The Two Towers

J.R.R. Tolkien

The Lord of the Rings Part #2

Summary:

The Company of the Ring is sundered. Frodo and Sam continue their journey alone down the great River Anduin – alone that is, save for a mysterious creeping figure that follows wherever they go...

Plot:

I found this part of this story much more exciting than the first. I now really care for the characters, and any danger to them makes me feel very uneasy. We don’t see much of Frodo in the first half of the book, which mainly tells the story of the rest of the Fellowship, but the second half is in turn mainly Frodo and Sam’s adventures. There were many light-hearted moments, and also some very sad ones as well as some scenes that made me pretty anxious. There was more action in this one, I feel, and also more strange settings, that were unlike the ones I’d read about in the Hobbit and the Fellowship. Some parts, however was a little hard to understand, and I got a little confused by all the different names of places. As I said before, Tolkien’s writing is exquisitely detailed, and his descriptions are beautiful.

Characters:

There are some new characters, but not too many, most of which are pretty interesting. There are of course, the likable characters we met in the first part, and many I dislike. The ‘villians’ (or just bad characters) are pretty creepy, and definitely serve their purpose in making the story more exciting. I enjoyed getting to know more about the characters from the first part of the novel, but I must say the new characters that were introduced made this book incredible.

Who should read this:

13+, there is still no language or sexual content, but some thematic material that might be frightening, including violence and some pretty scary creatures. Once again, the writing is good, but very detailed and descriptive, so if that kind of thing bores you I would suggest reading the Hobbit first as a test. Fantasy-fans, you should have read this already...or at least be planning to soon... You cannot read this one without having read part one, that's like starting a book on the 100th page, you won't get it...

My rating:

I really, really enjoyed this book. I have very high hopes of the last part, and I really hope the ending doesn’t let me down like I felt the Hobbit’s did. This rating is for the entire book, I’m not rating each part separately. This part didn’t lower my opinion of the novel at all, and so it stays 5/5.

Quote:

Frodo and Sam have a conversation about whether their story will be told in years to come. This is part of that conversation, which sums up this part of the novel very well for me:

‘You and I, Sam, are still stuck in the worst places of the story...

Read my review for Part 1: the Fellowship of the Ring  and Part 3: The Return of the King!

An Act of Love

Alan Gibbons

Summary:

Seven-year-old Chris and Imran are sworn blood brothers.

Ten years on they are treading separate paths. The spectre of terrorism has wrecked their friendship. It has changed their lives and could even end them.

A story of two ordinary boys growing up in an extraordinary time - our time. A time of terror, when atrocities don’t just happen in TV reports about people in far away places.

Rioting, fighting, maiming and killing are happening here, on our doorstep.

Plot:

This is a very good story. It offers perspectives from all walks of life, religions and races on the same events, and teaches a simple lesson: that we’re all human. It has its tense moments, moments that make you smile, and some that are pretty sad. There is some mystery, and you’re not always sure which of the characters to trust, but it never gets confusing. The writing is simple, yet beautiful and very realistic.

Characters:

This is probably the best part of the book. I really enjoyed reading about the two main characters. They grew up together, but because of their different beliefs grow apart. However, once you get to the end of the book you realise that, even though they weren’t exactly speaking to one another, their stories still share similarities and parallels. All the characters are flawed, but they’re all pretty relatable.

Who should read this:

13+, this story is about war, so obviously there are some violent scenes. There’s very little sexual content, but some language. If you like historical fiction, but want something that’s easy to read this is a good choice. If you’re looking for a happy story, this is not the one for you.

My rating:

I really enjoyed this book. I wasn’t bored once, I liked the characters and I feel like this is a better-than-average piece of fiction. The only reason I won’t add this to my favourites is because it’s not my favourite genre or type of story. 4/5

Quote:

‘What breaks inside the child that makes the man so flawed?’

Left Behind

Tim LaHaye & Jerry B. Jenkins

Left Behind #1

Summary:

In one cataclysmic moment, millions around the globe disappear.

Vehicles, suddenly unmanned, careen out of control. People are terror stricken as loved ones vanish before their eyes.

In the midst of global chaos, airline captain Rayford Steele must search for his family, for answers, for truth. As devastating as the disappearances have been, the darkest days may lie ahead.

Plot:

This is definitely an interesting novel. Referencing the Bible-book Revelations, it tells the story of the end of the world. The setting of this novel makes it very believable, it’s set in the future, obviously, although it doesn’t give a specific date, and the world is much like we know it to be right now, except for some political differences. Some of the political parts were a bit hard for me to understand, but the basic story is very easy to follow and read. It’s not the best-written book in the world and I would’ve liked some more twists and turns instead of just the straight-forward story, but it kept me interested enough.

Characters:

The characters are all extremely believable and relatable. The main characters are pretty likable (the ones that are supposed to be) and the villain is extremely scary in a non-threatening, peace-loving kind of way (it makes sense if you’ve read the book). Except for the villain the characters are mostly just normal people in extreme circumstances, and I definitely liked them. The story is more important, I think, in this case, than the characters, and so I like that they’re not too complicated.

Who should read this:

10+, the violence is not overly graphic and there’s almost no sexual content and zero language. I don’t think this would interest very young people, as the story might get a little complicated for them, and also because it might be scary, since it is set in a world similar to ours, and is written as a sort of retelling of a book that I personally don’t consider fiction. If you like Christian fiction, and are interested in the end-times this is a quick and easy read that makes it a little more real and easy to imagine.

My rating:

I enjoyed reading this book. I won’t add it to my favourites because I wasn’t blown away by it. But it kept me interested. 4/5

Quote:

“I’m not crazy! See for yourself! All over the plane people have disappeared.

Insurgent

Veronica Roth

Divergent #2

Summary:

I have done bad things. I can’t take them back, and they are part of who I am.

Tris has survived a brutal attack on her former home and family. But she has paid a terrible price. Wracked by grief and guilt, she becomes ever more reckless as she struggles to accept her new future.

Yet if Tris wants to uncover the truth about her world, she must be stronger than ever… because more shocking choices and sacrifices lie ahead.

Plot:

This is a good story, with a good balance of personal issues and political problems. It answers many of the questions you had after finishing Divergent, but leave you with enough mystery to be excited for Allegiant. There is a good mix of action, romance and friendship, just enough of each to not get overwhelming, and yet enough keep it interesting.

Characters:

Tris is very different in this book. She’s no longer an innocent girl whose biggest problems are fighting in initiation. After the ending of Divergent she now has to deal with so much more, not just because of what’s happening in her world, but also because of things she’s done and choices she must make. You learn more about Tobias/Four’s past and get to know him as a character much better. There are a lot of characters, and it got a little confusing here and there, but most of them are pretty interesting. I was slightly disappointed by Tris’s brother Caleb, but I hope to learn more about that in the next instalment.

Who should read this:

13+, mainly for violence, some mild sexual scenes and very mild language. While the violence is not super graphic or gory, it’s still disturbing. If you enjoyed the first book you will probably enjoy this one. This series is definitely a must for dystopian fans. If you don’t like too much action/fighting this might not be the one for you. It’s an easy read, but like I said, the characters got a little confusing.

My rating:

This book kept me interested throughout, I felt for Tris and the other characters and I definitely enjoyed reading it. However it didn’t get me as excited as Divergent. 4/5

Quote:

“Insurgent,” he says. “Noun. A person who acts in opposition to the established authority, who is not necessarily regarded as a belligerent.”

Read my review for Divergent here! I'll link Allegiant as soon as I review it!

The Hobbit-The Desolation of Smaug

The Hobbit Part 2

Summary:

After successfully crossing over (and under) the Misty Mountains, Thorin and Company must seek aid from a powerful stranger before taking on the dangers of Mirkwood Forest-without their Wizard. If they reach the human settlement of Lake-town it will be time for the hobbit Bilbo Baggins to fulfill his contract with the dwarves. The party must complete the journey to Lonely Mountain and burglar Baggins must seek out the Secret Door that will give them access to the hoard of the dragon Smaug. And, where has Gandalf got off to? And what is his secret business to the south?

Plot:

So I didn’t have a lot of good expectations from this storyline, mainly because of the first movie and because they’re dragging a 400 page book out into three movies, but I was pleasantly surprised. I’d heard many good things about this movie, but I assumed it was for the cinematography. The story follows the book pretty well, but unlike most book-to-movie adaptations they have added parts instead of not including some. I really liked the fact that they added Gandalf’s story, which was not included in the book. You only hear about what he was up to in the first part of the Lord of the Rings books. Also, it was fun watching this movie, after reading the Lord of the Rings: the Fellowship of the Ring and knowing what was going to happen. The action was way more intense than in the first movie (which mainly consisted of the dwarves and Bilbo walking). I didn’t like some of the parts they had changed, but the parts that they kept the same were pretty cool.

Characters:

My favorite part of this movie is definitely the elves. They are beautiful, graceful, slightly cold and stand-offish, and I found them fascinating to watch. Bilbo kind of disappeared in the first part of the movie, but got his chance in the spotlight in the end. I didn’t like Thorin’s mean and selfish portrayal in this movie, he lacked the royal, slightly proud, but still good qualities that he had in the book, and just came of as a pompous and self-centered person/dwarf. Smaug didn’t look like I imagined him, I feel like they could’ve added more gems and gold to his chest, as Tolkien described in the book. Overall the wonderful elves balanced out some of the mistakes they made with Thorin, and I enjoyed the characters.

Cinematography:

Wonderful, some parts were better than others, but overall it was great. The colors were rich, the orcs and spiders etc. looked real (and pretty creepy) and the Smaug was magnificent (and really, really big).

Who should watch this:

PG-13, mainly for violence. It’s not bloody or gory (except for some orcs getting their heads chopped off), but it is pretty frightening. If you thought the first one was good, but lacked action you should see this one. If you liked the Lord of the Rings movies, then you might like this. I suggest skipping the first one if you’re familiar with the story.

My rating:

I really liked this movie, and I really hope the last one lives up to it, because I don’t know what they’re going to use for a storyline in that one. It’s not a perfect adaption of the book, but it’s pretty good. So, 4/5.

Quote:

Where does your journey end? You seek that which would bestow upon you the right to rule. A quest to reclaim a homeland, and slay a dragon!

The Fellowship of the Ring

J.R.R. Tolkien

The Lord of the Rings Part 1

Summary:
In a sleepy village in the Shire, a young hobbit is entrusted with an immense task. He must make a perilous journey across Middle-earth to the Cracks of Doom, there to destroy the Ruling Ring of Power – the only thing that prevents the Dark Lord Sauron’s evil dominion.

Plot:

This story has so many twists and turns an things happening it would be impossible to sum it up in a couple of sentences. There’s a lot of action, a lot of beauty, some pretty sad parts, and some that are more humorous. I know this is not a trilogy, and I know Tolkien wrote it as one (very long) novel, but since that novel would take forever to finish, I’m doing my review in three parts. However I don’t see this as a series, but as a very long story. This is a very long, very detailed story, and at times it becomes almost too detailed, but that is Tolkien’s style and I really like the way he wrote these novels. They’re different from most of the other fantasy novels I’ve read in so many ways.

Characters:

This book gets a little confusing at times because there are just so many different characters. You get to know the main ones pretty soon, but the other, less important characters gets a little muddled. This is not really a problem, you don’t need to remember all the characters for the story to make sense. I loved all the characters. I think they’re flawed enough to make them believable (even the ones who are described as flawless, like the elven ‘Queen’ figure), yet they’re likable, and most of them are honourable. The anti-heroes aren’t described very graphically, but the little you know of them is enough to make you nervous when they’re near.

Who should read this:

13+, there’s no language or sexual content, but I wouldn’t suggest this to younger readers, because of the length of this story. It is not an easy read. The style of writing is not hard to understand, but it’s very descriptive and might bore some people. If you’re a die-hard fantasy fan, you should definitely have read this already. I do recommend reading ‘The Hobbit’ first, since it’s shorter, but written in the same style. It will help you decide if you will enjoy this novel or not.

My rating:

I enjoyed this novel much more than the hobbit. Therefore I must give it a higher rating. I truly loved this book, and I will definitely be reading it again, as it’s one of those books where you will discover something new every time you read it. 5/5

Quote:

‘It’s the job that’s never started as takes longest to finish.’

I'll link my review for the movie here as soon as I watch it! Read my Review for Part 2: The Two Towers and Part 3: The Return of the King!

The Host

Summary:

When an unseen enemy threatens mankind by taking over their bodies and erasing their memories, Melanie will risk everything to protect the people she cares most about, proving that love can conquer all in a dangerous new world.

Plot:

I had already read this book before I watched the movie, and one thing I can say about it is that it follows the storyline pretty well. It didn’t have all the scenes of the book in it, obviously, but it stayed true to the basic storyline. It’s not a bad story, or idea, but I feel like they could’ve done a lot more with it. The acting wasn’t the best, and the story felt a little stilted. However, there were some moments that made me smile, it didn’t make me laugh or cry, but it was interesting enough that I didn’t get too bored.

Characters:

I didn’t understand why Wanda (the invader, alien thing) had to speak aloud for Melanie (the human) to hear her. As far as I remember this was not the case in the book, and it looked a little stupid, the character talking to herself all the time. I get that it would’ve been hard to know which was which if they were both just in her head, but it bothered me a bit. Most of the characters felt a little flat. There wasn’t one in particular I really connected with. Wanda is a bit too good to be true, although that is the way of the alien species. None of the characters truly stand out.

Cinematography:

Okay, it’s not wonderful, and I feel like they could’ve done so much more. But, it’s not bad.

Who should watch this:

PG-13, for some sensuality and violence. If you like dramatic teen movies, or enjoyed the book you may like this. However I feel like the book has more to offer. Don’t expect too much.

My rating:

I didn’t hate this movie, but I didn’t love it either. I would’ve liked a bit more from the overall look of the movie, and the acting could’ve been better. 2/5

Quote:

Ian: Strange world isn’t it?

Wanda: The strangest.

I'll be reading the book again, and I'll link that review here!

The Way Way Back

Summary:

Shy 14-year-old Duncan goes on summer vacation with his mother, her overbearing boyfriend, and her boyfriend's daughter. Having a rough time fitting in, Duncan finds an unexpected friend in Owen, manager of the Water Wizz water park.

Plot:

This is a cute story. It’s pretty simple and straightforward with no major twists or turns. It had it’s funny moments and it’s slightly sadder ones. It’s basically a comedy with a bit of a deeper message hidden underneath the jokes. Most of it is pretty predictable, but I don’t think the point of this movie was the story. I think it was the characters. So I’m not going to say anything else about the plot.

Characters:

When you first meet the main character you feel very sorry for him. Then he smiles at a random guy in a car behind theirs and you fall in love with him. He is basically a boy who is extremely shy, doesn’t say much, and is pretty awkward as far as social situations go. He is the most relatable character in the movie which was probably the filmmakers' intent. There are a couple of young girls who are also pretty normal, but most of the other characters are completely crazy. Only two of the adults can be described as sane, that would be Duncan’s mother (who is very damaged) and Owen’s love interest. The rest of the adults are completely insane, and most of them are pretty hilarious.

Cinematography:

Good, the colours change along with Duncan’s mood. When he’s happy there’s bright colours and lights, when he’s down it becomes more gray-toned and dark. It helps set the mood. It’s not Oscar-material, but you can tell that the directors and other film-makers put quite a bit of thought into it.

Who should watch this:

(PG-13) Some language, brief drug material and mild sexual content. The story might also be a little hard for some of the kids to follow and they probably won’t get most of the jokes. If you want a comedy that will make you laugh, but that will still be a bit deeper than just the jokes, this is a good one.

My rating:

I really liked this movie. I thought it was funny, the acting was pretty good and it didn’t bore me once. So 4/5

Quote:

Duncan: How long have you been working there?

Owen: Oh, the park? Um, I've always been there. Ever since I was a small Cambodian child. Of course, that was after 'Nam. I was in the sh*t. Then I joined the circus to become a clown fighter. I know about 46 ways to kill a clown. I hate clowns. I'm kidding except for the part where I really do hate them.

I Am Number Four

Pittacus Lore

Lorien Legacies #1

Summary:

They killed number one in Malaysia.

Number two in England.

And number three in Kenya.

John Smith is not your average teenager.

He regularly moves from small town to small town. He changes his name and identity. He does not put down roots. He cannot tell anyone who or what he really is. If he stops moving those who hunt him will find and kill him.

But you can’t run for ever.

So when he stops in Paradise, Ohio, John decides to try and settle down. To fit in. And for the first time he makes some real friends. People he cares about – and who cares about him. Never in John’s short life has there been space for friendship, or even love.

But it’s just a matter of time before John’s secret is revealed.

He was once one of nine. Three of them have been killed.

John is Number Four. He knows that he is next...

Plot:

This was a pretty good story. Some of the twists were pretty predictable, but it interested me enough that I want to read the rest of the series to see what happens next. It’s an engaging, easy read, with enough action to keep it interesting, but it’s not a profoundly intricate story that I’ll remember for a long time. Also, the romance in this story irritated me, it was sappy and unrealistic, and while it may appeal to some people I didn’t feel anything in regards to the characters or their connection.

Characters:

This is where my biggest problem with this book comes in. The characters were a little flat for my taste. Sure the main character is an alien with superpowers, but except for that the characters are all pretty one-dimensional and boring, to be honest. I would’ve liked some deeper insight into their feelings and thoughts, the only time you get this is when something very sad happens. This was the only part of the book that really captured my attention and made me feel something. I do like one of the characters that come in later in the story (trying not to spoil anything here), and I look forward to learning more about her in the next book.

Who should read this:

10+, mainly for language and violence. There is very little sexual content, mainly just two teens making out, but there is a bit of mild language, and some alien-fighting stuff going on. If you want a light, easy read with a bit of action you might enjoy this, but I feel like there are better options.

My rating:

I liked this book. I didn’t love it and it’s not perfect, but it’s an enjoyable read. It reminds me of why I like reading Twilight, no need for concentration, just relaxation. 3/5 (I’m also fascinated by the author’s name being included in the book, I really want to read more about that in the rest of the series)

Quote:

“When you have lost hope, you have lost everything. And when you think all is lost, when all is dire and bleak, there is always hope.”

If I watch the movie I'll link the review here!

The Priest's Graveyard

Ted Dekker

Summary:

Two abandoned souls are on the hunt for one powerful man.

Danny Hansen is a Bosnian immigrant who came to America with hopes of escaping haunted memories of a tragic war that took his mother’s life. Now he’s a priest. Yet that does not stop him from acting as an avenging angel on those who stay within the criminal law but live outside the laws of love and compassion.

Renee Gilmore is the frail and helpless victim of one such powerful man. Having escaped his clutches, she now lives only to satisfy justice by destroying him, regardless of whom she must become in that pursuit.

Danny and Renee: Soon their paths will cross and lead to one twisted fate.

Plot:

Woah...this story will take everything you believe in, make you question it and then make you question the fact that you questioned it. An incredible story, although at times almost too dark and brutal to take, it’s thrilling and horrifying and mind-altering. The strange perspective of a killer for a hero, and the incredible twists throughout makes this a completely unique and very unsettling story.

Characters:

The characters in this book is way too complex to explain. I didn’t always understand their motivations, or their reasoning, but I still connected to them. I wouldn’t call them relatable exactly and yet I really started rooting for the main characters, even though they were doing truly awful things. The main male character is a serial killer, and it’s fascinating to see his reasoning and justifying of the truly horrible things he does. The female main character is a little less impressive in my eyes, but still a very interesting character.

Who should read this:

16+, the violence is truly disturbing, and so is the overall feel of the book. I would definitely recommend caution with this book. If you enjoy thrillers and want something different I don’t think I could think of a better choice for you...except maybe another one of Dekker’s books. This is the darkest book I’ve read by him, but I think it’s my second favourite, after Thr3e, it's definitely one I'll remember. Brad Meltzer said-'The Priest's Graveyard will haunt you-long after you want it to', and I agree.

My rating:

This book scared the living daylights out of me. Not just because of the violence etc, but because of the way it made me think. It’s an incredibly well-written book that is completely original and unlike anything I’ve read before. In the end I loved it, but the violence was a bit extreme. 4/5

Quote:

I had done some right to fix the wrong, hadn’t I?

Five Quarters of the Orange

Joanne Harris

Summary:

Beyond the main street of Les Laveuses runs the Loire, smooth and brown as a sunning snake – but hiding a deadly undertow beneath its moving surface. This is where Framboise, a secretive widow named after a raspberry liqueur, plies her culinary trade at the crêperie – and lets her memory play strange games.

Into this world comes the threat of revelation as Framboise’s nephew – a profiteering Parisian – attempts to exploit the growing success of the country recipes she has inherited from her mother, a woman remembered with contempt by the villagers of Les Laveuses. As the spilt blood of a tragic wartime childhood flows again, exposure beckons for Framboise, the widow with an invented past.

Plot:

This is an exceptional work of fiction, brilliantly written and fascinating from start to finish. It keeps you guessing by giving you tiny bits of information, but makes you wait for the full story. Harris’ writing style is excellent, descriptive without being boring or overdone. This story will keep you thinking long after you’ve put down the book.

Characters:

Again Harris shows her genius in creating characters that are much too complex to describe in a couple of words. All the characters have major flaws, which makes them all the more interesting. Some are surprising, others are more predictable. The dynamics between the characters are also very interesting, how they change and develop.

Who should read this:

(13+) Mainly for language and non-graphic, but still upsetting, violence and sexual content. If you enjoyed Harris’ other books I would definitely recommend this one. Also if you like books with atmosphere and intrigue that will pull you in this might be the one for you. This is not a light or simple book, but it’s easy to read and understand.

My rating:

I almost like this book better than Chocolat, I though the descriptions were exquisite and the storyline intriguing. I’ll definitely read it again, because I think you could discover something new every time. 5/5

Quote:

“I let it go. It's like swimming against the current. It exhausts you. After a while, whoever you are, you just have to let go, and the river brings you home.”

South Beach

Aimee Friedman

Alexa & Holly #1

Summary:

HOT SAND. HOT CLUBS. HOT GUYS.

What more could two girls want? Try the same guy.

SPRING BREAK. SOUTH BEACH. 'NUFF SAID.

On a trip to a place where anything can happen (and does) two ex-best friends discover that a chance encounter can lead to the chance of a lifetime.

HOLLY: Dream date or bad fate? She wants true love-and a break from her strict parents. Perhaps a spring fling will do?

ALEXA: Flirting with destiny or flirting with disaster? The guy of her dreams turns out to be her friend's first love. How far is she willing to go?

This year, Spring Break is going to be scandalous!

Plot:

This is a pretty predictable and slightly overly-dramatic story of two teenage girls who decide to go on spring break together, along the way they learn about themselves and each other as they make some pretty stupid mistakes. Of course there are a couple of boys involved along the way too. It’s not an incredibly original storyline, but it has it's moments and might appeal to a certain group of readers.

Characters:

Both main characters start out a bit annoying, although one is slightly more so than the other. One is spoiled, the pretty girl who always gets what she wants, the other is timid, and cannot stand up for herself. Both develop as the story progressed. None of the characters really stand out as unique or even all that interesting, but that may have been the author’s intention, as they’re all relatable in some way.

Who should read this:

(13+) Mainly for sexual content and maybe some mild language. If you’re looking for an easy, quick and light read and you aren’t over twenty you might enjoy this. Don’t expect great literature, this is definitely not a masterpiece.

My rating:

While I didn’t hate this book it really was too dramatic and predictable for me. It’s an easy read that requires very little concentration, and I don’t think I’ll even remember the storyline in 2 weeks’ time...2/5