Review: Walk On Earth a Stranger by Rae Carson

Lee Westfall has a strong, loving family. She has a home she loves and a loyal steed. She has a best friend—who might want to be something more.

She also has a secret.

Lee can sense gold in the world around her. Veins deep in the earth. Small nuggets in a stream. Even gold dust caught underneath a fingernail. She has kept her family safe and able to buy provisions, even through the harshest winters. But what would someone do to control a girl with that kind of power? A person might murder for it.

When everything Lee holds dear is ripped away, she flees west to California—where gold has just been discovered. Perhaps this will be the one place a magical girl can be herself. If she survives the journey.

Look at that cover - isn't it gorgeous? It speaks of fantasy magic, gold in every step. It speaks of a girl with a power and all of the obstacles in her way! It gave me such high expectations for this book that unfortunately were just not met. This is a pity, because I will continue to love and read Rae Carson's books, just not this series.

Lee is a girl with the power to sense gold, she comes from a good family but that is all thrown into the air when her father is assassinated - Lee becomes property of her uncle, who wants to use her as a house slave, but Lee ain't having none of that so she flees west, trying to catch up to her best friend/love interest who joined the gold rush. 

The problem for me was that I never really became invested in Lee's story. She was a nice enough girl, but she was obvious and made some stupid decisions through out the story. I felt that I just didn't see enough of her interactions with people to make her likeable to me and so I didn't really care about her journey.

The story itself was nothing special - I absolutely adored the setting of the gold rush, it was so rich and lush and gorgeous and made me want to play Oregon Trail over and over again - but I felt that Carson didn't use this unique setting to her potential so I felt a little let down. The book didn't feel complete, but I just wasn't connected enough to want to pick up any future books. There was some romance, which would usually grip me, but it felt forced. There was barely any mention of Lee's abilities and that annoyed me - I feel like I was wrongfully sold his magical, rich story and instead landed something flat and boring.

Overall, Walk On Earth a Stranger just didn't strike a chord with me - we just didn't connect so I did feel let down, despite the setting being well written (Carson is a great writer, despite her plot not working for me). 

Book released 22nd September 2015 by Greenwillow

Book received from the publisher/author in exchange for an honest review

Review: Future Perfect by Jen Larson

Every year on her birthday, Ashley Perkins gets a card from her grandmother—a card that always contains a promise: lose enough weight, and I will buy your happiness.

Ashley doesn’t think there’s anything wrong with the way she looks, but no amount of arguing can persuade her grandmother that “fat” isn’t a dirty word—that Ashley is happy with her life, and her body, as it is.
But Ashley wasn’t counting on having her dreams served up on a silver platter at her latest birthday party. She falters when Grandmother offers the one thing she’s always wanted: tuition to attend Harvard University—in exchange for undergoing weight loss surgery.

As Ashley grapples with the choice that little white card has given her, she feels pressured by her friends, her family, even administrators at school. But what’s a girl to do when the reflection in her mirror seems to bother everyone but her?

Through her indecisions and doubts, Ashley’s story is a liberating one—a tale of one girl, who knows that weight is just a number, and that no one is completely perfect.

The problem with Future Perfect is that it came out around the same time as Dumplin' by Julie Murphy and I read the two books back to back. Both are about accepting yourself for who you are, but Dumplin' just stood out to me as the better one.

Ashley just wasn't the most real character to me - she didn't really stand out. Her life dream is to attend Harvard, but I didn't real see that - she judges other people easily (such as the druggies in San Francisco) despite the fact that Larson keeps trying to push the fact that she is very accepting onto us (because Ashley is clearly the most open person in the world as she has a transgender friend?).

I felt like I didn't connect with this book and I ended up skimming through it just to see if she went through with the weight loss surgery. I won't spoil how the book ends, but I am going to end this review here because there isn't a lot to say.

This book didn't put across the message it aimed for in the best way, but I don't have reason to rant about it, nor can I really say it was an awful read. I just... didn't enjoy it personally.

Book released 6th October 2015 by HarperTeen

Book received from the publisher/author in exchange for an honest review

Review: Da Vinci's Tiger by L.M. Elliott

Young, beautiful, and witty, Ginevra de’ Benci longs to take part in the artistic ferment of Renaissance Florence. But as the daughter of a wealthy family in a society dictated by men, she is trapped in an arranged marriage, expected to limit her creativity to domestic duties. Her poetry reveals her deepest feelings, and she aches to share her work, to meet painters and sculptors mentored by the famed Lorenzo de Medici, and to find love.

When the charismatic Venetian ambassador, Bernardo Bembo, arrives in Florence, he introduces Ginevra to a dazzling circle of patrons, artists, and philosophers—a world of thought and conversation she has yearned for. She is instantly attracted to the handsome newcomer, who admires her mind as well as her beauty. Yet Ginevra remains conflicted about his attentions. Choosing her as his Platonic muse, Bembo commissions a portrait by a young Leonardo da Vinci. Posing for the brilliant painter inspires an intimate connection between them—one Ginevra can only begin to understand. In a rich and enthralling world of exquisite art, elaborate feasts, and exhilarating jousts, she faces many temptations to discover her voice, artistic companionship, and a love that defies categorization. In the end, she and Leonardo are caught up in a dangerous and deadly battle between powerful families.

I've seen it said that the strength of this book is the political intrigue and the historical accuracy. Unfortunately, historical accuracy is lost on me and my brain is too small for political intrigue, so I just could not connect with Da Vinci's Tiger - after about 50% of getting the character's mixed up and trying to keep up with what was going on in Renaissance Florence, I gave up.

This book is one that people who love history would love and I have a love/hate relationship with historical books - I gave Da Vinci's Tiger a shot, despite knowing tat it was wholly possible that I just wouldn't get into it and unfortunately I was right.

That being said, I'm pretty sure I would enjoy any other book by this author. I really like Elliott's gorgeous writing style and the reason I had to DNF this book was because I couldn't keep up - not because of any other flaw in the writing or plot.

Overall Rating: DNF

Book released 10th November 2015 by Katherine Teagen books

Book received from the publisher/author in exchange for an honest review

Review: Mirrored by Alex Flinn

Mirror, mirror in my hand…

Beauty is the key to everything. At least, that’s how it seems to Violet—ugly, bullied, and lonely. To be beautiful, in her eyes, is to have power and love. And when Kendra, the witch, teaches Violet how to use magic, she may finally get what she wants.

For Celine, beautiful since birth, her looks have been a hindrance. She discovers that beauty is also a threat—especially to her stepmother, Violet, who doesn’t want anyone sharing the attention she worked so hard to get and who will do anything to be the fairest of them all.

But beauty isn’t only skin deep and love isn’t based on looks alone. And though Violet and Celine may seem to be completely opposite, their lives are almost… mirrored.

I've been really struggling with Alex Flinn recently - I just didn't enjoy Towering and now that I have finished Mirrored I feel let down again. Was Beastly just a fluke? I really enjoyed that book, but no other books by Flinn have really lived up to my expectation.

I just struggled to get into Mirrored - Violet's story at the start seemed completely necessary but it also dragged, I like that we got to know the characters of Violet and Greg and Jennifer, because it gave the bad guy a face and personality and a reason behind her evilness, however I just didn't feel like I connected with any of the characters at this part.

The pace did pick up a bit with Celine, the beautiful daughter of Violet's first love. At first Violet is a loving stepmother to Celine, but then things change. Celine gets beautiful and Violet is threatened, leading her to become abusive towards Celine. I really liked Celine's character, she is nice but also spunky, however her bit was too short and then the next chapter began too soon.

Goose, the narrator of the third part and I guess the love interest of Celine, was a great character. He makes up for his diminutive size with his caring personality and his heroics, but as much as I liked his character I didn't really enjoy reading from his POV - maybe it's because the pace dropped again but this last part sort of died for me.

The saving grace is the appearance of Kendra - this story gives you an idea into why she is the way she is, and also shows you a more caring, motherly side of Kendra.

Overall, Mirrored is a typical book by Flinn, with simplistic writing and a basic plot but not much else to offer. I felt disappointed by Mirrored, because whilst I finished the book, I didn't feel much after I closed it.

Book released 15th September 2015 by Harper Teen

Book received from the publisher/author in exchange for an honest review

Review: The One Thing by Marci Lyn Curtis

Maggie Sanders might be blind, but she won't invite anyone to her pity party. Ever since losing her sight six months ago, Maggie's rebellious streak has taken on a life of its own, culminating with an elaborate school prank. Maggie called it genius. The judge called it illegal.

Now Maggie has a probation officer. But she isn't interested in rehabilitation, not when she's still mourning the loss of her professional-soccer dreams, and furious at her so-called friends, who lost interest in her as soon as she could no longer lead the team to victory.

Then Maggie's whole world is turned upside down. Somehow, incredibly, she can see again. But only one person: Ben, a precocious ten-year-old unlike anyone she's ever met.Ben's life isn't easy, but he doesn't see limits, only possibilities. After awhile, Maggie starts to realize that losing her sight doesn't have to mean losing everything she dreamed of. Even if what she's currently dreaming of is Mason Milton, the infuriatingly attractive lead singer of Maggie's new favorite band, who just happens to be Ben's brother.

But when she learns the real reason she can see Ben, Maggie must find the courage to face a once-unimaginable future... before she loses everything she has grown to love

I'm not really sure how to categorise The One Thing - is this a book about magic (no)? Is it contemporary realism (no)... what do I tag this review with?! Let's just go with fantasy and contemporary and hope that nobody questions my decision...

I struggled with this book at the start, because I didn't know how to take it. I like things to sit in boxes and as far as genres went this book was in a non-definitive grey area. That being said, as soon as I cast this out of my mind I really started to enjoy the book. Maggie was such a great main character and whilst I had my issues with her, I did enjoy following her story. My key character, though, was Ben - he may not have spoken like a 10 year old, but he was witty and clever with the ability to become a child at times. I read this book for Ben and it was because of him that I ended this book with tears in my eyes.

Now back to Maggie - Maggie is a teenage girl, and despite the fact that she is blind she behaves exactly like a teenage girl, mood swings at all. I sweetened to her later in the book but at the start she was very difficult to connect with. I still felt iffy about her scenes with Mason towards the end (despite him being the love interest and me being a biiiiig romantic) but I'll let that pass because the story of this book is so good.

The story focuses on Maggie finding her thing - it used to be football, before she was struck down ill and became blind, now she has nothing, until she meets Ben. It's a brilliant storyline and the friendship between Maggie and Ben really made me like Maggie - that kid was a shining light that brought out the best in everyone.

It's hard for me to review the plot because it isn't a big part of this book - this is more a development arc for Maggie as a person than a story with ups and downs, instead I can say that despite this, The One Thing was an immersing read that had me sobbing by the end.

Just... give it a go - You won't have any regrets.

Book released 8th September 2015 by Disney-Hyperion

Book received from the publisher/author in exchange for an honest review

Review: Dumplin' by Julie Murphy

Self-proclaimed fat girl Willowdean Dickson (dubbed “Dumplin’” by her former beauty queen mom) has always been at home in her own skin. Her thoughts on having the ultimate bikini body? Put a bikini on your body. With her all-American beauty best friend, Ellen, by her side, things have always worked…until Will takes a job at Harpy’s, the local fast-food joint. There she meets Private School Bo, a hot former jock. Will isn’t surprised to find herself attracted to Bo. But she is surprised when he seems to like her back.

Instead of finding new heights of self-assurance in her relationship with Bo, Will starts to doubt herself. So she sets out to take back her confidence by doing the most horrifying thing she can imagine: entering the Miss Clover City beauty pageant—along with several other unlikely candidates—to show the world that she deserves to be up there as much as any twiggy girl does. Along the way, she’ll shock the hell out of Clover City—and maybe herself most of all.

Yessss! Finally a book that is body positive, sex positive and doesn't dump on anyone's views at all.  This is what I have been looking for all these years! Dumplin' is literally a book that I have spent years dreaming of and every time I thought I had found it, it goes and ruins it for me. A book which is about accepting yourself for who you are and not changing for anyone but yourself, but also portrays the MC as a real person, who has real emotions and comes to accept herself. A book which has a larger protagonist accepting that big is beautiful, but also that skinny is beautiful too, and that the most beautiful thing a girl can be is confident. A book which is sex positive, that says that if you feel ready for it, go for it, but also that it isn't something that should just be taken lightly.

Dumplin' is a brilliant book. It's sassy, it's sweet, it's sexy and it gave me all the feels. Julie Murphy writes a fantastic character in Willowdean - she is utterly relateable and also isn't the most perfect human in the world. It has backing characters that are great and romantic moments that had me ee'ing as I read them.

However there were some parts of this book that I felt let down by - mainly the Mitch part, because he is a perfectly decent human being but WIlllow just leads him on ad uses him as her fall back bae - I try to tell myself that this just represents Willow as a real human as capable at making stupid decisions as the rest of us, but I can't buy into that. It just annoyed me that a book so concerned by putting forward good messages sends forth this message that girls can just use boys however they like.- imagine the reaction as the dynamic been the same with genders reversed!

That being said, I did massively enjoy Dumplin' - I think every female young or old, big or small should read this book. I know it made me feel this surge of confidence simply by reading and I think it would do the same for all women. A brilliant book by an amazing author. 

Book released 15th September 2015 by Balzer + Bray

Book received for review for the author/publisher

Review: Lying Out Loud by Kody Keplinger

Sonny Ardmore is an excellent liar. She lies about her dad being in prison. She lies about her mom kicking her out. And she lies about sneaking into her best friend's house every night because she has nowhere else to go.

Amy Rush might be the only person Sonny shares everything with - secrets, clothes, even a nemesis named Ryder Cross. Ryder's the new kid at Hamilton High and everything Sonny and Amy can't stand - a prep-school snob. But Ryder has a weakness: Amy. So when Ryder emails Amy asking her out, the friends see it as a prank opportunity not to be missed.

But without meaning to, Sonny ends up talking to Ryder all night online. And to her horror, she realizes that she might actually 'like' him. Only there's one small catch: he thinks he's been talking to Amy. So Sonny comes up with an elaborate scheme to help Ryder realize that she's the girl he's really wanted all along. Can Sonny lie her way to the truth, or will all her lies end up costing her both Ryder and Amy?

Lemme put this out there: I loved The Duff. The book was amazing and even the film, whilst not completely faithful to the book, is a fave for me. I loved it.

I also enjoyed Lying Out Loud. Did I enjoy it as much as The Duff? Not at all. Where The Duff was sassy and funny and cute, Lying Out Loud felt strained and pushed, like Keplinger was trying to channel the same style as The Duff but couldn't find it in her. I struggled to connect with Sonny or Ryder and I totally felt sorry for Amy.

I think because Sonny is a compulsive liar, I really didn't connect with her. I felt like I couldn't trust her, and despite the fact that she is nice and funny, I couldn't blame Amy or Ryder for reacting to her the was they did - Sonny wasn't an honest, good person.

But then I also blame Amy, for being the doormat that she was and letting Sonny get away with the things she did... and Ryder didn't really have a personality for me - he just served a purpose and that was all, so there was no connection there.

I felt that the story was predictable and despite the fact that Keplinger is clearly a brilliant writer, it didn't completely shine in Lying Out Loud.

That being said, this was the type of book that I could read in an afternoon and not have to be massively invested into. It's a cold autumn night book, and that was what I needed when I read this. Had I picked this book up expecting something deep and super meaningful I would have been disappointed, but I didn't so I guess I can say that despite it's flaws, I did enjoy this book.

Book released 28th April 2015 by Scholastic

Book received for review for the author/publisher