Early Review: The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

Hey guys!

I've been talking a lot about this book lately, so it's time to tell you more about it and why I loved it so much and why I recommend it to everyone.:D

The Goddess Test (Goddess Test #1) by Aimee Carter

Every girl who has taken the test has died. 

Now it's Kate's turn. 

It's always been just Kate and her mom--and now her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear her mother won't live past the fall. 

Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld--and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests. 

Kate is sure he's crazy--until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she succeeds, she'll become Henry's future bride, and a goddess. 

If she fails...

My thoughts:
*Spoiler FREE

I've been very curious about this book ever since I read the synopsis and I heard it has some Greek mythology in it. Then I read some very nice reviews around the blogosphere and I've got even more intrigued! So you can't imagine how thrilled I was when I got the ARC! I read it immediately and I wasn't disappointed: it is indeed a great debut novel, that mixes modern elements with Greek mythology, resulting a very unique, beautiful, breathtaking story.

Kate doesn't have the happiest life, and like the tragedy of her mother's imminent death wasn't bad enough, now she has to move to Eden, a little town where her mother was born and where she wants to spend the last moments of her life. Kate has no other relatives or friends here and she definitely doesn't want to move in the middle of nowhere, but she is a very kind, caring and dedicated teenage girl and she would do anything to make her mother happy.


A crazy accident brings along the gorgeous and mysterious Henry. He claims he is Hades - as in Hades from the Hades and Persephone Greek legend - and promises Kate a chance to prolong her mother's life, if she accepts to move to Eden Manor and spend the winters as his wife. At first, Kate thinks he's crazy but because she is willing to do anything to spend some more time with her mother, even if it means she has to sacrifice her freedom and her life to do it, she accepts his bargain. Of course, she has no idea what she has signed up for: although her life in Eden Manor is interesting and kind of surreal, it's never easy. But she is a tough girl and tries her best to become the goddess she should to be and to pass the tests the other gods have in store for her.

Speaking of Henry, I really like him. Yes, he is mysterious and dark and gorgeous, but he's also very different from other male lead characters. As the ruler of the Underworld, he is strong and powerful, but he is also tormented by his past and keeps to himself. And he learns to trust Kate, open up to her and care about her step by step. Their relationship is very unique and beautiful and it develops smoothly, as they get to know each other better, to trust and understand each other and, eventually, to love each other. (They are just so adorable together!♥)

 The other characters are very interesting as well. They are special and mysterious in their own way and they have their own significant part in the plot. (They kind of made me nervous, because I never knew who they really were and what were they up to.)

In the first part of the book, there are not a lot of big things going on, but this doesn't make it seem slow or boring or anything like that. On the contrary, it makes everything seem... Right. More realistic. And because Aimee's writing style is so captivating, I was so drawn in the story, that I felt like I was walking alongside the heroine and taking part in the action. That's why I felt for Kate and all the surprises and revelations from the second part of the book had a very strong impact on me as well.

The twists and turns from the last part of the book blew me away completely! Suddenly there were a lot of totally unpredictable situations, drama and heartbreak, and a part of me was devouring every page and eagerly anticipating the end of the book, but the other part of me was dreading the end because I knew I' d have to wait a year or so for the next book to see what happened. So yeah, the end was... OMG! *speechless*

Anyways, to sum it up: I LOVED this book! I smiled, I laughed, I cried, I hold my breath, I gaped open mouthed at the screen... And I had a hard time coming back to reality after I finished it. That I got so emotional and drawn in the story only proves that Aimee Carter is very talented and did a wonderful job. ;) She put a lot of love in writing this book and it shows.

She is a fantastic storyteller and a very promising young author so I'm looking forward to reading her upcoming books! Speaking of which, I'm DYING to read Goddess Interrupted and I wonder what God do I have to make a bargain with ask to get an ARC ASAP!!!

5 Stars Rating: A Must Read

*** I received this E-ARC from NetGalley courtesy to Harlequin Teen Publishers in exchange of my honest review. Thank you!

***GIVEAWAY!!!


 Sherry @ Flipping Pages for All Ages loved The Goddess Test as much as I did, so she's giving away a copy of the book. The contest is International and ends on April 15th. Enter HERE!;)


You can also win the book @ Eleusinian Mysteries of Reading; contest is International as well and ends on March 19th. Enter HERE.


And if you are patient, next week-end I'll give you a chance to win the book too, when I'll take part to the Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway Hop. :D

(And I can't wait for you guys to read it, there are some things I'd like to talk about, but I can't do that without spoiling the book. So go and pre-order it right now! As for me... This is one of those books that I'd like to re-read from time to time, so I already ordered a copy.;))



Happy reading!
xoxo

Early Review: The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

Hey guys!

I've been talking a lot about this book lately, so it's time to tell you more about it and why I loved it so much and why I recommend it to everyone.:D

The Goddess Test (Goddess Test #1) by Aimee Carter

Every girl who has taken the test has died. 

Now it's Kate's turn. 

It's always been just Kate and her mom--and now her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear her mother won't live past the fall. 

Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld--and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests. 

Kate is sure he's crazy--until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she succeeds, she'll become Henry's future bride, and a goddess. 

If she fails...

My thoughts:
*Spoiler FREE

I've been very curious about this book ever since I read the synopsis and I heard it has some Greek mythology in it. Then I read some very nice reviews around the blogosphere and I've got even more intrigued! So you can't imagine how thrilled I was when I got the ARC! I read it immediately and I wasn't disappointed: it is indeed a great debut novel, that mixes modern elements with Greek mythology, resulting a very unique, beautiful, breathtaking story.

Kate doesn't have the happiest life, and like the tragedy of her mother's imminent death wasn't bad enough, now she has to move to Eden, a little town where her mother was born and where she wants to spend the last moments of her life. Kate has no other relatives or friends here and she definitely doesn't want to move in the middle of nowhere, but she is a very kind, caring and dedicated teenage girl and she would do anything to make her mother happy.


A crazy accident brings along the gorgeous and mysterious Henry. He claims he is Hades - as in Hades from the Hades and Persephone Greek legend - and promises Kate a chance to prolong her mother's life, if she accepts to move to Eden Manor and spend the winters as his wife. At first, Kate thinks he's crazy but because she is willing to do anything to spend some more time with her mother, even if it means she has to sacrifice her freedom and her life to do it, she accepts his bargain. Of course, she has no idea what she has signed up for: although her life in Eden Manor is interesting and kind of surreal, it's never easy. But she is a tough girl and tries her best to become the goddess she should to be and to pass the tests the other gods have in store for her.

Speaking of Henry, I really like him. Yes, he is mysterious and dark and gorgeous, but he's also very different from other male lead characters. As the ruler of the Underworld, he is strong and powerful, but he is also tormented by his past and keeps to himself. And he learns to trust Kate, open up to her and care about her step by step. Their relationship is very unique and beautiful and it develops smoothly, as they get to know each other better, to trust and understand each other and, eventually, to love each other. (They are just so adorable together!♥)

 The other characters are very interesting as well. They are special and mysterious in their own way and they have their own significant part in the plot. (They kind of made me nervous, because I never knew who they really were and what were they up to.)

In the first part of the book, there are not a lot of big things going on, but this doesn't make it seem slow or boring or anything like that. On the contrary, it makes everything seem... Right. More realistic. And because Aimee's writing style is so captivating, I was so drawn in the story, that I felt like I was walking alongside the heroine and taking part in the action. That's why I felt for Kate and all the surprises and revelations from the second part of the book had a very strong impact on me as well.

The twists and turns from the last part of the book blew me away completely! Suddenly there were a lot of totally unpredictable situations, drama and heartbreak, and a part of me was devouring every page and eagerly anticipating the end of the book, but the other part of me was dreading the end because I knew I' d have to wait a year or so for the next book to see what happened. So yeah, the end was... OMG! *speechless*

Anyways, to sum it up: I LOVED this book! I smiled, I laughed, I cried, I hold my breath, I gaped open mouthed at the screen... And I had a hard time coming back to reality after I finished it. That I got so emotional and drawn in the story only proves that Aimee Carter is very talented and did a wonderful job. ;) She put a lot of love in writing this book and it shows.

She is a fantastic storyteller and a very promising young author so I'm looking forward to reading her upcoming books! Speaking of which, I'm DYING to read Goddess Interrupted and I wonder what God do I have to make a bargain with ask to get an ARC ASAP!!!

5 Stars Rating: A Must Read

*** I received this E-ARC from NetGalley courtesy to Harlequin Teen Publishers in exchange of my honest review. Thank you!

***GIVEAWAY!!!


 Sherry @ Flipping Pages for All Ages loved The Goddess Test as much as I did, so she's giving away a copy of the book. The contest is International and ends on April 15th. Enter HERE!;)


You can also win the book @ Eleusinian Mysteries of Reading; contest is International as well and ends on March 19th. Enter HERE.


And if you are patient, next week-end I'll give you a chance to win the book too, when I'll take part to the Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway Hop. :D

(And I can't wait for you guys to read it, there are some things I'd like to talk about, but I can't do that without spoiling the book. So go and pre-order it right now! As for me... This is one of those books that I'd like to re-read from time to time, so I already ordered a copy.;))



Happy reading!
xoxo

Review: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Hey guys!

I missed the Teaser Tuesday and Waiting on Wednesday/W.W.W. this week because I had some problems with my laptop. :( But we're good now, so before I get to what I had planed for this week (week-end already), I need to post my review for the last book of The Hunger Games trilogy. So here it is: 

Mockingjay (The Hunger Games #3) by Suzanne Collins
 
Goodreads: 

Young Katniss Everdeen has survived the dreaded Hunger Games not once, but twice, but even now she can find no relief. In fact, the dangers seem to be escalating: President Snow has declared an all-out war on Katniss, her family, her friends, and all the oppressed people of District 12. The thrill-packed final installment of Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games trilogy will keep young hearts pounding. 

My thoughts:
*Sorry, this contains spoilers:

While I could read the first 2 books in The Hunger Games series really quickly, I couldn't do the same with the final book. Everything about it was so sad, passionate, tragic, painful, shocking… still, so GOOD, that sometimes I just needed to come back to reality, to take a deep breath and make sure it’s all fiction. To wipe my tears and kick everyone out of my room, because I was so obsessed with it. (Yup, I’m a drama queen)
With all the new characters and all the things that happened, I found it very well action packed and easy to follow. But I didn’t like that just when I thought I understood some characters and they grew on me… bang! They died! So I was sad but, in the same time, I knew that everything happened for a reason, no matter how heartbreaking that was.
 
I really admired Katniss because despite everything, she didn’t really stop fighting. She didn’t forget her final purpose. She always tried to find the best solution. She was still caring, smart and brave. Maybe even more so. I wasn’t surprised when, close to the end, she was falling apart. The deaths, the destructions, the uncertainty, the pressure, the feelings… It was too much for her! And unfortunately there weren’t many people she could count on. I’m not a fan of the love triangles, but I liked Gale and I was glad he was there for her. I felt sorry for his broken heart, but I knew that things would get better for him too, eventually. But Peeta… Oh, Peeta! How could they do that do him? To sweet, adorable, loving Peeta? I really didn’t see that coming. I hoped that when he got back from the Capitol, he could help and support Katniss with his love… But he was even more devastated. There was something dark about him, but at least he was trying to fight it. Even with his messed mind and memories, he was still trying to figure Katniss out, to remember if/why he cared about her. He was still trying to help, even if sometimes that meant to stay behind, to risk to be caught.
 
But the most shocking thing for me was Prim’s death. I just couldn’t (refused to) believe it! Why?! Why her?! She was supposed to be Katniss’ anchor, not what pushed her over the edge completely! Because how could her sister ever recover from something like that? So I wasn’t disappointed with how the book ended - on the contrary. It was the most realistic, hopeful, reasonable happy ending. After everything that happened, a sweet, cheerful happily ever after would have been inappropriate. But at least Katniss and Peeta were together, recovering, building a new life in their old home as good as possible, given the circumstances. 
 
Oh, but there was one think that kind of annoyed me in this book: the world was falling apart, people were dying, the end was close and they cared about the stupid camera and about making a TV show?*slaps forehead* Oh well… It’s still one of my all times favorite books. For once, I agree with the majority when saying IT IS a very good series, with good voice, good storyline, good characters, good action, and I’m sorry I haven’t read it sooner. 

5 stars

And here's the cover of my copy: (again, I think they could have done a better work - we're talking about a fabulous best seller here!)

Romanian Cover

Let me know what you think, I'm still new at this book blogging thing. *blush*
See ya!;)
 xoxo

 

Review: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Hey guys!

I missed the Teaser Tuesday and Waiting on Wednesday/W.W.W. this week because I had some problems with my laptop. :( But we're good now, so before I get to what I had planed for this week (week-end already), I need to post my review for the last book of The Hunger Games trilogy. So here it is: 

Mockingjay (The Hunger Games #3) by Suzanne Collins
 
Goodreads: 

Young Katniss Everdeen has survived the dreaded Hunger Games not once, but twice, but even now she can find no relief. In fact, the dangers seem to be escalating: President Snow has declared an all-out war on Katniss, her family, her friends, and all the oppressed people of District 12. The thrill-packed final installment of Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games trilogy will keep young hearts pounding. 

My thoughts:
*Sorry, this contains spoilers:

While I could read the first 2 books in The Hunger Games series really quickly, I couldn't do the same with the final book. Everything about it was so sad, passionate, tragic, painful, shocking… still, so GOOD, that sometimes I just needed to come back to reality, to take a deep breath and make sure it’s all fiction. To wipe my tears and kick everyone out of my room, because I was so obsessed with it. (Yup, I’m a drama queen)
With all the new characters and all the things that happened, I found it very well action packed and easy to follow. But I didn’t like that just when I thought I understood some characters and they grew on me… bang! They died! So I was sad but, in the same time, I knew that everything happened for a reason, no matter how heartbreaking that was.
 
I really admired Katniss because despite everything, she didn’t really stop fighting. She didn’t forget her final purpose. She always tried to find the best solution. She was still caring, smart and brave. Maybe even more so. I wasn’t surprised when, close to the end, she was falling apart. The deaths, the destructions, the uncertainty, the pressure, the feelings… It was too much for her! And unfortunately there weren’t many people she could count on. I’m not a fan of the love triangles, but I liked Gale and I was glad he was there for her. I felt sorry for his broken heart, but I knew that things would get better for him too, eventually. But Peeta… Oh, Peeta! How could they do that do him? To sweet, adorable, loving Peeta? I really didn’t see that coming. I hoped that when he got back from the Capitol, he could help and support Katniss with his love… But he was even more devastated. There was something dark about him, but at least he was trying to fight it. Even with his messed mind and memories, he was still trying to figure Katniss out, to remember if/why he cared about her. He was still trying to help, even if sometimes that meant to stay behind, to risk to be caught.
 
But the most shocking thing for me was Prim’s death. I just couldn’t (refused to) believe it! Why?! Why her?! She was supposed to be Katniss’ anchor, not what pushed her over the edge completely! Because how could her sister ever recover from something like that? So I wasn’t disappointed with how the book ended - on the contrary. It was the most realistic, hopeful, reasonable happy ending. After everything that happened, a sweet, cheerful happily ever after would have been inappropriate. But at least Katniss and Peeta were together, recovering, building a new life in their old home as good as possible, given the circumstances. 
 
Oh, but there was one think that kind of annoyed me in this book: the world was falling apart, people were dying, the end was close and they cared about the stupid camera and about making a TV show?*slaps forehead* Oh well… It’s still one of my all times favorite books. For once, I agree with the majority when saying IT IS a very good series, with good voice, good storyline, good characters, good action, and I’m sorry I haven’t read it sooner. 

5 stars

And here's the cover of my copy: (again, I think they could have done a better work - we're talking about a fabulous best seller here!)

Romanian Cover

Let me know what you think, I'm still new at this book blogging thing. *blush*
See ya!;)
 xoxo

 

Review: Catching Fire - Suzanne Collins

Hello!

I've been a little lazy lately, maybe because of this cold, snowy weather. I really miss spring! At least I could chill and try to catch up with some books and reviews. I even ordered a few more books - as if my TBR pile wasn't big enough already. :)) Anyways, here's the review I promised you a few days ago: 

Catching Fire (The Hunger Games #2) - Suzanne Collins

Goodreads summary:

Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark won the annual competition described in Hunger Games, but the aftermath leaves these victors with no sense of triumph. Instead, they have become the poster boys for a rebellion that they never planned to lead. That new, unwanted status puts them in the bull's-eye for merciless revenge by The Capitol. Catching Fire maintains the adrenaline rush of Suzanne Collins's series launch.

My thoughts:
*spoiler free

I really enjoyed Catching Fire - even more than the first book of the series. I found the world and the characters well developed, better organized, balanced... Or maybe I just got used to Suzanne Collins' style and I started to understand everything better. :) But it's full of profound emotions, jaw-dropping twists and turns, suspenseful action and intriguing relationships. 

Given the always unpredictable storyline, in my opinion the book had a slow start. Of course, there was all the drama Katniss and Peeta had to face after wining the dreadful Hunger Games, but I still felt like there was an eerly calm before the storm and I kept waiting for the punch line, for something big to happen. And when it did happen... I almost fall of my chair! I had to go back and reread that part. I just couldn't believe it!

And things got messy and intense quickly. People in the districts was already growing anxious and some of them started rebellions. And of course, President Snow blamed Katniss (because o her bold action at the end of the Games) for all of it. Still, neither of them deserved what the Capitol had prepared for the Hunger Games winners. 

But once again, Katniss and Peeta resigned, gathered their strength, teamed up and prepared to fight and to do everything they could to protect each other. Now, the most important thing for them was to keep each other alive - Peeta because he loved Katniss too much, and Katniss because she felt responsible for him - at least that's what she told herself. They were brave and determined, even though they knew they would probably die fighting. Still, I wouldn't have minded if Peeta had been built as a stronger character. Katniss had to make hard decisions and faced many threats and dangerous situations, but being a brave character who knew what she wanted, she always tried to find the best solution and stick with her decisions, no matter the cost.

I liked the way the other characters were developed in this book. I got the chance to know them better and I was introduced to new ones. They were surprisingly supportive for the now famous couple. They all offered me a new, interesting perspective of the story. 


All in all, I adored this book, I just couldn't put it down! I love Suzanne Collins' writing: her descriptions are so vivid and wonderfully detailed, that I was feeling like part o the action myself - like I was one of the cameras.:) She has amazing, pulse pounding ideas, that create a mysterious, captivating, beautifully written story. 
Needless to say it's a must have book - who read The Hunger Games will definitely devour Catching Fire!

5 stars

If you're curious, here's the Romanian cover :

xoxo 

Review: Catching Fire - Suzanne Collins

Hello!

I've been a little lazy lately, maybe because of this cold, snowy weather. I really miss spring! At least I could chill and try to catch up with some books and reviews. I even ordered a few more books - as if my TBR pile wasn't big enough already. :)) Anyways, here's the review I promised you a few days ago: 

Catching Fire (The Hunger Games #2) - Suzanne Collins

Goodreads summary:

Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark won the annual competition described in Hunger Games, but the aftermath leaves these victors with no sense of triumph. Instead, they have become the poster boys for a rebellion that they never planned to lead. That new, unwanted status puts them in the bull's-eye for merciless revenge by The Capitol. Catching Fire maintains the adrenaline rush of Suzanne Collins's series launch.

My thoughts:
*spoiler free

I really enjoyed Catching Fire - even more than the first book of the series. I found the world and the characters well developed, better organized, balanced... Or maybe I just got used to Suzanne Collins' style and I started to understand everything better. :) But it's full of profound emotions, jaw-dropping twists and turns, suspenseful action and intriguing relationships. 

Given the always unpredictable storyline, in my opinion the book had a slow start. Of course, there was all the drama Katniss and Peeta had to face after wining the dreadful Hunger Games, but I still felt like there was an eerly calm before the storm and I kept waiting for the punch line, for something big to happen. And when it did happen... I almost fall of my chair! I had to go back and reread that part. I just couldn't believe it!

And things got messy and intense quickly. People in the districts was already growing anxious and some of them started rebellions. And of course, President Snow blamed Katniss (because o her bold action at the end of the Games) for all of it. Still, neither of them deserved what the Capitol had prepared for the Hunger Games winners. 

But once again, Katniss and Peeta resigned, gathered their strength, teamed up and prepared to fight and to do everything they could to protect each other. Now, the most important thing for them was to keep each other alive - Peeta because he loved Katniss too much, and Katniss because she felt responsible for him - at least that's what she told herself. They were brave and determined, even though they knew they would probably die fighting. Still, I wouldn't have minded if Peeta had been built as a stronger character. Katniss had to make hard decisions and faced many threats and dangerous situations, but being a brave character who knew what she wanted, she always tried to find the best solution and stick with her decisions, no matter the cost.

I liked the way the other characters were developed in this book. I got the chance to know them better and I was introduced to new ones. They were surprisingly supportive for the now famous couple. They all offered me a new, interesting perspective of the story. 


All in all, I adored this book, I just couldn't put it down! I love Suzanne Collins' writing: her descriptions are so vivid and wonderfully detailed, that I was feeling like part o the action myself - like I was one of the cameras.:) She has amazing, pulse pounding ideas, that create a mysterious, captivating, beautifully written story. 
Needless to say it's a must have book - who read The Hunger Games will definitely devour Catching Fire!

5 stars

If you're curious, here's the Romanian cover :

xoxo 

Review: The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games #1) by Suzanne Collins

Hey! 

As I was saying, I finally read The Hunger Games trilogy (Suzanne Collins). I have to agree with everyone on this one - it is a fantastic series! I loved everything about it and as I was trying yo write a review, I just couldn't keep it short and simple - it was too much too say! :)

 Goodreads:

Could you survive on your own, in the wild, with everyone out to make sure you don't live to see the morning?

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before—and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

My thoughts about the book:
*contains spoilers

I read the synopsis and many reviews and I still didn't know too much about this series. I didn't know what to expect, so I was a little skeptical. But I did notice, from the beginning, that Suzanne Collins is an amazing storyteller. Her writing is very realistic, passionate, thrilling, yet edgy and different. She kept me reading until 5 in the morning, when I realized I had to get out of bed in 3 hours to start my day. She built likable, complex characters and a dark but entertaining world. The action was scary and complicated, but flowing smoothly. I was biting my nails all the time and I think my jaw literally dropped open a few times. Thumbs up for Suzanne Collins and her writing style, for the way she blends in totally unpredictable situations! I was surprised that, even though this moment she was writing about fancy dresses and polishing nails and the next about poisonous plans and killing traps, I still could keep up and impatiently read more.

I liked Katniss' voice and the way she developed as a character. Her world was tragic and she wasn't ready for most of it, but she kept going, always trying to make the right decision and stick to it. She is a smart, tenacious, brave, yet vulnerable teenage girl. Although she is a fighter and has to do terrible things to move forward, she cares about people and tries to follow her heart. She loved her family so much that she could easily volunteer to play the horrible Games instead of her little sister.  And even in the Arena, she cared and tried to take care of Rue and make her her ally, despite the fact that she knew the little girl was going to die, probably by her own hand. Not to mention the way she took care of Peeta when he was hurt. She knew that he kept her behind and could be an easy target, which could get both of them killed, but but stood there with him. 

They have a sweet, special, growing relationship. I was a little disappointed at her lack of response at Peeta's obvious love, but I think she loved him in her own way and considering all the bad things that happened to her since she entered the Game, it was kind of normal to be confused and distracted. Peeta is not a fighter, but he is very smart and brave too and tries to adapt to the situations in his own way. Anyways, I really liked him. :)

Katniss had her moments of insecurity and instability, but then again, how could she not have them with everything that happened and the burden on her shoulders? Winning the Hunger Games didn't make it easier for her, on the contrary. And maybe starting a rebellion wasn't her point, but she did have different, rebellious thoughts and feelings. She'll probably pay for them in the next book of the series. ;)

All in all, it was a great read that kept my imagination wide awake and my heart racing all along. Yup, definitely a must read!!!

5 stars

Romanian Cover

xoxo
 

Review: The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games #1) by Suzanne Collins

Hey! 

As I was saying, I finally read The Hunger Games trilogy (Suzanne Collins). I have to agree with everyone on this one - it is a fantastic series! I loved everything about it and as I was trying yo write a review, I just couldn't keep it short and simple - it was too much too say! :)

 Goodreads:

Could you survive on your own, in the wild, with everyone out to make sure you don't live to see the morning?

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before—and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

My thoughts about the book:
*contains spoilers

I read the synopsis and many reviews and I still didn't know too much about this series. I didn't know what to expect, so I was a little skeptical. But I did notice, from the beginning, that Suzanne Collins is an amazing storyteller. Her writing is very realistic, passionate, thrilling, yet edgy and different. She kept me reading until 5 in the morning, when I realized I had to get out of bed in 3 hours to start my day. She built likable, complex characters and a dark but entertaining world. The action was scary and complicated, but flowing smoothly. I was biting my nails all the time and I think my jaw literally dropped open a few times. Thumbs up for Suzanne Collins and her writing style, for the way she blends in totally unpredictable situations! I was surprised that, even though this moment she was writing about fancy dresses and polishing nails and the next about poisonous plans and killing traps, I still could keep up and impatiently read more.

I liked Katniss' voice and the way she developed as a character. Her world was tragic and she wasn't ready for most of it, but she kept going, always trying to make the right decision and stick to it. She is a smart, tenacious, brave, yet vulnerable teenage girl. Although she is a fighter and has to do terrible things to move forward, she cares about people and tries to follow her heart. She loved her family so much that she could easily volunteer to play the horrible Games instead of her little sister.  And even in the Arena, she cared and tried to take care of Rue and make her her ally, despite the fact that she knew the little girl was going to die, probably by her own hand. Not to mention the way she took care of Peeta when he was hurt. She knew that he kept her behind and could be an easy target, which could get both of them killed, but but stood there with him. 

They have a sweet, special, growing relationship. I was a little disappointed at her lack of response at Peeta's obvious love, but I think she loved him in her own way and considering all the bad things that happened to her since she entered the Game, it was kind of normal to be confused and distracted. Peeta is not a fighter, but he is very smart and brave too and tries to adapt to the situations in his own way. Anyways, I really liked him. :)

Katniss had her moments of insecurity and instability, but then again, how could she not have them with everything that happened and the burden on her shoulders? Winning the Hunger Games didn't make it easier for her, on the contrary. And maybe starting a rebellion wasn't her point, but she did have different, rebellious thoughts and feelings. She'll probably pay for them in the next book of the series. ;)

All in all, it was a great read that kept my imagination wide awake and my heart racing all along. Yup, definitely a must read!!!

5 stars

Romanian Cover

xoxo