Alba Arango's Blog, page 8
April 2, 2017
April Review: The Last Treasure
After getting a letter from an estranged aunt he’s never met, 13-year-old Ellsworth Smith decides to go, despite his father’s misgivings, and see the homes built by his ancestor John Matthew Smith. Once there, he discovers that only seven of the homes were ever lived in, the other three had treasures that the ancestor had “hidden” to help future generations in time of hardships. Two of the treasures have already been found, and now, as the family has been torn apart by feuds and money problems, it’s up to Ellsworth to find the last treasure.
What I liked: Ellsworth’s character is likable and totally relatable. I absolutely loved the setting and could easily picture the houses of the square. There’s also an element of mystery, which, of course, I love. And, the ending is also a feel-good, stressing the importance of family and working together.
What I didn’t like: The book took a while to get going; you’ve got to struggle to get through the beginning. But, once you do, the story picks up and becomes really interesting. So, stick it out, it is worth it.
4 out of 5 stars
What I liked: Ellsworth’s character is likable and totally relatable. I absolutely loved the setting and could easily picture the houses of the square. There’s also an element of mystery, which, of course, I love. And, the ending is also a feel-good, stressing the importance of family and working together.
What I didn’t like: The book took a while to get going; you’ve got to struggle to get through the beginning. But, once you do, the story picks up and becomes really interesting. So, stick it out, it is worth it.
4 out of 5 stars
March 4, 2017
March review: Three Times Lucky
Moses LoBeau (aka Mo) is a spunky 11-year-old girl who loves an adventure. But, when robbery, murder, and kidnapping arrive at her small town of Tupelo Landing, Mo and her best friend, Dale, decide to form a detective agency and solve the crimes, much to the chagrin of recently arrived Detective Starr.
What I liked: lots of great characters. Because the story takes place in a small town, all the characters (except the recently arrived detective) all know each other very well (maybe too well) and their interactions are fun and perfect. The main character is a true spitfire and the kind of girl you’d want as a friend if you were 11. It’s a mystery, which I love, and gets even more exciting as you near the end.
What I didn’t like: It’s a slow beginning. Very slow. Even though there’s a murder pretty close to the beginning of the book, it takes a while for the action to pick up. I found myself dragging to read the first half of the book. But, once I hit the second half, I had a hard time putting it down. Very exciting.
Overall, a good book.
4 out of 5 stars
What I liked: lots of great characters. Because the story takes place in a small town, all the characters (except the recently arrived detective) all know each other very well (maybe too well) and their interactions are fun and perfect. The main character is a true spitfire and the kind of girl you’d want as a friend if you were 11. It’s a mystery, which I love, and gets even more exciting as you near the end.
What I didn’t like: It’s a slow beginning. Very slow. Even though there’s a murder pretty close to the beginning of the book, it takes a while for the action to pick up. I found myself dragging to read the first half of the book. But, once I hit the second half, I had a hard time putting it down. Very exciting.
Overall, a good book.
4 out of 5 stars
February 4, 2017
Review of the month: The Secret of Patform 13
Every nine years for nine days a secret doorway opens allowing humans entry to a magical island where humans, ogres, giants, and elves live together in harmony. Nine years ago, just before the portal closed, the island’s young prince was stolen. Anxiously, the queen and king have waited for the doorway to reopen. Now, as the ninth year approaches, the royals prepare a ragtag group of rescuers to find the prince and return him to the island. Together, a wizard, an ogre, a fey, and a young hag befriend a kindly kitchen boy names Ben (of unknown parentage…hmmm) as they attempt to lure the rich and insufferable prince (are we sure that’s the prince?) back to the island.
What I liked: the first few chapters feel a lot like the first Harry Potter book, although written years before (maybe J.K. Rowling got her inspiration here). The characters are so much fun and eccentric, and the island itself made me want to try and find it. It’s a fun, fast-paced story with a charming, feel-good energy.
What I didn’t like: not a whole lot to not like. My one critique would be that there was no real villain. Mrs. Trottle and her obnoxious son are terrible people, to be sure. But, there was no real sense of danger. But, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It was a bit predictable, but again, not a bad thing. Overall, super cute.
4.5 out of 5 stars
What I liked: the first few chapters feel a lot like the first Harry Potter book, although written years before (maybe J.K. Rowling got her inspiration here). The characters are so much fun and eccentric, and the island itself made me want to try and find it. It’s a fun, fast-paced story with a charming, feel-good energy.
What I didn’t like: not a whole lot to not like. My one critique would be that there was no real villain. Mrs. Trottle and her obnoxious son are terrible people, to be sure. But, there was no real sense of danger. But, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It was a bit predictable, but again, not a bad thing. Overall, super cute.
4.5 out of 5 stars
January 2, 2017
Review: Loki's Wolves
I love mythology, so I was excited to read this. Most of the people in the small town of Blackwell, South Dakota, are descendants of the long-since dead Norse gods, Thor and Loki. With Ragnarok coming (aka the end of the world), the champions must fight in place of the gods. Of course, thirteen-year-old Matt Thorsen never thought it would be him. He screws everything up! Now he must put together the team of champions who will fight to prevent the end of the world.
What I liked: Great story line. I mean, you can’t go wrong with unlikely kids who must take on the world’s greatest monsters to save the world from destruction. Great characters. Matt, Fen, and Laurie are a great team, even if they have a hard time trusting each other. I also liked that each chapter was through the eyes of one of the three main characters, so you get to know each of them well.
What I didn’t like: It was a little slow at first, but not for long. And, I think it did need some explaining before delving into the action.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading the rest of the series.
5 out of 5 stars
What I liked: Great story line. I mean, you can’t go wrong with unlikely kids who must take on the world’s greatest monsters to save the world from destruction. Great characters. Matt, Fen, and Laurie are a great team, even if they have a hard time trusting each other. I also liked that each chapter was through the eyes of one of the three main characters, so you get to know each of them well.
What I didn’t like: It was a little slow at first, but not for long. And, I think it did need some explaining before delving into the action.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading the rest of the series.
5 out of 5 stars
December 7, 2016
I'm doing a giveaway!
Howdy all!
I've got a Goodreads giveaway going on right now until December 15th. If you win, you get a paperback copy of my newest book, Mission in Berlin, Good luck!!
https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sh...
I've got a Goodreads giveaway going on right now until December 15th. If you win, you get a paperback copy of my newest book, Mission in Berlin, Good luck!!
https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sh...
December 4, 2016
Review: Liar and Spy
12-year-old Georges (the s is silent) moves into a new apartment building and sees a sign for a “spy club meeting.” It is there where Georges meets Safer, the self-appointed spy, and the adventure begins. They start staking-out the mysterious Mr. X who dresses all in black and carries suitcases (full of what?) out of his apartment. As the stake-outs grow more intense, Georges starts to question Safer’s intentions and questionable methods. A great book about friendship and confronting your fears.
What I liked: the characters are fabulous. The main character Georges is so believable as a 12-year-old making a new friend. I liked being in his head and seeing all the characters through his eyes. The two families are also great. Each character is so completely different and interesting, it made me want to meet them in person.
What I didn’t like: the first half of the book is so slow. It was a struggle for me to plow through the beginning, but then, once it picked up, it was interesting (and the ending was great). But, the struggle was real. I almost didn’t finish it, and that is bad.
3.5 out of 5 stars
What I liked: the characters are fabulous. The main character Georges is so believable as a 12-year-old making a new friend. I liked being in his head and seeing all the characters through his eyes. The two families are also great. Each character is so completely different and interesting, it made me want to meet them in person.
What I didn’t like: the first half of the book is so slow. It was a struggle for me to plow through the beginning, but then, once it picked up, it was interesting (and the ending was great). But, the struggle was real. I almost didn’t finish it, and that is bad.
3.5 out of 5 stars
November 5, 2016
Review: Etiquette & Espionage
14-year-old Sophronia would much rather climb up things and take stuff apart than curtsy and sip tea. Once her mother decides to send her to finishing school, Sophronia thinks her life is destined for boredom. She is wrong. Mademoiselle Geraldine’s Finishing Academy for Young Ladies, located on a floating airship, does indeed teach how to be a proper young lady, along with how to be a proper assassin and a proper spy. When a missing prototype becomes the object of thieves, Sophronia decides she must find the prototype before they do, all while dealing with typical teen problems.
What I liked: it’s a Victorian paranormal steampunk novel. Seriously. It has werewolves and vampires and tea and crumpets, all set in a steampunk Victorian background. The main character is a strong, female lead who knows how to use her mind as well as her skills. The steampunk elements are fun, and although the paranormal elements are few and far between, it shows how interesting it would be to have a vampire as a teacher. It is light-hearted and fun, and a bit silly sometimes.
What I didn’t like: the language feels a bit dull. Because the author wants to remain true to the era, she writes in an old Victorian manner, which can drag on sometimes. Aside from Sophronia, none of the other main characters have any real personality and are pretty flat. The plot is a little thin, and at times, I’d forget what it is (a few times, I found myself skipping ahead because it was taking too long to get there). Luckily, Sophronia’s quirkiness kept the story itself moving.
3.5 out of 5 stars
What I liked: it’s a Victorian paranormal steampunk novel. Seriously. It has werewolves and vampires and tea and crumpets, all set in a steampunk Victorian background. The main character is a strong, female lead who knows how to use her mind as well as her skills. The steampunk elements are fun, and although the paranormal elements are few and far between, it shows how interesting it would be to have a vampire as a teacher. It is light-hearted and fun, and a bit silly sometimes.
What I didn’t like: the language feels a bit dull. Because the author wants to remain true to the era, she writes in an old Victorian manner, which can drag on sometimes. Aside from Sophronia, none of the other main characters have any real personality and are pretty flat. The plot is a little thin, and at times, I’d forget what it is (a few times, I found myself skipping ahead because it was taking too long to get there). Luckily, Sophronia’s quirkiness kept the story itself moving.
3.5 out of 5 stars
October 3, 2016
Review: Magnus Chase, Book 1
Magnus Chase has been a troubled kid since his mother’s death, living alone on the streets and trying to keep out of conflict with the police. Then, one day, everything changes. He learns he is the son of a Norse god. Oh, and all the Viking myths are true. Unfortunately, so is Ragnarok (aka Doomsday) and he, Magnus Chase, is the only one who can prevent it.
What I liked: great main character. Magnus is sarcastic (something I love) and snarky. All the characters, good and bad, are unique. I love Riordan’s writing style (he is my favorite author) and I loved learning about Norse mythology, something I knew very little about. As always, I love that his main characters are from a variety of different backgrounds, and this book is no different (from a Middle-Eastern girl to a mute elf that uses sign language). Fabulous.
What I did not like: the book was just too long. The writing was great, but there were way too many action scenes. It was like watching an action movie that was more action than character development. By around page 300, I was ready for the final battle/showdown, but I still had 200 pages left to read. I understand that there were many characters to introduce, but fully developing fewer characters would’ve been more enjoyable and allowed the story to be less choppy.
Still, I did enjoy the book.
The Sword of Summer
4 out of 5 stars
What I liked: great main character. Magnus is sarcastic (something I love) and snarky. All the characters, good and bad, are unique. I love Riordan’s writing style (he is my favorite author) and I loved learning about Norse mythology, something I knew very little about. As always, I love that his main characters are from a variety of different backgrounds, and this book is no different (from a Middle-Eastern girl to a mute elf that uses sign language). Fabulous.
What I did not like: the book was just too long. The writing was great, but there were way too many action scenes. It was like watching an action movie that was more action than character development. By around page 300, I was ready for the final battle/showdown, but I still had 200 pages left to read. I understand that there were many characters to introduce, but fully developing fewer characters would’ve been more enjoyable and allowed the story to be less choppy.
Still, I did enjoy the book.
The Sword of Summer
4 out of 5 stars
September 3, 2016
Review: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a stage play. If you are expecting it to read like a book, then you need to readjust your thinking. The play tells the story of Harry Potter (as an adult) and his youngest son, Albus. While Harry is dealing with problems at his job at the Ministry of Magic, Albus is struggling with his first year at Hogwarts, and the pressure of a family legacy.
What I liked: the characters are all fabulous. The originals (Harry, Hermione, and Ron) are adults now and act accordingly, not like they think they’re still teenagers. They behave as real adults would. The new characters of Albus and Scorpius are interesting and unique, and you find yourself rooting for their friendship. I also loved the time-travel element. So much fun. The father/son tension is also endearing. You feel bad for both of them.
What I didn’t like: I missed some of the old characters. I know that it’s unrealistic for a stage play to have so many characters, but I was left wondering what happened to some of the people (like why is Ron running the Joke Shop and not George?) The beginning is a little slow, it took me a little while to get into it. But, then I did enjoy it. It is a fast read.
4 out of 5 stars
What I liked: the characters are all fabulous. The originals (Harry, Hermione, and Ron) are adults now and act accordingly, not like they think they’re still teenagers. They behave as real adults would. The new characters of Albus and Scorpius are interesting and unique, and you find yourself rooting for their friendship. I also loved the time-travel element. So much fun. The father/son tension is also endearing. You feel bad for both of them.
What I didn’t like: I missed some of the old characters. I know that it’s unrealistic for a stage play to have so many characters, but I was left wondering what happened to some of the people (like why is Ron running the Joke Shop and not George?) The beginning is a little slow, it took me a little while to get into it. But, then I did enjoy it. It is a fast read.
4 out of 5 stars
August 4, 2016
Review: The Cabinet of Earths
Strange title. Strange book. In The Cabinet of Earths, 13-year-old timid Maya has moved to Paris (something she had no desire to do) and has a growing suspicion that her mother’s cancer is returning. But soon, she begins to notice strange things…the salamander door handle that moves, but only she sees it; a handsome purple-eyed man who seems too interested in Maya’s family; and a strange, magical cabinet that wants Maya as its keeper. When her little brother’s life becomes endangered, Maya becomes a powerhouse and challenges the forces of evil.
What I liked: Great characters! Maya is believable and her character grows throughout the story, and the relationship with her brother is sweet. All her relatives in France are so strange, and completely fascinating (I mean, who has a purple-eyed cousin that hasn’t aged in 100 years?). The plot is bizarre and different, and very, very interesting.
What I didn’t like: parts of the book move a bit slow. Characters are introduced (like the Dolphin), a big deal is made about them, and then they just sort of disappear. I thought that Paris would play more into the book since the author made it a point to move the characters there, but very few references to Paris are made and the story really could’ve taken place anywhere. But, all of these are minor. I still enjoyed the book.
4 out of 5 stars
What I liked: Great characters! Maya is believable and her character grows throughout the story, and the relationship with her brother is sweet. All her relatives in France are so strange, and completely fascinating (I mean, who has a purple-eyed cousin that hasn’t aged in 100 years?). The plot is bizarre and different, and very, very interesting.
What I didn’t like: parts of the book move a bit slow. Characters are introduced (like the Dolphin), a big deal is made about them, and then they just sort of disappear. I thought that Paris would play more into the book since the author made it a point to move the characters there, but very few references to Paris are made and the story really could’ve taken place anywhere. But, all of these are minor. I still enjoyed the book.
4 out of 5 stars
