Thirteen Days of Ash & Fire: An Heir of Fire Blog Tour Day 1

Hallo Throne of Glass fans (and everyone else too) and welcome to Day 1 of Thirteen Days of Ash and Fire, the Heir of Fire blog tour hosted by Alexa from Alexa Loves Books, Rachel from Hello Chelly, Judith from Paper Riot, Katie from The Polished Page-Turners and myself. We present to you the Maas Thirteen! I’m thrilled to be kicking off the tour. Stayed tuned over the next twelve days because the Thirteen have some amazing posts for you! We’ve also got a spectacular giveaway that’s open internationally.

To keep up with posts use hashtags #HOF13Tour and #MaasThirteen (:

Tour Schedule

August 25 – Jaz @ Fiction in Fiction in Fiction

August 26 – Katie @ Polished Page-Turners

August 27 – Kelly @ Belle of the Literati

August 28 – Elena @ Novel Sounds

August 29 – Nicole @ The Quiet Concert

September 1 – Gillian @ Writer of Wrongs

September 2 – Judith @ Paperiot

September 3 – Melanie @ The Daily Prophecy

September 4 – Magan @ Rather Be Reading

September 5 – Andi @ Andi’s ABCs

September 8 – Gina @ Behind the Pages

September 9 – Rachel @ Hello Chelly

September 10 – Alexa @ Alexa Loves Books

About the Maas Thirteen

It all started with a tweet...

The Thirteen will be something you come across in Heir of Fire if you haven’t read it yet. I fell in love with the concept and was Tweeting about it one day to Sarah, asking if she would accept me as one of her Thirteen, when Judith, Alexa and a few other Throne of Glass fans started fangirling along… And ta-da the Maas Thirteen was born! Alexa, Rachel, Katie, Judith and I decided to put together this tour along with other Throne of Glass fans to show our love for the series! We sincerely hope you enjoy (:

Heir of  Fire

Publisher: Bloomsbury
Publication Date: September 2, 2014 (US); September 11, 2014 (Aus)
Genre: Fantasy

Goodreads

Synopsis:

"Lost and broken, Celaena Sardothien’s only thought is to avenge the savage death of her dearest friend: as the King of Adarlan’s Assassin, she is bound to serve this tyrant, but he will pay for what he did. Any hope Celaena has of destroying the king lies in answers to be found in Wendlyn. Sacrificing his future, Chaol, the Captain of the King’s Guard, has sent Celaena there to protect her, but her darkest demons lay in that same place. If she can overcome them, she will be Adarlan’s biggest threat – and his own toughest enemy.

While Celaena learns of her true destiny, and the eyes of Erilea are on Wendlyn, a brutal and beastly force is preparing to take to the skies. Will Celaena find the strength not only to win her own battles, but to fight a war that could pit her loyalties to her own people against those she has grown to love?"

Buy Links:

• Amazon
• Barnes and Noble
• Book Depository
• Kobo
• iBooks
• Bookworld (Aus)
• Booktopia (Aus)

To see my gushing about the book, you can read my review here: http://www.pixelski.com/2014/08/review-heir-of-fire-throne-of-glass-3.html

About Sarah J. Maas

Sarah J. Maas is the New York Times bestselling author of the Throne of Glass series: Throne of Glass,

Crown of Midnight, and Heir of Fire, and the series’ prequel, The Assassin’s Blade. A New York native, Sarah currently lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and dog.

Find her at the following places:

Official Website: http://sarahjmaas.com/
Blog: http://sjmaas.livejournal.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SJMaas
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/sarahjmaas/

Fan Cast and Character Profiles

For my tour stop I’ll be doing a fan cast of some of the characters you’ll meet in Heir of Fire with brief character profiles – no spoilers I promise! I tried to find actors/actresses that not only fit the physical descriptions from the book, but more importantly, embodied their personalities based on roles I’ve seen them play.

The left image is Photoshopped to enhance hair and/or eye colour to match the book's description.

Main Cast

If you’ve been following my blog a long time, you may or may not remember I did a fancast of the main characters in Throne of Glass sometime last year. Either way, here it is again and I stand by my original choices!

Celaena Sardothien – Jemima West

Celaena’s physical appearance is described as being beautiful. She’s got golden hair with turquoise eyes ringed with gold. She’s headstrong, snarky, intelligent and quick with a blade.

I thought Jemima West would play Celaena perfectly. She’s so pretty and looks really sweet, but for those of you that have seen her in City of Bones, you know she can play the assassin well. As Izzy, she did an amazing job as the beautiful Shadowhunter and I loved her sarcasm and haughtiness.

Chaol Westfall – Sean O’Pry

With dark brown hair and amber (his eye colour occasionally shifts) eyes, the Captain of the Guard is handsome in an understated manner and slightly rugged. He’s muscular but lean and is very familiar with swordplay. He may seem closed off but we all know what he’s like underneath. Honourable, loyal and so sweet, Chaol is my ultimate book boyfriend.

Alright so Sean O’Pry isn’t an actor but my gosh tell me that he doesn’t look like Chaol? He’s so handsome! And that strong jaw really perfects the image.

Dorian Havilliard – Chace Crawford

Prince Dorian Havilliard, with his stunningly good looks is a bit of a playboy. The black hair that sets off those baby blues really grabs the attention of the ladies (if being a prince didn’t already). Preferring books over fighting, I’ve always pictured Dorian as cheerful with a mischievous smile. He’s genuine and kind, and just so likeable.

Chace Crawford you guys. His smile! He’s always smiling and that smile is so contagious and we know he can play the sweet guy (Nate Archibald <3) so yes I’ve always pictured Chace as Dorian.

New Heir of Fire Characters

You guys these new characters. I HAVE SO MUCH LOVE FOR THEM. They are amazing and Sarah has just gone above and beyond to develop these characters into such distinct and memorable pieces of the story.

Rowan Whitethorn – Henry Cavill

A Fae with pale hair and green eyes, Rowan is tan and broad-shouldered. He doesn’t speak much, is an amazing fighter and very loyal. A lot of the time he comes off as harsh as he really pushes Celaena to her limits but he sees her potential. There’s a darkness to him but I think he’s a good person underneath, just hardened by his life.

Henry Cavill does not have pale hair nor does he have green eyes (does he? I can’t tell) buuuut he is tan and broad-shouldered and when I was reading the book I actually pictured Henry Cavill (physical appearance from his Tudor days) as Rowan. Then I realised Rowan has silver hair and I was trying to find someone with pale hair but no one could pull off Rowan like Henry in my mind. And you know what? Bleach will fix the hair colour problem. Henry is an amazing actor that can pull off any role so why not Rowan?

Aedion Ashryver – Alex Pettyfer

Cousin to Aelin Ashryver Galathynius the lost Queen of Terrasen, Aedion is branded a traitor by the people of Terrasen. He works for the King of Adarlan by controlling the lands to the north of Adarlan (where Terrasen used to be). Loud, obnoxious and a bit uncouth, he doesn’t set a good first impression. My love for Aedion knows no bounds. I just want to cry thinking about this golden haired boy who shares the same features as his cousin.

Me thinks Alex Pettyfer would play this warrior very well! Alex looks good in a fight… Well he looks good period but yes everything about him fits in my head.

Manon Blackbeak – Eva Green

Dis qurl is BADASS yo. Manon is so cool and there is this sense of honour I really admire about her. She’s strong, has a take-no-shit attitude and isn’t afraid to give people what they deserve. And as a Blackbeak witch, she is ruthless. Pale hair, gold eyes, iron teeth and iron nails, this is one red-cloaked witch you don’t want to mess with.

EVA GREEN. I saw her and she just clicked as Manon for me. Eva is beautiful and fierce which is how I see Manon. She’d play the part perfectly.

Heir of Fire Playlist - Ash & Fire

And as a bonus here's my Heir of Fire playlist. comprised of songs that I think embodied the story and my feelings regarding the book.

Giveaways

International Giveaway

This giveaway is open internationally and runs across all 13 of the tour stops!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Australian Giveaway

This giveaway is open to Australian residents only and is available only on this blog. Gina's (Behind the Pages) tour stop will also feature this giveaway, so check out her stop when the time comes for more chances to win Aussies! Thanks to Bloomsbury Australia for providing the prizes.

Aussies also stay tuned because at the end of the tour Gina and I will be doing a special post with another giveaway JUST for you guys (:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Heir of Fire (Throne of Glass #3) by Sarah J. Maas

Firstly, thanks to Bloomsbury Australia for this review copy <3



Date Read: May 27 - 29 2014
Release Date: September 11th 2014
Publisher: Bloomsbury Australia
Source: NetGalley
Genre: Fantasy
My rating:  (BEST BOOK OF 2014, NOT ENOUGH STARS TO RATE)

Synopsis:

"Celaena has survived deadly contests and shattering heartbreak—but at an unspeakable cost. Now, she must travel to a new land to confront her darkest truth . . . a truth about her heritage that could change her life—and her future—forever. Meanwhile, brutal and monstrous forces are gathering on the horizon, intent on enslaving her world. Will Celaena find the strength to not only fight her inner demons, but to take on the evil that is about to be unleashed?

The bestselling series that has captured readers all over the world reaches new heights in this sequel to the New York Times best-selling Crown of Midnight. Packed with heart-pounding action, fierce new characters, and swoon-worthy romance, this third book will enthrall readers from start to finish"

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“She would not let that light go out.”

Since reading Crown of Midnight in June last year, it has been my favourite book. It no longer stands as my favourite book ever since I finished Heir of Fire. If you need just 1 book this year, it’s Heir of Fire. I’m going to attempt to top my review of Crown of Midnight which I believe is the best review I have ever written, but it’s going to be hard because I’m at a loss of words of how to describe the force of nature that is Sarah J Maas and her magic. I know, I’ve managed to gush for AGES but it’s just rambling let’s be honest. Oh the feels.

I’m not sure how Maas does it but she just tops herself every time and I am in awe of her skill. It’s the end of May and I have to wait until SEPTEMBER for the actual book to be released? I only had to wait 2 months last year… Now I wait more than 3! Ugh. I really just need book 4 right now.

“Wendlyn. A land of myths and monsters – of legends and nightmares and flesh.”

Sent to Wendlyn by Chaol to ensure her safety, the King’s Champion has other things on her mind than finding battle plans to help the King of Adarlan infiltrate Wendlyn. Our badass heroine is on her own journey to get answers about the Wyrdkeys from the legendary Fae. But the journey proves to be one of personal growth. Celaena must finally face the demons from her past and the pain that turned her into a cold-blooded assassin. She must embrace who she is and learn to control what’s inside her. Following Celaena on this path was one of the most amazing things I’ve ever read. Period. Her development, discipline and sheer determination astounded me. This girl is what YA heroines should be. Independent. Strong. Determined. Selfless. Brave. So so brave – I admire her so much. My heart ached for this girl whose own was shredded to pieces and yet she still found the courage to stand on her own two feet and fight. Hers was a story about facing the past and family (I bawled). She is a force of her own that blazes and shines so brightly. She is the Heir of Fire.

“Then she ripped everything from that well inside her, ripped it out with both hands and her entire, raging, hopeless heart.”

Heir of Fire actually switches between multiple third person POVs so that the reader can get a feel of what is going on through Erilea. Other than Celaena, we follow Chaol and Dorian in Adarlan, and Manon Blackbeak a new character that is introduced. Manon is cool guys. She’s badass. The head of the Thirteen and a Blackbeak witch, this woman is deadly and she knows it. Despite her being on the other team I liked her deep sense of loyalty… And there was just something about her actions that seemed just and morally correct. With iron teeth and iron nails, Manon Blackbeak is not a force to be reckoned with. If and when her and Celaena go head-to-head my god that will be one of the most epic battles the world has ever seen.

“One to the gut, so Asterin could feel her own powerlessness; one to the ribs, so she’d consider her actions every time she drew breath; and one to the face, so her broken nose would remind her that the punishment could have been far worse.”

(Also, if Sarah will have me, I pledge myself to be one of her Thirteen.)

“We are the Thirteen, from now until the Darkness claims us.”

Chaol is dealing with the news of what he discovered at the end of Crown of Midnight, and Celaena’s absence is really hitting him hard. Secrets create a rift between the Captain of the King’s Guard and the Crown Prince, who is himself dealing with revelations about himself. Bring in Aedion to heckle these two and you’ve got three steamy guys in one location *fans self*. I absolutely adored Aedion. He is the cousin of the lost heir/queen of Terrasen but now works for the King of Adarlan. He is viewed as a traitor by those loyal to Terrasen. Unearthing his story was absolutely fascinating and WOAH Aedion is amazing. Another brave, selfless soul, he has so much inner-turmoil I can’t imagine how painful it must be for him to get up each day. As for Dorian, I liked how he was trying to accept himself. I really didn’t care for his budding relationship with this other new character though. Chaol. CHAOL CHAOL CHAOL this man ermagherd my love for him runs sure and true <3 He struggles so much through this book. What do you do when the person you love goes against everything you’ve been taught is right? Chaol has much growth to go through but I liked how he’s still as selfless and loving as he’s always been.

“Do you think they hate us or pity us for what we do to each other?”

The romance guys. Be warned, there is barely any. I know some people were really annoyed about this but guys THERE IS A WHOLE WORLD BEING INTRODUCED TO YOU and and so much other stuff going on, like self-discovery, character growth, scary monsters to defeat and Fae to deal with so OMG I was totally fine with romance being something in the background. I will however, assure you that my Chaolena ship still sails strongly and it will continue to sail into the sunset.

BUUUUUT, one name. One man. One person to look out for who will shake up everything you may or may not believe in: Rowan. Hot damn. Stubborn, cold, not one for words, tough, steadfast, sarcastic, snarky, funny, loyal, tortured, beautiful, WARMS MY HEART *sobs*

“Until my last breath, and the world beyond. To whatever end.”

When I said there is a whole world being introduced to you I’m not shitting you. The world-building holy sweet baby Jesus. I swear on Celaena’s true name that this some of the best world-building I have EVER read. We see new lands, new realms and in between, the skies and lands that form these are diverse and phenomenal. Changing terrain, a whole array of skyscapes, landscapes, seascapes, forests, mountains and FAIRYLAND. No seriously, the place where the Fae reside is stunning. The way Maas uses colours to paint a whole palette worth of imagery is so beautiful. Everything just came to life in front of my eyes – you know in the Game of Thrones opening where cities form right in front of your eyes? Yeah this is what happened throughout the whole book.

“… The rivers toppled over the mouth of a mighty waterfall, its basin so huge that the mist floated into the clear day, setting the domed buildings, pearlescent spires, and blue rooftops shining.”

When I first read Throne of Glass I honestly had no idea what I was getting into. But Maas intelligently and quietly paved the way for the plot to grow. She really set the cogs in motion at the end of Throne of Glass, and if you thought Crown of Midnight’s plot was a twist well you’ve got another thing coming for you. Heir of Fire reveals a darkness deeply rooted in this world. One that has been there for a long time, preceding generations and humanity. For there is a force so strong and mind boggling it’s going to knock you off your feet. This is deep guys. Like woah I was reading and I was SCARED. It’s like, ohmygod how much more can these characters take? How much more darkness can this world have and not have collapsed in on itself.

“Because hers was not a story of darkness.”

Don’t even know how to praise Maas’ writing anymore. Too fantastic. Her vocabulary, her word choice. Ermagherd. It’s sophisticated like walking into a chic and modern penthouse. It’s elegant like Elie Saab’s Fall/Winter haute couture collections. It flows like water rushing along a river. It’s as smooth as Haagen Dazs ice cream. I read her writing and I fall into it. I fall into Celaena’s world. And I never want to get back up. Maas also knows how to tease but she knows when enough is enough. There is a certain point in the novel where the plot builds and builds. Think of those breathtaking battle scenes you have in movies and the massive build up to them. Don’t you hate it when the director cuts to something else and leaves you hanging? Maas could have cut off and left us hanging as she went to Chaol/Dorian or Manon’s story. But she goes on. For chapters upon chapters as Celaena’s scene grows to this halting crescendo. Each time I turned the page I was so freaking scared that the next chapter would leave me hanging. But she goes on. Right until the epic scene fades and I was left exhausted and my pillow soaked because I was holding my breath while sobbing the entire time (I know, how am I alive?).

This is THE book of 2014. Maas has managed to out-do herself once again. Heir of Fire is the strongest book in the series yet – her writing continues to grow and her flair shows in the way she weaves the tales of characters old and new. I laughed, I bawled my eyes out and I never wanted this to end. A story of family, love, friendship, loyalty and self-discovery, steeped in Maas’ signature style, the plot will leave you reeling and breathless for more.

“She was the heir of ash and fire, and she would bow to no one.”

Review: Maybe Someday by Colleen Hoover

Firstly, thanks to Simon & Schuster Australia for this review copy <3



Date Read: March 26 - 30 2014
Release Date: March 18th 2013
Publisher: Atria Books (Simon & Schuster Australia)
Source: Review copy via publisher
Genre: Contemporary
My rating: 

Synopsis:

"At twenty-two years old, aspiring musician Sydney Blake has a great life: She’s in college, working a steady job, in love with her wonderful boyfriend, Hunter, and rooming with her good friend, Tori. But everything changes when she discovers Hunter cheating on her with Tori—and she is left trying to decide what to do next.
Sydney becomes captivated by her mysterious neighbor, Ridge Lawson. She can’t take her eyes off him or stop listening to the daily guitar playing he does out on his balcony. She can feel the harmony and vibrations in his music. And there’s something about Sydney that Ridge can’t ignore, either: He seems to have finally found his muse. When their inevitable encounter happens, they soon find themselves needing each other in more ways than one…"

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“There will never be a maybe someday.”

I don’t think Colleen Hoover can do wrong in terms of contemporaries. Hoover has a way of writing controversial issues in the most beautiful and lyrical manner. I love the way she incorporates poetry or music, or a combination of both in her books. Maybe Someday is no exception. Utilising music to drive the book, I was totally immersed in Sydney and Ridge’s world.

Sydney’s just moved into a new apartment with her best friend Tori. She’s studying what she loves – music – and in her opinion, has the best boyfriend in the world. Or so she thinks until she finds out that her best friend is screwing said boyfriend – right under her nose too. Sydney is taken in by Ridge – the composer who lives across the courtyard and the one who witnessed her boyfriend’s cheating ways. As the two grow closer, there is no denying their budding romance and attraction that is almost tangible.

Sydney is an alright character and I quite liked her. While she does spend the beginning of the book moping about her ex-boyfriend she does get better as she immerses herself in writing lyrics for Ridge’s music. What I loved about Sydney’s character though was her understanding of what it was like to be cheated on and she didn’t wish this on anyone. As she forms connections with the various people in Ridge’s apartment/life, I could see her trying to refrain from her feelings so as not to hurt anybody.

“I don't want to be someone's second choice.”

I love the guys Colleen Hoover writes. Ridge is so sweet and thoughtful and I loved the way he explained the way he felt music. The way he described vibrations, showed them to Sydney and matched these to the beat of their hearts to feel the notes was spectacular. I mean I know musicians like Beethoven (who was deaf) composed music based on vibrations but to see it explained from a first person perspective was so breathtaking and eye-opening. One of the best things Hoover did in this book was she didn’t write Ridge’s attractiveness based on his rock-hard abs or stunning physique. I’m not sure that was ever really mentioned. What she does use to describe him is the way he uses his eyes to speak and how they display so much emotion; his hands and fingers and the way they strum the guitar; and his musical talent. This is one of the few books of the genre I’ve read where the guy isn’t defined by his gorgeous body.

One of the biggest problems I had with this book was how Ridge viewed Sydney. He kept seeing her as a damsel in distress and not as a heroine. He didn’t see her strength, and to be honest I didn’t either – at times her need for Ridge left her in a mess and I thought it was a bit pathetic. I didn’t like how she seemed so dependent throughout the book, first on Hunter then on Ridge. I would have really liked to see some independence.

A lot of Sydney’s feelings (and Ridges) were shown through the lyrics written. I’ve always loved how Hoover uses poetry and music to tell stories. Through the songs, Sydney and Ridge unknowingly tell their most intimate feelings and innermost thoughts. Through the scratching of the lines that go back and forth between the two as they try to find the right words, I could clearly see each person’s worries and conflict. The songs were so beautiful and spoke about feelings that couldn’t be returned, letting go and wanting things we can’t have.

“Words can sometimes have a far greater effect on a heart than a kiss.”

Maybe Someday has one of the most controversial and thought provoking plots I’ve ever read. There was so much conflict and no definite right or wrong. How does one split their heart in two and try to make everybody happy? There was no black or white in this book, and as I read, there were some things I definitely agreed or disagreed with, but often than not I was left in a grey area. If I could use one word to describe the plot, it would be ironic.

“We try so hard to hide everything we're really feeling from those who probably need to know our true feelings the most.”

Hoover was able to bring music to life through words on pages. Through her lyrics, I got a piece of Ridge and Sydney’s story, I felt their pain and I lived through their conflict. An extremely thought provoking book told through beautiful writing, Maybe Someday is sometimes all people can hope for.

“I've learned that the heart can't be told when and who and how it should love.”

Top Ten Tuesday #10

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme created and hosted by The Broke and the Bookish where, each week, a Top Ten list is posted based on a particular topic.

This week's: Top Ten Books I'd Give to Readers Who Have Never Read YA

I'm picking YA because every time I say I'm a lover of young-adult books, and a blogger/reviewer of this age group of books, I visibly see people blanch. I see the judgement in their eyes. There is this preconceived notion that YA = trashy characters, terrible writing and juvenile plots. Well here are 10 amazing YA books that don't fit the stereotype that media and society have placed on the age group. Let's start by being clear: young-adult essentially isn't a GENRE. It's an age group. There are all types of genres within YA, that are targeted to 13-19 year olds. But anybody can read YA.

We're gonna move along and skip over The Fault in Our Stars, The Hunger Games and Divergent. These are fantastic YA books, with deep themes that have broken society's views of YA already. They are famous enough that people who have never read YA, have at least heard of them. I'm also going to skip over Rainbow Rowell as I think she's already quite famous and her works are known. However, if you haven't read any of these, or haven't heard of them - I HIGHLY urge you to check them out.

I'm going to introduce you to some lesser known YA books outside of the blogging/bookish world. These aren't necessarily my top books of all time. They're books that I believe, cohesively, would appeal to a wider and more general audience than my favourite books ever (some of my favourites of all time ARE listed here though). I've added style which indicates what age-group I think the writing style is suitable for - including word choice, themes, underlying messages, depth of story and character's choices/actions.

Clicking on the book cover takes you to the Goodreads page

1. Just One Day (Just One Day #1) by Gayle Forman
Rating: 5/5
Genre: Contemporary
Style: older YA (16+) 



By the same author of If I Stay (the upcoming movie, if you haven't heard of this one, you should read it too). This is a contemporary about one girl's self-discovery, love and taking chances. Told over the space of one day and then one year, it's a moving story of choices and pushing one's boundaries. Bonus: set in Europe (mainly Paris)!

2. On the Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta
Rating: 5/5
Genre: Contemporary
Style: older YA (16+ mainly because of drugs; but I read this when I was 14)



With the chilling opening line, "My father took one hundred and thirty two minutes to die. I counted." this contemporary Aussie YA is one of the greatest YA works I have ever read. A story to uncover a story, to reveal a past, and to grow and move on, On the Jellicoe Road is moving and emotional.

3. Angefall (Penryn & the End of Days #1) by Susan Ee
Rating: 5/5
Genre: Dystopian; Sci-fi
Style: average YA (14/15+ mainly because of detailed descriptions of mutilations)



What if angels weren't the good guys? What if they doomed mankind as we know it? A post-apocalyptic sci-fi about angels destroying humanity, Ee's writing hooks you in from the start and leaves you wanting more. If you're one for a touch of macabre and light horror, this one's for you.

4. Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass #1) by Sarah J. Maas
Rating: 5/5
Genre: Fantasy
Style: average YA (14+)



How about a touch of fantasy? While many argue that the first book in this assassin series is weak, I personally loved it. And the following books in the series are AMAZING (which everybody else does agree on). The world-building, plot, characters and Maas' lush, eloquent and exquisite writing are woven together to make my favourite fantasy series ever.

5. The Raven Boys (The Raven Cycle #1) by Maggie Stiefvater
Rating: 3.5/5
Genre: Paranormal
Style: average YA (14+)



Or maybe you prefer a glimpse into the supernatural. Ley lines, magic forests and long dead kings granting wishes. This is a fantastical paranormal with an extremely unique plot, topped with Stiefvater's poetic writing. Don't let the seemingly average rating deter you, this is seriously one you should check out.

Thoughts on the book: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/993777492?book_show_action=false

6. Legend (Legend #1) by Marie Lu
Rating: 4/5
Genre: Dystopian
Style: average YA (14+)



For lovers of Divergent and The Hunger Games (bookish peeps, I am so sorry I said that but you know why I did this for the non-YA readers), Legend is a thrilling Dystopian about a government's prodigy versus its most famous criminal. These two characters come crashing together in a heart-wrenching story that never stops giving. The trilogy's end I can say is the best epilogue I have read.

7. Drowning Instinct by Ilsa J. Bick
Rating: 5/5
Genre: Contemporary
Style: older YA (17/18+ mainly because of notions of depression, sexual assault and suicide)



Student-teacher relationships are wrong. Aren't they? They belie the trust a student places in their teacher and produces a conflict of interest. But the protagonists' teacher is the only one who listens to her; with parents that neglect her and no friends, he is the only one that genuinely cares. There is no such thing as right or wrong in this book. One of the most thought provoking I've ever read.

8. Shadow and Bone (The Grisha #1) by Leigh Bardugo
Rating: 5/5
Genre: Fantasy
Style: average YA (14+)



It's no secret that fantasy is my favourite genre and Bardugo's Ravka, based loosely on Russia, has one of the most intricately built worlds in fantasy. The characters are complex and seductive, hostile and not as they seem.

9. The 5th Wave (The 5th Wave #1) by Rick Yancey
Rating: 4/5
Genre: Dystopian
Style: average YA (14+)



Thought you knew alien invasions? Well you don't until you've read The 5th Wave. Humanity as we know it is doomed. A mind-blowing concept, you wouldn't believe how these aliens infiltrate mankind.

10. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Saenz (5/5)
Rating: 5/5
Genre: Contemporary
Style: average YA (14+)



Set in the summer of the late 80s, two distinctly different boys - Ari and Dante - meet and form a beautiful friendship. This coming of age story ponders ideas of loneliness, life, love and family in Saenz's lyrical style.

Thoughts on the book: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/965384556?book_show_action=false

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Please do tell me if you decide to try any of these out (: