The Seckry Sequence: City of the Falling Sky - Joseph Evans

When Seckry Sevenstars is forced out of his village by the greedy Endrin Corporation and relocated to the daunting metropolis of Skyfall City, he harbours resentment for the company and vows to get them back one day for taking away his home, his school and his friends.

Then, when a mysterious email asks Seckry to break into the headquarters of the Endrin Corporation to steal a container full of worms for a hefty sum of money, his anger resurfaces, and he can’t resist the revenge he promised himself.

But what Seckry finds isn't what he expected. Staring at him through the darkness, with wide, innocent eyes, is something that makes Seckry’s heart almost stop.. A girl. Suddenly the question of what Endrin were doing with a few worms becomes the last thing on Seckry’s mind. What were Endrin doing with a human?

City of the Falling Sky by Joseph Evans is an exhilarating and unique story about a teenage boy named Seckraman Sevenstars as he and his family are forced out of their home and into the metropolis that is Skyfall City. After dealing with his initial frustration, Seckry begins to settle and enjoy his new home, but that moment of bliss can only last for so long before things begin to stir, resulting in Seckry being sucked right in.

From the get go it is clear that the plot is well thought out, creative, intriguing and unlike anything I've read in a long time. The tone of the book is excellently set in the prologue and instantly grabs your attention, not wasting time by setting out an unnecessary and draining build up; Evans just dives straight in and I love that. Evans' descriptive techniques and vivid imagination are beyond admirable and I found myself engrossed by and so easily picturing the world he's created, every unfolding event and setting, ranging from the magic and fantasy of the Friction game, to the futuristics of Skyfall City and Estergate High. In fact, whilst reading I found myself reminiscing about the world of Harry Potter and although I don't like to create comparisons between books, it just came natural to me, so it's apparent that Rowling has inspired Evans just like she's inspired the rest of us.

I really loved how the plot progressed throughout the book, expanding in an entertaining, gripping and knotty manner at the conclusion of every chapter. Questions are constantly being raised, as soon as you think you know what's going on the narrative is flipped and you're left stunned and confused by how you didn't see something coming, which is a great representation of just how talented Evans is. Although there are an array of narratives intertwined with each other, Evans eases the reader into any new aspects of the story and revisits them at later points when the picture becomes clearer, so you never for a second find yourself confused.

Albeit there are elements of the story that will forever remain fiction (or at least I hope so), I found myself relishing in the contrast between realism and fiction. It's difficult for a story, particularly one with such strong themes of fantasy, to find a balance that is both believable and totally out of this world, but that doesn't seem to be a problem within this novel. The characters are well developed with legitimate, human connections to each other and I especially found myself drawn to Seckry, sympathising with every ounce of pain, struggle and frustration he experiences. He's clearly flawed but not necessarily in a negative light, although I did find aspects of him, such as the way in which he dealt with Snibble, contradictory of his character. On the whole however he is a charming and ordinary human who extraordinary things have happened to, and that is part of what makes him such a great character

Finally, the ending had me in pieces. It was fantastic. Oh how I so desperately want to share it with you, but that would be unfair of me to do. I found it so compelling and exciting and I loved how everything was wrapped up nicely with no loose ends, which would inevitably lead to a rushed resolution in the follow-up if the ending was the complete opposite.

Overall, this book is a truly exciting and compelling YA novel that stretches the boundaries and successfully presents the generic conventions of sci-fi and fantasy whilst also having a great sense of uniqueness, and although I found one or two typos here and there, I didn't for a second find myself irked or distracted by them.

I give Joseph Evans and The Seckry Sequence: City of the Falling Sky ★★★★★

Eleanor & Park - Rainbow Rowell

Synopsis: Eleanor is the new girl in town, and with her chaotic family life, her mismatched clothes and unruly red hair, she couldn't stick out more if she tried.

Park is the boy at the back of the bus. Black t-shirts, headphones, head in a book - he thinks he's made himself invisible. But not to Eleanor.. never to Eleanor.

Slowly, steadily, through late-night conversations and an ever-growing stack of mix tapes, Eleanor and Park fall for each other. They fall in love the way you do the first time, when you're young, and you feel as if you have nothing and everything to lose.

Eleanor & Park follows the heartwarming and heartbreaking story of two teenagers, Eleanor and Park, as they deal with the every day obstacles of teenage life in the 1980s. All is not how it seems however as whilst dealing with those obstacles the unexpected happens; they take you on an a journey of being young and falling in crazy, stupid love for the very first time.

For me, it was a relief to finally pick up a YA romance that isn't about unrelatable characters with perfect lives and an instant connection or attraction, in fact Eleanor & Park is the complete opposite of that. As the book shifts between 3rd person past tense of both Park and Eleanor, you're given a real understanding of the story and how they're both feeling - both are honest about their perceptions of each other, even if much of it is kept deep in their thoughts. Rowell successfully derives from the idea of 'perfect' character traits as a result, which are too often part of the YA genre.

On the whole, this novel is such a real and relatable story and everything fits and flows together so nicely and is achieved through Rowell's charming and delicate writing style, which is so wonderful to read. Everybody has experienced that first messy love, or at least dreamed of it, and Eleanor and Park's relationship captures that so beautifully and in the truest way. They fall in love slowly and simply by bonding over music and comics but despite all that they are also a perfect example of how love is far from perfect.

All of Rowell's characters are so well thought out and easy to connect with in this novel, particularly Eleanor who you can do nothing but sympathise with. She's experienced such a horrible home life because of her stepfather and it's so heartbreaking to read. I love how often Rowell ventures into Eleanor's past because she has such a massive and interesting backstory - you're constantly reminded of how 'flawed' Eleanor is as a result of her past and thus grow a greater understanding of her character.

Saying that however I did occasionally find myself irked by Eleanor. Although her anger, frustration, snappy nature and ability to take the simplest of things the wrong way are totally justified of her character, I felt as if she was sometimes she just created a scene with Park in order to distract herself from her home life, which is quite tragic. Nonetheless, I did find a positive in loving and being annoyed by Eleanor and that was a particular appreciation for Rowell as an author as she has the ability to create a range of opinions on a character for you, rather than just feeling love or hatred.

In all honesty I wasn't expecting to get so caught up in this contemporary novel but there is just something about Rowell, her writing style and her amazing ability to tell a story in its truest form that keeps you hooked from start to finish. You're left asking yourself whether there is such a thing as falling and being in love, or whether this was simply an infatuation or the first of many loves and thankfully you're not given a definitive answer.

I give Rainbowell Rowell and Eleanor & Park ★★★★★

The Maze Runner - Trailer Discussion

Synopsis: When the doors of the lift crank open, the only thing Thomas can remember is his first name. But he's not alone. He's surrounded by boys who welcome him to the Glade, an encampment at the centre of a bizarre and terrible maze.

Like Thomas, the Gladers don't know why or how they came to be there, or what's happened to the world outside. All they know is that every morning when the walls slide back, they will risk everything to find out..

Alas! After several months of waiting and suffering from the pain of the movie release date moving from February 2014 to September 2014, the first official trailer for The Maze Runner was released on Monday and I'm pleasantly surprised by just how incredible it looks! I'll admit, despite being a massive fan of the series, I had my doubts about how the film would turn out. I'm not really sure why, I just had a feeling that I'd be disappointed, I couldn't be more wrong however.

What really stood out for me in the trailer was the effects and CGI, I mean I'm actually quite blown away by how good they are and how Fox have perfectly captured the look of the Maze; it's everything I imagined it would be and more. Although we don't see a lot of it, the inside of the Maze also looks really fantastic so I'm almost glad that the release date of the film was pushed back because I think if they didn't have that extra time then the setting wouldn't be as strong as it is. What was really great mind is how terrifying the Grievers seem. When reading the book I found myself not particularly frightened by them, but I can just tell they're going to scare the socks off of me in the film, which is great.

I was particularly excited by Dylan O'Brien's portrayal of Thomas. I was aware that O'Brien was a good actor, but it wasn't until Season 3B of Teen Wolf that I realised just how much of an amazing actor he is so I have such high hopes for his portrayal of Thomas and from what is shown in the trailer it's evident that he's going to do the role so much justice. Saying that however I was quite disappointed by the lack of footage of Kaya Scodelario as Teresa but she definitely looks the part so I just hope she can deliver the character as a whole, which I'm sure she can. In fact, the cast as a whole is fantastic - I'd go as far as to say that I don't think I've ever been so content with a cast.

The other thing I'm disappointed about is the fact that Tom and Teresa's telepathy in the books won't be present in the film. Yes, I understand that not every element of a book can be carried into a film but I just feel that their telepathy is such a vital part to the story, particularly within the first book when Tom first hears Teresa and revelations about how the Gladers came into the Maze start to creep into the story.

On the whole though it does seem as if they've stuck as close as possible to the book and have focused more on pleasing fans of the books than focusing more on those that haven't in order to increase audiences and box office revenue. I just hope that Fox put a lot of work into its marketing of the film so it can have the success it deserves, and so we can see the rest of the series hit the big screen.

Be sure to let me know in the comments what you thought of the trailer! And, if you haven't seen it yet, simply click here to do so. I give the trailer ★★★★

Wish Upon a Star - Trisha Ashley

Single mum Cally's life is all about her little girl Stella. She's resigned to the fact that the only romance she's going to get is from the rom-coms she watches, and with her busy job and her daughter, she doesn't have time to even think about love.

But life becomes very tough when Stella gets sick. Balancing her job as a recipe writer and looking after Stella is all consuming, so when Cally meets handsome baker Jago the last thing she wants to do is fall in love, especially when she's been so badly burned by a Prince Charming from her past. Can laid-back, charming Jago unlock Cally's frozen heart and help her find true love and magic under the mistletoe?

Wish Upon a Star by Trisha Ashley is a heart-warming novel that highlights the importance of family, friends and true love and how easily we can take all of that for granted. The novel is predominantly a first person narrative which follows the story of single mum, Cally, as she tries to keep atop of her job and relationships whilst also fundraising for a life saving operation for her little girl, Stella.

Forgive me if you beg to differ and think I'm over analysing her character, but I personally perceive Cally as quite a strong feminist character. Okay she may not be an action heroine like Katniss Everdeen or someone who lives by her own rules like Alaska Young, but she is a real woman who doesn't allow herself to be controlled or walked over by men, particularly her ex, nor is she particularly bothered about her curves or her looks. Instead Cally is fuelled by the strength and positivity her daughter gives her and the hope she has for her future and that is so heart-warming to read and often brings a lump to the throat, which for itself highlights just how strong the character's in this novel are seeing as it would typically be difficult for an 18-year-old male like myself to connect with such a maternal character.

I particularly loved reading the development of Cally and Jago's friendship and how it blossomed as the book went on. I've grown oh so very tired of romances that seem to fall into place within a matter of chapters which is why it was so refreshing and reassuring to read a well-developed and thought out relationship that isn't based upon materialistic matters such as good looks or diving straight in the deep end and just seeing how things turn out. These are real characters with real problems so it was great to see that brought out in their relationship too. Also, the community spirit and the acceptance the townsfolk give Cally despite her family being the black sheep of the village, which, might I add, was so interesting to follow, was so lovely to read; there's just such a range of characters within the community and something for everyone to enjoy.

What I loved most about this book however is just how beautifully written and constructed it is. Although generally understandable, most novels I've read that contain a seriously ill character I've struggled to connect with because the author has focused too closely on the technicalities and science of the character's illness, which can make it difficult to understand. Ashley, however, tackles Stella's condition in a light that is educational, understandable and somewhat fascinating. Yes, a seriously ill child can be problematic to present but you feel a greater sense of empathy for the character's involved through Ashley's superb portrayal and an appreciation for her writing as a result. I also found myself relishing in Ashley's descriptive techniques throughout the book as they painted such a beautiful picture in my mind of all the buildings, shops and festivities celebrated in Sticklepond. I personally think there's no better setting for a book than a little English village.

I just can't wait to see Cally, Jago, Stella and so many other characters introduced in this book to (hopefully) pop up in future work of Ashley as I just have to know how things work out for them. Until then however this book is ultimately the perfect read to accompany a hot chocolate and a massive blanket and has everything you could possibly want and more, not to mention it really encourages you to appreciate what you've got and who you've got around you.

I give Trisha Ashley and Wish Upon a Star ★★★★★

Allegiant - Veronica Roth

Synopsis: The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered - fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she's know, Tris is ready. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties and painful memories.

Following the shocking revelations at the conclusion of Insurgent, Tris Prior and Tobias Eaton find themselves posed with more lies and mysteries as they finally decide it's time to explore the world outside the fences of Chicago.

Unfortunately, unlike the previous two novels in Roth's stunning series, the start of Allegiant is somewhat disappointing. Throughout Divergent and Insurgent, Tris and Tobias' relationship has been a subdued theme, referred to in only small snippets that keep the reader interested but not fed up of their relationship. This final installment however I found focused too prominently on 'Fourtris' and thus made the dystopian YA novel just like any other, despite there being no love triangle.

I was however more than willing to overlook my initial disappointment as we were finally able to discover what was outside the fence of Chicago. Typically, dystopian novels tend not to venture outside the country in which it's set in and I believe that's largely due to the fact it's difficult to make it as exciting to read. Nevertheless, I was intrigued to see how Roth would take on the task. Again, I was disappointed. Personally I found the entire exit out of the compound and the discovery of the 'new world' incredibly anti-climatic. Not only was the discovery anti-climatic, but much of what occurs there. There were occasional moments of excitement, anticipation and general page-turning action but it just didn't last as long as I hoped it would. Discovery of the outer world however did give lots of opportunity for the reader to learn more about Tris' mother, Natalie, and what it means to be Divergent - two elements which I feel weren't given enough detail in the first two installments.

Surprisingly however it wasn't the slow pace of the story that disappointed me most in this book, it was in fact Tris. I just found her character so infuriating to read in this book, one minute she loves someone, then she hates them and then she loves them again - it's all very confusing to read. I found that within the space of one book she's become so up herself, believing that she's always right and throws hissy fits when things don't quite go her way. She ultimately becomes everything you hate in a YA character, which is unfortunate because I used to find her such a strong, feminist figure. I also found myself irked by Tris and Caleb's relationship and it just seemed as if so much unnecessary drama was created between them in order to fill the pages.

Although it didn't necessarily make up for the disappointment of the first three quarters of the book, I do feel as if Roth focused all of her attention on the last quarter, making the conclusion easily the best part of the novel. Roth so beautifully captures the capability the human race has to destroy itself, to be so evil and senile and how, on a day to day basis, we try to play God. We discriminate and torture and kill and I feel as if the final quarter does such a great job of reflecting that element of today's society, which finally allows you to connect to the story in the same way you can connect to Divergent and Insurgent. I also feel as if Roth partially redeems Tris' poor character traits throughout the story in this final quarter, whilst also going against the traditional 'rules' of YA novels and I can do nothing but praise her for that.

Overall, this final installment unfortunately follows many other YA trilogies and doesn't have much sense of where it's going, yet it also satisfies the reader and provides a decent, closed ending that does, in retrospect, reflect the brilliance of the series on a whole.

I give Veronica Roth and Allegiant ★★★