Review: The Alchemyst: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel by Michael Scott

ISBN: 9780385736008
Publisher: Random House Children's Books

Release Date: May, 2007
Series: Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel #1
Page Count: 375 pages

GOODREADS SYNOPSIS:

The truth: Nicholas Flamel was born in Paris on September 28, 1330. Nearly 700 years later, he is acknowledged as the greatest Alchemyst of his day. It is said that he discovered the secret of eternal life.

The records show that he died in 1418.

But his tomb is empty.

The legend: Nicholas Flamel lives. But only because he has been making the elixir of life for centuries. The secret of eternal life is hidden within the book he protects—the Book of Abraham the Mage. It's the most powerful book that has ever existed. In the wrong hands, it will destroy the world. That's exactly what Dr. John Dee plans to do when he steals it. Humankind won't know what's happening until it's too late. And if the prophecy is right, Sophie and Josh Newman are the only ones with the power to save the world as we know it.

Sometimes legends are true.

And Sophie and Josh Newman are about to find themselves in the middle of the greatest legend of all time.

     REVIEW:

WHAT I LIKED:

• I love myths and legends, and this book is full of them!
• Though much of the book revolves around myth, all of the characters except the teenage MCs existed at some point.
• Very detailed. I never felt like I couldn't picture a scene or something that was happening.
• A few Greek mythology characters were mentioned in the books. Some of you may know - I am a sucker for Greek mythology.
• The POVs were not only from the teenage main characters. Scott switched from the twins to Flamel, to Perenelle, to Dr. John Dee (the bad guy) to Scathach. I liked having the protagonists' and antagonist's view.

WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE:

•  The writing was a little awkward. The dialogue was unbelievable at times; however, the writing did begin to flow slightly better about a quarter of the way through the book.
• There was so much information. Lucky for me, I read a ton of mythology books, including educational ones, so I knew some of this information already. I think this is a con, though, because some... or most readers... wouldn't know a lot of that information and would have a hard time keeping track.
• Really slow until about half way through the book, and even after that point, it wasnt that exciting. I found my self struggling to stay interested.
• Most of the myths are sort of just thrown in together with the explanation that all the Gods were the same all over the world just by different names. Again, I love mythology, but this began to get confusing. 

     SUMMARY:

I did enjoy this read, however I didnt love it as much as I really, really hoped I would. I adored Percy Jackson, and I thought this would be slightly reminiscent of the same. I was a little disappointed. I love informational reads that make you think, but I also like to be kept interested with action or something happening. Things did happen, but it never felt exciting. I will eventually read the next installment because I am curious on how this continues, but I'm not exactly rushing out to get it.

     RATING: ★★★

I liked it, but I didnt love it. It was an interesting read but not exciting.

EDIT (9/10/13): After many months and many books in between, I decided not to go forward with this series. I have very little interest in it and decided to spend my time reading something I'll enjoy more.

Have any of you read this one? Do you agree or disagree with the points I've made? Love hearing from you guys!
A.

Review: The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares

ISBN: 9780385730587
Publisher: Random House Children's Books
Release Date: September, 2001
Series: The Sisterhood, #1
Page Count: 294 pages

BOOK BLURB:
 "Once there was a pair of pants. Just an ordinary pair of jeans. But these pants, the Traveling Pants, went on to do great things. This is the story of the four friends - Lena, Tibby, Bridget and Carmen - who made it possible."

REVIEW:

What I liked:

• Very easy read. Short, well written and interesting. Easy to get into and get through.
• A very honest portrayal of the characters as human beings, as teenage girls. Often, main characters are GOOD, with a few minor blips along the way. This book showed imprefect girls (like in real life) and their mistakes and what they learned from them.
• Connected to each story, found myself crying through out some of the scenes or laughing out loud while reading in public.
• Each character was distinct, I always knew which point of view I was reading from.
• Just a great feel good, girly book. That's not always my favorite kind of book but its good to  have one every once in a while!

 What I didn't like:

• Being told from four points of view, I wish each part throughout the book was longer than a page. Sometimes it was hard to just jump from PoV to PoV from page to page.
• Carmen was just an awful character. I felt sorry for her but she was just a pain in the ass, borderline BAD kid. She was manipulative and rude and dishonest. I know this isnt a flaw of the book - this is obviously what the author intended - I just DIDNT like this character.
• The ending was sort of unexpected and anticlimactic. I expected more I guess. I was getting closer and closer to the end and started thinking - ok, when is it going to start to wrap up?

   
   SUMMARY:

It occurs to me that I was 12 years old when this book was released. And here I am, 23 1/2 years old FINALLY getting around to it. I was already fond of this story going into it, having seen the movies and having read the 4th book (I know, randomly out of place), so it was clear that I was going to like this one. I really enjoyed it, minus some minor hitches throughout, such as the sucky character Carmen that I wanted to slap and tell to grow up! At least she knew she was being a brat. Anyway, I liked this one and I'm surprised because I generally... okay, NEVER read contemporary YA, or chick lit or whatever you want to classify this. I guess I've realized that the disdain I had for contemporary was unfounded and I can definitely start giving more of it a try.

   RATING: ★★★★

I liked this one a lot and would recommend it to anyone who likes YA, contemporary, chick lit, or just saw these movies and enjoyed them. They are cute and fun and enlightening and address difficult subjects in an easy way.

Have any of you read this or at least seen the movies? Do you agree or disagree with the point I've made? Love hearing from you guys!

A.

Review: The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

ISBN: 9780373210268
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Release date: April, 2011
Series: The Goddess Test Series #1
Page count: 304 pages

GOODREADS SYNOPSIS:

"It's always been just Kate and her mom - and her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear that her mother won't live past the fall.
Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld - and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests.
Kate is sure he's crazy - until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she succeeds, she'll become Henry's future bride and a goddess.

If she fails..."

REVIEW:

     WHAT I LIKED:

• This book gripped me emotionally within the first 10 pages and I was hooked.
• Carter's writing is beautiful. I read a few reviews on this one saying her writing was elementary and too simple. I thought it was more along the lines of straightforward and I connected very well with the story.
• I liked that though Kate was "broken", she was the stronger one in this story - emotionally, I mean. Henry was the vulnerable and wounded one though many feared him. It's nice to see a female character who pursues a man (one that isn't a cheating, lying asshole - cause girls pursue guys all the time. Just not the right ones.)
• This book was based around Greek mythology, but I connected to the characters as separate people, as humans, not just Gods and Goddesses.
• I also saw a few reviews saying that none of the characters acted like their godly counterparts and they couldn't tell who was who. I beg to differ - I knew James, Ava, Diana and Phillip immediately, and only had to look in the back to verify or check for a few of them. Though that may be because I spent so much time researching while reading the Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan.
• Henry's attitude toward Kate. I know, I know, shouldn't I hate him because I feel bad for Kate? For some reason, it seems realistic to me and that's what made me like it - not necessarily the pain or heartache between them or whatever. Do you know how many people out there spend their lives with one person while very well knowing that there was once a person they loved much more? Its sad and horrible, but I think some of you may know I dig the difficult subjects and things that tug at my heartstrings, such as not-quite-requited love.
• Unpredictable but not in a bad way. I was able to tell who was who and I wasn't so confused by the God/Goddess thing that I couldn't keep up, but there was still the element of mystery. I'm usually good at figuring out whodunit long before the book is over, but this one kept me guessing almost until the very end.

     WHAT I DIDNT LIKE:

• Kate was just all of a sudden okay with leaving her whole life behind to live with Hades, and though she recognized that it was crazy, she kind of just went along with it. It didn't seem totally realistic.
• I was confused throughout the whole book as to whether the characters that I knew to be Gods and Goddesses also knew who they were. I had a sneaking suspicion that things would end up the way they did, but it was confusing trying to figure it out throughout the book.
• I did lose a bit of my connection in a small part in the middle of the book, mainly when Kate is studying and the weeks are skipping by as she spent time with Henry. I think the book could've been a little longer and Carter could've spent more time on showing HOW Kate and Henry connected and ended up at the point they did.
• I don't like the way the book ended in that James told Kate that things would "be different" between her and Henry, James, friends, etc. I know that they get to act like Gods/Goddesses now, but I liked them as they were!
• The seven deadly sins thing - I think it was cool and clever - just weird when mixed with the whole Greek mythology thing. It almost didn't fit.
• I didn't like the concept of the Underworld in this book as compared to the "real myth" if that makes any sense. Though, in theory, I like the idea of the "real" afterlife being so open to interpretation, I like my mythology to be pretty straightforward, and I think I accepted enough deviation with the Gods/Goddesses being so different to begin with. I'm not sure why but that aspect kind of ticked me off.

SUMMARY:

I can honestly say I cried from like page 1 to page 50 consistently, and if I hadn't been sitting in front of a couple of my fiancé's co-workers when I finished this book, I would've been crying also. It gripped me right from the beginning with the impending loss of her mother and kept me hooked most of the time with her growing relationship with Henry.

I would also like to give a whopping THANK YOU to Rick Riordan, the author of the Percy Jackson series for introducing and so accurately teaching me about Greek mythology. I wouldn't have understood this book so well if I didn't know what the hell was going on, and though I may have enjoyed it more if I didn't know anything, I was pleased. I didn't like the weird changes to the Underworld as described by Henry, but I liked the story of what happened to Persephone as it was a believable continuation to what the myth says happened.

There were some things that annoyed me but I couldn't put this one down and I was rooting for Kate and Henry the whole time, hoping Kate could be the one to heal him. Damn you Persephone! All in all, this was a great read and I really want to read the next one to see what happens with Kate and Henry.


RATING: ★★★★

I enjoyed this story very much and I cant wait to read the next one. I would recommend this to any one who likes YA fiction or unique retellings of Greek mythology or any mythology at all, really. Great read!

Have any of you read this? What did you think? Do you agree or disagree with my opinion?

A.

Review: Poison by Bridget Zinn

ISBN: 9781423139935
Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children
Release date: March, 2013
Series: Stand alone
Page count: 288 pages

GOODREADS SYNOPSIS:

Sixteen-year-old Kyra, a highly-skilled potions master, is the only one who knows her kingdom is on the verge of destruction—which means she’s the only one who can save it. Faced with no other choice, Kyra decides to do what she does best: poison the kingdom’s future ruler, who also happens to be her former best friend. 

But, for the first time ever, her poisoned dart . . . misses. 

Now a fugitive instead of a hero, Kyra is caught in a game of hide-and-seek with the king’s army and her potioner ex-boyfriend, Hal. At least she’s not alone. She’s armed with her vital potions, a too-cute pig, and Fred, the charming adventurer she can’t stop thinking about. Kyra is determined to get herself a second chance (at murder), but will she be able to find and defeat the princess before Hal and the army find her? 

Kyra is not your typical murderer, and she’s certainly no damsel-in-distress—she’s the lovable and quick-witted hero of this romantic novel that has all the right ingredients to make teen girls swoon.

REVIEW:

**I'm actually going to try a different review method to try and shorten things up so you all don't have to read my ramblings that you probably don't care about. Please let me know what style you prefer or think works better, be it the bullet points or my long (though in-depth) reviews**

     WHAT I LIKED:

• It was a cute, fun read with lots of wit and sarcasm.
• The pig thing - just adorable! I actually hated the pig idea in the beginning, but it turns out the pig, though she didn't have a huge part, ended up being on of my favorite parts/characters.
• This book didn't drag on or linger on unnecessary parts of the story. It was a short, swift read with lots of silly, quirky fun.
• There wasn't a horrible insta-love. Maybe an "insta-like", but the story didn't end with a "I've known you for a week, lets be together forever," thank GOD!
• The potioning was interesting, and though I would've liked to know more about it, it was pretty bad ass that Kyra was a "master potioner."

     WHAT I DIDNT LIKE:

• The writing was very simple. I know this is a young adult novel, but it feels like a book that was more meant for children rather than teens/young adults - you know, except for the parts that seemed borderline adult or sexual!! I'm not even going to bother elaborating, just know that some of it seemed too adult for the context the book was written in and it was almost uncomfortable. Super weird. In any event, the writing wasn't bad, don't get me wrong, but not great.
• "Major revelations" in the story came out of  nowhere and seemed out of place or not explained very well.
• The world building was sort of... non-existent. I didn't understand the Kingdom of Mohr at all, and sort of going along with the major events being out of place, it just seemed poorly put together.
• It was more silly than I found acceptable. I thought it was a little too lighthearted in spots that it should've been just a bit more serious, considering the lives of the entire kingdom were at stake!!!! I don't know - that just annoyed me immensely!
• I was almost a little bored by it at times and found myself only reading dialogue or skimming over parts that didn't seem important.
• It was supposed to be set in what seemed like a historical time of some sort, but other than the absence of cell phones and skinny jeans, it seemed a little modern... or at least not "historical" enough.

SUMMARY:

I saw a lot of 4 and 5 star ratings for this book, and I read a few of them, and the readers/reviewers liked the same things I liked, but maybe didn't dislike the same things I disliked and saw fit to give a 4/5 star rating. I initially picked this book up because of the higher ratings and (I regret to admit) because I noticed the author had passed away before her book hit the shelves and I thought it would've been nice to support her and the family even after her passing. It seemed like a cute, fun read and I liked the cover art.

I almost feel bad about the fact that I didn't really like this book. Don't get me wrong, I didn't hate it, but it wasn't my cup of tea. But I don't think I should say I like a book simply because the author was taken from the world too soon. I think a true artist such as herself would appreciate constructive criticism. I think I'm just trying to make myself better. So end of explanations and excuses. I simply didn't love it.

All in all, I didn't love this book, and I am pretty glad it was short, and though I liked that it was a change from what I usually read (dark, painful dystopian novels), it just wasn't for me. I didn't necessarily dislike it, but I definitely cant say I liked it either.

RATING:  ★★ 1/2
Two and a half stars, because as I stated before, I'm sort of in between not liking it, and liking it enough for a three star rating. I'm glad I got to read it and experience it for myself, but it seems like I'm a fan of the slightly more serious YA novels, and this book helped me to figure that out.

I'd recommend this to anyone who might enjoy a fantasy book that is more geared toward adolescents and enjoys silly, fun storylines with not much death and doom involved.

Have any of you read this? I'm expecting an onslaught of criticism for my almost-dislike of the book. Go ahead, tell me what you really think, I'm open! Am I being too harsh, or do you agree with me?

A.

P.S. I know I tried to shorten up my review but it doesn't seem like I did, haha. Maybe just simplified my ramblings by adding bullet points? Well anyhow, what do you think as compared to my last review? Please be honest!
 

Review: Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

ISBN: 9780312642969
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Release date: February, 2013
Series: The Lunar Chronicles #2
Page count: 452 pages

GOODREADS SYNOPSIS:

"Scarlet Benoit's grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn't know about her grandmother or the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother's whereabouts, she is loath to trust this stranger, but is inexplicably drawn to him, and he to her. As Scarlet and Wolf unravel one mystery, they encounter another when they meet Cinder. Now, all of them must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen Levana, who will do anything for the handsome Prince Kai to become her husband, her king, her prisoner."

IN-DEPTH REVIEW:

I usually take notes while I read books, because lets be real, can you always remember what happens throughout the whole 400+ pages of the books you read? Most likely the answer is no. Or a lot of times for me, I will hate/love a book in the beginning and then feel the exact opposite at the end and its hard for me to remember why I felt a different way 400 pages ago.

What I'm trying to say is that for some reason, I only have about four lines of notes on this book so I'm having a hard time putting my thoughts on the book in its entirety into words. It took me three long weeks to read this. I dont want to be unfair, though, because the main reason it took me so long is that I have been very distracted with my recent engagement and I've been obsessed with all things weddings ever since. I finally finished Scarlet at work today, then OF COURSE I found myself wishing it didnt end.

As I stated before in my review of Cinder, Meyer's writing is fantastic. Not once did I encounter awkward wording or things I couldnt picture in my head or understand based on the way it was written. It came alive and I connected with the story, felt like I was with Scarlet and Cinder on their adventures.

I do have to say that I don't think I connected as much with Scarlet as I did with Cinder, and it was throughout the first half of the book that I found myself just reading about Scarlet and hoping and hoping for more about Cinder. I just felt like Scarlet's story took too long to develop into an actual adventure to save her grandmother. Then the romance started between Scarlet and Wolf, the mystery "Loyal Soldier to the Order of the Pack" with the sexaayyy eyes. Yeah, uh, boo to you Wolf, for all of that! I wont say more for fear of spoilage. But keep in mind that at one point, I wasnt sure if Wolf was gonna pull through as a good guy for this one.

Anyhow, I hate to be the girl who didnt like the book until the characters made kissy faces at eachother, and I do feel like the actual romance was a little much, but it still finally made things more than just mildly interesting. Needless to say, by the end of this book my heart ached for the two of them and I hated Wolf no more!

Cinder is my absolute favorite, her sarcasm, wit, badass-ed-ness, I just love it all, and with the long stretches of several chapters about Scarlet, I wanted to yell at the book and ask Cinder to come back. I once again loved the charming and clever way Meyer added the original fairytale of Little Red Riding hood into the story without being boring and still making it absolutely different. Also, I have a lot of questions about Thorne Carswell. He's gotta have something going for him, right? I mean, did he only serve the purpose of the "lumberjack" that saves Red Riding Hood aka Scarlet, or is he gonna be matched up with the chick from the next book? Like, what's his deal? You know authors dont waste attractive and funny character on secondary spots.

I really dont have much more to say about this book because I already love the series. It is so fresh and unique and so unlike any other dystopian out there, and I am sad that I will have to wait until next year (I mean come on, REALLY?!) to read the next one.

SUMMARY OF MY THOUGHTS:

Not suprised to have loved this one. Certain parts moved a little slower for me at first and I didnt connect as easily with the new characters, but by the middle of the book everything moved much quicker and I loved the new characters (almost) as much as I love Cinder, Kai and Iko! I would recommend this book (or the series itself) to dystopian lovers who are getting tired of the same old stuff. This is a fantastic and unique retelling of Little Red Riding Hood and I cant wait for the next to be released next year.

RATING:  ★★★★ 

I give this second installment of the Lunar Chronicles four stars because I loved it and the only thing that made it a little below amazing was that the first half was a little slow.

Have any of you read Scarlet by Marissa Meyer? If so, do you agree or disagree with my review? If not, do you plan on reading it? Love hearing what you all think

A.

Review: Requiem by Lauren Oliver

ISBN: 9780062014535
Publisher: HarperCollins
Release Date: March 2013
Series: Delirium Trilogy #3
Page Count: 391


GOODREADS SYNOPSIS:

They have tried to squeeze us out, to stamp us into the past.

But we are still here.

And there are more of us every day.

Now an active member of the resistance, Lena has been transformed. The nascent rebellion that was under way in Pandemonium has ignited into an all-out revolution in Requiem, and Lena is at the center of the fight.

IN-DEPTH REVIEW:
**NO SPOILERS, but if you havent read Pandemonium, I wouldn't suggest reading this. You may want to read my review of Pandemonium, though it does contain some small spoilers**
Ever since I finished Pandemonium, I've been dying to read this book as I'm sure many of you have been or were, and we all obviously know why. The return of ALEX **gasp**

I'm not going to lie, at the end of Pandemonium, I was very anxious to see what would happen with Alex, but ever since Julian entered the picture, I was 100% team Julian. I think I mentioned in my review of Pandemonium that I never felt any connection with Lena and Alex. No emotion when he "died" or anything like that. I just had no interest. I instantly connected with the Julian-Lena love story and I think its important for me to add that after reading Requiem where we have both Julian and Alex, I am still team Julian, though only about 90% now, maybe not 100%.

I was 15 pages into this book and I was already pissed off with Lena and the attitude she had taken on once Alex has shown up again. I was quickly understanding why many people didnt like this book. Lena was back to being boring Lena. But then all of a sudden, a few pages later, it all happened for me. I was hooked. I was literally crying at this point because of the emotions Lena was experiencing, and Oliver's writing is just so amazing that, at times, I felt those emotions myself. Those really are the best kinds of books, arent they? The ones that make you feel what the characters feel.

Another reason I felt like I connected with this book was because of the emotions Lena was feeling in her love life. Let us all be honest here, most of us have experienced some sort of romantic heartache, be it a break up in the 8th grade or in your adult life. Either way, you remember being crushed, right? Well I was a particularly dramatic teenager, and havent had the best of luck as of late, so I know what its like, and I think the second best kinds of books are the ones you can relate to. I related to Lena, I felt her pain because of the writing and because of my own memories.
Anyhow... moving on.

Julian grew so much in this final installment of the trilogy. Though I liked him in Pandemonium, he came off as weak to me, and Requiem comes around and no, he isn't all of a sudden tough and strong just because he's left Zombieland to live in the Wilds, like many authors would have made him. He grew. He was still afraid of the changes, of the difference in the quality of life, and of loving or showing affection, but he wanted to try and learn and be strong and be an asset to the resistance to fight for what he believed in and he did all of those things. I just loved Julian in Requiem which made Alex's return that much harder for me to accept. Ugh, imagine how hard it was for Lena!

Now, see - usually, when a dystopian novel like this begins to focus too much on love and romance when the fate of life itself is at stake, I tend to get annoyed by petty teenager things being important when there are obviously more important things to worry about. However, this novel is different in an interesting way. As we all know, this trilogy is about a society that deems love a disease, amor deliria nervosa, that it is the cause of all the world's problems. These books are about fighting for love. I expected to be annoyed by the focus on relationships but I wasnt and I was pleasantly surprised by how invested I was in the relationships in this trilogy.

One thing I do have to say that I also found interesting was that in Pandemonium and Requiem, the characters many times had the same thoughts I did. Are the "cureds" right? Is it really a disease? You find yourself so consumed, not thinking clearly, doing irrational things, etc. Arent they right in some way? It was just clever how Oliver presented this, giving up the ability to see both perspectives, how maybe the "cureds" werent totally wrong with the whole premise of the cure.

Now let's talk about Hana. Many of you should know that this book is told from Lena's view in the Wilds and Hana's view in Portland after her cure. I was so engrossed in Hana's story, as much as I was in Lena's. Even at the times I found myself hating her, I found myself cheering her on and feeling for her too.

I was totally engrossed in this book in its entirety and kind of wonder what some of the reviewers were talking about when they said they didnt even like it. I really cant think of much I didnt like except - oh! The ENDING!! I think many are in an uproar over the way this story ended, and while I am not happy with it, I like that it gives me room to decide how it ends myself. I have some ideas where Oliver wanted it to go with some things, but others, I guess it is kind of left up to the reader, and one day, I suppose I'll say where this one went in my head, but I dont want to give anything away. For now, I'll just replay it in my head whenever I get sad that this trilogy is over.

SUMMARY OF MY THOUGHTS:

I loved this book, and was very happy with the growth of the characters and their depth. I enjoyed all aspects, including the progression of relationships and the progression of the resistance. I am ONE HUNDRED PERCENT TEAM JULIAN and I always will be. As always, the writing is terrific, and frankly this was my favorite in the series. I didnt like Delirium to begin with but continued because I dont like to leave things unfinished, ended up loving Pandemonium, and adored Requiem. I felt every emotion portrayed in this book with fierce intensity which brought me even farther into the world of Delirium.


RATING: ★★★★ 1/2

Four and a half stars for this one. The ONLY thing keeping me from giving this 5 stars one is the ending. I just wasnt happy with it, and though I am trying to look at it in a positive light, I cant help but remember thinking - THIS IS IT? THIS IS HOW IT ENDS!?

Now I'm going to read the three short stories that are a part of Delirium Stories and I will be posting a review on that some time this week, in addition the short story about Alex released in the first printing of Requiem.

So, have you read this one yet? If so, what did you think? If not, do you plan on reading it? Can't wait to hear what you thought of this one.

A.

Review: Cinder by Marissa Meyer

ISBN: 9781250007209
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Publication Date: January 2012
Series: The Lunar Chronicles #1
Page Count: 448 pages

SYNOPSIS:

"Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth's fate hinges on one girl..."

In this Cinderella retelling, Cinder is a cyborg - formerly human, and has parts of her body replaced with robot parts - sort of like prosthetic limb but with wires and a control panel... I guess you'd have to read it to understand haha. She is also a gifted mechanic living in a future after the fourth world war, living in the Eastern Commonwealth in New Beijing, under the rule of Emperor Rikan and his dreamy son Prince Kaito (Kai for short), where the world has become plagued by an epidemic called the "blue plague".

The heroine, Cinder, lives with her "Stepmother" and two "Stepsisters" (technically her adoptive family). Her stepmom and one of her sisters hate her, and find her disgusting because of her cyborg qualities. As it happens, cyborgs are thought of as less than human and are considered property in New Beijing and have less rights than humans.

Prince Kai asks the gifted mechanic to fix his android and subsequently becomes enchanted by her...awkwardness? Most definitely not her beauty or wealth or family name. He asks her to the BALL! Yes, this book has a ball, and she turns him down because she is a martyr and doesnt want to embarrass him by letting him show up to this ball with a cyborg, especially because he doesnt know she is a cyborg.

With Cinder looking for a cure for the plague to save her sister - and the rest of the world - and trying to save Prince Kai from the evil-doings of the Lunar Queen Levana, who rules the "magical" creatures that inhabit the Earth's moon, now called Luna (which actually means moon in spanish - haha), she finds herself in a few predicaments that lead to her finding out some whopping secrets about her past that by the end of the book, she STILL cant wrap her head around.  There is something about Cinder... something she doesnt even know that will change her life as she knows it.

IN-DEPTH REVIEW:

This book was not just your average fairy tale. I enjoyed this book so much, and had to refrain from going out to purchase the sequel immediately (just because I have so much else to read). I found the world Meyer has built, with all her cyborgs and moon people and blue plague stuff, to somehow be more realistic than many of the popular dystopian novels out there right now. I know it sounds crazy, but I could picture myself as part cyborg more than I could picture myself fighting 20-something other children to the death in a giant arena. Dont get me wrong - I'm a huge fan of The Hunger Games, I'm just saying... I would be more likely to believe in people inhabiting the moon, thats all.

Writing style: superb
Plot: Interesting and moved quickly.
World building: SUPER COOL!

I actually found this to be a light, fun novel, even with all the death going around. The blue plague is the newest generation's version of the Bubonic Plague - the kids were even singing "Ring around the Rosie" at one point. For those of you that don't know the history behind that kid's game... check it out. You'll never want your kids to play it again.... creepy!

I loved the way Meyer worked in the Cinderella fairy tale without being over the top. It was a story that would still be a story if the Cinderella aspects were taken out, which was great for me. I mean who doesnt love fairy tales? But I'm 23, and though I loved to revisit my childhood, I like to think of myself as slightly more of an adult than I was when I was five. I'm glad there was a real story and plot that wasnt solely focused on Cinderella.

I loved the Prince, and Cinder because they were cute but not too much, and Cinder was funny and sarcastic which I always enjoy in my heroines. Meyer created two wonderful villians in Lihn Adri and Levana the Lunar Queen. I hated Levana and somehow despised and pitied Adri at the same time.

**SPOILER**
Its weird because at the end of the book there are some discussion questions and one asks if the reader thinks there was a character representing the "fairy godmother" in this story, and in one instance I will consider Dr. Erland the fairy godmother who gives her the money to escape and get gasoline for her car, which is sort of her "pumpkin carriage" being orange and all, and he champions her and wants to help her. And sort of could be Iko her android who saves her dress and finds her the cyborg foot. Might I just add how much I loved that and how much I loved the touch of Cinder losing her cyborg foot instead of her shoe on the stairs outside of the palace when she left the ball. Anyhow, in the other instance, I think Cinder was her own fair godmother. She paid for the cyborg foot, and repaired the car and got herself to the ball and tried the save the world alone. And I love that aspect that girls can sometimes need saving, but most times they can save themselves. Way to go Meyer! Girl power!!
**END SPOILER**

There wasnt much I didnt like about this book. I found myself a little bored a few times - only for a few pages though, before the action started back up. That was about it, though. I thought I'd be tired of dystopians by now, and wondered if I'd be over this one before I even finished it, but its so different and original and FUN. I loved this story - hats off to Marissa Meyer! Once I find it reasonable to buy another book to add to my pile of 50+ TBR books, I will be picking up the next one, and I cannot wait! Another thing that upsets me, by the way is that the third and fourth installments of this series arent coming out until 2014 and 2015. What if the world ends by then!? I cant die without reading the rest of the series.

SUMMARY OF MY THOUGHTS:

I enjoyed this book very much. The writing was wonderful; it was extremely unique and creative and very different from other dystopians crowding the market; it was fun, light and believable; and I cant wait to read the next in the series!

RATING: ★★★★

This one gets a four star rating! There were some slow parts for me, but never slow enough for me to lose interest. The characters, dialogue, world and plot were believable, even though it was chock full of cyborgs, androids, moon people and monarchies. I liked this book so much and I would recommend it to anyone who likes sci-fi/fantasy novels, young adult fiction and dystopian novels - oh, and fairy tale retellings!!

Have you gotten to read this one yet? If you have - what did you think? Do you agree or disagree, and why?

A.

Top Ten Tuesday - Authors on Auto-Buy

I just love Top Ten Tuesday (The Broke and the Bookish). :) Its probably my favorite feature to participate in. This week's topic is:

What authors would you have on auto-buy - that you would buy anything they've written, no questions asked?

I love this question! I dont quite know that I have 10 of them but there are actually quite a few authors I'd have on my auto buy list:

7. Stephenie Meyer - I know, I know, she is on everybody's shxt list lately, but honestly I enjoyed her writing even if Bella and Edward sucked. I adored The Host and though I havent purchased/read The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner, it is on my list to read regardless, because I am a fan of Meyer

6. Marissa Meyer - Just loving Cinder so much, and I've been on the prowl for anything that has Meyer's name on it. Scarlet shall be mine, and all the short stories in between!

5. Rick Riordan - I think there is only one book of his that I dont own and thats because it is part of a series with like 50 books with a million other authors and I just do not have the time and dedication to get into that. Other than that - I will read anything he's got. Cannot wait for the fall when House of Hades comes out!

4. Suzanne Collins - I just need her to write more. After Hunger Games I am left desperate for another installment, or a new dystopian.. something. Anything, Ms. Collins, ANYTHING!!

3. Nora Roberts - I dont read much romance anymore, but anything that is written by Nora and not by her alternate personality by the pseudonym of J.D. Robb I will read. I already own most of her books, and one day I will own them all. Just love her.

2. Jodi Picoult - I own almost everything she has written, and almost all of the books that I do own, I purchased simply because she wrote them. I will read everything by her. I will!

1. J.K. Rowling - I saved the best for last. I heard some not-so-great things about The Casual Vacancy but I bought it anyway. Havent read it yet - but I will. If Rowling wrote the revised edition of the dictionary, I'd buy it. I will buy and read ANYTHING she writes from now until the end of time, because I am a loyal servant to the Queen. Okay, I know, sounds cult-ish, but its true. She is the Queen and I will always buy what she puts out there, even if the reviews arent great.

What authors are on your list? :)

A.

Feature and Follow Friday

Its F&F Friday again, hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read. Visit their blogs to find out how to participate!

This week's featured blog is: Jelly's Insider - make sure you pay a visit!

Parajunkee wants to to know:

We always talk about books that WE want. Let’s turn it on its head. What books have you given other people lately?
 

I dont give a lot of books, as gifts or for lending but the most recent gift I gave was to my loving boyfriend for Christmas and I gave him The Walking Dead by Robert Kirkman and Jay Bonansinga. This is havent read but my boyfriend doesnt read much but he loves the Walking Dead show and I desperately want him to read more, so I gave it a shot. He's had it for months and has maybe read a few chapters -___-

My cousin has been reading all of the books in the Mortal Instruments Series by Cassandra Clare, and has been loving them. These I have read, and enjoyed thoroughly, and cant wait for the movie!!

What books have you given lately?

A.
 

Waiting on Wednesday

Let's keep it short and sweet this week! Waiting on Wednesday - Breaking the Spine. What I'm waiting on:

The Elite by Kiera Cass

Release date: April 23, 2013

 

Really intrigued by this whole series, though it vaguely reminds me of the Chemical Garden trilogy by Lauren DeStefano. Cant wait to read it!

 

What are you waiting on?

 

A. :)

Top Ten Tuesday - Favorite Characters in My Favorite Genres

Whew, feels like I've been gone forever. I've been sick since the end of last week - and I still am, but I couldnt stay away!!

Its Top Ten Tuesday hosted by The Broke and the Bookish and this week's top ten list is your top ten favorite characters from a particular genre.

I decided to stick with an extremely broad genre so that I may include all my favorite books (I'm such a cheater lol): Young adult fiction (some on the list might actually be considered middle grade, but I dont care! They are young adults too, haha)

My Top Ten Six

6. Clary Fray from The Mortal Instruments Series by Cassandra Clare. I like Clary for the most part. She was stubborn and kind of weak, which isnt my thing, but she doesnt take no for an answer! - most of the time. I feel bad for her in the first few books....and the last few. Boy she's really got it rough, huh? She doesnt give up though. She knows what she wants and she's going to have it.

5. Jacob from The Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyer. Okay, I'm not saying I love Twilight. Like many others, I've since fallen off of the Twilight band wagon, but you cant regret something you once enjoyed. I mean the books arent bad. Meyer isnt a bad writer. I actually loved her sci-fi novel, The Host. Bella sucked, and Edward sort of sucked too. But the books were good. And in Breaking Dawn when Jacob got to narrate part of the book, I fell in love. I didnt like him in the first three books at all. Then BD came along and here we are: Team Jacob!

4. Katniss and Gale from The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. I've heard people complain about them too, but considering the world they lived in, I think they werent half bad. Frankly, Katniss is BAD ASS and Gale - movie AND book Gale is HOT.

3. Percy from The Percy Jackson Series by Rick Riordan. I've heard that a lot of people don't like Percy because he's annoying, immature, etc. but I kind of love him. He's hysterical for starters. But he loves his friends and family, and though he does stupid things - often - he always manages to come through in the end!

2. Jonas from The Giver by Lois Lowry. I liked Jonas a lot, mostly because of the bravery he shows at the end of the book. The Giver is one of my favorite books, period, so its not just Jonas that I love. Its the whole book!

1. Obviously, my very favorite character from my very favorite book(s): Hermione Granger from The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling. How can you not love her? She's so intelligent and hungry for knowledge. She loves her friends but she knows how to stand up for herself, too.


What characters made your lists?

A.

For the love of books

Booking Through Thursday is a weekly feature hosted by a blog of the same name. Visit BTT to find out how to participate.

This week's topic is: you guessed it - LOVE! In honor of Valentine's Day, BTT has asked:

"Not the kind of “love” question you’re expecting for Valentine’s Day. No, what I want to know is:
What do you love most about reading?"
 

This is a pretty easy one for me. I love being absolutely immersed in the story, the characters, the world. Even in a book I didnt love, I find myself missing the characters and the world they come from when I am done reading.

Let's take Hogwarts for example. AN ENTIRE WORLD, people! Sometimes I even miss #4 Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey!! How can you not? Honestly, if I'm having a rough day, I either pop out an HP book or pop in an HP movie (depending on my level of upset-ness) and dive right in. Its a place that can always make me feel at home when I feel like I dont belong in my own world.

Let's not pretend that bloggers aren't real people. We all have our problems, our issues, because as much as we blog, real life never goes away. For me, and I'm sure many other people, sometimes a book is also a getaway. Whether you need a trip to another state, country, planet, or alternate universe, a good book is always there to lend a hand. Hell, sometimes a bad book is there to lend a hand, too.

 That's usually why I have a hard time not finishing a series. If I didnt love a book, I usually miss it anyway when I'm finished, and find myself going back for more of the characters I somehow came to love despite the lack of a good story or whatever was wrong with the book.

What do you guys love about reading?

A.

W.W.W. Wednesday

W.W.W. is a weekly feature hosted by Should Be Reading. Visit their site to see how to participate... or just see below because its pretty self-explanatory. I usually do Waiting on Wednesday, but I feel like I'm running out of things to be waiting on so I'm skipping this week until I do some more book-searching.

• What have you just finished reading?

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
I enjoyed this book alot - I posted a review on it recently - check it out, and let me know what you thought (or if you havent read it, if you're thinking about reading it).

• What are you currently reading?

Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver
Enjoying it aso far but I'm only about 50 pages in. This is much shorter than Beautiful Creatures so hopefully I'll move through it a little faster.

• What do you plan on reading next?

Well last week I was determined to read City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare, but when it came down to it, I picked up Pandemonium. So I'm not making any promises but I think I am either going to read Fever by Lauren DeStefano (especially so I can go pick up Sever) or Cinder by Marissa Meyer because the amazing reviews this book is getting are starting to get to me. Oh the pressure!!!

 

 

 

So what reads are on your list this week? Have any of you read my picks? What did you think - I'd love to hear from you!

 

Happy Reading :)

 

A.

 

Top Ten Tuesday - Red Hot Romances

Just in time for Valentine's Day, The Broke and the Bookish is hosting their weekly feature, Top Ten Tuesday, and this week's topic is: Top Ten Favorite Romances

I love this because it is right up my alley. Now-a-days I'm much more diverse but I used to ONLY read romance novels. My Top Ten came very easily to me this week. Keep in mind I am very big on series so some of these may be a list of a series, which means I loved ALL of the books (its kind of like cheating on the "top ten" aspect of this whole thing haha):

     10.     The Virgin River Series by Robyn Carr: There are about 20 books in this series (not an exaggeration) and I loved especially the first 6. I wont lie - I stopped around book 12 or so, but they are all so wonderful.

      9.     The Grace Valley Series also by Robyn Carr: I was introduced to these books AFTER I read the first few of the Virgin River Series and there are only three books in this series, but I adored all three.

      8.     The Madaris Family Series by Brenda Jackson: If any of you read my last week's "Top Ten Memories" post, you'll know that Brenda Jackson is the author that got me back into reading a few years ago. This one has about 15 books in the series, and again, no lie, I probably only read the first five, but they were great nonetheless.

      7.     The Invincible Women Series by Francis Ray: Oh my goodness, I have to say that unless you are a strong-minded person, maybe you dont want to read these books. They are amazing, but they openly address many issues such as abuse/rape, adultery, sexuality, etc. I loved these books and I actually did read all of the books in the series.

 

      6.     Topaz by Beverly Jenkins: I am not entirely sure if this is part of a series - it may be, for all I know (which is sad because I love Bev J. and have read many of her novels), but this book stood out for me as a historical romance and I loved it!

      5.     The Black Ops Series by Cindy Gerard: This is actually a spin-off from one of Gerard's previous series. I didnt love the series before this one, but I am obsessed with The Black Ops Series! Its action-packed and thrilling but exactly the right amount of romance to keep me swooning!

(I'm sorry but my top four are Nora Roberts novels/series)

      4.     The Three Sisters Island Series by Nora Roberts: First let me say that Nora Roberts is my hero and no one will ever surpass her in romance writing for me. These are the first Nora Roberts books I ever read and I fell in love instantly! I like a lot of her works better than these but since they were my first, I have to list them.

      3.     The Circle Trilogy by Nora Roberts: This series is a supernatural one which is unlike many of the books Nora writes (usually her books have ghosts but nothing special). This one sports a witch, a time traveler and a vampire as some of the main characters. The first book in this series is very slow, and it took me a few months to pick up the next one, but when I finally did, I was blown away. I actually reread the last few chapters of the third book SEVERAL times because I was so in love with it. Now that I think about it, I think I need to read them again.

      2.     The Chesapeake Bay Series by Nora Roberts: This one has four books in the series and this is another one that I adored, especially when book four came out much later with the story of Seth, who was just a child in the first three books.

      1. and last but not least: The Gallaghers of Ardmore Trilogy by Nora Roberts: This is probably one of my favorite series ever, not just romance series. Its set in Ireland, which makes me love it already, but its got faeries and a lovely historical backstory. This is the series that made it imperative for me to visit Ireland before I die. It is a must!

I loveeee romances, though I dont read that many any more. Have you read any of the ones I've read? What did you think of them?

Cant wait to see everyone else's list.

Happy reading :)

A.

Blogging Partners - Your thoughts?

Hello blogging friends!

I've been thinking about something over the past few weeks and I figured the best way to get some answers is to ask the people who know best: YOU.

I see a lot of you have group blogs and I love the dynamics - the group posts, group reads, review by different people with different opinions.

I'm really interested in starting another blog - a group one - in addition to this individual one, and am actively pursuing that idea. What I want to know is for those of you who have group blogs: how do you share the responsibility and who you have a policy as far as what each of you posts or can post (like editing or proofreading eachother's posts before they go up)? What do you like about a group blog and what are the challenges?

For those of you who have individual blogs: What do you think about the group blogs you do follow? Do you agree with me that having different viewpoints on one blog is dynamic and interesting or do you dislike it for some reason?

I'd love to hear what you think about this topic.

With that being said - I AM looking for  a blogging partner/partners and though I have no experience with  GROUP blog, I am excited for that experience. If you are interested or know anyone who is, let me know!! Leave a comment or e-mail me at here.

Happy reading!

A.

Booking Through Thursday

Booking Through Thursday is a weekly meme hosted by a blog of the same name, Booking Through Thursday! The idea is simple:

 

"Copy the questions, paste them into your blog and answer them.

When you're done, come back here and post a quick comment or trackback letting everyone know so we can read your responses. Be sure to leave a link to your actual post! (Just type in the web-address--Wordpress will automatically turn it into a link for you.)"

 

So this week's topic is:

"I’m usually torn. I love giving and sharing books, but it can be hard. The giftee can be difficult to please, or you don’t know what they’ve read (or what they thought of books they have read). Even people who love to read and love to get books can be hard to gift books to … so, does that make you pause and reach for the neckties or DVDs or sweaters … anything BUT a book at gift-giving time? How do you feel about getting books yourself? Are you picky or easy?"

 

I LOVE giving books as gifts, haha. Most of my family and friends do not like to read as much as I do.... or at all. I bought my boyfriend a book for Christmas - The Walking Dead, Rise of the Governor. Sounds nice, right? Uh.. well we've been together for almost six years and I've seen him reads maybe a total of four books in the last six years. Why did it buy it? because I cant help myself!

 

My sister just had a baby 2 1/2 months ago and I told her I'm going to buy my niece books for every holiday and that I am going to read with her all the time. I bought my 2 months old niece a book for Christmas. I mean it was a squeaky Elmo book that she could chew on, but still.

 

As for me, if I could get ONLY books for holidays, I'd be set. However, I don't like just any book. A couple of times, I gave my mom or boyfriend lists of books I wanted so they could buy them for me - or just asked for gift cards to the local bookstore. I got gift cards for Christmas and the next day went to the bookstore to load up... they then tell me their system is down and they cant take gift cards at that time. What did I do? Went home and ordered four books online - express shipping, thank you very much!!

 

So yes, I am a book/reading girl through and through. Become my friend, I'll be gifting you a book and you're GOING TO LIKE IT! :))

 

What about you? How do you feel about giving/receiving books as gifts?

 

Happy Readings!

Manda C. :)

Waiting on Wednesday & WWW Wednesday

 

It's Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Breaking the Spine!

 

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted [at Breaking the Spine], that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating."

This week's upcoming release is Sever by Lauren DeStefano!

Release date: February 12, 2013

 

From B&N:

Time is running out for Rhine in this conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Chemical Garden Trilogy.

With the clock ticking until the virus takes its toll, Rhine is desperate for answers. After enduring Vaughn’s worst, Rhine finds an unlikely ally in his brother, an eccentric inventor named Reed. She takes refuge in his dilapidated house, though the people she left behind refuse to stay in the past. While Gabriel haunts Rhine’s memories, Cecily is determined to be at Rhine’s side, even if Linden’s feelings are still caught between them.

Meanwhile, Rowan’s growing involvement in an underground resistance compels Rhine to reach him before he does something that cannot be undone. But what she discovers along the way has alarming implications for her future—and about the past her parents never had the chance to explain.

In this breathtaking conclusion to Lauren DeStefano’s Chemical Garden trilogy, everything Rhine knows to be true will be irrevocably shattered.

 

I cant wait for this one! I havent read Fever yet but it's sitting on my shelf calling to me. It'll be one of the next I read I'm sure.

 

Whats your waiting on pick!?

See.. I told you!

Haha, here I am two+ months later, and I’ve yet to review anything.

I have a confession… I’ve barely been reading. Not for lack of trying anyway, but for lack of time and because I’ve been draaaggginnnggg through the Hobbit for the last MONTH!

I couldnt take it, honestly. It wasnt a bad book at all. Actually, when I started reading it, I flew through the first half. Then it started to slow down, and I started ordering books with my birthday and Christmas money and I had all these new books begging to be read and that can really get distracting and…
Well you get the point. Really though, I’m not going to do a review on the Hobbit because I struggled so much getting through the second half and when I finally finished it I felt a huge weight lift from my shoulders, and I really dont want to go back into that right now. I’m postponing the plans I had to read the Lord of the Rings Trilogy because as many wonderful things as I’ve heard about it, if they are like the Hobbit, I will need A LOT of time and patience and dedication to get through THREE of them. Ugh.
However, I did hear marvelous things about the movie and I have plans to see it soon. I never like to see movies before I read the book, no matter what it is, so now that I’m done, I may go. I’ll let you know!

I havent yet figured out what to read next. My next confession is that I have way too many books to read. I just keep buying and buying faster than I can read them. I need help, I know. But you can see how hard it would going to be for me to pick ONE to read right now. I’m torn between Fever by Lauren DeStefano, The Last Hope by Nora Roberts, or picking up the Giver by Lois Lowry again to read the entire series ending with her bran new book, Son, which is the one I’m totally pumped about. However, I’m not quite ready to go into a four book series, so I think I’m going to go with a different one for now until I get out of this reading funk I’ve got going.

I did make a New Year’s resolution to blog more. I know that that is probably a bad idea. I mean who keeps New Year’s resolutions? I hardly ever do. But it’s 2013, a new year, and new me… maybe? I hope.

What is your New Year's resolution? Anything to do with books or blogging?

Happy Reading!

Manda C

*This post was previously published on 1/7/13 then moved to this new blog site.

Back to blogging!

Hey there!

I’m giving myself a warm welcome back to the blogging world, if you couldnt guess.

For those of you who never followed me, I have had a blog previously, and have since deleted it, for several reasons. That blog was called Happy Readings Reviews. It was on WordPress and Blogger. I’d had it for a while, maybe a year or so, and I sort of fell off the wagon and hadn’t posted anything since May of this year. – YIKES!

Needless to say, I wanted to get back on the wagon, but I’m still iffy as to how it will work out. I am so strapped for time that my posts could be daily or monthly (at best). But I’ve missed everyone so much, and missed having an informal method of creative outlet that I just had to come back.

So why did I create a new blog, you ask? Wouldnt it behoove me to keep and continue with my old one, you say? Well, sure, except I felt like I’d tarnished my reputation a good honest and blogger and become the blogger who couldnt get it together, who made promises to post things and didnt come through. Well that blogger is long gone! I just wont promise things anymore! Haha, no – I kid.

In all seriousness, I’m not planning for frequency, I’m planning for consistency. I will make one promise: to give honest reviews! My goal is for my fellow readers and bloggers to read a brief review, written by yours truly, and to have a solid idea on whether a book is worth reading. (My reader/writer’s heart tells me that every book is worth reading, but you know what I mean!)
So tune in, for my first review on my new blog will be coming shortly. I’m currently reading Insurgent by Veronica Roth, the second in a trilogy, second to Divergent, by the same author, and I’ll be letting you all know what I think.

Happy Readings!

Manda C.

*This post was previously published on 10/31/12, then moved to this new blog site.