1. Book Review: Champion by Marie Lu

Title: Champion (Legend #3) ★★★★☆
Author: Marie Lu
Publication Date: 5 November 2013
Publisher: Penguin
Page Count: 384
IBSN: 0399256776 (ISBN13: 9780399256776)
Bookshelves: Young Adult, Dystopian

More Information:
Legend Series | Marie Lu | Goodreads | Book Depository

Summary:
Champion is the final book in the much loved Legend series by Marie Lu. This novel continues the established storyline creating a coherent trilogy for young adult. In a futuristic and dystopian version of the United States (because, really, other countries are unimportant) the people are subjected to harsh living conditions, including the 'trial' which determines an individual's potential contribution to society at age 12. In the third novel, we revisit Denver and Los Angeles under the rule of the new elector Anden and the looming threat of the Colonies of America (US east coast).

The two main characters, June and Day, return in Champion to alternate points of view. June, the Republic's prodigy is faced with the political issues affecting the government as the Princepts-Elect. Day constantly questions his allegiance to the reformed Republic and the threat hanging over both his head and his young brother Eden. The two also have to deal with their difficult relationship with each other in a time of major unrest.

For a mild SPOILER review, see below

#Goodreads

In response to Bookables' (who you should all definitely subscribe to) Goodreads tag, I have decided to complete my own, because I *love* (like, really love) Goodreads.

1. What was the last book you read?
Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell - ★★★★★

Such an amazing book, I read it in one day, my review will be posted (hopefully) soon.

2. What book are you currently reading?
The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey

I'm a bit less than halfway through this book. I haven't been loving it as much as I thought I would, there are some parts which are fantastic, and some parts which are a bit slow. Once I finish it, there will be a review (again, hopefully. Still seeing how this blog is actually going...)

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak - ★★★★★

I started rereading this book just before the movie was released in Australia in early January. However, I only got about 100 pages in before getting distracted by other books, so we'll see if I return to it soon. Otherwise, I'll move it back to my read shelf.

3. What was the last book you marked as to-read?
The Invisible Circus by Jennifer Egan

4. What book do you plan to read next?
We'll see, really. But on the top of my list are:
Wonder by R.J. Palacio

How to Convince a Boy to Kiss You by Tara Eglington

Wildlife by Fiona Wood

5. Do you use a star rating system?
Yes I do:
★☆☆☆☆ - Books I didn't enjoy at all, either didn't finish or had to push myself an insane amount to finish, not worth the effort. 
★★☆☆☆ - Books I didn't see the appeal of and thought were not engaging and boring, was still able to enjoy it a little.
★★★☆☆ - Okay books, didn't love them.
★★★★★ - One of the best books I have ever read, amazing, I would reread this again in a heartbeat, would recommend to all my friends.


6. Are you doing a 2014 Reading Challenge?
Yes! I have challenged myself to read 60 books this year. Last year I read 53/50 books for the challenge, so I just increased the number by a small amount, I think it's achievable, I hope I get to the goal.

City of Heavenly Fire Cover Reveal!

Yesterday the cover for the final novel in Cassandra Clare's bestselling series, The Mortal Instruments, was revealed!

I really like the cover! It shows Clary from the back and a dark figure behind her, most likely Sebastian/Jonathan (correct me if I'm wrong). The Mortal Instruments definitely don't have the most attractive covers of any series, and the models used on the covers can often look corny and overly photoshopped. However, this cover doesn't show clear faces, which just makes it... cleaner. I love the Sebastian character, he looks evil and foreboding on the cover, and is a clear difference from all the previous covers. Clary is in quite a weak position from the back, so who knows, maybe this final book will follow in Allegiant's footsteps? The runes on her body look great, but don't match with the runes shown in the film, not that that's a problem. Also they've finally replaced the good old Stephenie Meyer quote on the front. Overall, I think the cover is great, and is making me super excited for the book to be released. This will look awesome on my bookshelf with all the other books!

City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare
Expected Publication Date: 27th May 2014

The Iron King isn’t very strong

The Iron King by Julie Kagawa [Source]

A book that excited me initially, ended up being dull. I read the iBooks sample of Kagawa’s The Iron King last December and loved the concept and the characters – I couldn’t wait to find out what the book was really about and what was going to happen next. Well I was wrong.

I’ve never read any faery YA novels. The only ones I’ve ever read about are Holly Black’s. So I was skeptical. The world of the Summer and Winter courts is well explained, but is something I don’t really connect with, it felt more like the Narnia stories. The world and the characters didn’t enthral me in the way they were supposed to.

The storyline was okay, the characters fine, and I was happy to have finished it. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend this book to other readers of YA, but I did finish it, which shows that it was okay. Has anyone else read any faery books? Holly Black’s? Would you recommend them? Should I continue with the rest of The Iron Fey books?

The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

3 stars

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The Vampire Academy spinoff series - Bloodlines

I like Vampire Academy. I’m not saying its the best literature or storyline, but it is interesting and fun. Which is basically what I look for in a book.

Bloodlines [Wikipedia]

Bloodlines is the spin off novel of the seven part series, Vampire Academy. This fresh story is the first in a new series which focuses on alchemist Sydney. This story is of Jill, Lissa’s younger sister, and her protection at a school in Palm Springs. The story has all your typical VA Dhampir/Moroi/Strigoi problems.

I realise that I am about 2 years behind in this review. I read VA at the end of 2010 and read Last Sacrifice just as it came out. I started reading Bloodlines at the end of last year and just kept putting it off until I finally finished it off in the past week.

If you enjoyed or loved VA I would definitely recommend this book. However, if you didn’t, this novel was along the exact same line so steer clear. This novel has a notable absence of a love interest for the main character, Sydney. Refreshingly different though it is, it makes me more excited to read the next book, The Golden Lily (I’m a sucker for teen romance!). The storyline is strong and the characters engaging.

Happy Reading!

*** – 3 stars

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