Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

'This is a world divided by blood - Red or Silver.

The Reds are commoners, ruled by a Silver elite in possssion of God-like superpowers. And to seventeen-year-old Mare, a Red from the poverty-stricken Stilts, it seems like nothing will ever change. 

But Mare possesses a deadly power of her own. One that threatens to destroy the balance of power. 

Fearful of her potential, the Silvers hide Mare in plain view, declaring her a long-lost Silver princess. Knowing that one false move will mean her death, Mare must use her new position to bring down the regime - from the inside.

Now Mare has entered a game of betrayal and lies.

This is Reds against Silvers, prince against prince, and Mare against her own heart...'

Why oh why did I have this book standing in my shelf for so long? Once again this was a complete cover buy. It's beautiful! And I will be totally honest, I didn't even read the blurb. Maybe that is why I haven't picked it up. But I certainly should have, what an absolutely compelling and unique book. I have always been a fan of a good distil isn't book, but lately they have been a few that have been rather disappointing. Not this one! 

We are taken into a world that is devided in two. The silvers and the Reds. The Reds being humans, who's blood is obviously red. Then there is the ones who bleed silver, who have abilities such as controlling fire, plants, water, minds... you name it. 

The silvers live in luxury while the Reds barely have to work hard to survive. And if you haven't found a job in a world that is short of them, you will be forced to go to war, to the front line, weather you are a girl or boy. Once you are 18 and job less you are having to leave. 

Mare is red. Mare hasn't got a job. And Mare's 18th is just getting closer. But she isn't worried about herself yet, because she is busy trying to save her friend from having to go. While she tries to save him things go from worse to bad for Mare's family. And while Mare tries to hide from what she has done, she meets Cal. 

The day after her life completely changes. She is summons to come to the palace and work for the silver Royal family. 

During her first event as a servant at the palace Mare discovers her own ability. And once again in the matter of days her world is turned upside down. And Mare finds herself in a dangerous position. She will have to make unbelievable choices for herself, her family and friends and for maybe the Reds. But will she know what to do? 

I don't want to give much away because this book has been surprising me at every corner. And I don't want to spoil that for anyone who hasn't read the book yet. 

But what I can tell you is that I have enjoyed every page of this book. There is so many strong characters, so many characters that confuse me. I couldn't guess what comes next even if I tried. This wasn't a book where you could guess the outcome straight away, but enjoyed the ride anyway. I enjoyed the ride because it never failed to surprise me and to make me want to read just another page. 

The world that has been created is beautiful and already I would love to see it on the big screen. I am totally glad this is a series and not over already. 

Also as you will have noticed by now, I haven't mentioned any boys, oh they are there, and they certainly make for some good reading. But I almost think the story, the world, everything else that goes on is so much more important and worth mentioning. However, I can't figure them out. You know when you read about a boy and you instantly love him? Or when you read about one that is horrible, and you just want to scream at the main character: stay away from him? Well here is 3 of them and almost all of them are very very hard to figure out. I feel like I am on this journey of discovery with Mare. Perfect! 

All that's left to say now is; if you haven't yet, read it!! And I am off to order the next one.