tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67290397005916647602024-03-12T19:36:44.800-07:00Scathing ReviewerI'm tired of glowing reviews for books that I can't stand. Finally. A place where my opinion RULES.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729039700591664760.post-21898330811056097182010-04-22T16:41:00.000-07:002010-04-22T16:41:02.144-07:00The Clique by Lisi Harrison<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51GfKq1YwiL._SL500_AA266_PIkin2,BottomRight,-15,34_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51GfKq1YwiL._SL500_AA266_PIkin2,BottomRight,-15,34_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a></div><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b>Disclaimer: I get all my books from the library.</b></span> <br />
<br />
Today's novel is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Clique-ebook/dp/B001D08CUG/ref=sr_1_35?ie=UTF8&m=AG56TWVU5XWC2&s=digital-text&qid=1271979206&sr=8-35"><i>The Clique</i></a> by Lisi Harrison. <br />
<br />
This book is definitely MG, and a total surprise for me. I was sitting in a junior high English class with nothing to do because I'd already finished my other book. So I went to the teacher's book shelf and chose a short one that I thought I could finish in the time left.<br />
<br />
I don't know what I expected, but this short novel about 12-year-old girls trying to fit in with each other was refreshingly fun. Claire, a typical middle class girl, moves into a posh neighborhood where the other girls her age carry around credit cards and spend $600 on a dress. Yikes!<br />
<br />
Thus begins a very severe battle to fit in. Claire wants to fit in, just like most girls, so I think teenage girls will be able to connect with the characters quite well. At least Claire. The other characters are so out of my league that I could hardly fathom their lives, though for this reason it was quite interesting when the book got behind their eyes and into their POV.<br />
<br />
There were a few moments where I thought Claire switched her personality too drastically, but overall she remained true to herself. A very hard position to be in. There are several books in this series, apparently. They are quick reads and I would enjoy picking them up and reading them. I wouldn't buy these for myself, but a preteen girl would enjoy them a lot.<br />
<br />
I'd give this book a<b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> C+</span></b>.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>A = Buy this book NOW</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>B = Buy this when you can</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>C = Check it out from the library</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>D = Don't bother reading it</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>F = Burn it</b></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729039700591664760.post-52545902053088085962010-04-13T09:08:00.000-07:002010-04-13T09:08:42.267-07:00LA Candy by Lauren Conrad<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b>Disclaimer: I get all my books from the library.</b></span> <br />
<br />
Today's book is <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780061767586"><i>LA Candy</i></a> by Lauren Conrad.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.indiebound.com/586/767/9780061767586.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.indiebound.com/586/767/9780061767586.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />
This book had a lot of potential. The subject matter is extremely interesting; it's a novel based on Conrad's actual experiences moving out to LA and getting involved in a reality show. Since most of us have no behind-the-scenes experience with reality shows, this is fascinating. I really wanted to into this aspect of the book.<br />
<br />
But there were a few problems that kept me from really getting into it. The main characters Scarlett and Jane, were very disagreeable. Not so much Jane in the beginning, though she did come across as kind of mousy. I just don't much like people with no backbone. I didn't find anything likable about Scarlett except her loyalty to Jane. <br />
<br />
Jane, however, turned out to be somewhat of a disappointment. I suppose it's typical that one moves to LA (or some other place) where everyone has a different moral standard than your own, so you decide to try it out. But I can't relate to people who switch moral codes just because everyone else is doing something it. Do we only act/believe a certain way because those around us do? I hope there is more substance to us than that.<br />
<br />
Also, I thought the writing felt very amateur-ish. Just because someone was on a reality show doesn't make them qualified to write a novel. The POVs switched a lot more than necessary, IMHO.<br />
<br />
Overall, the book was interesting but not great. I'd give this book a<b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> C</span></b>.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>A = Buy this book NOW</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>B = Buy this when you can</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>C = Check it out from the library</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>D = Don't bother reading it</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>F = Burn it</b></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729039700591664760.post-7509829654196342992010-04-11T12:04:00.000-07:002010-04-11T12:04:44.140-07:00Liar by Justine Larbalestier<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b>Disclaimer: I get all my books from the library.</b></span> <br />
<br />
Today's book is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Liar-Justine-Larbalestier/dp/1599903059/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1271011849&sr=8-2"><i>Liar</i> </a>by Justine Larbalestier.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41PvvTrYEVL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41PvvTrYEVL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" /></a>I really wanted to like this book. I read another book of hers, <i>How to Ditch Your Fairy</i>, and thought it was cute and humorous. This one, <i>Liar</i>, looked like it would be more thriller, suspense, with a lot of anxiety.<br />
<br />
The MC, Micah, is a chronic liar, so you know right off that everything you're reading is subject to the unreliable narrator. But instead of being a book where you could infer things and figure it out, it went from being a thriller to being bizarre.<br />
<br />
Without giving away any spoilers, there's a point where Micah announces something paranormal and supernatural as if it were a fact. From that moment on, the book lost all meaning to me. It was like listening to someone tell me their dream. Uh-huh, uh-huh, cool. Just a dream. A little weird, but nothing to be remembered.<br />
<br />
One time in an English class we had to read "The Yellow Wallpaper," a short story about a demented woman, only in the beginning she doesn't know she is. As a reader, you believe her until her dementia begins to be apparent. When the story ends, it's fascinating to analyze because you can see how the 'facts' she told the reader were delusions in her mind. It makes <i>sense.</i><br />
<br />
Which is more than I can say for this book. I finished it and felt like I'd wasted my time. I had no idea what happened. No idea what was real and what wasn't, and not in a good way. It didn't leave me thinking and pondering, it left me frustrated for reading it when I could've been reading something else.<br />
<br />
My opinion: skip it. I give this book a<b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> D</span></b>.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>A = Buy this book NOW</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>B = Buy this when you can</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>C = Check it out from the library</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>D = Don't bother reading it</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>F = Burn it</b></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729039700591664760.post-49230653868313460172010-04-04T13:22:00.000-07:002010-04-04T13:23:29.621-07:00Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b>Disclaimer: I get all my books from the library.</b></span> <br />
<br />
<br />
Today's book is <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780316042673/Kami-Garcia/Beautiful-Creatures"><i>Beautiful Creatures</i></a> by Kami Garci and Margaret Stohl.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.indiebound.com/673/042/9780316042673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.indiebound.com/673/042/9780316042673.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>I really wanted to like this book. It's got all the makings for a great book: Nice and thick, romance, paranormal, historical fiction.<br />
<br />
Yet it fell short for me. The story is told from the POV of a boy. It felt like the authors were really trying to be masculine, but somehow he came across as a little too femmy for me. A little too compassionate, anxious, open with his feelings. Kind of like the way girls <i>want</i> boys to be.<br />
<br />
Lena, on the other hand, felt like an enigma. She didn't show her feelings. She seemed empty and vague, and other than her looks, I'm not really sure what it was that made him like her. She wasn't very likeable. So I had a hard time believing in the romance.<br />
<br />
And then the book dragged on and on and on. The beginning was exciting, and the ending was tense. Almost everything in the middle just felt like a useless scavenger hunt, killing time until we could finally get to the conclusion. I wanted to get to the ending, so I finally started skipping. Not a good sign.<br />
<br />
Don't take my word for it, though. Find out for yourself. I give this book a<b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> C</span></b>.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>A = Buy this book NOW</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>B = Buy this when you can</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>C = Check it out from the library</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>D = Don't bother reading it</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>F = Burn it</b></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729039700591664760.post-80944770951408881492010-03-29T12:46:00.000-07:002010-03-29T13:02:18.730-07:00The Candy Shop War by Brandon MullToday's book is <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781590387832"><i>The Candy Shop War</i></a> by Brandon Mull.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b>Disclaimer: No Disclaimer. I actually bought this book.</b></span><br />
<br />
I read and thoroughly enjoyed all of the <i>Fablehaven </i>books. So, while waiting for the fifth one to come out (which I hear is in a few weeks), I decided to invest in Mull's other book.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.indiebound.com/832/387/9781590387832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.indiebound.com/832/387/9781590387832.jpg" width="209" /></a></div>This book is middle grade fiction, just like his other series. However, this books <i>feels</i> more MG. It still had the supernatural elements, the fast-paced action. But there's something missing. Some element of tension that I wanted and didn't find.<br />
<br />
The story revolves around four children who become secret agents for a candy-maker. This candy gives them magical powers while they are eating it, and it's also delicious. Yum. But then they realize they might be helping the wrong side. A bunch of chaos and mild, magical violence ensues while the children try to set things straight.<br />
<br />
Mull is an excellent writer. There are no plot holes and the story is fun. Not quite as gripping as <i>Fablehaven</i>, but still very enjoyable. I highly recommend for the younger readers.<br />
<br />
I'm going to have to give it a<b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> B</span></b>.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>A = Buy this book NOW</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>B = Buy this when you can</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>C = Check it out from the library</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>D = Don't bother reading it</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>F = Burn it</b></span><br />
<br />
P.S. I recently joined <a href="http://www.crazy-for-books.com/2010/03/book-blogger-hop-march-26-2010.html?">The Hop.</a> Hop on board if you review books and want your blog to get more attention, or if you are looking for books to review. <span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><br />
</b></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729039700591664760.post-34549132164069611902010-03-22T12:17:00.000-07:002010-03-22T12:17:17.660-07:00The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.indiebound.com/306/106/9780804106306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.indiebound.com/306/106/9780804106306.jpg" /></a></div><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b>Disclaimer: I get all my books from the library.</b></span> <br />
<br />
Today's book, <i><a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780804106306">The Joy Luck Club</a> </i>by Amy Tan, is not a new release. It was a book I often heard of in English classes, but I had never taken the time to read it.<br />
<br />
Until now. You've probably all read this book, but it is fascinating. It follows the lives of several first-generation Chinese-American girls and their mothers. Each chapter is told from a different POV. While the book does have a happy ending, it is also hauntingly sad and painfully real.<br />
<br />
Each of the daughters tries to find a new way of life, rejecting the traditional Chinese of their mothers and seeking to be fully American. They are not successful, however, and discover that in rejecting their mothers' ways of life, they've also rejected the wisdom and knowledge that come with age and experience. The girls experience heartache and failure as adults, struggling with self-identity.<br />
<br />
Tan also gives a realistic view into the depraved lives each mother lived in China before making her way to the United States. The stories are horrifying and sad, especially when the loss of children is involved.<br />
<br />
Overall, this book is definitely a classic. It has withstood the test of time. I'm going to have to give it a<b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> B</span></b>.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>A = Buy this book NOW</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>B = Buy this when you can</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>C = Check it out from the library</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>D = Don't bother reading it</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>F = Burn it</b></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729039700591664760.post-46175833766161881142010-03-09T11:26:00.000-08:002010-03-09T11:26:58.760-08:00The Fatal Child by John Dickinson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.indiebound.com/100/751/9780385751100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.indiebound.com/100/751/9780385751100.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b>Disclaimer: I get all my books from the library.</b></span> <br />
<br />
Today's book is <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780385751100"><i>The Fatal Child </i></a>by John Dickinson. <br />
<br />
This book is the third in a trilogy, but it is also very much a stand-alone. I didn't read the other books. I felt no need to. I'm not sure how much information or history is pulled from them, but this book was quite clear.<br />
<br />
It's medieval fantasy, though I couldn't tell if it was based on Earth or a fictional place. I found it in the library in the YA section, but I would consider this book adult.<br />
<br />
I most liked Melissa, a main character in the book. She's a peasant girl whose parents are brutally murdered by knights. The king takes pity on her and she becomes the princess's maid. She is also in love with the king, and she stands by quietly while the princess marries him and then betrays him. <br />
<br />
Though the story is only told from the princess, Atti,'s POV a few times, the book is about her. And this is probably why I didn't like it. There is nothing to like about Atti. Everyone loves her because she is beautiful, but she herself says she is poison. And she is. She destroys everything she touches.<br />
<br />
The book was very brutal and uninspiring, though full of historical fascinations. It was interesting, though it took about halfway for it to grab me. And in the end I felt disappointed. <br />
<br />
I give this book a<b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> D+</span></b>.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>A = Buy this book NOW</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>B = Buy this when you can</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>C = Check it out from the library</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>D = Don't bother reading it</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>F = Burn it</b></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729039700591664760.post-52575987563056933542010-03-01T11:22:00.000-08:002010-03-01T11:22:35.366-08:00Wings by Aprilynne Pike<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b>Disclaimer: I get all my books from the library.</b></span> <br />
<br />
I haven't stopped reading; just took a break from reviewing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.indiebound.com/036/668/9780061668036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.indiebound.com/036/668/9780061668036.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>Today's book is <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780061668036"><i>Wings </i></a>by Aprilynne Pike. <br />
<br />
Laurel is a very unique character who is attending public school for the first time, after having been home schooled her whole life. Everything appears quite normal, with her first crush on the horizon, and even a zit on her back.<br />
<br />
But the zit grows until one day, Laurel sprouts wings.<br />
<br />
That's when her life changes. She begins to realize that there have always been strange things going on, things that she forgot or her parents forgot. The suspense deepens when stinky, evil trolls decide they want Laurel's inheritance for themselves.<br />
<br />
I really enjoyed this book. Aprilynne has just the right amount of romance and intrigue and reality! It was very enjoyable. You need to get your hands on this book!<br />
<br />
I give this book an<b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> A</span></b>.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>A = Buy this book NOW</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>B = Buy this when you can</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>C = Check it out from the library</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>D = Don't bother reading it</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>F = Burn it</b></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729039700591664760.post-49520155230386453232010-02-15T13:57:00.000-08:002010-02-15T13:57:14.924-08:00The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.indiebound.com/817/736/9780385736817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.indiebound.com/817/736/9780385736817.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b>Disclaimer: I get all my books from the library.</b></span> <br />
<br />
Today's book is <i><a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780385736817">The Forest of Hands and Teeth</a>, </i>by Carrie Ryan. <br />
<br />
This was my first zombie book, and I found it quite fascinating. It had a bit of an "I Am Legend" feel to it, but it's very different. I'd heard that zombies were the new rage, and I had wondered how on earth zombies could be interesting.<br />
<br />
This book is definitely interesting. Mary and her village live in small clearing surrounded by zombies, people who have died from a zombie bite and come back to life, hungry for more people. Mary begins to uncover secrets from the Society of Sisters, and realizes that they're hiding something from her people. Besides that, she also falls in love--with someone who is not her betrothed.<br />
<br />
The book started out with so much potential. There was so much going on. And then it all went flat. Without giving too much away, the secrets are never fully explored, nor is the love relationship. Well, it's explored, but Mary's character proves herself far too easily bored to maintain a relationship. Mary struck me as a self-centered person incapable of truly loving. I didn't like her. The elements of the story that reeled me in fell short of expectations.<br />
<br />
Read it for yourself and see what you think. I give this book a<b> <span style="color: #0b5394;">C</span></b>.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>A = Buy this book NOW</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>B = Buy this when you can</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>C = Check it out from the library</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>D = Don't bother reading it</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>F = Burn it</b></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729039700591664760.post-14869855779696824642010-02-06T11:59:00.000-08:002010-02-06T11:59:02.576-08:00City of Glass by Cassandra Clare<a href="http://images.indiebound.com/303/914/9781416914303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.indiebound.com/303/914/9781416914303.jpg" width="211" /></a><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b>Disclaimer: I get all my books from the library.</b></span><br />
<br />
Today's book is <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781416914303"><i>City of Glass</i></a> by Cassandra Clare, the last in her three book series. IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THE FIRST TWO, THIS REVIEW WILL GIVE YOU SPOILERS.<br />
<br />
Clary finally gets to the capital city, the secret home of her people. But things aren't right. Her brother (and would-be lover), Jace, acts strange around her and tries to keep her from staying. Her vampire friend Simon is in prison, and it looks like there might be more than one corrupt person in the city council.<br />
<br />
But that's not the worst of it. Demons break down the barriers protecting the city, and the Shadow Guardians are thrown into a war where they must unite with the werewolves, faeries, and vampires if they think they'll have a chance to overthrow Valentine.<br />
<br />
I could hardly put this book down. It was very good and had me riveted. And yet a part of that was because I kept waiting for something to resolve itself between Jace and Clary. It finally did...and was very anticlimactic. After all the tension, the passion that was built between them over the whole trilogy, I felt let down in the end. That was my only complaint about the book.<br />
<br />
I give this book a <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">B</span></b>.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>A = Buy this book NOW</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>B = Buy this when you can</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>C = Check it out from the library</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>D = Don't bother reading it</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>F = Burn it</b></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729039700591664760.post-64584756181889708862010-02-01T11:45:00.000-08:002010-02-01T11:45:00.448-08:00City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.indiebound.com/297/914/9781416914297.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.indiebound.com/297/914/9781416914297.jpg" width="217" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b>Disclaimer: I get all my books from the library.</b></span><br />
<br />
Today's book is <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781416914297"><i>City of Ashes</i></a> by Cassandra Clare. <br />
<br />
Warning: SPOILERS if you haven't read book 1!<br />
<br />
Picking up right where <i>City of Bones</i> left off, <i>City of Ashes</i> continues with an action-packed adventure as Jace tries to prove his innocence. The forbidden love between Jace and his sister Clary is HOT, and even those of us who are absolutely not in favor of incense (like myself) find ourselves rooting for them to break all laws and be together.<br />
<br />
Simon got on my nerves in this one--a little too much of Jacob from <i>New Moon</i>.<br />
<br />
This book was even better than the first. It had me riveted. We see more of the werewolves and vampires and get to meet the fairies. But most importantly, we find out there is something special ability that Jace and Clary have--something that they gained through their common blood.<br />
<br />
I give this book an <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">B+</span></b>.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>A = Buy this book NOW</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>B = Buy this when you can</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>C = Check it out from the library</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>D = Don't bother reading it</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>F = Burn it</b></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729039700591664760.post-76734302827189328222010-01-26T13:32:00.000-08:002010-01-26T13:32:53.764-08:00City of Bones by Cassandra Clare<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b>Disclaimer: I get all my books from the library.</b></span> <br />
<br />
Today's book is <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781416955078"><i>City of Bones</i></a>, by Cassandra Clare.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://images.indiebound.com/078/955/9781416955078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.indiebound.com/078/955/9781416955078.jpg" width="214" /></a>Clary thinks she is an ordinary girl until one night she witnesses a murder. The next thing she knows, her mother has been kidnapped, her adopted 'father' tells her never to speak to him again, and her house destroyed. The group of people who take her in to protect her are the very ones who did the murdering.<br />
<br />
And it gets worse. Clary finds out that she isn't ordinary after all. She is gifted, like those protecting her, with the power to fight demons.<br />
<br />
With that gift, any pretense at normality is destroyed. <br />
<br />
This is an excellent book. Clare pulled me, had me rooting for certain characters, and definitely swayed any conventional views by throwing a horrible twist into the love story. She took some liberties with the POV, which I found unnecessary: almost the entire book was told from Clary's POV, but we had about two pages (one page each) told from someone else's POV, one being a person who died two seconds later. Obviously, she's a bestseller and published books afterwards, so she's allowed to get away with it. Still, it felt contrived to me.<br />
<br />
Secondly, she's huge on description. Great for world-building, but a bit boring. No problems. I skipped most of it, jumping to the next strand of dialogue, and read the book faster than most.<br />
<br />
I give this book an <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">B</span></b>.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>A = Buy this book NOW</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>B = Buy this when you can</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>C = Check it out from the library</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>D = Don't bother reading it</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>F = Burn it</b></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729039700591664760.post-30096400487957075542010-01-21T08:38:00.000-08:002010-01-21T08:38:55.546-08:00How to Ditch Your Fairy by Justine Larbalestier<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b>Disclaimer: I get all my books from the library.</b></span> <br />
<br />
Today's book is <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781599903798"><i>How to Ditch Your Fairy</i></a> by Justine Larbalestier.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.indiebound.com/798/903/9781599903798.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.indiebound.com/798/903/9781599903798.jpg" width="211" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This book is written for a younger YA audience, probably 13-14 year olds. It's based in a fictitious place where most people are born with a fairy. The fairy is supposed to be helpful, but in Charlie's case, her fairy is causing problems. She was born with a parking fairy, and it seems she only has friends because they can drive her around and get good parking spots.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So Charlie sets out to get rid of her fairy. It's a lot harder than she thinks. She learns a lot of life's lessons about friendship, family, and boys along the way.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This book is hilarious. I read it quite quickly and enjoyed it very much. It's light reading, and many younger girls will enjoy it. I am excited to read more mature books by this author.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I give this book an <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">B</span></b>.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>A = Buy this book NOW</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>B = Buy this when you can</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>C = Check it out from the library</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>D = Don't bother reading it</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>F = Burn it</b></span><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729039700591664760.post-45635701291408814182010-01-14T12:43:00.000-08:002010-01-14T12:43:40.592-08:00Fallen by Lauren Kate<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.indiebound.com/934/738/9780385738934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.indiebound.com/934/738/9780385738934.jpg" width="211" /></a><br />
</div><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b>Disclaimer: I get all my books from the library.</b></span> <br />
<br />
Today's book is <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780385738934/Lauren-Kate/Fallen"><i>Fallen</i></a> by Lauren Kate. <br />
<br />
On the whole, I was disappointed in this book. I was very excited for it. I saw the trailer on barnesandnoble.com, and it made me want to read the book. So I requested it from the library.<br />
<br />
It starts off interestingly enough. We realize quickly in the beginning that the girl, Luce, is either being reincarnated or is unknowingly some kind of immortal. This was the third book in six months that I've read that takes place in a group home/reform school. The reasons for Luce being in the home are very mysterious. She kissed a boy and he caught fire. Whoa. Crazy. Unfortunately, this mystery, which pretty much fueled the entire book, wasn't resolved by the end of it. Which meant I felt pretty much unresolved.<br />
<br />
It's difficult to critique this without giving away spoilers, but by the end of the book we find out that the group home is not a real group home (hmm...sound like any other book I've reviewed?), but some sort of respite for...special types. And the way it plays out is totally unbelievable (for paranormal suspense, mind you).<br />
<br />
Still, it was a good read, and I'll be interested in reading the sequel. So overall, I give this book an <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">C</span></b>.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>A = Buy this book NOW</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>B = Buy this when you can</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>C = Check it out from the library</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>D = Don't bother reading it</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>F = Burn it</b></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729039700591664760.post-63815461007732734192010-01-08T11:18:00.000-08:002010-01-08T11:18:50.666-08:00The Maze Runner by James Dashner<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b>Disclaimer: I get all my books from the library.</b></span> <br />
<br />
Today's book is <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780385737944/James-Dashner/Maze-Runner"><i>The Maze Runner</i></a>, by James Dashner. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.indiebound.com/944/737/9780385737944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.indiebound.com/944/737/9780385737944.jpg" width="220" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This book was another 'end of the world' sort of book (funny how these things tend to go in phases). It was also incredibly good. The only thing I wish I'd known going into it was that this book is part of a series. You finish it, but you don't! And it just leaves you with more questions burning.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thomas wakes up inside a stone maze with no memory of who he was before. He adapts to his surroundings, finding a niche as a maze runner, the people who travel the maze by day looking for a way out. And it must be done during the day, because at night horrible monsters, part slug and part machine, come out and kill any person they find.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But then Thomas gets a few memories back. What he remembers is that he helped build the maze--and it has no way out.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This book gripped me from the beginning. I loved it. I was confused a bit in the ending because I wanted answers, and it left me with more questions. But alas, I'll just have to wait for the sequel.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is a must have. <br />
I give this book an <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">A</span></b>.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>A = Buy this book NOW</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>B = Buy this when you can</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>C = Check it out from the library</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>D = Don't bother reading it</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>F = Burn it</b></span><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729039700591664760.post-61872457383544132212010-01-02T13:00:00.000-08:002010-01-02T13:00:03.934-08:00Hush Hush by Becca Fitzgerald<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.indiebound.com/417/989/9781416989417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.indiebound.com/417/989/9781416989417.jpg" width="211" /></a><br />
</div><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b>Disclaimer: I get all my books from the library.</b></span> <br />
<br />
Today's book is <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781416989417/Becca-Fitzpatrick/Hush-Hush"><i>Hush, Hush</i></a> by Becca Fitzgerald.<br />
<br />
I kind of cringe inside doing this review, because I've already seen other people's reviews. People love this book, but I did not. I didn't hate it, but it frustrated me. Let's get down to the nitty-gritty.<br />
<br />
Patch is a fallen angel with a self-promoting agenda. He's sinister, cocky, arrogant, dangerous and sadistic. In spite of this, Nora Grey, our weak-minded MC, is attracted to him.<br />
<br />
Hold on. What? She's attracted to him?<br />
<br />
That's right. Because he's got a nice body and black eyes.<br />
<br />
I couldn't get over this. There was nothing likeable about Patch. What an awful message. If a guy is terrible, but cute, go ahead and explore the relationship?<br />
<br />
And there was a very Twilight-ish moment when Nora hops on the internet and googles fallen angels, then realizes what Patch is. Only Patch wasn't endearing, protective, romantic, or anything like our favorite vampire counterpart (Edward, in case you're wondering) that might redeem him in my eyes. He's mysterious and creepy up until the very end. The VERY END.<br />
<br />
In the last chapter, he suddenly acts like a nice guy that you might want to have as a boyfriend. Whoa. Personality change.<br />
<br />
The book held my attention, but it also annoyed me. There were also two other creeps who followed Nora around, beating people up and getting in her mind. It was one of those books that I kept reading because I thought, "Everyone likes this. It has to get good somewhere."<br />
<br />
Uh, no. Sorry, all you fans out there.<br />
<br />
<br />
I give this book an <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">D</span></b>.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>A = Buy this book NOW</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>B = Buy this when you can</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>C = Check it out from the library</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>D = Don't bother reading it</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>F = Burn it</b></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729039700591664760.post-90009947484577720972009-12-30T12:54:00.000-08:002009-12-30T12:54:49.909-08:00The Summoning and The Awakening<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b>Disclaimer: I get all my books from the library.</b></span> <br />
<br />
Today I am reviewing another series, but this time I read the first book before the second book. This series is <i>The Summoning</i> and <i>The Awakening</i>, by Kelly Armstrong.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://images.indiebound.com/690/662/9780061662690.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.indiebound.com/690/662/9780061662690.jpg" width="212" /></a>Book 1, <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780061662690"><i>The Summoning</i></a>, introduces us to Chloe Saunders, a girl who quite suddenly begins to see ghosts. Of course she can't tell this to anyone because she's not exactly sure it's really happening. But when she attacks a teacher at school (not on purpose--she's trying to escape from a ghost), she's placed in a group home for troubled youth. The plan is to rehabilitate her and return her to society.<br />
<br />
Or so she thinks. Turns out, the other kids in the group home have secret abilities too. Chloe realizes that not only is she really seeing ghosts, but she has the power to raise spirits back into their bodies. Along with this understanding comes the realization that she and the other teenagers are in deadly peril. Either they banish their powers, or they die.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51NI5%2BDvr6L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51NI5%2BDvr6L.jpg" width="211" /></a>This book is a real page turner. It had me riveted right to the end. And so I was thrilled when I was able to get book 2 from the library.<br />
<br />
I give this book an <b style="color: #0b5394;">A</b>. <br />
<br />
Book 2, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Awakening-Darkest-Powers-Book/dp/0061662763/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1262206172&sr=8-2"><i>The Awakening</i></a>, follows Chloe and her friends as they make a run from the group home and those who are attempting to manipulate their powers. Kind of an in between book, it helps cement the characters' relationships and foreshadow the big reckoning that is likely to happen in book 3.<br />
<br />
This book was just as dramatic and engaging as the first book. I am looking forward to the third, and this is a great addition to any collection.<br />
<br />
I give this book an <b style="color: #0b5394;">A.</b> <br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>A = Buy this book NOW</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>B = Buy this when you can</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>C = Check it out from the library</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>D = Don't bother reading it</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>F = Burn it</b></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729039700591664760.post-59140305267727814892009-12-22T11:36:00.000-08:002009-12-22T11:36:22.171-08:00Betraying Season by Marissa Doyle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.indiebound.com/524/082/9780805082524.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.indiebound.com/524/082/9780805082524.jpg" width="212" /></a><br />
</div><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b>Disclaimer: I get all my books from the library.</b></span> <br />
<br />
Today's book is <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780805082524"><i>Betraying Season</i></a> by Marissa Doyle. <br />
<br />
This book is also a sequel, though I didn't know that when I checked it out. (I should pay more attention.) The first book is <i>Bewitching Season</i>, which I have not read. The sequel stood quite well on its own, giving me enough details to understand what had happened in the first one, but also leaving enough out to make me want to read the first one.<br />
<br />
Set in the mid 1800s in Ireland, <i>Betraying Season</i> is full of historical references and interesting facts about courtship and propriety of the time. But it is also much more than that. It's about a young girl named Pen who is studying magic in the hopes of becoming a powerful (but good) witch. In the mean time, she meets a young man and falls madly in love with him--only to discover that his mother set them up so she could use Pen's power.<br />
<br />
This book is extremely well written. It did include alternating POVs between Pen and Lover boy, and I think the book would have been more suspenseful if we hadn't had that inside look. There was one half of a chapter where I though our heroine acted incredibly stupidly, and I rolled my eyes and skipped several pages. But maybe that was just me. Overall, the book was romantic, suspenseful, and real. This is a good one for a teenage girl's shelf. Keep in mind that I haven't read the first one, but I assume it is just as good.<br />
<br />
I give this book an <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">A-</span></b>.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>A = Buy this book NOW</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>B = Buy this when you can</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>C = Check it out from the library</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>D = Don't bother reading it</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>F = Burn it</b></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729039700591664760.post-87379405978849113822009-12-17T11:47:00.000-08:002009-12-17T11:47:37.065-08:00Fate by Jennifer Lynn Barnes<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b>Disclaimer: I get all my books from the library.</b></span> <br />
<br />
Today's book is <i><a href="http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Fate/Jennifer-Lynn-Barnes/e/9780385735377">Fate</a></i>, by Jennifer Lynn Barnes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.barnesandnoble.com/images/29000000/29009335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://images.barnesandnoble.com/images/29000000/29009335.JPG" /></a><br />
</div><br />
This book is a sequel, but I didn't know it at the time I checked it out. I decided to read it anyway, and I'm glad I did. I enjoyed it. The first book is called <i>Tattoo</i>, but <i>Fate </i>pretty much told me everything that happened in <i>Tattoo</i>, and thus I don't feel a need to read it. (That's the problem with reading the sequel first, I guess.)<br />
<br />
As far as YA literature goes, it was refreshing and real. I could relate to the main character Bailey so much, everything from her skipping a shower to making fun of her small chest. Ha! Of course there was the element of magic and paranormalcy, which is all the rage right now and I'm on the bandwagon.<br />
<br />
Without giving too much away, Bailey and her friends received magic powers a few years earlier when they put on washable tattoos. Bailey's powers have grown stronger, and now she is one of the Greek gods; one of the Fates, to be specific. Only the gods are having a problem with her being mortal and doing an immortal's job. In this book, they do everything short of kidnapping her to make her join them in immortality.<br />
<br />
There is no swearing and no sex. What a shock! There is a sweet love interest. I thought the book wrapped up kind of fast, but it held my interest and I thought it very appropriate for a teenage girl. I enjoyed access to Bailey's inner thoughts, though sometimes I thought the author let them take over. Keep in mind that I haven't read <i>Tattoo</i>, but if you're still looking for Christmas presents, these books could be them. (As far as I know, there is not a third.)<br />
<br />
I'm giving this book a <b style="color: #0b5394;">B</b>.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>A = Buy this book NOW</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>B = Buy this when you can</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>C = Check it out from the library</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>D = Don't bother reading it</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>F = Burn it </b></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729039700591664760.post-85570118406922321252009-12-14T11:49:00.000-08:002009-12-14T11:49:23.608-08:00Alas, Babylon by Pat Frank<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b>Disclaimer: I get all my books from the library.</b></span> <br />
<br />
Today's book is <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780060741877"><i>Alas, Babylon</i></a> by Pat Frank.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.indiebound.com/877/741/9780060741877.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.indiebound.com/877/741/9780060741877.jpg" width="212" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">By no means a new book, this is practically a classic. It came out in 1959, though I hadn't heard of it until someone recommended it to me a few weeks ago.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Granted, writing styles were different back then, and this one followed the normal style: The first few chapters were riddled with way too much back story for ever paragraph of dialogue. But finally the action started and the back story ended and the book was MOVING.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Quick plot summary: It's a 'what-if' sort of story. What if the Soviet Union had bombed us and we'd gone into a full out nuclear war? That's what happens. Most of the United States population is wiped out. The book is factually fascinating as it shows the break down of society, then how the survivors build it back up again.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today we have lots of post-apocolyptal books out: <i>Hunger Games, Maze Runner, Uglies</i>, etc. So this book gave a great look into how exactly the world might come to an end. <br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you're big into owning all the classics out there, you'll want to buy this book. I'm not, so I'm giving it a <b style="color: #0b5394;">C</b>.<br />
</div><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>A = Buy this book NOW</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>B = Buy this when you can</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>C = Check it out from the library</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>D = Don't bother reading it</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>F = Burn it </b></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729039700591664760.post-53434492763489854062009-12-02T12:43:00.000-08:002009-12-08T05:44:37.401-08:00Miracle Wimp by Erik P Kraft<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b>Disclaimer: I get all my books from the library.</b></span> <br />
<br />
Today's book is <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780316011662"><i>Miracle Wimp</i></a> by Erik P. Kraft.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.indiebound.com/662/011/9780316011662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.indiebound.com/662/011/9780316011662.jpg" width="210" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Take a look at that cover. If you are thinking that this book looks perfect for a 13-year-old boy, you are right. I glanced through it, thought, "Cute," and stuck it in my bathroom.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And that was the perfect place for this book.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This book is hilarious. I did not anticipate liking it as much as I did. Each chapter is about a page long, and full of funny teenage thoughts. They're not vulgar, hateful, rude, or anything like that. Actually, the kid is thoughtful and funny. Very funny. The drawings cracked me up too.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There's not like a central plot, but it goes through this kid's school year, his junior year of high school, I believe. I thought this book would not appeal to me. I was wrong.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you have a teenage boy who doesn't like to read, this book is perfect. And you can steal it when it's bathroom time, too.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm giving this book an <b style="color: #0b5394;">A</b>.<br />
</div><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>A = Buy this book NOW</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>B = Buy this when you can</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>C = Check it out from the library</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>D = Don't bother reading it</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>F = Burn it </b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729039700591664760.post-58329791292683538012009-11-25T12:53:00.000-08:002009-11-25T12:57:08.650-08:00Evermore and Blue Moon by Alyson Noel<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b>Disclaimer: I get all my books from the library.</b></span><br />
<br />
I love that I get to say exactly what I think.<br />
<br />
Today I'm reviewing <i>Evermore </i>and <i>Blue Moon</i>, by Alyson Noel. I will review them individually but in the same post, so you can decide if it's worth reading <i>Evermore</i>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://images.indiebound.com/758/532/9780312532758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.indiebound.com/758/532/9780312532758.jpg" width="213" /></a>First off, I enjoyed <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780312532758"><i>Evermore</i></a>. The main character, Ever, is psychic. She can see auras. That's cool. Damen, the new kid in school, falls hard for her, even while everyone else is in love with him.<br />
<br />
But Ever is dealing with her own problems, mainly being that her whole family died in a car accident a year ago. Emotionally, she's not stable.<br />
<br />
Then it turns out that Damen has powers of his own. And he has a very jealous ex-wife who is out to get Ever.<br />
<br />
I liked that Ever was a virgin. I didn't like that a central point of the book was about when she would finally lose the label.<br />
<br />
I didn't like the weird names. What's up with that? The last book I read by Noel had names like Zoe, Echo. This one has Ever, Stacia, Hazel. Yeah, I know some people put weird names on their kids. But not everyone. And not sixteen years ago.<br />
<br />
Ever did not seem like a girl in love to me. That was hard to get into. It's like she just kind of went with it.<br />
<br />
And finally, the immortals seem too much like Meyers' vampires for my taste. Drive fast cars, don't eat, move very quickly. But at least the skin doesn't sparkle.<br />
<br />
On it's own, I would give this book a <b style="color: #0b5394;">B</b>.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41OTukETzqL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41OTukETzqL.jpg" width="213" /></a>But here's the problem. You can't consider it on it's own, because it's a series. A trilogy, I believe. And <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Blue-Moon-Immortals-Alyson-Noel/dp/0312532768/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1259181658&sr=8-1"><i>Blue Moon</i></a> totally let me down. <br />
<br />
The action was fine. Drama was excellent. <i>Blue Moon</i> was as much a page turner as <i>Evermore</i>. I could almost ignore that the whole premise to this book was that Ever and Damen have finally decided to have sex. You know, because the world revolves around it.<br />
<br />
But the characters were completely unbelievable. Damen, Ever's powerful love, loses his powers because someone (Ramon) takes away his 'immortal juice.' Without it, he goes back to being a normal person.<br />
<br />
Well, his normal person was completely despicable, mean, hateful, horny, and terrible. Which begs the question. Which one is the real Damen? Is the immortal juice happy juice? Why am I interested in him as a character if his personality isn't real?<br />
<br />
Even that I could buy into. But I couldn't buy into the ending. Ever chooses not to be with him. Again. (She did the same thing at the end of book one.) Which again leads me to feel she doesn't really love him. I know she had a hard choice in front of her, but I also know what it is to really love someone, especially someone you plan on spending forever with. You don't look back.<br />
<br />
Anyway. The bigger issue was that, with Damen's life on the line, Ramon, the same guy who Ever knows is evil, offers save his life. A girl who has never betrayed Ever, always helped her, never lied, tells Ever not to do it. (This girl has magical powers too. Ever's seen her use them.) Ever doesn't listen to her. She listens to Ramon, the evil guy who's been taking Damen's happy juice. And of course, there are dire consequences, which leads to the third book.<br />
<br />
Except I won't be reading it. Ever's an idiot. I don't really care anymore what happens to her. Well, I care enough to ask someone. That's why I'm giving this book a <b style="color: #0b5394;">D</b>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>A = Buy this book NOW</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>B = Buy this when you can</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>C = Check it out from the library</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>D = Don't bother reading it</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>F = Burn it </b></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729039700591664760.post-25790762695182358952009-11-23T06:42:00.000-08:002009-11-23T06:42:01.404-08:00The School for Dangerous Girls by Eliot Schrefer<a href="http://images.indiebound.com/286/035/9780545035286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.indiebound.com/286/035/9780545035286.jpg" width="213" /></a><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><strong>Disclaimer: I get all my books from the library.</strong></span> <br />
<br />
Today's book is <a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780545035286"><i>The School for Dangerous Girls</i></a> by Eliot Schrefer.<br />
<br />
First off, I really liked this book. It is a dark thriller, about juvenile delinquents who are sent to a school that's supposed to reform them. Only the school has a dark element to it. It appears that some of the teachers don't care about the girls with bad tendencies. In fact, they kind of enjoy throwing the girls at each other.<br />
<br />
What I really liked about this book was how the author humanized the girls. Many of them have done illegal things and are slightly nutso. Yet we get to see how they are also just girls, with feelings and fears and people they care about.<br />
<br />
There is some swearing in the book and some references to sexual activities. But the book doesn't revolve around it or glorify sex, like that's the only important thing in life (like some books I've read).<br />
<br />
A very good read. Definitely YA, probably for teenage girls.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">This book gets a <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">B.</span></b><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br />
</div><span style="color: #0b5394;"><strong>A = Buy this book NOW</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><strong>B = Buy this when you can</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><strong>C = Check it out from the library</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><strong>D = Don't bother reading it</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><strong>F = Burn it </strong></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729039700591664760.post-19527295232657929422009-11-18T11:19:00.000-08:002009-11-18T11:19:02.749-08:00Absolute Brightness by James Lacesne<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><strong>Disclaimer: I get all my books from the library.</strong></span><br />
<br />
</div><div style="border: medium none;">Today's book is <i><a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780061256271">Absolute Brightness</a></i> by James Lacesne.<br />
</div><div style="border: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.indiebound.com/271/256/9780061256271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://images.indiebound.com/271/256/9780061256271.jpg" width="243" yr="true" /></a><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">I hate to be critical of this book because I think it had an absolutely important message: that of not judging others, of being compassionate, of learning how to love.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">But the book was a rambler. I honestly read the first 100 pages, skipped the middle 300, and read the last 30. I wanted to get into the story. I skimmed enough to figure it out: Leonard, the weird and gay cousin, comes to stay with the broken family. Leonard's outlook on life is unusually positive, and he helps those around him see the good things about themselves and their lives. However, because of his obvious gayness, he is murdered by a fellow classmate. <br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Exactly how all this happened, I don't know. Like I said, I skimmed. Maybe I have a short attention span. I WANTED to read this book. But I didn't have the patience. Maybe you'll have better luck. Give it a shot and see what you think.<br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">This book gets a <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">C.</span></b><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"> <br />
</div><div class="separator" style="border: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><strong>A = Buy this book NOW</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><strong>B = Buy this when you can</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><strong>C = Check it out from the library</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><strong>D = Don't bother reading it</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><strong>F = Burn it </strong></span> <br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729039700591664760.post-43145559263614673522009-11-13T19:46:00.000-08:002009-11-13T19:46:37.098-08:00Saving Zoe by Alyson Noel<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><strong>Disclaimer: I get all my books from the library.</strong></span><br />
<br />
Today's book is <em><a href="http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780312355104">Saving Zoe</a></em> by Alyson Noel.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.indiebound.com/104/355/9780312355104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" sr="true" src="http://images.indiebound.com/104/355/9780312355104.jpg" width="213" /></a><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I'm not going to say much about this book because I was so disappointed by it. It had a great premise and started out so emotionally strong: The protagonist (Echo)'s older sister, Zoe, was brutally murdered a year ago. Echo receives Zoe's diary and gets to know her sister, who she totally idolizes, in a way she never imagined.<br />
</div><br />
Sounds good, right? <br />
<br />
Don't hold your breath. This book got great reviews from people who said it made laugh and cry. Not me. First of all, Zoe is so not who I would want to admire. She gets drunk, smokes pot, sleeps around, sneaks out, does horrible in school, and lies to everyone. And the book is really about her, not Echo. Sure, I get the point. That Echo has to discover who she is without Zoe and come to be okay with herself. But the book never once makes it out that maybe Echo, with her good grades and 'boring' boyfriend, might be the better sister.<br />
<br />
Oh, and Echo totally dumps her 'boring' boyfriend to go out with the cool bad boy who smokes. Because of her sister. Give me a less used cliche.<br />
<br />
I still plan on reading the Immortals series. I sure hope it's better.<br />
<br />
I was so disappointed I wanted to burn the book. So this book gets a big fat <span style="color: #0b5394;"><strong>F. </strong></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><strong>A = Buy this book NOW</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><strong>B = Buy this when you can</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><strong>C = Check it out from the library</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><strong>D = Don't bother reading it</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;"><strong>F = Burn it </strong></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0