Reckless by Cornelia Funke
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication date: September 2010
ISBN: 9780316056090
Source: Library (for Cybils)
Things I Liked:
I really loved the fairy tale aspect of the book. There were subtle mentions and little parts that felt familiar, because they came from recognizable fairy tales - the magical objects, in particular. I just loved the way the tales were twisted into the story as if they belonged there. There was also action and adventure and lots of twists and turns, and no truly happy ending. There was some of Funke's truly lovely writing as well (though I guess that might be the translator's doing...). A solid book for fairy tale fans and lovers of Funke's Inkheart books. Some favorite parts:
The night breathed through the apartment like a dark animal. The ticking of a clock. The groan of a floorboard as he slipped out of his room. All was drowned by its silence. But Jacob loved the night. He felt it on his skin like a promise. Like a cloak woven from freedom and danger. p 1
The second chamber contained Witches' artifacts. The Chamber of Miracles made no distinction between the healers and the cannibals. Knives that had separated human flesh from bone lay right next to needles that healed wounds with a single stitch and owl feathers that restored the power of sight. There were also two of the brooms on which the healing Witches were able to fly as fast and as high as birds, as well as some gingerbread from the deadly houses of their man-eating sisters. p 345
Things I Didn't Like:
I read this book for Cybils and all of us agreed it was more suited to an older teen/adult reader. There was not anything particularly "naughty" but the themes and the way its written seem very mature to me (the characters are nearly all adults, no children). Jacob is not someone easy to identify with and he's not particularly likable. Also, mixed in with the lovely writing were some very awkward phrases and sentences. Kind of hit and miss for me.
Read-alikes:
The Grimm Legacy by Polly Shulman
Inkheart trilogy by Cornelia Funke
BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !@
a few here and there
mrg-factor: X
some implied
v-factor: ->->->
definitely some action violence and frightening imagery
Overall rating: ****
Did you like or dislike this one? What about Funke's other works?
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Retro Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Angie of Angieville and "focuses on reviewing books from the past. This can be an old favorite, an under-the-radar book you think deserves more attention, something woefully out of print, etc."
Hattie Big Sky by Kirby Larson
Publisher: Yearling
Publication date: September 2006
ISBN: 9780385735957
Source: Audiobook downloaded from the library
Things I Liked:
This story is fantastic! I just fell in love with Hattie and I laughed and cried through everything she faced and overcame. Her determination, her strength of character and will can inspire any person to do difficult things. I've always had a soft spot for settler stories and this is a darn good one. I especially loved the other stories she wove into this tale - the prejudice many fought against and the fear of foreigners during WWI. Most stories show that during WWII, but not as many have it occurring during WWI as well. A fantastic story that any historical fiction fan should read. I was a big fan of the narrator in this audiobook (listened on the drive to Arizona while I was moving). She really captured the character and spunk of Hattie.
Things I Didn't Like:
Honestly, I just loved it. The ending was a little bittersweet, but I think that was the best way to do it. I didn't like the narrator's male voices very much, but since it was mostly Hattie, it didn't bother me too much. Read it (or listen to it) if you haven't already!
Read-alikes:
Reminded me a little of These Is My Words by Nancy Turner
Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingells Wilder (of course)
Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan
BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none
mrg-factor: none
v-factor: none
Overall rating: *****
June is audiobook month! Check out Devourer of Books awesome week-long celebration of audiobooks. Got a favorite audiobook?
And don't forget to enter my two current giveaways - there's still time (Dark City by Catherine Fisher and Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier).
If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage
Rot & Ruin by Jonathan Maberry
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Publication date: September 2010
ISBN: 9781442402331
Source: Library
Benny Imura is living in a world post-zombie-apocalypse. After First Night fourteen years ago, people live in isolated, small fenced towns, ever in fear of the living dead just on the other side of the fence. When Benny turns fifteen, he must apprentice to his older brother, a zombie hunter. But when Tom first takes him out into the great Rot and Ruin, Benny just begins to understand what Tom really does and what those living dead that he's always feared are like. Sucked into a battle Benny knows very little about, he and Tom must fight for every bit of humanity civilization still clings to.
Things I Liked:
This was a really interesting and thoughtful horror novel. I admit I'm not a really big fan of zombie books and I avoid horror like the plague (ha). But, I'd heard really good things about this one and it did not disappoint. I was especially impressed with the compassionate way the zombies are portrayed. It definitely reminded me of the (nearly only other) zombie books I've read - Carrie Ryan's Forest and Hands and Teeth series. I thought Benny was a really well-written, strong character. He acts just like we'd expect a fifteen-year-old punk to act now, though his environment is so different from ours. Watching his transformation from jerk to thoughtful was so intriguing. It felt just like what kids face today, minus the zombies. Really smart and insightful. And full of zombie action, of course. A surprisingly meaningful read. Here are some favorite parts:
Every dead person out there deserves respect. Even in death. Even when we fear them. Even when we have to kill them. They aren't 'just zoms,' Benny. That's a side effect of a disease or from some kind of radiation or something else that we don't understand. p 62
On some level he'd always known that people avoided the Red Zone, but he'd always assumed that it was because they were afraid of zoms. now he realized that they stayed on the far side of the line because in town, and away from the fence, it was easier to pretend that there was no wasteland of zombies outside. p 250
Things I Didn't Like:
I actually got annoyed a bit with some of the editing problems. There were more than a handful of grammar errors, simple things really, that bugged me. I'm not usually that aware of those, but for some reason, they stood out to me this time. And I'm not really a fan of the zombie gore. Ugh. But, of course, it wasn't unexpected, considering.
Read-alikes:
Forest of Hands and Teeth, The Dead-Tossed Waves, and The Dark and Hollow Places by Carrie Ryan
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahame-Smith and Jane Austen (ok, the only other zombie book I've read)
BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !@#
regularly throughout, nothing too strong
mrg-factor: XX
teenage boys and their thoughts/talk
v-factor: ->->->
definitely has some gore
Overall rating: ****
I might be open to some other zombie books, if you guys have some gentler suggestions :)
If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage
Possession by Elana Johnson
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication date: June 2011
ISBN: 9781442421257
Source: ARC provided by publisher
Things I Liked:
This is a complex and interesting sci-fi dystopian story. I loved the future tech stuff and the world that Johnson developed for her characters. It felt pretty unique from other dystopians, though keeping several of the same elements, of course. I liked Vi for her feisty attitude and her unwillingness to ever give up. The book had a lot of intriguing elements that provoke thought and probably some good discussion as well. I liked the control or be controlled aspect as well, since it wasn't black and white, but all kinds of gray areas. Fast-paced and intriguing, Johnson created a different and scary world here.
Things I Didn't Like:
The biggest problem for me was that the action started right off and no explanations were given. I felt like I had no idea or concrete concepts about this future world. I really struggled to understand even basic structure of the goodgrounds and badlands and Thinkers and what anybody was even talking about. This would have been ok if things had been explained later, but I honestly thought there was not enough info to give me a good grasp on things ever. I came away from the book still wondering what had happened. I think a good dystopian or any book introducing a new place needs a balance between info-dumping and withholding info. This went too far on the withholding end for my taste. Another minor squibble was that I just didn't like Jag. At all.
Read-alikes:
Reminded me of the Uglies by Scott Westerfeld
And a bit like Candor by Pam Bachorz
BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !@
some, but not too much
mrg-factor: X
some implied, nothing described
v-factor: ->
a little bit of fighting
Overall rating: ***
I've seen mixed reviews of this one - which way do you feel about it?
If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage
Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer L. Holm
Publisher: Random House
Publication date: May 2010
ISBN: 9780375836886
Source: Library
When Turtle is sent to live with her unknown relatives in Key West, Florida, she is happy going on a new adventure. Though its 1935 and the depression is thick everywhere, Turtle's family is surviving. With all the new cousins and other people she meets, Turtle might actually come out of the shell she's been hiding in her whole life.
Things I Liked:
The mood and historic setting of this book are pitch perfect - the details of the era are so effortlessly blended into Turtle's story that you start to feel like you went back in time! I loved the unique Key West details as well as the 1930s slang. Holm has created a sweet character in Turtle, just finding out who she is, but the best part is the way she dressed the story up. The ending was quite a surprise as well. All around well-written and detailed historical fiction. Some favorite parts:
Mama's always falling in love, and the fellas she picks are like dandelions. One day they're there, bright as sunshine - charming Mama, buying me presents - and the next they're gone, scattered to the wind, leaving weeds everywhere and Mama crying. p 6
I think the color of a person's eyes says a lot about them. Mama has soft blue eyes, and all she sees is kittens and roses. My eyes are gray as soot, and I see things for what they are. The mean boy on the porch has green eyes. Probably from all the snot in his nose. p 17
Things I Didn't Like:
I was actually rather disappointed in the ending. It felt very much just cut off, as if she stopped writing and couldn't finish it. Very abrupt and leaving a lot of details undone. Still, it definitely has character and appeal for those interested in historical fiction with a spunky character.
Read-alikes:
Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool
One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia
BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none
mrg-factor: none
v-factor: none
Overall rating: ****
What's your favorite historical fiction setting?
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I haven't had the chance to read Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier yet, but I'm super excited to give you guys a chance to read it! Here's some info about the book first (ie the official description):
Gwyneth Shepherd's sophisticated, beautiful cousin Charlotte has been prepared her entire life for traveling through time. But unexpectedly, it is Gwyneth, who in the middle of class takes a sudden spin to a different era!
Gwyneth must now unearth the mystery of why her mother would lie about her birth date to ward off suspicion about her ability, brush up on her history, and work with Gideon--the time traveler from a similarly gifted family that passes the gene through its male line, and whose presence becomes, in time, less insufferable and more essential. Together, Gwyneth and Gideon journey through time to discover who, in the 18th century and in contemporary London, they can trust.
I'm always excited to find a new excellent time travel story, so I'm looking forward to giving this one a try.
And here's the book trailer as well, to give you even more of a feel for it:
One lucky winner will get a copy of Ruby Red, courtesy of Macmillen Children's! Just fill out the form below (US or Canada only). Contest ends June 15th. Good luck!
If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage
Name that Book is a biweekly game where you get to guess a book title from the photo clues.
I'm finally back with another episode. It's been ages since I last did a Name That Book episode. Hopefully you haven't given up on me. No prizes for guessing this one right, though I do have a contest going on right now, if you want to win something. Check out the giveaway for The Dark City by Catherine Fisher. Be sure to leave your guesses in the comments.
Book 1:
+
E
Book 2:
If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage
I made it! It was not my best ever (well, I've only done 48HBC once, so not much to compare with). And I didn't quite make it to my secret 20 hour goal, but I certainly did reach my other goal of 16 hours. If you want to read my thoughts on the 3 books I finished, check out my previous post for the very short reviews and then watch the blog for longer ones coming! A big thanks to MotherReader for hosting the challenge and to everyone who stopped by to cheer me on! Here are the final stats:
Time read since last update: 1 hr 30 min
Total time read: 17 hr 5 min
Time blogged/read blogs since last update: 20 min
Total time blogged/read blogs: 2 hr
Total participation time: 19 hr 5 min
Total number of books read: 2 (Blood Red Road and What Happened on Fox Street) and 2 partial (finished Paranormalcy & halfway through Okay for Now)
Total pages read: 1045
I had fun, even if I didn't have the time I wanted to devote to it this weekend. I certainly enjoy this challenge and hope someday to make it past the 20 hr mark. Thanks again to everyone who cheered me on! Here's the link to MotherReader's finish line post and everyone's final updates.
If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage
So, I've made it through the first 24 hours, and I'm about halfway to my (secret) goal of 20 hours. I'm terrible at staying up too late and then getting up early, so I'm just now dragging myself out of bed. Still, I think I'm going to get some good reading in! I wanted to do some very brief reviews (in preparation for longer ones later) of the two books I've finished:
Paranormalcy
: a sweet, sassy paranormal that will have you falling in love with the genre all over again. And sparkly tasers.
Blood Red Road: a gritty futuristic novel with a main character and her love interest that you can't stop thinking about or rooting for.
What Happened on Fox Street: a bitter-sweet coming of age for a girl growing up on an ordinary street.
Update 2: It's looking like yesterday was my best reading day, which is sad because it wasn't that great. I had another big and unexpected obligation come up this evening, so I've not had much time to devote to reading. I may not make it to my secret goal, but I haven't gotten my not-so-secret goal of 16 hrs. I hope to get in one or maybe two more this evening and tomorrow morning, but no guarantee. I'm about 1/3 of the way through Okay For Now by Gary Schmidt (love it!) so maybe I'll keep my eyes open long enough. Keep up the reading, for those of you who are participating!
Time read since last update: 2 hr 10 min
Total time read: 15 hr 35 min
Time blogged/read blogs since last update: 10 min
Total time blogged/read blogs: 1 hr 40 min
Total participation time: 17 hr 15 min
Total number of books read: 2 (Blood Red Road and What Happened on Fox Street) and 1 partial (finished Paranormalcy)
Total pages read: 970
If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage
So, I'm crazy and joined the 48 Hour Book Challenge, hosted by MotherReader. I mean, I still don't have a job, so no obligations there, but I do have several other big things going on this weekend. Yet, here I am. I'm just getting started (obviously), but I'm thrilled to be here again. I think I'm going to shoot for a low # of hours, about 16, and secretly hope that I at least hit 20. Check back this weekend for updates and other good times. I'll probably update this post for today and change it for tomorrow. Good luck, fellow 48 HBCers!
Update 3: I just finished reading Blood Red Road by Moira Young (so wicked awesome - I can't believe I just wrote that). I'm hoping I'll last a few more hours tonight, but no promises. I think I'll pick up something short and fast. I'll update in the morning!
Time read since last update: 4 hr 40 min
Total time read: 9 hr 30 min
Time blogged/read blogs since last update: 40 min
Total time blogged/read blogs: 1 hr
Total participation time: 10 hr 30 min
Total number of books read: 1 (Blood Red Road) and 1 partial (finished Paranormalcy)
Total pages read: 638
If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage
I Actually NEED It is an extremely irregular feature where I express my desire, or rather need, for certain books that haven't come out or aren't available at my library yet. To learn about the reason behind the name, check out my inaugural I Actually NEED It post.
It's been much too long since I've shared with you the titles that I actually NEED. So, without further intro and babbling, here are some books that I'd whine like a two-year-old to get:
Supernaturally by Kiersten White
I have just now (I know, I know) availed myself of the awesome that is Paranormalcy. What was I thinking? I OWNED a copy and still didn't pick it up until now. Consider me as mending my ways and eagerly anticipating the next one, coming July 2011.
Circle of Fire by Michelle Zink
I adore the Gothic goodness and spooky feel of Zink's awesome series. I have been wondering about these creepy sisters since I first delved into Prophecy of the Sisters. Now I just have to make it until August 2011.
Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
It is no secret that I have adored Laini Taylor's stuff. I LOVE without reservation her Faeries of Dreamdark books and I was converted to short stories with her Lips Touch: Three Times. Naturally, I was so anxious to get this one, I begged the publisher. And snagged it. So glad I don't have to wait until September 2011. (Bless you, Little, Brown.)
The Eleventh Plague by Jeff Hirsch
I don't know much about this one, but all the debuts from the League of Extraordinary Writers that I've experienced so far were fabulous. Looking forward to another interesting dystopia. Coming September 2011.
Enthralled: Paranormal Diversions edited by Melissa Marr and Kelley Armstrong
Um, anthology of some of my favorite paranormal writers ever? What else needs to be said about it? Oh, yeah. I won a copy from Ally Condie. So psyched! Coming September 2011.
The Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson
Again, this is one I don't know much about, but just the small mention that Kiersten White made of it in a fantastic post about faith made me want to get my hands on it. I need to read something positive about beliefs and faith. Coming September 2011.
The Carrier of the Mark by Leigh Fallon
I'm intrigued by the cover and by the Irish setting. Honestly, that's about all I know about it now, but I'm already anxious to find out more. Coming October 2011.
Tris and Izzie by Mette Ivie Harrison
I mentioned how the cover made me feel pain initially, but that won't stop me from reading more from favorite fairy-tale reteller Harrison. Her princess books are so different from what you expect, you can't help but be intrigued. Plus, it's Tristan and Isolde. Seriously. Coming October 2011.
The Death Cure by James Dashner
My love for this series knows no bounds, though I've yet to officially join the #DashnerArmy. Still, after reading another cliffhanger ending from The Scorch Trials, I've been dying to know the end. Do I really have to wait until October 2011?
Legend by Marie Lu
What can I say, I'm a sucker for more dystopian deliciousness. This one has gotten lots of buzz and I'm intrigued (not to mention loving that cover). I'm looking forward to more blogger early reviews. Coming November 2011.
Inheritance by Christopher Paolini
Though I've only reviewed the third book Brisingr here, I've loved this series from the first. Despite the tendency to sometimes wax long and lugubrious, I can't get enough of that old-fashioned fantasy feel of the books. Hooray for the final installment, coming November 2011.
Prized by Caragh M. O'Brien
I really loved Birthmarked, though it's been a year since I read it and I can't quite remember why I loved it (better go read my review). Still, I recall being desperate for more and I'm sure when I finally get my hands on it, I'll remember why. Plus, it's dystopian. And you know I love those, right? Coming November 2011.
Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare
I like this new historical Infernal Devices series almost more than I did her Mortal Instruments series. And despite all the negativity, particularly about her writing, I find myself delighted with the characters and stories. So, I'll be picking this one up in December 2011.
What can't you wait to read this year?
If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage
Bumped by Megan McCafferty
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication date: April 2011
ISBN: 9780061962745
Source: e-book provided by NetGalley
Things I Liked:
This really was a clever and fairly unique premise. It wasn't unique in that teens are the only ones who can have kids (see Wither), but unique in the implications of that in the future world. The writing is witty, with lots of clever jokes on pregnancy and childbirth, as well as some thoughtful ideas about what that future might end up like. McCafferty has created a terrifying future world complete with slang, factions, and profitable companies that still manages to capture a lot of what teens and young adults feel today.
Things I Didn't Like:
Despite knowing that this is a satire, and a good one at that, it was just not for me. I didn't like any of the characters, with the slight possible exception of Zen. The whole thing seemed a little too icky for me, call me a prude, whatever. I also was annoyed at the religious characters, since I'm a religious person myself and I don't think I'm that weird. I think I need to find some books that portray religious people in a better light than closed-minded crazy people. Eh, I'm not very good at explaining what I didn't like, just that it was not a good fit for me. I will, however, send you to Becky of Becky's Book Reviews thoughts on the book. A lot of it is how I feel (though somewhat less vehemently).
Read-alikes:
Wither by Lauren DeStefano
XVI by Julia Karr
Maybe a little like Girl in the Arena by Lise Haines (for its cultural system)
BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !@#
not a lot in number, but quite a few f-bombs
mrg-factor: XXX
lots of talk, though not a lot of actual action
v-factor: none
Overall rating: **
Your thoughts on this book?
If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage
I know this series is published and publicized as teen, but I think it has great appeal for tweens who love a rich fantasy. It was remarkably easy to read as well and will definitely have broad appeal in its age ranges - for both teens and tweens.
The Dark City by Catherine Fisher
Publisher: Dial (Penguin)
Publication date: May 2011
ISBN: 9780803736733
Source: ARC provided by publisher
Summary from the publisher:
"Welcome to Anara, a world mysteriously crumbling to devastation, where nothing is what it seems: Ancient relics emit technologically advanced powers, members of the old Order are hunted by the governing Watch yet revered by the people, and the great energy that connects all seems to also be destroying all. The only hope for the world lies in Galen, a man of the old Order and a Keeper of relics, and his sixteen-year-old apprentice, Raffi. They know of a secret relic with great power that has been hidden for centuries. As they search for it, they will be tested beyond their limits. For there are monsters-some human, some not-that also want the relic's power and will stop at nothing to get it."
Things I Liked:
As you know, I adored Catherine Fisher's other books, Incarceron and Sapphique, so I was super excited to get an ARC of the first in this "new" series. In some ways, it felt similar to her other books, but in many ways it was different. It has the same unique and interesting world that has many secrets to be unraveled. Initially, it seems Anara is just another fantasy world with no relation to us. As the story unravels, bit by bit, hints are dropped here and there that give us a glimpse of much more. I love the complete world Fisher has created and the feeling of so much history behind it. I think that is one mark of really great fantasy, when the world that's created has such depth and history that it almost feels real. I was definitely sucked into this new story and I can't wait to fit more pieces into the puzzle of this series.
Things I Didn't Like:
While it did have some similarities to Incarceron and Sapphique, it lacked the complexity and depth that series has. It is more simplistic and definitely doesn't have (at least not in this first book) the same level of writing and the characters are not quite as intriguing. Still, a fantastic new series for fans of Fisher and good fantasy.
Read-alikes:
Incarceron and Sapphique by Catherine Fisher
Reminded me of Beyonders by Brandon Mull
BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none
that I recall...
mrg-factor: none
v-factor: ->
a bit, but nothing graphic
Overall rating: ****
I'm super excited that the sequels will be released so closely to one another! That's definitely an added bonus. To learn more about the series, visit the Relic Master website. The release dates for the next three books are:
Book Two: The Lost Heiress, June 14
Book Three: The Hidden Coronet, July 12
Book Four: The Margrave, August 9
For the giveaway, I have two copies of The Dark City, thanks to Penguin and Big Honcho Media, to give away! Also, I managed to get two ARCs of the book, so I have an additional copy of my own I'm giving away. So, three copies up for grabs! To enter, fill out the form below. (US only, must be 13 or older to enter.) You have two weeks to enter, until June 14th!
If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage
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