The Amulet of Samarkand

Jonathan Stroud

The Bartimaeus Trilogy #1

Summary:

The sulphur cloud contracted into a thick column of smoke that vomited forth thin tendrils...There was barely perceptible pause. Then two yellow staring eyes materialized in the heart of the smoke.

Hey, it was his first time. I wanted to scare him.

When the 5000-year-old- djinni Bartimaeus is summoned by Nathaniel, a young magician’s apprentice, he expect to have to do nothing more taxing than a few simple illusions. But Nathaniel is a precocious talent and has something rather more dangerous in mind: revenge.

Against his will, Bartimaeus is packed off to steal the powerful Amulet of Samarkand from Simon Lovelace, a master magician of unrivaled ruthlessness and ambition. Before long, both djinni and apprentice are caught up in a terrifying flood of magical intrigue, murder and rebellion.

Set in a modern-day London controlled by magicians, this hilarious, electrifying thriller will enthrall readers of all ages.

In One Word: Hilarious

Plot:

I loved this story, I thought it was entertaining and funny and at times suspenseful. It kept me interested right through. I loved the parts that were narrated by the djinni, who adds all these really funny footnotes. I liked the magical and exciting feel of it as well. The writing was good and the author doesn’t try too hard or take himself too seriously. I was also a little worried that it was going to be another Harry Potter rip-off, but while it did remind me of it because of the setting, I don’t feel like it was too similar at all.

Characters:

Like I said I really thought the djinni was hilarious. I know some people don’t like vain or cocky characters, but I usually find them very entertaining, and this was no exception. This character thinks he is the best thing on this planet and it is so funny how he proves this belief wrong time and again. Nathaniel is also a very good character in my opinion, he’s not that unique or that much of a stand-out type of character, but I liked that he was in contrast with the full-of-himself and never serious djinni.

Who should read this:

12+, it’s mainly for violence and magical elements that may be frightening. Except for that I don’t think there is very much objectionable content. If you like stories that have magical and realistic elements in them as well as funny moments and more serious ones then this is definitely a good choice for you. If you enjoyed Harry Potter, but want something that’s not exactly like it then definitely try this. However, if you don’t like fantasy or have a problem with magic then skip it.

My rating:

I thoroughly enjoyed every minute I spent reading this book and I can’t wait to read the next one. 5/5

Quote:

“He was transfixed at the sight of the lords and ladies of his realm running about like demented chickens.”

Fallen

Lia Mills

Summary:

Spring 1915, Dublin.

Katie Crilly – a young woman trying to find her place in a restrictive society – gets the news she dreaded: her beloved twin brother, Liam, has been killed on the Western Front.

A year later, when Dublin is suddenly engulfed by the violence of the Easter Rising, Katie finds herself torn between her loyalty to the cause her brother died for, her instinctive Irish patriotism, and her love for her city and its people. Taking refuge in the home of friends, she meets Hubie Wilson, a comrade of Liam’s from the Front. There unfolds a remarkable encounter between two young people, both wounded and both trying to imagine a new life. As the world Katie knows is turned upside down by insurrection, previously unimaginable things suddenly seem possible.

In One Word: Moving

Plot:

First of all, let me just mention that I was sent this book for free through goodreads’ 'first reads' program, but that will not affect my review in any way. I must admit that this story was a little generic in my opinion. There was no moment where I was like ‘WOW’ or anything. However, the writing is really good, and the book has almost a classic feel to it. I liked the story, I thought it was touching and it wasn’t a boring plot, but I just wanted something a little more original out of this book. I also would’ve liked just a couple lighter moments, since it does get a little depressing, I do however realise that this subject matter doesn’t really lend itself to light-heartedness. One thing I really liked about this book is the way it shows every aspect of the war, as well as all the different opinions on war, without judging any one viewpoint as ‘the right one’, but rather giving the reader the oppurtunity to decide for themselves what to believe. I also like the subject matter, I don't think the Easter Rising is something that's been written about in this form all that much, but I would've liked the actual story (apart from the historical aspect) to have a little more originality.

Characters:

I liked the characters, but I didn’t love them. Liam was probably my favourite, even though we didn’t get to see a whole lot of him in the book. I didn’t feel like there was enough chemistry between the characters. I liked the relationship between Hubie and Katie well enough, but it wasn’t as magical as I would’ve expected after reading the summary. However, this is not neccesarily a bad thing, as it gave the book a more realisitic feel instead of being just another romantic, idealistic love story. However, I really like romantic and idealistic, so this wasn’t my favourite couple ever.

Who should read this:

14+, there is quite a bit of violence, language and sexual content. This is a story about war, so if that’s not your thing, then why are you even thinking about reading it? If you like romantic, historical novels then you’ll probably enjoy this one.

My rating:

While I really liked the writing and the feel of this book, the story was a little generic and I didn’t connect as well with the characters as I would’ve liked. 3/5

Quote:

“My mind couldn't fit itself around the shape of his absence.”

Percy Jackson and the Battle of the Labyrinth

Rick Riordan

Percy Jackson and the Olympians #4

Summary: WARNING: Possible spoilers of previous books ahead!

Honestly, blowing up another school was the last thing I wanted to do.

As the son of a Greek god, I’ve had my share of near-death disaster – and now my arch-enemy Luke wants to invade our camp via an ancient labyrinth.

If he succeeds, thousands of bloodthirsty monsters will attack. So it’s goodbye sunshine, hello darkness as four of us descend into the terrifying underground and beyond.

In One Word: Unputdownable

Plot:

These stories are great simply because they’re just so much fun. They’re hilarious, but still exciting and can keep you on the edge of your seat or have you laughing out loud. And even though they’re a lot of fun and very entertaining there are still some scenes that are touching and emotional, without ever becoming too deep for a middle-grade book.

Characters:

These above-mentioned moments really helps the reader connect with the characters. I really like all the characters in this book, but now I’m really starting to get fascinated with Nico di Angelo. He’s a little darker than the other main characters, without being a fully-fledged villian, which is very interesting and not something you see very often. Percy remains a little naive in my opinion, although it is part of his charm, and he really does develop quite a bit during this particular book. Annabeth is still a great character, and I also really like Rachel, who we get to see more in this book. Grover and Tyson remains great characters, who never takes away the spolight from the main character, but is still important enough to make you care for them. All the characters connect really well with each other and nothing feels forced.

Who should read this:

10+, again, some violence, although it is very mild. There is no language or sexual content to speak of. Also again, if the mythological aspect of Greek gods bother you, don’t read this series. If you liked the previous books this one won’t dissappoint, if you didn’t, well don’t read this one...I definitely recommend this to anyone who loves Harry Potter and wants something similar, and this series doesn’t get darker like HP does, so you younger kids can read the entire series back-to-back if you should want to.

My rating:

I absolutely love this series. It’s not going to make my favourites, but it’s very close to it. I enjoy every minute of reading it, and I’m going to start the next one right now. 4.5/5

Quote:

“Don't feel bad, I'm usually about to die.”-Percy Jackson

Read my reviews for 'The Lightning Thief', 'The Sea of Monsters' and 'The Titan's Curse'!

City of Bones

Cassandra Clare

The Mortal Instruments #1

Summary:

There is a world hidden within our own.

Clary Fray is seeing things: vampires in Brooklyn and werewolves in Manhattan. Irresistibly drawn to the Shadowhunters, a secret group of warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons, Clary encounters the dark side of New York City – and the dangers of forbidden love.

In One Word: Controversial? (apparently I’m behind on the gossip about this book...oh well...)

Plot:

So, apparently you’re either supposed to love or hate this book, the haters are mainly angry because of some plagiarism problems in relation to Harry Potter. I did not know about this, nor did I notice it while I was reading, so honestly I don’t care about any of that. I was expecting this book to be a let-down after the Infernal Devices (which I loved), since that seems to be the overall opinion. I will say this, I do prefer the Infernal Devices (because, no matter how hot Jace is, he’s just no Will Herondale, I’m sorry). The story was okay, it wasn’t all that interesting, and I guessed the ending (again....do I have a superpower for guessing book endings? UGH!), but it wasn’t extremely hard to get into. The writing wasn’t as good as in the Infernal Devices, but it was easy to read and enjoyable enough. I will continue this series, because I think it will be interesting to see how the two series tie together.

Characters:

Here’s where my real problem with this book came in. Now before I say this, I do realise that this book was probably written before the Infernal Devices, so these are probably the original characters, but still. Jace and Will, they’re so similar, it’s kind of scary. Only I fell in love with Will, I merely found Jace entertaining. Then Clary and Tessa, they're also similar, only Tessa kicked butt, while Clary just seemed to hang around. Isabelle also reminded me of Jessamine. And so forth. I do like Alec, I think he’s a very interesting character. It was really nice to see Magnus Bane again, one of my favourite characters from the Infernal Devices. Overall I liked the characters, but they weren’t nearly as memorable as the ones in TID.

Who should read this:

13+, for language, violence and some mild sexual content. If you already read the Infernal Devices then don’t expect too much, if you haven’t and you’re looking for something easy to read and fun, with some action and humor then maybe you’ll enjoy this one. I will however suggest reading the Infernal Devices instead.

My rating:

I know I draw a lot of comparisons to the Infernal Devices in this review, but it did really remind me of that, only it wasn’t as good. I did enjoy it, I didn’t feel like not finishing it, but it just wasn’t as good as I know Clare can write. 3/5

Quote:

“If you were half as funny as you think you are, you'd be twice as funny as you are now.”

Burning Bright

Tracy Chevalier

Summary:

London 1792. The Kellaways move from familiar rural Dorset to the tumult of a cramped, unforgiving city.

Against the backdrop of a city jittery over the increasingly bloody French Revolution, a surprising bond forms between Jem, the youngest Kellaway boy, and streetwise Londoner Maggie Butterfield. Their friendship takes a dramatic turn when they become entangled in the life of their neighbour, the printer, poet and radical, William Blake. He is a guiding spirit as Jem and Maggie navigate the unpredictable, exhilarating passage from innocence to experience. Their journey influences one of Blake’s most entrancing works.

In One Word: Atmospheric

Plot:

I must admit, I didn’t love this storyline, but I only realised that afterwards, when I really started to think about it. The writing is so good that I almost didn’t notice that the plot was a little mediocre. I love writing like this, that stays simple, but is still rich enough to create atmosphere. The ending was a little inconclusive to me, I would’ve liked to know what happens next, but I know some people might like the ending as it is. Some parts were also a little predictable. I loved the setting and the historical aspect of the book, but I felt like the story could’ve been better.

Characters:

I liked the characters, especially Jem and Maggie, as well as William Blake. I didn’t like Blake because he was written about accurately (we didn’t know him, we don’t know what would be accurate), but just as a character in a story, who happens to be based on a real person. Jem and Maggie have great chemistry, and they’re great opposites (but still similar...this is  a reference....read the book). However, I wasn’t emotionally connected to the characters.

Who should read this:

13+, there is some sexual content, although no language that I can remember. The violence is also very mild. The story might not interest younger readers. If you’ve read ‘the Girl with the Pearl Earring’ and liked it, you might like this one as well. If you want something with an incredible story and characters I don’t suggest this.

My rating:

I loved the writing, liked the characters, and didn’t notice that I didn’t really like the story until I finished the book. So 3/5.

Quote:

This is not exactly a quote, but more an idea that fascinated me when I read about it in this book: ‘Opposites all have something in common’.