Non spoiler book review

Title: Four Dead Queens
Author: Astrid Scholte
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Publication date: 4 March 2019 (Aus)

Synopsis:
Four Queens. A divided nation. A ruthless pickpocket. A noble messenger. And the murders that unite them.
Seventeen-year-old Keralie Corrington is one of Quadara's most skilled thieves, but when she steals an unexpectedly valuable package from a messenger she is soon entangled in a conspiracy that leads to all four of Quadara's queens being murdered.
With no other choice and on the run from her former employer, Keralie teams up with Varin Bollt, the Eonist messenger she stole from, and together they race to discover who has killed the queens. But when dark secrets threaten their reluctant partnership and put everything at stake, Keralie and Varin must use all their daring to stay alive and untangle the mysteries behind the nation's four dead queens.

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My rating: 3.5/5

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The dystopian world of Four Dead Queens very much reminded me of Divergent but that was it, just reminded me, so... not the same - remember that! I quite liked the different quadrants, dystopian books that do this has me so interested and I'm very much into world-building which I would've loved to have seen more of but it was satisfying.

My favourite part of this book was the storyline and the way it was formatted, going between the main character and the four queens (plus one other character later on in the book). The story had a couple of twists and I really enjoyed most of them, they really added to the story. Some of the others I wasn't too sure about but that's okay, the majority was good!

The characters didn't give me a lot of depth but it was enough to support the plot. For me, I don't need a connection with the characters for me to have an understanding of or with them, and besides, I felt like this book was more about the story and the world. The main character I didn't love, but that's okay. I really enjoyed the queens though, I felt that their lives and their secrets were very interesting and it kept me captivated throughout the story.

There were some parts of the story that felt very rushed which was a little disappointing, I'm not sure if that's just how the author wanted it or if they were writing to a point and wasn't sure what to do. Either way, this is great debut novel and I think the author did really well for that. I'd definitely be keen to see what this author brings in the future.



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*This book was sent to me by Allen & Unwin unsolicited. All opinions are my own.


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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
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Hello friends,

I realise I haven't done a blog post for a wrap up in a while... sorry! I do my YouTube video and then I just get lazy, but I am quite busy too so there's that. But I'm hoping to get back into it a little more so please be patient, Imma try my best! That being said, if you'd like to check out my video for my June Wrap Up & July TBR click here!

For the first half of June, I dedicated all my time to studying as I was in my exam block - I literally read maybe 2 chapters of a book that whole time. When my last exam was over I got straight back into reading and managed to finish 5 books (woo!)


BOOKS READ IN JUNE:

1. Spellslinger - Sebastian De Castell
This book had a great premise but I had to put it down because I just couldn't stand reading it at the time. It felt so slow for me because the male protagonist was very passive and it was doing my head in. I was thankful for the fact that he got slightly better and the story became more interesting, but that was more towards the end of the book and I didn't find it worth it at all. This book isn't terrible, it just wasn't a story for me - perhaps those who enjoy middle grade stories would like this. I have a full review here if you'd like to know more.
2.75/5

2. Harry Potter & The Goblet of Fire - JK Rowling
I literally started my reread of this last year... LAST YEAR. I kept it as an 'in-between' read so that's why, and I'm okay with that, it is a reread after all. I forgot how much I loved this book, there's so many cute things that I love in this story that aren't in the movies, ESPECIALLY DOBBY!! I'm hoping to start rereading book five very soon!
5/5


3. Cruel Beauty - Rosamund Hodge
I went to Instagram for help to choose a fast paced fantasy novel and I was recommended this one and I ended up finishing it in less than 24 hours because it was just so addictive and I was keen to know everything that happened. This is a somewhat darker retelling of Beauty and the Beast and I seriously loved it so much and would highly recommend it - especially if you're in a bit of a reading slump. This is a very short book and I think it could done with a few more chapters to add to the story but overall, such a good read!
4.5/5

4. Shatter Me - Tahereh Mafi
This series (originally a trilogy, more books coming in 2018!) has been on my TBR for a quite a while and I just never got round to picking it up. I must've been seeing it on Instagram a lot because all of a sudden, I ordered the boxed set (three books) off Book Depository and get this... it came in less than four days - WHAT! I think that made it a sign and I jumped right in and FELL IN LOVE. This is a fast paced dystopian/romance novel with interesting characters - the only person I loved straight away was Warner (who is now my new bae), but it was addictive and intriguing and I freaking loved it.
4/5


5. Unravel Me - Tahereh Mafi
Of course I picked up book two immediately because I just needed to know what happened next. This book had what I felt Shatter Me lacked, and this is where my serious obsession for the series begins. Unravel Me was fast paced, action packed, I began to really like most of the characters as I felt more.. connected with them I guess? The story really branched out and Juliette's character development was great. There were so many lines and paragraphs and whole damn chapters that I wanted to tab because it was so freaking good - I'm also certain majority of the tabs involved Warner, if not all, hehe!
5/5 !!!


JULY TBR

1. Ignite Me - Tahereh Mafi
I finished Unravel Me on June 30th so very necessary to jump straight into this as my first read of July.

2. Unite Me - Tahereh Mafi
I was originally on a book buying ban but broke it because I needed these novellas - I am still waiting patiently for it to arrive!

3. A Gathering of Shadows - V.E Schwab
Continuing my read of the Shades of Magic series.

4. Winter - Marissa Meyer
Continuing my read of the Lunar Chronicles.

5. Holding Up the Universe - Jennifer Niven
I put this down because I felt I was reading too much contemporary at the time so I'm eager to pick this back up!



This is a very ambitious TBR for me seeing as I'm back at uni, but I'm hoping to manage my time really well and get at least four books read.

Let me know what you read in the month of June in the comments below - I'd love to know!

See you soon for more bookish posts :)

xx



WHERE YOU CAN FIND ME:

Contact: erenabennett@hotmail.com
Instagram: @erenareads & @erena_b
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"How do you live with yourself when you've deceived the one you love?
How do you move on when the person you've been fighting to save betrays you?
Two years ago, Maggie Stevens began the hunt.
Four weeks ago, Maggie's world fell apart when she finally found what she'd been looking for. And when Quentin, who had blindly trusted her, unravelled her web of lies.
Now, Maggie lives in the dark. But she's not about to stay there. Not when she still has to bring M-Corp down. Not when there is still a chance she could win him back.
In the exhilarating conclusion to Disruption, Maggie must do whatever it takes to show the world the truth. And the price for her quest?
Everything.
But who for?"


The second part of this thrilling duology, comes Corruption. You can read my spoiler free review of book one, Disruption, right here.

As you may remember, as soon as I finished book one, I immediately started book two and I think I lost myself in it. Within the first chapter, I had gone through a multitude of emotions and the story had me in its grasp.


Much like book one, Corruption is action packed, full of surprises and very easy to follow the story. Once again, the flow of the story is spot on and this made it so much easier to be hooked and be involved in the story. Australian YA author, Jessica Shirvington is a writing queen! Having read her other YA novels (and loving those), I am seriously impressed with this dystopian novel.

I don't want to give away too much of the story seeing as this would spoil you if you're yet to read book one. The story is still based around the controlling M-Corp technology and Maggie's desire to stop them but they're are many hiccups on their adventures and it still has a little of that witty humour we got to see previously.

A few new characters are introduced and we get a bit more background on other characters we only saw a little of last time; as well as our beloved Maggie, Quentin, and my personal favourite, Gus. The character development is brilliant. I already fell in love with our main characters in Disruption and I somehow fell even more in love with them in this book.

I had some idea of the plot (you will too after reading book one) however, there was so much more to it as the story continued on. One minute I would be thinking "Okay, I understand that this would happen" and then some whiplash-giving stuff would go down and I would need to calm myself before continuing to read on.

You'll experience a lot of different emotions whilst reading this book: curiosity, nervousness, happiness, anxiety, tragedy... You'll constantly be wary, wondering what is going to happen next, who to watch out for, you may also find the need to crawl in the ball at times; BE PREPARED!

Now I am sorry I don't go into too much detail in this review, but I absolutely refuse to spoil any one of you - I cannot give even a snippet away!

Disruption set the bar high for book two, it exceeded. This is a must read and definitely a favourite of mine this year.

A brilliantly written book: 5/5

*This book was sent to me by Harper Teen Australia 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
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"What if a microchip could identify your perfect match?
What if it could be used against you and the ones you love?
Nine years ago, Mercer Corporation's M-Bands became mandatory. An evolution of the smartphone, the bracelets promised an easier life. Instead, they have come to control it.
Two years ago, Maggie Stevens watched helplessly as one of the people she most was taken from her, shattering her world as she knew it.
Now, Maggie is ready. And Quentin Mercer - heir to the M-Corp empire - has become key to Maggie's plan. But as the pieces of her dangerous design fall into place, could Quentin's involvement destroy everything she's fought for?
In a world full of broken promises, the ones Maggie must keep could be the most heartbreaking."


First of all, author Jessica Shirvington is Australian (woop woop!) and she's also the author to one of my favourite series, Embrace/The Violet Eden series so I was very much interested in starting this duology.

This is a young adult dystopian novel where the population must wear 'M-Bands' that are used in everyday life: used as ID, money and even used for ratings with other people to see if you could potentially have a future together. Though for some, they rate as negatives and are taken away to rehabilitation camps where they're never seen again. Maggie's father was a negative and she's on a mission to rescue him back and prove his innocence.

As soon as you pick up this book you jump straight into the story. You understand everything that's happening in the first few chapters which can be uncommon these days. It kind of feels like being in control and perhaps that is why I like it, though it seems ironic as M-Corp (the company that made this tech) wants to control the world with their M-Bands.

I'm very drawn to the main characters in this book. We get to meet the gorgeous Quentin Mercer, heir to the M-Corp industry and someone who Maggie has been keeping an eye on and brings him into her master plan to find her father. And someone you meet early on in the story is Gus, who just so happens to be my fave character so far. Gus and Maggie have this strange relationship that started with blackmail and their bickering is great, I love it. You obviously meet those other characters who you have to hate but they're necessary to the story and written really well.

While this story has a similar layout to many other dystopian novels, this is also like no other that I've read in this genre. I liked that it was to do with technology - while fictional, a possible realistic insight to the future? Probably not to that level but interesting nonetheless.

The flow of the story was spot on. There was action when we needed action, the aftermath of said action, the calm when we were allowed to be calm and the nerves. I found myself so immersed that I was feeling anxious when risky things were about to go down - this happened a lot. I was never bored and it was honestly hard to put down.

As I said earlier, I've read Shirvington's Embrace series which I absolutely fell in love with and so I wasn't really sure what to expect from this dystopian novel. Well she definitely doesn't disappoint and you should definitely pick this up. You might want to pick up the second novel as well, Corruption, while this first book doesn't end on a cliffhanger, it'll surely leave you wanting more.

Keep an eye out

for my review of book two, coming soon!

4.5/5


*This book was sent to me by Harper Teen Australia 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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