I hate when a book immediately grabs my interest with an intriguing plot and likable characters and then fails to deliver. This is exactly the problem...moreI hate when a book immediately grabs my interest with an intriguing plot and likable characters and then fails to deliver. This is exactly the problem I had with Need. [return][return]First, I listened to this on audio, and while the narrator successfully mimicked the Maine accents, when it came to the MC, Zara, the voice used for her was sometimes a southern accent and sometimes no accent at all. This is a small thing, true, but very noticeable when listening. Other than that, I think that the narration was fine. [return][return]I enjoyed many of the characters on the surface, Zara, her grandmother, friends, and boyfriend. They were all extremely likable, but they never got much deeper than that surface likability, other than Zara. Zara enjoys reciting phobias to calm herself, this was a mildly interesting aspect to her personality and the various phobias she named were sometimes pretty amusing. The pixie king was a very weak villain, I didn't believe it. And while I can understand that he was meant to be more of a "not all bad" type of villain, it didn't come across in any real believable way. The romance between Zara and Nick was just kind of "meh" for me. I didn't care. The best part of the novel for me was Zara's grandmother, a feisty woman with plenty of wit. I would have liked to have read a lot more about her. [return][return]The problems I had with Need was that the plot was never really developed, it was very thin and the way plot was resolved was absolutely absurd. Even within a fantasy, I need to feel a measure of believability, and this was also missing for me. I finished the book and was left feeling quite underwhelmed and a bit disappointed(less)
I was sent a copy of Blue by Lou Aronica for review.Blue is a YA fantasy that introduces us to a family that's been broken by a child's serious illnes...moreI was sent a copy of Blue by Lou Aronica for review.Blue is a YA fantasy that introduces us to a family that's been broken by a child's serious illness, divorce, and a loss of communication. Becky, daughter of Polly and Chris, battles her way through a horrible illness as a young child. Her father, Chris helps her through this time by helping her to create a fantasy world, Tamarisk, to mentally escape to. The details of this world they build together is amazing and I loved watching Becky discover all the games, creatures, smells, and sounds that she and her father created once she discovers that she can actually go to Tamarisk, that it, in fact, exists. Sadly, however, the real stress of dealing with this illness has caused Becky's parents' marriage to reach its breaking point and somehow Becky and her father lose that connection they had with each other as well as Tamarisk.I didn't like the parents, Polly and Chris. Polly was an overbearing, hypocritical, controlling toad of a woman and Chris was a weak, pathetic, clueless mess of a man. These two were such perfect caricatures of so many divorced couples that I've seen, the power and control games that get played and nobody bothers to notice that the child gets caught in the middle and ends up lost and confused. Polly and Chris couldn't have been more true to life, and while I didn't really like either of them, I understood them and their place in this story. Their one redeeming quality was that they did genuinely love their daughter. Becky was such a brilliant character. The depth of friendship she shared with Lonnie, the easy relationship she had with step-father Al, and the hope she was always willing to reach for made me really connect with her. I loved reading the slow process of Becky's reconnection with her father and the surprise and delight Chris felt at having that communication with his daughter back again. It was beautifully written.I absolutely loved this story. I was hooked from the very beginning and there wasn't a single point where I ever lost interest in what I was reading. The novel flows easily from one chapter to the next, the plot is clearly laid out, and while I figured out long before the ending where it was headed, it didn't take away from how much I enjoyed getting there.I found only one fault with Blue, there were a couple of chapters about Gage, seemingly some sort of God-like being maybe. These chapters were a little awkward and confusing and personally I just didn't get it. But they were a very small part of the story and overall I loved this book so much that it didn't even matter that I didn't understand Gage.Blue is definitely an emotional roller-coaster, with flawed realistic characters, an extraordinary elaborate fantasy world, and a plot that will tug at your heart strings, this novel is one that I will certainly read again. I hope that Lou Aronica returns to the world Tamarisk for future novels. Rating 5- Amazing, beautiful touching story.(less)
First of all, this book cover is absolutely gorgeous. The silvers and greys with purplish tints, the effect is stunning and I love having this book on...moreFirst of all, this book cover is absolutely gorgeous. The silvers and greys with purplish tints, the effect is stunning and I love having this book on my shelf.[return][return]I think Unearthly is a wonderful debut by Cynthia Hand. Clara is one fourth angel-blood and now that she is 16, she is well on her way to discovering and fulfilling her earthly purpose. Her visions point her to a certain boy in a burning forest so she and her mother and brother pack up and head to Jackson Hole Wyoming where Clara can find this mysterious boy that her visions are telling her she must save.[return][return]I really enjoyed some of the characters in this book, Clara and her brother were fascinating, discovering that they are part angel and having to deal with understanding the extraordinary powers that accompany that, but also trying to fit in a normal society without standing out. I also really enjoyed a lot of the background characters, such as Clara� s friends Angela, Stacy, and Tucker. However, Christian, the mysterious boy that Clara is meant to save, seemed like a very shallow character that could have used a little more work.[return][return]While I was fascinated by the background of the Nephilim, one of the complaints I have about Unearthly was that there are entirely too many things left unexplained, questions unanswered, which, to me, left too many holes in the plot. I understand that the reader learns things at the same time as Clara does, but I find it hard to believe that she is able to accept such incredible things and react to such unusual circumstances with barely any explanation as to what is going on or why. Clara� s mother is super secretive throughout the book and absolutely refuses to explain what it means to be an angel and what the higher � purpose� is all about.[return][return]That being said, the characters kept me interested in the story. I loved that there was a unique twist on the � immediate attraction� thing that is so common in YA today. I thoroughly enjoyed the teasing friendship that builds between Clara and Tucker. I was surprised by how quickly I was able to finish this book, it doesn� t really seem like a page turner since there really isn� t much action, but I think it was the unanswered questions that kept me reading, wanting to understand more about these angel-bloods. Unfortunately that doesn� t happen in Unearthly, so I� ll have to eagerly await the next in the series.[return][return]Rating 3 � I liked it but hope the next in the series answers more questions and explains things much better.(less)
I have never liked Science Fiction. I start off by saying this because I think that the fact that I was able to lose myself in this book so completely...moreI have never liked Science Fiction. I start off by saying this because I think that the fact that I was able to lose myself in this book so completely that I finished it in a day and a half shows how wonderfully written Across the Universe is. A brilliant story that is unfolded layer after layer, allowing the reader to understand more and more about the world and the people with each chapter. [return][return]With the first chapter, I was a little freaked out as the MC, Amy watches her mother getting cryogenically frozen. Needles and tubes and what not, ewww, definitely not my cup of tea and I skipped most of that. Once the book really gets started, as Godspeed is on its 300 year trek to a new planet, I was enthralled with the society that has been created on board. There were so many questions about how and why Eldest, the one chosen to lead the people on the ship, makes the decisions that he does, what it must take to lead a group of a couple thousand people who are confined in that place for their entire lives, and the ways the society has changed from generation to generation. Some of those questions were answered, many were not.[return][return]Elder� s relationship with Amy is very unique from many of the more recent YA books I� ve read. And in a good way. While there was an immediate attraction, there wasn� t that obsessive love that is so common in many novels. This was more of a budding friendship that you can see slowly changing to the possibility of love. The background characters were intriguing as well. I loved the artistic and moody Harley and the quirky odd Doc, and wanted to learn more about them.[return][return]The plot pacing was steady, keeping me involved and interested in what was going to happen next. Some of what I did not enjoy about the book was that the confrontation at the end felt rushed and tied up too neatly as far as the characters involved and the story ended rather abruptly. I� m curious as to whether there is going to be a sequel to Across the Universe to answer all of those unknown elements that I was left wondering about.[return][return]One of the things that initially grabbed my attention about the book was the Authors note at the beginning where she explains her inspiration for Across the Universe. Her upbringing in rural North Carolina and the small town nature of some such places. As I live in NC myself in a town with a population of 400, I can completely understand what she means. Then she goes on to say that what she did was � wrapped the county in steel and threw it into the stars� Brilliant. I look forward to reading more from Beth Revis.(less)
I really enjoyed the audio Wench by Dolen Perkins-Valdez from Audible.com. Quincy Tyler Bernstine did such an amazing job narrating this and capturing...moreI really enjoyed the audio Wench by Dolen Perkins-Valdez from Audible.com. Quincy Tyler Bernstine did such an amazing job narrating this and capturing and expressing the varying emotions of the characters. Quincy was really able to effectively present each character in a way that was relatable and gave me, as a reader, a real feel for that time period. [return][return]I thought Wench was an amazing debut novel. It tells the story of Tawana House, an American resort located in Ohio just before the Civil War. Tawana House was frequented by quite a few southern plantation owners who brought their slave mistresses with them which caused quite a bit of gossip for the northerners. Wench mainly focuses on the story of 4 particular women who are brought to Tawana House by their owners. Lizzie, Reenie, and Sweet, who have visited several times, are introduced to Mawu, whose unpredictable behavior and blunt honesty help the others to face some truths and begin to feel things they have never allowed themselves to feel. Most of all, hope. [return][return]One of the things that fascinated me the most was that Tawawa House actually existed. I guess that shouldn� t be so surprising, but I can see how learning about this place could inspire someone as talented as this author to tell its story. And I felt that Dolen Perkins-Valdez told it brilliantly. Even presenting such a painful subject as slavery and all the horrors that accompany it, while at times it was uncomfortable to read about, the characters were so engaging that I wanted to know their stories, however painful they may be. I was intrigued by the concept that, although these women were forced into a carnal relationship with their � owners� and even to have their children, some of the women considered themselves to be in love. The dynamic between all involved was as fascinating as it was disturbing. I was definitely presented with perspectives I had never before considered. [return][return]Overall, this was a beautifully written honest look at a painful period in history, but also a story about friendship, hope, and family. While Wench is in no way a fast paced novel, it is still a page-turner. What Dolen Perkins-Valdez does so well is present the complexities of those relationships between slave-owner-friends-family. All the shades of gray as well as what is inherently right and wrong in these situations are explored as well as how each individual character felt and reacted. I found it to be thought provoking and emotional, yet altogether satisfying. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys southern historical fiction.(less)
Miss Peregrines's Home for Peculiar Children is an odd sort of book with quirky characters and an almost sci-fi time-travelicious plot. The story begi...moreMiss Peregrines's Home for Peculiar Children is an odd sort of book with quirky characters and an almost sci-fi time-travelicious plot. The story begins with Jacob Portman losing his much beloved Grandfather who had, for years, told Jacob stories of growing up on a magical island with friends that had strange gifts. Jacob was devastated by his loss and also by the manner of his death and the fact that nobody seemed to believe him. At times, he even questioned his own sanity. Following the request of his dying Grandfather's last words, Jacob makes his way to the island where his Grandfather grew up to see for himself what was real and what was just fairy tale. This is where his real adventure begins.
I've read so many wonderful reviews of this book, I may have had unrealistic expectations for it because I did not enjoy it as much as I thought I would. The use of the incredible vintage photos to accent the story was wonderfully brilliant and were what I felt was the highlight of the book. The problem for me was, as peculiar as the children on the island were, they never really progressed much deeper than their particular oddity. I wanted to know more about each one of them but, while they were interesting enough, they were not quite as fully developed as I would have liked. I felt the same about the villains, I think their purpose was a little too vague and I would have liked a better understanding about the conflict between the two factions. The romance between Jacob and his love interest was fairly alarming and frankly a bit disgusting... and beyond that, it was not very believable as a relationship. I think if the book had been a bit longer so that the author could have further explored more of the characters, relationships, and plot, this book would have been a much better read for me.
All in all, I did LIKE the book, but I wanted to be overwhelmed like so many others felt about this unique novel. I will say that the presentation of the book itself and the use of the antique photos were highly original and fascinating. The story kept me interested enough to continue and not simply put it down and although I wanted more, I enjoyed what was there. (less)
XVI is a futuristic/dystopian young adult debut by Julia Karr that introduces us to Nina Oberon and her world of media brainwashing and strange govern...moreXVI is a futuristic/dystopian young adult debut by Julia Karr that introduces us to Nina Oberon and her world of media brainwashing and strange government control over society. Unfortunately, I did not enjoy XVI as much as I had anticipated. While I did enjoy the steady pacing and writing style, I thought that there wasn� t enough plot to carry the story. I would compare reading this novel to going to an amusement park and riding only the carousel. Its an enjoyable enough ride, relaxing and nice, but while you can just see the roller-coaster over the hill, you never quite make it there. Instead continuing at the same slow steady pace to the end, no ups, downs, twists or surprises.[return][return]Nina Oberon� s world almost seems like a pretty scary place with the government listening and watching everything you do, media flashing advertisements convincing you of who you want to aspire to be, and the underground resistance fighting against the status quo. But in XVI, we only get a small glimpse at all that� s going on, we never get to see the inner workings of either side and so I was left without a very clear understanding about the world. I felt the same about Nina� s friends and family, that the author just barely scratched the surface of who they were and I really couldn� t relate to any of the characters, plot, or world enough to be completely invested in the story.[return][return]I liked that the author tackled some serious issues such as teen self image and sexuality as it is influenced by the media. However, once again, I wish there would have been more to it than it just being mentioned throughout the book. There were too many things left unexplained, unexplored, and undeveloped for me to have enjoyed this. It felt too safe for the subject matter.(less)
Suicidal and anorexic teen Lisabeth Lewis' life changes drastically when a strange delivery man comes to her door and hands her a package containing a...moreSuicidal and anorexic teen Lisabeth Lewis' life changes drastically when a strange delivery man comes to her door and hands her a package containing a set of scales and proclaiming "Thou art Famine" Lisa learns that, as Famine, she has an innate understanding about food and hunger that has little to do with why she's been starving herself. As one of the mythical four horsemen, Famine's steed, which Lisa christens Midnight, accompanies her on several adventures into lands that have felt the touch of Famine. Lisa learns about hunger, herself and meets her fellow horsemen along the way.[return][return]Hunger was a fascinating young adult fantasy that strongly reminded me of Piers Anthony's Incarnations of Immortality series, which I loved. A lot of the subject matter discussed was a bit shocking and disturbing but ultimately very realistic. I truly enjoyed the very candid way they author tackled issues like anorexia, bulimia, as well as world hunger. But this wasn� t simply a book trying to make a statement about the issue of eating disorders, this was a very entertaining read with a well developed plot and a very unique story. Once I read a couple paragraphs of the first chapter, I was hooked, and I never once lost interest.[return] [return]The characterization in Hunger was great. Death was mysterious and intriguing, he seemed to be the leader of the Four Horsemen and there was just enough of him in the book to make me really want to read more about him as the series continues. I hope he gets his own book in the series eventually. The horses themselves were entertaining and seemed to have their own individual personality. Lisa was both a character that I pitied as well as cheered on. The gradual changes Lisa made throughout the book showed her growth in a way that was believable. I would highly recommend Hunger to anyone looking to read something unusual and outside the norm in young adult fantasy. [return][return]Rating 4- loved it and look forward to continuing the series(less)
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