Search

Search only in certain items:

    Lucky's Tree of Puzzles

    Lucky's Tree of Puzzles

    Games and Education

    (0 Ratings) Rate It

    App

    ***** 5/5 smartappsforkids.com: "The best of the best for educational apps, with amazing content,...

The Wanderers
The Wanderers
Meg Howrey | 2017 | Science Fiction/Fantasy
8
6.0 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
Initially, I had received a free copy of this book for an unbiased review, but did not read it in the allotted time. I finally borrowed it from my local library to sit down and read it.

This book is the story of three astronauts chosen to go on a simulation trip to Mars, in preparation for a real trip in the future. It is also, though, the story of the family members left behind during the simulation, and their relationships with the astronauts. Each chapter is written from a different character's view point, and while in some books this is distracting, Howrey manages to perfect the art of it. Each character is distinct, their growth and changes during the 18 months very much their own.

I am typically not a fan of books where the ending is not...a complete ending, but in this particular book it felt like it was the only way to end the book. I found myself, towards the end, fearing the moment when all the answers to questions would come...and that sort of goes against what the rest of the book depicts.
  
Hex Hall (Hex Hall, #1)
Hex Hall (Hex Hall, #1)
Rachel Hawkins | 2010 | Fiction & Poetry
8
8.0 (12 Ratings)
Book Rating
Hex Hall was funny, cute, and exciting. Sophie had a witty, slightly sarcastic interior monologue and it made it fun to read, even though the writing itself wasn’t good per se.

A very good aspect of Hex Hall was the mystery side. I had no idea who the “bad guy” was (there turned out to be more than one!) until the very end, and I had no idea what was going to happen.

My only complaint was the ending: it wasn’t very good. It left unanswered questions, and there was no closure. It just… ended. Like the ending of a chapter, it felt like there should have been at least one more paragraph. One more paragraph to make you feel like Sophie was confident and knew what she was doing, and that everything was going to turn out right. But… it ended slightly lame.

Except the ending (as in the very last two pages) Hex Hall was a light funny cute read, and I look forward to the next book in the series.

Content/Recommendation: Clean, some small descriptions of violence. Ages 12-18
  
LT
Last to Die (Sheridan, #2)
Kate Brady | 2010
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
I enjoyed Last to Die. I remember enjoying One Scream Away more I think, but then it was last year. The plot was very well thought out and complex, and because of that and the somewhat unclear writing style, at times I just followed along and hoped it would clear up in the end. It did, and everything was explained. I wouldn't have understood what was going on if it hadn't been for alternating the viewpoints between the protagonists and the antagonists, though.

 

The ending with Dani and Mitch could have been a little more, I think. It almost felt a little empty, like it was lacking some physical or mental release of tension. In fact there could have been more between Dani and Mitch the whole way through… her falling for him for the second time seemed just too easy.

 

All in all though, the plot was great, the writing was readable though a little confusing at times, and the characters were likeable. Dani and Mitch (ok…especially Mitch) definitely hold a place on my list as top hero's.

 

Content/Recommendation: language, some sex. Ages 18+
  
IH
I Hate You, Kelly Donahue
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Mark hates Kelly Donahue. He is going to fight her to the death. and kill her. physically. This journal contains his research, data, death plans, and detailed drawings (well, or not so detailed, but still entertaining) of what she will look like when she is dead.

After finishing this book—and while I was reading it, for that matter—I really wasn't sure what to think of it. Was Mark in love with Kelly, but in denial? was he literally insane? Who knows! Either way it was hilarious.

I can't tell you much about it, because it's pretty short, and if I give you any more details than I have, reading it won't be as much fun. I recommend if you like humor, graphic novel-styled books, or journal-esque novels, grab this one next chance you get!

I'm going to have to keep this one on my "I'm bored out of my mind and I need a good laugh at someone's obnoxiously violent sense of humor" shelf.

Yes I totally have a collection of books like that.

Content/recommendation: A little bit of strong language, some (not explicit) sexual content, and drawings of… body parts. Ages 18+
  
7H
72 Hour Hold
8
8.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
Your daughter has just turned 18 and recently diagnosed with bi-polar disorder. After being placed on a 72-hour hold she is released from the hospital. When you go to pick her up, she is gone and there is nothing you can do about it. She's technically an adult, so she is free to go about her business. Meanwhile, you worry, where is she, what is she doing, is someone hurting her, is she hurting herself. What measures would you go through to protect your child, even though she is an "adult". How can you help someone who doesn't want to be helped. Would you take drastic measures to insure that your daughter gets all the help she needs. Her father is in denial and the support group just says, "Hang in there!" After the 3rd or 4th 72-hour hold for her daughter, Trina, Keri tries some extreme measures to help her daughter with her mental illness. Going through her own struggles in trying to help her daughter, Keri finds out a lot about her lie and the life of her daughter, and exactly how to help them both.
  
He's Captured My Heart
He's Captured My Heart
6
6.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
He caught my heart is more of a romance story than anything. It mainly about Libby Stewart. Her dad had a client come in and is to show her around.

Alex comes with his friend and business partner. This friend name is Michael. There quite a few things going on as you turn the pages of the book. Though Libby and Alex have a little trouble keeping from being a part.

Though the story starts out about Libby brother Ethan and his struggles to raising his daughter. There seems to be a story of romance. We see a villain in the story that use to be Libby boyfriend. Libby is trying to heal from a broken heart. Alex seems to have other plans for her.

She is attacked by her ex-boyfriend. What will happen to them? Will Libby trust the stranger or will she let him go? I advise this book for though that really like romance but also watch with the age you allow your children to read. For it really has some sexual acts and has some scenes where they are nude together. I suggest the of age 18 and up is best for this book.
  
With Malice
With Malice
Eileen Cook | 2016 | Mystery, Thriller, Young Adult (YA)
10
9.5 (2 Ratings)
Book Rating
<a href="https://awindowintobooks.wordpress.com">Full Review</a>
With Malice by Eileen Cook is a Young Adult (YA) thriller that is enjoyable to read. The story is about an 18-year old named Jill, who wakes up in the hospital but the twist is that she has no memory of the previous six weeks of her life. She is told that she spent part of that time in Italy with her best friend but was involved in a fatal car accident. Two Jill the car accident does seem to be so accidental based on what she is being told.

The main character is unreliable yet it add a level of suspense and creativity, which kept me interested in the story. Jill's narration was spot on yet it allowed me to form my own ideas and theories regarding the mystery.
There are different points of view and clues from investigators to reporters to followers. Overall, I enjoyed the story very much. I found it interesting and a good breathe of fresh wait to the YA genre.

I received this book from the published via NetGalley for an honest review.