Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver Book Review

Disclaimer: Although I don't believe I've included very many spoilers aside from those that are on the surface, I cannot be sure, so read at your discretion.

I'm pushing aside the memory of my nightmare, pushing aside thoughts of Alex, pushing aside thoughts of Hana and my old school, push, push, push, like Raven taught me to do. The old life is dead. But the old Lena is dead too. I buried her. I left her beyond a fence, behind a wall of smoke and flame. Lauren Oliver delivers an electrifying follow-up to her acclaimed New York Times bestseller, Delirium. This riveting, brilliant novel crackles with the fire of fierce defiance, forbidden romance, and the sparks of a revolution about to ignite.
-Goodreads

I must say that Pandemonium was exactly what I expected it would be, exciting and adventurous, with tension abounding around every corner. Oliver opens up her thrilling sequel with Lena discovering the pros and consequences of the choice she makes to leave the confines of her former life to venture into what is called 'the Wilds.' I loved how it all played out, each new character introduced, and each challenge that tests Lena to rise above her 'former' self. The greatest wild card character, in my opinion, is Julian Fineman, the symbol of what Lena and the rest of the 'Invalids' are against. I found myself hooked to this story from cover to cover, as uprisings beckoned, and new love burgeoned beneath the streets of a future NewYork City.

Lauren Oliver never fails to astound me with the beauty of her writing. As much as I wanted to race through the novel, I found myself slowing down to savor each word. A novel about 'diseased' love, if handled ineffectively, can become something contrived and quite cheesy, but Oliver weaves each and every moment in such a profound way. Lena and Julian's moments together are so organic to me that one cannot help but sympathize with their feelings, even as you miss Alex' presence. Julian is one of my favourite characters, because he is thoughtful, has a childlike innocence, and is battered from his own struggles with the resistance. He is a beautiful character to observe as he grows, and his eyes are opened to the realities of the world his father wishes to create.

There are only two things that made me arch my brow a bit. As Lena grows throughout this novel, we see her begin to use more and more profanity, which seemed a bit unnecessary. The other, is that the very thing that I expected to happen in the end actually does. Nevertheless, none of this took away from the story, but it does, especially the ending, make me want to take out a petition to rush release the third and last novel!

Bare In Mind: This novel contains slight nudity, violence, profanity, and certain passages from the Bible retold (The account of Abraham and Isaac).

Overall, Pandemonium was an entertaining, thrilling, and romantic novel that will draw you in until the very end.

I give Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver 4 1/2 out of 5 stars!


P.S. If you love Novel Days, please vote for it in the Independent Book Blogger Awards. The vote button is in the sidebar. I would very much appreciate it!

1st Giveaway WINNER: Bridge of Scarlet Leaves by Kristina McMorris

YES!!!! A now the day you've all been waiting for! Before I announce the winners, I would like to thank Kristina McMorris so much for being generous enough to donate her beautiful novel, Bridge of Scarlet Leaves for this giveaway! I'd also like to thank all of you who have recently entered the contest and followed Novel Days! You're all FABULOUS!

DRUM ROLL...............The winner of a brand spanking copy of Bridge of Scarlet Leaves is.......

NINA C.!!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Congratulations! I'll be sending you an email very soon!!!!

Divergent by Veronica Roth Book Review

In a future Chicago, 16-year-old Beatrice Prior must choose among five predetermined factions to define her identity for the rest of her life, a decision made more difficult when she discovers that she is an anomaly who does not fit into any one group, and that the society she lives in is not perfect after all.

-Goodreads

After reading of Divergent's high acclaim on the blogosphere, I figured it was time to finally dive into it, and see what the hype's all about.  Divergent is a thrilling read about a young woman seeking to abandon all that she knows to allow her courageous, more fearless self out. I thought Roth's dystopian tale was very imaginative, and thought provoking. A world that seeks to group human beings into select sets: Erudite-The Intelligent, Abnegation: The Selfless, Amity: the Peaceful, Dauntless: the Brave, and Candor, The Honest, is a very clever world to suppose. I loved that it is set in futuristic Chicago, what more tough a surrounding? Fast trains, noise, fights, all point to Dauntless!

I enjoyed reading of Tris' (Beatrice) journey towards becoming Dauntless. Suddenly, she is thrust into a new world, where her friends may not be trusted, and her every fear is challenged. Tris' and Four definitely caused me to look at my own fears and discover how to overcome them, as opposed to allowing them to rule. Four is what every female loves in a hero: dark, handsome, challenging, and intelligent. His backstory is intriguing, and the fact Roth was not afraid to show his vulnerabilities was a definite plus. It's boring to see heros act as the definition of manliness without showing their human sides. I also loved Tris' experience with the other initiates who've chosen to become Dauntless, Will and Christina were awesome. Al, pretty heartbreaking, and Eric, the young Dauntless Leader, depraved.

I'll admit that (and this is after having devoured The Hunger Games, and might not even be fair) that Divergent seemed a bit tame in comparison to dystopias that I've enjoyed in the past. It does become more brash as it moves forward, action packed, and tear worthy as it all gets real at the end. I think, as much as I adored Tris and Four together, their romance may have come too early in the narrative. As romantic as I am, I'll admit that it might have downgraded my experience with reading Divergent. I love dystopian novels that make the situation presenting the society as a whole of somewhat greater importance than romance, to an extent; feeding us romantic bits in subtle but profound ways. I wish that they had encountered more challenge with each other, and perhaps their love delayed a bit until closer to the end, but it, nevertheless, is still a great story.

Divergent was a thrilling ride that I literally inhaled. It's definitely an addictive read that will make readers move right through it. I'm looking forward to reading Insurgent, it's highly anticipated sequel, to see how it all develops, and where I stand with this series.

I give Divergent by Veronica Roth 4 out of 5 cups of Earl Grey.

Sartorial Lit: Lessons from The Women of District 12

Sartorial Lit is a feature at Novel Days that combines fashion with fiction.

One of the most striking aspects of The Hunger Games film is it's attention to fashion. Most are in awe of the bizarre garments donned by the citizens of The Capitol, or custom costumes conceived by Cinna. But I was most drawn to the simplistic nature of those warn by the citizens of District 12. Even as District 12 is a stark portrayal of hardship, it carried for me a nostalgic beauty that shined through the bleakness. For this Sartorial Lit post, I've drawn inspiration from Katniss and Primrose Everdeen's reaping dresses, hand me downs inspired by styles from the Depression Era.

It would seem that a young woman of District 12 wouldn't have very many opportunities to dress up, but on a foreign occasion, hopefully happier than the Reaping, the fashion would be natural, classic, and nostalgic. Katniss's dress is a simple one that shows off her natural beauty. Primrose's outfit is similarly simple and clean, revealing an effortless modest beauty. Given the harsh circumstances that would have flooded the days of a young woman from District 12, there would be no room for excess. A woman from District 12 would do what she could with what she had, no more, no less. Clean, soft skin; tousled hair perhaps braided or in a messy bun; clothes often handed down from many woman in her family or sewn; heirloom jewelry of the simplest nature (e.g. pearls (wink wink), lockets, timepieces, etc). Her clothing would not only highlight her natural beauty, but also her strength in a rustic terrain.

The color scheme seemed to fit that of soft and faded shades: cremes, beiges, soft florals, deep blues or browns, etc.

Featured Designer/Shop:
Modcloth: Dresses  1 | 2 | 3 | 4 / Shoes: 1 | 2 | 3

1928 vintage looking jewelry, $32

J.Crew tahitian pearl stud earrings, $50

Butter London lacquer nail, $14

Butter London nail polish, £12

Butter London nail polish, $14

Butter London lacquer nail, $14

Butter London 3 Free lacquer Bumster, £12

newburycomics.com - The Hunger Games - Mockingjay Prop Replica Pin, $20

Of course, the fashions represented by the Capitol are nothing short of magnificent, but the natural, classic beauty of District 12 is also not to be missed. 

What did you think of the film's attention to fashion detail?

Oh, and before I go, There's still time to enter my 1st giveaway featuring Bridge of Scarlet Leaves by Kristina McMorris!

P.S.S: I leave you with the music video for Safe and Sound by Taylor Swift feat. The Civil Wars. Such a beautiful video, and Taylor's dress is simply gorgeous!



Source: 1-2