as a Pretty. Uglies began what all book series should do, intriguing you into wanting more. I was impressed with the way the portrayal of the characters transit from being an Ugly to being a Pretty. However, what put me off this new change and Tally was the introduction to Zane. Zane's character probably was introduced to do no harm apart from rivalry between David and Zane. I still rooted for David throughout this book. I didn't like Tally's mistaken choices she constantly makes then is captured over and over again, if you was really that desperate to be cured you'll try harder. It was clever to place the diversion of Tally's so close to escape by Zane once again, who strikes her off her goal. The downside to the book is Shay's pettiness, she acts like an immature child, although I would be peeved with my friend after the whole selling the Smoke out, but my opinion on Shay was for her to grow up and get over herself. Also, I hate the repetition of 'bubbly' in reference to being happy and lively, it makes me cringe in ways. Pretties has done well in carrying on the trilogy. 

I surprisingly was taken by this series and believe if you want something from another world, a story about technology and how society can change this book is for you. It's something different and interesting to read.

4/5 stars

Lydia S Jones

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Uglies (Uglies #1) by Scott Westerfeld

Uglies (Uglies #1)

by Scott Westerfeld

Firstly, I didn't purchase this book or was drawn to it by it's association with The Hunger Games, a trilogy which I love. I believe after reading this book that it is nothing alike THG, the differences are clearly shown by the plot of the book. I loved the heroin of Tally, the portrayal of a young girl who want's to be just like everyone else, Pretty. She hates the way she is born, an Ugly. Her hatred towards being left in Uglyville whilst her best friend Peris is in New Pretty Town, makes you sympathise for Tally. However, as she meets Shay a girl who twists Tally's beliefs and morals, the story takes a turn. At first I believed it was going to be a typical Tally is in love with Peris but forbidden by the Ugly and Pretty view upon them. The whole Romeo & Juliette love story. But I was fully mistaken by the introduction to David, a character which I believe can become something more, a hero and a safe haven for Tally.

Although, it took me a while to get into this book, I was happy that I carried on reading till the end. I loved the layout and how Scott Westerfeld has portrayed his female protagonist within the world of image change. I recommend this series completely to anyone who loves to try something new. It's a complete new story portraying how society works with technology and the behavior of the uglies, smokies, rusties and pretties. 


4/ 5 stars

Lydia S Jones

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