Novel Novice (NovelNovice) - Portland, OR (121 books)

Novel Novice liked Heather's review of Chosen Ones:

" Stark and powerful. You won't forget this book. "

Novel Novice gave

to:

Fame: Suzane Collins: A Graphic Novel
by Sara Grundell

My rating:

Novel Novice marked as to-read:

Want
by Stephanie Lawton (Goodreads Author)

My rating:

Novel Novice marked as to-read:

Chosen Ones (The Lost Souls, #1)
by Tiffany Truitt

My rating:

Novel Novice voted for City of Fallen Angels (The Mortal Instruments, #4) in Best Goodreads Author in the Final Round of the 2011 Goodreads Choice Awards.

City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

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Novel Novice gave

to:

Sweetly (Fairytale Retellings, #2)
by Jackson Pearce (Goodreads Author)

My rating:

For fans (like me) who adored Sisters Red, Jackson Pearce’s new companion novel Sweetly proves a worthy follow-up in the author’s series of modernized fairy tale adaptations.

Whereas Sisters Red offered a new take on the Little Red Riding Hood tale, S...moreFor fans (like me) who adored Sisters Red, Jackson Pearce’s new companion novel Sweetly proves a worthy follow-up in the author’s series of modernized fairy tale adaptations.

Whereas Sisters Red offered a new take on the Little Red Riding Hood tale, Sweetly is a a modern twist on Hansel & Gretel.

Pearce’s skills for adapting & modernizing fairy tales is nothing short of brilliant. It’s delightful seeing bits and pieces from the world of Sisters Red crossing over into Sweetly — in moments both subtle and more obvious. You can see how it fits into the same universe of Sisters Red — yet at the same time, Sweetly is wholly accessible to someone who hasn’t read the first book.

Likewise, you can see how Pearce is setting up for yet another companion book — and all I can say is: bring it on. (Especially because all hints are pointing to a Little Mermaid adaptation — only my favorite fairy tale of all time.)

Much as in Sisters Red, Pearce once again writes a book featuring some strong, ass-kicking girl characters! (Something I like to call the “Buffy factor.”) Gretchen does a lot of growing up in this book, and while her fears are frustrating at first — as a reader, it’s entirely rewarding to see her own those fears and fight back. Pearce’s other characters also hold their own: from the swoon-worthy Samuel, to loyal brother Ansel, to the sweet yet mysterious Sophia Kelly.

But really, the key to Sweetly’s success is the way Pearce builds up the mystery at the heart of the book. Even for readers who remember Sisters Red, there are new secrets to uncover and the reader is right there along with Gretchen as she peels back layer upon layer until the truth is finally revealed amid a dramatic, action-filled climax. (Cue some of that ass-kicking I was talking about.)

Toss in some shooting lessons and sizzling chemistry with the mysterious new guy in town, some delectable sweets that will have you craving chocolates and candied fruit, and you have a winning combination.(less)

Novel Novice gave

to:

Forgotten
by Cat Patrick (Goodreads Author)

My rating:

Reality gets a dose of the strange in Cat Patrick’s debut novel, Forgotten — in which a teen girl goes to sleep every night, and wakes up every day with no memory of the past. Instead, she has “future memories” — that is, she knows what’s going to ha...moreReality gets a dose of the strange in Cat Patrick’s debut novel, Forgotten — in which a teen girl goes to sleep every night, and wakes up every day with no memory of the past. Instead, she has “future memories” — that is, she knows what’s going to happen, just not what has already happened. Trying to maintain a semi-normal high school life is hard enough — and London Lane has it even harder trying to keep track of everything she forgets each night. Notes and reminders only go so far — especially when she starts dating the handsome new guy in town. But the more time London spends with Luke, the more she starts to experience bizarre memories — ones she can’t figure out are memories of the future or the past. And why isn’t Luke in any of her future memories, when things seem to be going so well?

I adore the characters in this book, and the relationship between London and Luke sizzles. It’s really the book’s strongest point, with the rest of the action orbiting around their sparkling romance and the challenges London’s “gift” poses. (Like dosing off during your date, only to wake up and have no idea how you got to be in a parked van with a boy you don’t know!)

There’s even an element of mystery to London and Luke’s relationship — one of several mysteries that unfold throughout the book as London uncovers more clues about her past, her present and her future. The ending definitely holds some twists and surprises, though it unfolds slowly and quietly. There were a lot of false starts to the climax, which never peaked quite as big as I expected. But Patrick does a good job of wrapping up the story without making everything too tidy. She gives you just enough to imagine for yourself what the future holds for these characters. (Forgotten is a standalone book; no additional books are planned — which in my opinion is a refreshing deviation from all the multi-book series out there.)

But where Patrick really gets points are for executing such a clever and potentially confusing concept. Writing a first person POV from a character who forgets every night what happens the day before is a risky move — but Patrick does so quite handily.(less)

Novel Novice gave

to:

The Day Before
by Lisa Schroeder (Goodreads Author)

My rating:

Last year, after reading Chasing Brooklyn by Lisa Schroeder, I declared it to be my favorite book of hers to date. But I think she has outdone herself once again. The Day Before by Lisa Schroeder is nothing short of perfect.

The book (written in ver...moreLast year, after reading Chasing Brooklyn by Lisa Schroeder, I declared it to be my favorite book of hers to date. But I think she has outdone herself once again. The Day Before by Lisa Schroeder is nothing short of perfect.

The book (written in verse, like Lisa’s three other YA novels), tells the story of Amber, who escapes from her family and friends for a day all to herself at the beach. Her life is spiraling out of control, and she needs just one day alone; to live for herself and no one else. While there, she meets Cade — who seems in search of his own day. Together, they agree to spend 24 hours, living in the moment — no questions asked. But the more time Amber spends with Cade (and the more their connection seems to grow), the more she feels the need to know exactly what’s wrong in his life and how she can help. If she can help.

Amber and Cade are two of my new favorite characters in fiction Amber, with her dyed-hair, jelly bean obsession and rock girl attitude — and Cade, with his skinny jeans, and oh-so-adorable references to movies like “Say Anything.” And while Amber and Cade carry the story, they are not the only ones worth loving in The Day Before. Amber’s parents each have small moments to shine, as does her sister and her best friend. A brief appearance by Cade’s friends give you a tiny glimpse into his world beyond this single day.

As always, Lisa’s writing is beautiful. She chooses her words so carefully, and it comes across in each beautiful verse of the novel. On each page, Lisa beautifully captures the emotions and feelings of her characters — anger, melancholy, the tingles of first love. Likewise, her descriptions will whisk you away to the Oregon coast. Reading The Day Before made me wish I was there, with the sand and the gray ocean and the cloudy skies and the saltwater taffy that makes a day on the Oregon coast oh-so-perfect. In small ways, The Day Before is almost a little love letter to these perfect places.

But I think what I loved most about The Day Before was seeing the whole story come together as pieces of the mystery are revealed. Lisa peels back the layers of her story so delicately — giving you just enough to satisfy, yet not quite enough so that you simply must keep reading. What’s even more, is that Lisa manages to avoid becoming predictable. Even if you think you know where the story is going, you’ll find yourself surprised.

What’s more is, The Day Before will leave you filled up with hope and happiness. It’s a story about accepting one’s fears, and moving on even when that fear remains.(less)

Novel Novice gave

to:

Forever (The Wolves of Mercy Falls, #3)
by Maggie Stiefvater (Goodreads Author)

My rating:

There’s something magical about seeing a series come together in its final installment — and there is magic aplenty in Forever by Maggie Stiefvater — the third and final book in her Wolves of Mercy Falls trilogy. In this final installment, everything...moreThere’s something magical about seeing a series come together in its final installment — and there is magic aplenty in Forever by Maggie Stiefvater — the third and final book in her Wolves of Mercy Falls trilogy. In this final installment, everything that transpired in the first two books comes to a dramatic climax.

I’m going to attempt to keep this review 100% spoiler-free, so bear with me if I am vague. Keeping that in mind, here is why Forever totally rocks:

1. It’s not an easy story. Stiefvater has crafted a complex drama for her characters in Shiver and Linger, and in Forever she masterfully brings everything full circle. She’s clearly done a lot of leg work on the research and planning — and that’s evident in each twist the story takes.

2. Romance that makes you swoon. As always, the romance between Sam and Grace is beautiful — and Stiefvater takes things to a whole new level in Forever, as the couple is forced to face the challenges ahead of them (something they largely tried to ignore in Linger). But there’s a whole new element of chemistry that sizzles as Isabelle and Cole struggle to figure out what they mean to each other — as well as what roles they will take in the unfolding drama.

3. More to the story. There’s so much going on in Forever — and I love that there are all these different layers to the story. For the sake of avoiding spoilers, I’ll keep this short, but my two favorite elements are: the wolves (not Sam & Grace) and Grace’s parents. Tough subjects both beautifully addressed.

4. Beautiful prose. As always, Stiefvater’s writing is elegant and perfectly crafted. Each passage just oozes onto the page, and I often found myself getting caught up in the language. It’s simply breathtaking.

5. Pitch-perfect ending. It can be hard ending any book, but especially the last in the series. You often run the risk of disappointing or even angering fans — and in many cases, fans will be split on their opinion of the finale. However, as far as I’m concerned, Stiefvater has crafted the perfect ending to her Wolves of Mercy Falls series. While much of Forever made me anxious as a reader and kept me on edge, I closed the book feeling entirely satisfied — and ultimately, that’s what I look for when I read.(less)

Novel Novice gave

to:

Forbidden
by Tabitha Suzuma (Goodreads Author)

My rating:

Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma is not an easy read — but it is a beautiful book, with a heartbreaking story of forbidden love.

Forbidden tells the story of 17-year-old Lochan and 16-year-old Maya. Together, they’ve raised their three younger siblings d...more

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Novel Novice liked Heather's review of Chosen Ones: " Stark and powerful. You won't forget this book. "
Feb 18, 2012 08:09am · see review
Novel Novice gave to: Fame: Suzane Collins: A Graphic Novel by Sara Grundell	My rating:
Feb 18, 2012 07:57am
Novel Novice marked as to-read: Want by Stephanie Lawton (Goodreads Author)	My rating:
Jan 31, 2012 12:36pm
Novel Novice marked as to-read: Chosen Ones (The Lost Souls, #1) by Tiffany Truitt	My rating:
Dec 30, 2011 09:28am
Novel Novice voted for City of Fallen Angels (The Mortal Instruments, #4) in Best Goodreads Author in the Final Round of the 2011 Goodreads Choice Awards. cast your vote
Nov 21, 2011 08:28am
Novel Novice gave to: Sweetly (Fairytale Retellings, #2) by Jackson Pearce (Goodreads Author)	My rating:
For fans (like me) who adored Sisters Red, Jackson Pearce’s new companion novel Sweetly proves a worthy follow-up in the author’s series of modernized fairy tale adaptations. Whereas Sisters Red offered a new take on the Little Red Riding Hood tale, S...more
Aug 13, 2011 12:57pm · see review
Novel Novice gave to: Forgotten by Cat Patrick (Goodreads Author)	My rating:
Reality gets a dose of the strange in Cat Patrick’s debut novel, Forgotten — in which a teen girl goes to sleep every night, and wakes up every day with no memory of the past. Instead, she has “future memories” — that is, she knows what’s going to ha...more
Aug 13, 2011 12:56pm · see review
Novel Novice gave to: The Day Before by Lisa Schroeder (Goodreads Author)	My rating:
Last year, after reading Chasing Brooklyn by Lisa Schroeder, I declared it to be my favorite book of hers to date. But I think she has outdone herself once again. The Day Before by Lisa Schroeder is nothing short of perfect. The book (written in ver...more
Aug 13, 2011 12:52pm · see review
Novel Novice gave to: Forever (The Wolves of Mercy Falls, #3) by Maggie Stiefvater (Goodreads Author)	My rating:
There’s something magical about seeing a series come together in its final installment — and there is magic aplenty in Forever by Maggie Stiefvater — the third and final book in her Wolves of Mercy Falls trilogy. In this final installment, everything...more
Aug 13, 2011 12:51pm · see review
Novel Novice gave to: Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma (Goodreads Author)	My rating:
Forbidden by Tabitha Suzuma is not an easy read — but it is a beautiful book, with a heartbreaking story of forbidden love. Forbidden tells the story of 17-year-old Lochan and 16-year-old Maya. Together, they’ve raised their three younger siblings d...more
Jun 28, 2011 02:22pm · see review

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