This beautifully written novel about 19th century Parisian society is a marvelous read. Inspired by Emile Zola’s short story, “Les Repoussoirs,” Ross has created a masterpiece. The characters are likeable and show interesting development, and the story is compelling. One thing I think is interesting is that most authors of historical fiction create female characters who are rebellious and who do not want to get married or pursue lady-like accomplishments. Isabelle fits this description. I think that most women of the time would have accepted and relished the opportunities that a rich woman like Isabelle would have had. However, I do believe that Isabelle’s rebellion does make the story more interesting and helps Maude to realize that she truly is friends with Isabelle. Ross’s debut novel is full of intricate details that reveal the true meaning of beauty and friendship. I highly recommend this book for girls 13 and up who like to read historical fiction. This book not only teaches you about the past, but also teaches life lessons that are as true today as they were then. I hope to read more books by Elizabeth Ross in the future!
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
A new student review of Belle Epoque by Elizabeth Ross
A new student review of Age of Heroes: The Witch Hunter's Gauntlet
I thought it was a great book because it contained a good balance of humor, suspense, unpredictability, and a little bit of romance. I liked the dialogue between Samantha and her friends. I especially liked the comical character Natch, who added humor along the adventure. The battle with the magic people provided the plot for adventure and suspense. Overall, it was a page turner that ended differently than how I expected it would-- that was cool.
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
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 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 Reunited
The first thing that struck me about Reunited was how easy it was to relate to at least one of the three main characters. Alice is smart and motivated. She plans on attending a prestigious college, and is always on top of things. Summer is into boys, writing poetry and hanging out with her friends. Tiernan is rebellious and hurt by her parents' divorce. With this range of personalities, it was easy to identify with the thoughts and feelings of the characters. This made it easier to care about the girls and their journey.
The obstacles placed in the girls' way kept the road trip interesting and exciting to read about. The three girls ran over a squirrel, tore kudzu off of a shed, and performed a synchronized dance routine onstage- all while getting to know each other again. Exciting twists and turns prevented the plot from feeling cliche.
The girls' hesitant friendship, which develops throughout the story, is completely believable and well described. From their arguments to their silences, every interaction between the girls feels real, justified, and meaningful.
Overall, Reunited is a funny, lighthearted and entertaining road trip book that will delight fans of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. I would recommend it to preteen and teenage girls who enjoy realistic fiction and humor.
A new student review of Crown of Midnight
Honestly, this was one of the best books I have ever read. The author Sarah J. Maas did a good job at creating specific character personalities and then using those character personalities to influence their decisions. For example, the author portrayed the King as heartless and most of the decisions the King made only helped him gain power at the cost of others lives and well-being. The author also depicted the setting well. Every time she described how cold it was, it made me shiver and she made you feel like you were in an old castle. She used the perfect vocabulary to describe each scene. I could not find anything wrong with this book. It had everything in a book I was looking for and the ending was genius. It was a cliffhanger that left me begging for more.
Monday, July 29, 2013
A new student review of Gingersnap
As another in a long line of young adult novels by Patricia Reilly Giff, Gingersnap never fails to charm, but often feels familiar. The characters, including Jayna and her brother Rob, are likeable, despite having little depth. The plot, too, was fairly predictable, and Jayna's quest to find her family at times felt pointless. Certain details, such as the lucky rock and Jayna's mysterious friend, were interesting touches but not fully explained. I would recommend this book to historical fiction enthusiasts, although I would warn any lovers of Patricia Reilly Giff not to expect anything of her usual caliber.
Saturday, July 27, 2013
A new student review of The Black Stone Prophecy (Volume 1) by Alex Baj
It’s a pretty good story for a debut novel with plenty of plot complexity and likable characters. I would recommend it to anybody who wants a bit of light reading filled with out-of-this-world, sci-fi fantasy awsomeness but also something with a subtle undertone of a serious topic (ie. how we are slowly wrecking our world). Subtle undertones aside I think this is a fun, short reas that I think will appeal to all ages!
Thursday, July 25, 2013
A new student review of The Cydonian Pyramid
A new student review of Shadows of Glass by Kassy Tayler
Shadows of Glass was a very enthralling read. It was fast-paced and exciting. Each event lead to the next without it being predictable. The characters were very realistic, and the situations they were placed in were clearly defined. I especially liked how Wren went through continuous changes, difficult obstacles, and met new friends while journeying to save her old ones.