UGLIES

by Scott Westerfeld

Wow! This story was a great concept and left you thinking how shallow we have become. This is the first book in a trilogy and I'm looking forward to reading the next 'Pretties'.

Set in the future, where your whole world changes when you become 16, Tally is waiting for the day that she will no longer be an 'Ugly' but will have an operation to become 'pretty'. This involves becoming symmetrical, being sculptured, skin sanded, implants and basically cloned to be like a Barbie Doll. Once this operation has been done you then get to live in New Pretty Town where life involves having constant parties and fun, and this is what Tally is waiting for, where she will be united with her good friend Peris.

Tally has a rebellious nature and is always doing 'tricks' on her hoverboard to annoy authorities however when she meets Shay her life goes in a new direction. Shay does not want to become 'pretty' and wants Tally to come with her and escape to the 'Smoke' where you don't have to worry about being perfect and living in a perfect world.

Circumstances arise and Tally has to choose if she will spy on her new friends to save her life and fulfill her dream of becoming 'pretty' or stay an 'ugly' for the rest of her life. The author has created such a wonderful futuristic world which I felt I was living in and I felt close to each of the characters. Clever concepts and great imagination.

THE VIOLET EDEN CHAPTERS

THE VIOLET EDEN CHAPTERS  by Jessica Shirvington

(Reviewed by:  a student)  Genre: Paranormal Romance

  

EMBRACE  -  Book 1

Violet Eden is crazy about Lincoln, who she met two years ago, but refuses to be more than friends. When she finds out why he keeps his distance, she finds that he has kept a huge secret from her. He is a Grigori, part angel part human, and so is she. Violet is shocked and turns away from Lincoln. Then she meets Pheonix, who is an exile, and an enemy of the Grigori. Pheonix may be dark, but he is always there for her and they grow closer. Soon she has some choices to make, ones that could cost not only her own, but also Lincoln's life.

Overall it is a good book, but it is a bit predictable. I also found that it can be a bit confusing if you have read a lot of other angel stories because the hierarchy and history is different, and very puzzling, but the writing is brillian and draws you in.

ENTICED  -  Book 2

Violet has come to terms with bein Grigori, but she defiantly doesn't know everything. As she learns more and more she realises there might even be a future for her an dLincoln together. but Lincoln has his own secrets, and so do some of the other Grigori in their town. Then there is Pheonix, who is more powerful than they thought, and who holds the ultimate hand over Violet. As they race to find the scriptures, Violet and her powers are tested as they are pushed to their extreme.

This is the continuing story of Violet Eden, set one month after book 1 finishes. The hierarchy gets even more confusing, but the great writing continues with a better plot. But sadly no ohappy ending, so we will have to wait for book 3 for that.

EMBLAZE  -  Book 3

 

Came out in October - haven't read it yet!

NOTE: These are books that you will either love or hate. This series is not one of my favourite, but it is a good read if you don't mind reading ANOTHER angel book!

THE HUNGER GAMES

THE HUNGER GAMES by Suzanne Collins     (LWH)

Wow! I read this on my Kindle and have loved every minute of this fabulous book - the first in a trilogy by Suzanne Collins. I loved it so much I read it in 1 day... just couldn't put it down. I was transported into the future with a story that was a cross between the Truman Show, Gladiators, Surviver and a futuristic war movie all rolled into one. But it did have a lot of blood and guts in this book so if you're squeemish or don't like violence then this book isn't for you.

Katniss Everdeen lives in a world, that's harsh and desolate and must hunt to provide for her family, her mum and little sister, which all live in District 12. All twelve of  the districts are ruled by an evil president living in Capitol. Each year  a boy and girl are chosen from their district to compete in 'The Hunger Games', where they must compete in a game show and kill  their opponents to survive and be the final victor standing. The winner will then be able to return to their district as a hero. Sixteen year old Katniss must use her hunting skills to beat the other contestants in the arena..it's a fight to the death. The story grips you from the first page and takes you on a ride of emotions. Will Katniss survive and return to her family? What must she DO to survive being killed by her oponents? A nail biting ending! I can't wait to download the next books in the series.

CATCHING FIRE (BK 2 - THE HUNGER GAMES) by Suzanne Collins

The story continues as Katniss and her fellow contestant from District 12, Peeta, return to what they think will be a peaceful future. However, their survival in 'The Hunger Games' has embarrased the Captial and caused rebellion within some of the Districts, so now the Capitol are out for revenge. A cruel twist arises when both Katniss and Peeta are forced back into 'The Hunger Games' to compete again, this time with the victors from the past years. They must convince the world that they are still both in love. Can they survive a second time in the arena? This book was equally as exciting as the first and I read it in a day also. I've already downloaded the next edition. Glad I've got the Kindle to get it instantly... I just can't wait for the conclusion!

MOCKINGJAY (BK 3 - THE HUNGER GAMES) by Suzanne Collins



The third book in the trilogy and I haven't been disappointed. Katniss us up against the Capital this time involving not just herself but all the Districts as the rebellion goes on as Katniss must regain her strength and become the 'Mockingjay' they are all pinning their hopes on. Having survived 'The Hunger Games' twice before it is not just a matter of her own survival this time. Can she do it? Who is on her side and who has been betraying her all along?  Another book that I just coudn't put down, I had to keep reading to find out how it ends. So glad they are making it into a movie - I can't wait!

Watch the movie trailer below... can't wait to see the movie - March 2012!

Watch the movie trailer below... can't wait to see the movie - March 2012!