Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
If You Like: Dystopian societies, people escaping captivity
Similar to: The Hunger Games Trilogy, Matched Trilogy
Ages: 15-50
At first, I wavered on whether or not I wanted to read this book, but I'm glad I did.
Grace is a book set in the dystopian future about a young girl who is traveling on a train to escape the wrath of an evil dictator. She once lived in the Hills, a place untouched by the dictator, Keran Berj, but she was exiled once she failed her task as a suicide bomber. Now Grace is on a train to what she believes is freedom with a boy named Kerr who she just met. Kerr is also trying to find freedom outside of Keran Berj's rule, but his reason why is a secret. Why is Kerr taking to train ride, and will Kerr and Grace set foot on free land?
I really did like the book, but it was one I feel like I could easily forget. It was a really short book, but anything longer would have been boring and too slow for me. The book was also a little tough to follow at some points, but I feel like I understood everything Elizabeth Scott wanted me to. "Grace" only took me two hours to read, so I would definately recommend that you spend the little bit of time and decide what you think about this book for yourself.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Something Like Fate by Susane Colasanti
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
If You Like: Teen romance, teen drama
Similar to: Sarah Dessen Novels, Cyberbully (movie)
Ages: 13-25
Although I loved Susane Colasanti's last novel, I was not thrilled with this one. I'm really glad this was such a quick read because I would have been disappointed if I had spent a lot of time reading on it.
Lani and Erin have been best friends since they were little. Ever since a car accident, the two girls have shared everything, and now they are about to share the same boyfriend. Blake is Lani's other friend who is going through the process of sharing his homosexuality with the school and with his family. Will Lani be able to be with Jason, or will she be forced to give up her soul mate in order to keep her best friend?
This book was filled with characters that were completely pointless. I understand Conner, the foreign boy from art class who helps Lani realize what's important, but Greg, Danielle, and Sophie were completely pointless. The book just had so many loose ends that I felt like a bunch of random pages were put together to try to assemble a book. I didn't feel a connection to Jason at all. He seemed shallow and boring to me, and the fact that Lani and him had so much in common seemed completely superficial. I was more in love with Conner who was only mentioned a few times in the book.
I wasn't 100 percent disappointed with this book. The writing is great as always. Susane Colasanti has the gift of being able to transport me to a time and place completely different from here, and she did that in this book. I just really wish I could have connected more with the story.
If You Like: Teen romance, teen drama
Similar to: Sarah Dessen Novels, Cyberbully (movie)
Ages: 13-25
Although I loved Susane Colasanti's last novel, I was not thrilled with this one. I'm really glad this was such a quick read because I would have been disappointed if I had spent a lot of time reading on it.
Lani and Erin have been best friends since they were little. Ever since a car accident, the two girls have shared everything, and now they are about to share the same boyfriend. Blake is Lani's other friend who is going through the process of sharing his homosexuality with the school and with his family. Will Lani be able to be with Jason, or will she be forced to give up her soul mate in order to keep her best friend?
This book was filled with characters that were completely pointless. I understand Conner, the foreign boy from art class who helps Lani realize what's important, but Greg, Danielle, and Sophie were completely pointless. The book just had so many loose ends that I felt like a bunch of random pages were put together to try to assemble a book. I didn't feel a connection to Jason at all. He seemed shallow and boring to me, and the fact that Lani and him had so much in common seemed completely superficial. I was more in love with Conner who was only mentioned a few times in the book.
I wasn't 100 percent disappointed with this book. The writing is great as always. Susane Colasanti has the gift of being able to transport me to a time and place completely different from here, and she did that in this book. I just really wish I could have connected more with the story.
Monday, January 16, 2012
Crossed by Ally Condie
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
If You Like: Dystopian societies, forbidden love, uprisings
Similar to: The Hunger Games Trilogy, 1984
Ages:13-100
I pretty much dropped my whole life for 12 hours to read this book because it was so good I couldn't put it down. Ally Condie did not disappoint with her second novel in the Matched Trilogy.
Now that Ky has been transferred to a work camp in the Outer Provinces to make it look like farmers still inhabit the area, Cassia is on the search for him. She pretends to be an Aberration so that she can get on an airship to the Outer Provinces. Two days before Cassia makes it to the Outer Provinces, Ky and two friends escape from the work camp to look for Cassia. When Cassia arrives at the camp, and finds out Ky is in search of her, she leaves with her friend Indie, and a boy from the camp to search for him. Will they find each other, and when they do, where will they go to be together?
Cassia has heard about the Rising which is an uprising against The Society. She wants to join, but doesn't even know where to begin to look for them, and when she finds Ky, will he want to join the rising too?
This book was so good that I was really sad when I finished it. I cannot wait until November for the third and final book in this series.
If You Like: Dystopian societies, forbidden love, uprisings
Similar to: The Hunger Games Trilogy, 1984
Ages:13-100
I pretty much dropped my whole life for 12 hours to read this book because it was so good I couldn't put it down. Ally Condie did not disappoint with her second novel in the Matched Trilogy.
Now that Ky has been transferred to a work camp in the Outer Provinces to make it look like farmers still inhabit the area, Cassia is on the search for him. She pretends to be an Aberration so that she can get on an airship to the Outer Provinces. Two days before Cassia makes it to the Outer Provinces, Ky and two friends escape from the work camp to look for Cassia. When Cassia arrives at the camp, and finds out Ky is in search of her, she leaves with her friend Indie, and a boy from the camp to search for him. Will they find each other, and when they do, where will they go to be together?
Cassia has heard about the Rising which is an uprising against The Society. She wants to join, but doesn't even know where to begin to look for them, and when she finds Ky, will he want to join the rising too?
This book was so good that I was really sad when I finished it. I cannot wait until November for the third and final book in this series.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Something, Maybe by Elizabeth Scott
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
If You Like: Teen fiction, romance
Similar to: Sarah Dessen novels, Meg Cabot's teen novels
Ages:13-30
Seventeen year old Hannah trys to fly under the radar because both of her parents are famous. Her 72 year old dad, Jackson, is like Hugh Hefner, and her mom used to be one of Jackson's "special girls", but she now answers questions in her lingerie over a webcast. Hannah works with two guys, Finn and Josh. Josh is this amazingly gorgeous sensitive type who Hannah has the hugest crush on, and Finn is her friend who completely gets her and is always around for a laugh, but she could never see herself dating Finn...or can she?
Hannah's situation just got complicated. She already hasn't talked to her selfish dad since her stepfather, Jose, died five years ago and both Hannah and her mom just picked up and moved out of New York. High School sucks because Hannah's only friend, Teagan is 19 and graduated. Hannah just can't get up the courage to talk to Josh, but now she is having some really weird feelings toward Finn. What will Hannah do?
I really liked this book. It was a cute and simple read, and I always love an Elizabeth Scott book (except Living Dead Girl). I love her way to make a classic teen romance into something just a little bit different, and this book definately exceeded my expecations.
If You Like: Teen fiction, romance
Similar to: Sarah Dessen novels, Meg Cabot's teen novels
Ages:13-30
Seventeen year old Hannah trys to fly under the radar because both of her parents are famous. Her 72 year old dad, Jackson, is like Hugh Hefner, and her mom used to be one of Jackson's "special girls", but she now answers questions in her lingerie over a webcast. Hannah works with two guys, Finn and Josh. Josh is this amazingly gorgeous sensitive type who Hannah has the hugest crush on, and Finn is her friend who completely gets her and is always around for a laugh, but she could never see herself dating Finn...or can she?
Hannah's situation just got complicated. She already hasn't talked to her selfish dad since her stepfather, Jose, died five years ago and both Hannah and her mom just picked up and moved out of New York. High School sucks because Hannah's only friend, Teagan is 19 and graduated. Hannah just can't get up the courage to talk to Josh, but now she is having some really weird feelings toward Finn. What will Hannah do?
I really liked this book. It was a cute and simple read, and I always love an Elizabeth Scott book (except Living Dead Girl). I love her way to make a classic teen romance into something just a little bit different, and this book definately exceeded my expecations.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Waiting for You by Susane Colasanti
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
If You Like: Teen romance, happy endings
Similar to: The Princess Diaries, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, Meg Cabot's How to Be Popular, any Sarah Dessen novel :D
Ages:13-35
I have such a happy feeling after reading this book. Susane Colasanti knows how to capture everything a teenager is feeling and put it into writing. I am having serious pangs of nostalgia right now after reading this book. From the moment I started reading, I couldn't put this book down.
Marisa is a sophomore and over the span of a year, a lot happens in her life. Battling anxiety disorder and depression, Marisa has to deal with all of what most teenagers deal with and more. She has a best friend named Sterling, a nerdy guy friend who has a crush on her named Nash, a crush on a hottie named Derek, a secret crush on a guy who does a radio show named Dirk, a crazy annoying sister named Sandra, a cool Aunt Katie, and two parents that are acting insanely weird.
In this typical, but always entertaining teen novel, the reader can remember what it was like to be a teenager, and teenagers can relate to Marisa and know they are not alone. This quick and easy read was great, and had my heart racing the whole time.
If You Like: Teen romance, happy endings
Similar to: The Princess Diaries, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, Meg Cabot's How to Be Popular, any Sarah Dessen novel :D
Ages:13-35
I have such a happy feeling after reading this book. Susane Colasanti knows how to capture everything a teenager is feeling and put it into writing. I am having serious pangs of nostalgia right now after reading this book. From the moment I started reading, I couldn't put this book down.
Marisa is a sophomore and over the span of a year, a lot happens in her life. Battling anxiety disorder and depression, Marisa has to deal with all of what most teenagers deal with and more. She has a best friend named Sterling, a nerdy guy friend who has a crush on her named Nash, a crush on a hottie named Derek, a secret crush on a guy who does a radio show named Dirk, a crazy annoying sister named Sandra, a cool Aunt Katie, and two parents that are acting insanely weird.
In this typical, but always entertaining teen novel, the reader can remember what it was like to be a teenager, and teenagers can relate to Marisa and know they are not alone. This quick and easy read was great, and had my heart racing the whole time.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott
Rating: 2 out of 5 stars (The content was too much for me, but the writing was great)
If You Like: Dark Teen Fiction, Stories of Rape and Abduction
Similar to: The Lovely Bones (book and movie), Sarah Dessen's novels, Speak (book and movie)
Ages: 14-40 (I recommend you read this before you let your teenager read this)
I guess I should read book jackets more often because I expected "Living Dead Girl" to be happy and romantic like Elizabeth Scott's previous novels. I was sadly mistaken. This was one of the most disturbing books I've ever read. It was brilliantly written, but when I finished the last page, I was sick to my stomach.
Living Dead Girl is a story about abduction, pedophilia, and rape. It is graphic and written from the perspective of a 15 year old girl who has been raped and abused by her abductor for the past five years. This book is not for the faint of heart or for those with a weak stomach, like myself.
Although I read this book in less than a couple of hours, I was so disturbed that I really wish I could take it back. Do with this review what you will, but just remember you have been warned.
If You Like: Dark Teen Fiction, Stories of Rape and Abduction
Similar to: The Lovely Bones (book and movie), Sarah Dessen's novels, Speak (book and movie)
Ages: 14-40 (I recommend you read this before you let your teenager read this)
I guess I should read book jackets more often because I expected "Living Dead Girl" to be happy and romantic like Elizabeth Scott's previous novels. I was sadly mistaken. This was one of the most disturbing books I've ever read. It was brilliantly written, but when I finished the last page, I was sick to my stomach.
Living Dead Girl is a story about abduction, pedophilia, and rape. It is graphic and written from the perspective of a 15 year old girl who has been raped and abused by her abductor for the past five years. This book is not for the faint of heart or for those with a weak stomach, like myself.
Although I read this book in less than a couple of hours, I was so disturbed that I really wish I could take it back. Do with this review what you will, but just remember you have been warned.
Leaving by Karen Kingsbury
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
If You Like: Christian fiction, Romance
Similar to: Nicholas Sparks novels, Friday Night Lights (tv show), Fanfare (book), High School Musical (movie)
Ages: 13-100
This was my first Karen Kingsbury novel that I read because it was a Christmas gift. It was a quick and easy read, but I wish I would have known that this story is a continuation of 4 other series.
Although this book was good, I was more interestied in the side story than the main characters themselves. Bailey Flanagin just seemed unrealistically perfect to me. Also, I felt like I was reading a Disney movie. No one kissed, no one did much of anything. The best part of the book was the story of the Baxter family, a couple and their three young children who are currently going through a hard time.
What I especially liked about the book was that there was scripture laced throughout it. It took some getting used to at first because I thought it seemed like Karen Kingsbury was just adding too much, but after reading the book, I felt closer to God.
Overall, yes the book seemed a bit extravagent and unrealistic, but we all read books to escape reality and this book did that for me. I am waiting for the library to get in the next book in the series. After I finish this series, I will back track and read the four series before it, in order.
If You Like: Christian fiction, Romance
Similar to: Nicholas Sparks novels, Friday Night Lights (tv show), Fanfare (book), High School Musical (movie)
Ages: 13-100
This was my first Karen Kingsbury novel that I read because it was a Christmas gift. It was a quick and easy read, but I wish I would have known that this story is a continuation of 4 other series.
Although this book was good, I was more interestied in the side story than the main characters themselves. Bailey Flanagin just seemed unrealistically perfect to me. Also, I felt like I was reading a Disney movie. No one kissed, no one did much of anything. The best part of the book was the story of the Baxter family, a couple and their three young children who are currently going through a hard time.
What I especially liked about the book was that there was scripture laced throughout it. It took some getting used to at first because I thought it seemed like Karen Kingsbury was just adding too much, but after reading the book, I felt closer to God.
Overall, yes the book seemed a bit extravagent and unrealistic, but we all read books to escape reality and this book did that for me. I am waiting for the library to get in the next book in the series. After I finish this series, I will back track and read the four series before it, in order.
Sweep Series #7 The Calling by Cate Tiernan
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
If You Like: Witchcraft, Teen books
Similar to: The Secret Circle (TV show), Twilight, Avalon High (book by Meg Cabot and made into a movie)
Ages:13-30
**** WARNING: MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS ****
Morgan is having dreams of a young witch being sacrificed, but all of the people in her dream are dressed in animal costumes. Hunter thinks Morgan's dreams are premonitions, and has to travel to New York for Seeker business. The whole gang decides to tag along for a little get away to Bree's dad's New York apartment.
While in New York, Morgan meets a lot of witches. Witchcraft isn't as hidden in New York as it is at home. After finding out that Morgan's premonition showed she was the sacrifice, Morgan barely escapes with her life. She finds out that Ciaran is her father, and ends things with Hunter believing that she is evil and poison to him.
Of all of the books so far, this one was definately my favorite. It was full of adventure, and a lot of shocking information was revealed. Although so much happened in this book, it ended with us waiting for so much more to come.
If You Like: Witchcraft, Teen books
Similar to: The Secret Circle (TV show), Twilight, Avalon High (book by Meg Cabot and made into a movie)
Ages:13-30
**** WARNING: MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS ****
Morgan is having dreams of a young witch being sacrificed, but all of the people in her dream are dressed in animal costumes. Hunter thinks Morgan's dreams are premonitions, and has to travel to New York for Seeker business. The whole gang decides to tag along for a little get away to Bree's dad's New York apartment.
While in New York, Morgan meets a lot of witches. Witchcraft isn't as hidden in New York as it is at home. After finding out that Morgan's premonition showed she was the sacrifice, Morgan barely escapes with her life. She finds out that Ciaran is her father, and ends things with Hunter believing that she is evil and poison to him.
Of all of the books so far, this one was definately my favorite. It was full of adventure, and a lot of shocking information was revealed. Although so much happened in this book, it ended with us waiting for so much more to come.
Sweep Series #6 Spellbound by Cate Tiernan
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
If You Like: Witchcraft, Teen books
Similar to: The Secret Circle(Tv Show), Twilight, Avalon High (book by Meg Cabot also made into a movie)
Ages: 13-30
**** WARNING: MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS ****
After combining the two covens, things start to heat up. Cal is back and so is Selene. After a fight to the death, Cal ends up sacrificing himself in order to save Morgan, and Selene turns into smoke which disappears from the room. They believe that both of them are dead.
I thought this book was really good. It was one of the most exciting books, and had me on the edge of my seat. A lot of loose ends are finally tied up, but it's only the middle of the series, so there is still more to come...
If You Like: Witchcraft, Teen books
Similar to: The Secret Circle(Tv Show), Twilight, Avalon High (book by Meg Cabot also made into a movie)
Ages: 13-30
**** WARNING: MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS ****
After combining the two covens, things start to heat up. Cal is back and so is Selene. After a fight to the death, Cal ends up sacrificing himself in order to save Morgan, and Selene turns into smoke which disappears from the room. They believe that both of them are dead.
I thought this book was really good. It was one of the most exciting books, and had me on the edge of my seat. A lot of loose ends are finally tied up, but it's only the middle of the series, so there is still more to come...
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