The Night Eternal (The Strain Trilogy, #3)

By Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan

Narrated by Daniel Oreskes

Image From Goodreads

[The nail-biting vampire thriller from the world famous-director of Pan's Labyrinth and Hellboy.

The night belongs to them, and it will be a night eternal... After the blasts, it was all over.

Nuclear Winter has settled upon the earth. Except for one hour of sunlight a day, the whole world is plunged into darkness. It is a near-perfect environment for vampires. They have won. It is their time. Almost every single man, woman and child has been enslaved in vast camps across the globe. Like animals, they are farmed, harvested for the sick pleasure of the Master Race.

Almost, but not all. Somewhere out there, hiding for their lives, is a desperate network of free humans, continue the seemingly hopeless resistance. Everyday people, with no other options - among them Dr Ephraim Goodweather, his son Zack, the veteran exterminator Vassily, and former gangbanger Gus.

To be free, they need a miracle, they need divine intervention. But salvation can be a twisted game - one in which they may be played like pawns in a battle of Good and Evil. And at what cost?]

I really wanted this to be good, but after the demise of two crucial characters and another minor character at the end of the previous one, this final instalment just didn't really do it for me.

I get that a story needs to tie up all loose ends but it wasn't as dramatic as it could have been, even though barely any of the main characters actually did seem to survive.

The Master didn't seem as threatening in this one because of his association with Zach. In fact, the vampires didn't seem very threatening at all, not even in the camps where they enslaved the humans to be their food supply.

I felt like more time could have been spent in the camps to increase this threat. They broke Nora out way too quickly for my liking.

I also didn't really like the narrator as much. For some reason it was only in this one that I picked up on the fact that I didn't like the way he did the different voices, even though he narrated the second one too.

Dutch never did make an appearance and there was an odd romance at the end that I don't know how I feel about. Gus was too full on and irritating as time went on as well.

I like the TV show so much. I'm incredibly disappointed that the books didn't entirely live up to it. I hope the final season is better - there are huge differences with a couple of characters included where they haven't been in the books. 

I do feel though - even with the series - that the threat has lessened. I feel like I've said it before but it's the outbreak of a virus that is the most fun and tense to read as people are dying all over the place whereas when the virus has fully taken over and only a handful of people survive, it's not all that surprising if they die or live because you've kind of grown numb to it all from the beginning.

Eh, I would only recommend the first book in this series alone I think.

☽

The Fall (The Strain Trilogy, #2)

By Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan

Narrated by Daniel Oreskes

Image From Audible

[Humans have been displaced at the top of the food chain, and now understand - to their outright horror - what it is to be not the consumer, but the consumed. Ephraim Goodweather, director of the New York office of the Centers for Disease control, is one of the few humans who understands what is really happening. Vampires have arrived in New York City, and their condition is contagious. If they cannot be contained, the entire world is at risk of infection. As Eph becomes consumed with the battle against the total corruption of humanity, his ex-wife, Kelly, now a vampire herself, is ever-more determined to claim their son, Zack. As the Biblical origins of the Ancient ones are gradually revealed, Eph learns that there is a greater, more terrible plan in store for the human race - worse even than annihilation...]

I actually wanted to write about the Chinese New Year Celebrations we went to on Sunday but I feel that it deserves more of my time and concentration, so for now, here is another review.

I quite enjoyed this second instalment, but not as much as the first one. I didn't feel as engaged.

Although there was the imminent threat of the vampires, obviously, it wasn't as immediate for me anymore because, well, the outbreak is the most exciting part, right? It has immediate consequences of who gets infected and who survives. So once the main outbreak has claimed the majority of the human race it doesn't quite seem as scary (obviously I wouldn't be saying that for a real virus outbreak).

As I'd already seen the series, I knew somewhat of the plot (although I feel like it almost lacked in this one, not a whole lot actually happened) so wasn't too surprised about what did happen.

Eichorst made his appearance (hallelujah!) but he wasn't as horrible as he is in the series which is a little bit disappointing. Still no Dutch (I reckon they used their "artistic licence" for the show and created her).

But I do like Zach better in the books. He's a right little twat in the TV show (good technical term there) and I don't particularly like him, but in this - so far - he's alright.

I'm a little surprised by the ending of this one though. Something that didn't happen in the TV series is definitely something good as I didn't see it coming. I'm now perplexed as to what to expect in the final one!

☽

The Infernal Devices: Book 3, Clockwork Princess

By Cassandra Clare.

[As Tessa Gray prepares for her wedding, a net of
shadows begins to tighten around the Shadowhunters
of the London Institute. Mortmain needs one last item
to complete his plan. He needs Tessa. Jem and Will,
the boys who lay equal claim to Tessa's heart,
will do anything to save her.]

I reallyyyyyy need to start writing these up as I finish them like I do on Goodreads!

I've actually managed to become quite organised this year (so far). I pack my lunch the night before work, I stop watching TV by half eight/nine o'clock, I get ready for bed by half nine and leave myself plenty of time to read as I have set myself a higher goal of 50 books this year.

I'm also running regularly and eating healthier which was a main goal last year but it sort of fizzled out towards the end of the year.

But no, this year I'm running alone more and my driving is way more confident. I'm itching to get out more and actually do stuff, so now all I need to do is write these posts up as soon as I finish a book...

Can't be that hard, can it?

I wonder how long this will all last.

The review today is for the final in the Clockwork trilogy. I finished it ages ago so I only really remember the basic outline.

But I loved it. Even more, I think I'm in love with one of the fictional characters. 

Haha, whoops.

He's just so dreamy and chiselled.

My God though, I was so distraught when I finished it!

The epilogue shattered my heart into a million pieces. It was such a bittersweet ending what with it sort of working out okay in the end, but sort of not? I don't know, I can't say too much without giving it away.

From unexpected deaths, twists, romantic notions, drama and and one hell of a battle, this book and the storyline is by far the best of Cassandra Clare's work that I've read so far.

I can't even say that much else without spoiling it. I'm blown away and a little lost for words.

I didn't want it to end. I wanted to be in Tessa's world forever.

These three books outrank the six Mortal Instruments by far for me.

I will definitely be re-reading these again at least.



☽

The Wise Man's Fear

By Patrick Rothfuss.

Narrated by Rupert Degas.

Image From Goodreads

[Sequel to the extraordinary THE NAME OF THE WIND, THE 

WISE MAN'S FEAR is the second instalment of this superb

fantasy trilogy from Patrick Rothfuss. This is the most exciting 

fantasy series since George R. R. Martin's A SONG OF ICE AND

FIRE, a must-read for all fans of HBO's GAME OF THRONES.

Picking up the tale of Kvothe Kingkiller once again, we follow

him into exile, into political intrigue, courtship, adventure, love

and magic... and further along the path that has turned Kvothe,

the mightiest magician of his age, a legend in his own time, into

Kote, the unassuming pub landlord.

Packed with as much magic, adventure and home-grown drama

as THE NAME OF THE WIND, this is a sequel in every way the

equal to its predecessor and a must-read for all fantasy fans.

Readable, engaging and gripping THE WISE MAN'S FEAR is the

biggest and the best new fantasy novel out there.]

I have a tonne of reviews to write up, so bear with me if there's not many lifestyle posts around!

I am falling more and more in love with these books. Patrick Rothfuss' writing is absolutely a-ma-zing.

There was a lot more action in this one compared to the first one, but, still, even the everyday mundane activities the book covered or the slower moments were made to be interesting yet again. 

I don't know how he does it. There's just something about the way that he writes that makes me feel so engaged, I love it. I could only ever hope to write to near his standard someday.

I still think Kvothe is a brilliant character. It was great to see him break away from the University for a bit, although this then lead to a lack of Sim and Will, but the new characters along his journey were also great. I especially enjoyed Kvothe's interactions with Tempi.

The villains were amplified upping the stakes a great deal. It was great to start off with his university rival again and then to progress onto darker, more powerful enemies on his travels.

I found the Fae aspect very interesting indeed. It shows the good and bad in people, no one is wholly good or bad but a mixture of both.

The fleeting on-off romance with Denna was both lovely and frustrating. You root for them so much but then a lot of things do end up getting in the way.

The twist at the end I did not see coming (and still am trying to understand if it was a twist or me just reading it the wrong way!), but I cannot wait for book three!! He needs to hurry up and finish writing it.

✌︎

The City of Mirrors

By Justin Cronin.

My God, I waited 6 months for this.

I pre-ordered it and everything.

And this epic finale has definitely not disappointed.

I even think this trilogy (The Passage and The Twelve also) has just overtaken The Lord of the Rings as my favourite novels.

Really.

[The plague that almost ended humanity
is finally over. For a new generation of
children, the once-feared virals have
begun to seem almost like imaginary
monsters, creatures from a fairy tale they
no longer believe in.

For Alicia, however, the bad dreams can
never be forgotten. And the voice in
those dreams is leading her towards one
of the great cities of The Time Before.
The ruined city of New York.

Ruined but not empty. For this is the
final refuge of Zero, the first and most
terrible product of the viral experiment.
And Alicia knows that the nightmare can
never truly be over until he is destroyed.

But what she finds is not what she's
expecting.

An opponent at once deadlier and
more human than she could ever have
imagined, who takes her on a terrifying
journey into the past to learn how it all
began.

And to find out how it must end.]

Can I just say? Justin Cronin is a God of literature and I am sorely tempted to pick up The Passage once more and start the trilogy all over again.

Seriously, the plot, the characters, the writing style, the imagery, everything = PERFECT.

I loved the backstory of Zero's character. Although the content of his history was almost mundane, boring in a way, the way it's written and just the pure fact you - as a reader - know what's coming is enough to keep you hooked.

The rest of the original characters (that are still alive) are back twenty years or so on. I must admit I was a little disappointed they were all grandparents at this stage. It created a whole new spin on their situation though.

As always, Cronin draws you in, building up for the tension to hit and he sure didn't hold back.

I don't even know what else there is to say that won't spoil it for anyone who hasn't read any of them.

It was a novel of heartbreak, beauty, friendship, love, soul-searching and a new beginning.

I can't suggest you read it enough.

---

Rating:
★★★★★★★★★★



✌

The Death Cure

By James Dashner

[The trials are over. WICKED

is planning to restore the

survivors' memories and

complete the final cure for

the Flare.

But Thomas has already

remembered more than

they think. And he knows

WICKED can't be trusted.

The time for lies is over. But

the truth is more dangerous

than Thomas could ever

imagine. Will anyone survive

the Death Cure?]

I'm not really too sure of where to start for this review. I was so eager to find out how this series was going to end but then I kept putting it down being too scared to actually find out what happens. I often find the endings to epic trilogies a bit of a let down and this was somewhat similar - although the epilogue was that last glimpse of a twist!

The plot was obviously different from the last two and I'm not sure I liked it as much because of this. I preferred the Glader's constant battle for escaping the trials and with this one not being a trial per se, it just wasn't as dramatic. Yes, there were bits when they had to escape but it just wasn't the same. It didn't pack as much tension into it.

However, there were two main deaths in it, one that I saw coming and the other that I didn't (even though I really should have). The latter one crushed me. His spiral down and out of control was tragic and I can't believe the way in which he actually died - it was heartbreaking. I kept thinking he would just turn up at the end and he didn't. The other death was sad but because of the way things went with Thomas and this character I didn't feel nearly as sad as I might have done if they'd have died in the first one.

I still loved Minho in this one, you really get to see the bond between himself, Thomas and Newt which is nice. It is quite interesting that my opinion of characters changes with how Thomas feels about them though. I also enjoyed the return of an old nemesis!

It was great to go back to the Maze briefly and see those nasty Grievers once more. I think the world Dashner creates is magnificent. Everything crumbling down with the slow demise of the human race - he nails every detail.

Like I said though, the ending was a slight disappointment. It was a good battle and the imagery was epic but I was just left with a bit of a meh feeling. But then came the epilogue in which Chancellor Paige makes her entry (not physical entry however, we never actually see her) and we are left with the feeling that the Immunes are never really out of the game, they will always be WICKED's candidates - something only one of them will know for the rest of their lives...

I'm definitely interested in seeing this final film. I know the Scorch Trials film wasn't anything like the book so I wonder what they'll do for the last one!

✌

The Twelve

By Justin Cronin

Spoilers Ahead

[The Twelve - death-row prisoners with nightmare
pasts and no future, until they were selected for a secret
experiment. Now they are the future, and humanity's
worst nightmare has begun...

But in a world ravaged by the viral plague, something
is changing. All the clues point towards the Homeland,
a sinister dictatorship where an unlikely trio are re-imagining
humanity's destiny: a veteran of the original experiment
with a blood-curdling vision of immortality; a woman whose
tragic past has turned her into a figure of nightmare;
a man whose desire to belong has been fulfilled in the
most gruesome way imaginable.

And then there is Amy. The Girl From Nowhere.
The one person who can penetrate the Homeland's secret.
But what she finds there may spell the end of everything.]

Cronin takes us through loss and heartbreak, revenge and endless plotting, with a full on quest by the characters in search of the twelve - or eleven since the end of The Passage - viral leaders this time. It has many twists and surprises along the way, many that I was not expecting.

Although The Passage was definitely more dramatic and had me on the edge of my seat for the majority of the book - due to the countless threats the characters encountered and the tension built - The Twelve started a little while after the final events in the previous instalment and at a slower pace, filling us in on what has occurred in-between.

I was slightly gutted with the little detail provided about the attack on the camp in the final scene and especially how Maus and Theo died - as well as Sara's capture (although this obviously developed and had questions answered later on throughout the story). However, there were still a lot of tense moments and the events we didn't get to read, I feel, made the characters more realistic, adding depth to them. I enjoyed the addition of Lore, as well as Kate/Eva as the story evolved. This, in turn, also added to the characters growing up as I feel quite a few of them became quite maternal/paternal which was a sweet addition to the already family-like situation they had created.

Like with The Passage, The Twelve started way before any of the main events have taken place, giving us more details about the backstory, linking characters future endeavours in a very nifty and exciting way. I lovedddd the backstory of Lila Kyle (Wolgast's ex-wife) and Grey, the viral who has a conscience, and their part in the bigger story. Lila's split personality was just brilliantly done, really making you loathe her at one point, and love her the next!

And Guilder. What a horrific man! Cronin really knows how to portray those who are evil beautifully. Every evil character or act they do makes your skin crawl. They really deserve what's coming to them.

Cronin also has an ease at which he kills off characters - truly heartbreaking but I think that's one of the things that makes him such a good writer and what makes this novel such an epic story and a battle for survival.

The final few chapters, before the epilogue, revealed the finale to the fighting and an end to, not only Wolgast, but the remaining eleven virals (not including the recently turned Amy herself). I expected a few more casualties to be honest, other than Tifty, but was generally shocked by the final moments. If all the virals are dead, how can there be another book?

And then the epilogue came.

A sweet moment between the only nice viral, Carter, and Amy - presumably as he was about to go off to the afterlife (it's not entirely made clear what has happened to either of them. Is Amy dead or alive? She just seems to disappear from the battle scene). And a concluding scene with Alicia, who has just tried to commit suicide, reveals the plot to the final novel. At last. The hunt for Zero, the original viral, is on.

I. Cannot. Wait.

I've already pre-ordered this beauty (The City of Mirrors) which comes out on June 16th! Eeek!


☽

The Passage

By Justin Cronin.

[Amy Harper Bellafonte is six years old

and her mother thinks she's the most

important person in the whole world.

She is. Anthony Carter doesn't think he

could ever be in a worse place than

Death Row. He's wrong. FBI agent Brad

Wolgast thinks something beyond

imagination is coming. It is.

Unaware of each other's existence but 

bound together in ways none of them 

could have imagined, they are about

to embark on a journey. An epic

journey that will take them through

a world transformed by man's darkest

dreams, to the very heart of what it 

means to be human. And beyond.

Because something is coming.

A tidal wave of darkness ready to

engulf the world. And Amy is the

only person who can stop it.]

Wow. This novel is phen.om.en.al.

I was hesitant at first considering the length of the book and the reading stump I had found myself in, but now I'm more eager than ever to pick up the next one: The Twelve.

It does take a long time to really get into the action as there are a lot of characters and a lot of setting up to do of plot. It's also split into two major parts (other mini parts within each), but even this setting up, of characterisation and background and scenery, is brilliant. You can come to a new section that connects to something you might've read a few chapters back and it all begins to slot perfectly into place.

Cronin is simply amazing. His character development is beautiful - he really draws you in to each character, giving them each unique details to identify them with. This also makes the impact of each death much harder as you grow so attached to quite a few people!

The plot is superb - it definitely kept me hooked and on the edge of my seat. There are so many twists and turns, that I honestly didn't see coming, that quite a few times I had to physically put the book down just to let it all sink in. The imagery and creativeness was flawless; I really felt this place was real and that I was a part of their long and unyielding journey.

I would definitely recommend this to any lovers of vampires, suspense or shocking outcomes!

Divergent Series Review

Okay, so I've decided to do my first book review - or trilogy review as I've read all 3 now. I'm really really into reading books. I always have at least one on the go. I remember in college, once, when I had four on the go. I have no idea how I managed to keep up with each individual storyline?! But anyways, the Divergent Series. Eep.

If you haven't read them, or do not want to know the ending or any details, I would look away now. I can't guarantee to keep my mouth shut on what happens!

Title:
Divergent, 
Insurgent,
Allegiant

Author:
Veronica Roth

Plot:
I thoroughly enjoyed all three books, but as pre-warned by my trusty friend, the third one was a slight disappointment.

Starting with Divergent, it was fast-paced and action-packed. I love the first person narrative as I feel you get more information on your protagonist, whereas you get less information for fellow characters - but this makes it all the more interesting in trying to figure them out! The ending is slightly different than the film, but I think the film changed it so as to have more of a dramatic fight scene at the end. I did enjoy more scenes between Tris and Four shown and the growth of their relationship. It also highlighted a lot more of the problems they were all dealing with, whether it be to do with their previous factions or jealousy/fear at being thrown out of their new one (the film misses out a crucial - or so I think - scene with Edward getting stabbed in the eye by Peter).

With Insurgent, as with its predecessor, I was enthralled all the way through and could barely put it down. I have to say, I love how Peter was one of those characters who kept switching sides all the way through - definitely kept you on your toes! The biggest shocker of all - beating the surprise appearance of Four's mother and the video message at the end revealing the outside world - was Caleb's betrayal! WHAT? I couldn't believe it. How could he betray his sister, his blood, for Jeanine Matthews?

Now, Allegiant. I had guessed from my friend's comments that someone pretty major died at the end. I hate to say I was right. But it wasn't who I initially thought it might be (thank God). Although, that's kind of bittersweet, because I definitely didn't want the actual character who died to be killed off either! The plot for this one was a bit odd if I'm honest. It was quite different from the previous two as the majority of it was based outside of the faction system in Chicago. I did love, though, how it switched between Tris' and Four's points of view.

Characters:

Beatrice 'Tris' Prior

Whether it's because I saw the film first or not, I don't know, but I didn't have too many problems with Tris. She got a little bit on my nerves when she kept being a tad selfish in Insurgent with her lack of respect for her own life. It also annoyed me that she couldn't be completely honest with Four for a long long time. But apart from that, she wasn't your usual whiney protagonist - which I greatly appreciated.

Tobias 'Four' Eaton

Again, I may be biased because of seeing the film, but I have to say I'm a little bit in love with Four. Although he was one of those broody characters, in the first one, that had a habit of either saving her life or ignoring her, once they were together together, it was fine. His brokenness/lack of self confidence was kind of cute.

Eric

Marcus Eaton

I feel all the other characters were well-developed as well, which is definitely a plus, and I definitely despised Eric, Marcus and Jeanine throughout - and even Caleb after his betrayal!

Jeanine Matthews

Caleb Prior

Ending:
I must admit, after finishing this series I felt a little empty. I normally feel that way after finishing a tv series completely or a book series (which is a little sad, I know), but it normally only lasts that evening. Whereas, when I finished this series I was just a bit in shock - hence why I'm only just posting my review (I finished reading them before the New Year!)

Seriously, if you don't want to know the ending, look away!

I expected the majority of the way through that Four would die and, to be honest, even when I was reading Tris' final scene (and Four's reaction and confirmation later on) I didn't believe that she was dead. I. Couldn't. Believe. It.

Four and the rest went back to Chicago - no more factions - and they all grouped together a bit later on to spread Tris' ashes. The fact that Four plucked up the courage to go on the zipwire to let her ashes fly behind him was really really cute. This made it very bittersweet for me.

I definitely had a little sob.

Film Adaptation:

The film was amazing in my opinion. Loved the casting (especially Mr Theo James), loved the pacing, the set, the costumes, everything.

Absolutely brilliant and cannot wait for Insurgent in March!

:)

* The pictures of each character are from pin interest and the trailer from YouTube.