Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars It’s 2:55 on the afternoon of Monday, September 24th. Five high school students sit in Mr. Avery’s after-school detention: a nerd, a jock, a princess, a criminal, and an outcast who just so happens to run Bayview High’s most notorious gossip app. You think you know where this story is going; but then, one of them dies. At first it looks like a tragic accident, but soon enough the four remaining students are being investigated for murder. What follows next is a riveting mystery that slowly but surely untangles the web of lies and secrets that the “murder club” find themselves mired in. But the real question remains: which one of them did it? One of Us is Lying started off as a typical YA high school drama. The characters felt like caricatures with archetypal personalities and it was clear that the focus of the book was on the mystery. However, Karen M. McManus surprised me: as the story progressed, the characters did too. Even the most stereotypical characters revealed layers of depth and emotion that I never anticipated. I quickly found myself becoming hooked by the mystery and falling in love with the characters as I watched them fall in love with each other. I was thrilled to find that what I expected to be a straightforward and even somewhat trashy contemporary was actually a well-written and engaging example of YA mystery. The big reveal of the mystery may have been a bit predictable for someone more familiar with the genre, but I couldn’t wait to know what happened and I wasn’t disappointed when I found out. Like its four main characters, One of Us is Lying hides a deep story behind a seemingly-predictable façade and is definitely worth a look.
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Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars The fallout of the Trials is swift and deadly. Laia and Elias are on the run with the Empire at their backs and the impossible task of rescuing Laia’s brother Darin in front of them. Their already-treacherous mission is complicated when Elias begins to experience mysterious seizure fits that may not be entirely of this world. In desperate need of help and fearing betrayal and discovery at every turn, Elias and Laia must face the possibility that they cannot break Darin out of the heavily-guarded Kauf prison in time. Meanwhile, Helene is struggling with her own insurmountable tasks as the weight of her position threatens to crush her. She must make the impossible choice between family, duty, and love and it threatens to tear her apart. The Trials may be over, but the real test is just beginning. While its predecessor An Ember in the Ashes is a brilliant and engaging novel, A Torch Against the Night disappointed me at first with its slow pace, love triangles, and what initially felt like a regression of characterization. However, I eventually became much more invested in the story as all the plot threads that had been building up finally fell into place. A Torch Against the Night may be a bit of a slow burn at first, but it’s all worth it when it eventually ignites. Rating: 3.9 out of 5 stars Madeline Whittier has spent her entire life hidden away in her own house with only her mother and her nurse Carla for company. She learns about the world through books and the internet and the few visitors that she has are required to undergo a lengthy decontamination process. Madeline has severe combined immunodeficiency (or SCID) which renders her immune system precariously weak and prevents her from being exposed to the outside world for fear of death. But despite her limitations, Madeline is happy to spend time with Carla and her mother, pursue her education and love of architecture through online classes, and read as many books as possible. That is until a new family moves in next door and soon watching from her bedroom window isn’t enough. The dashing daredevil Olly steals her heart and leaves her with feelings she’s never had before, including a burning desire to go outside. Just reading the synopsis of Everything, Everything might make you think that you could predict just about everything that’s going to happen, and for the most part you’d be right. Everything, Everything is fairly formulaic and pretty much goes along with many other YA romances, but it certainly has some unique elements. I’ve been meaning to read it for a while and while it wasn’t quite as good as I was hoping for, I still enjoyed it and I’m looking forward to watching and reviewing the movie adaptation when I get a chance! Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars Scarlet Benoit has been living happily on her grandmother’s farm in a quiet town in the French countryside until her grandmother unexpectedly goes missing. Scarlet will stop at nothing to find her, even if it means working with Wolf, a mysterious street fighter hiding some significant secrets. Meanwhile, Cinder and her cocky companion Captain Thorne are on the run from the law and on the hunt for the lost Lunar princess. However, Cinder has some secrets of her own, and the truth can only stay hidden for so long… It’s difficult to give a summary of Scarlet because there’s so much going on and I have to be vague to avoid spoilers for Cinder. On the whole, Scarlet is an exciting and incredibly creative retelling of the classic story of Little Red Riding Hood. The second installment in the Lunar Chronicles series expounds on the fascinating futuristic world that Marissa Meyer established in Cinder and it sets up some of the major action in the series as the plot begins to pick up speed. Scarlet is a great second novel and I can’t wait to get into Cress! Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars Hattori Mariko, the daughter of a wealthy samurai, is about to surrender her freedom as she travels to the imperial city to marry her betrothed, Prince Raiden. However, when her convoy is attacked in the Jukai forest, Mariko narrowly escapes with her life and the promise of revenge on her assailants. Certain that the mysterious Black Clan is behind the attack, Mariko disguises herself as a peasant boy to get information about their whereabouts and discover why they may have targeted her. Mariko does in fact encounter the Black Clan but she may discover things in their camp that she never expected: independence, a sense of belonging, and possibly even love. She soon realizes that the forest and the Black Clan have roots and secrets that go deeper than she ever knew and Mariko finds that things—and people—are rarely what they seem. Flame in the Mist is a thrilling blend of action, romance, bildungsroman, and a hint of fantasy that’s complemented by Renée Ahdieh’s beautiful writing and compelling characters. It took me a little while to finally get into this book but I really loved it. I was surprised by how much the characters grew on me and how invested I got in this story. I very much enjoyed reading this book and trying to guess what would happen next and I will be eagerly awaiting any news about the next novel in this storyline! Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars Kaz Brekker, the infamous gang leader and crime master of Ketterdam, is offered a chance to receive an enormous amount of money if he can pull off a nearly impossible heist. Kaz assembles an elite team for the mission: Inej, a skilled spy with a dark past; Jesper, a marksman with a love for gambling and taking risks; Matthias, an ex-soldier who wants revenge for his time in prison; Nina, a conflicted Grisha with romantic regrets; and Wylan, an inexperienced demolition specialist hiding some secrets. Now if only Kaz can get them to stop trying to kill each other. Six of Crows is basically one giant adrenaline rush with action, suspense, drama, and nearly impossible odds. It’s the first of a fantasy duology that has incredible world-building and amazing characters. The writing and point of view shifts in this novel are brilliant because they highlight the incredibly-compelling dynamic between the six lead characters. Leigh Bardugo throws you into the middle of her fantasy world and slowly hints and cultures, conflicts, and character backstories as the plot unfolds. Although I don’t like the ending as much as I liked the rest of the novel and I was a tiny bit confused at some points, I absolutely loved reading Six of Crows and I can’t wait until I can read the sequel, Crooked Kingdom! Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars With everything in shambles, Darrow struggles to regain the upper hand in the war. He is tested as a warrior, as a friend, and as a leader while he discovers the nuances of revolution. Darrow will need to rely on others who may not be entirely trustworthy in their loyalty, and he takes high risks that might not pay off. The stakes are raised, the fighting is bloodier, lives are lost, friendships are rekindled and destroyed, and victory is in reach. The revolution surges forward, but will it be enough to change everything? Morning Star explodes like a supernova and brings this dynamic trilogy to a thrilling conclusion. I’ve had some trouble understanding the details and nuances of the plot throughout this trilogy and the same holds true for Morning Star, though I still enjoyed it immensely. The finale has the same breed of action, world-building, drama, and humor that have been present throughout the rest of the trilogy, but the best part of Morning Star is undoubtedly the characters. Pierce Brown’s characters are wonderfully compelling, and it’s impossible not to be wrapped up in their journeys during this novel. As a whole, I really enjoyed this trilogy, so I’m absolutely thrilled that August of 2017 will see the release of Iron Gold, the first book in Pierce Brown’s sequel trilogy, and I just can’t wait! Rating: 3.9 out of 5 stars In the futuristic setting of 2044, American society is in disarray. Poverty and crime are rampant, and the only people who seem to be happy are the corporate businessmen at the top of the economic food chain. People take refuge in the OASIS, an international immersive 4D virtual reality that allows them to spend their days in a fantasy world. When the creator of the OASIS, James Halliday, dies, he reveals an intense treasure hunt within the OASIS itself to find specific videogame Easter eggs. The catch? The winner inherits Halliday’s entire estate. Teenager Wade Watts is an avid user of the OASIS, and after hearing about Halliday’s competition, he dedicates the next several years of his life to finding the egg. Adventure, and danger, await. Ready Player One is a hugely popular book, which is slightly surprising to me because it feels as if it would most strongly appeal to a specific audience: teen boys with a videogame obsession and a love for gamer girls and 80’s pop culture. This book is full of references to music, videogames, film, and media popular throughout recent decades, particularly in the 1980’s, and a lot of its nuances rely on the reader’s knowledge of videogames. Since I know virtually (pun intended) nothing about videogames or the 80’s, a lot of the references in Ready Player One went straight over my head. I also feel like some of the characters could have been developed a bit more, but all in all I really enjoyed reading this story. Ernest Cline explains enough of the videogame references for readers like me to understand what’s going on, and the plotline is very compelling with that whole treasure-hunt-race-to-the-finish vibe. It’s a creative idea and a good sample of some classic nerdy science fiction. Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars The year is 1895, and Gemma Doyle has been living in India with her family, though she dreams of going to London. However, on her sixteenth birthday, Gemma's mother is brutally murdered under mysterious circumstances. Gemma finally gets her wish of living in London, but it’s not the way she always dreamed it would be; gloom and grief hang over her, and she’s haunted by ghosts…literally? Gemma is sent to Spence Academy, an all-girls finishing school with strict rules and strange secrets. Between the teachers, students, and mysterious happenings, Gemma may get much more than she bargained for. A new world is at her fingertips, but exploration, power, and understanding come with a price that might be more than she can afford, and Gemma learns that sometimes beauty can be deceptive. A Great and Terrible Beauty is a historical fiction with a heavy focus on supernatural elements. I’m personally not a big fan of the supernatural genre, but I think I actually would have enjoyed this book more if it didn’t have the mystical and otherworldly aspects. The strongest points of A Great and Terrible Beauty are the relationships that the students have with each other and the teachers and the dynamic of the stringent boarding school. Some of the metaphysical mythology is a bit difficult to understand or even predictable in certain parts. A Great and Terrible Beauty is also a bit hasty with the romance, and I think it would be better suited for later in the trilogy (did I mention it’s a trilogy?) That being said, it’s an interesting read, and I can definitely see how readers could either love or hate it. Rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars Though Darrow may have graduated from the Institute, he isn't finished with the dangerous world of politics and rebellion that is the Society. In fact, the real game is just beginning. In the wake of coups and insurrections, families are torn apart, alliances are formed, and betrayal lurks in every handshake. The solar system is on the brink of war, and Darrow seizes his chance to take charge. It's time for a revolution. The second book in the Red Rising trilogy abandons exhilarating Hunger-Games-style action for a deadly web of political drama. Although Golden Son doesn't keep you on the edge of your seat the way Red Rising does, it adds some wonderful world-building to the story and provides a chance for character development. Despite some stylistic and character choices I wasn't overly thrilled with, I still really enjoyed Golden Son, and I'm glad I decided to finish the trilogy. Pierce Brown seems to have an excellent handle on the way each individual book fits into a trilogy, and Golden Son manages to expand on the story while remaining separate from Red Rising and bringing something new to the table. This was an excellent novel, and I can't wait to read Morning Star and see how it all wraps up. Rating: 3.1 out of 5 stars The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a staple of YA fiction and is often referred to as an insightful look at relationships and identity. This bildungsroman is hailed as a masterpiece, so I feel pretty bad that I didn't really like it. I had trouble relating to any of the characters and most of the elements of the plot. Part of that opinion is formed by a misunderstanding on my own part which I'll go into more in my spoiler section, but I didn't really connect to the story on a personal level. That being said, I do understand why people love The Perks of Being a Wallflower so much, and I'm definitely willing to admit that there is much more to the story than I had originally thought. The protagonist of The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Charlie Kelmeckis, chronicles the story of his freshman year of high school through a collection of letters. These missives recount a tale of friendship, unrequited love, risky behavior, and ultimately self-discovery. Charlie is taken through a whirlwind of friendships, loss, and love; the story peaks in a fit of darkness but ends in light and hope for the future. Though The Perks of Being a Wallflower does not have a great deal of meaning for me personally, I can appreciate the decades-long impact it has had on the lives of readers and its continued contribution to YA literature. Rating: 3.8 out of 5 stars For Karou, being sent on a mission to collect teeth in a foreign country is about as typical as a trip to the local grocery store to pick up some milk. Karou has a bizarre life; she has hair that comes out of her scalp naturally blue, occasionally lives with four monstrous creatures that are her caretakers, and can have many of her wishes granted with magic. Even in the delightfully strange and mystical city of Prague, many things in Karou's life are still unexplained. Despite all of the work she does for her adoptive father, Brimstone, she still doesn't understand what he needs so many teeth for, and Brimstone is strangely reluctant to answer her inquiries. However, curiosity turns to necessity when Karou is cut off from her quirky family and realizes that she has far more questions than she has taken the time to think about. The trouble is that the answers may change everything Karou has ever known. Daughter of Smoke and Bone is a unique fantasy novel that puts a twist on Biblical references and Greek mythology. Laini Taylor creates many fascinating supporting characters and incredible world-building within her literary universe and her use of suspense is compelling throughout the novel. I didn't really have much of an interest in reading Daughter of Smoke and Bone, and I actually included it in my reading challenge as "A Book At The Bottom Of Your To-Read List." This area of the fantasy genre isn't necessarily my favorite, but despite some slight issues I had with pacing and characterization at some points, I actually enjoyed the story and there were definitely parts that were legitimately gripping and intriguing. I'm not sure if I'm going to read the rest of the trilogy, but I'll probably look into it someday to see how I feel about the direction the story goes in. Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars Darrow is a lowly Red, a slave working in the dangerous helium-3 mines on Mars. He and the other members of the colony of Lykos believe the element is essential to the terraforming of Mars in order to make it habitable for people from Earth. However, after his wife Eo is executed, Darrow discovers that he has been living a lie for 16 years. His desire to avenge Eo leads him to a world that he never knew existed, and he finds that he may play a greater role in the future of the Society than any Red has ever done before. You may notice that my non-spoiler blurb for this book looks suspiciously similar to my description of another book that I've reviewed recently. One of the aspects evident about Red Rising is that it's reminiscent of many popular YA books. I certainly wouldn't say it's unoriginal, but there are parts where I could definitely draw parallels with multiple other novels. Red Rising also has a shocking amount of violence, language, and sexual references and assault; it's one of the most mature YA novels I've ever read, and I would definitely give high content warnings for all of the aforementioned subjects. However, despite the dark content and similarities to other novels, I really enjoyed Red Rising. It was very exciting and entertaining to read, and full of compelling characters that grew on me in a way that I haven't experienced in a while. Despite some of my problems with Red Rising, I had a great time reading it and I'm interested to see what the rest of the trilogy has to offer. Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars Etta's violin is pretty much her entire life. She dedicates all her free time to practicing, performing, and preparing for her upcoming debut. Etta has sacrificed everything for her music, including the possibility of attending a normal public high school and even her relationship with her boyfriend (now ex-boyfriend); nothing is going to stop her from making her debut as an expert violinist and earning the approval of her tutor Alice and her mother. However, all of Etta's hard work may be ruined when she gets caught up in the drama of the powerful time-traveling Ironwood family. With hopes of righting past wrongs and getting back home, Etta and her intriguing companion Nicholas, a freed-slave-turned-"legal-pirate" from the 1700s, embark on a dangerous and (I wish) thrilling adventure. Passenger was described to me as a treasure hunt through time across various locations. Needless to say, the concept combined with Alexandra Bracken's success in the world of YA lit (particularly with her popular trilogy The Darkest Minds) made me incredibly excited to read Passenger. Unfortunately, the novel falls flat in several areas, including characterization, pacing, world-building, and romance. Passenger, despite its exciting premise, is disappointingly boring, unoriginal, and frustrating. Though Passenger feels amateurish in several respects, Alexandra Bracken has a golden concept with this series, and if she can tap into the emotional and situational drama from the last chapters of this novel throughout the sequel, Wayfarer, there may still be hope. And I will say that the covers of this series are absolutely gorgeous. Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars Everybody knows the classic story of Cinderella, but what about a futuristic Cinderella with robots, remarkable technology, and even aliens? Linh Cinder, the titular character of the first book in Marissa Meyer's Lunar Chronicles series, is a poor mechanic living with her stepmother and stepsisters in the city of New Beijing in the Eastern Commonwealth. Centuries have passed, world wars have been fought, and scientific advancements have led to new and improved prosthetic limbs, though anyone with these robotic parts is looked down upon and discriminated against in society, including Cinder, who was heavily injured in an accident in her youth. But despite advancements in technology and medicine, modern science is nearly powerless to stop a deadly plague that is ravaging the citizens of Earth. The Annual Peace Festival is approaching and with it the prestigious ball held at the royal palace, where the young Prince Kai (New Beijing's most eligible bachelor) is sure to be in attendance. However, things are complicated when Cinder's youngest sister Peony falls ill, and a delegation of Lunars arrives from their colonies on the moon. With them they bring their detested queen Levana and some secrets that may have been better left hidden. You've never seen a fairy tale quite like this. Cinder is exciting, funny, and incredibly creative. Marissa Meyer perfectly blends futuristic science fiction with classic elements of the original story in this fairy tale retelling. I couldn't put Cinder down, and I'm so excited to read the rest of this promising series! Rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars The Night Circus is an intriguing story that effortlessly injects fantasy into the real world. It's set around the centerpiece of two young magicians who are forced to test their skills when their mentors enlist them in an inescapable competition, but the situation becomes more complicated when they develop a strong bond and even a romance. Much of the novel also takes place in the titular Cirque des Rêves, which is a beautifully intricate and mysterious fixture that would be very interesting to actually visit. Erin Morgenstern creates a dream-like world where just about anything is possible. The characters feel unlike most traditional book characters and they're almost detached from the reader, but they are all gems in the story and each and every one of them is unique and compelling. The Night Circus is unlike most fantasy stories that I've read, and although it isn't the most fast-paced novel and the plot can sometimes be quite complex, it's definitely worth looking into for any readers that enjoy the fantasy genre. Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars Laia is only a poor Scholar, living with her older brother Darin and her Nan and Pop, hoping to avoid the brutal Maritals who serve the Empire. But when Laia's family becomes the target of a raid, her brother is arrested and her life is turned upside down. Laia, willing to do anything to save her brother, hopes to join the Scholar resistance rumored to be hiding in the catacombs beneath Serra. However, it will require her to live a life as a spy and a slave, and to find courage within herself that she isn't sure exists. Meanwhile, Elias is just days away from graduating at the top of his class of Skulls at Blackcliff Military Academy; all of his comrades are preparing for their lives as Masks, the ruthless and powerful top soldiers of the Empire, but Elias is disenfranchised with the Empire's constant violence. However, just when he's on the verge of deserting, an ancient prophecy comes into play, and Elias finds that he may have a greater role in the future of the Empire than he ever thought possible. An Ember in the Ashes was a thrill ride from beginning to end. Sabaa Tahir creates a dangerous world on the brink of war and revolution, and with prophecies, powers, and hints of the supernatural, anything is possible. An Ember in the Ashes is definitely a compelling, entertaining, and wonderfully-written fantasy story. It's dramatic and suspenseful, but also quite dark. I would recommend it for more mature readers, with content warnings for violence and discussion/threat of sexual assault. The story is wonderful and Sabaa Tahir writes in an effortlessly beautiful fashion. I thoroughly enjoyed An Ember in the Ashes, and I can't wait for the sequel: A Torch Against the Night. Rating: 4.95 out of 5 stars I usually try to keep my rating system to two digits at the most, but I felt that The Book Thief deserved something more. I have a hard time giving books five out of five stars because I don't think any book is completely perfect, but The Book Thief comes pretty close. The blurb by The New York Times on the cover of my copy calls it "the kind of book that can be life changing," and I couldn't agree more. The Book Thief is one of the most beautiful and poignant stories of the human experience that I have ever read, and I am in love with it. I would absolutely recommend it to everyone; it's an incredibly powerful story that is simultaneously heartbreaking and uplifting. The Book Thief tells the story of Liesel Meminger, a young girl growing up with her foster parents, Hans and Rosa Hubermann, in Nazi Germany. She struggles to find her way in a world that is growing increasingly more dangerous and hostile. People are forced to pick sides, families are torn apart, danger is around every corner, and through it all one young girl is stealing books. The Book Thief is a masterpiece, and tells a remarkable story of the depths of human cruelty and the power of courage and love. Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars Goliath is the final book in Scott Westerfeld's Leviathan trilogy. I absolutely loved both Leviathan and Behemoth, and Goliath did not disappoint. It's full of action, excitement, science fiction elements, awesome fight scenes, great characters, beautiful illustrations, and even a little bit of drama and romance. I wasn't sure exactly what to expect with the end of this trilogy, and overall I was very happy with the finale! I really enjoyed Goliath, and I think holistically the Leviathan trilogy is one of my absolute favorites. I don't think it's for everyone, but I'd definitely recommend checking it out! I didn't necessarily expect to like the trilogy when I first picked up Leviathan a few years ago, but I ended up loving it. This trilogy is an alternate history/sci-fi/steampunk version of WWI; the Allies and Central Powers are replaced by the Darwinists and Clankers, who respectively create genetically engineered creatures or steam-powered machines for battle. Endearingly idealistic Alek and awesomely kick-butt Deryn are the fantastic protagonists, and they make great narrators for this compelling story. Goliath is the trilogy's amazing conclusion, and I completely recommend it, but definitely start off with Leviathan and Behemoth! Rating: 1 out of 5 stars I had very high hopes for this book, and I really wanted to like it. I chose it for my reading challenge as "A Book Based Entirely On Its Cover" because I wanted to read it as soon as I looked at it, expecting it to be a humorous, quirky coming of age story. Instead, I was sorely disappointed with mediocre characters, unrealistic plotlines, and many painfully disturbing and baffling elements. The writing itself is fine, but that's unfortunately one of the only good things to be said for Two Brothers, One Redhead, and a Stolen Giraffe. It falls short with the humor, overdoes the drama, and mostly just leaves a bad taste in my mouth. As the title would suggest, the story follows brothers Daniel and Dylan McElroy, who are on the run through the American mid-west with a stolen giraffe (who is probably the best character in the novel). Along the way they encounter the fiery and fiercely independent Josephine, a farm girl who is hiding a few more secrets than she initially lets on. The premise is great, but unfortunately the finished product just doesn't measure up. Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars I'm infinitely thankful that I decided to finish the Leviathan trilogy. I read the first book a few years ago as part of my school's book club and I really enjoyed it. I intended to finish the trilogy someday, and I finally decided to read Behemoth as part of my reading challenge (A Book Set In A Different Country). I absolutely adored it! The trilogy is a mix of alternate history and steampunk that takes place during WWI. The Allies, known as Darwinists, create genetically engineered beasts for battle. The Central Powers, called Clankers, fight with enormous war machines. The story follows Deryn, a Scottish girl who disguises herself as a boy to enter the British Air Service, and Alek, the son of the recently-murdered Archduke Franz Ferdinand who is on the run. Both characters are wonderfully written and compelling, and they have a great relationship with each other. The book is exciting and full of action, and the world-building is fantastic. Scott Westerfeld creates an engaging, breathtaking, and unique novel full of amazing ideas and intricate illustrations that bring the story to life. I absolutely loved Behemoth, and I can't wait to read Goliath in what I hope will be a fantastic end to an amazing trilogy. Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars Jacob Portman, a teen boy living in Florida, is as ordinary as they come...or so he thinks. His world is turned upside down when tragedy strikes, and he faces the very real possibility that reality may not be what it appears—especially when he stops to consider the bizarre stories his grandfather had always told him that he'd assumed were fictional. Jacob's quest to understand the meaning behind his grandfather's last words and come to terms with his death leads him to the obscure Welsh island of Cairnholm, where mystery and peculiarity awaits... Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children starts off a bit slowly, but the progressive world-building and exciting climactic action more than make up for it. Ransom Riggs uses creepy old pictures to develop a unique and creative concept that makes for a fantastic story. The characters are brilliant and fascinating, the premise is intriguing, the tone is mysterious, and the action is dynamic. I'm not usually a fan of haunting borderline-horror novels, but I really enjoyed Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children and I'm excited to read the rest of the trilogy and see where the story goes next! Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars Me Before You is one of those books that I'm not sure how to feel about. On one hand, I loved it. On the other hand, it broke my heart. It was honestly nothing like what I expected going into it, and I'm still quite conflicted about it. I haven't wanted to sit down and write this review because I don't really want to figure out how I feel about Me Before You, but I've been putting it off for too long. It is, without a doubt, unique and unforgettable. This is not simply a book that readers can brush off and forget about after finishing. Me Before You is one of those books that will stay with you, whether you like it or not, and you'll find yourself thinking about it when you don't expect to. Perhaps I'm being dramatic; for all the solemnity of the subject matter, this book is not without its humor. The characters are incredibly life-like, and the plot is compelling and suspenseful. Me Before You is a difficult book to read, but, I believe, a necessary one. Rating: 2.3 out of 5 stars Described as a modern tale of a high school senior who begins writing fanfiction about her classmates after her favorite TV show is cancelled, Scarlett Epstein Hates it Here has all the appearances of a hilarious and relatable contemporary novel. Unfortunately, its potential is wasted as it comes off as a mess of tropes and plot points that are never fully resolved. Both the novel and the protagonist have no idea what they really want to be, and the result is a book that feels disorganized and incomplete. Scarlett Epstein Hates it Here undoubtedly has some interesting unique elements, but they sometimes get lost in a novel that is already crammed with too much. Perhaps I'm being a bit harsh because it didn't live up to my (admittedly quite high) expectations, but I was anticipating something much more entertaining and dynamic based on the premise. Instead, I forced myself to finish it only to say "That was it?" Some parts of the book were quite funny and I did really appreciate a couple of the contemporary references, but they are used so profusely that they serve to date the novel in a way that a reader a decade from now may not understand a lot of it. Scarlett Epstein Hates it Here is an intriguing idea that unfortunately fails to translate into an exciting novel. Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars If you don't keep up with Rick Riordan, this is the first book in his new series Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard, which centers on Norse mythology. Rick Riordan is also responsible for writing several other popular series, including Percy Jackson and the Olympians, the spin-off series Percy Jackson and the Heroes of Olympus, and The Kane Chronicles. As with all of Rick Riordan's books, The Sword of Summer revolves around an "ordinary" boy named Magnus who discovers his family's connection to ancient Norse mythology, meets a host of new friends, and then goes on some crazy quests and adventures to save the universe. I didn't think anything could top the Percy Jackson series, but wow, this book comes close. I was pretty indifferent going into this novel, but I already feel emotionally attached to this series and I can tell it's going to be one of my favorites. This book will have you laughing out loud, cheering for the awesome characters, and holding your breath with excitement. Plus, you also get to learn about some Norse mythology. What's not to love? Even if you haven't read any of Rick Riordan's books so far, it's not too late, and The Sword of Summer is a great place to start. |
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Here are reviews of books I have recently read! I'll try to do a general overview of the book and then a more detailed section with my personal thoughts Archives
December 2017
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Turn The Next Page - a YA book blog | Book Reviews |