Review: Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard (Jessica's Review)

Title: Red Queen (Red Queen, #1)
Author: Victoria Aveyard
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Hardcover, 382 Pages
Published February 2015 
Add it on Goodreads!
Read our interview with February Debut Spotlight Author Victoria Aveyard!
Read Amber's Review!

Summary: The poverty stricken Reds are commoners, living under the rule of the Silvers, elite warriors with god-like powers. To Mare Barrow, a 17-year-old Red girl from The Stilts, it looks like nothing will ever change. Mare finds herself working in the Silver Palace, at the centre ofthose she hates the most. She quickly discovers that, despite her red blood, she possesses a deadly power of her own. One that threatens to destroy Silver control. But power is a dangerous game. And in this world divided by blood, who will win?

Victoria Aveyard was our February Debut Author Spotlight on the blog last month, and I finally was able to nab a copy of Red Queen to read. Just looking at all of the reviews on Goodreads (and I have found very few that are less than five stars) and through word of mouth with my friends, it seemed to me that everyone loved it.

Well, add me to the mix, too! Red Queen was so spectacular and awesome and different. It reminded me of a cross between The Selection series and some other series where everyone manifests certain powers by a certain age. (I KNOW the name of one of said series. I am just having the worst mind-block imaginable right now. So if you happen to know what I'm talking about, remind me in the comments down below!)

So like it said in the summary, the people with red blood are deemed worthless and are put as the lower, second-class citizens of this area ruled by a monarchy of silver-blooded people. Besides the color of their mutated special blood, silver-blooded people all have different kinds of powers. They can move metal, set fire, control water, shapeshift, disappear, etc. Tons of awesome stuff. All stuff that Reds can't do.

Until we meet Mare Barrow. She has the unfortunate luck of accidentally displaying her super awesome electricity powers in front of a whole crowd of Silvers.

There are two things wrong with this. One, none of them can create electricity from within like she can. Two, her blood is red. (If you're mentally sighing in pity for this poor girl, I definitely agree with you. If you aren't then you should be.)

I really, really loved this book. It was refreshing and different and just totally new. The fact that Mare was so different and defied all of the odds was awesome to read about as well. And Cal and Maven were both totally swoon-worthy, even when they were being complete idiots.

AND THAT PLOT TWIST. ***THE REST OF THIS PARAGRAPH CONTAINS SPOILERS. SCROLL TO THE NEXT ONE TO AVOID THEM.*** Jesus, I knew that after Julian preached to Mare about how anybody could betray anybody, someone was going to stab her in the back. Really hard. But I NEVER in a million years suspected it to be Maven. I thought it was just going to be Cal after he refused to join the revolution and make his father step down from power. When that happened, I figured that was what the whole phrase meant. But after Maven made it clear that everything he said to Mare was a lie and he had just been setting her up to get what he wanted...well, shoot. I was so confused and angry and frustrated at him because GOSH DARN IT MAVEN I WAS JUST BEGINNING TO REALLY REALLY LIKE YOU. Victoria Aveyard is definitely the newly-crowned (heh, the irony) Queen of Plot Twists. That was a doozy, that one.

So yeah, I pretty much read this book nonstop after I stalked my library to make sure I was the first one to have it. And I couldn't put it down. I had a severe case of "one more chapter" syndrome with this one, and it was definitely worth it. I'm super bummed that I wasn't able to read Red Queen as an ARC but I'm still glad that I got to pick it up while it was still new.

And author Victoria Aveyard is a total sweetheart herself. Look at what she had to say about the relationship between the blogger and author communities!:

"I had little to no knowledge of the book blogging community before I found myself right in the middle of it and I have to say, everyone seems great. You guys really are the grassroots end of publishing, getting the word out and doing so much groundwork for books big and small. And when it comes to new authors like me who are just kind of running around like headless chickens, you guys are SAINTS. I personally feel so welcome and lucky to have this community all around me. Regardless of how people feel about anything I write, the blogging community are always professional, kind, and above all else, so dedicated. I'm constantly floored by the amount of work you put in, for nothing more than your love of books." -Victoria Aveyard

All in all, Red Queen was a spectacularly different novel about defying what man deems true and raising Hell until things are made right. (Even if you have a lot of Hell to raise.) Five out of five stars! Whether or not you're a fan of this sort of stuff, I encourage everyone to give this one a decent try. You won't be disappointed!

Rating: 

Book Blitz: The Secret Diamond Sisters Series

The Secret Diamond Sisters (The Secret Diamond Sisters #1)

by Michelle Madow 

Release Date: 02/25/14

Harlequin Teen

381 pages

Summary from Goodreads:

Savannah. Courtney. Peyton.

The three sisters grew up not knowing their father and not quite catching a break. But it looks like their luck is about to change when they find out the secret identity of their long-lost dad—a billionaire Las Vegas hotel owner who wants them to come live in a gorgeous penthouse hotel suite.

Suddenly the Strip's most exclusive clubs are all-access, and with an unlimited credit card each, it should be easier than ever to fit right in. But in a town full of secrets and illusion, fitting in is nothing compared to finding out the truth about their past.

Buy Links:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books A Million | Book Depository | iBookstore

Praise:

"Sexy and often electrifying ... Gossip Girl meets The Princess Diaries in a city that never sleeps." 

--Booklist

"This quick and entertaining read is filled with glitz and glamour ... get ready for one crazy and fabulous ride." 

--RT Book Reviews

Book Two:

Diamonds in the Rough (The Secret Diamond Sisters #2)

by Michelle Madow 

Release Date: 10/28/14

Harlequin Teen

448

Summary from Goodreads:

All-access doesn't mean no problems.

The three Diamond sisters survived the summer in style after coming to live with their long-lost billionaire father. But making a place for themselves at their exclusive new Las Vegas private school is throwing them any number of gold-plated curves. Savannah's YouTube stardom turns into a Sweet Sixteen reality show extravaganza—with complimentary enemies on the side. Dangerous flirtations don't keep Peyton from a gamble that will risk far more than she planned to bet. And when Courtney and the sisters' archenemy, Madison, uncover two explosive secrets, it will rock even this town of glittering illusion—and turn their lives upside down all over again.

Sisterhood, first crushes, and scandalous secrets explode in book two of Michelle Madow's riveting series, The Secret Diamond Sisters.

Buy Links:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books A Million| Book Depository | iBookstore

About the Author

Michelle Madow was inspired to write The Secret Diamond Sisters series while walking through her favorite hotel in Las Vegas. The next book in the series, Diamonds in the Rough, launches in October. Prior to The Secret Diamond Sisters, she successfully self-published The Transcend Time Saga. A tireless promoter of her work, Michelle is active on social media networks and has toured across America to promote her books and encourage high school students to embrace reading and writing. A graduate of Rollins College, Michelle lives in Florida ... but she loves going to Vegas.

To chat with Michelle and other fans about her books, joinMichelle Madow's Street Team on Facebook!

Author Links:

   



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ARC Review: Aimee and the Heartthrob by Ophelia London

Title: Aimee and the Heartthrob (Backstage Pass #1) 
Author: Ophelia London 
Genre: Contemporary, Romance 
Source: NetGalley
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Publication Date: April 14th 2015 
Add it to Goodreads / Pre-order it on Amazon 

Summary: 

He never noticed her before, but now she’s all he can see… Miles Carlisle is every teen girl’s fantasy. His rugged good looks and exotic British accent have helped catapult his boy band, Seconds to Juliet, to super-stardom. But after two disastrous and very public breakups, Miles isn’t interested in dating just any girl; he wants The One. And the only girl he’s interested in is not only his best friend’s little sister―and off-limits―but won’t even give him the time of day… As a kid, Aimee Bingham had a huge thing for Miles…until he made fun of her for always tagging along. Now that she’s outgrown both him and her pigtails. the prospect of spending two weeks on tour with the childhood crush who broke her heart isn’t exactly enticing. Except now Miles seems interested. Very interested. And no matter how hard Aimee tries to resist him, her crush is definitely making a comeback. But everyone knows that falling for a heartthrob is a backstage pass to heartbreak…

Review:  

This book is adorable. I had the goofiest grin on my face for most of it. Aimee and the Heartthrob is a book perfect for a rainy day. It's fluffy with a bit of humor and plenty of swoony moments. 

Amiee has the three weeks that her parents are going to be all planned out. But when her plans fall through and her parents send her off with her brother, who is interning with Seconds to Juliet (an all boyband), Amiee thinks that her summer is going to be ruined. Years earlier Miles broke her heart, saying he only viewed her as the annoying tag along. The last thing Aimee wants to do is be near him again. Within minutes of being there Miles hits on her, unaware that it is Amiee, not some random conquest. As the three weeks go one Amiee and Miles become closer, but can Amiee let down her walls and let Miles in? Or can Miles trust Aimee enough to let her in? 

Aimee was likeable enough for me, she reminded me of myself a lot which I think is a reason why I wasn't that crazy about her. She grew on my towards the end though. In the beginning of the book she is still hung up of Miles, not matter how many times she says she isn't. One major thing that irritated me though was how many times she repeated that Miles was "perfect", "beautiful", "sexy" I got it the first few times. The guy is british. It was almost every other page she would mention his attractivness. 

Miles was adorable (I am going to turn into Aimee and repeat it a ton of times) but he really is. He is british, flawed, famous, part of a band. He is pretty much the total package. Naturally he has a bit of a dark past with drugs and getting in trouble with the law. But he was down to earth, funny, and felt realistic to me. Ophelia could have easily made him a jeark because he was famous and she didn't. Thats why I loved Miles so much. 

The romance was cute. It seems kind of rushed if you don't remember that Amiee and Miles knew each other for years and not only a few days. As much as I loved this book though: It is fiction. The chance of this happening is so very slim. Can't blame a girl for wishing though, huh? 

Overall I really enjoyed Aimee and the Heartthrob. It was a quick light read that managed to keep me enertained. I am excited to see more from Ophelia London soon. 

Rating:

Review: Gravity by Melissa West

Title: Gravity (The Taking #1)
Author: Melissa West
Genre: Science Fiction
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Publication Date: December 18th 2012
Add it to Goodreads / Buy it on Amazon

Summary:

Seventeen-year-old Ari Alexander just broke that rule and saw the last person she expected hovering above her bed — arrogant Jackson Locke, the most popular boy in her school. She expects instant execution or some kind of freak alien punishment, but instead, Jackson issues a challenge: help him, or everyone on Earth will die. Ari knows she should report him, but everything about Jackson makes her question what she’s been taught about his kind. And against her instincts, she’s falling for him. But Ari isn’t just any girl, and Jackson wants more than her attention. She’s a military legacy who’s been trained by her father and exposed to war strategies and societal information no one can know — especially an alien spy, like Jackson. Giving Jackson the information he needs will betray her father and her country, but keeping silent will start a war

Review: 

I am mentally beating myself up for not picking this up sooner. I've always seen it around, but I put it off for the last year. A few weeks ago it was free on Amazon and I knew that was my chance to read it, especially I had a gap between ARCs and I could read something that has been published already. (Which happens rarely) Gravity was addicting, action packed, full of secrets and a swoon worthy guy.

Don’t. Ever. Peek.

"The Taking" is something that every human above the age of ten is obligated to do. The aliens "Take" antibodies from their assigned humans each night to help them to acclimate to earth. The humans give to the aliens through "The Taking" by obligations of the contract with the aliens. But one night Ari looses her patch, leaving no barrier between her eyes and the alien that would soon be arriving to "take" from her. Ari unable to resist the urge, opens her eyes only to be suprised for it to be someone she knows. One problem, the aliens aren't suppose to be on earth, except for "The Taking." 

There is a lot of world building in this novel, which is a good and a bad thing. After too much world building I start to zone out. But the world that Melissa was both interesting and unique. This book leaves you wanting to keep reading into the late hours of the night, so much can happen with in a page that you are constantly left on on the edge of your seat. 

I liked Aria for the most part, and I really liked Jackson. At some parts Jackson did piss me off for the fact he kept hiding things and he wasn't forthcoming with information. The romance was a bit lacking, but the story line and actions makes up for it. I do hope there is a bit more romance in the next book though, I am a bit of a sucker for romance. 

Overall I really enjoyed this one. There are just some books that you love and don't have much to say about? Gravity is that kind of book for me. 

Review: Blue Plate Special by Michelle D. Kwasney

Title: Blue Plate Special
Author: Michelle D. Kwasney
Rating: 4/5 Stars
Hardcover, 366 Pages
Published September 2009
Add it on Goodreads!

Summary: Big Macs and pop tunes mask the emptiness as Madeline watches her mom drink away their welfare checks. Until the day Tad, a quirky McDonald's counter boy, asks Madeline out for a date, and she gets her first taste of normal. But with a life thats anything but, how long can normal really last? Hanging with Jeremy, avoiding Mam, sticking Do Not Disturb Post-its on her heart, Desiree's mission is simple: party hard, graduate (well, maybe), get out of town. But after Desiree accepts half a meatball grinder, a cold drink, and a ride from her mother's boyfriend one rainy afternoon, nothing is ever simple again. Too many AP classes. Workaholic mom. Dad in prison. Still, Ariel's sultry new boyfriend, Shane, manages to make even the worst days delicious. But when an unexpected phone call forces a trip to visit a sick grandmother she's never met, revealing her family's dark past, Ariel struggles to find the courage to make the right choice for her own future. As three girls from three different decades lives converge, they discover they are connected ways they could never imagine. Each of them finds strength that brings her closer to healing a painful past, and faith that there is a happier future.

A friend of mine read and added this book on Goodreads, and I was immediately curious to see what it was about. Upon reading the summary, my interest grew even more - especially since all three perspectives in the story were told from different decades. So I gave this one a shot, and it definitely ended up being worth it.

Blue Plate Special is about three different girls - Madeline, from the 1970's, Desiree, from the 1990's, and Ariel, from 2009. Each girl goes through her own issues in their own perspectives in the story. Madeline is an overweight outcast at her school struggling for a companion while dealing with her alcoholic, waste-of-space mother. Desiree is fighting for her mother's attention while dodging unsettling vibes from her mother's boyfriend, which eventually leads to another problem. And Ariel, an only child with a father in jail that she's never met, dealing with the sudden sickness of a grandmother that is a stranger to her while also dealing with her clingy, obsessive boyfriend.

I really, really liked this book. So I'll comment my thoughts on each of the three perspectives first, and then talk about the book as a whole:

Madeline's Perspective: It was interesting to see how Madeline dealt with her mother, who spent all of her money on beer and cigarettes and drained their welfare checks every month. On top of being the "parent" of the household while her mother sits back and did nothing productive, Madeline also had to deal with being bullied in school for being the "fat girl." Until she meets Tad. Gosh, I loved Tad. He was the light that made everything better for Madeline, and he inspired a positive change in her, which I really, really liked to see. He was cute and kind and funny and sweet and loved her for who she was - he didn't try t use her. Tad was definitely the kind of guy I'd be interested in if it was present-day and not the 1970's! Madeline changed herself for the better up until the very end and her story definitely added a touch of hope to the plot. The only thing I wish I would've been able to read was her response in the end. The reader is left wondering what happens to her...and I wish I knew for certain!

Desiree's Perspective: Even though Desiree's point of view was written in a little odd for my taste,
going like this,
all of the time without
any 
warning
or rhyme or
reason.
and she didn't use capitals
which bothered my inner grammar
nazi 
a
lot,
or punctuation when someone spoke
so if i said something it was quoted like this,
I eventually got used to it. And her point of view was definitely my favorite of the three to read - maybe because her struggles seemed the most drastic and gripping at that point. I hated Larry from the very beginning, and I really really hated Desiree's mother when she didn't do anything to help when her daughter came clean and cried for help after Larry, her mother's BOYFRIEND, raped her. It grossed me out and I don't know how I would have responded in that situation if nobody had reached out and helped me.

But after all of that stuff goes down, following Desiree's story and watching her persevere was uplifting. Her perspective in the novel definitely adds a tough of struggle and working through the pain and horror of your past - letting it go for a better future.

Ariel's Perspective: Ariel's perspective is supposed to be the most recent, set in 2009. I was only eleven years old in '09, but for the most part Ariel's perspective could have still translated to 2015. There were only minor changes - such as the fact that not everyone had cell phones or iPods or iPads. Other than that, however, most was the same. Ariel frustrated me a little bit because it was so clear how obsessive her boyfriend was and she didn't realize it until the very end. Girl, your boyfriend got you a shiny new cell phone for your two month anniversary and installed a GPS device so he could know your location at every moment. If you don't pick up and answer his calls immediately, you immediately receive twelve more demanding where you are. And forget Friday nights - he demands that all of those are for him and you can't do anything else with any family or friends, but you must go on a date with him. He even gets mad when you say you have to visit your grandmother with cancer because none of that "family crap" should be your priority, but he should be.

Yeah, a little creepy, to say the least. And frustrating. But Ariel's perspective was the perspective that tied the whole thing together and answered most of my questions as a reader. The only thing that frustrated me with this book (other than Ariel not noticing her boyfriend's obsessive behavior) was the fact that I figured out the plot twist waaay before I was supposed to, which disappointed me.

This book wasn't even predictable, per say. The thing is that in the beginning, I had trouble figuring out how the three girls' stories correlated to one another. Each had different problems, different families, and even different decades. None of their individual plot points lined up.

But their stories are connected, and they're connected in a way that you'd never believe if I told you. Plus, it's kind of hard to explain. Which is why I won't explain it - go pick up a copy of Blue Plate Special and read it for yourself!

All in all, Blue Plate Special was a shockingly original book and a very gripping read. I was hooked from start to finish and will definitely be recommending this book to several other people. Michelle D. Kwasney created a wonderful novel filled with love, loss, heartbreak, drama, and perseverance - all woven together in a single thread that connects all three stories. I really liked this book and definitely recommend picking it up if you're in a reading slump and need a for-sure way out!

Rating: 

Waiting on Wednesday #25: Winter & The White Rose

"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking The Spine where we highlight some of the upcoming books we can't wait to read! (Also, since we're a bit nerdy we have something funny to point out - our 25th Waiting on Wednesday is up today, March 25th!)

Jessica's Waiting On:

Title: Winter (The Lunar Chronicles, #4)
Author: Marissa Meyer
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Publication Date: November 10th, 2015

Add it to Goodreads / Pre-order it on Amazon

Summary: 

When Princess Winter was thirteen, the rumor around the Lunar court was that her glamour would soon be even more breathtaking than that of her stepmother, Queen Levana. In a fit of jealousy, Levana disfigured Winter. Four years later, Winter has sworn off the use of her glamour altogether. Despite her scars, Winter’s natural beauty, her grace, and her gentleness are winning admiration from the Lunar people that no amount of mind-control could achieve. Winter despises her stepmother, but has never dreamed of standing up to her. That is, until she realizes that she may be the only one with the power to confront the queen.

I am so excited for this one! (Even though it's 800 pages - which I guess just means everything is going to be wrapped up!) I've been a fan of The Lunar Chronicles since Cinder and I'm dying to see how everything ends. But November 2015 is soooooo far away!! I don't know if I'm gong to make it, guys. *painstakingly sad face* D: 

Amber's Waiting On:

Title: The White Rose (The Lone City #2) 

Author: Amy Ewing 

Publisher: HarperTeen 

Publication Date: October 6th 2015

Add it to Goodreads / Pre-order it from Amazon

Summary: 

Violet is on the run. After the Duchess of the Lake catches Violet with Ash, the hired companion at the Palace of the Lake, Violet has no choice but to escape the Jewel or face certain death. So along with Ash and her best friend, Raven, Violet runs away from her unbearable life of servitude. But no one said leaving the Jewel would be easy. As they make their way through the circles of the Lone City, Regimentals track their every move, and the trio barely manages to make it out unscathed and into the safe haven they were promised—a mysterious house in the Farm. But there’s a rebellion brewing, and Violet has found herself in the middle of it. Alongside a new ally, Violet discovers her Auguries are much more powerful than she ever imagined. But is she strong enough to rise up against the Jewel and everything she has ever known?

I really loved The Jewel so....

What are you waiting on this week? Leave your link so we can stop back! 

Cover Reveal: The Body Institute by Carol Riggs

I am super excited about The Body Institute and seeing the cover has only amplified it! Are you ready for this A-M-A-Z-I-N-G cover!?

1....2....3....! 

Cover:

Title: The Body Institute

Author: Carol Riggs

Release Date: 09/01/15

Publisher: Entangled Teen

Summary:

Meet Morgan Dey, one of the top teen Reducers at The Body Institute.

Thanks to cutting-edge technology, Morgan can temporarily take over another girl’s body, get her in shape, and then return to her own body—leaving her client slimmer, more toned, and feeling great. Only there are a few catches… 

For one, Morgan won’t remember what happens in her “Loaner” body. Once she’s done, she won’t recall walks with her new friend Matt, conversations with the super-cute Reducer she’s been text-flirting with, or the uneasy feeling she has that the director of The Body Institute is hiding something. Still, it’s all worth it in the name of science. Until the glitches start… 

Suddenly, residual memories from her Loaner are cropping up in Morgan’s mind. She’s feeling less like herself and more like someone else. And when protests from an anti–Body Institute organization threaten her safety, she’ll have to decide if being a Reducer is worth the cost of her body and soul…

About the Author

I'm a YA writer represented by Kelly Sonnack of Andrea Brown Literary. My sci-fi novel THE BODY INSTITUTE explores the themes of society, identity, and body image. I live in the beautiful, green state of Oregon and have a Studio Arts degree; I'm an SCBWI member. 

You'll usually find me in my writing cave, surrounded by my dragon collection and the characters in my head. I also enjoy reading--mostly young adult novels--as well as drawing, painting, and quilting. I also attend writing conferences, walk with my husband, and enjoy music and dance of all kinds. 

Author Links:

   

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Let's Talk: Insurgent - Book Vs. Movie

Let's Talk is a segment here on The Book Bratz where we deal with topics of debate, news in the literary world, or just our thoughts in general. On Thursday we saw Insurgent (Divergent, #2) - (a day early!) and decided that we just had to talk about it. So here are our opinions on Insurgent: The Book vs. The Movie!

  

Jessica's Opinion:

I honestly didn't think I was going to enjoy the movie, only because even though the first movie, Divergent, *did* follow the book, Insurgent's trailer hinted that it wasn't going to. Anybody who saw the trailer and read the book immediately noticed something that Veronica Roth never wrote about - a mysterious box that could only be opened after someone passed the simulations for all of the factions. Seeing that in the trailer immediately turned me off to the movie and I automatically was no longer interested - because one of my biggest pet peeves is when movies don't follow books.

I mean, seriously. You literally have the script sitting right in front of you, directors! All 400+ pages of material to work with. You may have to cut some things out, sure, but you don't have to rewrite the entire freaking thing. That's just creating more work for yourselves and ruining the story.

But in this case, from what Amber told me, she read in an article that the box in the movie was actually Veronica's idea. Which made me a little less uneasy. So I went to go see it and...OH MY GOD, GUYS. THIS MOVIE. I never ever like to admit that a book is better than a movie, but Insurgent as a movie definitely blew Insurgent as a book away. Without a single doubt. The only other movie adaptation of a book that I enjoyed more than the actual book was The Great Gatsby. As for Theo James, I always thought he was cute, but for some reason this movie made me love him even more.

Seriously. I even texted my boyfriend halfway through the movie informing him that we were over and I was running away to marry Theo James. And he was surprisingly okay with it (I think he may have a man-crush on Theo, too). Seriously, guys. The romance and charisma and action and drama were all so real and definitely made much more sense to me seeing it on the screen. I wasn't even bothered about the box because it tied into the story much better than the disc did in the book, and it added a whole new dimension to the story. In conclusion, I rated the novel four stars, but the movie definitely deserves a solid 5[00] stars. Definitely something that everyone should go read and then see - the comparison is pretty cool.

Amber's Opinion:

I tweeted about the movie at least five hundred times since I saw it. It was incredible. Typically I am very picky with book to movie adaptations and the littlest thing bothers me. Insurgent wasn't the case. Obviously there were differences, but in my opinion I think they made the movie much better. I saw a lot of other bloggers who are really unhappy with how the movie turned out, which I can honestly understand. I don't have the greatest memory and Insurgent is pretty much a blur to me at this point anyway. But here is what I say: Give it a shot. It wasn't horrible, both Shai and Theo play Tris and Four amazingly, and the graphics were amazing. 

When the credits began to roll I was stunned. The last scene in the movie? It wasn't how I expected it to end, it wasn't anything major. Just unexpected. I know everyone is going to be in for a surprise in the next movie. I can already feel it. (Confession: I still need to read Allegiant. I probably won't because I am not prepared for the pain) The characters were still the same though. Tris and and Four still argued about almost everything (Just not as extreme) and Tris made stupid decisions that made her seem heroic. I don't how ever recall Caleb being such a dick. I wanted to strangle him. He took "Faction over blood" to a whole new extreme. I took a liking to Peter in this movie, Miles Teller is a great actor and is exactly what I pictured Peter to be. 

Overall, I loved it. There were differences and it didn't follow the book perfectly but the directors made everything work together. Seeing Tris and Four on the big screen versus in my head is still weird. (as it is with most movies that originated from books) 

So those were our opinions on the Insurgent novel versus the Insurgent movie! What were your thoughts, and which of the two did you like better? Tell us in the comments down below!

Review: Push by Eve Silver

Title: Push (The Game #2) 
Author: Eve Silver
Genre: Science Fiction
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Publication Date: June 10th 2014
Add it to Goodreads / Buy it on Amazon

Summary: 

It’s either break the rules or die. Miki Jones lives her life by her own strict set of rules, to keep control, to keep the gray fog of grief at bay. Then she’s pulled into the Game, where she—and her team—will die unless she follows a new set of rules: those set by the mysterious Committee. But rules don’t mean answers, and without answers, it’s hard to trust. People are dying. The rules are unraveling. And Miki knows she’s being watched, uncertain if it’s the Drau or someone—something—else. Forced to make impossible choices and battling to save those she loves, Miki begins to see the Committee in a glaring new light. And then the Game crosses a new boundary, pushes harder into Miki’s and her friends’ lives, and there’s nothing in the rules that can save them now.

Review:  

*This review contains spoilers of Rush book #1 in The Game series* 

I haven't fallen completely in love with a series in a long time, The Game trilogy is easily becoming a love of mine. Eve has taken me on a wild ride of adventure and romance, leaving me on the edge of my seat wanting/needing more. 

Push picks up right were Rush leaves off. Miki is back in the real world, only Jackson didn't come back with her. He couldn't have died in the "Game" because Carly remembers him. Miki is in a panic, leaving Carly confused to what is happening, and Luka scrambling to create a cover story for why Jackson just suddenly disappeared. Miki refuses to give up on Jackson, knowing that he is out there somewhere. Jackson isn't the only problem now, the Drau are breaking into Miki's reality, putting everyone at risk. 

Push was fast and action packed at the start and the end. The middle dragged at parts. Besides the Drau, Push focused on Jackson and Miki's relationship, and Miki's relationship with Carly and her other friends. More time is spent in their reality then the "Game" versus how they spent more time in the "Game" in Rush. Considering that I found parts slow, they were still entertaining. 

I love Miki's and Carly's relationship. Even when they fight they we unable to stay mad at each other for long. The whole Beta Fish part? I found that priceless. It was something that wasn't essential to the story but necessary to see as part of Miki's characterization. It was also interesting to see Miki's struggle with her Dad's drinking. Whether to push him towards AA meetings or letting him realize he has a problem on his own. 

I love Miki and Jackson's relationship. I love Jackson. A decent portion of Push focused on their relationship. I enjoyed seeing how Jackson views himself, where in reality he is the exact opposite. For example his dedication to Miki, and to keeping her safe even though he is always saying that it is every man for himself in the "Game." 

Eve must of a thing for cliffhangers. First Rush now Push?! This one is a little more killer too, you found out something HUGE and then BOOM! The story is over. This is a series that I would have been better off reading once Crash (Book #3) comes out. I wouldn't have to suffer for months on ends. Overall I really loved Push! Crash can't come soon enough. 

Rating:

Check out my review for book 1 in The Game trilogy! 

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