Ever wonder what it takes to become a YA author? How about learning about the publishing process? Maybe you just want to know more about what it takes to be a better writer. Well, if any of those apply to you-- Wild Ink is for you.
This is not my normal type of book for review, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to read this one. Yes, I was interested into learning more about the publishing process for books. I mean, who doesn't have that dream, right? But what I really wanted was insight into the writing process.
I admit it. I was 100% selfish with my decision to review this book. I am a teacher. In fact, I'm a Language Arts/writing teacher. Naturally, I would want to learn more about the writing process so I could share that information with my kids. Duh.
What I didn't expect though, was for a book to fully cover all the skills that I teach when I teach literature. Not only does Wild Ink spend the first 3 chapters hitting all the elements of great fiction, but it also provides exercises for practice. I love that. I'll even admit that I used some of the practice activities with my students. Great teaching tool.
As a blogger, I even found some of the information applicable to my blogging. Awesome, right? For instance, there is an entire chapter on how to interview authors. Yes, it's something you could figure out on your own, but it's nice to have a guide for the newbies.
Overall, I was impressed with the layout and presentation of the material in Wild Ink. I would show more certainly be interested in picking up other books by this author to add to my teacher tool kit. show less
This is not my normal type of book for review, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to read this one. Yes, I was interested into learning more about the publishing process for books. I mean, who doesn't have that dream, right? But what I really wanted was insight into the writing process.
I admit it. I was 100% selfish with my decision to review this book. I am a teacher. In fact, I'm a Language Arts/writing teacher. Naturally, I would want to learn more about the writing process so I could share that information with my kids. Duh.
What I didn't expect though, was for a book to fully cover all the skills that I teach when I teach literature. Not only does Wild Ink spend the first 3 chapters hitting all the elements of great fiction, but it also provides exercises for practice. I love that. I'll even admit that I used some of the practice activities with my students. Great teaching tool.
As a blogger, I even found some of the information applicable to my blogging. Awesome, right? For instance, there is an entire chapter on how to interview authors. Yes, it's something you could figure out on your own, but it's nice to have a guide for the newbies.
Overall, I was impressed with the layout and presentation of the material in Wild Ink. I would show more certainly be interested in picking up other books by this author to add to my teacher tool kit. show less
This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.
Why did I let this series sit on my bookshelves so long before I read it? WHY?! This blew me away. The setting, characters, and plot were phenomenal. Loved every page.
I'm a Southern girl, so when I find a (good) YA book set in the South I get giddy. Plain and simple. Some of the descriptions were spot on, but some were a bit cliche. I was able to overlook the insulting depiction of Southerns since the authors are not from the south. I figured, what do they know really? I mean, we aren't all ignorant an incapable of putting a grammatically correct sentence together. Unlike the "Southern Belles" in Beautiful Creatures. I'm just going to tell myself that the authors made them over the top to make a point. I'd also like to know what small town in South Carolina have a rich voodoo culture. Seems like the setting for this book would have been better in Lousianna somewhere than in South Carolina. I was also a little surprised by the point of view of the narrator. It was told from Ethan's perspective. Now, I love a good male narrator, but this didn't feel like a typical teenage boy. It felt more like a highly emotional girl was telling the tale. Not believable at all in my opinion. That was a drawback. But, like I said... I was able to over look all of this because the descriptions and amount of detail that went into building the setting was so fantastic.
The characters were also great. Ethan and Lena were interesting, even if they fell helplessly in love right from the start. I show more really have problems with that type of story, but that's for another time. It actually worked in Beautiful Creatures since their love story was based on a family curse from long ago. I would be wrong though, if I said they were my favorites. I really enjoyed Macon and Amma. They were my true favorites. I loved Amma's quirks and the mysteriousness surrounding Macon. I also loved the dog named after Boo Radley in To Kill a Mockingbird. Priceless.
If you love a good paranormal romance/mystery, then this is for you! It has all the spooky elements of a paranormal read with just the right amount of mystery to keep you turning the pages. show less
I'm a Southern girl, so when I find a (good) YA book set in the South I get giddy. Plain and simple. Some of the descriptions were spot on, but some were a bit cliche. I was able to overlook the insulting depiction of Southerns since the authors are not from the south. I figured, what do they know really? I mean, we aren't all ignorant an incapable of putting a grammatically correct sentence together. Unlike the "Southern Belles" in Beautiful Creatures. I'm just going to tell myself that the authors made them over the top to make a point. I'd also like to know what small town in South Carolina have a rich voodoo culture. Seems like the setting for this book would have been better in Lousianna somewhere than in South Carolina. I was also a little surprised by the point of view of the narrator. It was told from Ethan's perspective. Now, I love a good male narrator, but this didn't feel like a typical teenage boy. It felt more like a highly emotional girl was telling the tale. Not believable at all in my opinion. That was a drawback. But, like I said... I was able to over look all of this because the descriptions and amount of detail that went into building the setting was so fantastic.
The characters were also great. Ethan and Lena were interesting, even if they fell helplessly in love right from the start. I show more really have problems with that type of story, but that's for another time. It actually worked in Beautiful Creatures since their love story was based on a family curse from long ago. I would be wrong though, if I said they were my favorites. I really enjoyed Macon and Amma. They were my true favorites. I loved Amma's quirks and the mysteriousness surrounding Macon. I also loved the dog named after Boo Radley in To Kill a Mockingbird. Priceless.
If you love a good paranormal romance/mystery, then this is for you! It has all the spooky elements of a paranormal read with just the right amount of mystery to keep you turning the pages. show less
Amazing. Simply amazing. Another hit for Sarah Beth Durst. Ice was one of a kind and exceeded all expectations.
This has to be one of the best settings for a story that I have read in a long time. It was highly original. You would think that a story that takes place in the Artic tundra would be lacking in descriptive details and originality, but you would be wrong. The descriptions were amazing, and the setting was phenomenal. I have to admit that I was drawn to this book partly based on the location since I visited Alaska this summer. I was able to identify some of the elements mentioned in the story because I saw them with my own eyes. If the author has never traveled to this area, I am highly impressed with her ability to capture its essence. A+ in this department.
The characters were very uniques as well. Cassie is your typical strong-willed teenager, but she is different. She's the granddaughter of the North Wind and the future wife of the Polar Bear King. Yeah, you read that correctly. I will admit, as far as depth goes, there wasn't much. Cassie does grow and develop throughout the story, but that's the extent of things. I didn't really connect with her, but that's ok. The story line was so good that I didn't need to feel that personal connection. Ice read like a myth, which had me engrossed until the very end.
Sarah Beth Durst is known for her original stories. It never ceases to amaze me how she can write books that are so different from one another. Ice is not show more like any of her other books that I have read thus far. In fact, I would challenge someone to find a book similar to Ice.
If you are a fan of mythology, get ready! You will love all the subtle (and not so subtle) references to mythology hiding among these pages. On the surface, this is a highly original tale of Cupid and Psyche. Complete with the West Wind (in this case the North, South, and East winds) wisking Cassie (Psyche) off to a secluded location. The invisible servants in the original myth are very uniquely described trolls in Ice. There is also Inuit mythology scattered all over the place. You see mentionings of Sedna and Inuit soul keepers.
Simply put, read this. That's all I can say. It's amazing, and it will knock your socks off. show less
This has to be one of the best settings for a story that I have read in a long time. It was highly original. You would think that a story that takes place in the Artic tundra would be lacking in descriptive details and originality, but you would be wrong. The descriptions were amazing, and the setting was phenomenal. I have to admit that I was drawn to this book partly based on the location since I visited Alaska this summer. I was able to identify some of the elements mentioned in the story because I saw them with my own eyes. If the author has never traveled to this area, I am highly impressed with her ability to capture its essence. A+ in this department.
The characters were very uniques as well. Cassie is your typical strong-willed teenager, but she is different. She's the granddaughter of the North Wind and the future wife of the Polar Bear King. Yeah, you read that correctly. I will admit, as far as depth goes, there wasn't much. Cassie does grow and develop throughout the story, but that's the extent of things. I didn't really connect with her, but that's ok. The story line was so good that I didn't need to feel that personal connection. Ice read like a myth, which had me engrossed until the very end.
Sarah Beth Durst is known for her original stories. It never ceases to amaze me how she can write books that are so different from one another. Ice is not show more like any of her other books that I have read thus far. In fact, I would challenge someone to find a book similar to Ice.
If you are a fan of mythology, get ready! You will love all the subtle (and not so subtle) references to mythology hiding among these pages. On the surface, this is a highly original tale of Cupid and Psyche. Complete with the West Wind (in this case the North, South, and East winds) wisking Cassie (Psyche) off to a secluded location. The invisible servants in the original myth are very uniquely described trolls in Ice. There is also Inuit mythology scattered all over the place. You see mentionings of Sedna and Inuit soul keepers.
Simply put, read this. That's all I can say. It's amazing, and it will knock your socks off. show less
I am going to start by saying most of my original predictions for this book turned out to be true. At the end of Sweet Venom, I knew there was something important about Thane's disappearance. I was right, even if we don't know what his role is yet or not. I have my theory. I also guessed Nick's role head on. Aw yeah, I am awesome.
Yes, this book took a twist that I didn't expect, but it still ended up being pretty predictable. I had such high hopes, which has left me a tiny bit disappointed. Now, don't go thinking that I didn't enjoy this book. I did. It just ended up being a typical second book in a series. Nothing spectacular, but certainly needed to move the story along.
The characters stay the same for the most part. Yes, grumpy loner Gretchen develops a soft spot. That was nice. I liked seeing her become more approachable and human-like. Greer and Grace bond and grow also. Obviously, the three sisters are the focus of the book-- which is a good thing. The jury is still out on my overall feelings toward Nick and Thane.
Tera Lynn Childs does a great job with infusing the mythology in this series. I love how fresh and original it is. The story line of Medusa's descendants being in charge of protecting a magic portal in one-of-a-kind. TLC also subtly weaves other stories from mythology into the subplots and minor characters (we meet a unicorn and a pegasus in this book). There is also a mermaid sighting in the Abyss. Of course, it's a super creepy killer mermaid, but show more merfolk all the same!
If you are a fan of this series, you'll probably enjoy Sweet Shadows. It's an important piece in the trilogy and certainly needed to understand the plot developments that will occur in Sweet Legacy. Unfortunately, it just didn't knock my socks off. show less
Yes, this book took a twist that I didn't expect, but it still ended up being pretty predictable. I had such high hopes, which has left me a tiny bit disappointed. Now, don't go thinking that I didn't enjoy this book. I did. It just ended up being a typical second book in a series. Nothing spectacular, but certainly needed to move the story along.
The characters stay the same for the most part. Yes, grumpy loner Gretchen develops a soft spot. That was nice. I liked seeing her become more approachable and human-like. Greer and Grace bond and grow also. Obviously, the three sisters are the focus of the book-- which is a good thing. The jury is still out on my overall feelings toward Nick and Thane.
Tera Lynn Childs does a great job with infusing the mythology in this series. I love how fresh and original it is. The story line of Medusa's descendants being in charge of protecting a magic portal in one-of-a-kind. TLC also subtly weaves other stories from mythology into the subplots and minor characters (we meet a unicorn and a pegasus in this book). There is also a mermaid sighting in the Abyss. Of course, it's a super creepy killer mermaid, but show more merfolk all the same!
If you are a fan of this series, you'll probably enjoy Sweet Shadows. It's an important piece in the trilogy and certainly needed to understand the plot developments that will occur in Sweet Legacy. Unfortunately, it just didn't knock my socks off. show less
I just love mermaid stories. Make it a story about killer mermaids and I'm even more entranced. I had a lot of fun reading Wake by Amanda Hocking.
While the plot didn't amaze me, I was intrigued. I hate to say this, but there is only so much you can do with a story about sirens. It was everything I expected it to be, and very little more. Now, don't take that the wrong way. I did enjoy it; it just didn't break the mold.
Gemma was a decent character. She was strong and beautiful-- perfect bait for a gang of deadly sirens. I know the majority of the story focused on Gemma and her plight, but I was really more interested in Daniel. He was mysterious and fun. He had this aura of bad-boy swirling around him that had me hooked from the beginning. Alex was that "boy next door" kind of character, which worked well with being Gemma's love interest. Gemma's sister was also decent as far as foils go. Overall, the characters were all balanced out and did a nice job of supporting one another-- but I'm still team Daniel.
What review of a book about mermaids would be complete without mentioning the main characters? These sirens were not all singing crabs and sunshine. These girls were hard-core. Penn is certainly the most vicious of the three. Talia came across as aloof and uninterested. I'm sure there will be more to that in future books. What I did enjoy about this book is that the focus really wasn't on sparkling mermaid tails. Yes, it was mentioned a few times, but not as much as show more you would think. There was certainly an underlying mystery that was more prevalent to the plot. The mythology that was subtly introduced was also used in a very clever way. I am curious to see how Gemma and the other unravel that mystery in future books.
Overall, Wake was a fun read. It was quick and had enough romance to make it a page turner. (Very clean romance by the way.) I feel like this was a nice introduction to the upcoming books, which will probably have more plot twists in store. show less
While the plot didn't amaze me, I was intrigued. I hate to say this, but there is only so much you can do with a story about sirens. It was everything I expected it to be, and very little more. Now, don't take that the wrong way. I did enjoy it; it just didn't break the mold.
Gemma was a decent character. She was strong and beautiful-- perfect bait for a gang of deadly sirens. I know the majority of the story focused on Gemma and her plight, but I was really more interested in Daniel. He was mysterious and fun. He had this aura of bad-boy swirling around him that had me hooked from the beginning. Alex was that "boy next door" kind of character, which worked well with being Gemma's love interest. Gemma's sister was also decent as far as foils go. Overall, the characters were all balanced out and did a nice job of supporting one another-- but I'm still team Daniel.
What review of a book about mermaids would be complete without mentioning the main characters? These sirens were not all singing crabs and sunshine. These girls were hard-core. Penn is certainly the most vicious of the three. Talia came across as aloof and uninterested. I'm sure there will be more to that in future books. What I did enjoy about this book is that the focus really wasn't on sparkling mermaid tails. Yes, it was mentioned a few times, but not as much as show more you would think. There was certainly an underlying mystery that was more prevalent to the plot. The mythology that was subtly introduced was also used in a very clever way. I am curious to see how Gemma and the other unravel that mystery in future books.
Overall, Wake was a fun read. It was quick and had enough romance to make it a page turner. (Very clean romance by the way.) I feel like this was a nice introduction to the upcoming books, which will probably have more plot twists in store. show less
Have I mentioned lately how much I adore Sarah Beth Durst? Probably, but it's worth saying again. I love how each book I pick up is completely different from the one before it. Durst obviously has a talent that is above par.
While Enchanted Ivy isn't really my favorite so far, it was fun. I enjoyed Ivy's adventures at Princeton. If you couldn't tell by the synopsis, the story takes place at Princeton University-- both the real college and it's mytholigical counterpart. It was a new take on the uppity boarding school setting.
I was a bit disappointed to see that this book lacked the amazing descriptive details that I have come to love and adore with Durst's writing. This was written a few years before the other books I've read, so I think it's safe to say that she has come a long way. Drink, Slay, Love was vivid and fun, while Vessel blew me away from page one with its imagery. Unfortunately, Enchanted Ivy didn't have that same impact. It was, however, action packed. Classic Sarah Beth Durst style. I flew through the pages to see what was going to happen next.
All SBD fans will probably enjoy this one. It's worth reading. It's also squeaky clean enough for younger readers, so middle grades readers could read it too.
While Enchanted Ivy isn't really my favorite so far, it was fun. I enjoyed Ivy's adventures at Princeton. If you couldn't tell by the synopsis, the story takes place at Princeton University-- both the real college and it's mytholigical counterpart. It was a new take on the uppity boarding school setting.
I was a bit disappointed to see that this book lacked the amazing descriptive details that I have come to love and adore with Durst's writing. This was written a few years before the other books I've read, so I think it's safe to say that she has come a long way. Drink, Slay, Love was vivid and fun, while Vessel blew me away from page one with its imagery. Unfortunately, Enchanted Ivy didn't have that same impact. It was, however, action packed. Classic Sarah Beth Durst style. I flew through the pages to see what was going to happen next.
All SBD fans will probably enjoy this one. It's worth reading. It's also squeaky clean enough for younger readers, so middle grades readers could read it too.
As much as I love this series, I have to say I was a little disappointed with Crimson Frost. Maybe it's just me, but this series is dragging on. I really thought this would be the final book, and I was sad when I started... BUT, now I'm ready for a finale.
I know some stories can't be told in 3 or 4 books (um, Harry Potter?), but many of them can. Honestly. Yes, I love the mythology embedded in the Mythos Academy series, but it's getting stale. I felt like most of the action in the newest addition to the series was much of the same. A few new villains and twists added in, but otherwise more of the same.
Now, with that being said it doesn't mean that I didn't enjoy this book. I did. I think Gwen and her grandma are awesome, and Logan totally makes my heart beat faster. The other characters that I have enjoyed in the past really didn't have much of a role in this book. That was a little disappointing. Daphne and her beau were absent for the majority of the book. Bummer. A few new characters were introduced, so that might make the next book more interesting. I intrigued by the hodge-podge team of Reaper fighting whiz kids that has been put together. I hope Midnight Frost brings them all together in some way.
I think it's worth noting that the setting is what makes this series so much fun (in my opinion). Sure, we have yet another supernatural themed story taking place in a uppity boarding school. That cliche is still being used. However, this time the students are "whiz show more kids" with hidden talents and ties to mythology. You have gypsies like Gwen, Spartan warriors, Valkyries, and a few other mythological creatures popping up. I especially like how the various myth cultures are represented. In Crimson Frost, we meet a creature from Egyptian mythology and Apate. Loki is still lurking in the shadows and trying to take over the world. That hasn't changed.
What will Midnight Frost have instore for us? Who knows. Hopefully a conclusion to this series, because I really don't know how many more twists and turns can be added to the plot before it seems like we're reading the same story again. I'm already starting to feel that way. Thankfully, though, there was one heck of a surprise at the end that will make the next book very interesting. Jennifer Estep seems to have a way with those hook endings. show less
I know some stories can't be told in 3 or 4 books (um, Harry Potter?), but many of them can. Honestly. Yes, I love the mythology embedded in the Mythos Academy series, but it's getting stale. I felt like most of the action in the newest addition to the series was much of the same. A few new villains and twists added in, but otherwise more of the same.
Now, with that being said it doesn't mean that I didn't enjoy this book. I did. I think Gwen and her grandma are awesome, and Logan totally makes my heart beat faster. The other characters that I have enjoyed in the past really didn't have much of a role in this book. That was a little disappointing. Daphne and her beau were absent for the majority of the book. Bummer. A few new characters were introduced, so that might make the next book more interesting. I intrigued by the hodge-podge team of Reaper fighting whiz kids that has been put together. I hope Midnight Frost brings them all together in some way.
I think it's worth noting that the setting is what makes this series so much fun (in my opinion). Sure, we have yet another supernatural themed story taking place in a uppity boarding school. That cliche is still being used. However, this time the students are "whiz show more kids" with hidden talents and ties to mythology. You have gypsies like Gwen, Spartan warriors, Valkyries, and a few other mythological creatures popping up. I especially like how the various myth cultures are represented. In Crimson Frost, we meet a creature from Egyptian mythology and Apate. Loki is still lurking in the shadows and trying to take over the world. That hasn't changed.
What will Midnight Frost have instore for us? Who knows. Hopefully a conclusion to this series, because I really don't know how many more twists and turns can be added to the plot before it seems like we're reading the same story again. I'm already starting to feel that way. Thankfully, though, there was one heck of a surprise at the end that will make the next book very interesting. Jennifer Estep seems to have a way with those hook endings. show less
I really have to start taking notes as I read. I read this book in one sitting then jumped right into a new book. Eight books later, I can hardly remember what I liked and didn't like about The Vicious Deep.
I do remember that I liked that this story is told from a merman's point of view. I'm glad that the menfolk are getting some representation in a female dominated genre. No need to be sexist, afterall. Tristan was pretty darn funny. He was arrogant and witty, just like you would expect most teenage boys to be. He was a 100% believable narrator.
Then there is Layla. I liked her a lot. She was strong-willed and independent. She was also not a mermaid. She found out about Tristan's secret, by pure chance. Of course, since it's been like 3 months since I read this book, I forgot why exactly I liked her other than those reasons.
I also want to point out that I enjoyed the world building. The descriptions of the merworld were great. It is so important to have a believable setting-- even in a fantasy type book. The old school rules of fighting for the tritan were pretty extreme, and added to the plot. There were a few characters that I didn't care for that kept hanging around, but whatever. I'm sure they will find their place somewhere in book 2.
But what really irked me about this story was the ending. Did anyone else think it ended too abruptly? I was crusing along enjoying the quest, when BAM. End of book one. Just like that too. I had to actually flip back a few pages to show more make sure I didn't skip something. I really thought I had missed a chapter or two. That was a huge disappointment. I love a good cliffhanger, but not when the story seems to hit a brick wall at 65 MPH. Of course, though, I'll have to read The Savage Blue because I need to know how and if Tristan can find the rest of the trident pieces. show less
I do remember that I liked that this story is told from a merman's point of view. I'm glad that the menfolk are getting some representation in a female dominated genre. No need to be sexist, afterall. Tristan was pretty darn funny. He was arrogant and witty, just like you would expect most teenage boys to be. He was a 100% believable narrator.
Then there is Layla. I liked her a lot. She was strong-willed and independent. She was also not a mermaid. She found out about Tristan's secret, by pure chance. Of course, since it's been like 3 months since I read this book, I forgot why exactly I liked her other than those reasons.
I also want to point out that I enjoyed the world building. The descriptions of the merworld were great. It is so important to have a believable setting-- even in a fantasy type book. The old school rules of fighting for the tritan were pretty extreme, and added to the plot. There were a few characters that I didn't care for that kept hanging around, but whatever. I'm sure they will find their place somewhere in book 2.
But what really irked me about this story was the ending. Did anyone else think it ended too abruptly? I was crusing along enjoying the quest, when BAM. End of book one. Just like that too. I had to actually flip back a few pages to show more make sure I didn't skip something. I really thought I had missed a chapter or two. That was a huge disappointment. I love a good cliffhanger, but not when the story seems to hit a brick wall at 65 MPH. Of course, though, I'll have to read The Savage Blue because I need to know how and if Tristan can find the rest of the trident pieces. show less
When I started this book, I was completely confused. Seriously. The new lingo and the cryptic nature of the story itself had me thrown for a loop. In fact, I really didn't care for the story much because of it. But, since I picked this book for December's Dystopian themed YA book club topic, I had to finish it.... and I am glad I did!
The book starts off a little slow in my opinion. Thomas is in The Glade but he has no idea what's going on. As the reader, you have to piece the puzzle together along with him. The author gives subtle clues here and there through slipped messages or fuzzy memories. But just like Thomas, you have to decide what to make of it.
The characters didn't make a lasting impression on me. There really wasn't anything mind blowing or special about them. Seriously. Ok, two of them had telepathic powers, but that didn't even impress me. It actually felt a little weird, but given how bizarre this book was as a whole, I decided to just go with it. I will note that the creatures lurking in the maze were terrifying. I have never read anything like that before! It makes the minotaur of the Labyrinth seem like a fuzzy puppy in comparison.
After I finished reading The Maze Runner, I discovered there was a prequel. Thank goodness! I highly recommend reading The Kill Order before you start this book. I had so many questions while I read The Maze Runner. Some were answered, but most were not. I think the prequel will help set the stage and explain why the maze was show more actually created. The ending of The Maze Runner tried to explain it, but it was too rushed. The best part of the book was crammed into 30 pages at the end.
Which brings me to this book's saving grace: the ending. WTH. Holy crap. I was expecting some twist ending, but not exactly what I got. I really wish I could share what happened, but it would give away too much. Know this though, the "flare" that is discussed came up at Thanksgiving dinner at my parents' house. And no, it wasn't because of this book. My dad was discussing "survival tactics" due to EPM or CMB attacks... and so "that" flare was also mentioned. I was a little unnerved to think that about the amount of destruction that could be caused by an act of nature. And of course I mentioned that "I have a book for that"-- interest piqued instantly.
I think boys might enjoy this book. It seems pretty geared toward them since the MC is a teenage male living with other teenage males in a maze. There is a good amount of gore and violence, so that also seems fitting. The other books in the series might be promising too. I am interested to see what happens, but I'm leery to read on. I hate sequels that feel stale, and that might happen with book two. I already know what the premise is, so not sure how the author can pull of any surprises. I don't know though, the titles do catch my attention, so I may try to squeeze them in at some point. show less
The book starts off a little slow in my opinion. Thomas is in The Glade but he has no idea what's going on. As the reader, you have to piece the puzzle together along with him. The author gives subtle clues here and there through slipped messages or fuzzy memories. But just like Thomas, you have to decide what to make of it.
The characters didn't make a lasting impression on me. There really wasn't anything mind blowing or special about them. Seriously. Ok, two of them had telepathic powers, but that didn't even impress me. It actually felt a little weird, but given how bizarre this book was as a whole, I decided to just go with it. I will note that the creatures lurking in the maze were terrifying. I have never read anything like that before! It makes the minotaur of the Labyrinth seem like a fuzzy puppy in comparison.
After I finished reading The Maze Runner, I discovered there was a prequel. Thank goodness! I highly recommend reading The Kill Order before you start this book. I had so many questions while I read The Maze Runner. Some were answered, but most were not. I think the prequel will help set the stage and explain why the maze was show more actually created. The ending of The Maze Runner tried to explain it, but it was too rushed. The best part of the book was crammed into 30 pages at the end.
Which brings me to this book's saving grace: the ending. WTH. Holy crap. I was expecting some twist ending, but not exactly what I got. I really wish I could share what happened, but it would give away too much. Know this though, the "flare" that is discussed came up at Thanksgiving dinner at my parents' house. And no, it wasn't because of this book. My dad was discussing "survival tactics" due to EPM or CMB attacks... and so "that" flare was also mentioned. I was a little unnerved to think that about the amount of destruction that could be caused by an act of nature. And of course I mentioned that "I have a book for that"-- interest piqued instantly.
I think boys might enjoy this book. It seems pretty geared toward them since the MC is a teenage male living with other teenage males in a maze. There is a good amount of gore and violence, so that also seems fitting. The other books in the series might be promising too. I am interested to see what happens, but I'm leery to read on. I hate sequels that feel stale, and that might happen with book two. I already know what the premise is, so not sure how the author can pull of any surprises. I don't know though, the titles do catch my attention, so I may try to squeeze them in at some point. show less
This was different from what I expected. I wasn't sure what I would be reading when I started this book. I knew Maus was a Holocaust story, but I didn't know what type of story it would be. Calling it a "contemporary classic of immeasurable significance" is an understatement. I think powerful is a better adjective. Heartbreaking. Captivating..... those would work too.
The people in the book were depicted as various types of animals which I was both disturbed by and thankful for. I found it very interesting that the author chose to depict his "characters" as animals. The dehumanization aspect was not lost on me-- afterall, isn't that what Hitler and the Nazis did to the Jews?
Given the subject matter, I'm not sure how I would have taken to this book if it had the detail that most graphic novels are known for. The drawings lacked facial expression and some detail, but the point was still made. I still cried when a baby mouse's head was smashed against it because I knew what the mouse represented.
One thing that I did find bothersome was the constant switching between the present and past. I could see it being confusing for some people. However, I thought it was important to show how the past events shaped the father into the person that he became as a survivor. It wasn't choppy per se, but some type of textual feature to indicate that the present was occuring would have been better I think.
Overall, given that this is such hard content to work with, I think the author did a show more nice job of sharing his father’s horrifying experience in a tasteful way that might make learning about the Holocaust more accessible to future generations. The story was focused on one family's tale, yet it managed to tell about an entire nation. It saddens me to think how little people know about this dark time in history. We are so quick to glance over it or pretend it didn't happen exactly the way history books tell us. But I have met a survivor. I have read her story; and I won't forget. show less
The people in the book were depicted as various types of animals which I was both disturbed by and thankful for. I found it very interesting that the author chose to depict his "characters" as animals. The dehumanization aspect was not lost on me-- afterall, isn't that what Hitler and the Nazis did to the Jews?
Given the subject matter, I'm not sure how I would have taken to this book if it had the detail that most graphic novels are known for. The drawings lacked facial expression and some detail, but the point was still made. I still cried when a baby mouse's head was smashed against it because I knew what the mouse represented.
One thing that I did find bothersome was the constant switching between the present and past. I could see it being confusing for some people. However, I thought it was important to show how the past events shaped the father into the person that he became as a survivor. It wasn't choppy per se, but some type of textual feature to indicate that the present was occuring would have been better I think.
Overall, given that this is such hard content to work with, I think the author did a show more nice job of sharing his father’s horrifying experience in a tasteful way that might make learning about the Holocaust more accessible to future generations. The story was focused on one family's tale, yet it managed to tell about an entire nation. It saddens me to think how little people know about this dark time in history. We are so quick to glance over it or pretend it didn't happen exactly the way history books tell us. But I have met a survivor. I have read her story; and I won't forget. show less
Another book club hit!
I was really worried when I started this one that it was going to be like a Walter Dean Meyers book. (Not that I don't love those; I do. I've just read a lot of them already.) You know the scenario. Troubled teens get a second chance, but someone blows it. Will they do the right thing or not? Very plaid out cliche in literature, I think. Well, thankfully Gordon Korman came along and gave it fresh insight.
Yes, the cliche remains, but he doesn't beat the dead horse. There are no neat little bows wrapping up the plot at the end. No rainbows and unicorns-- at least not completely. Yes, there is that obvious "happy ending" that you knew was coming (so don't whine about a spoiler). BUT somethings were not solved in the way you might think. That made it believable, and I am thankful that not everything ended up sugary sweet.
The characters are a nice compliment to one another as well. Gecko is shy but funny. Arjay is misunderstood and layered. And Terrance is your basic pain in the arse thug wannabe. They interact nicely with one another, giving the perfect combination of conflict throughout the book. There were minor characters that make appearances too, but they aren't all that memorable. Ms. Vaughn makes me laugh with her obvious stereotypes, but beyond that... bleh.
It's a quick read. I flew threw it in two sittings. Great descriptions and some seriously funny LOL moments. I think MG readers would enjoy this one if they like stories about troubled show more youth getting second chances. show less
I was really worried when I started this one that it was going to be like a Walter Dean Meyers book. (Not that I don't love those; I do. I've just read a lot of them already.) You know the scenario. Troubled teens get a second chance, but someone blows it. Will they do the right thing or not? Very plaid out cliche in literature, I think. Well, thankfully Gordon Korman came along and gave it fresh insight.
Yes, the cliche remains, but he doesn't beat the dead horse. There are no neat little bows wrapping up the plot at the end. No rainbows and unicorns-- at least not completely. Yes, there is that obvious "happy ending" that you knew was coming (so don't whine about a spoiler). BUT somethings were not solved in the way you might think. That made it believable, and I am thankful that not everything ended up sugary sweet.
The characters are a nice compliment to one another as well. Gecko is shy but funny. Arjay is misunderstood and layered. And Terrance is your basic pain in the arse thug wannabe. They interact nicely with one another, giving the perfect combination of conflict throughout the book. There were minor characters that make appearances too, but they aren't all that memorable. Ms. Vaughn makes me laugh with her obvious stereotypes, but beyond that... bleh.
It's a quick read. I flew threw it in two sittings. Great descriptions and some seriously funny LOL moments. I think MG readers would enjoy this one if they like stories about troubled show more youth getting second chances. show less
This graphic novel was great! I really enjoyed it. The illustrations were great and the plot was actually good.
What made the plot so great, you ask? The fact there was actually one! I am so tired of graphic novels that hardly have a plot. This one was fairly fleshed out (for a graphic novel). There were plot twists and an actual message. Rock on. It did end a little abruptly without offering much of a resolution for some of the characters, but it's ok. It was still enjoyable. There are some references to mature content, so it's meant for older readers.
I also enjoyed the characters themselves. You had an odd mix, but the majority of the story line centers around Tinka and her interactions with the men in her life. You can imagine how that goes with the majority of the setting taking place in high school. Typical teen age problems. There was a good amount of witty humor hidden on these pages.The one liners were hilarious and actually had me chuckling to myself. Very fitting for a bunch of high schoolers.
What would a graphic novel be without good illustrations? Well, for starters, it would be crappy. I'm glad Glitter Kiss doesn't fall into that category. The illustrations were top notch. I would love to see some of the pictures turn into color. Considering this was soley in black and white, I was impressed with the level of detail I was able to discern from the images. A+ in that department!
What made the plot so great, you ask? The fact there was actually one! I am so tired of graphic novels that hardly have a plot. This one was fairly fleshed out (for a graphic novel). There were plot twists and an actual message. Rock on. It did end a little abruptly without offering much of a resolution for some of the characters, but it's ok. It was still enjoyable. There are some references to mature content, so it's meant for older readers.
I also enjoyed the characters themselves. You had an odd mix, but the majority of the story line centers around Tinka and her interactions with the men in her life. You can imagine how that goes with the majority of the setting taking place in high school. Typical teen age problems. There was a good amount of witty humor hidden on these pages.The one liners were hilarious and actually had me chuckling to myself. Very fitting for a bunch of high schoolers.
What would a graphic novel be without good illustrations? Well, for starters, it would be crappy. I'm glad Glitter Kiss doesn't fall into that category. The illustrations were top notch. I would love to see some of the pictures turn into color. Considering this was soley in black and white, I was impressed with the level of detail I was able to discern from the images. A+ in that department!
Here is another graphic novel on the reading list of my YA book club: Excalibur by Lee and Hart. I don't think I need to justify why I picked this one. It's a King Arthur legend. 'Nuff said.
I really liked the overview of the legend of King Arthur that this graphic novel gave. Some of the finer elements of the legend were missing, but a novice wouldn't notice. All of my favorites were in the story: Morgana, Merlin, the Lady of the Lake, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. The way everything fit together made the plot feel more like a well-developed story than the other graphic novels I've read.
I wasn't that impressed with the illustrations, though. They were only so-so. I found them to lack facial expression and detail. This made the pictures seem like they were better suited for a low end comic book.
I really liked the overview of the legend of King Arthur that this graphic novel gave. Some of the finer elements of the legend were missing, but a novice wouldn't notice. All of my favorites were in the story: Morgana, Merlin, the Lady of the Lake, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. The way everything fit together made the plot feel more like a well-developed story than the other graphic novels I've read.
I wasn't that impressed with the illustrations, though. They were only so-so. I found them to lack facial expression and detail. This made the pictures seem like they were better suited for a low end comic book.
I am new to the genre of graphic novels. I'm really trying to break out of my reading shell. Anya's Ghost was my second graphic novel ever, and I have mixed feelings.
First off, the drawings were awesome! The author/illustrator is so talented. The characters' faces had so much great detail and expression. The color graphics made it easy to get "sucked into" this story.
Now, the plot itself... eh. The ghost story aspect was pretty clever. I did enjoy that. I thought it was a fresh take on a tired genre. Was it ground breaking or mind shattering? No. Not even close. Would younger readers like it and find it creepy enough? Probably. There was also a pretty good message about accepting who you are hidden in the mystery.
What I didn't care for was how mature this character--Anya--was for a high school student. She was drinking and smoking often. Yes, I know teenagers do that. I was one of those teenagers some of the time, but I still don't think it has a place in books. I'm just funny like that. And there is something about it being illustrated in books that doesn't sit well with me. It's much harder to glance over something or forget something that you actually see. I think taking those things out of the book wouldn't have changed the story at all. They really weren't needed. In fact, they would keep me from recommending this book to a younger reader. No sense in unneccessary exposure.
First off, the drawings were awesome! The author/illustrator is so talented. The characters' faces had so much great detail and expression. The color graphics made it easy to get "sucked into" this story.
Now, the plot itself... eh. The ghost story aspect was pretty clever. I did enjoy that. I thought it was a fresh take on a tired genre. Was it ground breaking or mind shattering? No. Not even close. Would younger readers like it and find it creepy enough? Probably. There was also a pretty good message about accepting who you are hidden in the mystery.
What I didn't care for was how mature this character--Anya--was for a high school student. She was drinking and smoking often. Yes, I know teenagers do that. I was one of those teenagers some of the time, but I still don't think it has a place in books. I'm just funny like that. And there is something about it being illustrated in books that doesn't sit well with me. It's much harder to glance over something or forget something that you actually see. I think taking those things out of the book wouldn't have changed the story at all. They really weren't needed. In fact, they would keep me from recommending this book to a younger reader. No sense in unneccessary exposure.
I'm going to upset the cosmic balance when I say that I did not enjoy this book. Gasp! I know. This is proof that sometimes there are books that aren't meant for everyone. This is my example.
I will start by saying that I thought the way the book was written was very unique. I didn't know the two authors shared the story-- and by that I mean, one wrote Lily's perspective and the other write Dash's. Considering that they weren't sitting together writing this out, it was nicely done.
I also thought the red notebook idea was a nice touch. It made for a great adventure of the literary sort. I enjoyed reading the clever clues and seeing where the story would go. I also appreciated that these characters were not perfect and living in a sugary snow globe. They had flaws.
So why did I not like this book? I don't know. I honestly can't give words to adequately capture my feelings. I couldn't connect with the characters because I have nothing in common with either of them. I'm not sugary sweet like Lily and I'm not completely "snarly" like Dash. I enjoy Christmas and believe in God. I think that may have been my biggest hurdle. I try to be open when I read, but when something is so 'in your face' from the start, it's hard.
For someone that can handle that, this would be a fun read. It's light hearted enough with just a touch of somber relationship drama. It is not, a holiday read, so don't be fooled by the back cover. I'm not even sure I would call it a romance. It's an interesting show more combination of many things. show less
I will start by saying that I thought the way the book was written was very unique. I didn't know the two authors shared the story-- and by that I mean, one wrote Lily's perspective and the other write Dash's. Considering that they weren't sitting together writing this out, it was nicely done.
I also thought the red notebook idea was a nice touch. It made for a great adventure of the literary sort. I enjoyed reading the clever clues and seeing where the story would go. I also appreciated that these characters were not perfect and living in a sugary snow globe. They had flaws.
So why did I not like this book? I don't know. I honestly can't give words to adequately capture my feelings. I couldn't connect with the characters because I have nothing in common with either of them. I'm not sugary sweet like Lily and I'm not completely "snarly" like Dash. I enjoy Christmas and believe in God. I think that may have been my biggest hurdle. I try to be open when I read, but when something is so 'in your face' from the start, it's hard.
For someone that can handle that, this would be a fun read. It's light hearted enough with just a touch of somber relationship drama. It is not, a holiday read, so don't be fooled by the back cover. I'm not even sure I would call it a romance. It's an interesting show more combination of many things. show less
Like Moonlight at Low Tide: Sometimes the Current Is the Only Thing that Saves You by Nicole Quigley
Oh my. Two words: tragic and encouraging.
I had no idea what this was going to be about. None. I seriously thought it might be a mermaid tale based on the cover and title. (I was wrong!) Turns out, this is a contemporary fiction book—which is not my usual genre of choice. But, since it was set in my home state of Florida I thought I would give it a try. So glad I did.
The characters are great. Missy and Josh are so layered that I was instantly sucked in to their stories. All of the characters are flawed, and that’s what makes them believable. Missy comes from a dysfunctional family (understatement) and she’s trying to not be dragged down by them. I could go on and on about Missy and how she represents so many lonely girls out there… the ones that are desperate to belong somewhere. But I won’t. That would give away too much of her story. I can say that she thinks Sam King is her answer. Oh, how sad and wrong she is. Through tragic circumstances she learns that Sam is just Sam—a teenage guy—and not her savior.
Then there is Josh. He’s quiet, observant, and protective of Missy—but why? You don’t really get an insight into Josh’s head, but I enjoyed his presence throughout the book. You always had the sense he was lurking in the shadows—like a superhero of some sort waiting to swoop in and save the day.
The plot is not straightforward at all. For the majority of the story it seems like it’s about Missy finding who she is, but then it takes a show more turn. You go from typical teenage story to a story of redeeming grace. That was not typical. It wasn’t overly done or being shoved down your throat. It was subtle, and I felt it added a poignant message that so many people need to hear.
Because there is that “turn” towards the end, this book won’t be for everyone. What I found a pleasant surprise might turn the next reader off. It’s hard to say. What I can say though is that Like Moonlight at Low Tide is a fresh insight into the loneliness that plagues so many people in our society. show less
I had no idea what this was going to be about. None. I seriously thought it might be a mermaid tale based on the cover and title. (I was wrong!) Turns out, this is a contemporary fiction book—which is not my usual genre of choice. But, since it was set in my home state of Florida I thought I would give it a try. So glad I did.
The characters are great. Missy and Josh are so layered that I was instantly sucked in to their stories. All of the characters are flawed, and that’s what makes them believable. Missy comes from a dysfunctional family (understatement) and she’s trying to not be dragged down by them. I could go on and on about Missy and how she represents so many lonely girls out there… the ones that are desperate to belong somewhere. But I won’t. That would give away too much of her story. I can say that she thinks Sam King is her answer. Oh, how sad and wrong she is. Through tragic circumstances she learns that Sam is just Sam—a teenage guy—and not her savior.
Then there is Josh. He’s quiet, observant, and protective of Missy—but why? You don’t really get an insight into Josh’s head, but I enjoyed his presence throughout the book. You always had the sense he was lurking in the shadows—like a superhero of some sort waiting to swoop in and save the day.
The plot is not straightforward at all. For the majority of the story it seems like it’s about Missy finding who she is, but then it takes a show more turn. You go from typical teenage story to a story of redeeming grace. That was not typical. It wasn’t overly done or being shoved down your throat. It was subtle, and I felt it added a poignant message that so many people need to hear.
Because there is that “turn” towards the end, this book won’t be for everyone. What I found a pleasant surprise might turn the next reader off. It’s hard to say. What I can say though is that Like Moonlight at Low Tide is a fresh insight into the loneliness that plagues so many people in our society. show less
I admit it. I’ve never read a James Patterson book before. The Dangerous Days of Daniel X was my initiation. I had no idea what to expect from this book going into it. All I knew was that I needed to review it for my school’s student book club. Before I could do that, however, I had to steal back my copy of the book from my 10 year-old son.
Something you need to know about my son is that he’s a border-line nonreader. How, I have no idea. You would think it was genetically impossible, but I guess he inherited some mutated gene along the way. He loves Diary of a Wimpy Kid books and graphic novels. But to get him to read anything with more than 100 pages—forget about it. Obviously I nearly stroked out when he hijacked The Dangerous Days of Daniel X before I could read it. The appeal of alien hunters was too great for him to resist. I watched him read the book in 2 days! I saw him sneak a flashlight into his room at night, forfeit his video game time to his younger brother so he could read in the afternoon, and even read while he was eating his breakfast. My heart smiled each time.
I had to ask, “What’s so great about that book?” After looking at me like I was one of the aliens in the book, he simply replied, “It’s just awesome.” I pried for a bit more information since he is 10, and he informed me that the writing style is what one him over. He said everything is so detailed that he can “visualize everything in my head.” Reading teachers rejoice! show more He was using a reading strategy! When I read the book, I had to agree. James Patterson is very descriptive and holds nothing back. It doesn’t matter if you’re reading about a decaying cemetery or exploding alien heads—the quality of the details is the same.
I also enjoyed the “voice” that Daniel held throughout the book. He was a riot. Witty, sarcastic, and a bit irrational at times—he was a typical teenage boy. James Patterson did a great job of giving us insight into his thoughts and emotions. As I read, I felt like I knew Daniel. It was as if he was one of the kids walking around in my neighborhood.
I think I can safely say this book has massive appeal for boys of all types. It doesn’t matter if they are a reader or not, they will probably enjoy this series. It is overflowing with nonstop action, which will surely keep them flipping the pages long into the night show less
Something you need to know about my son is that he’s a border-line nonreader. How, I have no idea. You would think it was genetically impossible, but I guess he inherited some mutated gene along the way. He loves Diary of a Wimpy Kid books and graphic novels. But to get him to read anything with more than 100 pages—forget about it. Obviously I nearly stroked out when he hijacked The Dangerous Days of Daniel X before I could read it. The appeal of alien hunters was too great for him to resist. I watched him read the book in 2 days! I saw him sneak a flashlight into his room at night, forfeit his video game time to his younger brother so he could read in the afternoon, and even read while he was eating his breakfast. My heart smiled each time.
I had to ask, “What’s so great about that book?” After looking at me like I was one of the aliens in the book, he simply replied, “It’s just awesome.” I pried for a bit more information since he is 10, and he informed me that the writing style is what one him over. He said everything is so detailed that he can “visualize everything in my head.” Reading teachers rejoice! show more He was using a reading strategy! When I read the book, I had to agree. James Patterson is very descriptive and holds nothing back. It doesn’t matter if you’re reading about a decaying cemetery or exploding alien heads—the quality of the details is the same.
I also enjoyed the “voice” that Daniel held throughout the book. He was a riot. Witty, sarcastic, and a bit irrational at times—he was a typical teenage boy. James Patterson did a great job of giving us insight into his thoughts and emotions. As I read, I felt like I knew Daniel. It was as if he was one of the kids walking around in my neighborhood.
I think I can safely say this book has massive appeal for boys of all types. It doesn’t matter if they are a reader or not, they will probably enjoy this series. It is overflowing with nonstop action, which will surely keep them flipping the pages long into the night show less
I didn't dislike the book and I didn't love it either. Some of the stories seemed to be missing that key spark that makes me get all tingly inside. I thought-- for the most part-- that the stories were a very interesting interpretation of Mother Goose's nursery rhymes. In fact, I thought some stories were awesome. (i.e. versions of Little Boy Blue and Hickory Dickory Dock)
But, some stories were really lacking in the fundamentals department. They felt like a classroom creative writing assignment that never went anywhere. The stories start great, they are original, and then the pizzazz fades away. In the end, I was left with smoke... and stinky smoke at that.
As with most short stories, there is no room for deep character development. You get a little insight into some of the characters' thoughts and actions, but that's it. It's hard to make connections because the stories average around 10-15 pages. There are no intricate plots, but the stories were entertaining.
If you enjoy short story anthologies, you'll probably enjoy this one. A+ to all of the authors for their creativity. This is the first book of nursery rhyme retellings I have ever seen, and I thought that was worthy of a big hoorah.
But, some stories were really lacking in the fundamentals department. They felt like a classroom creative writing assignment that never went anywhere. The stories start great, they are original, and then the pizzazz fades away. In the end, I was left with smoke... and stinky smoke at that.
As with most short stories, there is no room for deep character development. You get a little insight into some of the characters' thoughts and actions, but that's it. It's hard to make connections because the stories average around 10-15 pages. There are no intricate plots, but the stories were entertaining.
If you enjoy short story anthologies, you'll probably enjoy this one. A+ to all of the authors for their creativity. This is the first book of nursery rhyme retellings I have ever seen, and I thought that was worthy of a big hoorah.
I know there are mixed reviews out there on this one, and honestly I’m stuck somewhere in the middle. On a small level, this is the story of two sisters that suffer the devastating effects of becoming nouveau rich. On a much larger and deeper level, however, this is a story of sibling rivalry… and that story is dark and troubled.
Thea is the younger sister tired living in Alex’s shadow. She has developed this image of what her life should be like and it eats away at her. It consumes her, really. Thea’s story sucks you in from the beginning. She is so screwed up that you can’t help but continue to read because you want to find out where that train wreck is heading. And what a train wreck she is! Is she crazy? Yes, but that’s an understatement. Border line psychotic? Oh yeah. Pathological liar? Mmm, yep. An endangerment to herself and those around her? Right again! Like I said, complete train wreck.
While Thea’s highly disturbing story unfolds, the mystery surrounding Alex’s neurosis also unravels. You can tell that Alex was once this amazing person (that probably wasn’t too likeable), but her unfortunate “event” has left her scared and damaged. So is so damaged, in fact, that she is allowing herself to fade away—literally. She’s got a plate full of issues to handle too!
So yes, I thought the story behind these two sisters was very interesting. Compelling even. I was captivated for the most part. But the other characters did not hit the mark for show more me, and I think they took away from the book as a whole. For starters, Alex’s boyfriend was a douche bag. Barf. I understand the purpose he played, but geez. Then there was Xander… I really liked Xander, but the whole Alex-Xander “thing” was too rushed. It happened so quickly. In one paragraph the entire orbit of this book changed and I wasn’t fully buying it. Sorry. I’m happy with the ending. I think it worked, even if it left a lot of questions unanswered. I can certainly say there is no neat little bow ending to annoy you, and that is commendable.
Overall, I think what could have been a phenomenal story was rushed in places, which ultimately took away from the force of the story between the covers. It was still a good read for older YA readers, but not my favorite in this genre. show less
Thea is the younger sister tired living in Alex’s shadow. She has developed this image of what her life should be like and it eats away at her. It consumes her, really. Thea’s story sucks you in from the beginning. She is so screwed up that you can’t help but continue to read because you want to find out where that train wreck is heading. And what a train wreck she is! Is she crazy? Yes, but that’s an understatement. Border line psychotic? Oh yeah. Pathological liar? Mmm, yep. An endangerment to herself and those around her? Right again! Like I said, complete train wreck.
While Thea’s highly disturbing story unfolds, the mystery surrounding Alex’s neurosis also unravels. You can tell that Alex was once this amazing person (that probably wasn’t too likeable), but her unfortunate “event” has left her scared and damaged. So is so damaged, in fact, that she is allowing herself to fade away—literally. She’s got a plate full of issues to handle too!
So yes, I thought the story behind these two sisters was very interesting. Compelling even. I was captivated for the most part. But the other characters did not hit the mark for show more me, and I think they took away from the book as a whole. For starters, Alex’s boyfriend was a douche bag. Barf. I understand the purpose he played, but geez. Then there was Xander… I really liked Xander, but the whole Alex-Xander “thing” was too rushed. It happened so quickly. In one paragraph the entire orbit of this book changed and I wasn’t fully buying it. Sorry. I’m happy with the ending. I think it worked, even if it left a lot of questions unanswered. I can certainly say there is no neat little bow ending to annoy you, and that is commendable.
Overall, I think what could have been a phenomenal story was rushed in places, which ultimately took away from the force of the story between the covers. It was still a good read for older YA readers, but not my favorite in this genre. show less
I really don’t understand people only giving this book 4 star reviews. Sarah Beth Durst has hit her mark once again with Vessel! I found this story to be unique and completely immersive. I didn’t want to stop reading it!
The first thing I noticed about Vessel was the amazing world building that Sarah Beth Durst is so famous for. She didn’t disappoint with Vessel. The first page is so descriptive that it sucks you into Liyana’s world before you even realize it. In fact, I used the first two paragraphs to show my students the “power of sensory details.” (Hope the author doesn’t mind.) It was great timing that we were discussing building your setting and using descriptive details to make your writing more interesting, and then I opened Vessel and viola: perfect example! The opening page’s example was a huge hit with my students (who are also reluctant readers). I booked talked the awesomeness and now they all want to read it. J
If you’ve read any other books by Sarah Beth Durst, hearing that the world she creates for her characters in Vessel is like none you’ve ever read about won’t surprise you. She seems to have a knack for developing unique settings.
The mythology she used throughout Vessel was great. I’m a huge mythology nerd, so anything even loosely based on myth will grab my attention. With Vessel, I could recognize the trickster tale elements, but I had a hard time pin-pointing which culture the myths truly came from. Were they borrowed from show more many cultures or were they a product of the author’s divine imagination? Hard to say. What I can say, though, is that it was flawless. The way the mythological elements were woven into the characters’ every being was fantastic. From battling glass sky serpents and sand wolves to saving your gods/goddesses from an unknown threat—Vessel had it all! I cannot even begin to tell you how much I loved it.
The mythology element in the book also plays a HUGE role in the plot. (Loved it!) It’s rather hard to explain the intricate plot, but I can safely say there were numerous surprises along the way. I usually figure out plots midway through a book, but not with Vessel. I can honestly say I was surprised by the ending. While I was a little disappointed with the turn of events in the resolution, it was still a fulfilling ending.
The characters were also pretty spectacular too. It was hard to make a connection with them because they were so different, but I certainly found myself invested in them. Liyana was the epitome of a strong female lead, and I loved her. She was resourceful and stubborn. Korbyn was mischievous (which makes sense since he was the trickster god). I could just picture the twinkle in his eye! Loved him. Team Korbyn FTW! The other characters that you meet along the way were equally impressive. They were each unique and brought something special to the plot.
I really wish I would have wrote this review the moment I finished reading Vessel instead of waiting two weeks. I feel like now I can only capture the superficial elements that I enjoyed, instead of the overall impact I had when I read the final words. Since this is the second book by Sarah Beth Durst that I’ve read—and I loved it—I’ve decided that I need to read everything else she has written. Vessel was so different from Drink, Slay, Love, but it still managed to find a place on my shelves as a favorite. (For the Record, Drink, Slay, Love is my favorite, non-sparkling vampire book of all time.) I also think it should be noted that truly talented authors (like Sarah Beth Durst) are able to make each book they write unique and special. Vessel was nothing like DSL—seriously. It was as if I was reading the author for the first time, and I appreciated that.
So, for all the mythology fans out there, you need to read Vessel. It’s like nothing you’ve read before! show less
The first thing I noticed about Vessel was the amazing world building that Sarah Beth Durst is so famous for. She didn’t disappoint with Vessel. The first page is so descriptive that it sucks you into Liyana’s world before you even realize it. In fact, I used the first two paragraphs to show my students the “power of sensory details.” (Hope the author doesn’t mind.) It was great timing that we were discussing building your setting and using descriptive details to make your writing more interesting, and then I opened Vessel and viola: perfect example! The opening page’s example was a huge hit with my students (who are also reluctant readers). I booked talked the awesomeness and now they all want to read it. J
If you’ve read any other books by Sarah Beth Durst, hearing that the world she creates for her characters in Vessel is like none you’ve ever read about won’t surprise you. She seems to have a knack for developing unique settings.
The mythology she used throughout Vessel was great. I’m a huge mythology nerd, so anything even loosely based on myth will grab my attention. With Vessel, I could recognize the trickster tale elements, but I had a hard time pin-pointing which culture the myths truly came from. Were they borrowed from show more many cultures or were they a product of the author’s divine imagination? Hard to say. What I can say, though, is that it was flawless. The way the mythological elements were woven into the characters’ every being was fantastic. From battling glass sky serpents and sand wolves to saving your gods/goddesses from an unknown threat—Vessel had it all! I cannot even begin to tell you how much I loved it.
The mythology element in the book also plays a HUGE role in the plot. (Loved it!) It’s rather hard to explain the intricate plot, but I can safely say there were numerous surprises along the way. I usually figure out plots midway through a book, but not with Vessel. I can honestly say I was surprised by the ending. While I was a little disappointed with the turn of events in the resolution, it was still a fulfilling ending.
The characters were also pretty spectacular too. It was hard to make a connection with them because they were so different, but I certainly found myself invested in them. Liyana was the epitome of a strong female lead, and I loved her. She was resourceful and stubborn. Korbyn was mischievous (which makes sense since he was the trickster god). I could just picture the twinkle in his eye! Loved him. Team Korbyn FTW! The other characters that you meet along the way were equally impressive. They were each unique and brought something special to the plot.
I really wish I would have wrote this review the moment I finished reading Vessel instead of waiting two weeks. I feel like now I can only capture the superficial elements that I enjoyed, instead of the overall impact I had when I read the final words. Since this is the second book by Sarah Beth Durst that I’ve read—and I loved it—I’ve decided that I need to read everything else she has written. Vessel was so different from Drink, Slay, Love, but it still managed to find a place on my shelves as a favorite. (For the Record, Drink, Slay, Love is my favorite, non-sparkling vampire book of all time.) I also think it should be noted that truly talented authors (like Sarah Beth Durst) are able to make each book they write unique and special. Vessel was nothing like DSL—seriously. It was as if I was reading the author for the first time, and I appreciated that.
So, for all the mythology fans out there, you need to read Vessel. It’s like nothing you’ve read before! show less
I love a good fairytale retelling. While My Fair Godmother wasn’t the best I’ve read in the genre, it was cute enough. The author, Janette Rallison, did a nice enough job bringing a few new elements to some classic fairy tales.
The story starts off in modern day Virginia with the sisters Jane and Savannah and their shared loved interest Hunter. I thought the story was going to stay in the modern setting, but that was quickly corrected. The Fair Godmother (“Chrissy”) seemed to muck things up when she kept sending Savannah into various fairy tales set in medieval times. You see, Chrissy isn’t very good at her job. She didn’t pay much attention in fairy godmother school so her grades barely scraped by. She spends more time playing around with her friends and shopping than she does listening to her charges. You can imagine how that could cause some problems in the magic department.
The characters were so-so in My Fair Godmother. Jane and Hunter didn’t offer much to the plot other than the initial conflict. The majority of the story focused on Savannah and Tristan. Savannah was being pulled through various fairy tales because she wanted a “prince” to take her to prom. While that was going on, Chrissy was scoping out Tristan. Somehow along the way she thought it would be best if Tristan became an actual prince, and so he was sucked into the Middle Ages. I will say that when Savannah decided to go help rescue him, that made the story more interesting. There show more were plenty of action points and hidden twists to keep things lively while the characters were in the Middle Ages.
The intermittent “memos” from what I think was the Fairy Council was a bit confusing at first. I see their purpose, but it was a bit annoying. There were too many points of view telling the same story. It was Savannah’s story, but the letters offered insight from at least three other characters. For younger readers, that might be a little confusing to follow. show less
The story starts off in modern day Virginia with the sisters Jane and Savannah and their shared loved interest Hunter. I thought the story was going to stay in the modern setting, but that was quickly corrected. The Fair Godmother (“Chrissy”) seemed to muck things up when she kept sending Savannah into various fairy tales set in medieval times. You see, Chrissy isn’t very good at her job. She didn’t pay much attention in fairy godmother school so her grades barely scraped by. She spends more time playing around with her friends and shopping than she does listening to her charges. You can imagine how that could cause some problems in the magic department.
The characters were so-so in My Fair Godmother. Jane and Hunter didn’t offer much to the plot other than the initial conflict. The majority of the story focused on Savannah and Tristan. Savannah was being pulled through various fairy tales because she wanted a “prince” to take her to prom. While that was going on, Chrissy was scoping out Tristan. Somehow along the way she thought it would be best if Tristan became an actual prince, and so he was sucked into the Middle Ages. I will say that when Savannah decided to go help rescue him, that made the story more interesting. There show more were plenty of action points and hidden twists to keep things lively while the characters were in the Middle Ages.
The intermittent “memos” from what I think was the Fairy Council was a bit confusing at first. I see their purpose, but it was a bit annoying. There were too many points of view telling the same story. It was Savannah’s story, but the letters offered insight from at least three other characters. For younger readers, that might be a little confusing to follow. show less
One word: UNCATEGORIZABLE! This series is intense and amazing.
Many authors find themselves facing “sophomore slump” when they write the second book in a series, but not Neil Shusterman! In fact, Unwholly is probably better than Unwind—and I didn’t think that would be possible. Aside from the fact that these books are so unique, the author does an amazing job creating his characters.
In Unwind, I found myself fully invested in Lev, Risa, and Connor. As Unwholly began to unfold, I was equally engrossed in their stories. But there were new characters introduced in Unwholly that really made this book! The one that stood out the most was Starkey. OMG. He is the ultimate antagonist. In fact, I found myself so disgusted with his character and his selfish motives, that I had a hard time reading Unwholly. I would get angry as I read and had to put the book down to cool off. That is powerful writing! For an author to create a villain that is so vile he makes me angry and bitter… wow. Starkey felt real. And I’m not saying that in some super bookish nerdy way either. All of the characters in this book were phenomenal.
Oh, did I mention there is also a modern Frankenstein element going on too? Yep. If you couldn’t tell, the guy on the cover is Cam—a boy created completely from the parts of unwinds. Every piece of his patchwork self was sculpted from living flesh of unwanted children. Creeptastic!
Enough about the amazing characters… the plot(s) need some attention show more as well. First off, when you look at this book it appears to be one large dystopian plot. But it is SO much more. Each character has his/her own story that is told individually through alternating points of view. Every single character! You would think that would make this a choppy read, but it flows seamlessly (no pun intended, Cam). Ultimately, all the individual plots merge into an action-packed climax that leaves you cursing some characters and aching for others. Stunning! It was flawless.
Above all of these incredible in their own right elements, the most amazing aspect of this book is the deep philosophical level that it brings. Ever since I read Unwind, I said this series needs to be discussed aloud. I still hold to that claim. In fact, I told my teacher friend that she needs to read this series to her 8th grade class (so I bought her a copy). Of course, I said to set the stage she had to build the background knowledge that the entire series centers around: who has the right to play God.
If you don’t know the basis of Unwind, it’s rather complicated. In a nutshell, however, it goes something like this: America could not come to an agreement over the Pro-choice and Pro-life debate, which led to the second Civil War. In an effort to reach an agreement, the government made a suggestion they thought would be so ridiculous that both sides would stop arguing. That didn’t happen though. Instead, both sides agreed to the terms and “unwinding” was born. Pro-life wins out from conception to age 13. From the 13th birthday until the 18th birthday, parents can choose to “unwind” their children (hello, Pro-choice) as long as Science uses every single part of the body. Can we say disturbing?
Keep all that in mind, and add in a character that is entirely created from the parts of unwinds in Unwholly. Now you have the philosophical elements because Cam questions the idea of having a soul. That was some seriously deep stuff in a YA novel! I loved it. Then there is Miracelina. She’s Catholic and wants to be unwound. Based on her religious beliefs and her decision to basically volunteer for suicide, another brilliant conversation about one’s soul emerged. I’m telling you, this book is brilliant and so is Neil Shusterman!
This is not a light-hearted YA dystopian. It is also not a story laden with teenage romance. If you want a feel-good story that leaves you smiling, you should also probably look elsewhere. But if you want a story that will have you questioning society’s values and human nature, then you should definitely read Unwholly! show less
Many authors find themselves facing “sophomore slump” when they write the second book in a series, but not Neil Shusterman! In fact, Unwholly is probably better than Unwind—and I didn’t think that would be possible. Aside from the fact that these books are so unique, the author does an amazing job creating his characters.
In Unwind, I found myself fully invested in Lev, Risa, and Connor. As Unwholly began to unfold, I was equally engrossed in their stories. But there were new characters introduced in Unwholly that really made this book! The one that stood out the most was Starkey. OMG. He is the ultimate antagonist. In fact, I found myself so disgusted with his character and his selfish motives, that I had a hard time reading Unwholly. I would get angry as I read and had to put the book down to cool off. That is powerful writing! For an author to create a villain that is so vile he makes me angry and bitter… wow. Starkey felt real. And I’m not saying that in some super bookish nerdy way either. All of the characters in this book were phenomenal.
Oh, did I mention there is also a modern Frankenstein element going on too? Yep. If you couldn’t tell, the guy on the cover is Cam—a boy created completely from the parts of unwinds. Every piece of his patchwork self was sculpted from living flesh of unwanted children. Creeptastic!
Enough about the amazing characters… the plot(s) need some attention show more as well. First off, when you look at this book it appears to be one large dystopian plot. But it is SO much more. Each character has his/her own story that is told individually through alternating points of view. Every single character! You would think that would make this a choppy read, but it flows seamlessly (no pun intended, Cam). Ultimately, all the individual plots merge into an action-packed climax that leaves you cursing some characters and aching for others. Stunning! It was flawless.
Above all of these incredible in their own right elements, the most amazing aspect of this book is the deep philosophical level that it brings. Ever since I read Unwind, I said this series needs to be discussed aloud. I still hold to that claim. In fact, I told my teacher friend that she needs to read this series to her 8th grade class (so I bought her a copy). Of course, I said to set the stage she had to build the background knowledge that the entire series centers around: who has the right to play God.
If you don’t know the basis of Unwind, it’s rather complicated. In a nutshell, however, it goes something like this: America could not come to an agreement over the Pro-choice and Pro-life debate, which led to the second Civil War. In an effort to reach an agreement, the government made a suggestion they thought would be so ridiculous that both sides would stop arguing. That didn’t happen though. Instead, both sides agreed to the terms and “unwinding” was born. Pro-life wins out from conception to age 13. From the 13th birthday until the 18th birthday, parents can choose to “unwind” their children (hello, Pro-choice) as long as Science uses every single part of the body. Can we say disturbing?
Keep all that in mind, and add in a character that is entirely created from the parts of unwinds in Unwholly. Now you have the philosophical elements because Cam questions the idea of having a soul. That was some seriously deep stuff in a YA novel! I loved it. Then there is Miracelina. She’s Catholic and wants to be unwound. Based on her religious beliefs and her decision to basically volunteer for suicide, another brilliant conversation about one’s soul emerged. I’m telling you, this book is brilliant and so is Neil Shusterman!
This is not a light-hearted YA dystopian. It is also not a story laden with teenage romance. If you want a feel-good story that leaves you smiling, you should also probably look elsewhere. But if you want a story that will have you questioning society’s values and human nature, then you should definitely read Unwholly! show less
Unlocking the Spell: A Tale of the Wide-Awake Princess (Tales of the Wide-Awake Princess) by E. D. Baker
I love this series. It is so super cute. Annie is such a great character! She is Gwendolyn’s (Sleeping Beauty) non-magical sister. Annie received a gift from her fairy godmother at birth that would not let any magic affect her, unlike everyone else in the kingdom. Because of this gift, Annie can sense when magic is near. Her power can also cause someone’s magic to falter. I found this to be one of the best parts of the story. I loved the descriptions of characters that suddenly found themselves without their magical qualities and gifts. One of the other qualities that make Annie so endearing is her resourcefulness. Because she has grown up without the help of magic, she has had to learn how to do many things on her own. Her sister, Gwennie, is described as “the most beautiful princess in the world” (with the help of magic of course), but Annie is often overlooked. While this could be lonely and a bit annoying, it makes Annie a great character. She is smart, stubborn, and extremely clever. The perfect underdog heroine.
The plot also weaves together familiar fairytales with slightly altered storylines. Goldilocks and the Three Bears, the Three Little Pigs, Cinderella, and Little Red Riding Hood all make appearances—just not in the ways we are familiar with. How the author used these stories and characters was very creative.
This is a middle grades series, which means it is squeaky clean. A little kissing, but appropriate for younger readers. Older readers would show more probably find it too wholesome. Maybe I’m a big nerd, but I loved it. Of course, I liked the first book (The Wide Awake Princess), too. Personally, I think all fairy tale fans should read this series. It is charming. show less
The plot also weaves together familiar fairytales with slightly altered storylines. Goldilocks and the Three Bears, the Three Little Pigs, Cinderella, and Little Red Riding Hood all make appearances—just not in the ways we are familiar with. How the author used these stories and characters was very creative.
This is a middle grades series, which means it is squeaky clean. A little kissing, but appropriate for younger readers. Older readers would show more probably find it too wholesome. Maybe I’m a big nerd, but I loved it. Of course, I liked the first book (The Wide Awake Princess), too. Personally, I think all fairy tale fans should read this series. It is charming. show less
I have to tell you, this was a little hard to follow at times. I am not a huge fan of sci-fi books, so I had to work hard to stay with it in places. Overall though, I enjoyed this book.
I found it ironic that the "then" this book took place in was 1985. Of course, the future was far beyond 2012, so I guess it made sense to think of 1985 as a distant past. But still, it made me chuckle. The author did a great job weaving in the subtle 80s references from the characters' point of view. Reading about the popular jock having "Flock of Seagull hair" was highly entertaining. I think the highlight though, had to be the music references. So yes, all my 80s music lovers out there... Yesterday does have 80s musical references. In fact, when I read the first mentioning of Duran Duran, I had to post it on Facebook for my co-workers (Duran Duran fans). We had a good laugh over it.
Ok, so funny 80s references aside, this book did have a pretty suspenseful plot. The characters are transported back to 1985 with no memory of their former lives. Except one of them does remember--sort of. The whole plot of the book centers on putting the pieces of this great mystery together. Where are they from? Why are they here? Why can't they go "home"?
That final question really grabbed my attention as I read. As I think about the world we live in, I can't help but think how close to the truth the author really was. The bio-terror that erupted in the future world was horrific. Zombies have nothing on show more what was created in this book!
Sci-fi fans will find plenty to enjoy in this futuristic dystopian. There was one pretty hot and heavy scene that would make this better suited for older YA readers. show less
I found it ironic that the "then" this book took place in was 1985. Of course, the future was far beyond 2012, so I guess it made sense to think of 1985 as a distant past. But still, it made me chuckle. The author did a great job weaving in the subtle 80s references from the characters' point of view. Reading about the popular jock having "Flock of Seagull hair" was highly entertaining. I think the highlight though, had to be the music references. So yes, all my 80s music lovers out there... Yesterday does have 80s musical references. In fact, when I read the first mentioning of Duran Duran, I had to post it on Facebook for my co-workers (Duran Duran fans). We had a good laugh over it.
Ok, so funny 80s references aside, this book did have a pretty suspenseful plot. The characters are transported back to 1985 with no memory of their former lives. Except one of them does remember--sort of. The whole plot of the book centers on putting the pieces of this great mystery together. Where are they from? Why are they here? Why can't they go "home"?
That final question really grabbed my attention as I read. As I think about the world we live in, I can't help but think how close to the truth the author really was. The bio-terror that erupted in the future world was horrific. Zombies have nothing on show more what was created in this book!
Sci-fi fans will find plenty to enjoy in this futuristic dystopian. There was one pretty hot and heavy scene that would make this better suited for older YA readers. show less
One word for this book: cute. The cover drew my attention first. I mean, how cute is it? I love that the mermaid tail is drawn on a chalk board and looks like it could or could not be attached to the girl. Super cute. That air of whimsy carries over into the book as well.
I did not read the first book in the series, but that didn't seem to matter. The author does a nice enough job of highlighting the main points from the earlier plot without retelling every single detail. As I've said, I had fun reading Real Mermaids Don't Hold Their Breath, but it didn't "wow" me. I'm not sure why I didn't find myself caught up in the story. It was a fast read that I enjoyed, but it didn't really leave a lasting impression. I'm sure a tweenage reader would appreciate it more than me.
I really don't have a lot to say because it didn't wow me. The story line was tightly woven and consistent, which is always a must for a good story. That much I did appreciate. The characters were "cute" and came across as wholesome. I think that was the biggest issue I had with the story. The characters were too perfect and everything seemed to wrap itself up with a nice little bow in the end. I need more conflict in my books! But, like I said, it's probably just right for younger readers.
I did not read the first book in the series, but that didn't seem to matter. The author does a nice enough job of highlighting the main points from the earlier plot without retelling every single detail. As I've said, I had fun reading Real Mermaids Don't Hold Their Breath, but it didn't "wow" me. I'm not sure why I didn't find myself caught up in the story. It was a fast read that I enjoyed, but it didn't really leave a lasting impression. I'm sure a tweenage reader would appreciate it more than me.
I really don't have a lot to say because it didn't wow me. The story line was tightly woven and consistent, which is always a must for a good story. That much I did appreciate. The characters were "cute" and came across as wholesome. I think that was the biggest issue I had with the story. The characters were too perfect and everything seemed to wrap itself up with a nice little bow in the end. I need more conflict in my books! But, like I said, it's probably just right for younger readers.
This was such a great find at Barnes and Noble! I was not looking for picture books, but the cover caught my eye. You can't tell from this picture, but the lettering looks like gold leaf. Gorgeous. As stood in the children's section while my oldest soon looked for a book, I started reading The Fantastic Flying Books of Morris Lessmore. Instant love.
What does it take to make me go nuts for a children's book? That's pretty simple: a great hidden message between the covers. I knew I had to own this book and use it with my class. (I managed to use it for a prediction lesson.) But what I adored the most about this book is the subtle message about the importance of public libraries. Every book lover should read this book because we can all appreciate our libraries. That wasn't the only jewel hidden on the pages. On a deeper level, the book discusses the power of (individual) stories. I absolutely loved the line "everyone has a story to tell." Sigh.
Not convinced that this book deserves your attention? Fine. Don't take my word for it then. Go check out the author's website to see for yourself. It will blow you away. Oh, and did I mention that since this book is so incredible it has it's own iphone App? Oh yeah.
What does it take to make me go nuts for a children's book? That's pretty simple: a great hidden message between the covers. I knew I had to own this book and use it with my class. (I managed to use it for a prediction lesson.) But what I adored the most about this book is the subtle message about the importance of public libraries. Every book lover should read this book because we can all appreciate our libraries. That wasn't the only jewel hidden on the pages. On a deeper level, the book discusses the power of (individual) stories. I absolutely loved the line "everyone has a story to tell." Sigh.
Not convinced that this book deserves your attention? Fine. Don't take my word for it then. Go check out the author's website to see for yourself. It will blow you away. Oh, and did I mention that since this book is so incredible it has it's own iphone App? Oh yeah.
When I started reading this on my Kindle, I thought it was a full length book. I didn't realize it was more of a novella. With only 72 pages, it was a very quick read.
I thought it was clever that the serum that brings the recently deceased back to life as "pales" was called the Lazarus Serum. I wonder how many younger readers would pick up on that reference? Since this was a shorter read, the plot moved very quickly. The main character Jed is catapulted into a situation he never wanted to be in. Because of his new circumstances, he has to find a way to survive and cope. He found himself faced with several moral decisions that younger readers could relate with.
Since I have spent most of my teaching career working with struggling and reluctant readers, I can safely say that this would have lot of appeal for that group of readers. My middle school boys would be able to relate to Jed easily. The underlying themes of acceptance and bullying would also appeal to today's youth.
I thought it was clever that the serum that brings the recently deceased back to life as "pales" was called the Lazarus Serum. I wonder how many younger readers would pick up on that reference? Since this was a shorter read, the plot moved very quickly. The main character Jed is catapulted into a situation he never wanted to be in. Because of his new circumstances, he has to find a way to survive and cope. He found himself faced with several moral decisions that younger readers could relate with.
Since I have spent most of my teaching career working with struggling and reluctant readers, I can safely say that this would have lot of appeal for that group of readers. My middle school boys would be able to relate to Jed easily. The underlying themes of acceptance and bullying would also appeal to today's youth.
First off, how amazing is this cover?! It was the first thing that drew me to this book. Instant love. Unfortunately, that was the only thing I loved about the book.
Now, don't get me wrong. I didn't dislike the book, but after a certain point I started to have serious issues. Parts of the story seemed to drag which is not great for holding my interest. But I stuck with it until the end. I enjoyed all the fashion and sewing references. I even thought that the idea behind the plot was unique. BUT... I have serious issues with how this story wrapped up. No good. I found myself reading the whole rushed ending in 2 pages. That is not enough closure for me. Plus, how things wrapped up had enough holes to sink the Titanic all over again. I think that is what made me feel a little frustrated with the book.
I did think the characters were pretty good. The author did a fair job of adding a bit of mystery to everyone that kept you guessing. I can say that not everyone turned out to be what they seemed. My favorite character in the whole book was the grandma. She was this super eccentric old lady that didn't care what others thought about her. I loved it. She was the perfect combination of sweet and salty, kind of like my seasonal favorite at Starbucks (sea salt caramel latte!).
I found myself thinking this was a decent read, although there were plot holes that should have been worked out a bit better. It didn't stink like a cat's litter box, but it didn't rock my socks off either.
Now, don't get me wrong. I didn't dislike the book, but after a certain point I started to have serious issues. Parts of the story seemed to drag which is not great for holding my interest. But I stuck with it until the end. I enjoyed all the fashion and sewing references. I even thought that the idea behind the plot was unique. BUT... I have serious issues with how this story wrapped up. No good. I found myself reading the whole rushed ending in 2 pages. That is not enough closure for me. Plus, how things wrapped up had enough holes to sink the Titanic all over again. I think that is what made me feel a little frustrated with the book.
I did think the characters were pretty good. The author did a fair job of adding a bit of mystery to everyone that kept you guessing. I can say that not everyone turned out to be what they seemed. My favorite character in the whole book was the grandma. She was this super eccentric old lady that didn't care what others thought about her. I loved it. She was the perfect combination of sweet and salty, kind of like my seasonal favorite at Starbucks (sea salt caramel latte!).
I found myself thinking this was a decent read, although there were plot holes that should have been worked out a bit better. It didn't stink like a cat's litter box, but it didn't rock my socks off either.
Oh. My. Goodness. Go ahead and slap yourself now. This book is phenomenal. It’s almost beyond words.
It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of books featuring mermaids, but this book broke all the molds. It defied all my expectations. I was expecting something like a love story with a little under the sea action, but that is not what I got. What I did find is a fantastic story that had mermaids, an evil sea witch, ghosts, and true love. Wow x 3.
Yep, I said ghosts and mermaids. Epicness. The way the alternating points of view intermingled was amazing. To flip from a story set in 1873 to present day—and to do it flawlessly—was fantastic. I loved every page. EVERY PAGE! And the last few chapters were intense. Speaking of intense, there is this one scene that made my stomach lurch. OMGoodness. It was so awful. It still haunts me.
I honestly don’t know what to say about this book. Read it. That’s all I can say. Read it and love it. Enjoy its epicness. Savor the mystery and the haunting romance of star-crossed lovers. Devour every page. You’ll want this one on your keeper shelf.
It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of books featuring mermaids, but this book broke all the molds. It defied all my expectations. I was expecting something like a love story with a little under the sea action, but that is not what I got. What I did find is a fantastic story that had mermaids, an evil sea witch, ghosts, and true love. Wow x 3.
Yep, I said ghosts and mermaids. Epicness. The way the alternating points of view intermingled was amazing. To flip from a story set in 1873 to present day—and to do it flawlessly—was fantastic. I loved every page. EVERY PAGE! And the last few chapters were intense. Speaking of intense, there is this one scene that made my stomach lurch. OMGoodness. It was so awful. It still haunts me.
I honestly don’t know what to say about this book. Read it. That’s all I can say. Read it and love it. Enjoy its epicness. Savor the mystery and the haunting romance of star-crossed lovers. Devour every page. You’ll want this one on your keeper shelf.
Oh. Man. Not at all what I expected. Not even close! I’m still undecided how I feel about this one. Honestly, I didn’t like it. It took me forever (in my terms) to finish this book! Not a good sign.
Why didn’t I like The Brides of Rollrock Island? Well… It all started with the first 70 pages or so. Could this have been any more confusing? I couldn’t keep the characters straight. It was so irritating. My poor brain didn’t know what it was reading (and this is not a problem that I typically have). So you can see why I was frustrated, right? If I can’t make sense of who is telling the story, then how can I decipher the plot? Ugh. As the book went on, I figured out how things were working so that problem became less of an issue, but it still made for a rough start.
The set up for this book was interesting too. It’s told from multiple points of view. Basically, each “chapter” is a new part of the Rollrock Island history that is told from the point of view of a new generation. While it did give an interesting quality to the story, I felt it interfered with the overall story. I could dissect the story further and show some of the positives, but I don’t want to go through the effort. You would have to read this book to understand what I was saying anyway. As a piece of literature, I can see some positive qualities, but I personally did not enjoy this book.
I also didn’t care for the writing. I know, I know… Yes, it was well written and the descriptions show more were very detailed. But I am sorry, it felt wordy at times. In fact, I found myself skipping entire pages and finding that I hadn’t missed a bit of information. There is something wrong with that. Add that to my initial “problem” with the book, and my attention span is gone. Done. Finis. I have nothing left to give as a reader.
** Not a kid friendly review from this point forward **
Now, add both of those complaints to my gripes with the characters themselves. WTH. The men in this book infuriated me. I have NEVER felt so much disgust and contempt for a group of characters in my life. How am I supposed to buy in that these pervs are so freakin’ horny that they are ready to knock boots with anything that pops up naked from the sea? Yeah, that’s what’s happening… grrrr. And the freak-o that keeps the poor sealwoman in the closest as a sperm depository and then GLOATS about it to his wife and family? Oh, hell no. I shut down right there. I was so disgusted with how quickly these men threw away their individual sense of decency that I couldn’t recover. No matter what else I read, I couldn’t get past this.
** End non-kid friendly portion **
Of course, the teacher in me is conflicted. While, as a reader, I did not connect with this story, I can see its purpose in a (mature) classroom setting. The setting is phenomenal. The characters are so screwed up that they make the perfect discussion point. The fact that all this sealwomen enchantment started up (again) out of revenge would open the door to a very interesting conversation. Plus, the story being continued through different generations of Rollrock inhabitants gives an unique angle. But, despite my conflicted views, overall I did not like this book. As something I picked up for fun, I did not enjoy my time reading. I finished out of a sense of commitment, not because I was captivated by the story. show less
Why didn’t I like The Brides of Rollrock Island? Well… It all started with the first 70 pages or so. Could this have been any more confusing? I couldn’t keep the characters straight. It was so irritating. My poor brain didn’t know what it was reading (and this is not a problem that I typically have). So you can see why I was frustrated, right? If I can’t make sense of who is telling the story, then how can I decipher the plot? Ugh. As the book went on, I figured out how things were working so that problem became less of an issue, but it still made for a rough start.
The set up for this book was interesting too. It’s told from multiple points of view. Basically, each “chapter” is a new part of the Rollrock Island history that is told from the point of view of a new generation. While it did give an interesting quality to the story, I felt it interfered with the overall story. I could dissect the story further and show some of the positives, but I don’t want to go through the effort. You would have to read this book to understand what I was saying anyway. As a piece of literature, I can see some positive qualities, but I personally did not enjoy this book.
I also didn’t care for the writing. I know, I know… Yes, it was well written and the descriptions show more were very detailed. But I am sorry, it felt wordy at times. In fact, I found myself skipping entire pages and finding that I hadn’t missed a bit of information. There is something wrong with that. Add that to my initial “problem” with the book, and my attention span is gone. Done. Finis. I have nothing left to give as a reader.
** Not a kid friendly review from this point forward **
Now, add both of those complaints to my gripes with the characters themselves. WTH. The men in this book infuriated me. I have NEVER felt so much disgust and contempt for a group of characters in my life. How am I supposed to buy in that these pervs are so freakin’ horny that they are ready to knock boots with anything that pops up naked from the sea? Yeah, that’s what’s happening… grrrr. And the freak-o that keeps the poor sealwoman in the closest as a sperm depository and then GLOATS about it to his wife and family? Oh, hell no. I shut down right there. I was so disgusted with how quickly these men threw away their individual sense of decency that I couldn’t recover. No matter what else I read, I couldn’t get past this.
** End non-kid friendly portion **
Of course, the teacher in me is conflicted. While, as a reader, I did not connect with this story, I can see its purpose in a (mature) classroom setting. The setting is phenomenal. The characters are so screwed up that they make the perfect discussion point. The fact that all this sealwomen enchantment started up (again) out of revenge would open the door to a very interesting conversation. Plus, the story being continued through different generations of Rollrock inhabitants gives an unique angle. But, despite my conflicted views, overall I did not like this book. As something I picked up for fun, I did not enjoy my time reading. I finished out of a sense of commitment, not because I was captivated by the story. show less