Friday, January 27, 2012

Forever by Maggie Stiefvater

This review may contain spoilers of previous books in the series.
Summary: (from book jacket). Then. When Sam met Grace, he was a wolf and she was a girl. Eventually he found a way to become a boy, and their love moved from a curious distance to the intense closeness of shared lives. now. That should have been the end of that story. But Grace was not meant to stay human. Now she is the wolf. And the wolves of Mercy Falls are about to be killed in one final, spectacular hunt. forever. Sam would do anything for Grace. But can one boy and one love really change a hostile predatory world? The past, the present, and the future are about to collide in one pure moment- a moment of death or life, farewell or forever.
Review: This is the third and final book in the wolves of Mercy Falls trilogy. I thought the story wrapped up pretty nicely although, there a few things that wished had been dealt with a little better. I think the premise was a pretty unique take on werewolves and it was interesting to see where this story eneded. I wish I had a little more information on where these characters ended up. My only other problem was that it took a long time for any action to really happen. The whole story was the slow buildup to the climax. I wish there had been more happening leading up to that.   I like that the book switched perspectives between the main characters. It really made me like them all a lot more. I have to say that Cole is probably my favorite. His role in this story became more than I expected and I really liked his character development. I think this is a pretty good werewolf trilogy and I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in this type of story.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012

The DUFF(designated ugly fat friend) by Kody Keplinger

Summary: (from back of book) Seventeen year old Bianca Piper is cynical and loyal, and she doesn't think she's the prettiest of her friends by a long shot. She's also way too smart to fall for the charms of man-slut and slimy school hottie Wesley Rush. In fact, Bianca hates him. And when he nicknames her "Duffy" she throws her coke in his face. But things aren't so great at home right now, and Bianca is desperate for a distraction. She ends up kissing Wesley. Worse, she likes it. Eager for escape, Bianca throws herself into a closeted enemies with benefits relationship with him. Until it all goes horribly awry. It turns out Wesley isn't such a bad listener and his life is pretty screwed up too. Suddenly Bianca realizes with absolute horror that she's falling for the guy she thought she hated more than anyone.
Review: So I kind of expected this book to focus a little bit more on self esteem rather than the relationship aspect, but I still think it was a good story in its own way. I liked the book gives about running away from problems rather than facing them, and the consequences of doing so. However, I was a little bit surprised how commom sex was for these characters. I know it wasn't being portrayed in a good light at all, but I still thought is was kind of weird. I think this book is a fairly unique take on high school relationships and the difficulties of trying to fit in and be confident. I thought that aspect of the book was really great. I couldn't really relate that much to Bianca as a character, as far as some of her realtionship troubles and the way she reacts to her difficulties. However, I think everyone can relate to not havin enough self esteem and not being confident in who you are and I think that is why this book is worth reading.

Saturday, January 14, 2012

The Fault in our Stars by John Green

Summary:(from book jacket) Despite her tumor shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. but when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazels' story is about to be completely rewritten.
Review: This book is absolutely amazing. I have been waiting for this book for so long and it was even better than I could have possibly imagined. John Green has crafted a story that is truly something special. It made me laugh and cry, but it also made me think. This is a book that will stay close to my heart for years to come. The characters were so real and amazing, I fell in love with both Hazel and Gus. By the end, I felt as if I had known these two characters forever. I think everyone should read this book. I know this is a short review but there aren't any more words to explain how I feel. My only complaint was that it had to come to an end. DFTBA.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Gone by Michael Grant

Summary: (from back of book). In the blink of an eye everyone disappears. Everyone except for the young. Teens. Middle schoolers. Toddlers. But not a single adult. No teachers, no cops, no doctors, no parents. Gone, too, are the phones, internet and television. There is no way to get help. Hunger threatens. Bullies rule. A sinister creature lurks. Animals are mutating. And the teens themselves are changing, developing new talents- unimaginable, dangerous deadly powers- that grow stronger by the day. It's a terrifying new world. Sides are being chosen and war is imminent. The first in a breathtaking saga about teens battling each other and their darkest selves, Gone is a page turning thriller that will make you look at the world in a whole new way.
Review: I have had my eye on this book for a while and I am glad that I finally got a chance to read it because I really enjoyed it. I thought the premise was really interesting and played out well. I liked that the author immediately dived in to action and mystery and didn't let up until the end. There were many plot twists and turns that kept the story exciting. There were lot of questions left unanswered and I am looking forward to exploring them more in the rest of the series.  The character were really well written and I liked Sam as a main character. They seemed honest and believable and it had me rooting for them the entire time. I thought the plot line involving the coyotes was kind of annoying and I didn't really see why that had to be included. The only real problem I had though, was how the way some of these kids behaved. I mean they are 14 year old kids not terrorists. Other than that though, I this was a good start to a new series and I look forward to seeing what happens next.

Saturday, January 7, 2012

Abarat: Absolute Midnight by Clive Barker

This review may contain spoilers of previous books in the series.
Summary: (from book jacket) And so begins a new chapter in the epic story of sixteen year old Candy Quackenbush and her journeys through the world of the Abarat, where every hour is an island in one eternal day, and nothing is as it seems. Candy travels through the Abarat from island to island and across the sea with an unlikely band of friends: the escaped prisoner Malingo the geshrat, the quarrelsome John Brothers, who all share the same body but never the same opinion, and the many other colorful characters they meet along the way. The problem is that trouble finds Candy wherever she goes. And soon she discovers a secret plot, masterminded by the diabolical Mater Motley, who is obsessed with becoming Empress of the Islands. Her method is simple. She will darken the skies, putting out the sun, moon and stars. She will bring absolute midnight.
Review: This is the third book in the Abarat series. I really like this series. This is a unique premise turned in to a very imaginative and exciting story. The plot was constantly moving, which was impressive for this book's 569 pages. However, I thought the climax was a little bit disappointing and I was a little bit confused by the ending. Other than those few things I really enjoyed this story. I also really love all the illustrations that are scattered throughout the book. They really bring the story to life, because honestly some of the things described are hard to imagine. I am going to assume that there is eventually going to be a sequel because there were few loose ends that haven't been finished yet, and I am definitely looking forward to see what happens next. I really like all of the characters in this series. They are all so fleshed out, although I thought Gazza was really annoying. I thought his part in the story was unrealistic and unnecessary. If anyone is looking for an adventerous and exciting series I recommend this one. You should definitely start from the beginning though.

Monday, January 2, 2012

Raised by Wolves by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Summary:(from back of book) One girl. One pack. One lie. Rescued by the alpha of a werewolf pack after a rogue werewolf brutally killed her parents, fifteen year old Bryn knows only pack life and the rigid social hierarchy that controls it. But then she discovers Chase, a newly turned werewolf locked in a cage in her alpha's basement. seeing him. Bryn feels a bond unlike anything she has ever experienced- but speaking to him brings up questions about her mysterious past. The hunt for answers will drive her farther from the wolves who raised her, and closer to a truth that will change everything.
Review: I thought this book was a pretty unique spin on a werewolf story. The dynamic of the werewolf pack was really the focus of the story and there was only a small amount of romance. Although there wasn't constant action I never really thought the story was slow. The story was kept interesting with constant conflict and problems. I also liked the fact that Bryn was a strong and independent character and I really liked her as a main character, but I thought Chase was kind of annoying at times, but I had a soft spot for Callum and Devon.  I also liked the way that the main conflict was handled. The story flowed nicley and i am excited to see where the story will go in the sequel based on how it ended. I think anyone who is a fan of werewolf stories will enjoy this book.