SPOILER FREE REVIEW

Title: Scarlet
Author: A.C Gaughen
Publisher: Bloomsbury
New cover release date: May 2018 (all three books)

Synopsis:
Scarlet is good at keeping secrets. To the people of Nottingham, she's Will Scarlet, the young lad who protects those who cannot protect themselves. To Robin Hood and his band of thieves, she's the girl with a tongue as sharp as her knives. But nobody knows the truth about Scarlet's life before Nottingham - not even Rob, whose quick smiles have the rare power to unsettle her. And when someone from her past comes hurtling back into her life, everything she's fought for is suddenly at risk, including her own life.



The idea of a Robin Hood retelling is intriguing. When I was younger I loved watching the cartoon versions and immersing myself in the story of Sherwood's own hero. Now fast forward time to the beginning of this year when I received a copy of Reign the Earth by A.C Gaughen (review here!) and I loved it! So with the curiosity of a Robin Hood retelling mixed with the words of A.C Gaughen, comes this trilogy, and I was kinda keen.


Firstly, the first book was published in 2012 - they have been rereleased with these beautiful new covers. Now because I had read the authors more recent work, I found myself comparing them a little bit however, they are totally different stories (duh!) so I quickly embraced the writing style of book one - Scarlet.


Robin Hood originates like around the 15th - 16th century, I'm not sure on the era the author was focusing on since I have no clue on what it was like but the language takes some getting used to BUT I promise you it gets easier. Though perhaps, you shouldn't read a second book at the same time as Scarlet.

The main character Scarlet, is clearly traumatised from her past life - I actually feel like their should be a trigger warning for disordered eating, she seems to reject food or give it to someone else as what seems to be a form of self punishment. While her character developed throughout the entire story, it was definitely lacking in the beginning which made it hard to connect with her at all. She is though, pretty badass which was one of my favourite things about the book.


I really liked two of the side characters - John and Much - especially Much, but I didn't really like Robin all that much. It was like he was constantly changing his mind on things and it just didn't sit well with me. Me being me, I was very interested in the 'main villain' of the story: Gisbourne, and it was unfortunate he was not featured as much though I definitely think he'll feature in the next two books.

Okay, now for the romance, I did not like it. It would have been better if there was absolutely nothing or just an attraction type thing. I thought it wasn't developed enough and so the characters 'romantic' feelings were kind of confusing.

What's really awesome is you can tell the developed writing of the author themselves. I seriously LOVE seeing that in authors books.

Okay, so I didn't love this book but if you're into Robin Hood I think you'll enjoy this trilogy for the most part.

If you want me to do a full review of the next two books - let me know! Otherwise there will be definite updates on Instagram (@erenareads)

Rating: 2.5/5


----

*These books were sent to me unsolicited by Bloomsbury Australia. All opinions are my own.


WHERE YOU CAN FIND ME:



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

Follow my blog with Bloglovin'!

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
Goodreads: @erenareads
Twitter: @erenareads
YouTube: Erena Reads or click here

Follow my blog with Bloglovin'!

*This book was sent to me by Allen & Unwin 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

Follow my blog with Bloglovin'!

"Celestine North lives a perfect life. She's a model daughter and sister, she's well-liked by her classmates and teachers, and she's dating the impossibly charming Art Crevan.
But then Celestine encounters a situation in which she makes an indistinctive decision. She breaks a rule and now faces life-changing repercussions. She could be imprisoned. She could be branded. She could be FLAWED.
In this stunning novel, bestselling author Cecelia Ahern depicts a society in which perfection is paramount and mistakes are punished.
And where one young woman decides to takes a stand that could cost her everything."



Author Cecelia Ahern's debut YA novel where we fall into a dystopian world where you must follow the rules, otherwise you can be deemed Flawed and live an awful life.

There have been many dystopian stories making the rounds in the past couple of years; some I've loved and some have been quite unoriginal. Flawed is definitely something new, bringing us into a world where your mistakes are punished and you are 'flawed' for life, you're even given a brand that you must live with (literally a brand seared into your skin - ouch!)

As mentioned above, Celestine lives the perfect life. She follows the rules and that is all that anyone cares about. When you break a rule, they will find out and they will find you, fast. Celestine finds herself in a situation where she unexpectedly breaks a rule by helping one of the Flawed. A gesture that is found to be incredibly normal in our everyday life, is deemed a crime in theirs. At first, Celestine thinks she may have to be sentenced to jail however, after a trial led by her boyfriend's father, the outcome is worse - she is Flawed.

Celestine is a likeable character and I'm interested in both her and her sister Juniper's development. I'm not too sure about her boyfriend Art though; I'm sure he has good intentions but I just don't like him a whole bunch. I'm also looking forward to getting to know Carrick more as well, he has a lot of potential to become a great character in this story. The antagonist of the book is Judge Crevan (Art's father), he is actually kind of crazy but definitely makes for a better story.

I felt like the first half of the book was a little slower than needed but flowed enough to be kept interested in the story. Once Celestine was branded, she was constantly in situations that were pushing her newly found Flawed rules which made for an exciting story. There will be times throughout the book where you may find yourself annoyed at some of the characters but try to remember that this is a fictional dystopian - though you're still allowed to dislike them.

As the author's first Young Adult novel, she has done a great job at keeping the story original and interesting for readers of many ages. The cover is beautiful and whilst at first glance it looks like a big book, the chapters are fairly short and the writing isn't too small. You'll find you are eager to know what happens next.

The next book in this series is named Perfect and is out March/April of 2017 and I'm very much looking forward to it.

4/5



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


WHERE YOU CAN FIND ME:

Contact: erenabennett@hotmail.com
Instagram: @erenareads and @erena_b
YouTube: Channel link here
Goodreads: @erenareads
Twitter: @erenareads

"Five teenagers. Five lives. One final year. 
The loner: At school, nobody really notices Matty. But at home, Matty is everything. He's been single-handedly holding things together since his mum's breakdown, and he's never felt so alone. 
The school captain: Ryan has it all... or at least he did, until an accident snatched his dreams away. How will he rebuild his life and what does the future hold for him now? 
The popular girl: Well. the popular girl's nest friend... cool by association. Tammi's always bowed to peer pressure, but when the expectations become too much to handle, will she finally stand up for herself?
The newcomer: Charlie's just moved interstate and she's determined not to fit in. She's just biding her time until Year 12 is over and she can head back to her real life and her real friends...
The MP's daughter: Gillian's dad is one of the most recognisable people in the state and she's learning the hard way that life in the spotlight comes at a very heavy price.
Five unlikely teammates thrust together against their will. Can they find a way to make their final year a memorable one or will their differences tear their world apart?"
- Sarah Ayoub



Set in Sydney, Australia and written by Australian author, Sarah Ayoub, this YA novel revolves around five teenagers who must band together to create the school yearbook for their final year of high school at Holy Family private school. If you didn't catch it, these five teenagers couldn't be more different. You get to know each character very well, delving a little into their past - though I felt that Ryan's past wasn't looked into enough, his 'accident' was mentioned often and you only get a brief story of what happened.

From the start, Gillian (the politician's daughter) was my favourite, Charlie was my least. Gillian is kind hearted and so easy to love, her life isn't easy but she does well to cope. Charlie, has no interest in making friends and goes out of her way to make sure she doesn't; while at first I don't like her, I understand that's what the author was going for. You get introduced to a few other characters whom have a lot of impact on the main characters - Tammi's douchebag boyfriend David and her mean, stuck up best friend Lauren, both who I hated immensely and you will too.

As you can expect, the characters develop some kind of friendship with each other throughout the story - though not really how I first predicted. I enjoyed the easy character development and it flowed nicely. Ayoub not only makes it easy to read but really captured some of the issues that occur during high school years. Some of this is real life and whilst reading it reminded me of my high school years and how cruel some people can be, especially people that are meant to be your friends.

I wished the author had spent more time on the ending, I almost felt cheated. Something I did not see coming happens closer to the end of the book and the build up of it was great however after that, I felt I didn't really have time to process it and therefore did not make too much of a connection with it. I also felt since it is based around the students creating a yearbook, that there would be some snippets of it in the back - well no, there is not.

Overall, this book was still a great read. I think it is more suited to teenagers and possibly younger adults than I but I have seen bookstagrammers only slightly younger than me, enjoy it immensely. I hope that high school students take a chance and read this one; I hope it shines a new light on life for those struggling and those who could be the cause of the struggling.

I gave this book 3/5 on Goodreads albeit, a high three.

If you've read this book, let me know in the comments below what you thought!


*This book was sent to me by Harper Collins Australia in exchange for an honest review.


Where you can find me:

Contact: erenabennett@hotmail.com
Bookstagram: @erenareads
Instagram: @erena_b
Goodreads: @erenareads

Follow me with Blog Lovin'!