P.S. I Love Books: YA Reading Challenge

Showing posts with label YA Reading Challenge. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 01, 2010

Review: Glass Houses

Glass Houses

Rachel Caine

Series or Stand Alone: Morganville Vampire series, book one

Release Date: October 2006

Publisher: NAL Jam

Pages: 248

Author Site: http://www.rachelcaine.com/

My Rating: 4.25/5

Source: Purchased

Synopsis:

[from goodreads.com]

From the author of the popular Weather Warden series comes the debut of an exciting new series set in Morganville, Texas, where you would be well advised to avoid being out after dark.

College freshman Claire Danvers has had enough of her nightmarish dorm situation. When Claire heads off-campus, the imposing old house where she finds a room may not be much better. Her new roommates don't show many signs of life, but they'll have Claire's back when the town's deepest secrets come crawling out, hungry for fresh blood.

Review:

I should have wrote this review sooner when the book was more fresh in my mind. But of course, I didn't do that... I really enjoyed Glass Houses though. I have yet to read anything by Rachel Caine although I have the first two books in her Weather Warden series. After reading this book I think it's safe to say I'm going to enjoy her writing =)

Now we all know how popular vampire/paranormal books (especially ones with school settings) are, not only in the YA adult genre, but in all books. So it is ALWAYS a pleasure finding a novel that stands out a bit from the crowd. Glass Houses stood out for me. Even though there is a college backdrop the story isn't centered around that. It isn't centered around Claire's experiences at a "magical" school, it's about her experiences as a whole in Morganville, Texas, which is pretty much owned by vampires.

Being the first book in a series is always tough. The introduction to the world, basic plot, and it's characters sometimes makes one force themselves through it to get to the next novel. However, I didn't find Glass Houses a big disappointment as far as first-in-the-series books go. I thought character development was lacking a bit but its understandable and I'm expecting more depth in the upcoming novels. While the reader gets a basic understanding and feeling of the main characters there is still a lot to discover.

I enjoyed Claire's personality even though she has her annoying moments (but who doesn't??). She's got spunk even while being held against her will and beat up by the popular girls at the college. Claire is a genius that actually enjoys schoolwork and homework. And instead of going to MIT or Yale her parents would rather her go to a small-town college a lot closer to home. A sixteen (almost seventeen) year old freshman that would rather study than party isn't always the most popular student at school. So naturally there are those that are born to make other's lives miserable and they find Claire very quickly. I think an aspect I really enjoyed about the book is that Rachel Caine wasn't afraid to include a little violence in the novel. Not that I'm a violence junkie or enjoy reading about people getting beat up or anything but I was surprised at the lack of sugar-coating in the scenes between the mean girls and Claire. Claire gets hurt a lot in the novel and Rachel Caine wasn't afraid to tell the reader about it either. That definitely made the book stand out, especially in the YA genre.

Claire can be quite the smart-ass and I enjoyed that. Shortly after determining that her very life could be in jeopardy if she stays in the dorm she finds a place to stay at off campus with three roommates. It is with these three roommates that Claire discovers the truth of Morganville. Vampires run the show and the dynamics between said vampires and the humans they live with is very interesting. I'm excited to read more about the unique vampire heritage in upcoming books. Michael's character was definitely the most interesting and surprising. I'm eager to see how his character will do in the series. Eve is sweet although the Goth persona is a little tired. I feel her hiding behind the whole charade a little boring and I hope to see her break out of that sooner rather than later. Shane is somewhat typical as crushes go - tough, hott, a little mysterious, and secretly caring.

Overall I think Glass Houses was very good. It's filled with the creepy vampires that aren't love interests and characters that have a lot of potential to grow and develop. And I can't wait to discover all of Morganville's secrets. I'll be getting book 3 and 4 whenever I find the time to get book 2. I'm also really looking forward to Rachel's Weather Warden series and discovering if there is difference between her YA and adult writing.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Review: Enchanted Ivy

Enchanted Ivy
Sarah Beth Durst

Series or Stand Alone: Stand Alone

Release Date: October 2010

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry

Pages: 320

Author Site: http://www.sarahbethdurst.com/index.htm

My Rating: 4.25/5

Source: Received for review from author

Synopsis:

[from goodreads.com]

What Lily Carter wants most in the world is to attend Princeton University just like her grandfather. When she finally visits the campus, Grandpa surprises her: She has been selected to take the top-secret Legacy Test. Passing means automatic acceptance to Princeton. Sweet!Lily's test is to find the Ivy Key. But what is she looking for? Where does she start? As she searches, Lily is joined by Tye, a cute college boy with orange and black hair who says he's her guard. That's weird. But things get seriously strange when a gargoyle talks to her. He tells her that there are two Princetons—the ordinary one and a magical one—and the Key opens the gate between them. But there are more secrets that surround Lily. Worse secrets.When Lily enters the magical Princeton, she uncovers old betrayals and new dangers, and a chance at her dream becomes a fight for her life. Soon Lily is caught in a power struggle between two worlds, with her family at its center. In a place where Knights slay monsters, boys are were-tigers, and dragons might be out for blood, Lily will need all of her ingenuity and courage—and a little magic—to unite the worlds and unlock the secrets of her past and her future.

Review:

I gotta say I've never wanted to go to Princeton as bad as I do now that I've read Enchanted Ivy. I've never been an uber smart gal and I've never wanted to get into a high-rated university when I set out for college. But if higher education was anything like it is in Lily's world I'd so find a way to attend Princeton! Why you ask? Because there is magic at Princeton!! And an unprepared Lily Carter discovers all the secrets of the university and about herself as well.

Lily has wanted to attend Princeton for as long as she can remember. She wants to go to the same university her Grandpa did and make him proud of her. As a surprise to Lily her Grandpa has set up an "admission test" of sorts with his elite group of college friends. If she passes she gets automatic approval into the university! But this is no ordinary college admission test! Much more like a treasure hunt, Lily must hunt the campus for clues to find the Ivy Key. She isn't allowed to have any assistance and yet there's a strange tiger-haired boy hanging around helping Lily out. Nevermind that he is a hot college student, Lily has a test to pass! Soon Lily discovers things that will change life as she knows it forever...

I was surprised at how many twists and turns the plot took and how well Lily's character took each obstacle in stride. She was entirely lovable and quick-thinking. She accepted help when needed and yet still had a respectable independence about her. I found the fact that she had a hard time wrapping her mind around a world filled with magic a little annoying but it's totally realistic. Although I love paranormal, fantastic, and magical things I think I'd even have trouble accepting an alternate world where magical creatures lived and magic itself seemed a living, breathing entity.

Enchanted Ivy, although filled with fantastic creatures and a well-known university wrapped in magical secrets, will easily resonate with those getting ready for college. It's an extremely exciting and scary time for teenagers and reading a novel like this will allow the reader to lose themselves within a well-written story. Might just be the best stress-reliever out there! But I think Enchanted Ivy will easily earn a place on many bookshelves, not just teenagers and young adult readers.

This is my first time reading a novel by Sarah Beth Durst and I gotta admit I loved it. The writing style was simplistic in form but still did a remarkable job bringing the magic of Princeton to life. I definitely think the writing, the wonderful characters, and fantastic plot make this book a quick and hard-to-put down read. Although the ending is satisfying I'm crossing my fingers for some sort of sequel because I would love to continue on in the magic-filled world Sarah has created.

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Review: Starfinder

Starfinder

John Marco

Series or Stand Alone: Skylords series, book one

Previous Books/Series:
Tyrants and Kings - The Jackal of Nar (1999), The Grand Design (2000), The Saints of the Sword (2001)
Eyes of Gods - The Eyes of God (2002), The Devil's Armour (2003), The Sword of Angels (2005)

Release Date: May 2009

Publisher: DAW

Pages: 325

Author Site (not official): http://www.sffworld.com/author/345.html

My Rating: 5/5

Source: Won from giveaway hosted by In Search of Giants

Synopsis:

[from goodreads.com]

A new fantasy series from the author of The Sword of Angels.

Steam trains and electricity are rapidly changing the world. Moth of Calio is obsessed with the airships developed by his friend Fiona’s grandfather Rendor, and dreams of taking to the air one day like his heroes, the Skyknights.

But not everyone is happy to see humans reach the skies. For thousands of years, the mysterious and powerful race known as the Skylords have jealously guarded their heavenly domain. But Moth and Fiona are about to breach the magical boundary between the world of humans and the world of the Skylords.

Review:

Moth may be an orphan but that doesn’t stop him from being a dreamer. He wants nothing more than to become one of the elite Skyknights and roam the sky of Calio in one of the sleek dragonfly airships. But his dreams are put on hold as his entire life is shook up after the death of his beloved mentor Leroux. Leroux’s death brings more than grief as a journey is set forth before Moth that will test the limits of everything Moth believes in. This journey will take him through the forbidden Reach and into a world that is inhabited by fantastic creatures who will both aide and deter Moth from the goals put before him.

Traveling along with him is his best friend Fiona. The grand-daughter of the Governor of Calio she is fierce, feisty, and definitely independent. As the story opens further a vulnerability appears that shows Fiona’s strengths and weaknesses. A superb companion to Moth, the two characters see the same things completely different because of their life experiences. I believe this story is Fiona’s just as much as it is Moth’s. And speaking of Moth I admit I was a little skeptical of his character at first. I thought he would be immature for some reason. However, he gained my respect and admiration as the true colors of his personality shown throughout the novel.

There is such complexity in the other characters of the novel. Adversaries become friends and it’s hard to see who the enemy is until you get into the meat of the story. I found the relationships between pretty much all the characters, secondary and primary alike, to be enjoyable and engaging. From Fiona’s grandfather, Rendor, and his shipmates, to the dragons, and to the Skylords…each set of characters had a depth that really had me hooked.

I’m sad I waited so long to read STARFINDER. I can’t remember when exactly I won it from Aerin’s blog but it’s been sitting on my shelf for a good while. I think it was the “eh..” cover that made me wait to open the book. Shame on me because I enjoyed STARFINDER so much! From the characters to the world created by Marco I just wanted MORE MORE MORE! Being a fantasy novice myself, I think it was a wonderful novel for one to get their feet wet. It wasn’t overly complicated or overwhelming in the tiniest bit and I think that’s what scares some people away from fantasy. I also believe that long time fantasy lovers will enjoy the simple yet fantastic story John Marco has wrote. I’ll be looking into his adult fantasy novels to see how those fare with me. And of course I’ll be eagerly awaiting book two in the Skylords series (which better be produced soon Mr. Marco!!) even though STARFINDER was wrapped up quite nicely in the end.

Monday, August 09, 2010

Review: The Pack

The Pack

LM Preston

Series or Stand Alone: The Pack series, book one

Release Date: August 2010

Publisher: Phenomenal One Press

Pages: 315

Author Site: http://www.lmpreston.com/

My Rating: 3.5/5

Source: Received for review from author

Synopsis:

[from goodreads.com]

Shamira is considered an outcast by most, but little do they know that Shamira is on a mission. Kids on Mars are disappearing, but Shamira decides to use the criminals most unlikely weapons against them, the very kids of which they have captured. In order to succeed, she is forced to trust another, something she is afraid to do. However, Valens her connection to the underworld of her enemy, proves to be a useful ally. Time is slipping, and so is her control on the power that resides within her. Yet, in order to save her brother's life she is willing to risk it all.

Review:

L.M. Preston has created an entertaining and action-packed world filled with sci-fi fantasy for the young adult reader. Set on a colonized Mars, children are disappearing and the ones being targeted are not at random. Children of the Security Force Elite are being taken and Shamira feels she’s the only one that can save the missing children. When her beloved younger brother becomes a victim of the kidnappings Shamira sets out to find whoever is responsible and make them pay.

Shamira is blind when she is first introduced in the story. However, she is still a forced to be reckoned with despite her disability. Her being blind isn’t the only thing that sets Shamira apart from the other children on Mars. After a horrible accident when she was a baby Shamira became blind and developed a “power” within her that makes gives her super-human strength and agility. Although Shamira has felt like an outcast her entire life, she has such a fierce and loyal personality. She also hates pity and feels the need to hide her enhanced abilities from the rest of the world, including her parents. Shamira has her downfalls; she’s a proud and independent heroine. But she can be vulnerable and L.M. Preston does a really great job with Shamira’s development and personality.

Having not read L.M. Preston’s writing before, THE PACK was a fast paced read that I really enjoyed. It sends out great messages of family and friendship and even has a touch of romance sprinkled into the story. It was pretty cool that Shamira and the other children she joins forces with are in charge of the story. I think a lot of younger readers will absolutely love that aspect of the story. These children are out to save Mars and bring down Monev. I’m looking forward to continuing on with Shamira and the children of Mars with the second book in series set to be released in 2012.

Tuesday, June 08, 2010

Viola in Reel Life

Viola in Reel Life

Adriana Trigiani

Series or Stand Alone: Stand Alone

Release Date: September 2009

Publisher: Harper Teen

Pages: 288

Author Site: http://www.adrianatrigiani.com/welcome.html

My Rating: 3.25/5

Source: Won in a giveaway from Princess Bookie

Synopsis

[from harperteen.com]:

I'm marooned.

Abandoned.

Left to rot in boarding school . . .

Viola doesn't want to go to boarding school, but somehow she ends up at an all-girls school in South Bend, Indiana, far, far away from her home in Brooklyn, New York. Now Viola is stuck for a whole year in the sherbet-colored sweater capital of the world.

Ick.

There's no way Viola's going to survive the year—especially since she has to replace her best friend Andrew with three new roommates who, disturbingly, actually seem to like it there. She resorts to viewing the world (and hiding) behind the lens of her video camera.

Boarding school, though, and her roommates and even the Midwest are nothing like she thought they would be, and soon Viola realizes she may be in for the most incredible year of her life.

But first she has to put the camera down and let the world in.

Review:

I’d definitely say winning this book was an awesome score for me! VIOLA IN REEL LIFE was a very sweet and charming read that definitely got me to appreciate and savor “slow-paced” writing. Although it didn’t take me long to finish the book, the story itself was a slow but very enjoyable journey. Viola’s growth and development throughout the novel was extremely clear as she matured with her experiences at Prefect Academy. Spending one’s freshman year in a brand new school miles and miles away from your home definitely leaves a lasting impression! But I think overall Viola handled leaving her comfort zone beautifully.

After her parents accept a job doing a documentary film in Afghanistan, Viola is shipped off to Indiana to attend a boarding school that her mother went to when she was in High School. Raised in Brooklyn and away from her BFFs, Viola must somehow learn to cope in her new environment. I really enjoyed reading about Viola’s love for cinematography. I’m so jealous of people who have a hobby or interest that they are passionate about because I myself don’t really have one. Film making is so important to Viola that even at fourteen she knows exactly the career she’ll have when she’s older.
Her three roommates all have very distinct personalities that I really added life into the story. I was so glad when Viola broke out of her shell somewhat and started to warm up to them. The relationship between the girls soon blossomed into a sisterhood of sorts that made the happy feeling of the book genuine. I must admit somewhere in my review that I can’t honestly recall being fourteen or most of my years in High School…but I really enjoyed trying to remember what it was like for me at Viola’s age. I know my experiences weren’t the same but it helped put things in perspective when Viola was acting a little too immature for me in the book =)

And I also want to add that the ending somewhat disappointed me. It was like watching a good movie and not having everything wrap up satisfactorily. I suppose it could be an opening to a sequel maybe, which I wouldn’t mind at all. But who knows?

Overall, I enjoyed this coming of age novel and I’m looking forward to reading more of Adriana Trigiani’s work. A big thank you to her as well for signing my copy! It put a big ole’ smile on my face when I received the copy from the giveaway!

Friday, May 28, 2010

Firespell

Firespell

Chloe Neill

Series or Stand Alone: Dark Elite series, book one

Release Date: January 2010

Publisher: Signet

Pages: 256

Author Site: http://www.chloeneill.com/

My Rating: 3.5/5

Source: Purchased

Synopsis

[from goodreads.com]:

As the new girl at the elite St. Sophia’s boarding school, Lily Parker thinks her classmates are the most monstrous things she’ll have to face…

When Lily’s guardians decided to send her away to a fancy boarding school in Chicago, she was shocked. So was St. Sophia’s. Lily’s ultra-rich brat pack classmates think Lily should be the punchline to every joke, and on top of that, she’s hearing strange noises and seeing bizarre things in the shadows of the creepy building.

The only thing keeping her sane is her roommate, Scout, but even Scout’s a little weird—she keeps disappearing late at night and won’t tell Lily where she’s been. But when a prank leaves Lily trapped in the catacombs beneath the school, Lily finds Scout running from a real monster.

Scout’s a member of a splinter group of rebel teens with unique magical talents, who’ve sworn to protect the city against demons, vampires, and Reapers, magic users who’ve been corrupted by their power. And when Lily finds herself in the line of a firespell, Scout tells her the truth about her secret life, even though Lily has no powers of her own—at least none that she’s discovered yet…

Review:

It seems boarding schools in the reading world all have a deep dark secret or house some pretty “gifted” students (and I don’t mean academically speaking). However, despite having similar elements to other books out there, FIRESPELL is a pretty solid start to a series that shows a lot of promise. A little slow to start, the action picks up pretty quickly and includes characters that are sure to make readers want more!

I must say “the new kid in a boarding school” thing was a slight drag but I thought author Chloe Neill did a pretty decent job on adding some new twists to the popular fad in paranormal young adult books out now. First off, St. Sophia is an all girls boarding school. Located in Chicago, St. Sophia’s prides itself outstanding academic achievement and developing crucial networking skills to make it after high school. I enjoyed the fact that the headmistress is unlikable at the beginning. Cold and distant the reader isn’t quite sure if she is on Lily’s side or not. However, I found myself liking her towards the end of the book. Her character doesn’t change much personality wise but background information and new knowledge gained from the story shines a different light on her.

The Brat Pack was another element that I’ve seen before. However, FIRESPELL’S brat pack had a different kind of hierarchy. Some of them are definitely more evil then others and I’m interested in seeing how they add trouble to the next installment in Lily’s story. As for Lily herself, she was totally likeable. I enjoyed how down to earth and honest she was. Her newly found best friend, Scout was definitely a show-stealer though. Independent, quick-witted, full of spunk and humor, she definitely makes a dynamic companion for Lily. I’m really interested in reading some more background info on the BFF.

The actual supernatural part of the story revealed quite a lot. Sometimes I felt I was given a little too much information at some points but overall it’s interesting as hell. The good vs. evil aspect is definitely different than what’s already out there and I’m looking forward to discovering more about the Dark Elite. I also see a lover’s triangle that could possibly be forming and I admit I’m super excited about that. Without going into too many details… I’m torn between Jason and Sebastian. I’ll definitely go into more when I get to book two. For now, go read the book to see what I’m talking about =)

While FIRESPELL didn’t blow me away I still really enjoyed the book, especially towards the end. I’ll be picking up a copy of book two, HEXBOUND, when it comes out in January.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Someone Like You

Someone Like You

Sarah Dessen

Series or Stand Alone: Stand Alone

Release Date: May 2004 (reissue)

Publisher: Penguin

Pages: 288

Author Site: http://www.sarahdessen.com/

My Rating: 4/5

Source: Purchased

Synopsis

[from goodreads.com]:

Quiet Halley and popular Scarlett have been friends for years. They balance each other perfectly--until the beginning of their junior year. Then, Scarlett's boyfriend is killed in a motorcycle accident; soon after, she learns that she is carrying his baby. For the first time, Scarlett really needs Halley. Their friendship may bend under the weight, but it'll never break--because a true friendship is a promise you keep forever. Sarah Dessen's poignant, funny voice has earned her raves and legions of teenaged fans.

Review:

SOMEONE LIKE YOU is the second novel I’ve read by Sarah Dessen and I enjoyed it just as much as my first Dessen novel, ALONG FOR THE RIDE (read my review). SOMEONE LIKE YOU talks about the strength of friendship but I felt the book dealt a lot more with Halley’s personal discovery of who she is as a person and her relationship with her mother. Scarlett’s loss of boyfriend and pregnancy was, for me, more of a backdrop to Halley’s story.

Halley was easy to both like and dislike. I immediately liked her at the beginning of the novel. But as her crush, Macon, starts to become more involved in the story I started to lose some interest in her personality. I found their relationship hard to substantiate as well. I understand why Halley’s feelings towards Macon were growing and why they were growing so rapidly but I found their interactions very short and dry/flat. It was just hard for me to look at the whole picture and say “Oh, I can see why she likes him so much”. He’s basically a trouble-maker/bad boy who does cute/sweet things every now and then to flirt with Halley. I get that but I wanted more.

The other aspects of the novel ranging from Scarlett’s unexpected teen pregnancy to Halley dealing with her overbearing mother were really covered well. I thought Dessen made everything in the novel realistic and very easy to relate to. I think every reader will resonate with Halley or Scarlett by personal experience or from someone they once knew or presently know. I’m definitely going to continue to pick up more books by Dessen.

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Gone

Gone
Lisa McMann

Series or Stand Alone: Wake trilogy, book three

Release Date: February 2010

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Pages: 224

Author Site: http://lisamcmann.com/

My Rating: 3.75/5

Source: Purchased

Synopsis

[from goodreads.com]:

Janie thought she knew what her future held. And she thought she’d made her peace with it. But she can’t handle dragging Cabel down with her.

She knows he will stay with her, despite what she sees in his dreams. He’s amazing. And she’s a train wreck. Janie sees only one way to give him the life he deserves: She has to disappear. And it’s going to kill them both.

Then a stranger enters her life — and everything unravels. The future Janie once faced now has an ominous twist, and her choices are more dire than she’d ever thought possible. She alone must decide between the lesser of two evils. And time is running out....

Review:

I shouldn't have waited so long to write my review of this book, or any book for that matter. I'm seriously working on getting reviews out a few days after I read the book, otherwise I really struggle to recall the things I liked or disliked about a book. I do know that I gobbled GONE done just like I did the previous two books. However, I didn't enjoy this one as much as I did the other two.

GONE is the final book in the Wake trilogy. I for one am sad to see the series end. The overall story is so unique to what I've read before and the writing style Lisa McMann chooses to use continuous to surprise me at how easy and enjoyable it is to follow. And while I didn't love GONE as much as I did the other two books, there are still many aspects of the book that I enjoyed.

Janie has grown and changed throughout the novels and to me, she's very different in GONE. I wasn't as attached to her as I used to be and that troubled me somewhat. Her relationship with the steady and reliable Cabel was nice to see although there are many rocky moments in the book for the couple, which is understandable. It's definitely easy to see where Janie and her feelings are coming from. She refuses to hurt Cabel and doesn't want him to waste his life with her but I still felt she needed to lighten up. Cable obviously loves her and I think he fully understands the consequences of all of his choices. I may be a little biased though, I happen to adore Cabel very much!!

The additon of Janie's father into the mix was interesting. It brought out qualities in Janie that I both liked and disliked. I got to see again how loyal Janie can be to those she comes to care about but I also saw a side of her that felt like she was giving up. It's tough to explain without giving away so many details so I'll leave it at that.

I was by no means disappointed with GONE. I just felt that GONE was a little different than the first two books and I'm still working on deciding if I like that fact or not. Either way the series is a hit for me. I've come to really enjoy Lisa McMann's writing and her story telling. I'm eagerly waiting to see what she has in store for us next. (Hopefully a revisit to Janie and Cable sometime in the future...ending be damned =) )

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Catching Fire

Catching Fire

Suzanne Collins

Series or Stand Alone: Hunger Games series, book two

Release Date: September 2009

Publisher: Scholastic

Pages: 480

Author Site: http://www.suzannecollinsbooks.com/

My Rating: 5/5

Source: Won from giveaway @ Book Chick City (hence the UK Edition)

Synopsis [from goodreads.com]:

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge.

Review:

Suzanne Collins is a pretty gifted story-teller in my opinion. CATCHING FIRE is a gripping continuation of the Hunger Games that left me desperately wanting more. As I was coming to the last sixty pages I remember thinking, "NO, I DON'T WANT IT TO BE OVER!!!" . I don't want to go into the plot too much for those of you who have not had a chance to read THE HUNGER GAMES yet (becasue I know there are a few of you still out there).

I enjoyed the spotlight shifting to Gale and Katniss' relationship with him because it provided the missing details of their past. They are definitely closer than best friends and they have helped each other survive in District 12 for so long. It's totally understandable why Katniss feels a closeness and obligation to Gale. On the other hand, the romance between Peeta and Katniss is just as confusing to me as it is to Katniss. I can actually feel her inner turmoil between who she should choose. Which is probably because I myself don't know who to choose, although I am leaning more towards Peeta... So the element of the love triangle is a great twist to have in the story but I still feel there is so much more to develop on. Peeta continues to be sacrificing and chivalrous towards Katniss while Gale and his personality are still shadowed by the overall story...

The Capitol is so easy to hate and I like having a great villain in a story. While I love Katniss for her continued strength and ingenuity I don't find her the greatest heroine ever written. But I admire her qualities and the contrast between her and the Capitol are very well laid out. I can't wait to read MOCKINGJAY. The twists involved in book two kept me on the edge of my seat and while I didn't think the ending was a major cliffhanger, it certainly left me drooling for more. MOCKINGJAY has a lot to live up to being the end of the trilogy, there's many loose ends that need to be tied up and I wish it wasn't a trilogy but a series. Either way, I don't think Suzanne Collins will let us down with the next book.

Thursday, March 04, 2010

The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games

Suzanne Collins

Series or Stand Alone: Hunger Games series, book one

Release Date: September 2008

Publisher: Scholastic

Pages: 454

Author Site: http://www.suzannecollinsbooks.com/

My Rating: 5/5

Source: Won from giveaway @ Book Chick City (hence the UK Edition)

Synopsis [from scholastic.com]:

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she is forced to represent her district in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before -- and survival.

Review:

Yes, I know...it took me quite some time to finally open this book up. I've already smacked myself about it so no need to get all excited. I must admit, I do love when books live up to the hype they sometimes receive. I heard THE HUNGER GAMES was pretty awesome... and I totally agree with the consensus of most of its readers.

I'm not a big dystopian honcho. I don't know the who's who and the what's what in the genre, nor am I big on YA fiction. So the fact that THE HUNGER GAMES sits prettily in these two genres has nothing really to do with how much I enjoyed the novel. I enjoyed the brutal futuristic world that was Panem. The history of the Capitol and the Districts were not only interesting but very well developed. I mean you had to get a good portion into the story to find out about the actual Hunger Games and Panem's past.

The contrast in setting between the Capitol and District 12/the arena was stark. I found it quite easy to imagine the world Katniss lived in and the one she was forced to participate in. The time before the Hunger Games however, is when I had slight trouble with my mental imaging system (aka my brain). But not to worry, I let it slide since I was having such a good time watching the characters develop. I can't say I loved Katniss at first, but there was something very compelling about her. I'm sure I admired her in the beginning, but it's hard to remember even though I finished the book pretty recently. All I know is that she's bad-ass, but not show-offy (I know that's not even a word). She's a tough sixteen-year-old who was pretty much brought up to be that way because of her living conditions. And although she can be fragile and even naive at times she remains to be force to be reckoned with because of her quick wit and learning. By the end of the book I had seen her at her weakest and her strongest... and I knew she had me hooked!

I really enjoyed the development of the important players of the Hunger Games. It was easy to see their personalities come out with their actions and I admired the author's ability to show things without having to physically spell it out for me. Although all of the competitors don't get much spotlight, the important ones do, so it's not a total loss.

I saw the debacle with Peeta and Gale coming a mile away, so I'm extremely interested in reading CATCHING FIRE to see what happens after Katniss and Peeta return home. All in all, I enjoyed the honesty in the book. The author didn't go overboard with the cruelty of the games or the activities surrounding it...instead she balanced things perfectly and made me want more despite the 400+ pages.

Monday, January 25, 2010

Day 415 - 2010 Reading Challenges : A Collection

All of the 2010 Reading Challenges I'm participating in =) I hope you'll join in the fun!

Click the photo to be directed to it's specific page.

3/6 Books Completed

5/6 Books Completed

38/50 Authors Completed

12/50 Books Completed

57/100 Books Completed

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Day 405 - Fade

Fade

Lisa McMann

Series or Stand Alone: Wake Trilogy, book two

Release Date: February 2009 (Hardcover Edition)

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Pages: 256

Author Site: http://lisamcmann.com/

My Rating: 5/5

Source: Purchased from Barnes & Nobles

Synopsis [from lisamcmann.com]:

For Janie and Cabel, real life is getting tougher than the dreams. They're just trying to carve out a little (secret) time together, but no such luck. Disturbing things are happening at Fieldridge High, yet nobody's talking. When Janie taps into a classmate's violent nightmares, the case finally breaks open--but nothing goes as planned. Not even close. Janie's in way over her head, and Cabe's shocking behavior has grave consequences for them both.

Worse yet, Janie learns the truth about herself and her ability. And it's bleak. Seriously, brutally bleak. Not only is her fate as a Dream Catcher sealed, but what's to come is way darker than she'd even feared...

Review:

I actually completed FADE in about 3 hours. Just like its predecessor, WAKE, I was totally unable to put the book down until I got to the end. Lisa continues to write with a unique style that can definitely hook a reader and reel em in. Picking up where the first left off, FADE brings different and more darker issues to light and, in my opinion, has her characters facing more hardships than before. With these issues comes with it some raw language that I have noticed bothers some readers. I don't mind cussing that much or "not-so comfortable" topics as Janie and Cabel must find a sexual predator this time around...so just as a warning to those that it might bother: the book contains some graphic language and/or issues.

One of the best things about FADE was the further character development in both Janie and Cabel. Their relationship is both passionate and rocky at times as the realistic couple are faced with the challenges of Janie's powers and the toll they are taking on them both. The two are officially together now and, like most couples, must come to terms with the fact that they now have someone they truly care about in their lives. They've already gotten used to the fact that they have strong feelings for someone else. Now they must go that extra mile to understand the battling emotions that relationships can cause couples. The two have definitely become one of favorite literary couples to read about. Regardless if they are separated or together, Janie and Cabel are extremely realistic and relatable.

Janie's abilities are further explored and it was actually a real pleasure to see things being pieced together. However, even with all that extra knowledge there were still plenty of questions left unanswered. But that's what the last book, GONE, is for. I'm very excited to read Lisa's third book and I'm also sad that it will be the end of this unique and original world she has created.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Day 402 - 2010 Reading Challenge: YA Reading Challenge

To learn more or sign up visit J. Kaye's Book Blog here.
I'm seriously going to try to read more of the books that I own so keep in mind that this list is subject to change since my book buying addiction is still very much active... For this challenge I chose the 50 book level (Stepping it Up Level), so that should help get my pile down =)

Note: Green = Read/Reviewed