I would rate this book a four. The dramatic turn of futuristic events and spins really got me into the book. Reading this book from the main character, Alec's, perspective made me feel like I was there. The author described Alec's troubling life through a wonderful chilling spine tickling eerie way. I got goosebumps at certain spots. In certain spots, there were cliff hangers that made me want more. All the futuristic content, such as shuttles, bases on the moon, spheres, laser guns, and the whole package made me think about the possible inventions in the future. I thought, "Could this really happen?" Usually, I'm not that excited about futuristic books, but this book made me cry, laugh, get angry, and smile. When a book makes me feel something, I know it's good. The turn of being a good boy, to a bad boy, to a romantic lover, and back to the cool spy made me happy. I could picture the book very clearly, each scene I could picture what the people, scene, and objects look. This author should publish more futuristic books so I can read them. I've already started to look up the next book in the series. Of course, a book that ends on a cliffhanger requires me to check out the next book. In summary, I think that this book was a mix of life/death, future, rebel/goody goody mix. Alec's situation fascinates me, and I felt I could relate. I cannot wait to make the next read. The only thing I would even dare criticize would be the length. 300 something pages may seem like a lot, but I felt like the author spent a lot of time detailing certain things, and then it would be barely as much information as the recent scene. But I got the plot, and could relate to a character, which is what my goal was. Thank you, LitPick!
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
A new student review of When the World Ends... by J. J. Marshall
A new student review of Yoke: The Bound Trilogy Book I by Eve Ragland
Yoke is a great book with a lot of surprises. I love that this book has enough romance without going over board. It also has a lot of action and thrill, which keeps you interested. What I didn't like about this book was that it was too much like Twilight, but it was way better. I felt like some of the characters where a little too angry.
Yoke has what every book needs: action, adventure, surprises, and romance.I give this book 4/5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 and up. Have fun reading.
A new student review of Finnikin of the Rock
I did enjoy this book. I think Melina Marchetta did an excellent job of foreshadowing important events to come in the story, while at the same time delivering the occasional "plot twist" and surprise. The characters truly came alive for me. I could picture myself in each one's position, and to me that is what makes a well-written story. I felt their pain and laughed when they laughed.
Sometimes I thought that the romance between two of the characters (I'm not telling who!) was a little forced or sudden, but towards the end it became more natural.
The pacing was not too slow or too fast, it was a perfect goldie-lock's standard. Melina Marchetta did a fabulous job describing a certain prophecy, which was my favorite part of the book.
I did not think the sentences were all beautifully and ornately written, but I loved the simplicity that some sentences had.
For someone on the brink of requesting/buying this book: GO FOR IT. I do not think you will regret it in the slightest.
Monday, February 24, 2014
A new student review of Every Day After by Laura Golden
If you feel down you should read this book. It is a very good book and it was a very good inspiration to me. I loved how Lizzie found hope again and fixed her problems by doing what her dad told her to do and facing her fears. This is a good book for ages 10 and up.
A new student review of The Secret Diamond Sisters by Michelle Madow
I felt as though the book was really good. It was the kind of book that when I opened it I was transported to Vegas. It was as though I was right along side Payton when Oliver broke her heart. I could feel her disappointment, and her anger towards him. The one thing that really stood out to me was that there was never a dull moment in the book. I never said to myself, “Oh, this part is really boring”. No, I could not stop reading. Also, this book was jam packed with drama. You felt as though you were betrayed by your father, and you could sympathize with Savannah when she had to leave her best friend and move far away and you might not ever see her again. I loved the format of this book. Madow wrote from different personalities. She wrote from Savannah, Courtney, Payton, Madison, and then she did a little blog every so often. I could really hear the different voices, and how they were all their own person. Her descriptions were amazing, there is no other way to say it--the descriptions were really good. This book is the helpless romantic's dream.
Sunday, February 23, 2014
A new student review of Disneylanders by Kate Abbott
What initially drew me to Disneylanders was its setting—like Casey, I grew up going to Disneyland once every year, and have a fierce love for it. In portraying Disneyland itself, this book excelled. It’s chock-full of references to the rides and areas in Disneyland, and felt like I was there. In fact, every chapter’s title included a reference to some sort of Disney slogan, song, attraction, show, etc. If you love Disneyland, then you’ll definitely get some amusement and enjoyment from this book.
The main problem I had with this book was the main character, Casey. Although I was sympathetic to her in the beginning, I found her naïve and whiny by the middle of the book. I understand that parents can be embarrassing and over-bearing at times, but I found myself cringing at some of the decisions Casey made. She also had this huge issue against this group of girls she kept seeing around Disneyland, just because their bra-straps were showing—an issue I found immature and judgmental. I really only liked Casey because of her love for Disneyland. On the other hand, Bert, Casey’s love-interest, was awesome—his love for his family and his interactions with Casey (although a bit unrealistic at times) were adorable. I found myself getting bored during the parts with just Casey and her family, and wanting to get back to Bert.
Overall, I think Disneylanders is a cute, well-written, coming-of-age summer read. The ending, albeit not giving a definitive solution to every subplot, was sweet and ended on a hopeful note. I would recommend it to any Disney fan willing to look past the main character’s flaws for a good account of Disneyland.
Saturday, February 22, 2014
A new student review of The Girl Who Was on Fire (Movie Edition) by Gary Cassel
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A new student review of The Solar Sea by David Lee Summers
I liked this book. I wouldn't say that it's the best book ever but it kept my attention. To be honest it was rather cliche as far as science fiction goes. The whole thing with the whales made me think of Star Trek IV The Voyage Home because that dealt an awful lot with aliens talking to whales. It actually was rather reminiscent of Stanly Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey. In that they built the Jupiter VIII ship because Discovery told them to go on a trip to Jupiter. In this book they built a ship to go specifically to go to Saturn. Then there's the whole idea that making the ship spin will create gravity on the ship. That was probably the most cliche thing of all in the book. Other than that I thought that the book was very good. It had an easy to follow plot that even those who've never read science fiction could follow. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good read.
A new student review of Midnight City by J. Barton Mitchell
Midnight City is an amazing book. In the beginning, you don't really know how Earth was captured, but you know enough to be able to read and enjoy the book and learn more as the book goes on. The author reveals the right amount of information throughout the book, otherwise there would be a whole history section that wasn't needed. The book is fast-paced and never boring. Once I started reading the book, I couldn't put it down. The characters were original and intriguing because each had their own mysteries and backgrounds that you had to read to find out about. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes action/sci-fi books with a little romance thrown in. Reviewer Age:17 Reviewer City, State and Country: Brownsburg, Indiana United States of America
A new student review of Sleep Before Evening by Magdalena Ball
This was a harrowing and believable book, which I actually really enjoyed! Magdalena Ball writes with such conviction and describes even the grittiest scenes with their own kind of beauty that makes this novel hard to put down. Having never read anything quite like this book before, I was dubious at the beginning. However, upon finishing the novel, I realized that I had been living as Marianne, experiencing her loss, grief and struggles. I lived the painful emotion behind the words of the narrator while sharing the experiences and feelings of Marianne; this sets the book apart. I would definitely recommend Sleep Before Evening to others but possibly to those older than myself. Throughout the novel Marianne is faced with the daunting trials of drug addiction, sex and the fight for survival in the big city. While I thoroughly enjoyed the book, I think it might be better suited to people from 16 up. The words of Magdalena Ball in Sleep Before Evening will without a doubt stay with me for years to come.