The Girl With All The Gifts by M.R. Carey

The Girl with All the Gifts by M.R. Carey
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

I am angry I paid money for this book.
I found the synopsis very misleading and made the book far more interesting than it actually was. Even the first two chapters held some hope for an engaging read that would justify the many positive and praising quotes that are plastered all over the front and back cover of the book until I realized that this was the highlight of the book.
It is very tiring when an author beats around the bush in an attempt to create suspense.
The plot is unoriginal and a bit boring, especially since the author feels no desire to establish a connection with the reader.
The characters are flat, could not hold my attention and it is impossible to identify with any of them.
Once in a while I do enjoy a story belonging to the thriller/horror genre, but this book really did not live up to any of the promises it made. I am aware that many readers truly loved this story, but it just wasn’t for me, I was hoping for more.

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Oasis (The Last Human #1) by Dima Zales

Oasis by Dima Zales
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Oasis (The Last Humans #1)
I was given this ARC by NetGalley in return for an honest review.
What an adventure of a story! I was not quite sure what to expect to find when I began reading this story, since the synopsis was intriguing enough, but did not really give a good idea of what the reader could expect. Many a times I was almost too distracted wondering where the story would head to pay attention to the many nuances and references to the popular culture and cult classics. As well, throughout most the story I was convinced this first book in the series was designed for introductory purposes until two nail-biting chapters and a very satisfying conclusion that kept enough interest for the reader to look for the second installment and at the same time provide enough information to not drive the reader nuts.
The writing was easy flowing, quick-witted and suited the story just perfectly. The synopsis posted on NetGalley does warn of some strong language, which is evident on the first page, but it is done to the minimum and only to emphasize the character’s frustrations and inner struggle.
The characters are refreshing, especially the protagonist. Personally, I always end up reading a story with a female protagonist, but welcome and enjoy stories that include male protagonists and especially one that is as easy to understand as Theo. The secondary characters add to the overall ambience of the dystopian story, creating a sense of exclusion as experienced by the protagonist.
The plot unfolded slowly and kept me guessing about five times each chapter where the story will lead from each point of no return. The only slightly distracting attribute that kept me from enjoying this story completely and 100% were the very many, and I must add fun, hints to movies, books and shows that had me puzzling to which ones the author was referring. A small, almost insignificant, point, but one that had my head spinning.
Overall, this was a great Young Adult dystopian story that actually focused on the sci-fi with elements of other classic dystopian books such as The Giver, instead of unnecessary romance and love triangles. Twists and unexpected plot turns makes this story a great read that lets one forget about the world around them. I will definitely continue with the series. I would recommend this story to anyone, who enjoys action filled computer oriented sci-fi stories.

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NetGalley Membership

Just updated my NetGalley profile, adding a new and exciting layer to my never-ending enthusiasm of books and reading.

Strange Sweet Song by Adi Rule

Strange Sweet Song by Adi Rule
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As an avid reader, I am always searching for new books to read with unique story lines and interesting characters. For quite a few months Goodreads kept recommending Strange Sweet Song and after reading the synopsis multiple times over these few months, I finally decided to purchase the book and give it a try. My hesitation stemmed from the fact that it involved music. I appreciate music just like any other person and my piano lessons are going splendidly; however, my last experience with voice lessons and specifically singing in front of other people really wasn’t worth an entry into my diary. Therefore, my slow approach to this story. Hence, my hesitation was not needed, since I loved this story.
The characters were mysterious, from the main character and her beautiful voice to her friends and instructors to the mysterious person that infuses the story with a gothic element that made this reading experience so much more enjoyable. All of them are well developed and richly created.
The writing was effortless, it flowed and takes the reader on a journey to this mysterious music boarding school with all its secrets. It was easy to get invested in the story and the protagonist’s adventure and struggle. It was quite beautiful.
The plot is unique and refreshing. After reading many YA novels, it is always great to come across a story that breathes fresh live into the enjoyment of reading.
Overall, this is a beautiful; hauntingly beautiful story that I enjoyed from the first to the last page and I cannot wait to read further publications of this author. I would recommend it to all, who crave a gothic infused story with great characters and a good mystery.

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Such is my Beloved by Morley Callaghan

Such Is My Beloved by Morley Callaghan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was on the fence about this story before I began reading it, since I assumed it would mostly focus on the priest and his church duties, a topic which always makes me a bit nervous. But as the saying goes, do not judge a book by its cover, so must a reader not judge the book too much on the little synopsis provided.
The character of the priest was an intriguing representation of human nature and the duties we adopt in our lifetime. The secondary characters challenge and enrich the the main character's personality and internal conflict, while at the same time bringing forth their own struggles and sense of loss.
The plot progresses very nicely, without any unnecessary details or attempts to sound poetic, taking away from the story's message.
The writing is absolutely superb. The author has an ease and control over the words he chose to express the characters and plot that the reading experience became one of a kind.
Even though this story was rather short, the impact it had on the reader is tremendous. The representation of human nature, inner conflict and the ideals of duty, religion and right versus wrong have the reader question and contemplate that which we see and experience every day. It was a great read, which can be finished in one sitting and I recommend it to anyone.

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The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I watched the movie at least ten years ago and the story had such a great impact on me that it was impossible for me to read the book without comparing it scene for scene to the movie version for just as long. However, as I was waiting in the bookstore to meet someone, I picked up this book and began reading. Within the first three pages I was hooked.
Narrated from the point of view of the main character, the story has a very honest and gritty voice that brings the reality of the lives of these boys and young men this much closer. The protagonist is multidimensional, realistic and makes it easy for the reader to feel for him and with him. The secondary characters are very well developed and are a vital part in this representation of a difficult life, reality as experienced by those whose fortune was a little less than kind.
The plot was straightforward and easy to follow as the narrator shared this story in a very intimate manner. A chain of events that takes the reader from point A to point B without any distracting side plots, details or attempts to be poetic.
The writing was clear and crisp and, as mentioned above, refrained from any unnecessary and painful tries to squeeze more out of the story. The story spoke for itself; the struggles described and the difficulties experienced were more than enough to make this story a haunting tale of teenage life much harder than it should ever be, that goes beyond acne and glasses.
I must admit, if I had not seen the movie over a decade ago, this book would have been even more haunting and strangely beautiful than it already was. Personally, I would have loved to study this book during my school years, since it focuses on the class and societal divisions that so often seem to go unnoticed in the everyday life of the study of young adult literature in the school curriculum.

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