Saturday, 5 November 2016

Review : Not If I See You First



REVIEW :

Rating: 4/5


Oh, how much I love smart female protagonists with stiff spines, thick skins, and a bit of snark to spice up their personalities. And Parker Grant slayed it. I love it how this book was more about character building than girl getting the guy. 

I love the writing of this book. It's written really realistically. The dialogue and characters are very real and honest. 
I liked Parker a lot. She wasn't always likable but it was realistic. She had her ups and downs but who doesn't? 
I just loved reading about her. And her character development was great.

 I understood both characters, I understood their worries and concerns and was able to be on both sides at the same time, but I also see why each held on to their past mistakes but watching them break away from that was so heartwarming and uplifting; Parker and Scott’s bond is truly one of a kind.

In short I would just say,  What a breath of fresh air! This was such a refreshing story, and I'm so happy with it. 



I also have to just say that I love the cover for this book as it has Braille on it. I love little extra touches like that and it fits so well with the story.

From the realism to the great friendships, this was a really enjoyable, gripping and well-written story.



Thank you so much @harpercollinsch for sending me an ARC.





Review: The Witch's Kiss



REVIEW :


Rating 3.5/5


This was such a super exciting read. The author has written such a good story. It was a great mix of classic fairy tale points, mystery and heroism.

This book is filled with love but not a sappy kind of love, but a love that makes your heart melt. The writing in this book is great. With the potential of spoilers and unwarranted knowledge in the book that makes you think that will ruin the rest of the book for the reader, sisters Elizabeth and Katharine Corr do a splendid job in balancing a book to make sure that you get just enough information and not enough to make sure that readers continue to read the book.

Merry and Leo were good main characters as they were brave, would do anything to protect the people they love and they just wanted to save their town from the evils that haunted it. Even though Leo didn't have magical powers he was still important when it came to stopping Gwydion. Gwydion was a good villain as he just wanted to kill and control people and he didn't care who he hurt in the process of doing that. Jack just wanted to be human again, but he couldn't while Gwydion was controlling him so he knew that a sacrifice had to be made by him in some way shape or form. 

I'd also like to see more from her gran and the coven in the next book too, and definitely more of Merry accepting herself as a powerful witch. 

The Witch's Kiss is a quick read that has a good story, a good sibling relationship with the potential to get even better. 






Friday, 28 October 2016

Review: Flawed




FLAWED BY CECELIA AHERN




When I started this book I never thought I would like it this much but after reading a couple of chapters I really liked this book.
I loved the world she has created. There are no dates given but it is set in a society that is not unlike our own and so it all felt very believable. There are no fancy 22nd century gadgets or clothing here and nor are the people dressed like Katniss Everdeen. In most respects it all feels very normal.

Story revolves around a girl named Celestine, she is perfect. She lives a perfect life. But one day on a bus she helps a Flawed old man and thats when things start to change for her.
She faces trials because helping or aiding a flawed is considered a crime.
In the cell there she sees a boy named Carrick I really liked him. As the story proceeds we get to know about the past of Carrick which intrigued me more.

This is the first book in the series and i am already waiting for book 2.
The book finishes on something of a cliffhanger – a very tantalising one at that.


I wish I could talk more about the book but It will all be a spoiler for those who haven't read it yet.

I would recommend this book to all those who are fan of dystopian reads out there.
 



A big thank you to @harpercollinsch for sending me a review copy of this book.
I loved it .

Rating: 4/5   stars.






Thursday, 20 October 2016

Review : The Broken Trilogy

Broken Sky is the first book in the series.




This was my first ever book by LA.weatherly .
The synopsis of the book should be changed because it does not shows how amazing the book is.
After reading the synopsis i did not expected anything form the book at all. But I was wrong.
After reading the prologue I was so so so intrigued. The plot was so good.

The lead female character Amity Vancour shows so much power and how she is ready to expose Gunnison and his people at any cost. She doesn't even cares for his life. Amity is a peace fighter, and not only this in their world people's lives are decided on their stars.

The writing style of author is fantastic. Every character is so welly explained. The lead character Amity is fearless and brave.
And behind all this there are some negative characters too which make the book more amazing.

There is a cute love story too of Amity and his childhood friend Collie who is a fighter pilot too. After four years of no contact they are re united again at the base.

The story is set in 1940's in USA.
The ending was no doubt killer, I can't wait for book two to read. The book was a roller coaster ride.


I would recommend this book to everyone of you. Go and read this NOW !



DARKNESS FOLLOWS :

Second book in the series.

After reading Darkness Follows I really had high expectations from this book.

And yes this was all what I wanted. I LOVED this book.
From first page to its last I was hooked.

*SPOILER ALERT*

How I adored Collis and Amity in book one and then in book two when I read how Collie had betrayed Amity and he worked for Gunnison, I started hating him but when I got to know the truth it was all okay than :D

Friendship of Ingo and Amity I loved it. How they helped each other in everything and never left each others side. It was an example of true friendship. I loved how cute Ingo was.

The plot was beautifully set in 1940's and it clearly explained how discordants were treated so brutally and harshly.

Amity once again proved that she is no less than others and she is a fearless lead character.
Every character in the book from Amity, Ingo to Mac and Sephy every character were so well described.

I am now looking forward to the third book in the series but the sad part is I'll have to wait so long for the next book to come.




Rating 5/5 star

I would recommend this book to everyone.










Saturday, 8 October 2016

Review : The Art Of Not Breathing






I half liked this book and at some point I was disappointed.

The story revolves around Elsie who's twin brother Eddie has drowned in water a couple of years back.
But Elsie can't remember what exactly happened on that day.
She has flashbacks and she is keen to know what happened when Eddie drowned.
Than she meets some boys that are into free diving Elsie finds that the diving offers an escape to her pain and feels that it brings her closer to her lost twin.

There were plenty of little twists that you basically saw coming. Some of the story lines were interesting and others not so much. I found many of the characters cliche and not well developed. Transitions, especially flashbacks were often cumbersome. The big reveal felt forced.

I did not liked Elsie's character. It was like she does not have emotions. Some of the decisions she made were not very sensible
either.

Overall, the book was OK.

Thank you Usborne for sending me a ARC of this book.
 · 

Sunday, 2 October 2016

Review: The Last Summer Of Us

The Last Summer Of  Us





I was so excited to read this book as it was a summer read.

Three friends on a road trip. Sounds so exciting, isn't it ?
But it was not an exciting road trip at all.
Well story revolves around three friends Limpet, Jared and Steffan. All three of them have depressing backgrounds. Limpet's mother recently died due to drinking problem. Steffan's mother died of cancer. Well Jared's parents have done something dark too.

All three friends can not reveal their secrets to each other. They have some problems too.
I liked all the characters in this book. But somehow this book was not up to my expectations.

There were some things which did not made any concept in the book.
Like, the three of them meeting Simon and Becca? They didn't mean anything at all to the story, and it only made it more confusing. I didn't feel like they even went on a road trip, when nothing exciting happened to them. And the whole purpose of it, with Steffan saying a last goodbye to his moms grave Stone? It could have been so beautiful, but it was just plain flat. Flat. Flat. Flat.


The plot was so plain, sometimes I felt that this is not even a road trip.

Same was with the ending. Limpet reveals her real name in the end. Like what was the point in hiding the name all over the journey and revealing it at the end.

Thank you Usborne for sending me a review copy !

Saturday, 1 October 2016

Review: Songs About a Girl

Songs About A Girl by Chris Russell





I FREAKING LOVED THIS BOOK. Well, how could i not like the book ?

This was the debut book of Chris and i must say he nailed it.
I cannot wait for its sequel to release, like its probably going to take a year, but still its such a long time.

Story is about a girl named Charlie, she doesn't likes to be famous at all. But when she joins Fire and Lights and takes their pictures , she get to knows that the songs written by Gabriel are same as her mothers poetry. Now she is on her way to find why are the lyrics similar and many secrets from pasts appear there.

If you all love thriller and suspense do give this book a try, you won't be disappointed.

Friday, 30 September 2016

Subscription Boxes in Pakistan

Being a bookworm I have always loved subscription boxes. They are like a treat to you. Every bookworm loves them. There was a time when there was not even a single subscription box in Pakistan and I remember how I used to drool over the subscription boxes which were abroad.
But now there are so many subscription boxes in Pakistan which are satisfying us and our working for us.


PC: book_tography17



Owl Post was the first ever subscription box in Pakistan. Their box is for Rs 1999 with delivery charges included in the price. Every Pakistani bookworm loves their box as it includes all the things worth their price. They have also started international orders for two countries now.
They do a lot of hard work to make their box the best one, No doubt, their every month's box  just leaves us in awe.




PC: Sara Saleem

Absolutely booked is a bi monthly subscription box. Their box is for Rs 2500 exclusive of delivery charges. They have collaborated with the amazing Prisms and Paintbrushes and The Lastword books.
Their debut box was in July and people loved it. 

PC: Urooj Fatima


Cherry book box is another bi monthly subscription box. Their debut box was in August. The price of the box is Rs 2500 inclusive of delivery charges. From canvas frame to zippers people loved their box.
It won't be wrong to say that it was worth Rs 2500. Their second box is coming in October and it includes a hardback with other bookish treats.




PC: Awaisha



The Book Shook box is another subscription box in Pakistan. With every month their box is getting lovely. No doubt, their September box was bomb. It was all colour cordinated and to be honest I loved it .
The box is for Rs 2000 exclusive of delivery charges.  The mind behind this great box is of none other than Sara Naveed. She is an emerging Pakistani writer with her debut book ''Undying Affinity''





These four are some of the well known subscription boxes in Pakistan. If you have not tried them out yet go and subscribe now you won't waste your money.

Review: Broken Sky

Review ; Broken Sky by L.A.Weatherly



Thank you Usborne for sending out a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

This was my first ever book by LA.weatherly .
The synopsis of the book should be changed because it does not shows how amazing the book is.
After reading the synopsis i did not expected anything form the book at all. But I was wrong.
After reading the prologue I was so so so intrigued. The plot was so good.

The lead female character Amity Vancour shows so much power and how she is ready to expose Gunnison and his people at any cost. She doesn't even cares for his life. Amity is a peace fighter, and not only this in their world people's lives are decided on their stars.

The writing style of author is fantastic. Every character is so welly explained. The lead character Amity is fearless and brave.
And behind all this there are some negative characters too which make the book more amazing.

There is a cute love story too of Amity and his childhood friend Collie who is a fighter pilot too. After four years of no contact they are re united again at the base.

The story is set in 1940's in USA.
The ending was no doubt killer, I can't wait for book two to read. The book was a roller coaster ride.


I would recommend this book to everyone of you. Go and read this NOW !

Review: The Rose Within

The Rose Within by Sana Pirzada






The Rose Within by Sana Pirzada. The story is set in England in 1920's. The plot of the book was slow in the start but it really gets interesting after chapter 5.
While reading I thought to ditch the book but i am happy that i did not ditched it and finished it.

The male protagonist Jonathan helps Mrs Sherwood and she invites Jonathan to Winter Grange.

WINTER GRANGE an ancient house where so many secrets are buried. Secrets that may connect you to another person. Secrets which can destroy you too.

Jonathon slowly finds all the secrets in the house. And his love of life Selina , when she discovers that Jonathon has discovered on of their biggest secrets she kicks him out of the house.

Jonathon Confesses his feelings to Selina but Selina never reciprocates towards his feelings. WHY ?
Read this book to know.


I really hated the character of Sarah in start but as i got to know what she has been through and why she wears a cold mask, she was then my most favourite character.

Lucilla and Selina. The relationship which was between them I never imagined that this would be the relationship between them. I won't reveal what the relationship was because I do not want to spoil this for those who still have to read this book.

Ian, friend of Jonathon. When Jon stopped replying to him he still wrote to him and helped him in finding the secrets of the house. Thats a true friendship now.

Overall, the author has written a very well story. Some scenes were so well written that at some moments I was scared that what will happen now.
There was no intimacy in the book which was the best thing.

I would recommend this book to you all.
Go and read it please. You won't regret it.

Sana, you have written an amazing story.

Rating: 4/5

I would recommed this book to all of you.

Review : It Ends With Us

Review :
"SOMETIMES THE PERSON WHO LOVES YOU IS THE ONE WHO HURTS YOU
THE MOST"

This was not my first Colleen Hoover book, I have read some of her other books also but was not much impressed by her writing.

For me this book was most anticipated and disappointed reads of 2016. Before reading this book I had heard a lot of good reviews about this book so I was sure that this won't be a disappointment but well I was wrong.
And I guess I am going to be the only one who will have problems with this book.

*SPOILER ALERT*


This was the book with first chapter being the worst. The chapter starts with complete two strangers  Lily and Ryle meeting on a roof top. Ryle is a neurosurgeon  and is handsome with broad shoulders and all the looks. He keeps on flirting with Lily and Lily has no problem when a complete strangers takes her picture. Well, not only this there is way too much intimacy in the book.
But there is not a single CoHo book in which there is not intimacy.

Again after six months they both meet and start dating each other. Lily's father had always been abusive towards her mother so Lily hated him. And she does not want a man in her life who is abusive.
When Lily was 15, she fell in love with a homeless guy Atlas. He had a dysfunctional family so he used to  live in a house with no electricity and water supply. Slowly and gradually they both fall in love with each other but then Atlas has to leave due to some reason.

I loved Lily's entries of Atlas in her journal. There was such a cute chemistry between the two.

When Lily is in a  relationship with Ryle, suddenly Atlas reappears in her life and there are problems in Lily's relationship with Ryle. Ryle just can't trust Lily enough.
When he is good he is at his best but when he is at his worst he just can't control himself.

After getting married,First two times Lily completely ignores Ryle being abusive but than she decides that she won't let this happen.
When their baby Emerson is born she files for a divorce from Ryle because she wants it to end with us.



Now, the message which author wanted to convey was no doubt, a powerful message but somehow she failed to write it well.
This book made me smile too but at the same time I hated some parts too.
For me this was not a five star book. Yes, this book does deal with your emotions also.

Any girl who has gone through abuse in her life after getting married will totally understand and feel this book. If you are going through this please do not stay silent. Just speak up. I f you won't speak up for yourself there are chances that your daughter may go through all this too. So speak up and don't let anyone ruin your life.

The moral of this book will surely teach you something because there are not many books which give you morals.

Rating : 3/5