Revived by Cat Patrick

Release Date: Out now!

Publisher: Hardie Grant Egmont

Pages: 327pgs

The Story

As a little girl, Daisy Appleby was killed in a school bus crash. Moments after the accident, she was brought back to life.

A secret government agency has developed a drug called Revive that can bring people back from the dead, and Daisy Appleby, a test subject, has been Revived five times in fifteen years. Daisy takes extraordinary risks, knowing that she can beat death, but each new death also means a new name, a new city, and a new life. When she meets Matt McKean, Daisy begins to question the moral implications of Revive, and as she discovers the agency's true goals, she realizes she's at the center of something much larger - and more sinster - than she ever imagined.

The Review

A big thanks to Jennifer from Hardie Grant for sending me a review copy of this book!

Unlike most teenager girls, Daisy Appleby is used to dying. Literally. Five times - as far as she can recall - she has died by accident and each one of those dying moments she has been brought back to life by a secret government drug called Revive, and with this drug alone she must start her life off fresh which means new school, new town, and most importantly, a whole new identity for herself and for her guardians aka her so-called 'parents'. But when it comes down it . . . nothing can ever really be called her own and Daisy is tired of it. As she meets new friends and a hot guy where first love could be waiting on the horizon, Daisy is left questioning what exactly she has gotten herself into and what could her government agency be possibly hiding from her and from everyone else who have also entered the program.

I was first introduced to Cat Patrick's writing with her debut novel, Forgotten, and it was by far one of the most unique YA books I've ever come across, and it had also became one of my personal favourites from last year. But with so much love and praise for her first novel, I admit I was a little worried when it came to REVIVED as I feared it wouldn't live up to my very high expectations. While this book didn't necessarily amaze me in the way Forgotten had in the past, but in all fairness it still entertained me on a great level and the book offered something a little different compared to most YA novels out there, with a modern world with a slight dystopian twist to add into the equation. It was very cool indeed.

REVIVED's main heroine, Daisy, was a character I'd liked immediately from my first encounter with her. For someone who'd died at least five times in her short lifespan, she's been taking it pretty easily for a teenage girl (it was like her saying 'I'm dead now so get over it world') and the same goes with her feel-good attitude towards moving from town-to-town, which I guess made me like her even more because she didn't fear death and understood exactly what was expected of her when her time was up. Well, for almost a second or two before being brought back to life. But the thing about Daisy was that she acted like your typical girl-next-door and I love those types of girls because I could see myself being friends with those characters, and despite all the crazy situations that Daisy seemed to constantly find herself in, she still came to grips with her new life, embraced what she had, and eventually grew up a little which was another bonus to her character arc.

While I love the storyline and all, but the only real complaint I have with the book is the character Matt, the love interest in the story. Don't get me wrong here, I love Matt's caring nature and his compassionate side when it comes to our leading lady, Daisy, but I thought the romance and the overall relationship between him and Daisy was a little rushed for my taste. I just couldn't really warm up to Matt . . . I'm sorry to say. I liked him when I first met him and he was off to a good start because he acted like your boy-next-door or your boy-bff, but when he found out more about Daisy's life and the whole Revive ordeal, I thought he believed in things way too easily and if I were him I would really be questioning things. Like really questioning this Daisy situation instead of saying, 'Okay you died a few times . . . that's cool. Tell me more about it because I believe you for sure'. Regardless of that part, Matt was still a nice guy but much like with this book, nothing can beat my love for the characters nor the storyline of Patrick's debut novel, Forgotten, which I had more of an emotional connection towards compared to this book right here.

All in all, I found REVIVED was an interesting YA read and if you loved Patrick's first novel, then I'm pretty sure you'll love this as well! It might not be my favourite book as of yet - considering that rushed ending and I seriously hope there's a sequel somewhere in the future because I'm not completely satisfied here - but I'm still very much looking forward to more of Cat Patrick's writing because she's a blast to read!

The Rating 3 1/2 / 5 stars

Forgotten ARC Giveaway Winner!

Considering this was my first EVER giveaway, I just want to say a BIG thank you to everyone who had entered my FORGOTTEN giveaway and a big thank you to the awesome Jennifer at Hardie Grant Australia for giving me an extra ARC copy of this amazing debut novel!

To my surprise, I had a very good number of international and Australian followers - both old and new - putting their names down to win! So, thank you very much you guys! Also, I had to mention that only a few days ago, I'd actually reached 100 blog followers! Yay!

Anyway, let's get down to business! Using random.org, the winner of this very precious ARC of Cat Patrick's FORGOTTEN book is . . .

*drum roll please*

Vivien

WOOHOO!!!! Congrats to the winner! I've sent you an email, so please respond with your mailing address and I'll ship this lovely little baby to you ASAP! Hope you enjoy this book as much as I did!

As for those who didn't win, not to worry, in the future I should be holding more contests! For those aussies reading this post, come and enter my DIVERGENT book giveaway (AUS only - sorry international folks!!!) which ends April 30th. Also, be sure to check out FORGOTTEN when it hit shelves June 2011!

WIN an ARC of Cat Patrick's FORGOTTEN!

Add this to your Goodreads to-read pile!!!!!

Each night when 16-year-old London Lane goes to sleep, her whole world disappears. In the morning, all that's left is a note telling her about a day she can't remember. The whole scenario doesn't exactly make high school or dating that hot guy whose name she can't seem to recall any easier. But when London starts experiencing disturbing visions she can't make sense of, she realizes it's time to learn a little more about the past she keeps forgetting-before it destroys her future.

Part psychological drama, part romance, and part mystery, this thought-provoking novel will inspire readers to consider the what-if's in their own lives and recognize the power they have to control their destinies.

So, have you been craving an ARC copy of this wonderful book? Well, the lovely Jennifer Kean from Hardie Grant Australia is offering a special reader a chance to receive an exclusive copy of Cat Patrick's debut novel, Forgotten, before its release date in June. Which means . . . you may have a chance to see how truly awesome and breathtaking this fantastic book IS and have the opportunity to see how swoon-worthy this Luke character is - the love interest of this story!

Here's what you need to do . . . make a comment below!

Of course, there's extra entries!

[Tell me in your comments including links and your email address!]

OPEN INTERNATIONALLY!!!

+2 if you like the new AUS Forgotten facebook page

+2 for tweeting, facebooking, blogging - or, whatever site you can think of - about this giveaway

+2 if you're an old follower of my blog

+1 if you're a new follower of my blog

Giveaway ends April 24th 2011! Good luck!

If you don't win - but who knows maybe you will - then be sure to buy yourself a copy of this amazing debut novel in June this year! It will never be forgotten!

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT MY ARC BOOK REVIEW HERE!

Forgotten by Cat Patrick

ARC REVIEW

I just want to say a big, BIG thank you to Hardie Grant Egmont's Australian publicist, Jennifer Kean for sending me an ARC copy of this amazing debut novel! I'm so very glad to have read this book earlier than its release date!

Release Day: June 6th, 2011

Publisher: Hardie Grant Australia/Egmont Books

Pages: 304pgs

The Story

Each night when 16 year-old London Lane goes to sleep, her whole world disappears. In the morning, all that's left is a note telling her about a day she can't remember. The whole scenario doesn't exactly make high school or dating that hot guy whose name she can't seem to recall any easier. But when London starts experiencing disturbing visions she can't make sense of, she realizes it's time to learn a little more about the past she keeps forgetting-before it destroys her future.

Part psychological drama, part romance, and part mystery, this thought-provoking novel will inspire readers to consider the what-if's in their own lives and recognize the power they have to control their destinies.

The Review

London Lane is your typical sixteen-year-old girl. Or . . . so it seems. You see, she has an unusual problem. Every night when she goes to sleep, at 4:33 a.m. to be exact, her memory is erased and resets itself. Every morning she has to start the day from scratch, aided by only the notes she leaves for herself from the day before and being forever reminded by her overprotective mother. And this system worked for her. Until now. Jamie, London's best friend, is slowly going off the rail, London's mother is keeping secrets and, to top it all off, London can't remember a boy she's in love with . . . and every time she sees him - after her mind resets every morning - it's like the first time she's met and fallen in love with him all over again. Imagine that!!! What is even more interesting is that London's memories are of the future and not of the past, events that haven't even happened as of yet!

Everything changes when London meets the new guy at school, Luke Henry. From their very first meeting, there is an instant attraction and it definitely helps that he's a gorgeous and a really sweet, generous guy! But even with that familiarity about him, London still doesn't see him in any future memories of hers. Just when London thinks nothing will ever happen between them, she then can't stop talking to him and soon enough, the attraction and the romance builds . . . making Luke become a bigger part of her future - an important one at that. But she still can't remember him . . . the notes are the only thing she can rely on and the only thing to keep her facade of 'remembering' him intact.

Without too many spoilers, let's talk about the characters! I loved, loved, LOVED London! For the problem she has to go through every, single day, she still maintains a normal life and she's incredibly strong throughout the book as she tries to make the most of her life, even when she's dealing with her condition. She's just so loveable! I could understand if she was a moody, sulky teenager with what she has to go through (she's entitled to be) . . . but instead, the author has provided us with a teenager that stays true to herself. And even Jamie, the best friend that is the total opposite to London, meshes well with her and creates a perfect balance between them.

Okay . . . so LUKE HENRY! The love interest. Oh. My. God. He's the sweetest fictional boy I've ever met and one of my favourites in YA books! From his weird, yet so very cute artwork obsession to his memorable chocolate brown Converse shoes, he is the ultimate sweetheart! He will make girls hearts swoon and most importantly, he'll make you smile and giggle all through the book! It's heartbreaking at times when London can't remember him, but thanks to her notes . . . she does.

Lastly, let's talk about my thoughts on the actual storyline! FORGOTTEN had that reminiscent of Drew Barrymore's film 50 First Dates (a film that I love very much) and if that film was written into a book . . . it would be this final product of perfection, only it's so much better! For once, this particular young adult book is original, had very likeable - no, loveable - characters, and it behaved in a realistic manner for teenage readers such as myself, making this even more interesting than I'd first thought it would be. Nonetheless, with twists and turns along the way . . . they were so cleverly done and I loved how the story turned out in the end! *can't stop gushing over this book*

Without a doubt FORGOTTEN is an amazing and a refreshing debut novel. It has a hint of mystery that will keep you guessing til the very last page, a hint of romance that will stay in your heart forever, and of course, there will many emotions you will go through and make you question your own past and future in your everyday lives. Despite its title, there is no way Cat Patrick's novel FORGOTTEN will be forgotten!

The Rating

5/5 stars