The Kite Runner

Khaled Hosseini

Summary:

A story of fathers and sons, friendship and betrayal, and the casualties of fate.

1970’s Afghanistan: Twelve-year-old Amir is desperate to win the local kite-fighting tournament and his loyal friend Hassan promises to help him. But neither of the boys can foresee what will happen to Hassan that afternoon, an event that is to shatter their lives. After the Russians invade and the family is forced to flee to America, Amir realises that one day he must return to an Afghanistan under Taliban rule to find the one thing that his new world cannot grant him: redemption.

In One Word: Tragic (causing or characterized by extreme distress or sorrow)

Plot:

I must admit, this story drew me in much more than I expected. I knew that many people loved this book, but it didn’t sound like something I’d enjoy, I expected it to consist of a historical/war-based plot, but that’s not all I got. I loved this story, but it feels wrong to say that, because it’s shocking and terrifying and like I said, tragic. I had no idea what this book was about before I read it (I know, where have I been...), but I’m glad, because that meant I could go into it with no expectations. I definitely didn’t expect it to be this engaging. I thought the writing was good, and the plot stayed interesting throughout while still giving you some moments of quiet amidst the chaos. I don’t like books that force you to read one shocking thing after another, and this one wasn’t like that.

Characters:

The characters in this book are the reason I subtracted one star from my rating, I would’ve given it five stars except I really didn’t like the main character. And I think that was the point, but the contrast between Amir and Hassan was a little unrealistic to me. Amir is selfish and a coward while Hassan can do no wrong. I did think that Amir’s character was more relatable, he is flawed (extremely flawed), but he knows it and resents himself for it. I also thought the relationship between him and his father was very interesting. However, while I understand why the author decided to make his character so imperfect, I didn’t like that I found some of his actions completely abhorrent and stupid. I did care about the characters, and I wanted Amir to realise what the right thing to do is, and in the end he does, but for most of the book I didn’t like him at all.

Who should read this:

16+, there is language, violence and sexual content (sometimes violent sexual content) in this book, and while it’s never described very graphically it is very disturbing. If you’re sensitive to things like that, you might want to skip this book. However, if you enjoy books that are not just a light read with a happy ending and will possibly make you cry and shock you at the same time, then definitely give this one a go.

My rating:

Not since ‘The Book Thief’ has a book drawn me in like this one did. I didn’t think this book was perfect, but overall I couldn’t put it down. 4/5

Quote:

“It may be unfair, but what happens in a few days, sometimes even a single day, can change the course of a whole lifetime...”

Noughts & Crosses

Malorie Blackman

Noughts & Crosses #1

Summary:

Callum is a nought – an inferior white citizen in a society controlled by the black crosses.

Sephy is a Cross – and the daughter of one of the most powerful, ruthless men in the country.

In their hostile, violent world, noughts and Crosses simply don’t mix. But when Sephy and Callum’s childhood friendship grows into passionate love, they’re determined to find a way to be together.

In One Word: Perturbing (Causing anxiety/unsettling)

Plot:

This is probably one of the best dystopians I’ve ever read, not because it's a great story (even though it is) or because the characters were great (which they are), but because it’s so extremely realistic. Most dystopians show a future that we can’t really imagine becoming reality, but the situation in Noughts and Crosses has been a reality in many countries. This way of looking at racism, in a fictional sense with two characters on opposite sides of the fence, is inspired. I liked that the author (who admits that some of the less intense parts of the novel actually happened to her) makes the black people the ruling class, which shows that she is not writing this because she has a grudge, but more because she feels like she should get the message out about how pointless racism is. The plotline of this story is extremely engaging and I couldn’t put it down for a second. This is also one of the very few books that made me cry, which really doesn’t happen very often. I didn’t really notice the writing all that much, which is a good sign in a book that is story- or character-driven like this one.

Characters:

I really loved the main characters in this book. They are realistic, flawed and relatable, all of which are qualities I look for in storybook characters. There are times when you don’t even like them all that much, which in some cases would’ve been a bad thing, but strangely works in this novel to make them feel like real people. In the end you really care for them, and anything that hurts them hurts you too. The minor characters weren’t as developed as the main ones, but they added something to the story as well without being distracting, especially Sephy’s mother and Callum’s brother.

Who should read this:

13+, mainly for violence and some sexual content, I don’t remember any language (I was too lost in the story to take notice). If you’re looking for something that will make an impact, make you cry or you have an interest in racial differences I definitely suggest this.. Also, if you’re looking for a dystopian that is completely original and different from anything you’ve read before then try this one. I think I would pretty much recommend this to anyone although I do realise that it will make some people highly uncomfortable.

My rating:

It’s hard to say that I loved this book, simply because it is so heart-wrenching and also pretty disturbing, but I did. I didn’t want to put it down, it touched me emotionally and it will be really hard to forget what happened in this story. 5/5

Quote:
That's just the way it is. Some thins will never change. That's just the way it is. But don't you believe them.

A Thousand Splendid Suns

Khaled Hosseini

Summary:

Mariam is only fifteen when she is sent to Kabul to marry the troubled and bitter Rasheed, who is thirty years her senior. Nearly two decades later, in a climate of growing unrest, tragedy strikes fifteen-year-old Laila, who must leave her home and join Mariam’s unhappy household. Laila and Mariam are to find consolation in each other, their friendship to grow as deep as the bond between sisters, as strong as the ties between mother and daughter.

With the passing of time comes Taliban rule over Afghanistan, the streets of Kabul loud with the sound of gunfire and bombs, life a desperate struggle against starvation, brutality and fear, the women’s endurance tested beyond their worst imaginings. Yet love can move a person to act in unexpected ways, lead them to overcome the most daunting obstacles with a startling heroism. In the end it is love that triumphs over death and destruction.

In One Word: Moving

Plot:

I must admit that this review may be influenced a little by the book I previously read, which was ‘Noughts and Crosses’ by Malorie Blackman. Both these books are very emotional and also shocking, because you realise that most of these hardships really happened to people somewhere in history. However, the problem with reading these two as close together as I did is that one felt much more real to me than the other. I could identify with the situation of racism in the previous book much more than this one, but I’m going to try to not let that influence this review too much, although it might have an effect on my overall feeling about this book. 

Okay, that being said in an extremely long paragraph, lets continue with this book’s plot. I read this book in one day, literally. This is always a good sign in my opinion, since it means it was engaging at least. I enjoyed this story, I found it easier to read than ‘the Kite Runner’, but I also didn’t find it as emotional. Hosseini’s writing is wonderful, and like many of the blurbs say: he’s a natural storyteller, so there are no complaints there. I like books with more than one point of view, even when it’s not a first-person narrative like this one, since I like seeing how the different characters respond to different events.

Characters:

Just like with the plot, I didn’t connect as much to this book’s characters as I did to 'the Kite-Runner’s', which is strange since this one focuses on women instead of men (I'm a female, if my choices in literature hasn't clued you into that yet...I also have a review for 'the Little Mermaid' on here, so this shouldn't be a surprise...). That doesn’t mean that I didn’t like these characters or don’t think they are well-written. On the contrary, both the main characters and most of the minor ones are very well-rounded and relatable. I didn’t, however, have a favourite character, or one that I really fell in love with. If I had to choose one it would be Tajir, just because I’m a sucker for the romantic heroes.

Who should read this:

13+, mainly for violence, which is quite disturbing, as well as some sexual content. There was not any language that I can recall. If you like emotional books with good characters that is well-written, but easy to read or if you’re interested in the history of Afghanistan, but want something a little more personal then I definitely suggest any of Khaled Hosseini’s books. However, if you want something happy or light then this is not for you.

My rating:

Like I said, I read this book in a day, and I didn’t get bored once. However, there wasn’t that extreme emotional connection that I usually look for in a book like this. 4/5

Quote:

“One could not count the moons that shimmer on her roofs. Or the thousand splendid suns that hide behind her walls.”

Ship Breaker

Paolo Bacigalupi

Ship Breaker #1

Summary:

In America's Gulf Coast region, where grounded oil tankers are being broken down for parts, Nailer, a teenage boy, works the light crew, scavenging for copper wiring just to make quota--and hopefully live to see another day. But when, by luck or chance, he discovers an exquisite clipper ship beached during a recent hurricane, Nailer faces the most important decision of his life: Strip the ship for all it's worth or rescue its lone survivor, a beautiful and wealthy girl who could lead him to a better life...

In One Word: Original (Genuine)

Plot:

This is a very unique story with lots of action and suspense. I liked the idea of an almost futuristic world where there are half-human half-animal people and the humans are either in complete poverty or extremely wealthy. The writing was very good except for one thing that bothered me a little, which is the fact that the author kept repeating this way to describe pain (the pain always blossoms...). I really liked the setting and thought it was very original and unique, although it took me a little while to get into it, since there’s little explanation as to why circumstances are the way they are. Overall I found the story intriguing, different and action-packed.

Characters:

The characters were interesting enough. I liked the chemistry between the different characters, and I thought they complimented each other very well. The villian was not all bad, which I always find more interesting than completely evil villians, but he’s still evil enough to justify the reader hating him.

Who should read this:

13+, mainly for violence, some language and references to sexual content. If you’re looking for something different with a lot of action you might like this. It’s not a particularly light read, but quite an exciting one. It’s also quite dark and at times a little disturbing, so if that’s not your thing, don’t bother with it.

My rating:

I liked this book, even if it’s not exactly the type of thing I really enjoy. The characters were good and the story stayed interesting. So 4/5.

Quote:

“Killing isn't free. It takes something out of you every time you do it. You get their life; they get a piece of your soul. It's always a trade.”

Tiger's Voyage

Colleen Houck

The Tiger Saga #3

I do love these covers though...

Summary: (WARNING: may contain spoilers of previous books!)

With the head-to-head battle against the villainous Lokesh behind her, Kelsey confronts a new heartbreak: in the wake of his traumatic experience, her beloved Ren no longer remembers who she is. As the trio continues their quest by challenging five cunning and duplicitous dragons, Ren and Kishan once more vie for her affections – leaving Kelsey more confused than ever.

In One Word: Melodramatic (exaggerated/overemotional)

Plot:

So first of all, those of you who follow me on goodreads already know...I had no recollection of what happened in the previous book (as in none at all). This made it really hard to understand the references to it in this book and also where the characters (I at least remembered who the characters were) and their relationships were. The writing in this book can be a bit stilted at times, and that makes it hard to get into the story. Also, I feel like there’s too many descriptions of Kelsey’s emotions and not enough of a storyline in the first half of the book. The second half does get a lot more interesting, with the five dragons thrown in, but I felt like the author could’ve made more of this part and cut the overly dramatic first part a little shorter. I hate pretentious books, and parts of this one would definitely fall into that category, also the similarities to New Moon by Stephenie Meyer were a little hard to handle (especially since I already didn’t like NM...I didn’t need a rewrite of it thank you very much...)

Characters:

In all honesty, I kind of detested the main character, Kelsey, in this book. In my review of the first book I did not feel like this, on the contrary, I really liked Kelsey. I also really don’t like Ren all that much either, where I used to think he was a pretty good hero. I don’t really care if Kelsey ends up with him, because I no longer care what happens to either of them. Actually I kind of feel like they deserve each other, and Kishan deserves way better. Okay, rant over. Kishan is not the best character ever written. I usually like the ‘bad’ character turned good, but his transformation was a bit unrealistic. However, I did like him more than Ren in this (and I want to say in the previous one as well, but I can’t really remember) installment. He’s caring and patient and fair, while Ren is completely irrational and does stupid things for stupid reasons (Edward in New Moon flashbacks anyone?). Overall, the characters are a little flat and Kelsey is extremely annoying.

Who should read this:

12+, there is very little violence, very mild sexual content and no language that I noticed. If you have a problem with the whole ‘Eastern mysticism’ idea then you might not like this, but like I said in the previous review (which I had to reread to try and jog my memory...didn’t work) a book that contains these ideas as well as fairies (or in this case, dragons) shouldn’t be a problem for people.

My rating:

This was kind of a rant review, sorry, I love the premise of this series, and I think there was a lot of potential with this particular installment’s plotline, but it was just disappointing in my opinion. I can usually excuse one bad book in a series, but two is pushing it. I’m not going to be trying overly hard to find the next book any time soon. 2/5

Quote:

“Your heart knows. Your soul remembers.” (Oh the pretentiousness...)

Read my reviews for 'Tiger's Curse' and 'Tiger's Quest'!

Tidal

Amanda Hocking

Watersong #3

This cover looks cool, but is too
melodramatic...

Summary:

Her only hope lies with her greatest enemies.

Gemma is facing the fight of her life.

Cursed by beautiful but deadly sirens, her extraordinary powers have a terrifyingly dark side, and becoming human once more is proving her greatest challenge yet. As she struggles to break the curse, the sirens, Penn, Lexi and Thea, are determined to kill her before she can set herself free.

Gemma’s only allies are her sister, Harper, and Harper’s boyfriend, Daniel. Together they must delve into their enemies’ mythical pasts – to discover their darkest secrets. But Penn has also set her sights on Daniel. Soon, the sirens threaten everything Gemma holds dear: her family, her friends, her life, and her relationship with Alex-the only guy she’s ever loved. Can she save herself and those she cares about before it is too late?

In One Word: Average (mediocre/not very good)

Plot:

To be honest I would’ve liked some more progress in this book, especially in the first part, where it didn’t seem to really go anywhere. The writing is okay, it’s easy to read, but it’s not something to get excited about. There are also way too many moments where the characters do something completely idiotic and you feel like yelling at them.

Characters:

I don’t particularly like any of the characters in this series. My favourite was in this particular book was probably Alex, since I like troubled characters. The girls are all interesting enough, but I would’ve liked to know more about the sirens’ history and I didn’t get emotionally attached to any of the characters. I do still like the chemistry between Harper and Daniel, but as individual characters they don’t really interest me all that much.

Who should read this:

13+, the language is this book is not exactly mild and the violence throughout is also a little disturbing. There is also a little sexual content. If you enjoyed the previous books in this series you will probably like this one as well, but if you didn’t then don’t bother. This series is not for anyone who want something profound.

My rating:

I didn’t hate reading this book, but it wasn’t nearly as good as it could’ve been. 2/5

Quote:

“And you'd be surprised what you can do to the people you love.”

Read my reviews for 'Wake' and 'Lullaby'!

Lullaby

Amanda Hocking

Watersong #2

Summary: (Warning: Possible spoilers of previous book ahead!)

Gemma tried not to hate them, but it was just too little, and way too late.

Gemma had to disappear with Penn, Lexi and Thea afte a night of incredible violence on the island. She can still barely come to terms with her new affinity with the ocean – and the siren powers that go with it. Now she’s been transformed, Gemma has no choice but to leave all she loves behind. She swears she won’t lose her huanity, but the call of the sea is maddening and compulsice.

Harper won’t give up on her missing sister. The search draws her closer than she’d like to bohemian Danel, but she could really use his help. They’d almost given up, until a small news item tells of a horrific murder in a nearby beach town, and Harper thinks she’s found the deadly group. But can Gemma’s curse be reversed – and what if she doesn’t want to come home?

In One Word: Underwhelming

Plot:

So this was a pretty okay story. There was action, some romance and a little mystery. But overall, it was just a little predictable and there was nothing that made me excited to read it. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t all that good either. The writing is okay, except for some of the dialogue, which was a little stilted and didn’t sound completely natural. Some of the descriptions could also have been better, and some of them got a little repetitive. Overall the story was interesting enough that I want to read the next book in the series, but not enough to get mereally excited about it.

Characters:

I feel like there’s been an little bit of an improvement as far as characters go in this installment. In my review of ‘Wake’ I said I’ll just remember them as ‘that mermaid’, ‘that mermaid’s sister’ etc. In this book they were still a little too flat and generic to make them really stand out, but I liked the chemistry between the characters more in this one. Daniel and Harper especially, since it felt natural for them to develop feelings for each other. The relationship between Gemma and Harper is also not too bad, but it’s nothing extraordinary either.

Who should read this:

12+, there is a little violence and some references to sexual content and also some language. If you liked the previous book you should enjoy this one as well. Don’t expect too much and you won’t be disappointed. If you want a story about mermaids that’s easy to read and doesn’t take a lot of concentration then this would probably be exactly what you want. Don’t read this if you’re looking for something profound.

My rating:

It wasn’t good, it wasn’t bad. There were things I enjoyed and things I didn’t. But overall it was just a little ‘meh’ in my opinion. 2/5

Quote:

Nope, no quotes this time around...sorry...

Read my review for 'Wake' here!

Percy Jackson and the Last Olympian

Rick Riordan

Percy Jackson and the Olympians #5

Summary:

Most people get presents on their sixteenth birthday, I get a prophecy that could save or destroy the world.

It happens when you're the son of Poseidon, god of the Sea. According to an ancient prophecy, I turn sixteen and the fate of the entire world is on me. But no pressure.

Now Kronos, Lord of the Titans, is beginning his attack on New York City. And the dreaded monster Typhon is also heading our way. So it's me and forty of my demigod friends versus untold evil...

In One Word: Brilliant (exceptionally clever)

Plot:

The thing I loved most about this particular installment in this series is the fact that even though it has the most tense and nerve-wracking moments of all the previous books it also had the most humour and funny parts. I really love how the author manages to make you laugh out loud while at the same time making you hold your breath in anticipation for what’s going to happen next (trust me, it’s a really weird feeling, laughing while holding your breath at the same time...you should try it sometime). This book also managed to surprise me, which has not been happening that often lately, so it was pretty exciting that I couldn’t guess what was going to happen next. This also shows that even though it’s a middle-grade book, it isn’t predictable or too simple for older people to enjoy as well.

Characters:

I definitely think that this installment was the best as far as character-development went. Percy becomes a true hero, without completely losing himself and becoming a completely different person. I also liked how Grover went from an insecure, funny guy to a force to be reckoned with. Annabeth didn’t develop that much during this book, but she remains a great character. I also liked Thalia in this installment (if you read my previous review you’ll remember I didn’t like her all that much before), but I really like how she’s changed. Nico is still one of the more interesting characters in my opinion, but I preferred his portrayal in the previous book.

Who should read this:

10+, once again, mild violence, no sexual content or language and if you have problem with mythology, skip this series. If you’re searching for something similar to the first 2/3 books in the Harry Potter series then I definitely suggest these. I don’t think adults will enjoy this as much as younger people, but I do think there's something ageless about this series.

My rating:

This was my favourite book in the series. I loved the action and humor and the storyline and I really liked how the author ended the series, leaving it open enough to make me want to read ‘The Heroes of Olympus’, but not too much so it felt like the series didn’t end at all. 5/5

Quote:

“With great power... comes great need to take a nap. Wake me up later.”

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

Inheritance

Christopher Paolini

The Inheritance Cycle #4

Summary:

It started with Eragon...

It ends with Inheritance.

Not so very long ago, Eragon – Shadeslayer, Dragon Rider – was nothing more than a poor farm boy, and his dragon, Saphira, only a blue stone in the forest. Now, the fate of an entire civilization rests on their shoulders.

The Rider and his dragon have come farther than anyone dared to imagine. But can they topple the evil king, Galbatorix, and restore justice to Alagaësia? And if so, at what cost?

In One Word: Okay

Plot:

If you’ve followed my reviews on this series you know I loved the first two books, but I didn't think the third one was quite up to par and neither was this one in my opinion. I liked it well enough and the story kept me interested, but I felt like the ending to this series should’ve been absolutely epic, and it just wasn’t. I enjoyed reading it, and there were moments that I couldn’t put it down, but overall I didn’t feel like it was as good as it could’ve been.

Characters:

My one problem with this series is that it doesn’t focus enough on the characters, and that makes them seem a little flat. They all have moments where you see a flicker of something more, but then they just end up carrying on as usual. I do still really like the chemistry between Eragon and Arya, and I also really enjoy Saphira (even if I don’t think she was as interesting in this book as in the previous ones). Overall the characters aren’t as developed as I would’ve liked them to be after 3 previous books.

Who should read this:

13+, mainly for the violence and some very mild language and sexual content. The violence can be quite disturbing, but it’s not extremely graphic. If you enjoyed the previous books then you will probably like this one, but don’t expect too much. If you enjoy fantasy then I suggest you try the first two books, since they were my favourites, and if you don’t like them, don’t continue the series.

My rating:

I really wanted to love this book, but honestly I just liked it. There were moments of brilliance, but I felt like the entire book could’ve been brilliant if the author had tried hard enough. The feeling I got from this book is that Paolini didn't try as hard as he should have, but instead just got the ending to the series over with. 3/5

Quote:

“I am not who I was,' he whispered, gripping the edges of the column, 'but I know who I am.'...

'And I won't give up.”

Read my reviews for 'Eragon', 'Eldest' and 'Brisingr' here!

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’. 

Percy Jackson and the Titan's Curse

Rick Riordan

Percy Jackson and the Olympians #3

Summary:

It’s not every day you find yourself in combat with a half-lion, half-human.

But when you’re the son of a Greek god, it happens. And now my friend Annabeth is missing, a goddess is in chains and only five half-blood heroes can join the quest to defeat the doomsday monster.

Oh and guess what. The Oracle has predicted that not all of us will survive.

In One Word: Exciting

Plot:

While the previous books in this series were really good and entertaining, this one stepped up the action and suspense quite a bit. It had way more surprises and twists than the previous ones and I really enjoyed that about it. Apart from that the author stays very consistent, the writing stays easy to read and humorous and the story stays interesting.

Characters:

There is quite a bit of character growth in this installment. Percy realizes what his fatal flaw is, and also learns to see other people more clearly. I still really like Annabeth and Grover, I think they’re great characters that compliment Percy very well. I did not, however, like Thalia all that much. I’m not sure exactly why, but I kept hoping that she wouldn’t stick around with the main characters. The villians are all pretty scary, but they’re not all completely evil (I think). My favourite part is still the humorous ways of the ‘gods’ (e.g. Apollo’s fascination with Haiku’s ever since he’s gotten back from Japan).

Who should read this:

10+, there’s a little violence, but almost no language and absolutely no sexual content. Again, if you have a problem with the whole mythological aspect of these books then don’t read them. If you enjoyed the previous 2 then I would definitely suggest continuing the series. I don’t think adults would really appreciate this series, but I also feel like older teens can enjoy them.

My rating:

I really enjoyed this book more than the previous ones, but not quite enough to give it 5 stars yet. So 4.5/5.

Quote:

Wow," Thalia muttered. "Apollo is hot."

"He's the sun god," I said.

"That's not what I meant.”

Read my reviews for 'The Lightning Thief' and 'Sea of Monsters'!

Fairest

Gail Carson Levine

Summary:

Once upon a time, there was a girl who wanted to be pretty...

Aza’s singing is the fairest in the all the land, and the most unusual. She can ‘throw’ her voice so it seems to come from anywhere. But singing is only one of the two qualities prized in the Kingdom of Ayortha. Aza doesn’t possess the other: beauty. Not even close. She’s hidden in the shadows in her parents’ inn, but when she becomes lady-in-waiting to the new queen, she has to step into the light – especially when the queen demands a dangerous favor. A magic mirror, a charming prince, a jealous queen, palace intrigue, and and injured king twine into a maze that Aza must penetrate to save herself and her beloved kingdom.

In One Word: Beautiful

Plot:

It’s official: Gail Carson Levine is a genius at fairytale retellings. In this book she manages to capture the essence of Snow White, but put a modern and relatable spin on it. Her stories are a little darker than your average middle-grade book, but that’s what I like about them, and they’ll never fall in the category of average anyway. I enjoyed every second of reading this, I liked that it has a positive message about how you shouldn’t judge a book by it’s cover and all, without ever becoming preachy, or making it sound easy to accept yourself fully. I loved the writing, simply because I can’t really remember what the writing was like, I was too wrapped up in the story to take much notice.

Characters:

The characters in this book are incredibly complex and interesting. Our main character, Aza, is extremely relatable (I’m pretty sure everyone’s had those days where they look in the mirror and go: ‘I’m possibly half-ogre’...and were serious about it). I really liked how the author handled the character development with her: she doesn’t end up perfect, or perfectly happy, but it’s okay. I also really liked Prince Ijori, who is probably what every girl should hope for in a guy, without being too unrealistic. The antagonist, queen Ivi, is probably the most interesting of the characters. You don’t know whether to hate or sympathize with her. Overall all the characters are great, they go through significant development without it being too unrealistic and the fairytale characters (ogres, elves etc) are very well handled.

Who should read this:

10+, there’s no objectionable content in this book, and I think it will spread a positive message, so I suggest this for any young girl (or boy). If you’ve read Ella Enchanted and liked it, then I definitely suggest this one (some of the characters from it make an appearance!). If you don’t like childrens’ books, or fairytale-retellings, then don’t read this one. However I feel like this book can appeal to all ages and has a universal message.

My rating:

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I couldn’t put it down. I also really liked that, while this could’ve been extremely similar to Ella Enchanted, it wasn’t. I only thought about EE when some of the characters made an appearance. 5/5

Quote:

Voices and faces aren’t manifestations of good or bad.

Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters

Rick Riordan

Percy Jackson and the Olympians #2

Summary: (WARNING: Possible Spoilers of previous book ahead!)

You can’t tell by looking at me that my dad is Poseidon, God of the Sea.

It’s not easy being a half-blood these days. Even a simple game of dodgeball becomes a death match against an ugly gang of cannibal giants – and that was only the beginning.

Now Camp Half-Blood is under attack and, unless I can get my hands on the Golden Fleece, the whole camp will be invaded by monsters. Big ones...

In One Word: Fun

Plot:

This book drew me in more than its predecessor, maybe because I now know the characters and start caring for them. I couldn’t put this installment down. It was exciting and funny and just a very entertaining read. I really like Riordan’s easy-going writing style and I think this series is everything a good middle-grade series should be.

Characters:

At first Percy annoyed me a little in this book. I felt like he hadn’t learned anything from his previous adventures and he was just as naive as before everything happened. However, this does change as the book progresses and we see him grow. I still really like Annabeth and in this book I felt like the reader gets to see another side to her, which is always good. Grover’s part in this book was just flat-out hilarious, even though he was in a life-threatening situation for most of it... (Possible spoiler: Luke also makes an appearance, and this time he’s even scarier and meaner than before). The new character ‘Tyson’ is also great and you really start caring for the guy. Overall the characters, both old and new, were very entertaining to read about.

Who should read this:

10+, there really aren't any  inappropriate for younger readers, except if you have a problem with the whole mythology aspect of it. If you’re looking for something fun and easy to read or looking for something for a 10-12-year old boy, then I definitely suggest this. I don’t think adults will love this series, but I do think older kids might.

My rating:

Like I said, I couldn’t put this book down, and I couldn’t guess the ending (for a change), so I really enjoyed reading this book. 4/5

Quote:

“Families are messy. Immortal families are eternally messy. Sometimes the best we can do is to remind each other that we're related for better or for worse...and try to keep the maiming and killing to a minimum.” 

The Book Thief

Summary:

While subjected to the horrors of World War II Germany, young Liesel finds solace by stealing books and sharing them with others. In the basement of her home, a Jewish refugee is being sheltered by her adoptive parents.

Plot:

Since I already read this book, I can’t really say much about the plot. One of the great things about this movie is that it didn’t chánge or add anything in the story, it only left some parts out (which is completely understandable). The movie isn’t extremely fast-paced, and knowing what happens at the end made it a little boring to watch, but that is only because I already knew the story, not because I thought it was a bad movie. I liked that they kept a little of the narration by ‘Death’, which was one of the things I liked best about the book.

Characters:

I loved the acting, especially the younger actors, they were really great and seemed to understand the essence of the characters very well. Rudy was my favourite character in the book, and I really liked his portrayal in the movie as well. Liesel is a wonderful character, and Hans and Rosa are both interesting and funny. Overall the characters weren’t exactly as I imagined them, but they were very well handled.

Cinematography:

Beautiful. The colours and lighting create mood and atmosphere, and there wasn’t one scene where I didn’t notice how gorgeous the overall look of the movie was.

Who should watch this:

PG-13, obviously, since this is a WW2 movie, there is a lot of violence. The violence is not extremely graphic, but it is intense and quite scary. If you enjoyed the book then I suggest watching this. If you haven’t read the book, don’t watch it quite yet...GO READ IT! RIGHT NOW!

My rating:

I was not sure how people could make a movie out of this book, but somehow they managed it. It wasn’t nearly as good as the book, but it was a really great movie. 5/5

The Fault in Our Stars

Summary:
Hazel and Gus are two teenagers who share an acerbic wit, a disdain for the conventional, and a love that sweeps them on a journey. Their relationship is all the more miraculous given that Hazel's other constant companion is an oxygen tank, Gus jokes about his prosthetic leg, and they met and fell in love at a cancer support group.

In One Word: Heartbreaking

Plot:

When I read this book I didn’t know if I liked it or not. I feel the same about this movie, but for different reasons (I’m still not sure why I felt that way about the book). It’s really hard to say you loved a movie that is so gut-wrenchingly sad. But you do. It doesn’t make any sense really, to love a movie like this. As far as staying true to the book goes, I think this movie did a pretty good job, I can’t remember exactly what happens in the book, but overall I didn’t notice anything that was really different. The story is beautiful and tragic, and there’s not much more you can say about it.

Characters:

This is where the movie really got to me. I liked the characters in the book, I thought they were ‘real’ and normal, but I didn’t fall in love with them. This movie made me fall in love with them, which made it extremely hard to watch them suffer. Hazel is incredible without realising it, she’s funny and smart and different, without trying too hard. And Gus...Gus is sweet, funny, easy-going and yet a very deep character. Their chemistry is great, they click and you totally get why the one falls for the other.

Cinematography:

Very good, the colours bring out the different moods in the story, but it’s not extremely noticable and it doesn’t distract from the story.

Who should watch this:

If you liked the book, or just need a good cry then I definitely suggest this. If you’re looking for a light, happy movie then this is not the one for you.

My rating:

Rarely do I stay sad after a sad movie has ended. However, this one broke my heart. 5/5

Quote:
I fell in love with him the way you fall asleep: Slowly, and then all at once.

The Knife of Never Letting Go

Patrick Ness

Chaos Walking #1

Summary:

Todd Hewitt is the last boy in Prentisstown.

But Prentisstown isn’t like other town. Everyone can hear everyone else’s thoughts in a constant, overwhelming, never-ending Noise. There is no privacy. There are no secrets.

Or are there?

Just one month away from the birthday that will make him a man, Todd unexpectedly stumbles upon a spot of complete silence.

Which is impossible.

Prentisstown has been lying to him.

And now he’s going to have to run...

In One Word: Haunting

Plot:

I’ve heard many great things about this series, but I never expected this. At first the writing was a little hard to get into, seeing as the narrator (and protagonist) is a little illiterate. The author writes his thoughts, exactly as he thinks them, which means run-on sentences, bad grammar and atrocious spelling, but strangely, this book wouldn’t have nearly the same impact without it. I loved the concept of the mind-reading, and it was executed very well in my opinion. The story is dark and dreary and frightening, but extremely compelling and there’s no way I could’ve put it down once I got into it. It’s a strange feeling, loving every minute of reading such a tragic story (as well as not minding the feeling of being punched very hard at some points while reading...)

Characters:

I liked Todd right from the start, his rebellious attitude combined with his naivity made him an extremely interesting character and the development is really great to see. He’s also not perfect in any way, but manages to learn from his mistakes, and gets to know himself better as the story progresses. Viola is also a very wise, and at times mysterious character. Then there’s the extremely lovable talking dog Manchee, who is the main source of some dry humor from our main character. The villians are also wickedly fascinating and horribly scary, and probably one of the best (and worst) parts of the book.

Who should read this:

13+, there is a lot of violence (some of it really scary and disturbing), as well as some pretty explicit language. There is some mild sexual content, but it’s not extreme or graphic. If you like dystopians, science fiction or fantasy, but you’re tired of reading the same story over and over again, you might like this. I don’t suggest this to anyone who likes happy ‘fluffy’ reads, because you won’t find it here.

My rating:

I loved this book. I didn’t know if I would at the start, but it was all so fascinating and horrible at the same time I couldn’t put it down. I cannot wait to start the next book in the series. 5/5

Quote:

‘Without a filter, a man is just chaos walking.’