Title: The Genesi Code
Author: Tristen Willis
Publication date: 1st September 2017

Synopsis:
Luka was only eight years old when her father, Christopher Foster, was murdered.
Christopher had been working on a cure for the Genesi Code, which has plagued the human race since the government began experimenting on human DNA in an attempt to create a genetically-advanced army.Luka has spent the last ten years training for the military’s elite taskforce, known as Delta Force, so she can uncover the truth surrounding her father’s murder. But along the way, she uncovers a truth about herself that she is not yet ready to face. Could the truth surrounding Luka’s past be the key to curing the Genesi and ending the war? In the end, is revenge all that matters?


Firstly, I am so grateful that I got the opportunity to review this. Not only do I love supporting new authors but Australian authors too. Tristen is the owner of Burning Pages Candles and along with the book she sent some candles, solid perfume and tea based on The Genesi Code as well as a badge that I'm incredibly tempted to buy a jacket solely to sew it on there (well I'd get my mum to do the sewing since I have no idea how).


The first few chapters felt a bit rocky to me, though that feeling quickly left me - I'm not sure if the writing changed or I just got used to it, and I was enjoying the story. After this initial stage I think you'll find it very easy to read.

The plot was very fast paced however, there was only about two moments (I think) in the book that I felt could've slowed down. Other than that, I really loved the story. I would say this was a dystopian novel, with sci-fi elements (Tris, correct me if I'm wrong!) and I love what has been set up here. The world, and especially the Genesi are so interesting to me and I'm looking forward to finding out more.



I would have liked for the other characters to be explored more - especially Ren, so I'm hoping for that in book two. I really liked Luka's character, she was badass and smart, but still real at the same time. I liked her thought processes and I really enjoyed reading from her perspective.

Overall, The Genesi Code is a fast paced and exciting story that absolutely left me wanting more. I wouldn't call the ending a cliffhanger but you'll definitely be excited to see what comes next. I feel like so much of the story was set up in this book to further continue and explore in the coming books.

3.5/5

*I was sent this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.


WHERE YOU CAN FIND ME:

Contact: erenabennett@hotmail.com
Instagram: @erenareads & @erena_b
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Twitter: @erenareads
YouTube: Erena Reads or click here

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Title: Stargazing for Beginners
Author: Jenny McLachlan
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Publication date: June 2017
RRP: $14.99

Synopsis:
Meg adores space. She is fascinated by science, loves logic and wants nothing more than to be an astronaut. Stargazing for Beginners sees Meg left to look after her little sister for ten days after her free-spirited mum leaves suddenly to follow up yet another of her Big Important Causes. While Meg may understand how the universe was formed, baby Elsa is a complete mystery to her.
Plus, mum's disappearance has come at the worst time: Meg is desperate to win a competition to get the chance to visit NASA headquarters, but to do this she has to beat close rival Ed. Can Meg pull of this double life of caring for Elsa and following her own dreams? She'll need a miracle of cosmic proportions.

Let me begin by saying how stunningly beautiful the cover of this book is, I love watching the light reflect off it at different angles. This book is a great teenage read but as a 26-year-old, I very much enjoyed it. I'm so thankful that Bloomsbury sent it to me because it's not something I would usually pick up - though that could potentially be a lie if I did a 'cover buy'.

Firstly, Meg is an incredibly likeable character. She is hardworking, smart and likes to keep to herself. With the situation she's been put into (shame on you, mother!), as well some things that happen at school, she's had to change her ways quite a bit and I seriously admire her for how she takes it. I empathised with Meg a lot in this story and am grateful for it.


The story itself, I found very interesting, I mean, who just ups and leaves their kids because 'there is a greater cause that I must help out with' (not a quote from the book, but you gist right?). Anyway, their mum f***s off to Myanmar and I'm here like WTF? But that is the main reason for this story. Meg is plunged into this chaotic life and because of that, it really helped develop her character. I loved so many aspects of this story and I LOVED that she loved space.

The side characters were great. Her grandpa is hilarious, and the biscuit club grew on me pretty quickly (you'll understand if you've read it/once you read it). Annie was a great character to have in there and I loved her bluntness.

Stargazing for Beginners brought out so many emotions in me and while I didn't entirely resonate with Meg, there were so many parts in this book that reminded me of my own experience in high school. Thank you Jenny McLachlan for writing a brilliant story that made me feel.

I'll leave you with one of my favourite lines of the book:
"Wish me luck"
"No way. You don't believe in that rubbish"
"You're right. Wish me a logical outcome"

4/5


*This book was sent to me by Bloomsbury in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.




WHERE YOU CAN FIND ME:

Contact: erenabennett@hotmail.com
Instagram: @erenareads & @erena_b
Goodreads: @erenareads
Twitter: @erenareads
YouTube: Erena Reads or click here

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