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Kahayatle (Apocalypsis, #1)
Elle Casey | 2012
8
7.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
I can't actually remember where I got this - probably Instafreebie or from the author's newsletter - but I know I got my copy for free.

The book's about a couple of kids coming together after the death of every adult and young child. It's hard to survive, with everyone fighting over any supplies, but things are getting really bad - as in, cannibalism bad.

Bryn partners herself with the skinny, gay kid hiding next door, despite knowing he's not gonna be much help in the defense department. He tells her about the death of his little sister - eaten by other kids. They decide it's no longer safe to stay where they are, and are proven right when attacked inside their home. They plan to retreat to the everglades, where the swamps should be inhospitable enough for others to avoid them, but still safe enough to survive in. On their way, they find Bodo, a German exchange student.

Eventually, they do end up at their destination. But the everglades - or Kahayatle, as the indians call it - hold many new problems.

I did notice a fair few grammar mistakes, and just generally found this book a little unprofessional at times. Often, I find unprofessional books really hard to read - but I actually enjoyed this. I'm even considering buying (or borrowing) the rest of the series.

The tiny bits of romance did seem a little out-of-place, not integrated particularly well sometimes. But I suppose it'll be developed later in the series, and I didn't find it too lovey or anything, which is definitely good.

With a bit more polishing, I think this could easily be a 4 star book. But for now, I'm going to give it 3.5. It was a good read, but there are some improvements that could be made.
  
The Hate U Give (2018)
The Hate U Give (2018)
2018 | Crime, Drama
Let me start by saying that this is an incredibly powerful film. There's not a single member of the cast that I didn't believe in their role, and at no point during the film did I stop to wonder why something happened or what was going on. The whole thing flowed perfectly.

There are stellar performances from everyone, but I was really pleased to see Amandla Stenberg in this role. It's a strong lead which was a great relief as I wasn't overly enthusiastic after seeing some of her previous roles. Regina Hall really hit home for me too, I'm used to her as a comedic actor so this break from that was surprising and very welcome. She did still get the chance for moments of humour, they're just not as over the top as we might be used to.

This is an adaptation of the young adult book of the same name by Angie Thomas. While the protagonist is indeed a teenage girl the film certainly doesn't limit itself to that audience. Many adaptations before this have made it difficult to see its success past the intended age group but I can see this being popular on so many levels. It's a tough subject handled in an excellent way. This really feels like something special.

If I have to quibble about something it's that the ending feels a little too "and they all lived happily ever after". I don't know if that's how it ends in the book or not, I'm going to find out. It's still a good ending though, regardless.

What should you do?

See it. No haggling about ticket prices, it's worth every penny.

Movie thing you wish you could take home

The film doesn't quite fall into the category for this part of my post, but I'd really want Starr's determination and courage.
  
Immortal (The Awakening Series #2)
Immortal (The Awakening Series #2)
Dean Murray | 2015 | Romance, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Young Adult (YA)
10
10.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
So what happens when you start reading a book and find out that not only does it involve insta-love but also love triangles - both of which you hate?! You carry on reading, that's what! Because by the time you realised, you were already hooked into the story and there wasn't a snowball's chance in hell of putting it down until it was finished. That's what happens when you read a book by Dean Murray.

Immortal is the second book in The Awakening Series and continues exactly where Reborn finished. You find out that Kyle and Selene were actually together WAY before Jace and Selene were. So how does Kyle fit into the scenario? I was fully prepared to dislike Kyle, after all, Jace and Selene were the ones that needed to be together, right? The trouble is I couldn't actually dislike him. You will have to read the book yourself to understand why but trust me, he's not a straightforward "villain".

There are quiet times when Selene (and you) find pieces out of the puzzle and there are also times of action, fighting and battles. Then there are the emotional times that you become invested in.

This story continues to be intriguing and complex with plot twists and turns that keep you on your toes. It was completely un-put-down-able and I loved every moment. Even though this book deals with tropes that I usually find irritating, the way Immortal has been written makes it a pleasure to read. Highly recommended to all fans of Young Adult, Contemporary Paranormal.
 
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
 
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
March 5, 2015