Article 5 [Hardcover]

Wow! Article 5 is undoubtedly one of my favourite reads of 2012 because it had everything I could have wanted from a book and MORE! From page one, I was sucked into the cruel and harsh world that Kristen Simmons has created and was taken on a thrilling and heart-stomping journey - one that only made me want more!

Ever since the soldiers took over parts of America, Ember Millers life has changed drastically. She now lives in a world where being compliant is mandatory and civilians have to follow the 5 Article rules. When Ember's mother is arrested for noncompliance of Article 5, she is taken away to trial leaving Ember to be taken into custody. While there, Ember finds her life under rules even harder than she ever imagined - all she knows is she needs to rescue her mother and she cannot do it inside the rehabilitation centre. It's only when Chase; a boy from Ember's past comes to her rescue - but once he does, Ember can't help question if he is the same boy - the one that she once loved or if he is the solider that he has been trained to be?

It's safe to say Article 5 completely surpassed my expectations! I heard it was good but I didn't realise it would be this good - that its left's me longing to be back with the characters already. And now I know, 2013 is going to be an even longer wait because I'm dying to know what happens next.

Kristen Simmons has created a master piece with Article 5 and she has truly been able to capture the intensity of Ember's world. It's dangerous, scary and brutal and without the right people there to save her, she is truly doomed. Kristen Simmons has also managed to create the perfect blend of excitement, suspenseful and intense scenes that will keep you on the edge of your seat and let's not forget the romance. Oh the romance - It will make its way into your heart and leave a trail of butterflies in your stomach. Yeah, it was that good!

My favourite thing from this book was the characters. I adored both Ember and Chase! They were both head-strong, independent and my god stubborn. Their scenes together are so intense that you can honestly feel the sparks fly off the pages and their romance will not leave you disappointed. Not convinced yet? Well here are some amazing quotes that will surely change your mind...............

"He was my anchor in the hurricane, yet at the same time, the hurricane itself, so that I nearly always felt safe and afraid simultaneously. There was nothing in the world as confusing and powerful as being close to him." - Ember

"Ember, you're the only piece of me I have left. Everything else-my family, my home, my soul- they're all gone. I don't know who the hell I am anymore. If it weren't for you... I don't know." - Chase

"Don't do that again! Not ever again!" I told him. "I should say the same to you," he said. I could feel his breath, warm on my neck. "Promise me!" I demanded.
"I... I promise." "I can't lose you." - Ember & Chase

"It was you," I say softly. "It's always you I think about."
The intensity in his gaze took my breath away. I could feel him. Every part of him. His soul was sewn to mine. His heated blood flowed through my veins. I'd thought that I had been close to my mother, and I was, but not like this. Chase and I barely touched- our hands, mouths, knees- but there was no part of me that was not his." - Ember

Overall, Article 5 is one the best dystopian novels I've read by far! So if you're a fan of this genre, then this book is for you and even if your not - I urge you to pick up it up because I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

Article 5 is another brilliant addition to the dystopian genre. I couldn't put it down! It has an amazing plot and extraordinary characters! If you enjoyed Divergent or Eve then I think this one is the one for you!

Ember Miller lead an ordinary life. Until her mother was arrest for breaking Article 5 of the Moral Statutes. To make matters worse, one of the officers who arrested her mother was Chase Jennings. The only boy Ember has ever loved and cared for, but he isn't like he used to be. He's changed. And Ember doesn't know what to do to bring him back.

I really enjoyed Ember's voice. I didn't mind listening to her problems and worries. She is a very strong and courageous character who, in many ways, reminded me of Tris from Divergent. I loved reading about her relationship with Chase, from start to finish that boy had me swooning! Handsome, confident, clever, have I mentioned the fact that he is so handsome?

The book was action packed and full of exciting twists! It was slightly predictable at times but apart from that, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Kristen Miller has delivered a book that will appeal to many fans of young-adult fiction. I can't wait to find out what she has got installed for us next!

Overall, Article 5 is a fun and daring book that will leave you anxiously awaiting for it's sequel.

I need to learn to stop assuming things about a book before I read it.

"Conner and Bateman pulled my mother away. Morris's hands were still on my wrists. I heard nothing over the ringing in my ears. And then I saw him. "

Everything I expected this book to be about, after reading the blurb, happened within the first 100 pages. I didn't like that. It felt too rushed. Straight away the book dropped in my opinion, but then I didn't know where the story was going to take me.

I'm glad that I stuck with it, because once I adapted to the fact that the book wasn't what I theorised in my head, I started to enjoy it.

The best thing about this book is the character of Chase and his feelings for the main character, Ember. Oh I love Chase. I always have a special place in my heart for tragic characters; I just always fall for them. When you list the things that he has been through, boy you know he has had it rough. All the way through I was feeling sympathy towards him. Maybe that's just my understanding nature.

I liked Ember in some ways but not in others. Not only does she not want to understand Chase's view of things in the beginning but also makes some downright stupid decisions. However I found her realistic as a character. She is not a brave kickass female like other YA heroines, but she is not really wimpy either. She sticks up for herself and genuinely cares about others; a little too much in some incidents. She also grows as a character which is what I like to see. I found myself relating to her (not when she makes stupid choices though).

I loved the way that the relationship between Ember and Chase was portrayed in the end; even if I got annoyed with Ember at times. I liked the flashback scenes to when both of them were younger. We get to know Chase as the person Ember knew so we could see how he has changed over the years. They have not been kind to him (tragic character sympathies coming though). I am also glad they were childhood friends. It would not have worked otherwise.

As for the society, I would have liked a bit more explanation. There were many references to a "war" throughout the book but no explanation as to what it was about or the cause. The characters have no excuse for forgetting; it only ended three years before the beginning of the story. I also really wanted more of an insider's view to the life of an MM solider from Chase. Hopefully more detail will be given in the upcoming books.

Overall I enjoyed it. Time for Chase swooning until the second one comes out methinks.