Silence - Becca Fitzpatrick

Author: Becca Fitzpatrick

Length: 438 pages

Release Date: October 4 2011

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Blurb

The noise between Patch and Nora is gone. They’ve overcome the secrets riddled in Patch’s dark past, bridged two irreconcilable worlds and faced heart-wrenching tests of betrayal, loyalty and trust – all for a love that will transcend the boundary between heaven and earth. Armed with nothing but their absolute faith in each other, Patch and Nora enter a desperate fight to stop a villain who holds the power to shatter everything they’ve worked for – and their love – forever.

Review

It’s been really hard denying myself this book; it’s been sitting on the shelves of my local bookstore, at one point it was on sale, and I couldn’t let myself buy it. It took a massive chunk of my soul to list this one down on my Christmas list for my parents, because it meant I wouldn’t be able to read it until after Christmas. I love the Hush, Hush sequence, and after a few minor problems with Crescendo, I was hoping to Silence would be amazing to reconcile them and it was, it truly was. Silence was an addictive, read until four in the morning book I’m so glad I waited for, because the interlude between the books release and now has made me appreciate it for all that it was.

Nora returned to the way she was in Hush, Hush (Yay!) a brassy and independent heroine with a mind and motives of her own. In Silence, we are given the Nora I loved and admired through the first book, with Fitzpatrick showing a far more vulnerable side to this character that truly fleshed out the flaws in Nora’s personality; her insecurities and issues, whilst remaining a little kick-ass and vengeful as the book went on. I was so glad to have the Nora I like back; the clingy protagonist of Crescendo is no more!

The story in Silence is vastly different from Hush, Hush and Crescendo in that the plot did not revolve around Nora and Patch’s relationship so much but more on Nora’s Nephilim bloodline and the brewing battle between the Nephilim and the fallen angels, something that I found refreshing. But don’t worry those of you who love romance in these books; there’s plenty of spice and lust to keep the original fan base hooked as new ground is covered in the dark chemistry between Patch and Nora, another great improvement on the bickering pair we received in Crescendo.

Writing in this book is up to Fitzpatrick’s remarkably high standard, her crystal clear prose and beautifully descriptive scenes keeping this volume planted firmly in a readers lap, absorbing a story not easy to part from. Pace is never a problem is these books as we are torn from one startling revelation to the next fiery action sequence, with characters we know and love blossoming and altering as the events of Fitzpatrick’s wonderful books takes their toll. Nora truly is a far cry from the naïve young girl we were introduced to in Hush, Hush, far more able to defend herself, Patch forever an engaging character with the likes of Marcie Millar and Blythe Grey transforming into completely new creatures from what we were led to believe.

Overall, Silence is a fantastic book that truly crowns the series. Fitzpatrick rolled out every punch to make this book amazing and she has overachieved in doing so. Although Silence was meant to be the final book in the series, we now have a fourth book to look forward to, though the acknowledgements page was drafted before this was announced. Silence is everything I wanted it to be, thrilling me with every twist and turn until I couldn’t bear to put it down, like every book should be. Simply reading these books proves why Hush, Hush is my favourite dark romance series of the moment. They’re far from Shakespeare, but they are fantastic romances to sit and enjoy time and again.

Dusty :]   

Divergent - Veronica Roth

Author: Veronica Roth

Length: 487 pages

Release Date: May 3 2011

Publisher: Katherine Tegan Books

Blurb

One choice decides your friends, defines your beliefs and determines your loyalties…forever.

When sixteen year old Tris makes her choice, she cannot foresee how drastically her life will change. Or that the perfect society in which she lives is about to unfold into a dystopian world of electrifying decisions, stunning consequences, heartbreaking betrayals and unexpected romance…

Review

I really wanted to love Divergent; I’ve heard so many fantastic reviews of Veronica Roth’s debut novel, love the cover art, listened to people gush about how fantastic the story, the characters and the romance is. When I picked up Divergent, I was expecting it to knock competition out of the way and reach the top five of my 2011 reads; after all, I love dystopian novels and I enjoy the odd romance book. After star recommendations and it being set in my favourite genres, how could I expect less? Sadly, what I expected was not what I found in Divergent, leaving me sorely disappointed.

Veronica Roth seems like a fantastic writer; her prose conveys obvious talent but sadly she wasted that talent on a tried and predictable book that left much to be desired. The plot was easily guessed, every twist was transparent and I found myself guessing events chapters before they occurred. Revelations and secrets I found dull and common to other books; secrets surrounding the protagonists’ family, the love interest, and the corrupt governments in which the main characters lead their lives; all seem to have been done before. The whole ordinary girl, goes for routine activity in her world and producing odd results rang true of Matched, an element that caught my attention from the off. Roth aimed for this book to be nail-biting, it is obvious from a good execution of revelations and shocking events, but I felt like I was reading a lot of other books, not just Divergent.

Another problem which I had with this book was the main character; Tris. Again, she seemed a clone, an amalgamation of so many other timid but strong within heroines I found it easy to guess which steps she would take, that she would strike against the oppressors of her world. Four, the main love interest in this book, was also a rather predictable character, the withdrawn and aloof love interest hiding inner pain and a dark secret, a stereotype that has been occurring since the release of Twilight more and more. But there are signs, subtle signs in secondary characters, that suggest great potential and gift; the likes of Al and Christina; varied, powerful characters that make you think and feel, show Roth has the obvious ability to pen characters with great depth; it is just such a shame Tris was presented as such as wallflower, or this book would have improved tenfold.

The last major factor that made Divergent a disappointment was how long the induction process seemed to take through this book. A process that seemed like it should have taken around half the book at least ran for the nearly the duration of Divergent, taking odd meanders into strange and almost inexplicable directions such as the game of capture the flag, it hinted at purposes to serve but I was simply left baffled at the reason behind it.

Fast forward around three hundred pages and this where Divergent really began for me. The plot became a thrill ride bolstered by amazing descriptive action sequences, beautiful character development and a plot that had me on the edge of my seat. Once of the initiation story stand was completed I was riveted to the point of almost tearing the pages with frenzied anticipation. The pacing was fantastic; no scene was wasted and the writing was fantastic, as it was throughout. Why the transformation? I have no idea; I only wish Divergent had been like this from the start.

Overall, a disappointment right up to the final stretch, when what appeared to be a washout came back full force and toppled the decisions I had made about Divergent. All I can hope for is that the sequel, Insurgent, will continue on the fantastic steps made in the final chapters of its predecessor. Has this review been harsh? Perhaps, probably, but only because I expected so much from this book, but the obvious skill Roth shows sets a spark of hope blazing that Insurgent will far surpass Divergent.

Dusty :]

The Pigeon Hole Twelve Days of Christmas - Part 3

Hello everyone, Dusty here for the third day in our Twelve Days of Christmas book haul event. I hope you are enjoying the run up to New Year’s and this event, as I have three more excellent books to tell you about. I hope you have a pen at the ready; these books seem to be must reads!

John Belushi is dead – Kathy Charles

I first saw this book with the amazing Melina Pendulum and the positive review she gave it made me really want to give it a try. After all, it’s small, the cover art is awesome and Melina Pendulum liked it; what more could I ask for in a recommendation.

John Belushi is dead is a novel about a girl and her best friend who comb the streets of Hollywood in search of the sights of famous celebrity deaths and memorabilia, neglecting other areas of their lives to feed their habit.

This sounds amazing as Kathy Charles’ debut novel, and I really love the cover art for this book; it’s truly what attracted me to it. Is John Belushi is dead going to be a fantastic read? I hope so; I cannot wait to sink my teeth into this little number, it looks awesome.

The Infernal Devices: Clockwork Prince – Cassandra Clare

YAY! YES! I have Clockwork Prince! Yes! Ever since I read Clockwork Angel, the first instalment in the Infernal Devices trilogy, I have been dying for this book to land in my more than eager lap. I cannot wait to open this book and sink into the sensual story!

Clockwork Prince carries on from where Clockwork Angel left off, as the mysteries surrounding the Magister, his motives behind wanting Tessa, and his clockwork army grow deeper whilst the love triangle between Tessa, Will and Jem becomes more complicated.

I want to crack this bad boy open and read late into the night; sadly that cannot happen as I have other books scheduled first, but it won’t be too long, be sure of that!

Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist – Rachel Cohn & David Levithan

A book collaboration including David Levithan? How exactly could I resist? Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist is a tiny book, but it sounds fantastic, a really could love story that doesn’t include paranormal elements, which is kind of rare nowadays, not that I’m complaining.

Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist is about a boy and a girl, Nick and Norah as the title may suggest and a night they spend together, as well as the aftermath and the results it had on a subsequent relationship.

Believe me, this books sounds way better than how I can describe it in four lines and I’m really looking forward to giving it a go. It may be a small read but who’s to say that it won’t be just as satisfying as an eight hundred page tome?

Okay that’s it for tonight everyone; I’m sorry this one comes to you a little late, but I’ve had an extremely busy day, the details of which I shall not bore you with. Expect my review of Divergent by Veronica Roth up in the next two days, as well as tomorrows Twelve Days of Christmas haul that includes a pack of werewolves, a world of nightmares and romance, and a book that sees the past and present collide. Until tomorrow, have a fantastically bookish time!

Dusty :]

The Pigeon Hole Twelve Days of Christmas - Part 2

Hey everyone; Dusty is back again to bring you the second instalment in our Twelve Days of Christmas Book Haul. I know, I know; it’s Boxing Day and the gloom may have started to set, but that doesn’t stop me from revelling in the books that I received yesterday. I hope you all had a great day yesterday and that you enjoy your Boxing Day, but let’s get down to the books, shall we?

Beauty Queens – Libba Bray

Everyone knows the fantastic Libba Bray and her wonderful books, and whist her latest release Beauty Queens has been less popular than her previous books, I cannot wait to read a novel that has divided a fan base so drastically.

Beauty Queens has been billed as Lost meets Next Top Model as a group of beauty pageant contestants become stranded on a deserted island after their plane crash lands and how they cope with their sudden and disturbing situation.

LeanneJaseyRae hated it, Danny Marks loved it; Beauty Queens sent shockwaves through Libba Bray’s collection of fans and I do love a bit of controversy. Beauty Queens sounds like a book I will really enjoy, and the cover is beautiful, so I think it will look rather good on my bookshelf. I love Libba Bray so I hope to God that I love Beauty Queens.

Gemma Doyle: Rebel Angels – Libba Bray

Rebel Angels is the second book in Libba Bray’s Gemma Doyle trilogy, the story of a girl in the late nineteenth century with clairvoyant abilities, continuing on from the first book A Great and Terrible Beauty.

Rebel Angels takes place two months after the events of Bray’s first novel, with Gemma and her friends on winter break and their continuing battle with the shadowy forces that lie around them.

This sounds like another fantastic read by the amazing Libba Bray and whilst I have several other books taking priority on my To Be Read list at the moment, the Gemma Doyle trilogy is shooting up through the ranks as my next big read. These are slightly older books; what does everyone think of them?

Gemma Doyle: The Sweet Far Thing – Libba Bray

 To round off our Libba Bray, Boxing Day entry of the Twelve Days of Christmas is the final instalment of the Gemma Doyle trilogy; The Sweet Far Thing. This sounds like a fantastic series and one that I might really enjoy. Libba Bray is a fantastic author and I’m looking forward to reading her books.

The Sweet Far Thing continues the story from where Rebel Angels left off as Gemma destiny threatens to unleash chaos as she grapples for control of the Realms with the Order, whilst both defying and conforming to the rigid ideals of Victorian society.

Sounds great? You bet it does; the final book in the trilogy is sure to be the best one yet and the climax of the series tipped to be red hot with excitement. Libba Bray keeps me captivated with her enchanting writing style, even when I’m simply flicking through the first few pages of the book!

That’s it for today everyone. I hope you all have a good Boxing Day and that you had a brilliantly bookish Christmas; I know I thoroughly enjoyed mine. Tomorrow’s instalment, the big day three, includes a book about memorabilia hunters of the celebrity deceased, demons and magic under the reign of Queen Victoria and a tiny tale of love from two fantastic authors. Until next time, keep those jackets dusty and keep a book in your lap. Bye!

Dusty :]

The Pigeon Hole Twelve Days of Christmas - Part 1

Hey everyone; it’s Dusty here kicking off our Twelve Days of Christmas book haul event and wishing you a very Merry Christmas. I hope you’re having a good day for all of you who are celebrating today and that you have had a very bookish Christmas. Over the next few days I’ll be showing you all of the books I received for Christmas and believe me; there are a lot of them, a whopping thirty-six! So I hope you like what I have been given; here we go!

Feed – M.T Anderson

 This book was hard to get…I mean really hard to get. But my father is a wizard at finding difficult to get books and so here we are; Feed is in my midst. It sounds like a fantastic book, not one I hear about often on the blogs and YouTube.

Feed depicts a modern day Earth in which nearly all humans have had a chip implanted in their brains, and the protagonists’, Titus’, life in America, as the country is on the brink of war with a collaboration of other countries.

It sounds good, huh? Feed may not be number one in my to be read pile, but I know this is a book I certainly want to sink my teeth into. This is a novel that is fantastic for kicking off my Twelve Days of Christmas haul as, although it is far from festive, it sounds like an amazing novel with a thrilling and absorbing plot; I cannot wait.

Darkest Powers: The Awakening – Kelley Armstrong

The Darkest Powers series is quite popular around the blogosphere and the YouTube book channels, and I’m extremely excited to receive the second instalment in the trilogy. I have the first book in the series, The Summoning, but I am yet to read it, but this gift makes it a priority.

The Awakening commences from where the Summoning left off, with our protagonist Chloe having been captured by those responsible for the exacerbation of her psychic powers, where dark secrets lay in wait…

This sounds fantastic, and I definitely need to pick up the Summoning and dive head first into what sounds like an enchanting plot of sinister mysteries and supernatural powers. There’s a third book to get too, but I’ll have to put that off for a while until I catch up on the series.

The Curse Workers: White Cat – Holly Black

When you get into the world of blogging and YA books, you can fall back on three of the biggest authors in the business: Libba Bray, Cassandra Clare and the queen on the chequered board Holly Black and that’s what I have here; a great book from a great author.

White Cat is the story of Cassel, a boy with powers in necromancy whose abilities are kept under wraps as they are illegal. However, Cassel begins to sleepwalk whilst the figment on a white cat appears to him, apparently with the desperate need to tell him something, against a backdrop of other disturbing events that have begun to pan out in Cassel’s walking hours.

Wow; this book sounds absolutely amazing, I can’t wait. A great way to end today’s post, I think!

So, I think we can call it a day from there. I’ll be back tomorrow with another three books of awesome that were under my Christmas tree this morning. I hope you enjoy the rest of your Christmas all of you partying the night away. Until tomorrow, keep that jacket dusty for a Libba Bray centric day tomorrow!

Dusty :]  

Let It Snow: Three Holiday Romances - Anthology

Author: Anthology – John Green, Maureen Johnson, Lauren Myracle

Length: 352 pages

Release Date: September 11 2008

Publisher: Puffin Books

Blurb

A trio of today’s nest selling authors – John Green, Maureen Johnson and Lauren Myracle – brings all the magic of the holidays to life in three hilarious and charming interconnected tales of love, romance and kisses that will take your breath away.

Review

With the big day just hours away, Let It Snow is a rather apt book for the time of year. What could be better than settling down in the warmth of your favourite reading chair, diving head first into beautifully written, enchanting stories written by three of our favourite authors? Nothing of course; Let It Snow: Three Holiday Romances is an amazing book that makes you feel all warm inside even though it is cold outside. With three stories weaved together through a wonderfully crafted collaboration, Let It Snow is sure to brighten up your holidays!

Out first story, the Jubilee Express by Maureen Johnson was a fantastic beginning to the anthology, with a touching story of surprise romance when a girl is trapped in a strange town on Christmas Eve after her train becomes trapped in a snow drift. This storm and the town in which Johnson’s story is set ties the three stories together and at first the mind’s eye built a picture of a desolate strip of buildings throughout this first story of beautiful romance and Christmas spirit. The protagonist, Jubilee, is a great character, whilst a secondary cast make this story a fantastic read that really settles you in for the rest of the anthology. Maureen Johnson made a story that really ignites the spirit of Christmas in a reader, making this story a wonderfully worthwhile read.

John Green’s contribution, A Cheertastic Christmas Miracle, is as exceptional as its predecessor, depicting Christmas traditions and the importance of seeing what is in front of you. Green’s story is about a group of friends making their way through the snow storm to a restaurant filled with cheerleaders in an interesting and compelling read that makes you want to get out there and tell the person you have a crush on that you love them. This story emits a sense of togetherness and friendship that makes the holidays and this book that little bit more magical, all packaged within a well paced, gorgeously descriptive story. Plus, it also makes you glad to be in the warm, as the phantom sting of the cold rushed right off of the page in Green’s trademark style.

The final story of the anthology, Lauren Myracle’s The Patron Saint of Pigs, is the perfect way to conclude a fantastic set of stories with wonderful prose that teach us about selflessness around the holidays. This finishing run is about a girl who has been dumped at Christmastime and the lessons she learns from various people about her self-absorption, with Myracle adding the tiniest touch of the supernatural in with possible inclusion of angels. Myracle completes this anthology in spectacular style, in a story that, although a little slowly paced at times, showed the true spirit of Christmas; giving to and thinking of others.

Overall, Let It Snow was a fun, light holiday read that filled me with the spirit of Christmas, making me excited for the big day to arrive. Whilst this anthology is good for the run up to Christmas, I’d advise against reading it at least until a month afterward; it may just depress you. If not, Let It Snow is definitely worth a look if you want some light fluff to fill your day; Let It Snow is nothing new or ground-breaking but it is certainly fun to read there in the moment.

Dusty :]  

Paper Towns - John Green

Author: John Green

Length: 304 pages

Release Date: October 16 2008

Publisher: Dutton Publishing

Blurb

Quentin Jacobsen has spent a lifetime loving the magnificent, adventurous Margo Roth Spiegelman from afar. So when she opens his bedroom window late one night and summons him to join her on an ingenious campaign of revenge – he follows.

After their all-nighter ends and a new day breaks, Q arrives at school to find that Margo has not. Always an enigma, she now becomes a mystery and Q soon learns that there are clues to be followed in his search for Margo.

Review

The amazing LeanneJaseyRae introduced me to the fantastic books of John Green and I am so glad she did. Paper Towns was a hilarious, engaging read that maintained a level of interest which pulled me into this story and cost me several hours of homework to finish! John Green is one of few male young adult authors who are big on the young adult scene and it’s clear why. Paper Towns combined humour with a fascinating mystery in a brilliant contemporary novel every reader should give a look.

If the blurb doesn’t pull a reader to Paper Towns, the prologue most certainly will. Quentin and Margo’s discovery of a body provides one heck of an opening hook and the opening chapters were thrilling, exciting reading that cemented this as a top book for me. Margo’ plan for revenge really made for a fascinating read as secrets spill out and create more of the mysteries that make Paper Towns a fantastic novel. The subsequent investigation, though it could sound dull to some readers, but it truly is not, with Margo’s clues and Q’s frantic search for her just layering on the tension and intrigue.

The characters to Paper Towns are brilliant too; Q is an outstanding protagonist, whilst although Margo is absent for most of the book, she as a mystery, the enigma as she is described provides an amazing character with such limited scene time. The likes of Radar, Ben and Lacey also provide their own factors that made this story as great as it is, though characters I seriously did not like were Margo’s parents; terrible, neglectful parents more than willing to shove their daughter away.

Overall, Paper Towns was a fantastic mystery story, brimming with tension and excitement; well paced, hilarious and penned seamlessly and stylishly, Paper Towns is a wonderful read that, although short, will fill the time with its beautifully wrought prose and punchy plot that is that little bit different from what’s on the young adult literature scene. John Green is a magnificent author and this is a magnificent book, one that will pull you in and becomes one of this books that stays with you for a long time. Paper Towns is one of my favourite reads from this year and I can’t wait to read more John Green!

Dusty :]

The Pigeon Hole #4

Hey everyone; its Dusty back sooner than I expected. It was my birthday on Friday, and so I had some money doing nothing and then, one thing led to another, and I kind of came away from shopping today with three new books…before Christmas. I hope you like what I’ve chosen this time.

Uglies – Scott Westerfeld

A lot of people have said that Scott Westerfeld’s Uglies series is fantastic, and to be honest it’s been on my wish list for quite a while now. I’m really looking forward to trying this book, as I have loved Westerfeld’s writing in the anthologies to which he has contributed.

Uglies is about a girl who is about to reach the age of sixteen and become a Pretty, an age of social acceptance and improvement in lifestyle within her world. When her best friend runs away, the authorities give her a choice; find and turn in her best friend or don’t become a Pretty at all.

This book really does sound like a brilliant read, with the likes of the fantastic LeanneJaseyRae and the Story Siren as readers. Uglies sounds like a can’t miss that is shooting to the top of my to be read pile in a frenzied fashion!

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas – John Boyne

I am currently studying history at A-Level, and it is one of my favourite subjects. The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas is a film my class watched as an end of semester treat. We finished it on Friday; by Monday I had the book.

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas depicts the friendship of two boys, one a wealthy German boy and the other a Jew imprisoned in a Nazi concentration camp near to the boys home. The book also details the subtle indoctrination of the German people under the Nazi regime.

I loved the film and although I know what is going to happen, I know I’m going to enjoy the book more. Expect a review of this up early next year.

Sisters Red – Jackson Pearce

A lot of people like Jackson Pearce as a person rather than an author. I know a lot of my favourite bloggers and YouTubers watch her videos but as big a fan of her books. Sisters Red certainly sounds interesting, but I’m a little wary of whether I’m getting my hopes up too high.

Sisters Red is basically a retelling of Little Red Riding Hood, told from the perspective of two teenage girls at the time of a series of grisly murders of young girls at the hands of a werewolf, and their fight against it which may not be as straightforward as they first anticipated.

This book is probably far better than my summary gives it credit for and I’m trying not to let the opinions of others colour my judgement. I plan to go into this book with a completely open mind; after all, I could end up loving it.

Okay everyone, that’s it from me for the Pigeon Hole. There may be another segment of this prior to Christmas as my sister and I plan to go into Swansea tomorrow and we may just stray into Waterstones. My review of Paper Towns will be up either later today or tomorrow, and my Twelve days of Christmas event commences from either the 25^th or the 26^th of this month. I hope you have a wonderfully bookish run up to Christmas and that you are keeping those jackets dusty. See you later!

Dusty :]   

The Pigeon Hole #3

Hey everyone; it’s Dusty here with a small Pigeon Hole post. This is kind of a Christmas warm up, because boy am I expecting a haul for Christmas! There’s only one book today, but I hope it’s one you’d like a review of. It may not be huge, but it’s in my bookcase now; here we go!

I Am Number Four – Pittacus Lore

 This was more of a surprise to receive than anything, but a perfectly nice surprise. My father was offered this as part of an EBay deal and he jumped at the chance to get me this. Boy, I love my dad! He gets me the best things!

I Am Number Four details the story of John Smith, an alien hiding on Earth. When more of his species are murdered by an anonymous force, John knows he is next and moves to Paradise, Ohio, but acknowledges he cannot run forever.

Although it’s been around for a while and spawned two sequels, I haven’t read this book yet but I’m really excited to. It has an interesting premise and sounds like a great sci-fi mystery to sink my teeth into. I’m in the middle of my Popular Author run, so a review of this will probably up next year, so look out for that.

There are just a few things left to cover in this post, but they won’t take long. The first is split into two parts; I’d like to thank those of you who have followed me or consistently looked at my blog; so Angharad, Martyn, Kika, Lauren, Debra from Debra’s Book Café and Kelly and David from over at YA Book Reads, you guys are awesome and thank you. You guys keep me going when the stats are low and I feel this is all pointless. You guys rock; I’d also like to thank Will for always taking the time out of your immensely busy schedule to have look at my blog; you’re great too.

   The second part of this post is that I have been asked to be a reviewer for YA Book Reads! This is a huge honour and although my blog will remain my number one priority about two or three reviews a month will hopefully be going up on Kelly and David’s website, so go over and check them out now if you haven’t. It’s a fantastic site home to some of the best bloggers in the blogosphere oh, and me!

The last part of this post, to wrap to the early festivities, is that I’m going to commence a continuous event on my blog through from either Christmas night or Boxing Day on to New Years Day called the Twelve Days of Christmas Haul. This is an extended Pigeon Hole post detailing the books I receive for Christmas over a couple of days so that a huge ugly post isn’t taking up the whole of my home page. If anyone else would like to take part, that would make me smile! Okay, my review of Paper Towns will be up within the next two days so that’s something to look forward to; until then keep those jackets dusty and keep a book in your lap. Bye!

Dusty :]

The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins

Author: Suzanne Collins

Length: 454 pages

Release Date: October 1 2008

Publisher: Scholastic Inc.

Blurb

In a dark vision of the near future, a terrifying reality TV show is taking place. Twelve boys and twelve girls are forced to appear in a live event called the Hunger Games. There is only one rule; kill or be killed.

When sixteen year old Katniss Everdeen steps forward to take her sister’s place in the games, she sees it as a death sentence. But Katniss has been close to death before. For her, survival is second nature.

Review

The Hunger Games is one of those books that was hyped the hell out of; endorsement from some of today’s top authors, immediate movie potential and a fan base that crosses the globe. I am always reluctant to read books that are seriously hyped up; I usually find myself being disappointed. The Mortal Instruments disappointed me, and whilst the series was good, I never thought Harry Potter was as fantastic as some made it out to be. Now we come to the Hunger Games; hundreds of bloggers have reviewed it, a movie with an ensemble cast is on countdown and all anyone can talk about is the Hunger Games. I loved the Hunger Games; loved it. With an amazing plot, fantastic characters and the ability to reel a reader in from the off, Suzanne Collins is more than deserving the praise she and her trilogy are receiving, ten times over.

Where do you start when describing this book? Apart from a god awful name, Katniss is both a likeable and powerful heroine who comes across as selfless and calculating; no matter how much she insisted she was behind during the competition, Katniss used intelligence and strength in a stylish and believable way that seemed neither tried nor cliché. Her emerging love triangle with fellow tribute Peeta Mellark and Gale Hawthorne is an interesting back story, and I appreciated it as just that; a back story. I feel if it had been at the forefront, The Hunger Games would have been a whole lot less impressive, but Katniss wasted no time on frivolous romance and more on what she had to do; survive.

In fact, the entire cast of characters came up trumps in this break neck novel; Peeta and Gale were great romantic interests; not perfect and aloof but friendly, flawed and real. Even sweet as sugar Prim was fairly likeable, though I have a very low opinion of Katniss’ mother. The host of tributes we were introduced to were emotive and intimidating characters; Cato and Clove, Thresh and Rue but my personal favourite, and I have no idea why, was the anonymous Foxface. There was just something so elusive about this character that I hungered for more of her, glowed whenever she came into scene.

Collins’s book is fabulously paced and whilst some readers find the period before the Hunger Games slightly dull, I found it just as intriguing as the Games themselves. There are no real twists and turns to the book; everything is fairly linear in as far as everything happens as you may well expect it to, with allusions made to future events chapters before, but Collins does not let this dull her literary flare; she makes every page as interesting as the last with some new revelation, a perfect placed action sequence or rich character development. She even allows us to view our antagonists, the other tributes, with certain sympathy, providing an extra dimension to the novel which was greatly appreciated, in a story rife with informative flashbacks.  

The only thing that let me down about the Hunger Games was a slightly lack lustre ending. It was by no means bad but from the moment the Hunger Games ended I found the pace was nowhere near as good, the detail just weighing down a story that seemed to be gaining new ground when it should have been reaching a conclusion. I realise this was to set us up for the second book in the trilogy, but compared to the rest of her vibrant and addictive book, Collins’ seemed to lose her way a little bit with the novel’s finale.

Overall, The Hunger Games was a book that I loved reading, and I cannot wait to try the next book, Catching Fire, early next year. With a hook built into the mere blurb and a plot that will nail you to your seat, The Hunger Games is a must read if you haven’t already yet. Let down slightly by the ending of the Hunger Games, I hope that Catching Fire maintains the suspense, tension and beautiful narrative oozing from the pages of its predecessor. Collins launched herself into our laps in a sensual style sure to keep me reading; will it for you?

Dusty :]