Book Review: The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau

The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau
Series: The Testing #1
Genre: YA Dystopian
Publication Date: June 14, 2013
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 336
Source: Purchased

Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Isn’t that what they say? But how close is too close when they may be one in the same?

The Seven Stages War left much of the planet a charred wasteland. The future belongs to the next generation’s chosen few who must rebuild it. But to enter this elite group, candidates must first pass The Testing—their one chance at a college education and a rewarding career.

Cia Vale is honored to be chosen as a Testing candidate; eager to prove her worthiness as a University student and future leader of the United Commonwealth. But on the eve of her departure, her father’s advice hints at a darker side to her upcoming studies--trust no one.

But surely she can trust Tomas, her handsome childhood friend who offers an alliance? Tomas, who seems to care more about her with the passing of every grueling (and deadly) day of the Testing. To survive, Cia must choose: love without truth or life without trust. (Summary from Goodreads.com)

Before I do anything I will just say...

The Hunger Games > The Testing

Ok, so let's start with the outside of this book. I purchased the UK edition of The Testing and I have a couple lil nags about it really.

1. I'm fed up of people putting 'For fans of The Hunger Games' on the front of books because either the book is nothing like The Hunger Games or is basically a replica - if I wanted to read another THG then I would just re-read the damn original and not a knock off copy cat dystopian story.

2. It is pretty (very) similar to the US edition cover of Divergent - even down to the massive symbol on the cover.

BUT it is a pretty cover, I guess. :)

Now onto the actual story. 

I'mma list my nags first (of which there are many) but note that I did actually quite enjoy this book!

I thought the story as a whole was actually really well done and I love the author's writing style - Charbonneau is very talented indeed. Many elements of the plot were original, dark and kept me intrigued. BUT then there was the overlap to several other existing dystopian novels...

Firstly there were the colonies (Districts - The Hunger Games / Factions -Divergent).

Each group in The Testing had it's own symbol (Copying Divergent?)

Also, the graduation ceremony reminded a lot of The Reaping from The Hunger Games.

A certain character reminded me very much so of Cinna.

There is another Peeta.

There is a substitute for the silver parachutes in the arena from The Hunger Games.

Our protagonist, Cia, is singled out and recognised just like Katniss was, only Cia had no reason to get attention.

A certain injury sustained and the use of a crossbow were used - I found both lacked originality. 

Also, have any of you watched the Japanese movie Battle Royale? If you have then Joelle kinda copied a certain element of those necklaces the kids are forced to wear.

These are just a few of my nags.

Now I know I've made this book sound awful and completely unoriginal but I refuse to lie (unlike many reviews out there). This book DOES have many copied elements but it also has MANY original parts to it too!

Some of Charbonneau's ideas blew me away and many of the twists I didn't see coming. 

I did really enjoy this novel and will definitely be picking up the sequel but I had to point out my nags.

About that review I was supposed to write...

Hey guys! So it's Sunday and I don't have a review for you (I know *slaps hand*) BUT I do have a good excuse! I started a review book (a sequel) and wasn't really digging it, which I was so disappointed about because I adored the first book in the trilogy, *sigh* so I decided to put it aside for now and picked up *drum rolllllllllllllllll* The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau which was published in the UK only a few days ago!

 *has a spazzy dystopian happy dance* 

I'm about half way through and am really enjoying it so far despite its similarities to The Hunger Games. (We will see how I feel at the end of this book!) I promisey promise that I will have a review of The Testing up and ready for next Sunday as scheduled!

GUYS! (Stay with me, I'm almost done! This is the important part... kinda.)

I'm considering picking up CITY OF BONES for my next read because the movie's out this month and I really want to read the book first to see what all the hype is about. I'm not a fan of books written in 3rd person BUT I have enjoyed many so I'm definitely prepared to give this a go! 

Have you read it? Would you recommend it? I just kind of need persuading to read it really. :)

Anyways, thanks for reading my rambling!

Ciao! 

July Recap

If you haven't been obsessively keeping tabs on our blog, I must say I'm neither surprised nor upset. So here are some posts of note from July, just in case you missed them ;D

Nova's review of Charmed by Cambria Hebert

Charlotte's review of Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes

Gabbi's review of Wait For You by J. Lynn

Charlotte's review of Amongst the Ruins by Saewod Tice

Charlotte's Review of The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey

Gabbi's review of A Really Awesome Mess by Trish Cook & Brendan Halpin

Top ten words/topics that make me NOT want to read a book

Behind the Blog: Top 3 things we need to survive the day

Interview with Lea Nolan, author of CONJURE

Quote Impressions: The Romantique Edition

Book Review: The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey

The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey

Series: The 5th Wave #1

Genre: YA Post-Apocalyptic

 Publication Date: May 1, 2013

Publisher: Putnam Juvenile

Format: Hardcover

Source: Purchased

The Passage meets Ender’s Game in an epic new series from award-winning author Rick Yancey.

After the 1st wave, only darkness remains. After the 2nd, only the lucky escape. And after the 3rd, only the unlucky survive. After the 4th wave, only one rule applies: trust no one.

Now, it’s the dawn of the 5th wave, and on a lonely stretch of highway, Cassie runs from Them. The beings who only look human, who roam the countryside killing anyone they see. Who have scattered Earth’s last survivors. To stay alone is to stay alive, Cassie believes, until she meets Evan Walker. Beguiling and mysterious, Evan Walker may be Cassie’s only hope for rescuing her brother—or even saving herself. But Cassie must choose: between trust and despair, between defiance and surrender, between life and death. To give up or to get up.

This book was so good! The plot, the characters, the pacing, the writing, all of it! 

I was hooked from the start, from the moment I stepped into this world the action was raging. Not even 20 pages in and you're shown how Cassie's world has been turned upside down - literally - and how instinct has torn her heart apart in a frenzy for survival.

Cassie (short for Cassiopia) is on a lonely stretch of highway, running from the haunting past she has endured with no one to trust. The 4th wave is upon her, smothering her chances of survival while the 5th wave is unknown, but it's coming.

This story was just ghdfyjfhrhtfhj!!!!! It's an alien story, yes, but is it a typical alien tale? No. Hell to the no. This has been so intricately planned and written, it is unique and enthralling. It does remind me (slightly-ish-not-majorly) of another book out on the market but it'd be a spoiler to say which! 

Usually in alien apocalypse books/movies, aliens come down to earth in huge spaceships with large machines buried deep beneath the earth and the aliens are butt ugly baboons BUT The 5th wave puts an end to this. There is literally no confrontation (until the 4th wave - which you learn more about later in the book). Instead, the 1st wave consists of an electromagnetic pulse taking out all electricity/battery operated appliances etc. The 2nd wave is a tsunami, killing thousands and herding survivors. The 3rd wave sends out the pestilence (a deadly disease spread via birds because birds know no boundaries). The 4th wave brings Silencers, forcing survivors to stand alone. And the 5th wave? No one knows, but it's coming.

This fast-paced, action-packed plot is accompanied by some remarkable characters. There's Cassie (our protagonist) who is a head-strong, brave survivor of this otherworldly apocalypse - she's such a legitimate character, all of her actions and emotions are realistic, she's so human. 

Another character is Evan Walker BUT I can't really say anything about him (or any other characters) without slipping out a few spoilers. 

One thing I did love about this book was how you were never quite sure yourself who to trust or where others held their loyalties. You were in Cassie's shoes right up until the moment of truth.

I should have also mentioned that this book is written with alternating POVs between characters - who I cannot say. ;)

I definitely did love this book! It's a must read for everyone - particularly apocalypse/dystopian fans! I will certainly be picking up the sequel!

OH! And a little p.s.

The aliens in this book are called 'The Others'. I only figured this out after misreading the first couple sentences a million times. Oh and make sure you read the page titled "Intrusion 1995" before chapter 1. :)

Check out this awesome book trailer by penguin illustrating all 4 waves, it got me uber hyped up for the book!

Book Review: Amongst the Ruins by Saewod Tice

Amongst the Ruins by Saewod Tice

Series: The Chronicles of 2020 #1

Genre: YA Dystopian

Publication Date: September 12, 2011

Publisher: Noble Young Adult

Pages: 321 pages

Source: Received for review from the author

In the year 2220, only about 15% of Earth's population have survived and thrived after the Nuclear Disaster of 2020.

With the collapse of modern society, the population has regressed into eight clans.

Amongst these clans, an unusual girl grows from child to adult.

Raised on the run and in hiding, Shilo wants to be free of the expectations of women. But in a ruined world where anyone could be an enemy, only the radiation-twisted mutants are clearly identifiable. A fertile female is a precious treasure, and any lapse in caution can mean a loss of the freedom she longs for.

Training as hard as a soldier would, in order to free herself from social constraints, she finds herself faced with an offer from a new clan--an offer that provides her with what she desires. But her recently found independence brings discovery, and discovery brings two very different men from her past—and each of them is determined to claim her.

One is obsessed with owning her, the other desires her as the only person who can make him love again. (Summary from Goodreads.com)

So, uhhh, I read this like really amazing book, it's called "Amongst the ruins" and if you don't read it then, uhhh, I guess it's your loss.

This books was truly amazing! I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. It's the first novel in the promising 2020 chronicles. When I finished reading "Amongst the ruins" I completely fangirled to the author and she hasn't replied yet so I think I scared her? Maybe the part where I told her I "loved" her did it?

Ok, so onto the more serious part of the review... Heck, this is going to be so hard to write! I'm still so hyper about the book!

I genuinely don't know where to start or what to say to prove how phenomenal this novel was. It's hard to sum up awesomeness in a few paragraphs.

Unlike most dystopian novels, whose plots sound promising but fail to deliver, this story really struck me and is now one of favourites of all time.

The plot was basic yet seemed so complex at the same time. There were so many twists and unpredictable turns. In the future the remaining 15% of the population live in clans due to the collapse in society after a nuclear disaster devastated mankind. The 'Nigredo" are savage, radiation-twisted mutants, almost human-like if it weren't for their lack of empathy, who threaten to ruin the life mankind has salvaged from their past failures; but they're not all that endanger Shilo's life, freedom and future.

Shilo's transformation from a young girl in hiding to a young woman who will stand her ground is compelling and dangerous. Everything she does is to survive. Nothing else matters but survival in this world, but for Shilo, survival isn't enough. She wants freedom from the  trap she's fallen into, from the expectations of women in this monster of a world.

The characters are what make the story. The characterisation was beautiful and ever so real. The heartless mean fueled me with adrenaline and her friends and family enveloped me in warmth. I felt everything she experienced as if I were her, but at the same time I felt as though I was sat on the side line, unable to help her when my heart was screaming at me to do so.

The relationships between characters, whether they were enemies, friends, family or lovers were indecisive, believable and emotional. The feelings characters developed towards one another and the words they wished they'd had a chance to say make you realise just how precious life is.

I really can't strain enough how prodigious this novel was. The plot was simple yet layered, the characters all too human and beautiful.

A compelling read. An admirable protagonist. Her story will consume you.

*Recommended for 15+ due to mature content*

Purchase this novel!

(Also available at Amazon US and from the publisher.)

Behind the Blog: Top 3 Things I Need To Survive

Behind the Blog is a feature I've created to allow my readers to learn more about us outside of the blogging and book world. My hope is to connect with readers outside of books, make friends beyond the blog. As far as I know, the title of this feature came from my own mind. I don't recall seeing it on a blog before, so if you have a feature with the same name, no copy intended.

Top 3 Things I Need To Get Through An Entire Day

1) Caffeine - Yes, I have a physical addiction to caffeine. Aside from that, though, I would be a total zombie without it. Or witch--trust me when I say you do not want to talk to me before my coffee.

2) Chap stick - I feel like I hold some sort of record for how often lips can become chapped. And, despite the endless tubes of chap stick I buy, I always seem to be missing some when I need it the most.

3) Wallet - It's like my safety net...especially now that I have a job again. I don't feel right leaving the house without some cash and my debit card. Knowing my luck, I must be prepared for emergencies!

1) My phone! My life is contained within this hand-held device, I swear! I can keep in touch with my friends, family, boyfriend and all things bloggish on the go. :)

2) Jacket. Yes, I know. I sound weird. I tend to always carry a jacket/hoodie with me - more of a comfort/lack of confidence thing I guess.

3) Book. I always pack a book in my bag just in case I have a spare few minutes as I often can't wait to get back home to continue reading.

What do you need to survive an entire day?

Book Review: Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes

Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes

Series: Falling Kingdoms #1

Genre: YA Fantasy

Publication Date: December 11, 2012

Publisher: Razorbill

Source: Purchased

In a land where magic has been forgotten but peace has reigned for centuries, a deadly unrest is simmering. Three kingdoms grapple for power—brutally transforming their subjects' lives in the process. Amidst betrayals, bargains, and battles, four young people find their fates forever intertwined:

Cleo: A princess raised in luxury must embark on a rough and treacherous journey into enemy territory in search of a magic long thought extinct.

Jonas: Enraged at injustice, a rebel lashes out against the forces of oppression that have kept his country impoverished—and finds himself the leader of a people's revolution centuries in the making.

Lucia: A girl adopted at birth into a royal family discovers the truth about her past—and the supernatural legacy she is destined to wield.

Magnus: Bred for aggression and trained to conquer, a firstborn son begins to realize that the heart can be more lethal than the sword. . . .

The only outcome that's certain is that kingdoms will fall. Who will emerge triumphant when all they know has collapsed? (Summary from Goodreads.com)

"Choose your side. Kingdoms will fall."

Falling Kingdoms falls under an unfamiliar genre to me, unlike anything I've read before - it was fresh and I loved it.

My comfort zone, genre-wise, lies with dystopian novels but I was determined to give Falling Kingdoms a go as it fitted all criteria when I searched for a novel based on my love for programmes such as Pillars Of The Earth, World Without End and Merlin. I can honestly say that I wasn't disappointed, quite the opposite actually.

Falling Kingdoms is a story built around the solidity of 3 Kingdoms but is mainly the workmanship of the characters - each strong and distinct - as well as their varying beliefs.

As a whole, I'm not a fan of 3rd person (which this novel is written in) but I was so absorbed in this enthralling story that I hardly noticed it at all.

Another concern I had, which this book quickly overcame, was that I would become overwhelmed and confused with the load of characters. This certainly was not a problem; after being a few chapters in you know who is who and what they do like the back of your hand - BUT if any confusion does arise, there's a handy cast list and map for all 3 kingdoms located at the start of the novel.

The narrative (though in 3rd person) flips between the 3 kingdoms, following the perspectives of differing characters (mainly those of the princess, rebel and sorceress mentioned in the blurb). I found myself enjoying every element and perspective of this novel, never once was I bored or wishing for the plot to hurry on.

Rhodes created an outstanding world - one so vivid in my imagination with an array of strong-headed and unique characters. The plot never failed to keep you engaged.

I surprisingly loves this book and would definitely recommend it. I can't wait for the sequel.

June Recap

If you haven't been obsessively keeping tabs on our blog, I must say I'm neither surprised nor upset. So here are some posts of note from June, just in case you missed them ;D

Charlotte's review of The Day I Met Suzie by Chris Higgins

Gabbi's review of Dare You To by Katie McGarry

Gabbi's review of The Book of Broken Hearts by Sarah Ockler

Charlotte's review of Incarnate by Jodi Meadows

Gabbi's review of The Moon and More by Sarah Dessen

Gabbi's review of Saving Ben by Ashley Farley (Blog Tour)

Gabbi's review of In Too Deep by Michelle Kemper Brownlow (Blog Tour)

Gabbi's review of Fall From Love by Heather London (Blog Tour)

Top ten books featuring travel

Top ten beach reads

Top ten books on my summer TBR

Top ten books I've read in 2013 so far

The series continuation edition

Katie McGarry shares Noah Hutchins's guilty pleasure movies/TV shows

Character interview with Noah Hutchins

Practically Peeing: The Series Continuation Edition

I know, what a weird post title! But there's a lot of times when I'm excited for a book I say I'm peeing my pants for it. So "Practically Peeing" is a feature sort of like Waiting on Wednesday or On My Wishlist or Books  To Pine For where I showcase books that I realllllllly want to read. They might already be released, they might be a year away, they might be coming out next month! Either way, I can guarantee, I really want to read them.

Gabbi - 

Queen of the Dead by Stacey Kade

Series: The Ghost and the Goth #2
Genre: YA Paranormal
Publication Date: May 31, 2011
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Pages: 266

After being sent back from the light, Alona Dare - former homecoming queen, current Queen of the Dead - finds herself doing something she never expected: working. Instead of spending days perfecting her tan by the pool (her typical summer routine when she was, you know, alive), Alona must now cater to the needs of other lost spirits. By her side for all of this - ugh - “helping of others” is Will Killian: social outcast, seer of the dead, and someone Alona cares about more than she’d like.

Before Alona can make a final ruling on Will’s “friend” or “more” status, though, she discovers trouble at home. Her mom is tossing out Alona’s most valuable possessions, and her dad is expecting a new daughter with his wicked wife. Is it possible her family is already moving on? Hello! She’s only been dead for two months! Thankfully, Alona knows just the guy who can put a stop to this mess.

Unfortunately for Alona, Will has other stuff on his mind, and Mina, a young (and beautiful) seer, is at the top of the list. She’s the first ghost-talker Will’s ever met—aside from his father—and she may hold answers to Will’s troubled past. But can she be trusted? Alona immediately puts a check mark in the “clearly not” column. But Will is - ahem - willing to find out, even if it means leaving a hurt and angry Alona to her own devices, which is never a good idea.

Packed with romance, lovable characters, and a killer cliffhanger, Queen of the Dead is the out-of-this-world sequel to The Ghost and the Goth. (Summary from Goodreads)

The Fiery Heart by Richelle Mead

Series: Bloodlines #4
Genre: YA Paranormal

Publication Date: November 19, 2013

Publisher: Razorbill

Pages: 416

In The Indigo Spell, Sydney was torn between the Alchemist way of life and what her heart and gut were telling her to do. And in one breathtaking moment that Richelle Mead fans will never forget, she made a decision that shocked even her. . . .

But the struggle isn't over for Sydney. As she navigates the aftermath of her life-changing decision, she still finds herself pulled in too many directions at once. Her sister Zoe has arrived, and while Sydney longs to grow closer to her, there's still so much she must keep secret. Working with Marcus has changed the way she views the Alchemists, and Sydney must tread a careful path as she harnesses her profound magical ability to undermine the way of life she was raised to defend. Consumed by passion and vengeance, Sydney struggles to keep her secret life under wraps as the threat of exposure—and re-education—looms larger than ever.

Pulses will race throughout this thrilling fourth installment in the New York Times bestselling Bloodlines series, where no secret is safe. (Summary from Goodreads)

Charlotte - 
Allegiant by Veronica Roth
Series: Divergent #3
Genre: YA Dystopian
Publication Date: October 22, 2013
Publisher: HarperCollins Children's Books
Pages: 496

One choice will define you.

What if your whole world was a lie?
What if a single revelation—like a single choice—changed everything?
What if love and loyalty made you do things you never expected?

The explosive conclusion to Veronica Roth’s #1 New York Times bestselling Divergent trilogy reveals the secrets of the dystopian world that has captivated millions of readers in Divergent and Insurgent. (Summary from Goodreads)

Raging Star by Moira Young

Series: Dust Lands #3

Genre: YA Dystopian

Publication Date: April 15, 2014

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books

Pages: 448

When the star reader, Auriel Tai, challenged Saba to seize her destiny and defeat DeMalo and the Tonton, Saba was so confident in her purpose. Then she met DeMalo and he confounded all expectations with his seductive vision of a healed earth, a New Eden. DeMalo and Saba had an intense and passionate encounter - physical, emotional and psychic - that changed her life, and now he wants Saba to join him, in life and work, to create and build a healthy, stable, sustainable world…for the chosen few.

Jack’s choice is clear: to fight DeMalo and try to stop his dangerous New Eden project. Still uncertain, her connection with DeMalo a secret, Saba commits herself to the fight. Joined by her brother Lugh, anxious for the land in New Eden, Saba leads an inexperienced guerilla band against the powerfully charismatic DeMalo, in command of his settlers and the Tonton militia.

What chance do they have? Saba must act. And be willing to pay the price. (Summary from Goodreads)

It's Monday! What are you reading?

Read:
The Moon and More by Sarah Dessen - Gabbi
In Too Deep by Michelle Kemper Brownlow - Gabbi
Incarnate by Jodi Meadows - Charlotte

Currently:
Saving Ben by Ashley Farley - Gabbi
Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes - Charlotte

Next:
Fall From Love by Heather London - Gabbi

Wha'chu be reading? 

Book Review: Incarnate by Jodi Meadows

Incarnate by Jodi Meadows

Series: Newsoul #1

Genre: YA Sci-Fi Fantasy
Publication Date: January 31, 2012
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Pages: 374
Source: Bought

NEWSOUL
Ana is new. For thousands of years in Range, a million souls have been reincarnated over and over, keeping their memories and experiences from previous lifetimes. When Ana was born, another soul vanished, and no one knows why.

NOSOUL
Even Ana's own mother thinks she's a nosoul, an omen of worse things to come, and has kept her away from society. To escape her seclusion and learn whether she'll be reincarnated, Ana travels to the city of Heart, but its citizens are afraid of what her presence means. When dragons and sylph attack the city, is Ana to blame?

HEART
Sam believes Ana's new soul is good and worthwhile. When he stands up for her, their relationship blooms. But can he love someone who may live only once, and will Ana's enemies—human and creature alike—let them be together? Ana needs to uncover the mistake that gave her someone else's life, but will her quest threaten the peace of Heart and destroy the promise of reincarnation for all?

Jodi Meadows expertly weaves soul-deep romance, fantasy, and danger into an extraordinary tale of new life. (Summary from Goodreads)

 I did truly adore this novel. The cover is stunning and so is the story inside.

The world which Meadows created was beautiful and so far from the truth of reality yet it seemed so very real. I felt as though dragons, sylph and reincarnation actually existed as I read my way from cover to cover; I was so absorbed in this world.

Ana (our protagonist) was a character I adored from the first sentence and she continued to grow on me throughout the duration of the novel. She was as new to herself as she was to us; we knew everything she did and the best part was that we learnt it all with her - who she was, what she liked, why she existed and more importantly, who to trust. Meadows showed us all of this, she didn't tell us - this I liked.

Another character who I (and you will) love is Sam. He is so perfect, yet so flawed. He seemed so real throughout the book, so human. He was a lovable character and a great asset to the story.

The only issue I had with characters was that I think Meadows introduced us to too many members of the 'council' in one go so that I forgot who was who for a while. Only a few members were relevant characters yet all these names were thrown at us. This was ONLY a tiny issue, do not let this put you off the novel! You will not get confused about who is who with any main characters, I promise!

The relationships in this novel were more realistic than in a lot of YA reads these days as friendships were tested and emotions were used as weapons as well as comfort. The relationship between Ana and sam developed well throughout the story - they were each other's lifelines but also each was the other's greatest weakness.

I love the plot, the characters, the writing (the cover!) and everything else about this novel. It was well thought-out and beautifully written. I loved it so much that I've picked out a few of my favourite quotes! (I couldn't include all as they wouldn't have made sense out of context.)

1) "Honestly? I think people aren't sure it's worth getting to know you. It would be like you deciding if it was worth befriending a butterfly, even though it wouldn't be there in the morning."

2) I was the brushstroke that ruined the painting.

3) I was trapped, a butterfly under glass.

I loved this story as much as I'd hoped I would. I definitely recommend it and will certainly be picking myself up a copy of the sequel.

Book Review: The Day I Met Suzie by Chris Higgins

The Day I Met Suzie by Chris Higgins

Series: Standalone

Genre: YA Contemporary

Publication Date: March 7, 2013

Publisher: Hodder

Format: ARC

Source: Received for review

'My boyfriend could get into trouble if he gets caught. He could go to jail.' I moan softly. 'So could I.' 'Anything you tell me is completely confidential.' I sigh deeply. What have I got to lose? 'I wouldn't know where to begin.' 'At the beginning?' she says. 'In your own words.' So that's what I do. I start at the beginning like she says. The day I met Suzie. Indigo (Indie) rings the Samaritans. She is frightened and desperate with no one to turn to. Over the course of one long night, Indie tells her story to the person on the end of the phone. She realises that her friend Suzie has taken over her home, her friends, her work, her boyfriend - and her life. After every few chapters we are brought back to the present moment, and see how piecing the story together helps Indie progress towards resolution. (Summary from Goodreads.com)

 I didn't know what to expect when I accepted 'The day I met Suzie' for review, I didn't even know what genre it fell into, but I can honestly say that I was pleasantly surprised. And I know I've said that about a fair few books lately, but it's true.

   The blurb was unique and didn't give any hints about where the story was going to go. My first thought was 'OMG! She's killed someone...' (you'll probably see why when you read the blurb). The plot was like a mystery to be solved, you had to piece together the puzzle pieces to figure it all out.
 
 I admit that a few of the twists were unexpected but then some of them were predictable (to me, but maybe not to you, you'll have to read and see). Even when I predicted one of the big twists I was still like 'Ahhhhhhhhh!' because it was just... I don't even know what I'm trying to say, but yeh, it was still good!  I think the plot was delivered at the right pace and was altogether very clever.

   The characterisation was strong which issomething I found that helped you engage with the characters - no matter who they were. I really liked how Suzie was presented but I must admit that although I always agreed with the main character 'Indie' and stood by her side the whole way through the book, I didn't like her personality. She loved herself WAY too much but I suppose that was part of the story.

  There was romance in the novel, it was handled well (sex included but so mild you could probably miss it) as it was casual. Having a boyfriend was a part of Indie's lifestyle and it all added to the story.

  As a whole I actually really enjoyed 'The day I met Suzie' and I might read more by Chris Higgins in the future as this was my first taste of her work. :)