The subject of doppelgangers is very interesting and hasn't been written about as much as it should. I thought the premise of Plague in the Mirror sounded very original: evil twins, time travel, romance, and travel all rolled into one. However, I think the author had too many storylines and themes in her novel. Neither modern day Italy or Medieval Florence were as fleshed out as they could have been. I would have preferred if the author picked one setting and stayed with it - rather than have May constantly travel between the two. There were things that I enjoyed in this novel. I loved the setting of Florence. I want to travel to Italy so I was jealous of May's opportunity to live there for the summer. I also enjoyed May's relationship and romance with Liam although I do wish they spent more time together in the book. Overall I think the author of Plague in the Mirror had too many ideas for one book, but it was still an enjoyable read.
Monday, March 25, 2013
A new student review of Plague in the Mirror
Sunday, March 24, 2013
A new student review of The Goddess Inheritance by Aimée Carter
Kate Winters has such a human feel for a supposed Goddess, which allowed for a wonderful connection to the character. Her tale is believable while still being fantastical and adventurous. There is a balance of romance and action, not to mention familial love and tight-knit friendships. The character relationships developed the most in this latest book, and it is easy to be drawn in from the first sentence. As the characters go through pain, joy, and amusement, so will each and every individual reader, feeling as though they are apart of this brilliantly painted mastery of a story. Well written and much enjoyed by this reader, The Goddess Inheritance is a perfect addition to any fantasy or mythology loving reader's collection.
Friday, March 22, 2013
A new student review of The Crossing (Blood of the Lamb: Book One)
This book was a breath of fresh air for me. Hagar has defiantly come up with an original and innovative idea. I was a little confused with the plot and who’s who at the beginning, but as the book went on I figured it out. I love how Hagar portrayed Maryam as a strong and willful individual, yet gave her a certain vulnerability that made you want to cheer her on to victory. This book was exciting but not too faced paced, edgy without being intrusive, and had plenty of new twists that kept me guessing. This book captures the feeling of deception and conspiracy, with the underlying rage and anger just below the surface. I also felt the supporting characters played a big role in this book’s plot, giving it depth and personality. All in all, I felt this novel was a success and encourage you to read it!
“The singing and the crush of people amplified around her….she cast about, desperate for some whom might ease her plight. But now she was falling….”
I would recommend this book for mature readers and young adults, as this novel had some sexual situations and references, yet no profanity to speak of.
Faced with the consequences of turning her back on everything she believes, will Maryam be able to escape the dreaded and merciless Apostles and find out the truth…..alive? You’ll have to read Mandy Hagar’s new novel, The Crossing, to answer that question?
Note: This book is the first installment of the Blood of the Lamb Trilogy. If you are interested in reading the other installments, the second novel is called Into the Wilderness and the third, Resurrection.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
A new student review of Dare You To by Katie McGarry
Dare You To is one of the best books that I have read in a really long time. I love how Katie McGarry switches back and forth between Beth and Ryan's perspectives so the reader can see how different events affect each of them differently. Once I started reading this book, I couldn't put it down. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a teen romance book.
Monday, March 18, 2013
A new student review of Shaken by D.M. Anderson
I liked this book very much, I liked how it showed three different teenagers' stories. It didn't just show one. You got to see how each of the different teenagers deals with the earthquake. I enjoyed it quite a bit, it was one of the better books that I have read in a long time.
A new student review of Peanut
It's a pretty neat story. I wouldn't say it's very original. However the pictures and the likable characters that you can relate to bring it to life in a whole new way. Friendships are the main focal point for this book and it does a fine job of entertaining, making you think, laugh, and read it all in one sitting. Cute and very memorable. One thing I especially loved was how the pictures furthered an already good story, and the cool transitions between color and black and white kept me interested. I thought there were some really great comedic parts as well. Overall a very neat book that arrived just in time for a snow storm.
A new student review of My Ex From Hell (The Blooming Goddess Trilogy Book One)
What I liked:
Sophie Bloom is a sarcastic, spunky narrator who keeps the action rolling in the book. She is a refreshing version of a goddess. Usually goddesses are aloof, mean, cunning, manipulative, and sometimes nice. But Sophie represents all the things that I would look for if I decided to worship a Greek God. I love Sophie’s friends, too, who are just as sarcastic as she is. Kai sounds evilly delicious and I just want to take a bite out of his character. The plot, while not original, plays out well and keeps me interested; it is refreshing in it’s own little way. Also the action doesn’t drag on, which can happen when the author gets to excited and into the novel.
What I didn’t like:
A good book describes the characters. This book hinted at a description. The author just scratched at the surface of the animosity between Sophie and Bethany and I was deeply interested to know why they hate each other so much, since Bethany is a part-time main character. Also, I would've like to have known the history between Felicia and Sophie. I understood that Felicia was a drunk and wasn’t always the most attentive mother, but until the end, when Sophie was traveling down the labyrinth, I didn’t know that Felicia was cruel to Sophie, as well. The tension between Sophie and Kai could have been played up some more as well. In the story, it feels like they are two people who just met each other, with no hints at the past they really have. Kai must know things about what Sophie was like when she was Persephone, but it never seems that way. I would have expected there to be more hints from them about what they knew about each other. Another thing that I didn’t like is that the action moves too fast. Kai kisses her and "boom" - she knows who she is and how to use some of her powers. I would have liked if she gradually worked in the use of her powers. Sophie could have begun to experience dreams of her former life and have her powers start to act up in front of people at first. The battle scenes could have been drawn out more. We could have gotten to know Theo: his past, his sacrifice, and ultimately about his time imprisoned by Zeus and how he got free. And I feel like maybe Ms. Darling could have explained why Theo hates Kai so much.
Overall:
I give this book anywhere from a 4.3 to a 4.5. It kept me entertained and I didn’t want to put it down.
Friday, March 15, 2013
A new student review of A Long, Long Sleep
I’ve never been one for love stories; I’ve always loved fast-paced futuristic stories. However, this book was an exception. I was afraid that it was going to be a slow, boring book as soon as I started it. I quickly found out that I was wrong. I found myself thinking like Rose, the main character, so it was nice how I felt connected with her. I also loved how the story was based on Sleeping Beauty but wasn’t all gushy. The main reason I loved this book was the emotion that it brought with its story. I found myself tearing up at quite a few parts (which I usually never do when it comes to books). I suggest this book to everyone out there, no matter if you do or don’t like romantic stories. You won’t be disappointed!
A new student review of Super Zombie Juice Mega Bomb by MJ Ware
If you like Zombies, this book is for you! If you like creepy stories or stories with adventure, this book is for you. I recommend it for kids ages 10 and up. I loved it and couldn’t put it down. I even read it more than once.
I liked Nate, Misty and Kali. I felt like I was right there with them as they battled the Zombies and was rooting for them all the way. I didn’t want to see them get blown up with the town and I wish the story could have had a different ending for Kali. He was a really cool and smart kid.
SUPER ZOMBIE JUICE MEGA BOMB by M.J.A. Ware is a great story and as an extra bonus - besides giving us the answer to wiping zombies out of extinction – he gives the reader a 3 for 1: Super Zombie Juice Mega Bomb and two short stories. They are just as great a read as Super Zombie Juice Mega Bomb.
So what are you waiting for, so get the book and your Zombie survival guide now! Enjoy!
A new student review of A Long, Long Sleep
I thought this book was very interesting. It was completely different from anything I have ever read before. There was so much technology portrayed; some that we haven't even imagined yet. It was hard to understand what all of the information meant at first but once you got into it it was so cool. There is a romance it is sad and sweet and in the end it is beautiful. I loved this book