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 ★★★

If I Stay - Gayle Forman

Synopsis: In a single moment everything changes. Seventeen-year-old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall riding along the snow-wet Oregon road with her family. Then, in a blink, she finds herself watching as her own damaged body is taken from the wreck..

If I Stay follows the story of seventeen-year-old Mia as she relives the best and worst of her memories when struck with the agonising decision of staying or going, following a tragic accident that takes everything away from her.

The novel begins with an explosive start that dives straight into the narrative and, perhaps fortunately for the reader, the tragedy that unfolds for Mia isn't quite traumatising enough to create much of an emotional impact as you barely know the characters involved. You do however instantly connect with Mia on a certain level as you imagine what it would be like if you were in her shoes, as well as leading you to constantly question what you would do if you could see your body being taken from a wreck, knowing you've lost everything, but with the the ability to decide if you stay or go.

Within such a short period of time you come to know and love the characters of If I Stay, particularly Mia. The novel centers around Mia bouncing between the present and her view of everything going on around her and the choice she has to make about herself and the loved ones she's lost and kept, and some of her favourite and worst memories, which often relate to her boyfriend, Adam, and her best friend, Amy, in some way. The concept of reading past and present provides an interesting route for character development and adds layers to the narrative that allow you to know exactly what you would do if you were Mia.

As it is with any main character in a first person narrative, it's easy to become fond of Mia simply because you're seeing everything unfold from her eyes. Yet it is not that that leads you to become connected with her character; it's the beauty of the strength and willpower she maintains. She's so young and unfortunately loses so much in such a short space of time and yet she soldiers on and takes the time to come to terms with what has happened and the decisions she has to make. She's an admirable and independent character that doesn't let anyone influence her. Everything she does is her choice and she's willing to accept any consequences that come with those choices. It's so refreshing to read a YA novel (that isn't dystopian) with such a strong female protagonist.

Overall this novel is a great philosophical YA read that deals with a contrast between light-hearted and dark themes that pose the question of, "do we really have a choice in everything that happens in our own lives?"

I give Gayle Forman and If I Stay ★★★★

I'll be back in the new year!

Not that I expect many (if any) of you have missed me, you'll notice that I haven't posted here since the start of September due to various reasons which include school, masses of procrastination and just not having the time or desire to sit down and read a load of books. I've started two books since September and I haven't finished either of them yet.

So in January I'm hoping to be back to my old reading ways with regular updates and reviews posted, although saying that I've got exams in January so I don't expect I'll be around much then, but by January 17th I'll be free so who knows what will happen. I've got so many books to catch up on with so many new ones coming out soon (I haven't even bought Allegiant yet!)

I hope that you all have a lovely Christmas and a great new year, I'll see you all in 2014!

Insurgent - Veronica Roth

Synopsis: "Tris has survived a brutal attack on her former home and family. But she has paid a terrible price. Wracked by grief and guilt, she becomes ever more reckless as she struggles to accept her new future. Yet if Tris wants to uncover the truth about her world, she must be stronger than ever because more shocking choices and sacrifices lie ahead."

Following the disastrous events that unfolded at the climax of Divergent, sixteen-year-old Tris finds herself taking refuge in the Amity (the peaceful) compound after the residents of the Dauntless (the brave) compound were hijacked by the Erudite (the intelligent) via a chip that was inserted into their brains, in order to take control of the government controlling the world they live in. But things are far from over as Tris, a Divergent individual, finds herself in more danger than ever in a world that isn't what she thought it was and doesn't celebrate difference.

The story of Insurgent as a whole is fast-paced and action packed to read and even the slowest of chapters leave you on the edge of your seat, begging you to find out what happens next. The plot is addictive, adventurous and unrestrained and creates a truly remarkable sequel to Divergent.

Roth's telling of this riveting and complex world is so enjoyable to read as she begins to unravel the web she so tightly formed in this superb work of fiction. The themes of control, rebellion and capitalism become more poignant, the politics and power struggles are more fierce and the development of key characters and the world as a whole are simply fascinating and oh so very shocking to read.

However it goes without saying that the exploration of each of the five factions - Abnegation, Amity, Candor, Dauntless and Erudite - is what stands out most about this novel. Divergent saw a lot of exploration of Abnegation and Dauntless which lead to the remaining three factions to feel almost insignificant to the world Roth has so admirably created. However Insurgent spends a lot of time exploring the remaining three as well as The Factionless, creating a greater story for this futuristic Chicago. The exploration of these other factions also allowed Roth to explore and highlight a lot about Tobias'/Four's past and his family, which was something I felt the first book was missing.

Although a feisty character in Divergent, Tris becomes a lot stronger and determined to protect the few people she loves most in the world and isn't afraid to put her neck on the line and participate in scenes of brutal violence, becoming an all-round superb heroin. Saying that however I did find myself disliking her greatly at various points in the book as she just kept shutting Tobias/Four out and I don't understand characters that blatantly don't know what they're doing or can't handle the stress of keeping it all in, yet choose to do so.

Again, although on the rocks at times, the romance of Tris and Tobias/Four remains very much a pleasant side to the story, only coming to light now and again and when it's needed, as opposed to popping up in every possible moment. The novel is in no way defined by the romance and remains very much a background conflict.

Finally, the climax of the novel was truly fantastic. What is revealed is explosive and gives Roth so much to work with in the third and final book of the trilogy, Convergent, and gives me high hopes for it, especially as it suggests that we'll learn a lot about the world outside of the focal location, which promises to be a refreshing read as novels rarely do this.

I give Veronica Roth and Insurgent ★★★★★