Dystopian stories have been making it to the big screen quite often in the past year. Hearing that one of my favorite series would be joining such films was a thing I've been anticipating with relish. Veronica Roth has created an amazing world in her Divergent series. Looking at the trailer for the first novel, I am absolutely excited to see how they bring to life the bravery of Tris and the world of the factions. The release date for this film is March 21 so make sure you go out there and read the book or better yet the series!
Monday, December 16, 2013
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Sunday, November 10, 2013
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Horde Review
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| 432 pages |
The horde is coming. Salvation is surrounded, monsters at the gates, and this time, they're not going away. When Deuce, Fade, Stalker and Tegan set out, the odds are against them. But the odds have been stacked against Deuce from the moment she was born. She might not be a Huntress anymore, but she doesn't run. With her knives in hand and her companions at her side, she will not falter, whether fighting for her life or Fade's love. Ahead, the battle of a lifetime awaits. Freaks are everywhere, attacking settlements, setting up scouts, perimeters, and patrols. There hasn't been a war like this in centuries, and humans have forgotten how to stand and fight. Unless Deuce can lead them. This time, however, more than the fate of a single enclave or outpost hangs in the balance. This time, Deuce carries the banner for the survival of all humanity.
Review:
Review:
This an amazing and exciting conclusion to the Razorland series! Deuce has experienced so much that helps her to develop into the leader she needs to be. The relationship between Deuce and Fade has been tested and its hard to see whether they will overcome the barriers that now stand between them. We get to see Tegan change into a stronger version of herself without losing her caring and helpful nature. Stalker also exhibits some changes for the better although things aren't all that great between him and Deuce. The Freaks are developing at a faster rate than anyone can imagine and its interesting to find out more about them and the reason behind their changes. I love that we get to experience what the rest of the known world is like through Deuce's eyes. There are many different towns left that all have different reactions and ways to keep the Freaks at bay. The war between the Freaks and the humans isn't an easy one to be won by any means, and there are quite a few devastating losses. Everything comes down to a final battle which is both exciting and brings some new revelations along with it as well. If you have read the Razorland series, you will not be disappointed by this ending. I definitely recommend you pick up this novel if you like dystopian fiction but make sure to read Enclave and Outpost first.
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Allegiant Review
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| 526 pages |
The faction-based society that Tris Prior once believed in is shattered—fractured by violence and power struggles and scarred by loss and betrayal. So when offered a chance to explore the world past the limits she’s known, Tris is ready. Perhaps beyond the fence, she and Tobias will find a simple new life together, free from complicated lies, tangled loyalties, and painful memories. But Tris’s new reality is even more alarming than the one she left behind. Old discoveries are quickly rendered meaningless. Explosive new truths change the hearts of those she loves. And once again, Tris must battle to comprehend the complexities of human nature—and of herself—while facing impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice, and love.
Review:
A lot of this novel was pretty anticlimactic. I feel like so much more could have happened but instead it stays safe although with a surprising and quite heartbreaking ending. While Tris has revealed the lies about her society, nothing prepares her for what the world is actually like outside of it. Tobias finds himself doubting his own mind more and more with everything new he learns about the outside world. Of course these doubts only create problems between Tobias and Tris as they try to reconcile themselves to new truths. Being Divergent turns out to mean something completely different from what the society thought and both Tris and Tobias deal with that revelation in their own way. There are even more revelations and lies wrapped around in the world outside and Tris has no choice but to once again stand up and do what's right to help the people she loves. I didn't enjoy this novel as much at the others and I was left in shock and dismay at the way it ended. However, if you have read Divergent and Insurgent, you should read this just to finish up on the series.
A lot of this novel was pretty anticlimactic. I feel like so much more could have happened but instead it stays safe although with a surprising and quite heartbreaking ending. While Tris has revealed the lies about her society, nothing prepares her for what the world is actually like outside of it. Tobias finds himself doubting his own mind more and more with everything new he learns about the outside world. Of course these doubts only create problems between Tobias and Tris as they try to reconcile themselves to new truths. Being Divergent turns out to mean something completely different from what the society thought and both Tris and Tobias deal with that revelation in their own way. There are even more revelations and lies wrapped around in the world outside and Tris has no choice but to once again stand up and do what's right to help the people she loves. I didn't enjoy this novel as much at the others and I was left in shock and dismay at the way it ended. However, if you have read Divergent and Insurgent, you should read this just to finish up on the series.
Monday, November 4, 2013
Movie Monday: Vampire Academy Trailer
If you recognize the name Richelle Mead, then you already know all about the Vampire Academy series. If you don't then stop whatever you're doing and go pick up books 1-6 and enjoy. While I'm not too sure how this movie shall pan out, I'm only hoping for great things to reflect an amazing series.
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Sunday, October 6, 2013
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Hero Review + Giveaway of Enchanted
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| 304 pages Release date: October 1st, 2013 |
Rough and tumble Saturday Woodcutter thinks she's the only one of her sisters without any magic—until the day she accidentally conjures an ocean in the backyard. With her sword in tow, Saturday sets sail on a pirate ship, only to find herself kidnapped and whisked off to the top of the world. Is Saturday powerful enough to kill the mountain witch who holds her captive and save the world from sure destruction? And, as she wonders grumpily, "Did romance have to be part of the adventure?" As in Enchanted, readers will revel in the fragments of fairy tales that embellish this action-packed story of adventure and, yes, romance.
Review (ARC):
I was especially excited to see that there was a second book in the Woodcutter Sisters series and this does not disappoint. Saturday is probably the sister we knew least about. Saturday is tough and independent but feels like she's the most useless one in her family. All of Saturday's other sisters have gone off and had grand adventures and Saturday is more than ready for one of her own. Although this story is mostly Saturday's tale, we also get to see things from a new character, Peregrine's point of view. He is an exceptionally interesting character to say the least. I love the ease with which this story ties-in to some of my favorite fairytales. There is plenty of exciting moments and some surprising romance although it doesn't distract from Saturday's journey to find her self. If you enjoy adventurous stories with plenty of wit then you will definitely enjoy this novel. I definitely recommend this to those who love fairytales and a strong heroine, just make sure to pick up Enchanted and give that a read first.
Ms Book Queen is sponsoring a giveaway of a SIGNED copy of Alethea Kontis' first book Enchanted. Enter below! *This contest is open to US residents only and closes on 10/09/2013 at midnight.
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Sunday, September 29, 2013
Friday, September 27, 2013
Exile Review
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| 576 pages Release date: October 1st, 2013 |
Sophie Foster thought she was safe. Settled into her home at Havenfield, surrounded by friends, and using her unique telepathic abilities to train Silveny--the first female alicorn ever seen in the Lost Cities--her life finally seems to be coming together. But Sophie's kidnappers are still out there. And when Sophie discovers new messages and clues from the mysterious Black Swan group, she’s forced to take a terrifying risk—one that puts everyone in incredible danger. As long buried secrets rise to the surface, it’s once again up to Sophie to uncover hidden memories—before someone close to her is lost forever.
Review (ARC):
This is a series I unexpectedly discovered and have fallen in love with. The entire story is something that is fresh and exciting to read and I can only imagine where the author will take us next. Before you read any further into this review, if you haven't read the first novel of this awesome series, go pick up Keeper of the Lost Cities. I promise you won't regret it. Sophie is the main character who has discovered that even though she was raised in the human world, she is in actuality an elf (the graceful, beautiful kind). Sophie has a lot to contend with, especially with understanding herself and wanting to understand the people who made her. I love all of the changes we get to experience in Sophie and I can't wait to see what happens as she continues to grow and develop new abilities. The other characters in this novel all have distinct personalities that make them come alive on the pages. A few new friends are introduced as well and they definitely add both entertainment and adventure to this novel.There has also been the hint of a love triangle or square for the past two books, but as the characters are still quite young, nothing has really developed out of them yet. There is plenty of adventure and some sadness in this novel which really pull on your emotions and make you long to get to the end of the book to see if everything turns out ok. I absolutely loved this novel and I definitely recommend it if you love elves, fantasy fiction, or just an entertaining story. I can't wait to see what the author comes up with next in this amazing tale!
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Monday, September 2, 2013
Island of Fire Review
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| 464 pages Release date: September 3rd, 2013 |
The magical world of Artimé is gone. The Unwanteds have no food, no water, and no hope. And everyone is looking to Alex Stowe for answers. Overwhelmed and feeling totally helpless, Alex knows it's up to him to find a way to restore Artimé, rescue his captive friends, and free Megan from her voice-stealing necklace of thorns - three impossible tasks. But could help lie with the silent, orange-eyed newcomers? Meanwhile, Alex's twin brother Aaron continues to build his army in the stark land of Quill, preparing for the ultimate showdown with the Unwanteds. But a shocking twist reveals that Alex and Aaron share a common enemy more dangerous than either could have imagined...
Review (ARC):
The last book pretty much left off in a dark place so I was especially excited to get my hands on this novel and see what happens next. Alex has so much on his plate now that its hard to imagine how he will ever be able to contend with it all. It's almost a reflection of what his twin Aaron is going through except for the fact that Aaron plotted and schemed his way to power. Alex has to grow up and take on a leadership role which he wasn't completely prepared for and its hard to watch him come to certain realizations about what this new life may mean for him. Then there are Lani and Samheed trapped on an island that puts them through unspeakable horrors. We get to see another one of the islands and it really makes you wonder what other terrible things might be on the other islands surrounding Artime/Quill. This novel is one huge adventure full with triumph, action, and then leaving us once again hanging off the edge of a cliff. I definitely recommend that you read this novel if you love a good fantasy tale, but make sure to pick up the first two novels The Unwanteds and Island of Silence.
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Sunday, August 4, 2013
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Jack Templar and the Monster Hunter Academy Review
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| 375 pages |
After barely surviving the onslaught of monsters that tried to kill him the day before his fourteenth birthday, Jack Templar leaves his hometown on a quest to rescue his father and discover the truth about his past. Joined by his friends Will and T-Rex, and led by Eva, the mysterious one-handed monster hunter, Jack sets out for the Monster Hunter Academy where he hopes to find answers to his questions. Little does he suspect that the Academy is filled with dangers of its own, many of them more terrifying than anything he’s faced so far.
Review:
The first book was pretty short and left me curious about Jack Templar. I was really glad that this story was longer and gave more of an in depth look at the Black Guard and what it really means to be a Monster Hunter. Jack hasn't completely accepted everything about his new life, but he is still amazingly brave and tries to defend those who may not be able to defend themselves. I admire the fact that Jack's friends have found their place at the Monster Academy as well, although it does create some tension between Jack and Will. We're introduced to a new character, Daniel, who seems to want nothing more than to make Jack's life miserable just for bearing the Templar name and expectations. Although Jack has just started at the Monster Academy, he manages to get into all sorts of chaos, and the danger that is Ren Lucre has a huge impact on his life there as well. Although this novel isn't non-stop action, it moves along at a nice pace building up to and ending that is jam-packed with danger and adventure. I definitely recommend this novel if you like monsters, mythology, and kids who fight evil. Make sure to pick up Jack Templar, Monster Hunter first and give that a read before tackling this one.
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Perception Review
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| 234 pages |
Eternal Life is To Die For. Seventeen year old Zoe Vanderveen is a GAP—a genetically altered person. She lives in the security of a walled city on prime water-front property along-side other equally beautiful people with extended life spans. Her brother Liam is missing. Noah Brody is a natural who lives on the outside. He leads protests against the GAPs and detests the widening chasm they’ve created between those who have and those who don’t. He doesn’t like girls like Zoe and he has good reason not to like her specifically. Zoe’s carefree life takes a traumatic turn. She’s in trouble and it turns out that Noah, the last guy on earth she should trust, is the only one who can help her.
Review:
This isn't an exceptionally exciting book, nor is it a boring one. I guess the best way to describe it is as a bit bland. However, I did admire the world created here and the story behind it. The name definitely reflected the book's main theme. There are perceptions on both sides as a GAP and as a natural when neither side truly have made the time to know and understand the other. Zoe is a GAP and although she is unbelievably book smart, she is exceptionally naive about the world outside of her GAP city. Enter Noah, a natural who hates GAPs but based more off a bias passed along from his parents than anything. The relationship between Zoe and Noah progresses pretty quickly and for someone who hates GAPs, Noah gets over it fast. Then there is the huge mystery behind Liam's disappearance. I have to admit it was hard to figure out the details of that one and the reason completely caught me by surprise. There are so many secrets in the GAP society that continuously impact the lives of Zoe and everyone around her. Although I can't say I completely connected to this story, I am interested to see how things continue in the next novel. If you like futuristic dystopian type novels then don't count this book out, you might enjoy it.
Monday, July 8, 2013
Movie Monday: Carrie
How many people know Carrie is a novel by Stephen King? And not just any novel, his first published novel. Apparently its also one of the most frequent banned books in US schools as well. Bet that just makes you want to read it!
I'm pretty sure we've all seen the 1976 movie and its interesting to say the least that they've remade it. I'm actually pretty interested to see how this updated version sticks to the original story.
I'm pretty sure we've all seen the 1976 movie and its interesting to say the least that they've remade it. I'm actually pretty interested to see how this updated version sticks to the original story.
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Monday, July 1, 2013
Shutdown Review
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| 320 pages Release date: July 2nd, 2013 |
The battle is all but over, and hope seems to be lost. Zoe and her fellow Resistance fighters are on the run, having lost their home, their protection, and their leader. They are outnumbered and outmatched by the powerful corporation that controls the world, and the cruel Chancellor is inches away from completing a scheme that would kill most of humanity. Zoe's only remaining option is to chase the impossible dream of upending the Link system, freeing the world from the hardware that controls their thoughts and emotions, and hope it will trigger a revolution. The plot requires a nearly impossible mission to infiltrate the dangerous Community, and it is a task that Zoe must unfortunately complete alone. With challenges and surprises at every turn, nothing goes according to plan. Adrien's visions of the future now show two possible outcomes: one in which they succeed, and one in which humanity falls. It all lies in Zoe's hands.
Review (ARC):
What an amazing ending to an awesome series! If you've read the series so far, then you know that things seem to have taken a turn for the worst. Zoe has been through so much since first being rescued from the Community and its amazing that she is able to step up and take the leadership role she was born to fill. Adrien is a completely different person after the cruelty he endured, and its hard for Zoe to connect with him like she used to. Then there is the evil Chancellor who always seems to be a step ahead of the Resistance and is getting close to completely destroying them altogether. Despite all of this you can see the growth Zoe has experienced and her determination to make things right and free humanity from the Link. This novel has a lot of action and adventure which keeps the story moving at an exciting pace. Everything culminates into a jaw-dropping ending with an unexpected twist in one of the characters. I definitely recommend you read this novel if you like books about kids with awesome powers or dystopian novels, but definitely pick up Glitch and Override before you tackle this one.
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Friday, June 28, 2013
After Daybreak Review
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| 336 pages |
Dawn returns from L.A. with terrifying news: In his greed for power, the maniacal Day Walker Sin is raising an army and infecting his followers with the Thirst—a rabieslike disease that will turn them into mindless killers. To stop him, Dawn and Victor will have to convince humans and vampires to work together before it’s too late.
Review:
All I can say is I absolutely LOVED this novel! This is such an amazing vampire series that builds up to an amazing end. Dawn is the ideal heroine, strong and smart, despite everything she has found out that has the potential to completely change her life. Victor continues to be the strong supportive guy I'm sure we all love. I liked the fact that we get to see more of the inner workings of the vampires in this novel. There is a lot of action and excitement as Dawn and Victor travel trying to save everyone they love. All of my questions are answered at the end of this book although I do wish we had been able to see if Dawn experiences any physical changes after what she's discovered. This whole series has been a mass of adventure and danger and this last novel wraps it up neatly. I definitely recommend you read this novel if you like vampire and dystopian fiction, but make sure to read Darkness Before Dawn and Blood-Kissed Sky first.
Monday, June 24, 2013
Movie Monday: The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Trailer
By now I'm sure we've all heard of The Hobbit and if you're an avid reader, probably read it as well. If you haven't read the book you should definitely go pick it up. The movie makers decided to split the book up into three movies. The first movie, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, was amazing! And now finally the trailer for the second is out. I absolutely cannot wait all the way until December for this movie to be released!!!!!
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Dance of the Red Death Review
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| 336 pages Release date: June 11th, 2013 |
Review (ARC):
Well this was interesting. By interesting I mean not really exciting but captured my attention long enough to finish it. The one thing about this series is that the world created is so bleak and full of despair that you just don't know whether anything the characters do will make it better. Araby has grown a little but not by much, as she still has a certain weakness that I don't like to see in heroines. The whole love triangle between Araby, Elliot, and Will is just downright depressing at times since it seems like everyone is using Araby for one reason or another. Prospero is supposed to be this big bad villain but he mostly does some strange things and I feel like the confrontation between him and Araby isn't as exciting as it should be. Despite all of these small issues, the story itself is one full of danger and action with an ending that will either satisfy you or upset you depending on who you want Araby to end up with. I would recommend this to those who have read Masque of the Red Death, but if you haven't, this isn't really a must-read.
