Wonder by R. J. Palacio

Title: Wonder

Author: RJ Palacio

Genre: Childrens lit, coming of age

Pages: 316

Publisher: Penguin Random House

Format: Paperback

Synopsis: 
"I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse."

August (Auggie) Pullman was born with a facial deformity that prevented him from going to a mainstream school—until now. He's about to start 5th grade at Beecher Prep, and if you've ever been the new kid then you know how hard that can be. The thing is Auggie's just an ordinary kid, with an extraordinary face. But can he convince his new classmates that he's just like them, despite appearances?

R. J. Palacio has written a spare, warm, uplifting story that will have readers laughing one minute and wiping away tears the next. With wonderfully realistic family interactions (flawed, but loving), lively school scenes, and short chapters, Wonder is accessible to readers of all levels.  (Goodreads Synopsis)

Review: The first thing that I want to say about this book is that if you haven't read this yet, where have you been? This book is absolutely phenominal and words cannot describe how much I enjoyed it. I love that we got to see the different points of views of the characters and I found Auggie was such a unique character that I absolutely adore, he is strong and courages and loving.  I loved seeing him grow as a person and really come out of his shell. I also enjoyed see the changes in the other characters when they chose to be kind. I also really like seeing Via's point of view, having a brother with treacher collins syndrome who always had his parents attention was something that she really struggled with but overcame with time. 

This book that I believe everyone should read, it spreads the message of kindness, to treat those how you would like to be treated. It also teaches us readers to really think about the things that we say and how we say them because you never know how it may affect someone. This is definitely my favourite read of the year and I think it's actually now in my top 5 favourite books of all time. Wonder will pull you through a roller coaster of emotions and really teach you to #choosekind. If you haven't read Wonder yet I highly recommend that you pick it up, you will not be disappointed, I promise. 

Singing Fire by T.L. Martin

Title: Singing Fire (#1)

Author: T.L. Martin

Genre: Paranormal/Fantasy/Young Adult

Pages: 296

Publisher: ???

Date Released: November 27th 2016

Format: Ebook

Synopsis: Constant chills, panic attacks, and now paranoia – there’s a reason seventeen-year-old Charlie keeps to herself. 

Life is looking up when she gets a job at a whimsical tea shop and gains a few new friends, but little does Charlie know there are secrets lurking beyond its door. 

It only takes one night for her perspective on her small town to change forever. As if witches, vampires, and demons weren’t enough, she soon realizes she’s being hunted for a power she didn’t know she possessed. 
Singing Fire takes Charlie through an unexpected journey of self-discovery, betrayal, and forbidden love all while the clock is ticking for her to defeat the dark souls pursuing her – before anyone else dear to her has to die. (Goodreads synopsis)

Note: I was sent a review copy in exchange for a honest review
Review:
I really enjoyed the writing as it was super easy to get into and I rarely found myself wishing the pace would speed up because majority of the time it was awesome. The world building was also really well done. It made me feel as though I was actually there, I couldn't imagine it in my head so early. Something that I really enjoyed was that the main character Charlie struggled with panic attacks and she wasn't very good with social situations which I think was executed well. It was awesome to see Charlie's character grow and change into a more confident woman. Though there were times were I got annoyed with her character as she made a few rash decisions and was so fixated on being the hero that it got her into trouble. 

Also on a random note.. At the start of the novel it mentioned how Charlie had 3 birthmarks behind her ear but then I don't remember it mentioning anything else about it through out the novel. Perhaps that will be explained in the next novel? Like why she is the opal. 

One thing that I look for in a novel is an unexpected ending and T.L. Martin certainly delivered. The twist will definitely take you by surprise. I will definitely be looking out for the next instalment :) 

If you love paranormal mixed with a bit of romance then this one is for you :)

Neverland Review

Title: Neverland

Author: Shari Arnold

Genre: young adult, fantasy

Pages: 358

Publisher: Create Space

 Date Released:  7th April 2015

Format:  ebook

Synopsis:
It’s been four months since seventeen-year-old Livy Cloud lost her younger sister, but she isn’t quite ready to move on with her life — not even close. She’d rather spend her time at the Seattle Children’s hospital, reading to the patients and holding onto memories of the sister who was everything to her and more.

But when she meets the mysterious and illusive Meyer she is drawn into a world of adventure, a world where questions abound.

Is she ready to live life without her sister? Or more importantly, is she brave enough to love again?

In this modern reimagining of Peter Pan, will Livy lose herself to Neverland or will she find what she’s been searching for?
(Goodreads Synopsis)

  Review:
** I received a free advanced copy this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review**

When I first read the synopsis for this book I really like the idea of Peter Pan type world. I guess that's what really pulled me in.One thing I like about this was that the story was interwoven with the modern world which made it more realistic and put a different spin the fairy-tale.  The start of the story Livy is very focused on her sisters death and it kind of consumes her to the point where its taken over her life. Then in comes Meyer who is adventurous and daring, he helps Livy heal. I found that the start of the novel was quite hard to actually get into because I felt as though the writing but it definitely got better as the story continued. I can't say that I fully enjoyed it because I didn't. The first half just felt a bit repetitive and it dragged on a bit but once Never land was introduced I started to enjoy it.

Overall: For the most part of the novel I enjoyed it and I think that any peter pan fans out there would enjoy this retelling of an original tale.


Cover art: 5
Plot: 3
Characters:3
Writing:3
Level of interest:4
Total rating:3

Happy Reading Everyone!! :D
- Jordan

walker saga Review (books 1-6)

Title: First world (#1),
Spurn (#2),
Crais (#3),
Regali (#4),
Nephilius (#5),
Dronish (#6)

Author: Jaymin Eve

Genre: Distopian, young adult, romance, sci-fi

Publisher: Create Space
 Date Released: July 10th 2013

Format:  ebook

Synopsis:If the Seventine are released, will anyone survive?
Abigail Swish might not love her life, living in gang-ridden New York in 2035 and training to fight and survive with Compound 23. But she is grateful for a few things, especially her no-filter-between-brain-and-mouth best friend Lucy and her escape each night into a dream world far different from her own.
In fact, sometimes she lives for the fleeting moments she spends at night with the man who fuels every romantic fantasy she’s ever had. But each morning reality returns. She could just cry. But she won’t of course; tears don’t change a damn thing.
Then without any warning, a month before her eighteenth birthday, everything does change. A guardian finds her. He explains, in a strangely familiar accent, that she was stashed on Earth for safekeeping and has been lost to her family ever since. And it is time to return home. To the First World; a land of unimagined beauty.

Abigail and Lucy find themselves escaping New York, ending up on another planet and traversing through an unforgiving wilderness. Yeah, because that sort of thing just happens every day. Luckily an unexpected saviour arrives; the man from her dream-world. Brace is six-and-a-half feet of gorgeous perfectness, wrapped in an arrogance like no other. Unable to trust his assistance, and unsure which of her instincts to follow - kiss him or punch him in the mouth - Abigail eventually accepts his help to find her family.
And what a family. Enter Josian, her father; larger than life and apparently not even human. He is Walker, a planet-less race revered as gods, causing mischief and mayhem through-out this star-system. Unfortunately, there is no time for a cosy reunion, since no one explained that by returning to First World her half-Walker genetics would act as a catalyst setting forth a chain of events which could spell disaster for not only her existence but that of all worlds. ( Goodreads synopsis )
 Review:

 I'm gona be honest and say I read all 6 books on 3days oops. Haha but now I wish I hadn't because I have to wait for the last book ti be released and I must know what is gona happen! I don't read a lot of books with "aliens" but a friend recommended this to me and I am so glad she did because I could not put it down. I love the world building and they way the Jaymin described the different worlds was fabulous. I could picture everything perfectly in my mind. The writing really flowed and I loved Lucy's smart mouth, it got my laughing plenty. I loved how strong and independent Abby is but that she could also go to Brace when she knew she couldn't do something on her own. The bond between the walker girls was awesome and I love how they have all grown so far and I can't wait to meet the final walker girl.

Overall: I'm very excited to find out how the Final battle will commence and I'm curious as to what is Josians fate. I definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a pick me up because this series will definitely hit all the right spots.


Cover art: 3
Plot: 5
Characters:4
Writing:5
Level of interest:5
Total rating:5

Happy Reading Everyone!! :D
- Jordan

Spark Review

Title: Spark

Author: Rachel Craw

Pages: 464

Genre: sci-fi, young adult, romance

Publisher: Walker Books Australia      

Date Released: July 1st 2014

Format:  paperback

Synopsis:Evie doesn’t have a choice.

One day she’s an ordinary seventeen year old, grieving for her mother. The next, she’s a Shield, the result of a decades-old experiment gone wrong, bound by DNA to defend her best friend from an unknown killer.

The threat could come at home, at school, anywhere. All Evie knows is that it will be a fight to the death.

And then there’s Jamie. irresistible. off-limits.   (Goodreads synopsis)


Review:This cover is so cool! I picked up this book at my local bookstore and didn't realise until the end of the book that the author is a fellow New Zealander :D
This book draws you in from the start. The main character Evie doesn't need a Hero because she is her own hero. At the start she is lost, her mother has just died and she feels as though her world is falling apart but suddenly she starts having odd changes. I like that the story always had something happening, there were not many scenes where there wasn't something exciting. The end was a major plot twist that I was not expecting which I loved because it is not often in a book where you didn't predict the outcome, because lets be honest a lot of books now days can be predictable. The writing was well done but my only complaint would be the information overload as it took a while to sink it all in.

Overall:If you're looking for a good sci-fi with a great plot twist that you will not see coming then this is for you. I am anticipating the next book and will be counting down the days till its release.

Cover art: 5
Plot: 4
Characters:4
Writing:4
Level of interest:4
Total rating:4

Happy Reading Everyone!! :D
- Jordan

Pawn Review

Title: Pawn

Author: Aimee Carter

Pages: 347

Genre: Dystopian, young adult

Publisher: Harlequin TEEN            

Date Released: November 26th 2013         

Format:  e-book

Synopsis:YOU CAN BE A VII. IF YOU GIVE UP EVERYTHING.

For Kitty Doe, it seems like an easy choice. She can either spend her life as a III in misery, looked down upon by the higher ranks and forced to leave the people she loves, or she can become a VII and join the most powerful family in the country.

If she says yes, Kitty will be Masked—surgically transformed into Lila Hart, the Prime Minister's niece, who died under mysterious circumstances. As a member of the Hart family, she will be famous. She will be adored. And for the first time, she will matter.

There's only one catch. She must also stop the rebellion that Lila secretly fostered, the same one that got her killed …and one Kitty believes in. Faced with threats, conspiracies and a life that's not her own, she must decide which path to choose—and learn how to become more than a pawn in a twisted game she's only beginning to understand.

Previously titled Masked.
Review:I will admit this book took me a couple of chapters before I got into it but once the story got going I couldn't put it down. I like that the story wasn't like other books I have read before, it brought something different to the table. There were a few negatives I found with this book such as there wasn't really a reason for why the world was as it is now. Also i'm sorry to say this but I did not like Kitty's Boyfriend Benji. There relationship just didn't do it for me. He is the first and only guy she has loved so of course she wants to be with him because that's all she knows.

“I’m never better off without you,” he said. “We’re in this together. I love you, and that’s never going to change, all right? I’m yours no matter what your rank is. You could be a I, and I would go Elsewhere just to find you.”
 Although as this quote shows he is very loyal and he is a wonderful boyfriend towards her . I kind of want to see her get together with Knox because I can see their friendship growing into something more and they have chemistry. I found the bad guys to be really believable and just when you think that they are not that bad they go and prove you wrong. There are a few unexpected turns which is great because I love when the Author keeps you guessing.
.
Overall:
I really enjoyed reading this and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a good dystopian read. There were a few flaws but they are easy enough to look over and see the potential for this series. I look forward to reading book 2 Captive.

Cover art: 4
Plot: 4
Characters:5
Writing:4
Level of interest:5
Total rating:4

Happy Reading Everyone!! :D
- Jordan

Chasing Prophecy Review

Title: Chasing Prophecy

Author: James Moser

Pages: 237

Genre: Thriller, Romance, Mystery with a paranormal twist, coming of age.

Publisher: Skookum Trail Books

Date Released: January 3rd 2014

Format: kindle e-book

Synopsis:
Chasing Prophecy is the story of Mo, a shy teen who is just trying to survive high school. He has secretly fallen in love with a girl named Prophecy who lives with a group that some call a commune and others call a cult. When she disappears, Mo must find the courage to face the monster that her family has become. Chasing Prophecy is a contemporary coming of age story that is heart-warming, suspenseful, and beautifully written. This book chronicles the adolescence of one boy who must transform himself to save the girl of his dreams. The Pacific Northwest legend of Bigfoot is a fresh paranormal element. (source: Goodreads )

Review:
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review, Thank you James!!I more than often read books in a girls perspective so it was a nice change to read something in a guys perspective. I loved how there were pictures at the starts of each chapter, and it thought it was cool how the characters had quirky names, not your average names. At first the main character Mo seemed like a bit of a wimp because he was getting bullied and he couldn't stand up for him self but his character really developed throughout the story and I admired how he stood up to those who were mean to him and started to have a back bone. There were some parts of the story that were a little dragged out but other than that it was alright. I also liked that Mo was just your average person, he wasn't someone really popular so a lot of people reading the  book could relate to him I feel.
I recommend this to those of the ages 13-17 but if you like the sound of this then you definitely should check it out because the story is so unique.

Overall: This was a really interesting concept and a lot different from what I would usually read, I feel for me there was still something missing which is why I gave it 3 stars but it was still an interesting read :)
Cover art: 4
Plot: 3
Characters:3
Writing:4
Level of interest:4
Total rating:3

Where can you buy this:Amazon - ebook

Happy Reading Everyone!
- jordypaigebooks

My Cup of Tea: Summer of Love, Volume 1 Review

Title: My Cup of Tea: Summer of Love, Volume 1
           
Author: Kat Lieu

Pages: 120

Genre: New Adult, Romantic comedy

Publisher: Nummyz Productions

Date Released: January 18th 2014

Format: e-book

Synopsis:It’s another suck-tastic summer for book nerd and baker, Sara Lee-Affen. She’s broke, she’s single, and she’ll probably die a virgin. At her beautiful cousin’s wedding, Sara meets a sexy and delicious stud muffin, Ian Forrests. He’s totally her cup of tea, that is until he laughs at her misery when a bee burrows into her ear. Yes, a dang bee. She’s dying (well not really) as he’s dying from laughter.

What a jerk. A smoking hot, Adonis of a jerk with strikingly green eyes, dark hair, and drool-worthy pecs and eight-pack abs. As luck and fate would have it, Sara keeps bumping into Ian all summer long and ends up working for him as a pastry chef at his failing bakery. Despite her better judgment, Sara falls for the sexy, badass rich boy. She discovers the truth about Ian: he’s a tortured soul who’s still pining for his deceased girlfriend, Sarah. One look at Sarah’s picture and poor Sara knows that she could never compete. She could never be Ian’s cup of tea. Or could she?

Note: This version of My Cup of Tea is completely different from the previously published version.

Review:
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review, Thank you Kat! I really appreciate it! :)When I first read the synopsis for this, I instantly knew that I would like this. This was quite different from the new adult novels that I have read and I really enjoyed it. You could really feel the emotions in the book, especially Ian's grief. This is the kind of book that you will read in one sitting.

I like how Kat made Ian and Sara's p.o.v's because sometimes it just does not work but they way Kat wrote was so good and the characters are very easy to connect with.
I thought Ian's conversation with his aunt Tootie was hilarious but you will have to read My cup of tea to find out why. I found it really interesting how Sara's name was the same as Ian's dead girlfriend, it made you always wonder if his intentions were because he was thinking of Sarah or if they were actually genuine for Sara.  This was left in a cliff hanger and I cannot wait to see how Sara and Ian's story continues!! :D

Overall:
I highly enjoyed this and I recommend it to anyone looking for a light summer read, it' so easy to get into and you really will enjoy it.

Cover art: 5
Plot: 5
Characters:5
Writing:4
Level of interest:4
Total rating:5

Where can you buy this:
Physical copiesAmazon

e-booksAmazon - Kindle

Happy Reading Everyone!
- jordypaigebooks

Quantum Entanglement (Interchron #2) Review

Title: Quantum Entanglement (Interchron #2)
          
Author: Liesel K. Hill

Pages: 400

Genre: New Adult/Dystopian/Fantasy

Publisher: Create Space

Date Released: September 17th 2013

Format: e-book

Synopsis:
Five months after traveling to a post-apocalyptic future where collectives reign supreme and individuals have been hunted to the verge of extinction, Maggie Harper was returned to her own time until the threat to her life could be neutralized. She thought Marcus and the others would return for her within a few weeks, and now she’s beginning to worry.

When travelers from the future finally show up to collect her, it’s not who she expected. With the return of her memories, she wants more than ever to see Marcus again, but a snake-like woman whose abilities are a perfect match for Maggie’s, an injured Traveler, and decades of civil unrest to wade through all stand in the way of their reunion.

Meanwhile, Marcus and Karl traipse through the countryside, trying to neutralize Colin, who’s promised to brutalize and murder Maggie if he can get his hands on her. When a collective woman is left for dead, Marcus heals her, hoping she’ll be the key to killing Colin and bringing Maggie back. But she may prove as much a hindrance as a help.

The team struggles to get their bearings, but things happen faster than they know. The collectives are coalescing, power is shifting, and the one called B is putting sinister plans into action. If the team can’t reunite and get a handle on the situation, their freedom and individuality—perhaps their very identity—will be ripped away before they can catch their breath.

Review:
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review, Thank you Liesel! I really appreciate it! :)I am just going to right out and say this, don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed this but I think that the I liked the first book better. There were some things that were a little predictable but there were also some surprises that I did not see coming. I'm not really sure why I didn't like this one as much as the first novel and I was surprised to find that there is a 3rd book coming out but there's no date on goodreads yet but I will definitely keep checking to find out when its going to come out and I am excited to find out what happened next.

I'm not really sure if I like David or not because he is so sweet with Maggie but its his brother's girlfriend, just ugh.. I feel as though in the next book he might try and get in the way of their relationship... and I like Maggie and Marcus as a couple.

Like how I said in my Persistence of Visions review , this was very well written and enjoyed diving back into this world. I usually do not like books with time travel but I truly liked this and I am so happy to have read this.

Overall:
If you are looking for something a bit different and you love dystopian and fantasy novels you should most definitely check this series out because its really good and I can guarantee you will enjoy it! :)


Cover art: 4
Plot: 4
Characters:4
Writing:4
Level of interest:4
Total rating:4

Where can you buy this:
Physical copies
Amazon

e-book
Amazon - Kindle

Happy Reading Everyone!
- jordypaigebooks

Persistence of Vision (Interchron #1) Review

Title: Persistence of Vision (Interchron #1)
          
Author: Liesel K. Hill

Pages: 386

Genre: New Adult/Dystopian/Fantasy

Publisher: Tate Publishing

Date Released: January 29th 2013

Format: e-book

Synopsis:
In a world where collective hives are enslaving the population and individuals have been hunted to the verge of extinction, Maggie Harper, and independent 21st Century woman, must find the strength to preserve the freedom of the future, but without the aid of her memories.

After experiencing a traumatic time loss, Maggie is plagued by a barrage of images she can't explain. When she's attacked by a creep with a spider's web tattoo, she is saved by Marcus, a man she's never met, but somehow remembers. He tells her that both he and her creepy attacker are from a future in which individuals are being murdered by collectives, and Marcus is part of the rebellion. The collectives have acquired time travel and they plan to enslave the human race throughout all of history. The flashes Maggie has been seeing are echoes of lost memories, and the information buried deep within them is instrumental in defeating the collective hives.

In order to preserve the individuality of mankind, Maggie must try to re-discover stolen memories, re-kindle friendships she has no recollection of, and wade through her feelings for the mysterious Marcus, all while dodging the tattooed assassins the collectives keep sending her way.

If Maggie can't fill the holes in her memory and find the answers to stop the collectives, the world both in her time and in all ages past and future will be doomed to enslavement in the grey, mediocre collectives. As the danger swirls around her and the collectives close in, Maggie realizes she must make a choice: stand out or fade away... ( Goodreads Synopsis )

Review:
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review, Thank you Liesel! I really appreciate it! :).
I wasn't so sure about starting this book but the rating and reviews on goodreads were quite good. I had not even heard of this until Liesel contacted me but I am so happy and thankful that she did. I truly enjoyed it and I am not just saying that. The writing was really good and the storyline quite different from what I usually read. The only thing that bugged me was that Maggie never asked about her brother Jonah wondering where she was, which I thought was weird. I think he would notice that she was missing! haha.

This was a really unique story and it flowed really nicely, some of the science and physics laws were a bit hard to wrap my head around like explaining how their powers worked but I think I sort of got it in the end. Oh my goodness and I <3 <3 <3 Marcus *swoon* he is so sweet! There are some really cool unexpected things that happen, and I thought that the Spiderweb tattoo's were cool. I actually think this would be really cool as a movie!

Overall:
I definitely recommend this to those of you who live dystopian and fantasy novels. I think this book has something that everyone will enjoy. It is a lot different from what I usually read but I am definitely looking forward to reading the next book! :)

Cover art: 3
Plot: 5
Characters:4
Writing:4
Level of interest:5
Total rating:4.5
Where can you buy this:
Physical copies
Amazon

e-book
Tate Publishing

Dream Cast

Aimee Teegarden as Maggie                                                              Dominic Sherwood as Marcus








                                                                                                                  
                                              
Happy Reading Everyone!
- jordypaigebooks

Reviews coming soon...
Quantum Entanglement by Liesel K. Hill