Month: September 2019

REVIEW: The Selection by Kiera Cass // Who will be chosen to be the next queen?

Lindsay ShortLeave a comment

WARNING: Spoilers

The Selection by Kiera Cass
Duration: 336 pages
Format: ebook
Genre: YA, Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“But no matter what, I want you to be loved. You deserve to be loved. And I hope you get to marry for love and not a number.”

Page 26, The Selection

Synopsis

Against all odds, America Singer was chosen out of all of the applicants from where she lived to participate in the selection – a competition for the possibility to be Prince Maxon‘s queen. When America sent in her application, she had no intention of participating because her heart was with a man named Aspen – who was in the caste below her.

When America arrives at the airport, she already gets a taste of how the other girls in the competition will be. She immediately got along with Marlee – a bubbly, kind girl who introduced herself by hugging America instead of shaking her hand. The rest of the girls were not as kind but still formal.

After arriving, America was overwhelmed with all the rules in the palace – not being able to go outside, wear comfortable clothes, and less communication with her family. The first night she tried to get to the backyard but the guards stopped her. This caused her to faint when suddenly Prince Maxon showed up and walked her outside.

As the competition continues, the true colors of the contestants are revealed as the pool gets smaller and smaller.

Review

Cover: All of the covers in this series are beautiful with the elegant gowns – I think that is what made so many YA reading girls drawn towards the series.

Plot: I like the idea of this plot – seeing 35 girls compete for the chance to be the next queen. To have better opportunities for their families and to live a better life. My only problem is, just by reading the official synopsis, you can guess pretty much the whole book. It’s too obvious – you can infer that the main character will be the girl Prince Maxon likes the most and so she will still be around by the end of the book (or else there wouldn’t be so many other books!). I can already guess in the future – she will be the one who wins. There was maybe 1 twist I didn’t see coming, but everything else was too easy. I have heard that the other books get more intense so I am hoping there will be more exciting events.

Writing: The writing was simple and enjoyable to read. It was the aspect of the book that made be not able to put it down.

Characters: I love the relationship between Prince Maxon & America in the beginning with America being his confidant/spy among the contestants. Slowly, America realizes she is falling for him and starts to get upset when he is going on other dates with girls and when she hears about him kissing other girls. I understand America’s anger, but it is also unfair because she was the one who pushed him away originally. Aspen (America’s boyfriend from back home) also drives me crazy when he becomes a guard at the palace because when he spends time with America, she could get in huge trouble if they are found. The other competitors being cutthroat keeps the competition interesting.

Overall: I really enjoyed the easy reading of this book so I will definitely be continuing the rest of the series. Despite the book being completely predictable, I am exciting to read what happens next.

“No, I’m not choosing him or you. I’m choosing me.”

Page 253, The Selection

REVIEW: Across the Universe // A journey to a new life

Lindsay ShortLeave a comment
Across the Universe (Across the Universe #1) by Beth Revis
Duration: 399 pages
Format: audiobook
Genre: YA, Sci-Fi
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

WARNING: Some spoilers

Synopsis

This book starts with Amy and her parents being frozen in cryochambers in the hope to help cultivate a new planet to life. They are put on a spaceship called Godspeed to spend 300 years traveling through space to this new place.

There has been several generations on the ship – made up of a race of people who all have similar characteristics. Everything is orderly – generations are born at the same time and the generations all live and die together. The leader of the ship is named Eldest and his next-in-line is named Elder.

Elder was talking to someone else on the ship who had a suspicion that there was a hidden level on the ship. So, Elder took it upon himself to check it out. This is when he found all of the frozen bodies in cryochambers.

Soon after one of the bodies was found to be thawing. Luckily, Elder and the Doctor were able to get her out of the liquid and she completely thawed and lived. Amy was the one who came back alive about 50 years too early. She is starkly different form the population on the ship with bright red hair and green eyes. She is in shock to find out that she was thawed early and her parents are still in their cryochambers. Eldest doesn’t make it any easier for her by telling the whole ship that she is crazy.

The rest of the story is focused on finding out who is thawing the bodies? And why are they doing that? Will they really make it to the new planet in 50 years?

Review

Cover: The cover is definitely eye-catching with the beauty of space, Amy, and Elder. In the story there is some romance between them but it is confusing for both of them. I hope there is more in the future books!

Plot: The premise of this story is really interesting. At first I was drawn to what it was like being in a cryochamber. I always assumed you were just asleep – kind of like when you are sedated for surgery. But, with Amy it seemed that her mind was pretty lively for all of those years despite being frozen. Then when you experience Eldest training Elder and telling him how they were able to prevent war with each other – I found that fascinating too. This story is very different from anything I have read before.

Characters: The characters in this story definitely keep things interesting. Even seeing how the “normal” people in Godspeed act by having no emotions and mating at certain times is fascinating. You can feel Amy’s frustration when she finds out that she’s not at the planet yet but she somehow kind of comes to turn with it. The dynamics between Eldest and. Elder are interesting too – especially how Eldest can make everyone on the ship essentially worship him.

Overall: I really enjoyed listening to this book and look forward to reading more in the future! It was a really unique plot with enjoyable characters throughout the story. The twists and turns kept the story interesting and enjoyable.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

August Wrap Up & Favorites

Lindsay Short2 Comments
A Court of Thorns and Roses | Dark Matter | A Court of Mist and Fury | 11 Birthdays | Eleanor & Park | A Court of Wings and Ruin | Marked | The Rest of the Story | A Court of Frost and Starlight | Always Never Yours | The Last Mrs. Parrish | The Selection | Across the Universe | Uglies | Cinder

I kept up the reading momentum in August by reading a total of 15 books! This year has been incredible since my goodreads goal was 25 books (last year it was 12). So I have already greatly surpassed my goal thanks to reading challenges and this book community!

Favorite Audiobook

Dark Matter by Blake Crouch

This book had be enthralled from the start. It captures you into it’s world and leaves you in shock with what is going on. I know this book isn’t everyone’s cup of tea – but I highly recommend you try it (even if you don’t typically read sci-fi books). You can read my full review here.

Least Favorite Audiobook

Marked by P. C. Cast and Kristin Cast

I was looking forward to starting this series but I wasn’t really impressed. I felt like not a lot happened in the book. You can read my full review here.

Favorite New Series

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

I can’t believe that I ended up reading all of the books in order one right after another – this series is that good. The hype is definitely real. I highly recommend – especially if you’re into YA Fantasy. Read my full review here.

Book I was really looking forward to

The Rest of the Story by Sarah Dessen

Sarah Dessen has seriously been my favorite author since middle school. I was so excited that she was releasing a new book this month and it definitely didn’t let me down! While reading this book I really wished I was on a lake this summer. Check out my review on this summer read here.

Books I look forward to in September

Gypsy Secrets by J. L. Vampa

I received an ARC for this book by the incredible J. L. Vampa. She is a newer author but the Queen’s Keeper series has definitely been amazing so far. This novella releases in 2 days!

Thunderhead by Neal Shusterman

After starting this series with the book Scythe back in July – I am excited that I finally have this book from the library!

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

After finishing the A Court of Thorns and Roses series, I needed something else for my Sarah J. Maas fixing. I am patiently awaiting to start this series once my library hold is finished!

Other Faves

Sea Salt & Orchid Candle from Queer Candle Co.

I usually don’t buy candles, but when I smelled this candle I knew I had to buy it. Even when it isn’t lit and you have the lid off, it distributes a pleasant aroma. I can’t wait to see what it’s like when I do light it!

Animal Crossing Pocket Camp Sanrio Fortune Cookies

I think today is the last day for this collection but they are seriously so cute and perfect. 2 of my favorite things coming together. The little twin stars set is my favorite!

Strawberry Cheesecake Smoothie Recipe

  • 1 cup almond milk
  • 4 frozen strawberries
  • 1/2 frozen banana
  • 1 scoop PEScience strawberry cheesecake protein (can also use a plain vanilla protein)
  • 1/3 cup old fashioned oatmeal
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds (optional)

Blend the 1st 5 ingredients until smooth. Pour into a cup and mix in chia seeds.

How was your August? Are you excited for Fall?