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Sarah (7798 KP) rated Gwendy's Button Box in Books
Mar 18, 2019
Wanted more
I’m a massive Stephen King fan and often find that his books fall into two categories; so brilliant that you can’t put them down, or stilll good but somehow lacking his usual brilliant magic.
For the most part, Gwendy’s Button Box falls into the first category. Admittedly this is only a novella, but I couldn’t put it down. It was such an easy read with an intriguing plot and a well developed and likeable main character. There’s just enough intrigue to keep you reading yet it doesn’t explain too much and still leaves you with questions at the end. Any story set in Castle Rock is always a safe bet too. Gwendy is a very likeable character and King always manages to write his child characters well without them seeming too young and childish, which is often a frustration with other books that feature children (especially YA).
My only criticism is that I think this story was far too short. The button box is a great idea and i think they’ve not done it as much justice as it deserves. This could easily have made for a much longer and detailed novel, and would’ve been all the better for it.
For the most part, Gwendy’s Button Box falls into the first category. Admittedly this is only a novella, but I couldn’t put it down. It was such an easy read with an intriguing plot and a well developed and likeable main character. There’s just enough intrigue to keep you reading yet it doesn’t explain too much and still leaves you with questions at the end. Any story set in Castle Rock is always a safe bet too. Gwendy is a very likeable character and King always manages to write his child characters well without them seeming too young and childish, which is often a frustration with other books that feature children (especially YA).
My only criticism is that I think this story was far too short. The button box is a great idea and i think they’ve not done it as much justice as it deserves. This could easily have made for a much longer and detailed novel, and would’ve been all the better for it.
Sam (74 KP) rated Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda in Books
Mar 27, 2019
I really quite enjoyed this. It begins with a lot of mystery which creates a gripping plot right from the start. Blue is introduced almost immediately which left me looking for clues all of the way through the book.
I worked out who Blue was quite quickly, which did leave me shouting at Simon to open his eyes and the big reveal at the end wasn’t as surprising.
I did like that it faced quite modern issues – Simon was called out on an anonymous gossip Tumblr page for his school. I’ve read quite a few books lately that take a focus on cyber bulling and I feel like it is a much-needed topic in YA fiction.
One thing I was unsure of was the justice in the book. Martin blackmails Simon over seeing his emails to Blue yet nothing actually happens to him, despite the fact that he threatened to out Simon if he didn’t do what he wanted. I feel like more could have been done with his character rather than a quick forgive and forget.
I feel like the book needed more, but that’s also why Leah on The Offbeat exists. I can’t wait to get to read it.
I worked out who Blue was quite quickly, which did leave me shouting at Simon to open his eyes and the big reveal at the end wasn’t as surprising.
I did like that it faced quite modern issues – Simon was called out on an anonymous gossip Tumblr page for his school. I’ve read quite a few books lately that take a focus on cyber bulling and I feel like it is a much-needed topic in YA fiction.
One thing I was unsure of was the justice in the book. Martin blackmails Simon over seeing his emails to Blue yet nothing actually happens to him, despite the fact that he threatened to out Simon if he didn’t do what he wanted. I feel like more could have been done with his character rather than a quick forgive and forget.
I feel like the book needed more, but that’s also why Leah on The Offbeat exists. I can’t wait to get to read it.
I think I’m starting to become a fan of dystopia thanks to Matt Haig. Echo Boy was an exciting read and full of surprises.
Set in 2115, Echos are a normal household item. They look like humans, act like humans, but are robots created to help with human tasks. Audrey’s father hates new technology, despite his own brother, Alex, owning Castle Industries – one of the largest technology companies.
Echos are definitely not all they seem though, especially when Alissa, the Echo who teaches Audrey at home, kills both of her parents.
Echo Boy isn’t like anything I’ve read before. It’s young adult dystopia (which I usually avoid) but it’s actually quite adult in the ways it deals with grief and uncovering the truth. It was exactly what I expected from Matt Haig though because even though it’s a dystopia it still takes a serious view on the issues of the real world.
It also focuses a lot on the problems in being part of a generation who are obsessed with technology, such as the over-reliance on it and the susceptibility of it going wrong.
I absolutely loved Echo Boy. It brought me back to YA and is another brilliant novel by Matt Haig.
Set in 2115, Echos are a normal household item. They look like humans, act like humans, but are robots created to help with human tasks. Audrey’s father hates new technology, despite his own brother, Alex, owning Castle Industries – one of the largest technology companies.
Echos are definitely not all they seem though, especially when Alissa, the Echo who teaches Audrey at home, kills both of her parents.
Echo Boy isn’t like anything I’ve read before. It’s young adult dystopia (which I usually avoid) but it’s actually quite adult in the ways it deals with grief and uncovering the truth. It was exactly what I expected from Matt Haig though because even though it’s a dystopia it still takes a serious view on the issues of the real world.
It also focuses a lot on the problems in being part of a generation who are obsessed with technology, such as the over-reliance on it and the susceptibility of it going wrong.
I absolutely loved Echo Boy. It brought me back to YA and is another brilliant novel by Matt Haig.
Kyera (8 KP) rated The Eye of Minds (The Mortality Doctrine, #1) in Books
Feb 1, 2018
As technology advances and virtual reality becomes a standard in gaming - the storyline of Eye of Minds becomes more possible. All you have to do is lay down, let these wires invade your body and the virtual becomes your reality. It simulates pain, hunger and all other aspects of daily life. You can play games similar to Call of Duty by running around and pulling the trigger yourself rather than mashing controller buttons. You can spend real world money to upgrade your games or yourself. Whether your virtual self actually resembles you or not is a matter of personal preference.
We meet Michael, Sarah, and Bryson in the VirtNet. They are best friends even though they have never met before in "the wake" or real life. The three get drafted by the VNS, VirtNet Security, to find a dangerous man called Kaine who has been destroying people' virtual and waking lives.
Their coding abilities and determination are put to the test in a series of trials. They don't make it out unscathed and their lives are changed forever. A must read if you're a fan of the author, books involving technology or action, or just YA novels in general. I definitely recommend it and can't wait to finish the series.
We meet Michael, Sarah, and Bryson in the VirtNet. They are best friends even though they have never met before in "the wake" or real life. The three get drafted by the VNS, VirtNet Security, to find a dangerous man called Kaine who has been destroying people' virtual and waking lives.
Their coding abilities and determination are put to the test in a series of trials. They don't make it out unscathed and their lives are changed forever. A must read if you're a fan of the author, books involving technology or action, or just YA novels in general. I definitely recommend it and can't wait to finish the series.
ashezbookz (32 KP) rated I Like You Like This in Books
Jul 5, 2018
I quite enjoyed this book - there were a bit of issues with transitioning into different mindsets - I prefer when each person is either labelled or there is a space to show there is another person talking, so I had a bit of a problem following along in a few parts, but since most of the book is Hannah it was not a huge issue.
I read an arc of this book, I saw the description and it immediately spoke to me - being a self conscious acne riddled (adult mind you) I was like, hey first hook line and sinker. Hannah's family life is pretty awful for her, she tries to escape I think using Deacon, their time together was actually quite amazing to read. You get those fluffy romances most YA books have and this was different. I thought it was great.
Onto the ending - if I don't get a book 2, or a novella, or SOMETHING I'm going to be very upset, you can't do that to me! You just cant! I'd totally read this book again, and I would recommend it (to certain members of my family/friends, as I know some people wouldn't be interested in the content there's a lot of drug talk, etc.)
I read an arc of this book, I saw the description and it immediately spoke to me - being a self conscious acne riddled (adult mind you) I was like, hey first hook line and sinker. Hannah's family life is pretty awful for her, she tries to escape I think using Deacon, their time together was actually quite amazing to read. You get those fluffy romances most YA books have and this was different. I thought it was great.
Onto the ending - if I don't get a book 2, or a novella, or SOMETHING I'm going to be very upset, you can't do that to me! You just cant! I'd totally read this book again, and I would recommend it (to certain members of my family/friends, as I know some people wouldn't be interested in the content there's a lot of drug talk, etc.)
Russ Troutt (291 KP) rated The Get Down - Season 1 in TV
Jul 18, 2019
The Get Down is ill, straight dope to the max,
It's on point like a needle to the wax.
It's as if Shakspeare grew up in the Bronx,
And was spittin' rhymes deeper than ancient monks.
Mylene's looks would make the Devil sigh,
And her voice would make an angel cry.
Not since Romeo and Juliet have I seen a more passionate fling,
Ezekial loves Mylene like Mylene loves to sing.
Flash, he's the Grand Master,
When it comes to spinning vinyl no one does it faster.
Kung Fu Master Chu met his defeat,
At the hand of Shaolin Fantastic's killer beats.
While the Fantastic Four Plus One be makin' the heat,
Big Annie is the one running the streets.
Tearin' up the dance floors is a man they call Cadillac,
Bustin' moves and bustin' caps, so ya better watch your back.
Like a Bruce Lee karate chop this show is a hit,
Hip to the hop don't want it to stop, for this here is the good good shit.
Turntables spinning circles like piegons in the sky,
It's my new religion and I'm praising it on high.
Like a purple crayon that is full of possibilities,
The Get Down is my new favorite show that you just gotta see.
It's on point like a needle to the wax.
It's as if Shakspeare grew up in the Bronx,
And was spittin' rhymes deeper than ancient monks.
Mylene's looks would make the Devil sigh,
And her voice would make an angel cry.
Not since Romeo and Juliet have I seen a more passionate fling,
Ezekial loves Mylene like Mylene loves to sing.
Flash, he's the Grand Master,
When it comes to spinning vinyl no one does it faster.
Kung Fu Master Chu met his defeat,
At the hand of Shaolin Fantastic's killer beats.
While the Fantastic Four Plus One be makin' the heat,
Big Annie is the one running the streets.
Tearin' up the dance floors is a man they call Cadillac,
Bustin' moves and bustin' caps, so ya better watch your back.
Like a Bruce Lee karate chop this show is a hit,
Hip to the hop don't want it to stop, for this here is the good good shit.
Turntables spinning circles like piegons in the sky,
It's my new religion and I'm praising it on high.
Like a purple crayon that is full of possibilities,
The Get Down is my new favorite show that you just gotta see.
Christine A. (965 KP) rated Turtles All The Way Down in Books
Jan 23, 2019
John Green's "Turtles All the Way Down" introduces us to sixteen-year-old Aza, a teenage girl with mental health issues who is desperate to blend in and just be a normal teenage girl. After giving in to Daisy's, her best friend, nagging, the two girls attempt to solve the mystery surrounding the disappearance of Russell Pickett and collect the reward. Aza was not planning on connecting back with Davis, Russell's son, whom she knew when they were kids, but she does.
Of course there is romance, but it is not the focus of the story. It is more than just a typical YA romance novel. It deals with handling mental illness, going to counseling, thinking you are crazy, and knowing your uncontrollable behaviors are not normal. It is about trying to manage the pressures of being a teenager - family, school, friends, and a boy.
John Green's novels have probably touched as many people today as had John Hughes's movies in the 80s. He focuses on real teenage problems and allows a glimpse inside their thoughts and feelings. He allows young adults to realize they are not alone, that others feel the same way, and “Your now is not your forever.”
Of course there is romance, but it is not the focus of the story. It is more than just a typical YA romance novel. It deals with handling mental illness, going to counseling, thinking you are crazy, and knowing your uncontrollable behaviors are not normal. It is about trying to manage the pressures of being a teenager - family, school, friends, and a boy.
John Green's novels have probably touched as many people today as had John Hughes's movies in the 80s. He focuses on real teenage problems and allows a glimpse inside their thoughts and feelings. He allows young adults to realize they are not alone, that others feel the same way, and “Your now is not your forever.”
Merissa (12069 KP) rated One Wish Away in Books
Dec 17, 2018
I received this book from YA Bound Books Tours and NetGalley as part of the blog tour in return for a fair and honest review.
This book has a unique (as far as I know) concept in that scientists have figured out the way to harness the energy from stars into actually making wishes come true. The name for this project is the Cricket Project ie Jiminy Cricket from Pinocchio.
It is a slow burner that builds up and tries to incorporate a lot of different elements into it - high school, romance, sci-fi, government plots, time alteration to name just some. Because of this, it can be quite jumpy as it flits from one aspect to another. There were also some aspects of it that just seemed completely unbelievable - and that's if you turn a blind eye to the actual star part of it. For example, a 16-year-old that thinks it is perfectly acceptable to go sneaking into a government building by stealing her dad's pass-card. And then nothing happens once she is caught except that she is offered a job!
An interesting concept with a twist but just not right for me. I liked it but I won't be going any further with the series.
This book has a unique (as far as I know) concept in that scientists have figured out the way to harness the energy from stars into actually making wishes come true. The name for this project is the Cricket Project ie Jiminy Cricket from Pinocchio.
It is a slow burner that builds up and tries to incorporate a lot of different elements into it - high school, romance, sci-fi, government plots, time alteration to name just some. Because of this, it can be quite jumpy as it flits from one aspect to another. There were also some aspects of it that just seemed completely unbelievable - and that's if you turn a blind eye to the actual star part of it. For example, a 16-year-old that thinks it is perfectly acceptable to go sneaking into a government building by stealing her dad's pass-card. And then nothing happens once she is caught except that she is offered a job!
An interesting concept with a twist but just not right for me. I liked it but I won't be going any further with the series.
Anne (15117 KP) rated Frankly in Love (Frankly in Love, #1) in Books
Nov 4, 2019
Thanks to Libro.fm and Penguin Random House Audio for letting me listen and review this book. I was curious about this book since everyone was talking about it so I decided to check it out and I'm glad I listened to the audio because I don't think I would have done as well reading it. It was a little challenging for me to finish it even with the audio as it was.
I liked the story idea and premise to the story with the fake dating trope and the insight into Korean culture and family and culture issues and differences. It was a good portrayal of YA/teen years and crushes and romances and other things. There were a few things that caught me off guard, but for the most part, it seemed to be pretty straight forward.
This isn't my usual reading genre, but I thought it was alright although my biggest things were 1-it seemed a bit long, which is one of the reasons why audio helped and 2 - the language - there was so much profanity and language that I didn't enjoy, so that's my two cents on that.
If you like romance, fake dating tropes and such then you'll probably like this.
I liked the story idea and premise to the story with the fake dating trope and the insight into Korean culture and family and culture issues and differences. It was a good portrayal of YA/teen years and crushes and romances and other things. There were a few things that caught me off guard, but for the most part, it seemed to be pretty straight forward.
This isn't my usual reading genre, but I thought it was alright although my biggest things were 1-it seemed a bit long, which is one of the reasons why audio helped and 2 - the language - there was so much profanity and language that I didn't enjoy, so that's my two cents on that.
If you like romance, fake dating tropes and such then you'll probably like this.
Sarah (7798 KP) rated The Institute in Books
Nov 26, 2019
Would make a great film
Supernatural abilities and horrific events are nothing new for Stephen King, but this is the first time we've seen his take on The Maze Runner/X-Men and most other recent YA novels or films. And it's really rather good.
I wouldn't say it's up there with his knockout classics or epic stories, but this is a hugely entertaining read with some endearing and well developed characters. Even the kids in this are a lot more likeable than most other whinging teens that feature as protagonists in other novels, and it's just proof that King really does know how to do characters. The story itself is interesting and a neat new take on the supernatural/superhero powers that we're so used to seeing nowadays. My biggest issue is the ending. It's not terrible or even bad at all, it just comes across as very anticlimactic after the huge build up and is rather a bit of a letdown. It just seems a little too clean and wrapped up all too quickly.
Still I struggled to put this down, especially the further I got into it, and if you like stories about supernatural abilities then this is definitely one to read.
I wouldn't say it's up there with his knockout classics or epic stories, but this is a hugely entertaining read with some endearing and well developed characters. Even the kids in this are a lot more likeable than most other whinging teens that feature as protagonists in other novels, and it's just proof that King really does know how to do characters. The story itself is interesting and a neat new take on the supernatural/superhero powers that we're so used to seeing nowadays. My biggest issue is the ending. It's not terrible or even bad at all, it just comes across as very anticlimactic after the huge build up and is rather a bit of a letdown. It just seems a little too clean and wrapped up all too quickly.
Still I struggled to put this down, especially the further I got into it, and if you like stories about supernatural abilities then this is definitely one to read.