Printed Words

Sunday, 9 November 2014

Cinder (Lunar Chronicles #1) - Marissa Meyer

Title: Cinder
Author: Marissa Meyer
Series: The Lunar Chronicles #1
Publication Date: January, 3rd 2012
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Cinder is part of new population in New Beijing, home to androids and humans. She's part human part cyborg, and detested for that. When Prince Kai comes to find her, in need of a mechanic, she quickly finds herself drawn to him and his life. But Cinder doesn't realise that there's more to her identity than she was told. She soon finds herself choosing between duty to the country or her own desire for freedom.

Even if it means losing everything she has, including her life.

Review

I wonder why I always find the well-loved series to be the ones I think was okay, not the absolute best. I was excited to read Cinder, and my brother really enjoyed it as well, so I think I expected quite a bit. It wasn't a bad read, it just didn't wow me.

I liked that it was an interesting take to the original tale. It still retained all the Cinderella aspects, but Meyer revamped the story so it stood out on its own. It was definitely different to the usual re-tellings, and a part of that was because of the world. The world building was strong, and the history behind the setting was what made it believable. I don't think World War IV is upon us, but I think it's a possibility. Something also intriguing was how New Beijing is a futuristic city, with modern technology and cyborgs but it reverted to monarchy - a system that is now long gone for China. I guess Meyer added the element to support the story about Cinderella, but I did find it ironic.

I don't think I entirely liked the characters. They seemed a bit flat to me, existing only in the book without dimensions to make them seem alive. I think that's why I couldn't attach myself to any of them. Cinder is smart and down to earth, but she was another version of the typical candy girl. Kai was the equally typical Prince Charming - cute, funny and loved by all. No one else really struck out at me either. Except maybe Dr. Erland, only because he was a mysterious character that I got to slowly learn about. I would have to say the relationship development was very insta-love, but I just took it as it is because that's basically what happened in the fairytale as well.

The plot twist was predictable right from the start, which made me impatient to get to the end. I just wanted to reach the moment where Kai and Cinder had their confrontation but it dragged out. What makes me want to keep reading the series though, was the cliffhanger in the end and what I would think is the transformation in Cinder. It's a driving point that I think could hold a lot of potential.

Book Wish List: Narrowing Down What To Buy

My list of books to buy is always so long, that I tend to just go nuts and buy anything and everything. It grows every single month, especially since I haven't bought a book in 3 months. Actually, scratch that. I've bought one this month and that's The Retribution of Mara Dyer, because I have waited too long for this.

So this year I've decided to narrow down my list to make buying books for my birthday just a bit easier. Can you really believe that I spent $300 worth of books for my birthday last year? Oh wait. I think we all have that problem.

1. To All The Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han
This has been on my wish list even before it was released, and I am so ready to get my hands on it.

2. Burn For Burn Series by Jenny Han
Finally the entire series is out, with the covers looking the same as well.

3. The Cure For Dreaming by Cat Winters
Yes to Cat Winters and her creepy writing. I loved her previous novel, and hoping that this one meets my expectations as well.

4. The Assassin's Blade: Throne of Glass Novella by Sarah J. Maas
Going to fill my Throne of Glass withdrawals with stories about Calaena, and her previous life.

5. Coraline by Neil Gaiman
I really want to watch this movie, but my book reading habits means I have to read it first!

6. The Girl Who Soared Over Fairyland and Cut the Moon in Two by Catherynne M. Valente
A lovely series with such a magical feeling to it.

7. Dangerous Boys by Abigail Haas
I loved Dangerous Girls for its creepiness and thrilling read, and I'm pretty sure Dangerous Boys can deliver the same.

8. For Darkness Shows The Stars by Diana Peterfruend
Let's be honest - this is a cover buy.

9. Mistborn Trilogy by Brandon Sanderson
I've wanted this for over a year already and I think it's finally I treat myself to something that's a bit pricier but very beautiful as well.

10. And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
A bit of psychological thriller - why not?

11. S by J.J Abrams and Doug Dorst
A story within a story, set up as a library booked. This is fascinating and creative.

12. Rose Under Fire by Elizabeth Wein
The companion novel to Code Name Verity, I'm ready to get back into the historical war setting.

13. The King's Curse by Philippa Gregory
For a series that I've loved, I'm not sure why I haven't picked up the final instalment yet. I'm very ashamed of myself.

14. Sky Fall Series by Shannon Messenger
*Cough* another cover buy *cough*. What it's so pretty!

15. Once by Cameron Dokey
Three fairytale retellings bound up into one book - I'm excited to read the Mulan retelling because I've never read one.

Phew, now that's done. On second thought, I think 12 books and 3 series will equal to about $300. I did not think this through.

What are you planning to buy next?

The Program (The Program #1) - Suzanne Young

Title: The Program
Author: Suzanne Young
Series: The Program
Publication Date: April 30th, 2012
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Suicide has become a disease, threatening to take over adolescent minds. If they're found with the side effects, The Program takes over and holds them in an institute to recover. The memories are wiped and they don't know who they were before.

Sloane and her boyfriend James are struggling to get through each day. They lay low, but there's the feeling that The Program is after them.

Review

The Program was a surprising read, not because I expected it to be bad, but because it delved into deeper issues that left a really strong impression on me.

What I liked most was how it used suicide to explore the issue with social problems. I think this stuck with me because it really reflected what I've recently learnt at university. Social problems exist only because authority/government deem it so, and legislations come into play to make sure that society realises it's an issue. In reality, not a lot of those issues are as major as it seems, and could definitely be resolved in a different way - i.e., Asylum Seekers. This is exactly the problem in the novel, where the government believes or at least wants to believe, that suicide is a disease that needs to be contained. Targeting the younger group is like using them as a scapegoat, who are believed to be easily contagious, and society will believe it because they'd prefer to deal with this then any other explanation. It did a great job in relaying the control authority has over the people, and how extensive moral panic can be. It really left me with a lot to think about, which I love when reading books.

Plotwise, I think it was solid and to the point. It introduced the world and the characters, before moving straight into the complication. This meant that there was time for some character development and further progress with the conflict. I got to learn a lot about Sloane, her family situation, personality and just the person she was. I don't love her, but I do think she's a good character to read from. James remained a bit more mysterious, but he was written to be loved with his attractive appearance and rebellious nature. I think that Realm and Roger (a guard) were introduced to convey the two sides of authority. In Realm, you see more of humane side whilst Roger represents corruption and evilness. It really shows how there are morals to deal with, and if right will always defeat wrong.

The Program was a very intriguing read, and I found that I got a lot out of it then I expected. It's not an exceptional novel, just a really thought-provoking read.

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I Want To Re-Read

Hosted By: The Broke and The Bookish

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme created by The Broke and The Bookish, where we list our top ten according to a topic of the week. Check out future topics here.

Top Ten Tuesday: Books I Want To Re-Read

(Besides Harry Potter, because really, who doesn't want to re-read that all the time?)

1. Noughts and Crosses (Nought and Crosses #1) by Malorie Blackman
This is probably one of the most underrated YA series ever, and I don't understand why! I read Noughts & Crosses in Year 7 and the story has stuck with me forever. It's a moving piece on discrimination, but also a heartbreaking love story. I really want to revisit it.

2. The Host (The Host #1) by Stephanie Meyer
I read The Host this year and already I want to read it again. I gave it five stars (review here), because I think it's such a worthwhile and thought-provoking read.

3. Code Name Verity (Code Name Verity #1) by Elizabeth Wein
A recent read as well (2012), but Code Name Verity has such a beautiful meaning with a bitter sweet ending. The characters were gorgeous and I want to read it before I get the companion novel.

4. Will Grayson Will Grayson by David Levithan and John Green
Part of my top five, I think it's about time for my annual re-read.

5. The Bone Season (The Bone Season #1) by Samantha Shannon
The sequel to this is about to be released, and I am so excited. I didn't particularly love this one but I want to re-read it to see if I've missed anything and to jog my memory.

6. Deathless (Deathless #1) Catherynne M. Valente
Valente is a beautiful writer and its translate perfectly in Deathless, mixing both fantasy and mythical elements. This is an adult read but I just loved it.

7. Unearthly Series by Cynthia Hand
I finished this series this year, but because there was such a large gap between reading Unearthly and Hallowed I couldn't really make sense of everything in the last novel - Boundless.

8. Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Johnathon Safran Foer
I loved every moment of this and have been wanting to buy this ever since finishing it - still have yet to though. Oscar is such a loveable boy and his journey is so moving.

9. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
One of my favourite classics - I still have yet to re-read this despite enjoying it in high school.

10. The Shifting Fog by Kate Morton
Kate Morton is the ultimate and her genius-ness translates into everything she's written, including The Shifting Fog. It was such a thrilling and engaging read!

What Do You Want To Re-Read?

October Wrap Up

On The Blog

This month was definitely a lot more productive in terms of posting! I managed to be somewhat consistent, so I'm pretty satisfied with my effort.

"Top Ten Tuesday"

Character Driven Novels | Places I Want To Visit | Series I Want To Start | Characters I Want To Dress Up For Halloween

"Talking Personal"

In which I do some complaining (like usual), and recommend two new restaurants for all you food lovers.

"Most Anticipated: Book to Movie Adaptations"

I listed the 2015 book to movie adaptations that I'm looking forward to the most, and was thoroughly surprised that there are so many coming out.

"The Waiting List"

November releases to keep an eye out for

Posts For Thought

There have been so many posts that I've loved this month, especially now that I've been a bit more involved within the community and really utilising Bloglovin (find me here).

The Mile Long Bookshelf lists "20 Signs You Follow Too Many Bookworms on Instagram" - TRUTH
Thinking of jumping on board blogging? These Paper Hearts has you covered with their "DIY: Starting Your Own Blog - A Checklist"
If your struggling with organisation, check out The Private Life of A Girl's "Apps and Websites to Help Your Business or Blog Stay Organised"
"Finding Time To Read" from ALO is the perfect guide to squeezing in that extra reading time you need.
"8 Reasons I Struggle To Put Down A Book" was a fun and GIF filled post by Perpetual Page Turner.
Also check out her equally entertaining "I Dress 5 of My YA Couples for Halloween." My favourite is Amy and Rodger!
Try and find yourself in Notebook Sisters' "The 10 Types of Book Bloggers"
They, and a few other bloggers, also connect with their inner psychic to predict "2015 YA Trends"
Need some advice? Diva Booknerd to the rescue with her "Dear Diva" segment - she's such a gem, and helped me loads whilst I was trying to navigate through NetGalley!
Happy Indulgence writes about fandoms creating wars internally and compares the book community in "Chatterbox: Didn't Like The Book? We Won't Flame You"
Tired of spending $$$ on books every month? The new app Oyster might save your bank account as The Hungry Runner Girl points out.

Wow. That is one long list.

Reading Time

Moving on to my reading month, and October was actually very successful despite exams fast approaching. I read a total of 10 books, without even participating in any read-a-thons. They were all quite average, but check out my wrap up below!