Book Review: In Real Life by Lawrence Tabak

Goodreads Description :

Fifteen-year-old math prodigy Seth Gordon knows exactly what he wants to do with his life—play video games. Every spare minute is devoted to honing his skills at Starfare, the world's most popular computer game. His goal: South Korea, where the top pros are rich and famous. But the best players train all day, while Seth has school and a job and divorced parents who agree on only one thing: "Get off that damn computer." Plus there's a new distraction named Hannah, an aspiring photographer who actually seems to understand his obsession.

While Seth mopes about his tournament results and mixed signals from Hannah, Team Anaconda, one of the leading Korean pro squads, sees something special. Before he knows it, it's goodbye Kansas, goodbye Hannah, and hello to the strange new world of Korea. But the reality is more complicated than the fantasy, as he faces cultural shock, disgruntled teammates, and giant pots of sour-smelling kimchi.

What happens next surprises Seth. Slowly, he comes to make new friends, and discovers what might be a breakthrough, mathematical solution to the challenges of Starcraft. Delving deeper into the formulas takes him in an unexpected direction, one that might just give him a new focus—and reunite him with Hannah.

Title: In Real Life
Author: Lawrence Tabak
Genre: Contemporary, YA, Romance
Format: Paperback/E-book
Pages: 288 pages
Publisher:Tuttle Publishing
Source: Dymocks & Netgalley

 

When I first saw this on NetGalley i knew I had to try and request this and after reading a couple of chapters I went out to get the physical book (since it was already out) as its THAT GOOD! Its like this book has everything I love! Gaming, realistic and relatable teen along with a hint of romance and a hella lotta teen awkwardness.

15 year old Seth is a math genius and an avid gamer, is one of the best Starfare (i believe its a parody to StarCraft) gamer in the US. Like many teenagers he has a lot of commitments like school, a part time job, hobbies, chores, and maybe even a girlfriend? For Seth gaming is not just a hobby but a passion. He always dream of getting signed by the top teams in South Korea and train with the pro. However things aren’t as what it seems when he learns the true reality being a pro gamer with sponsors and endorsement, competitive team mates, the large pay checks and even the fame. Through the book follow him as he juggles all his commitments and parents’expectation while trying to get drafted by Team Anaconda as a professional eSport player in Korea.

I was hooked on this book from page one and its one of the few books that I went out and got a physical copy after getting a review from NetGalley as it was a book I had to own on my shelve. I enjoy the cast of characters, the pacing of the story and even the reality of both the eSport and Asian entertainment industry.

I like how the story was paced out and how things weren't a bed of roses but a rose bush of thrones. The writing was realistic, fun and light hearted while hitting some serious issues like the rise to fame and even one of the most realistic teenage lives I’ve ever read in a book.

I rarely find a YA even in the contemporary genre where it shows a teen with a lot of commitment as from my life as a teen and a student we have a heck loads of commitment from doing well in school to extra curriculum, chores and maybe even a part time job. In fact Seth’s literally a guy version of me as a teen as like Seth  had to juggle a long list commitment in high school leaving me with little time for leisure including gaming (which my parents till this day cringe and grit their teeth with disapproval).

Speaking of gaming while I'm not an avid fan of the genre of games Seth plays (not to mention I'll probably suck at it) I really enjoy how the book touch on eSport which is a really big thing Korea taking out football size arenas for tournament. I do wish we get more of how the game plays but then it might just get confusing and let's face it, this is a book not a Starfare 101 manual.

While this is a coming of age story about Seth realizing his true passion might not be gaming or that dreams aren't what it seems, I do enjoy the the hint of romance and dare I say it gives the story some fluff that will make me smile and awe at the cuteness. Seth's friendship and budding romance with Hannah was sweet and well pace out and I love watching as he slowly but surely falls for her.

Also I enjoy how the author portrayed the Korean/Asian culture in a way where he didn't over stereotype it as well as did his research.

I also love the sibling relationship between Seth and his brother Garret and the only flaw of the story I can think of was the parents where the book did the ‘typical YA thing’ which was to write off the parents saying that one’s in a secluded location where you can’t contact with a mobile phone or that the other is away on a business trip so is rarely at home... well at least there is a decent reason why they are out of the story . Even so there are some good adult figures in the game like Song who mentors Seth, helps build his other interest that is math and is like his adopted father figure while in Korea. In fact the Math element here was really cool, reminding me a bit of An Abundance of Katherine without the crazy amount of footnotes.

Lastly this book tackles a topic I wish more books tackle that was Seth being thrown into the 'suddenly forced to grown up world' and be an adult. While yes this is a topic that is more of you need to experience it instead of read it but seeing from Seth POV of him forced to mature and be independent is both refreshing and something touch close to home for me making me wish I read this years ago before I left home to come to Australia.

Seth character and narration was what made the book for me. I love his snark yet smart alec comments and all the crazy yet random fantasy he dreams of that is NOT in a SICK sexual way but like in a cute and maybe impossible even for reality way like what he'll do when he get his first paycheck or how he'll surprise Hannah. Long story short, this boy has one crazy head and to compare it its like reading a little brother's diary that you lost temptation to. Also he is highly intelligent and quick thinking not to mention down to earth kid who don't let fame get to his head. Seriously the best thing about Seth is his character development where he handles situation like being troll/ bullied by competitors, rude team mates and all his commitments maturely. Mostly what I like was that when he realize that things aren't as great as it seems, he's at least honest with himself and moves on.

Overall this is definitely a book I'll recommend if you are a gamer,  if you are not a gamer, if  you are interested in/ like the idea of gaming or if you want a realistic and refreshing male POV narration. A great coming of age story with a hint of romance and a heck lotta gaming. Also if you're looking for a book to recommend/gift to a guy friend/ brother to check.

This is one of the best and more underrated books I've read and I'm looking forward to reading more of Lawrence Tabak writing.

Recommend: Fans of John Green's An abundance of Katherine, Rainbow Rowell's Fangirl and James Dashner's Eye of Mind series (review here) and Laurinda by Alice Pung (Review here).

Ohhhhh... What's this?? top shelve approved??? WTF IS THIS???

Well I decided to make a 'stamp' of approval for books that i enjoyed and will highly recommend. Long story short if I love the book that I highly recommend it will have the 'stamp of approval' deserving to be placed on the top shelve.

Since we're talking about gaming I have a new section called RowGames where I review and discuss some games I recently been playing. I mainly play PC games, currently playing Life is Strange and recently gotten Gone Home so will probably be reviewing that soon. Also I just downloaded a bunch of gaming apps on my iPad so i might also review a few mobile games if I enjoy it.

Book Review: Pandora Jones: Reckoning (Pandora Jones #3) by Barry Jonsberg

Goodreads Description: 

Pan blinked. Something strange was happening to her mind and body. She felt relaxed, but at the same time, acutely aware of everything. She remembered the Professor's words: she was the cause of the destruction of humanity. And she felt the truth of those words.

Pandora Jones's problems appear insurmountable. She must convince her team that nothing is as it seems and that they must escape and expose The School to save the world from the plague she unwittingly inflicted on it. The only thing Pan has on her side is her gift of intuition, and her belief in the people she cares about.

But with the clock ticking, can she find a way to stop the plague, and should she do it at any cost?

Pan and her friends face off against the might of The School as the final pieces fall into place in the hugely compelling Pandora Jones series.

Title: Pandora Jones: Rekoning
Author: Barry Jonsberg
Genre: Sci-Fi, survival, paranormal, apocalyptic, YA, 
Format: Paperback
Pages:312 pages
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Source: ARC was received in exchanged for an honest review from the publisher

Warning: This review might spoil evens from Book 1: Admission (Review Here) and Book 2: Deception (Review Here).

This is one of my most anticipated books of the year and like every last book in a series I'm excited yet scared on how its gonna end and thank goodness Reckoning did everything right on ending a series!

The third and final book of the Pandora Jones series picks up immediately where we left off in Deception. In this book the truth behind the school, Pandora and her friends reason for being there and most importantly where did Pandora's powers come from is revealed.

I savored the story not wanting it to end yet wanting answers for all the cliff hanging questions in the previous book and this book delivered, tying in all the loose end in ways i didn't expected with a nice little bow. While I still was not a fan of Pan's inner captain obvious thoughts, I'm now at a point to where I'm used to it so it didn't bother me as much as it did in the previous books. The pacing in this book was slightly slower pace but I preferred that as it gives me a breather to process what's going on. Also like the previous books the action and suspense were nothing but nerve wrecking and epic to the point I'm on the edge of my seat hoping they'll be okay (spoilers... not really).

The scientific element is wicked and easy to follow and I also like how they talk about the ethics and morals of science and health. Lastly the way the book concluded was fitting and perfectly done! Prior to the released of the book my over thinking theory brain could not think of a 'happy' and satisfying way for this series to conclude but gosh did the author did a great job of summing up the series!

The character and relationship building in this book was probably the best in the series where we not only explore more of Pan and Jen's friendship that was established in the previous book but we also get to know more of the other characters aka their group mates like Wei Lin, Sanjit, Sam and Karl where in the short time we manage to get more of their backstory and their strengths, weaknesses and secrets which will all be important for the later part of the book. Mostly I enjoy how this diverse cast of characters interact with each other as they work together to try and crack down the secret behind the school.

Pan's relationship with Nate was surprisingly bittersweet and though Nate was such a hit/miss character for me through the series, his fate was the saddest part of this book. I seriously was rooting for Pan and Nate to be together especially with how he redeems himself ( comparing him to Theresa in Maze Runner AT LEASE HE TRIES TO REDEEM HIMSELF which got me to emphasis for his character) and the surprise of his relationship with a certain school faculty member.

Lastly the truth behind Pan's powers was kinda confusing but surprising. I had to re read that whole scene a couple of times but I like what they did with her finding out the truth and also answers some questions I had of another character in the previous book. Also from what I gather, Pan 'unlocks' a new level or ability with her power in each book which is really cool as we get to see her developed and adapt to her 'gift'.

Overall the Pandora Jones series is seriously one of the best and unique apocalypse/sci-fi theme YA I've came across as well as one of the more underrated Aussie YA out there. I highly recommend this series for its diverse cast of characters, epic and fast pace action and plot twisting story line.

Anticipated YA release for Second Half of 2015

A while ago i did my Anticipated releases for May 2015 and those were literally the only anticipated reads I had for the first half of 2015.

Now were in the middle of the year and the second half of 2015 releases are the books I have my eyes on so lets get to the list! Also while making this list I realise some of this books have actually been push back, making November the month where most of this new releases will be out and the month I'll probably go broke.

 Never Always Sometimes by Adi Alsaid

Expected publication: August 4th 2015 by Harlequin Teen 

I'm super excited for this as I love Let's get Lost and wanted more from this author.

Am looking forward to this as its a bucket list scenario reminding me of Since You've been gone.

Check out:

Let's Get Lost (Review Here)

 Dumplin' by Julie Murphy

Expected publication: September 15th 2015 by Balzer + Bray

I read Julie Murphy's 'Side Effect May Vary' last year and enjoyed it! I can't wait to read Dumplin' as its one of those books that we rarely see in YA and NEED MORE OF as it deals with body image!

Also there are talks of Dumplin' being made into the movie! Can Rebel Wilson be the MC???? 

 Stray (Spark #2) by Rachael Craw

Expected publication: September 1st 2015 by Walker Books Australia 

SOMEONE GIVE ME THIS BOOK YESTERDAY!!!!! 

I love love LOVE Spark and am anticipating Stray!! Kickass characters, plot and cover = FLIPPING KICKASS BOOK! I'm looking forward to reading more of the Spark world and learning more of Evie's powers.

This is one sequel not to be missed and an Aussie YA that EVERYONE and their puppies need to check out!

Also need more Jamie *SWOON* romance in my life!!! 

Check out:

Spark (Review Here)

 Carry On by Rainbow Rowell

Expected publication: October 6th 2015 by St. Martin's Griffin

'Fangirl' was the first book I read Rainbow Rowell and got me hooked on her writing! 

This is sort of a sequel/ companion book to Fangirl and am looking forward to seeing how this 'fanfiction' fiction goes.

 Winter (The Lunar Chronicles #4) by Marissa Meyer 

Expected publication: November 10th 2015 by Feiwel and Friends 

I ALSO NEED THIS BOOK IN MY LIFE LAST YEAR!!! The last book in the Lunar Chronicles series Winter is the book I'm mostly looking forward to this year. 

If you read Cress you'll know that CLIFFHANGER hit me hard!

 The Game of Lives (The Mortality Doctrine #3) by James Dashner 

Expected publication: November 17th 2015 by Delacorte Press 

I NEEDED THIS BOOK the moment I finish Rule Of Thoughts cause Cliffhanger! James Dashner is one of my favorite authors and am looking forward to the last book in this series. 

Also anyone who loves gaming and the friendship in Harry Potter needs to read this series!

Check Out:

The Eye of Minds (The Mortality Doctrine #1) by James Dashner  (Review Here)
The Rule Of Thoughts (The Mortality Doctrine #2) by James Dashner (Review Here)

 Ten Thousand Skies Above You (Firebird #2) by Claudia Gray

Expected publication: November 3rd 2015 by Harper Teen

I adored the first book and NEED THIS in my life as I want more of Paul! 
Am looking forward as we are gonna visit familiar places but also some new places.

Mostly I am in love with the cover and the idea of parallel universe hopping.

Check Out:

A Thousand Pieces of You (Firebird #1) by Claudia Gray (Review Here)

So I'm slowly gonna cut my coffee budget so that I can afford this beauties I am excited to read all of them and hopefully they won't be a letdown.

Let me know your anticipated books for the second half of 2015 and if the are any book that I miss of my list that you think I need in my life in the comments.

Till Next time

Book Review: A Really Awesome Mess by Trish Cook and Brendan Halpin

Goodreads Description:

A hint of "Recovery Road," a sample of" Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist," and a cut of "Juno." A Really Awesome Mess is a laugh-out-loud, gut-wrenching/heart-warming story of two teenagers struggling to find love and themselves.

Two teenagers. Two very bumpy roads taken that lead to Heartland Academy.

Justin was just having fun, but when his dad walked in on him with a girl in a very compromising position, Justin's summer took a quick turn for the worse. His parents' divorce put Justin on rocky mental ground, and after a handful of Tylenol lands him in the hospital, he has really hit rock bottom.

Emmy never felt like part of her family. She was adopted from China. Her parents and sister tower over her and look like they came out of a Ralph Lauren catalog-- and Emmy definitely doesn't. After a scandalous photo of Emmy leads to vicious rumors around school, she threatens the boy who started it all on Facebook.

Justin and Emmy arrive at Heartland Academy, a reform school that will force them to deal with their issues, damaged souls with little patience for authority. But along the way they will find a ragtag group of teens who are just as broken, stubborn, and full of sarcasm as themselves. In the end, they might even call each other friends.

Title: A Really Awesome Mess
Author: Trish Cook and Brendan Halpin
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, Coming of Age, Mature YA
Format: Paperback

Pages: 288
Publisher: Egmont USA
Source: Purchased from Boarders Malaysia

This book is so true to the title... one of the biggest EFF UP MESS UP book I've read and IT WAS AWESOME!

It follows a duo narration of Justin and Emmy, two newly admitted students at Heartland Academy, a reform boarding school and therapy unit to help teenagers sort out their eff up lives from addiction to depressions.

Justin has depression and was caught in a situation by his dad that got him diagnose with Sexual deviant. After a suicide attempt, it got the attention of his parents to send him to the facility.

Emmy's was adopted from China and always felt like she never fit in with her very tall blond family. She suffers low esteem and eating disorder as she diets to fit in. Things get worse when she gets caught in the middle of an internet prank which got her suspended from school.

Both characters are enrolled to the facility by their family in the hopes of helping them with their problems, wants nothing to do with Heartland and want's out as soon as possible.

Things start to change when they meet four other students in an anger management class and it might involve a piglet.

All the characters in the book are very mess up! Even so they made the book for me. This is one of the best and most diverse cast of characters I've encounter in a book! They were all well written and developed characters, each with a different personality yet compliment each other really well.

I liked how the book is told in alternative POV between Justin and Emmy as we see a different perspective of what they are both going trough in the facility. Its cool that we get the perspective of a guy and a girl. At the start both of them were very angry and rude on the idea of going to the facility but as the book progresses we see a lighter side of them where they are laugh out loud hilarious and sarcastic remarks come in place. Also they are both admitted for different reasons so its great seeing the different therapy classes they are taking and their reactions. Between Justin and Emmy I personally like Justin more as he has one of the best and sassiest humor I've read but also cause I like how they handle his problem. Emmy was okay but I was not found of her avoiding her problem and her purpose of being in Heartland whether she liked it or not.

Each side characters are more than meets the eye. They all suffer from some sort of problem whether its PTSD to an unlikely addiction, they all have layers upon layers and the more I read about them the more I like and care for the characters. I wanted them to get better and get the hell out of the facility.

My favorite side character is Jenny cause though she suffers a traumatic past and is the youngest in the group, she's the toughest and grungiest and is practically the 'leader' of the group. Also like Justin she has some of the best and sassiest lines in the book.

While the romance between Justin and Emmy sweet, it felt rush. I prefer the friendship they made in the facility as well as them mending their relationships with their families.

Though this book is laugh out loud hilarious while being grudge and full of teenage angst, it still has it serious note where they don't sugar coat the situations the characters are in. The situations feels real where there is consequences for their actions from Emmy stubbornly dealing with her eating disorder to saving a piglet. Also the ending is bittersweet (NO ONE DIES DON'T WORRY!!! LOL sorry but I just have to assure that) and also freaking awesome on how the book nicely wrap up with some really smart and mind blowing schemes that friends did.

I highly recommend this book if you are in the mood or like really snarky and sarcastic angry teen narration that is also a really quick read light hearten reads.

Book Review: Extraordinary Means by Robyn Schneider

Goodreads Description:

From the author of The Beginning of Everything: two teens with a deadly disease fall in love on the brink of a cure.

At seventeen, overachieving Lane finds himself at Latham House, a sanatorium for teens suffering from an incurable strain of tuberculosis. Part hospital and part boarding school, Latham is a place of endless rules and confusing rituals, where it's easier to fail breakfast than it is to flunk French.

There, Lane encounters a girl he knew years ago. Instead of the shy loner he remembers, Sadie has transformed. At Latham, she is sarcastic, fearless, and utterly compelling. Her friends, a group of eccentric troublemakers, fascinate Lane, who has never stepped out of bounds his whole life. And as he gradually becomes one of them, Sadie shows him their secrets: how to steal internet, how to sneak into town, and how to disable the med sensors they must wear at all times.

But there are consequences to having secrets, particularly at Latham House. And as Lane and Sadie begin to fall in love and their group begins to fall sicker, their insular world threatens to come crashing down. Told in alternating points of view, Extraordinary Means is a darkly funny story about doomed friendships, first love, and the rare miracle of second chances.  

Title: Extraordinary Means
Author: Robyn Schneider
Genre: Contemporary, Young Adult, Romance, Coming of Age
Format: E-book, Arc
Pages: 336
Publisher: Simon & Schuster UK/Australia
Source: ARC was received in exchanged for an honest review from NetGalley

In a nutshell, if John Green's The Fault in Our Stars and Looking for Alaska had a kid, and the kid is a huge Harry Potter, anime and Doctor Who fangirl who loves spontaneous adventure and Butter Beer Latte from Starbucks, Extraordinary Means is the beautiful offspring!

Robyn Schneider's previous book The Beginning of Everything (Review Here) is one of my all time favourite and most influential book, not to mention a book that 'Saved my life' so when I heard that she was coming out with Extraordinary Means I knew I have to have it in my life!

Extraordinary Means is a coming of age story told in alternate POV, follows Lane and Sadie who used to go to the same summer camp when they were younger, reunites years later at Latham House, a boarding school specialized in treating teens with tuberculosis (which both of our MCs have been diagnosed with).

First off I enjoyed the woodsy setting of the school and how its pictured to be like summer camp or a sky lodge. Obviously the students are there to take it easy like they are on a vacation in order to recover.

I love with Robyn Schneider's writing style on how one moment its intelligently written with its the medical talk and the metaphors the next its light hearted, sweet & touching and laugh out loud funny followed by emotions and feels.

From the synopsis and the theme of the book it sounds like a book full of feels and though it was a rollercoaster ride emotions, I laugh and awe with the book more than sit in a corner and let the feels flow as the author is good at balancing the seriousness of the situation with quirky and random events and dialogs.

The plot was fun and well paced out. There was never a dull moment and I devoured the story within a day! I love reading their adventures and shenanigans as it was trilling watching them break the rules around the school. One of my favorites involves Sadie and her friends causing mischievous in their French class which I laugh so hard for a good 10 minutes that I had tears in my eyes!

Though I had fun reading most of the book the 'final act' was where emotions started following. The ending was a well rounded conclusion though it RUIEND ME!!! Bittersweet and heart-breaking that I did cry buckets and was not pretty. Also the last few pages was beautiful, provoking and poetically written that reminded me of the last pages of Robyn Schneider's previous book The Beginning of Everything and any the ending of most of John Green books. Its that kind of ending where I want to read it over and over cause its stuck in my head days after I am done with the story and really makes me think.

I love reading the main characters! They were realistic and relatable characters that I definitely see myself friends with. I found myself attached and cared for them especially Sadie.

Lane, an overachiever and straight A's student with a perfectly mapped out future of going to Stanford University takes a detour in life when he gets diagnosed with tuberculosis and is sent to Latham House, putting high school, AP classes and SAT prep on hold. At the start, Lane was very uptight, play by the rules and ambitious, always working instead of resting and ignoring Doctor's orders which at one point made his condition worse. While I like reading about his optimistic and ambitious character at the start, once he go on overload, I wanted him to slow down and smell the roses as he's the kind of person who is rushing to get to the future instead of living and enjoying the present.

That is what eventually once befriend with Sadie and her friends. His character arc was my favourite. He developed, changing himself for the better. He eventually loosen up, got out of his comfort zone and experience what life have in store!

Lane took a couple of chapter for me to warm up to though then again he kind of reminded me of my high school self. Even so I enjoyed his character nerdy yet witty narration.

Sadie's personality is opposite of Lane. Having a terrible past of fitting in at both school and the summer camp, she fits in well at Latham House, transforming from being a shy outcast to a free spirit trouble maker. I adored Sadie from the start! She's sarcastic, sassy, fearless and spontaneous. She also have been at Latham House for the longest of all the characters, neither getting better nor worse. I love reading her crazy ideals and adventures even if it means sneaking around and breaking the rules. The only time I was not a fan of her character was that one time when she did something stupid (not gonna say too much as its a spoiler!) that annoyed me but eventually made up for it.

Their relationship was what made the book for me! I love their bantering and connection which made me smile and giggle with awe at their adorableness but also pulled my heart, making it fall into a million peace's. Lane was freaking sweet and a gentlemen with Sadie which made me swoon even more reading them together

The story is heavy on the romance and is well paced out! The romance started as a love hate relationship which is my favorite kind of romance. It was not one of those that took FOREVER for the ship to sail, so we got a good amount of romantic fluff between them. However when the ship hit a rock... *cries*.

It was also heavy on friendship and I love the diverse cast of side characters. Nick, Charlie and Marina were awesome friends to read about! They are the kind of 'cool nerds', with a lot in common but also have their own distinctive personality and interest. My favorite of the bunch is Nick who have some of the best and laugh out loud hilarious moments in the book.

I freaking love this book and though it does sounds like a TFIOS/LFA mash up (FYI I've read both book and love them and know enough about them for this compare), this is not a rip-off! Robyn Schneider has a distinctive style and narration that when I read her books I instantly know its her writing. From the geeky yet well planned Harry Potter and Doctor Who references to the easy to read and well written and researched medical narrations, the author has a unique and refreshing way of telling a story and I enjoy it!

Both of the author's books are 'medical narration' which is something slowly growing in the YA genre.

Like the The Beginning of Everything, Extraordinary Means is a sweet and touching yet a tragic love story. Its a book about finding hope and strength, second chances even if its a miracle, friendship and first love even when death is around the corner.

Its also a coming of age story about enjoying life to the fullest, taking spontaneous risks and taking things slower as we might missed what that road not taken have in store for us. 

I think, laugh and cried with this book, wanting more of this author's awesome stories!

When this post goes up I'll have already gotten my lovely hard back of the book in the mail and am gonna re read it and devoured it into pieces... okay I'll keep it in one piece :P !

Highly recommend this book especially to the John Green fans patiently waiting for his next book and needs something fill that void along with Rainbow Rowell fans, PotterHeads, Whovians and secret menu Starbucks lovers.

Book Review: Every Word (Every #2) by Ellie Marney

Goodreads Description: 

James Mycroft has just left for London to investigate a car accident similar to the one that killed his parents seven years ago...without saying goodbye to Rachel Watts, his 'partner in crime'.

Rachel is furious and worried about his strange behaviour - not that Mycroft's ever exactly normal, but London is the scene of so many of his nightmares. So Rachel jumps on a plane to follow him...and lands straight in a whole storm of trouble.

The theft of a copy of Shakespeare's First Folio, the possible murder of a rare books conservator, and the deaths of Mycroft's parents...Can Watts help Mycroft make sense of the three events - or will she lose him forever?

Sparks fly when Watts and Mycroft reunite in this second sophisticated thriller about the teen sleuthing duo.

Title: Every Word (Every #2)
Author: Ellie Marney
Genre: Conteporary, Thriller, Mystery, Crime, Romance
Format: paperback

Pages: 340 pages
Publisher:  Allen & Unwin
Source: purchased from Dymocks

 

If you have not read Every Breath (Full Review) warning as there are spoiler!

My thoughts for this book is all over the place! Prey that I make sense in this review!

Its been 8 weeks since the event of Every Breath. Rachael parents are keeping under 'house arrest', a murder that might be link to Mycroft's parents death has occur along while the Shakespeare Folio that the murder victim, a librarian was looking after is missing. When Mycroft suddenly leaves to follow Professor Walsh to London to investigate the murder, Rachael, worried for her boyfriend rushes to catch the next plane to London to find him before more trouble can occur.

The last book was set in Melbourne. This time we follow Rachael and Mycroft around London. I love how the author describes London and the places they visit especially the Sherlock museum!

The premise of the story was great and paced out really well! Its one of those books where it churn your braincells connection the dots, figuring out the mystery. The suspense and action sequence were a heck lot better compared to Every Breath. I love how the big 'WTF' moment came sooner instead of later and left me I was on my edge of my seat at 2 am reading it!

 
If you guys read the book or attended the 'Every Move' launch, three fingers Ellie... THREE FINGERS!!! I have read alot of book, played some games and seen a lot of show/movies intense and the intensity of this book has made it to my top three list along with Telltale's Walking Dead Season 2 video game and James Dashner's The Scorch Trials!  IT WAS SO GOOD BUT AND SO FLIPPING INTENSE!

The writing, no words to describe apart from how well written it is (I am terrible at discription!). Its darker and intense, not a bed of roses though there were some sweet heart warming moments. Also I love the book is well researched and reading the science aspect of the book.

I love the character development in this book! While we briefly meet Rachael's parents and friends Mai and Gus, we get some great character and relationship building from out main duo along with meeting some new and familiar faces.

Rachael was such a great, kick ass and strong minded character though like in the previous book she makes some decisions that makes shout 'NO! STOP! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!' she has her reasons and her quick thinking manages to get her out of trouble.

Mycroft... my feels for this boy are all over the place! There were times where he was just out of control that he needed to get his SHIT together and there were times where I wanted to hug the poor guy! He is an angry character with A LOT of issues and baggage. We get to know more about his past, his parents and the accident seven years ago. We also learn the reason of his obsession for forensic. Though insane, there is this charm in Mycroft that makes me swoon! I keep thinking of him as a darker version of Augustus Walters from TFIOS mixed with the Tenth Doctor from Doctor Who. I swear he is gonna grow to be a charming but mad scientist/doctor!

I looked forward to reading more of Rachael and Mycroft's relationship in this book and the development of their relationship is to a whole new level though sit tight as its a bumpy ride! I love how their relationship takes a lot of twists as they sort out their emotions and feelings for each other in the early stage of their relationship. I naww at the sweet moments between them and devoured the moments when things starts to heat up! This is one unique duo and partner in crime! Opposite yet similar, they balance and keep each other sane!
 
I love reading Rachael and her brother Mike's relationship even though it was brief, its still as strong as the previous book. As mentioned in my Every Breath review, this is one of the best and realistic brother-sister relationship! I need more YA with relationship like this!

In the last book we were introduced to Alice, a nurse at the hospital that Mike now works at and also his girlfriend. I love reading about Alice and her relationship with the Watts siblings (in two totally different ways). She was very sweet with Mike and a great 'big sister' role for Rachael! I kinda want a story on Alice and Mike. *hint *nudge *wink to the author 

The 'Big Bad' aka Villain of the book caught me off guard! Not gonna say much but as I mentioned IT WAS INTENSE!

A couple of things that I was not a fan of in the book, Rachael managing to get a ticket THAT CHEAP hours before flying off to London... I had a hard time believing that so I had to knock my head and remind myself its fiction! Also I find it convenient the fact that Mycroft and Rachael coincidentally have all the tools they will need to make that big *boom* moment or the part where they manages to find a van and the key is conveniently there.

The book ended with a BANG literally. I like how it wraps up the London arc nicely without any loose ends and cliffhangers and has a great set up for the last book Every Move!

Overall the Every Word was gripping and addictive! A great story where crime and mystery meets swoon romance!

 

I just finished reading Every Move aka the final book in the series and will have a review of that up soon! All I can say is FEELS! A LOT OF WTF MOMENTS AND I DON'T WANT THIS TO END!

My feels are on a rollercoaster! Nuf say.. JUST PICK UP THE FLIPPING SERIES!