The Hunger Games Review

Goodreads Summary:
Winning will make you famous.
Losing means certain death.

The nation of Panem, formed from a post-apocalyptic North America, is a country that consists of a wealthy Capitol region surrounded by 12 poorer districts. Early in its history, a rebellion led by a 13th district against the Capitol resulted in its destruction and the creation of an annual televised event known as the Hunger Games. In punishment, and as a reminder of the power and grace of the Capitol, each district must yield one boy and one girl between the ages of 12 and 18 through a lottery system to participate in the games. The 'tributes' are chosen during the annual Reaping and are forced to fight to the death, leaving only one survivor to claim victory.

When 16-year-old Katniss's young sister, Prim, is selected as District 12's female representative, Katniss volunteers to take her place. She and her male counterpart Peeta, are pitted against bigger, stronger representatives, some of whom have trained for this their whole lives. , she sees it as a death sentence. But Katniss has been close to death before. For her, survival is second nature.

Author: Suzanne Collins
Number of pages: 374
Published: September 14th 2008

My Review:
The hunger games is such an amazing book!! I would give it a rating of 4.5 because it's such a great read. The story follows Katniss and her experience in the hunger games fighting for her life. It's a story that involves action, adventure and even romance. 

Katniss is such a strong protagonist and I love how it shows that females can be awesome heroes too. I love her romance with Peeta and the fact she looks after him. I am strongly team Peeta, even though I do love Gale and I'm a sucker for a love triangle. The plot is so intense and intriguing and keeps a tight grip on the reader at all times. I was constantly on edge even though I've watched the movie.

But a tip to anyone who hasn't seen the film or read the book but wants to do both, read first. The book explains everything so well and goes in to such detail. But at points I struggled reading this because I had already seen the film, so I knew what was coming and that took away the excitement of some parts of the story.

Overall this book is incredible and a great read. I highly recommend it to everyone looking for a fantastic series. I'm very excited to read catching fire.

Can I just say, Jennifer Lawrence is the perfect Katniss. I honestly don't think they could have cast her better.

Favourite quotes:

“You don’t forget the face of the person who was your last hope.”
― Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games

“Happy Hunger Games! And may the odds be ever in your favor.” 

― Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games

Overall rating:

The Maze Runner Review

Goodreads Summary:
"If you ain't scared, you ain't human."

When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his name. He's surrounded by strangers--boys whose memories are also gone.

Outside the towering stone walls that surround the Glade is a limitless, ever-changing maze. It's the only way out--and no one's ever made it through alive.

Then a girl arrives. The first girl ever. And the message she delivers is terrifying.



Author: James Dashner
Number of pages: 374
Published: October 6th 2009

My Review:
I'd actually give this book 3.5, I thought it was a very exciting story. This book is not my typical read, it's a adventurous story about Thomas a boy who finds himself with no memories of his past just knowing his name. He is thrown in to a mysterious place filled with boys, monsters and a large maze. The story follows the journey they go through to escape. 

Firstly I adore the relationship Thomas had with Chuck. It was my favourite bit about the book because it showed a caring, emotional side in Thomas's strong character. The end was AMAZING and I stayed up very late to finish it. It was happy but also heartbreaking. I actually cried which was very unexpected but it shows how emotionally attached I got to the characters.

I found it very hard to relate to Thomas at first, because he didn't really know anything about himself and the book was very hard to get into until I reached around page 90, but I'm glad I read on. The boys also have their own language which was strange, but you soon get used to it all and understand. The epilogue really confused me which I disliked because the book ending was great.

They have made The maze runner into a film which I'm really excited to see! I hope it's a great adaptation of the book. The casting looks great and I think Dylan O'Brien will be a great Thomas.

The book overall was a good read and I can't wait to do a review on The Scorch Trials. It's suited to anyone who wants a book with adventure and mystery.

Favourite Quotes:
"If you ain’t scared… you ain’t human.” 
― James Dashner, The Maze Runner

“Shouldn't someone give a pep talk or something?" Minho asked, pulling Thomas's attention away from Alby.

"Go ahead" Newt replied.

Minho nodded and faced the crowd. "Be careful," he said dryly.
"Don't die.”

"Great. We're all bloody inspired." Newt said.”
― James Dashner, The Maze Runner

Overall Rating:

Paper Aeroplanes Review

Goodreads Summary:
It's the mid-1990s, and fifteen year-old Guernsey schoolgirls, Renée and Flo, are not really meant to be friends. Thoughtful, introspective and studious Flo couldn't be more different to ambitious, extroverted and sexually curious Renée. But Renée and Flo are united by loneliness and their dysfunctional families, and an intense bond is formed. Although there are obstacles to their friendship (namely Flo's jealous ex-best friend and Renée's growing infatuation with Flo's brother), fifteen is an age where anything can happen, where life stretches out before you, and when every betrayal feels like the end of the world. For Renée and Flo it is the time of their lives.

With graphic content and some scenes of a sexual nature, PAPER AEROPLANES is a gritty, poignant, often laugh-out-loud funny and powerful novel. It is an unforgettable snapshot of small-town adolescence and the heart-stopping power of female friendship.


Author: Dawn O'Porter
Number of pages: 304
Published: May 2nd 2013

My Review:
Paper aeroplanes was a lovely book about friendship and love. It is based around two girls Renee and Flo, who both go through rough times with their family and they unexpectedly become good friends.

The book is very realistic and most people will be able to relate to at least one of the characters. For me it brought back high school memories and I extremely related to Flo's friendship with Sally which was a relationship ruled by fear.

My favourite part of the book is the message given. I think it is very well written and it really makes you realise sometimes forgiveness is the best option.

The only thing I disliked about this book is that it took a while to get into any drama or plot. But when it did it all came at once. I also am very curious of what happened to Flo's brother Julian but apart from that it's a good read.

Overall it was a easy book to fly through. It had me laughing, smiling and even tearing up at times. The book itself did not blow me away but it was a very nice book to read and I love the relatability aspect. I would definitely recommend to those who want an easy read about friendship and love.

Favourite quotes:
“Because as much as I dislike her, I would prefer not to have an enemy.”
― Dawn O'Porter, Paper Aeroplanes    

“You need to realise how gorgeous you are.'
She laughs, but I’m not trying to be funny. ‘I mean it Flo, you really are. Somewhere under all that disbelief.”
― Dawn O'Porter, Paper Aeroplanes    

Overall rating:

My book blog :)

Hello everyone,

My name is Ella, I'm 18 and I love books. Especially YA books. My favourite being The Fault In Our Stars.

When I was in high school I went through a huge reading slump and never wanted to read. It wasn't until last year that I realised what I have been missing.

I decided to create a book reviewing blog so I can share some of my thoughts on the books I read. But I will also review movies that I watch aswell. Feel free to comment and tell me what your opinions were because I would love to hear it.

My aim is to post weekly and to give an honest opinion on all of my reviews.

Apart from that, thank you and I hope you enjoy reading my blog.

Big love <3

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https://www.goodreads.com/ellajanehanley