Book Review: What’s Left of Me by Kat Zhang

what's left of me

Title: What’s Left of Me
Series: The Hybrid Chronicles (#1)
Author: Kat Zhang
Publisher: Harper Collins
Date: August 13th, 2013
Pages: 368
Format: Paperback
Source: Purchased

 

Synopsis (from Goodreads): I should not exist. But I do.

Eva and Addie started out the same way as everyone else—two souls woven together in one body, taking turns controlling their movements as they learned how to walk, how to sing, how to dance. But as they grew, so did the worried whispers. Why aren’t they settling? Why isn’t one of them fading? The doctors ran tests, the neighbors shied away, and their parents begged for more time. Finally Addie was pronounced healthy and Eva was declared gone. Except, she wasn’t . . .

For the past three years, Eva has clung to the remnants of her life. Only Addie knows she’s still there, trapped inside their body. Then one day, they discover there may be a way for Eva to move again. The risks are unimaginable-hybrids are considered a threat to society, so if they are caught, Addie and Eva will be locked away with the others. And yet . . . for a chance to smile, to twirl, to speak, Eva will do anything.

vrpca

Review:

Imagine that you weren’t alone in your body.
Imagine there’s another soul, another person sharing it with you.

In this unique world Kat Zhang created, everybody comes to earth with two souls.
With time, one soul becomes dominant and the other disappears.

At least, that’s how it should be.
But even though the body she came with is now seventeen years old, and her sister Addie is the one having control over it, Eva never disappeard.
She still lives, but other people can’t see her.

Nobody but her sister knows it.
They are keeping their secret from the rest of the world because, otherwise, they would be in a serious danger.

Written in first person, narrated by Eva, the soul that shouldn’t exist anymore, What’s Left of Me is one intense read that kept me on the edge from the first to the very last page.

What I liked the most about this book is the idea of the world that was builted in it.
Two souls in one body and the government trying to suppress the natural evolution of humans, was interesting to read about.
And even though, in my opinion, in a war with evolution the evolution always win, I couldn’t help but be curious how the government would react to hybrids and even though I pretty much understood their reasons, I still wanted to read about them.

Unfortunatelly, in this book, the first in the series, I didn’t get many answers to my quasi questions.

Another thing that I kept thinking about is how it would be interesting to see what kind of religion those people in this world would have, if that aspect was explored.
I know this is not important at all because two souls in one body was justified with scientific reasons, but since I, personally, refer soul with faith, I couldn’t stop my thoughts that lead me to those questions…

The characters in this book were pretty likeable and interesting, but I can’t say that any of them made me want to know more about them.

This book, even though I say it is unique, still reminded me of The Host by Stephenie Meyer, so I think that fans of that book will probably enjoy reading this one too.

The book is the part of triology, but it ended with pretty opened end and I, personaly, could live without reading the rest of the series and be pretty satisfied.

In my mind, this could also be a standalone with an open end.
However, some people probably wouldn’t agree with me.
In the end, it is on the reader to make his decision after he finishes the ride that this novel gives.

4

Movie Monday: Speak and In the Heart of the Sea

Movie Monday is a weekly feature here on my blog, in which I’m rambling about movies I’ve watched lately.

This week I watched two movies, both based on books.

 

In the Heart of the Sea

in the heart of the sea

This movie is based, if I’m not mistaking, of a novel that inspired Herman Mellvile to write his well-known classic Moby Dick.

I have never read Moby Dick, and my impression of that novel was that it basically tells the story about a man who was obssesed with the whale in a too long and probably boring way.
In other words, I had no intentions to read it. Ever.

But when it came to this movie, I didn’t mind watching it. I mean, from the trailer it was obvious it is full of beautful scenes, those with nature and those with Chris Hemsworth.

In the end, it was not just the scenes I ended up enjoying, but the whole story was pretty good too.
I learned that my first toughts about Moby Dick were not right at all. This story talks about some serious things, about lost lives and, even if it’s fiction, it shows us one part of the history.

Today, I am very greatful I watched it and, even though I can’t say I have an urge to read the book now, I can say that I don’t think it is probably just a boring book anymore.

 

Speak

speak

This movie, filmed in 2004 is based on ya novel written by Laurie Halse Anderson.

I wanted to watch it for years now, but didn’t have a chance until now.

This story cover one very important topic – rape. It follows a girl who is a victim and her struggle while she tries to deal with it on her own, not telling anyone what happened to her and trying to ignore it, even though she can’t.

This movie made me so emotional I even cought myself crying couple of times.

I don’t even think I can tell you how beautiful in my eyes this movie was.
I highly, HIGHLY suggest you to watch it.

 

Note: Pictures in this post are not my property but taken from IMDb site and are property of Warner Bros. Pictures  and Showtime.

Book Review: The Second Love of My Life by Victoria Walters

the second love

Title: The Second Love of My Life
Author: Victoria Walters
Publisher: Headline Review
Date: April 7th, 2016
Pages: 320
Format: paperback ARC
Source: Won in a giveaway

 

Synopsis (from Goodreads)Victoria Walters’ debut novel is a powerful tale of love, grief and survival, perfect for fans of Cecelia Ahern, Lucy Dillon and Miranda Dickinson. ‘Brilliant and superior women’s fiction’Heat

In the Cornish town of Talting, everyone is famous for something.

Until recently Rose was known for many things: her infectious positivity; her unique artistic talent; and her devotion to childhood sweetheart Lucas.

But two years ago that changed in one unthinkable moment. Now, Rose is known for being the young woman who became a widow aged just twenty-four.

Though Rose knows that life must go on, the thought of carving out a new future for herself is one she can barely entertain. Until a newcomer, Robert, arrives in Talting for the summer…

Can Rose allow herself the chance to love again?

Get lost in Victoria Walters’ immensely touching debut novel, and discover a world that will capture your imagination and heart.

*Amazon RISING STAR*

Readers are falling in love with THE SECOND LOVE OF MY LIFE:

‘A beautiful story – full of heart’ Giovanna Fletcher

‘A sobtastic story’ Red Online

‘Just darn brilliant’ Look

‘Brilliant and superior women’s fiction’ Heat

‘Heartbreaking and heart-awakening’ Lisa Dickenson

vrpca

Review:

„ But the problem with moments is when you know you won’t have any more of them, they become infinitely more significant.

I wish I had treasured the moments more at the time but that’s the problem with moments, you never know when you are about to have your last one.“

 

The Second Love of my Life is a story about a young woman named Rose who lost the man she supposed to spend her life with. Two years after the horrible accident that left her without her husband, she is still trying to pick up the pieces of herself.

Saying that I liked this book would feel like underrating it. Saying that I loved it would still feel like underrating it.
That is the problem when it comes to reviewing a book you feel like is one of the best pieces you have read in months.
No matter how hard you try to put your feelings out there, you just feel like there’s no review that could do it justice.

I am so grateful that I had an opportunity to read this book and to discover this amazing writer while she is still a debut author.
Victoria Walter’s writing style is so beautiful and I have a feeling we will read a lot of her work in the future. At least I hope we will.

She captured Rose‘s inner struggle in such a beautiful and yet realistic way, that I, as a reader, wanted to transform myself there, in an imaginary town called Talting, and be there for her.
It was hard at some parts reading how terrible Rose had felt, but at the same time, there was beauty in it.
Reading this book was a bautiful experiance.
Books like this one are the reason why I read.

I liked every character in this book, which is a rare thing for me.
I already read Walter’s short story The Summer I Met You (and I liked it) in which we follow Rose’s best friend Emma. Even though I liked her there, I can honestly say that I liked her here, as a side character, even more.

I loved the atmosphere in this book. Reading about small towns and it’s residents are what I usually enjoy and reading about Talting was no exception.

However, my favorite part in this book was the one that’s taking place in Scotland.
The reason for that is not the place, but the realisation that came to a certain character there.

Overall, reading The Second Love of My Life was an emotional ride I am glad I took.
I am so happy I discovered this author and I can’t wait to read her next book, even though I don’t know when that will be.
At this point, it doesn’t even matter, because this book convinced me that it will be worth waiting for it.
In the meantime, I am sure I will re-read The Second Love of My Life few times (or more).

4,75

Spring Reading: 10 books I want to read this Spring

Happy first day of Spring, everyone!!!

I did some blog hopping these days, and got an inspiration for this post.
I know this was a theme for TTT, but since I don’t do TTT and I still wanted to write about my Spring reads, I decided that first day of Spring would be a perfect day..

My main inspiration came from the post by Liv from curlyhairbibliophile .

Without further ado, these are 10 books I want to read this Spring:

 

  1. The Second Love of my Life by Victoria Walters

the second love

This book comes out on April 7th. I already read it’s short story prequel, The Summer I Met You (you can read my review here) and liked it very much, so I can’t wait to see what Walters cooked for us in her full-lenght debut.
I hear this women’s fiction story is a real tearjerker so I’ll make sure to prepare some tissues for myself.

 

2. The Winner’s Triology by Marie Rutkoski

winners

I want to read this series for some time now and, since the last book is coming out soon, I figured it would be the best to just marathon the whole series. I want to do it ASAP, so that’s the reason why I’m choosing to read it this Spring.

 

3. The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater

the raven

Another series I want to marathon. First thing that bought me as a reader is the gorgeous cover for the last book in the series (yes, I know, I am shallow like that).
Second thing is, one of my favorite booktubers, Daniella from Pixie Tonic chanel said this is the best ya series outthere at this very moment, and I trust her opinion more they anyone’s.

 

4. Summer Nights at the Moonlight Hotel by Jane Costello

Summer Nights at Moonlight hotel

My favorite author is coming out with her new book on March 24th. This book is the first one from this list that I’ll be reading, and I plan to do that on it’s releasing day, if TBD delivers it on time. I am too excited for this one!

 

5. The Glittering Court by Richelle Mead

the glittering court

Another book I plan to read on it’s releasing day, April 5th (if TBD delivers it on time, that is!). Richelle Mead is also one of my all-time favorite authors and I can’t wait to see what she prepared for us this time!

 

6. Warrior Witch by Danielle L. Jensen

warrior witch

My favorite on-going series is coming to an end and I can’t wait to see how it all’s going to wrap up, but am also sad to say goodbye to this world and it’s characters.
I am sure this series will be the one I’ll re-read many times in my life.

 

7. I heart London by Lindsey Kelk

I heart london

I am the worst reader ever, because this is my favorite chick-lit series and I still haven’t finished it.
I just HEART Angela Clark and Jenny Lopez and can’t wait to hang out with them again this Spring.

 

8. The Girl Against the Universe by Paula Stokes

girl against

I simply can’t wait for this ya contemporary to come out. It sounds like it is written for me and I hope it will live up to my expectations. This one comes out on May 17th.

 

9. Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

anne

This classic is the one I want to read very soon. I never got the chance to read it in my native language, so I bought it in English. I can’t wait to see how I’ll like the book that is loved by so many people in the world.

 

10. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

pride

Once again I am the worst reader ever. This book that is loved by so many people in the world is the one that is still not on my “read” list.
I plan to change that this Spring in a hope that I’ll like it.

 

What books do you plan to read this Spring?
Tell me all about it in comments. 🙂