Thursday, October 27, 2011

Wolfsbane by Andrea Cremer

This review may contain spoilers of previous books in the series.
Summary: (from book jacket) When Calla Tor wakes up in the lair of the Searchers, her sworn enemies, she's certain her days are numbered. But then the searchers make her an offer- on that gives her the chance to destroy her former masters and save the pack-and the man- she left behind. Is Ren worth the price of her freedom? And will Shay stand by her side no matter what? Now in control of her own destiny, Calla must figure out which battles are worth fighting and how many trials true love can endure and still survive.
 Review: This is the second book in this series and based on where the last one ended I didn't really know what to expect. I have to say I was pretty pleased. The plot was interesting and exciting, there were lots of new characters introduced and lots of information about the history of Keepers, Guardians and Searchers was given which was really interesting. There were a lot of surprising twists that kept me glued to this book until I finished it. This book ended in a place that made me excited to know what happens next, although I think I can see where things are headed. My main problem was that Calla seemed like an entirely different person in this book. In Nightshade she was a strong and determined to fight for what she wanted. However, in this book she was whiny and unsure of herself. I was really annoyed with her during some parts of the book. I also think Shay is enjoying his new roles a little bit too much, but I still like him better than Ren. Overall, I think this book was a really good addition to this series. i think it's one of the better werewolf type stories out right now.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

Summary: (from book jacket) A mysterious island.

An abandoned orphanage.A strange collection of very curious photographs.
It all waits to be discovered in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, an unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience. As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a deserted island for good reason. And somehow—impossible though it seems—they may still be alive.
Review: This book had a really interesting premise and it was really entertaining but in some ways it didn't live up to my expectations. I thought the back story behind these places and characters was really great and kept the story interesting even in slow moments. I also thought the photos were a really great addition. They made the story seem more real and gave some interesting visuals relating to the characters. At first I thought some of the details made the story kind of corny, but as the book went on I liked it more and more. But I thought the details regarding how the book ended were kind of confusing. I also couldn't really connect with Jacob as a character, I thought he was kind of dull in some points and liked getting to know the other characters a lot more. Overall, though I thought this book was just OK. I just couldn't get over how ridiculous some of the details were.

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Awaken by Katie Kacvinsky

Summary:(from book jacket). Maddie lives in a world where everything is done on the computer. Whether going to school or on a date, no one ever leaves home. There's really no need. And for the most part Maddie's okay with the solitary, digital life- until she meets Justin. Justin likes being with people. He likes physical closeness and face to face conversations. People aren't meant to be alone, he tells her. Maddie is beginning to believe him. Maybe there is a different better way to live, and perhaps Justin will be the one to help her start living in it.
Review: I had mixed feeling about this book. I thought the premise was really interesting and was excited to see how this would play out. I liked the way the society was set up and introduced. However, I thought some aspects were a little bit unrealistic, including the history behind digital school. The plot was paced pretty well and I enjoyed getting to discover different things that went on in this society as the story went on. I also thought the fact that this book contained a lot of family conflict was a nice change from a lot of dystopian type stories that center on the global issues that people are going through. I didn't really like the characters that much though. I felt Maddie had multiple personalities throughout the story. At some points she was strong and determined to make a change to the way things are and then at other times she was complaining about how boring her life was without her computer. It was like she couldn't make her mind up. And all im' going to say about Justin is that he needs to just accept the fact that he has feelings and deal with it instead of running away. Overall, this book was good but not one of my favorites.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

Summary:(from back of book) When Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she ahrdly expects to witness a murder. Much less a murder commited by three teenagers covered with odd markings. This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons- and keeping the odd werewolves and vampires in line. It's also her first meetinf with gorgeous, golden haired Jace. Within twenty four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in an ordinary mundane like Clary? And how did she suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know...
Review: This is another series that I started pretty late and all I can say is i'm sorry I didn't pick this one up sooner. Although a lot of this book was build up, since this was the start of the sereis, I was never bored. The plot was very action packed and there were constantly surprising twists being thrown in. I don't remeber the last time I was surprised this much in a book like this. I like the fact that this book is action packed yet very character driven at the same time. All of the characters were very well developed and getting to know them all was really fun. despite all the action a larger portion of the story was based on conflict between different characters and the emotions involved as everyone was forced to come to terms with their past ans move on. I really Clary and Jace. Some of the scenes between them were sweet and other times they made me laugh. I really felt bad for Hodge and Alec, for different reasons but they both are in unfair situations. I am really excited to find out that happens next in the series.

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

By the Time You Read This, I'll Be Dead by Julie Anne Peters

Summary: (from back of book) Daelyn Rice is broken beyond repair, and after a string of botched suicide attempts, she's determined to get it right. She starts visiting a web site for "completers"- http://www.through-the-light.com/. On the site, Daelyn blogs about her life, revealing a history of bullying that goes back to kindergarten. When she's not on the web, Daelyn's at her private girls school, where she's known as the freak who doesn't talk. Then, a boy named Santana begins to sit with her after school while she's waiting for her parents to pick her up. Even though she's made it clear that she wants to be left alone, Santana won't give up. It's too late for Daelyn to be letting people into her life...isn't it?
Review: I thought this book was a good account of what bullying can do to someone throughout their lives. This book was pretty short and I thought that the counting down aspect was an interesting touch. The plot was a little slow in some parts but this book was really focused on Daelyn and her thoughts and feelings regarding her past and the decision she has made. I thought the emotions of Daelyn and her parents were really well portrayed. All the characters were very well rounded and realistic. The only thing I didn't really like was the fact that Daelyn was so quiet. I thought it took away from some of the scenes where communication was necessary. I alos had mixed feelinga about the ending. I liked the fact that it was an open ending but at the same time i thought this stroy deserved something a little more concrete. Overall, This book was full of emotion regarding death and what it means to live.