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.

Book Review: The Beginning of Everything /Severed Heads and Broken Hearts by Robyn Schneider

 Goodreads Description:

Golden boy Ezra Faulkner believes everyone has a tragedy waiting for them—a single encounter after which everything that really matters will happen. His particular tragedy waited until he was primed to lose it all: in one spectacular night, a reckless driver shatters Ezra’s knee, his athletic career, and his social life.

No longer a front-runner for Homecoming King, Ezra finds himself at the table of misfits, where he encounters new girl Cassidy Thorpe. Cassidy is unlike anyone Ezra’s ever met, achingly effortless, fiercely intelligent, and determined to bring Ezra along on her endless adventures.

But as Ezra dives into his new studies, new friendships, and new love, he learns that some people, like books, are easy to misread. And now he must consider: if one’s singular tragedy has already hit and everything after it has mattered quite a bit, what happens when more misfortune strikes?

Robyn Schneider’s The Beginning of Everything is a lyrical, witty, and heart-wrenching novel about how difficult it is to play the part that people expect, and how new beginnings can stem from abrupt and tragic endings.

Title: The Beginning of Everything (published as Severed Heads and Broken Hearts in the AU/UK)
Author: Robyn Schneider
Genre: YA, Contemporary, Romance, Coming of Age

Format: Paperback
Pages: 335
Publisher: Katherine Tegen
Source: Purchased at MPH Bookshop at KLIA (just before boarding :P)

Golden boy Ezra believes that life does not start till you get yourself into a tragedy. For him that was the summer before senior year when he gets into a car accident, shattering his leg and ending her career as a star tennis player. The book follows the aftermath of his accident as Ezra discovering who he is and what he wants to do in life with the down fall of his athlete career and losing the status of being one of the "in crowd" with the help of the new girl Cassidy.

I love this story so freaking much and connected with it instantly! A way to describe this book is as if its written by a best friend who knows me well and incorporated all the things that I love in a book. It’s intelligent, witty and spontaneous! The synopsis was what  intrigued me and the moment I picked up the book I could not put it down as I was captivated with Ezra and his story. There were some parts where I foreshadowed in the book but the way the plot twisted was very different from what I expected. There was a good hint of mystery where it feel like there were missing clues which all ties up in the end.

While it was well paced out, I had mix feelings about the ending. It was not a picture perfect ending it was bittersweet and was happy with where Ezra was at the end of the book and the final few pages were beautifully and poetically written as well as ultimately satisfying. 

The characters were really fun to read! They relatable characters that I want to befriend with. Also 50 points to Gryffindor for the awesome Doctor who and Harry Potter references! They were great Easter egg and I had fun fangirling to it. 

Ezra's character development made the book for me. I was charmed with him from page one and the more I read about him the more I swoon over him! He’s a ‘Nerd in a Jock’ body which I love stories like that. He’s intelligent, sarcastic and quirky who cares a bit too much about what people think and feel insecure. 

No joke I wanted to jump into the book and shake the dude silly shouting ‘Don’t give a crap about them’ or ‘Stand up for yourself’.

He started out at the low point, self-cautious and trying to blend in with the crowd but at the end he realises his potential, grew in confidants, stand up for himself, move away from the stereotype and his ‘friends’. Even though Cassidy's was the one who pushed him change in the end it is himself who made him change for better and be true to himself. Also he learns to let go of the past in order to move on with life.

I love reading from his POV with his brainy, snarky and unique narration along with the random puns throw here and there. Also I never swoon over a MC guy character but Ezra is one of my ultimate bookish boyfriend!

Cassidy remind me much of a lovelier of John Green characters Alaska and Margo where they are this pretty, smart, funny with a hint of mysteriousness. She is under the love hate section of the book where I adored her but was frustrated with her! Like the cover of the book Cassidy was a roller coaster to read. She comes out as happy-go-lucky, free spirit and intelligent but deep down she has her secrets and is broken.

I enjoyed her character’s spontaneous adventure and energetic yet mysterious personality which was fun to follow but when the book hit a certainty point, I became not a fan of her because her secretive personality drove me NUTS. I like her relationship with Ezra as she influence him to change his mind-set. Their very different personalities fitted together very well which made their interaction very entertaining to read about.

The romance was a roller coaster to read about! I adored Ezra and Cassidy relationship trough the book! It was fun watching their relationship and there were some really cute and sweet moments between them. Then it hit a certainty point I felt the boat shattered! *cries!*

The cast of side characters was amazing! I love reading about the Debate club gang where they are a smart, intelligent and diverse group of kids who do well in school yet knows how to kick back and loosen up. I love reading about the 'cool nerds' and kinda identify myself as one.. well sorta :P! 

Toby is one of my favorite characters to read! Won't mind a full book about him. Freaking cool guy and one of those loyal friends who'll always be there no matter what. Also he's freaking cute when he make references and fanboys about Doctor Who and Harry Potter. Like Ezra he has been trough his own tragedy when they were younger, though it involves a Disneyland roller coaster incident which made him an outcast in school. Even so he is confident, hilarious and know his motives and what he wants to do in life. I also like how he addresses about his sexuality when he confesses about being gay but does not want to come out in high school. 

His friendship with Ezra is one of my favorite bormance in YA. He welcomes Ezra's friendship at his downfall with open arms and was there to be his voice of reason when Ezra needed a hit in the head!

Also there is Pheobe who I adored! An aspiring journalist with a cute yet edgy personality. I love reading an Asian character who diverge from stereotype 'asian kid'. I also don't mind reading a full book on her. 

As for Ezra's old friends I am just going to say they are all fishing self centered potholes (trying to keep swearing pg-13) Especially Charlotte!!! gosh!!! i wanted to jump into the book and strangle that BEACH cause she acted like she is the flipping queen and annoyed the heck out of me! Long story short they were the stereotypical jerky jock/popular kids that kinda annoyed the heck of me. 

Overall I enjoyed it! I love the story and writing style as well as the pop culture references! Its filled with both beautiful poetic quotes and funny witty moments that made me laugh out loud. Also the quote above is my fav of the bunch.

I not only connected with the story and the characters (especially Ezra) but related to the scenario of moving on in life after a tragedy as I too faced a 'tragedy', on a few things including health wise (which I am not gonna go into too much details as its just something too personal and kinda emotional. FYI I am better now) when I was eighteen and it kind of change my life drastically. 

This book seriously have a special place on my favorites shelve! It helped me during my low times as what Ezra felt with his health condition and how he moved on in life motivated and inspired me! Long story short its one book that influence me and 'saved' me not to mention turn my perspective on life. 

I've re read this six times ++ and counting. Its the one book I push to friends when they want a book to read especially when they were recovering from a John Green/TFIOS book hangover. 

The Beginning of Everything is an optimistic, realistic and moving coming off age story of self-discovery and moving on with life after a tragedy along with moving from exception that one was expected to live up to after a downfall. 

I laugh with this book till I cried (of both happy and sad tears as Cassidy is kind of a heart breaker). A book for fans of Doctor Who, Harry Potter and John Green!

 

Quick note: When I first read the Beginning of Everything I was at a low point of my life where I had 'tragedy' after 'tragedy' happening to me that affected both my health, studies and life wise. I related to Ezra on what he was going through and the book inspired me to be a bit more spontaneous, pick up the pieces and move on with life. I mentioned this book over and over and over again that its one of my most influential books of all time cause if I were to choose a book that 'Saved my life' this will be the book.

For the UK/ AUS readers, the book is published under a different name and cover called Severed Heads and Broken Hearts which to be honest kinda suits the plot of book more. Even so I like the original US cover which is the one that I owe, more than the new cover which is blue instead of yellow.

Also the Author is coming out with a new book this year on May 28 2015 called Extraordinary Means which I was lucky to get an ARC of from Netgalley so a full review COMING SOON closer to the release date. 

FYI I already read the arc and have a 'little review' on my Goodreads and all I can say is I LOVE IT AND MY MIND IS ALL OVER THE PLACE!!! And I might have pre ordered a lovely hardback of the left cover from the book depository... Okay I did pre ordered it with another anticipated YA! :D

Also I feel like a Russian spy with secret hidden information as there is so much I want to say about Extraordinary Means but have to hold back till closer to the release date.

So till then I re-read The Beginning of Everything to hype myself (and to get over a bad book hangover) for reading the physical copy of Extraordinary Means which kinda explain why I'm now reviewing it even though its been over a year since I first read it.

Long story short then just PICK UP THIS BOOK! 

Also Check out my Anticipated YA releases for MAY 2015 (Click Here)

Till Next Time 

Book Review: Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan

Goodreads Synopsis:

"I've left some clues for you.
If you want them, turn the page.
If you don't, put the book back on the shelf, please."

So begins the latest whirlwind romance from the bestselling authors ofNick & Norah's Infinite Playlist. Lily has left a red notebook full of challenges on a favorite bookstore shelf, waiting for just the right guy to come along and accept its dares. But is Dash that right guy? Or are Dash and Lily only destined to trade dares, dreams, and desires in the notebook they pass back and forth at locations across New York? Could their in-person selves possibly connect as well as their notebook versions? Or will they be a cosmic mismatch of disastrous proportions?

Title: Dash & Lily's Book of Dares
Author: Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
Genre: YA, Contemporary, Romance,Christmas/Holiday Reads
Format: Paperback

Pages: 260 pages
Source: Purchased from Hill of Content bookshop

So I am one of those who don't care what time of the year the book is set in as long as its a goodreads and since I was in the mood for a Christmas in July book I decided to pick this up.

I really enjoy this! I have not read anything by Rachel Cohn but have read Will Grayson, Will Grayson which David Levithan has co-written and liked it so I kinda knew that I was gonna like this.

I like the concept of the book of Dare that Lily left in Strand bookshop and the mad exchanges of  dares between Dash and Lily across New York. I enjoyed how the book brought them together and what made it a page turner is to see when they will finally meet up. Its freaking witty but also cute and heartwarming. Also learning about each other trough the notebook was a really smart ideal of giving the back story of both characters.

Dash's a nerdy book worm who is snarky yet charming and hilarious! I liked him from page and fall for him trough out the book. Lily took a while to warm up but I eventually enjoyed reading from her POV (though I prefer Dash's more). Both characters were were very likable characters and same goes for the side characters especially Boomer (btw freaking love this guy! Heck they should write a sequel staring him!), Aunt Ida and Mark. Opposite in so many ways Dash and Lily both compliment each other very well.

Overall I DARE you to read this if you like fun adventurous storylines, cute yet sarcastic and witty dialogs which are at times LOL, an amazing cast of characters as well as a great heartwarming Christmas romance.

Book Review: Lola and the Boy Next Door (Anna and the French Kiss #2) by Stephanie Perkins

Goodreads Description: 

Lola Nolan is a budding costume designer, and for her, the more outrageous, sparkly, and fun the outfit, the better. And everything is pretty perfect in her life (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighborhood. When Cricket, a gifted inventor, steps out from his twin sister's shadow and back into Lola's life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door.

Title: Lola and the Boy Next Door (Anna and the French Kiss #2)
Author: Stephanie Perkins
Genre: YA, Contemporary, Romance, Chick Lit,
Format: Paperback

Pages: 338
Source: Purchased from the bookdepository

I love Anna and the French Kiss and that took me a while to pick up... This I was saving till after finals to devour it and tough it was worth the wait I am currently slapping myself silly wondering why the heck didn't I pick this up sooner!!!

Firstly while the story does have some parallel with Anna where two people want to be with each other but one of them is dating someone else. While the main story is Lola working out her feelings for her rocker (and much older) boyfriend and the fact her childhood crush Cricket who's family has moved back next door, it also has family drama, old enemies and being yourself without overdoing it. This basically your boy-next-door story with a good twist which made the story more unique

If you have not noticed I like a character centered book and the cast of characters were amazing!!!

Lola Nolan... I can only describe her in one word... unique! She's talented and artsy, daring and not afraid to stand out in the costumes (not outfits but costumes), fun loving, smart and mature though she tend not to make some of the best choices and is really really witty! I love reading from her head as she go trough some tough decisions including being honest with herself with who she love and who she really is. I love her development especially at the end though it was not a smooth ride.

Cricket... okay firstly WHO NAMES THEIR KID CRICKET?!?! Apart from the Odd name aside I freaking love him!! He is the adorable nerdy boy-next door and is super sweet especially with Lola. Some of the smallest/simplest gestures he makes makes me go 'aawww' and smile like a freak! I feel really bad for him living in the spotlight of his twin at times that his family tend to overlook his talent in inventing, but I love how he is still very supportive and proud of his sister.

Max.. at first I was okay with him thinking of him as the mysterious 'bad boy' rocker but when Cricket appear back in Lola's life I was like 'FORGET HIM!!' and hated trough the rest of the book. Though the way Lola treated him was not right I hated how he was trough out the book. Long story short he's a jerk!

Andy and Nathan who are Lola's strict and protective parents at first when it was mentioned 'other dad' I was like 'Rotan confuse' as I didn't expect Lola to be raised by two dads. I actually liked the ideal of the two dad's raising her and we rarely see same sex parents in YA . I love how Lola get along with her dads and that they play a bigger role than most book parents do. I especially love Andy trying to play cupid with Lola and Cricket! Freaking cute!

Side Characters... I liked Lindsay and that fact the author added another diverse character (she's Korean) but I felt like her character is very vague. We only get a glimpse of her every now and then. I was on the love hate side for Calliope was on the love hate side as most of the time I wanted to hate her but at the end of the book I neither love or hate her but I understand where she's coming from being the over protective twin of Cricket. Same goes for Norah, though her character eventually became better in the end I still was on the love hate section with her. My favorite side character were Anna and St Clair! Yes Anna and St Clare have a bit of involvement in this book which was a freaking surprise as I though it will just be a Cameo but it was more! Its great to see their relationship grow and mature from the previous book and their is seriously the sweetest!

I feel that Anna has changed slightly... I can't put my finger on it but when I reading her it feels different.. she's more... mature? Also my favorite line 'Anna confuse' makes an appearance!!! As for St Clare... boy is he freaking cheeky and witty and gosh do I love him even more in this book (point me to the direction where they sell St Clare!! Not Eclairs but St Clare's lol) ! He also has a more major role of helping Lola being honest with herself (technically her voice of reasons) where he makes references from his experience in the previous book since he was in the same position as Lola back then. 

While the story was predictable, I feel like this was really different from the other YA romances that I've read so far and is a huge improvement from Anna and the French Kiss.

The cast of characters was great and the story line though simple and fluffy but filled twist and turns making this not your average romance/ boy next door story. Stephenie Perkins writing is freaking fun, cute and unique! Now all I need is Isla and the Happily Ever After and my life will be complete! 

If you've read Anna and the French Kiss READ THIS!! If you have not read Anna and the French Kiss than pick it up before you read this so that you won't be all 'Anna confuse' as there are references to the previous book. Check it out also if you love Contemporary romance that are sweet and quirky!

I LOVE THIS BOOK TO PIECES and now have a new favorite book on my favorite bookshelve! Long story short JUST READ THIS! You won't regret it! And prepare to smile and giggle and swoon!

Book Review : Love is the New Black by Chrissie Keighery

Goodreads Description:

Piper Bancroft has been thrown a lifeline : her godmother has set her up with a job at a top fashion magazine in Melbourne. Having ruined her chances of getting into uni, Piper is ready to grasp this opportunity with both hands.

But when Piper starts her new job, she's as out of place as her fake Marc Jacobs handbag. Piper's determined to do a great job and prove she's got what it takes to make it. But there's one very large distraction getting in her way : her completely gorgeous and completely off-limits boss. He's be the perfect man - if only they'd met in another lifetime.

Title: Love is the New Black
Author:Chrissie Keighery
Genre: Chick Lit, YA, NA, Contemporary, Mature YA
Format: Paperback
Pages: 252
Source: Book Provided from the Publisher via Smitten Romance Book Club

 I love Smitten Romance books and own (at the moment) 5 of them so when the opportunity so read a new smitten book came along, I jumped on the opportunity.

Piper grew trough the book. She is really smart and talented at her job and though I felt the development a bit too fast pace. Also some of her decision made me cringe although *phew* they were resolved. I'm glad that she ended up with a happy ending in finding her passion in journalism and the right guy.

Mason... one word... swoon! Smart, charming, good looks not to mention CEO (okay acting CEO) of the top fashion magazines, Mason is more than just that! He is also caring and loyal not to mention trough out the book looks out for both Piper and Kara.

I love how this book took us to the 'behind the scenes' of the magazine making it not a picture perfect experience for Piper. You meet some nice characters and some nasty ones.

What's also interesting is that the book touch on the LGBT topic having that one of the characters, Kara is Gay and is forced to stay in the closet in order to keep her job and image as a well known model.

While the storyline was predictable and cliche still enjoyed how it played out as well as the development of the three main characters. It reminds me of Devil Wears Prada and Ugly Betty.

Definitely check this out if you want a quick light happy reads that is cute and fluffy and will leave you smitten. Also check it out if you are a fan of fashion and romance.  

 

 Have you read anything lately that has leaved you smitten?