Book Reviews 2012-2013
This Is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith
This book was super sweet and simple. Like going out for ice cream on a lazy summer day. Ellie gets an email by mistake from Graham Larkin, a famous movie star. He doesn't mention who he is but the two continue to email one another and develop a friendship. When Graham heads to Ellie's town to meet her, she realizes that he is a movie star and is not sure how to handle that. They have to find out if their relationship can withstand this new test. I really liked the light-hearted nature of this book and how sweet the characters are.
Paranormalcy by Kiersten White
Evie is a normal teeenage girl except for the fact that she hunts down paranormals for a living. She has been gifted with a talent for seeing beings for what they really are without a glamour that would confuse most humans. She works for the International Paranormal Containment Agency (IPCA), an agency that finds paranormals and hides them, gives them purpose in life, and helps conceal them from human view. She fairly content with her life until an intruder breaks into the agency and starts a series of events that makes Evie question what the agency really wants.
This book was quite cute to read. I love paranormal stuff and this book is full of it in a light-hearted way. The author really channels the way a teen thinks in her language and thought process. The characters (although paranormals) are pretty believable. Evie's love interest is likeable and her ex-boyfriend is just the right amount of creepy. I am looking forward to the next two books in the series to see what becomes of Evie and her world.
This book was quite cute to read. I love paranormal stuff and this book is full of it in a light-hearted way. The author really channels the way a teen thinks in her language and thought process. The characters (although paranormals) are pretty believable. Evie's love interest is likeable and her ex-boyfriend is just the right amount of creepy. I am looking forward to the next two books in the series to see what becomes of Evie and her world.
Unravel Me
In this second installment of the Shatter Me series Juliette is safe with an underground band of rebels many of which have gifts like she does. She is learning why Adam can touch her and still holds the secret of Warren being able to as well. She is struggling to find and control her power and deciding whether using it makes her a hero or a villain. Meanwhile Warren is learning more and more about himself and her choices. A strange and compelling love triangle begins and complicates matters. According to the author "Chapter 18." That was all she would say about it and after reading it I thought "Whoa! Chapter 18" The ending will surprise and, as always, will leave you begging for the next book. I really liked this book. I have enjoyed the first book even though I had a bit of difficulty getting into the beginning of Shatter Me. But after it got going I couldn't put it down. After knowing about the characters, I was so ready to find out what would happen to them. If you are a fan of the X-Men, comic book heroes, or The Hunger Games then this series will suit your fancy. No book trailer this time :(
Everbound by Brodi Ashton
Nikki has allowed her boyfriend and true love, Jack, to take her place in the Tunnels, or the Underworld. Now she has to get him back the only way she knows how... by enlisting the help of her enemy, Cole. Together they brave the Underworld to try to bring Jack back - something that has never been done before. Their relationship will be tested and Nikki will have make a very difficult choice in the end.
This book was a very good sequel to Everneath. This series is based on the Greek myth of Persephone and Hades. I really enjoy retellings and modern interpretations of Greek myths. These books kinda take the story and legend and build a story around those concepts. In Everbound we see Nikki's determination to rescue Jack and we learn more about their relationship before she left for the Everneath. We also learn more about Cole past which helps to explain about why he is the way he is. You must be braced for a shocker at the end of the book. I was left saying "Noooooooo!" and then cursing the publishers for making me wait even a minute for the next book. I need to find out what will happen. This is a very intriguing series especially for those who enjoy mythology. By the way I got to meet Brodi Ashton at a book signing and she signed the school's copy of Everneath and Everbound! She was super nice too!
This book was a very good sequel to Everneath. This series is based on the Greek myth of Persephone and Hades. I really enjoy retellings and modern interpretations of Greek myths. These books kinda take the story and legend and build a story around those concepts. In Everbound we see Nikki's determination to rescue Jack and we learn more about their relationship before she left for the Everneath. We also learn more about Cole past which helps to explain about why he is the way he is. You must be braced for a shocker at the end of the book. I was left saying "Noooooooo!" and then cursing the publishers for making me wait even a minute for the next book. I need to find out what will happen. This is a very intriguing series especially for those who enjoy mythology. By the way I got to meet Brodi Ashton at a book signing and she signed the school's copy of Everneath and Everbound! She was super nice too!
Birthmarked Trilogy by Caragh M. O'Brien
Gaia is a midwife who lives outside the wall of Enclave. She delivers babies and the first three born each month are brought to the Enclave to be "advanced" into homes there never to see their families again. Gaia does her civic duty until her parents are mysteriously arrested and from there Gaia becomes much more than an obedient midwife. She begins a revolution that will change everything.
This series, which includes Birthmarked, Prized, and Promised, is amazing. I love books with strong heroines and this series doesn't disappoint! Gaia is headstrong, competent, and believable. Her journey throughout the books takes her inside the wall, outside the wall, into the wasteland, and back home again. The relationships in the book are wonderful some times and heart-wrenching at others. I have so enjoyed following Gaia as she grows stronger and does what she knows to be right even if it is not a popular opinion. The world that these books are set in is reminiscent of the world in The Hunger Games (which I love!). A great series all around although I am not sure that boys would enjoy it due to the descriptions of the births that Gaia attends.
This series, which includes Birthmarked, Prized, and Promised, is amazing. I love books with strong heroines and this series doesn't disappoint! Gaia is headstrong, competent, and believable. Her journey throughout the books takes her inside the wall, outside the wall, into the wasteland, and back home again. The relationships in the book are wonderful some times and heart-wrenching at others. I have so enjoyed following Gaia as she grows stronger and does what she knows to be right even if it is not a popular opinion. The world that these books are set in is reminiscent of the world in The Hunger Games (which I love!). A great series all around although I am not sure that boys would enjoy it due to the descriptions of the births that Gaia attends.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid - Cabin Fever by Jeff Kinney
Greg Heffley is back and up to his old tricks. In this the sixth book in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, Greg is trying to make some money and accidently messes up school property. When he fears that the police are coming to take him away, a huge blizzard moves in and traps the family in their home. All sorts of situations plague the young boy while he waits out his time of punishment and guilt.
This book was very funny and cute. I enjoy taking a break from more serious books sometimes and reading a light-hearted book just for fun. This series is perfect for those times. I love seeing the messes that Greg gets himself into and how he always digs a bigger hole trying to fix the problem. I also love the pictures, sometimes the pictures make the story. All around a fun series to read when you have a little extra time and are in need of a giggle.
This book was very funny and cute. I enjoy taking a break from more serious books sometimes and reading a light-hearted book just for fun. This series is perfect for those times. I love seeing the messes that Greg gets himself into and how he always digs a bigger hole trying to fix the problem. I also love the pictures, sometimes the pictures make the story. All around a fun series to read when you have a little extra time and are in need of a giggle.
Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick
Nora is a straight A student who doesn't have time for a guy, let alone a classified bad boy who seems to hate her as much as he attacts her. Patch seems to despise Nora and yet is taking every opportunity to get close to her. It doesn't make sense and at the same time, strange things are happening to Nora. She may not be safe. She has to decide to either trust Patch or run.
This is a pretty interesting series. Nora is a likable character and the more she learns about Patch and the events surrounding her, the more entertaining the book becomes. Patch is a very mysterious character and just as Nora has a hard time trusting him, the reader has to learn to trust as well. The events are somewhat not as believable as in other books but an enjoyable read. I think that this book is best suited to girls.
This is a pretty interesting series. Nora is a likable character and the more she learns about Patch and the events surrounding her, the more entertaining the book becomes. Patch is a very mysterious character and just as Nora has a hard time trusting him, the reader has to learn to trust as well. The events are somewhat not as believable as in other books but an enjoyable read. I think that this book is best suited to girls.
City of Bones by Cassaranda Clare
Clary has no idea what is in store for her when she heads to her favorite night club on a night just like any other. She witnesses what she thinks is a murder, but it doesn't make sense and no one saw it but her. From that point on she begins to see things in a different light. She comes to learn about her heritage and what her life could have been. She was meant to be a Shadowhunter, someone who hunts and kills demons. With this knowledge and a need to rescue her mother, Clary begins an exciting journey.
This is an amazing story. I was somewhat unsure if I would like a story about demon hunters, but it had me by the first chapter and I didn't stop reading til I finished the fifth book. There are so many twists and turns in the plot and the characters are so endering. There will be at least one more book in the Mortal Instruments series and there is also a compainion series called The Infernal Devices. I suggest this book for readers in 9th grade and up. It is a great read for boys or girls.
This is an amazing story. I was somewhat unsure if I would like a story about demon hunters, but it had me by the first chapter and I didn't stop reading til I finished the fifth book. There are so many twists and turns in the plot and the characters are so endering. There will be at least one more book in the Mortal Instruments series and there is also a compainion series called The Infernal Devices. I suggest this book for readers in 9th grade and up. It is a great read for boys or girls.
Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
Juliette has been imprisoned for a crime she did commit but not on purpose. Her touch is lethal to any other person. A small touch might leave you weak, anything longer will leave you dead. She doesn't know why she has this unwanted ability, but she wants rid of it. The ReEstablishment, on the other hand, wants to use her as a weapon for the new government. They will stop at nothing to secure her loyalty. Juliette discovers much about herself and the two guys to enter her life as she struggles to determine what her life is meant to hold.
Wow! This book is amazing! When you first pick it up and start reading, you are hearing Juliette's thoughts clear and unbiased. The author even leaves sentences, phrases, and thoughts in the book that Juliette "crosses out" of her mind. This is a really cool writing technique that lets you realize just how "human" this super human is. The love story between Juliette and Adam is epic and Warner complicates things immeasurably. The ending of the book leaves you breathless, begging for the second book, Unravel Me. This book would be a good read for both guys and gals. There is also a e-book novella named Destroy Me that is told from the point of view of Warner, the bad guy and it is pretty enlightening. All around a very energetic series. One of my Favs!
Wow! This book is amazing! When you first pick it up and start reading, you are hearing Juliette's thoughts clear and unbiased. The author even leaves sentences, phrases, and thoughts in the book that Juliette "crosses out" of her mind. This is a really cool writing technique that lets you realize just how "human" this super human is. The love story between Juliette and Adam is epic and Warner complicates things immeasurably. The ending of the book leaves you breathless, begging for the second book, Unravel Me. This book would be a good read for both guys and gals. There is also a e-book novella named Destroy Me that is told from the point of view of Warner, the bad guy and it is pretty enlightening. All around a very energetic series. One of my Favs!
Across the Universe by Beth Revis
How can you survive on a spaceship built on lies? Amy has been on a spaceship headed to a new planet for many years. She is one of the few who were cyrogenically frozen to make the trip and how populate the new planet. But she is woken up early and soon learns that things have not gone according to plan.
When I began this book, I was blown away by how different the setting was from other books. This book is set in the future on a spaceship. It is a dystopian novel and science fiction in one. As I contiued to read and learn the characters and the rules for their world, I enjoyed the book more and more. The book is told from the point of view of Amy, who is from original Earth, and Elder, who was born on the ship and will be the leader that will lead the people onto the new planet. It was very interesting to see both perspectives. It also helped to see certain events through the eyes of a girl and a guy. I really loved this book. I would suggest it to both guys and girls.
When I began this book, I was blown away by how different the setting was from other books. This book is set in the future on a spaceship. It is a dystopian novel and science fiction in one. As I contiued to read and learn the characters and the rules for their world, I enjoyed the book more and more. The book is told from the point of view of Amy, who is from original Earth, and Elder, who was born on the ship and will be the leader that will lead the people onto the new planet. It was very interesting to see both perspectives. It also helped to see certain events through the eyes of a girl and a guy. I really loved this book. I would suggest it to both guys and girls.
Enclave by Ann Aquire
The world as we know it is gone. The only people left live underground in enclaves. Their only hope of survival is to stay in the enclave. Duece has that protection taken away from her when she is banished from the enclave. She leaves with her new partner, Fade, and they journey to the outside where certain death waits for them.
This book was amazing. The conditions that the world is in are harsh, and the society that has been developed really makes you stop and think. The action scences are very descriptive and you really "see" what is happening. There is enough blood, guts, and gore for the boys and enough love for the girls. I ended the book by quickly searching online to find out when the sequel would be coming out. It was fantastic!
This book was amazing. The conditions that the world is in are harsh, and the society that has been developed really makes you stop and think. The action scences are very descriptive and you really "see" what is happening. There is enough blood, guts, and gore for the boys and enough love for the girls. I ended the book by quickly searching online to find out when the sequel would be coming out. It was fantastic!
Everneath by Brodi Ashton
"Everneath" is a place where the everlivings take their victims to seal their energy to prolong their immortal lives. Strangely though, most victims willingly even begging to go. This is what has happened to Nikki. She was taken and now she has returned to her previous life to pick up where she left off. There is just one catch - Everneath is coming to claim her for good in six months. She has six months to say goodbye to her dad and brother, six months to say farewell to her boyfriend, six months to figure out how to cheat death.
This book was really captivating. Nikki was a very believable character. I began reading this book expecting it to be one thing and realized that the concept was very different. I really enjoyed learning who the characters were and what made them tick. By the time the big ending scene came, I knew what was going to happen but I didn't want it to happen. Then it did and now I am dying to have the second book Everbound, which comes out January 2013. All in all a great read.
This book was really captivating. Nikki was a very believable character. I began reading this book expecting it to be one thing and realized that the concept was very different. I really enjoyed learning who the characters were and what made them tick. By the time the big ending scene came, I knew what was going to happen but I didn't want it to happen. Then it did and now I am dying to have the second book Everbound, which comes out January 2013. All in all a great read.
Fallen by Lauren Kate
Vampires, move over! Angels are the next big thing in paranormal romance. This story begins with Luce being sent to a correctional school for something she did by accident. When she gets there, she is drawn to a boy and feels a strong connection to him even though she is sure that they have never met. As the story progresses Luce learns more about the boy and eventually herself. This book was intriguing. I really enjoyed making predictions about the reasons certain characters acted the way they did. I have continued to read the rest of the sereis and am glad to say that there are some mysteries that do not get answered until the last book. A very compelling romance with likable characters. I think that any 7th-12th graders would enjoy this book.