The Circle

The Circle by Dave Eggers

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


So I went on a bit of a reading hiatus, which I'm not very proud of if I do say so myself. That being said, The Circle re-inspired me to reenter the world of books.

The story starts with one Mae Holland earning a job at a company called the Circle (with the help of a favor from her former college roommate Annie). The campus of the circle seems like absolute perfection. There are top notch facilities for employee to utilize and even rooms where employees can spend the night if they just don't feel like going home. With numerous parties, there is no down time, and employees are expected to be as social as possible, zinging, commenting, posting, and sharing their experiences with those around them and with people who would otherwise be unable to do these activities. To withhold information and documentation about such an experience is considered selfish. When Mae meets the mysterious Kalden, everything is kicked up a notch...and to go further than that is to spoil the magic of The Circle, in my opinion.

I think what I loved so much about this book is that fact that it relates to society today. The online world is becoming one that takes up a good portion of my life as a teenager in public school. I'm going to college next year, and I use my phone and Facebook to keep in contact with those that I will be spending a lot of time with next year. After reading this book, let's just say that I was inspired to keep my phone out of reach a little more often and keep up face-to-face interaction with those around me. The experience of that can't be matched by a bright screen (as I sit here writing this review on a computer and talking on Skype with some friends I play League of Legends with...oops). In any case, this book made me take a second look at my life, the way I spend it, and also at the government and what's going on there these days...

Anyways, I highly, highly recommend this book to any readers looking for something more, something that will make them think. The Circle is more mature than what I have read in the past, and it was a very pleasant change of pace. Happy reading(:



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The Immortal Rules

The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Being that I was introduced to the world of Fantasy and Science Fiction YA books by vampires, I still have a soft spot for their stories. This made it easy and instinctive for me to want to read this book. That and the fact that it was written by one of my favorite authors. Many people believe that the vampire created and portrayed in so many ways that it's impossible for it to be unique any longer. Julie Kagawa took a risk by fighting these thoughts, and it sure paid off.

Let's get straight to the point here. These vampires are bloodsuckers, and they must feed on human blood for survival. No one sparkles, and they all monsters. But according to the very wise Kanin, "There will come a time when the road before you splits, and you must decide your path. Will you choose to become a demon with a human face, or will you fight to become a demon until the end of time, knowing you will forever struggle alone?"

Allison Sekemoto is an Unregistered living in the Fringe of a vampire city. The advantage of this is that she doesn't have to answer to any vamps or their pets, doesn't have to go to the regular bloodletting. This also means that she is not provided with food, and she resorts to living with a few other teenagers in a "gang" to scavenge for food and for survival.

One day when her gang leaves the boundaries of the city in an attempt to retrieve a large store of food, they are attacked by the ravaging rabids. As Allie lies dying as a result the assault, a vampire known as Kanin offers her a choice. Death, or death and another chance to "live." Of course she picks the latter, and the show must go on.

When Allison ends up on her own, she eventually joins a group of humans where her struggle to remain as human as possible begins. But she will always be a monster.

I don't want to spoil anything, since that wouldn't be fun for anyone, so I'll just say that this story is one to remember. The internal struggle is just as thrilling as the ever so present action scenes. The mechanics of living life as a vampire are flawless and completely unique, as well as the concept of creating rabids. The only aspect that I didn't like was the times spent traveling and searching for food. Although I know it's essential and needs to be included, I've read a bunch of books where that's all it consists of and now it will get on my nerves in the slightest doses. So most everyone else will likely not be bothered by this.

And, as always, I must make a comment on the leading man of the book. Ezekiel. Stay strong. The odds will be overcome...hopefully. If the sequel to this comes out on NetGalley, you can bet that I will be requesting it :).

Highly recommended.

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Clockwork Prince

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Cassandra Clare has done it again. After loving The Mortal Instruments series so much, I didn't think it was possible, but The Infernal Devices has proved itself to be even better. The characters have found a way into my heart and rooted themselves there in a way that no other author has been able to accomplish.

To start out, there's Tessa Gray. She has developed so much from the weak and innocent girl that she was at the beginning of Clockwork Angel. The betrayal of her brother Nate, her development of her ability to Change, and her new training with the Lightwood brothers has made her into a fighter. She is not useless and such an easy target in battles any longer. And when it comes to her love dilemma...I'm completely for Will, but the strength with which her emotions are delivered cause even myself to be torn. (When I take a step back though, I know I will always be rooting for Will.)

And then there's Will Herondale himself. Much more of his background is revealed, and we learn that he has been forced to distance himself from everyone in his life that may care for in the slightest way in fear that it could lead to their death. For 5 years he pushed everyone away, causing him to keep all his feelings to himself and make him into a hardened shell. When he finally has the chance to open up...it can only be too late *insert ominous music here*. He's so hot *insert FAN GIRL SCREAM here*.

I'm sorry James/Jem Carstairs, but I have no good words for you right now. You have prevented Will and Tessa from being together, but I still can't hate you since you are such a gentleman and will always treat Tessa right and the way that she deserves. I hate you for that, but I also love you. Please die from opium now. Thank you.

As for the main plot, there is definitely no shortage of action. A spy lurks under the roof of the institute once again, automatons result in tragic moments, and one of Henry's inventions finally work. Thank goodness. And at the perfect time as well. I honestly think this is my favorite scene in the entire book. This small moment of glory is short-lived, but it was deserved by such a sensitive yet vital character who does not see enough action.

Readers will not be disappointed by this book. Even though you may think you've seen all that Cassandra Clare can deliver in Shadowhunter world, but you are ever so wrong.


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What I'm Reading

I pre-ordered this book in February and it's finally here. Edda by Conor Kostick. Most of my readers have probably never heard of this series. It's perfect for gamers like myself, but it would still find a place in the hearts of science fiction readers. If you want to check the series out, the first book is called Epic, and the second is Saga. Edda is the final book of the trilogy, and once I find it (I already lost it -_-) I will definitely read and have a review up for you all soon.

Also, I started reading the book The Water Wars. I forget the author but in the book water is basically sacred and extremely valuable. I was reading this book while relaxing in the pool, which is a complete waste of water. I found that pretty ironic.

Happy Reading :)

Borders

Most people have probably heard that all Borders stores are closing now... When I heard the news I was extremely upset. That was the only bookstore nearby where I could wander through the shelves to find new undiscovered books. I went to the store this weekend and picked up a ton of books during the closing sale, so look for some new reviews soon.

Elemental

Elemental by Tiffany Dominguez
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

In a nutshell, Elemental was unique but not up to it's full potential. It's been a while since I read this book and I honestly don't remember the main character's name, but I can review the style and whatnot.

The story starts out great, original creations that are well explained so that I won't get lost along the way. Or so I thought. The characters are also well developed and I feel like we are going to become great friends xD. Cheesy, I know. But about halfway through, everything changed. The plot felt rushed while not getting anywhere at the same time. The action scenes are seemed the same and I found myself thinking, didn't this already happen? And the romance was definitely forced for me. All of a sudden the two characters went from mortal enemies to lovers destined to be together. Not exactly believable to me.

All in all, the story has potential. The author herself showed me this book, so I was extremely happy to write this review. I even look forward to a sequel to see any improvements of the fabulous idea.

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The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My favorite book. Hands down.

I read The Hunger Games for the first time in 7th grade, about 3 years ago. Even though I've grown and read many new books since then, this one always tops them. I finally decided to write a review and get it all out.

Katniss Everdeen lives in the country of Panem, built from the ruins of what was North America. Governed by the Capitol, 13 districts rose, each with a different job to perform. But when the displeased districts rebelled, they were shut down and the 13th district was destroyed for good. To remind them of the Capitol's power, every year a girl and boy between the ages 12 and 18 must be put into The Hunger Games, a fight to the death. In District 12, Katniss' home, going into these games is basically a death sentence. But the reaping has come once again...may the odds be ever in your favor.

I was captivated from the first page. Katniss was unlike any heroine I had ever read about. She was extremely independent and completely had the confidence that I hope to find in myself one day. I looked up to her and still do. The male leads each held their own as well. Peeta and his soft, tender ways. Gale and his determination and plain awesomeness. Even Haymitch and his drunk but wise personality made me fall in love. (And don't forget Cinna. Everyone loves a man with a sense of style.)

Collins' writing style had such variety and purpose that no scene felt unnecessary or boring. Even when they weren't packed with action, they were packed with emotion. For weeks after reading I couldn't stop thinking about where the plot could lead and even made up a few possibilities in my mind. I'm proud to say that I read this book right when it came out and that I've spread it's love to MANY of my friends. LOVE <3

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Update!

At the moment, I have a couple books that I plan to review. But I'm just not in the mood. I need to be inspired by a book right now. I have a ton of books on my shelves but none are really jumping out at me! If anyone has any suggestions for a book that will give me that amazing feeling that The Hunger Games gives me...hmm maybe I should read it again...let me know. I'm going to Borders this weekend and any fresh ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Summer's Crossing

Summer's Crossing by Julie Kagawa
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I didn't know it was possible for a series to improve with every book until I discovered the one and only Julie Kagawa. Even though this is just a novella, it is packed with enough action and emotion to be its own book. I would love to have this book as a hard copy to just hold in my hands and stare at for a long, long time.

Summer's Crossing kicks off with our main men. His royal iciness, Ash, and scheming jokester, Puck. they're on a search for the Grimalkin, who, unfortunately, is basically impossible to find unless he wants to be found. This task will require a good amount of time. Time they don't have. And Leanansidhe is about to take some of it away. She's calling in a favor from Ash. Her problem: Queen Titania has stolen her brand new "violin". And she wants Ash and Puck to steal it back.

Told from Puck's point of view, this story has an entirely different mood than the other books in the series. He uses jokes and sarcasm to keep the feeling light, but underneath he sometimes hides secrets that he will never share. Puck has a huge inner struggle throughout the novella. What's more important? His happiness with the woman he loves, or the complete happiness of the woman he loves when she is with the man who has vowed to kill him? I can see why the decision is a tough one. Let's just hope he makes the right one ;).

Reading Summer's Crossing was a great refresher of where Iron Queen left off, and it left me wanting to return to the world of Faery for more adventures. New environments were explored once again, and I feel like there's place I can wonder off to in my mind whenever I want. Everything is so vivid. It's one of my favorite things about these books.

Short book, short review, but it has definitely secured a long-term spot in my memory.

Update

Hey everyone! I've been missing for a few days but don't worry, I'll have 2 new reviews soon! The end of the school year rush with finals and everything has really been getting to me. Soon I'll have plenty of time to crank out those reviews. The upcoming reviews will be for Z (I'll have to check on the author) and Summer's Crossing by Julie Kagawa.

Girl in the Arena

Girl in the Arena by Lise Haines
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

This is going to be one of my harsher reviews. I don't like it, but it has to be like this :(

In Girl in the Arena, the Roman gladiators from the past that now seem slightly like fantasy have become the reality of the future. When Lyn's 7th father is killed fighting an American title match, his opponent is allowed to take anything that belonged to the loser. Of all things, he picks up Lyn's dowry bracelet. Which means she has to marry him.

I found myself having a hard time getting into this book right from the start. The strange dialogue using dashes instead of quotes, the flat characters, and the slow pace turned me away.

Ex. -Are you all right? she asks, her voice raspy and urgent and I know she's been crying and chain smoking all night. -- There's even another dash in that same paragraph that doesn't lead to dialogue and I just can't follow it.

As for the flat characters, I didn't even care that her father was killed. He just seemed like a thing. Not a person. A disposable thing. I didn't know anything about him that made him who he was, and when he was gone, I didn't feel a thing. Normally I cry when my new-found friends are killed off...Nothing. *spoiler* Even the suicide of her mother who was Lyn's support didn't faze me. It wasn't even clear that she was dead at first. So I was just confused. *end spoiler*

The slow pace never improved. The attempts at "twists" in the plot were just unnecessary and also left me wondering why I was still reading the book. (The answer is that I hate leaving something without knowing what happens. No matter how terrible it is.) The unique premise made me think that there would be a lot of fast-paced action, but it all led up to one scene that just died out in the end.

So my suggestion--don't spend your time reading this book. If you feel compelled to know what happens, just read about it online.

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Eon: Dragoneye Reborn

Eon: Dragoneye Reborn by Alison Goodman
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I had high expectations for this book. Which made it all the more disappointing when I finally got around to reading it and turned out to be nothing special.

The main character, Eona (16 yrs old), must pretend to be a boy (12 yrs old) in order to be a candidate to be chosen by 1 of 12 dragons to be a Dragoneye. She uses the excuse of being a Moon Shadow, a boy who does not mature, as an excuse for looking feminine. She is also crippled, which helps her hide her womanly curves. This is because women are not allowed the special position of Dragoneye, but her special ability to see the dragons is enough for her new master to train her. Obviously, this secret will become a problem.

Throughout the entire book, I kept waiting for something spectacular and unexpected to happen. That moment never came. (It could be that I've just been amazing at predicting things these days so nothing surprises me.) The story was dragged out to a point where I had to go back and reread things because I kept skipping pages. Way too much time was spent on unnecessary description that did not contribute to your imaginative picture or the moving of the plotline. It was so slow going that I had to force myself to keep reading. The plot had so much potential. Hopefully it's carried out in a better way in the sequel, Eona. Yes, I will be reading it.

Most of the characters were forgettable, except for a select few such as Prince Kygo and Lady Dela. They had some nice outstanding features, but other than that, I got all the people confused.

Overall, I was glad I read the book for the sake of the creative plot and the battle action that takes place in the end. It was lacking in the romance that I always like, but not every book can have that so the action scene at the end was a nice replacement for me. I would actually give the book 2.5 stars, but decided it was closer to 3 than 2 since I can't give halves.

I'll probably pick up Eona soon because I need a definite conclusion to the books I read.

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Bumped

Bumped by Megan McCafferty
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Going into this book I expected it to be all about one thing. Sex. To my delight, it went much deeper than that.

The two main characters, Melody and Harmony, are twins who were separated and birth and finally reunited. At first the two names were interchangable to me. But as the book got going, there was a distinct difference between the personalities of the girls that made them easy to tell apart. The thing was, they were learning new things about themselves along with you. This made for a great read.

Melody lives in a world where teenage girls are bred to bump. Because of the Virus that has been quickly spreading, only girls teenagers are able to become pregnant and keep the world population stable instead of rapidly decreasing. Melody has an agent, has all of the right looks and talents, has a family to bump for, and is just waiting for the right guy to bump. A professional. Not an everythingbut.

Harmony was raised in a completely different way. Being a slightly sickly child at birth, she was sent to be raised by the church. They tought her what to think, and she was never allowed to question the teachings. She was due to be married at 13, but things didn't follow through. Now she has a new finace, Ram. Will things work out better the second time around?

When Harmony shows up on Melody's doorstep, everything changes. The girls discover things about themselves that they hadn't known before, and both of their worlds change.

The only thing the book was lacking was the need for a bit more detail. Not necessarily for the "business" scenes, but for the more friendly and playful ones. I would have liked to know more about Melody's friends and peers. And I definitely would have liked more interaction with Zen. He was such a great guy. One that everyone wants to have on their side.

I definitely recommend this book, but mostly for girls ages 13 and up.

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Divergent

Divergent by Veronica Roth
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hands down, the best book I've read since the Hunger Games. All of the advertisements were right on the money.

Divergent is a book unlike any other that I've read. It leaves you questioning who you are as a person and what's really important to you. It also shows why having a variety of traits and values shape the person you are.

Right away, the reader is taken into a new world in the Abnegation faction. It might as well be a crime to look at yourself in a mirror in the selfless place. But soon you are also introduced to the 4 other factions, each of which has one outstanding characteristic. And it is our main character's job, Beatrice, later known as Tris, to choose which one to spend the rest of her life in. But is it really a choice when the 5 options are predetermined?

For most teens, this decision is an easy one. Each person is given a test that will leave you will one result. Most pick this result as their faction. The test doesn't do it's job for Beatrice though. She could belong in one of three different factions. She is Divergent. And being Divergent could mean death.

Through triumph and loss, Tris has to realize who true self, and she has some help along the way. (This book definitely isn't lacking in the romance department either. Which is good because I need my hot imaginary men.) All of the characters were brilliantly written. I knew what each of them would say if I had a conversation with them.

I can't wait for the sequel that I'm expecting to be as breathtaking as the first. Veronica Roth, thank you for the gift of this book.



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The Iron Queen

The Iron Queen by Julie Kagawa
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful.

Meghan Chase is not the same girl that we met in the first book of the series (is it still considered a trilogy with The Iron Knight?). She doesn't want anyone else to die for her, so she takes it upon herself to learn how to fight and protect herself. She no longer has to rely on Ash and Puck, but they're still extremely helpful when things get a little too dangerous for Meghan to handle. Not to mention they're both extremely hot. Just saying.

Oh, where to start with Ash? The Winter prince has never been hotter. Personally, I want to keep him for myself, but in this book we actually get to see his true love for Meghan. Before, you couldn't tell if it was real because he was always hiding his feelings. The Winter prince and the Summer princess were never supposed to be together, but now that they are, they don't have to hide anything. Ash's love for Meghan is so obvious in the book and which is a great and refreshing change. Puck doesn't stand a chance. <3 Ashallyn'darkmyr Tallyn.

The way Kagawa creates even more of Faery and the Nevernever through descriptions in this book is just brilliant. I feel like I'm standing in the world with our 3 heroes, and that my life is at risk too when they go into battle. I can see all of the features perfectly in my head, and I want to stay there and never return.

Every second is filled with action, whether it's in Faery, the real world, and even Leanansidhe's realm in-between. New discoveries are constantly made that bring the gang closer to bringing down the false king, but with plenty of suspense to keep you wanting more.

This is definitely the best book I've read in a while, and getting it early makes it all the more special. The only problem is that I now have a longer wait until The Iron Knight comes out! But I'm sure it will be worth the wait :). The story of the one and only Ashallyn'darkmyr Tallyn (I love his name so much!).

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Misguided Angel

Misguided Angel by Melissa de la Cruz

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This is one of my first reviews, but I'll do my best :)



Misguided Angel is the 5th book in the Blue Bloods series, and I consider it to be one of the best yet.



The story had constant action with only a few slow parts that were necessary for the understanding of the book. The plot with the angels just keeps getting more in depth and I can't wait to see where Melissa de la Cruz takes it. There is so much that can come out of this storyline.



Additionally, I was so happy to finally see the relationship between Schuyler and Jack. It seemed unrealistic in the first few books, but without Mimi there to come between them, it seemed genuine and I loved every minute of it. I can't wait to read Bloody Valentine for this reason. The addition of the new characters such as Deming and Paul was also a nice touch. You get to see some new personalitys and Cruz made me love the new just as much as the old.



I just couldn't put it down. The story was unlike that of the previous books in the series, and I wanted more the whole time. There were so many twists. When something seemed easy, there was always more to it.



The only thing I didn't like was that the main ploit seemed disconnected from that of the other books, but it was all tied together in the end and I can't wait for more.



I definitely recommend it.



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Sophie's World

Hello to anyone who stumbles upon this blog..it's basically just me talking to myself for now.

At the moment I'm reading the book Sophie's World by Jostein Gaarder. My swim coach basically forced me to read it as a way to learn to enjoy swimming more. Well, so far it's just making me hate my coach for many reasons.

The book started out like any other. I was introduced to the main character, Sophie, and her family and friends. Then things started getting strange. And boring. Sophie received letter after letter of philosophy lessons in the mail from a mysterious man named Alberto. I thought my brain was going to explode when I tried to read more than 20 pages of the lessons at once. The author doesn't even try to make philosophy slighty interesting for those who have no interest in it whatsoever, which is a main reason that he wrote the book.

At the point in the story that I have reached(I finally got halfway through after 2 weeks), things are just getting stranger in stranger. People are turning out not to be real and I really don't see how this is helping me with swimming... it's just prevented me from reading my usual fantasy fun books :). I'm probably going to read it through to the end, but that's just because my coach is going to make me...