Review: Dear Ally, How Do I Write a Book? - Ally Carter

Dear Ally, How Do I Write a Book? by Ally Carter, published by Orchard Books on 4th April 2019

Goodreads synopsis:
Ally and her author friends want to help YOU write the book you've always dreamed of. Part agony aunt, part writing guru, this writing guide is thoughtful, witty and best of all, useful.

Review:

You don't have to be a teen to find 'Dear Ally, How Do I Write a Book?' hugely informative and useful. If you have any interest at all in writing for a YA audience then this is the best guide to get you started. I'm a huge admirer of Ally Carter and I've read all of her books, so I was instantly intrigued when I heard about this title. I've read a number of other guides to fiction writing but they have all been designed for adult writers. This is the first really useful book I've come across that is written by a YA author and packed full of tips and advice for those who want to write YA fiction. It is one of those titles that you know you'll continually be picking off your bookshelf and referring back to. 

The book is broken down into chapters such as 'Planning your book', 'Developing your plot' and 'Editing your book'. The structure is linear and takes you through every stage of the writing process, from creating your characters, to building your world. There is a wealth of thoughtful and useful advice but Carter also makes it explicitly clear that there is no single right way to write. Everyone has their own style and their own process which is crafted and developed over a period of time. You just have to find what works best for you and sometimes that only comes through trial and error. 

Interspersed throughout the book are questions and answers from a number of other well-known authors, such as David Levithan, Stephanie Perkins, Marie Lu and Holly Black. I found these really interesting and insightful, as it helped to show the unique nature of the writing process, as well as providing author stories about the road to publication. Ally Carter often refers to her own journey in becoming a YA author and some of the insights she shares about choosing characters, settings or plot lines were fascinating. 

Ultimately you do have to find your own way and write about things that matter to you but if you have always dreamt of becoming a published author, or even just want to nail that next NaNoWriMo challenge then this is THE book you must read.    

Review: Not If I Save You First - Ally Carter

Not If I Save You First by Ally Carter, published by Orchard Books on 27th March 2018

Goodreads synopsis:
After Maddie's Secret Service dad takes a bullet for the president, he takes Maddie somewhere he thinks they'll be safe - far away from the White House and the president's son, Logan.

But when Logan comes to Alaska, so does the danger.

If there's one thing Alaska has taught Maddie, it's how to survive. And now her best friend's life depends on it ...

Review:
Ally Carter is one of my go-to authors when I want to read something that is pure escapism and a whole lot of fun.  I have adored all of her books and 'Not If I Save You First' may just be my new favourite.  I devoured it in one sitting and loved absolutely everything about it.  If I didn't have a humongous toppling to-be-read pile, then I would probably immediately begin reading it all over again.  Trust me, it's that good.

This book literally had everything I love and more.  Features a member of the Presidential First Family, tick.  Set in the Alaskan wilderness, tick.  A kick-ass teenage heroine, tick. A life and death situation, tick.  It's like Ally Carter reached inside my brain, scooped out all of my favourite things and put them into her story.  I could not have enjoyed this book any more if I'd tried.

The opening couple of chapters are set in the White House and set up the scenario which unfolds throughout the rest of the book.  The action then jumps forward six years and we see our protagonist Maddie, living with her father, formerly the President's bodyguard, in the middle of Alaska.  Maddie used to be best-friends with the President's son Logan, but that's before he never answered any of her letters and she lost all contact with him.  She's never forgotten him though and when he reappears in her life after so many years, she doesn't know whether to be happy or angry. And when he ends up getting kidnapped, it's up to Maddie to rescue him and keep them both alive.

I absolutely adored Maddie.  She came across like a female Bear Grylls.  Her father (and Alaska) have taught her how to survive and so she's not afraid to go after the kidnapper when he disappears with Logan.  She's constantly two steps ahead and is not to be messed with.  I thought her relationship with Logan was adorable, although she spends most of the book pretending to hate him!

Featuring tons of action and adventure, I never wanted the story to end.  I was constantly kept on my toes and the excitement just kept on coming.  One of the best books I've read so far this year.  Ally Carter has most definitely done it again!     

Books I'm looking forward to in 2018

I love the start of a new year because there are so many wonderful new books to look forward to.  Here are just a few of my most hotly anticipated titles for the first half of 2018.

A Spoonful of Murder by Robin Stevens

Published by Puffin on 8th February

When Hazel Wong's beloved grandfather passes away, Daisy Wells is all too happy to accompany her friend (and Detective Society Vice President) to Hazel's family estate in beautiful, bustling Hong Kong. But when they arrive they discover something they didn't expect: there's a new member of the Wong family. Daisy and Hazel think baby Teddy is enough to deal with, but as always the girls are never far from a mystery. Tragedy strikes very close to home, and this time Hazel isn't just the detective. She's been framed for murder!

The girls must work together like never before, confronting dangerous gangs, mysterious suspects and sinister private detectives to solve the murder and clear Hazel's name - before it's too late . . .

The Prophecy by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Published by Hodder on 8th March

The end has come.
Old gods will fall.
New ones will rise...
and Seth and Josie will need more than love to survive the final battle that could not only destroy them, but the world as they know it.

 

Not If I Save You First by Ally Carter

Published by Orchard Books on 27th March

 

After Maddie's Secret Service dad takes a bullet for the president, he takes Maddie somewhere he thinks they'll be safe - far away from the White House and the president's son, Logan.

But when Logan comes to Alaska, so does the danger.

If there's one thing Alaska has taught Maddie, it's how to survive. And now her best friend's life depends on it ...  

 

 

A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas

Published by Bloomsbury on 1st May

 

Feyre, Rhys and their companions are still busy rebuilding the Night Court and the vastly changed world beyond. But Winter Solstice is finally near, and with it a hard-earned reprieve. Yet even the festive atmosphere can't keep the shadows of the past from looming. As Feyre navigates her first Winter Solstice as High Lady, she finds that those dearest to her have more wounds than she anticipated - scars that will have a far-reaching impact on the future of their court.

 

 

The Belles by Dhonielle Clayton

Published by Gollancz on 8th February

 

In the opulent world of Orléans, the people are born grey and damned, and only a Belle's powers can make them beautiful.  Camellia Beauregard wants to be the favourite Belle - the one chosen by the queen to tend to the royal family.

 

But once Camellia and her Belle sisters arrive at court, it becomes clear that being the favourite is not everything she always dreamed it would be. Behind the gilded palace walls live dark secrets, and Camellia soon learns that her powers may be far greater - and far darker - than she ever imagined.

When the queen asks Camellia to break the rules she lives by to save the ailing princess, she faces an impossible decision: protect herself and the way of the Belles, or risk her own life, and change the world forever.
 

 

Are you looking forward to any of these too?

 

Which books do you have on your wishlist for 2018?

 

Review: Take the Key and Lock Her Up - Ally Carter

Take the Key and Lock Her Up by Ally Carter, published by Orchard Books on 26th January 2017

Goodreads synopsis:
Grace has discovered that she's the lost princess of Adria ... but some people would prefer she stay lost. With her brother's life hanging in the balance and secret assassins everywhere, life on Embassy Row has never been more dangerous.

Review:
Ally Carter does it again with what is without a doubt the best instalment of the whole series.  I've been desperate to read 'Take the Key and Lock Her Up' ever since the almighty cliff-hanger ending of 'See How They Run', when Grace discovered that she was the lost princess of Adria.  I dived into this book and devoured it in one sitting because it is pretty much impossible to put down.  Carter doesn't let her foot off of the break once as the story speeds along at an incredible pace.  I was on the edge of my seat from start to finish.

Grace is a terrific character and one who I've grown to like and admire more with each book.  She is tough and determined and pretty kick-ass.  All of the struggles and adversity she has had to face have only made her stronger and more single-minded.  She will do anything to protect the people she loves, even if it means sacrificing herself in the process.  She is also very unpredictable which makes her an exciting character to read about because you are never sure what she will end up doing next. Throughout the story she faces danger from every corner and you are left guessing about where the true threat actually lies.  Is it with the Royal Family or the shadowy Society?

Her romance with Alexei is one of my favourite things about this book.  Their relationship has evolved from friendship to love and I adore the moments when they are being protective of each other, as well as all of those sizzling kisses. I was really rooting for them and I wanted Grace to finally get her happy ending in his arms.  I also liked the way that Grace's other friends rallied around her and helped in whatever way they could.  They are determined not to let her face the danger alone.   

The story hurtled from one thrilling escapade to another and I was utterly glued to the pages.  I had no idea what was going to happen next or who was going to make it out alive.  I loved 'Take the Key and Lock Her Up' and I'm only sad that such a fabulous series has come to an end.  Hopefully Ally Carter will be back soon with another new adventure.

Review: See How They Run - Ally Carter

See How They Run by Ally Carter, published by Orchard on 14th January 2016

Goodreads synopsis:
Grace thought finding her mother's killer would bring her peace. But the truth has only made her a target. on Embassy Row, trust is a luxury. Death is a very real threat. And a girl like Grace should be very careful about which secrets she brings to light...

Review:
'See How They Run' is the second book in the Embassy Row series and a fantastic read to kick off 2016!  What a brilliant and gripping sequel to last year's 'All Fall Down'.  Grace is still struggling with the secret she uncovered about her mother's death and there are plenty more surprises lying in wait for her. 

The plot was really thrilling.  Grace has to come to the rescue of handsome boy next door Alexei when trouble comes calling and he's accused of something he didn't do.  She's not a girl to back down from a fight and even though she is dealing with her own traumas, she won't let him go it alone.  I thought Ally Carter did a terrific job of keeping the story moving along swiftly, ensuring that I had to keep on and on reading.  This is definitely a book that you will have to finish in one sitting.

I absolutely love the unique setting of this series.  Embassy Row is full of political intrigue and conspiracy and it adds an additional element to the story that the countries are trying to avoid an international incident.  It means that when Grace comes barrelling in, you know there is going to be trouble ahead.

Grace is not the easiest character to get to know and she is dealing with a lot of issues, but I find myself liking her more and more.  I have my fingers crossed that her and Alexei might finally pair up because I think they would make a great couple.

The ending was a real jaw dropper and I can't believe the curveball that Ally Carter has thrown in.  How Grace deals with such an incredible revelation will be very interesting to see.  I think it could change the whole dynamic of the series from here on in. 

Review: All Fall Down - Ally Carter

All Fall Down by Ally Carter, published by Orchard Books on 5th February 2015

Goodreads synopsis:
Grace can best be described as a daredevil, an Army brat, and a rebel. She is also the only granddaughter of perhaps the most powerful ambassador in the world and Grace has spent every summer of her childhood running across the roofs of Embassy Row.

Now, at age sixteen, she's come back to stay - in order to solve the mystery of her mother's death. In the process, she uncovers an international conspiracy of unsettling proportions, and must choose her friends and watch her foes carefully if she and the world are to be saved.  

Review:
'All Fall Down' is the first in a brand new series from the author of the Gallagher Girls books.  This was one of my most hotly anticipated titles of the year and it did not disappoint.  Like all of Ally Carter's books, it was fast-paced, suspense driven and exciting with a typically plucky female protagonist and a whole cast of other fab characters.  I really loved it and I can't wait for the next book in the Embassy Row series. 

The story centres around teenager Grace who goes to live with her Grandfather in the US Embassy, based in Adria.  Grace is haunted by the death of her mother three years before and vehemently believes that she was murdered, rather than having died accidentally in a fire.  No one will believe her, so she sets out to prove them wrong. 

I really loved Grace.  Ally Carter's characters are always fantastic but I clicked with Grace from the very beginning.  She is driven, brave and isn't afraid to take risks.  She is not someone who will give up easily and she is undeterred by the people around her who are trying to stop her from pursuing her mother's death.  Her single-minded mission is dangerous but Grace seems to thrive on getting herself out of sticky spots. 

There is a great cast of secondary characters in the story too.  Megan, her new best friend Noah and Rosie were all brilliant.  It reminded me of the Gallagher Girls series where they all come together to watch each other's backs and protect one another.  I desperately want to see more of Alexei too, the Russian boy next door, who could be a potential love interest.  He came across as pretty mysterious, so I'm looking forward to a few of his secrets being spilled. 

I thought the setting was very unique too with the story taking place in and out of a whole row of international embassies.  The plot was fantastic and there were lots of twists and turns which kept me on my toes.  A mega twist and a big reveal at the end, left me in no doubt that I would be grabbing the second book as soon as it's published.   

Review: United We Spy - Ally Carter

United We Spy by Ally Carter, published by Orchard Books on 5th September 2013 

Goodreads synopsis:
Cammie Morgan has lost her father and her memory, but in the heart-pounding conclusion to the best-selling Gallagher Girls series, she finds her greatest mission yet. Cammie and her friends finally know why the terrorist organization called the Circle of Cavan has been hunting her. Now the spy girls and Zach must track down the Circle’s elite members to stop them before they implement a master plan that will change Cammie—and her country—forever.

Review:
'United We Spy' is the sixth and final book in the Gallagher Girls series.  I was desperate to read it because I love these books but also wanted to savour every page because it was sad saying goodbye to such fantastic characters and such an amazing world.  If I could have picked any school to attend then it would have been the Gallagher Academy because the girls are so much more than just school friends, they are sisters as well. 

Cammie, Bex, Macey and Liz are still intent on hunting down the members of the Circle of Caven when they discover a terrible truth.  Much of the story is focused on their attempt to avert catastrophe as they try to save the world and each other.  These girls have come a long way since the series first began.  They've always been clever, ingenious and brave but their talents have now been honed and their determination is off the chart.  Cammie in particular has really grown over the course of the series.  She has faced some terrible things and is still haunted and scarred by what has happened to her but she never loses track of the end goal and won't rest until the Circle has been dealt with once and for all.  I love the darker tone that the later books have had and the fact that everything is on the line for Cammie and her friends and family. 

'United We Spy' is a thrill-ride of a story and a fitting end to what has been an amazing series.  Exciting and compulsive reading, I was hooked and couldn't bear to put this book down.  Not even for a second!  Danger lurks at Cammie's heels as she puts into action all the training she's received over the years.  Instead of surviving on her own, I like the fact that we get to see all the girls working together like a well-oiled team.  They all have different strengths but they bring out the best in each other and never lose faith in their abilities.              
I really don't know what I'll do without any more Gallagher Girl adventures.  I love this series and I'm going to miss Cammie and Zach and all their friends so much.  I wonder if Ally Carter could be tempted into writing a spin-off somewhere down the line about their new careers.  I would be the first in line to read about that!

Review: Out of Sight, Out of Time - Ally Carter

Out of Sight, Out of Time by Ally Carter, published by Orchard on 5th April 2012

Goodreads synopsis:
The last thing Cammie Morgan remembers is leaving the Gallagher Academy to protect her friends and family. But when Cammie wakes up in an alpine convent and discovers months have passed, her memory is a black hole. The only traces left of Cammie’s summer vacation are the bruises on her body and dirt under her nails. All she wants is to go home. But even the Gallagher Academy now holds more questions than answers as Cammie and her friends face their most difficult challenge yet. With only their training and a few clues to guide them, the girls go in search of answers on the other side of the world. But the Circle is hot on their trail and will stop at nothing to prevent Cammie from remembering what she did last summer.

Review:
There may be spoilers from previous books in the series.

There's action and adventure, as well as mystery and intrigue around every corner as the Gallagher Girls return in the fifth instalment of the series.  Take a deep breath now because this book will take you on a rollercoaster ride full of non-stop excitement.

Ally Carter's Gallagher Girls series is one of my favourites.  She can't write them fast enough for me!  Each book only gets better and better and as one layer is peeled back and a secret revealed, there's always another one waiting just underneath.  These books are compulsive reading so before you start 'Out of Sight, Out of Time' make sure that you've cleared your schedule for the rest of the day.

After a huge bombshell at the end of book four, I was dying to catch up with Cammie and co and find out what was going to happen to them next.  There's no going back to normal for Cammie however who finds that she's been awol for the whole summer with no memory of what really happened to her or where she was during that time.  It's up to her and her friends to piece things together even if it means remembering something terrible.

Ally Carter has the art of suspense down to a tee.  The whole way through I was on the edge of my seat wondering where Cammie was going to end up next and what she was going to discover.  Just as she was eager and impatient to regain her memories, I was equally as keen to find out too.  With the threat of the Circle of Cavan hanging over her, she's determined to protect her family and friends no matter the cost, but this is one fight that they're not going to be left out of.

At times I wasn't sure who could be trusted in the story but that only added to the sense of danger which is present the whole way through.  The ending was truly shocking and Ally Carter surprised me yet again with her bold choice of plot twists.

This was a fantastic read and a superb addition to the series.  Roll on book six!

Waiting on Wednesday #56

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted at Breaking the Spine that spotlights eagerly awaited upcoming releases. Head on over there to take part or to check out all the other fabulous books that people are looking forward to reading!

Out of Sight, Out of Time (Gallagher Girls #5) by Ally Carter

Published on 5th April 2012 by Orchard Books

The last thing Cammie Morgan remembers is leaving the Gallagher Academy to protect her friends and family. But when Cammie wakes up in an alpine convent and discovers months have passed, her memory is a black hole. The only traces left of Cammie’s summer vacation are the bruises on her body and dirt under her nails. All she wants is to go home. But even the Gallagher Academy now holds more questions than answers as Cammie and her friends face their most difficult challenge yet. With only their training and a few clues to guide them, the girls go in search of answers on the other side of the world. But the Circle is hot on their trail and will stop at nothing to prevent Cammie from remembering what she did last summer.

This is one of my favourite series!  I usually devour these in one sitting because each book is so darn good that it's impossible to put down.  The last book in the series was the best so far which left me even more excited for this one.  I can't wait to see what secrets Cammie is going to discover this time around.

Review: Only the Good Spy Young - Ally Carter

Only the Good Spy Young by Ally Carter, published by Orchard Books on 5th May 2011

Goodreads synopsis:
When Cammie Morgan enrolled at the Gallagher Academy, she knew she was preparing for the dangerous life of a spy. What she didn’t know was that the serious, real-life danger would start during her junior year of high school. But that’s exactly what happened two months ago when she faced off against an ancient terrorist organization dead set on kidnapping her.

Now the danger follows her everywhere and even Cammie “The Chameleon” can’t hide. When a terrifying encounter in London reveals that one of her most-trusted allies is actually a rogue double-agent Cammie no longer knows if she can trust her classmates, her teachers—or even her own heart.

Review:
This is the fourth installment of the Gallagher Girls series and the most explosive and action-packed so far.  It was so gripping that I read it in one evening because I couldn't go to bed until I knew how the story was going to end.  In typical Ally Carter fashion it left me desperately wanting more but I've heard that there won't be a new Gallagher Girls book now until 2012, which is far too long to have to wait!

If I could describe the series in one word it would be fun.  The books are absolute pure entertainment and always provide such an enjoyable read that they're a bit like chocolate - a sweet treat that you can't get enough of! 

The story starts with Cammie on winter break with Bex and her parents.  Closely guarded after the events of the preceding book 'You Can't Tell a Girl By Her Cover', she believes she's safe but then her whole world is turned upside down and she begins to question everything that she thought she knew.  With the help of best friends Bex, Macey and Liz, she's soon on a mission to uncover the truth about the mysterious Circle of Cavan but she may not like what she discovers. 

The Gallagher Girls books are littered with kick-ass characters.  Cammie is like a 21st century Nancy Drew but with skills and abilities that Nancy could only dream about.  Bex and co never fail to let me down with their loyalty and devotion to keeping Cammie safe, plus there's a new teacher on the scene who may or may not be on the same side as the good guys.  The elusive Zach is also back and some incredible secrets are spilled about who he really is.

'Only the Good Spy Young' is brimming with adventure and excitement and there are some thrilling revelations that there's no way you'll see coming.  Although answers are provided to plenty of the questions that have been bubbling away throughout the series, Ally Carter has also thrown in several more curveballs which take the books to a whole new level.  This installment provided adventure, mystery and romance in abundance and has completely solidified my love for the Gallagher Girls.

You can find out more about the series at:
http://www.gallagheracademy.com/ 
http://www.facebook.com/gallagheracademy

Review: Don't Judge a Girl by Her Cover - Ally Carter

Don't Judge a Girl by Her Cover by Ally Carter, published by Orchard Books on 3rd March 2011

Goodreads synopsis:
When Cammie "the Chameleon" Morgan visits her roommate Macey in Boston, she thinks she's in for an exciting end to her summer break. After all, she's there to watch Macey's father accept a nomination for vice president of the United States. But when you go to the world's best school (for spies), "exciting" and "deadly" are never far apart. Cammie and Macey soon find themselves trapped in a kidnapper's dangerous plot, with only their espionage skills to save them.

As her junior year begins, Cammie can't shake the memory of what happened in Boston, and even the Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women doesn't feel like the safe haven it once did. Shocking secrets and old flames seem to lurk around every one of the mansion's corners as Cammie and her friends struggle to answer the questions, Who is after Macey? And how can they keep her safe?

Soon Cammie is joining Bex and Liz as Macey's private security team on the campaign trail. The girls must use their spy training at every turn as the stakes are raised, and Cammie gets closer and closer to the shocking truth...

Review:
The Gallagher Girls rock!  Cammie and co are back in the third installment of the teenage spy series, following a group of girls at the Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women.  It's taken me a little while to completely fall head over heels for this series but it's finally happened!  I really enjoyed this book which was a fun and extremely entertaining read.  Although I'm a huge fan of many of the current series about teenage boy spies, it's refreshing to see the girls kicking butt instead.  I wish I'd gone to a school like the Gallagher Academy.

This time around boy troubles are still on the horizon for Cammie but the focus is on her friendships with the other girls and particularly Macey whose life may be in danger while she's out on the campaign trail with her parents.  In typical Cammie fashion, she's soon embroiled in the action and determined to keep her friend safe no matter what.  I love Cammie - she's a great character to base the series around.  She's always hurtling head-first into dangerous situations but she's incredibly loyal and always puts her friends first.

Zach, the boy that she was involved with in the last book, appears mid-way through the book.  He seems to keep getting more and more mysterious and I'm looking forward to finding out what secrets he's hiding.  I would have liked to have seen more of him but on the other hand I think it was good that their romance took a backseat while the focus of the story was on Macey and Cammie.  I'm sure there's plenty more Zach to come.

A little more about Cammie's family history is laid bare and her Aunt Abby is a new character in the story.  It was interesting seeing a Gallagher girl actually out there in the world doing such a high powered job.  She came across as having quite a mercurial personality and I wasn't sure whether or not she was entirely on the level but I thought she was a good addition to the series.  I hope she appears again in later installments. 

This is such a fun series and I'm enjoying it more and more with each new book.  The characters are hugely appealing, the plots are always action packed and running high on adrenaline and I'm finding myself really getting hooked on them now.  'Only the Good Spy Young' is published by Orchard Books on 5th May 2011 and I for one can't wait!