Jones delivers yet another stunning read. While this is written as part of a series, Jones weaves the backstory in with an expert hand, allowing it to be read as either a standalone or as part of the Darklight series. This book employs superb character and plot development, to keep the readers on the edge of their seats. This book is almost impossible to put down and will keep you tuning the pages. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys paranormal romance books and look forward to re-reading this soon. I loved this book as I have with every Darynda Jones book I have ever read. Even if you don't normally like paranormal romance books, this is still a great book worth trying out.
Monday, November 16, 2015
A new student review of Death, and the Girl He Loves by Darynda Jones
schosgej posted a new student review of Death, and the Girl He Loves by Darynda Jones. See the full review.
A new student review of A 52-Hertz Whale by Natalie Haney Tilghman Bill Sommer
westml posted a new student review of A 52-Hertz Whale by Natalie Haney Tilghman Bill Sommer. See the full review.
This book was pretty darn good, not amazing, but definitely worth the read. The thing that really made this book stand out to me was the e-mail format. Everything that you read is presented as the different characters writing to each other across the web. I found that this really helped define and humanize characters; socially awkward James writes his e-mails like formal letters for the majority of the book, while Darren tends to use more slang, and Sara (the juvenile arthritic), writes almost exclusively in shorthand. But even though the e-mail format was something that I liked about the book, it also got in the way from time to time because the only information you get is from characters talking to each other, instead of from a narrator addressing the reader. Characters will mention certain events that the reader doesn’t know about, and even though everything is eventually expained, you’re still left with that moment of “Hang on, did I miss something?” The author also tends to start writing from viewpoints of random minor characters that you don’t really care about. Sometimes these are fun to read, but I honestly don’t need or want to know anything else about that one barista that Darren kind-of-flirted with when he was in charge of picking up coffee for his boss.
The things that bothered me about this book were pretty minor compared to all the pros, so I’m giving it 4/5 stars. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who is looking for a quick, fun read with an upbeat message and unique characters.
A new student review of Even When You Lie To Me by Jessica Alcott
CassieTaylor1203 posted a new student review of Even When You Lie To Me by Jessica Alcott. See the full review.
Overall I think this was a fairly decent novel. Probably closer to a 3.5 than just a 3. I liked the characterization of all of the people within the story, even if it seemed like some of them had no reason to be there other than for additional conflict (like Mike and Austin). My favorite thing the author did was to portray Mr. Drummond as an ordinary guy. There is an entire section dedicated to describing how normal he was, and how he was not really all that handsome or unique in any one way. But Charlie liked him because he showed her special attention. She viewed him as this super amazing person, and was appalled when he showed any signs of just being ordinary because it did not fit the view she had of him. I felt the author executed this extremely well. Many of the metaphors were well written, but didn't really flow with the story. Addionally, it was hard sometimes to tell exactly what the point of some scenes were. The relationship between Charlie and Lila was great because it was realistic, and it showed that while they were best friends, they did still fight sometimes, like all best friends do.
Most girls can relate to having a crush of some sort on a teacher, and this novel shows what the consequences can be if you are not careful about it and let it go too far. In general, I did enjoy this novel, and would recommend it to friends if I knew they would enjoy it.
A new student review of Akarnae by Lynette Noni
alonzon posted a new student review of Akarnae by Lynette Noni. See the full review.
Alex is a strong and personable main character and makes a good backbone for the story. She quickly makes loyal friends who are extremely likable and help her assimilate into her new life. The reader is kept in the dark about many things that are slowly revealed throughout the book, and some things are still cryptic at the end, leaving the reader wondering what happens next. The characters are all very realistic and three-dimensional, with only a few exceptions. While the plot follows the generic “Chosen One” structure, it has its own unique aspects that help it stand out, like how everything magical is actually extremely advanced technology, and how the Library could be seen as a living entity and is crucial to the story. The end brings resolution, but also new things to be discovered in later books, which keeps the book’s audience hooked and wanting more. Despite its typical baseline, this novel is a refreshingly new take on fantasy and was an enjoyable read for me. I recommend it for those reluctant to read fantasy or anyone who wants a fun, easy read. Akarnae is the first book in the Medoran Chronicles.
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
A new student review of Arrows Over Agincourt by D. Lawrence- Young
BG posted a new student review of Arrows Over Agincourt by D. Lawrence- Young. See the full review.
Arrows over Agincourt is a historical fiction told in first person. You see the story through the eyes of Davy, an archer in King Henry’s Army. I enjoyed the closeness of the events in the story and the details of what the soldiers went through. I love how much history is told during the story, in each battle and fight with the French, and also all the great information on the people and times in which they take place.
Davy and his friend Tom are both faced with the reality of war. Davy is not sure if he is strong or brave enough until he actually has to be during the heat of the battle. They both come through the war and in my eyes they are heroes.
The battle of Agincourt is portrayed wonderfully. It is definitely the climax of the book.
If you enjoy history, you will enjoy this book.
A new student review of A Song For Ella Grey by David Almond
Inferna101 posted a new student review of A Song For Ella Grey by David Almond. See the full review.
I liked this book. I've always wanted to read a book where the narrator wasn't the subject of all the strange happenings, but a friend of said subject. I think this author did a great job with that narration. We got a narrator who we could relate to whose opinion and reactions to Ella and Orpheus' love we agree with and sympathize with, because if we were put in the same situation, we would probably react in similar ways. It was a little too explicit for my taste but besides that I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
Monday, November 09, 2015
A new student review of Akarnae by Lynette Noni
jfhxc posted a new student review of Akarnae by Lynette Noni. See the full review.
I really liked Akarnae because it wasn't predictable or unrealistic, and the characters never fought with each other. It wasn't predictable because it had lots of unexpected twists. One example is when Aven defeated Sir Camden. I really wasn’t expecting that! I liked this because the story didn't get boring. The story wasn't unrealistic, even though everyone had a gift. Their gifts weren’t crazy, like having magical abilities or being able to shape-shift. I appreciated that the characters never fought with each other because I don’t like it when people argue, and that made the story go smoother. I really liked this book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys fantasy and adventure.
Saturday, November 07, 2015
A new student review of Switch by Ingrid Law
nictaf posted a new student review of Switch by Ingrid Law. See the full review.
Ingrid Law wrote a magical book filled with fantasy and wild fun! The book was very well described, like: “At the the front of the store, a small bag held what was left of holiday clearance: mesh bags of crushed chocolate Hanukkah coins; flattened marshmallow Santas; a torn package of silver confetti; a few scraggly, wilted poinsettias.” The characters were well developed; I could tell what they were feeling and thinking. I was very impressed with the theme of the book, “Family comes first.” Even though this is the third book in the Savvy series, Switch can be a stand-alone. It would help to read book one and two first, but it isn’t needed. I would recommend this book for ages 8 and up.
Friday, November 06, 2015
A new student review of Lies in the Dust by Jakob Crane Timothy Decker
S.Ehlers posted a new student review of Lies in the Dust by Jakob Crane Timothy Decker. See the full review.
Lies in the Dust is an incredibly interesting book. Once a person becomes very mature I believe that they should read this book because it is good to be well-rounded and hear about everything in the world, even if it is horrifying and cruel. This book was also very interesting because it was a graphic novel. I enjoy reading graphic novels, but this one stands out because it is not cheerful and bubbly. Lies in the Dust is dark and wicked. To conclude, Lies in the Dust is a very unique book and I recommend it to any mature audience.
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