Hello my literary comrades! Happy Memorial Day once again! And to those who are in other countries and don't celebrate, happy day to you! Alright lets get started, I can't wait for this review! Ahhhh
Forgive My Fins is an amazing book by Tera Lynn Childs. It's about Lily Sanderson, who at first glance is a teenage girl who loves fish and water. You find out she is half mermaid, half human, or "terraped" as the mermaids call them. Not only that, but she is the princess of an underwater kingdom. Hi-jinks ensue when Lily accidentally mer-bonds with her worst enemy, Quince Fletcher.
Ahhh, I can't even explain how much I love this book. It's so fresh and interesting. Plus of course it has a swoon worthy guy. It's a nice twist on the mermaid mythology, with a great love story as well. The way it was all set up was brilliant.
Lily is a good person to follow. She's not perfect by any means, and that's good. She's independent, sarcastic and witty. Sometimes you do want to shake her and say "look at what's right in front of you! Why can't you see?" But she is very relatable, and you follow her journey with a hungered way about you. And Quince, oh boy Quince. I know I've said this A LOT, but what is it about fictional men that make them so bloody attractive? If one of y'all know please drop me a line. He is that bad ass kid who loves to annoy the protagonist, but secretly loves her and has a sweet caring side. He is so hot, I felt like he would burst into flames if that was possible. (on land of course) Oh how I wish he was real. I also loved Lily's father. He really loved her, and wanted what was best for her, even when Lily didn't know herself. Man I wish he was my dad. Lily's two best friends Peri and Shannen could not have been more different, but they were fantastic. Could you tell I loved all the characters? Even the "bad guys" were sort of likable, also good characters.
I loved Tera Lynn's writing style. It was fresh and lovely. I liked her use of oceanic terminology. It's nothing you can't understand, which is nice. I also loved the descriptions of Thalassinia. It seemed so real. Also the way Childs set up her worlds, and mythology was utterly brilliant.
I've officially added another book to my favorites this year. I highly recommend this and suggest you pick it up in any way soon. :) Hope y'all enjoyed Memorial Day or just had a very good day. :)
Until next time comrades
Viva la literature!
Monday, May 30, 2011
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Review #17: Shadowland by Meg Cabot
Hello my literary comrades! Hope the weekend has treated you well. Happy early Memorial Day to those who celebrate! And to those who don't, well happy day! Alright, lets get started!
Shadowland is by the awesome Meg Cabot, who wrote the uber popular Princess Diaries series. It's about a 16 year old girl named Susanna Simon, aka Suze (LOVE that name). She's a mediator, a person who can see ghosts, and helps them with their unfinished business, in order for them to cross to the other side. She moves from Brooklyn to Carmel, CA when her mom remarries/relocates. There, instead of the fresh start she was hoping for, she is in for a world of drama.
I love this plot, and the idea that you could have a gift like helping the dead, and hate it. Because it is plausible that a gift like that could ruin your life. I liked the way the novel went about itself, with the mix of fish out of water comedy and paranormal drama. Plus I loved the suspense of it. The refreshing twist on the paranormal is well, refreshing.
I have to say, Suze is one of my heroes. She doesn't take crap from anyone, and can defend herself well, and yet still be vulnerable too. She was sarcastic and funny but knew when to be quiet. I feel we could be great friends if she were real. As for Jesse, is it possible to be attracted to a ghost? Man, is he hot *swoon*. I can't explain it, but he's just sexy and sweet and legitimately cares for Suze. Hell I wouldn't care if he wanted to kiss me ;). David, one of Suze's stepbrothers, was also one of my favorites. He's that annoyingly smart younger sibling who feels the need to dispense their knowledge whenever, but has good intentions and a good heart. All of the supporting characters were great as well, fully developed, not left by the wayside. I especially loved CeeCee and Adam :).
I like the way Cabot wrote this. The way she just jumped into the mind of a 16 year old badass mediator was brilliant. Plus she is good at writing dialogue between her characters.
If you love Meg Cabot, you'll love this.
Until next time comrades
Viva la literature!
P.S Happy Memorial Day once again :)
Shadowland is by the awesome Meg Cabot, who wrote the uber popular Princess Diaries series. It's about a 16 year old girl named Susanna Simon, aka Suze (LOVE that name). She's a mediator, a person who can see ghosts, and helps them with their unfinished business, in order for them to cross to the other side. She moves from Brooklyn to Carmel, CA when her mom remarries/relocates. There, instead of the fresh start she was hoping for, she is in for a world of drama.
I love this plot, and the idea that you could have a gift like helping the dead, and hate it. Because it is plausible that a gift like that could ruin your life. I liked the way the novel went about itself, with the mix of fish out of water comedy and paranormal drama. Plus I loved the suspense of it. The refreshing twist on the paranormal is well, refreshing.
I have to say, Suze is one of my heroes. She doesn't take crap from anyone, and can defend herself well, and yet still be vulnerable too. She was sarcastic and funny but knew when to be quiet. I feel we could be great friends if she were real. As for Jesse, is it possible to be attracted to a ghost? Man, is he hot *swoon*. I can't explain it, but he's just sexy and sweet and legitimately cares for Suze. Hell I wouldn't care if he wanted to kiss me ;). David, one of Suze's stepbrothers, was also one of my favorites. He's that annoyingly smart younger sibling who feels the need to dispense their knowledge whenever, but has good intentions and a good heart. All of the supporting characters were great as well, fully developed, not left by the wayside. I especially loved CeeCee and Adam :).
I like the way Cabot wrote this. The way she just jumped into the mind of a 16 year old badass mediator was brilliant. Plus she is good at writing dialogue between her characters.
If you love Meg Cabot, you'll love this.
Until next time comrades
Viva la literature!
P.S Happy Memorial Day once again :)
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Review #16: Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris
Hello my literary comrades! How have ya been? Good? Great! Lets get started. :)
Dead Until Dark is the first book in the Sookie Stackhouse/Southern Vampire Mysteries series, which is the basis for True Blood (which everyone I know who watches it loves, but I just haven't gotten to see.). It centers on Sookie Stackhouse, a telepathic barmaid from the small town of Bon Temps, Louisiana. Sookie lives in an alternate US where Vampires have just "come out of the coffin" and now have the legal right to exist. She meets a vampire named Bill Compton, and her world changes.
Now, this isn't my first time reading the book, but I haven't read it in a long time so it was nice to be refreshed. The plot is reminiscent of Anita Blake only in that both take place in an alternate universe where everyone is aware of the supernatural, and there is a good bit of sex, though both authors have different takes. I liked the mystery that Ms. Harris set up, and the world any mythology were fantastic to read about. Her vampires are fascinating, and sexy [cough cough Stephen Moyer, Alexander Skarsgard, cough. ;)] I also liked following the town of Bon Temps, with its issues and interactions between the people who lived there.
I do like Sookie, I love following her journey as she grows and gains knowledge and isn't as simple as she was in the beginning of the novel. I felt her pain when the townsfolk treated her as a second class citizen, and rooted for her when she proved them wrong. She's not the best main character, but she is pretty awesome. I like Bill, even though he is a bit creepy at times. I can't explain it, he just exudes this creepiness, almost the the level of Edward Cullen. I did love Sam Merlotte, and wish he had a semblance of a chance with Sookie.
Harris's writing is alright, it's not the greatest. While I do feel the weight of the world she has created, I did not feel completely immersed. I feel like that's all I can say.
I know this book, and series for that matter, is not everyone's cup of tea, and that's ok. If you like vampires and werewolves and the whole of the supernatural, with some romance, you'll like this.
Until next time comrades.
Viva la literature!
Dead Until Dark is the first book in the Sookie Stackhouse/Southern Vampire Mysteries series, which is the basis for True Blood (which everyone I know who watches it loves, but I just haven't gotten to see.). It centers on Sookie Stackhouse, a telepathic barmaid from the small town of Bon Temps, Louisiana. Sookie lives in an alternate US where Vampires have just "come out of the coffin" and now have the legal right to exist. She meets a vampire named Bill Compton, and her world changes.
Now, this isn't my first time reading the book, but I haven't read it in a long time so it was nice to be refreshed. The plot is reminiscent of Anita Blake only in that both take place in an alternate universe where everyone is aware of the supernatural, and there is a good bit of sex, though both authors have different takes. I liked the mystery that Ms. Harris set up, and the world any mythology were fantastic to read about. Her vampires are fascinating, and sexy [cough cough Stephen Moyer, Alexander Skarsgard, cough. ;)] I also liked following the town of Bon Temps, with its issues and interactions between the people who lived there.
I do like Sookie, I love following her journey as she grows and gains knowledge and isn't as simple as she was in the beginning of the novel. I felt her pain when the townsfolk treated her as a second class citizen, and rooted for her when she proved them wrong. She's not the best main character, but she is pretty awesome. I like Bill, even though he is a bit creepy at times. I can't explain it, he just exudes this creepiness, almost the the level of Edward Cullen. I did love Sam Merlotte, and wish he had a semblance of a chance with Sookie.
Harris's writing is alright, it's not the greatest. While I do feel the weight of the world she has created, I did not feel completely immersed. I feel like that's all I can say.
I know this book, and series for that matter, is not everyone's cup of tea, and that's ok. If you like vampires and werewolves and the whole of the supernatural, with some romance, you'll like this.
Until next time comrades.
Viva la literature!
Monday, May 23, 2011
Review #15 Across the Universe by Beth Revis
Hello my literary comrade! I'm back with another review. So get on your reading glasses, sit in your comfortable chair, and lets go!
Across the Universe is by Beth Revis. It is a science fiction based book about a girl named Amy Martin. At first she is being cryogenically frozen to join her parents on a ship that will send them to a new earth in order to colonize. 50 years before the ship lands Amy is unexpectedly reanimated, severing her connection to her parents and forever preventing her from being with them at her present age. She meets Elder, the next in line to lead the ship, and they form an unexpected connection (you can tell that I'm using unexpected a lot, right? XD) Along the way Amy and Elder start to uncover a sinister plot to kill the other remaining frozen "cargo" on the ship, and other sinister plots, while falling in love in the process.
I loved this book. No, let me rephrase that. I LOVED this book. To say that is is crazy good is a complete and utter understatement. The plot might be the most brilliant original thing, or not, either way I love it. I love how Beth Revis sets up her world, and just sucks you in, making you want to continue reading like a sugar addict trying to find more candy. You find yourself not wanting to leave the book for anything, especially from the second half on. I can't even begin to describe how good the climax was, and all of the many plot twists that are beyond perfect. If you can go back into a book and see seedlings of the twists and bang your hand on your head and say "why did I not see that before?", then that is a good twist. In my book at least. I can not stress enough how good the plot was. Man, it was just beyond words good.
Character wise, I connected evenly with Amy and Elder, though admittedly Amy more so. I guess that's because we are both from earth, and I could relate to her story and struggles more than I could Elder. I love how her mind works, because I feel that's how my mind is sometimes. I loved how clever she was, and how she was able to see past the facade of peace and calm. Though I do love that she also had her vulnerable moments, and she was vulnerable to the ship's strong pull. Elder was a great character as well, and I love his transition from wearing rose colored glasses to being fully aware and realizing the consequences of the actions of those he cares about, and also himself. The array of side characters were fantastic as well, like Harley. Man do I love Harley. I loved how crazy he was, but in a good way. Also how much he really cared for Elder and Amy, who he accepted immediately. His story was just so interesting and complex, I felt for him and rooted for him and cried for him. I loved how Amy and Elder's love was not easy, there were bumps along the way, and a trust had to come together.
I loved Beth Revis' writing style. It is so fluid, the way she goes back and forth from Amy and Elder's perspectives. I felt that there were clear distinctions in who was telling the story, and the way she described everything, it was just brilliant. A beautiful and fluid way of writing can get you much praise, at least from me.
I absolutely adore this book, and recommend it highly to anyone who likes a good sci fi romance with hints of dystopia. Although if you just love a good story, you will love this.
Until next time comrades.
Viva la literature!
Across the Universe is by Beth Revis. It is a science fiction based book about a girl named Amy Martin. At first she is being cryogenically frozen to join her parents on a ship that will send them to a new earth in order to colonize. 50 years before the ship lands Amy is unexpectedly reanimated, severing her connection to her parents and forever preventing her from being with them at her present age. She meets Elder, the next in line to lead the ship, and they form an unexpected connection (you can tell that I'm using unexpected a lot, right? XD) Along the way Amy and Elder start to uncover a sinister plot to kill the other remaining frozen "cargo" on the ship, and other sinister plots, while falling in love in the process.
I loved this book. No, let me rephrase that. I LOVED this book. To say that is is crazy good is a complete and utter understatement. The plot might be the most brilliant original thing, or not, either way I love it. I love how Beth Revis sets up her world, and just sucks you in, making you want to continue reading like a sugar addict trying to find more candy. You find yourself not wanting to leave the book for anything, especially from the second half on. I can't even begin to describe how good the climax was, and all of the many plot twists that are beyond perfect. If you can go back into a book and see seedlings of the twists and bang your hand on your head and say "why did I not see that before?", then that is a good twist. In my book at least. I can not stress enough how good the plot was. Man, it was just beyond words good.
Character wise, I connected evenly with Amy and Elder, though admittedly Amy more so. I guess that's because we are both from earth, and I could relate to her story and struggles more than I could Elder. I love how her mind works, because I feel that's how my mind is sometimes. I loved how clever she was, and how she was able to see past the facade of peace and calm. Though I do love that she also had her vulnerable moments, and she was vulnerable to the ship's strong pull. Elder was a great character as well, and I love his transition from wearing rose colored glasses to being fully aware and realizing the consequences of the actions of those he cares about, and also himself. The array of side characters were fantastic as well, like Harley. Man do I love Harley. I loved how crazy he was, but in a good way. Also how much he really cared for Elder and Amy, who he accepted immediately. His story was just so interesting and complex, I felt for him and rooted for him and cried for him. I loved how Amy and Elder's love was not easy, there were bumps along the way, and a trust had to come together.
I loved Beth Revis' writing style. It is so fluid, the way she goes back and forth from Amy and Elder's perspectives. I felt that there were clear distinctions in who was telling the story, and the way she described everything, it was just brilliant. A beautiful and fluid way of writing can get you much praise, at least from me.
I absolutely adore this book, and recommend it highly to anyone who likes a good sci fi romance with hints of dystopia. Although if you just love a good story, you will love this.
Until next time comrades.
Viva la literature!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Review #14: The Year of Secret Assignments by Jaclyn Moriarty
Hello my literary comrades! Hope everyone is well. Get on your reading glasses, sit in your comfortable chair, and lets get started with the review!
The Year of Secret Assignments, or Finding Cassie Crazy in Australia, is by Jaclyn Moriarty. It is about three best friends, Cassie, Emily and Lydia, and how they are writing to pen pals for a yearlong English project. Over the course of the year they find the pen pal project (yay for alliteration ^_^) taking them on paths they never knew would exist.
I should say, this is not my first time reading this book, but it has been a while so I felt like I was re-reading it with fresh new eyes. I love the plots. The novel starts out as a series of separate but connected story lines, with different asides thrown in. I love how each story are echo each other but with slightly different variants, except one. The three stories converge about halfway/near the end of the novel, and from there it's intrigue and action. I laughed, cried got angry, all the things a great book should make you feel.
Characters: I love Cassie, Lydia and Emily. They are incredibly fascinating, three different girls who make up a trio. Each one is endearing in their own way. You become attached to them very quickly, and find yourself rooting for them just as quickly. I love how each grows and changes over the course of the novel. The two Brookfield pen pals you are supposed to like, you end up loving. Charlie and Seb are awesome characters who you could fall in love/hang out with.
The way this book is put together is fun/interesting. It is told through the letters between the pen pals, notebook and diary entries, and other various things. It is a fresh approach akin to the TTYL novels. You can discover things like a great mystery novel. I loved especially the letters between the pen pals. They showed brilliant banter and interaction between the characters, and felt like a movie script.
I recommend this for teenagers, or anyone really. If you love light, fun reads with a twist, you'll love this.
Until next time comrades
Viva la literature!
The Year of Secret Assignments, or Finding Cassie Crazy in Australia, is by Jaclyn Moriarty. It is about three best friends, Cassie, Emily and Lydia, and how they are writing to pen pals for a yearlong English project. Over the course of the year they find the pen pal project (yay for alliteration ^_^) taking them on paths they never knew would exist.
I should say, this is not my first time reading this book, but it has been a while so I felt like I was re-reading it with fresh new eyes. I love the plots. The novel starts out as a series of separate but connected story lines, with different asides thrown in. I love how each story are echo each other but with slightly different variants, except one. The three stories converge about halfway/near the end of the novel, and from there it's intrigue and action. I laughed, cried got angry, all the things a great book should make you feel.
Characters: I love Cassie, Lydia and Emily. They are incredibly fascinating, three different girls who make up a trio. Each one is endearing in their own way. You become attached to them very quickly, and find yourself rooting for them just as quickly. I love how each grows and changes over the course of the novel. The two Brookfield pen pals you are supposed to like, you end up loving. Charlie and Seb are awesome characters who you could fall in love/hang out with.
The way this book is put together is fun/interesting. It is told through the letters between the pen pals, notebook and diary entries, and other various things. It is a fresh approach akin to the TTYL novels. You can discover things like a great mystery novel. I loved especially the letters between the pen pals. They showed brilliant banter and interaction between the characters, and felt like a movie script.
I recommend this for teenagers, or anyone really. If you love light, fun reads with a twist, you'll love this.
Until next time comrades
Viva la literature!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Review #13 Delirium by Lauren Oliver
Hello my literary comrades! How is everyone? Well I hope. Anyway, lets get started. Get on your reading glasses, sit in your comfortable chairs, and lets away!
Delirium is by Lauren Oliver. It is one of the many in the slew of YA Dystopian novels since The Hunger Games, it is also another "hype" book. It takes place in a not very distant future, where love is now a disease, amor deliria nervosa to be more precise. Scientists have created a cure that rids all society of the "disease." People are evaluated to see what job they are best qualified for and who are their best matches to be paired with. Because there is no love, there is no pain. The main character, Lena, is 95 days from her procedure when you first meet her. She is adamant at first about getting the procedure, due to her painful past. But the shocking happens during the waiting period, she falls in love. What happens next in a roller coaster. And the ending. Oh my god, the ending. O.O I will just say it is a shock wrapped in a "WHAT THE HOLY HELL?!?!?!?!?"
I can not say how much I loved this book. The plot was fantastic. I was scared that people could think of love as a disease, and the root of all problems as a result. I loved how the main duo's story developed, and to see the cracks in the supposedly perfect society turn into fissures. Plus the concept of love being a disease is interesting, and is honestly a bit scary.
Characters: I loved Lena. She was a perfect heroine for this novel. You find out why she wants the procedure so desperately, and you sympathize with her. But she grows and develops into a well rounded person, who sees her world as it truly is, fissures and all. I love her as a person and as a literary character. I loved watching her realize and change and evolve over the course of the novel. Alex, her love interest, was just as interesting. I swooned whenever he spoke. (what is it about dystopia that makes authors write amazing and swoon-worthy love interests? Someone drop me a line). He was a great love interest you can get behind. I loved his way of speaking and describing things. *Sigh* I wish he existed in real life.
Now onto writing style. I loved Ms. Oliver's way of describing things, and the way she set up the world you are reading about. I loved the quotes from the "books" and "literature" from the world of the book, it made the whole concept of love as a disease just that much more frightening. Plus Ms. Oliver can be very descriptive and pensive when writing as Lena, including Lena's dialogue. I loved the banter and dialogue between the characters, it was truly real.
I put this in the top of my recommendations list and can not wait for the next book. Anyone who loves dystopia and a good romance will love this book
Until next time comrades.
Viva la literature!
Delirium is by Lauren Oliver. It is one of the many in the slew of YA Dystopian novels since The Hunger Games, it is also another "hype" book. It takes place in a not very distant future, where love is now a disease, amor deliria nervosa to be more precise. Scientists have created a cure that rids all society of the "disease." People are evaluated to see what job they are best qualified for and who are their best matches to be paired with. Because there is no love, there is no pain. The main character, Lena, is 95 days from her procedure when you first meet her. She is adamant at first about getting the procedure, due to her painful past. But the shocking happens during the waiting period, she falls in love. What happens next in a roller coaster. And the ending. Oh my god, the ending. O.O I will just say it is a shock wrapped in a "WHAT THE HOLY HELL?!?!?!?!?"
I can not say how much I loved this book. The plot was fantastic. I was scared that people could think of love as a disease, and the root of all problems as a result. I loved how the main duo's story developed, and to see the cracks in the supposedly perfect society turn into fissures. Plus the concept of love being a disease is interesting, and is honestly a bit scary.
Characters: I loved Lena. She was a perfect heroine for this novel. You find out why she wants the procedure so desperately, and you sympathize with her. But she grows and develops into a well rounded person, who sees her world as it truly is, fissures and all. I love her as a person and as a literary character. I loved watching her realize and change and evolve over the course of the novel. Alex, her love interest, was just as interesting. I swooned whenever he spoke. (what is it about dystopia that makes authors write amazing and swoon-worthy love interests? Someone drop me a line). He was a great love interest you can get behind. I loved his way of speaking and describing things. *Sigh* I wish he existed in real life.
Now onto writing style. I loved Ms. Oliver's way of describing things, and the way she set up the world you are reading about. I loved the quotes from the "books" and "literature" from the world of the book, it made the whole concept of love as a disease just that much more frightening. Plus Ms. Oliver can be very descriptive and pensive when writing as Lena, including Lena's dialogue. I loved the banter and dialogue between the characters, it was truly real.
I put this in the top of my recommendations list and can not wait for the next book. Anyone who loves dystopia and a good romance will love this book
Until next time comrades.
Viva la literature!
Monday, May 16, 2011
Review #12: TURNED by Morgan Rice
Hello my literary comrades! How have you been? Great? That's fantastic! Well, lets get started. Get on your glasses, sit in your reading chairs, and lets get started!
TURNED is by Morgan Rice. It is about a girl named Caitlin Paine, who is just starting at a new school in New York. She finds out that she is a vampire, or a half breed. From there she is thrust into the vicious world of the vampires.
I'm not going to lie, the plot was a bit scattered and choppy. You went from one event to a completely different one the next thing you know. And The end feels extremely rushed. The ending is a cliffhanger, but then again it's the first in a series so that is sort of expected. But I barely even remembered getting to the ending, let alone how Caitlin and her love interest developed their love! There was almost no time to feel anything for the two as a couple!
Characters: Ehhh..... Caitlin is ok as a heroine, definitely not the greatest. She has little to no development, and I was not attached at all. Plus she has that Bella quality of going from one love interest to another. That said she had her moments of likability, but they were rare at best. As for Caleb, the love interest, again, there was almost barely any time to meet him, let alone feel a semblance of a connection to him. And again, there was almost no time to attach yourself to the duo as a couple! Their relationship wasn't even developed! The other characters were ok at most, but not very good. Plus there was another sort of love interest for our heroine that was in essence shoved aside and forgotten.
I honestly didn't like Ms. Rice's writing style.Out of nowhere the main protagonist is shoved into the spotlight in the vampire world with almost no explanation. Plus you don't have any time to explore the vampire mythology set up. There is very little explanation of anything, and the dialogue is very weak.
I'll continue with the series, but only because I own them and I want to see if things get better. I understand this is Ms. Rice's first novel, and it was published for ebooks at first, so I will give her another chance
Until next time comrades
Viva la literature!
TURNED is by Morgan Rice. It is about a girl named Caitlin Paine, who is just starting at a new school in New York. She finds out that she is a vampire, or a half breed. From there she is thrust into the vicious world of the vampires.
I'm not going to lie, the plot was a bit scattered and choppy. You went from one event to a completely different one the next thing you know. And The end feels extremely rushed. The ending is a cliffhanger, but then again it's the first in a series so that is sort of expected. But I barely even remembered getting to the ending, let alone how Caitlin and her love interest developed their love! There was almost no time to feel anything for the two as a couple!
Characters: Ehhh..... Caitlin is ok as a heroine, definitely not the greatest. She has little to no development, and I was not attached at all. Plus she has that Bella quality of going from one love interest to another. That said she had her moments of likability, but they were rare at best. As for Caleb, the love interest, again, there was almost barely any time to meet him, let alone feel a semblance of a connection to him. And again, there was almost no time to attach yourself to the duo as a couple! Their relationship wasn't even developed! The other characters were ok at most, but not very good. Plus there was another sort of love interest for our heroine that was in essence shoved aside and forgotten.
I honestly didn't like Ms. Rice's writing style.Out of nowhere the main protagonist is shoved into the spotlight in the vampire world with almost no explanation. Plus you don't have any time to explore the vampire mythology set up. There is very little explanation of anything, and the dialogue is very weak.
I'll continue with the series, but only because I own them and I want to see if things get better. I understand this is Ms. Rice's first novel, and it was published for ebooks at first, so I will give her another chance
Until next time comrades
Viva la literature!
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Review #11: Size 12 is Not Fat by Meg Cabot
Hello again my literary comrades! Two reviews in one sitting! Well it's been a while and I read two books without getting my hands on a computer, hope y'all don't mind. Anyway lets get started!
Size 12 is Not Fat is by Meg Cabot. It is about Heather Wells, an ex popstar who is now the size of the average female, and now works as an assistant Residence Hall director. One day, a body is discovered in an elevator shaft. Heather becomes suspicious, and starts conducting her own investigation, which leads to inevitable trouble.
Meg Cabot is a master storyteller. She knows how to craft a brilliant story, as seen with The Princess Diaries, the Mediator series, etc. I loved the story, especially with it's interesting heroine. You definitely don't know what is going to happen, being that it is a mystery novel, but still, I loved the unpredictability. You never know what will happen. I loved the humor and lightheartedness infused throughout the book, and laughed many times :).
Heather has become one of my literary heroes. She is an average everywoman, who happens to be a semi-portly ex popstar. Her story is interesting, and you want to know what happens to her, you care about her. I love the little quips she makes, and she is just a funny character. I feel like we would be friends in real life, despite the age difference. Cooper was also one of my favorites, very swoon worthy, but also cared deeply about Heather.
I loved Ms. Cabot's writing style in this book. Putting little snippets from one of Heather's songs, that simultaneously fit the tone of the chapter was fantastic. Plus the banter, wit and humor, and also drama meshed well together. There is nothing wrong at all with this book.
I recommend this for mystery lovers, and fans of Meg Cabot.
Until next time comrades
Viva la literature!
Size 12 is Not Fat is by Meg Cabot. It is about Heather Wells, an ex popstar who is now the size of the average female, and now works as an assistant Residence Hall director. One day, a body is discovered in an elevator shaft. Heather becomes suspicious, and starts conducting her own investigation, which leads to inevitable trouble.
Meg Cabot is a master storyteller. She knows how to craft a brilliant story, as seen with The Princess Diaries, the Mediator series, etc. I loved the story, especially with it's interesting heroine. You definitely don't know what is going to happen, being that it is a mystery novel, but still, I loved the unpredictability. You never know what will happen. I loved the humor and lightheartedness infused throughout the book, and laughed many times :).
Heather has become one of my literary heroes. She is an average everywoman, who happens to be a semi-portly ex popstar. Her story is interesting, and you want to know what happens to her, you care about her. I love the little quips she makes, and she is just a funny character. I feel like we would be friends in real life, despite the age difference. Cooper was also one of my favorites, very swoon worthy, but also cared deeply about Heather.
I loved Ms. Cabot's writing style in this book. Putting little snippets from one of Heather's songs, that simultaneously fit the tone of the chapter was fantastic. Plus the banter, wit and humor, and also drama meshed well together. There is nothing wrong at all with this book.
I recommend this for mystery lovers, and fans of Meg Cabot.
Until next time comrades
Viva la literature!
Review #10: Divergent by Veronica Roth
Hello my literary comrades! Lovely to see you all again. Well, lets get to it. Put on your glasses, sit in your reading chairs, and lets go!
Divergent by Veronica Roth is a dystopian novel, by the debut author Roth. This is also another "hype" book, as in it has garnered a lot of reviews and opinions on it. And in my personal opinion, it is well worth it. It takes place in a future dystopian society, where Chicago is separated into five factions. The factions are Abegnation - Selflessness, Erudite - Smart, Candor - Honest, Amity - Friendly, and Dauntless - Brave/Fearless. Each faction is devoted to cultivating these personality traits, and when one turns sixteen, they take an aptitude test to see which faction they fit most. Beatrice Prior takes her aptitude test and gets Divergent, which means something dangerous. At the choosing ceremony, she surprises everyone, including herself, by choosing Dauntless as her faction. And that is where the story truly begins.
I will come and say it straight out, I LOVED this book. I truly LOVED it, in all caps. I fell in love the minute I read the opening scene. It just had a good plot, with lots of twists and turns. There were many moments when you just stop and say "WHAT???? NO!!!!" which in my book is an example of a great book. When you find out why being divergent is so bad, you can't believe it. Also the things some people are willing to do can be utterly gut wrenching.That's a great thing, when the book is unpredictable in a world where there are so many formula writers.
Now onto characters. I LOVED Tris. She is a great example of a dynamic character. She started out as shy and well, invisible, as she says she was taught to be. But as the book goes on, she gradually changes into a, and I'm stealing this phrase, an BAMF. She becomes a badass who isn't afraid to speak her mind and defend what she believes in and who she loves. She, in my opinion, and I know I'm repeating this, of a dynamic character. Her journey is so interesting to watch, you can't help but be captivated. I also loved Four, whose name is revealed near the end. He isn't like the other love interests you see, he is gentle and kind, yet can turn on the badassery in a minute. Plus his and Tris' love story isn't instant, it progresses naturally. Also Christina was hilarious, a perfect sidekick.
I can not believe that this is Ms. Roth's first novel, it feels like she's been writing books forever. Her style of writing is just fantastic. I love how she describes everything, like you're right there with the characters. Also she writes dialogue very well, so that was a bonus.
I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone, it is that good. I am eagerly anticipating the next novel in the trilogy.
Until next time comrades
Viva la literature!
Divergent by Veronica Roth is a dystopian novel, by the debut author Roth. This is also another "hype" book, as in it has garnered a lot of reviews and opinions on it. And in my personal opinion, it is well worth it. It takes place in a future dystopian society, where Chicago is separated into five factions. The factions are Abegnation - Selflessness, Erudite - Smart, Candor - Honest, Amity - Friendly, and Dauntless - Brave/Fearless. Each faction is devoted to cultivating these personality traits, and when one turns sixteen, they take an aptitude test to see which faction they fit most. Beatrice Prior takes her aptitude test and gets Divergent, which means something dangerous. At the choosing ceremony, she surprises everyone, including herself, by choosing Dauntless as her faction. And that is where the story truly begins.
I will come and say it straight out, I LOVED this book. I truly LOVED it, in all caps. I fell in love the minute I read the opening scene. It just had a good plot, with lots of twists and turns. There were many moments when you just stop and say "WHAT???? NO!!!!" which in my book is an example of a great book. When you find out why being divergent is so bad, you can't believe it. Also the things some people are willing to do can be utterly gut wrenching.That's a great thing, when the book is unpredictable in a world where there are so many formula writers.
Now onto characters. I LOVED Tris. She is a great example of a dynamic character. She started out as shy and well, invisible, as she says she was taught to be. But as the book goes on, she gradually changes into a, and I'm stealing this phrase, an BAMF. She becomes a badass who isn't afraid to speak her mind and defend what she believes in and who she loves. She, in my opinion, and I know I'm repeating this, of a dynamic character. Her journey is so interesting to watch, you can't help but be captivated. I also loved Four, whose name is revealed near the end. He isn't like the other love interests you see, he is gentle and kind, yet can turn on the badassery in a minute. Plus his and Tris' love story isn't instant, it progresses naturally. Also Christina was hilarious, a perfect sidekick.
I can not believe that this is Ms. Roth's first novel, it feels like she's been writing books forever. Her style of writing is just fantastic. I love how she describes everything, like you're right there with the characters. Also she writes dialogue very well, so that was a bonus.
I HIGHLY recommend this book to anyone, it is that good. I am eagerly anticipating the next novel in the trilogy.
Until next time comrades
Viva la literature!
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Review #9: The Reading Promise by Alice Ozma
Hello my literary comrades! How have you been? Well I hope :). Lets get onto this current review. Get on your reading glasses, sit in your comfortable chairs, and lets get started!
The Reading Promise: My Father and the Books We Shared by Alice Ozma, is a memoir told through a collection of stories from her childhood up until recently. It is at first glance about a pact Ozma and her father made starting when she was little, for her father to read aloud to her for 100 consecutive nights. What started out simple turned into "The Streak", something that continued until Ms. Ozma's first day of college. But underneath this, the book is about a woman and her relationship with her father, and how he shaped her into who she is.
I'm normally not one for memoirs, but this one is fantastic. It ranks high as my 2nd favorite, next to Running With Scissors. I love how this memoir was told through vignettes from Ms. Ozma's life, yet they were all tied together through "The Streak." I also loved how every chapter had what day the father-daughter duo were into their streak, coupled with a literary quote that complemented the chapter. You see the author growing up, watching everything around her and being subtly influence by her father, who is strange, yet not truly strange. You see how close these two are and while that can be a great thing, their relationship quietly pushed people away sometimes. You see the common love of reading, and how it kept them close. Ms. Ozma also shows that you are never too old to have your parent read to you, and how important books and literature truly are.
Now I know that he isn't a character, seeing as this is a memoir, but I love Mr. Brozina. He is such a wonderful father and an interesting person. He raised his children with love and care, and while at times he was oblivious and did things in a strange manner, his love for his children and reading shone through and showed you don't need to go by the conventions of parenting to be a truly great parent. Ms. Ozma show spunk and wit throughout the memoir. While she is only 22, she has an old soul, with knowledge and wisdom and goes through her memories with great vigor and remembrance. Plus her name is just cool, and what makes it cooler is that it's part of her actual name (Alice Ozma are her middle names, which she chooses to go by.)
Literature, and it's importance, permeates. I know I've said that some theme or other permeates throughout all the other books I've reviewed, but it is true. You see Ms. Ozma and her father sharing their passion for literature, and how it seems as they both age and the years go by, the world finds reading irrelevant. It is sad to watch Mr. Brozina, a elementary school librarian, watch this with a sadness that makes you want to cry. But in "The Streak," a hope is lit and you realize that books will never be irrelevant, as long as you keep the passion alive.
I LOVED this memoir. It was a shame to put it down, but I highly recommend you pick it up and read it, for it will tough the very deepest crevices of your heart.
Until next time my comrades
Viva la literature!
The Reading Promise: My Father and the Books We Shared by Alice Ozma, is a memoir told through a collection of stories from her childhood up until recently. It is at first glance about a pact Ozma and her father made starting when she was little, for her father to read aloud to her for 100 consecutive nights. What started out simple turned into "The Streak", something that continued until Ms. Ozma's first day of college. But underneath this, the book is about a woman and her relationship with her father, and how he shaped her into who she is.
I'm normally not one for memoirs, but this one is fantastic. It ranks high as my 2nd favorite, next to Running With Scissors. I love how this memoir was told through vignettes from Ms. Ozma's life, yet they were all tied together through "The Streak." I also loved how every chapter had what day the father-daughter duo were into their streak, coupled with a literary quote that complemented the chapter. You see the author growing up, watching everything around her and being subtly influence by her father, who is strange, yet not truly strange. You see how close these two are and while that can be a great thing, their relationship quietly pushed people away sometimes. You see the common love of reading, and how it kept them close. Ms. Ozma also shows that you are never too old to have your parent read to you, and how important books and literature truly are.
Now I know that he isn't a character, seeing as this is a memoir, but I love Mr. Brozina. He is such a wonderful father and an interesting person. He raised his children with love and care, and while at times he was oblivious and did things in a strange manner, his love for his children and reading shone through and showed you don't need to go by the conventions of parenting to be a truly great parent. Ms. Ozma show spunk and wit throughout the memoir. While she is only 22, she has an old soul, with knowledge and wisdom and goes through her memories with great vigor and remembrance. Plus her name is just cool, and what makes it cooler is that it's part of her actual name (Alice Ozma are her middle names, which she chooses to go by.)
Literature, and it's importance, permeates. I know I've said that some theme or other permeates throughout all the other books I've reviewed, but it is true. You see Ms. Ozma and her father sharing their passion for literature, and how it seems as they both age and the years go by, the world finds reading irrelevant. It is sad to watch Mr. Brozina, a elementary school librarian, watch this with a sadness that makes you want to cry. But in "The Streak," a hope is lit and you realize that books will never be irrelevant, as long as you keep the passion alive.
I LOVED this memoir. It was a shame to put it down, but I highly recommend you pick it up and read it, for it will tough the very deepest crevices of your heart.
Until next time my comrades
Viva la literature!
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Review #8: The Help by Katheryn Stockett
Hello my literary comrades! It's only been mere minutes since we've last seen each other but I'm back with another review. This time it's The Help by Katheryn Stockett. Lets get started! :)
The Help is about three women in early 60's Mississippi. It's about women named Aibileen, Minny and Skeeter, and the friendship they form while working on a secret writing project.
I loved how complicated and yet simple the story was. You truly get pulled into this world that Stockett has set up. She explained the politics, spoken and unspoken, perfectly. She has weaved such a tale that is almost soap opera style.
The characters were fantastic. I loved Skeeter, Aibileen and Minny. All three had such distinctive personalities. I particularly loved Aibileen and Skeeter, and the friendship they created throughout the novel. They went from cordial acquaintances to good friends. And Minny was just downright awesome. I loved her brassiness, but she also knew when to hold it back. Also Celia Foote was fascinating to read. Her and her husband Johnny. Hilly, like I said, was deliciously evil. I wanted to smack her and try and change her ways, but like Aibileen said, she was in her own kind of prison.
All in all a fantastic book, I can't wait to see how the movie turns out
Until next time my comrades
Viva la literature!
The Help is about three women in early 60's Mississippi. It's about women named Aibileen, Minny and Skeeter, and the friendship they form while working on a secret writing project.
I loved how complicated and yet simple the story was. You truly get pulled into this world that Stockett has set up. She explained the politics, spoken and unspoken, perfectly. She has weaved such a tale that is almost soap opera style.
The characters were fantastic. I loved Skeeter, Aibileen and Minny. All three had such distinctive personalities. I particularly loved Aibileen and Skeeter, and the friendship they created throughout the novel. They went from cordial acquaintances to good friends. And Minny was just downright awesome. I loved her brassiness, but she also knew when to hold it back. Also Celia Foote was fascinating to read. Her and her husband Johnny. Hilly, like I said, was deliciously evil. I wanted to smack her and try and change her ways, but like Aibileen said, she was in her own kind of prison.
All in all a fantastic book, I can't wait to see how the movie turns out
Until next time my comrades
Viva la literature!
Review #7: Shiver by Maggie Steifvater
Hello my literary comrades! I'm here with another review. This time it's Shiver, by Maggie Steivater. Get on your reading glasses, sit in your comfortable chairs and lets get started!
Shiver is by Maggie Steifvater. It takes place in Mercy Falls, Minnesota. It is about a 17 year old girl named Grace. She has been obsessed with wolves almost her entire life, since she was saved by one when she was very young. Then one day a wolf gets shot in the woods and she finds it transform into a human, Sam. Grace realizes that it is HER wolf. From then on the story plays out like a pseudo Twilight, only better. Grace and Sam fall in love, but there is danger lurking in Mercy Falls, and only Sam and Grace must stop it.
I absolutely adored the plot. It had romance and suspense and teen drama in all the right places. While I love Twilight, I feel like this is how Twilight should have been. I loved how the romance between Sam and Grace developed. It wasn't rushed and they weren't a picture perfect couple. They fight like any couple. Plus the tension in the town was palpable, I felt it in my heart. And the ending. The ending was fantastic. It was just so good, I couldn't help but smile.
Now onto characters. Ok, I'll say it straight out, I love Sam. I know I've said it about almost every male lead/co-lead in all of the books I've reviewed, but every book has a amazing male character that just gets to me. He's so gentle and honest, and just a brilliant character. And Grace was fantastic as well. Like I said, she's almost an anti-Bella. She doesn't need Sam to exist, she is independent and can take care of herself. Plus she's logical and doesn't fly into crazy ideas and actions. I also loved Isabel, and how she developed over the course of the novel.
I loved Ms. Steifvater's writing style. She used wit and intelligence, but didn't talk down with the intelligence. The banter between all of the characters was brilliant, especially between Sam and Grace.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good supernatural romance.
Until next time my comrades
Viva la literature!
Shiver is by Maggie Steifvater. It takes place in Mercy Falls, Minnesota. It is about a 17 year old girl named Grace. She has been obsessed with wolves almost her entire life, since she was saved by one when she was very young. Then one day a wolf gets shot in the woods and she finds it transform into a human, Sam. Grace realizes that it is HER wolf. From then on the story plays out like a pseudo Twilight, only better. Grace and Sam fall in love, but there is danger lurking in Mercy Falls, and only Sam and Grace must stop it.
I absolutely adored the plot. It had romance and suspense and teen drama in all the right places. While I love Twilight, I feel like this is how Twilight should have been. I loved how the romance between Sam and Grace developed. It wasn't rushed and they weren't a picture perfect couple. They fight like any couple. Plus the tension in the town was palpable, I felt it in my heart. And the ending. The ending was fantastic. It was just so good, I couldn't help but smile.
Now onto characters. Ok, I'll say it straight out, I love Sam. I know I've said it about almost every male lead/co-lead in all of the books I've reviewed, but every book has a amazing male character that just gets to me. He's so gentle and honest, and just a brilliant character. And Grace was fantastic as well. Like I said, she's almost an anti-Bella. She doesn't need Sam to exist, she is independent and can take care of herself. Plus she's logical and doesn't fly into crazy ideas and actions. I also loved Isabel, and how she developed over the course of the novel.
I loved Ms. Steifvater's writing style. She used wit and intelligence, but didn't talk down with the intelligence. The banter between all of the characters was brilliant, especially between Sam and Grace.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good supernatural romance.
Until next time my comrades
Viva la literature!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Review #6: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
Hello my literary comrades! It's been a few days since we've last convened here. But I'm back with another review. Let us not waste time, so get on your reading glasses, sit in your chairs, and lets go!
City of Bones is by Cassandra Clare. It's the first in her wildly popular Mortal Instruments series. It starts out about a girl named Clary Fray, who discovers some strange teens roughly her age in a nightclub. Her mother is shortly kidnapped, and Clary is introduced to the world of the Shadowhunters, people endowed with angel blood who kill demons/downworlders to protect humanity.
First off, I loved the world Ms. Clare set up. It's quite intricate but somehow believable. I love how she creates such great ideas and characters that you become deeply involved and ingrained in the story very quickly. There was that fast paced page a minute ride only a great action/thriller novel can create. There were so many moments I yelled out "WHAT?? WHAT WAS THAT?? NO!!!" that my head was spinning. The twists and turns were just brilliant.
Now onto characters. I LOVED Simon.(is it odd that I have a fascination with the men in each book I read? xD). He is so funny and sarcastic, I feel like he could be my best friend in real life. Plus the way he handles being thrown into this world he never knew about was great, and very realistic. Clary was a great classic heroine. She starts out a proverbial fish out of water, and over the course of the novel becomes well informed and knowledgeable. Jace was the typical cocky hot guy, with the secret sweet side to him. But boy did he make it work. If Alex Pettyfer plays him in the movie, it would be too perfect.
I thought the 3rd person omniscient style of writing was perfect for this book, though at times I wish it was first person. I liked seeing all sides of the story, from every angle. It felt like a panning shot in a movie the whole time. Ms Clare can be very witty and wrote some great banter between the characters.
I'd give this a 5 star rating. An excellent book, and an excellent start to the Mortal Instrument series. Can't wait until the next book.
Until next time my comrades
Viva la literature!
City of Bones is by Cassandra Clare. It's the first in her wildly popular Mortal Instruments series. It starts out about a girl named Clary Fray, who discovers some strange teens roughly her age in a nightclub. Her mother is shortly kidnapped, and Clary is introduced to the world of the Shadowhunters, people endowed with angel blood who kill demons/downworlders to protect humanity.
First off, I loved the world Ms. Clare set up. It's quite intricate but somehow believable. I love how she creates such great ideas and characters that you become deeply involved and ingrained in the story very quickly. There was that fast paced page a minute ride only a great action/thriller novel can create. There were so many moments I yelled out "WHAT?? WHAT WAS THAT?? NO!!!" that my head was spinning. The twists and turns were just brilliant.
Now onto characters. I LOVED Simon.(is it odd that I have a fascination with the men in each book I read? xD). He is so funny and sarcastic, I feel like he could be my best friend in real life. Plus the way he handles being thrown into this world he never knew about was great, and very realistic. Clary was a great classic heroine. She starts out a proverbial fish out of water, and over the course of the novel becomes well informed and knowledgeable. Jace was the typical cocky hot guy, with the secret sweet side to him. But boy did he make it work. If Alex Pettyfer plays him in the movie, it would be too perfect.
I thought the 3rd person omniscient style of writing was perfect for this book, though at times I wish it was first person. I liked seeing all sides of the story, from every angle. It felt like a panning shot in a movie the whole time. Ms Clare can be very witty and wrote some great banter between the characters.
I'd give this a 5 star rating. An excellent book, and an excellent start to the Mortal Instrument series. Can't wait until the next book.
Until next time my comrades
Viva la literature!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)