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B00BIWKMIO
5.00
2
Feb 20, 2013
Feb 20, 2013
None
Notes are private!
none
0
0
May 22, 2013
not set
May 22, 2013
Kindle Edition
1462111335
9781462111336
4.00
15
May 14, 2013
May 14, 2013
review to come
Notes are private!
none
1
Apr 08, 2013
Apr 22, 2013
Apr 08, 2013
Paperback
0738610208
9780738610207
4.50
2
Feb 01, 2012
Feb 24, 2012
While I teach middle school Language Arts, I found this 5th grade test prep book still applicable. I've spent the last 7 years working with below prof...more
While I teach middle school Language Arts, I found this 5th grade test prep book still applicable. I've spent the last 7 years working with below proficiency readers. While they may be in grade seven, they often read at a third grade level. I found the materials in the NJ ASK 5th grade book to be a nice supplement for my struggling kids. I'm sure it would be perfectly suitable for 5th graders as well, but I don't have much experience with that grade level.
One of the things I noticed right away was the variety of material. I found poetry, short stories, nonfiction, informational texts, etc. in this book. Each passage also came with a variety of questions, depending on the story. Some stories focused more on the literary elements, while others focused on nonfiction traits or grammar. I also like that there were both diagnostic and practice tests included. When I saw this, I instantly thought "pre and post test" on a unit. That's just how my brain works.
Another perk is that each passage included a relevant writing task. For instance, if a student read a poem about two characters, they had to write a short literary analysis to compare and constrast certain traits between those two characters. Each of the prompts extended the learning in a practical and relevant way. Of course, some people may see writing prompts and think "I'm not a writing teacher" or "how do I score that"? Well, lucky for you there are extensive writing rubrics included for each prompt. The passages are based on a 4 point scale, so each rubric gives a sample paper for numbers 1-4 along with a detailed list of what should be included in the students' answers. That takes away the guess work of grading writing if you don't feel like its your strongest area.
Overall, I found the NJ ASK 5th grade Language Arts and Literacy test prep book to be another great addition to my teacher tool kit. It's not limited to just teachers in NJ (I'm in Florida, after all) because ALL students need these skill.
(less)
One of the things I noticed right away was the variety of material. I found poetry, short stories, nonfiction, informational texts, etc. in this book. Each passage also came with a variety of questions, depending on the story. Some stories focused more on the literary elements, while others focused on nonfiction traits or grammar. I also like that there were both diagnostic and practice tests included. When I saw this, I instantly thought "pre and post test" on a unit. That's just how my brain works.
Another perk is that each passage included a relevant writing task. For instance, if a student read a poem about two characters, they had to write a short literary analysis to compare and constrast certain traits between those two characters. Each of the prompts extended the learning in a practical and relevant way. Of course, some people may see writing prompts and think "I'm not a writing teacher" or "how do I score that"? Well, lucky for you there are extensive writing rubrics included for each prompt. The passages are based on a 4 point scale, so each rubric gives a sample paper for numbers 1-4 along with a detailed list of what should be included in the students' answers. That takes away the guess work of grading writing if you don't feel like its your strongest area.
Overall, I found the NJ ASK 5th grade Language Arts and Literacy test prep book to be another great addition to my teacher tool kit. It's not limited to just teachers in NJ (I'm in Florida, after all) because ALL students need these skill.
(less)
Notes are private!
none
1
not set
Feb 09, 2013
Feb 09, 2013
Paperback
B009LA1U68
4.00
52
Oct 03, 2012
Oct 03, 2012
Mythology is all over the place lately, which makes me pretty happy since it's one of my favorite genres. Hera, Queen of the Gods by T.D. Thomas is an...more
Mythology is all over the place lately, which makes me pretty happy since it's one of my favorite genres. Hera, Queen of the Gods by T.D. Thomas is another action packed installment in this genre.
The plot of Hera, Queen of the Gods was quick. It's certainly a page turner. I found myself reading 80+ pages in what felt like minutes. The author did a good job of keeping the reader's interest from start to finish. I really liked the idea of the gods searching for the stolen Fates on earth. Of course that's not the only thing they had to deal with. There was this little thing about an uprising to over throw Zeus and Hera causing a bit of a problem in the background as well. Overall, the plot was solid and well developed.
Unfortunately, there were a few minor things that really hindered me while reading Hera, Queen of the Gods. Hera is supposed to be strong and fearless She's a god afterall. However, this Hera has moments of strength, but overall she comes across as a whiny brat and weak. Now, I know the gods are inhabiting human bodies, which seriously limits their powers on earth, but inner character doesn't change. It took a mortal boy to bring out her inner goddess (pun intended), which contradicts everything I know about Hera. Strike one. Another thing that annoyed me were some of the minor characters. I just couldn't buy into how quickly they accepted the gods and goddesses. It was as if no one questioned their story or anything. I tolerated Justin's quick acceptance, but then there was Beth and Stella. Not buying that as easily. I also didn't like the dialogue in some parts. It felt very stiff, and nothing like what real teenagers would actually say. So that was strike two.
Luckily though, these were minor offenses. The plot was good enough to mask these minor flaws. Overall, I enjoyed the story once I got into it. It was a pleasant addition to the mythology genre.
(less)
The plot of Hera, Queen of the Gods was quick. It's certainly a page turner. I found myself reading 80+ pages in what felt like minutes. The author did a good job of keeping the reader's interest from start to finish. I really liked the idea of the gods searching for the stolen Fates on earth. Of course that's not the only thing they had to deal with. There was this little thing about an uprising to over throw Zeus and Hera causing a bit of a problem in the background as well. Overall, the plot was solid and well developed.
Unfortunately, there were a few minor things that really hindered me while reading Hera, Queen of the Gods. Hera is supposed to be strong and fearless She's a god afterall. However, this Hera has moments of strength, but overall she comes across as a whiny brat and weak. Now, I know the gods are inhabiting human bodies, which seriously limits their powers on earth, but inner character doesn't change. It took a mortal boy to bring out her inner goddess (pun intended), which contradicts everything I know about Hera. Strike one. Another thing that annoyed me were some of the minor characters. I just couldn't buy into how quickly they accepted the gods and goddesses. It was as if no one questioned their story or anything. I tolerated Justin's quick acceptance, but then there was Beth and Stella. Not buying that as easily. I also didn't like the dialogue in some parts. It felt very stiff, and nothing like what real teenagers would actually say. So that was strike two.
Luckily though, these were minor offenses. The plot was good enough to mask these minor flaws. Overall, I enjoyed the story once I got into it. It was a pleasant addition to the mythology genre.
(less)
Notes are private!
none
1
Jan 30, 2013
Mar 05, 2013
Jan 30, 2013
Kindle Edition
9781465899651
4.09
327
Dec 09, 2011
Dec 20, 2011
Calling all paranormal romance fans. (in my taunting sing songy voice) I found a new series for you. I bet even you die-hard Twilight fans would enjoy...more
Calling all paranormal romance fans. (in my taunting sing songy voice) I found a new series for you. I bet even you die-hard Twilight fans would enjoy this one. There is a mortal girl, a swoon worthy vampire, a hot werewolf, and a pack of evil blood thirsty vampires ready to captivate you in Darkride.
But don't think I just described Twilight all over again, because I didn't I can assure you if I had that vibe from Darkride, I would have stopped reading instantly. I am very tired of Twilight knockoffs.
While Darkride had the same human-vampire-werewolf love triangle going on, it was very different. For instant, our human girl was not a whiny baby like Bella. She was pretty hard core. Cicely was conflicted, but she was also very determined. She always had a plan; even if that plan often backfired. The boy toys were also a bit different. They each had different reasons for loving Cicely, and they play very different roles in the outcome of the plot.
What I found a little unfortunate about the book was it's predictability. I don't think that would be a problem for the average reader, but anyone that has read a large number of books will probably be finely tuned to the plot twists long before they occur. With all the hinting about 'change' and the bonds of love, it was easy to guess the direction our characters would take. I really didn't have any surprises, which was a bummer.
I can say, however, that the ending left me intrigued. I am very curious to see what will happen in the next book. I also want to know the role of the new addition to the motley crew of paranormals that are traveling to Maine.
The writing is easy on the eyes and quick. It's very easy to get sucked into the story. Darkride was told in alternating points of view between Cicely, Luke, and Ander. Each chapter offers a fresh insight into the characters telling the tale. I think it's extremely challenging to write alternating points of view and maintaining a sense of uniquess for each character. It could very easily end up sounding like the same story being told by a different "voice." Darkride does not dissapoint. It retains its unique quality and keeps the reader moving on a fast paced paranormal romance rollercoaster. (less)
But don't think I just described Twilight all over again, because I didn't I can assure you if I had that vibe from Darkride, I would have stopped reading instantly. I am very tired of Twilight knockoffs.
While Darkride had the same human-vampire-werewolf love triangle going on, it was very different. For instant, our human girl was not a whiny baby like Bella. She was pretty hard core. Cicely was conflicted, but she was also very determined. She always had a plan; even if that plan often backfired. The boy toys were also a bit different. They each had different reasons for loving Cicely, and they play very different roles in the outcome of the plot.
What I found a little unfortunate about the book was it's predictability. I don't think that would be a problem for the average reader, but anyone that has read a large number of books will probably be finely tuned to the plot twists long before they occur. With all the hinting about 'change' and the bonds of love, it was easy to guess the direction our characters would take. I really didn't have any surprises, which was a bummer.
I can say, however, that the ending left me intrigued. I am very curious to see what will happen in the next book. I also want to know the role of the new addition to the motley crew of paranormals that are traveling to Maine.
The writing is easy on the eyes and quick. It's very easy to get sucked into the story. Darkride was told in alternating points of view between Cicely, Luke, and Ander. Each chapter offers a fresh insight into the characters telling the tale. I think it's extremely challenging to write alternating points of view and maintaining a sense of uniquess for each character. It could very easily end up sounding like the same story being told by a different "voice." Darkride does not dissapoint. It retains its unique quality and keeps the reader moving on a fast paced paranormal romance rollercoaster. (less)
Notes are private!
none
1
Jan 30, 2013
Feb 05, 2013
Jan 30, 2013
ebook
9781593638641
3.93
59
Sep 01, 2008
May 01, 2012
Ever wonder what it takes to become a YA author? How about learning about the publishing process? Maybe you just want to know more about what it takes...more
Ever wonder what it takes to become a YA author? How about learning about the publishing process? Maybe you just want to know more about what it takes to be a better writer. Well, if any of those apply to you-- Wild Ink is for you.
This is not my normal type of book for review, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to read this one. Yes, I was interested into learning more about the publishing process for books. I mean, who doesn't have that dream, right? But what I really wanted was insight into the writing process.
I admit it. I was 100% selfish with my decision to review this book. I am a teacher. In fact, I'm a Language Arts/writing teacher. Naturally, I would want to learn more about the writing process so I could share that information with my kids. Duh.
What I didn't expect though, was for a book to fully cover all the skills that I teach when I teach literature. Not only does Wild Ink spend the first 3 chapters hitting all the elements of great fiction, but it also provides exercises for practice. I love that. I'll even admit that I used some of the practice activities with my students. Great teaching tool.
As a blogger, I even found some of the information applicable to my blogging. Awesome, right? For instance, there is an entire chapter on how to interview authors. Yes, it's something you could figure out on your own, but it's nice to have a guide for the newbies.
Overall, I was impressed with the layout and presentation of the material in Wild Ink. I would certainly be interested in picking up other books by this author to add to my teacher tool kit. (less)
This is not my normal type of book for review, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to read this one. Yes, I was interested into learning more about the publishing process for books. I mean, who doesn't have that dream, right? But what I really wanted was insight into the writing process.
I admit it. I was 100% selfish with my decision to review this book. I am a teacher. In fact, I'm a Language Arts/writing teacher. Naturally, I would want to learn more about the writing process so I could share that information with my kids. Duh.
What I didn't expect though, was for a book to fully cover all the skills that I teach when I teach literature. Not only does Wild Ink spend the first 3 chapters hitting all the elements of great fiction, but it also provides exercises for practice. I love that. I'll even admit that I used some of the practice activities with my students. Great teaching tool.
As a blogger, I even found some of the information applicable to my blogging. Awesome, right? For instance, there is an entire chapter on how to interview authors. Yes, it's something you could figure out on your own, but it's nice to have a guide for the newbies.
Overall, I was impressed with the layout and presentation of the material in Wild Ink. I would certainly be interested in picking up other books by this author to add to my teacher tool kit. (less)
Notes are private!
none
1
not set
not set
Jan 29, 2013
Paperback
0062118471
9780062118479
4.24
93
Apr 30, 2013
Apr 30, 2013
None
Notes are private!
none
0
not set
not set
Jan 22, 2013
ebook
1442423765
9781442423763
3.94
1,292
Sep 11, 2012
Sep 11, 2012
I really don’t understand people only giving this book 4 star reviews. Sarah Beth Durst has hit her mark once again with Vessel! I found this story to...more
I really don’t understand people only giving this book 4 star reviews. Sarah Beth Durst has hit her mark once again with Vessel! I found this story to be unique and completely immersive. I didn’t want to stop reading it!
The first thing I noticed about Vessel was the amazing world building that Sarah Beth Durst is so famous for. She didn’t disappoint with Vessel. The first page is so descriptive that it sucks you into Liyana’s world before you even realize it. In fact, I used the first two paragraphs to show my students the “power of sensory details.” (Hope the author doesn’t mind.) It was great timing that we were discussing building your setting and using descriptive details to make your writing more interesting, and then I opened Vessel and viola: perfect example! The opening page’s example was a huge hit with my students (who are also reluctant readers). I booked talked the awesomeness and now they all want to read it. J
If you’ve read any other books by Sarah Beth Durst, hearing that the world she creates for her characters in Vessel is like none you’ve ever read about won’t surprise you. She seems to have a knack for developing unique settings.
The mythology she used throughout Vessel was great. I’m a huge mythology nerd, so anything even loosely based on myth will grab my attention. With Vessel, I could recognize the trickster tale elements, but I had a hard time pin-pointing which culture the myths truly came from. Were they borrowed from many cultures or were they a product of the author’s divine imagination? Hard to say. What I can say, though, is that it was flawless. The way the mythological elements were woven into the characters’ every being was fantastic. From battling glass sky serpents and sand wolves to saving your gods/goddesses from an unknown threat—Vessel had it all! I cannot even begin to tell you how much I loved it.
The mythology element in the book also plays a HUGE role in the plot. (Loved it!) It’s rather hard to explain the intricate plot, but I can safely say there were numerous surprises along the way. I usually figure out plots midway through a book, but not with Vessel. I can honestly say I was surprised by the ending. While I was a little disappointed with the turn of events in the resolution, it was still a fulfilling ending.
The characters were also pretty spectacular too. It was hard to make a connection with them because they were so different, but I certainly found myself invested in them. Liyana was the epitome of a strong female lead, and I loved her. She was resourceful and stubborn. Korbyn was mischievous (which makes sense since he was the trickster god). I could just picture the twinkle in his eye! Loved him. Team Korbyn FTW! The other characters that you meet along the way were equally impressive. They were each unique and brought something special to the plot.
I really wish I would have wrote this review the moment I finished reading Vessel instead of waiting two weeks. I feel like now I can only capture the superficial elements that I enjoyed, instead of the overall impact I had when I read the final words. Since this is the second book by Sarah Beth Durst that I’ve read—and I loved it—I’ve decided that I need to read everything else she has written. Vessel was so different from Drink, Slay, Love, but it still managed to find a place on my shelves as a favorite. (For the Record, Drink, Slay, Love is my favorite, non-sparkling vampire book of all time.) I also think it should be noted that truly talented authors (like Sarah Beth Durst) are able to make each book they write unique and special. Vessel was nothing like DSL—seriously. It was if I was reading the author for the first time, and I appreciated that.
So, for all the mythology fans out there, you need to read Vessel. It’s like nothing you’ve read before!
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The first thing I noticed about Vessel was the amazing world building that Sarah Beth Durst is so famous for. She didn’t disappoint with Vessel. The first page is so descriptive that it sucks you into Liyana’s world before you even realize it. In fact, I used the first two paragraphs to show my students the “power of sensory details.” (Hope the author doesn’t mind.) It was great timing that we were discussing building your setting and using descriptive details to make your writing more interesting, and then I opened Vessel and viola: perfect example! The opening page’s example was a huge hit with my students (who are also reluctant readers). I booked talked the awesomeness and now they all want to read it. J
If you’ve read any other books by Sarah Beth Durst, hearing that the world she creates for her characters in Vessel is like none you’ve ever read about won’t surprise you. She seems to have a knack for developing unique settings.
The mythology she used throughout Vessel was great. I’m a huge mythology nerd, so anything even loosely based on myth will grab my attention. With Vessel, I could recognize the trickster tale elements, but I had a hard time pin-pointing which culture the myths truly came from. Were they borrowed from many cultures or were they a product of the author’s divine imagination? Hard to say. What I can say, though, is that it was flawless. The way the mythological elements were woven into the characters’ every being was fantastic. From battling glass sky serpents and sand wolves to saving your gods/goddesses from an unknown threat—Vessel had it all! I cannot even begin to tell you how much I loved it.
The mythology element in the book also plays a HUGE role in the plot. (Loved it!) It’s rather hard to explain the intricate plot, but I can safely say there were numerous surprises along the way. I usually figure out plots midway through a book, but not with Vessel. I can honestly say I was surprised by the ending. While I was a little disappointed with the turn of events in the resolution, it was still a fulfilling ending.
The characters were also pretty spectacular too. It was hard to make a connection with them because they were so different, but I certainly found myself invested in them. Liyana was the epitome of a strong female lead, and I loved her. She was resourceful and stubborn. Korbyn was mischievous (which makes sense since he was the trickster god). I could just picture the twinkle in his eye! Loved him. Team Korbyn FTW! The other characters that you meet along the way were equally impressive. They were each unique and brought something special to the plot.
I really wish I would have wrote this review the moment I finished reading Vessel instead of waiting two weeks. I feel like now I can only capture the superficial elements that I enjoyed, instead of the overall impact I had when I read the final words. Since this is the second book by Sarah Beth Durst that I’ve read—and I loved it—I’ve decided that I need to read everything else she has written. Vessel was so different from Drink, Slay, Love, but it still managed to find a place on my shelves as a favorite. (For the Record, Drink, Slay, Love is my favorite, non-sparkling vampire book of all time.) I also think it should be noted that truly talented authors (like Sarah Beth Durst) are able to make each book they write unique and special. Vessel was nothing like DSL—seriously. It was if I was reading the author for the first time, and I appreciated that.
So, for all the mythology fans out there, you need to read Vessel. It’s like nothing you’ve read before!
(less)
Notes are private!
none
1
Sep 10, 2012
Oct 2012
Jul 19, 2012
Hardcover
B0058W64F0
3.82
62
Jun 29, 2011
Jun 29, 2011
The idea behind this story is very original. It had creepy elements and a few surprises along the way, but I have mixed feelings about The Space Betwe...more
The idea behind this story is very original. It had creepy elements and a few surprises along the way, but I have mixed feelings about The Space Between. It was a quick read and kept me turning the pages, but there were many things I found lacking.
First of all, the plot moved way too quickly. It felt under-developed for a novel. There were so many questions that were left unanswered. For instance, what happens to Darren? Why were other kids in Anna’s dream? There was no closure. The ending was too open and that bugged me.
Also, the characters felt flat. I never had much insight into any of them. There was a lot of potential with Anna, Tyler, and Anna’s father, but we never got any hints about what makes them tick. That was really disappointing. If there was more character development, I think the story would be much better. I would love to know what happened to Anna’s mom, what Tyler’s home life was like. There are many hints about his father, but nothing is clear. I think knowing those key elements would make Tyler’s character (and the plot) stronger.
If you want a spooky read that doesn’t take a lot of time, then you should read The Space Between. Be prepared though. It reads more like a longer short story than a novel… and there will be many questions when you finish.
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Notes are private!
none
1
Jun 18, 2012
Jun 28, 2012
Jun 18, 2012
Kindle Edition
1463765665
9781463765668
4.24
41
Nov 07, 2011
Nov 08, 2011
This was actually a super cute read. I really enjoyed it. I wanted to wait until closer to Halloween to read the book, but I thought it would be a per...more
This was actually a super cute read. I really enjoyed it. I wanted to wait until closer to Halloween to read the book, but I thought it would be a perfect quick summer read… and I was right.
I’m glad to say that this will be a series. I really enjoyed the characters. Eve is a human that was adopted by a monster family. She has spent her entire childhood living in the monster realm, so she can relate to the monsters. In fact, she feels more monster than human. That is, until she has to move to the human world. Once there, she finds herself having to overcome many stereotypes that she has held about humans while also trying to fit in at a middle school. The friends that Eve make along the way were also cute. I just got the warm fuzzies from them all. But I do have to admit, that my favorite character was Eve’s mom. She was from a line of Gorgons, so you can imagine the fun stuff she found herself getting into.
The idea behind the story was unique. I am anxious to see what will develop in this mystery series as it continues. Eve has a new purpose in the mortal realm which will lead her on many adventures to come. I would suggest this book to 4th-6th grade readers
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I’m glad to say that this will be a series. I really enjoyed the characters. Eve is a human that was adopted by a monster family. She has spent her entire childhood living in the monster realm, so she can relate to the monsters. In fact, she feels more monster than human. That is, until she has to move to the human world. Once there, she finds herself having to overcome many stereotypes that she has held about humans while also trying to fit in at a middle school. The friends that Eve make along the way were also cute. I just got the warm fuzzies from them all. But I do have to admit, that my favorite character was Eve’s mom. She was from a line of Gorgons, so you can imagine the fun stuff she found herself getting into.
The idea behind the story was unique. I am anxious to see what will develop in this mystery series as it continues. Eve has a new purpose in the mortal realm which will lead her on many adventures to come. I would suggest this book to 4th-6th grade readers
(less)
Notes are private!
none
1
Jul 23, 2012
Jul 27, 2012
Jun 01, 2012
Paperback
0984247580
9780984247585
3.54
202
Jul 01, 2012
Jul 24, 2012
When I accepted an ARC of Shadow Sight, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I knew it would be good because the author’s Spirit Guide series has received su...more
When I accepted an ARC of Shadow Sight, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I knew it would be good because the author’s Spirit Guide series has received such high reviews. I also wasn’t fully certain what an “urban fantasy” would be exactly. My brain has a strange way of classifying genres, and urban fantasy is not currently in my vocabulary. All of that aside though, I can safely say that I had a lot of fun reading this book.
The main character is a little quirky (along with her roommate named Jinx), which made me like her instantly. I love characters that aren’t perfect and seem to be aware of their flaws. Ivy was definitely one of these characters. She has a special gift—she can glean images (emotions) from any object that she touches. Pretty handy skill for finding your lost car keys, but not so great when you suddenly flash on someone’s worst nightmare. But despite the challenges, Ivy’s made a pretty good life for herself. She runs the psychic investigating operation Private Eye.
Her special talents often lead to special clients. Enter Forneus, a demon attorney (I laughed at the irony of that stereotype) representing the Kelpies of the area. No big deal, right? Hardly! Kelpies like to eat humans, but that’s the least of Ivy’s problems. As it turns out, the Kelpies are the victims in a ghastly plot to wipe out the human population of the town. Ivy has to find a way to rescue the kidnapped Kelpie king and stop the each uisge from attacking.
Not sure what each uisge are? Neither was I before reading this book! So I did a little research with my friend Google. The each uisge are similar to kelpies in that they both take on the horse-like form (or human at times) to lure their victims to the water, where they drown them and eat the remains. Kelpies, however, prefer fresh water and rivers while the each uisge are saltwater dwellers. They also have their origin in Scottish folklore, and are thought to be the most vicious of the water dwelling creatures. I think that is safe to say after reading this book! Holy smokes. If I saw one of these jokers in person I would pee my pants. No lie. Here is one of the descriptions of the diabolical monsters:
“The monster was death incarnate, from the milky orbs of its dead eyes to the dripping fangs, sickle claws, poisoned spines, razor sharp exoskeleton of its legs, and dark mangy fur stretched thin over jutting ribs and hips.”
I promise you, this description is all rainbows and lollipops compared to the first encounter with the beasts. You still get an idea of how terrifying this creature would be. No wonder you don’t hear much about the each uisge in mythology books!
One of my favorite aspects of this book was the incorporation of so many mythological elements. There were vampires, unicorns, kelpies, each uisge, fae of all types, witches, trolls, mermaids, merrow, and many more. Don’t think that the story is choppy with so many supernatural elements, because it is not. Everything fits in very nicely and sets the stage for future books in the series. I am certain that some of these mythological creatures will be revisited as Ivy’s story progresses.
If you’re a fan of mythology or paranormal books, you would enjoy Shadow Sight. There is an element of romance that begins to develop towards the end (which keeps you wondering what will happen in the next book) to satisfy the paranormal romance fans. But if you’d rather read a mythology-based mystery told from the point of view of a quirky, often sarcastic, main character, then you definitely need to read this book!
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The main character is a little quirky (along with her roommate named Jinx), which made me like her instantly. I love characters that aren’t perfect and seem to be aware of their flaws. Ivy was definitely one of these characters. She has a special gift—she can glean images (emotions) from any object that she touches. Pretty handy skill for finding your lost car keys, but not so great when you suddenly flash on someone’s worst nightmare. But despite the challenges, Ivy’s made a pretty good life for herself. She runs the psychic investigating operation Private Eye.
Her special talents often lead to special clients. Enter Forneus, a demon attorney (I laughed at the irony of that stereotype) representing the Kelpies of the area. No big deal, right? Hardly! Kelpies like to eat humans, but that’s the least of Ivy’s problems. As it turns out, the Kelpies are the victims in a ghastly plot to wipe out the human population of the town. Ivy has to find a way to rescue the kidnapped Kelpie king and stop the each uisge from attacking.
Not sure what each uisge are? Neither was I before reading this book! So I did a little research with my friend Google. The each uisge are similar to kelpies in that they both take on the horse-like form (or human at times) to lure their victims to the water, where they drown them and eat the remains. Kelpies, however, prefer fresh water and rivers while the each uisge are saltwater dwellers. They also have their origin in Scottish folklore, and are thought to be the most vicious of the water dwelling creatures. I think that is safe to say after reading this book! Holy smokes. If I saw one of these jokers in person I would pee my pants. No lie. Here is one of the descriptions of the diabolical monsters:
“The monster was death incarnate, from the milky orbs of its dead eyes to the dripping fangs, sickle claws, poisoned spines, razor sharp exoskeleton of its legs, and dark mangy fur stretched thin over jutting ribs and hips.”
I promise you, this description is all rainbows and lollipops compared to the first encounter with the beasts. You still get an idea of how terrifying this creature would be. No wonder you don’t hear much about the each uisge in mythology books!
One of my favorite aspects of this book was the incorporation of so many mythological elements. There were vampires, unicorns, kelpies, each uisge, fae of all types, witches, trolls, mermaids, merrow, and many more. Don’t think that the story is choppy with so many supernatural elements, because it is not. Everything fits in very nicely and sets the stage for future books in the series. I am certain that some of these mythological creatures will be revisited as Ivy’s story progresses.
If you’re a fan of mythology or paranormal books, you would enjoy Shadow Sight. There is an element of romance that begins to develop towards the end (which keeps you wondering what will happen in the next book) to satisfy the paranormal romance fans. But if you’d rather read a mythology-based mystery told from the point of view of a quirky, often sarcastic, main character, then you definitely need to read this book!
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Notes are private!
none
1
May 25, 2012
May 30, 2012
May 25, 2012
Paperback
1937945014
9781937945015
3.86
322
Dec 22, 2011
Jan 10, 2012
Two words: complicated and intense.
The great care that was taken to develop the setting in this book was amazing. It completely sucks you in. The stor...more Two words: complicated and intense.
The great care that was taken to develop the setting in this book was amazing. It completely sucks you in. The story takes place in Salem in the early 1900s, which makes it the perfect setting for a super creepy story. And boy, did this story get creepy.
The characters were extremely well developed. It's hard to say what I liked about them the most. The "good guys" were more than just vampire fighting teens. They had, well, character. I won't say much about them though. I'd rather talk about the centuries old vampire out to help destroy the world. He was interesting. The way he was described and the detail given to his inner thoughts, made him terrifying. I am such a wimp when it comes to scary things, so I was really taken by surprised. Of course, I also couldn't stop reading because I was so intrigued by the complicated plot.
Since I mentioned vampires, it should be obvious that the paranormal element is strong with this one. There are also demons, witches, and warlocks. The combination of these paranormal elements is what makes this story so fascinating and complicated. You wouldn't think that a book with this much going on would be coherent, but it is. In fact, it's so well thought out that it's terrifying. Every detail fits together like a well planned puzzle.
In fact, "puzzle" is a great way to think about the plot. There was just so much happening in this book! I was rather impressed that I made it to the final chapters before I figured out what was going on. That's very impressive. I do think it's worth mentioning though, that I have mixed feelings about the shocking ending. IF this is the beginning of a series, then the ending is awesome. I mean, blow-your-mind-how-did-I-not-see-that-coming kind of awesome. And also assuming that this might be the beginning of a series, I am super curious to see what will happen next. (Read that last chapter and you'll know what I'm talking about.) That was one heck of a cliffhanger ending! Now, if this is a stand alone book, then I'm mad as hell with the ending. So many unanswered questions! I didn't have a sense of completeness when I finished the book. I felt like there must be more to come. (Which makes me think this is the beginning of a series.)
Don't read this book thinking it's a light and fluffy YA paranormal book. This is a dark fantasy... dark, dark fantasy. If you're a wimp like me, you should read it during the daylight hours for the villains in this book are what nightmares are made of. If you like a more mature book with a strong good vs evil element that leaves you questioning what you've read, you'll love The Darkening Dream.
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The great care that was taken to develop the setting in this book was amazing. It completely sucks you in. The stor...more Two words: complicated and intense.
The great care that was taken to develop the setting in this book was amazing. It completely sucks you in. The story takes place in Salem in the early 1900s, which makes it the perfect setting for a super creepy story. And boy, did this story get creepy.
The characters were extremely well developed. It's hard to say what I liked about them the most. The "good guys" were more than just vampire fighting teens. They had, well, character. I won't say much about them though. I'd rather talk about the centuries old vampire out to help destroy the world. He was interesting. The way he was described and the detail given to his inner thoughts, made him terrifying. I am such a wimp when it comes to scary things, so I was really taken by surprised. Of course, I also couldn't stop reading because I was so intrigued by the complicated plot.
Since I mentioned vampires, it should be obvious that the paranormal element is strong with this one. There are also demons, witches, and warlocks. The combination of these paranormal elements is what makes this story so fascinating and complicated. You wouldn't think that a book with this much going on would be coherent, but it is. In fact, it's so well thought out that it's terrifying. Every detail fits together like a well planned puzzle.
In fact, "puzzle" is a great way to think about the plot. There was just so much happening in this book! I was rather impressed that I made it to the final chapters before I figured out what was going on. That's very impressive. I do think it's worth mentioning though, that I have mixed feelings about the shocking ending. IF this is the beginning of a series, then the ending is awesome. I mean, blow-your-mind-how-did-I-not-see-that-coming kind of awesome. And also assuming that this might be the beginning of a series, I am super curious to see what will happen next. (Read that last chapter and you'll know what I'm talking about.) That was one heck of a cliffhanger ending! Now, if this is a stand alone book, then I'm mad as hell with the ending. So many unanswered questions! I didn't have a sense of completeness when I finished the book. I felt like there must be more to come. (Which makes me think this is the beginning of a series.)
Don't read this book thinking it's a light and fluffy YA paranormal book. This is a dark fantasy... dark, dark fantasy. If you're a wimp like me, you should read it during the daylight hours for the villains in this book are what nightmares are made of. If you like a more mature book with a strong good vs evil element that leaves you questioning what you've read, you'll love The Darkening Dream.
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Notes are private!
none
1
May 13, 2012
May 16, 2012
May 13, 2012
Paperback
146996824X
9781469968247
3.75
72
Jan 01, 2012
2012
When I originally finished The Hunger Games trilogy, I had mixed feelings. I was a little disgruntled by the quick wrap up in Mockingjay. But now, aft...more
When I originally finished The Hunger Games trilogy, I had mixed feelings. I was a little disgruntled by the quick wrap up in Mockingjay. But now, after reading Katniss the Cattail by Valerie E. Frankel, I realize how brilliant Suzanne Collins really is. Oh. My. Goodness.
If you are a fan of The Hunger Games, you owe it to yourself to get a copy of Katniss the Cattail. Why, you ask? The answer is simple. This book explains the symbolism throughout the series. Sure, you may think you have already figured out the majority of the books’ hidden meanings, but let me assure you—you are wrong. The plant names and “big” symbols are easy to dissect. There is no challenging that; but did you realize that almost every name in this book has some link back to Roman civilization? More importantly, to the overthrowing of Caesar? Amazing stuff.
I devoured this book the moment I opened my mailbox. Everytime I read something “new” about a character, my brain started turning. I couldn’t help but stop and think about how a particular character interacted in the book; how they were described. It makes me want to reread the series with a more critical eye so I can appreciate the literary genius that is named Suzanne Collins. I do hope the movies can pull off this subtle characterization. Knowing the history behind the names really brings a new depth to the characters.
Wondering about what you might find in Katniss the Cattail? Here is a small sampling of some of the information I found so captivating:
• First, I must begin by saying that when my father (who is now hijacking my YA books before I can read them—note to self: stop taking books to his house when you visit) saw me watching the trailer for the movie, he stopped and watched it to. I had goosebumps at the end, but he replied, “That seems very Orwellian.” I didn’t pay much attention to his ramblings, because he’s always saying stuff like that (love my nerdy dad). But then I read the books, and I thought: Holy crap. Obviously this is a dystopian read, but there is more to it. George Orwell is the author of one of my favorite books, Animal Farm. (I do hope you’ve read this book!) As the plot of Mockingjay develops, I knew the leaders were important. District Thirteen’s leader was no saint. The events that followed were not by chance. Just like in the Orwell classic, “the pigs lead a revolution to drive out the farmer and run the farm themselves, but soon they elevate themselves over their fellow animals, becoming indistinguishable from the farmers in the end. Here is the true danger of power… The lesson in both series is clear: Absolute power corrupts absolutely; those who conquer tyrants will soon become tyrants themselves” (Frankel 79). Brilliant. Now be honest, when you read Mockingjay, were you thinking about Animal Farm? Seems like I should listen more closely to the ramblings of a middle aged man. Oh, and I’m not even going to start explaining the similarities between the Capitol’s lifestyle and Fahrenheit 451 and Brave New World!
• There is also a hint of mythology in The Hunger Games. (I’ll be honest, I didn’t recognize this one.) Apparently, Collins has explained in interviews that the Hunger Games themselves were inspired by the story of Theseus. As the story goes, every nine years, seven Athenian boys and seven Athenian girls would be sent to Crete as Tribute for the Minotaur to devour. Theseus volunteered to be placed with the Tributes, and killed the Minotaur (Frankel 80). Does the plot sound familiar?
I don’t want to give away all the gems in this book, but these two I found to be pretty interesting. Katniss the Cattail is divided into three sections: The names of Panem, symbols, and literary allusions. The symbols were pretty straight forward, but the allusions and historical value of the names were insightful. The author has done a fabulous job of putting together the research. When a great work of fiction presents itself, it only makes sense to view it under a critical literary lens. I know The Hunger Games is being taught in classrooms across the country because I have friends that are teaching the book to their students. At first I worried that it would be too graphic or gory for the censorship hounds, but after reading about the plethora of literary devices used in the novels, it only makes sense to teach these books.
If you’re interested in other books by Valerie Frankel, she has written several on the Harry Potter series and one titled From Girl to Goddess: The Heroine’s Journey in Myth and Legend. You can also find her on her website http://vefrankel.com .
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If you are a fan of The Hunger Games, you owe it to yourself to get a copy of Katniss the Cattail. Why, you ask? The answer is simple. This book explains the symbolism throughout the series. Sure, you may think you have already figured out the majority of the books’ hidden meanings, but let me assure you—you are wrong. The plant names and “big” symbols are easy to dissect. There is no challenging that; but did you realize that almost every name in this book has some link back to Roman civilization? More importantly, to the overthrowing of Caesar? Amazing stuff.
I devoured this book the moment I opened my mailbox. Everytime I read something “new” about a character, my brain started turning. I couldn’t help but stop and think about how a particular character interacted in the book; how they were described. It makes me want to reread the series with a more critical eye so I can appreciate the literary genius that is named Suzanne Collins. I do hope the movies can pull off this subtle characterization. Knowing the history behind the names really brings a new depth to the characters.
Wondering about what you might find in Katniss the Cattail? Here is a small sampling of some of the information I found so captivating:
• First, I must begin by saying that when my father (who is now hijacking my YA books before I can read them—note to self: stop taking books to his house when you visit) saw me watching the trailer for the movie, he stopped and watched it to. I had goosebumps at the end, but he replied, “That seems very Orwellian.” I didn’t pay much attention to his ramblings, because he’s always saying stuff like that (love my nerdy dad). But then I read the books, and I thought: Holy crap. Obviously this is a dystopian read, but there is more to it. George Orwell is the author of one of my favorite books, Animal Farm. (I do hope you’ve read this book!) As the plot of Mockingjay develops, I knew the leaders were important. District Thirteen’s leader was no saint. The events that followed were not by chance. Just like in the Orwell classic, “the pigs lead a revolution to drive out the farmer and run the farm themselves, but soon they elevate themselves over their fellow animals, becoming indistinguishable from the farmers in the end. Here is the true danger of power… The lesson in both series is clear: Absolute power corrupts absolutely; those who conquer tyrants will soon become tyrants themselves” (Frankel 79). Brilliant. Now be honest, when you read Mockingjay, were you thinking about Animal Farm? Seems like I should listen more closely to the ramblings of a middle aged man. Oh, and I’m not even going to start explaining the similarities between the Capitol’s lifestyle and Fahrenheit 451 and Brave New World!
• There is also a hint of mythology in The Hunger Games. (I’ll be honest, I didn’t recognize this one.) Apparently, Collins has explained in interviews that the Hunger Games themselves were inspired by the story of Theseus. As the story goes, every nine years, seven Athenian boys and seven Athenian girls would be sent to Crete as Tribute for the Minotaur to devour. Theseus volunteered to be placed with the Tributes, and killed the Minotaur (Frankel 80). Does the plot sound familiar?
I don’t want to give away all the gems in this book, but these two I found to be pretty interesting. Katniss the Cattail is divided into three sections: The names of Panem, symbols, and literary allusions. The symbols were pretty straight forward, but the allusions and historical value of the names were insightful. The author has done a fabulous job of putting together the research. When a great work of fiction presents itself, it only makes sense to view it under a critical literary lens. I know The Hunger Games is being taught in classrooms across the country because I have friends that are teaching the book to their students. At first I worried that it would be too graphic or gory for the censorship hounds, but after reading about the plethora of literary devices used in the novels, it only makes sense to teach these books.
If you’re interested in other books by Valerie Frankel, she has written several on the Harry Potter series and one titled From Girl to Goddess: The Heroine’s Journey in Myth and Legend. You can also find her on her website http://vefrankel.com .
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Notes are private!
none
1
not set
Feb 28, 2012
Feb 28, 2012
Paperback
0062117432
9780062117434
4.06
1,483
May 01, 2012
May 01, 2012
What I think about this book in one word: Hilarious. Two words: Absolutely brilliant. As a whole: one of THE best fractured fairytales ever. Seriously...more
What I think about this book in one word: Hilarious. Two words: Absolutely brilliant. As a whole: one of THE best fractured fairytales ever. Seriously.
Let’s start with the plot. Bumbling heroes, an evil witch, a diplomatic giant, vegetarian trolls, and princesses that don’t need rescuing—a perfect combination for a fast-paced plot full of hijinks and adventure. I fell in love with this story on the first page. The opening line says, “Prince Charming is afraid of old ladies. Didn’t know that did you?” The light-hearted tone from the opening line runs throughout this book. I literally laughed out loud in places. If you enjoy fairy tale retellings, you will love this book. I guarantee it. There are so many twists to the original tales that this book becomes its own version of a fairy-tale. How great is it to make Snow White slightly off her rocker and Cinderella like a ninja?
The characters are extremely enjoyable too. The Princes Charming (there was a grammar lesson attached to this name in the book) are pretty ticked off that they go nameless in all the tales. They want people to know who the “Prince Charming” in the story really is. Unfortunately, it’s not that easy. But when Cinderella goes “missing,” a true hero senses the opportunity for a rescue. And so this team of misfit heroes is formed (in a rather entertaining way).
Gustav is one of my favorite characters in the book. Nicknamed “Angry Man” by a troll, he undergoes the greatest transformation throughout the story. Short tempered and often irrational, he is more of a liability than an asset. But he does learn a few lessons along the way. His slowly developing friendship with Frederick—the OCD Prince Charming belonging to Cinderella—is rather endearing. Of course, Frederick is hilarious in his own right. He’s the smooth talker in the group, which is a good thing because he can’t do anything else. Then there are the princes Liam and Duncan. Liam seems to have things together, except that he thinks he’s unstoppable. But Duncan is the life of the party. There is something “off” about Snow White’s beau. The man names animals that randomly appear in the forest! That’s not normal.
I would be wrong to discuss characters and not mention the leading ladies in this story. They were independent, strong-minded, and better heroes than the men. Not your stereotyped princesses by any means. Cinderella could be a super ninja. I enjoyed the side stories that told of her adventures sans the Princes Charming. When the stories finally merge, it forms a great team of heroes that I can’t wait to read more about. (And I do hope they will be recruiting more princesses into the team.)
I’m happy to say that this book is the beginning of a series. I am anticipating this book becoming a favorite. It should be read aloud so everyone can appreciate the witty humor and antics in the story. Otherwise, people nearby will wonder what’s wrong with you as you laugh out loud with every turn of the page.
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Notes are private!
none
1
Apr 13, 2012
May 06, 2012
Feb 24, 2012
Hardcover
1468187805
9781468187809
4.09
327
Dec 09, 2011
Jan 09, 2012
None
Notes are private!
none
1
not set
not set
Feb 15, 2012
Paperback
9781465739148
4.30
30
Nov 06, 2011
Nov 06, 2011
If you’re looking for a book with deeply developed characters and a complicated plot, this is not the book for you. If you want an enjoyable story wit...more
If you’re looking for a book with deeply developed characters and a complicated plot, this is not the book for you. If you want an enjoyable story with Native American mythology undertones, then this is the book for you. The Boy Who Flew with Eagles has a certain mythology feel to it.
Naa’ki is kidnapped by a desperate mother eagle. Being cunning and brave, he makes a pack with the mother eagle. If she spares his life, he will provide food daily for her young eaglets until they can fly. The mother eagle is wary at first, but agrees. Naa’ki lives up to his promise and eventually begins to think of the eagles as family. In turn, mother eagle teaches Naa’ki a very valuable lesson.
I liked the simple story telling aspect of this tale. At about 30 pages, it was short and to the point: There is a problem with the humans and everyone will die if things don’t change. The conflict, of course, comes from the humans being vain and arrogant and not believing the animals’ message. Like all myths and folktales, there is a valuable message to learn. The lesson is applicable to all aspects of our lives, not just to the natural world that surrounds us.
I thought the author, Ben Woodard, did a splendid job with his descriptions. I felt like I was sitting around the camp fire listening to this story being told. The descriptive writing was truly beautiful. “They jumped as the old man raised his arms and flames leaped in a tapestry of yellow and red. He lowered his arms and the blaze returned to a flicker.” How could you not find yourself sucked into the story with such great descriptions?
I am always on the look out for myths and folktales. Being a fan of such writings, I was instantly drawn to this story. Anyone that enjoys a good myth/folktale would find plenty to relish in this story.
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none
1
Jan 30, 2012
Jan 30, 2012
Jan 30, 2012
ebook
1468152785
9781468152784
3.60
246
Jan 10, 2012
Jan 17, 2012
In one word, this book is “cute.” It was a fun beach worthy read. Nothing too complicated. I knew I would like this book when I read that the witches...more
In one word, this book is “cute.” It was a fun beach worthy read. Nothing too complicated. I knew I would like this book when I read that the witches that use self-serving potions to shed a few pounds or grab the attention of the local hottie would “suffer” (i.e. turn into the hideous witches you’re used to reading about). I could totally relate to the characters’ desire to suffer with a hairy, green wart for thinner hips.
The characters were hard to connect with. There didn’t seem to be a lot of depth with the majority of the characters in the book. Anya was super-self absorbed and pretty unlikeable, but I’m certain that was intentional. Jake seemed alright. Typical teenage boy. I would like to see him grow a bit more in the upcoming books. Zoe was unique and likable. Yes, she’s a witch. But she’s a self-conscious humanitarian witch. Her goal in life is to become the scientist that cures cancer. Pretty awesome.
The plot was pretty straight forward. Young teenage witch has a crush on her best friend’s ex-boyfriend. Young teenage witch’s parents complicate her love life. Young teenage witch has a colossal mishap and gets in trouble. It’s fairly predictable, but still enjoyable. It seems like the majority of the conflict is going to occur in the next book, at least that’s the impression I got from the ending. Since our poor witch got into a bit of trouble, she has to have a magic tutor. Except, her tutor isn’t what she expects. You might think that a 95 year-old wizard would look like one of the California raisins from the 80s, but he doesn’t. Seems he got into a tad bit of trouble himself when he traded his old self for a super hottie body. So, like I said, the plot will thicken in the next book.
As I said, this was a “cute” read. It was quick and fun, and didn’t require a lot of effort on my part. I was turning the pages pretty quickly because I enjoyed the story. If you want a fun book to read while taking a break from the zombie and dystopian books currently flooding the market, then you would enjoy Stirring Up Trouble.
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The characters were hard to connect with. There didn’t seem to be a lot of depth with the majority of the characters in the book. Anya was super-self absorbed and pretty unlikeable, but I’m certain that was intentional. Jake seemed alright. Typical teenage boy. I would like to see him grow a bit more in the upcoming books. Zoe was unique and likable. Yes, she’s a witch. But she’s a self-conscious humanitarian witch. Her goal in life is to become the scientist that cures cancer. Pretty awesome.
The plot was pretty straight forward. Young teenage witch has a crush on her best friend’s ex-boyfriend. Young teenage witch’s parents complicate her love life. Young teenage witch has a colossal mishap and gets in trouble. It’s fairly predictable, but still enjoyable. It seems like the majority of the conflict is going to occur in the next book, at least that’s the impression I got from the ending. Since our poor witch got into a bit of trouble, she has to have a magic tutor. Except, her tutor isn’t what she expects. You might think that a 95 year-old wizard would look like one of the California raisins from the 80s, but he doesn’t. Seems he got into a tad bit of trouble himself when he traded his old self for a super hottie body. So, like I said, the plot will thicken in the next book.
As I said, this was a “cute” read. It was quick and fun, and didn’t require a lot of effort on my part. I was turning the pages pretty quickly because I enjoyed the story. If you want a fun book to read while taking a break from the zombie and dystopian books currently flooding the market, then you would enjoy Stirring Up Trouble.
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none
1
Feb 27, 2012
Feb 29, 2012
Jan 27, 2012
Paperback
1608080390
9781608080397
4.54
63
Oct 01, 2011
Oct 25, 2011
My thoughts:
• Innovation– I liked that the majority of this story felt realistic. The situations that Christian, the main character, faced were believ...more My thoughts:
• Innovation– I liked that the majority of this story felt realistic. The situations that Christian, the main character, faced were believable (i.e. bullying, peer pressure). I think younger teens could relate to his experiences as a freshman in high school. There was an element of paranormal to the plot. I liked how the author used the mystery of Roswell as part of his plot.
• Story– I would consider this one a paranormal thriller/suspense book. While many of the conflicts that the main character faces are realistic, his special power that makes him a government interest is far from your everyday occurrence. There was enough suspense to keep the pages turning, even though I found myself scanning over the lengthy football details. (Main character is a football star… more teen boy appeal.) The G-rated romance factor would appeal to girls, but not make the boy readers want to vomit from mushiness. =)
I feel that this book is geared more towards the young male reader because there is a lot of detail given to football terminology and team dynamics. I think that would grab the attention of many male readers. The subtle inclusion of the paranormal elements didn’t overwhelm the story, which would act as a smooth “introduction” to the genre for a reader.
• Characters– I liked Christian well enough. He’s a typical main character—nothing that really stands out and wows me. I did appreciate his fascination with S.E. Hinton’s The Outsiders and Clint Eastwood. The characters that I liked the most were Alexis and Christian’s dad. If I grew up in a small town, my own father would be this character: strong and supportive with a corny sense of humor. The whole family dynamic with this set of characters was very wholesome.
I liked Alexis because there was a sense of mystery about her. She was rough around the edges and tough as nails. She rocked. She stood up to the school bully in a very classic scene. That brings me to another character… Calvin, the antagonist. I didn’t like Calvin but that is because he was well written. You aren’t supposed to like Calvin. He was a bully and a punk. The author did a good job showing those character traits.
• Sticky Fingers – I read this in two nights. The plot had a steady ebb and flow of climax building and suspense. The author’s writing style is easy to read. The characters’ dialogue reminds me of what I might hear in a small mid-western town (a far cry from the urban setting that surrounds me).
• Emotional Connection – Neutral. There wasn’t much that I could connect to as a reader, other than my love of S.E. Hinton books.
• Overall– 3 stars. It was an easy read that would probably appeal to boys (sports fan).
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• Innovation– I liked that the majority of this story felt realistic. The situations that Christian, the main character, faced were believ...more My thoughts:
• Innovation– I liked that the majority of this story felt realistic. The situations that Christian, the main character, faced were believable (i.e. bullying, peer pressure). I think younger teens could relate to his experiences as a freshman in high school. There was an element of paranormal to the plot. I liked how the author used the mystery of Roswell as part of his plot.
• Story– I would consider this one a paranormal thriller/suspense book. While many of the conflicts that the main character faces are realistic, his special power that makes him a government interest is far from your everyday occurrence. There was enough suspense to keep the pages turning, even though I found myself scanning over the lengthy football details. (Main character is a football star… more teen boy appeal.) The G-rated romance factor would appeal to girls, but not make the boy readers want to vomit from mushiness. =)
I feel that this book is geared more towards the young male reader because there is a lot of detail given to football terminology and team dynamics. I think that would grab the attention of many male readers. The subtle inclusion of the paranormal elements didn’t overwhelm the story, which would act as a smooth “introduction” to the genre for a reader.
• Characters– I liked Christian well enough. He’s a typical main character—nothing that really stands out and wows me. I did appreciate his fascination with S.E. Hinton’s The Outsiders and Clint Eastwood. The characters that I liked the most were Alexis and Christian’s dad. If I grew up in a small town, my own father would be this character: strong and supportive with a corny sense of humor. The whole family dynamic with this set of characters was very wholesome.
I liked Alexis because there was a sense of mystery about her. She was rough around the edges and tough as nails. She rocked. She stood up to the school bully in a very classic scene. That brings me to another character… Calvin, the antagonist. I didn’t like Calvin but that is because he was well written. You aren’t supposed to like Calvin. He was a bully and a punk. The author did a good job showing those character traits.
• Sticky Fingers – I read this in two nights. The plot had a steady ebb and flow of climax building and suspense. The author’s writing style is easy to read. The characters’ dialogue reminds me of what I might hear in a small mid-western town (a far cry from the urban setting that surrounds me).
• Emotional Connection – Neutral. There wasn’t much that I could connect to as a reader, other than my love of S.E. Hinton books.
• Overall– 3 stars. It was an easy read that would probably appeal to boys (sports fan).
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none
1
May 12, 2012
May 12, 2012
Jan 27, 2012
Paperback
3.75
20
2011
2011
This was a pretty creepy story. It reminded me a lot of Ray Bradbury’s Something Wicked This Way Comes (one of my favorite books of all time). The boo...more
This was a pretty creepy story. It reminded me a lot of Ray Bradbury’s Something Wicked This Way Comes (one of my favorite books of all time). The books don’t have much in common except for the spooky supernatural element that lingers on every page in the book.
The story line was highly original in this book. There are several things going on at once. First, there is this ominous radio that has haunted generations of Caverhill women. You don’t know whether it is run by a force of evil or not until the end of the story. Then, there is the demonic train conductor that is determined to capture Ashlyn on his train. Those two supernatural elements are in constant motion while the other plots have their turn. For the romance lover, there are tons of smooches and a few hot moments between Ashlyn and her boyfriend, Caden. Although the insta-love aspect annoyed me a bit, I managed to overlook it.
The best part of this book was the character Rachel. She was the so-called “town witch.” However, she was far from a witch. While she did wear gothic like clothing and go out of her way to spook people in the small town, she had many secrets. She was the victim of horrible abuse at home, and her pain was evident in every word she spoke. I think of all the characters in the book, she was the best written and the most believable. I loved her.
I’m not a huge fan of horror fiction, but this one held my attention. There was enough suspense to keep me eagerly turning the pages until the very end. I even got a little misty eyed at some points in the story! I would give this one a solid 3 ½ flashlights, but since I don’t do half ratings, a three will have to do. There are some “harsh” words and sexual content that make this one suitable for the older YA reader.
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The story line was highly original in this book. There are several things going on at once. First, there is this ominous radio that has haunted generations of Caverhill women. You don’t know whether it is run by a force of evil or not until the end of the story. Then, there is the demonic train conductor that is determined to capture Ashlyn on his train. Those two supernatural elements are in constant motion while the other plots have their turn. For the romance lover, there are tons of smooches and a few hot moments between Ashlyn and her boyfriend, Caden. Although the insta-love aspect annoyed me a bit, I managed to overlook it.
The best part of this book was the character Rachel. She was the so-called “town witch.” However, she was far from a witch. While she did wear gothic like clothing and go out of her way to spook people in the small town, she had many secrets. She was the victim of horrible abuse at home, and her pain was evident in every word she spoke. I think of all the characters in the book, she was the best written and the most believable. I loved her.
I’m not a huge fan of horror fiction, but this one held my attention. There was enough suspense to keep me eagerly turning the pages until the very end. I even got a little misty eyed at some points in the story! I would give this one a solid 3 ½ flashlights, but since I don’t do half ratings, a three will have to do. There are some “harsh” words and sexual content that make this one suitable for the older YA reader.
(less)
Notes are private!
none
1
Jan 16, 2012
Feb 04, 2012
Jan 16, 2012
B006MLW4MS
unknown
4.14
14
Dec 15, 2011
unknown
Frags picks up with Gabby living with the Frags and trying to find out what happens to the contestants that don't beat LifeGame. In particular, she’s...more
Frags picks up with Gabby living with the Frags and trying to find out what happens to the contestants that don't beat LifeGame. In particular, she’s trying to find her friend Zaela, who has disappeared without a trace when she did not receive a high score in LifeGame. Now Gabby has become the (reluctant) leader of the Frags, and is leading the effort to find the missing contestants. The journey is long and difficult, and often brings unexpected surprises along the way. With every horrific discovery, Gabby seems to get a step further from uncovering the truth behind the disappearances.
The only truth she does find leaves her with a broken heart.
Frist, I thought the first book-- Gamers-- was awesome. I'm not a huge sci-fi fan, but this one (less)
The only truth she does find leaves her with a broken heart.
Frist, I thought the first book-- Gamers-- was awesome. I'm not a huge sci-fi fan, but this one (less)
Notes are private!
none
1
Jan 16, 2012
Mar 07, 2012
Jan 16, 2012
ebook
B005JM03XI
unknown
4.21
28
Apr 14, 2011
unknown
At first, I thought I wasn’t going to enjoy this book because it took me a while to get into it. It was funny at times and rather enjoyable once I mad...more
At first, I thought I wasn’t going to enjoy this book because it took me a while to get into it. It was funny at times and rather enjoyable once I made my brain realize this was geared toward middle school boys. I can see younger boy readers relating to the main character, Eric, very easily. He struggles with hormones and bullies, like almost every middle school child I’ve met. In that way he was believable, even if he was a half-vampire.
Once it got going, the plot was evenly developed. There were a few bullies scattered throughout that added to the conflict nicely. Eric has to deal with not knowing anything about being a vampire, and realizing that knowing his father is not a good thing. He also has to learn an important lesson about standing up to bullies instead of running away from his problems. Isn’t that a lesson that applies to most kids at least once in their lives?
The problems Eric faces throughout the story were resolved by the end of the book without being too sweet and contrite. It has a satisfying ending that doesn’t leave any questions unanswered. I liked that Eric, the main character, learns the value of acceptance and friendship by the end of the book. Confessions of an Average Half-Vampire had several lessons that are relevant to its readers, and that makes this teacher happy.
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Once it got going, the plot was evenly developed. There were a few bullies scattered throughout that added to the conflict nicely. Eric has to deal with not knowing anything about being a vampire, and realizing that knowing his father is not a good thing. He also has to learn an important lesson about standing up to bullies instead of running away from his problems. Isn’t that a lesson that applies to most kids at least once in their lives?
The problems Eric faces throughout the story were resolved by the end of the book without being too sweet and contrite. It has a satisfying ending that doesn’t leave any questions unanswered. I liked that Eric, the main character, learns the value of acceptance and friendship by the end of the book. Confessions of an Average Half-Vampire had several lessons that are relevant to its readers, and that makes this teacher happy.
(less)
Notes are private!
none
1
Jan 02, 2012
Jan 08, 2012
Jan 08, 2012
ebook
1466411163
9781466411166
4.18
11
Oct 11, 2011
Oct 11, 2011
This was a cute picture book filled with adventure and mystical creatures. Max, the dog, goes missing in the strange woods behind his owner’s house, a...more
This was a cute picture book filled with adventure and mystical creatures. Max, the dog, goes missing in the strange woods behind his owner’s house, and his owner goes searching for him—despite being warned by his mother. While he’s in the woods, he meets all sorts of strange creatures, including a wizard, dragon, huge bee, and others. The little boy has to be clever in order to rescue his dog because the woods are “full of monsters and other things to fear.”
The story is told in rhyming couplets, which I always find enjoyable in story books. It takes a lot of patience and skill to tell a complete story in rhyming couplets. The Mystical Wood was a full length story that rhymed consistently! That’s not an easy task. I also enjoyed the beautiful illustrations throughout the book. Every page of text was accompanied by an illustration.
For those looking for a positive message in picture books, this book won’t disappoint. There is a nice message about taking care of your pets, bringing peace to your enemies, and being brave. It sounds like a complicated message, but it is written for kids to understand. This book would be a perfect read aloud with younger children, or a shared reading with your child at bed time. I’m always looking for books to read with my youngest son, and he seems to like this one. (less)
Notes are private!
none
1
not set
Jan 03, 2012
Jan 03, 2012
Paperback
B004UC5RVG
unknown
4.17
129
Mar 28, 2011
Apr 01, 2011
None
Notes are private!
none
0
not set
not set
Dec 23, 2011
ebook
B004SYA76Q
4.06
351
Mar 19, 2011
Mar 30, 2011
None
Notes are private!
none
0
not set
not set
Dec 23, 2011
Kindle Edition
9783864790003
unknown
4.54
48
Dec 18, 2011
Dec 19, 2011
This synopsis does NOTHING for the book. In fact, it sounds like a completely different book.
Sollara is turning 18 and has never seen the sun. She liv...more This synopsis does NOTHING for the book. In fact, it sounds like a completely different book.
Sollara is turning 18 and has never seen the sun. She lives deep below the group in the Deep Kingdom because some of her descendants tried to over throw the Atlantians in the great city of Atlantis. Needless to say, that didn't go so well. So, on the morning of her 18th birthday she constructs a plan to visit the surface. Sollara successfully makes it to the surface. There she sees this swoon worthy boy, and is completely mesmerized. She's speechless and drawn to him in a way that she has never felt before. Those are not good signs. Her father notices the boy and Sollara's reaction, and instantly takes her back below ground.
You would think the story would be about finding her soulmate and visiting the surface again, until her maid overhears her mother and father talking in secret. It seems Sollara's real parents are dead (murdered actually) and the people she thinks are her parents are really like sick, twisted kidnappers. The maid concocts a plan to smuggle Sollara out of the Deep Kingdom and into the safety of some of the Dark Ones. The plan works, but not before a HUGE sacrifice is made.
I can't say too much more about the plot without giving away too much of the story. It was complicated, to say the least.
Sollara and Kai (swoon worthy surface dweller) were interesting. On a simple scale, they are fated to be together. (Afterall, there is a prophecy that says so.) You could expect the sappy romance level that comes with fated lovers. It wasn't horrible, but it was what you expect. There was plenty of passion without it reading like a romance novel. I do appreciate the level at which Sollara and Kai are devoted to one another. It saves Kai from making a horrible mistake later in the book. There are other characters that are a nice compliment to Sollara and Kai as well.
There was an element of mythology that went a long with this book. Sollara is named after her parents, one of which is the god/goddess of the sun. (I can't remember which. but I think it was the mother. Sorry!) In the book, these characters are called Elementals. Kai is also an Elemental. His parents controlled the sea. Other Elementals were mentioned, but we really didn't get to know much about them. There was also a mentioning of the city of Atlantis (ok, more than a mentioning, but I think it will come up more in the following books). The really creepy part of the book were the Dark Ones. They were some weird type of vampire creature. The "good" Dark Ones don't like feeding on humans and want to co-exist. The others, well... you can guess.
Sollara's "parents" (not the dead ones) were evil. Pure evil. I haven't read something like them in some time. Yikes. Without a doubt, they are the things nightmares are made of. Mari--who makes Mommy Dearest look like Mother Theresa-- was the sickest of them all. She would kill in cold blood without a moment's notice. Apparently, if she (and the other council members of the Dark Kingdom) drink the blood of an Elemental it has more power than ambrosia. One sip of Elemental blood could render them immortal. Of course, that same sip would make their desire for blood almost unquenchable and send them on a bloodlust killing spree. The blood would also keep them young forever, and the youthfulness is what gives these evil ones their power.
The detail and graphic nature of these killings make this book suitable for the older YA readers and adults. This is not your Twilight tween paranormal romance novel. There were many unique and strange elements that I encountered as I read. I don't know much (i.e. nothing) about Basque mythology, so I don't know which elements in the novel were myth related or not.
My favorite part of the book was the ending. Holy crap! I had to read those pages twice to make sure I read it correctly. What a surprise! With that being said, I don't know what the next book will hold for us. My mind is racing at all of the possibilities. I have my theories, but I can't share them with you, or else I would ruin the book. Originally, the ending made me go, "WHAT!? Noooooo. There must be more!" Seriously. I said this aloud as I read. It scared the dog. This ending made me dislike the book at first, pushing it into the 3 range. But then I started to think about the future story and how amazing it will be because of this ending. Now I think I'm happy with giving this a solid 4.
Simply speaking, if you like the paranormal and don't get squeamish at blood (a lot of blood), then you will like this book. Just don't let your Team Edward twelve year old daughter/niece read it. It would be too much.(less)
Sollara is turning 18 and has never seen the sun. She liv...more This synopsis does NOTHING for the book. In fact, it sounds like a completely different book.
Sollara is turning 18 and has never seen the sun. She lives deep below the group in the Deep Kingdom because some of her descendants tried to over throw the Atlantians in the great city of Atlantis. Needless to say, that didn't go so well. So, on the morning of her 18th birthday she constructs a plan to visit the surface. Sollara successfully makes it to the surface. There she sees this swoon worthy boy, and is completely mesmerized. She's speechless and drawn to him in a way that she has never felt before. Those are not good signs. Her father notices the boy and Sollara's reaction, and instantly takes her back below ground.
You would think the story would be about finding her soulmate and visiting the surface again, until her maid overhears her mother and father talking in secret. It seems Sollara's real parents are dead (murdered actually) and the people she thinks are her parents are really like sick, twisted kidnappers. The maid concocts a plan to smuggle Sollara out of the Deep Kingdom and into the safety of some of the Dark Ones. The plan works, but not before a HUGE sacrifice is made.
I can't say too much more about the plot without giving away too much of the story. It was complicated, to say the least.
Sollara and Kai (swoon worthy surface dweller) were interesting. On a simple scale, they are fated to be together. (Afterall, there is a prophecy that says so.) You could expect the sappy romance level that comes with fated lovers. It wasn't horrible, but it was what you expect. There was plenty of passion without it reading like a romance novel. I do appreciate the level at which Sollara and Kai are devoted to one another. It saves Kai from making a horrible mistake later in the book. There are other characters that are a nice compliment to Sollara and Kai as well.
There was an element of mythology that went a long with this book. Sollara is named after her parents, one of which is the god/goddess of the sun. (I can't remember which. but I think it was the mother. Sorry!) In the book, these characters are called Elementals. Kai is also an Elemental. His parents controlled the sea. Other Elementals were mentioned, but we really didn't get to know much about them. There was also a mentioning of the city of Atlantis (ok, more than a mentioning, but I think it will come up more in the following books). The really creepy part of the book were the Dark Ones. They were some weird type of vampire creature. The "good" Dark Ones don't like feeding on humans and want to co-exist. The others, well... you can guess.
Sollara's "parents" (not the dead ones) were evil. Pure evil. I haven't read something like them in some time. Yikes. Without a doubt, they are the things nightmares are made of. Mari--who makes Mommy Dearest look like Mother Theresa-- was the sickest of them all. She would kill in cold blood without a moment's notice. Apparently, if she (and the other council members of the Dark Kingdom) drink the blood of an Elemental it has more power than ambrosia. One sip of Elemental blood could render them immortal. Of course, that same sip would make their desire for blood almost unquenchable and send them on a bloodlust killing spree. The blood would also keep them young forever, and the youthfulness is what gives these evil ones their power.
The detail and graphic nature of these killings make this book suitable for the older YA readers and adults. This is not your Twilight tween paranormal romance novel. There were many unique and strange elements that I encountered as I read. I don't know much (i.e. nothing) about Basque mythology, so I don't know which elements in the novel were myth related or not.
My favorite part of the book was the ending. Holy crap! I had to read those pages twice to make sure I read it correctly. What a surprise! With that being said, I don't know what the next book will hold for us. My mind is racing at all of the possibilities. I have my theories, but I can't share them with you, or else I would ruin the book. Originally, the ending made me go, "WHAT!? Noooooo. There must be more!" Seriously. I said this aloud as I read. It scared the dog. This ending made me dislike the book at first, pushing it into the 3 range. But then I started to think about the future story and how amazing it will be because of this ending. Now I think I'm happy with giving this a solid 4.
Simply speaking, if you like the paranormal and don't get squeamish at blood (a lot of blood), then you will like this book. Just don't let your Team Edward twelve year old daughter/niece read it. It would be too much.(less)
Notes are private!
none
1
not set
Jul 26, 2011
Nov 27, 2011
ebook
B005HMH08G
unknown
4.25
4
Aug 15, 2011
unknown
I’ve been on a pirate reading kick lately. This book is geared toward the younger readers. There are plenty of illustrations to help the readers’ acti...more
I’ve been on a pirate reading kick lately. This book is geared toward the younger readers. There are plenty of illustrations to help the readers’ active imaginations. I enjoyed the story a good deal. As I read, I had to remind myself that this is meant for middle grade readers. With only 125 pages, it is a little hard to get a great deal of character development, but there was plenty of action.
The story itself is told from the first person point of view (of the ship’s captain). The pirates aren’t your typical pirates either. There is no pillaging and plundering in this book. In fact, Captain Kitt and his crew are more like philanthropists. They seek out treasure in order to help the less fortunate. It’s like Robin Hood on the high seas! The villains in the book aren’t other pirates, but savage beasts of the jungle. There was a chapter full of heart pumping action involving a gigantic spider. Thankfully, it was a quick chapter. I don’t do spiders. There was also an interesting take on riddles and the guardian of Snaggletooth’s treasure.
Overall, this was a quick and enjoyable read. Young boys between the ages of 8-11 would enjoy this book. It would also be a great read aloud for younger kids. It’s clean and full of action. Not to mention that the pirates are good hearted and clean mouthed.(less)
The story itself is told from the first person point of view (of the ship’s captain). The pirates aren’t your typical pirates either. There is no pillaging and plundering in this book. In fact, Captain Kitt and his crew are more like philanthropists. They seek out treasure in order to help the less fortunate. It’s like Robin Hood on the high seas! The villains in the book aren’t other pirates, but savage beasts of the jungle. There was a chapter full of heart pumping action involving a gigantic spider. Thankfully, it was a quick chapter. I don’t do spiders. There was also an interesting take on riddles and the guardian of Snaggletooth’s treasure.
Overall, this was a quick and enjoyable read. Young boys between the ages of 8-11 would enjoy this book. It would also be a great read aloud for younger kids. It’s clean and full of action. Not to mention that the pirates are good hearted and clean mouthed.(less)
Notes are private!
none
1
not set
Nov 26, 2011
Nov 27, 2011
Kindle Edition
0983324506
9780983324508
4.62
16
Sep 02, 2011
Sep 02, 2011
When asked if I wanted to review a picture book titled Sardoodledom, I couldn’t resist. I didn’t even know what the word meant! Of course I wanted to...more
When asked if I wanted to review a picture book titled Sardoodledom, I couldn’t resist. I didn’t even know what the word meant! Of course I wanted to read the book and find out. Sardoodledom is a book about a local Spelling Bee that goes awry, but it’s also more than that. The aspect of the various forms of word play within the book appealed to my inner teacher.
The story itself is short and sweet. There are no winners are losers in the book, which I think appeals to me more than I could imagine. I hate the word “loser.” I guess there could be one loser in the story: the guy that gets a bee sting on his nose certainly didn’t win anything in the book! I thought that was kind of cute.
I couldn’t review a picture book without mentioning the illustrations. They were great! I loved the sketch-like quality the images had. There was also a subtle shading quality to the printed pages that complimented the images perfectly. The kids illustrated in the book matched their “spelling personalities” perfectly. I thought the pictures were delightful and a perfect companion to the text.
As with picture books, there isn’t much of a plot or character development. It was a nicely written children’s story though. If you’re a teacher (like me) you would find this book useful for teaching word play, vocabulary, homophones, or rhymes—even with older kids. It’s certainly geared toward the younger readers, but I would use it with my middle school kids too. I love teaching concepts with picture books!
(less)
The story itself is short and sweet. There are no winners are losers in the book, which I think appeals to me more than I could imagine. I hate the word “loser.” I guess there could be one loser in the story: the guy that gets a bee sting on his nose certainly didn’t win anything in the book! I thought that was kind of cute.
I couldn’t review a picture book without mentioning the illustrations. They were great! I loved the sketch-like quality the images had. There was also a subtle shading quality to the printed pages that complimented the images perfectly. The kids illustrated in the book matched their “spelling personalities” perfectly. I thought the pictures were delightful and a perfect companion to the text.
As with picture books, there isn’t much of a plot or character development. It was a nicely written children’s story though. If you’re a teacher (like me) you would find this book useful for teaching word play, vocabulary, homophones, or rhymes—even with older kids. It’s certainly geared toward the younger readers, but I would use it with my middle school kids too. I love teaching concepts with picture books!
(less)
Notes are private!
none
1
not set
Nov 21, 2011
Nov 21, 2011
Paperback
1463537891
9781463537890
3.90
20
Jun 14, 2011
Jun 14, 2011
I finally finished this book! Hooray! Starting another school year has been busier and more hectic than I thought it would be, which has put a major d...more
I finally finished this book! Hooray! Starting another school year has been busier and more hectic than I thought it would be, which has put a major damper on my reading for fun. The Odd Job Squad is a middle grades book set in your typical middle school. There are nerdy characters, jocks, vicious socialites in the making, and bullies. Your average middle school population.
I really thought this one was pretty cute. Not fluffy marshmallow and pink bunny kind of cute, but a good clean MG read. There was enough suspense to keep the pages turning. Unlike most MG books, there isn't an overwhelming sense of good overcoming evil. Yes, the Odd Job Squad is all about settling the score for the underdog, but some scores aren't really settled. There were several layers that added to this story that really made it better than the typical fluff read.
The characters weren't overly developed. Ander and Shooter are the more developed off the group. Ander moves from an immature, self-absorbed 8th grader to someone that thinks of others before himself. Shooter is a little more complicated. The reader doesn't get much of a sense of what she was like before the story actually begins, so it's safe to assume we meet her in the middle of her transformation. She has serious life issues that cause her to reflect on her life and the role her friends play in it. It's a pretty deep event for a MG book, but it is handled with delicacy that I think most kids will be able to relate with. If you're expecting a deep, complicated set of characters, you aren't going to find it in The Odd Job Squad. But then again, I haven't found too many MG books that have complicated characters.
The plot was fast paced. It starts off with one of the "getting even" events and keeps going from there. There is plenty to keep a younger reader interested. I honestly (I hate to admit this) did not see one of the events coming in the book. It caught me completely off guard. That's a major plus for this story because I'm really good at guessing plots. The conflict with Stacia (antagonist) is well developed. She is diabolical and the epitome of what I hated in middle school. I knew my own Stacia. I think young readers will be able to relate to this conflict (and the desire to get even) very well! As an adult, I was able to relate.
Currently, I'm reading Alan Sitomer's Nerd Girls aloud to my 7th grade students. They love it. It's funny, suspenseful, and full of the getting even with the bully drama that middle schoolers love. I won't let anyone borrow my copy of the book because it won't be there for our read alouds. I'm going to offer up The Odd Job Squad as an alternative. I think the kids that are enjoying Nerd Girls will enjoy The Odd Job Squad as well. I've noticed them checking out my "What I'm Reading" wall with the synopsis of this book, so it should go over well.
Middle school teachers and students would enjoy this book and should check it out. It's worth the read. (less)
I really thought this one was pretty cute. Not fluffy marshmallow and pink bunny kind of cute, but a good clean MG read. There was enough suspense to keep the pages turning. Unlike most MG books, there isn't an overwhelming sense of good overcoming evil. Yes, the Odd Job Squad is all about settling the score for the underdog, but some scores aren't really settled. There were several layers that added to this story that really made it better than the typical fluff read.
The characters weren't overly developed. Ander and Shooter are the more developed off the group. Ander moves from an immature, self-absorbed 8th grader to someone that thinks of others before himself. Shooter is a little more complicated. The reader doesn't get much of a sense of what she was like before the story actually begins, so it's safe to assume we meet her in the middle of her transformation. She has serious life issues that cause her to reflect on her life and the role her friends play in it. It's a pretty deep event for a MG book, but it is handled with delicacy that I think most kids will be able to relate with. If you're expecting a deep, complicated set of characters, you aren't going to find it in The Odd Job Squad. But then again, I haven't found too many MG books that have complicated characters.
The plot was fast paced. It starts off with one of the "getting even" events and keeps going from there. There is plenty to keep a younger reader interested. I honestly (I hate to admit this) did not see one of the events coming in the book. It caught me completely off guard. That's a major plus for this story because I'm really good at guessing plots. The conflict with Stacia (antagonist) is well developed. She is diabolical and the epitome of what I hated in middle school. I knew my own Stacia. I think young readers will be able to relate to this conflict (and the desire to get even) very well! As an adult, I was able to relate.
Currently, I'm reading Alan Sitomer's Nerd Girls aloud to my 7th grade students. They love it. It's funny, suspenseful, and full of the getting even with the bully drama that middle schoolers love. I won't let anyone borrow my copy of the book because it won't be there for our read alouds. I'm going to offer up The Odd Job Squad as an alternative. I think the kids that are enjoying Nerd Girls will enjoy The Odd Job Squad as well. I've noticed them checking out my "What I'm Reading" wall with the synopsis of this book, so it should go over well.
Middle school teachers and students would enjoy this book and should check it out. It's worth the read. (less)
Notes are private!
none
1
not set
Sep 04, 2011
Sep 06, 2011
Paperback
B0054LO9E8
unknown
4.27
74
unknown
unknown
I had the opportunity to read this book as part of a blog tour. The synopsis made the book sound very interesting. I found that overall, this was a pr...more
I had the opportunity to read this book as part of a blog tour. The synopsis made the book sound very interesting. I found that overall, this was a pretty good book. The characters were likable, and I liked the idea behind the plot. Plus, I'm a sucker for a New Orleans setting.
There were a few things that bothered me while reading. For starters, the main characters were lacking "something." I flip-flopped between believing their romance to doubting the actual pull. I guess I didn't fully buy into the angle-human love affair. I liked Justin and Jess well enough as characters, but something didn't click. Honestly, I think the romantic aspect of their relationship happened too suddenly for me. A little more cat and mouse would have made it more believable. Then there was Dawson. He's the horrific demon figure in the book, but he didn't come off that way during the most critical part of the story. He seemed mean enough, but not demonic. I had a hard time believing his role as well. In the beginning he was present often, which made sense; but then he went missing for a good chunk of the book. When he did reappear, it felt random and out of place. All of the characters had a lot of potential, but they fell a little flat.
The majority of the plot was well paced, but there were parts that lagged a bit much for my liking. A great deal of detail went in to building Jess's background, which I liked. It gave her a nice angle. Unfortunately, I don't know if as much detail went into the other characters or aspects of the plot. Jess had a brother. He played a huge role in her life, but he had a tiny role in the book. That didn't seem right. When Dawson and his minions attack Jordan (the brother), it was completely out of left field. There was little warning or justification for that action. I get how it relates to the overall plot of the book, but Jordan should have had a more prominent role in the story if his character was going to be so important. He seemed like an afterthought. Then there is Vi, the gorgeous redhead that befriends Jess. She drops a pretty big secret on Jess, but there is no resolution. Vi has a serious choice to make-- and I really thought something would come of it-- but nothing ever happened. Very disappointing.
I think the ending is my biggest complaint. It was rushed. Two-thirds of the book built up a cataclysmic fight scene that only took two pages to describe. I couldn't believe it. The bad guys were overthrown without much of a fight. When I was reading those pages I couldn't help but wonder if the author felt like the book was getting too long, so she just quickly ended it. I hope that's not the case, but it did feel that way. There was an unexpected twist with Jess at the end, but I don't think it fits into the story. It's a nice happy ending of sorts, but again, it felt out of place. The ending as a whole leaves a lot of questions unanswered. I like my books to end in a nice little well wrapped package. Maybe the questions are left unanswered because there is another book coming? I could buy that. I would probably read the next book (if there is one) to see how the story carries on.
Overall, it's a nice story. The idea behind it is a good one, and I did enjoy the read. The plot wasn't the tightest, but it was sufficient. I would probably list this one under "beach reading" because it's a quick read. It's not a light and fluffy read, however, so don't get confused. The main character-Jess- has to deal with a lot of pain and death. Her suffering was probably one of the best written details of the book. (I hate that the author knows personally about the loss of a mother to be able to capture that emotion.) My eyes did get a little misty at times from Jess's memories. They felt very real. As I said, it's a good book worth giving a try. Anyone that is brave enough to write a book and put it out there for review deserves the chance to have their story shared. I would share this story with someone. (less)
There were a few things that bothered me while reading. For starters, the main characters were lacking "something." I flip-flopped between believing their romance to doubting the actual pull. I guess I didn't fully buy into the angle-human love affair. I liked Justin and Jess well enough as characters, but something didn't click. Honestly, I think the romantic aspect of their relationship happened too suddenly for me. A little more cat and mouse would have made it more believable. Then there was Dawson. He's the horrific demon figure in the book, but he didn't come off that way during the most critical part of the story. He seemed mean enough, but not demonic. I had a hard time believing his role as well. In the beginning he was present often, which made sense; but then he went missing for a good chunk of the book. When he did reappear, it felt random and out of place. All of the characters had a lot of potential, but they fell a little flat.
The majority of the plot was well paced, but there were parts that lagged a bit much for my liking. A great deal of detail went in to building Jess's background, which I liked. It gave her a nice angle. Unfortunately, I don't know if as much detail went into the other characters or aspects of the plot. Jess had a brother. He played a huge role in her life, but he had a tiny role in the book. That didn't seem right. When Dawson and his minions attack Jordan (the brother), it was completely out of left field. There was little warning or justification for that action. I get how it relates to the overall plot of the book, but Jordan should have had a more prominent role in the story if his character was going to be so important. He seemed like an afterthought. Then there is Vi, the gorgeous redhead that befriends Jess. She drops a pretty big secret on Jess, but there is no resolution. Vi has a serious choice to make-- and I really thought something would come of it-- but nothing ever happened. Very disappointing.
I think the ending is my biggest complaint. It was rushed. Two-thirds of the book built up a cataclysmic fight scene that only took two pages to describe. I couldn't believe it. The bad guys were overthrown without much of a fight. When I was reading those pages I couldn't help but wonder if the author felt like the book was getting too long, so she just quickly ended it. I hope that's not the case, but it did feel that way. There was an unexpected twist with Jess at the end, but I don't think it fits into the story. It's a nice happy ending of sorts, but again, it felt out of place. The ending as a whole leaves a lot of questions unanswered. I like my books to end in a nice little well wrapped package. Maybe the questions are left unanswered because there is another book coming? I could buy that. I would probably read the next book (if there is one) to see how the story carries on.
Overall, it's a nice story. The idea behind it is a good one, and I did enjoy the read. The plot wasn't the tightest, but it was sufficient. I would probably list this one under "beach reading" because it's a quick read. It's not a light and fluffy read, however, so don't get confused. The main character-Jess- has to deal with a lot of pain and death. Her suffering was probably one of the best written details of the book. (I hate that the author knows personally about the loss of a mother to be able to capture that emotion.) My eyes did get a little misty at times from Jess's memories. They felt very real. As I said, it's a good book worth giving a try. Anyone that is brave enough to write a book and put it out there for review deserves the chance to have their story shared. I would share this story with someone. (less)
Notes are private!
none
1
Jul 28, 2011
Aug 03, 2011
Jul 28, 2011
Kindle Edition
978125779031
unknown
3.70
20
Apr 21, 2011
May 01, 2011
If you enjoy a good pirate story, you will certainly enjoy Born of Tyranny. While the majority of the story takes place on the high seas, there are in...more
If you enjoy a good pirate story, you will certainly enjoy Born of Tyranny. While the majority of the story takes place on the high seas, there are instances of flashback that give great insights into the younger lives of the characters. At the center of the plot, this story shows how life’s choices can lead to surprising (and tragic) endings.
The characters are well written. The pirates behave as you would expect pirates to. At first I thought this was meant to be a middle grades book, but I quickly realized it’s meant more for the older reader. There are some graphic scenes that might be too gory for the younger readers (but fitting of a pirate story). There is also a small amount of sexual innuendo (this is a pirate story) that would probably fly over a younger reader’s head, but I still would still be leery of including it in my classroom library. My two favorite characters were Black Hearted and Daniel. As kids, both boys were orphans that formed a strong friendship. Through a series of tragic events in their young lives, both boys ended up on opposite ends of the law. You can imagine the conflict that unfolds between the two. Black Hearted has sworn revenge on the Royal Navy and his dearest childhood friend is now a captain in the Royal Navy.
The plot of the book is detailed. A little slow at times, it took me a while to get through the first 100 pages. I was engrossed in the story while I read it, but at the same time I didn’t feel that drive to continue reading. I tried to read the book while I was flying, but I found myself doing other things to occupy my time after twenty or so pages at a time. I think a large part of this was due to my lack of knowledge about pirates. I wanted to try something different, so I picked up this book. A true pirate fan would love this story. The novel has a sort of story-like feel to it. It doesn’t read like a history lesson; instead, it feels like I’m reading a journal from one of the characters.
I enjoyed the story line. There were enough surprises that it kept the reading fresh and exciting for me. Once I realized the role of Blackbeard, I was hooked. Who doesn’t know about Blackbeard, right? Overall, it was a good pirate adventure book that I think older readers would enjoy.(less)
The characters are well written. The pirates behave as you would expect pirates to. At first I thought this was meant to be a middle grades book, but I quickly realized it’s meant more for the older reader. There are some graphic scenes that might be too gory for the younger readers (but fitting of a pirate story). There is also a small amount of sexual innuendo (this is a pirate story) that would probably fly over a younger reader’s head, but I still would still be leery of including it in my classroom library. My two favorite characters were Black Hearted and Daniel. As kids, both boys were orphans that formed a strong friendship. Through a series of tragic events in their young lives, both boys ended up on opposite ends of the law. You can imagine the conflict that unfolds between the two. Black Hearted has sworn revenge on the Royal Navy and his dearest childhood friend is now a captain in the Royal Navy.
The plot of the book is detailed. A little slow at times, it took me a while to get through the first 100 pages. I was engrossed in the story while I read it, but at the same time I didn’t feel that drive to continue reading. I tried to read the book while I was flying, but I found myself doing other things to occupy my time after twenty or so pages at a time. I think a large part of this was due to my lack of knowledge about pirates. I wanted to try something different, so I picked up this book. A true pirate fan would love this story. The novel has a sort of story-like feel to it. It doesn’t read like a history lesson; instead, it feels like I’m reading a journal from one of the characters.
I enjoyed the story line. There were enough surprises that it kept the reading fresh and exciting for me. Once I realized the role of Blackbeard, I was hooked. Who doesn’t know about Blackbeard, right? Overall, it was a good pirate adventure book that I think older readers would enjoy.(less)
Notes are private!
none
1
Nov 18, 2011
Nov 21, 2011
Jul 18, 2011
Kindle Edition
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