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Jaime Lynch (18 KP) rated The Handmaid's Tale in Books
Jul 3, 2017
A dystopian novel not of the YA variety
I originally read this book because it was part of the Bioethics curriculum that I inherited at a high school I worked at. As I was reading it, I realized it wasn't your average high school blah fest. (That being said, now that I am rereading some of the books assigned in high school, those high school books aren't actually all that bad...it's amazing what reading for pleasure vs. reading for assignments can do) Some parts were like-...what...? and other parts were like WHAT??!??!?!?!??! Definitely kept me interested throughout. Just the right amount of backstory sprinkled throughout to help keep you following but still keep you wondering.
Finale
I really enjoyed the first two books which were set during the two games of Caraval that the two sisters Scarlett and Donatella were involved in. This one not so much. There wasn't a game as such, it was more about saving the land from an evil tyrant.
The concept of the Fates was good. I think in a book written for adults this could have been explored in more depth, but this is for a younger audience so detail was lost.
And oh for goodness sake, what's with all the kissing!!!! It is essentially a book about love, and obviously for a YA audience (the main characters are about 16 and 18) but there was just too much of it.
The concept of the Fates was good. I think in a book written for adults this could have been explored in more depth, but this is for a younger audience so detail was lost.
And oh for goodness sake, what's with all the kissing!!!! It is essentially a book about love, and obviously for a YA audience (the main characters are about 16 and 18) but there was just too much of it.
After the Fall (War of the Fae, #5)
8.0
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NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR, ELLE CASEY, brings readers Book 5 in the YA Urban...
Heather Cranmer (2721 KP) rated The Summer of Shambles (Ondine, #1) in Books
Jun 7, 2018
This book really took me by surprise!
The description didn't really entice me to read it, but the fact that the I loved the cover did! I know, I know, never judge a book by its cover, but I did, and I'm so glad I did!
When I read the first chapter, I thought I'd end up not finishing the book as I found it incredible dull and boring. However, by the second or third chapter, I was hooked! So please don't give up on this book if you're not into it by the second chapter.
I loved the characters of Shambles/Hamish (even if he did talk with a Scottish accent, lol) and Ondine. Ondine came across as being very sweet whilst Shambles/Hamish came across as being very opinionated.
I loved, loved, loved the fact that the author included very funny footnotes as I believe this actually did make the book that much better.
I also like the fact that this book doesn't take itself too seriously. It's a very light read, and I felt it was very fast paced.
There were a lot of sub-plots going on which made it more interesting.
I'd definitely recommend this book for anyone in middle school and all other ages that love YA. It's a sweet read =)
The description didn't really entice me to read it, but the fact that the I loved the cover did! I know, I know, never judge a book by its cover, but I did, and I'm so glad I did!
When I read the first chapter, I thought I'd end up not finishing the book as I found it incredible dull and boring. However, by the second or third chapter, I was hooked! So please don't give up on this book if you're not into it by the second chapter.
I loved the characters of Shambles/Hamish (even if he did talk with a Scottish accent, lol) and Ondine. Ondine came across as being very sweet whilst Shambles/Hamish came across as being very opinionated.
I loved, loved, loved the fact that the author included very funny footnotes as I believe this actually did make the book that much better.
I also like the fact that this book doesn't take itself too seriously. It's a very light read, and I felt it was very fast paced.
There were a lot of sub-plots going on which made it more interesting.
I'd definitely recommend this book for anyone in middle school and all other ages that love YA. It's a sweet read =)
Book Divas (227 KP) rated Everealm (Everealm, #1) in Books
Dec 12, 2017
I received a free copy of this book when I signed up to host the review tour via YA Bound Book Tours. I made no guarantee of a favorable review and the opinions expressed here are my own.
Before I begin let me say that I found the cover of this book to be pleasing to the eye.
Now, if you love reading books about royalty and their drama filled lives then you will definitely want to read this and if you also enjoy romance, then know that you have hit the jackpot. The story line kept me glued to every turn of the page and the author's world building creativity made me feel like I was there experiencing it all. Instead of telling you who my favorite characters are I will tell you which characters I hated with every fiber of my being; Vacilla and Silas as they truly made life a living hell for the people around them.
I found the characters to be well written and I loved reading this book. This book contains just the right amount of romance, drama and adventure. I will definitely be reading the second book. Kudos to J.D. Wright for a fantastically written fantasy.
Before I begin let me say that I found the cover of this book to be pleasing to the eye.
Now, if you love reading books about royalty and their drama filled lives then you will definitely want to read this and if you also enjoy romance, then know that you have hit the jackpot. The story line kept me glued to every turn of the page and the author's world building creativity made me feel like I was there experiencing it all. Instead of telling you who my favorite characters are I will tell you which characters I hated with every fiber of my being; Vacilla and Silas as they truly made life a living hell for the people around them.
I found the characters to be well written and I loved reading this book. This book contains just the right amount of romance, drama and adventure. I will definitely be reading the second book. Kudos to J.D. Wright for a fantastically written fantasy.
Merissa (13919 KP) rated Torn (Reflections, #2) in Books
Apr 4, 2023 (Updated Apr 10, 2023)
Finally, a complete book which tells the story from the other perspective. You find out in this book why Alec reacted in certain situations the way he did. You also find out more about the lives of Alec and his shapeshifter family, the Coun'hij, how his mum became the way she is and more importantly the fight between Alec and Brandon from Alec's point of view. You know, I've read this scene twice now from two different points of view and it still takes my breath away!
This is the twin to Broken and as such I would say is more of a 'guy' book. There is lots of violence as the packs fight, there is in-fighting within the packs as some members jostle for ranking. However, as a 'girl' I read this book and thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it.
After reading Broken and Torn, I would definitely recommend to any YA, shapeshifter, Twilight fan. I can see this series just getting better and better.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
August 6, 2016
This is the twin to Broken and as such I would say is more of a 'guy' book. There is lots of violence as the packs fight, there is in-fighting within the packs as some members jostle for ranking. However, as a 'girl' I read this book and thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it.
After reading Broken and Torn, I would definitely recommend to any YA, shapeshifter, Twilight fan. I can see this series just getting better and better.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
August 6, 2016
Whatchareadin (174 KP) rated Home in Books
May 10, 2018
Home is a YA novel. This story was short and sweet.
Allie is 14 years old and she is about to enter her 17th foster home. Her only goal is to get back to her mother. She, along with her younger twin siblings, Luke and Madeline just want to stay together at home. Allie tries every trick in her foster care book to get them home as soon as possible. At first, her tricks work, but she will soon learn that home may not be all that it's cracked up to be.
This was a really short book and a quick read. I think I finished the whole thing in about 3 hours. This is a great book for any young person who is struggling in foster care. No matter how hard or difficult things are back at home, that is where kids in foster care prefer to be. Not all foster homes are as great as the one Allie has just landed in, but she has gotten pretty lucky this time.
I encourage all young people to read this book.
**I received this book from Story Cartel in exchange for my review.**
Allie is 14 years old and she is about to enter her 17th foster home. Her only goal is to get back to her mother. She, along with her younger twin siblings, Luke and Madeline just want to stay together at home. Allie tries every trick in her foster care book to get them home as soon as possible. At first, her tricks work, but she will soon learn that home may not be all that it's cracked up to be.
This was a really short book and a quick read. I think I finished the whole thing in about 3 hours. This is a great book for any young person who is struggling in foster care. No matter how hard or difficult things are back at home, that is where kids in foster care prefer to be. Not all foster homes are as great as the one Allie has just landed in, but she has gotten pretty lucky this time.
I encourage all young people to read this book.
**I received this book from Story Cartel in exchange for my review.**
Merissa (13919 KP) rated Bittersweet (Faerie Song Trilogy #2) in Books
Apr 12, 2023
Just like the first book, this one is incredibly fast-paced and full of detail. The triangle that was hinted at in book 1 becomes stronger for a time before fading away to just two, but which two and will it last? This book is full of action and betrayal. It is hard to know who to trust and that is as a reader! I don't think I could cope with it for real.
One thing that I have to say is that it does become disjointed in places - and this is not me saying it due to being interrupted whilst reading because I wasn't - but at times, I did have to go back a page or two, just to see if I had missed something out.
On the whole, though, this is a very well-written, imaginative and descriptive piece of work. Having read books 1 and 2, I stand by my recommendation to all fans of YA Fantasy.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
July 29, 2016
One thing that I have to say is that it does become disjointed in places - and this is not me saying it due to being interrupted whilst reading because I wasn't - but at times, I did have to go back a page or two, just to see if I had missed something out.
On the whole, though, this is a very well-written, imaginative and descriptive piece of work. Having read books 1 and 2, I stand by my recommendation to all fans of YA Fantasy.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
July 29, 2016
Cori June (3033 KP) rated Once Upon a Winter's Night (Faery, #1) in Books
Nov 21, 2021
Makes you think (2 more)
Vocabulary
Riddles
But of a mary sue (1 more)
Sometimes drags
This is a good book based on a Norse fairytale. The main character is a bit of a Mary Sue. But it does have some deep subject matter. I'd file it as a winter book. Makes you think and can challenge some views.
The book can be somewhat draggy, as an epic fiction it's alright and doesn't kill itself in. Purple prose.
It's a good book if you want to expand your vocabulary or have High School assignments that are like "pick a book and write the sentence when it uses a word you don't know." Or was that just my english class? Anyway, I'd say it's good for ages 14 and up if they are tired of the kids section and not ready for the bloody. hardcore adult or too snooty (or hate the love triangles) for the ya fantasy. Its pretty easy to follow so if you want to put your toe in for epic fantasy but aren't sure if you want to start you can start here. It's part of a series but can be read alone.
The book can be somewhat draggy, as an epic fiction it's alright and doesn't kill itself in. Purple prose.
It's a good book if you want to expand your vocabulary or have High School assignments that are like "pick a book and write the sentence when it uses a word you don't know." Or was that just my english class? Anyway, I'd say it's good for ages 14 and up if they are tired of the kids section and not ready for the bloody. hardcore adult or too snooty (or hate the love triangles) for the ya fantasy. Its pretty easy to follow so if you want to put your toe in for epic fantasy but aren't sure if you want to start you can start here. It's part of a series but can be read alone.
A Bibliophagist (113 KP) rated Red Rising in Books
Jan 26, 2020 (Updated Jan 26, 2020)
Good characters (3 more)
Good development
Well paced
Fun
YA tropes at times (2 more)
Derivative
Gary Stu
Lord of the Flies revisited
Lord of the Flies, meets Battle Royale, in the future to determine the strongest to lead the ruling class.
I will open with, had the main character been a woman, I completely believe this would be considered a YA book. All the bullet points are there, future society, classes, a lowest class person who is chosen to overthrow higher class. This person is perfect, attractive, intelligent, strong. He assumes the role of a higher class, taking over their life Char Aznable style, so they can enter an "institute" where all the smartest and strongest are placed to... kill each other until the strongest survive.
Every time I tried to describe this book, I got a little embarrassed, I was met with eye-rolls and "wait let me guess...". However, overall I'm a sucker for these violent stories a la Lord of the Flies and a sucker for SciFi so I ate it up and really enjoyed it. Most reviews claim the main character to break the "mary sue" mold, he doesn't, he's super mary sue, likable, but Mary Sue nonetheless. The other characters really drew me in on this one, and his interactions with them, and his feelings toward them even though they were his enemies, I loved every part of that.
So even though it was incredibly derivative, and very much the fixings of a YA, I devoured it, and immediately bought and read the second, I almost read all three in one week, but took a break on the third to read something else.
I will open with, had the main character been a woman, I completely believe this would be considered a YA book. All the bullet points are there, future society, classes, a lowest class person who is chosen to overthrow higher class. This person is perfect, attractive, intelligent, strong. He assumes the role of a higher class, taking over their life Char Aznable style, so they can enter an "institute" where all the smartest and strongest are placed to... kill each other until the strongest survive.
Every time I tried to describe this book, I got a little embarrassed, I was met with eye-rolls and "wait let me guess...". However, overall I'm a sucker for these violent stories a la Lord of the Flies and a sucker for SciFi so I ate it up and really enjoyed it. Most reviews claim the main character to break the "mary sue" mold, he doesn't, he's super mary sue, likable, but Mary Sue nonetheless. The other characters really drew me in on this one, and his interactions with them, and his feelings toward them even though they were his enemies, I loved every part of that.
So even though it was incredibly derivative, and very much the fixings of a YA, I devoured it, and immediately bought and read the second, I almost read all three in one week, but took a break on the third to read something else.