Mini Review Catch-Up

So I've been awhile for a bit - as I've said in the last few posts - but while I have been reading, I haven't been able to post my reviews here. I thought a nice way of making up for that would be to write a couple of mini reviews... so here they are!

The Here and Now

by Ann Brashares

Follow the rules. Remember what happened. Never fall in love. 

This is the story of Prenna James, who immigrated to New York when she was twelve. Expect Prenna didn't come come from a different country. She came from a different time - a future where mosquito-borne illness has mutated into a pandemic, killing millions and leaving the world in ruins. 

Prenna and the others who escaped to the present day must follow a strict set of rules: never reveal where they're from, never interfere with history, and never, eve be intimate with anyone outside their Community. 

But everything changes when Prenna falls for Ethan Jarves. 

Goodreads | Amazon  

Characters: I liked both Prenna and Ethan, but I found them to be a little too bland and stupid for my liking. There wasn't anything really wrong with them necessary, but they fell flat. 

Romance: I didn't think the romance was too bad. While it might have seemed a little rushed in this book, Prenna and Ethan were friends for two years prior to the start of this book and I think the bulk of their relationship was built up during that time. The problem for me was that I didn't see any spark between them, so I didn't particularly care whether they could be together or not. 

Plot: Entertaining, but I was left with more questions than I would have liked, and there were times were I was either left a little bored. The ending wasn't satisfactory. 

Review copy provided by Hachette for an honest review. See here for full review. 

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Say Her Name

by James Dawson

Bobbie Rowe is not the kind of person to believe in ghosts. A Halloween dare at her ridiculously spooky boarding school is no big deal, especially when her best friend Naya and cute local boy Caine agree to join in too. They are ordered to summon the legendary ghost of "Bloody Mary": say her name five times in front of a candlelit mirror, and she shall appear... But surprise, surprise, nothing happens. Or does it? 

Next morning, Bobbie finds a message on her bathroom mirror, 'five days' but what does it mean? And who left it? Things get increasingly weird and more terrifying for Bobbie and Naya, until it becomes all too clear that Bloody Mary was indeed called from the afterlife that night. Bobbie, Naya and Caine are now in a race against time before their five days are up and Mary come for them, as she's come for countless others before...

Goodreads | Amazon <- only $2.99 for the paperback!

Characters: My favourite part of this book, easily! I absolutely adored Bobbie. She was funny, sweet and completely realistic. I loved that she had a close friendship with her bestie, Naya, who was quite funny. I also liked that Caine really was a unique romantic interest. He didn't fit into any of the YA male hero stereotypes and that is a big bonus. 

Romance: I didn't dislike it, but I am glad it was only a minute part of the story.

Plot: A fantastic retelling of the Bloody Mary legend. It took a lot of the basic facts and turn them into a new mystery which I thoroughly enjoyed. 

Review copy provided by Key Stone Press & Dillons for an honest review. See here for full review. 

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I have a couple of more reviews that I need to write too so keep an eye out for them. They will be coming sometime soon! 

Have you read either of these books before? Or something else by these authors? 

Let me know your thoughts in the comments.