Gayle Forman : I WAS HERE

Warning! If you expecting a typical YA novel about suicide and coping with the loss of a loved one, you are in for a great surprise!

I WAS HERE is ground-breaking YA novel written by very talented and one of the great novelist in YA genre - Gayle Forman.


Ms Forman is a well-known name in the YA genre. Her IF I STAY & WHERE SHE WENT firstly broke your heart, then it mended it. Since then she published other novels: JUST ONE DAY & JUST ONE YEAR. And this year... She has brought us I WAS HERE.

*****

"I regret to inform you that I have had to take my own life. This decision has been a long time coming, and was mine alone to make. I know it will cause you pain, and for that I am sorry, but please know that I needed to end my own pain. This has nothing to do with you and everything to do with me. It's not your fault. 

MEG."

Cody and Meg were inseparable - best friends for life. They knew everything about each other. Or Cody thought they did. But how well do you ever really know your best friend? And what do you do when they choose to leave you behind? 

*****

With such a gripping blur I couldn't wait to put my fingers on this book!!

But let's start from the beginning. The edition. Paperback. 270 pages. 41 chapters. On the cover of this book is a collage of pictures of two girls, best friends, possible Meg & Cody. It's a very modern, indie design. Eye-catching. Very suitable for contemporary YA genre.


The writing is very easy to read. Exciting. Very relatable  Thrilling at times. But at the same time it is  written with the sensitivity needed for this type of the story. And Ms Forman knows how to tell a sad story like similar to this one. It is heart-breaking. Thoughtful. It's absolutely spell-binding.


The story. Wow,  this story opened my mind and heart to such a sad, heart-shattering issue of suicide. What would you do when someone you love, someone who owns a part of your heart, takes their own life? And leaves you behind without any explanation, just a vague note. Actually an email, a group email...You are the one left behind to deal with everything. And as you go through their belongings you slowly find out that you might have not know them at all.

Cody and Meg were best friends since childhood. Meg's family was Cody's family. And then Meg got into a very good college and things have slightly changed. Cody distanced herself and their friendship suffered. They started to grow apart. And then... Then the email has arrived and Cody's world fell apart. She doesn't understand...She embargoes on a mission to find out what drove Meg to commit such a heartbreaking thing - taking her own life. And what she discovers breaks heart even more.

This is a moving tale which will keep you breathless, heart-broken and filled with grief. It's beautiful. It's sad. It will make you cry. You will feel so much loss... You will be able to identify and feel the same sadness Cody goes through.


The biggest surprise was that the story has taken a completely different turn then I expected. The surprise of including website helping other people to commit suicide left me with my mouth wide-opened. It made the story that much more special. And I couldn't put it down. I had to find out what will happen next. And I was stunned with the development of this tale.


So thank you Ms Forman for writing this eye-opening story filled with so much sadness and love, it has become un-put-down-able.

Another wonderful heart-shattering story from her pen. This story will stay with you long time after you have read. It will leave a mark on you!!

What a wonderful addition to anyone's personal library.

Scott Westerfeld : AFTERWORLDS

Warning! This book will occupy your thoughts for most of your awaken hours until you finish the last page.

AFTERWORLDS is young adult novel written by the very famous and very popular author in the YA genre - Mr SCOTT WESTERFELD.


I have stumbled across this book by accident. I was doing my weekly shop at my local supermarket and was browsing through the book section when I came across 3 for £10 offer. I picked two books, but I couldn't' decided what other third book I should get. And that is when my eyes fell upon AFTERWORLDS. What a lucky accident that was!

*****

TWO GIRLS. TWO WORLDS. ONE BOOK.

Lizzie should have died in a terrorist attack. But Lizzie is a character in Darcy's first novel, Afterworlds - and death only makes her stronger. Sold to a New York publisher for a huge advance, Afterworlds catapults Darcy into the glittering book world and puts her college plans on hold. Immersed in rewrites, author parties and book tours, Darcy comes of age as she struggles with the perfect ending to her novel - and the intoxicating beginning of first love.

DARCY WRITES THE WORDS. LIZZIE LIVES THEM.

*****

Let's talk about the edition first. I own the paperback. 599 pages long. Divided into 42 chapters. On the front cover is an optical illusion of two faces of two girls. It's beautiful. Simple. But eye-catching.


The writing. Well... How can I describe how I feel about it. The parts of Darcy's story are modern, very relate, intriguing. It gives you a wonderful glimpse of the world of YA genre and how it is created. I love how the author describes the works behind writing and publishing a novel. It's nice to see that not all is pink, easy and lovely when publishing a novel. It's quite a stressful work. I thanks to this novel I have even much more respect for my favourite authors.


Now, Lizzie's story is very thrilling, adventurous, exciting and quite unique for the YA genre. I would love to read the story on its own.

I really enjoyed how these two stories improved as we read on. It's lovely to read. AFTERWORLDS is an original story in the YA genre. I don't think I have read similar book yet. Scott Westerfeld managed to write a wonderful exciting story which you cannot help but admire. It is so entertaining that you won't be able to put it down. It keeps you on your toes. It's so captivating that you just want to read on.


Another aspect I truly enjoyed was the fact that the main protagonist - Darcy - actually finds love with another female author. Not many authors of YA genre are brave enough to take this steps. Also, there is no love triangle - thank God. I am getting a little fed up with these as you know.

All the characters, either in Lizzie's story or Darcy's behind-the-scenes tale, are very loveable. There are so intriguing protagonists too. Like the Old Man or the Bad Man. It's interesting to find out both of their motivation for their wrong doing. My favourite character is Mindy from Lizzie's story. She is such a charming and  funny ghost. I just adore the interaction between her and Lizzie. It's quite enjoyable to watch.

Both main protagonists - Lizzie & Darcy - are very relatable young women. All the female readers can finds similar characteristics in both characters. They are both smart, funny and brave in the way they live their life and take upon the new challenges in their new lives.


So all in all, I have truly enjoy reading this novel. It's a unique book in the YA genre. Very captivating in both of their parts. I only wish there would be more.

So thank you Mr Westerfeld for bringing this original tale to life.

Sarah J. Maas : A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES

Warning!! Even if you are not a fan of fantasy adventures, you won't be able to help but to fall in love with this story.

A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES is a first part of a brand new book series written by one of my personal favourite authors in the Fantasy YA genre - Sarah J. Maas.


Firstly, let me tell you a secret! Well, it isn't a proper secret, you can share it with anyone. Actually, I encourage you to do so. I think that Sarah J. Maas is the 'Queen of Fantasy YA'.  She captured my heart completely with her Throne Of Glass series. I wasn't expecting to fall in love with this gift of literature so much, but I did! Now, every year I count down the days till a new book comes out! Another reason why autumn is my favourite season!


So, when I heard that she is releasing a brand new novel, of course I had to have it. Pre-ordered, I have been patiently waiting until May for this new adventure to find its way onto the book shelves. I was expecting great things, but at the same time I have been worried.. I was scared that this new story won't be able to match the success of Throne Of Glass series... But what I wasn't expecting, was to fall in love even more deeply... There are books which you just cannot help, but love. And this one is one of them. It puts a spell / curse on you (pun intended) ! A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES will become a permanent member of your library.

*****

Feyre is a huntress. She thinks nothing of slaughtering a wolf to capture its prey. But, like all mortals, she fears what lingers mercilessly beyond the forest. And she will learn that taking the life of a magical creature comes at a high price... Imprisoned in an enchanted court in her enemy's kingdom, Feyre is free to roam but forbidden to escape. Her captor's body bears the scars of fighting, and his face is always masked - but his piercing stare draws her ever closer. As Feyre's feelings for Tamlin begin to burn through every warning she's been told about his kind, an ancient, wicked shadow grows.

*****

Firstly, let me talk about the beautiful edition this story is wrapped in. Paperback. 416 pages divided into 46 amazing chapters. The cover captures Feyre on the bright red background. It's such a powerful and mesmerising design. You won't be able to miss the book in your favourite book shop. And you won't want to miss out on this book. I promise you that!!


The writing.. Wow !! It always amazes me how much thought and imagination goes into writing a fantasy novel! Especially, when it comes to Ms Maas. Her writing is so creative, heart-warming, adventurous, thrilling... It's packed with twists which leaves you with your mouth wide opened. I have been literally hanging on every single word.. I just couldn't stop myself. I had to read more and more. I had to find out what will happen next.

The story itself is so captivating. It literately took my breath away. I was entranced with the wonderful story about love so strong that can survive even the hardest of challenges. What a beautiful enchanting adventure!! This wonderful piece of written word made me feel so many different emotions. I laughed and giggled like school girl. I cried like a baby. I got my heart shattered into million pieces. I was filled with anger at characters and their behaviour. I shouted out when something went wrong. I was absolutely mesmerised! 


This fast paced story just took over my heart and every fibre of my being. It took over my life for three wonderful days and I don't regret a minute of it. When I thought it couldn't get any better, another twist surprised me. I was absolutely consumed with with it. Every single page, every single chapter was an absolute perfection.

The characters and their ever-developing relationships were just wonderful. You couldn't help but to fall in love with them. They just got into your heart, grabbed it and wouldn't let go.

• Feyre. A human girl who does anything in her power to secure her family's survival. She has been looking after from a young age and they have took the advantage of her! She is strong .....and beautiful inside and out. She is fearless. She loves with all her heart and goes to extreme lengths to prove her love for Tamlin!! 

• Tamlin. Boy crush alert !! The High Lord of the Spring. A warrior with shape-shifting ability. He is powerful, magical but has a heart. He is compassionate, but strong. He wants to protect everyone in his court, everyone he loves. He has been punished and cursed but he doesn't give up without a fight. And he falls in love with this human girl and gives her his whole heart. 

• Lucien. High Fea. Tamlin's best friend. He is a warrior which strong morals. He can give you a hard time, but once you win him over, he goes to extreme lengths to help you out when you need. 

• Rhysand. At first I loathed him, later on I learnt to tolerate him. I don't trust him. He is a great manipulator who isn't afraid to strike a bargain to achieve his goals. He knows how to play the game . There are many fans of this novel who are crushing on Rhys but I am not one of them. There is just something about him I cannot stand. 

• Alis. A servant and a friend. She has been through a lot - lost her beloved sister. Now she is looking after her two nephews. One this I admire about her that she doesn't lie to Feyre ! No matter how awful the truth is, she is always truthful with her ! 

• Nesta. Feyre's eldest sister and a character who managed to surprised me the most . At the beginning you think of her as horrible human being. Selfish. Always angry. Ungrateful. But as we learn later on, she is a strong young woman who truly cares and loves her sisters. I think she would be a great companion for Lucien, so I hope to see more of her in the upcoming books. 

I am a huge admirer of the relationships between the characters and their constant development. I adore the friendship and always present bickering between Lucien & Feyre. I respect Feyre's bond and common understanding with Rhys. But I absolutely adore the beautiful relationship between Feyre & Tamlin. The readers often compare this story to The Beauty & The Beast. The mutual hatred at the beginning. Slow building of trust. Admiration. Attraction. Finding common grounds. Discovering deep feelings! True Love!! It's absolutely beautiful and wonderful to witness the slow but continuously growing love between these two. It's an honour and an absolutely pleasure to read their love story ! 

And this brings me to the one and only thing I do not like about the development in this book! There are hints, small sings of a possible love triangle between Feyre, Tamlin & Rhys! And I have to be honest, I absolutely hate the idea! There so many other YA novels which include this element and it's getting pretty boring! I would hate if Ms Maas would jump in a wagon and headed to this direction! I think the story of Tamlin & Feyre's love is so powerful that it doesn't needs a love triangle! Yes, put their love through trials and tests. Personally I think Tamlin should now prove his love for Feyre, but I don't think it should be done by competing for her love with Rhys. When the author first introduce this possibility of this happening with the introduction of the bond between Rhys & Feyre, I actually screamed and got very, very angry! And I now pray that the author will change her mind and cut out this idea. I think if this would happen, it would actually damaged the story itself! The beautiful tale we have grown to love would lose its charm and magic !! 

But otherwise.. I truly, deeply and unconditionally fell in love with this beautiful piece of literature! You know that there is a greatness to be expected when the book has a map in it. All the great Fantasy Book series have a map and this one is no exception .. 

So thank you Sarah J. Maas for taking the time and creating the fantastic world of Fae, Faeries, strong human characters... It's an absolute pleasure to spend my time in the world of your imagination and I cannot wait to read more. May 2016 just cannot come soon enough ! 

A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES is one of my favourite books I have ever read and it has given another proof why Fantasy YA genre is becoming my favourite to read!! Ms Maas you are a true queen of it! 


Follow Sarah J. Maas on Twitter @SJMaas or visit her website http://sarahjmaas.com .

Jenny Han : P.S. I STILL LOVE YOU

Warning! Prepare yourself for so many feels! I finished a full jar of Nutella whilst reading this book.

P.S. I STILL LOVE YOU is a sequel to one of my favourite books I have read this year - TO ALL THE BOYS I'VE LOVED BEFORE - written by the gorgeous and very talented, Jenny Han.


I cannot even begin to start to describe the joy of finally owing and reading this book. Ever since reading To All The Boys I've Loved Before, I was too excited to read the sequel. I had it pre-ordered the minute I finished the first book. I was literally counting down the days till it is published. And then May 26th arrived and found the most amazing package in my mailbox - the brand new sparkling edition of P.S. I STILL LOVE YOU. I literally danced the happy dance around my living room!!!

So me and the always lovely Sara from Carpe Librum Girl* have decided to pick this very much anticipated book for our 'Buddy Read'. We both adore Jenny Han and her writing.

*****

Lara Jean didn't expect to really fall for Peter. She and Peter were just pretending. Expect suddenly they weren't. Now Lara Jean is more confused than ever. When another boy from her past returns to her life, Lara Jean's feelings for him return too. Can a girl be in love with two boys at once? 

*****

Let's talk about the edition of the book first. Since I love this book so so much, I own the paperback and the hardback edition too. They are both such beautiful editions. On each of them is a picture of Lara Jean sitting in the window bay. The pictures are slightly different, but they are both very retro and beautiful. The design of the sequel compliments the first book and its both editions (paperback & hardback) wonderfully. 337 pages. 56 chapters. I absolutely adore both of the editions.

The writing. Oh how lovely is to be back in the world of Jenny Han and her writing. It's modern. Romantic. Intelligent. Emotional. It makes you feel so many feelings whilst reading it. A whole spectrum. It's engaging. And so, so relate able. You will not be able to put the book down. I promise you! I wasn't able to that myself. It took me a day to go through it. I was reading it so fast like my life would depend on it. I just wanted to find out what will happen next...


The story starts exactly where it left off. Lara Jean realises that she really likes Peter and writes him her first proper love letter. And them two decide to give their relationship a true go. But not all is rainbows and unicorns. Love isn't an easy, one way road to happiness. There are hiccups on the road. Challenges which make sure that your love is true. Love is never easy, but maybe that's the part of what makes it amazing.

This story wonderfully describes falling in love for very first time. The feelings.. The angst.. Especially if you aren't the first one for him. Lara Jean isn't Peter's first love. But he is hers. He has history with Gen and Gen keeps meddling in their relationship. And Lara Jean becomes insecure. When she needs to feel the security, Peter isn't there. Someone else is. Someone else keeps reminding her how special she is. Will Peter start fighting for his and Lara Jean's relationship before it is too late? Or will Lara Jean's first end up in vain?


I cannot describe how amazing is Jenny Han's story-telling. She manages to capture the humans true feelings in such a wonderful way that you can relive them time and time again. She makes you think of your first love... of your first kiss... of being insecure and new to being in love. And that is were a true writing talent lies... You know when you read a good book when you catch yourself laughing out loud... Crying as hard as you can.. Sobbing like a baby. Words have the power to do that. And Jenny Han has the magical ability to do that. She is a wizard of literature!!!

I have to mentioned how much I adore Kitty in this story. She has been my favourite character from the start. But time and time again.... Reading deeper into the story.. I love her even more. She is on verge of becoming a great, sensitive, but very smart woman. But she is still Kitty at the same time. She kind of reminds me Agnes from Despicable Me films. Actually all the character in this book are so loveable. You cannot help but like them. Even Genevieve. I think the truth is that you admire them even more, because you can find bits and pieces of yourself in them. They are so real and relate able.


All in all, I love the continuum of Han's story. PS I Still Love You was all I expected it to me, if not more. I loved every page. The time I spent reading the words was well spent. I cannot wait to re-read the story time and time again. And I cannot wait for my friends to read the story too, so we can talk about.

JENNY HAN, you have outdone yourself yet again! What a beautiful story!!

*Read Sara's review on CARPE LIBRUM GIRL !!

JUNE READING CHALLENGE

Hello there my lovelies!!!

How are you all? Guess what!! The summer is starting!! Today is June 1st !!! Gone are cold days, let's welcome the sunshine! At least I hope, but you never know with the weather forecast !!

But since a new month is here, it's time for me to share with you my TBR list for the wonderful month of June! 

I was thinking for a while about the upcoming months' TBR lists and I think I came up with some wonderful choices for the summer. 

But before I start my JUNE READING CHALLENGE, I have to tie some loose ends. Firstly, I do apologise for the lack of posts and reviews, but I have to blame NETFLIX for it. I have discovered that it holds all 4 seasons of Once Upon A Time and somehow I got addicted to that TV show. Luckily for you, there are only 4 seasons and I have finally watched them all, so I am back to my normal self. Of course, due to my lack of reading, I am a little behind with MAY TBR LIST. Don't fret though, I only need to finish off MAZE RUNNER book series and then the June fun can begin. 

So without any more chit chat, here is my TBR list for the wonderful, and hopefully very sunny month of JUNE!!

*****

JUNE READING CHALLENGE

NEVER NEVER by Colleen Hoover & Tarryn Fisher

Charlize Wynwood and Silas Nash have been best friends since before they could walk. They've been in love since the age of fourteen. But as of this morning... they are complete strangers. Their first kiss,  their first fight, the moment they fell in love.. every memory has vanished. Charlize and Silas must work together to uncover the truth about what happened to them and why. But the more they learn about the couple they used to be... the more they question why they were ever together to begin with. 

P.S. I STILL LOVE YOU by Jenny Han

Lara Jean didn't expect to really fall for Peter. They had just been pretending. Expect suddenly they weren't. Now Lara Jean is more confused than ever. Then another boy from her past returns to her life, and Lara Jean's feelings for him return too. Can a girl be in love with two boys at the same time? 

AFTERWORLDS by Scott Westerfeld

Two girls. Two worlds. One book. 

Lizzie should have died in a terrorist attack. But Lizzie is a character in Darcy's first novel, 'AFTERWORLDS' - and death only makes her stronger. Sold to a New York publisher for a huge advance, 'AFTERWORLDS' catapults Darcy into the glittering book world and puts her college plans on hold. Immersed in rewrites, author parties and book tours, Darcy comes of age as she struggles with the perfect ending to her novel - and the intoxicating beginning of first love. 

Darcy writes the words. Lizzie lives them. 

I WAS HERE by Gayle Forman

Some lights are too bright to last. 

Cody and Meg were inseparable - best friends for life. They knew everything about each other. Or Cody thought they did. But how well do you ever really know your best friend? And what do you do when they choose to leave you behind? 

A COURT OF THORNS AND ROSES by Sarah J. Maas

Feyre is a huntress. She thinks nothing of slaughtering a wolf to capture its prey. But, like all mortals, she fears what lingers mercilessly beyond the forest. And she will learn that taking the life of a magical creature comes at a high price... Imprisoned in an enchanted court in her enemy's kingdom, Feyre is free to roam but forbidden to escape. Her captor's body bears the scars of fighting, and his face is always masked - but his piercing stare draws her ever closer. As Feyre's feelings for Tamlin begin to burn through every warning she's been told about his kind, an ancient, wicked shadow grows. 

DELIRIUM series by Lauren Oliver

DELIRIUM

PANDEMONIUM

REQUIEM 

What if love were a disease? 

There was a time when love was the most important thing in the world. People would go to the end of the earth to find it. They would tell lies for it. Even kill for it. 

Then, at last, they found the cure. 

*****

There you have it. 1 book series, 6 very different stories. 

I am excited. Ecstatic. Cannot wait to get lost in new worlds and new adventures. 

What about you ? What is on your TBR list this month?

xoxo