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Teen Review – On the Fence by Kasie West

Written by Rishika Selvakumar
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It’s been a while since a good book has caught my eye enough to tear myself away from all the homework and all the rush of life, but this book is definitely amazing! Even though this wasn’t the paranormal novel I would prefer to read, I didn’t even miss the genre because there was enough of everything else to satisfy me. The novel was that well wrote!

Charlotte Reynolds, is known as Charlie, a sixteen-year old surrounded by a family of boys. Her challenges are seen when she struggles to just be feminine, when she begins working at a cute little boutique to be more responsible and pay for that speeding ticket she got! With something similar to a double life, she deals with it by having chats ON THE FENCE, with her neighbour and someone who is so close to their family that he practically lives at her house – Braden. This just leads to a lot of interesting events, which cannot be spoiled, but all I can do is urge you to give this book a chance!

On the Fence is a nice short read, that you will not be able to put down. Although it might seem a little stereotypical, the viewpoint and perspective of Charlie is so intriguing that it just keeps everything going. All the humor, the world of a girl struggling to be a girl, and all the drama that comes with three overprotective brothers is captivating. The storytelling sucks you in and has you cheering even harder for Charlie. It talks about regular themes in life that happen often that people can relate to, but makes it fun, romantic, and humorous! People who just want a short break and a beautiful story and plot with no sad ending will love this! It helps you keep up the optimism! Kasie West definitely deserves a huge round of applause for this book, and as a romantic who only wishes for happy endings, I enjoyed every second!

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Teen SRC 2017 – Switched by Amanda Hocking

Written by Rishika Selvakumar
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Switched by Amanda Hocking is a book that I read a few years ago and I fell in love with the author and tried to read all of her novels. Additionally, yes, I am into the fantasy and paranormal genre of books which might explain why this book is about trolls. Although, they are not the weird villain trolls in fairy tales or that one really mean troll that lives under the bridge and confronts the three mountain goats. They aren’t even those trolls with really tall and colourful hair who featured in a kids movie, although no offense to any of them. These trolls are way more sophisticated which is why they are called Trylle. They are honestly, basically humans who like to walk barefoot and don’t fit into society. Some of them also have magical powers but in the first book that is a moot point. Oh, did I mention that they are all described as beautiful? In some way. I know, weird right? Trolls aren’t pretty. Well, these ones are!

Well, this stars Wendy. Not the one that fights with Tinkerbell, but just regular old Wendy who does not get along with people very well. She just doesn’t connect to them. When she meets Finn at her new school, Wendy basically finds out that everyone – especially her mother – around her was right when they said that she did not belong.

SLIGHT SPOILER ALERT!

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Teen SRC 2017 – Until Friday Night by Abbi Glines

Written by Rishika Selvakumar
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Are you looking for a quick read, that is short and definitely sweet? There’s always the option of Until Friday Night by Abbi Glines! This book follows the enthralling story of West Ashby and Maggie Carlton who connect through their common similarities of hardship, pain and family. This may seem stereotypical, but this is placed in high school and is filled with people with so many strong bonds at such a young age, something most people want with all of their friends as well.

This was my second time reading this book and I must say I love this book every time! Usually, fantasy is my favourite to read, but sometimes it’s amazing to just read a book that connects to you in the fact that all the characters do homework and go to school just like normal students and don’t complete homework with a snap of their fingers! Abbi Glines creates a realistic story that takes place in a small town and is just mind-blowing and shows that there is more to a person’s history and story then what they convey to others. Appearances are deceiving! There’s more to a book than its cover! All of the things we hear once in a while are summed up and provided as an example! Throughout the book, readers can expect to just be hooked into the feelings and emotions of the characters and just hoping that this will end up being a happily ever after! I recommend this novel to everyone as this is a fun read that just digs in the feeling of the fact that summer is here! Enjoy summer reading!

 

 

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Teen SRC 2017 – These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman & Meagan Spooner

Written by Rishika Selvakumar
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Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner join their writing skills to provide a novel that covers many genres to appeal to many readers! These Broken Stars stars two teenagers, that makes it seem like your everyday ordinary romance novel. Well, in simple terms, it’s not. This has Lilac LaRoux and Tarver Merendsen, two opposites who would never be deemed to be anywhere near each other due to their status in this galactic universe. They are aboard their spaceliner when a crash occurs leaving them with only each other for companionship and comfort in this unspeakable hardship on a newfound planet.

This book is amazing! It is literally out of this world! The chemistry between the two characters add to the complex relationship they have. It also often portrays relationships that can be found in real life, making you feel connected to the novel. It shows the very different and unique struggles each protagonist face and there is a constant switch between the narration and the story of the book which adds a certain foreshadowing effect. The raw reactions to this unknown world takes readers on a thriller ride! These Broken Stars take the title to a different meaning as you make connections! This book is amazing, and I highly recommend it to everyone! It is a great way to start off that summer reading!

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Teen Review – Halo by Alexandra Adornetto

Written by Rishika Selvakumar
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Angels, romance, out of this world characters and some well-known ones? YUP! Halo is one of my favourites! It is such an unique book overall, and the completed series is just the epitome of perfection! Alexandra Adornetto weaved a tale that was completely unexpected. Gabriel (yes, the famous archangel), Ivy, and their youngest sister, Bethany, have come to Earth on a mission to keep citizens closer to God. Bethany is special though, she is the star of the show. Bethany is the most attached and emotionally similar to the humans. She then meets Xavier Woods at her high school and their bond is extremely powerful. What does their future look like? Well, the book will tell you if you read it!

First of all, how call are angels? And is it not mostly vice versa? Where the paranormal being is the male, while the human is the female? Is this not an ingenious idea on Alexandra Adornetto‘s part?  A lot of people might not think this will be their thing because there is not much adventure, until the second book where the plot just completely erupts with the intensity and interesting events! Halo, I must warn you, might be a bit cheesy in the beginning, but I believe it just adds to the whole novel. Hades and Heaven, the second and third book, are absolutely amazing and only evolve from the first novel. I really recommend this great series for the new month approaching! Bethany and Xavier, angel and human, how will it go?

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Teen Review – Of Poseidon by Anna Banks

Written by Rishika Selvakumar
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I am a huge fan of paranormal, fantasy and romance novels. Well, what book got me into this genre? Of Poseidon by Anna Banks! Galen and Emma are the protagonists of this novel, with Galen, a Syrena prince, and Emma, a ‘normal’ human with purple eyes. Syrena is basically a version of mermaid. The Syrena tails are much more interesting though as seen in the novel’s development. 

Of Poseidon, Of Triton, and Of Neptune are all very unique books. Most mermaid books may be very stereotypical but these are entertaining as they veer off the path! Many people may find these books a bit cheesy but I think the romance adds to the entire book as a whole and makes it so entrancing. From the very beginning, the relationships seem like they are meant to be through all the loss in the beginning and challenges. The story line just got better and better!

This novel is different from any other book I have ever read! I fell in love with it two years ago and zoomed through the trilogy and I can’t help but go for a re-read every time! The chemistry in between the characters is amazing but the part I loved the most is the rich comedy factor! The plot is extraordinary and very high school themed for a while. I loved this novel so much and definitely suggest reading it! It is a pretty short read compared to most books but is extremely fun and the moments will leave you laughing in between! 

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Teen Review – A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

Written by Rishika Selvakumar
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Who wrote Throne of Glass, a novel that is an amazing bestseller? Sarah J. Maas. Who wrote A Court of Thorns and Roses? That’s right, Sarah J. Maas. Feyre is a nineteen-year-old who kills a wolf in the forest and is then visited by Tamlin, an immortal faerie. As he takes her to his home, she dislikes him immensely. Although, there is a thin line between love and hate!

First of all, don’t disregard any characters until the second book where the whole plot has a sudden twist which took me about a week to absorb. That’s when you realize you should have seen it coming. Anyways, for those who have only read the first book so far or haven’t read the book at all, there will be no spoilers. THIS BOOK IS AMAZING! The basis is definitely a Beauty and the Beast theme but the story quickly develops. The strong independence and complexity of the main characters is amazing, but you definitely feel a connection to Feyre who struggles to face her challenges. It is definitely a paranormal, which I love, combined with romance, which I also love, plus many other genres. All the people I have come across have definitely loved this book. The relationships and the way she views this strange world intrigued me for sure. Sarah J. Maas once again excels. After reading the book, who do you ship Feyre with? The best part is this is the best time to read the series as the third book is out in a couple of weeks! Get started on this series and be ready to delve into a wonderful world. The ending is the best part! Sudden adventure and more drama! Remember: A Court of Thorn and Roses, A Court of Mist and Fury, and A Court of Wings and Ruin. Happy reading!

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Teen Review – Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson

Written by Rishika Selvakumar
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This book is just amazing and before I begin praising it, let me give you a few sentences of the summary. Mary E. Pearson just completely draws you into her books and their world, making you yearn to find out what happens next. The Kiss of Deception stars seventeen-year-old Princess Lia, who runs away from her wedding and decides to work at an inn. When two strangers come in, the secrets begin to take form as one is the prince she ran away from while the other is the assassin sent to kill the princess. 

It is such an intense book with the drama from the beginning, fantasy tales with a tinge of supernatural, adventure, bravery and romance! It is a very relatable novel as it shows a girl who just wants to be normal and be independent, which a lot of people sympathize with. As the story progresses it continues to get better! The only portion that might be confusing, but adds to the mystery of things, is figuring out who is the assassin and who is the prince. While you read the book you will secretly hope she is falling in love with the prince, but how will you know? You’ll have to read the book until the very end to see! There is a very interesting love triangle going on, but on top of that, there is also the friendship this princess has with the women she works with. The women are all diverse but have the similarity where they will go to any ends to support those they care about, especially their friends. Overall, it’s a very well-rounded book and if you look clearly, it is very deep as well.

This series is one of my absolute favourites, and the first book was the best introduction ever! Usually, I am the type to only read books that are completed because when authors release books months later, I often forget the storyline. For this book, I was completely hooked and made sure to read all the books. Just to mention the best part: the series is completed! Yes, no cliffhangers at all, just read the next book! I started this book pretty early on so it was torture waiting for the third book but you do not have to suffer through that! The Kiss of Deception, The Heart of Betrayal and The Beauty of Darkness are all available! Is that not the best news you could ever hear about a series? Basically, out of my whole enthusiastic review about the book, I must recommend that everyone reads this series!

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Teen Review – Carve the Mark by Veronica Roth

Written by Rishika Selvakumar
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The author of Divergent is back at it again with her new book, Carve the Mark! In the recent Teen Battle of the Books, Veronica Roth‘s novel was a close second to Heartless, but that does not mean it is not an amazing read as well! This story is about Cyra and Akos, enemies who were never meant to become friends. They both have currentgifts that bring them together and help them face their problems.

First of all, there is a lot of different vocabulary that takes a while to get used to if you are not captivated by the book. Basically, the most important part is that Cyra is part of the Shotet nation while Akos is from Thuvhe. They both have personal challenges that they need to face which seems a bit similar to daily life, although their version is a bit more…magical! They work together and get past all of this. I loved this book so much and the gradual relationship that is built is so diverse and realistic, compared to a lot of unrealistic books which talk about how the first time they met, they became friends. To me, that sounds completely impossible, although I might be wrong!Read More

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Teen Review – Heartless by Marissa Meyer

Written by Rishika Selvakumar
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Who liked Cinder and The Lunar Chronicles? Well, your favourite author is back at it again! Heartless by Marissa Meyer is entrancing from the very beginning! Catherine lives in Wonderland, the land of…wonders. She wants to be a baker, not a queen, so when the King proposes, she is not exactly the happiest pumpkin in the garden (a plus point to reading the book: you will understand the previous joke)! Then, in a sudden whirlwind, she meets Jest, the new court joker who captivates her. Is their romance meant to be?

Well, you will have to find out, won’t you? I never realized this, but this book can be viewed as the prequel to the life of the Red Queen. This basically creates a reasonable explanation for the way she ended up, mad and incorrigible. Read More

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