Showing posts with label reviewer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reviewer. Show all posts

Tuesday, 31 May 2016

Review: The Crown (The Selection #5) - Kiera Cass SPOILER FREE

May 31, 2016 0 Comments
"A Selection can only have one winner. A princess only has one heart.
When Eadlyn became the first princess of Illea to hold her own Selection, she didn't think she would fall in love with any of her thirty-five suitors. But as events at the palace force her even further into the spotlight, Eadlyn realises that she might not be content remaining alone.
Eadlyn still isn't sure she'll find the fairy-tale ending her parents did twenty years ago. But sometimes the heart has a way of surprising you..." - Kiera Cass


The fifth and final instalment of The Selection series comes The Crown. If you didn't already know, the first three books focuses on America Singer and Prince Maxon (The One was my favourite!) Then we got to step into Princess Eadlyn's life with The Crown continuing on with the Selection. 

Many readers like myself were annoyed with Eadlyn's character when we first met her in The Heir (book four) and as expected, her character became much more likeable - for me anyway! Her character development in The Crown was spot on; she stepped up when needed and became much more desirable. I found myself really enjoying her character and all her relationships with everyone.

My favourite part of the story: the boys. Whilst not part of the Selection, Erik was my favourite though I do love Hale and Henri as well. I do like Kile, just not as much as the others. There is something you'll find out about Hale which I actually had a feeling about but it was still kind of unexpected when it was revealed. Henri is just as cute as ever, but my heart lies with Erik.

We're introduced to a new character, Marid Illea; and you'll (unfortunately?) see more of Josie. Close to the end you'll find another little secret that King Maxon has kept for quite some time - though it's more of an aww moment and just nice to know, you know?

Overall, The Crown was super easy to read, much like the previous four books. I do prefer America and Maxon's story but I'm still happy with where the author went with this one. Was this book perfect? No, but it is everything I hoped for? Definitely. 

I gave The Crown a 4/5 on Goodreads, but most certainly a high 4.



*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
Bookstagram: @erena_reads
Instagram: @erena_b
Goodreads: @erenareads
Snapchat: @erena_b

Follow me with Bloglovin'!

Tuesday, 3 May 2016

Erena Reviews: April & May TBR

May 03, 2016 0 Comments
Hello friends,

How we all doing? I'm definitely feeling much better after passing all my mid semester exams for uni as I was honestly struggling! I've started taking books to uni so when I have the time I'm able to read, even if it is for ten minutes... You take what you can get sometimes.
I read a total of four books this month which makes me happy considering I only read two last month (let's hope that doesn't happen again!) And they were definitely are good four! Read on book lovers...




BOOKS

1. End of Days - Susan Ee
The final book of the Angelfall trilogy was not a let down. Having Raffe back in my life (sorry, Penryn's life) made my heart beat a little faster! Whilst you may think the previous two books were pretty full on, this one was super intense with a lot more action and deaths and crazy humans & angels alike. I found the trilogy to be very easy to read and it's definitely not too long so if you're interested, check out the first one. 5/5


2. We Were Liars - E. Lockhart
Talk about pulling on the heartstrings, ripping them off completely and throwing them out to sea. I bought this one early April when I was felt like spending money (not always the best idea as a full time student) and I picked it up to read pretty quickly mainly because it was small and I didn't have a whole heap of time to read. I started reading this while waiting for the tram to university or back home, or if I was waiting for a lecture to start and I was completely hooked. This book has short chapters - this may appeal to some (it does to me!) which I feel makes it much easier to read. This is about four cousins/friends whom spend the summers together on their families island when an accident happens and Cadence (the main character) starts to feel separated from the others. I could feel some emotion coming on, but dear god I didn't see that twist. This story is very easy to read and I would recommend to many - especially those who have trouble keeping up with a book. If you're in Australia - $9 at Kmart! 5/5


 3. Glass Sword - Victoria Aveyard
Following on from Red Queen comes Glass Sword, book #2 in the series. After racing through Red Queen last year and absolutely loving it, my first initial thought when picking up Glass Sword was that I didn't like the way it looked - stupid I know. I didn't start reading straight away and when I eventually picked it up, it took me a long while to get into it. Eventually I kept reading and found myself really enjoying it, so if you're finding it hard - hang in there!
Some people haven't liked Mare's character development however, I'm half and half; there are parts where she just annoyed me and made me really dislike her and then times when I felt I would do some of the same things - though I don't think I'll be developing lightning powers any time soon.
Despite Maven being the douchebag he is, I still a have a soft spot for him. And then I love Cal too, I don't really like Kilorn though - sorry!
All in all, a somewhat enjoyable read for me. I'd say... a low 4/5


4. An Ember in the Ashes - Sabaa Tahir
Holy heck. This has definitely been one of my fave reads of the year so far. You get both main characters views (which I love!); Laia is a slave and Elias is a soldier. *How do you pronounce Laia? I say it like "liar" Tell me!* I pretty much fell in love with Elias straight away. This book had all the feels for all the characters - love, hate and "what the eff are you thinking?!" It's not a heartbreaking story but I fell so in love with this book that it kind of feels like I have no soul now (because I have to wait for book two). An Ember in the Ashes is kind of 'an ember in the ashes', this book will not disappoint. Can I give 6/5 ?


MAY TBR

1. The Yearbook Committee - Sarah Ayoub
2. Harry Potter & The Chamber of Secrets - JK Rowling (I already began my reread last month and didn't finish - oops!)
3. Cinder - Marissa Meyer
4. Demon Road - Derek Landy


I would love to also read A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J Maas (book two after A Court of Thorns and Roses) and The Crown by Kiera Cass (book five and final in The Selection series) which were both released today (May 3rd). I'm making myself read my May TBR first and be on top of my uni work before I get these books though (excellent motivation I think!)


And that is the end of this ride today my friends. I've got full reviews coming up for a few books, hopefully soon! I'm thinking of doing a quick little April book haul for you later this week too. Until then, happy reading!

x


Where you can find me:

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


Follow me with Bloglovin'!


Sunday, 7 February 2016

Erena Reviews: January

February 07, 2016 0 Comments
Hello and welcome back!
Usually I have these posts up the last day of the month or pretty soon after that however, I went on holiday and definitely wasn't going to worry about getting anything done other than drinking cocktails and having fun with friends. Now that I have returned I've gotta get straight back to it.


This month was a very good start to the year and I read seven books! I started and finished The Grisha Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo and dear god, it is now my favourite trilogy (sorry Hunger Games). I am now on a mission to find the perfect fan fiction where I can love the Darkling forever and ever. I also read a few books on my TBR and also finished a book on my kindle that I had started last year!

Here is what I read...

1. Soundless - Richelle Mead
Mead is one of my absolute favourite authors and will always read anything she writes. I picked this up a few months after it was released but on New Years Day I dove straight into it and finished it the next day. This is a creative story in which an entire town cannot hear and some start to go blind and one day Fei wakes up with the ability to hear - and the story goes from there. This standalone novel was easy to read for me though I've read some people found it hard to get through. I thoroughly enjoyed it and honestly don't know why people don't like it. 5/5

2. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children - Ransom Riggs
I picked this up last year after discovering it through Bookstagram as it has an intriguing cover and heard it had great pictures throughout the book. This took me about two weeks to finish as I found it hard to get into and felt like they needed more interesting things to happen to keep it going. The pictures as I had heard are fantastic and really help the story - also my favourite part of this book and why I gave it the rating I did. I will read the next two however, I'm in no rush. 4/5

3. Shadow & Bone - Leigh Bardugo
As I mentioned earlier: new favourite trilogy. I was taken from the start - I remember telling my boyfriend after the first couple of chapters that "this is pretty good" and once I was deep into the book I absolutely had to finish it as soon as I could. I stayed up past my bed time, eyes sore and would not put it down. This fantasy novel is based around the 'Grisha' whom have powers (similar to witches I guess?) and Alina who was once thought a regular human but soon finds she is indeed one of the Grisha and a powerful one at that. I instantly fell for the bad boy (no surprise to anyone that knows me well) the Darkling - my new book boyfriend! It is exciting throughout the entire story and has you feeling all the feels. I ordered the next two the next day and had to wait for them to come in the mail which was agonising. Can I do 6/5 ?

4. A Thousand Pieces of You - Claudia Gray
The first in the Firebird series and it is seriously good. At first it took me awhile to get into it because I had a bit of a book hangover but once I got into it, I finished it fairly quickly. It is sort sci-fi I guess? And the characters travel in different dimensions trying to find the killer of Marguerite's father. The blurb on the book is intimidating as there is a lot there but it is super enjoyable and a bit emotional at times and I can't wait to read book two! 5/5

5. Slaughterhouse 5 - Kurt Vonnegut
I started this on my kindle last year and found it hard to get through simply because it wasn't my type of book, but I was determined to finish it so I could get it off my list. This follows Billy Pilgrim and his life; he ends up being in a plane accident, surviving though he goes a bit wonky and believe he can travel in time to any time of his life. If you're interested in reading this or knowing a bit more, I would find some more reviews or information elsewhere since I didn't really like it. 3/5

6. Siege & Storm - Leigh Bardugo
There isn't much to say about this one other than I freaking loved it (of course). I started it as soon as it came in the mail and had to keep reading and reading until it was all gone. Much like the first, it grabbed me at the first moment and I stayed in the Ravkan world until I had finished this one. I can't say too much about it without giving away the first but oh my god, the Darkling... I love you! 5/5

7. Ruin & Rising - Leigh Bardugo
I finished book two, went to check my mail box and here this beautiful book lay waiting for me to devour it once more. I immediately started reading and then took it on holiday with me to continue to devour. Once again, I was wrapped up with the Grisha world and did not want to leave (sad face) and I think I need a support group now. I am certain I left my heart in the book and I do not want it back!! 5/5 ps - I was hoping for a different ending but we don't all win and it was still brilliant.


And there lies my heart with the Grisha trilogy - I wasn't lying about needing a support group. I am super happy with my reading this month. I start uni in three weeks and that will take over my life, so I think I'm trying to get in as much reading as I can. I hope you enjoyed my little reviews and I'd love to know if you've read any of these books and what you thought. I intend on finally bringing you my 2016 reading list in the next week or so - a bit late, I know!
Until then, take care!
xx



Contact: erenabennett@gmail.com
Instagram: @erena_b
Bookstagram: @erenareads
Goodreads: erenareads
Twitter: erena_bee

Follow me on Bloglovin'!