Nicolae

Jerry B. Jenkins & Tim LaHaye

Left Behind #3

Summary:

In Nicolae, the most explosive of the three books thus far, the seven-year tribulation is nearing the end of the first quarter, when prophecy says that “the wrath of the Lamb” will be poured out upon the earth. Rayford Steele becomes the ears of the tribulation saints at the highest levels of the Carpathia regime. Meanwhile, Buck Williams attempts a dramatic all-night rescue run from Israel through the Sinai that will hold you breathless to the end.

                             

Plot:

This book is definitely the best in the series so far. It was more thrilling than either of the other novels and is the first in the series that I couldn’t put down. Where I previously felt there was something missing I didn’t feel like that in this novel. Even though it didn’t have any twists or turns this one had enough action and suspense to make it captivating. I still felt like some of the writing could’ve been better, especially the dialogue (no one talks in such full sentences when they’re in mortal peril), but overall I really enjoyed reading this part of the series.

Characters:

I was hoping for a little more development in the main characters, but my opinion on them hasn’t changed much. I think they’re relatable and likable, but not extremely memorable. I do think that the villian is the best character (not the most likable, obviously, but the best as far as storytelling, description etc goes). He is really terrifying. I also liked that we see some more of the minor characters that were mentioned in the previous books.

Who should read this:

13+, for a lot of violence and some references to sexual things. If you enjoyed the previous books I definitely recommend this for you, I think it’s the best so far. If you didn’t like the previous installments...well don’t read this one...

My rating:

I really liked reading this book. I don’t think I’ll add it to my favorites, it wasn’t profound or incredible, but I didn’t feel like putting it down and I didn’t get bored so. 4/5

Quote:

'It was the worst of times; it was the worst of times.'

Here are the links to my reviews of the previous installments: Left Behind & Tribulation Force

The Return of the King

J.R.R. Tolkien

The Lord of the Rings Part #3

Summary:

The armies of the Dark Lord are massing as his evil shadow spreads ever wider. Men, Dwarves, Elves and Ents unite forces to do battle against the Dark. Meanwhile, Frodo and Sam struggle further into Mordor in their heroic quest to destroy the One Ring.

Plot:

If I had to describe this part of the story in one word it would be ‘epic’. The huge battles, incredible creatures and strange settings all make this a worthy ending for a great story. I liked that there was a bit of romance thrown in in this part, and I also liked the fact that I was never sure that good was going to prevail, which kept me interested. As I said in my previous reviews: Tolkien’s writing is extremely detailed and descriptive, and while I really like that I don’t know if everyone will.

Characters:

I loved how the characters I came to love in the previous parts grew and developed in this installment. I grew to like Sam (who I think is my favorite hobbit in the story) and Aragorn (my favorite human) a lot more. I would’ve liked to read more about Legolas (my favorite elf), but he was not as present in this part of the story as in the previous ones. I still really like how Tolkien made me care for the characters, so that when they were in danger it was really tense and when they were happy I was happy.

Who should read this:

13+, there is no sexual content or language, but there is some violence and some really scary things happening. Also the writing style might bore younger readers. If you enjoyed the previous two parts (or even just finished them, no matter your enjoyment of it) you just can’t stop now. If you’re a fan of fantasy you should have read this already.

My rating:

This book just kept getting better as it went along. My rating would’ve gone up after this part if it hadn’t been for the fact that it’s already at it’s max...so 5/5.

Quote:

“For like a shaft, clear and cold, the thought pierced him that in the end the Shadow was only a small and passing thing: there was light and high beauty for ever beyond its reach.”

Read my reviews of the first two parts here: The Fellowship of the Ring & The Two Towers 

Clockwork Angel

Cassandra Clare

The Infernal Devices #1

Summary:

Magic is dangerous-but love is more dangerous still

When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray arrives in England during the reign of Queen Victoria, something terrifying is waiting for her in London’s Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Friendless and hunted, Tessa seeks refuge with the Shadowhunters, a band of warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons. Drawn ever deeper into their world, she finds herself fascinated by – and torn between – two best friends and quickly realizes that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.          

Plot:

First of all, let me just say that the summary above really doesn’t provide a clear picture of what this story is about. It’s not a love story with some action thrown in, it’s a fantasy/supernatural story with some romance added. I really liked this story, it kept me interested, I liked the writing style, and I liked the way the author created tense moments throughout the story. My favourite part of this book, however, is the fact that it actually made me laugh at times, which I really appreciated. I really did like the characters’ wit and humor, it made the darker parts easier to bear and made the book more fun to read.

Characters:

I think the characters in this book are fascinating. None more so than Will Herondale, who is a hero at times and a total jerk at others. I’ve always liked characters that either go from bad to good, or that seem to be bad, but turns out to be good, I don’t know yet if he falls into one of these categories, but i really hope so. I liked the main character as well, she becomes a little whiny at times, but realises it herself and apologizes, which I think is much more realistic than a person who never complains about anything. I really liked Jem’s character as well, although I did think he was a bit too good to be true. I found all the characters to be intriguing and memorable, although some was more so than others.

Who should read this:

13+, mainly for violence and some language, there’s no explicit sexual content, but there are some things that are implied. Some people might also have a problem with the whole angels vs. demons theme of the book, so if that’s not your thing, don’t read this. If you like YA fantasy/supernatural type books this is definitely one I would recommend.

My rating:

I really enjoyed this book, there were no times where I got bored and I finished it in a day, which is always a good sign in my opinion (except when it’s because the book was so thin...). I really liked the characters, as well as the story and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. 5/5

Quote:
'Only the very weak-minded refuse to be influenced by literature and poetry.'

The Green Mile

Stephen King

Summary:

At Cold Mountain Penitentiary, along the lonely stretch of cells known as the Green Mile, killers such as ‘Billy the Kid’ Wharton and the possessed Eduard Delacroix await death strapped in ‘Old Sparky’. Guards as decent as Paul Edgecombe and as sadistic as Percy Wetmore watch over them.

But good or evil, innocent or guilty, none has ever seen the brutal likes of the new prisoner, John Coffey, sentenced to death for raping and murdering two young girls. Is Coffey a devil in human form? Or is he a far, far different kind of being?

Plot:

This story is definitely very interesting. King’s writing is superb and sucks you in from the first page. The story is brutal and will have you shivering with fear and horror. There are very few dull moments, but you have to remember that this book was published in six installments. This means that there are a bit of repetitiveness. However, this never really bothered me as the narrator, Paul Edgecombe, is a very old man, and this made him seem a little more realistic. There are very few light, humorous moments, and the parts that do make you smile are quickly tainted by some horrific event.

Characters:

There are too many characters that are way too complicated to go into all of them. However, it is very interesting how King portrays the different killers that are sentenced to death at Cold Mountain. They’re all completely different from each other. Delacroix is a happy, optimistic French guy, Wharton is a crazy, ruthless killer, and Coffey is childish and ignorant. The different wardens are also very interesting, but i found the prisoners fascinating.

 Who should read this:

13+, and I would definitely recommend caution. The violence is pretty extreme, and King’s writing is brutally honest and descriptive. He doesn’t leave much for the imagination. This is a very good story, there’s no doubt about that, and if you like stories that will give you chills and haunt you long after you stopped reading, you might like this one. Not for anyone who’s looking for a happy ending!

My rating:

While I realise that this is a very good book, it’s not exactly my type of story. It didn’t bore me, and I found the characters fascinating, but the violence and horror of it all isn’t my scene. So 3/5.

Quote:

“I’ll tell you something my friend: weird love’s better than no love at all...”

The Secret Life of Prince Charming

Deb Caletti

Summary:

Maybe it was wrong, or maybe impossible, but I wanted the truth to be one thing. One solid thing.

Quinn is surrounded by women who have had their hearts broken. She tries to be an optimist, but when she is abruptly and unceremoniously dumped, she starts to think maybe there really are no good guys out there.

It doesn’t help that Quinn’s father is back in her life. She’s always tried to see the best in him, despite his selfish and eccentric tendencies. But when Quinn discovers he has stolen more than just the hearts of the many women in his life, she joins forces with the half sister she’s never met and the little sister she’ll do anything to protect, and sets out to right her father’s wrongs. In doing so, Quinn begins to uncover what she’s really looking for: the truth.

Plot:

I thought this was an okay book overall. It’s mainly about the dynamics of romantic relationships and how to deal with different types of guys as well as family. The story didn’t really pull me in as much as I would’ve wanted it to. I feel like there could’ve been more to it than what the author gave me. This was pretty well written, and I liked the perspective and the way of writing, which was witty and funny, but not overly so.

Characters:

I did like the characters, I didn’t love any of them, and I didn’t hate any of them either. I enjoyed the main character's way of looking at life and the different perspectives from different women on love, men and relationships. I liked that the characters weren’t typical and that some were pretty strange. I also think Quinn, the main character, is very relatable.

Who should read this:

13+, mainly for language and some references to sexual things. I think this might be a good book for someone with divorced parents, since that’s of the main themes, because I think it would be easier for them to relate. Also someone who’s had some pretty bad relationships might find this book interesting. I don’t think I would recommend this to someone who hasn’t been through something like that.

My rating:

While the book didn’t bore me, I didn’t connect with it, and I don’t think I’ll remember it. I don’t think it’s a bad book, I just don’t think it’s my type of book. 2/5

Quote:

The favorite lecture of some mothers was Don’t Talk to Strangers or, maybe, Look Both Ways. My mother’s favorite was All Men Are Assholes.

Across the Universe

Beth Revis

Across the Universe #1

Summary:

A love out of time. A spaceship built of secrets and murder.

Seventeen-year-old Amy joins her parents as frozen cargo aboard the vast spaceship Godspeed and expects to awaken on a new planet, three hundred years in the future. Never could she have known that her frozen slumber would come to an end fifty years too soon and that she would be thrust into the brave new world of a spaceship that lives by its own rules.

Amy quickly realizes that her awakening was no mere computer malfunction. Someone - one of the few thousand inhabitants of the spaceship - tried to kill her. And if Amy doesn't do something soon, her parents will be next.

Now Amy must race to unlock Godspeed's hidden secrets. But out of her list of murder suspects, there's only one who matters: Elder, the future leader of the ship and the love she could never have seen coming

Plot:

I thought this was a very good story, it was intriguing and really had me wondering what was going to happen next. However one thing I didn’t like was the descriptions and explanations of everything on the ship. I know some people might find them interesting, but I just couldn’t make myself focus on them and found it boring to read about all the technical stuff. I would’ve liked if these details had been more integrated into the story instead of a monologue explaining everything. Except for that the writing was pretty good, the story was well-paced and very interesting, although it got a little predictable after a while.

Characters:

I liked the characters in this book, but I didn’t connect or relate to them as much as I would’ve liked. They were all believable, some surprised me, while others were more predictable, but all of them had some bad and some good in them, which I really liked. My favourite character was probably Elder’s best friend: Harley. He showed the most emotion in my opinion, and I really liked that about him. The main characters are likable, but not perfect, and both have a lot of self-doubt, but still manage to make the right choices, most of the time. The chemistry between the characters were also handled pretty well, although the romance was a bit sudden in my opinion.

Who should read this:

13+, I definitely recommend caution with this one. There’s a lot of sexual content, but it’s not natural, so it may confuse younger readers. Also, some pretty scary scenes of violence. There’s very mild swearing, but on the ship they use a lot of slang terms so the swear words aren’t exactly what we’re used to. If you enjoy dystopian and sci-fi, you might like this, as it combines the two, but if you prefer them seperately or only enjoy one I’m sure there are better options.

My rating:

I thought this was a good story, with good characters, but some parts bored me. I might have expected a bit much, but overall I really enjoyed this book, especially the idea of combining sci-fi with dystopian 3/5.

Quote:

“This is the secret of the stars, I tell myself. In the end, we are alone. No matter how close you seem, no one else can touch you.

Abandon

Meg Cabot

Abandon Trilogy #1

Summary:

Pierce knows what it’s like to die. Last year she flatlined following an accident.

During that time Pierce saw a dark world and met a mysterious, irresistible boy.

Now that boy, John Hayden, has turned up at school. Every time she sees him Pierce finds herself in terrible danger. Yet she’s still drawn to him.

John wants to take her back to the place she fears the most: the Underworld.

The question is, why?

Plot:

I found this to be a very intersting concept: the old Greek myth of Persephone turned into a modern story. I think Cabot handled that part of the tale pretty well. However I found the actual story to be pretty dull. I thought the romance was forced and didn’t make sense. The supposed ‘twist’ was surprising yes, but not exactly in a good way, and I just didn’t feel drawn into the story. It didn’t have any moments that stood out for me, there were no really sad, really funny or really tense moments.

Characters:

The characters are not bad, but I felt like they were a little one-dimensional. I didn’t really connect to any of them, and none of them were really interesting. I’d hoped for some more growth and developement, but I feel like Cabot focused too much on the ‘facts’ of the mythology that she didn’t put enough effort into character building. I like characters that are complicated and multi-faceted, but these weren’t like that for me.

Who should read this:

10+, There are some mild cursing, and obviously the themes are pretty dark. The sexual content is very vague, but present. I don’t think I’d suggest this to anyone who’s not really interested in Greek mythology and wants a fun way to read more about it. Even then, I think there should be better options out there.

My rating:

It may sound like it, but I didn’t hate this book, it just didn’t capture my attention at all, I didn’t connect to the storyline or characters emotionally and I don’t think I’ll remember it. 2/5

Quote:

Anything can happen in the blink of an eye. Anything at all.

Tribulation Force

Tim LaHaye & Jerry B. Jenkins

Left Behind #2

Summary:

In one cataclysmic moment, millions around the globe disappear.

Those left behind face war, famine, plagues, and natural disasters so devastating that only one in four people will survive. Odds are even worse for enemies of the Antichrist and his new world order.

Rayford Steele, Buck Williams, Bruce Barnes, and Chloe Steele band together to form the Tribulation Force. Their task is clear, and their goal is nothing less than to stand and fight the enemies of God during the seven most chaotic years the planet will ever see.

Plot:

I enjoyed this book more than the first in the series, maybe because I knew the characters and could sympathize with them more. However, I still felt like there was something missing from the story as a whole. The concept behind the book is fascinating, but the subject matter is depressing and I would’ve liked some more twists and turns to make it truly great. The story had many sad and scary parts, but there are enough lighter, happier moments to make it bearable.

Characters:

There aren’t very many new characters in this story. The old characters do grow a bit, but I feel like there could’ve been a bit more development. The ‘villain’ got even scarier in this installment as he starts shedding the ‘good, peace-loving guy’ mask he’d been hiding behind. I like all the main characters and I feel like they’re very relatable, but maybe a little generic at times.

Who should read this:

13+, the previous one I rated a 10, but I feel like the scary themes were more extreme in this installment. There are no language and almost no sexual content. If you enjoyed the first book read this one, but if you didn’t don’t bother, they’re very similar.

My rating:

I enjoyed this, but there are a lot of things I would’ve liked the authors to change so 3/5

Quote:

The odds are, only one of the four members of the Tribulation Force will survive the next seven years...

Read my review for the first book: 'Left Behind'.

Tiger's Curse

Colleen Houck

The Tiger Saga #1

Summary:

Passion. Fate. Loyalty.

Would you risk it all to change your destiny?

The last thing Kelsey Hayes thought she’d be doing this summer was trying to break a 300-year-old Indian curse. With a mysterious white tiger named Ren. Halfway around the world.

But that’s exactly what happened.

Face-to-face with dark forces, spell-binding magic, and mystical worlds where nothing is what it seems, Kelsey risks everything to piece together an ancient prophecy that could break the curse forever.

                                                             

Plot:

This story starts of with a bang, and doesn’t let up once. The different settings, like a circus and, of course, the jungles of India are fascinating and you really feel like you’re there with the characters. The writing flows well and keeps you interested, it’s unpretentious and simple, but still manages to paint a picture of the landscape. However, there are times that I felt the author could’ve done some things differently, especially in the moments that were meant to be surprising and then became kind of anti-climatic. The story is very original and interesting, and I really want to read the next book to see what happens.

Characters:

I really love the characters in this book. The main character is extremely relatable, yet witty and intelligent. Her love interest, Dhiren, is exactly what a male hero shoud be (I hate to compare this to Twilight, but it did remind me of it at times and Dhiren seems to be all the best parts of Jacob and Edward combined, without the creepiness or annoyingness). However, they’re not perfect at all, and also make mistakes.The character I found most intriguing, however, is Ren’s brother, Kishan, and I really hope to read more about him in the next book.

Who should read this:

10+, there is no language as far as I could tell, and the violence is not extreme, but it may frighten some younger readers. There is some making-out, but that’s as far as it goes. Also there is a lot of Indian mysticism tied up in this story, and if that’s something that you don’t like I don’t suggest this book for you. I think fans of Twilight, or someone who liked the idea of Twilight and are searching for something a little better should definitely check this out. Definitely one for someone who’s looking for a different type of story that is easy to read and exciting.

My rating:

I really enjoyed this book. It’s been a while since I found a book I couldn’t put down, and this one was like that. There were some parts that I feel like the author could’ve handled slightly better, but the good definitely made up for it. 4/5

Quote:

‘Those eyes. They were mesmerizing. They stared right into me, almost as if the tiger was examining my soul.’

Shatter Me

Tahereh Mafi

Shatter Me #1

Summary:

Juliette hasn’t touched anyone in exactly 264 days.

The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette’s touch is fatal. As long as she doesn’t hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don’t fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war – and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she’s exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior.

Plot:

This is a pretty typical dystopian novel as far as the story goes. It’s the characters that really make it original. I found Juliette’s inner monologue interesting, especially the way it developed and changed as the story progressed. I think it is an interesting way to tell a story. However, at times it didn’t really make sense. I think there were some things that could’ve been better, some of the parts were a little slow, with nothing really happening except Juliette thinking.

Characters:

The main character, Juliette starts of a little weak, but soon show her strength when she realises that the ‘villian’ intends to use her as a weapon. Because of the perspective from which the story is told we don’t really get to see the other characters’ motives and personalities clearly, but it works pretty well in this case.

Who should read this:

13+, mainly for violence and frightening scenes, but also some language and sexual content (a girl who hasn’t been able to touch anyone for almost a year suddenly finds someone she can touch...). If you enjoy dystopian, YA fiction you might like this one.

My rating:

While I did enjoy reading this book it had many things that I would’ve liked to be different. However I think the next installment will have a lot more happening and so I will be reading it. 3/5

Quote:

“All I ever wanted was to reach out and touch another human being not just with my hands but with my heart.”

House

Ted Dekker & Frank Peretti

Summary:

Frank Peretti and Ted Dekker – two of the most acclaimed writers of supernatural thrillers – have joined forces for the first time to craft a story unlike any you’ve ever read. Enter House – where you’ll find yourself thrown into a killer’s deadly game in which the only way to win is to lose...and the only way out is in.

One game. Seven Players. Three Rules. Game ends at dawn.

Plot:

First of all, I’m a big fan of Ted Dekker, and while I’ve only read one of Peretti’s novels I really enjoyed that too, so naturally I was expecting a lot from these two’s combined work. The story started of kind of confusing, and honestly I didn’t have any idea where the authors were going untill the last quarter of the book. At the start the story intrigued me, but I got bored in the middle with all the scary imagery, and just wanted the actual story to move along. It was terrifying and disturbing and creepy, yes, but I would’ve liked something more from the story instead of just horrifying things happening all the time. I did, however really like the ending, but I feel like these two could’ve done something more with the story. The twists weren’t surprising enough and I kind of guessed what was going to happen before it did, which is not something I look for in either of these writers' novels.

Characters:

The characters were pretty well handled. Even though all of them are very damaged, and even unlikable at times, you still root for them (this is something Dekker seems to have an aptitude for). Some of the characters are frightening, some are really disturbing (or just disturbed) and some are just normal people in extremely unusual situations. My favourite main character is undoubtedly Jack, because he is the truest and most likable of them all.

Who should read this:

16+, this book has some really creepy elements in it, and is also quite confusing. There is very little language or sexual content, but the violence and scary parts are really intense. I definitely don’t recommend this to anyone who is sensitive to things like that. If you enjoy thrillers, but want them to be clean (relatively speaking) you should definitely check out Dekker or Peretti’s stories, but I feel like there are better ones to choose from.

My rating:

While I didn’t hate this book, it disappointed me a bit and I feel like it could’ve been so much better. But, there were some parts that I really enjoyed so 3/5.

Quote:

The light came into the darkness, and the darkness did not understand it.