Book Shelf: Under the Never Sky (Under the Never Sky #1) by Veronica Rossi

WORLDS KEPT THEM APART.

DESTINY BROUGHT THEM TOGETHER.

Aria has lived her whole life in the protected dome of Reverie. Her entire world confined to its spaces, she's never thought to dream of what lies beyond its doors. So when her mother goes missing, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland long enough to find her are slim.

Then Aria meets an outsider named Perry. He's searching for someone too. He's also wild - a savage - but might be her best hope at staying alive.

If they can survive, they are each other's best hope for finding answers.

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

Under The Never Sky is Veronica Rossi’s thrilling debut that mixes a dark, harsh dystopian world with romance and action in an adventure that is pure brilliance!

I’ll be the first to admit that it’s taken me a while to finally read this book. I bought Under The Never Sky close to its initial release but it’s just sat on my shelf unread, before I finally decided to dive into it the other day. And boy, am I sorry I haven’t read it before now. This book was captivating!

It took me a couple of chapters to really become invested in the story and the characters but once I did I was thoroughly intrigued. Switching back and forth between main characters Aria and Perry, Veronica Rossi’s writing was descriptive and perfect; painting a harsh, violent and dangerous world. Rossi blends the advanced people of the Dwellers perfectly with those of the Tribes on the outside that are more primitive people.

The world of Outsiders and the Tribes was so harsh and savage and utterly fascinating to me! There was just something so primal about their world and many of the characters within this book. There was an unmistakable medieval, almost barbaric aura to the Outsider society and the people that inhabit it and I just adored this. It was quite refreshing as far as I’m concerned and it really worked for this story.

The Aether and the Never Sky are very interesting concepts and Rossi describes them well, but at times I struggled to fully understand their workings. They certainly were intriguing elements and I loved the extra enhancements Rossi gave to some of the characters in the form of Senses. It proved a perfect inclusion and made for a lot of excitement.

The characters within this book I adored. Veronica Rossi is created such a beguiling world that she needed to write a really fantastic group of characters to accompany it and she certainly has done so with this book! Aria, Perry, Roar, Cinder, Talon and the various others were perfect editions to the story. Their higharchy was sooooo interesting within the tribes and I found I loved this part of the story most.

As our heroine Aria was a joy to follow. This is the kind of heroine I love; strong, independent and feisty, but with vulnerabilities and flaws but one that grows and changes throughout the novel. Rossi writes Aria with such grace and I adored her growth throughout the novel as she learns about who she is and what has happened to her mother and her world. It was wonderful seeing her find confidence in herself as she navigates Perry’s world.

However as much as I loved Aria, I must say that Perry was by far my favourite character! Here is a male lead so very different from others that litter the YA faction but is utterly captivating as a character. Peregrine is just so primal and savage and there’s something so appealing about that throughout the book. Perry knows how to take care of himself and does what has to be done, and while we learn he does have his insecurities towards the end of the book, Perry is just so addictive. Honestly, I’m not sure I have the words to accurately say what I’m thinking right now.

Another thing I loved about this book......Aria and Perry’s relationship! They’re definitely awesome characters on their own, but together they just shine. They’re just so different individuals, with different lives and histories and seeing them learn to trust and rely on one another as they embark on their journey was just so enjoyable. They were awkward and unsure of each other at times, but they actually understand what the other is going through and it’s this shared experience that bonds them. I admit that the “romance” and spark between them is all too sizzling, but perhaps that just Rossi’s writing, because to me it’s rather a sweet undertone and development to an already amazing bond and friendship.

With a killer ending (literally) one full of revelations and demands, I’m so eager for the next book. Basically, I want more Perry and I cannot wait to see what Veronica Rossi does next!

Rating:
Source: I bought.
Format: Paperback.
Buy it: Booktopia // The Nile // The Book Depository
Recommendation: Fans of dystopian and intense, sweet relationships and strong characters will love this one!
Cover: It's so striking--I love how the cover model (Aria) is walking through the never ever.
Will I read sequel/continue with series: YES!

Waiting on Wednesday #37

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking The Spine where you can spotlight an upcoming release that you're eagerly anticipating.

This week I'm waiting on......    

Charming by Elliott James
Released on: September 24th 2013 (Awww :( Too far away)

John Charming isn't your average Prince...

He comes from a line of Charmings -- an illustrious family of dragon slayers, witch-finders and killers dating back to before the fall of Rome. Trained by a modern day version of the Knights Templar, monster hunters who have updated their methods from chainmail and crossbows to kevlar and shotguns, he was one of the best. That is-- until he became the abomination the Knights were sworn to hunt.

That was a lifetime ago. Now, he tends bar under an assumed name in rural Virginia and leads a peaceful, quiet life. One that shouldn't change just because a vampire and a blonde walked into his bar... Right?

Add it on Goodreads!


Thoughts:
This sounds fan-freakin-tastic!!! Honestly. If this book was released (and in my hands) I would be reading it right now! I'm a fan of anything fairytale related and not only do I love retellings but I adore anything where and author plays around with something fun and Charming? Looks right up my alley! Oh! And how brilliant is that cover?!? Kinda makes me think of the cover for Cinder though, lol......

What do you think? Will you be adding Charming to your TBR list?

Book Shelf: V is for Virgin by Kelly Oram

When Val Jensen gets dumped for her decision to stay a virgin until marriage, the nasty breakup goes viral on YouTube, making her the latest internet sensation.

After days of ridicule from her peers, Val starts a school-wide campaign to rally support for her cause. She meant to make a statement, but she never dreamed the entire nation would get caught up in the controversy.

As if becoming nationally recognized as “Virgin Val” isn’t enough, Val’s already hectic life starts to spin wildly out of control when bad boy Kyle Hamilton, lead singer for the hit rock band Tralse, decides to take her abstinence as a personal challenge.

How can a girl stay true to herself when this year’s Sexiest Man Alive is doing everything in his power to win her over?

More info on Goodreads.....


Review: *Warning: Contains minor spoilers*

V is for Virgin is an incredibly entertaining contemporary romance that deals with a real important issue that faces teens every day and yet is never lacking in sass, humour and romance! This book is fun and funny and one that I can see myself re-reading again and again!

There are no words to say how much I loved reading this book. Honestly, I’m having trouble putting what I think into words so you’ll just have to bare with me while I figure it out...... Ordinarily, I’m not the biggest fan of contemporary novels, but when I saw this, read the description and learned what it was about I knew I just had to read it. And I’m so glad I did! For me, this is one of those books you read and then stays with you.

Now, I’m not going to get overly personal about this book....as least, I’m going to try not to. Kelly Oram has created such a beautiful thing with this book and this is a topic that really is close to my heart. Considering it’s not something I really feel the need to talk about day by day it might surprise some people to learn that I’m actually a Christian. And you know what? I became that way by choice. I wasn’t raised with religion, but rather chose that path on my own a while back. And yet my beliefs and morals are my own, no one else’s (even my faith) and they’ve never been impacted by others around me. And my body....that’s mine too....to share with someone when I see fit. So that begin said, V is for Virgin? Yes! This book definitely spoke to me.

However, overall I think the brilliance of this book is that our protagonist Val’s choice isn’t based on religion. It’s not her religion that leads to declaration that she’ll stay a virgin until marriage, but rather it’s a promise she made to herself for no other reason than she wants to share that special first moment with the one she plans to spend the rest of her life with. I’m a big believer in pro choice—everyone has the right to make their own choices so to me that’s really beautiful.

There are so many aspects about this book that just guaranteed that I was caught, hook line and sinker the entire time I was reading. Author Kelly Oram has such a fantastic voice! This is the first book of hers that I’ve read, but it definitely won’t be the last! Her writing flowed perfectly and despite the sometimes tedious topic of sex and sex involving teens, Oram managed to weave together humor, wit and sass with electric romance, powerful friendship and contemporary entertainment. Her dialogue, her descriptions, her settings....they all just went together perfectly to create this story.

The thing about this book is that it’s fun. It really is. Even though V is for Virgin is so incredibly good at promoting good strong moral values, Kelly Oram also creates such a fantastic cast of characters to fill the pages of her fun, flirty and sassy story with an edge, that even with such a heavy topic, all the characters within V is for Virgin had such personality and life. They really took on a life of their own and yet could easily be the person next door or your best friend. They were real and their emotions, flaws and fears were all something that we deal with in day to day life. And I loved each and every one of them!

That being said, oh my goodness, do I love Valerie Jenson! If ever there is a contemporary main character that I just wish was real it’s this girl! From start to finish, Val was a real joy to read about! This girl was taking names and kicking butt all in an effort to make a statement. Val was such a strong young woman. At a time in her life where it would be so easy to succumb to peer pressure and just give in, Val managed to hold on to her integrity and keep her promise to herself as well as stand up for others like her to. Becoming a role model for other young people throughout the book “Virgin Val” was someone that you couldn’t help but love. She was in no way a shy, timid, little virgin. She stood up for what she felt and her fire was catching.

Val’s cause really touched me and I felt empowered as I read the story. It was thrilling to see Val stand up for not only herself, but all those who dared to say no; who wanted to wait! That alone was enough to make me love her, but it didn’t stop there! Val spoke up for those who were pressured, coerced or coaxed into making that choice when they really weren’t ready and then had to live with the consequences of those decisions; young women who had gotten pregnant young and had to make tough choices. Kelly Oram was a genius in the way she explored these issues throughout the book through Val---it was subtle and yet had true meaning. It made you think. I know it certainly did me—even as I was lost in the entertainment factor of the chemistry and tension of Val and Kyle, the rock star who was trying to get her to change her mind.

Val’s relationships in this book were really cute. From Zach, to Issac and then to the famous Kyle, they all changed her. I even found myself wondering if Issac was the one Val would end up with simply because Oram wrote their relationship so well. And yet the chemistry between Val and Kyle was undeniable. From the witty, hilarious dialogue between them to the few sweeter moments, these two were exciting to read about—I never knew what would happen between them next!

You know what I liked best about Kyle Hamiliton’s character? It was that Kelly Oram stayed true to the teenage personality of a guy. Considering Kyle was a cocky, naughty, abet somewhat nice at times rock star, he was still very much into getting into Val’s pants. He cared about Val and wanted her, yet he was still real. Don’t get me wrong. He was sexy as all hell and I loved his cocky nature as well as his sweeter side but he was also a typical guy. Oram didn’t turn him straight into this sweet, kind guy who fell head over heals for Val and then decided to wait for her; no, he didn’t become some entire new character, he was honest about what he wanted, how he felt and what he could offer Val.

The only flaw in V is for Virgin is its ending. It came on suddenly and I certainly wasn’t ready for it. I turned the page ready for the next chapter and found myself in the epilogue, four years in the future. Perhaps it’s because I was so engrossed in Valerie’s tale and her relationship with Kyle that I was disappointed to loose all that time. I would have liked to explore more, but that being said the ending was perfect. It was cute and fitting, and after the entire story of V is for Virgin, I can’t imagine it ending any other way.

So, with a hard-hitting topic, fabulous characters and excellent storytelling, V is for Virgin is a brilliant read! Author Kelly Oram creates such a fun and yet deep tale that from beginning to end V is for Virgin right up there with Perfect Chemistry and Pushing the Limits for me. One of my favourites this year!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review from author via I Am A Reader, Not A Writer (Thank you ladies!)
Format: Kindle Ebook
Buy it: Amazon
Recommendation: For everyone! Absolutely everyone! This book is fun and sassy, with romance and humor--you'll love it!
Cover: I love it! It's simple, but it's brilliant!
Will I read sequel/continue with series: This is a stand alone, but I'll definitely read more from Kelly Oram....

Owl Post #9

Hello everyone and welcome to my first Owl Post since my long extended absence!

I may not have been online, but that certainly didn't stop me from buying books--in fact, I think I've bought more in the past few months than I have ever. The perks of working full time now. More money. Now I just have to find the time to read all my purchases *sigh*

I even went a little crazy at Basement Books who do free shipping when you spend $30 or more so all the books with an * beside them are my naughty little purchases ;)

Inspired by The Story Siren's In My Mailbox, Owl Post allows us bloggers to showcase the books we've bought, won or received throughout the week and is hosted by Brodie over at Eleusinian Mysteries. We all know that the Owl Post is the fastest way to send and receive mail and they certainly make me happy every time they drop a book off.

Let's take a look what I got.....

I Bought  

    -Eternal Rider by Larissa Ione -Immortal Rider by Larissa Ione -Lethal Rider by Larissa Ione -Rogue Rider by Larissa Ione I was a fan of Larissa Ione's Demonica series so I really don't know what took me so long to get this series. It was fabulous! Yes, I've read them already and yes, I loved them tonnes more than the previous series! You can check out my review of Eternal Rider here--the rest will come soon! -Through The Evernight by Veronica Rossi Eee! I love this series. I adored the first book, and although I'm yet to post me review (naughty me!) I simply had to have this book as soon as it was released. Was fabulous!   -The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Braken This book was actually a Christmas present from my brother (my only book present too!) and I've already and loved it. Looking forward to the next one already. -The Indigo Spell by Richelle Mead The. Indigo. Spell. Nuff said!! OMG was I so excited for this--simply adore this series. Richelle Mead is a genius! Look out for my review soon!   -Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes This book looks sooooo good. Right up my alley--can't wait to read it :)   -Struck by Jennifer Bosworth* I feel I must point out that I kinda went crazy last month with Basemend Books and bought like 9 books I've been meaning to get my hands on. This was one of them. Anyone read Struck and liked it?  

    -Wither by Lauren DeStefano * This is a Basement Books buy too. Hello $2. Score! I know a lot of people are a fan of this so I figured it was about time I read it for myself.   -Illusions by Aprilynne Pike * I adored the first two books in this series but for some sad reason I've fallen behind with the series and wanna catch up. Hence my finally getting a copy of book #3 -Insurgent by Veronica Roth* *cowers* Don't shoot me. I know, I know. How can I not have read this yet? Am I nuts? Escpecially as Divergent is one of my fave books of all time. Just another book I've been meaning to getb forever it seems. Can't wait to read this one!   -Partials by Dan Wells This book looks quite good and when I saw it was cheap from the Book Depo, I had to have it ;) -The Faerie Ring by Kiki Hamilton Been meaning to get book for ages. I'm a massive fan of Kiki as a person even though I haven't read her books yet (and stalk her blog) so I'm extra excited to know I can read this soon.   -Once Dead, Twice Shy by Kim Harrison* Another cheap $2 buy from Basement Books. I've heard some people really love this series. Anyone read them? '
-Cryer's Cross by Lisa McMann* I really like Lisa's writing and when I saw this for only $3 at Basement Books it was in my shopping trolley before I knew what I'd done. -Darkness Becomes Her by Kelly Keaton* I've actually already got a copy of this book but it got really water damaged when we moved house last year so when I saw a copy of it for hello $2, I jumped at the chance to replace it. This is a really great series, check out my review for Darkness Becomes Her here!   -Low Red Moon by Ivy Devlin* Yet another Basement Books pick up. $2 or $3, I can't remember. Looks alright, but I don't really know when I'll act ually get around to reading it. -Melody Burning by Whitley Strieber Okay, so this book's kinda a funny story. I never planned to read it, let alone buy it, but it was $1.60 at Kmart. At Kmart! So I bought it, hehe. Anyone read and liked this?  

    -Guardian of the Gate by Michelle Zink -Circle of Fire by Michelle Zink I've heard a lot of great things about Zink's Prophecy of the Sisters series, but I've never gotten around to reading it. Which is odd seeing as I've had a copy of the first book, Prophecy of the Sisters sitting on my shelf for more than six months. Finally got around to reading it, and although it wasn't what I was expecting, I strangely loved it. I've also read Guardian of the Gate with the reviews for books 1 and 2 to be posted soon, but I'm still yet to read Circle of Fire. Can't wait to find out how it all ends! -Unraveling by Elizabeth Norris Been wanting to read this book for sooooooo long! It was even my WOW a while back so I don't know why it's taken me so many months to finally get a copy. Looking forward to reading this as it just looks so good!   -Misguided Angel by Melissa de la Cruz I've read the first 4 books in the Blue Bloods series but got a bit bored and stopped atfer the ending of the 4th that frustrated me to know end. Those that have read the series know a certain character dies and I kinda hated that. Lately though I've been hearing some things that make me think I wanna pick the series up again so when this went on sale at The Book Depositry I jumped at my chance.   -Stardust by Neil Gaiman I LOVE the movie version of this. One of my faves, so I decided I wanna read the book. When I'll get around to actually reading this though I have no clue, haha!   -Beauty Awakened by Gena Showalter I'm a MASSIVE Showalter groupie and had the second book in her LOTU spin-off on pre-order. Already read this and while I didn't love it like I'd expected, I'm digging the series. -Last Kiss Goodnight by Gena Showalter Another spin off/companion book from Gena of her Alien Huntress series. Same world, different perspective. Read this one and already sooooo excited to the 2nd book!  -Edge of Dawn by Lara Adrian I loooove Lara Adrian's Night Breed series and this is the 11th book. So looking forward to Mira and Kellans story, but nervious about the time jump! -Shadow of the Vampire by Megan Hatfield Bought this on a whim from a second had bookstore. I may read it....one day.   For Review:  

    From HarlequinTEEN.......   -Hooked by Liz Fichera I quite liked this one. It's different from what I've read before of contemporary novels. Review to come soon :)   -Indigo Awakening by Jordan Dane I loved Jordan Dane's In The Arms of Stone Angels and this one sounds soooo good. Looking forward to reading it!   .......Thank you Polina! You rock!     From Harper Collins Australia......   -Boundless by Cynthia Hand I simply adore the Unearthly series and devoured this as soon as I got it. Practically perfect ending--review to come!   -Venom by Fiona Paul I've heard some amazing this about this book and it sounds really good. Looking forward to reading it, but not sure what to expect. Anyone read this one?   ......Thank you guys!     From Allen & Unwin.......   -Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi Eeeee! I LOVED Shatter Me! It's an all time favourite, so I'm actually kinda hesitant to step into this one. I want it to live up to the first book but I'm not sure it will :/ -When We Wake by Karen Healey This was my first book by New Zealand author Karen Healey but it definitely won't be my last. Read my review of When We Wake here!   .....Thank you Lara!!     From Hachette Australia.....   -Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo This book is actually a bound copy of BOTH Shadow and Bone and it's sequel, Siege and Storm. I'm currently reading it right now and I've got to tell you---it's pretty darn good! I'm about 50 pages or so into Siege and Storm (my review for Shadow and Bone will be up during the week) and it's just as good as it's predecessor!   .....Thank you so much Alice!     From Simon & Schuster Australia....   -Paper Valentine by Brenna Yovanoff I don't mind Brenna Yovanoff's books. I've read two to date (The Replacement and Smoulder) and they're been alright reads. This one sounds really different and I'm not sure what to expect. Anyone read it themselves and can clue me in?   ....Thank you Caroline--you're a book goddess!!  

 

 

As you can plainly see the Owls have been quite good to me these past few months. Now, I just have to find the time to read all my treasure!   What you the Owls leave YOU this week?      

FREE KINDLE EBOOKS!

Hello happy book lovers!

Hope you're all having a fab Sunday! You know, if there's anything I love it's a good bargain. And if it's free? Get outta town....I'm in heaven! Below are a bunch of the FREE Kindle books I've stumbled upon on Amazon lately! Thought I would share them with you!





Tell me, which ones are you downloading?
Has anyone out there read any of these?

Book Shelf: Finale (Hush, Hush #4) by Becca Fitzpatrick

Will love conquer all?

Nora and Patch thought their troubles were behind them. Hank is gone and they should be able to put his ugly vendetta to rest. But in Hank's absence, Nora has become the unwitting head of the Nephilim and must finish what Hank began. Which ultimately means destroying the fallen angels - destroying Patch.

Nora will never let that happen, so she and Patch make a plan: lead everyone to believe they have broken up, and work the system from the inside. Nora will convince the Nephilim that they are making a mistake in fighting the fallen angels, and Patch will find out everything he can from the opposing side. They will end this war before it can even begin.

But the best-laid plans often go awry. Nora is put through the paces in her new role and finds herself drawn to an addictive power she never anticipated.

As the battle lines are drawn, Nora and Patch must confront the differences that have always been between them and either choose to ignore them or let them destroy the love they have always fought for.

More info on Goodreads.....


Review:

Finale marks the fitting and thrilling conclusion to the Hush, Hush series and with the Nephilim on the brink of war; the stakes have never been higher!

I’m truly sad to see this series come to an end. Becca Fitzpatrick has entertained me time and time again with tales of Nora and Patch’s adventures. Different storylines, merging together have seen Patch and Nora come together, be ripped apart, and all the while learning of Nora’s heritage. As these two have fought, and fought to be together, I’ve fallen in love with them more and more.

In true Fitzpatrick fashion, Finale was one rollar-coaster ride. There were happy moments, and sad, with betrayals, revelations and deaths all plaguing Nora and Patch. Becca Fitzpatrick is an excellent storyteller. Her writing is beautiful and intense and the chemistry and strength of Nora and Patch’s relationship has just grown with every novel. I yearn for intense moments between them and the wit and humour that also features in this series, usually where Patch is concerned, has just got me every time.

Now, I don’t want to give too much away for those who haven’t read this book, or the rest of the series, but Nora sure has changed from the girl we met in the beginning of Hush, Hush to now. She’s seen the dark world of the Nephilim and the Fallen Angels and has discovered shocking truths about herself along the way. You know what, I like Nora. I really do. I struggled with her back during Crescendo but I think she’s grown into the strongest, honourable individual she could be, all without loosing the flair and grace that made me like her in the first novel.

Patch! Gah! Becca Fitzpatrick has to have created one of the most smoking, sexy, perfect male leads in the history of the YA genre with him! Patch is so dark and sensual; intense and powerful; cocky and snarky....everything that makes him such a fun, alluring male lead. Patch, as a fallen angel, is physically perfect, but he’s lived a twisted life, doing things he wished he could forget and interacting with people he really shouldn’t have. There’s something so alluring about a guy who falls so hard, cares so much and will change so much of himself for the girl he loves. And that’s just what Patch does for Nora throughout this series.

  Nora and Patch have one of the most intense relationships in YA fiction in my opinion. Perhaps it’s the way Becca has written their romance, but they’re so sensual and electric. Their chemistry is off the charts and with Patch’s naughty nature and wit, the interactions between he and Nora are always garentueed to bring a smile to your face and/or get the blood pumping. These two as perfect together and despite what they are, and their histories, they know each other so well and it’s obvious that no matter what, nothing will ever come between them for long. (Patch simply wouldn’t allow it, lol).

Throughout this series we’ve met a range of characters, both good and evil, and I’m happy to see them back in this book. Vee, Scott, Marcie, Dante among others all make an appearance and play a part in the story, but if you think you know these guys, think again. Becca Fitzpatrick has lots of shocks in store where they’re concerned and as loyalties and friendships are tested their true characters come out in ways you possibly won’t expect. I know I sure didn’t see some of these revelations coming!

As Finale draws to a close, I almost tried to read slower and slower, simply to prolong the ending of this book. I’ve had so many great moments with the Hush, Hush series and as someone who’s been their from the beginning, Becca Fitzpatrick writes us a perfect ending; one not void of pain and tears, but one that gives us the ending we’ve always wanted for Patch and Nora......


Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Simon & Schuster Australia (Thank you Caroline!)
Format: Paperback
Buy it: Booktopia // The Nile // The Book Depository
Recommendation: Fans of angels and a good YA read will enjoy this.
Cover: I'm a fan of the covers for this series and this one is no exception--it's perfect!
Will I read sequel/continue with series: This is the last book in the Hush, Hush series, but I'll definitely read more from Becca Fitzpatrick

Book Shelf: When We Wake (When We Wake #1) by Karen Healey

My name is Tegan Oglietti, and on the last day of my first lifetime, I was so, so happy.

Sixteen-year-old Tegan is just like every other girl living in 2027--she's happiest when playing the guitar, she's falling in love for the first time, and she's joining her friends to protest the wrongs of the world: environmental collapse, social discrimination, and political injustice.

But on what should have been the best day of Tegan's life, she dies--and wakes up a hundred years in the future, locked in a government facility with no idea what happened.

Tegan is the first government guinea pig to be cryonically frozen and successfully revived, which makes her an instant celebrity--even though all she wants to do is try to rebuild some semblance of a normal life. But the future isn't all she hoped it would be, and when appalling secrets come to light, Tegan must make a choice: Does she keep her head down and survive, or fight for a better future?

Award-winning author Karen Healey has created a haunting, cautionary tale of an inspiring protagonist living in a not-so-distant future that could easily be our own.

More  info on Goodreads....


Review:

When We Wake is a fantastic edition to the Australian/New Zealand fiction world with Karen Healey's latest novel exploring deep hard-hitting issues and what it means to be human in this futuristic tale that will thoroughly entertain!

I was quite impressed with this book! Admittedly, I expected big things after reading the description, and while it wasn't exactly what I was expecting, what I discovered was an unexpected surprise. It's been a while since I've read a story set in right here in Australia and Healey's futuristic story of a world surprisingly not that different than the one we live in now was a breath of fresh air.

Author Karen Healy very cleverly explored the hard hitting issues of religion, racial discrimination, gender change, same sex relationships and more in this book. Set in futuristic Australia where so much has changed and yet nothing has changed, Healy steps outside the box as she introduces us to various characters of different backgrounds and personalities. It was really nice to see so much multiculturalism within When We Wake. There were characters of different physical physiques, backgrounds and cultures front and center in this story and with so many similar tales out there it was refreshing to read something that were so very different.

Our main character within When We Wake is Tegan Oglietti, a girl from the 21st century who wakes to find that not only did she die on one of the very best days of her life, but it's a hundred years later and everything she loves and everyone she knows is gone. My goodness did I really like Tegan as a character! Healy has written her so perfectly. Waking up to find her world entirely changed, the struggles and issues Tegan faces are so very plausible. You really feel for this girl as she attempts to adjust and make the best out of this world she lives in. The things she goes through are very plausible considering the situation and I think that this was a genius decision on Healy's part; to write the story, and Tegan, like that.

Tegan shares a sweet, blossoming romance with Abdi, a migrant to Australia and a "thirdie", an outcast who is severely impacted by the migrant policies that are in place during this time. She also forms a strong friendship with fellow army brat and Muslim journalist Bethari as well as a touching friendship with her guardian Marie. These characters are layered and not typical and their relationships with Tegan prove to be a great edition to the story.

When We Wake is nicely paced with an entertaining and interesting storyline which kept my attention from start to finish. With this chapter of Tegan's journey coming to a close, I find myself very eager to see what will happen next. Will she manage to rescue her captured friends? Will she be able to convince the public about the Ark Project and has Tegan and Abdi seen the last of the Inheritors of the Earth? Looking forward to what Karen Healy does with this series next!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review by Allen & Unwin (Thank you Lara!)
Format: Paperback
AU Release Date: Available now!
Buy it: Booktopia // The Nile // The Book Depository
Recommendation: Fans of the sci-fi/dystopian will enjoy this
Cover: Wow! This cover is amazing. It looks soooo amazing in real life--just amazing.
Will I read sequel/continue with series: Yes. I want to read more.