Title: Let it Snow Author: John Green, Maureen Johnson, Lauren Myracle # of Pages: 352 (paperback) Genre: YA, Romance, Holiday Rating: ★★★★☆ Synopsis:An ill-timed storm on Christmas Eve
buries the residents of Gracetown under multiple feet of snow and causes quite a bit of chaos. One brave soul ventures out into the storm from her stranded train and sets off a chain of events that will change quite a few lives. Over the next three days one girl takes a risky shortcut with an adorable stranger, three friends set out to win a race to the Waffle House ( and the hash brown spoils), and the fate of a teacup pig falls into the hands of a lovesick barista.
Review: This book contains three interconnected stories written by John Green, Maureen Johnson, and Lauren Myracle. I decided that, for this review, I would rate each story separately and then average the three ratings for the final rating.
The Jubilee Express by Maureen Johnson
Rating: 4 stars
I've read Johnson's work in Zombies vs Unicorns but other than that, this is the first time I've read her work.
At first, I was a little put-off by the beginning. I usually don't like it when the characters talk to the reader, but Johnson did a really good job. I thought that Julie and Stuart's relationship was really cute, but a little rushed. Although I understand that the plot had to progress faster than usual because of the limited amount of story each author was allowed to write (I assume they all agreed to write a certain amount of pages), I think there could have been a bigger focus on Julie and Stuart and less on everything else.
A Cheertastic Christmas Miracle by John Green
Rating: 3 stars
I have to say, I'm a little disappointed in John Green. But, then again, I shouldn't be so surprised that his story wasn't as great as his later works (aka The Fault in Our Stars)since this was written in 2008, a whole four years difference.
I wish I knew how these three authors decided what to write. Did they form a plot line and then assign a part of the story to each author? Because, in all honest, Green's plot line sucked. He had to write about two testosterone-happy dudes and their friend (who they don't even consider a girl, which she is) make the STUPID decision to go to a Waffle House just for a bunch of cheerleaders THEY DON'T EVEN KNOW. It's all just a bit too ridiculous for me. So I gave it three stars.
The Patron Saint of Pigs by Lauren Myracle
Rating: 4 stars
I don't think I have ever read one of Myracle's works, so I wasn't sure what to expect. By this point, the scene is set. Most of the character development is finished, and she even get the honor of writing the big ending. The ending was great, although I felt as overwhelmed about the situation as Addie did. The beginning...not as great. There was a lot of description on how big of a jerk she is, and I don't think I'm the only one who doesn't like reading about jerks. Just saying.
But she had me sold with the ending. I thought it was so sweet how everyone was able to find love...and out comes my hopeless romantic side. However, if she did NOT write the ending, like let's say she had to write Addie's story in the middle, then her rating would have dropped dramatically because Addie isn't a good enough character.
I was pleasantly surprised on how the story turned out! And I love the interconnected-ness of it all. But I do recommend that you read this before Christmas versus during the summer (after all, it's a winter-looking book).
Title: Chosen at Nightfall Author: C.C. Hunter # of Pages: 400 (paperback) Genre: YA, Paranormal, Fantasy Rating: ★★★★☆ Synopsis:When Kylie Galen left Shadow Falls, she thought it was the hardest decision of her life. Heartbroken and separated from everyone she loves, she has to embrace her abilities and what it means to be a chameleon. But as Kylie's journey comes to a close, she must return to the camp that started it all...and she must finally chose between the two boys who love her. The werewolf who broke her heart when he chose his pack over her, and the half-fae who ran from their intense attraction before they ever really had a chance. For Kylie, everything will finally be revealed and nothing will ever be the same.
Review: I'd like to start off by saying that the cover is absolutely beautiful! The many shades of pink are perfect and very girly (which I love!).
I have to say, I was a little worried. I thought Hunter was going to disappoint me with this book since, for some reason, I found the first hundred pages very unappealing. But once the romance started up, Hunter had me hooked.
I'm not sure what else to see. It was one heck of an ending. I LOVE The Shadow Falls series, and I'm a bit sad that the series is over. But I'm glad that Hunter did end it because, as I like to say, a good author knows when to end the series (unlike a certain other Hunter that I know. There's only so many ways to kill off a cat!). Do I recommend this book? Yes!
Title: Tuesdays at the Castle Author: Jessica Day George # of Pages: 254 (paperback) Genre: Middle Grade, Fantasy, Adventure Rating: ★★★☆☆ Synopsis:Tuesdays at Castle Glower are Princess Celie's favorite days. That's because on Tuesdays the castle adds a new room, a turret, or sometimes even an entire wing. No one ever knows what the castle will do next, and no one-other than Celie, that is-takes the time to map out the new additions. But when King and Queen Glower are ambushed and their fate is unknown, it's up to Celie, with her secret knowledge of the castle's never-ending twists and turns, to protect their home and save their kingdom. This delightful book from a fan- and bookseller-favorite kicks off a brand-new series sure to become a modern classic.
Review: Three days ago I decided that it was time to finally read the middle grade book that found it's way on my shelf two years ago. It was given to me as a gift, and, although I smiled at thanked the person, I found the cover all together unappealing. As a result, I put it ago the other books who have been patiently waiting for me to read them for years. Since I have a bit more time on my hands, and my progression on Chosen at Nightfall (by C.C. Hunter) is a bit behind schedule, I read this book at the same time.
It defiantly is a middle grade book. There are only two-hundred pages, leaving room for a short, slightly undeveloped plot. But, honestly, that wasn't what I didn't like about Tuesdays at the Castle. The plot was decent enough and had me up until midnight last night just so I could finish reading it.
Celie, on the other hand, was a problem. George claims that she's eleven, but she acts more like she's five. It would be better if she WAS five; then her childish antics wouldn't seem so immature. By the time I finished the book, I couldn't believe that it was HER that was the hero.
What's worse is that the supporting characters seem to be ecstatic over her ideas and act as though they are incapable of thinking of a better idea which, I assure you, there are defiantly better ideas than Celie's.
If George had removed Celie completely from the story and replaced her with someone who actually acts her age, then I would have enjoyed the book a lot more. I recommend this book to people twelve and under.
Title: The Girl Who Was On Fire Author: Leah Wilson (editor) # of Pages: 210 (paperback) Genre: Non-fiction, Dystopian, Essays Rating: ★★★☆☆ Synopsis:In The Girl Who Was on Fire, thirteen YA authors take you back to Panem with moving, dark, and funny pieces on Katniss, the Games, Gale and Peeta, reality TV, survival, and more. From the trilogy's darker themes of violence and social control to fashion and weaponry, the collection's exploration of the Hunger Games reveals exactly how rich, and how perilous, protagonist Katniss' world really is.
• How does the way the Games affect the brain explain Haymitch's drinking, Annie's distraction, and Wiress' speech problems?
• What does the rebellion have in common with the War on Terror? • Why isn't the answer to "Peeta or Gale?" as interesting as the question itself? • What should Panem have learned from the fates of other hedonistic societies throughout history and what can we?
The Girl Who Was On Fire covers all three books in the Hunger Games trilogy.
Review: It's not the book's fault that it got such a bad rating. It's mine.
I should never have picked up this book. It's a nonfiction, a collection of essays! Obviously not the book for me. I was hoping that I would be interested in a little insight of the book, that the authors who wrote the essays would make connections within the book (if that makes any sense). But the authors made a connection to today, thus rapidly making The Girl Who Was On Fire outdated.
If you are AT ALL interested, read it NOW. I imagine in the next ten years younger readers will find this book somewhat lacking.
Title: The Royal Ranger Author: John Flanagan # of Pages: 464 (hardback) Genre: YA, Adventure, Fantasy Rating: ★★★★★ Synopsis: After a senseless tragedy destroys his life, Will is obsessed with punishing those responsible - even if it means leaving the Ranger Corps. His worried friends must find a way to stop him taking such a dark path.
It is Halt who suggests the solution: Will must take an apprentice. The candidate Halt has in mind surprises everyone - and it's a request Will cannot refuse.
Training a rebellious, unwilling apprentice is hard enough. But when a routine mission uncovers a shocking web of crime, Will must decide where his priorities lie - finishing his quest for revenge, or saving innocent lives?
Review: I can't believe it's really over. HOW IT CAN IT BE OVER AFTER ALL THIS TIME?!?! Twelve wonderful works of art, just to never hear from them again. Unless their mentioned in the Brotherband series, of course. But I think that series might take place in a different time period...?
Anyway, I was defiantly teary-eyed when I read the first half of the book. The death of Crowley was shocking and really emphasized how much time has passed since the eleventh book. And in the very beginning, when Will said the a Courier died in a fire, I had a sneaking suspicion that it was Alyss. But when Flanagan confirmed it, I was heart-broken. Of all the people, it had to be Will's wife. He deserves to be HAPPY! He had a rough childhood; at least allow him to have a happy marriage!!! Honestly, I was a worried as Halt, Gilan, Pauline, Horace, and Cassandra; I didn't want Will to be so unhappy.
But when Will took Maddie as an apprentice, it brought back so many memories. But, like Will, I was a little disappointed how experienced Maddie already was in the beginning of her training. I was hoping that she would try to use the bow without an arm-guard.
And, yes, in case any of you were wondering, I am a little too attached to the series.
But what the heck was the remaining half? Will and Maddie go on a simple mission; to stop a ring of slave traders. Yet they almost DIE! I don't know about any of you, but compared to the other missions Will has been on, it seemed like a pretty easy job.
And the epilogue!!! I wanted it to be about Will, not Maddie. She's just a new character; I don't feel as much compassion toward her as I do Will and Halt. It's great to have the "new beginnings" feel for the ending...but it wasn't a big "WOW" feel I was looking for. So, in that way, I am unhappy with the book.
Yes! I recommend this book! If you've gotten this far, you might as well read this book anyway. Finish of the series...and be amazed.
Title: The Lost Stories Author: John Flanagan # of Pages: 422 (hardback) Genre: YA, Fantasy, Adventure Rating: ★★★★☆ Synopsis: Unconfirmed accounts of a group of Araluen warriors - tales of adventure, battle, and triumph over evil - have spread for centuries throughout the known world. Most notable is a clan shrouded in mystery, phantom warriors known as the Rangers.
Two names pass the lips of every storyteller: Halt, and his apprentice, Will. They and their comrades in arms are said to have traveled throughout the kingdom and beyond its borders, protecting those who needed it most. If true, these rumors can be only part of the story.
Only now, centuries after these men and women walked the earth, do we have confirmation of their existence. Behold The Lost Stories, Book 11 in the Ranger's Apprentice epic.
Review: Holy crap. Flanagan is truly amazing.
I decided to read The Lost Stories because of the release of the last book, The Royal Ranger (I had The Lost Stories sitting on my bookshelf for the longest time. I didn't want to read it yet because I wasn't sure if it was going to be the last book or not). I was a little surprised when I heard that The Royal Ranger came out already. How come I didn't hear of it?! Anyhow, I finally convinced myself that now was the time to read the eleventh installment of the Ranger's Apprentice series.
What I found mildly confusing was why this book was the eleventh book. I knew from reading the inside cover that The Lost Stories was a collection of stories that answered questions from some of the readers. And it was true; the "story" is about Will's past. The second "story" is about Gilan during The Icebound Land (as requested by the readers). However, the rest of the stories seem to shape their own new plot, set in the time after the tenth book until "stories" seven and eight, in which Halt's past is revealed and a mini sub-plotline of Tug and Will takes place. Then the ninth "story" resumes where the sixth left off/
It's all very confusing, and overall it seemed like a long epilogue and a bunch of extras (or "deleted scenes," like in the movies). Even though John Flanagan said somewhere (I think) that he planned to write twelve books for the Ranger's Apprentice series, it almost seems like he planned to stop with this one.
I think one of my favorite "stories" it the Purple Prose. I found it EXTREMELY funny, and I got a good laugh out of it, which I haven't had in a long time. Will's constant conversation with Tug was hilarious too. But, speaking of Tug, I almost cried when I was reading The Wolf. Will was heartbroken when he realized that he could no longer work with his horse whom he worked with throughout Will's ranger years. But, the funny thing was that I felt like I lost a friend too. The fact that Tug is replaced didn't help much either. I really hoped that Flanagan would let Tug keep his old name and just give Tug #2 have a different one, but no such luck. To me, Tug should be Tug, not this look-alike horse. Really, really sad.
Honestly? If you've gotten this far, then it shows that you're pretty dedicated to the series (like I am!). So, yes, it's a must read! A lot of stuff happens in this book, so don't think that you can just skip over it and read the twelfth one. Defiantly recommended.
Title: Before I Fall Author: Lauren Oliver # of Pages: 470 (hardback) Genre: YA, Realistic Fiction, Romance Rating: ★★★★☆ Synopsis: What if you only had one day to live? What would you do? Who would you kiss? And how far would you go to save your own life?,
Samantha Kingston has it all: looks, popularity, the perfect boyfriend. Friday, February 12, should be just another day in her charmed life. Instead, it turns out to be her last.
The catch: Samantha still wakes up the next morning. Living the last day of her life seven times during one miraculous week, she will untangle the mystery surrounding her death—and discover the true value of everything she is in danger of losing.
Review: I think it's funny that when I read the back of the book, I thought, "Hey, it's like that Groundhog's Day movie!" and then almost the exact same thing is said IN THE BOOK! It was obviously an inspiration to Oliver.
However, knowing this, I prepared myself to hate the book. The proof is right there in the book itself; the plot isn't going to be original. Plus Sam, our protagonist, is one of those mean-popular-girl types; not exactly very likable.
She makes bad choices and her boyfriend sucks, which is why it bugs me when she said some crap about me being just like her.
Here's a quote:
"Is what I did really so much worse than what anybody else does? Is it really so much worse than what you do? Think about it" (Oliver 81).
Well, Sam, I did exactly what you asked. I went ahead and thought about what you did; bully a girl just because your friend doesn't like her, treat a childhood friend like crap, get in a car with an irresponsible driver, etc. etc. And then asked myself, "Self, have I ever done these things before?" The answer was no. No, I don't hate a person when I don't even know them because I DON'T know then. If my friend has a problem with a person, then it's HER problem. Unless someone has done something to ME that pisses me off, I'm not going to poor beer on her head (not to mention that I wouldn't DRINK beer at her age). Kent didn't do anything to her except become a person that HE wants to be, not a person society wants him to be. Yet Sam acts like he personally offended her or something. The next one's pretty obvious; there are about a billion ads on the internet about it (although there are a whole bunch on TV now about texting and driving).
Yet, somehow, in someway, I grew to love the book. Sam is able to fix the mistakes in her life by reliving her last day seven times, and how much she grew from the beginning of the book really touched me. The only little, itsy-bitsy detail that bugged me was that Sam was driven by a selfish need. She didn't want to that to be stuck in the time loop forever; she knew she was dead and she wanted to hurry up and move on to the next world. The only reason why she fixed her mistakes is because she wanted to go to the afterlife.
But, selfish or not, it's in interesting thought. What if everyone is forced to relive their last day to realize and fix their mistakes? Everyone, in that week of their last day, would learn to appreciate their life a bit more and get the closure that they really need, just like Sam. She got to see her parents happy as she left home that day. She gave her sister their grandmother's necklace, which allowed Sam to see her sister's joy one last time. Sam got to kiss Kent and, most of all, got to save a life. Even though these actions may have been a day late and a dollar short, they allowed her to finally be at peace with herself.
So, yes, there was some stuff that I really, really didn't like, which is why I didn't give Before I Fall five stars. But I found it entertaining, and it touched my heart. Do I recommend it? Of course I do!
Title: Allegiant Author: Veronica Roth # of Pages: 526 (ebook) Genre: YA, Science Fiction, Dystopian Rating: ★★★☆
☆ Synopsis: The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered—fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she’s known, Tris is ready. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties, and painful memories.
But Tris’s new reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human nature—and of herself—while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love. Review: Jeez. I don't even know how to say what I want to say. But somehow, I'll manage.
Let's just say that I STRONGLY disliked the first half of the book. The cover is a beautiful, of course, but everything else is so...meh. There's a lot of kissing, too much, in fact. And I usually LIKE romance (although it might not be apparent from what I've said in other reviews).
And I nearly died from a heart attack when I saw that there was POV switching. POV SWITCHING!!! In case you don't know, I hate POV switches. With a passion. The reason; a lot of authors can't pull it off. It makes the writer seem indecisive and lazy because he/she can't decide which POV do. If you can't decide, write in third person!
HOWEVER! I can also understand why Roth wrote from both Tris's and Tobias's point of view. Tris's death would be hard to write otherwise, though Roth could have done the whole book in Tris's POV and then switched to third person or Tobias's POV for the epilogue. So although Roth's use of POV switching is partially justified, it still does not hide the fact that this book wasn't written as well as Divergent (and even Insurgent). I found myself having to go back to the first page of the chapter a lot because I couldn't remember who's POV I was reading from (unless there was a context clue, like talking about Tris/Tobias in third person, if that makes any sense at all). That alone is concerning to me as a reader because it's telling me that both characters are behaving in a similar way. This wouldn't be a problem in some cases, but the fact still stands that the two characters are of OPPOSITE GENDERS! They should behave differently, even if it's only slightly.
Tris's death came so suddenly, it didn't quite sink in until the epilogue. And at that point I was like, "Oh, so she really IS dead!" I was slightly surprised because Roth doesn't seem like the kind of author to kill off her beloved main character, but I didn't feel anything else. That was a little disappointing; I would have appreciated a really big, heart-wrenching moment.
One thing that probably contributed to my reaction to Tris's death was how Tobias learned of it. Cara said is so simply and quickly, I almost missed it. And I didn't feel a lot of emotion from Tobias, maybe because Roth was trying to convey emptiness? But I couldn't feel that either.
Allegiant is barely hanging onto it's third star. I was extremely tempted to give it two. But I decided to be generous since it's the last book and all. Roth shouldn't have made Divergent into a trilogy. The first book was wonderful; I really enjoyed it! But the plot went down hill from there. It really should have ended where it started; Divergent. So for everyone who has made it this far, read it, but expect to be disappointed. If you haven't read the series yet, I would recommend reading the first one and then walking away. Don't even bother with Insurgent and Allegiant.
Title: Insurgent Author: Veronica Roth # of Pages: 525 (ebook) Genre: YA, Science Fiction, Dystopian Rating: ★★★☆☆ Synopsis: Every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves, and herself, while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.
Review: There are two reviews below. The original was not written directly after reading, so it may not be accurate.
Original Review: January 16, 2013
I never liked sequels, so I think that's why I didn't enjoy this book very much. I read is book a while ago, but I remember being obsessed, just not as much.
Second Review - November 10, 2013
Well, it defiantly wasn't as good as Divergent. The plot was a bit all over the place, and the romance was really cheesy at times (to the point where I was cringing). And it seemed more cliché than usual.
For example, there was the part where the Amity inject Tris with that...stuff and she becomes extra happy and nice. And the she says that part about how she isn't very nice, which is why she likes Tobias so much (sorry if this is confusing). And then after the serum wears off, Tobias mocks her and says, "'It's just...I'm not very nice either, you know. That's why I like you so-'" (Roth 69). What I found a little peculiar was that I similar situation occurred in the Maximum Ride series when (spoiler alert) Max is loopy from laughing gas and tells Fang that she loves him THIS much while spreading her arms out really wide (as far as I remember). And the Fang teased her for it, JUST LIKE TOBIAS DID TO TRIS! I'm not sure if it's just an extremely cliché thing, or if one of the authors copied the other. It could be both.
But it wasn't all bad. I was able to read it in two days, which is extremely fast for a five-hundred page book. The ending had a pretty awesome cliff-hanger too.
My recommendation? If you've already read the first one and you loved it, just finish off the series. Who knows, the last book might blow my mind!
Title: Divergent Author: Veronica Roth # of Pages: 487 (paperback) Genre: YA, Science Fiction, Dystopian Rating:★★★★☆ Synopsis:In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago world, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue--Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is--she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself. Review: Below are two reviews; the first is my original review I wrote in January 2013 (not directly after reading) and the second being my new review.
Original Review - January 15, 2013
My rating? 3.5 stars!
I love the unique concept that Roth came up with. If you are fortune (or unfortunate) enough to live in this futuristic setting, you would live in one of five factions. Each faction fosters a certain character trait. The book starts off by immediately captivating the reader into the details of this different society. There was suspense and intensity; the tone was set for each scene.
But near the end, when she (SPOILER ALERT), finds love, my mind feels like its walking through mud. The books seemed to run out of steam. It disappointed me.
Second Review - November 7, 2013
Looking back at my original review, I'm a little ashamed of it. I had no idea what I was talking about. Jeez.
Ladies and gentlemen, THIS is what I call an enjoyable read. Once again, I am reminded that a good book goes by quickly. I was able to finish the book two days earlier than it usually takes me to read an almost five-hundred page book.
Now, yes, the book isn't perfect (thus why I gave it four stars instead of five). There were clichés, and sometimes I detected a bit of the annoying-main-character-syndrome. But the important part is that I fell in love with Divergent all over again. Even though there were some flaws, all is forgiven once the reader falls in love with the plot, the characters, everything!
I am so glad that I reread Divergent (in honor of Allegiant's release). It was so worth my time. If you have not read this wonderful gift of a book, please do. It's fantastic.
Title: Lies Author: Michael Grant # of Pages: 447 (paperback) Genre: YA, Science Fiction, Dystopian Rating: ★★☆☆☆ Synopsis: It's been seven months since all the adults disappeared. Gone.
It happens in one night. A girl who died now walks among the living; Zil and the Human Crew set fire to Perdido Beach; and amid the flames and smoke, Sam sees the figure of the boy he fears the most: Drake. But Drake is dead. Sam and Caine defeated him along with the Darkness—or so they thought.
As Perdido Beach burns, battles rage: Astrid against the Town Council; the Human Crew versus the mutants; and Sam against Drake, who is back from the dead and ready to finish where he and Sam left off. And all the while deadly rumors are raging like the fire itself, spread by the prophetess Orsay and her companion, Nerezza. They say that death is a way to escape the FAYZ. Conditions are worse than ever and kids are desperate to get out. But are they desperate enough to believe that death will set them free?
Review: Well, thank goodness that's over with. The whole book was one big mess. Grant kept jumping around from person to person until I wasn't quiet sure what the heck was happening. Stick to one person!
And the storyline is just too unbelievable, even for a work of fiction! This series is beginning to turn into another Maximum Ride series, expect at least the first few books of Maximum Ride were GOOD. Gone and Hunger were only decent reads.
The characters have major issues. These kids need to hurry up and get along because their situation is getting really, really annoying. Hopefully they'll get out of the FAYZ soon (but obviously not THAT soon, considering the fact that there are three more books left in the series. After Light, it should finally be all over!).
Meh, read if you've read the other books and have already made it this far. I'm going to try to finish the series just so I can say that I did.
