Book Review: Delirium by Lauren Oliver

As you might remember, as part of the month's Fictional Fun theme, I posted my reading list for June with the intention of reviewing the books as I went. If you missed the post, you can read it here: http://myrandommusings.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/june-reading-list.html

This is my review of Delirium, by Lauren Oliver

 

The blurb from the back cover

 

There was a time when love was the most important thing in the world. People would go to the end of the Earth to find it. They would tell lies for it. Even kill for it.

Then, at last, they found the cure.

Now, everything is different. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the government demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Haloway has always looked forward to the day when she’ll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable and happy.

But then, with only ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable…

My thoughts on the book

I'm still reeling from this book! It was fantastic, and I really enjoyed it. Lauren Oliver is a fantastic writer, and she brings the characters to life in a way that makes you feel like you know them.

The book is set in the future where love is believed to be a disease, and science has found the cure. While this sounds a bit far fetched, when you read the book, it doesn't seem that way. I could actually imagine the government trying this one. The cure doesn't just stop you loving. Without love, there is no hate either, just indifference.

Everything is mapped out for you based on the test results you receive. Although this might sounds unthinkable, the book is set in a time when the characters can't remember a time when love wasn't viewed as a disease and their perspectives on this is fantastic.

 

Conclusion and rating

This is a very intelligently written book that will make you think. The characters are very relatable and I truly cared what happened to them, which to me is a sign of a good book. 5/5

 

Have you read this? What did you think?

 

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Book Review: The Ritual by Adam Nevill

As you might remember, as part of the month's Fictional Fun theme, I posted my reading list for June with the intention of reviewing the books as I went. If you missed the post, you can read it here: http://myrandommusings.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/june-reading-list.html

This is my review of the second book, The Ritual by Adam Nevill.

 

The blurb from the back cover

 

When four old university friends set off into the Scandinavian wilderness of the Arctic Circle, they aim to briefly escape the problems of their lives and reconnect. But they find they have little left in common with each other and tensions soon arise.

 

With limited fitness and experience between them, a shortcut meant to ease their hike turns into a nightmare scenario that could cost them their lives. Lost, hungry and surrounded by forest untouched for millennia, things couldn’t possibly get any worse.

 

But then they stumble across an old habitation. Ancient artefacts decorate the walls and ther are bones scattered upon the dry floors. The residue of old rites and pagan sacrifice for something that still exists in the forest. Something responsible for the bestial presence that follows their every step. And as the four friends stagger in the direction of salvation, they learn that death doesn’t come easy among these ancient trees…

 

My thoughts on the book

I really enjoyed this book. It was very well written and I found the characters to be quite realistic.

The book centres around four friends who end up stranded in a secluded forest, but soon discover they are not alone. The book is quite spooky and builds up the tension well.

I won't spoil the book by telling you what happens in the second part, but there are a few unexpected twists and turns and the ending is really good.

 



Conclusion and rating

I really enjoy spooky books, especially with the pagan element thrown in for good measure. It's well written, runs at a reasonable pace and had enough twists to keep me interested. 4/5.

 

Have you read this book? What did you think?

 

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Book Review: The Boy In The Attic

You might remember that I posted my June reading list earlier in the month. Have a look here if you missed it: http://myrandommusings.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/june-reading-list.html.

I have now completed the first book and am part way through the second. I think I'm going to have to go a bit faster if I hope to get  through all five of them!

 

This is my review of The Boy In The Attic by David Malone.

 

 

The blurb from the back cover

 

Ireland 1973: A very different world. But a tiny village in county Dublin was about to lose it’s innocence forever.

On a bright and sunny June afternoon, a seven year old boy was left in the care of his teenage neighbour. No one knew, or would ever have dreamed of suspecting, that the teenager was a Satanist. The two went out into the fields to look for rabbits. The child was never seen alive again.

For the first time, in The Boy In The Attic, David Malone reveals the exact events of that summer day: how the youngster was lured to his death, how the teenager came to delve so deeply into the occult and the nightmarish scene awaiting police when they entered the attic but there is another disturbing question – how is it that this murder, which is easily one of the most shocking and horrific in living memory, was barely reported on at all? Why have you never heard of the boy in the attic until now?

My thoughts on the book

 

Overall, I enjoyed the book. For all it's a true crime book, it was written like a story so was pretty easy reading.

The first part of the book covers the lead up to the murder and the murder it's self. If you're not used to reading these types of book, you could find it a little disturbing, but there's nothing overly graphic.

The second part of the book goes on to describe the trial and the sentencing, and a little about the time spent in jail.

There is also some photos included which I like because it puts a face to the people you are reading about.

If the book stopped there, I would have given it a rating of 4. Unfortunatley, it then carries on to the third part. This is all, to me, random facts about the people involved that have no bearing on the story. I feel like the author thought "I did this research, it took time and effort, and I'm including it whether it's relevant or not!".

 



 Conclusion and rating

A pretty good read, but would have been better if the last 60-70 pages where cut out! 3/5

 

Have you read this one? What did you think?

 

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