A new student review of The Thing About Luck

sisto8 posted a new student review of The Thing About Luck . See the full review.

I like this book because of the set up. The plot was fascinating. It had a lot of twists and turns, but during the story, the excitement in the book stayed in a believable form. The author made the book seem like the reader is experiencing the things the main character was going through. The main character, Summer, was very lovable. She was trying to please her elders, but she remained sweet and kind the whole time. I recommend this book for anyone 9+.

A new student review of Girl Z: My life as a teenage zombie

EmilyFredricks posted a new student review of Girl Z: My life as a teenage zombie . See the full review.

I found this book to be very interesting and well written. It kept my interest until the very last page. There were many nights that I fell asleep reading this book because I didn't want to put it down. I enjoyed how it showed what Becca was feeling and thinking. You could really tell how she was feeling about being a zombie and how it was changing her on the inside and outside. 

A new student review of Maid for Me, Too

detectiveginger posted a new student review of Maid for Me, Too . See the full review.

There are lots of imagery used through mataphors and similes. Some of the similes are strange such as  when describing the relationship between Mina and Danni, they were described as "bonded like two oppositely charged ions ready to take on the world together." Do ionic compounds take on the world? However I liked the idea of two people who are complete opposites in appearance and personality, "attracted" to each other and who become close friends, that is conveyed in this simile. I thought that all the figurative language used was quite unique, interesting, contemporary and humorous.

The writing has gotten more mature since the last book, because the main characters, Mina and Jaden, have graduated from high school, and it shows in the character development of Mina and Jaden. So there is also slightly mature content in this book, such as references to alcohol.

'Maid For Me, Too' is a great book, and I recommend everyone to read it.

A new student review of The Twelve-Fingered Boy (The Twelve-Fingered Boy Trilogy) [

featherwhisker posted a new student review of The Twelve-Fingered Boy (The Twelve-Fingered Boy Trilogy) [ . See the full review.

I think this was a good book. There is a lot of adventure, but Jacobs writes a lot of character development into the story. It's well written and easy to follow and there is a conclusion that makes you feel like the book is finished, but it also makes you want to read more.

A new student review of Deep Betrayal

sthom506 posted a new student review of Deep Betrayal . See the full review.

Deep Betrayal is no bright Disney mermaid tale of love and devotion. Anne Greenwood Brown spins a sinuous tale of romance and the bonds of family. Her sequel, Deep Betrayal, is more tame than Lies Beneath, but without losing the important connections between Calder, Lily  and her Father. The change of perspective from Lily to Calder also helps to continue the story, but gives Deep Betrayal new twists and turns to further the reader's interest. 

A new student review of The Scorpions of Zahir by Christine Brodien-Jones

alison_S posted a new student review of The Scorpions of Zahir by Christine Brodien-Jones. See the full review.

The Sahara blazed across my mind's eye with Brodein-Jones's breathtaking imagery. The Scorpions of Zahir's pacing, like Zagora's desert expedition, starts out leisurely before plunging the reader into chaos; though a bit plodding at the outset, before I knew it I was whirling along on a hair-raising adventure. Brodien-Jones's Morroco has a richness of detail in which the reader can luxuriate, and the plot enthralled me with its complexity. Though chilling, the chief antagonist pursued her goal with such passion that at times I found myself cheering her on. I have a few small quibbles with the wording (you don't need to specify Nar Azrak had an unearthly glow, that's implied by it's being a planet other than earth),but thankfully these didn't make The Scorpions of Zahir any less of a vividly imagined thrillride. 

A new student review of The Grimalkin's Secret

sschu5 posted a new student review of The Grimalkin's Secret . See the full review.

This was a great book!  I kept wanting more and more magic and adventure as I read. I also like how there is a lot of connection & understanding. This book also gives a lot of suspense. Kya, Eliza and Sebastian used their individual powers to help people and save them. The plot is great, so is the mystery; this book comes together very well.

A new student review of Shadow of Darkness: Volume I of the Creature Kid Series

scifiguy posted a new student review of Shadow of Darkness: Volume I of the Creature Kid Series . See the full review.

This book was very action-packed and exciting. I couldn't put the book down. It was very easy to follow. The book has you on the edge of your seat waiting for the next action scene. I really enjoyed this book.

A new student review of Stained (YA Paranormal Romance) (Stained Series) by Ella James

LISH0985 posted a new student review of Stained (YA Paranormal Romance) (Stained Series) by Ella James. See the full review.

The book moved too fast. With so few pages, you have to make the scenes count and I don't believe that the author did that. I was so excited for this book, but it disappointed me. The transitions in it need work. 

A new student review of Butter by Erin Jade Lange

ravenclaw posted a new student review of Butter by Erin Jade Lange. See the full review.

When I had first read the description, I knew it was going to be about a boy eating himself to death, but I thought that Erin Jade Lange may sugarcoat it a bit! Boy was I wrong. This book was absolutely NOTHING like I expected.

I can't emphasize enough how dark the book is. Of course, one of the main themes in Butter is bullying, so Butter's tormentors are discussed in great detail. Also, a menu for New Year's Eve-when he will go live on butterslastmeal.com- is planned out and altered throughout the book. I found it incredibly morbid that he was planning every food with which he would commit suicide and that his peers were encouraging this (many suggested foods for him to eat!).

I did however find this book incredibly insightful on the life of an obese person. Being constantly stared at, reverting back to comfort foods, teasing, and fighting to lose weight. Butter in particular gets mixed emotions from his parents and peers. His mother continuously cooks and feeds Butter high calorie snacks, while his father simply looks at him with disgust. Anna, the most beautiful girl in school will not give Butter a second glance. Really, his only comforts in life are his saxophone and being online as his alter-ego JP, a tall, good-looking, athletic boy, who chats with Anna for long periods of time. 

Overall, I found that Butter was a good book, but I was shocked by just how morbid it was!

A new student review of reGUARDing GRACE

kanati posted a new student review of reGUARDing GRACE . See the full review.

ReGAURDing GRACE is an original and unique story with twists and turns that keep you from putting it down. The characters are surprisingly relatable which helps prove them to be lovable and enduring on many different levels. The setting also helps relate it to teens, High School, gossip, drama, friends, and dating with Grace and Jack caught in the middle. Karen A. Leppert has created a fantastic story that  keeps you engaged until the very last sentence. I would recommend this book to any teenager looking for a great read that is hard to put down.

A new student review of Steampunk! An Anthology of Fantastically Rich Stories

alphatauri posted a new student review of Steampunk! An Anthology of Fantastically Rich Stories . See the full review.

We open the collection with Cassandra Clare's "Some Fortunate Future Day". Exploring the theme of time in a lonely world, this story is about a girl named Rose who meets an alluring stranger. It's a great choice as the opener with its solid writing and classic steampunk robots and clockwork. It's short, simple and leaves its ending up to the reader.   

The second story is Libba Bray's "The Last Ride of the Glory Girls". This explores the theme of time as well, but delves in much further. There's a distinctive Wild West feel to it, and I enjoyed the writing but disliked the ending. 

Next is "Clockwork Fagin" by Cory Doctorow. Though its setting isn't especially imaginative,  this is still easily one of the best stories in the collection, as its plot is simply stellar. It has a great ending and the two main characters are fantastic. 

After that we get the first comic strip, "Seven Days Beset by Demons" by Shawn Cheng. His comic explores the Seven Deadly Sins through a simple and clever love story that carries traces of steampunk. 

Ysabeau S. Wilce's "Hand in Glove" follows that. This was another standout in the collection, with its unique writing style. There's a foreign flair to the setting that you can't exactly place, and the characters are believable--especially the main character, who you can't help but cheer for. 

"The Ghost of Cwmlech Manor" by Delia Sherman was a pretty typical ghost story with a romance, and some hints of steampunk. The writing style was typical, and though it's an okay story, since it followed "Hand in Glove", I found myself disappointed.

I didn't enjoy "Gethsemane" by Elizabeth Knox very much either. Though its first line is intriguing and introduces us to a unique setting, things quickly get downhill from there. The story is paced awkwardly, and there doesn't seem to be much steampunk in it. 

"The Summer People" by Kelly Link was easily my least favourite entry in the collection. It is utterly forgettable--in fact, while writing this review, I had to look back to my book just to remind myself of the point of that story. The writing style, characters, and setting are all boring. Quite honestly, this story almost caused me to stop reading the collection.

Thankfully, Garth Nix's "Peace in Our Time" stopped me from doing that. This story explores the theme of just how much power should be given to one person--all in one scene. It's one of the shortest stories in the collection, but incredibly imaginative and thought-provoking.

"Nowhere Fast" by Christopher Rowe was a fairly decent story. Nothing special, just a simple steampunk setting with romance and an ending that seems like a beginning. 

After that is "Finishing School" by Kathleen Jennings, the second comic strip in the anthology. I found the art refreshing and the story fun to read, even though I'm not a big fans of comics and was a bit confused as to the plot.

"Steam Girl" by Dylan Horrocks is the longest story in the collection, clocking in at 45 pages, and I would argue that it's too long, even though the chemistry between the two main characters is irresistible. The length of the story makes the ending slightly disappointing, but the story seems to carry a meaning that is quite thought-provoking.

The penultimate story of the collection, "Everything Amiable and Obliging", is by Holly Black, and it explores love in a world of steampunk--specifically, loves that should not be. The characters and setting aren't special, but the plot is.

And, finally, the last story in the collection. I have only one word for you: WOW. "The Oracle Engine" by M.T. Anderon was easily, easily the best story of the collection and one of the best stories I have ever read. It's so outrageously unique, and the writing style make your jaw drop, thinking: "How does he do that?!" I won't even describe the plot here--you have to read it and experience it for yourself.

Steampunk!: An Anthology of Fantastically Rich and Strange Stories is easily worth your time, and there is quite literally a story for everyone in here. Whether you've never heard of the word steampunk, or you spend your days arguing whether Jules Verne invented the genre, this anthology comes highly recommended.

A new student review of Belle Epoque by Elizabeth Ross

bookgirl1289 posted a new student review of Belle Epoque by Elizabeth Ross. See the full review.

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!
 

A new student review of Age of Heroes: The Witch Hunter's Gauntlet

Zmbarrickman posted a new student review of Age of Heroes: The Witch Hunter's Gauntlet . See the full review.

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.

A new student review of Midnight City by J. Barton Mitchell

leonardo posted a new student review of Midnight City by J. Barton Mitchell. See the full review.

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

leonardo posted a new student review of Midnight City by J. Barton Mitchell. See the full review.

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

VBat posted a new student review of Reunited . See the full review.

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

DJ_RESH_RESH posted a new student review of Crown of Midnight . See the full review.

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.

A new student review of Gingersnap

aschoenfeldt posted a new student review of Gingersnap . See the full review.

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. 

A new student review of The Black Stone Prophecy (Volume 1) by Alex Baj

yasomatinandana posted a new student review of The Black Stone Prophecy (Volume 1) by Alex Baj. See the full review.

 

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!

A new student review of The Cydonian Pyramid

nowhereman posted a new student review of The Cydonian Pyramid . See the full review.

I thought that this book was ok compared to the first one. The first one set a level  of action and adventure that you think the second one would at least reach, or prehaps even go over it, The second didn't.It was a disapointing read. i thiought this one would be an exelent follow up to the first one, but it just got confusing with all thgat was going on. I think the author could have presented it a less confusing way, or at least include a list of names and descptions, because they are a lot of chacters in the book seris to keep up with. Overall i realy would't recomend this book to people but just to read what happens(if they liked the first one) online, simple and to the point.  

A new student review of Shadows of Glass by Kassy Tayler

Ravette posted a new student review of Shadows of Glass by Kassy Tayler. See the full review.

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. 

A new student review of Never Girls #1: In a Blink (Disney Fairies)

underwood_bcl posted a new student review of Never Girls #1: In a Blink (Disney Fairies) . See the full review.

I am only ten years old but, I I thought this book was very simple with a plot that left a lot to be desired. I don't think girls much older than eight would really like it. I think it would be a good book for girls who are just starting to read chapter books. Even though I thought this book was too easy, I would like to see how the girls get back home.

A new student review of Me On The Floor, Bleeding

dancechicka posted a new student review of Me On The Floor, Bleeding . See the full review.

When I first saw the powerful title of this book—Me on the Floor, Bleeding-- I knew I had to read it.  It wasn’t what I expected it to be at all.  I thought it would be about a girl struggling with life as she knew it and trying to break free of her own dark, twisted world.  Which it was—but Jagerfeld failed to capitalize on the dark and moving parts and instead chose to focus on Maja’s own selfish desires.  I had no connection the Maja at all, which made the novel difficult to read because Maja was what the novel was about!  There was hardly any focus on any of the secondary characters, such as her father.  Maja did not develop at all in this book, nor did she learn to understand others and their feelings any better.  This book was written in first person, which usually adds depth into a novel, but this time it just oppressed the story and made it dull.  Jagerfeld tried to make this book honest, gritty, and tear-jerking.  Instead, it was flat, colorless, and unmoving.  Maja relationship with Justin also made no sense to me.  The romance seemed to be thrown in there hurriedly just to fill the pages.  They just meet, and suddenly they can’t stop thinking about each other and are making out in the hallway.  I felt that Maja just used Justin to get her mind off of everything else in her life—and all the ladies out there know that a relationship built on that usually ends up in flames.

                “It was a quarter to one of Thursday the twelfth of April, one day before the so-called unlucky thirteenth and I had just sawn off the tip of my left thumb with an electric saw.”

                I would recommend this book for ages twelve and up, or very mature readers, because of language, sexual situations, and some graphic storytelling when she actually does saw off her thumb.  Ouch.

                When Maja finds her mother missing, her whole world seems to fall apart.  With hardly anyone to turn to, will she be able to track down her mother—or be left to pick the pieces up herself?

A new student review of Singled Out by Sara Griffiths

leonardo posted a new student review of Singled Out by Sara Griffiths. See the full review.

Singled Out by Sara Griffiths is fantastic book that teaches one to never give up, and to fight for what one believes in. It is also the second installment in a series about Taylor Dresden and her dream to play baseball. This story is very realistic in the fact that its main character is a girl who is told she can't do something because she is not a guy. Many girls today are told they cannot do things because they do not have the abilities guys do. This story is a very motivational one, and I suggest it to both guys and girls who believe anything is possible if you try hard enough.

A new student review of Singled Out by Sara Griffiths

leonardo posted a new student review of Singled Out by Sara Griffiths. See the full review.

Singled Out by Sara Griffiths is fantastic book that teaches one to never give up, and to fight for what one believes in. It is also the second installment in a series about Taylor Dresden and her dream to play baseball. This story is very realistic in the fact that its main character is a girl who is told she can't do something because she is not a guy. Many girls today are told they cannot do things because they do not have the abilities guys do. This story is a very motivational one, and I suggest it to both guys and girls who believe anything is possible if you try hard enough.

A new student review of Singled Out by Sara Griffiths

leonardo posted a new student review of Singled Out by Sara Griffiths. See the full review.

Singled Out by Sara Griffiths is fantastic book that teaches one to never give up, and to fight for what one believes in. It is also the second installment in a series about Taylor Dresden and her dream to play baseball. This story is very realistic in the fact that its main character is a girl who is told she can't do something because she is not a guy. Many girls today are told they cannot do things because they do not have the abilities guys do. This story is a very motivational one, and I suggest it to both guys and girls who believe anything is possible if you try hard enough.

A new student review of Singled Out by Sara Griffiths

leonardo posted a new student review of Singled Out by Sara Griffiths. See the full review.

Singled Out by Sara Griffiths is fantastic book that teaches one to never give up, and to fight for what one believes in. It is also the second installment in a series about Taylor Dresden and her dream to play baseball. This story is very realistic in the fact that its main character is a girl who is told she can't do something because she is not a guy. Many girls today are told they cannot do things because they do not have the abilities guys do. This story is a very motivational one, and I suggest it to both guys and girls who believe anything is possible if you try hard enough.

A new student review of Singled Out by Sara Griffiths

leonardo posted a new student review of Singled Out by Sara Griffiths. See the full review.

Singled Out by Sara Griffiths is fantastic book that teaches one to never give up, and to fight for what one believes in. It is also the second installment in a series about Taylor Dresden and her dream to play baseball. This story is very realistic in the fact that its main character is a girl who is told she can't do something because she is not a guy. Many girls today are told they cannot do things because they do not have the abilities guys do. This story is a very motivational one, and I suggest it to both guys and girls who believe anything is possible if you try hard enough.

A new student review of Singled Out by Sara Griffiths

leonardo posted a new student review of Singled Out by Sara Griffiths. See the full review.

Singled Out by Sara Griffiths is fantastic book that teaches one to never give up, and to fight for what one believes in. It is also the second installment in a series about Taylor Dresden and her dream to play baseball. This story is very realistic in the fact that its main character is a girl who is told she can't do something because she is not a guy. Many girls today are told they cannot do things because they do not have the abilities guys do. This story is a very motivational one, and I suggest it to both guys and girls who believe anything is possible if you try hard enough.

A new student review of Singled Out by Sara Griffiths

leonardo posted a new student review of Singled Out by Sara Griffiths. See the full review.

Singled Out by Sara Griffiths is fantastic book that teaches one to never give up, and to fight for what one believes in. It is also the second installment in a series about Taylor Dresden and her dream to play baseball. This story is very realistic in the fact that its main character is a girl who is told she can't do something because she is not a guy. Many girls today are told they cannot do things because they do not have the abilities guys do. This story is a very motivational one, and I suggest it to both guys and girls who believe anything is possible if you try hard enough.

A new student review of Singled Out by Sara Griffiths

leonardo posted a new student review of Singled Out by Sara Griffiths. See the full review.

Singled Out by Sara Griffiths is fantastic book that teaches one to never give up, and to fight for what one believes in. It is also the second installment in a series about Taylor Dresden and her dream to play baseball. This story is very realistic in the fact that its main character is a girl who is told she can't do something because she is not a guy. Many girls today are told they cannot do things because they do not have the abilities guys do. This story is a very motivational one, and I suggest it to both guys and girls who believe anything is possible if you try hard enough.

A new student review of Singled Out by Sara Griffiths

leonardo posted a new student review of Singled Out by Sara Griffiths. See the full review.

Singled Out by Sara Griffiths is fantastic book that teaches one to never give up, and to fight for what one believes in. It is also the second installment in a series about Taylor Dresden and her dream to play baseball. This story is very realistic in the fact that its main character is a girl who is told she can't do something because she is not a guy. Many girls today are told they cannot do things because they do not have the abilities guys do. This story is a very motivational one, and I suggest it to both guys and girls who believe anything is possible if you try hard enough.

A new student review of Singled Out by Sara Griffiths

leonardo posted a new student review of Singled Out by Sara Griffiths. See the full review.

Singled Out by Sara Griffiths is fantastic book that teaches one to never give up, and to fight for what one believes in. It is also the second installment in a series about Taylor Dresden and her dream to play baseball. This story is very realistic in the fact that its main character is a girl who is told she can't do something because she is not a guy. Many girls today are told they cannot do things because they do not have the abilities guys do. This story is a very motivational one, and I suggest it to both guys and girls who believe anything is possible if you try hard enough.

A new student review of Singled Out by Sara Griffiths

leonardo posted a new student review of Singled Out by Sara Griffiths. See the full review.

Singled Out by Sara Griffiths is fantastic book that teaches one to never give up, and to fight for what one believes in. It is also the second installment in a series about Taylor Dresden and her dream to play baseball. This story is very realistic in the fact that its main character is a girl who is told she can't do something because she is not a guy. Many girls today are told they cannot do things because they do not have the abilities guys do. This story is a very motivational one, and I suggest it to both guys and girls who believe anything is possible if you try hard enough.

A new student review of Singled Out by Sara Griffiths

leonardo posted a new student review of Singled Out by Sara Griffiths. See the full review.

Singled Out by Sara Griffiths is fantastic book that teaches one to never give up, and to fight for what one believes in. It is also the second installment in a series about Taylor Dresden and her dream to play baseball. This story is very realistic in the fact that its main character is a girl who is told she can't do something because she is not a guy. Many girls today are told they cannot do things because they do not have the abilities guys do. This story is a very motivational one, and I suggest it to both guys and girls who believe anything is possible if you try hard enough.

A new student review of Singled Out by Sara Griffiths

leonardo posted a new student review of Singled Out by Sara Griffiths. See the full review.

Singled Out by Sara Griffiths is fantastic book that teaches one to never give up, and to fight for what one believes in. It is also the second installment in a series about Taylor Dresden and her dream to play baseball. This story is very realistic in the fact that its main character is a girl who is told she can't do something because she is not a guy. Many girls today are told they cannot do things because they do not have the abilities guys do. This story is a very motivational one, and I suggest it to both guys and girls who believe anything is possible if you try hard enough.

A new student review of Singled Out by Sara Griffiths

leonardo posted a new student review of Singled Out by Sara Griffiths. See the full review.

Singled Out by Sara Griffiths is fantastic book that teaches one to never give up, and to fight for what one believes in. It is also the second installment in a series about Taylor Dresden and her dream to play baseball. This story is very realistic in the fact that its main character is a girl who is told she can't do something because she is not a guy. Many girls today are told they cannot do things because they do not have the abilities guys do. This story is a very motivational one, and I suggest it to both guys and girls who believe anything is possible if you try hard enough.

A new student review of McKinley's Jewel

ReesaOnFire posted a new student review of McKinley's Jewel . See the full review.

I enjoyed this book very much. It had an interesting plot and great characters.  The link between the future and the past was intriguing. The entrance of David’s great-great-grandfather was most humorous.  St. James does a wonderful job of connecting the past to the present, making believable motivations for villains and realistic reactions of time-travel. I enjoyed it.

However, there were a few holes in the book and a few things weren’t explained clearly, which left me a little upset. The biggest ‘hole’ I had an issue with was the lack of closure with Bonnie-Jean about her ex-husband’s death. It was the biggest problem that caused me to frown, because Bonnie-Jean’s character herself deserves the closure.

I recommend this book to time-traveling lovers who want a dash of romance.  

A new student review of Living With Jackie Chan

guck1st posted a new student review of Living With Jackie Chan . See the full review.

The story was pretty good, but used way too little description. The only things the author described were the gazebo and the character's personalities. What color was his hair? What about his eyes? Also, I hated the ending. What happened to Josh and Stella? Did they start dating? I felt that the title was misleading and there was way to much text-talk. On the positive side, there weren't many mistakes and it was a good story. It was easy to follow and had enough dialogue. So overall it was an entertaining story.

A new student review of Out of This Place by Emma Cameron

VBat posted a new student review of Out of This Place by Emma Cameron. See the full review.

I enjoyed Out of This Place for many reasons. 

First of all, I genuinely like each of the characters. It is not often that I find a book that depicts realistic characters who make logical decisions. While they are not perfect, Luke, Casey and Bongo's choices make sense and prove to the reader that each has a heart of gold. 

Throughout the book, the story unfolded through three different perspectives. While the storyline remains the same for each point of view, each adds details and emotion to the story. This style allows the reader to get to know each character's life and thoughts, making it easier to relate to each. 

The book was written in prose, but the format included only three or four words per line. Although this format was initially annoying, I eventually began to appreciate the inconvenience. By slowing the reader down, the format forces them to notice the word choices and to really focus on every word. The slow pace makes descriptions harder to skip over, resulting in a more enjoyable reading experience. 

I would recommend Out of This Place to teens and young adults who enjoy realistic fiction. 

A new student review of Spirit's Chosen

EmilyFredricks posted a new student review of Spirit's Chosen . See the full review.

I thought that this book was very good. It made me want to keep reading to find out what happens next. There are some parts that are a little slow but most of the book was wonderful and made me want to keep reading. There were some parts that I couldn't even put the book down I had to find out what was going to happen to Kaya. Most of the book is very upbeat and happy but there are a few parts that are a little sad.  

I found Kaya to be a very interesting character that made me want to learn more about her. In the beginning of the book you are not fully sure of how she will turn out but in the end you will love her and be on the edge of your seat as you are reading about her adventure against the wolf clan. 

A new student review of Lullaby (Watersong Novels) by Amanda Hocking

DJ_RESH_RESH posted a new student review of Lullaby (Watersong Novels) by Amanda Hocking. See the full review.

Overall this wasn’t a very good book. The only thing I liked about this book was the descriptions. It was really easy to picture the settings of the book. The author used effective vocabulary words. Everything else on the other hand was not nearly as well done. The characters didn't feel real. Gemma was a perfect person who did everything right and then at the end, she selfishly puts her friends and family in danger just so she could be with them. I think it contradicted the Gemma that Amanda Hocking had built up in the first book. The narrative voice was not that funny. Nor was any part of the book. When the author did try to make jokes it involved swearing and that took away from the effect. I don't think it was a good idea to write in third person because it didn't uphold the suspense very well. You basically knew what was going on all the time. I found this story lacking in humor, action, and suspense. I did not like this book and I would not recommend it to anyone.

A new student review of All We Know of Love

madisonlindauer posted a new student review of All We Know of Love . See the full review.

I liked this book a lot. It was sad at first ,but it also had happy times.  It was a good book to help me learn to reflect on my life and my relationship with other people. This book has some mature content too!

A new student review of e-Sc@pe: Nascent

leonardo posted a new student review of e-Sc@pe: Nascent . See the full review.

Mad's dad is the Bird Guy. He'll go anywhere to study birds. So when he's offered a bird-tracking job in Central America, his bags are packed and he's jungle bound.

A new student review of Neverworld

featherwhisker posted a new student review of Neverworld . See the full review.

I think that this book was amazing. Racine's writing style is easy to follow, but isn't simple like a child's book. He makes the book exciting, but doesn't make it seem unrealisticly exciting. He concludes the book, but leaves room open for a sequel. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoyed the Percy Jackson series, and I would buy the book if it was published.

A new student review of Hattie Ever After by Kirby Larson

swimmer1430 posted a new student review of Hattie Ever After by Kirby Larson. See the full review.

It is fitting that I am reviewing Hattie Ever After, because Hattie Big Sky was one of the first books I ever reviewed on Flamingnet. I really enjoyed the predecessor to this novel and was excited to find out the author decided to write a sequel. Even though it's been so long since I read the first book, I was able to quickly jump right back into Hattie's story. I loved how brave and daring she is, especially moving to a big city to accomplish a pretty lofty dream: to be a reporter. Many women had trouble entering male-dominated fields, but Hattie's talent and gusto for writing allow her to join the ranks of women reporters. As for the story, a lot of the plot points that were suppoesd to be twists ended up being easily predicted, but that didn't take away from Hattie's character development. Fans of the first novel will be pleasantly surprised by Hattie Ever After and history buffs will find plenty of interesting factoids about the early twentieth century.

A new student review of From The Ashes

sabol posted a new student review of From The Ashes . See the full review.

Snaith puts an original twist on the typical sorrows between two cursed lovers. The plot is compelling, instantly drawing in the reader. However, the descriptions were inconsistent, vivid and enthralling at some points, while other times becoming flat and misleading. The romance between Lundy and Harlan is undeniably present, but the psyche of both characters never went farther than the surface. The ending definitely opens itself for a sequel, and anyone interested in a good, short, summer read would be smart to try From the Ashes.  

A new student review of Shark Girl

Peace8747 posted a new student review of Shark Girl . See the full review.

I liked the realistic element of the story. Another thing I liked was that the story was written in verse format, so it was a short read. I liked how it included news articles and letters from people who were inspired by Jane’s story.

This book is good for children in 4^th grade all the way through 7^th or 8^th grade. There are a couple of swear words in the book, but nothing to be worried about.

I liked this book a lot and I would suggest it to anyone!

 

A new student review of Inferno

Hickey posted a new student review of Inferno . See the full review.

Overall I liked this book. I thought it was really slow to get started. Some of the random jumps between who was talking were confusing, too. But despite that, I thought it was overall a good book. 

A new student review of The Incredible Adventures of Charlotte Sycamore by Kate Maddison

kfc1997 posted a new student review of The Incredible Adventures of Charlotte Sycamore by Kate Maddison. See the full review.

The Incredible Charlotte Sycamore by Kate Maddison was entrancing and immediately pulled me in with the very first words of the first chapter. This book had a wonderful mix of romance, steampunk tweaks, mystery, and action, but it was lacking in a few areas. As a novel, which one can assume it is, it didn’t fully clear up any questions a reader might have. It also had quite a few spelling errors, of which I am sure were mainly corrected before the book was published. Overall though, it was highly amusing and entertaining, and I would love to read it again really soon. I recommend this book mainly to girls in grades nine and above. 

A new student review of The Obsidian Blade

nowhereman posted a new student review of The Obsidian Blade . See the full review.

I thought that this book was a very good action-packed read that left me wondering what was going to happen next. The characters, I found, were very enjoyable to read about because they were well developed and interesting. There are also a lot of connections of things as you get further along that made you second guess your prediction of the end. It has enough plot twists and action in that will keep you reading far into the night!  

A new student review of Emily and Jackson: Hiding Out by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

glambert posted a new student review of Emily and Jackson: Hiding Out by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor. See the full review.

I’m so glad that Phyllis Reynolds Naylor wrote this book along with Emily’s Fortune because it was such an exciting adventure that kept my nerves up!  I love how she leaves the reader hanging at the end of every chapter.  If I could be any character in that book, I would choose Emily because she gets trapped many times with her uncle but always seems to end up safe with Aunt Hilda.  I was very surprised and a little worried for Emily and Jackson when the widow woman turned into someone unexpected! 

 

My favorite part of the book was when Emily and Jackson were on the boat and had to keep running around and hiding from Emily’s uncle.  What will happen next with Emily and Jackson?

A new student review of In the Shadow of the Lion by Kimberly M. Jane

scifiguy posted a new student review of In the Shadow of the Lion by Kimberly M. Jane. See the full review.

This book was an exciting page-turner. Everything seems to change from the beginning to the end of the story. It changes scenes frequently. I really enjoyed this book. 

A new student review of Glamorous Illusions: A Novel (Grand Tour Series) by Lisa T. Bergren

sharon posted a new student review of Glamorous Illusions: A Novel (Grand Tour Series) by Lisa T. Bergren. See the full review.

Glancing at the cover of this book, I saw a privileged woman standing feet away from Paris's iconic Eiffel Tower.  Noting the antiquated style of her dress, I decided that this was a book I wanted to read.  I have always been fascinated by European history, especially personal accounts of life.

The chaptersof this book alternate between perspectives of different characters, enhancing the reading experience without disrupting the flow of the plot. Though Cora is a wonderful, admirable heroine, her character is still realistic as she deals with social and emotional struggles.

Sometimes, the language and concepts seem cliché, including the physical attraction between Cora and the apprentice tour guide (William). However, the growing connection between the aforementioned outcasts, each struggling to find a name in their worlds, is unique. I also appreciate how the romance was slowly paced, instead of forced and rushed. Unfortunately, I did not find Cora’s religious epiphanies to be profoundly moving, despite the author’s intention.

Being the history lover I am, I give this book a four-out-of-five star rating for its quality writing style and historical detail. Revving up the drama, the author concludes the book when the group prepares to leave France, continuing their trip—leaving me hanging for more. Given the chance, I’ll be sure to check out the sequels of this promising trilogy.

 

 

 

A new student review of My Boyfriend is a Monster(6): Wrapped Up in You by Dan Jolley

Ravette posted a new student review of My Boyfriend is a Monster(6): Wrapped Up in You by Dan Jolley. See the full review.

The novel was beautifully illustrated and had an easy-to-understand plot. I really liked the characters and how realistic their personalites were. The story was interesting, but was a rather fast-paced read. Regardless, it did not lack in detail. Lastly, I liked how there were multiple themes present: such as magic, history, and romance.

A new student review of Scrooge and Marley

read_write_eat posted a new student review of Scrooge and Marley . See the full review.

I thought the story was a little too cheesy and predictable until I remembered all Christmas stories are as such! Just like its precursor, Scrooge and Marley successfully conveys the spirit of Christmas in a heartwarming fashion, whether you read it in December or June. The continuation was seamless and a very quick read, with no prolonged action. However, I did find the book somewhat predictable with little nuance and an ending almost too happy, similiar to a Disney movie. The writing was excellent yet too straightforward, as if going step by step (i.e- "First this happened, then that happened"). As a piece of literature, Scrooge and Marley isn't complex in nature, but in essence is a wonderful Christmas tale, and I'll probably read it again when the holiday season rolls around.

A new student review of Revenge of a Not-So-Pretty Girl

dancechicka posted a new student review of Revenge of a Not-So-Pretty Girl . See the full review.

Oh, Ms. Caroline Blythe….how impressed I am with you!  For being such a young author, I felt like she did really well with this book!  It isn’t something I’ll rant and rave about and claim it’s a classic, but it was a good, solid read that was equally enjoyable and notable.  Blythe gave Faye and her mother’s relationship an excellent angle and developed a plot that I felt made the book stand out from some of the rest.  Some parts were slightly dull and the sentence structure wasn’t all that great, but the good certainly overshadowed the bad.  I feel this book would be a good read for teenage girls like me struggling with the whole “gotta be pretty” problem—Faye had some experiences that I can relate to, especially in a school setting, with the constant scrutiny and put-downs.  I felt as if I could connect with Faye through her first person dialogue, even if I don’t mug people for money and attack old ladies on accident.  In conclusion, I felt that this was a good read for this summer season!

                “I try to take a few more steps forward, but it’s as if I’ve landed in quicksand and I’m being sucked under.  The thing is, I don’t really know if this old lady is dead.  I mean, I think she is.”

                I would recommend this book for ages ten and up, for mild sexual references and swearing.  Nothing too graphic, though.

                Much to Faye’s chagrin, you can’t turn back the hands of time—you have to live with the consequences of your actions.  Her guilt and fear is eating her away……and even if the lady’s alive, the clock is ticking.  Will she choose to forget…..or find out?

A new student review of Strands of Bronze and Gold

seaotter77 posted a new student review of Strands of Bronze and Gold . See the full review.

I superbly enjoyed reading Strands of Bronze and Gold, and even more so because I had never heard of the Bluebeard fairy tale before I picked up this novel. Sophia's character is so richly developed that I could not help but shiver when she finds out what happened to the many wives of her godfather or gasp in awe when the door to her bedroom is opened. The author uses adjectives like threads and spins them into a descriptive web, which will create a painting in the reader's mind that could rival the Mona Lisa. M. de Cressac will set off alarms in the reader and will make them worry for Sophie and be curious to figure out what will happen next. There is some mature content, so I would only recommend this book to kids ages 12 and up.

A new student review of Awakening (Hope Trilogy #1)

R. Mae posted a new student review of Awakening (Hope Trilogy #1) . See the full review.

Awakening was a bold, amazing story about breaking out of your shell.

The Plot:

Oh, fantastic! The plot was bloody brilliant, literally! There was so much action and gore that I couldn't stop turning pages. The only thing that bothered me was a slight flaw in the writing style. There were a few things like this, 'Seeing that I needed time to think, Kiana took Sarah and left the room. Alone I sat quietly, thinking about it for a moment. Everything seemed surreal to me...' I think that would have been smoother like this, 'Seeing that I needed some time to think, Kiana took Sarah and left the room. Alone,  I sat quietly. Everything seemed surreal...' I totally adored Lauren's word choice! It was so descriptive and gave a clear image. It was practically poetry!

The Characters:

Emma's character arch rang true with me. It was about freeing yourself from shyness and self doubt. Personally, I think that is a major issue with teens my age all over the world. Emma ends up beating that fear, becoming a role model for us all. Her character was intriguing and unique. Especially in the way of her intense love. Emma doesn't love half way. Sarah was a true friend, encouraging and brave. Her own story was of selflessness and innocence. I loved her! I was delighted that no matter how much I tried, I couldn't figure out Griffin. He was constantly changing. There were places when I was led to believe he was evil, and then wondered if there was a budding romance. Something like in Kelley Armstrong's The Darkest Powers Trilogy.

The Setting:

Awakening takes place in a modern time period, which is well portrayed in this book. The characters fit perfectly.

The Standout:

The thing that stood out to me most was the action. Maybe because it was that IN YOUR FACE kind of action. Lots of writers are afraid to write that kind of stuff. It's really daunting. Lauren managed to write it beautifully in a sickening way. There was so much blood and guts! I was envisioning the whole thing as a movie and am now positive it would be rated R. Anyways, I admire how Lauren was able to write such realistic action into her supernatural story!

The Moral:

I personally believe this book's moral was about breaking out of your shell, and standing up for yourself and others. I didn't like how it seemed to sweep forgiveness to the sidelines. Thankfully, the good hearted characters made up for that. There were some intense kissing scenes, but nothing terrible. A few worthy curses, well placed without being overdone. All in all, I loved the book!

A new student review of The Paganini Curse

aschoenfeldt posted a new student review of The Paganini Curse . See the full review.

The first in the Aurora Lewis series, The Paganini Curse, proved to be a disappointing start. Despite the promising setting and opening mystery, the novel lacked significant plot points and was often predictable. I liked the idea of a teenage, female protagonist, but Aurora never measured up to my expectations. The mystery itself did not capture my attention, and the killer could be easily spotted early on in the novel. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a thrilling page turner, but the historic and musical references do make it appropriate for lovers of historical fiction. 

 

A new student review of The Scroll of Years

Endless Summer posted a new student review of The Scroll of Years . See the full review.

I really wanted to like this book. I really did. High fantasy with Eastern influence, threads of Chinese culture, a magical scroll, a poet and a thief as the main characters, the names Gaunt and Bone; It sounds like it could be something astounding, something breathtakingly fantastical.

The author’s writing style…Ahhh this tears me apart. On one hand, it’s very gorgeous, scattered with stunning figurative language and a distinct Eastern cultural influence. But, after reading a few pages, I felt like it was stilted in many places. It was not fitting. The author either rambled off into details/thought processes or did too much “telling.”

I could not lose myself in the world of this book; the writing style, alternative plotline and voice just weren’t for me. They kept distracting me. And, main point: the characters. I never got to know the true personalities of the characters. Their stories, especially that of Next-One-A-Girl (the name drew me in, nice touch), could have been heartbreakingly emotional. But they weren’t. They were all kind of flat.

The premise of the book seemed very intriguing. But I never got into the actually story. So much of it felt unbalanced. And it’s not because it’s for a younger age group. It’s marketed to “Mature Young Adult” on Litpick. I don’t know how other readers will find this book.  Remember, this is just my opinion.

***eBook provided by Litpick.com in exchange for my honest review

A new student review of Lighthouse Nights by Jake Vander Ark

CarissaH posted a new student review of Lighthouse Nights by Jake Vander Ark. See the full review.

Jake Vander Ark's Lighthouse Nights takes a very interesting look into the lives of people who you probably dont know anyone quite like, yet seem so familiar after the initial feeling of alienness wears off. It provides behavior, backround, and catch-22s, just in-depth enough to draw you in and answer your biggest questions, but still ambiguous enough to not destract from the plot. All topics are handled with blunt care, perfectly reflecting its most prominent characters while still maintaining a poignant poetry. It's a brilliant cautionary tale in many ways, while also providing some guilty indulgence akin to that of Bonnie and Clyde's story. The characters, even at their most depraved and disturbed, are very relatable, and as you get to know them better, you understand their plight. You feel righteous indignation where appropriate, yet you keep suporting your antihero protagonist. The reason I don't describe the more naive character is because he, by nature, is pretty standard for the most part, and providing much more informatin than that could get into spoiler territory. Suffice is to say, his characterization and arc are wonderfully done.
There are several scenes which could be considered the climax, all nail-bitingly engaging and unpredictable. There are quiet moments as well, which hold your attention with the same powerful grasp as the more active ones. Sexuality and romance in the book are both palpable and intriguing, yet not at all something you'd like to immitate. The people, places, and situations explored feel very true-to-life. The only reason I can think of to not finish the book is out of how much it upsets you. This novel is exciting, curiosity-inducing, heart-wrenching, sometimes sickening, but most of all, it is thought-provoking. If that sounds like the sort of thing you'd like to try out, I strongly recommend you read Lighthouse Nights.

A new student review of Glimpse (The Dean Curse Chronicles)

McTower posted a new student review of Glimpse (The Dean Curse Chronicles) . See the full review.

Glimpse is definitely the kind of book that you would want to read over and over. It is definitely full of adventure, but as you look at the cover you think that the person on the cover is traveling in time. It’s not really that way because the story doesn’t go back in time.  Glimpse is filled with adventure, like a balloon filled with so much air that anymore would make it pop. Glimpse is really a very good book. It makes you feel like you are right there, and it has many details.

A new student review of Scrooge and Marley

engineerphilip18 posted a new student review of Scrooge and Marley . See the full review.

I thought that this was an overall good book. It really captured what Scrooge would have done after the ending of A Christmas Carol. The book was a bit hard to get into, but the imagery was nice and the details made me feel like I was right there. There were some very confusing parts, especially about the shadows and how Marley planned to get out of them. I didn't really get how Marley came into the baby Fred and Kathleen were having. The ending was kind of funny, as it left you knowing something most of the characters didn’t know. The epilogue summed things up nicely. I would also try to “hook” the reader a little more in the beginning. Scrooge's daily life was boring at first. A flashback might have helped hook the reader. I think this book could have been better, but it was still well-written.

A new student review of A Monster Calls

crabby posted a new student review of A Monster Calls . See the full review.

As much as this tale may initially sound like a simple scary story about monsters and demons, it’s not. Conor’s monster is much more real--a larger-than-life manifestation of his real life problems. This book turns out not to be a horror story, but a touching, heart wrenching tale about accepting loss and letting go.  It manages to be realistic and fantastical all at once, with an imaginative creature alongside very real characters. All in all, this is a well-written and poignant story that will leave you with a very different view of the monster in your closet.

                        

A new student review of Pulled by Danielle Bannister

kten19 posted a new student review of Pulled by Danielle Bannister. See the full review.

I read Pulled in about one day and very much enjoyed it. I found that the book was well written. It was detailed, but not to the point where it was boring. I felt like I was in the book listening to real people talk; the conversations never seemed forced or fake. All the characters were unique and complex in different ways, one person was not like the other. This book will not be the next big thing, but it's a great book to read for fun and I would recommend it for anyone who enjoys a love story.

A new student review of Earth Girl by Janet Edwards

McTower posted a new student review of Earth Girl by Janet Edwards. See the full review.

Surely you remember reading your favorite book for the very first time.  Earth Girl is packed with thrilling and dangerous surprises, which is probably why your favorite book is your favorite book.  Earth Girl might not be your new favorite book, but being filled with some fun surprises, it will definitely be on the list of your “runner-ups”.  After all, it is on mine.

A new student review of Templand

VBat posted a new student review of Templand . See the full review.

I felt that Templand was a good book, especially due to its relevant themes. Templand embodied the horror with which young people eye the job market today, as well as their persistant hope for a great job that will enable them to change the world. With unemployment still an issue around the globe, many young adults are anxious about their future, and this idea was clearly present in Templand. 

The style of Templand contributed to making a serious topic more enjoyable to read about. Humorous temp jobs from Melanie's past are mixed in with her narration of the present, which provides comic relief and makes the book lighthearted rather than depressing. The crazy blood-bank manager and her endless professional failings balances out Melanie's awful stint in the asbestos-filled Annex.

Some characters were developed better than others, but on the whole they were likeable and relatable. Melanie's relationship with her grandparents, especially her grandfather, is described well and contributes to the reader's understanding not only of Melanie's past, but also of her work ethic and goals for herself. 

One thing I didn't like about Templand was the lack of dialogue. Most descriptions were narrated through Melanie's eyes, in a journal-type format. However, dialogue was used in these journal entries. I would have liked to see more of that, to break up some of Melanie's thoughts. 

Overall, Templand was a good book that I would recommend to teens and young adults who enjoy chick-lit. It is a great book option for a day at the beach or lazy weekend. 

 

A new student review of Daniel Locke and the Tower of Eden by Marty Longson

scifiguy posted a new student review of Daniel Locke and the Tower of Eden by Marty Longson. See the full review.

I personally enjoyed this book. Its fast-paced action and adventure is appealing to young readers. The plot had incredible twists and turns. I would recommend this book to young adults.

A new student review of Indelible

kaiyle posted a new student review of Indelible . See the full review.

I thought this book was pretty good.  There was fantasy, romance, mythology, adventure, and a little bit of everything else.  It was a little confusing sometimes trying to understand the “claims” that creatures could put on humans but it was not that bad.  I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare.

A new student review of The Silent Dragon

MIZZIQ posted a new student review of The Silent Dragon . See the full review.

This was a really intriguing book and reeled me in and wouldn't let me leave until I had read the entire thing. At times it jumps around, leading to confusing passages but for the most part it was pretty easy to follow. I would reccomend to older readers, solely because younger kids may not be interested.

A new student review of Majestica; First Glimpse

ReesaOnFire posted a new student review of Majestica; First Glimpse . See the full review.

I thoroughly enjoyed this “Chick Flick” turned science fiction-fantasy. I couldn't predict what would happen and had to read every detail. Mize did a wonderful job of creating not only a plot, but also ideal characters, realistic situations, and hints for a sequel (for example, whenever Mize mentions Jace’s older Brother).

The only compliant I have about the book is the slow middle. It felt like in the middle Mize put in a few “filler” chapters full of fluff—chapters that had nothing to do with the central story. But the reader will quickly forgive Mize for these “fillers” as she dramatically brings Jace’s past and future into the story. She weaves together betrayal, allies, enemies, and green eyed monsters.  She lets Lacey and the reader find out that Jace isn’t just a normal Tribesman.

Anyone who enjoys a good science-fiction or fantasy story with a wave of romance will love this book. They might get a little frustrated with a few ‘filler’ chapters toward the middle, but if they stick to it they will be rewarded with a great end.  

A new student review of The Language Inside

swimmer1430 posted a new student review of The Language Inside . See the full review.

I really enjoyed The Language Inside and thought that it was a beautiful read. I was not expecting the book to be written in verse, but it worked well with the story, especially since Emma spends part of the book writing poety. I was able to read The Language Inside very quickly because there weren't many words on each page and the pages flew by. Even with less words, the author is able to present a well-rounded story with developed and interesting characters. I loved reading about Japanese and Cambodian cultures and I felt like I learned a lot. This book would be great for a book club, fans of poetry and people who like to read about different cultures.

A new student review of The Spirit of the Heart by Ismael Nuno

nlsings posted a new student review of The Spirit of the Heart by Ismael Nuno. See the full review.

Ismael Nuno does a great job of balancing the content of his anecdotes.  They were readible and engaging.  I would recommend this book to readers who favor memoirs, enjoy medical stories and triumphs, and those who are interested in how people with demanding and complicated careers find symmetry between their professional and personal lives.  Dr. Nuno's tales are professional, but engaging.  They are not bogged down with medical jargon.  

A new student review of The Beautiful and the Cursed

dancechicka posted a new student review of The Beautiful and the Cursed . See the full review.

As promised, this book certainly was unique in its own little way.  It had drama, romance, action, mystery...let’s just say that it kept me on the edge of my seat.  It introduced some points that I have never thought of before.  As soon as I looked at the cover and saw the title--The Beautiful and the Cursed:  Some Nightmares Walk in the Light--I knew I was going to have fun with this one.  I enjoyed all the different points of view—Ingrid’s, Luc’s, and even Gabby’s.  It added much more drama to the novel and helped me understand the plot a little better.  All in all, this was a great book and I would thoroughly recommend it.

“The heat fired up her arm and boiled through her veins.  It reached her face and colored everything she saw red.” --excerpt from The Beautiful and the Cursed

I would recommend this book for ages ten and up, for the reading level, book length, vocabulary, and the mild expletives that you may run across while you or your child is reading.

After uncovering a secret that can never again be buried, will Ingrid ever make it all worth it by finding her lost brother...or will she die trying?  Read Page Morgan’s The Beautiful and the Cursed to find out!

Note:  Can’t get enough of Ingrid and the gang?  The second installment of the Dispossessed series by Page Morgan, The Lovely and the Lost, is coming out in spring 2014!

A new student review of Small as an Elephant

Anjel posted a new student review of Small as an Elephant . See the full review.

My favorite part was when Jack learns that his grandmother didn’t want to take him away, and that she really she cared. I also liked the parts where Jack took out the small elephant for hope. I did not like the parts when Jack got hurt or when he cried. I felt like I was feeling (emotionally and mentally) what he was feeling, but that means that author did a good job writing this book if you can take on the emotions of the characters. I would recommend this book to my friends.

A new student review of Cheesie Mack: Is Cool in a Duel by Steve Cotler

LegoLover posted a new student review of Cheesie Mack: Is Cool in a Duel by Steve Cotler. See the full review.

In "Cheesie Mack is Cool in a Duel", Steve Colter take Cheese's adventures to summer camp.  Just days into a long summer at Camp Windward, he is challenged to a duel to prove who's the coolest.  With best friend Georgie at his side, Cheesie takes on his arch enemy Kevin.  I like the scary story that Cheesie tells about a one-arm man to try to win the final day of the cool duel.  Cotler created an exciting continuation of the life of Cheesie.

A new student review of Girl Z: My Life as a Teenage Zombie

featherwhisker posted a new student review of Girl Z: My Life as a Teenage Zombie . See the full review.

This book idea was really cool. It was a new take on something that has been done to death, and it could've been a very popular book. Emphasis on could've been. Verstraete seems to not really know much about writing a story. Firstly, she had far too many characters. Seriously, 5 or so characters could've been enough to make this a good book, but Verstraete adds to these, bringing in pointless characters who do nothing for the story and just add to the confusion. Also, there is a few grammatical errors. It could've been the publishers fault, but it seemed like the first draft of a story, instead of something that would get printed. Finally, the book is confusing. There is so much happening at once, it's hard to keep track.

I would have a complete conclusion, but it seemed like the book didn't have one, so I'll just say this: I would not recommend this book to anyone I know, unless I wanted them to read something bad.

A new student review of e-Sc@pe: Nascent

Raphael posted a new student review of e-Sc@pe: Nascent . See the full review.

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A new student review of Shutdown

sthom506 posted a new student review of Shutdown . See the full review.

Heather Anastasiu creates a powerful new world in her Glitch series and does not disappoint with the final installment. Her characters are original and cleverly constructed, with an added element of realism that draws the reader in even more. Her writing is clear and interesting, and her explanations of her world are so scintillating that it feels as though such a world could come about tomorrow. As a difficult to put down page turner, this book is the perfect conclusion that ties the series together.

A new student review of The Brewster Boys and the Eve of Infamy

alison_S posted a new student review of The Brewster Boys and the Eve of Infamy . See the full review.

The Brewster Boys and the Eve of Infamy by Stephen Dittmer, a high-school history teacher, thrusts teenagers into the unfortunate position of having to view themselves objectively. Incompetence a prominent attribute of our two titular protagonists, for whom the sight of a bra elicits a quantity of glee to rival that of laughing gas, one cannot help but wonder as to the presence of vengeance in the author’s subconscious. Could the antics of Pete and Jon be manifestations of the less-than-stellar students riddling Dittmer’s career? In any case, these larger than life characters may not represent the pinnacle of literary achievement, but their temporal misadventures make for 214 pages of stereotyped delight.

A new student review of The Whizz Pop Chocolate Shop by Kate Saunders

moseso posted a new student review of The Whizz Pop Chocolate Shop by Kate Saunders. See the full review.

My overall opinion on ‘The Whizz Pop Chocolate Shop’ is that it was too magical.  The realities of the actions in the book are pure fantasy and would never happen in real life.  I did not enjoy how Kate Saunders added parts where ghosts and goblins jumped out.  However, I did like the characters of Oz and Lily.  Their personalities are good, but when there out on ‘missions’ they tell their parents that they are at camp or diving lessons, so that they ‘know where they are’.  In my opinion, that sets a bad example because I look at it as deceiving your own parents!  I often got distracted while I was reading the book and daydreamed sometimes as well.  The author’s voice is obviously magical, too magical.  Kate Saunders purpose was reached, but I did not benefit from her purpose.  The vocabulary is appropriate for ages 10-12.             

A new student review of Heart of Glass by Sasha Gould

worms123 posted a new student review of Heart of Glass by Sasha Gould. See the full review.

A quote that I really liked is from chapter 20 on page 129, ““What do you want?” he asks. His voice is weak, his eyes watery and yellow.” I connected this image to my grandpa. I didn’t like part of chapter 2 because it made me feel uncomfortable, and I think it would be better for older readers. I didn’t like the picture it left in my head. I recommend this book for readers older than 11. If you like romantic fantasy, you might enjoy this book. For me, it was too romantic.

A new student review of Surfacing

VBat posted a new student review of Surfacing . See the full review.

The ideas behind Surfacing have great potential. The mix of viewpoints from Leah and Maggie provided hints of what had really happened the day Leah drowned, and I enjoyed hearing the perspective of the older sister. Maggie's twin brothers were great opportunities for comic relief in an otherwise gloomy novel, and many characters, including Nathan and Julie, were very relatable.

Unfortunately, the story never really came together.

In the beginning of the book it seems that Maggie's ability to draw secrets out of people will play a major role in the story. As it turns out, the strange power dissapears halfway through the book, and never really affects the plot. This was dissapointing, because I expected the power to return for some sort of twist at the end. 

Maggie is also an unlikeable character. While it is possible to craft a likeable character who makes mistakes, Maggie's incessant need to be wanted by Matthew just makes the reader angry at her. Maggie never gives a good enough justification, emotional or logical, for her boy-juggling behaviors. It would have been easier to be sympathetic if the book would have focused more on emotional turmoil she was going through and gave more plausible explanations as to why she felt the need to be loved by Matthew.

Despite the books shortcomings, I would recommend this book to pre-teen and teen girls who enjoy stories about relationships, and who have an afternoon to spare. Surfacing is a quick read that will at least provide a few hours of entertainment, perfect for lazy summer beach days or an afternoon in the hammock.

 

A new student review of Spellbound by Monique N. Peterson

detectiveginger posted a new student review of Spellbound by Monique N. Peterson. See the full review.

The book Spellbound by Monique N. Peterson, was an enjoyable, intriguing and refreshing read. It had good characterization and a gripping plot that made you wonder what was going to happen (however it finished with far too many questions unanswered – so hopefully it will be picked up and answered in a sequel, especially after the cliff-hanger ending and too many unsolved mysteries (Who are Bea’s parents? What are their roles? The disappearance of Queen Rosalind and Kerry. Who tried to poison the Queen? Also, the importance of the Bishop baby to the rebel boss, to name a few).

The setting was interesting – I was surprised and confused at first, as I was expecting a historical setting, but instead it was quite a different world. The people acted with modern day mannerisms, however, the traditions of the country were kind of olden dayish (absolute monarchy vs. democracy) with the monarchs and monarchy having to have arranged marriages. Yet it was futuristic in terms of the technology as it seemed more advanced and different to what we have today, such as cars with invisibility functions, plants that grow with a push of a button etc.

Spellbound was a terrific book, with an interesting setting and spellbinding mysteries; I look forward to reading a sequel.

A new student review of The Obsidian Blade

avance posted a new student review of The Obsidian Blade . See the full review.

This book was a real page turner. I had a lot of trouble putting it down and ended up staying up until late at night to finish it.  I would recommend this novel to anyone who wants to start to get into the science fiction drama, as it contains many futuristic themes and plot aspects. The story held my attention from beginning to end; my only complaint would be that the plot was hard to keep up with towards the end of the story. I was really surprised by how much I liked this novel; I am typically not a fan of science fiction. What made this story different from all the rest is that I could easy follow and understand. I cannot wait for the sequel.

A new student review of The Hounds Set by Troy A. Carrington

sschu5 posted a new student review of The Hounds Set by Troy A. Carrington. See the full review.

 

This was a great book! It was a book about a kid that gets bullied so much by a kid named Jackson. I also like how it transitions when he goes to Egypt. Background knowledge on the Egyptian gods kind of helped in this story. I like how the story gave a mystery throughout the book, on if he will ever get home. I would recommend this book to others because of the excitement, the great plot, and the way he is always referring to his textbooks and how they were wrong.

A new student review of The Kissing Booth

MickeyBeth posted a new student review of The Kissing Booth . See the full review.

This book was so good!

Sure, it has its issues like any book does. There were a few mistakes here and there with grammar, and some British slang was used, but the content made up for any of that. Personally, I like my books with a perfectly happy ending all wrapped up with a nice little bow on top. But Beth Reekles' The Kissing Booth definitely made its way onto my list of favorite books.

Noah Flynn is by far the best book character I've read about in years. Most romance books have "the guy," the guy who is so perfect it's just unrealistic. Thankfully, Beth Reekles did not give us "the guy." She gave us Noah. He is over-protective, way too jealous, a violence junkie, and a major jerk sometimes; but that is what made him perfect. <3

I was also quite happy that the author didn't make The Kissing Booth into your typical clishe romance. She kept it original. It had flirting, teasing, the BEST of friends, great characters, and it was just an all around great read. 

In a sense, it was perfect. <3

I'm definitely looking forward to many more books by Beth Reekles.

A new student review of Gingersnap

sisto8 posted a new student review of Gingersnap . See the full review.

I like this book because I found the plot full of unexpected surprises.  It appeared to be clear and interesting at the same time.  I liked reading about the characters because they seemed very realistic.  Jayna had a strong-willed nature, which gave her a fun personality.  The ghost made the book exciting to read because I couldn’t tell when it would come back.  The turtle was a cute character to add in.  She was an exotic choice.  I enjoyed it tons, and I hope whoever reads it likes it too.  I recommend it for anyone 9+.

A new student review of Surfacing

LaRayne posted a new student review of Surfacing . See the full review.

Maggie can make anyone tell the truth so everyone is afraid of her. So she starts throwing herself at any boy. This is a great book. This book is a story of how truth can scare people away and with a teenage girl it is not hard to go too far to just be noticed. I would recommend it to mature upper teen girls. I honestly think that i should have waited to read this book till im older.

A new student review of Ruby Redfort Take Your Last Breath

TaurielOfMirkwood posted a new student review of Ruby Redfort Take Your Last Breath . See the full review.

It was a totally awesome book! It kept me on the edge of my seat. The storyline is great, but it was kind of a repeat from the last book. It had some hilarious lines in it, along with some interesting facts that I had no idea about. Also, there are some pages in the back explaining some codes used in the book, which I thought was cool.

A new student review of Chosen at Nightfall

RavenWing posted a new student review of Chosen at Nightfall . See the full review.

This is a spectacular ending in a five book series. Let me stress series. Even though you could just pick this book up and start reading it, I advise against it. There is a lot of history and relationships the whole series has created. Starting from the first book will benefit you, and if I do say so myself, I think the first book is the best.

For those who have been following this series all along, wow. This is a must read to end the series, though it is sad. I can see why you’d hesitate, Kylie finally picks someone! You spend the whole book going back and forth between the guys, but if you know Kylie, you’ll figure out who she’ll pick in the end pretty quickly. Though, I must admit the choices are not very good. One cheated on her, while the other got married to someone else behind her back. Basically, both cheated on her.

Anyways, this is a great read. The ups and downs that come along with C.C. Hunter keep you thoroughly entertained and unable to put it down. Now, for this review, it sounds like a paranormal romance, right? Wrong. This book has comedy, action, adventure, fantasy, and, of course, a dash of romance. Really, it’s a good book for anyone to read, but I encourage you start from the first book in the series, Born at Midnight by C.C. Hunter.

A new student review of Dead Things

kanati posted a new student review of Dead Things . See the full review.

Stephen Blackmoore's Dead Things is a paranormal thriller that keeps you hanging on every word.  Set in the dark world of vengeful spirits and horrifing power, Dead Things is nearly impossible to put down, and it keeps you guessing until the last word. Eric Carter is your classic anti-hero, bad boy with a heart off gold who makes all the wrong choices for all the right reasons. Dead Things by Stephen Blackmoore is a great read with lots off action and suspense topped with ghostly magic that ties it all together. I would suggest this book to anyone 16 and up looking for an exciting read.

A new student review of Promises To Keep

sabol posted a new student review of Promises To Keep . See the full review.

Promises to Keep is an action packed book, full of intrigue and adventure. If the fanciful world Amelia Atwater-Rhodes created does not draw you in, then the compelling hero Jay certainly will.  This book was a quick read, never ceasing to bore me. I would caution that this book is part of a series and there are certain terms and names that may be confusing, but the author explains them with enough depth while not taking too much away from the actual story.  I would suggest this novel to anyone who is looking for an easy, summer read. Overall I would say Promises to Keep is a book worth keeping.

A new student review of Finders Keepers? A True Story in India

sisto8 posted a new student review of Finders Keepers? A True Story in India . See the full review.

This book is a great book for one to read to a young child.  It is written for young children to understand and enjoy.  My sisters like it because of the fun activity in the back.  Older children can have fun learning some Indian words.  I liked it because the book makes you feel like you are the main character and looking at the things the characters are looking at.  I recommend it for kids 5+.

A new student review of Faelorehn: Otherworld Trilogy (Book One) by Jenna Elizabeth Johnson

Rainbow Shard posted a new student review of Faelorehn: Otherworld Trilogy (Book One) by Jenna Elizabeth Johnson. See the full review.

Beginning to read Faelorehn gave me the impression that I was stepping into a world made of shadow.  I was pulled into the dark setting of Meghan’s life.  I very much enjoyed the irony of one of Meghan’s friends being a Celtic pagan of a sort, and then having Meghan’s reality become the Celtic myths.  I also loved Fergus, a dog with white fur and reddish ears who accompanies Cade.  I’ve always enjoyed mythology of any sort, and love books which involve Norse and Celtic myths in particular (Greek, Roman, and Eygptian myths steal the spotlight far too often.  Not that they aren’t enjoyable).  Meghan is maybe just another teenager with problems she doesn’t know how to deal with, but I appreciated her quiet inner strength.  A dark, romantic, and thoroughly enthralling book, I would recommend Faelorehn to any teen with a love of dark fantasy.

A new student review of Five Summers by Una LaMarche

calicool123 posted a new student review of Five Summers by Una LaMarche. See the full review.

If I had to chose a book to read again, it definitely would be Five Summers because it wasn't the typical book you pull of the shelf. The way the book was set up kept you interested because it wasn't just one time, it was multiple. The plot was very relatable because it delt with boy drama and friendship and other things we all go through. Five Summers is definitely a book I will recommend to my friends.

A new student review of Uses for Boys

kaiyle posted a new student review of Uses for Boys . See the full review.

I personally did not like this book that much.  I thought it was slow and the main turning point of the book with Sam didn’t come until more than halfway through the book.  I find the characters as well as the style of the book interesting, but I wouldn’t recommend to very many people.

A new student review of Agent Colt Shore: Domino 29

Hickey posted a new student review of Agent Colt Shore: Domino 29 . See the full review.

I loved this book. I thought it was full of interesting facts about cars and other machines. I had my phone beside me looking up all of the assorted machines in this book. I thought the author did a great job writing a page turner. I could barely put the book down at night. The best part was the counting down of the dominoes as the book started. I would recommend this book to anybody who likes action/ adventure books.