~Weave's World of Books 2011~

[Weave]

I Am Legend is one of my favourite books, too, Weave. I saw the film with Charlton Heston first, aged about 12, and was suitably terrified! I didn't read the book until quite recently, last year I think, but was so glad that I did.

 

That's great Ooshie, 'The Omega Man' (with Charlton Heston) is one of my favourite films, the original film 'The Last Man on Earth' with Vincent Price is almost exactly like the book, I haven't seen it though, I read about it on wikipedia.

[Weave]

The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan ~ Started: 08.04.11 ~ Finished: 10.04.11

 

 

Synopsis ~

 

In Mary's world there are simple truths. The Sisterhood always knows best. The Guardians will protect and serve. The Unconsecrated will never relent. And you must always mind the fence that surrounds the village; the fence that protects the village from the Forest of Hands and Teeth. But, slowly, Mary's truths are failing her. She's learning things she never wanted to know about the Sisterhood and its secrets, and the Guardians and their power, and about the Unconsecrated and their relentlessness. When the fence is breached and her world is thrown into chaos, she must choose between her village and her future - between the one she loves and the one who loves her. And she must face the truth about the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Could there be life outside a world surrounded in so much death?

 

The Story ~

 

'The Forest of Hands and Teeth' is the first book in 'The Forest of Hands and Teeth' series.

 

'The Forest of Hands and Teeth' is the story of Mary, a young girl who lives in a village surrounded by fences and a forest where 'The Unconsecrated' roam, the undead from The Return that happened before Mary was born. The villagers and Mary live in fear of a breach of the fences and believe all that the Sisters tell them, 'The Unconsecrated' have been cursed by God and anyone who ventures outside the fence face the same fate, the only way through the forest is gated pathways, no one knows where they lead because they are forbidden to enter by The Sisters and patrolled by the Guardians.

 

Mary, who has always been inquisitive, finds out in the worst possible way the effects of the Unconsecrated and is left alone to cope with her grief, all she has is the love for her friend, Travis, who has been promised to someone else and her need to leave the village, to find something more, to build a life without the Unconsecrated.

 

What I thought of 'The Forest of Hands and Teeth' ~

 

This is my second time reading 'The Forest of Hands and Teeth' and it was just as good as the first time I read it, its a zombie story that does not solely concentrate on the zombies, it explores the lives of the people who keep themselves trapped to stay safe from what they fear but do not fully understand, so much has been kept secret from them and as you read the book, you want to find out what caused the Return. 'The Forest of Hands and Teeth' is a exciting read, with twists and turns to keep you interested. Mary is a strong character and I liked how much she fought throughout the book. The book also has atmosphere, the feeling of the Unconsecrated, they are always there, which is very creepy.

 

A great read.

 

Rating ~ 10/10

 

******

 

 

The Dead~Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan ~ Started: 10.04.11 ~ Finished: 12.04.11

 

 

Synopsis ~

 

Gabry lives a quiet life, secure in her town next to the sea and behind the Barrier. She's content to let her friends dream of the Dark City up the coast while she watches from the top of her lighthouse. Home is all she's ever known and, and all she needs for happiness. But life after the Return is never safe and there are threats even the Barrier can't hold back. Gabry's mother thought she left her secrets behind in the Forest of Hands and Teeth, but, like the dead in their world, secrets don't stay buried. And now, Gabry's world is crumbling. One night beyond the Barrier . . . One boy Gabry's known forever and one veiled in mystery . . . One reckless moment, and half of Gabry's generation is dead, the other half imprisoned. Now Gabry knows only one thing: if she has any hope of a future, she must face the forest of her mother's past.

 

The Story ~

 

'The Dead~Tossed Waves' is the second book in 'The Forest of Hands and Teeth' series.

 

'The Dead~Tossed Waves' is the story of Gabry, Mary from The Forest of Hands and Teeth's daughter. Gabry lives a quiet life in the small ocean town of Vista (one of the last safe havens on the road to The Dark City), a girl who is an outcast, vulnerable and afraid to take chances because of her fear of anything changing. Vista has ensured that the Unconsecrated are unable to enter but there is still a risk, which Gabry quickly finds out when she takes a chance with her friends, Catcher and Cira one night, in a moment, everything changes for them all and now Gabry finds herself alone and she must find the strength to step out of her comfort zone and face her fears. Along the way Gabry finds an ally in Elias, a member of The Soulers (a religious group who believe that becoming an Unconsecrated is a form of resurrection), together they must pass the barriers and enter the forest of hands and teeth.

 

What I thought of 'The Dead~Tossed Waves' ~

 

This is my second time reading 'The Dead~Tossed Waves' and like 'The Forest of Hands and Teeth', I enjoyed it as much as I did the first time. I found there was more substance to 'The Dead~Tossed Waves' , more questions being asked about the nature of the Unconsecrated or the 'mudo' as Gabry calls them, which I found interesting because isn't it possible that something of the people they were, still left? You also find out more about Mary's past and the village, which answered some questions. Gabry is a strong female character, despite her fears, she continues to fight.

 

A great read.

 

Rating ~ 10/10

 

******

 

 

The Dark and Hollow Places by Carrie Ryan ~ Started: 12.04.11 ~ Finished: 15.04.11

 

 

Synopsis ~

 

Annah knows she has a twin sister, but she forgot her long ago. Back when they went to play in the Forest of Hands and Teeth, she and Elias lost her, and after that there was no going back to the village. Life's been hard, but Elias has taken care of her, and living in the Dark City can help one to forget the horror of the Unconsecrated ~ if you try hard enough.

 

But when Elias disappears, Annah's world crumbles. To her, life isn't worth much more than the walking dead who roam the wasted world she lives in. It's not until she meets Catcher that she cares to start living again. Yet Catcher has secrets. Dark, terrifying secrets that link him to a past she's longed to forget and to a future too deadly to consider.

 

Annah must decide: Can she continue to live a world covered in the blood of the living? Or is death the answer to all her problems?

 

The Story ~

 

'The Dark and Hollow Places' is the third and final book in 'The Forest of Hands and Teeth' series.

 

Following on from 'The Dead~Tossed Waves', we are introduced to Gabry's long lost twin sister, Annah, who has spent most of her life in the Dark City with Elias (who first appeared in 'The Dead~Tossed Waves') surviving the best way they can until Elias leaves to join The Recruiters (and eventually The Soulers). Annah now survives on her own, keeping to the shadows, making her way through the city walking over the roofs of buildings and using the bridges between buildings to avoid the Unconsecrated. Annah hides herself because of the scars on the left side of her body, following an accident. Annah sees herself as ugly because of this and carries the guilt of leaving her sister behind in the forest of hands and teeth.

 

Annah decides to leave the Dark City not knowing that Elias has already found her sister, and now Gabry and her friend, Catcher arrive at the Dark City, just as Annah is about to leave but events are taken out of their hands when the Unconsecrated descend on the city, in the panic, Gabry is captured by the recruiters and taken to the Sanctuary, an island just outside of the city, the safest place than can be found. Catcher finds Annah and eventually Elias, who takes them to the Sanctuary where Annah is reconciled with Gabry but the Sanctuary is not as safe as it seems and now the four of them must find away to escape before its too late.

 

What I thought of 'The Dark and Hollow Places' ~

 

'The Dark and Hollow Places' for me is the strongest book of the trilogy, and more darker, you see what life is like in The Dark City and how living there is a daily struggle of survival with the constant threat of the Unconsecrated who despite efforts still appear in the City where infection can quickly spread. As with the other books, there is the need to survive, to remain human, to make something new in the world that have been ruined by the dead. Despite the book being set in city, I found it more claustrophobic as the characters tried to avoid the Unconsecrated. The characters are well written as always. Annah, who sees herself as forgotten is determined but lost, she sees herself as ugly, when she is not and that was sad to read because you want good things for all of the characters.

 

A great series which I am sorry to see ending, I hope Carrie Ryan returns to the characters of Annah, Catcher, Gabry and Elias again.

 

Rating ~ 10/10

[Habeebi]

I loved reading I Am Legend - I thought it was an excellent book - some changes in the film I have seen with Will Smith - didn;t realise there was an earlier film as well

[Ben]

Hey Paula good review of The Forest of Hands and Teeth; looks like one worth adding to my wishlist, so thanks for recommending.

Edited April 16, 2011 by Ben

[Weave]

I loved reading I Am Legend - I thought it was an excellent book - some changes in the film I have seen with Will Smith - didn;t realise there was an earlier film as well

 

Hi Habeebi, how are you? I didn't realise about the earlier film either, I would like to see it at some point, I enjoyed 'I am Legend', it wasn't true to the book but it had its moment and I'm glad they didn't keep the original hollywood ending

 

Hey Paula good review of The Forest of Hands and Teeth; looks like one worth adding to my wishlist, so thanks for recommending.

 

Thanks Ben, I think you would enjoy them.

[Weave]

Far to Go by Alison Pick ~ Started: 28.04.11 ~ Finished: 01.05.11

 

 

Synopsis ~

 

When Czechoslovakia relinquishes the Sudetenland to Hitler, the powerful influence of Nazi propaganda sweeps through towns and villages like a sinister vanguard of the Reich's advancing army. A fiercely patriotic secular Jew, Pavel Bauer is helpless to prevent his world from unravelling as first his government, then his business partners, then his neighbours turn their back on his affluent, once-beloved family. Only the Bauers' adoring governess, Marta, sticks by Pavel, his wife, Anneliese, and their little son, Pepik, bound by her deep affection for her employers and friends. But when Marta learns of their impending betrayal at the hands of her lover, Ernst, Pavel's best friend, she is paralysed by her own fear of discovery - even as the endangered family for whom she cares so deeply struggles with the most difficult decision of their lives.

 

Interwoven with a present-day narrative that gradually reveals the fate of the Bauer family during and after the war, Far to Go is a riveting family epic, love story, and psychological drama.

 

The Story ~

 

'Far to Go' is the story of the Bauer family, Pavel, Anneliese and their six year old son Pepik, along with Pepik's governess, Marta, they live a quiet life in Sudetenland, Czechoslovakia. Their lives are changed forever with the arrival of Adolf Hitler and his government in 1939, the Bauer family, who are Jewish but chose not to practice their religion believe they will be safe because of this. Pavel is outraged by the fall of the Sudetenland and the fall of the government but he still believes his family will be safe but as the situation becomes more frightening and Pavel's own views changing, he realises he must flee with this family while he still can but its too late for Pavel and Anneliese but not too late for their beloved Pepik, his parents and governess must be prepared to let him go on the Kindertransport, to go to Great Britain where he will be safe until he can return home.

 

What I thought of 'Far to go' ~

 

I was very lucky to be able to read 'Far to Go' before its release on the 12th May 2011 and I recommend it highly.

 

The story is told from the point of view of Marta, Pepik's beloved governess, who stands by the Bauer family for different reasons but ultimately she stays because she loves the family. Marta's point of view is full of emotion, there is sadness, happiness, strength and love, emotions that are shown so well that you are immersed in the story from the first page. Marta is a well written and realistic character, she is a young girl, who at times is confused and makes wrong decisions.

 

Pavel and Anneliese are also well written characters, their fear as people and parents are heartbreaking to read, their frustrations and sadness, what they are facing, what they sacrifice to ensure their son's safety. Pepik is a lovely character, you can visualise a sweet, gentle little boy who does not understand the harshness of the world but quickly learns, which was sad to read because you want him to be happy.

 

The story interweaves between the past and the future, the aftermath of the Kindertransport and what it meant for so many children, some who were lucky enough to see their parents again and the children who did not see them again.

 

I enjoyed 'Far to Go', it was a powerful story and you can see the love and commitment that went into telling the story by Alison Pick, a story which is part of her own family history.

 

Highly recommended.

Edited May 1, 2011 by Weave

[vodkafan]

All your last few books sound very good Paula going to add some to my wishlist. Forest of hands and teeth sounds a bit like the film "The Village but your review made it obvious it is quite different.

[Weave]

All your last few books sound very good Paula going to add some to my wishlist. Forest of hands and teeth sounds a bit like the film "The Village but your review made it obvious it is quite different.

 

Thanks vodkafan

[Weave]

City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments Series ~ Book 1) by Cassandra Clare ~ Started: 15.04.11 ~ Finished: 24.04.11

 

 

Synopsis ~

 

Sixteen-year-old Clary Fray is an ordinary teenager, who likes hanging out in Brooklyn with her friends. But everything changes the night she witnesses a murder, committed by a group of teens armed with medieval weaponry. The murderous group are Shadowhunters, secret warriors dedicated to driving demons out of this dimension and back into their own. Drawn inexorably into a terrifying world, Clary slowly begins to learn the truth about her family - and the battle for the fate of the world.

 

The Story ~

 

'City of Bones' is the first book in The Mortal Instruments Series.

 

'City of Bones' is the story of Clarissa Fray (Clary), your average teenager, a 15 years old who enjoys anime, art, etc. Clary lives in Brooklyn with her mother, Jocelyn, who has raised Clary on her own since the death of her husband, a decorated solider called Jonathan Clark who died before Clary was born, all that Clary has left of her father, is a photo of him on the wall and a box which Jocelyn has with the initials, 'J.C' on it, which has medals, photos, a wedding ring and a single lock of hair inside. Clary's adventure begins the night she goes to nightclub called 'Pandemonium' with her best friend, Simon, Clary inadvertently stumbles into a different world where she meets Jace, Isabelle and Alec, who are all shadowhunters, demon hunters who live in a world that is almost familiar to Clary but at the same time, a mystery to her and so the adventure begins.

 

What I thought of 'City of Bones' ~

 

I was recommended 'City of Bones' by various people and I thank them all for it. The story is interesting, magical and well thought out, I loved that there was another world of people in New York, different people with different powers, some good, some bad and some just plain evil. Clary is a wonderful character, she is strong and independent, and faces everything with a fierce determination, Jace, another great character (but he can be annoying) is strong but vulnerable and there is more to him that meets the eye. I also liked the character of Magnus Bane and even though his appearance is somewhat brief, he definitely made an impression, so I hope he appears in the rest of the series.

 

There are a few flaws in the book (editing errors) but it does not take away the enjoyment of the story and the amazing world that Cassandra Clare has created.

 

Rating ~ 10/10

 

****

 

City of Ashes (The Mortal Instruments Series ~ Book 2) by Cassandra Clare ~ Started: 24.04.11 ~ Finished: 06.05.11

 

 

Synopsis ~

 

Clary Fray just wishes that her life would go back to normal. But what's normal when you're a demon-slaying Shadowhunter, your mother is in a magically induced coma, and you can suddenly see Downworlders like werewolves, vampires, and faeries? If Clary left the world of the Shadowhunters behind, it would mean more time with her best friend, Simon, who's becoming more than a friend. But the Shadowhunting world isn't ready to let her go -- especially her handsome, infuriating, newfound brother, Jace. And Clary's only chance to help her mother is to track down rogue Shadowhunter Valentine, who is probably insane, certainly evil -- and also her father.

 

To complicate matters, someone in New York City is murdering Downworlder children. Is Valentine behind the killings -- and if he is, what is he trying to do? When the second of the Mortal Instruments, the Soul-Sword, is stolen, the terrifying Inquisitor arrives to investigate and zooms right in on Jace. How can Clary stop Valentine if Jace is willing to betray everything he believes in to help their father?

 

The Story ~

 

'City of Ashes' is the second book in The Mortal Instruments Series.

 

Following on from 'City of Bones',Clary is still struggling with the events of meeting her father, who she thought was dead and the truth about Jace.

 

Now Clary, Jace and the rest of the shadowhunters are investigating murders of downworlders, Jace who knows the killer finds him being imprisoned by the Inquisitor, a member of the Clave, who is determined to punish Jace. Meanwhile the second mortal instrument has been stolen, the soul~sword (the second mortal instrument), the mortal~cup (the first instrument) was taken in 'City of Bones'. With the Inquisitor after him and various other beings, Jace is running out of time to confront Valentine before he completes the ritual with the soul~sword, which if he can reverse, he will have the power to control all demons and with that power, Valentine hopes to overthrow the The Clave and the shadowhunters. Everything becomes more difficult in Jace and Clary's world, what will happen next?

 

What I thought of 'City of Ashes' ~

 

'City of Ashes' was just as enjoyable from 'City of Bones', as always there is plenty of excitement to keep you entertained. There is a introduction of some new characters, Maia, a wolf who becomes part of Valentine's plan, there is also changes in everyone's life, which was great to read. With Valentine, Cassandra Clare has created a formidable character, he is very cold and calculating, which Jace and Clary find out. Jace and Clary's changing relationship was interesting to read too.

 

Also, much to my own delight, Magnus Bane was featured more, I think he is a fantastic character.

 

Another great addition to the series.

 

Rating ~ 8/10

[Weave]

City of Glass (The Mortal Instruments Series ~ Book 3) by Cassandra Clare ~ Started: 06.05.11 ~ Finished: 15.05.11

 

 

Synopsis ~

 

To save her mother's life, Clary must travel to the City of Glass, the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters -- never mind that entering the city without permission is against the Law, and breaking the Law could mean death. To make things worse, she learns that Jace does not want her there, and Simon has been thrown in prison by the Shadowhunters, who are deeply suspicious of a vampire who can withstand sunlight.

 

As Clary uncovers more about her family's past, she finds an ally in mysterious Shadow-hunter Sebastian. With Valentine mustering the full force of his power to destroy all Shadow-hunters forever, their only chance to defeat him is to fight alongside their eternal enemies. But can Downworlders and Shadowhunters put aside their hatred to work together? While Jace realizes exactly how much he's willing to risk for Clary, can she harness her newfound powers to help save the Glass City -- whatever the cost?

'City of Glass' is the third book in The Mortal Instruments Series.

 

The Story ~

 

'City of Glass' begins following the events of 'City of Ashes'.

 

Clary has discovered the way to helped her mother and she must go to Alicante, home of the Shadow-hunters, along with Jace and the Lightwoods, things, however, do not go to plan and Clary is left behind, which she is not happy about, so she decides to make her own way to Alicante by creating her own portal, which is against the law.

 

Clary is confused but intrigued by Alicante, the birth place of her mother and her friends, she discovers more about her family and also Jace, the boy she secretly loves but Sebastian, a friend of the Lightwoods is a welcome distraction.

 

Meanwhile Valentine is also in Alicante and is searching for the mortal mirror, the third mortal instrument (the first instrument being the mortal~cup and the soul~sword, the second mortal instrument), which he already has, what does he have planned?

 

What I thought of 'City of Glass' ~

 

'City of Glass' was very exciting and all of the characters have to prepare themselves for the next stage in Valentine's plan. You see the characters changing too, especially Simon (who is fast becoming one of my favourite characters n the series), Clary, as well, is discovering more and more about herself, especially her powers, unfortunately I did find Clary very annoying this time around for different reasons.

 

Rating ~ 8/10

 

****

 

City of Fallen Angels (The Mortal Instruments Series ~ Book 4) by Cassandra Clare ~ Started: 15.05.11 ~ Finished: 16.05.11

 

 

Synopsis ~

 

The Mortal War is over, and sixteen-year-old Clary Fray is back home in New York, excited about all the possibilities before her. She's training to become a Shadowhunter and - most importantly of all - she can finally call Jace her boyfriend. But nothing comes without a price. Someone is murdering the Shadowhunters who used to be in Valentine's Circle, provoking tensions between Downworlders and Shadowhunters that could lead to a second, bloody war. And when Jace begins to pull away from her without explaining why, Clary is forced to delve into the heart of a mystery whose solution reveals her worst nightmare: she herself has set in motion a terrible chain of events that could lead to her losing everything she loves. Even Jace.

 

The Story ~

 

'City of Fallen Angels' is the four book in The Mortal Instruments Series.

 

As with the rest of the series, 'City of Fallen Angels' follows on from the previous books. Clary and Jace, The Lightwoods and Simon have survived the mortal war and trying to get back to some normality, however, the peace does not last long as shadowhunters are being murdered and they all have one other thing in common, they were known accomplices of Valentine, if the murders cannot be stopped, it will cause turmoil between the downworlders and the shadowhunters. Will Jace and Clary ever have peace? Only time will tell.

 

What I thought of 'City of Fallen Angels' ~

 

I have enjoyed all of the series so far but 'City of Fallen Angels' is definitely my favourite, as always there was excitement and suspense. I enjoyed that there was more focus on Simon (Clary's lifelong friend) and the changes in his life, I also liked that you again, you are learning more about the characters, which makes for great reading. 'City of Fallen Angels' had a fantastic cliffhanger of a ending, I can't wait for the next book.

 

Rating ~ 10/10

 

I think its fair to say that 'The Mortal Instruments' series has pretty much consumed my life for the past month and a half, I have enjoyed the series so far and I have just started 'Clockwork Angel', the first book in the 'Infernal Devices' series, also by Cassandra Clare. Let the good book times roll!

Edited May 17, 2011 by Weave

[AbielleRose]

:e010:

 

So glad you're enjoying them so much, Paula! Simon is one of my favorite characters too. Wait until you meet Jem in the Infernal Devices series. He's my fav character of Clare's overall. Can't wait to see how you enjoy the books to come!

[Weave]

:e010:

 

So glad you're enjoying them so much, Paula! Simon is one of my favorite characters too. Wait until you meet Jem in the Infernal Devices series. He's my fav character of Clare's overall. Can't wait to see how you enjoy the books to come!

 

Thanks hen thank you for the recommendations, I can't wait to read the rest of 'Clockwork Angel'

[Weave]

Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices Series ~ Book 1) by Cassandra Clare ~ Started: 16.05.11 ~ Finished: 22.05.11

 

 

Synopsis ~

 

Magic is dangerous - but love is more dangerous still... When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray arrives in England during the reign of Queen Victoria, something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Friendless and hunted, Tessa seeks refuge with the Shadowhunters, a band of warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons. Drawn ever deeper into their world, she finds herself fascinated by - and torn between - two best friends, and quickly realizes that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.

 

The Story ~

 

'Clockwork Angel' is the first book in 'The Infernal Devices' Series.

 

'Clockwork Angel' tells the story of Tessa Gray, a sixteen year old year old girl from New York, who finds herself in England following the death of her beloved Aunt Harriet, who raised Tess and her brother, Nate after the death of their parents. Nate, who went to England to work, sends Tessa a boat ticket, and tells her he will meet her at Southampton, much to Tessa's shock, her brother is not waiting for her, instead two women who call themselves the Dark Sisters (due to their names ~ Mrs Black & Mrs Dark) are waiting, with a note from Nate saying he not meet her but his friends, The Dark Sisters will take her to him, they don't and Tessa finds herself a prisoner in their home with no idea where her brother is and what the Dark Sisters want from her, they know she has powers, powers that they can use.

 

As the story progresses, Tessa meets Will and Jem, both shadowhunters, who are like brothers but very different in many ways, and Tessa sees both of their good qualities. Tessa finds herself in a exciting and amazing world where her powers are accepted and questions are raised about who she really is.

 

What I thought of 'Clockwork Angel' ~

 

'Clockwork Angel' is the prequel to 'The Mortal Instruments' series which I enjoyed immensely, as I did with 'Clockwork Angel', I loved the story, the setting of Victorian England was interesting to read. The characters are all likeable and I am definitely a Jem fan, he is an easy character to like and I am looking forward to finding out more about him, Tessa and Will in future books, as with the Mortal Instruments series, the story is imaginative and exciting, I loved all of the twists and turns in the story. I was also very glad to see Magnus Bane in 'Clockwork Angel', he is my favourite character.

 

The only downside for me and its a minor one, is the fact that someone is always interrupted when they are just about to confess something, it does add to the tension but unfortunately I am very impatient and I want to know what happens next.

 

'Clockwork Prince' is the next book in the series, I am looking forward to reading it.

 

Rating ~ 10/10

[~Andrea~]

Sounds like you're enjoying you're reading lately Paula The forest of Hands and Teeth sounds great.

[Weave]

Sounds like you're enjoying you're reading lately Paula The forest of Hands and Teeth sounds great.

 

I have been lucky Andrea plus I am not wasting my time on books that I'm not enjoying, I recommend 'The Forest of Hands and Teeth' its a great read.

[poppyshake]

Great reviews Paula I'm especially liking the sound of 'Far to Go' .. I put it on my wishlist at Goodreads a little while back but yours is the first review I've read, glad to see you liked it.

[Weave]

The Declaration (The Declaration Trilogy~Book 1) by Gemma Malley ~ Started: 22.05.11 ~ Finished: 24.05.11

 

 

Synopsis ~

 

Anna Covey is a 'surplus'. She should not have been born. In a society in which ageing is no longer feared, and death is no longer an inevitability, children are an abomination. Like all surpluses, Anna is living in Grange Hall and learning how to make amends for the selfish act her parents committed in having her. She is quietly accepting of her fate until, one day, a new inmate arrives. Anna's life is thrown into chaos. But is she brave enough to believe this mysterious boy? This is a tense and utterly compelling story about a society behind a wall, and the way in which two young people take the chance of breaking free.

 

The Story ~

 

'The Declaration' is the first book in The Declaration Trilogy.

 

'The Declaration' is the story of Anna, a 14 year old girl who lives in Grange Hall, a place for children known as 'Surplus', her crime? Being born. Following the Declaration in 2065 and then the new Declaration 15 years later in 2080 due to the creation of a drug called Longevity by a Doctor Fern, people can now live forever, the first declaration stated that people could only have 1 baby and if they tried for another baby, it would be terminated but this changed with the new Declaration, no one could have a child unless they 'opted out' and stopped taking Longevity completely, which meant they could have a child under the tile of 'One child per Opt Out' or a 'Life for a life' but would eventually died (as nature intended). Surplus children are the children of people who did not opt out, removed their contraception implants, had a baby and raised their child secretly but most children, including Anna, are caught by the Surplus Police or 'Catchers' as they are called. Anna has been in Grange Hall since she was 2 and half years old, she has been brainwashed to believe that her life is a sin, that her parents are criminals and therefore she must pay for her life and their crime, everything the Surplus children is given they work for, they are seen as a drain on society and led to be believe that they must become 'Valuable Assets' and get a position within a household as a housekeeper, etc once they leave Grange Hall.

 

Anna under the watchful eye of House Matron Mrs Pincent, is diligent and hard~working, she believes everything that Mrs Pincent tells her, however, Anna's eyes are opened when a new surplus child called Peter arrives at Grange Hall, and he knows Anna and he knows her parents, and has been sent to find her, to take her home, will they escape Grange Hall and Mrs Pincent?

 

What I thought of 'The Declaration' ~

 

I was pleasantly surprised by 'The Declaration', the book begins with Anna being docile and downtrodden and ends with her fighting back and becoming her own person, and Gemma Malley's style of writing takes you on the journey with Anna. The plot is effective and intelligent, even though book is marked for YA, its shown in an adult way surrounding the issues that run within the book.

 

The characters are well written, especially Anna, you find yourself becoming increasingly more frustrated by her because of her blind faith in Mrs Pincent and her acceptance of being told she nothing but a drain on society but as the story progresses, you see glimpses of who Anna could be and she definitely is a strong person and a likeable character. Peter, the other character is the opposite of Anna, he is passionate about life, his freedom and all surplus children's freedom, he fights because he has to and his determination shines through and effects Anna. For me, Mrs Pincent is very much a character you will love to hate, her attitude towards Anna and Grange Hall is nothing short of cruel, you find out why but I still found her difficult to like as character.

 

A great start to a thought provoking series.

 

Rating ~ 9/10

 

******

 

The Resistance (The Declaration Trilogy~Book 2) by Gemma Malley ~ Started: 24.05.11 ~ Finished: 27.05.11

 

 

Synopsis ~

 

The year is 2140. Having escaped the horrors of Grange Hall, Peter and Anna are living freely on the Outside, trying hard to lead normal lives, but unable to leave the terror of the Declaration - and their experiences as surpluses - completely behind them. Peter is determined to infiltrate Pharma Corporation, which claims to have a new drug in the works; "Longevity+" will not just stop the ravages of old age, it is rumoured to reverse the ageing process. But what Peter and Anna discover behind the walls of Pharma is so nightmarish it makes the prison of their childhood seem like a sanctuary: for in order to supply Pharma with the building blocks for Longevity+, scientists will need to harvest it from the young. Shocking, controversial, and frighteningly topical, this sequel to Gemma Malley's stellar debut novel.

 

The Story ~

 

'The Resistance' is the second book in The Declaration Trilogy.

 

Following on from 'The Declaration' , Peter and Anna's life has changed but they are still facing obstacles in the form of the Pharma Corporation who own the drug Longevity (which gives immortality) ,they are about to release Longevity+, an improved version of Longevity, which everyone wants, with adults living forever and lack of children, how far can get nature go and what is the cost to the surplus children?

 

What I thought of 'The Resistance' ~

 

'The Resistance' is just as good as 'The Declaration', if not better, it is more exciting and the tension builds up nicely, which was great to read, there was so many twists and turns, that set you up for the next book. The main character Anna is different in 'The Resistance', she is stronger but she still carries the effects of her time in Grange Hall, she strives to become part of a society where adults are suspicious of children, especially teenagers (which I felt mirrors life at the moment in some aspects) , it comes to a point that Anna can only trust Peter. Peter is still as passionate as ever and plays a bigger part in the Underground, a group who fight against Longevity

 

As with 'The Declaration', there is a new character you will love to hate, in the form of Richard Pincent, who runs Pharma and will do anything to make sure that Longevity+ is available to the world.

 

A great read.

 

Rating ~ 10/10

 

******

 

The Legacy (The Declaration Trilogy ~Book 3) by Gemma Malley ~ Started: 27.05.11 ~ Finished: 27.05.11

 

 

Synopsis ~

 

When a Pincent Pharma lorry is ambushed by the Underground, its contents come as a huge surprise - not drugs, but corpses in a horrible state. It appears Longevity isn't working and the drugs promising eternal youth are failing to live up to their promises. A virus is sweeping the country, killing in its wake, and Longevity is powerless to fight it. When Richard Pincent of Pincent Pharma suggest that the Underground has released the virus, something has to be done to put the story straight and once and for all alert everyone to the truth.

 

The Story ~

 

'The Legacy' is the third book in The Declaration Trilogy.

 

Following on from 'The Resistance', Anna and Peter are now in hiding but Peter wants to return to the Underground where the fighting has increased between them and Pincent Pharma, who are under fire following deaths due to a mysterious virus which may be or may not be caused by Longevity+. Richard has so far managed to keep the deaths out of the public eye. Peter, Anna and the rest of the Underground find themselves in more and more danger as Pincent Pharma goes to extreme lengths to ensure that the public never know the truth about Longevity.

 

What I thought of 'The Legacy' ~

 

'The Legacy' is an excellent read and everything comes together as you find out about Longevity and its creation. Anna and Peter go from strength to strength through the series but in 'The Legacy' their strength shines through, as they makes sacrifices and face Pincent Pharma. I enjoyed the ending too.

 

A great ending to a great series.

 

Rating ~ 10/10

[Charm]

Fab reviews Weave! Boy, you've been reading some cracking reads lately, hope you're run of good books keeps up

[Weave]

Fab reviews Weave! Boy, you've been reading some cracking reads lately, hope you're run of good books keeps up

 

Thanks hen, I have been really strict with my books, if I am not enjoying them, I try for so long and then give up.

Edited May 31, 2011 by Weave

[Weave]

The Returners by Gemma Malley ~ Started: 27.05.11 ~ Finished: 31.05.11

 

 

Synopsis ~

 

London teenager Will Hodge is miserable. His mother is dead, his father's political leanings have grown radical, and his friends barely talk to him. To top it off, he's having nightmares about things like concentration camps. Then Will notices he's being followed by a group of people who claim to know him from another time in history. It turns out they are Returners, reincarnated people who carry with them the memory of atrocities they have witnessed in the past. Will realizes that he, too, is a Returner. But something about his memories is different, and with dawning horror, Will suspects that he wasn't just a witness to the events, he was instrumental in making them happen. Set in the near future, with the world on the verge of a new wave of ethnic cleansing, Will must choose to confront the cruelty he's known in his past lives, or be doomed to repeat it . . . again.

 

The Story ~

 

'The Returners' is the story of William 'Will' Hodge, a teenager who has become more and more isolated since the death of his mother. Will lives with father, who he is unable to connect with since the death of Will's Mum and also his Dad's political interests which began when Will's Mum was alive, Will is very aware of how his Dad feels and also the thoughts of his Dad's friend, Patrick, who has introduced Will's Dad to his own prejudices.

 

As the story progresses Will becomes aware of people following him and the nightmares he has always experienced become steadily worse, nightmares of terrible atrocities from Auschwitz to Rwanda, the nightmares are so intense that Will feels like he has been there but he does not understand why and as the people keep following him and the nightmares become prophetical, Will is running out of time to change his future by facing his past.

 

What I thought of 'The Returners' ~

 

I enjoyed 'The Returners' to a point, the story was interesting and insightful but at times, I found Will's thoughts just too erratic but the story is well written and gets the message across.

 

Rating ~ 6/10

[chaliepud]

What great reviews Weave, the Gemma Malley trilogy looks great, I have The Declaration on my wish list, hopefully I'll get to it this year!

[Weave]

What great reviews Weave, the Gemma Malley trilogy looks great, I have The Declaration on my wish list, hopefully I'll get to it this year!

 

I hope you enjoy it chaliepud and thanks

[chesilbeach]

Interesting that you liked the next two books more than the first one, Weave, as I've seen reports that most people thought it was a good start that went downhill. Proves you have to read the books yourself and make your own mind up!

 

I'm going to get the next one in the series soon, but need to catch up on some of my other purchases first

[Weave]

Interesting that you liked the next two books more than the first one, Weave, as I've seen reports that most people thought it was a good start that went downhill. Proves you have to read the books yourself and make your own mind up!

 

I'm going to get the next one in the series soon, but need to catch up on some of my other purchases first

 

Totally hen, I thought they improved as the series went on, I'm looking forward to reading yours thoughts on them and your other books

[lauraloves]

you seem to read some really good books The Gemma Malley books look really good, I've added them to my wishlist!