Molly Looby's Blog, page 11
September 20, 2015
Third Circle - Jerry Beckett
Blurb
An old-fashioned adventure set in western Cornwall. A spirit of immense power is seeking to destroy our world. Our last defence lies in the weathered stone circles of Cornwall, but their resilience is failing as they crumble away. Karin is dying from a family sickness. She is healed by having the dried blood of an ancestor bound into her veins. It imbues her with power from the ancient land of Cornwall, and she is shown how to use that power in defence of the stone circles by a mystic called Ambrose Pearce. A local farmer, Jago Struck, is possessed by the spirit. His family has long sought to destroy the stone circles. He kidnaps Karin's brother Denzil in the hope of getting similar power for himself and his master. The evil spirit strives to break through the stone circles that form age-old barriers protecting the land. The circles are weakening, especially the Third Circle at Tregeseal. Karin's power and connection with the land may be the only hope. That hope begins to fail when Denzil enters the battle ... against his sister.
My Review
I found it strange that while reading Third Circle, all I could hear was the Cornish accent Jerry would do whilst reading chapters of this out. I am lucky enough to go to the same writers' club as Jerry and I couldn't help hearing his voice in the dialogue of his characters. I think that's a compliment as it was a while ago that he read chapters of this to us and that proves that something about this story has stayed with me.
I'm also glad that I got to read Third Circle from the beginning at last. I've got to tell you, the whole thing makes a lot more sense if you read it from the start! But the same things shone through as when I first heard chapters: the charm of the story and the characters. It's so rare to find a book so different but this is a great example.
Third Circle is filled with magic, adventure and a British-ness I couldn't help but love. Plus it has the added bonus of being unlike anything I've ever read before.
Molly LoobyAuthor / Ghostwriter / Editor / Blogger / Reviewer / Wrimo / Movellian / ZA Readymolly.looby@hotmail.com
An old-fashioned adventure set in western Cornwall. A spirit of immense power is seeking to destroy our world. Our last defence lies in the weathered stone circles of Cornwall, but their resilience is failing as they crumble away. Karin is dying from a family sickness. She is healed by having the dried blood of an ancestor bound into her veins. It imbues her with power from the ancient land of Cornwall, and she is shown how to use that power in defence of the stone circles by a mystic called Ambrose Pearce. A local farmer, Jago Struck, is possessed by the spirit. His family has long sought to destroy the stone circles. He kidnaps Karin's brother Denzil in the hope of getting similar power for himself and his master. The evil spirit strives to break through the stone circles that form age-old barriers protecting the land. The circles are weakening, especially the Third Circle at Tregeseal. Karin's power and connection with the land may be the only hope. That hope begins to fail when Denzil enters the battle ... against his sister.
My Review
I found it strange that while reading Third Circle, all I could hear was the Cornish accent Jerry would do whilst reading chapters of this out. I am lucky enough to go to the same writers' club as Jerry and I couldn't help hearing his voice in the dialogue of his characters. I think that's a compliment as it was a while ago that he read chapters of this to us and that proves that something about this story has stayed with me.
I'm also glad that I got to read Third Circle from the beginning at last. I've got to tell you, the whole thing makes a lot more sense if you read it from the start! But the same things shone through as when I first heard chapters: the charm of the story and the characters. It's so rare to find a book so different but this is a great example.
Third Circle is filled with magic, adventure and a British-ness I couldn't help but love. Plus it has the added bonus of being unlike anything I've ever read before.
Molly LoobyAuthor / Ghostwriter / Editor / Blogger / Reviewer / Wrimo / Movellian / ZA Readymolly.looby@hotmail.com
September 14, 2015
The Fall of Five - Pittacus Lore
This is book four in the Lorien Legacies series - which I highly recommend - so if you don't want books 1, 2 and 3 spoilt, please don't read on!
A Spoiler Free Bit About The Book
The whole gang gets together at last!
My Review
Okay, out of all four of the Lorien Legacies books I've read so far, this was my least favourite, so it was sort of disappointing because the third one was my favourite.
It felt too slow to start considering how fast and action-packed book three was. This had me struggling to get into it like the others that I could hardly put down.
It was also sometimes difficult to follow. Each book brings a new point of view. Book one was Four/John Smith then we added Marina/Seven in book two and Six in book three and now Sam. I'm not saying that I don't like these POVs. I actually think it's amazing that I like them all. But you can tell who is speaking at a glance based on the fonts used but now some of the fonts are similar and I had to really concentrate to figure out who was in charge. But during one scene, it jumped around so much I almost completely lost what was going on. It was such a shame because Lore's action sequences are usually so clear.
The ending was a bit boring to be honest with you. I've come to expect a certain level of wow with these books and this one just didn't pack as much of a punch. I got to the exciting part and I started turning pages and getting into it and then it ended. I was like, "oh . . . it's over?"
But even after all this, it was still great.
Evaluation
Overall 8/10
Would I recommend it? Yes. I love this series.
Would I look up the author? Yes. I will be reading book five as soon as I get my hands on it.
The Fall of Five wasn't quite as good as its predecessors but it was still great.
Molly Looby
Author / Ghostwriter / Editor / Blogger / Reviewer / Wrimo / Movellian / ZA Ready
molly.looby@hotmail.com
A Spoiler Free Bit About The Book
The whole gang gets together at last!
My Review
Okay, out of all four of the Lorien Legacies books I've read so far, this was my least favourite, so it was sort of disappointing because the third one was my favourite.
It felt too slow to start considering how fast and action-packed book three was. This had me struggling to get into it like the others that I could hardly put down.
It was also sometimes difficult to follow. Each book brings a new point of view. Book one was Four/John Smith then we added Marina/Seven in book two and Six in book three and now Sam. I'm not saying that I don't like these POVs. I actually think it's amazing that I like them all. But you can tell who is speaking at a glance based on the fonts used but now some of the fonts are similar and I had to really concentrate to figure out who was in charge. But during one scene, it jumped around so much I almost completely lost what was going on. It was such a shame because Lore's action sequences are usually so clear.
The ending was a bit boring to be honest with you. I've come to expect a certain level of wow with these books and this one just didn't pack as much of a punch. I got to the exciting part and I started turning pages and getting into it and then it ended. I was like, "oh . . . it's over?"
But even after all this, it was still great.
Evaluation
Overall 8/10
Would I recommend it? Yes. I love this series.
Would I look up the author? Yes. I will be reading book five as soon as I get my hands on it.
The Fall of Five wasn't quite as good as its predecessors but it was still great.
Molly Looby
Author / Ghostwriter / Editor / Blogger / Reviewer / Wrimo / Movellian / ZA Ready
molly.looby@hotmail.com
September 6, 2015
Starcrossed - Josephine Angelini
A Spoiler Free Bit About The Book
Helen hates Lucas . . . I couldn't read much more of it after that.
My Review
The first thing you should know is that I avoided Starcrossed for years because the theme of Fire and Ice, the novel I've been perfecting, is also about two people who hate-love each other. Now I'm all done with it, I'm ready to read my competition.
I shouldn't have worried.
The first adverb was a doosey: 'optimistically'. How does that not jar for everyone reading? Plus, it couldn't be more superfluous. And in the second sentence of the novel. My hope plummeted after this. There were a load more adverbs, a lot of them embarrassing like this one. 'Lamely' for example was used more than once in the fifty pages I read. But you don't need me barking on about that. I've got a lot more to say about Starcrossed.
What stuck out to me was the 'telling'. Now I admit, 'telling' and not 'showing' is a hard thing to master but that's what separates new authors and ones that have stuck with their craft. I felt like Angelini had so much still to learn and yet someone had published her book? It wasn't just me being picky, I swear, we were told way too much in the first three pages. Three. A lot of it was easy to work out too but for some reason Angelini had to tell me who Helen's best friend was. Really? You don't think I could've worked that out for myself? The fact that Helen's pleased to see her? The fact she has a nickname for her? The fact that they talk easy together? No? That's not good enough. . . . well what do I know? I've never been published. *mumbles profanities about the publishing industry*
Even worse was the dialogue! It was so forced I was cringing. No one has conversations like these! I think they were supposed to be funny but I was just focusing on getting through this first disaster of a chapter, and I tell you, it was a challenge.
By less than ten pages in, I decided I at least had to wait for the love interest, Lucas, to show up before dropping the book like it was infectious and I'd catch its case of terrible. It was a long old wait. It's funnier if I give you an accurate representation of my thoughts while reading up until we meet Lucas.
Wait . . . I think I've read this somewhere before . . . "The entire family was supposed to be unbelievably smart and beautiful and wealthy". Hmm. I know everyone is still getting a kick out of hating Twilight (Whatever, I liked it when I was fifteen) but come on. This sentence alone shows that Meyer did it better. A hundred times better! Jeez.
I'm sorry, this is too hilarious. She's already complaining about Lucas and she hasn't even met him. Why would she have any inclination to do that? What, people who've read this book to the end? Something about them being like Greek God enemies or something ridiculous? I can't believe this book is a real thing.
I need to meet Lucas . . . now. But I also quite like my brain and I don't want it to up and walk out so I've got to skim. I have to. For the sake of my sanity.
Jeez . . . there's a lot of faff. On and on and on it goes. Give me Lucas! I've made a commitment dammit!
My god these characters are annoying.
What? Chapter two and still no Lucas? I'm on page 40 for crying out loud! I need this nightmare to be over! I'm not sure how much more I can take . . .
Yes! At last! Lucas. Oh my goodness, do I want to cry right now? I've never been so happy to see a character I haven't met yet. But there he is: "Then Helen saw Lucas for the first time".
Wait, what?
The paragraph following is a description of the weather? No! Give me a description of Lucas for god's sake! I can't even . . .
Okay, I'm sorry. This is too hilarious. She rushes over and then collapses? What is this? Where is the subtlety? About seven hundred miles away it seems.
I'm done. Okay. I can't. I'm done.
Well . . . at least I can say one thing for certain. I did it better.
Evaluation
Overall 1/10 - DID NOT FINISH
Would I recommend it? No. I wasn't ever sure what was supposed to draw me in and keep reading.
Would I look up the author? No. Angelini has so much still to learn
Starcrossed reached a new level of not wanting to finish a book.
Molly LoobyAuthor / Ghostwriter / Editor / Blogger / Reviewer / Wrimo / Movellian / ZA Readymolly.looby@hotmail.com
Helen hates Lucas . . . I couldn't read much more of it after that.
My Review
The first thing you should know is that I avoided Starcrossed for years because the theme of Fire and Ice, the novel I've been perfecting, is also about two people who hate-love each other. Now I'm all done with it, I'm ready to read my competition.
I shouldn't have worried.
The first adverb was a doosey: 'optimistically'. How does that not jar for everyone reading? Plus, it couldn't be more superfluous. And in the second sentence of the novel. My hope plummeted after this. There were a load more adverbs, a lot of them embarrassing like this one. 'Lamely' for example was used more than once in the fifty pages I read. But you don't need me barking on about that. I've got a lot more to say about Starcrossed.
What stuck out to me was the 'telling'. Now I admit, 'telling' and not 'showing' is a hard thing to master but that's what separates new authors and ones that have stuck with their craft. I felt like Angelini had so much still to learn and yet someone had published her book? It wasn't just me being picky, I swear, we were told way too much in the first three pages. Three. A lot of it was easy to work out too but for some reason Angelini had to tell me who Helen's best friend was. Really? You don't think I could've worked that out for myself? The fact that Helen's pleased to see her? The fact she has a nickname for her? The fact that they talk easy together? No? That's not good enough. . . . well what do I know? I've never been published. *mumbles profanities about the publishing industry*
Even worse was the dialogue! It was so forced I was cringing. No one has conversations like these! I think they were supposed to be funny but I was just focusing on getting through this first disaster of a chapter, and I tell you, it was a challenge.
By less than ten pages in, I decided I at least had to wait for the love interest, Lucas, to show up before dropping the book like it was infectious and I'd catch its case of terrible. It was a long old wait. It's funnier if I give you an accurate representation of my thoughts while reading up until we meet Lucas.
Wait . . . I think I've read this somewhere before . . . "The entire family was supposed to be unbelievably smart and beautiful and wealthy". Hmm. I know everyone is still getting a kick out of hating Twilight (Whatever, I liked it when I was fifteen) but come on. This sentence alone shows that Meyer did it better. A hundred times better! Jeez.
I'm sorry, this is too hilarious. She's already complaining about Lucas and she hasn't even met him. Why would she have any inclination to do that? What, people who've read this book to the end? Something about them being like Greek God enemies or something ridiculous? I can't believe this book is a real thing.
I need to meet Lucas . . . now. But I also quite like my brain and I don't want it to up and walk out so I've got to skim. I have to. For the sake of my sanity.
Jeez . . . there's a lot of faff. On and on and on it goes. Give me Lucas! I've made a commitment dammit!
My god these characters are annoying.
What? Chapter two and still no Lucas? I'm on page 40 for crying out loud! I need this nightmare to be over! I'm not sure how much more I can take . . .
Yes! At last! Lucas. Oh my goodness, do I want to cry right now? I've never been so happy to see a character I haven't met yet. But there he is: "Then Helen saw Lucas for the first time".
Wait, what?
The paragraph following is a description of the weather? No! Give me a description of Lucas for god's sake! I can't even . . .
Okay, I'm sorry. This is too hilarious. She rushes over and then collapses? What is this? Where is the subtlety? About seven hundred miles away it seems.
I'm done. Okay. I can't. I'm done.
Well . . . at least I can say one thing for certain. I did it better.
Evaluation
Overall 1/10 - DID NOT FINISH
Would I recommend it? No. I wasn't ever sure what was supposed to draw me in and keep reading.
Would I look up the author? No. Angelini has so much still to learn
Starcrossed reached a new level of not wanting to finish a book.
Molly LoobyAuthor / Ghostwriter / Editor / Blogger / Reviewer / Wrimo / Movellian / ZA Readymolly.looby@hotmail.com
August 30, 2015
Shimmer - Paula Weston
Shimmer is book three in the Rephiam series so
Shadow
and
Haze
spoilers might lurk here. Please be warned. Also, go and read Shadow and Haze right this instant! You won't regret it.
A Little Bit of Blurb
Gaby thought her life couldn't get more complicated. She was wrong.
My Review
Okay, readers of my blog will know how much I love this book series. I included it in my 'Books Nobody's Reading That Everyone Should Be Reading' blog. Third place no less. That means these books have done a serious number on my heart. I also want to invite Gaby to 'My YA Imaginary Literary Tea Party'. In fact, I want Gaby to be my best friend. I'm serious.
I wanted to point that out so you know how difficult it is for me to say anything bad about these books but I felt like I should try, you know, for the sake of a review. Okay, here we go . . .
The 'Who's Who' at the beginning made me worry that I wouldn't remember all the characters and how they fit together. After all, there are so many characters in these books and some of them have quite similar names. (Malachi and Micah got me a few times). Unfortunately, I was correct in my worrying. Twenty pages in and I was struggling to get my head round everyone and everything that was going on. And I'm usually really good at remembering characters. I'm such a character person and I felt bad for not remembering everyone. It took a long time but eventaully I got my bearings. With another series I wouldn't have had the patience but I love Gaby so much so . . .
I also struggled with the Sanctuary itself. It's such a huge place with so many different rooms and functions that I had to wing it a bit. I didn't know how things connected or how the place was supposed to look but I didn't care that much. Like I said, I'm all about the characters so I didn't let it bother me that much.
The last thing I could think of to criticise was that Weston describes a lot of smells. Yeah, you can see I'm kinda nit-picking now. I'm not even sure this is a criticsm. I just haven't seen many authors describe smells before and each time it happened I was like "Huh, okay . . .".
But who am I kidding? Of course I loved every page!
Most of the book is one day - actually I think the whole thing is a twenty-four hour period - and that made me feel as exhausted as Gaby but I think that was the desired effect. As an author myself, I know how difficult that is. I couldn't write a book that takes place just over one day! That's such an achievment in my eyes!
I'm so not sorry to be in love with this series. I know it's not perfect, no book is, but I want to know the Rephaim. Each and every one of them. I could read about them all day. The connection I have to these characters is much more important than remembering who exactly was who - of course I remembered my favourites and the main characters. It is rare to be so engrossed by a book that you can't let it out of your sight. I wanted to cry when Gaby did. I laughed with her. I lived her life in Shimmer and that is more incredile than these 'literary masterpieces' you get. Whatever, I like supernatural YA. I love Weston's world and that's all that matters.
Okay, I'm done gushing.
I need the next one!
It's strange to think that by the time this review goes live I will have Burn in my hands. Well, I better! I need it!
Evaluation
Overall 8/10 - but in my heart I wanted to give a 10!
Would I recommend it? Yes. Oh my goodness, yes!
Would I look up the author? Yes but she's not written anything else yet. I'll be waiting for whatever it is though. I need more Weston books in my life!
Shimmer was confusing at times but incredible. I can't get enough of the Rephiam!
Molly LoobyAuthor / Ghostwriter / Editor / Blogger / Reviewer / Wrimo / Movellian / ZA Readymolly.looby@hotmail.com
A Little Bit of Blurb
Gaby thought her life couldn't get more complicated. She was wrong.
My Review
Okay, readers of my blog will know how much I love this book series. I included it in my 'Books Nobody's Reading That Everyone Should Be Reading' blog. Third place no less. That means these books have done a serious number on my heart. I also want to invite Gaby to 'My YA Imaginary Literary Tea Party'. In fact, I want Gaby to be my best friend. I'm serious.
I wanted to point that out so you know how difficult it is for me to say anything bad about these books but I felt like I should try, you know, for the sake of a review. Okay, here we go . . .
The 'Who's Who' at the beginning made me worry that I wouldn't remember all the characters and how they fit together. After all, there are so many characters in these books and some of them have quite similar names. (Malachi and Micah got me a few times). Unfortunately, I was correct in my worrying. Twenty pages in and I was struggling to get my head round everyone and everything that was going on. And I'm usually really good at remembering characters. I'm such a character person and I felt bad for not remembering everyone. It took a long time but eventaully I got my bearings. With another series I wouldn't have had the patience but I love Gaby so much so . . .
I also struggled with the Sanctuary itself. It's such a huge place with so many different rooms and functions that I had to wing it a bit. I didn't know how things connected or how the place was supposed to look but I didn't care that much. Like I said, I'm all about the characters so I didn't let it bother me that much.
The last thing I could think of to criticise was that Weston describes a lot of smells. Yeah, you can see I'm kinda nit-picking now. I'm not even sure this is a criticsm. I just haven't seen many authors describe smells before and each time it happened I was like "Huh, okay . . .".
But who am I kidding? Of course I loved every page!
Most of the book is one day - actually I think the whole thing is a twenty-four hour period - and that made me feel as exhausted as Gaby but I think that was the desired effect. As an author myself, I know how difficult that is. I couldn't write a book that takes place just over one day! That's such an achievment in my eyes!
I'm so not sorry to be in love with this series. I know it's not perfect, no book is, but I want to know the Rephaim. Each and every one of them. I could read about them all day. The connection I have to these characters is much more important than remembering who exactly was who - of course I remembered my favourites and the main characters. It is rare to be so engrossed by a book that you can't let it out of your sight. I wanted to cry when Gaby did. I laughed with her. I lived her life in Shimmer and that is more incredile than these 'literary masterpieces' you get. Whatever, I like supernatural YA. I love Weston's world and that's all that matters.
Okay, I'm done gushing.
I need the next one!
It's strange to think that by the time this review goes live I will have Burn in my hands. Well, I better! I need it!
Evaluation
Overall 8/10 - but in my heart I wanted to give a 10!
Would I recommend it? Yes. Oh my goodness, yes!
Would I look up the author? Yes but she's not written anything else yet. I'll be waiting for whatever it is though. I need more Weston books in my life!
Shimmer was confusing at times but incredible. I can't get enough of the Rephiam!
Molly LoobyAuthor / Ghostwriter / Editor / Blogger / Reviewer / Wrimo / Movellian / ZA Readymolly.looby@hotmail.com
August 23, 2015
An Abundance of Katherines - John Green
A Spoiler Free Bit About The Book
Colin has loved and lost nineteen Katherines and his best friend Hassan decides they need to go on a road trip. What ensues is funny, thoughtful and heart-warming.
My Review
As readers of this blog will already know, I am a total sucker for John Green. I'm sorry but I just am. I think he's a genius. Having said that, although I loved 'Katherines' it is my least favourite of his books so far.
First, I was surprised to find it written in the third person. I must admit, I was disappointed. However, it made sense for the character of Colin and it was still written beautifully.
Other than that I can't pinpoint why exactly this one is my least favourite. (I've read all of Green's books so far except 'Will Grason, Will Grason'.) It still had all the terrific Green qualities I know and love. For example, the characters were so loveable I could just be with them all day. Especially Hassan. He was by far my favourite.
I also loved the random approach this seemed to be written in. A totally Colin decision that made it immensely readable. I found the facts fascinating and the insights into human behaviour hilarious.
As per my love of Green, I read half in one sitting and the whole book in a day and a half. I just didn't want to stop reading for anything or anyone.
It was heart-warming, intelligent and funny - the kind of story that stays with you forever. It made me feel good and right and human.
Evaluation
Overall 9/10 - lucky me, the last six books I've read haven't been lower than an 8
Would I recommend it? Yes, without a doubt.
Would I look up the author? Yes but I don't have to.
'An Abundance of Katherines' made me feel good and right and human.
Molly LoobyAuthor / Ghostwriter / Editor / Blogger / Reviewer / Wrimo / Movellian / ZA Readymolly.looby@hotmail.com
Colin has loved and lost nineteen Katherines and his best friend Hassan decides they need to go on a road trip. What ensues is funny, thoughtful and heart-warming.
My Review
As readers of this blog will already know, I am a total sucker for John Green. I'm sorry but I just am. I think he's a genius. Having said that, although I loved 'Katherines' it is my least favourite of his books so far.
First, I was surprised to find it written in the third person. I must admit, I was disappointed. However, it made sense for the character of Colin and it was still written beautifully.
Other than that I can't pinpoint why exactly this one is my least favourite. (I've read all of Green's books so far except 'Will Grason, Will Grason'.) It still had all the terrific Green qualities I know and love. For example, the characters were so loveable I could just be with them all day. Especially Hassan. He was by far my favourite.
I also loved the random approach this seemed to be written in. A totally Colin decision that made it immensely readable. I found the facts fascinating and the insights into human behaviour hilarious.
As per my love of Green, I read half in one sitting and the whole book in a day and a half. I just didn't want to stop reading for anything or anyone.
It was heart-warming, intelligent and funny - the kind of story that stays with you forever. It made me feel good and right and human.
Evaluation
Overall 9/10 - lucky me, the last six books I've read haven't been lower than an 8
Would I recommend it? Yes, without a doubt.
Would I look up the author? Yes but I don't have to.
'An Abundance of Katherines' made me feel good and right and human.
Molly LoobyAuthor / Ghostwriter / Editor / Blogger / Reviewer / Wrimo / Movellian / ZA Readymolly.looby@hotmail.com
August 18, 2015
The Rise of Nine - Pittacus Lore
This is book three in the 'Lorien Legacies' series so please read with caution if you wish to read books one (I am Number Four) and two (The Power of Six).
A Spoiler Free Bit About The Book
Nine. That's all you need to know.
My Review
First, it must be said that I am in love with Nine. He is incredible and the more I got to know him, the more I loved him and wanted to know even more. One of the beautiful things about these books are the characters. I truly love all our protagonists - but of course Nine more than the others.
'The Rise of Nine' had a lot of action. The other books had loads but this was on another level. I think a good seventy percent was action. It was just so breathless I couldn't stop turning pages. But I'm used to that with the 'Lorien Legacies' books. However, I did want a little more interaction between the fantastic characters. Don't get me wrong, what interactions there were were excellent, I just wanted more of them. But what can I say? I'm a characters girl. I've said it before and I'll say it again.
All my points about book one and two still stand but this time I could fully appreciate all the different superpowers! I love superpowers, especially when they're written this well, with this much intensity. But who doesn't love superpowers, right?
Evaluation
Overall 9/10 - Nine, get it? But seriously, this is my favourite one in the series so far.
Would I recommend it? Yes, of course. I'm totally in love with these books.
Would I look up the author? Yes. I'm sad I don't have book four in front of me right now!
'The Rise of Nine' was action-packed, intense and breathless. Just what I expected.
Molly LoobyAuthor / Ghostwriter / Editor / Blogger / Reviewer / Wrimo / Movellian / ZA Readymolly.looby@hotmail.com
A Spoiler Free Bit About The Book
Nine. That's all you need to know.
My Review
First, it must be said that I am in love with Nine. He is incredible and the more I got to know him, the more I loved him and wanted to know even more. One of the beautiful things about these books are the characters. I truly love all our protagonists - but of course Nine more than the others.
'The Rise of Nine' had a lot of action. The other books had loads but this was on another level. I think a good seventy percent was action. It was just so breathless I couldn't stop turning pages. But I'm used to that with the 'Lorien Legacies' books. However, I did want a little more interaction between the fantastic characters. Don't get me wrong, what interactions there were were excellent, I just wanted more of them. But what can I say? I'm a characters girl. I've said it before and I'll say it again.
All my points about book one and two still stand but this time I could fully appreciate all the different superpowers! I love superpowers, especially when they're written this well, with this much intensity. But who doesn't love superpowers, right?
Evaluation
Overall 9/10 - Nine, get it? But seriously, this is my favourite one in the series so far.
Would I recommend it? Yes, of course. I'm totally in love with these books.
Would I look up the author? Yes. I'm sad I don't have book four in front of me right now!
'The Rise of Nine' was action-packed, intense and breathless. Just what I expected.
Molly LoobyAuthor / Ghostwriter / Editor / Blogger / Reviewer / Wrimo / Movellian / ZA Readymolly.looby@hotmail.com
August 9, 2015
The Power of Six - Pittacus Lore
Tread carefully. I am Number Four (Book One) spoilers lie ahead. The Power of Six is the second instalment of the Lorien Legacies Series
A Spoiler Free Bit About The Book
Four, Six and Seven . . . oh and Sam. That's pretty much all you need to know. Oh, and it's awesome!
My Review
At first I was a little disappointed that the narrative wasn't John Smith/Four but that's probably down to the fact I'd only just put I am Number Four down the previous evening. Needless to say, I was delighted when he came back and was into the book at once with his familiar narrative voice.
However, Marina/Seven was also an entertaining and readable narrator and it's so rare that I like two points of view equally. I felt sorry for her and understood where she was coming from. I also enjoyed how Four and Seven were so different from one another while both being Loric.
As before with I am Number Four there were some incredible fight scenes that had me hooked and the intensity didn't let up through the entire thing. That's perhaps my favourite thing about these books. Everything I said about I am Number Four still stands for this book.
Although John, in my opinion, turned into a brat a little bit in The Power of Six. I'll let him off because of Henri but still it was annoying and a couple of times I wanted to shout to him that he was being stupid and a classic teenager. But as I said, it makes sense that his character would act this way so I didn't let myself get too annoyed with it. I just hope he steps it up a notch in book three and gets his act together.
Plus, the whole Sarah-Four-Six-Sam scenario was so obvious and to be honest it made me uncomfortable. These books are so intense and action driven that they don't need these weird romances popping up all over the place. I loved John and Sarah's relationship in I am Number Four, I thought it was a nice touch but that was all. These books are sci-fi at heart, not romantic and that's okay. I just wish Lore hadn't pushed the romance in The Power of Six because it's the one thing letting the book down.
So because of that, this book wasn't quite as good as its predecessor.
Evaluation
Overall 8/10
Would I recommend it? Yes. Still yes.
Would I look up the author? Yep. Bring on book three!
The Power of Six was excellent but not quite as good as its predecessor.
Molly LoobyAuthor / Ghostwriter / Editor / Blogger / Reviewer / Wrimo / Movellian / ZA Readymolly.looby@hotmail.com
A Spoiler Free Bit About The Book
Four, Six and Seven . . . oh and Sam. That's pretty much all you need to know. Oh, and it's awesome!
My Review
At first I was a little disappointed that the narrative wasn't John Smith/Four but that's probably down to the fact I'd only just put I am Number Four down the previous evening. Needless to say, I was delighted when he came back and was into the book at once with his familiar narrative voice.
However, Marina/Seven was also an entertaining and readable narrator and it's so rare that I like two points of view equally. I felt sorry for her and understood where she was coming from. I also enjoyed how Four and Seven were so different from one another while both being Loric.
As before with I am Number Four there were some incredible fight scenes that had me hooked and the intensity didn't let up through the entire thing. That's perhaps my favourite thing about these books. Everything I said about I am Number Four still stands for this book.
Although John, in my opinion, turned into a brat a little bit in The Power of Six. I'll let him off because of Henri but still it was annoying and a couple of times I wanted to shout to him that he was being stupid and a classic teenager. But as I said, it makes sense that his character would act this way so I didn't let myself get too annoyed with it. I just hope he steps it up a notch in book three and gets his act together.
Plus, the whole Sarah-Four-Six-Sam scenario was so obvious and to be honest it made me uncomfortable. These books are so intense and action driven that they don't need these weird romances popping up all over the place. I loved John and Sarah's relationship in I am Number Four, I thought it was a nice touch but that was all. These books are sci-fi at heart, not romantic and that's okay. I just wish Lore hadn't pushed the romance in The Power of Six because it's the one thing letting the book down.
So because of that, this book wasn't quite as good as its predecessor.
Evaluation
Overall 8/10
Would I recommend it? Yes. Still yes.
Would I look up the author? Yep. Bring on book three!
The Power of Six was excellent but not quite as good as its predecessor.
Molly LoobyAuthor / Ghostwriter / Editor / Blogger / Reviewer / Wrimo / Movellian / ZA Readymolly.looby@hotmail.com
August 2, 2015
I Am Number Four - Pittacus Lore
Blurb
There were NINE of us who escaped . . . Number ONE was killed in Malaysia.Number TWO was murdered in England.Number THREE was hunted down in Kenya.Before they come for the others, they'll come for me . . . I AM NUMBER FOUR.
(There's more but that's all I needed to pick this book up!)
My Review
I Am Number Four, if you want to be simple about it, is an easy read. But that doesn't mean it's an easy read emotionally. Gosh, I cried at the end. I couldn't stop turning pages. I was so tense I had to clutch the book tighter and tighter. Yes, there are no drawn out sentences and big words. Just punchy short ones and blunt statements. But this just added to the intensity of the story. Lore didn't need poetic beautiful paragraphs to make his point. He made it as simply as possible and that's why I fell in love with this book.
However there were few too many adverbs for my liking - because there was more than one per 100 pages - but they were spaced out so I could stomach it. This isn't really a negative because I say this to everyone on Movellas all the time and I always criticise people for using adverbs. But really, there was nothing else for me to criticise.
I loved the characters. They were lovable and realistic and I wanted to hang out with them. John's relationship with Sarah was written in the perfect way. It's not often a book has two teenagers fall madly in love and that's it. There's no tension no drama. Just love. And that was just right for this book which is chiefly about the sci-fi action.
Like I said before, I couldn't stop reading this book. I was just waiting for a spare moment to pick it up again. It was brilliant.
You might be wondering about the I Am Number Four film and well . . . I watched it a few years ago and enjoyed it. I'm glad I left it so long before picking up the book though because I could only remember a few pieces of the plot and I'd forgotten which actors played who so I was free to create my own images in my head. And yes, of COURSE the book is better! John and Henri are much more fun to read than watch and I feel the film didn't get their relationship quite right.
So now I'm proud to sit just before Lore on my bookshelf.
Evaluation
Overall 9/10
Would I recommend it? Yes! I couldn't put this book down.
Would I look up the author? Yes. Have picked up the second book straight away, The Power of Six.
I Am Number Four was an incredible sci-fi journey I didn't want to end.
Molly LoobyAuthor / Ghostwriter / Editor / Blogger / Reviewer / Wrimo / Movellian / ZA Readymolly.looby@hotmail.com
There were NINE of us who escaped . . . Number ONE was killed in Malaysia.Number TWO was murdered in England.Number THREE was hunted down in Kenya.Before they come for the others, they'll come for me . . . I AM NUMBER FOUR.
(There's more but that's all I needed to pick this book up!)
My Review
I Am Number Four, if you want to be simple about it, is an easy read. But that doesn't mean it's an easy read emotionally. Gosh, I cried at the end. I couldn't stop turning pages. I was so tense I had to clutch the book tighter and tighter. Yes, there are no drawn out sentences and big words. Just punchy short ones and blunt statements. But this just added to the intensity of the story. Lore didn't need poetic beautiful paragraphs to make his point. He made it as simply as possible and that's why I fell in love with this book.
However there were few too many adverbs for my liking - because there was more than one per 100 pages - but they were spaced out so I could stomach it. This isn't really a negative because I say this to everyone on Movellas all the time and I always criticise people for using adverbs. But really, there was nothing else for me to criticise.
I loved the characters. They were lovable and realistic and I wanted to hang out with them. John's relationship with Sarah was written in the perfect way. It's not often a book has two teenagers fall madly in love and that's it. There's no tension no drama. Just love. And that was just right for this book which is chiefly about the sci-fi action.
Like I said before, I couldn't stop reading this book. I was just waiting for a spare moment to pick it up again. It was brilliant.
You might be wondering about the I Am Number Four film and well . . . I watched it a few years ago and enjoyed it. I'm glad I left it so long before picking up the book though because I could only remember a few pieces of the plot and I'd forgotten which actors played who so I was free to create my own images in my head. And yes, of COURSE the book is better! John and Henri are much more fun to read than watch and I feel the film didn't get their relationship quite right.
So now I'm proud to sit just before Lore on my bookshelf.
Evaluation
Overall 9/10
Would I recommend it? Yes! I couldn't put this book down.
Would I look up the author? Yes. Have picked up the second book straight away, The Power of Six.
I Am Number Four was an incredible sci-fi journey I didn't want to end.
Molly LoobyAuthor / Ghostwriter / Editor / Blogger / Reviewer / Wrimo / Movellian / ZA Readymolly.looby@hotmail.com
July 27, 2015
Just One Day - Gayle Forman
Blurb
A whirlwind day in Paris . . .A chance at true love . . . Heartbreak is just around the corner.
My Review
If you don't like gushing, close this window now. I adored Just One Day.
I gave it a go because I loved If I Stay, Forman's most famous book. And also because I liked If I Stay a lot more than I disliked the sequel Where She Went. But Just One Day has been on my shelf so long because of how unhappy I was with Where She Went but I shouldn't have been worried.
I found a lot of myself in the protagonist, Allyson and got excited when she decided to be daring. Because, like her, I wish I could be like that. Just once. This bond I formed with Allyson at the start through Forman's incredible characterisation meant that I felt everything she was feeling so intensely it was like I was there. I squeaked and squealed multiple times and smiled and cried. I fell into this whirlwind journey and didn't want it to end. Forman knows how to capture hearts, oh man don't I know it.
I honestly have nothing bad to say about this book. It was gorgeous start to finish. A masterpiece. So full of truth and humanness that I'm speechless, even here. Beautiful metaphors, observational description and round characters filled Just One Day and I don't know how anyone could put this book down without falling in love, even just a little bit. There's so much to relate to: growing up, finding yourself, being brave, falling in love, enjoying the moment. Ah. I'm sorry. I'm melting.
Just read it.
Evaluation
Overall 10/10 I cannot fault this book. I'm too in love with it.
Would I recommend it? Yes. If you love romance and travelling, read this.
Would I look up the author? Yes. But I don't have to.
Just One Day was, quite simply, magic.
Molly LoobyAuthor / Ghostwriter / Editor / Blogger / Reviewer / Wrimo / Movellian / ZA Readymolly.looby@hotmail.com
A whirlwind day in Paris . . .A chance at true love . . . Heartbreak is just around the corner.
My Review
If you don't like gushing, close this window now. I adored Just One Day.
I gave it a go because I loved If I Stay, Forman's most famous book. And also because I liked If I Stay a lot more than I disliked the sequel Where She Went. But Just One Day has been on my shelf so long because of how unhappy I was with Where She Went but I shouldn't have been worried.
I found a lot of myself in the protagonist, Allyson and got excited when she decided to be daring. Because, like her, I wish I could be like that. Just once. This bond I formed with Allyson at the start through Forman's incredible characterisation meant that I felt everything she was feeling so intensely it was like I was there. I squeaked and squealed multiple times and smiled and cried. I fell into this whirlwind journey and didn't want it to end. Forman knows how to capture hearts, oh man don't I know it.
I honestly have nothing bad to say about this book. It was gorgeous start to finish. A masterpiece. So full of truth and humanness that I'm speechless, even here. Beautiful metaphors, observational description and round characters filled Just One Day and I don't know how anyone could put this book down without falling in love, even just a little bit. There's so much to relate to: growing up, finding yourself, being brave, falling in love, enjoying the moment. Ah. I'm sorry. I'm melting.
Just read it.
Evaluation
Overall 10/10 I cannot fault this book. I'm too in love with it.
Would I recommend it? Yes. If you love romance and travelling, read this.
Would I look up the author? Yes. But I don't have to.
Just One Day was, quite simply, magic.
Molly LoobyAuthor / Ghostwriter / Editor / Blogger / Reviewer / Wrimo / Movellian / ZA Readymolly.looby@hotmail.com
July 18, 2015
A Classical Education - Caroline Taggart
A Spoiler Free Bit About The Book
Want to learn a little more about the Classical world in a book that's light and entertaining? A Classical Education is the book for you.
My Review
It's no great secret that I love the ancient world. So when my dad showed me this book a couple of years ago I had to have it. Though I didn't read it because I felt I was too close to my A' level Classic exam and I didn't want to confuse myself. So two years later and I've finally forgotten enough of my course to read this book. Plus the book I'd just put down (Dinner with a Vampire) irritated me so much that I was grabbing for a non-fiction book without giving my fiction ones so much as a glance.
The most important thing you need to know about this book is that as well as being educational, as the title suggests, it made me laugh. From the first page actually. It's not often I laugh aloud at books but I laughed all the way through this. This was exactly my type of humour and I didn't want to put it down.
It was so much fun having a reunion with my love of Classics which I'd been neglecting for too long. Having studied it at A' level, there was a lot in this book I already knew or had at least heard about. But that didn't stop me from learning a few things even though this is a beginner's book.
There's nothing much else I can say! It was so entertaining I read it in three sittings!
Evaluation
Overall 8/10
Would I recommend it? Yes. If you're into Classics of course.
Would I look up the author? No. This was just a non-fiction holiday for me.
A Classical Education is a light and entertaining way to learn about the ancient world.
Molly LoobyAuthor / Ghostwriter / Editor / Blogger / Reviewer / Wrimo / Movellian / ZA Readymolly.looby@hotmail.com
Want to learn a little more about the Classical world in a book that's light and entertaining? A Classical Education is the book for you.
My Review
It's no great secret that I love the ancient world. So when my dad showed me this book a couple of years ago I had to have it. Though I didn't read it because I felt I was too close to my A' level Classic exam and I didn't want to confuse myself. So two years later and I've finally forgotten enough of my course to read this book. Plus the book I'd just put down (Dinner with a Vampire) irritated me so much that I was grabbing for a non-fiction book without giving my fiction ones so much as a glance.
The most important thing you need to know about this book is that as well as being educational, as the title suggests, it made me laugh. From the first page actually. It's not often I laugh aloud at books but I laughed all the way through this. This was exactly my type of humour and I didn't want to put it down.
It was so much fun having a reunion with my love of Classics which I'd been neglecting for too long. Having studied it at A' level, there was a lot in this book I already knew or had at least heard about. But that didn't stop me from learning a few things even though this is a beginner's book.
There's nothing much else I can say! It was so entertaining I read it in three sittings!
Evaluation
Overall 8/10
Would I recommend it? Yes. If you're into Classics of course.
Would I look up the author? No. This was just a non-fiction holiday for me.
A Classical Education is a light and entertaining way to learn about the ancient world.
Molly LoobyAuthor / Ghostwriter / Editor / Blogger / Reviewer / Wrimo / Movellian / ZA Readymolly.looby@hotmail.com
