Review: Defy Me (Shatter Me #5) by Tahereh Mafi

Defy Me (Shatter Me #5)
Tahereh Mafi 
Release Date: April 4th, 2019
Publishers: Egmont 
Genre: Dystopia, YA
Source: For Review
Pages: 368
Goodreads: Add to TBR

 

The gripping fifth installment in the New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestselling Shatter Me series. Will Juliette’s broken heart make her vulnerable to the strengthening darkness within her?

Juliette’s short tenure as the supreme commander of North America has been an utter disaster. When the children of the other world leaders show up on her doorstep, she wants nothing more than to turn to Warner for support and guidance. But he shatters her heart when he reveals that he’s been keeping secrets about her family and her identity from her—secrets that change everything.

Juliette is devastated, and the darkness that’s always dwelled within her threatens to consume her. An explosive encounter with unexpected visitors might be enough to push her over the edge.

The Review: Anyone who knows me knows I absolutely adore the Shatter Me series. I’ve been a massive fan since day one and so, I was more than happy to hear that the author had decided to write more books in the series. Defy Me is the fifth instalment and it definitely had a lot of expectations to live up to. The previous four books were nothing short of amazing and I was eagerly excited to see what the next instalment would bring.

After the events of Restore Me, Juliette and Warner are now in the hands of an enemy who claim to be long lost family. Being kept imprisoned and weak, being put through experiments is all a part of the test. But Juliette and Warner’s bond is stronger than ever even though they are apart but they are unable to escape without outside help. So it’s down to Kenji to try and rescue his friends in time. 

Defy Me was a good instalment and it’s one I’m glad I read, however without sounding to negative this book was a little repetitive. I kind of felt like I had go back to the start of the series where Juliette is locked up and weak. It had very much the same feeling and I honestly hate seeing Juliette like that when she is such a strong character. I was just waiting for the story to progress but I guess you could say this book kind of felt like a filler book. Not much really happens until the end. 

Kenji has always been a character I have loved and I was very excited to hear we would have his point of view in the story.  It makes sense why she would add in his point of view because so much is happening behind the scenes when Juliette or Warner aren’t present. This book very much felt like Kenji’s story.  While I love him, I love Juliette and Warner more so I would much prefer the author to focus on them more. 

One thing that the author never fails to deliver on is shocking revelations and yes, there is plenty to keep you on the edge of your sit throughout Defy Me. And we finally find out the truth about Warner and Juliette’s childhood. And it was definitely worth the wait. I adore soulmate stories so their story was perfect for me.

While Defy Me wasn’t my favourite from the series, it was still very enjoyable and one that still kept me turning the pages.  I was so very happy to be back with my favourite characters and I cannot wait to see how this series ends in Imagine Me. 

Thank you to Egmont for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review. 

                                                                      Rating: Liked it - 3.5 flowers 

Review: A Curse so Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer

A Curse so Dark and Lonely (Cursebreakers #1) 

Brigid Kemmerer

Release Date: January 1st, 2019
Publishers: Bloomsbury UK
Genre: Fantasy, Re-Telling, YA
Source: For Review
Pages: 496
Goodreads: Add to TBR 

 

In a lush, contemporary fantasy retelling of Beauty and the Beast, Brigid Kemmerer gives readers another compulsively readable romance perfect for fans of Marissa Meyer.

Fall in love, break the curse. 

It once seemed so easy to Prince Rhen, the heir to Emberfall. Cursed by a powerful enchantress to repeat the autumn of his eighteenth year over and over, he knew he could be saved if a girl fell for him. But that was before he learned that at the end of each autumn, he would turn into a vicious beast hell-bent on destruction. That was before he destroyed his castle, his family, and every last shred of hope.

Nothing has ever been easy for Harper. With her father long gone, her mother dying, and her brother barely holding their family together while constantly underestimating her because of her cerebral palsy, she learned to be tough enough to survive. But when she tries to save someone else on the streets of Washington, DC, she's instead somehow sucked into Rhen's cursed world.

Break the curse, save the kingdom. 

A prince? A monster? A curse? Harper doesn't know where she is or what to believe. But as she spends time with Rhen in this enchanted land, she begins to understand what's at stake. And as Rhen realizes Harper is not just another girl to charm, his hope comes flooding back. But powerful forces are standing against Emberfall . . . and it will take more than a broken curse to save Harper, Rhen, and his people from utter ruin. 

The Review: I’m a huge fan of Brigid Kemmerer’s work. From her paranormal books to contemporary books, everything I have read by her I have always really enjoyed, so as soon as I heard about A Curse so Dark and Lonely I just knew I had to read it and I honestly couldn’t contain my excitement when a review copy turned up and I literally dived straight in to read it. And once again Brigid wow’s me because this definitely didn’t disappointed.

A Curse so Dark and Lonely is a YA fantasy re-telling of the classic Beauty and the Beast with a modern contemporary twist. It follows a teenage girl named Harper who has Cerebral Palsy while trying to look after her struggling family. It’s when she is trying to help her brother that she is kidnapped and taken to another world called Emberfall, a world that has fallen under a deadly curse and she may be the key to breaking it.  

The characters of this story are really likeable. Harper is an interesting girl that after all her struggles in life, remains strong through the story. She doesn’t let her Cerebral Palsy stop her from doing the things she loves and refuses to be judged on her condition. We honestly need more refreshing YA characters like her and she was a pleasure to get to know. 

Rhen is also immediately likable. It takes a while to really find out who is he because he’s so used to hiding behind the curse that has affected his whole life and he is suffering because of how much his people are suffering. I really loved the banter between him and Harper. I’m always a sucker for true love stories and this really hit the spot. 

And then we have Grey. A character that became a friend to Harper but who is also hiding so much. I’m so glad we will get to find out what happens with him because how this story ends was something I definitely wasn’t expecting. It was a very good twist! 

I thoroughly enjoyed A Curse so Dark and Lonely and will eagerly look forward to reading more. I’m so glad Brigid decided to write something like this because there is always room for more fantasy books and Brigid has fit right in. 

Thank you to Bloomsbury UK for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review. 

                                                                       Rating: Really liked it - 4 flowers

{Feature Post} Bookworm Candles and Crafts: Candle of the Month

Happy December! We can officially start counting down for Christmas. We are back this month with another Candle of the Month deal for you by Bookworm Candles and Crafts. So today I am sharing with you December's  candle of the month where you can buy the candle of the month for at a fantastic discounted price of just £5.

December's offer of the month is

Weasley Sweater.

Weasley Sweater candle is the perfect Christmas themed candle and even more perfect for you Harry Potter fans. Who doesn't love Harry Potter!

This magical Christmas sweater themed candle smells juniper berries, pine and warm cotton which gives it a great festive feel to it. And looks so pretty with it's silver glittered tinted wax top. 

It is available from today throughout the whole of December but there is only a limited amount of these so make sure you’re quick.

Unfortunately rep codes will not work with this candle but if you wish to purchase any other items while purchasing the Book Blogging candle you can use this special rep code: BLOGGERS20 for 20% all other items.  You can purchase it here: https://bookwormcandles.co.uk 

{Feature Post} Bookworm Candles & Craft: Candle of the Month

We are back this month with another Candle of the Month deal for you by Bookworm Candles and Crafts. So today I am sharing with you November's candle of the month  where you can buy the candle of the month for at a fantastic discounted price of just £5.

November's offer of the month is

BOOK BLOGGING

The Book Blogging candle is apart of Just a Little Bookish Range by Bookworm Candle and Crafts which will have six candles and have new and improved candles.  

Book Blogging has a warm yummy scent that smells like vanilla and banana. Perfect for those cozy nights in blogging! 

It is available from today throughout the whole of November but there is only a limited amount of these so make sure you’re quick.

Unfortunately rep codes will not work with this candle but if you wish to purchase any other items while purchasing the Book Blogging candle you can use this special rep code: BLOGGERS20 for 20% all other items.  You can purchase it here: https://bookwormcandles.co.uk/

Keep your eyes peeled for December's candle of the month!

{Blog Tour} The Haunting of Violet Gray by Emily Sadovna

Posted by Donna
Release Date: October 31st, 2018

Publishers: MG Publishing 
Genre: YA Paranormal 

Pages: 306
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo 

A dark tale of witch craft, time travel and conspiracy 

Witchcraft
Cat is inexplicably drawn to a beautiful mansion where she is seduced into the heady world of modern witchcraft. Opening herself to magic, her mind reveals the impossible. Cat becomes plagued by the paranormal happenings of the house and the desperate whispers of a long-dead girl.

Time Travel
Cursed with the gift of astral travel, Cat discovers a witch’s journal which anchors her mind to the summer of 1940. She witnesses events that lead to a secret occultist ritual.

Conspiracy
Can Cat piece together the clues before the sun rises at the Mabon feast? Can she prevent a repeat of the disastrous ritual? An event so scandalous and deadly it remained a state secret for over eighty years. What terrible price must be paid to stop it happening again? This time, on a devastating scale, engineered for the Twenty-first Century.

Emily Sadovna’s Favourite Halloween books.

With the autumn evenings drawing in, Halloween is the perfect time to cozy down with a good book. Here are my favourite books to revisit over Halloween:

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. 

I heard a story of how Mary Shelley, Percy Shelley and Lord Byron were stranded in their villa near a lake with a storm lashing down on them where Byron challenged them to write a scary story. That was where Frankenstein came into fruition. I adore the darkness and tenderness of the story. The idea of man attempting to over-rule nature and harnessing the power of the storm to make life and witnessing the heartbreaking consequences of his ambition is compulsive reading for me. 

The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilmore. 

I studied this for my A Levels. There was something about it that haunted me and stayed with me my whole life.  A woman driven is to insanity by the oppression of a controlling man, seeking solace in the arms of an otherworldly woman trapped behind the wall paper who later frees her mind from her own dark reality. I have long been fascinated by alternate realities and the fine line between sanity and madness. 

The Shining by Stephen King  

I read this as a teenager then went on the become addicted to his books as well as James Herbert. I have never seen a ghost, but I have never doubted their existence. I once went on a ghost tour of Dudley castle where I learn that ghosts are like memories of people trapped with in the walls of the houses they occupied or died in. The way the vast empty hotel wakes and gradually consumes Jack is chilling. I can’t forget REDRUM, you might see a homage to this in my book. 

The Woman in the Mirror by Rebecca James 

This is a recent discovery. I was toying with a similar name so I wondered if the contents had any parallels. It was a creepy, gothic story, like mine, set in dual times. Again the house seduces and begins to consume the main protagonist. 

The Graces by Laure Eve

I was recommended The Graces and I zipped through it. It’s set in Cornwall, an area buzzing with magic and myth as well as being a cool hangout. Laure blurs the lines between magic, the discoveries of adolescence and coping with real and raw issues. We see a girl find herself with the help of a family of beautiful people with power. Then the story takes a dark and unexpected turn…

The Spell Book of the Lost and Found by Moira Fowley-Doyle

You are thrown into a party, like many I went to as a teenager, and I am sure still go on. That night everyone lost something, some things more significant than others as the story unfolds the main characters uncover lost secrets. The web expands and connects and takes twists and turns you can’t guess. I like unpredictable stories.

Author bio:

Born in Essex, Emily Sadovna grew up near Oxford. Trained in fashion journalism, Emily’s career began as a window dresser and freelance stylist. Later, Emily launched her own deli and catering business and learnt the art of chocolate making. She went on to qualify as a food and nutrition teacher at a secondary school and now teaches primary school children to cook in afterschool clubs. 
Emily’s pen name originates from her Polish grandfather. Her imagination derives from a line of formidable women all with wonderful stories to tell. She lives with her husband and their two daughters on the edge of the New Forest in Hampshire. The Haunting of Violet Gray is her first novel. 

www.emilysadovna.com

instagram: EmilySadovna 

www.facebook.com/EmilySadovna 

Twitter @EmilySadovna

{Review} Dear Evan Hansen: The Novel by Val Emmich + UK Giveaway

Posted by Laura (Guest Reviewer)
Release Date: October 9th, 2019
Finished Date: October 2nd, 2019

Publishers: Penguin
Genre: Contemporary, Fiction, YA
Source: For Review
Format: Hardcover 

Pages: 368
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo 

 

From the show's creators comes the groundbreaking novel inspired by the Broadway smash hit Dear Evan Hansen.

Dear Evan Hansen,

Today's going to be an amazing day and here's why...

When a letter that was never meant to be seen by anyone draws high school senior Evan Hansen into a family's grief over the loss of their son, he is given the chance of a lifetime: to belong. He just has to stick to a lie he never meant to tell, that the notoriously troubled Connor Murphy was his secret best friend.

Suddenly, Evan isn't invisible anymore--even to the girl of his dreams. And Connor Murphy's parents, with their beautiful home on the other side of town, have taken him in like he was their own, desperate to know more about their enigmatic son from his closest friend. As Evan gets pulled deeper into their swirl of anger, regret, and confusion, he knows that what he's doing can't be right, but if he's helping people, how wrong can it be?

No longer tangled in his once-incapacitating anxiety, this new Evan has a purpose. And a website. He's confident. He's a viral phenomenon. Every day is amazing. Until everything is in danger of unraveling and he comes face to face with his greatest obstacle: himself.

A simple lie leads to complicated truths in this big-hearted coming-of-age story of grief, authenticity and the struggle to belong in an age of instant connectivity and profound isolation.

The Review: “Even when the dark comes crashing through, when you need a friend to carry you and when you’re broken on the ground, you will be found.”

Having been constantly obsessed with the Dear Evan Hansen soundtrack and watching YouTube videos of the cast singing on repeat. I was overjoyed to receive a early copy. As I don’t see myself visiting Broadway anytime soon. As much as I wish I was. 

So the novelisation of The Broadway show is the closest I’ll get. From the first page I was pulled into this fabulous story and all its characters had me gripped. 

I read this book in two sittings and was so sad when I had no more pages left to read. It’s official I’m Dear Evan Hansen trash, I’m even more in love than before. 

Thank you to Penguin for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

{Blog Tour} The Caged Queen (Iskari #2) by Kristen Ciccarelli

Posted by Donna
Release Date: September 25th, 2018
Finished Date: September 19th, 2018

Publishers: Gollancz
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Source: For Review
Format: paperback

Pages: 400
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo 

 

Once there were two sisters born with a bond so strong that it forged them together forever. When they were angry, mirrors shattered, and when they were happy, flowers bloomed. It was a magic they cherished - until the day a terrible accident took Essie's life and trapped her soul in this world.

Dax - the heir to Firgaard's throne - was responsible for the accident. Roa swore to hate him forever. But eight years later he returned, begging for her help. He was determined to dethrone his cruel father, under whose oppressive reign Roa's people had suffered. Roa made him a deal: she'd give him the army he needed if he made her queen.

Together with Dax and his sister, Asha, Roa and her people waged war and deposed a tyrant. But now Asha is on the run, hiding from the price on her head. And Roa is an outlander queen, far from home and married to her enemy. Worst of all: Dax's promises go unfulfilled. Roa's people continue to suffer.

Then a chance to right every wrong arises - an opportunity for Roa to rid herself of this enemy king and rescue her beloved sister. During the Relinquishing, when the spirits of the dead are said to return, Roa can reclaim her sister for good.

All she has to do is kill the king.

The Review: The Caged Queen is the second book in Kristen Ciccarelli’s Iskari series and this time around we have Roa and Dax’s story and don’t worry, this book features some very interesting old stories that keep you captivated from start to finish.

The starts only a few days have passed since the events of The Last Namsara so as a reader you really don’t miss out on anything. I was so pleased when I finished The Last Namsara I had this book ready and waiting for me because I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next.

Both characters are in the first book so, it was nice to already be familiar with them. Dax is Asha’s brother and Roa is Dax’s new wife. They married to join their forces together to overcome the Dragon King. I really wasn’t sure what their story would bring. There is a lot of miscommunication between the pair and as a lot of history to uncover as well. They each don’t know if they can trust the other and both having to play a role made for a lot of drama and suspense to the story while you could see that these two characters deeply character for one another.

What made this book for me was that we got chapters from the past from when the characters were younger. It made me understand their friendships and relationships with each other as well with Roa’s sister Essie. It made me root for these characters all the more, I wanted them all to have that happy ending that they all deserved. But I also love how each characters story is linked with the other. Even though Asha and Torwin aren’t a big part of this story, they stories are still entwined and brings the story all together.

I was literally on the edge of my seat the whole time while reading this book because it’s just so captivating and compelling. The authors writing is so addictive that I wish I’d savoured this book more but it was simply impossible to put down.

The Caged Queen is a fantastic follow up to The Last Namsara. These books are definitely a favourite of mine and I’m dying to hear news on the third book because I just can’t wait to get my hands on it.

Thank you to Gollancz for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review. 

{Feature Post} Bookworm Candles & Crafts: October's Candle of the Month

We all love candles right? Well today I’m sharing with you a very special offer that Bookworm Candles and Crafts have. This will be a new monthly offer starting this month where you can buy the offer of the month for at a fantastic discounted price of £5.

October’s offer of the month is

THE CROCHAN QUEEN

And if you’re a fan of the Throne of Glass series you will know which character this candle relates to.

The Crochan Queen has a gorgeous dark fruit scent with warm woods, jasmine, iris, dewberry and pomegranate. 

Doesn’t the candle look gorgeous? And don’t forget it’s only £5 for an 8oz tin which is an absolute steal!

It is available from today throughout the whole of October but there is only a limited amount of these so make sure you’re quick.

Unfortunately rep codes will not work with this candle but if you wish to purchase any other items while purchasing The Crochan Queen you can use my rep code: DONNABOOKWORM20 for 20% all other items.  You can purchase it here: https://bookwormcandles.co.uk/

Keep your eyes peeled for November’s candle of the month!

{Review} The Last Namsara (Iskari #1) by Kristen Cicceralli

Posted by Donna
Release Date: October 12th, 2017
Finished Date: September 18th,  2018

Publishers: Gollancz
Genre: Fantasy, Romance 
Source: Bought
Format: Hardback

Pages: 420
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo 

 

In the beginning, there was the Namsara: the child of sky and spirit, who carried love and laughter wherever he went. But where there is light, there must be darkness—and so there was also the Iskari. The child of blood and moonlight. The destroyer. The death-bringer.

These are the legends that Asha, daughter of the king of Firgaard, has grown up learning in hushed whispers, drawn to the forbidden figures of the past. But it isn’t until she becomes the fiercest, most feared dragon slayer in the land that she takes on the role of the next Iskari—a lonely destiny that leaves her feeling more like a weapon than a girl.

Asha conquers each dragon and brings its head to the king, but no kill can free her from the shackles that await at home: her betrothal to the cruel commandant, a man who holds the truth about her nature in his palm. When she’s offered the chance to gain her freedom in exchange for the life of the most powerful dragon in Firgaard, she finds that there may be more truth to the ancient stories than she ever could have expected. With the help of a secret friend—a slave boy from her betrothed’s household—Asha must shed the layers of her Iskari bondage and open her heart to love, light, and a truth that has been kept from her.

The Review: Who loves a story about dragons? Well I do and all I knew going into The Last Namsara was that this story was about dragons and about a warrior girl who told forbidden stories. And I’m so glad that it didn’t disappoint!

The Last Namsara is a spellbinding and powerful story and one that once I started was so hard to put down. Author Kristen Ciccarelli provides a story that is story telling at its best where stories are woven into each chapter making it a captivating read. I adored getting to the story parts of the book because I could try to and see how they would connect to Asha’s story.

Asha is an interesting character, one that develops and opens up more with the development of the story. She’s been trained all her life to hate dragons because the first dragon, Kozu burned her when she was a little girl and since them she does her father’s bidding in hunting and killing them. It’s when the opportunity comes for her to get out of an arranged marriage by killing Kozu, it’s there that fate steps in and Asha starts questioning all she’s believed in.

I really loved Asha. I loved her story, I loved how she adapts to the things around her and I loved how she cares for the people around her. I definitely think Torwin and Kozu soften Asha and make her open her eyes and think for herself. Towrin, Safire, Dax, Shadow and Kozu also all play a huge part in the story and I came to care for each and every one of them.

I also loved that the story isn’t over! I’m glad there are more books to come even though they will be about different characters. The Caged Queen which is Dax and Roa’s story is next and they played a big part of Asha’s story that I can’t wait to see what happens next.

The Last Namsara is definitely an instant favourite of mine and it’s one I highly recommend.

{Review} Poison Princess (Arcana Chronicles #1) by Kresley Cole

Posted by Donna

Release Date: October 2nd, 2012

Finished Date: August 28th, 2018

Publishers: Simon & Schuster 

Source: Own

Format: Hardback 

Pages: 384
Buy : Amazon UK / Amazon US/ The Book Depo

Sixteen year old Evangeline “Evie” Greene leads a charmed life, until she begins experiencing horrifying hallucinations. When an apocalyptic event decimates her Louisiana hometown, Evie realizes her hallucinations were actually visions of the future—and they’re still happening. Fighting for her life and desperate for answers, she must turn to her wrong-side-of-the-bayou classmate: Jack Deveaux.
But she can’t do either alone.
With his mile-long rap sheet, wicked grin, and bad attitude, Jack is like no boy Evie has ever known. Even though he once scorned her and everything she represented, he agrees to protect Evie on her quest. She knows she can’t totally depend on Jack. If he ever cast that wicked grin her way, could she possibly resist him?
Who can Evie trust?
As Jack and Evie race to find the source of her visions, they meet others who have gotten the same call. An ancient prophesy is being played out, and Evie is not the only one with special powers. A group of twenty-two teens has been chosen to reenact the ultimate battle between good and evil. But it’s not always clear who is on which side….

The Review: This was my first book by author Kresley Cole and honestly she couldn't have done it any better. She had me compelled from the very first page with her amazing talent for storytelling and also for her intense and incredible scenes. It's safe to say, Poison Princess is a gripping page turner! 

This story follows the life of teenager Evangeline 'Evie' Greene. She's a popular girl, with a loving boyfriend and awesome friends, but even though her life appears to be normal, it's anything but. Evie experiences hallucinations but mostly they are disturbing and horrifying. Not only that but Evie also gets visions of people that she's never met and they come with warnings. But soon it's to late for Evie to figure these warnings out because her hometown - including the rest of the world has been hit by an apocalyptic event called 'The Flash' where most people are wiped out. 

Evie is among the survivors and soon enough she finds out that the one person she hates is alive - Jackson. Evie needs answers about her visions and decides she needs to travel to see her grandmother - who she thinks is still alive. Jackson agrees to protect Evie on her mission but as her visions get worse, she soon comes across other people who have been having the same call, and she realizes she is not the only who is meant to play out their destiny. 

Let me tell you right now, this book is so unique! Twenty-two teens who all have special abilities based on their characteristics of their Tarot card so they can play their part in an ancient game made by the Gods and Goddesses. Honestly, I've not read anything like this book before and I'm still in awe with how brilliant it really is. 

Evie is a strong protagonist - one I instantly loved. She has the weight of the world on her shoulders and still she tries to remain upbeat, happy and generally tries to stay sane. Even after the flash, she tries to remain the same even though as Jackson points out on a number of occasions, she can't hunt, start fires or protect herself - but you know there's something bubbling under the surface of Evie and it's just waiting to be unleashed. At time's my heart broke for her because whatever is happening to her, she has no control over and at times it is very scary. I'm glad she had a person like Jackson to lean on because without him, I think she would have struggled. 

Now Jackson, oh gosh, he's a complete bayou boy through and through. However, he can be so harsh and mean sometimes and yes, he does do stupid things but really, you can overlook everything because he's a total sweetheart at heart. It was pretty clear from the start that he was attracted to Evie - despite how he acts and even in the end, he'll always go to her. Their relationship is pretty intense and I was just waiting for something to happen. 

Then, that ending comes in and no sooner than you started....it's all finished...I could have cried. This book is simply unputdownable and I couldn't stop reading until I knew the how the book would end and it was absolutely breath-taking and heart-breaking all at the same time! 

Overall, Kresley Cole has leaped into the YA market by a storm and it's left me wanting more of her work. 

{Review} Top Ten by Katie Cotungo

Posted by Donna
Release Date: October 3rd, 2017 
Finished Date: August 15th, 2018

Publishers: Balzer + Bray
Genre: Contemporary, Romance 
Source: For Review
Format: eARC 

Pages: 320
Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo 

 

Ryan McCullough and Gabby Hart are the unlikeliest of friends. Introverted, anxious Gabby would rather do literally anything than go to a party. Ryan is a star hockey player who can get any girl he wants—and does, frequently. But against all odds, they became not only friends, but each other’s favorite person. Now, as they face high school graduation, they can’t help but take a moment to reminisce and, in their signature tradition, make a top ten list—counting down the top ten moments of their friendship: 

10. Where to begin? Maybe the night we met.
9. Then there was our awkward phase.
8. When you were in love with me but never told me…
7. Those five months we stopped talking were the hardest of my life.
6. Through terrible fights…
5. And emotional makeups.
4. You were there for me when I got my heart broken.
3. …but at times, you were also the one breaking it.
2. Above all, you helped me make sense of the world.
1. Now, as we head off to college—how am I possibly going to live without you?

The Review: I was excited to start Top Ten by Katie Contungo because I’ve read a couple of the author’s other books and have always come away happy. This is no different from Top Ten, I enjoyed it but I definitely thought it could have been better.

Best friends Gabby and Ryan have always had a connection. Their friendship has never made sense to either of them because they are the complete opposite. Ryan is a popular Hockey player and Gabby keeps to herself because of her social anxiety. When one night their friendship changes into something more, this story tells us their story from becoming friends to everything that happens in between being told through their top favourite moments of their friendship. 

I really liked the idea of the story being told through the character’s top ten moments. It was definitely interesting but I have to say it was slightly confusing because the story jumps from different moments in the past in no particular order. So one moment could be from Junior year, while the next could be Sophomore year or Freshman year. It was honestly a little hard to keep track of the story this way. For me I felt like the story would have worked better had they had alternative chapters from past to present. Because in all honestly, it was the present story I was more interested in. 

I liked both characters, Ryan more so than Gabby who struggled with several issues and refused to do anything about it all the while putting pressure on Ryan to deal with his own issues. There was some really sweet moments through the story but also some moments that really made you connect to the characters. 

The ending, really? Can I even say it was an ending? I hate open endings and unfortunately Top Ten provides no conclusion to what actually happens to the characters – did they get together? Did they remain friends? I guess it’s down to each person to decide but after spending the last 320 pages reading about these characters I was really disappointed by this ending. There isn’t even an epilogue. 

Thank you to Balzer + Bray for giving me the opportunity to review this book in exchange for an honest review.