"If I Stay" by Gayle Forman (N1)

I Bawled My Eyes Out

If I Stay

By Gayle Forman

# Pgs: 304

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Overview:



In the blink of an eye everything changes. Seventeen ­year-old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall what happened afterwards, watching her own damaged body being taken from the wreck. Little by little she struggles to put together the pieces- to figure out what she has lost, what she has left, and the very difficult choice she must make. Heartwrenchingly beautiful, this will change the way you look at life, love, and family. Mia's story will stay with you for a long, long time.

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Review:

You know, I never realized until I started to blog about the books that I've read how many books have actually made me cry. Seriously, up until this point I thought I was something of an "untouchable". If that isn't an obvious enough clue about this book, then maybe this is: This book made me cry.

Gayle Forman's If I Stay is a realistic fictional novel about a girl who seemingly loses it all. Everything.

Almost.

Mia, the main character, is held in a state where she's the only one capable of making a choice. The choice. The most important choice that each of us face at least once in our life, if in different situations; the choice between letting go and holding on.

And as the reader, we get to relive along with Mia the sudden violent cataclysm that brought her to this point. It's a touching, thoughtful read. It makes me consider what choice I would've chosen if I were put in her situation... It also makes me think about what in my life makes it worth living.

Forman's an intelligent author. Using flashback and imagery to paint the devastation in my mind, Forman forcefully brings a relatable, tragic, heart-strong teenage novel to the table at dinner, making the feast so very bittersweet. While I ate up the words of this book in a day, I found myself both laughing and crying simultaneously.

The truth is that I find the best out of books that contain tragic storylines. I don't believe in fairy tales or happy endings; they don't exist.

That's probably most often why I like to read fairy tales or paranormal fictions; it's so interesting how many different perspectives there can be about one type of subject. That's probably why I most often read paranormal fictions, but why tragic, realistic or historical fictions are my favorites.

This book does not make it to that category I have that I call "favorites", but I'm fond of it. You have to be careful when you read this that you're sure this is the type of book you want to read. Some people might find this disconcerting as while it seems somewhat paranormal as Mia is a spirit while she has to make this very important decision, it is overall not. Mostly this book is realistic, with an out of body experience on Mia's part and loads of powerful memory flashbacks.

I love-like this book, so I'd give it a very if-y four point five out of five. I would recommend this book to people who like realistic tragedies. Thanks for reading.

What's Up With The World? (M2)

The Beneficial Properties

of

Reading

Books

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Has anyone else ever been asked in that irritating tone of voice, "Why do you read?" In the case of some students here a little less literate than I, it's not even asked with an actual interest in "why I read". No, instead it's a sneer upon their face and that tone of voice like reading is beneath them. It's "Why do you even like reading?" After a time, although it's a question that makes me want to roll my eyes and ask "Why do you even like breathing?" I've actually began to consider my answer to this often-asked question.

Why do I like to read?

Keeping in mind that reading is a glorious experience that, with the proper words and proper person telling it, will "take you to other places of your imagination"; there are plenty of reasons why to keep reading besides the fact that I enjoy it.

Reading a good book boosts your creativity, your imagination. Likewise, your empathy for the characters and for other people becomes greater. It builds your concentration and attention, it encourages you to chase your dreams, to achieve your life goals.

Reading improves your writing skills, your vocabulary, and your analytical thinking. Your mind, your brain, is a muscle with it's own neuro circuit developed just for reading. This comes from the need to focus on language, your vision, and the associative learning that takes place as you read a book with a plotline. By working out your brain, you keep your mind sharp and, essentially, young. In the end, reading protects your brain from Alzheimer's.

When you read a book, you have time to think about what is happening. As the reader, you have the unique ability to press pause and absorb it all in. If you're watching a movie or listening to music, then you generally don't press pause to think about what is happening. For a movie, you press pause to make popcorn or go to the bathroom.

Most of all, what I like about reading, is that you experience the story. As you read you imagine what's happening, the great plot, the complications, the interactions between the characters or between the protagonist and the antagonist, that takes place. Although it might be written from a different POV, a different gender, a different species, a different name; a reader connects to the character that isn't all that possible when you watch a movie. Because there's a difference between experiencing the story and watching it happen with someone else experiencing it.

You want to ask me why I like reading? Why do you like playing video games, or watching tv, or playing around on your iPod? Why do I like reading? Why do you follow boy bands, or play sports, or watch movies?

I like reading because I don't like it. I love it. Reading is as much a part of me as the lungs in my chest and my two left feet. It's there, and there are so many possibilities out there in the world that exist, so why not use it? Why not read?

I like reading because I do.

That's pretty much it.

"The Forest of Hands and Teeth" by Carrie Ryan (M1)

Hmm...

The Forest of Hands and Teeth

By Carrie Ryan

# Pgs: 336

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Overview:



In Mary's world there are simple truths. The Sisterhood always knows best. The Guardians will protect and serve. The Unconsecrated will never relent. And you must always mind the fence that surrounds the village; the fence that protects the village from the Forest of Hands and Teeth. But, slowly, Mary’s truths are failing her. She’s learning things she never wanted to know about the Sisterhood and its secrets, and the Guardians and their power, and about the Unconsecrated and their relentlessness. When the fence is breached and her world is thrown into chaos, she must choose between her village and her future—between the one she loves and the one who loves her. And she must face the truth about the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Could there be life outside a world surrounded in so much death?

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Review:

I read The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan a couple of years ago, but I still have that impression that reading this book had left on me back then. Honestly, the fact that I remember this book at all is a miracle. I have a terrible memory, especially when it comes to the books that don't evoke enough emotion from me when I read them.

But Carrie Ryan's book I remember because it was anything but generic. The storyline was something that I've never come across before, the idea somewhat original. Though at some parts The Forest of Hands and Teeth got just a little boring to read, I found myself following the main character's example by paying attention.

I remember the thought that it seemed almost like it was two books in one; like there were two major moments in the books that could've been climaxes. There were likewise two areas in the book where I thought I'd be reading the last sentence of this first book but, to my surprise, I found it continued on.

Ryan wrote this book with very nearly wonderful imagery, but at some points I felt like the characters themselves were underdeveloped. Reading this book I remember thinking that Ryan could've taken this book to the next level, but she just settled for what is. There were so many opportunities that presented themselves for Ryan to mix it up, to throw in some kind of spice and really send us reeling. I was a little disappointed that the book was as flat as it was, but for some reason (probably the fact that it was very different and so very interesting despite the dull tones at points) it capture my curiosity. However I can't help wishing that Carrie Ryan would've added some sort of meaning to the story other than just mindless romance and mindless zombies. It was just such an easy book, such a safe book, to read; there was nothing that challenged us as the reader, and it seemed like there was nothing much that challenged the main character, Mary either.

If you're going to write based on the point of view of a female character in a dystopian, post-apocalyptic, zombie-filled world, I want my main character to have some kind of strength about her. Whether it's charisma, how to survive on wild plants, bows or knives... There's got to be something that the character can do to keep herself safe. There wasn't anything like that in this book. It seemed like everyone else was protecting her, for her. It seemed like for every complication that popped up, there was some coincidental, simple, not so involved (easy) way out of it. She struggled, but not in the way that she should've.

I haven't read the second book in the series as it wasn't out at the time that I read the first book, but now that I'm thinking about it I suppose I better refresh myself with the series. Regardless of how much I am chewing this book out right now, there were parts of it that I did enjoy, and I'm majorly curious on how the second book turns out.

I'd probably give this book a two out a five, and recommend this book to anyone who likes the whole post-apocalyptic, dystopian society, zombie, sci-fi book. Thanks for reading!

"Through Her Eyes" by Jennifer Archer (L2)

Predictable

Through Her Eyes

By Jennifer Archer

# Pgs: 384

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Overview:



Every ghost has a story to tell.

The last place Tansy Piper wants to be is stuck in Cedar Canyon, Texas, in the middle of nowhere, with a bunch of small-town kids. But when her mother decides to move to the desolate West Texas town, Tansy has no choice but to go along. Once there, Tansy is immediately drawn to the turret of their rickety old house, a place she soon learns has a disturbing history. But it's the strange artifacts she finds in the cellar—a pocket watch, a journal of poetry, and a tiny crystal—that have the most chilling impact on her.

Tansy soon finds that through the lens of her camera, she can become part of a surreal black-and-white world where her life is intertwined with that of mysterious, troubled Henry, who lived in the same house and died decades earlier. It seems their lives are linked by fate and the artifacts she found, but as Tansy begins spending more and more time in the past, her present world starts to fade away. Tansy must untangle herself from Henry's dangerous reality—before she loses touch with her own life forever.

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Review:

This book is a YA paranormal romance fiction written by Jennifer Archer. I was a little wary about reading this book because of my past experiences with ghost fiction stories. I wondered how it would play out. This book did not draw from me a sense of suspence or haunt. I wasn't scared or nervous or really much of anything about this book. It was kind of flat, and majorly confusing. There were many aspects and character decisions that the author made that didn't make much sense to me. Things were either over explained, or an idea plainly repeated.

I was not sucked in to the pages, and often found I had to put the book down out of boredom. There were certain points in the book where it got exausting to read.

This ghost book contains the usual; mysterious winds, some-what possessed objects, a half-crazy main character who most of the time seems to be in a daze. It's all very dreamlike, this world that Archer created. Unreal, to a point. Which is good I suppose since it is supposed to be a paranormal fiction. It contains the same old, same old awkward teenage girl that moves into a new town, who has never seemed to have a real place to call a home except for the last place she just moved from that she now wants to, but then doesn't want to, move back to.

Maybe it's just me, but as some points it seemed like the whole "new school, mean teenagers" thing was a little over-stated. Yeah, we get it. The teenagers in this school are viscious, spoiled, daddy's trust fund babies.

I don't know, I could go on about the problems I had with this book. I suppose though that if you're a thirteen year old it's a great read. The problem is that I'm not thirteen and I think that this is a book that does not belong in a high school library. It was too flat, too boring, and it made me nauseous to read. At some points it was great, fun even, enjoyable to read... but I'd have to rate this book as a one in a half, two out of five. This is not a book I'm going to remember.

"Code Name Verity" by Elizabeth Wein (L1)

I'm in Love

Code Name Verity

By Elizabeth Wein



# Pgs: 368

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Overview:

Oct. 11th, 1943-A British spy plane crashes in Nazi-occupied France. Its pilot and passenger are best friends. One of the girls has a chance at survival. The other has lost the game before it's barely begun.

When "Verity" is arrested by the Gestapo, she's sure she doesn't stand a chance. As a secret agent captured in enemy territory, she's living a spy's worst nightmare. Her Nazi interrogators give her a simple choice: reveal her mission or face a grisly execution.

As she intricately weaves her confession, Verity uncovers her past, how she became friends with the pilot Maddie, and why she left Maddie in the wrecked fuselage of their plane. On each new scrap of paper, Verity battles for her life, confronting her views on courage, failure and her desperate hope to make it home. But will trading her secrets be enough to save her from the enemy?

A Michael L. Printz Award Honor book that was called "a fiendishly-plotted mind game of a novel" in The New York Times, Code Name Verity is a visceral read of danger, resolve, and survival that shows just how far true friends will go to save each other.

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Review:

I have no idea how Elizabeth Wein did it.

I am hooked.

By part two of this book I was ready to start singing it's praises. I don't know how to possibly serenade it with my love. It captured me, it captivated me, it took a couple of chapters to get in to, but this is the book. It is the one. I'm telling you that I am in love.

Code Name Verity made me laugh and very nearly cry at parts. For nearly the entirety of part two, I bawled my eyes out... The characters had so much, well, character and bravery that despite their own misgivings about themselves we've come to find, as the reader, how strong they really are. You have to remember that this is a historical fiction, the setting of which takes place during WWII. Though it stays away from the horrors of the Holocaust, the book gives our attention to a different point of view; that of a pilot and a spy. Code Name Verity gives me the mind to think about just how far I am, as a person, willing to go for someone else. It reminds me how devestated I am to see a loved one go through any kind of suffering, let alone the kind of suffering that "Verity" and Maddie go through together.

This book is remarkably well researched, filled with little in-facto's about the war, about the popculture of that time, and written literature I honestly had no idea existed. It's intriguing to want to learn through a book such as this without actually meaning to. When you fall in love with a character, when you see start to see things through their point of view, when you start to think through their minds... It's really quite difficult to put a book such as this down. Nearly impossible.

Through this I'm given an insight to the espionage and brutality that came with such a war as WWII. It was absolutely riveting. This is the kind of book that I have to return to the library so that I can buy my own copy. I'll want to read it again. In fact, I already do.

This story is beautiful. I'm kind of hoping they don't make a movie out of this, put to the words the visual aspect and drama that can be read here if one would just open their eyes. Then again, I'm kind of hoping they do. We did grow up in a visual culture, after all.

How can I stop telling you how much I loved this story? What can I say to convince you that this is a book that needs to be read?

Code Name Verity was written with a mind blowing sense of complexity. Little things that normally one would never notice seemed to overall tie the book together. The growing sense of desperation between two suffering best friends... With no idea what to do... One captured by the enemy and made to reveal everything... The other... Dead?

It's definitely a tear-jerker, especially since all isn't what it seems to be. My heart goes out to the main characters for the majority of the book, more so once I figured it out.

But you'll have to read all about that to find out how and why. And I would highly recommend that you do. I'm really hoping they don't make a movie out of this, because I know that then they (whoever they are) would butcher it. There would be no justice done to this wonderfully woven tale that Elizabeth Wein created. This book is outside the boundaries of the rating system. I cannot within my good conscience put a number to a book such as this.

But if I had to it would be ten. You know, out of five. The best book I've read since the book thief, three years ago. This is a book I cannot forget.

Now that I'm done being overly dramatic...

You should still read it.

Ok. That's it. Now I'm done. :)

"Under the Never Sky" by Veronica Rossi (K2)

Lesson Learned

Under the Never Sky

By Veronica Rossi



# Pgs: 400

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Overview:



In a world of danger

an unlikely alliance

breathtaking adventure

and unforgettable romance

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Review:

Quite an inspirational overview I thought; so unique when compared to other back covers... Not really. But it's simple and to the point, without giving away a lot of information. Without giving away any information, really. That's good, I think, especially when compared to some book overviews where it gives away all the details of a book. Regardless of how short or long the overview is, it captured my curiosity. I was interested in finding out what it was about.

To be honest, I was kind of put off by the cover though. People always say not to judge a book by it's cover, but if we're all going to be honest we do. We live in a visual age. What a book looks like attracts us just as much as what the overview details. Those two things together will either make or break the reader to the book. The buzz about the book, however, can override what it looks like and what the book's about. Though I've only heard a little bit of buzz about this book, and I was extremely put off by how the cover looks, and likewise the overview didn't really catch my interest, still was I overall curious about the book. This curiosity is what made me want to read it. Not anything else.

Anyway, let's talk about the book. I was pleasantly surprised that the author was able to draw me in to the pages. She created a mix world of science and fantasy fiction, that seemed to have a air of post-apocalyptic happenings too. The character's names are strange, but fun. One of the main characters was Peregrine, or Perry. I suppose I'm singling him out mostly because every time I read his name I thought of Perry the platypus. Later, as the story developed, I managed to mostly seperate the image of an idiotic cartoon character with the viscious, beastly, but human, Perry.

It could be a little confusing at points, I thought, parts of it just a little understated. However the author makes up for this by the captivating development between the main characters. Romance was not, as is with so many books today, just thrown in at the very beginning. It was not love at first sight between Perry and Aria, it was hate and an almost dark curiosity about the other. The love that began to grow between them was slow growing, with trust between them gradually built first. After they fought, after they struck a deal, after they slowly began to save each other, after they began to trust one another... That is when they found some love. The problem now is that it's forbidden...

I thought that Aria was, at first, a bit of a spoiled brat. I mean, if you compare the two characters, despite Perry being the brother of a Blood Lord, Aria was the one who lived the privleged, protected, life. She had a steady food source and knowledge about the old world, but no freedom or real knowledge about the new one. Perry had knowledge about how to survive, some freedoms, and power, but his seemed to be the dying race. The way they were thrown together in the book made me think of puppets on string. They had no say in the matter.

I enjoyed this book. If I had a problem with it, it came from me wishing it could be a little more of something. Emotion? Tragedy? Or perhaps the characters reactions to what tragedies there were could've been better? Probably all of the above. The way Veronica Rossi wrote the book tended to be at some points a little flat. I already mentioned how I feel about the front and back covers of the book, so you know how I feel about that.

Without a doubt I'm going to check out the next book from the library when it comes out. This is not a book I'm interested in buying, but it was well enough that I'm anxious for the next book in the series to come out... All in all, I'd rate this book as a three and a half out of five. I was kind of on the fense about some things, but other parts were created with such clarity and brilliance that I would not put the book down. Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi is a book that I'd recommend for YA fantasy fiction lovers... with a warning or perhaps added bonus of a science-y romance touch to it. 

Lost in Translation (K1)

The Pros and Cons

of

Movies

Based off Books

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It's always been stated that the book is always better than the movie. It can also be said that some of the best movies are based off of books... With that in mind, let's consider the pros and cons of movies based off of books.

1. First and foremost is the accuracy of how the book is portrayed on the big screen. Nothing bugs me more than when something symbolic or important to the book is left out in the movie. Come on, you can't tell me that it doesn't bug you when there's a whole scene left out in the movie that was in the book? Things happen for a reason! Don't change perfection! Or, if you're going to change something, then just rewrite the whole thing and give it a different title.
2. Once again, consider the accuracy. It's a small thing, but if in the book the character is described as a giant of a man, with ash black hair, winter eyes, and the voice of a god... Then don't give me some dopey, brown haired pudgy munchkin man who doesn't in the least match the description of the character in the book. I don't care if said man is such a celebrity that he is worshipped by millions of fans worldwide. I'd rather have someone whose name I've never heard before who matches the description perfectly than otherwise.
3. Another thing I absolutely detest about today's movies is when the producer or the director or whoever decides that *Gasp!* the last book has too much plot in it to fit it all in just one last movie, so we should stretch the series as much as possible to make as much cash as is possible. Let's keep the fans waiting. Grr... Not cool. Especially when the last movie doesn't need to be stretched, but when you are, in fact, trying to make as much money as possible by following in the footsteps of movie producers before you. Harry Potter... Twilight... And now The Hunger Games? I understand with Harry Potter, but The Hunger Games does not need to be stretched into four movies. That's just a waste.
4. Another thing that bothers me is just how many movies today are based off of books. Think about it. One minute I'm reading this really good book and the next minute I find out that it's becoming a movie. Suddenly everyone at school is gushing about the movie and about how great the book was and I'm left thinking that the book was better when it wasn't an object of movie fascination. The book is always better than the movie. I understand this. And hey, movies based on books are great to visually see what's happening. Most of today's society isvisual people I just wonder if mayber there really is nothing new under the sun as I've been told? Is that why it seems like screen writers today, directors, producers, whoever's in charge of it, is that it seems like no one writes their own movies anymore? Do they have to buy the movie rights to a book in order to make a movie? Maybe it's just me.
5. The last thing I have to say about movies based off of books is this: I kind of appreciate it. Especially when the movie is made right. I understand that those that make the movie aren't going to be as religious about books as I am, that they're not going to make the movie to my vision of perfect. Regardless of that, the movies that are made right can be beautiful and are, in their own right, based on themselves. Not the book. If that makes any sense.

So that's my five pros and cons (mostly cons) about movies based on books. But don't let that stop you. I'm a pessimistic person; I'm always thinking negatively. Books help though, so...

"The Burning Sky" by Sherry Thomas (J2)

It was Okay...

The Burning Sky

By Sherry Thomas

# Pgs: 480

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Overview:



Magic, romance, and intrigue combine in The Burning Sky, the first book in the Elemental Trilogy, for fans of Cinda Williams Chima and Kristin Cashore.

It all began with a ruined elixir and a bolt of lightning.

Iolanthe Seabourne is the greatest elemental mage of her generation—or so she's been told. The one prophesied for years to be the savior of the Realm. It is her duty and destiny to face and defeat the Bane, the most powerful tyrant and mage the world has ever known. This would be a suicide task for anyone, let alone a reluctant sixteen-year-old girl with no training.

Guided by his mother's visions and committed to avenging his family, Prince Titus has sworn to protect Iolanthe even as he prepares her for their battle with the Bane. But he makes the terrifying mistake of falling in love with the girl who should have been only a means to an end. Now, with the servants of the tyrant closing in, Titus must choose between his mission—and her life.

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Review:

The Burning Sky by Sherry Thomas was an A-Okay book. It has a typical sort of story line, not too original, but the author writes the book in such a way that it's difficult not to read. The main character, Iolanthe, is a strong and determined individual who becomes more and more so as the story progresses. If I had a problem with the story, it would be that at times the two main characters seemed remarkably similar in how they acted. Moreover though, I enjoyed this book.

The author creates a world of magic and history, mingling the two together in a feathery way. Meaning that there was light splotches of history mentioned that did not completely overcome the actual fantasy of the story, which is something I could appreciate. I likewise delighted in the imagery the author created. In the minds eye I could see everything that she described to me, the brilliant balls of fire, the dark shadows in which they hide... Perhaps it's not descriptive enough at some parts, but moreover done with a professional touch.

If there was one thing that I definitely could appreciate, it was the way in which the author wrote the book. So often now-a-days the books I read are dumbed down. There is not enough use of intellegent vocabulary, not enough use of adjectives, in the days of today. When authors do not write in this way, then sometimes the books become too plain, it seems almost as if they are taking the easy way out.

Sherry Thomas' The Burning Sky is a better than average book, and nice to read. It has a different writing style than what you'd normally read. The characters have wit and cunning that is often fun and funny to read. It's adventurous, fantastical, a touch romantic... A little confusing at parts, but often those parts get explained a little later in the book. In the end, I'd give this book a three or four out of five, though I'm leaning more towards four. I'd reccommend this book to anyone who likes magic, and fire, and fantasy.

"Anna Dressed in Blood" by Kendare Blake (J1)

Just... No.

Anna Dressed in Blood

By Kendare Blake

# Pgs: 320

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Overview:



Cas Lowood has inherited an unusual vocation: He kills the dead.

So did his father before him, until he was gruesomely murdered by a ghost he sought to kill. Now, armed with his father's mysterious and deadly athame, Cas travels the country with his kitchen-witch mother and their spirit-sniffing cat. They follow legends and local lore, destroy the murderous dead, and keep pesky things like the future and friends at bay.

Searching for a ghost the locals call Anna Dressed in Blood, Cas expects the usual: track, hunt, kill. What he finds instead is a girl entangled in curses and rage, a ghost like he's never faced before. She still wears the dress she wore on the day of her brutal murder in 1958: once white, now stained red and dripping with blood. Since her death, Anna has killed any and every person who has dared to step into the deserted Victorian she used to call home.

Yet she spares Cas's life.

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Review:

... This book was stupid. I didn't really see the point to it. I mean, to be fair, it was a lot better than I thought that it was going to be. And it was really interesting how the author pulled all of this information together about ghosts and ghost hunting stuff that I, personally, have never read about before like this.

It was a cool idea. You know, a fifty-something year old psychotically murderous dead girl with a tragic life/after life that falls in love with a single minded murderous ghost hunter. Great creativity with creating all of these ghosts...

However, a bunch of aspects about this book were left unexplained or had such a weak, unbelieveable foundation that I didn't get it. How is it that Anna, admittedly a powerful ghost, can touch Cas in the first place? Why doesn't she kill him if she can't help murdering everyone? Where in the world would Cas have learned to fight before if his dad didn't teach him and one day he just decided to take up his father's mantle?

Another problem I had with this book revolved around the fact that Anna and Cas were supposed to be in love, yet their relationship together was dull and uninteresting. It was likewise confusing. When Cas is thinking of her, there was nothing in his thoughts that even hinted that he liked her. No compliments, nothing about her that he liked. Just sympathy for the way that she died, constant thoughts about how to kill her with the athame, and constantly blaming her for all the random deaths. And does it bother anyone else that despite being stuck in death as a sixteen or so year old girl, she died about fifty years prior to this? Maybe it wouldn't bother me so much if there was actually some kind of chemistry between them or some kind of developed story to it...

Nearly everything about this story fell through. The love between Cas and Anna was nearly nonexistant except for some kissing (which, how is that possible?) near the end. The plot line sucked. Cas was obnoxiously singular minded to the point where, since the POV was always on him, everything seemed almost repetitive. It was annoying. Another problem that I had with this book stemmed from the fact that all of the other complications that popped up in the book, that made it all the more interesting, died off indirectly from the main character quite suddenly. One minute it was like there was one thing interesting going on that maybe would add some spice to the book, the next it's like "oh. they're dead." There was no foreshadowing to it or hints or something that would make it somewhat suspenseful. I didn't feel the danger. The cat, which was supposed to hate Cas, mysteriously stopped hating him a third of the way through the book.

The last problem that I had with this book was how obnoxiously BORING it was. There was no suspence, no horror. Just descriptive narrative about disembowled bodies with parts lying all over the place. The creepiest thing I found about the book didn't even come from a main character. It came from a dead dude (Mike) for two pages. It was so very flat. Though I'm curious as to what happens next, I'm not so curious that I'm going to immediately go out and buy the next book in the series.

Props to the author for writing the book and using very interesting facts. I'm always interested in the paranormal, ghost stories, urban legends, folklore, myths... And some things kind of seemed technical in the book which was great. Professional almost, like Cas knew a lot about the business (which makes complete sense when considering how long he'd been hunting before).  There was a light humor to it. Somewhat easy to follow. All in all, I'd give it a two out of five. Although it wasn't a mindblowing book to read, it most definitely was not a waste of my time. It was light while serious, and much more boring than fun, but it was slightly enjoyable. I just really wasn't in any kind of rush to keep reading it.

I suggest, though, that you keep in mind that this is my opinion. When comparing it to some other reviews, you'll find that some other people enjoyed it a lot, and that there were few that didn't. Moreover, it's up to you to decide.

One last thing to say... it's more ironic really... That Anna Dressed in Blood is about ghosts and killing things and that last night I was flipping through some channels and saw that American Horror Story had on a really, just drop dead seriously, creepy ghost story... Or at least there were a lot of grotesque dead people. I don't know. I was just flipping through channels. Blood and ghosts seem to be the theme this week...

"Cinder" by Marissa Meyer (I2)

Robo Cinderella? With Aliens?

Cinder

By Marissa Meyer 

The Lunar Chronicles, Book 1



# Pgs: 448

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Overview:

Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . .

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.

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Review:

There are a lot of books off there that have spanned off of fairy tales such as Cinderella. I admit I was a bit surprised to find that there actually exists a book like this which takes Cinderella to a whole new level. Meet Cinder-an adolescent teenage girl who also happens to be a cyborg.

Since everyone knows how the fairy tale goes, it was pretty simple to figure out where exactly Marissa Meyer was going to go with it. Still, it was completely awesome to read along the way. It's the journey, not the destination, sometimes that matters most. It's a light, somewhat fluffy comedic book, with a kick-butt, grease-monkey, clever Cinderella. One who most definitely does not need a man to make things right. I've read the first three books in the series-which comprise of Cinderella, Red Riding Hood, and Rapunzel so far. a.k.a. Cinder, Scarlet, and Cress.

It's a fun, not too serious, book with a different take on the whole "fairy tale" thing. And if you don't know by now, I love my fairy tales. It's adventurous, and with each turn and layer revealed within the book I kept wondering what would happen next.

There are no vampires, but it's a sci-fi, adventure filled, fun romance-ish book that doesn't delve into some of the darker themes that other books have out there. This is a great book to read if you're in the mood to break away from the norm. No idea when the fourth book is going to come out, but I think it's going to be Winter. Whatever the case, I'm über excited for it.

"Long Lankin" by Lindsey Barraclough (I1)

Finally

Long Lankin

By Lindsey Barraclough

# Pgs: 464

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Overview:

In an exquisitely chilling debut novel, four children unravel the mystery of a family curse — and a ghostly creature known in folklore as Long Lankin.

When Cora and her younger sister, Mimi, are sent to stay with their elderly aunt in the isolated village of Byers Guerdon, they receive a less-than-warm welcome. Auntie Ida is eccentric and rigid, and the girls are desperate to go back to London. But what they don’t know is that their aunt’s life was devastated the last time two young sisters were at Guerdon Hall, and she is determined to protect her nieces from an evil that has lain hidden for years. Along with Roger and Peter, two village boys, Cora must uncover the horrifying truth that has held Bryers Guerdon in its dark grip for centuries — before it’s too late for little Mimi. Riveting and intensely atmospheric, this stunning debut will hold readers in its spell long after the last page is turned.

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Review:

I know I said that I was going to read it, but lately I haven't had the patience to read a book like Long Lankin. It's just a little slow paced and with my kind of mind I just need something that gets right into it right away. Regardless of my own problems with reading this book, I still promised a blog post. I think I've held this off long enough...

The only problem is that I haven't read it. Just a third of the way through it and the book is due. I can tell you that there's multiple points of view, and that the beginning, at least, is slow paced. It's easy to read and is set sometime in the 1980's, I think. If you're American, this book is British, which is kind of cool I think. Especially so since the author, Lindsey Barraclough, is British herself, and wrote the book so that the characters have accents. I know that every character has an accent, I just meant that since there is a difference from a person who lives in the city to someone who lives in the country, and from a person who lives in America to one who lives in, say, France... It's cool how Barraclough wrote those differences rather than having her characters talk in perfect English and saying that her characters sounded a little funny. It helps the imagination. 

Since I'm not quite sure you can trust my word about this book, as I haven't yet finished it, here's what Kirkus Reviews is saying:

"This atmospheric, pulse-pounding debut makes the most of its rural, post–World War II setting, a time and place where folklore uneasily informs reality. Barraclough controls her narrative with authority, shifting voices and tenses to provide both perspective and the occasional welcome respite from tension. The actual threat remains mostly unknown for almost the first half of the book, evident mostly in the long scratches by the door, the fetid stench of the church, the secretiveness of the villagers and, overwhelmingly, Auntie Ida's frank terror. If some of the historical exposition comes very conveniently, readers won't care--they will be too busy flipping the pages as Long Lankin closes in. A good, old-fashioned literary horror tale for sophisticated readers. (Historical fantasy. 10-14)"

It's up to you whether or not you want to read this book. As for me, I'm going to return the book to the library... then check it out again. Ok! So I'm a little frustrated by the fact that supposedly such a good story is evading me! At some point I know that I'll get through this phase... and when I do Long Lankin will be there waiting for me...

"The Scorpio Races" by Maggie Stiefvater (H2)

Run, Run

The Scorpio Races

By Maggie Stiefvater



# Pgs: 416

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Overview:

A spellbinding novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Maggie Stiefvater.

Some race to win. Others race to survive.

It happens at the start of every November: the Scorpio Races. Riders attempt to keep hold of their water horses long enough to make it to the finish line.

Some riders live.

Others die.

At age nineteen, Sean Kendrick is the returning champion. He is a young man of few words, and if he has any fears, he keeps them buried deep, where no one else can see them.

Puck Connolly is different. She never meant to ride in the Scorpio Races. But fate hasn't given her much of a choice. So she enters the competition - the first girl ever to do so. She is in no way prepared for what is going to happen.

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Review:

In honor of November, today's blog post is about The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater. This is a truly thrilling book that centers on racing. Horse racing. On very wild, very bloodthirsty, very vicious water horses. Mostly I'm writing this blog post because "It is the first day of November and so, today, someone will die." You know, the typical seasonal holiday event. Or not.

In any case, I loved this book. It beguiled me into its pages, forcing my undivided attention, to the point where I could not possibly ever tear myself away from it. The novel was dangerous, enchanting, and everything about it was a fight to survive to the very end. Reading the novel, we were all racing. Kate "Puck" Connolly, Sean Kendrick, the other riders, and the reader, racing to the finish line to see who would live and who would die.

This is a book with so very much potential. Can't wait to see what becomes of it.

And hey...

You know you want to read it.

Maggie Stiefvater- http://maggiestiefvater.com/the-scorpio-races/

"Marked" by PC and Kristin Cast (H1)

PC and Kristin Cast

Marked

By PC and Kristin Cast

The House of Night Series, Book 1 



# Pgs: 320

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Overview:



The House of Night series is set in a world very much like our own, except in 16-year-old Zoey Redbird's world, vampyres have always existed. In this first book in the series, Zoey enters the House of Night, a school where, after having undergone the Change, she will train to become an adult vampire—that is, if she makes it through the Change. Not all of those who are chosen do. It's tough to begin a new life, away from her parents and friends, and on top of that, Zoey finds she is no average fledgling. She has been Marked as special by the vampyre Goddess, Nyx. But she is not the only fledgling at the House of Night with special powers. When she discovers that the leader of the Dark Daughters, the school's most elite club, is misusing her Goddess-given gifts, Zoey must look deep within herself for the courage to embrace her destiny—with a little help from her new vampyre friends.

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Review:

I've been meaning to do something like this for a while. Do what? Why, I'm glad you asked.

You see, I have a slight problem with this series. My problem is that the series is on book eleven... and pending. Meaning Cast has stretched this series as much as possible when she could've ended it at book three or four. I would've even been happy if it had ended earlier, but it hasn't.

At the beginning, I loved the series. Of course, everyone was going through the "vampire" stage at the time, so this worked out perfectly. I loved how Cast worked in some myth with the novel, some folklore. I love how Cast wrote the series in typical teenage-esk, meaning she carried on writing like it was actually the mind of a teenager writing it. I enjoyed all that, I loved the first book. Because Cast has been stretching out the series as much as possible, at one point I ended up losing my love for the series. In stead, I carried on reading strictly for the loyalty Cast had one over at that point, because of my desire to see where it would end.

But it didn't end, and then I just stopped reading the series. Once Cast finished the series, then maybe I'll go back to reading it, but until then I'm not going to stick to something that seems to be all over the place. As The House of Night series carries on, things just seem to go all over the place and to just drag on. It's boring and agonizing to read. I'm just a little mad about this series.

In any case, I'm supposed to be writing singularly about the first book in the series. With that in mind, please once again consider my statement from earlier. I loved the first book. I read it about four or so years ago, just when it first came out, but I saw the book sitting on my shelf gathering dust and decided to write about it. The first thing that appealed to me oh so long ago was the whole paranormal, vampire thing going on. It was pretty big back then, with Twilight just starting to go big, and The Vampire Academy series just starting to make a little noise. It was the perfect time for PC's book to come out.

As a fan of the paranormal, mythology, folklore, urban legends... I really enjoyed how Cast tied those kinds of aspects into her plot line. I loved how Cast developed her individual characters, each with their own kind of codes that they follow, their own beliefs. The first book in the series, Marked, is light-hearted, kind of funny, and introducing just the right about of complications to keep me wanting to read more. I definitely recommend reading the first book...

...I guess my problem lies more with the rest of the series.

Oh well. To each their own.

Best Book Series (G2)

The Best Book Series

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Regardless of whether or not you consider some of these book series outdated, over-rated, or just plain stupid, there was some point in our lives when these books were a hit. If you keep an open mind, and ignore social media and public opinion, then most of these books are still pretty good. At some point in the existance of any of the series below, they caught public attention. And love it or list it, attention is attention, so these books have done well for themselves so far. That's good for them, but it's even better for you if you're in the mood to read a bunch of books in a series and haven't read any of the books that I'm about to list below... because then you've got something to consider. Interested? Check these out.

• The Harry Potter series by JK Rowling
• The Chronicles of Narnia by CS Lewis
• The Twilight series by Stephanie Meyer
• A Song of Fire and Ice series by George RR Martin
• The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare
• The Infernal Devices series also by Cassandra Clare
• Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan
• The House of Night series by PC and Kristen Cast
• The Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead
• The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins
• The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini
• His Dark Materials by Phillip Pullman
• A Series of Unfortunate Events by Daniel Handler
• Lord of the Rings series by JRR Tolkien
• The Millenium Trilogy by Steig Larsson
• The Forest of Hands and Teeth series by Carrie Ryan
• The Giver Series by Lois Lowry
• Divergent series by Veronica Roth
• The Maze Runner series by James Dashner
• The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer

Again, these are just twenty book series listed in no particular order. There's probably a couple of these titles that you will recognise. Why? Because the best movies are based off of books. Or become an over-blown, dramatic teenage vampire love story that people either obsess over or want to murder quite violently. You know how it is. With that in mind, don't base the book off of the movie. That's like judging the book off of the cover, and sometimes a stupid cover is hiding something enchanting and original. Whatever. It's up to you.

"Never Fade" by Alexandra Bracken (G1)

Oh My God

Never Fade

By Alexandra Bracken

The Darkest Minds series, Book 2

# Pgs: 512

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Overview:

Ruby never asked for the abilities that almost cost her her life. Now she must call upon them on a daily basis, leading dangerous missions to bring down a corrupt government and breaking into the minds of her enemies. Other kids in the Children''s League call Ruby "Leader", but she knows what she really is: a monster. When Ruby is entrusted with an explosive secret, she must embark on her most dangerous mission yet: leaving the Children''s League behind. Crucial information about the disease that killed most of America''s children—and turned Ruby and the others who lived into feared and hated outcasts—has survived every attempt to destroy it. But the truth is only saved in one place: a flashdrive in the hands of Liam Stewart, the boy Ruby once believed was her future—and who now wouldn''t recognize her. As Ruby sets out across a desperate, lawless country to find Liam—and answers about the catastrophe that has ripped both her life and America apart—she is torn between old friends and the promise she made to serve the League. Ruby will do anything to protect the people she loves. But what if winning the war means losing herself?

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Review:

Oh my God.

I think that's pretty much all I'm capable of saying at the moment.

I just finished reading book two in Alexandra Bracken's The Darkest Minds series, and wow.

There was this little caution that crossed my path warning me that since the first book in the series was so good, the second book was going to be crap. I was worried that Bracken wouldn't be able to hold a candle to it, but boy did she hold a candle. More than a candle--a giant ball of raging lightning fire that pretty much just blew up my mind--if that makes any sense.

Let me get down to what was particularly so good about it. The whole series is an original idea. Sure, there have been telekinesis books before, mind reading stories, books about kids that could control the natural element, and yes--there have been books that basically had all that. The whole originality aspect of it came from the way she wrote it, the plot line and the characters. There's nothing magical about it; it's completely scientific and political in the way these "powers" come to be. There's a developed history in this world, a depth to it, each character has their own personality, and Bracken has a gift of drawing the reader in to this world. It's a struggle for survival for the reader as well as the characters.

Never Fade kept my curiosity reeling and my concentration singularly addicted to reading the pages, to living the story. You like action? There's action. Plenty of action. In fact, it was like "Bam, here's some action for you! Didn't have enough? Bam! There's some more!" And when you think that it's going to be all smooth sailing from here, you get hit with a barrage of even more mind blowing action. Of course there's romance and tragedy; the pacing set just right for these factions of the novel to keep me constantly on my toes and guessing.

To be honest, I'm completely flabbergasted by some authors' ability to get the reader completely hooked to a series; not every author can do it. It's amazing and terrible at the same time because I know that at some point I'm going to be bawling my eyes out that the series is over. This is a fine example of two of my problems with a book series; it's been only five minutes, and I'm already dreading the day this series will end. It's been only five minutes, and I'm already impatient for more.

Gah! When's the next book coming out?!

I need to read more!

"The Lucky One" by Nicholas Sparks (F2)

Sparks-I think Your Name is Fake.

The Lucky One

By Nicholas Sparks

# Pgs: 416

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Overview:

After U.S. Marine Logan Thibault finds a photograph of a smiling young woman buried in the dirt during his tour of duty in Iraq, he experiences a sudden streak of luck — winning poker games and even surviving deadly combat. Only his best friend, Victor, seems to have an explanation for his good fortune: the photograph — his lucky charm.

Back home in Colorado, Thibault can't seem to get the woman in the photograph out of his mind and he sets out on a journey across the country to find her. But Thibault is caught off guard by the strong attraction he feels for the woman he encounters in North Carolina - Elizabeth, a divorced mother — and he keeps the story of the photo, and his luck, a secret. As he and Elizabeth embark upon a passionate love affair, his secret soon threatens to tear them apart — destroying not only their love, but also their lives.

Filled with tender romance and terrific suspense, THE LUCKY ONE is an unforgettable story about the surprising paths our lives often take and the power of fate to guide us to true and everlasting love.

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Review:

It's true that this book has been out for a while now, and if you don't know that it has been made into a movie well... now you do.

I read a couple of Nicholas Sparks' books mostly because my sister is obsessed with this author. I have to admit, while I'm not completely into the whole dramatic, mushy-gushy romance types of books, this wasn't half bad. In fact, it seemed to have just the right amount of everything. The horrors of war, the disgust that came with reading through the mind of a bad cop, the life of a single mother just trying to survive...

The book didn't turn out any of the ways I thought it would as my own choices would've strongly differed... but then again, I've never been in the position that some of these characters have been. It was saddening towards the end, and slightly misleading, but I'll let you read those chapters and decide for yourself.

This wasn't a perfect book, definitely not one of Sparks' best, but it was still able to evoke enough emotion for me to cry at the end and... I'm really not a crier. Some of you are probably going to disagree with me, but as I've stated, this isn't really my type of book. And it was good, just not good enough to make me want to read another of Sparks' books. I guess I'm not really the fan my sister is.

I guess I'd have to rate this as a two or three out of five.

Sorry Sparks, but this book just didn't really do it for me~
~and I think your name is fake dear Nicholas Sparks. You write romance books, so like when true lovers kiss and feel the "Sparks" flying, perhaps you expect the readers to too? Feel the "Sparks" fly, that is, when reading your books.

Yup. I think your name is fake.

"SYLO" by D.J. MacHale (F1)

Aliens. That is the Question.

SYLO

By D.J. MacHale

The SYLO Chronicles Series, Book 1



# Pgs: 416

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Overview:



The ultimate action-fueled end-of-the-world conspiracy trilogy from #1 New York Times bestselling author D.J. MacHale

THEY CAME FROM THE SKY
parachuting out of military helicopters to invade Tucker Pierce’s idyllic hometown on Pemberwick Island, Maine.

They call themselves SYLO and they are a secret branch of the U.S. Navy. SYLO’s commander, Captain Granger, informs Pemberwick residents that the island has been hit by a lethal virus and must be quarantined. Now Pemberwick is cut off from the outside world.

Tucker believes there’s more to SYLO’s story. He was on the sidelines when the high school running back dropped dead with no warning. He saw the bizarre midnight explosion over the ocean, and the mysterious singing aircraft that travel like shadows through the night sky. He tasted the Ruby—and experienced the powers it gave him—for himself.

What all this means, SYLO isn’t saying. Only Tucker holds the clues that can solve this deadly mystery.

LOOK TO THE SKY
because Pemberwick is only the first stop.

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Review:

Once again, still having trouble getting into Long Lankin. I'm sure that it has nothing to do with the book as I've heard it's actually supposed to be a pretty good read. I just need to be more patient and shove through it. In any case, I've actually got a pretty good book for you to consider. This one comes to you from the bestselling author of the Pendragon series; it's SYLO by D.J. MacHale.

My thoughts for this book? Unbelievable. A really good book. I checked it out yesterday and just finished reading it a minute ago. It's a suspenseful, action-packed sci-fi book. From the very first words I was drawn into it. It started off with a relatively normal setting that progressed into this mass hysteria type of a book that was strangely quite believable. The imagery the author created from the very beginning of the novel threw me into this world a chaos and conspiracy that kept me guessing. Each of the characters within its pages were highly developed with their own individual personalities I couldn't help but appreciate.

Towards the end, the imagination I created from the book's descriptions coupled with what "evidence" I had gathered up to that point tricked me, in a sense. Like a person might see things that aren't there very late at night, I "saw" connections in the novel that weren't there. Rather than that being a bad thing, as it usually might, it was a very delightful and clever trick that I have no doubt the author knew he created when he wrote it. Even if I hadn't enjoyed this book to the extent that I did, MacHale ended it with a cliffhanger... and I have a terribly monstrous curiosity...

All in all, it's probably too soon for me to be gushing about this book as I just literally finished reading it, but I found this book as a highly enjoyable read. MacHale set a questionable pace at some points, and the book is, perhaps, better fit for someone with a shorter attention span because of its faster pace. I reccommend this book for sci-fi lovers and people who love to be engulfed in a world of imagery. I could see this book at one point becoming a movie, but we'll see when book two is out...

"Send" by Patty Blount (E2)

Click No

Send

By Patty Blount

# Pgs: 304

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Overview

It's been five years since I clicked Send.
Four years since I got out of juvie.
Three months since I changed my name.
Two minutes since I met Julie.
A second to change my life.

All Dan wants for his senior year is to be invisible. This is his last chance at a semi–normal life. Nobody here knows who he is. Or what he's done. But on his first day at school, instead of turning away like everyone else, Dan breaks up a fight. Because Dan knows what it's like to be terrorized by a bully—he used to be one.

Now the whole school thinks he's some kind of hero—except Julie. She looks at him like she knows he has a secret. Like she knows his name isn't really Daniel...

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Review:

Okay, I'll admit it, Long Lankin by Lindsey Barraclough should've been the book that I'd blog about next. I'm just having some trouble getting into the book. Unlike the problem with that book though, Send by Patty Blount I read immediately and finished around ten last night.

It's a book about bullying, and the consequences of your actions on others as well as on yourself. Another realistic fiction, but this one was actually ok. It kind of makes the reader think about what the people around them are hiding.

I don't know if there's a second book, and if there is I don't know that I would read it. I was happy enough with the way this fictional piece ended. Not exactly a happy ending, but that's a good thing. Not all things in life end in happy endings, and sometimes it's difficult to find a book like this that demonstrates that. The main character, "Dan", is complex. In the story he tries his best to hide his family and make up for something he did earlier in life that affected another greatly. This story follows along as he tries to prove to himself that he still has some worth, despite the fact that he feels he cannot be forgiven for what he's done.

In the end this book begs the question on whether or not "Dan" deserved what he got earlier in life, and if by the end he is truly forgiven....

I recommend this book to someone who likes realistic fiction, or to those who like to think things like this through, to people who like to dissect books.

Worms Are Blind... Mostly. (E1)

What to Do if Reading in the Dark

Some of you might recall my previous post about the problems with a book series... Well this is another extension on a somewhat book related topic. Please note that in no way am I promoting the reading of books in the dark. If you choose to do so, then whatever consequences there may be are your responcibility. I just know from experience that if you're going to read in the dark, you're going to have to be crafty. Especially if you're a high school student living with parents who don't appreciate you being up all hours of the night and don't accept your excuse of not being able to put the book down. And so, without furthur ado, here are five things you need to know if you're going to read in the dark...

1. Keep a flashlight on hand, always, and know how to hide it.
2. Make sure your bedroom door is shut, the shades are drawn, and if you're really nervous about someone seeing light seep out, plug up the crack under your door like you would do if there were a fire.
3. Memorize the general positioning of things.
4. If you are nearsighted, and the lighting is dim, the surrounding dark, do not wear your glasses.
5. Keep a clock on hand.

1)   Throughout my time of reading in the dark, I've used my phone's light, candle light, a weird glowing... thing, moon light, and just flicked the switch on my bedroom wall. I've generally found that a flash light works best. Something big enough where you can just click it on but is not bulky or a hastle to use. It's also a good idea to have some place to stash it before or after you go to bed. I know at least my parents wonder why I have a random flash light lying around.

2)   If you're going to read in the dark, it has to be dark. My mom stays out, for example, at all hours of the night working. If she comes home and notices the light on in my room... Or, if my dad get's up at night because the dog is woke him up again, someone who's accustomed to the dark will notice even the slightest sliver of light peeking through. Which leads me to my next point...

3)   Memorize the general layout of your room, or area. If you're going to read completely in the dark, then this is a good thing to know. Especially in the case of emergencies. Quick! Stash the book! Put out the light! Fall asleep quick! Sleep tight!

4)   This actually goes for everyone. Reading in a dim lighting actually isn't a good thing. It will put a dent in your eyesight. That's why you need to have a good flash light and need to be prepared to take the risk, if so you choose. However, concerning nearsighted people, don't wear your glasses while reading in the dark. This will definitely hurt your eyes in the end. Sure reading in the dark can be a good thing, for me at least, but I know that over the years my eyesight has gotten plenty worse. A good part of that came from reading in the dark with terrible lighting.

5)   If you're going to read in the dark, then it's a good idea to have a clock of some sort on hand. If not to look up every five seconds from your book because you feel guilty for reading, then at least to set a time for yourself as to when you will absolutely stop reading your book. You have to go to bed at some point, and as unhealthy as it is to read in the dark, it is so much worse to become sleep deprived. So set a time to go to bed, and keep a clock on hand to just take a glance at after every chapter or between a set number of pages.

And so, these are some of my tricks to the trade. Pretty basic, but hopefully helpful. What do you think? What something good to know when you're staying up late to read in the dark?

"The Immortal Rules" by Julie Kagawa (D2)

Surprise

The Immortal Rules

By Julie Kagawa

The Blood of Eden Series, Book 1



# Pgs: 464

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Overview:



In a future world, vampires reign. Humans are blood cattle. And one girl will search for the key to save humanity.

Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten.

Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them. The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked—and given the ultimate choice. Die…or become one of the monsters.

Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad.

Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend—a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike.

But it isn't easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what—and who—is worth dying for.

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Review:

The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa is the first book of the Blood of Eden series. This is a paranormal series about, what else? Vampires. This is also yet another book that takes place in a post apocalyptic type world.

My experience when reading this book was at first apprehension. Vampires and another "end of the world/trying to survive the apocalypse" type book? I'm sure you can understand my insecurities. Yet instead of the complete crash and burn of this book like I was expecting, I was pleasantly surprised. This book honestly kept me in its grips from beginning to end. It's an action packed novel with engaging characters and a thrilling plotline with fresh ideas. The main character, Allie, is a tough, complex heroine who's compassionate despite the things otherwise implied. By the end I was completely invested in the book and nearly bursting with my impatience to read the next book.

When book one is good, I can't help wanting to read when I find out that there's another book in the series.

The Immortal Rules is a compelling paranormal read and I can't wait to read book two. Reccommended for anyone with love of a paranormal, scy-fi, touch of romance read.

Book, Line, Sinker (D1)

The Problems with a Book Series

For those of us who are avid readers, there's always been one point in our lives when we've become frustrated with a series of books. I know I'm not alone when I say that there has been some times after reading the first, second, or eighth book in a series where I've wanted to set the book on fire before dumping the ashes in an acid incinerator and launching the wastes to the moon. In other words, the book series has problems. So what are they? I've tried to sum it up in five points.

1. The waiting for the next book in the series.
2. Idiotic turns of events from one book to another, or the plot line of a story becomes repetitive.
3. Problems with the order of a book series
4. The author has no clue when to stop the series and so it just stretches on and on when it could've ended at book three.
5. The worst: You love the series too much when it ends.

1)   Ok, so the book wasn't terrible. In fact it was good enough, or so fantastic, that you are driven to immediately read the next book in the series. The problem? It doesn't come out for another two years, or six months, or (in extreme cases) three days. There's nothing wrong or abnormal with waiting a couple of days or a couple months for the next book in a series.. But in today's day and age, how many of us actually have time to wait until the end of the year, or for two years, or for three years for the next book to come out? In that time, readers might forget that drive they felt for the book in the first place. They might forget about the title, or the author, or that they even read the book in the first place. Not to rush the authors, and sometimes the wait is worth it, but that's when an unfinished book series could become a regret.  

2)   It starts out with a great book, that leads to another similarly great book, that leads to another freakishly great book that is just like the first two. We've all read one of these series. And it's after we notice the repetitive book plot that the whole series goes down the toilet. Who wants to read something that just repeats what's already been done? I mean, I've heard that there's nothing new under the sun, but come on! If you're going to write, be original about it. Make a connection between the books in the series so that if one thing changes, it makes sense. Likewise, I don't want to read a book series where one thing happens in this book, and in the next book it's like it never happened at all.

3)   Yeah, this one is kind of simple, and it's more of our problem than anyone elses. Unless it's clear cut on the spine or the cover that this book comes after this book, and that book is first, I'm going to be confused. It has to be obvious because in the rush to read, who pays attention to the order the books come in until it really matters? When it's clear cut, it's simple, and it's quick. Unless it's not. That's when people (like me) make mistakes and grab the wrong book and waste time.

4)   Instead of writing out about this one, let me give you some examples; The House of Night series, the Ranger's Apprentice series, and the Blue Bloods series. Each of these book series are original in their ideas, but they should've ended much sooner than they have. Or they should've ended sooner but these series might still be stretching on right now-I don't know because I stopped reading the series and wasting my money when it got boring and just stupid. Now, there's nothing wrong with writing an extremely long series so long as you keep the ideas flowing, originality fresh, and you don't stretch it on for the sake of keeping the series alive. Compare those books listed above to the Harry Potter series, to The Chronicles of Narnia, or even A Series of Unfortunate Events. Those series are pretty long, but the authors knew when to stop and still keep the book series interesting. Can you see what I'm trying to say here?

5)   And last but not least, you love the series so much and yet it still ends. It's a bittersweet feeling. On the one hand, the series is finally over and that was a great ending. On the other hand, the series is over and that was the ending. Once again, this is more the reader's problem than anyone elses. And maybe this isn't a problem so much as it is just bittersweet ending. Unless you've obsessed about the book series since book one, have changed your name to the main character's, write your own sultry fanfiction about the series, and fantasize your life as if you lived in that world. Then, something is extremely wrong and maybe you should get some help. Especially if the series you've been obsessing about just ended or is becoming a movie or television series. Seriously, go and get some help before you hurt someone. :)

That said, these have been my five problems when dealing with a book series. Leave a comment if you can relate, or have your own five problems about book series. Thanks for reading!