Showing posts with label book review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label book review. Show all posts

Monday, 7 August 2017

REVIEW: The Heir

Book: The Heir
Author: Kiera Cass

Brief Synopsis

A new protagonist to take on the Selection, and the first female to do so. The Bachelor-meets-royalty storyline has now switched to a Bachelorette style, as Eadlyn is setting up to become the first female heir of Illéa. However, Eadlyn doesn't see marriage as a necessity; she's been training her entire life to become queen, she doesn't need a man to help. Despite the Selection not being her idea, could Eadlyn still find a happily ever after?

My Review

I don't love it as much as The Elite, but I'm still giving this one a 5 out of 5 because it hit all my criteria points: likeable protagonist, a man I could fall in love with (actually, a few men in this one!), it grabbed my attention and I couldn't put it down. I know a lot of people are hesitant to read this portion of the series; the idea of a new protagonist doesn't appeal to them because no one can compare to America Singer. I'm telling everyone to give Eadlyn a chance, and remember that no she's not America, because they had vastly different upbringings. I personally think this major difference is the reason I love this book so much; it's a new perspective on the Selection! Eadlyn's not just partaking in it, she's running it. Men are competing for HER, she's not in competition with anyone else. While she may not be my favourite protagonist, I really like her, and I genuinely think if you enjoyed the first three books, you should give the last two a try.

Rating: 5 / 5
Would I read again? Yes
Would I recommend? Yes

For a spoiler-filled review, please check out my Wordpress.

Monday, 24 July 2017

REVIEW: The One

Book: The One
Author: Kiera Cass

Brief Synopsis

The moment is fast approaching! Will America become a Two or a One? Mrs. America Leger or Princess America Schreave? If not America, who will win the prince and the crown?

My Review

I'm sorry, this one is not my favourite. Reading this book was a weird combination of not-enjoying-the-lagging-middle and I'll-just-read-one-more-chapter-but-I'm-lying-to-myself. I am actually quite disappointed with the overall feel of this one; there were moments where America and Maxon were completely out of character, and although the ending was enough to make me want to read the last two books, there are things Kiera Cass has done that I won't be able to forgive anytime soon, if at all.

Rating: 3 / 5
Would I read again? Yes
Would I recommend? If you loved The Elite, you may as well finish the trilogy!

For a spoiler-filled review, please check out my Wordpress.

Monday, 17 July 2017

REVIEW: The Elite

Book: The Elite
Author: Kiera Cass

Brief Synopsis

From thirty-five girls to six, the competition is narrowing down quickly. America Singer may have made it to the Elite, but she needs to step up her game if she's to win the competition. Will she continue to move forward, or will her indecisiveness be her downfall?

My Review

The Elite started off much better than The Selection! I understand the first book is usually the one to introduce the characters and the circumstances, but it was much slower than I expected. Having this one start off more smoothly and more quickly was quite refreshing.

Do you remember last week when I said I didn't love America as a protagonist yet? By the end of this book, it finally happened! I was worried it was going to take a whole other book (if at all), but nope, the last couple chapters cinched it for me. I still can't say I relate to her as much as I do Marlee, but she is an absolutely likeable character and I would love to be friends with her.

I don't want to give you false hope though; as much as I loved this book -- I'm pretty sure it'll be my favourite in the series! -- there is a lot of heartbreaking aspects added to the plot of the series. This book will definitely tug on your heartstrings, so readers beware for that.

If you didn't like The Selection, I'm asking you to please give The Elite a chance. If you're not in love with the series by the end of this book, then it just wasn't meant to be. But in my honest opinion, this book has so much more action and plot twists than the first book, and you just never know what's going to happen!

Rating: 5 / 5
Would I read again? Yes, absolutely!
Would I recommend? Yes, even if you didn't like the first book.

For a spoiler-filled review, please check out my Wordpress.

Monday, 10 July 2017

REVIEW: The Selection

Book: The Selection
Author: Kiera Cass

Brief Synopsis

For most of the young ladies of Illéa, the Selection is a dream-come-true once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. For America Singer, however, it's the total opposite. Putting her name in for the Selection would mean the possibility of leaving behind her love and entering into a world completely out of her comfort zone. How is she expected to live in a palace and compete for the affection of a One, when she herself is a Five?

My Review

If you love The Bachelor, this would be the perfect book for you! In a new North America (called Illéa), the country is comprised of a monarchy and a caste system. America Singer, a Five, has no desire to meet the prince. That doesn't matter to her mother though, who asks America to sign up for the Selection anyways. The Selection is a chance to become the wife of Prince Maxon and, essentially, become Princess of Illéa.

I like America as a protagonist, I really do. I can't say I love her yet, but she is changing and becoming a rounder character. And I can certainly appreciate what a big heart she has; the way she interacts with people "beneath" her (in terms of the caste system) is genuine and loving. She's also not afraid to tell off the people who are "above" her when they're being jerks. I'm hoping I'll love her more as the series goes on, because right now her indecisive attitude is a bit irritating. But overall, she's not a terrible character.

I'm trying really hard not to spoil anything, so all I'll say now is that if you're into books about royalty and/or caste systems, and if you're not afraid of a romance, you should definitely give this book a try. I will warn you though: This book started off slow, in my opinion. I didn't start to get into it until Chapter 8, which is about 60 pages into the book. I also wasn't a fan of the ending, but the middle was fantastic and it was enough to make me want to continue with the series.

Rating: 4 / 5
Would I read again? Yes
Would I recommend? Yes, but maybe only to those who love romance novels.

For a spoiler-filled review, please check out my Wordpress.

Monday, 3 July 2017

REVIEW: The Siren

Book: The Siren
Author: Kiera Cass

Brief Synopsis

Kahlen is a young woman (not yet twenty) who is transformed into a siren after a near-death experience. She is a rule-follower by nature, and has no problem obeying the laws of the siren sisterhood. That is, until she meets someone who makes her question everything.

My Review

I have so much empathy for Kahlen! From the intriguing first chapter, I knew her story would be an interesting one. When she was happy, my smile became big and bold. When she was upset, I cried more than I'd like to admit. I can't imagine having this deep of a connection with any other protagonists I'll encounter in the future.

Then there's Akinli! Akinli is the kind of guy I would love to bring home to my mom. He's down-to-earth, non-judgmental, and someone who takes a genuine interest in a person for who they are, not what they look like. How could you not love Akinli?

If you decide to read The Siren (which I highly recommend you do!), prepare yourself for an emotional roller coaster. The highs are high and the lows are low! But more importantly, this story is so well-written that I can't imagine anyone wanting to put this book down.

Rating: 5 / 5
Would I read again? Yes
Would I recommend? Yes, I would recommend this to everyone!

For a spoiler-filled review, please check out my Wordpress.