megsbookishtwins's reviews
1177 reviews

I received this free from the publisher via NetGalley

Humans now live on a spaceship just above earth. They are unsure of whether Earth is liveable on yet, but they have no other choice than to find out. The ship is dying, and oxygen is running low. The Council decides to send 100 teenage prisoners down to earth and see if they survive.

I went into the 100 expecting very little, with little expectations. I adore the tv show. I love the characters and the setting, and I think that it is executed better on TV as it is in book format.

The plot is dull and slow, and I found myself getting bored really easily. One main problem I had was the lack of world-building. We get very little background to what happened on earth. I also didn't like the amount of flashbacks, or the switching of the POVs, I didn't hate them, but I didn't particularly like them either.

I felt like some of the characters were completely unimportant to the story at all. For example, Glass? I don't see the point of her story at all. Was it just so the readers could get a sense of life on the ship a bit better? I personally found her character boring. Wells was another character I was not fond of. He sabotaged the lives of thousands of humans for one girl? Is this guy serious? I just couldn't get around his whining and his obsession with Clarke. Clarke was a character I liked, as was Bellamy and Octavia, but I think that was probably just because I adore them in the show, so I must say I was very influenced.

Overall, not a book I would personally recommend. Slow paced, lack of plot development or character development and very little world building.

Also, just a little note - Finn is on the cover of my edition (I know because it's the TV cover), but wouldn't it make sense to take him off, considering he isn't even in the book?

I received this free from the publishers via NetGalley

DNF at around 40%

Skylar Reid is shaken when the girl she babysit's is kidnapped. She is starting to notice weird things. There is a horrid smell, things are being moved around her room and she isn't sure how, and she is having vivid dreams. When a girl on a motorbike comes into town things get even weirder. Skylar is told she is a Greater-Than. A human with abilities. The blood on Greater-Than's are being used to make a drug called Destiny. And Skylar sets out to fight Destiny.

While I don't really like not finishing books from NetGalley, I've been really busy with university and I don't get much time to read, so I don't want to waste the little time I have reading things I'm not that interested in. It's not that is a bad book, it is just not for me.

I found the pacing to be really slow. My kindle says I got to about 46%, and nothing had really happened at all. It was just so slow and unnecessarily long. At 500 pages, there were bits that weren't necessary in the first half. I just didn't want to waste my time reading 200+ pages when I was so disinterested in the story or the characters.The characters weren't bad, they just weren't great either. They weren't memorable or funny, and to be fair a bit cliché. I mean Dana is like this badass girl who rides a motorbike with a leather jacket and snarky personality. There was little depth to the characters, or originality. There just wasn't anything to stand out, and that is one of the reasons I gave up on this read.

Overall, not a book I would personally recommend.

I received this free from the publishers via NetGalley

Dee, Luke and Mike are on there way to a concert, but on the way a winter storm and a broken down car forces the three into a town called Purity Springs. The town is deserted and isn't what it seems. The next morning the towns inhabitants appear and Dee, Luke and Mike are chased and captured. The towns charismatic leader has them trapped and he intends to make Dee his new wife.

I went into Creed really exited because I wanted something creepy for my halloween read. Unfortunately I felt really let down by Creed. To me, it wasn't all that creepy. The characters at time seemed smart, but then other times, they seemed really silly and stupid. You come into a town that is deserted, everything is identical and there are some creepy documents lying around and you decide to stay the night instead of getting the hell out of there?

The story seemed unoriginal and uninteresting. You knew what was going to happen, and there weren't any shocking twists. It just didn't feel like anything special and it was very predictable. It may interest some people, but it just didn't do anything for me, which is sad because this book had so much potential and promise but it failed to deliver.

The characters also felt underdeveloped and flat. There weren't much there and there weren't much chemistry between the characters. I'm not really sure what it was but I just didn't really care for them at all.

Overall, not a read I would personally recommend, but if the book caught your attention, maybe try giving it a go for yourself.

I received this free from the publishers via NetGalley

Release date - October 7th

Basically a story of Sophie lusting after three different guys for the entire book. Queen of Someday is the story of Catherine the Great before she becomes the greatest Russian empress in History. Sophie has been dragged to the Winter Palace in hopes that she will become the wife of Peter - the future ruler of Russia. She is in a place full of danger, gossip and betrayal and Sophie doesn't know who she can trust.

I have nothing against women who want sexual freedom, and who wish to be with a lot of guys (or girls). But through this entire book, every single man she encountered who was her age she would fancy him. The only thing she cared about were men. It is like she didn't have anything else on her mind, no other interest or hobbies. The whole story revolved around her relationship with the male characters, and I didn't like that. There are three different love interests- Alexander, Peter and Sergei, and there is insta-love. Insta-love is a cliche I hate. Granted there is a couple of twists and turns, but ultimately she has romantic interests for three different guys, moving from one to the other after they leave or do something that makes her grow a distaste for them. She falls in love more than once. I did liked how in the end she manipulated to get her way, and I enjoyed how cunning she could be, and I thought that was some good character development, but it happened in the last 10%. But other than that, Sophie was such a dull character who was flat and was so underdeveloped. Why couldn't we get some good development sooner?

The romance was just as underdeveloped. There was zero chemistry between the three different guys, and all the relationships seemed to be so rushed. There didn't seem to be any other storyline apart from what she felt for the three guys. Peter, the man she is destined to marry and she wanted to win his heart. Sergei, the man she trusts who has loved her since he first laid eyes on her. And finally, Alexander, also someone who had loved her since he first laid eyes on her. She fell in love with Alexander and wanted to run away from him when she realised Peter wasn't the man she thought he was. It seemed like it happened so fast, and she fell in love with this man who she barely even knew. The romance was the only plot, and was shoved into the forefront, but there was so much potential to this story other than romance.

None of the characters seemed developed at all, and neither did Sophie's relationship with the Empress, or her mother, or her friendship with her lady in waiting.

I have read many people recommend if you are a fan of the CW show Reign, and I will probably do the same. I personally couldn't get into the show, but those who like the show, will probably like this.

“You'd rather make up fantasy version of somebody in your head than be with a real person.”

Lara Jean writes letters to boys when she had feelings for them, and she hid it in a box. However, one day those letters get sent out to all the boys she's had a crush on, including her sister's ex-boyfriend, and Lara Jean now has to deal with the consequences.

I was pleasantly surprised by To All The Boys I've Loved Before. It was a cute little fluffy read which I am very happy I read. It is one of those books that will put you in a good mood.

Lara Jean is a very entertaining character, naive at times, but I found her likeable. At first, I didn't like Peter. He seemed like a jerk most of the times, but underneath it all, he is a pretty decent guy and I did grow to care for him. I liked Josh, but I didn't see them as a couple. I liked their friendship, but that was all I saw. I loved the relationship between the sisters. It was very entertaining and a pleasure to read.

Overall, a nice enjoyable read that I would recommend to anyone looking for a light-hearted read.

"I have found that sometimes, moments get stuck in your body. They are there, lodged under your skin like hard seed-stones of wonder or sadness or fear, everything else growing up around them. And if you turn a certain way, if you fall, one of them could get free. It might dissolve in your blood, or it might spring up a whole tree. Sometimes, once one of them gets out, they all start to go."

Laurel has been given an assignment for English class - to write a letter to a dead person. Laurel starts with Kurt Cobain because her sister May loved him. Both died young. Eventually, Laurel's assignment evolves into a whole notebook full of letters to dead people, writing about her life and the truth about what happened to her sister, and her involvement.

This was truly a fantastic read. There were many ways that this could have gone completely wrong, but it was written perfectly. I don't see how Love Letters to the Dead could have been written any other way. The writing was very poetic at times, and it made for a very lovely read. The story itself was a very heartbreaking one and I did shed a few tears. I found Laurel naive at times, but still a great character. She wasn't that likeable at first, but when you find out her story and what happened to her, you start to understand her more and I did start to go grow to care about her. I did not really like May. I don't see how any sister could have left her when she did, but I guess she didn't really know any better.

I loved Laurel's relationship to those people around her. It all felt very real and relatable. I wasn't much of a fan of the romance, and I was very happy that it wasn't at the forefront of the story.

Overall, a really great read that I thoroughly enjoyed and would definitely recommend.

I received this from the publishers via NetGalley

Leila is on a road trip to Alaska to see the Northern Lights. She believes they will help her become who she is, and set her on the right path. Along the way she meets four strangers who she has a profound effect on. They include Hudson, Bree, Elliot and Sonia.

I was so excited to read this, but the book fell a little short of my expectations. That being said, I did still enjoy it. There were people's stories I preferred, such as Bree and Sonia's, and others I was a little bored of, such as Hudson's and Elliot. Maybe it is because the characters themselves didn't really capture my attention, and I didn't really connect with them, but I just did not enjoy their parts as much, and that lessened my liking of the book. However, I really loved Bree. I don't know why, maybe it was because how carefree she was, and how much of a rebel she was and she took risks and I liked that. I also liked Sonia. She was an interesting character to read about. I enjoyed both their character development from the when they first met Leila to when she left their lives. They both realised what they needed and they knew how to get it, and what needed to be done. I liked that. Hudson was a little bit dull for my liking, as was Elliot.

One main thing that bugged me was when Leila went off with Hudson to random places (such as the Island), and I just thought that in a realistic situation, you wouldn't do that at all, especially after you have only just met them, or you would be at least a little bit wary. However, it was still an enjoyable read, nothing too heavy, but a nice quick read.

Overall, I would recommend to those who like contemporaries and road trip books.

I received this free from the publishers via NetGalley

Warning for mentions of rape.

Release Date - April 14th

'It’s something my body does without checking with my head first, like the obligation to be nice to him is greater than myself.'

Kellan Turner, the town’s golden boy, the sheriff’s son who could do no wrong. However, Romy knows different. Romy is branded a liar and an outcast and no one will believe what happened to her, what Kellan Turner did to her and it cost her everything. Her escape is her job outside her town in a little diner. But now Romy is burdened with a choice when a girl goes missing after a party, does she stay silent or does she speak up and fight.

All the Rage is a story of anger and gives a truthful picture of rape culture in society.

All the Rage is such an extraordinary and powerful novel which addresses the issue of rape culture where women are taught to be shamed and silent after a sexual assault. That is why I think All the Rage is such an important novel which I would recommend to anyone. This is my first Courtney Summers book, but I will definitely be picking more of her books up. She is such a fantastic writer and her writing really allows you to get into the mind of the character and really feel what they are feeling, and it really shows how fantastic a writer is when she can make you empathise with a character. One thing I really loved was how she writes girls, whether they be likeable or unlikeable but they all seem so real. Another thing I really loved is that Courtney Summers does not hold back with this story. It is gritty, raw and painful and just so important.

Romy was such a well written character. She was so distrustful, but she would be, but she still kept her head held high and she was a fighter and I really admired her for that. She kept going and didn’t let it stop her. I really did feel for her and admire her. Leo was another favourite character of mine. He could see that there was something going on with Romy, and he made sure he was there for her. He was so respectful of her that when she asked him to stop he did, and that really surprised Romy but I believe he was exactly what she needed and I was glad he was there.

I think All the Rage is a perfect title, because it does just that, it makes you rage, and it makes you angry. All the Rage is a very character driven novel, but that was essential to the story and it wouldn’t have worked so effectively had it not been a character driven novel.

Overall, a powerful and raw novel which I would recommend you all pre-order and buy when it is released.

Actual Rating - 3.5 stars

I received this free from the publishers via NetGalley

Charlotte knew that in times like this there was no difference in class or wealth or religion or race; that people cried, and wept, and broke with sorrow - in Britain and in France, in Belgium and Russian, and in Germany too.

Remembrance follows the lives of four teenagers. Francis, a pacifist who opposes the war. Charlotte and Maggie, two young nurses who tend to the wounded, wanting to help and find themselves. John, who wishes to do his duty and Alex, who is driven by revenge. The Great War changed their lives. The war caused them to have their youth and innocence taken away from them when they were forced, or felt a need, to partake in the war. From the munitions factories, to the hospitals, and right o the front line we follow the lives of these teenagers fight for survival.

I am a huge fan of History and Historical Fiction, so I was really looking forward to reading this. I was a little disappointed, but I can't really say why. I liked some of the issues which were talked about in this book, such as those who opposed the war, shell shock, about women's role in the war and in society in general and how some women felt when it came to work. It talks about the unity between people, despite class and race. It shows that they were all experiencing the same devastations, such as losing their loved ones. I loved the writing and I thought it made for easy reading. I felt like the plot, however, was a little slow and it didn't hold my attention for very long. I much preferred reading from the girls story, rather than the boys. I just found it far more interesting.

I liked the characters. I think the best thing in this book was the character development. I liked that Maggie was unsure of what she wanted, but knew that it was out of the home and her father's store. She wanted to make her own choices and dictate her own future. She didn't want to be controlled by her family. She wanted and adventure and a life that would make her happy. She was a strong character, but she had her weaknesses and that make her all the more realistic and relatable. She really cared for her friends and family. I really admired that I think she was my favourite characters in Remembrance. Charlotte was another favourite. Despite her privileged background, she wanted to do more for the war effort. She wanted to help people. It was what she did best. I liked John. He seemed like a very nice guy, it was a shame to end he came to. Francis and Alex didn't really impact me that much, they were just ok characters for me.

The romance was nice. It seemed real. It was a sub-plot to the story. It showed that during a time of war, people hold on to the little bit of happiness they have left. They need each other to keep each other sane and keep their spirits up.

Overall, it was an enjoyable read. If you enjoy historical fiction then I also suggest you give this one a go.

Actual rating - 4.5 stars

They know that tragedy is not glamorous. They know it doesn't play out in life as it does on a stage or between the pages of a book. It is neither a punishment meted out nor a lesson conferred. Its horrors are not attributed to one single person. Tragedy is ugly and tangled, stupid and confusing.

I don't even know how to review this. We Were Liars left me in tears and my mind reeling from the shocking truth which was revealed at the end. I did not know much about We Were Liars before I read it. I knew people loved it, I knew that the protagonist was unreliable, and I LOVE reading unreliable narrators! I think I am just going to put the rest in a spoiler tag, just to be safe.

Spoiler

I really loved the characters. Every single one. Their friendship was something which really intrigued me and it was one of the main things that kept me reading. The characters weren't just cardboard cutouts, but they were complex, developed characters who I really connected with and who all hold a special place in my heart. When you get to the end and figure out what actually happened that night of the fire, you think about the whole book and all the clues dropped. For example, the teens never actually came in contact with the parents. They were only around when she was on her own. On the tiny beach and in the house. She kept getting told to spend time with the littles and the aunts and her grandfather. None of that stuff you see or even really think about until the end after the truth is revealed. Fantastic. E. Lockhart and this book is genius and a liar. Really great read.

The writing was superb. Every sentence seemed meaningful to Cady.

I don't know what else to write in this review. So all I will say is if you love mystery, contemporary, romance, friendship and unreliable narrators then I highly suggest that you read this. I don't think you will regret it.