This Warcross sequel is as fast-paced and action-packed as the first book, if not more. But it didn’t quite live up to the standard of the first book. Stepping into the world of Warcross for the first time was overwhelming, but coming back for the second time wasn’t the same amazing experience. 

Wildcard picks up shortly after where Warcross ended, but it still took me almost a hundred page to really get hooked by the plot this time. Maybe because it was more focus on Hideo’s algorithm and its impact on society, than on the game part. I also felt that Emka’s character was a little less badass and as fleshed out as in the first book. She was in such a bad place for most of the book, thorn between her feelings for Hideo and his betrayal, and the need to stop his devil plans.

There were some completely unexpected plot twists, and just like in the first book, the Phoenix riders were amazing characters, and Marie Lu eventually wrapped everything up flawlessly. It also raised interesting issues as to how technology can be used to transform society (for better or worse). So, overall, it was an enjoyable, well-written and fast-paced read, even though it didn’t blow me away as much as the first book in the series. 

Rating:
​3 stars

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​Author info:
Marie Lu

This is a book outside my normal genre. I don’t like too much erotica or too explicit content, and there are also other trigger warnings such as physical and sexual abuse, bullying, toxic and even cruel relationships, attempted rape, alcohol and drug use, addiction, a lot of slut shaming and stereotype gender roles. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed Paper Princess! So much more than I could ever have guessed!

What pulled me in to this story and got me hooked was the strong heroine, Ella Harper, and the twists, turns, angst, drama and the insane chemistry and hate-lust going on.

Seventeen-year-old Ella has been forced to make things on her own ever since her mother died of cancer. Then, out of nowhere, a man she’s never met, Callum Royal, claims to be her legal guardian and takes her home to live with him and his five sons. The Royal boys are rich, privileged and entitled. They’re also amoral and can be mean and brutal. Especially the leader of their pack, Reed, who was downright despicable and intolerable most of the time. But nevertheless, the boys were all utterly fascinating, and I really enjoyed how Ella handled them, never giving in to them. She managed to stay true to herself and always speak her mind. Her character was so well-developed throughout the story. I immediately rooted for her and how she was yearning for love and acceptance, but hiding her feelings behind a hard exterior. She was strong and tough, but not over the top. And the sexual tension between Reed and Ella was off the charts. All the power plays between Ella and Reed slowly developed into one of the most passionate hate to love relationships I’ve ever read.

One of my favorite characters, next to Ella, was Easton Royal. Poor broken Easton. He was so sweet, that you just wanted to cuddle with him and heal his broken heart, but he also had such a great sense of humor. And I like how he was the first to become a friend to Ella, when she most needed one.

All in all, Paper Princess is a fun, feisty, addicting and entertaining soap opera. There is so much drama, revenge, betrayal, love, friendship and jaw dropping moments than you will feel like you are on a roller-coaster. There is a lot of sex but I enjoyed the sexual undertones as well as the romance. But for the rating, I cannot give it full pot, since it goes against my values to romanticize sexist and abusive relationships. No matter how entertaining the rest of the story is, that kind of behavior is never acceptable. 

Rating:
3.5 stars rounding up to 4

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​Author info:
Erin Watt

This book made me cry and laugh, then laugh some more and cry some more. It was such a beautiful, gripping and sad story that was at the same time fun and sweet and heart-warming, and that showed that it is never too late to find love and rewrite your own story.

With the terminal cancer diagnosis, Hazel knows that there is just one way her story will end. And soon. But when the gorgeous Augustus Waters appears at her support group, she finds herself swept away in a love story that will take her on a journey both literally and mentally. 

I loved the rawness of this story. It didn’t sugarcoat the life of a terminal cancer patient or the pain and sorrow it caused her loved ones. The description of Hazel’s parents and how they were trying to be strong for Hazel’s sake while falling apart inside was so realistic. But the story was still fun and sweet, with a lot of humor and warmth. John Green did a wonderful job of bringing the emotions to the surface, without making the story over-melodramatic, and to show that it is never to late for love or for living what is left of your life to the fullest. That said, this book nevertheless totally broke my heart.

All in all, this was a beautiful, sad and heartbreaking, yet inspiring story, that despite the tragic topic was so full of love, hope and life. It’s one of those books that will stay with you and make you think about your own choices and the way you live your own life. Just be warned that you will need a box of tissues nearby when you read it!​

Rating:
5 stars

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​Author info:
John Green