“We know you are here, our brothers and sisters.

We will, one day, emerge from the Dome to join you in peace.

For now, we watch from afar, benevolently.”

Pure by Julianna Baggott

Paperback, 416 pages

Publication: February 14 2012

Hachette Australia

ISBN 9780755385485

Belinda:

Cover

I was handed the ARC (advance reader copy) of Pure and along with it came the media release and a promo card. The above quote is on the card. With a raised eyebrow I thought, ‘Hmm this quote can’t be good.’

So I moved on to my first impressions of the book in anticipation of getting to the story.

The book, because it is in its arc form, is void of artwork, and what you would initially view as boring. The title is in a gloss white where the rest of the cover is a matt, stark, bright white.  However, after finishing the book with the plain white cover, I think it pretty much says it all. Now that the book has been published, there is a white cover like the ARC and a black one in the same style.

I’m not sure if it’s the heat, or if it’s just the long hours of reading, but my finger prints are now marring the cover. It just seems fitting that I leave a mark on the book that has well and truly left a mark on me.

Characters

I was blindsided by the tragic circumstances the characters were left in and really disturbed by the awful things that happen to some of the others.

Favourite

Partridge. He’s searching for family and seeking the truth. He also has a heart in a heartless environment… this made me like him the most.

Least Favourite

El Capitan. He’s morally corrupt and makes me sick.

Beginning

In the opening scene we are with Pressia, after the detonations, as the propaganda papers (with the above quote on them) are dropped on the shattered, charred remains of the closest town to the Dome.  The Dome is where the ‘Pure’ people sheltered against the bombs; where they avoided the horrific fates of those outside.

For those unlucky enough to be left to fend for themselves in the fallout from the bombs, fusing their bodies to whatever they were touching, be it buildings, pavement, car engines or children, or in Pressia’s case her doll, survival becomes their only concern.

Storyline

It has been ten or so years since the detonations and Partridge, the ‘Pure’ son of the mastermind behind the Dome, escapes to the outside in pursuit of his mother, whom he believes managed to survive the bombs. He is joined on his crusade by Pressia and Bradwell; Perssia, to save the life of her grandfather, Bradwell, to learn the truth.

Ending

After how book one ended I don’t think I can put myself through reading book two.

Thoughts

I am still processing the emotions Pure has stirred in me, months later. I am horrified by the deformities of the survivors, by the struggle for survival. I am sickened by the emotional supremacy of the Dome residents and I was angered at the possibilities of something like this happening in reality.

The sentiment that has stayed with me is you need ugliness to be able to appreciate beauty.

Please don’t be put off by my precious emotional state. This is an extraordinary saga. Brilliantly written and it is all consuming. The film rights sold to Fox even before the book’s release, this really does speak volumes about the hope many people have for the future of Baggott’s career.

The heart of this story will beat with the convictions of its readers.

Quote

“With a bow tie, anything is possible.” ~ Partridge

http://pure-book.com/ and  www.puretrilogy.com.au

For more information on the Fox deal http://io9.com/5694604/another-dystopian-ya-trilogy-gets-a-half+million-dollar-book-contract-plus-a-movie-deal

Krista:

Cover

At first I was unsure what I thought about the cover, but after finishing the story I think it’s a perfect fit. I like the butterfly in front of the Dome. I am unsure if all countries have a similar cover as the U.S. The U.S. Cover is black with the Dome represented in the background as a glass bubble. You can see the reflection of masses of dirty air swirling and the beautiful blue butterfly up front. All of these symbols are relevant to the book and I think it’s a good match.

Characters

Favorite

I’m not exactly sure if she counts as one, but my favorite character is Partridge’s mother. Although she is not actually a prominent actual character in the book, we get to learn a lot about her and how she lived her life, through stories told by Partridge and others on the outside of the dome. She seems like a very unselfish, strong and determined woman. But I also felt the same way about Bradwell who is an actual physical character, so I suppose they are both my favorites.

Least Favorite

I would have to say the group of the OSR and their leader. They gather up the children that have reached the age of 16 and teach them to fight and use weapons. They disgusted me, and I did not like their reasoning or their actions.

Beginning

Pressia lives with her grandfather. They are survivors of detonations that destroyed most of the world 10 years ago. Pressia is one of those deformed by the fire and radiation. They live outside the Dome, while tucked away safe and sound inside the Dome are the Pures, a select group who escaped the explosions unharmed. Partridge is a Pure who’s father is one of the highest in command in the Dome. For those outside the Dome, life is hard and food is scarce. As Pressia nears her 16th birthday she finds her name on the OSR (military) draft list. She must hide, run or be taken in where she will be forced to kill, or used for target practice. The beginning of this story is told from their alternating perspectives.

Storyline

As Pressia runs for her life from the OSR, Partridge is searching for the secrets to his past. Their paths cross and their journey has them discovering more about themselves and the world they live in.

Ending

The ending; everything was leading up to this ending. I think that I am definitely going to continue reading this series, although it’s dark and gritty and harsh. It shows us a world that has been seriously damaged by war, new technology and the effects it can have on a society. Although this is a work of fiction and I don’t see a Dome in our future, the stories and relationships between the people, their coping with the hardships and devastation is something to think about. I am always up for a good, dark story that will get me thinking.

Thoughts

Although I did not love the 2 main characters in the book and I felt that some of the events fell into place a little too easily, I still loved this book. I found that the research that went into it impressive. It is being marketed in the U.S. as a Teen/Adult crossover book, it has some very gruesome and dark subject matter. Everybody that reads this story is going to take away something different from it. I thought it was very unique and thought-provoking.

Quotes

“I remember the ugliness is what makes the beautiful things beautiful….—one can’t truly exist without the other.”

“she thinks about what is lost—how the world went from amusement parks, movie theaters, birthday parties, fathers and mothers…to ash and dust, scars, permanent burns, and fused, damaged bodies.”

Lisa:

Cover:

On the cover you see a beautiful blue butterfly, and some weird brown dome shaped thing. First looking at it, it might be a bit confusing as to why these two (very different) things are put together. In the story, the Dome represents purity, and cleanliness. Before the Apocalypse hit, people escaped into this Dome where nothing could harm them. Unfortunately there wasn’t enough room or time to fit everyone in, and some were left to survive outside.

The butterfly represents the main character. Throughout the story she builds these butterfly toys out of various junk she can find, and sells them, so she can buy food for her and her grandpa. I love the cover, and I cant wait to see what the other books will look like!

Characters:

In Pure I didn’t really have any problems with any of the characters! They all seemed pretty interesting, and unique!

Favorite:

Even though I’m usually all for the strong female character, sticking up for herself, I really liked Partridge! He is a Pure who lives in the Dome and survived the Apocalypse with not even a scratch. At the beginning of the story you learn more about how his brother “committed suicide” (as far as we know), and how his dad is a big fat jerk!

You also find out, they Partridge has lost his mother. While he, his brother and his dad made it into the Dome just  in time, his mother wasn’t so lucky. Deciding to search for his mother, Partridge escapes the Dome (which has never happened before) and goes on his hunt.

Least Favorite:

Again, I didn’t really have any problem, with any of the characters. But I did think Partridge’s dad was the worlds biggest jerk. But we don’t really get to read or know a lot about him, so maybe that will change in the next book.

Beginning:

In the beginning of Pure, you find out how society works outside of the Dome, where the main character, Pressia, and her grandpa live. When you turn 16, the soldiers hunt you down, get you, and take you somewhere else; away from your family and loved ones. Pressia is turning 16 in the matter of hours, and already has a hiding spot, and escape route planned for when they come to pick her up. I’m usually not interested in futuristic books, this I admit caught my attention!

Story Line:

While Pressia is running away from something, Partridge is running to something. Throughout the story they bump into each other, and actually start working together. There are a lot of interesting things you find out in the middle of Pure, but I really don’t want to spoil things! I’ll I will say is, my jaw dropped to the floor, and I had to read the page three times over! I couldn’t believe it!

Ending:

Pure is the beginning to a series (I’m not sure how many books), so it does end in a bit of a cliff hanger. Not too bad of one, where you get angry, but a really good one, where you’re just determined to get the second book once it comes out 🙂

Overall Thoughts:

I usually don’t like books in this genre, but the beginning, as I said earlier, really caught my attention! I ended up loving it, and I cant wait to see what happens to Pressia and Partridge 🙂



  • Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  • Hardcover: 400 pages
  • Publisher: Feiwel & Friends (January 3, 2012)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0312641893
  • ISBN-13: 978-0312641894

Belinda Says

Cover

Just call me Imelda Marcos. That red shoe is sumptuously eye catching. You have to focus a little to notice the mechanics super imposed over the foot and the font of the title is just a little bit special. It stands out on the shelf… especially to a shoe addict like me.

Characters

It is a retelling of Cinderella, so the usual suspects are on hand to get the story going… with a twist.

Favourite

I enjoyed Iko; the house=keeping android in the role of the fairy god mother. She’s cheeky and sweet, I enjoyed the giggle she brought to the story.

Least Favourite

Pearl. She’s in the role of one of the wicked step sisters and perhaps plays it a little too well. I wanted to slap her on more than one occasion. Definitely a b with and itch.

Beginning

Pearl, Peony and their mother are preparing for the up-and-coming Ball. Cinder, as the story goes, is denied the opportunity to go with them.

Storyline

New Beijing had been at peace for 126 years after World War 4. The King is dying from plague and Prince Kai is about to be dumped in the middle of a big pile of steaming you know what.

Ending

As this is a retelling with a twist, you’ll have some idea of how this first Chronicle is supposed to end; however, don’t expect anything but the unexpected.

Thoughts

I was amused by the alterations Marissa made to the original fairytale. It makes me believe that perhaps we may be able to read our daughters stories that won’t fill their heads with the clap trap of happily ever after’s and women being typecast into the role of damsels in distress.

I would love to see this done as a either a movie or a TV series… Anime would work really well as the book is written in a very visual manor.

Favourite Quote

“Plus we couldn’t afford the gasoline,” continued Iko. “We could trade in your new foot and still not be able to afford enough fuel to get out of here. Plus, the pollution fines. Plus, I’m not getting in this thing. There’s probably decades’ worth of rat droppings under those seats.”

Krista Says

Cover

Amazing cover, it suits the story perfectly, and it’s gorgeous, love the red.

Characters

Favorite

This question is always the hardest for me to answer. I am usually on the side of the villain because they make the story interesting. Even though this story had an awesome villain, I think it’s a tie between Cinder and Kai. They are fantastic characters and they really drive this story. Cinder is so smart and protective and Kai is caring and sweet. I loved both of them so much.

Least Favorite

Adri, the step mother plays the part well. I hated the thought that Cinder even had to deal with her on a daily basis. But as we all know she is a necessary character in the story of Cinderella.

Beginning

The reader gets to jump right into Cinder’s daily life and get information about the world through dialogue or actions of the characters. I love this, I have never been a fan of big info dumps. The reader is introduced to Cinder whose job is as a mechanic in the market. We also get introduced to the Prince right away and his need to have all of his affairs in order before the big ball takes place.

Storyline

Cinder who is a mechanic and cyborg in the city of New Bejing, finds herself in the middle of a world being seriously threatened by the Plague. Her own sister has fallen ill and everybody is fighting for the cure. When she accepts a job from Prince Kai she soon finds herself in the middle of a galactic war in which the lunar people have been watching and preparing for.

Ending

Heart pounding ending. It is like the tension being pulled in a rubber band and just about to snap. Sit on the edge of your seat kind of suspense that will leave you craving for the next book immediately. This is just the beginning of Cinder’s story and I for one cannot wait to see what happens next.

Thoughts

I thought this story was very imaginative and very well put together. It had a growing sense of foreboding and suspense that kept me reading so fast that I never wanted to set it down. Although I did not like Adri because of how awfully she treated Cinder, all of the characters were really amazing and made such an impact to the overall story. Perfect pacing and an all out enjoyable read from start to finish.

Quotes

“Even in the Future the Story Begins with Once Upon a Time.”

“Vanity is a factor, but it is more a question of control. It is easier to trick others into perceiving you as beautiful if you can convince yourself you are beautiful. But mirrors have an uncanny way of telling the truth.”

Lisa Says

Cover

I know we’re only two months into the year, but the cover of Cinder is my favorite cover so far. It has been ever since I saw it on an online bookstore. I love it! I really like the bold red shoe, and the way it pops compared to the dark background (and plus, it ties in with the whole, Cinderella glass slipper thing).  My second favorite thing about this cover has to be the way you can see right through her leg, and see all of the mechanics that make up her body.

Overall, I find the cover, very unique, and definitely one of my top 5!

Characters

The story is a re-telling of Cinderella, so all of the usual characters are included. Such as the evil stepmother with her two ugly and mean daughters (Cinder’s stepsisters), and the handsome prince everyone wants to be with.

Even though Cinder is a re-telling, you also get to meet a few new characters that really make the story interesting, and intensify the story line from the one we all know and love.

Favorite

Personally I love strong female characters! Yes, I love romance stories where the strong and tough man saves the young and hopeless girl, but I do like strong female characters as well. Cinder has gone through a lot. Her dad isn’t around, and she has to deal with her stepmother and sisters every day; dealing with their problems, cleaning up after them, and having to run a store as well.

Usually strong female characters don’t start off that way. They always have to endure something bad, and grow from it. But Cinder endures this every day, and has already grown from it. She was never that weak girl who all of a sudden decided she needed a change.

This was a bit different, but still very interesting to see how Cinder finally makes a move.

Least Favorite

The stepmother has to be my least favorite. In the classical Cinderella story, I actually hate the stepsisters the most. You would think they would be nicer than their mom but they’re not, they’re worse.

Throughout the story, Cinder (who is a robot), purchases a new leg, which is fine and great, until her stepmom actually takes it away from her, and Cinder is left to hobbling around on one foot, and a pair of crutches. This is the main reason why I make Cinder’s stepmother, my least favorite character.

Beginning

Instead of reading the actual book, I had an audio copy. So whenever I was going somewhere in my car I would turn on the CD and have it play, until I got to where I was going.

With the CD, I felt the beginning went pretty quick, and it wasn’t dry at all. I can’t really say the same for the actual book copy, since I didn’t read it. But if you can get your hands on a audio book version, I recommend you pick it up. It’s AWESOME! I love how the way it’s read, it’s great!

Story Line

The story line is a little different from the original Cinderella, but it does stick to everything we know. Cinder has no dad, lives with her stepmother, and her two daughters, and she has feelings for the prince. That all stays the same.

But Cinder is a robot, has a store, works as a mechanic, tries to escape with an old car she finds, doesn’t plan on going to the ball (even though, the prince invited her, himself), but ends up finding her way there anyways.

Cinder sticks to the script, but it also includes a lot more romance, drama, and action, which I thought was really good!

Ending

I felt that the ending reached all of my expectations. But Cinder is only the first book, to a series of three or four, I think. (Don’t quote me on that, but I think so!) I’m very excited to see how the adventure continues!

Overall Thoughts

I loved the audio book itself, it was fabulous. I’m really picky about audio books, the reader really has to get into character for me to like it, and Cinder did a great job.

The story was great, I thought it was a bit weird that the main character was going to be a robot, but it worked out perfectly, and I can’t wait to see what Marissa Meyer has in store for us.

Favorite Quotes

As I said early, I own Cinder in audio book, and I would listen to it whenever I would hop in my car and go places. I don’t have the book, so I don’t really have any quotes written down.



  • Glow

  • Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  • Hardcover: 320 pages
  • Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin (September 13, 2011)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0312590563
  • ISBN-13: 978-0312590567

Belinda Says:

Cover

I was taken by the picture of the young lady’s profile over shadowed by stars on the cover. The image is certainly evocative.

Characters

The characters are strong and thought provoking.

Favourite

Waverly is hands down my favourite character. She has guts and a moral compass that cannot be interfered with.

Least Favourite

The populace of the New Horizon. Their actions, though desperate, are just awful.

Beginning

In the opening scene we meet Waverly and Kieran, as they are looking out a porthole at the New Horizon, a sister ship to their own. The ship has slowed down in the nebula and this has the pair confused and concerned. The other ship was supposed to be over a year ahead of their own, the Empyrean, on their journey to New Earth. Why did they slow down and what secrets lie onboard the other vessel?

Storyline

We go on to find the differences between the ships are vast and, as with most things, fear of the unknown leads to violence and betrayal. The road to hell is paved with good intentions, regardless of age or gender. What is it the crew aboard the New Horizon intends to do?

Ending

There isn’t too much I want to give away because I think this book is so good you must read it for yourself. I am haunted by the book; the first in the Sky Chasers series.

Thoughts

In fact I believe it should become compulsory reading instead of making high school students read Lord of the Flies. It is better balanced towards both genders and is far less repulsive.

The themes we’re dealing with here are more up to date, and both the boys and the girls are portrayed in a positive light; even in the moments when their actions aren’t so positive. There is an outstanding level of respect for the young characters. The girls have strength and brains. The boys aren’t mindless delinquents. They go through hell and come out of it with opinions of their own.

Glow hits all the right marks. It breaks through some serious barriers and makes me believe there is hope that finding well written science fiction books for a YA audience is still possible. They are no longer just exclusively for the nerds and geeks.

I have no idea what direction Amy will take Waverly and Kieran in the next installment in the Sky Chasers series; but if it gives me goose bumps like Glow did I will be over the moon.


Further Thoughts

I would seriously love to hear from any male readers of Glow. Did this book have you sitting up and taking notice? Did you feel like you could connect with Kieran or Seth? Did the portrayal of the male characters feel accurate? What if it was your sister or girlfriend in Waverly’s position; what lengths would you go to, to get her back safely?

Lisa Says:

Cover:

First looking at this cover, I had absolutely no clue what it was. I mean, yeah, I saw the girl, and the position she was in, but I didn’t really connect it with anything. Reading Glow, you don’t even have to read beyond the first three or four pages, and you already know what the cover represents. It’s Waverly! Her on her ship, the Empyrean!

After connecting the cover, with the story it contains, and keeps safe, I liked it a lot better 🙂

Characters-

First impressions aren’t everything! But they are a lot! When we first meet Waverly, she seem kind of, like a, uhmmm, let’s just say a jerk. Kieran, was just so cute and sweet, talking about their future and having kids. I know, they’re only teenagers, but still he was just being soo cute! And her response was just, mean, and harsh. She wasn’t even trying to be gentle with him, and that made up my mind; “I don’t like her.”

Favorite:

Okay, so after saying the above, Waverly is also my favorite character. Yeah, yeah. I was ranting why I don’t like her, but I also said first impressions aren’t everything! She grew so much throughout the story. She went from being a jerk and not knowing what she wants, to being a strong woman able to save the Empyrean, and wanting to be with Kieran.

Least Favorite:

Even though I started out loving Kieran, towards the end of the book, I just didn’t enjoy reading about him, as much. He was such a sweetie pie at the beginning of Glow, but towards the end he became a dictator. He was running things “his way”, instead of what was best for the Empyrean.

Beginning:

I went into reading Glow, a little hesitant. I usually don’t read books like this. So I had pretty high expectations, and within the first few pages, Glow had me wrapped around its little finger. I couldn’t stop listening ( I have it on audio book ) to it. I seriously put one disk in, and as soon it was done, I quickly took it out, and tossed the next one in until they were all gone!

Story Line:

Glow was definitely something I’ve never read before.

In Glow’s world, a ship named the Empyrean is out trying to find another way/place for the human population to survive, and live safely. After being attacked by the Empyrean’s sister ship, all the adults are killed, or hurt, and the girls (who are very vital, since their the only way to reproduce; which is a huge part of Glow!) are kidnapped. Kieran, the next in line to become the captain, takes the lead. Not only steering the ship, but also saving the girls, and any adults who survived.

Ending:

The ending was a bit of a cliff hanger, but not the bad kind. It was just leading us to the second book (which needs to hurry up, and come out, so I can start reading it!). The ending was kind of a twist, but in a way you could see it coming, just through Kieran’s actions.

Overall Thoughts:

LOOOVED IT! I usually don’t read books like Glow, about spaceships, the future, and what the human race would do if the world wasn’t inhabited-able anymore. Glow, changed my opinion, and blew my mind! I loved it, and can’t wait for the second book to hit the shelves!

Krista Says:

Cover

I am a fan of the US cover. I like that the O represents a window in a spaceship (also like a submarine) It’s very simple but very nice.

Characters

Favorite

The main character Waverly was admireable, she stands up for her beliefs and I liked that she fought back. I also found Anne Mathor very interesting as well, the evil that was shown through her really touches on some of the basic evils of humanity, religious zealots, sexual violence, drugs, and drive for procreation in an almost helpless situation.

Least Favorite

Keiran, although parts of this book are told from his perspective I had a harder time connecting to his part of the story, I just felt more drawn and intrigued to what was happening to Waverly.

Beginning

The story starts out with a lot of things happening, you get to just barely be introduced to the characters when their ship is boarded and horrendous murders and riots ensue. It’s a fast paced beginning with a lot of confusion and action happening, setting up the rest of the story.

Storyline

The middle of the story is where I felt the most disconnected to Kieran, but very intrigued by what was happening to Waverly and The Pastor (Ann Mathor). Waverly spends a lot of time drugged, put through surgeries and Solitary Confinement. Kieran on the other ship is trying to save some of the family members they thought they had lost in the raid, salvaging what he can of his people, the ship and constantly arguing back and forth with Seth about what should be done.

Ending

I don’t want to spoil the ending, but it definitely does not leave the reader in a content place. This is one of those books that will keep you thinking about it afterwards. There are a lot of messages that come out of this book. All of the things humans take seriously like procreation, religion, love and survival.

Thoughts

The deeper ideas brought forth in this story may upset some readers. I found it as an opportunity to think about the above subjects personally and how I feel about them. What it would be like to be in this situation and what would I fight for. What if you were raised with no religion and compare it to people whose lives are built upon a certain one. The clashes between the two and the normal everyday lives are bound to come into conflict. This book is one that will get you thinking, maybe freak you out a little, rattle your bones.

Quotes

Waverly reached for Mather’s throat, but straps tied her to the bed. She could only attack with words, and she screamed them: “You’re insane!”

“Power. they never liked the way we did things on the New Horizon. We were more religious and less…I believe they’d call it ‘free thinking.’ I think they wanted to make New Earth into their idea of a free society,” Mather shuddered. “Well, I couldn’t let them do that. It wasn’t just about our own futures, Waverly. It was about your future, too. And the future of every generation of women to follow on new Earth. Do you understand what’s at stake here.”



Matched

    Reading level: Ages 14 and up

  • Hardcover: 384 pages
  • Publisher: Dutton Juvenile; First Edition edition (November 30, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0525423648
  • ISBN-13: 978-0525423645

In the Society, Officials decide. Who you love. Where you work. When you die.

Cassia has always trusted their choices. It’s hardly any price to pay for a long life, the perfect job, the ideal mate. So when her best friend appears on the Matching screen, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is the one… until she sees another face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black. Now Cassia is faced with impossible choices: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she’s known and a path no one else has ever dared follow — between perfection and passion.

Belinda Says:

Cover

The stark white backdrop feels very clinical compared to the green bubble containing Cassia in her Match ceremony dress. She looks to be testing her boundaries within the bubble, and as that is essentially what the book is about, it fits perfectly.

Characters

We have a strong cast of rebellious characters; I think their strength is made more obvious by the way they conceal their inner thoughts from the Society.

Favourite

Xander. He’s got every right in the world to be sullen and pensive with all that Cassia is up to, but he’s not. I can’t go into it too much. *Spoilers*

Least Favourite

The Society; forever changing the rules to manipulate people is enough to make me bristle with irritation.

Beginning

Cassia is on her way to her Matching ceremony, to be told who the Society has matched her to.

Storyline

After Ky’s face comes up in place of Xander’s, Cassia wonder’s if the society really did make a mistake, and makes moves to get to know the mysterious and illusive Ky.

Ending

After getting to know Ky better the Society throws up one last obstacle and it is up to Cassia to break through it.

Thoughts

With the global governments implementing new laws, and expecting the laws be followed; the hijinks of the Society in Matched run a little too close to the possibility of reality for my liking. It unnerved me that we may, one day, be expected to follow without question and trust without thought.

I believe the purpose of the book was to inspire us to look within ourselves and find our own path, and question those who think they know what is best for us.

Favourite Quote

“Cassia,” he whispers. “I am giving you something you won’t understand, yet. But I think you will someday. You, more than the rest. And, remember. It’s alright to wonder.”

Krista Says:

Cover:
I love this cover! I found it really original and ties into the story concept well.

Characters

Favorite:

Favorite by far is Cassia’s parents. They are supportive of her in the best possible way that they can in this world that they live in.

Least Favorite:

My least favorite characters were the Society workers, especially the woman that discusses the mix up with her (Cassia’s) marriage chip that displayed two people instead of one. Her overall stance on her job and the “mix-up” just irked me so much. I hated how robot-like their behaviors are, they don’t seem to have any human feelings.

Beginning:

This story is focused on love. Cassia loves Xander but when the possibility comes up that the Society thinks Ky is her match as well. She becomes tortured on who she should be with.

Story Line: Cassia loves Xander but when the possibility comes up that the Society thinks Ky is her match as well, She begins to question who she should be with, who Ky really is and get to know him better. When I think that the choice is clear (Team Xander 😉 )
So you will find that 80% of the novel is just about Cassia (ka-sha) going back and forth between who she should be married to. When really she doesn’t get the choice, because the society decides everything. She almost becomes obsessed with Ky, who he is, where he comes from and how he seems to know things that are being kept from the people in her town. There is a something more sinister happening here and Ky seems to be the key to finding out what is happening in the world outside her own.

Ending: As this is the first book in a trilogy, we find no answers by the end of the story. We end it with a lot of questions and Cassia being separated from her family. We don’t know what is going to happen to her, her family or Ky and Xander. I finished the book with several questions and curiosities of what the next book will bring.

Overall Thoughts: The world that Ally has come up with here is very unique and interesting. In the least, it is worth the read just to imagine what it would be like to live in this kind of world. I found the characters smart and likable. The things that I did not like about the book was the monotone feel I get from it. BUT I think it was meant to be written this way. For example the people are not allowed to run, shout, be overexcited, it’s against the law. So whenever something happened that normally you’d see some acting out on, you do not get that from this story. You see the characters acting the way they always should and just say “ok I will not run.” even when you want them to really badly.

I am a reader that does not like a mushy love story. Cassia’s struggle between Xander and Ky was just obvious for me but I enjoyed the love triangle here. Cassia’s struggle made sense to me and I enjoyed my own thoughts going back and forth on who I thought Cassia should end up with.  My favorite parts of the book were the descriptions of The Society and how it was ran. The world she lived in was more interesting that the one going on in her head. But I want to learn more about her world, so I can see myself picking up the next book.

2 Favorite Quotes:

“Once you want something, everything changes.”

“They are giving us pieces of a real life instead of the whole thing. They have perfected the art of giving us just enough freedom; just enough that when we are ready to snap, a little bone is offered and we roll over, belly up, comfortable and placated like a dog… – Cassia”

Lisa Says:

Cover:

Love. Love. LOVE, the cover! I’m not exactly sure what the bubble is, or why it’s green, but I do have a pretty good guess. Cassia lives in this very controlling society, which is represented through the bubble, and her sitting inside of it. Why green? Well throughout the story, you get to learn that every citizen in this society gets three different pills, I don’t want to give away what they’re for, but I can say one is green (Matched cover), one is blue (Crossed cover), and the last one is red (my guess is, that the third cover is red)!

Characters

Yes, there are countless Young Adult books with love triangles! I know, but for some reason, I really like them. I can read twenty books, with them in it, and never get bored, I guess their just one of my favorite types of books! In Matched, there is a triangle between Cassia, Xander, and Ky. I love all three of them, and no matter which one Cassia chooses, I would be happy for her(:

Favorite:

I can’t decide if I like Ky or Xander better! I love both of them, and their both guys who I, myself would want to hangout and be friends with. While Ky is kind of the bad boy type (which is really hot!), Xander is the sweet guy. He’s always been around and he would never do anything to hurt Cassia. So I really enjoyed reading about both of them, and I can’t wait to see how things work out.

Least Favorite:

I don’t have a least favorite character, I think Ally Condie did a great job with each character, making them seem real, with real feelings and emotions. But on the other hand I don’t really like how the society works, I love how it makes the story work out. But it’s crazy, how the society controls everyone and everything. It amazes me that these people let things go this far! So even though I don’t like how the society runs things, but it makes the story intense!

Beginning:

Many reviews I’ve read, before I even purchased the book, said the beginning was extremely boring. But when I cracked it opened, and paged throughout, I thought it was brilliant! I loved it! Ally Condie, took so much time and care into creating this whole new world, with tons of rules, and details! It just blew my mind.

Story Line:

I loved it, even though many people said it started off slow, I felt like that was really necessary. Why? Because the readers need to know what’s going on, they need to know a little bit of the past, and the rules. The reader just needs some background knowledge, to be able to understand the Matched.

Ending:

I read Matched a long time ago, way before Crossed even came out. So when I finished, I just want Ally Condie to send me her drafts so i could keep reading. I had such a fun time reading, that I wanted to slowly read throughout, almost saving it until Crossed sat on the bookshelves at Barnes and Nobles. But I couldn’t get stop myself.

Overall Thoughts:

One of my top books for 2011!

Favorite Quotes:

I’ve read this book months ago, I don’t really remember any 🙂



Format: Paperback

ISBN: 9781742751016

Imprint: Random House Australia Childrens

Published: 03/10/2011

$18.95

Summary

Retra – now called Naif – has escaped from Ixion, the island of ever-night. She doesn’t know if her friends on the island survived the battle between the Ripers and the rebels. But she does know that she must return home, behind the sealed walls of Grave, to find out why the Ripers have been seen there talking to the councillors. What links the two worlds?

Editorial Reviews

PRAISE FOR THE NIGHT CREATURES BOOK 1: BURN BRIGHT

* ‘Brilliant storytelling. Riveting and unforgettable.’ Lauren Kate, author of FALLEN

* ‘I seriously LOVED this book … It’s dark and wild, unpredictable and somehow enchanting.’ inkcrush.blogspot.com

* ‘Absolutely raw and intoxicating … Do yourself a favour and pick up BURN BRIGHT if you’re a fan of dystopian fiction.’ nicegirlsreadbooks.com

Belinda Says:

Cover

Jaroslaw Kubicki’s illustration and the design work by Astred Hicks blend so very well. In my mind this cover is somewhat resembling Ruzalia.

Characters

Naif is complimented beautifully by the supporting cast.

Favourite

Liam. He’s sure of himself and tells Naif when she’s being somewhat dim. He’s kind hearted and strong. I wouldn’t mind having him as my tour guide.

Least Favourite

The Elders. Well, if you’ve read Angel Arias you’ll know exactly  why, and if not… there is a scene towards the end that cements my decision.

Beginning

Naif has to convince Ruzalia to allow her to go back to Grave to investigate why a Riper was seen in conversations with an Elder.

Storyline

It is a great adventure of dodging guards, dogs and locals who would tear them up and turn them in. They need to find out who is behind so many of the evils happening on Ixion.

Ending

Be careful what you wish for. Information can be dangerous and so can trying to catch an air ship when you’re on the run.

Thoughts

My heart was running a mile a minute for most of the book. The tension was thick and wonderful. I was saddened by the shortening of one character’s plotline and thrilled to know the third book will give me some answers. That sneaky Lenoir is gonna cop it.

Favourite Quotes

“Stupid you.” Liam

“You might land on the bridge. But you might not.” Jarrold

Lisa Says:

Cover

I can’t imagine how much hard work was put into making The Night Creatures’ covers! They both look amazing, not only are they awesome book covers, but their pieces of artwork, they are so pretty, and you can tell whoever worked on it put a lot of elbow grease and care into them!

Characters

What I really liked about the characters, were their names! A lot of them, are uncommon here in the states, I’m not sure if that’s the same in Australia. How different they were, and how they sounded when said out loud, made them very intriguing.

Favorite

I really like a few characters in Angel Arias, but I really enjoyed Jarrold. He was just that little piece of comedy, in such a serious situation! He just seems like the perfect little brother, that would do anything to help out.

Least Favorite

I don’t really have one, but I wished we could learn more about Joel, and Ruzalia. They’re both so mysterious, and play huge roles in the series, but we don’t know much yet. Hopefully in the next book 🙂

Beginning

To be honest, I was a little confused (nothing new, in the life of Lisa). There was just a lot going on, and a lot of different people. After re-reading it for the second time, I felt stupid for not catching on the first time. I would recommend reading the beginning slowly, a lot happens in a little bit of time!

Story Line

Had my attention in it’s grasp from the beginning to the ending! A few times throughout the book, it was hard for me, not to just turn to the ending and read what happens! It was very suspenseful!

Ending

The ending was keeping things open for the third book, I’m just glad they finally got on the ship, and are leaving Grave! And I was so happy that Liam was allowed to go too! He seems like such a sweet guy!

Overall Thoughts

LOVED IT! High expectations for the rest of the series!

2 Favorite Quotes

“Fross!” -Jarrold.

“Naif wanted to reassure him; erase his worry.”

Krista Says:

Cover

AMAZEBALLS! The picture does not do the cover justice. When you are holding the actual book in your hands it’s soft, it’s got vibrant colors and the colors just seem to melt into each other. Great visual and so velvety soft. Gorgeous

Characters

Favorite

My absolutely favorite character in this book was Liam. I am so interested in how the night creatures interact with each other. How they view the world as a creature and of course what they have been through.

Least Favorite

Brand, a backstabber, not sure if anybody like that could be trusted, by anyone.

Beginning

What I love most about this series so far is the constant action going on. Right from page one you are thrown into this fantastic world of light and dark, creatures and pirates. Naif is one of the best main characters to have, as she is very sympathetic to all of them and their struggles to try to just exist in such a complicated world, with so much anarchy and politics happening.

Storyline

As Lenoir tells Naif “Times are Dangerous” it’s so true. There is not one island that is not going through some kind of turmoil. What I would really enjoy to see is if this series takes off and we get to see Naif or other characters travel to some of the other places we have not seen yet. Visit the people and the way they live and interact would be awesome. This is the first series that I have seriously considered doing some fan fiction for, it speaks to me that much. In this 2nd book in the series we see Naif and Markes travel back to Grave, there is constant movement, decisions and interactions between new and fantastic characters that all play a steady part in getting the answers they need and their quest.

Ending

Ah! that ending. Had my heart beating fast, not sure what was going to happen next! I loved that it does not end on a cliffhanger, but you just are not sure until that very last page what is going to happen.

Overall Thoughts

I read through it so fast that I feel that I need to go back and re-read it immediately to catch everything I missed in my fierceness. Besides the fast pace of the story and the new characters introduced, seeing the Island of Grave through both Naif’s and Markes’s eyes was like hearing about 2 different places. Naif’s childhood was so locked-down that Markes seemed to have lived on a whole other island, so as we travel through Markes’ hometown and the difference between the two was so imaginative all on it’s own. We do not see acutal chapters written from Markes’ view, but through the dialogue back and forth throughout the book.

Favorite Quotes

Well my favorite quotes would give some spoilers away but here are a couple other’s I liked.

“Naif felt his tentacle caress her again, This time, though, he was holding something as well. It was rough hessian and the smell from it was putrid, like something dead a few days. She tried to push him away but his tentacle was strong and persistent, not withdrawing until he’d wiped the cloth over her.”

“You slow. Is Dangerous.” His tentacles curled down, gripping the ends of the wood. As they watched he slid off the crate and nudged it away. Underneath was a grate, filthy with sludge. He plunged his tentacles into the gaps and pulled it aside. “There is drop.”

I encourage all to sign the petition to help bring these books worldwide! Direct Link here http://www.strangemore.com/2011/07/interview-and-campaign-for-burn-bright.html



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