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