Book Review 24: The Maze Runner

Imagine waking up one day in total darkness, unsure of where you are and unable to remember anything about yourself except your first name. You're in a bizarre place devoid of adults called the Glade. The Glade is an enclosed structure with a jail, a graveyard, a slaughterhouse, living quarters, and gardens. And no way out. Outside the Glade is the Maze, and every day some of the kids -- the Runners -- venture into the labyrinth, trying to map the ever-changing pattern of walls in an attempt to find an exit from this hellish place. So far, no one has figured it out. And not all of the Runners return from their daily exertions, victims of the maniacal Grievers, part animal, part mechanical killing machines.

Thomas is the newest arrival to the Glade in this Truman-meets-Lord of the Flies tale. A motley crew of half a dozen kids is all he has to guide him in this strange world. As soon as he arrives, unusual things begin to happen, and the others grow suspicious of him. Though the Maze seems somehow familiar to Thomas, he's unable to make sense of the place, despite his extraordinary abilities as a Runner. What is this place, and does Thomas hold the key to finding a way out?

In The Maze Runner, Dashner has crafted a creative and engaging novel that's both mysterious and thought provoking.

As it would seem it would appear that I might be the last book blogger to read this book, but as the film's out next year, I decided to jump on the bandwagon! And damn am I kicking myself hard for not reading this book sooner. Lets be honest, the Maze Runner has always been that book, I passed my book shelve and labeled 'next time" then I saw Dylan O'Brian as Thomas and well… eye candy is really motivational.

The prime reason The Maze Runner wasn't an automatic read was because of its lack of romance. As an 18 year old, a book without a hint of romance is a boring book EXCEPT for this book.This was a great, no scratch that; AMAZING, intense read, that really jolts your brain into thinking. The only way this book isn't for you is if your looking for a superficial read that dulls your mind into submission. James Dashner literally drops the reader in the middle of the action as Thomas wakes up in a strange place called the Glade, unable to remember anything except his own name. He and the other adolescents there seem to be part of some kind of a grand experiment, trapped in the middle of a maze populated by horrific monsters, with one hope of finding an exit.

I'm not sure what I can say about this without spoiling anything because for you to get the full experience of this book you can't have any clues going in! All through this book I had no theories, no idea what was going on and when each layer was peeled back or something was revealed I was shocked and amazed! It is the most interesting onion you will ever peel. What I will say is this: I loved the idea of these boys living in a community, surviving on their own, but basically trying to find their way out of a maze.

James Dashner created a world very different from others in its genre.I highly enjoyed every character in the book, even the ones I wanted to strangle because they all had a purpose the ultimately led to an amazing cliffhanger. With there unique lingo that you'd normally think would annoy you, only added to the flavor to each and every character! I loved the brotherhood that was formed. This book was filled with angst, sacrifice, friendship and bravery. I will say that THERE IS NO ROMANCE, although the read can see a relationship developing between Thomas and Teresa; trust me though YOU DO NOT MISS IT ONE BIT.

The one thing that did however make this book a 4 ½ and not a 5 star read was  the Grievers -  I wish they had appeared more  scary or dangerous creatures in the book.

Needless to say, this is a gripping read. The action is frantic and the mystery of Thomas and the others' situation is suspenseful.  Definitely recommended to those who like me who wait 5 years for a kick as trip! As usual...

and for you viewing pleasure and some motivation for those who haven't read it yet… 

Book Review 23: Allegiant

One choice will define you.

What if your whole world was a lie?

What if a single revelation—like a single choice—changed everything?

What if love and loyalty made you do things you never expected?

The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered—fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she’s known, Tris is ready. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties, and painful memories.

But Tris’s new reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human nature—and of herself—while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love.

Told from a riveting dual perspective, Allegiant, by #1 New York Times best-selling author Veronica Roth, brings the Divergent series to a powerful conclusion while revealing the secrets of the dystopian world that has captivated millions of readers in Divergent and Insurgent.

I am still in denial that its all over. Allegiant was one of the most anticipated novels of 2013 written in duel perspectives of Tris and Tobias I couldn't hide my excitement for the life if me. It was like my own personal bible, I read it as much as possible any chance I got. 

Now that I've finished this all I can say is that it is:

WARNING: Those who suffer from a fragile heart prepare for heartbreak

Let's just start by saying: there is NO supplement for reading the book, so if you are depending on a review to finish out the series or sum up how to feel about the book; its not going to happen! Read it now and be brave.

The plot was amazing. If your a reader looking for a forgot-to-pick-up-the-kids, my-heart-just-bursted-into-thousands-of-shreads one sit read WELL YOU FOUND IT! but I'm not about to spill ALL the beans about what happened! READ THE BOOK.

Let's begin with a slow applause for our characters: they truly are what made the Divergent series great, but that's not to say there wasn't character-reader friction cause there was ... ALOT

Tris really pissed me off in this book, not because she was underdeveloped or a bad character, but because SHE WAS EVERYTHING I WANTED HER TO BE! This just goes to say: be careful about what you wish for! I know I don't make much sense but it's true, she was strong, loving and in the the end shows what true bravery is.

“There are so many ways to be brave in this world. Sometimes bravery involves laying down your life for something bigger than yourself, or for someone else. Sometimes it involves giving up everything you have ever known, or everyone you have ever loved, for the sake of something greater.

But sometimes it doesn't.

Sometimes it is nothing more than gritting your teeth through pain, and the work of every day, the slow walk toward a better life.

That is the sort of bravery I must have now.”

 Of course I never wanted it to end like that though! I understand the decision that she made but it shattered my heart for Christina and Tobias. They were supposed to grow old and have 29 little grand babies after everything was done!  

Oh god Tobias! 

Who knew that the jerk-instructor at the beginning of Divergent would have ever melted my heart! It seriously turned into goo. We all knew that Tobias had a past but I had no idea how deep he truly was until I was in his head. We see this new vunurable side of Four that I for one never saw coming, we saw his need for human comfort and his need for Tris.

“She taught me all about real sacrifice. That it should be done from love... That it should be done from necessity, not without exhausting all other options. That it should be done for people who need your strength because they don't have enough of their own.”

*wipes tear

and when he found out that Tris dies I died...

“But when I do feel all the strength go out of me, and I fall to my knees beside the table and I think I cry, then, or at least I want to, and everything inside me screams for just one more kiss, one more word, one more glance, one more.”

DO NOT GET ME WRONG THERE IS SO MUCH MORE TO THIS BOOK THAN THE SADNESS!

“You're not very nice," I say, grinning.

"You're one to talk.

"Hey, I could be nice if I tried.

"Hmm." He taps his chin. "Say something nice, then.

"You're very good-looking.

He smiles, his teeth a flash in this dark. "I like this 'nice' thing.” 

Even though it didn't the way I invisioned, I thought it was a beautiful and slightly prefect ending because it reality the character were true to them self and there was a sense of hope that everyone was going to be okay. If you know the characters then all the decisions and everything that happened was meant to be:

The girl who jumped first on initiation day, took knifes to defend her friend and risked her life to let out the truth about the video...did what she was suppose to do; be brave OR The boy with only four fears learned how to depend on other for support. He learned how to trust and when to let go. He shows us the meaning of love and the need to change.

There was just SO MUCH about this book I could't possibly fit into this one post so do yourself a favor and READ THE SERIES. I am 100% certain you will love it. From the beginning to the very last page, I was on an emotional twist of emotions. The plot of the series came into full circle as we were introduced to the new world of freedom. This post was a blink so do yourself a favor and read it

“I'll say it one last time: Be brave.” 

Book Review 21 Sentinel

It's a beautiful day for a war.

As the mortal world slowly slips into chaos of the godly kind, Alexandria Andros must overcome a stunning defeat that has left her shaken and in doubt of their ability to end this war once and for all.

And with all the obstacles between Alex and her happily-ever-after with the swoonworthy Aiden St. Delphi, they must now trust a deadly foe as they travel deep into the Underworld to release one of the most dangerous gods of all time.

In the stunning, action-packed climax to the bestselling Covenant series, Alex must face a terrible choice: the destruction of everything and everyone she holds dear… or the end of herself

-Goodreads.com

* The Break Down:

WARNING: IF YOU HAVE A FRAGILE HEART. PREPARE FOR HEARTBREAK.

It’s done. My precious beloved Covenant series is over and I’m so sad to see one of my all time favorites escapes end. To say I had high expectations for the final novel of the Covenant series would be a lie; They were seriously sky high because of how much I loved every other book and it managed to exceeded every single one of my extremely and ridiculously high expectations. Armentrout gives you everything that you could ever want in the ending of ANY series. It was full of redemption,romance, fretfulness, action, and my personal favorite smart-assery. 

Alex, Aiden, Seth, Luke, Deacon, Olivia, Marcus, Caleb and Apollo. Please stand up and take a bow. Thank-you for giving me years of pure (no pun intended) unforgettable entertainment.

Alex , for one has come a long way from the first book. No longer the girl prone to stupidity, she really stands up and "pulls on her big girl panties" She’s a beautiful, fierce creature. Who really showed what it is meant to sacrifice.

'Blinking back tears, I looked away, working my throat until I was sure that, when I opened my mouth, it wasn't a sob. "I don't want to die."

"I know," Apollo said, and his voice was surprisingly gentle. "I will do everything in my power to make sure that doesn't happen. I haven't let you down yet have I?"

"The gods should be fighting. You know that, Apollo. This is their fight."

"This is everyone's fight," he corrected. "Because it is everyone's future."'  

OH GODS! the constant scolding  about Alex's sex life, had me rolling.

“Oh! You're one to talk!" I whirled on Apollo. "Seriously? If I was to Google 'irresponsible sexual activity', it would be your picture staring back at me!"

Apollo made a face at me—actually made a face at me like he was ten years old or something.” 

Aiden *(Pause to swoon) will forever own a piece of my heart. I know I have said this time and time again BUT authors have completely ruined every guys chance of being perfect thanks to characters like Aiden. He’s the rock that held this series together. His unwavering love and support for Alex took my breath away and made my heart ache with pure joy. He would go anywhere for Alex as proven in the end.

"And because I love you, I am willing to die to save you from that. Don't you dare take that decision away from me." 

Seth has always provoked conflicting feeling for me during this entire series, but in the end, I believe we finally got to see the very best of him. He not only does whats right but he also does whats needed from him. We see that Seth's guilt for the things that he did but we also his redemption 

“I wasn’t lying. I never wanted something like that to happen. Out of everything I have done and caused to happen... it’s the one thing I can never ask forgiveness for.”

 Not many characters are redeemed. but Seth proved himself in this book and made all the hope I had for him worth while. But don't get me wrong. SETH WAS STILL SETH. Snarky, kick-ass, arrogant…. swoon worthy.

“We need a plan," he replied.
"Wow," Seth folded his arms. "That's a unique concept."
"Seth," I hissed, shooting him a look.
"That's okay," Apollo replied, smiling at Seth in a wholly creepy "hide your kids" kind of way. "When you least expect it, I'm going to turn you into a pink flower that smells like cat pee.” 

Together these 3 characters finished out the book with a bang. Not to mention when you have a Titan and the 12 Olympians in the mix is becomes a pretty BIG bang.

READ THE BOOK!

There was just SO MUCH about this book I could't possibly fit into this one post so do yourself a favor and READ THE SERIES. I am 100% certain you will love it. From the beginning to the very last page, I was on an emotional twist of emotions. The plot of the series came into full circle as we were introduced to the new world of pures and halfs.

““They’re going to tell stories about us.”

Aiden lowered his head, kissing me softly, deeply, and so lovingly that tears pricked my 

eyes. “They already are.”” 

And just for kicks, here are my Aiden, Alex and Seth?  Who did you picture? Comment Below.

Book Review 17: Hopeless

Sometimes discovering the truth can leave you more hopeless than believing the lies…

That’s what seventeen-year-old Sky realizes after she meets Dean Holder. A guy with a reputation that rivals her own and an uncanny ability to invoke feelings in her she’s never had before. He terrifies her and captivates her all in the span of just one encounter, and something about the way he makes her feel sparks buried memories from a past that she wishes could just stay buried.

Sky struggles to keep him at a distance knowing he’s nothing but trouble, but Holder insists on learning everything about her. After finally caving to his unwavering pursuit, Sky soon finds that Holder isn’t at all who he’s been claiming to be. When the secrets he’s been keeping are finally revealed, every single facet of Sky’s life will change forever.

*The Break Down:

There are no words.

Once in awhile a book comes along that is so powerful and emotional every single cell in your body screams with tears and laughter and happiness. Hopeless is that book.

There isn't a single thing about this book that I didn't love. It was wonderful, mesmerizing, spell-binding, heartbreaking and breathtaking all at the same time. I couldn't for one second put it down while I was reading it. I loved the MOST of the character, their sense of humor and their roles in the story and I loved the amazing writing style of the author Colleen Hoover. I found myself wanting to highlight almost every passage in it because the words were so beautiful and perfectly chosen. Hopeless was absolutely one of the best books I've read in 2013.

Meet Sky. She's not our average character. She's the kind of girl that doesn't have a Facebook account, doesn't own a cellphone and doesn't have a TV in their house. She's so isolated to technology that she thought the meaning of LOL was lots of love. She's the kind of girl that feels numb whenever she's making out with guys. She's also the kind of girl that doesn't cry and doesn't know the feeling of lust. But all of that changed the moment she met Holder.

Oh Holder * Pause to swoon, Welcome to the league of book boyfriends Holden.

“Fuck all the firsts, Sky. The only thing that matters to me with you are the forevers.” 

I was a goner; after this scene. Their love story is definitely different from all the contemporary stories that I've read. It was real, it was heartbreaking, it's definitely tragic yet it was strikingly  beautiful. I don't know how Colleen created this story or how she got this idea...

...but THANK YOU FICTIONAL GODS ABOVE. 

Now, the plot. 

It was unthinkable and screwed up yet beautiful and magical. I do have to say that it was much darker than I had expected, Hopeless is a harsh read that will clobber your heart, leaving you bloody and broken. While I did guess at a lot of the events that would occur, this novel still left me disturbed and shocked, even when I did know what was coming. It's the kind of story that is meant to leave you flabbergasted by the sudden twist of events The last half of the novel delivers some violently emotional scenes that displays exactly what kind of talent Colleen possesses to be able to embed so much power into the written word. I'm telling you, some of it took my breath away--I literally had the urge to look away until it passed, not because of anything gory (though one part is a little bit), but because of how much pain it entails. I was not expecting so much heartbreak from such a pretty blue skied cover.

The opening chapters of this book book lead you to believe that the plot will be fairly similar to an epic romance. A boy meets girl kind of thing... NOPE!

There are SO MANY twists and turns, that will leave your jaw on your lap!

Over all, Hopeless was wonderful, mesmerizing, spell-binding, heartbreaking and breathtaking all at the same time. I couldn't for one second put it down while I was reading it. Colleen possesses a unique ability to embed so much power into the written word. If your the kind of reader exploring the New-Adult, You are sure you fall head over heels for Hopeless.