Although not very challenging contextually, this book was fun and light hearted, but still found good moments of seriousness that kept it from being just a simple book through and through. This book is very focused on the power of nature and the power of the circle of life with the element of daylights. I think that the element of daylights added a lot to the story, showing how the children are all similar in some ways, like in their intellect and their emotions, and also how they are different. The concept of magic was well handled in this book, with it being distributed among a few individuals rather than being given out or all over the place, which could make a story like this less believable, within context. One thing that I thought could use some work was the way that the narrator transitions between the thoughts of each character, sometimes several times per chapter. It seems somewhat disorganized and can make it difficult in some places to remember which character thinks what because of all the back and forth. Another thing is that events seem to come and go very quickly in this book. In some places it adds to the urgency of the situations and makes the story fast paced, but in others it seems like more details should have been added. An example would be a few of the times that the children are traveling alone, and a few days pass by within a page or less. It just seems like there should be more to them, since traveling is such a prevalent theme in the story overall. This book definitely made me feel a few years younger and was good at making me recall my feelings and experiences back in that time. I would recommend this to young adults with a taste for stories involving magic and mystery, and to anyone who wants to feel young again.
Friday, November 07, 2014
A new student review of The Fog of Forgetting by Genevieve Morgan
A new student review of Long Lankin by Lindsey Barraclough
Lindsay Barraclough's new book Long Lankin is a thriller novel that keeps you fully engaged for hours at a time. Long Lankin sports a haunting backdrop that only enhances the chilling plot and characters who to leap off the page as you read. The story is written in a darker tone but this very much enhances the plot and helps to keep the reader on the the of their seat until the very last pages. This is also one of the few books I have read in which the author was able to make their book work while constantly change the point of view you read from. Overall this was a very good book and am excited to see that there already a second book to following this one up and can't wait to see how this story will continue. I greatly recommend this bok to any teenager or young adult looking for an exciting read or even just a good ghost story.
A new student review of Cameo by Tanille Edwards
This book was one of the most difficult reads of my life. While the cover looks like a book meant for pre-teens or teenagers the perspective of the book changed so many times it was difficult to tell who was talking. Characters would be introduced and then forgotten about until 3 chapters later, and more detail to help me picture the setting of the story would be helpful. Overall, the plot of this book was not bad, it just requires more specificity and details.
A new student review of If You Find Me by Emily Murdoch
If You Find Me is a heartbreaking page-turner that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat the entire book. You will find yourself crying when Carey cries and laughing when she laughs. Murdoch is an amazing author thats makes you understand the struggle foster children go through as they move from a bad home to a kind loving one. Carey will inspire you and rip you to pieces all at once with her attitude and certain love for her sister. This is a great book for ages 13+.
Thursday, November 06, 2014
A new student review of Made For You by Melissa Marr
I rated Made for You by Melissa Marr a three out of five because this book was very interesting and fast-paced. I finished this book in two days and was immediately pulled into the mystery of this book. The plot twist at the end was very surprising. During most of the book, I thought I knew who the killer was, but I was very surprised when the actual killer was revealed. I think that the actual killer could have been developed better during Eva’s narration, because he was not mentioned very often. This book is told from Eva’s, Judge’s, and Grace’s point of view. Personally, I liked the different point of views, because each person had different personalities and told the story very differently. I felt that the romance in this book, outshined the paranormal ability of premonitions. Her ability to foresee deaths was hidden behind her love for Nate. If this book was less of a romance and focused more on the magical abilities and mystery of the book I would have rated it a four. I would recommend this book to girl age 14 and older, who like romance and murder mysteries.
A new student review of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang: The Magical Car by Ian Fleming
I loved this book. I remember watching the movie as a child, and when I saw this book available to review I jumped at the chance to read it. With lucid prose and engaging tales that will enrapture people of all ages, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a must-read for all.
A new student review of Macadoo of the Maury River by Gigi Amateau
Macadoo of the Maury River is a fascinating book that will keep readers on the edge of their seat until the end. The only critical observation about the book is the slower middle section in which the book loses excitement. Recovery is made, however, because the ending speeds into a dramatic conclusion. The book is told from Macadoo’s point of view, which makes the story entertaining to read. The age limit for the book should be for nine to twelve year olds. Macadoo of the Maury River is a thrilling book that horse lovers everywhere will adore!
Tuesday, November 04, 2014
A new student review of Acid
This book is one of the best I've read for a while. With non-stop action and suspense, it had me on edge the entire time I read it. Jenna Strong is a very likeable, kick-butt character. Her willingness to fend for herself and take down anyone who got in her way appealed to me. The lead male character, Max, wasn't the most likeable when the book started. However, as the book progressed, I began to like him more. The way he didn't look at Jenna as weak but still cared for her was likeable.
The book cover was also beautifully done. The effects in the background had amazing quality, and the model on the front matched the description of Jenna brilliantly.
In many books, the description is so long that you begin to lose interest, but this was not the case in ACID. The author didn't use too much or too little description, just enough so that the reader knew what was going on.
Overall, this book was amazing and I highly suggest it to young adults ages 16+.
Monday, November 03, 2014
A new student review of Winter Falls (Twin Willows Trilogy) by Nicole Maggi
I enjoyed Winter Falls. It kept its thrilling feeling throughout the book. It kept you on the edge, always wondering why or how. It left me wanting more free time to read the book.
A new student review of When the World Ends... by J. J. Marshall
Out of 5, I would give this book an 4. The book is sort of slow at the beginning, but it is okay because it has so many details that need to be explained to understand the rest of the book. It also was a tad confusing for me at times, but it was cleared up in the next chapter. One of my favorite things was that you always knew what Alec was thinking, and it was like his emotions were your emotions while reading this book.
Overall, the book was action-packed, thrilling, and it always kept me turning the page even when I didn't know it.