With the peak of the dystopian young adult book genre in full swing a lot of authors have followed a trend to appeal to the masses. Many of the storieWith the peak of the dystopian young adult book genre in full swing a lot of authors have followed a trend to appeal to the masses. Many of the stories have a young female protagonist going against some form of societal oppression whilst dealing with the overly-cliche love triangle-riddled plot-line. Safekeeping is not like that. Karen Hesse did a wonderful job going against the current and writing her own original dystopian novel. Safekeeping is a story about taking initiative among uncertainty, survival, and the selflessness of taking care of your loved ones amid tragedy by putting their needs before your own. Radley was a character conjured with depth. Her thoughts and behaviors were ideal for a teenager being put into the situation she was put into, and not once did I feel like the author -an adult- was trying too hard to sound like a teenager. Hesse succeeded in making Radley real, flawed, and like-able. This novel was definitely thought-provoking in making you wonder what you would do if you were put into the same situation. Personally, I probably would have done the exact same things as Radley. Compared to other dystopian novels out there, Safekeeping was the most plausible- in the way that it's much more likely for the United States president to be assassinated than for a zombie apocalypse or an invasion of cyborg mummies to occur. I enjoyed this book and would gladly recommend it to anyone looking for a light read. The beautiful photographs dispersed throughout the novel really brought the vivid journey to life. ...more
After the first two weeks of Vet school I realized that I wasn't able to read as much as I wanted to. Reading is very important to me so I decided thaAfter the first two weeks of Vet school I realized that I wasn't able to read as much as I wanted to. Reading is very important to me so I decided that since I had an hour of commute time to and from school every day I'd get an audiobook to listen to on the way to school and on the way home. It was such a good idea! James Patterson has a really cute way of writing that has such a nostalgic feeling to it, not to mention his sense of humor, though some may consider corny, is pretty funny. Daniel X was no exception. I really liked Michael Ledwidge's narration of the book. He had really cool accents and voices he made to differenctiate between characters. Daniel X is a story about survival, humanity, and fighting with all you have to defeat evil. A few things about Daniel X are very cliche (but I enjoy some cliches hence why I like Patterson's writing) and fun. This book was definitely written for kids around the 6-8th grade level. It was a cute story and defintely made me laugh a few times. Maybe one day I might read the next book in the series....more
I'm not even entirely sure where to begin with this book. Though this book was only 213 pages it took me over a week to read it. That's not a good thiI'm not even entirely sure where to begin with this book. Though this book was only 213 pages it took me over a week to read it. That's not a good thing. I was really looking forward to reading this book because of everyone raving about it so much. I'm an avid tumblr user and for the longest time you could not scroll down your dashboard without encountering a quote or picture from The Perks Of Being A Wallflower movie. When movie adaptations are made from books I try to read the book first before watching the movie. This was a case where I actually saw the movie first but I'm glad I did because if I had read the book first I would not have even thought about watching the movie afterwards. It was like Chbosky was trying to squeeze as much heavy subject material as possible into this little book. Like he was trying to make The Perks Of Being A Wallflower really heavy but in the end it just turned the book into a drag to read. Drugs, sex, rape, child molestation, underage drinking, homosexuality, and pretty much anything else considered as 'heavy subject material' will most likely be found within the covers of this tiny novel. Normally, I don't mind reading books with heavy subject material but this book ...to be quite frank, was ridiculous to me because of the fact that it was touching all of these subjects all at once and not concentrating very long on any of them for a long enough period of time. Basically the best metaphor I can think of for this book would be this; The Perks Of Being A Wallflower is much like a glass of water with a drop put in it of a bunch of different colors of dye, there are so many different dye colors going on it just turns a slightly murky color. The only things about Charlie that I could relate to were the feeling of not belonging anywhere and the depression/anxiety. Back in my freshman year of high school, much like Charlie, my depression and anxiety were at an all time high due to a number of things. Chbosky did a good job capturing depression like an ever-present darkness that follows you and consumes you at any given moment, and how it's so hard to try and escape it because it disables you to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I can count on my hand the number of moments in the book that I actually did like. Another thing that really annoyed me about this book was the fact that someone, some character, was crying on almost every page. You can't flip a page without seeing 'he cried' or 'she cried' or 'I cried'. It's somewhat understandable that Charlie cries a lot due to certain aspects of the novel that I won't disclose to prevent spoilers, but even then this book gives Charlie the emotional range of a cucumber. He's either feeling a bittersweet kind of happy or he's crying. Most of the time in this book he's crying. Even though I don't have very many good things to say about this book I will say that the movie was really good and I really enjoyed it. As both a movie and book lover I think it's really sad when a movie adaptation is either way better than the book or is so terrible it's a disgrace to the book. In the case of The Perks Of Being A Wallflower it's the first case. All I know is that I didn't enjoy this book enough to not read another one of Stephen Chbosky's books, that's for sure....more
I actually really liked this book. When I first began reading Don't Breathe a Word I wanted to stop reading it after a few chapters because the main cI actually really liked this book. When I first began reading Don't Breathe a Word I wanted to stop reading it after a few chapters because the main character Joy seemed to whine a lot. Though she kind of was entitled to considering what she was going through, however, it did get on my nerves after a while. I didn't really know that this book was about abuse until halfway through the book. If you are wary of books with abuse or just don't like reading them period then this book may not be for you. The characterization of this book was spot-on. Cupala did a fabulous job making the characters so real and the emotions so raw. There were moments that I was so into the book I felt just as helpless as the characters or just as relieved as they felt when things got better. Creed was by far my favorite character in the whole book, he was charming, funny, sweet, selfless, and flawed enough to be real. Don't Breathe a Word was such an in-depth view into the lives of homeless teens in Seattle. The emotions were raw and it really opened my eyes to a few things. I try to be immensely grateful for everything that I've been blessed with in my life, but this book reminded me that there are even smaller simple things that we take for granted. When it comes to food I analyze it (It's a very bad habit) because I'm kind of a germ-a-phobe, but this book made me realize I'm so lucky to eat off of a plate and not out of a gross dumpster. I really liked this book and I'd recommend it to anyone that likes reading from perspectives different from your average young adult fiction characters, or if you like reading unusual love stories. It's the little things that matter the most, don't take them for granted because they could be gone in a heartbeat....more
Sharing Sam is definitely different from the books that I usually read. When I first read the synopsis I thought 'what the heck? she shares the guy shSharing Sam is definitely different from the books that I usually read. When I first read the synopsis I thought 'what the heck? she shares the guy she likes with her best friend?' and almost put it back on the shelf. But something made me want to give this book a chance, that little nudging feeling that tells you 'don't be so hasty with this book'. Sharing Sam is a book about the sacrifices you make for friendship and the lengths you'll go to for the people you love. This was a really cute book, not only was it pretty short (as opposed to the 400+ page books I normally read) at 155 pages but it was a light read to. Light in the writing sense, not the subject. Some parts of the book felt really rushed, like the author really didn't want to go into detail about everything that happened so she summed it up in a few sentences and moved on to another scene. I wish that this book could have been more detailed and lengthened, but Sharing Sam seems like it was intended to be simple and straight to the point. It may have been written for a younger audience but I think it's a book that anyone could enjoy. Sharing Sam makes you want to be the best friend you could possibly be. ...more
I don't think I could begin to describe how much I loved this book. The very concept of a person inhabiting different people's bodies, a new body eachI don't think I could begin to describe how much I loved this book. The very concept of a person inhabiting different people's bodies, a new body each day, intrigued me right from the start. Every Day is a wonderful work of human connection and perspective. Imagine waking up in a different body every day unaware of what skin color you have, what your gender is, what you look like, or what your name is for the day. Every Day made me cry, seriously cry, at a particular part that hit really close to home. David Levithan captured some pretty deep emotions within this book so perfectly I felt like he knew me so personally, it was so beautiful to read those words and know that someone understands. A was such a relate-able character. I loved A, although A didn't have a gender I seemed to perceive him as a boy. I don't know why, but that's just the vibe that I got off of the character. A was very real, he had flaws and quirks and was in love with a girl. Rhiannon and A's love story is different than any other love story I've read. This book makes you wonder and think about love from an entirely different perspective. Sure, we all say 'love is blind' all the time. Plenty of people do mean it when the say it, however, just how blind would you let love be? I recently had a fall-out with a guy and was feeling kind of down in the dumps about love, relationships, and all that jazz. Of course I didn't think it was the end of the world, but Every Day helped me ask myself an important question. "What if I were to show up in a different body every day, would they still love me?" It was a thought provoking concept and I loved it. I definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a good romance, a good read, out-of-the-box thinking, or a tear jerker. I seriously hope David will consider doing a sequel for this book, because I don't think my heart can handle this kind of wrenching....more
My youngest sister had the entire Vladimir Chronicles series on her shelf just sitting there so I decided that I'd give the first book a shot. Eighth My youngest sister had the entire Vladimir Chronicles series on her shelf just sitting there so I decided that I'd give the first book a shot. Eighth Grade Bites was a really cute book. I think it may have been intended for a younger audience since the writing at times seems very simple.
Vlad is a really like-able character, and since I'm always rooting for the underdog, he was no exception. Even though he's a middle schooler I didn't get bored while reading the book, in fact in kind of took me back to the days of eighth grade. It may leave you nostalgic.
Eighth Grade Bites is a really cute book, and if you're looking for a light read or a book for your vampire-loving kid, niece, cousin, next door neighbor then I'd really recommend this book. I think I want to sink my fangs into the next book in the series Ninth Grade Slays to see what happens to sweet little Vlad. ...more
2024 Review: Such a comfort read for me that I will always come back to. Been in a bit of a reading slump for a while and unable to stick with one book2024 Review: Such a comfort read for me that I will always come back to. Been in a bit of a reading slump for a while and unable to stick with one book and finish it. 'Hatchet' and the Brian saga is helping me through it.
2013 Review: In the fourth grade my teacher decided that she wanted to have 'reading time' with us at the end of the day for at least 20 minutes if we finished our work on time. Looking back now I think that it may have been kind of a way to bribe us to work hard and behave in class. The first day of reading time my favorite teacher I've ever had the privilege to be taught by pulled out Hatchet and told us it was one of her favorite books to read as a teenager back in the eighties. Of course many jokes from classmates ensued. Those twenty minutes at the end of everyday were so magical for me and really sparked my appreciation for the written word.
Hatchet is a story about survival and the strength and greatness of the human spirit. Brian is a character I think many people can relate to. While reading this book you can't help but wonder what you would do if put into Brian's shoes. Would you have been smart enough to think of that? Would you do the same thing if in such a desperate situation? Would you give up or keep going no matter how hard it got? In the beginning of the story Brian is traveling to go visit his father since his parents have recently divorced. I actually began reading this book on the airplane that was taking me to my dad's since I'm kind of in the same boat as Brian.
It's obvious that Gary Paulsen had done a lot of research to write this book, and after the story he talks about how he put himself through forced-falls and left stranded in the woods to fend for himself. That just goes to show how passionate he was about getting into the right mindset to write Hatchet, and I have a great appreciation for writers that will put themselves in their characters shoes so that they can get the emotions and feelings spot-on.
Hatchet is just as amazing to me now as it was back in the fourth grade, almost over ten years later. It's no wonder it's an American classic, it gets your imagination running wild. My wonderful fourth grade teacher only got to read half of the second book to us by the time school was out, and I found out there are five books in the saga. I'm definitely going to continue reading Brian's story in The River....more
I really enjoyed this book. Delirium is a breath of fresh air in the dystopian genre. The concept is so original and unique I was hooked from the momeI really enjoyed this book. Delirium is a breath of fresh air in the dystopian genre. The concept is so original and unique I was hooked from the moment I read the synopsis on the back of the cover.
While I was reading this book I myself began falling for someone and couldn't help but think "I'm showing signs of amor deliria nervosa."
It was such a wonderful book, the characters were real, even the zombie-like cured ones. Alex and Gracie would have to be my favorite characters in this book, they just captured my heart right from the start. The entire idea of a world without love is just so unfathomable, I could never imagine a world without it. Where parents wouldn't love their children, and people wouldn't love their pets or friends or significant others. I'm really excited to read Pandemonium after that blood-pumping cliffhanger. I don't want to say too much about this book in order to not spoil anything for future readers. All I will say is that if you haven't read Delirium yet, what are you waiting for? ...more
It's been a long time since I've read a book under 300 pages, let alone less than 200. I read You Are So Cursed! in a day, and it was beyond refreshinIt's been a long time since I've read a book under 300 pages, let alone less than 200. I read You Are So Cursed! in a day, and it was beyond refreshing to read something short and lighthearted without having to think too much. You Are So Cursed! was really cute, albeit cliche and corny, but I loved it nonetheless. I'm a pretty big cheese ball, so maybe that's why.
Though this book is intended for a younger audience (around 13 and up) I think it has some important lessons and morals to teach people. Like how wrong it is to judge someone by the way they look (Never judge a book by it's cover), or how you should never ditch your friends over a guy/girl you'd potentially date, or trying to be someone your not in order to impress someone.
The relationship between Gio and Vick was really cute. Vick was a tough, smart-mouthed girl with something always up her sleeve (no pun intended...or maybe it was), and Gio is this adorable dorky guy. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick read to make you smile, roll your eyes while smiling, and laugh. I would definitely like to read the next book in the series by Naomi Nash I Am So Jinxed! to read more about Gio and Vick's relationship. ...more
This was one of those books that I had never heard of prior to picking it up off of the library shelf. But boy am I glad I did. Forgotten is such a woThis was one of those books that I had never heard of prior to picking it up off of the library shelf. But boy am I glad I did. Forgotten is such a wonderful story and the entire concept of the novel is very original. The idea of only being able to remember what happens in the future and forgetting the past is what drew me to the novel after reading the synopsis. It makes you wonder what a life with a flip-turned memory would be like. Imagine not being able to remember you're dating a hunky guy and get to relive 'love at first sight' every single day.
The relationship between London and Luke was so real and true. They both had faults and quirks, and even though their love was rocky at times Patrick did a good job of making their budding-romance believable. Luke was such a down-to-earth guy and lovable, seeming like your average Joe, but there's just an allure to him that would make any girl wish to have one of him for their very own.
Forgotten had me staying up all night trying to read the whole thing because of how addicting it is. It draws you in from the very first page and has you wanting more until you read the very last words. Full of suspense, mystery, romance, drama, and tons of humor Forgotten is a tale you won't soon forget. ...more
To be completely and utterly honest this book was ...alright to me. I'm not a die-hard fan of this book series but don't get me wrong it's not terriblTo be completely and utterly honest this book was ...alright to me. I'm not a die-hard fan of this book series but don't get me wrong it's not terrible. This book was a lot better than the first, in my opinion, but there were some parts near the beginning that just dragged on and the momentum of the story seemed lost.
However, near the third-quarter point of the book things picked up and there was some action to keep my interest piqued. Fitzpatrick did a good job with the intense action scenes and had me freaking out alongside Nora, which was pretty cool.
Fitzpatrick definitely sprinkled a lot of jaw-dropping moments in this book, and made my eyes widen in shock several times.
The newest addition to the Hush Hush character line-up, Scott Parnell, isn't half-bad. I liked his seemingly-obnoxious attitude and his sarcastic debonair. I really liked the relationship between Scott and Nora, for the most part, because he brought out Nora's tough side and she could remain cool and in control when she was around him. Now after reading Crescendo I might be swaying a bit towards team Scott, before you throw your tomatoes remember I said might. Maybe after I read the next two books I might change my mind...maybe. We'll just have to see what happens. ...more
This was the last book I read of the series back in 2013 and I remember how excited I was with the cliffhanger and added suspenseful drama at the end This was the last book I read of the series back in 2013 and I remember how excited I was with the cliffhanger and added suspenseful drama at the end of the book. Crimson Frost is definitely one of my favorites of the series so far due to the character development of Gwen and new characters that get introduced that flesh out the world more and more. Logan, as ever, is still one of my favorites in this series. I'm really excited for the next two installments and I believe 1 side novella since I have never read any of them it will all be brand new.
Previous 2013 Review: OH MY GOSH. I can't even figure out the right words to say just how awesome this fourth book in the Mythos Academy series was. I fear I'm going to sound redundant with this review by saying what I seem to say in every Mythos Academy series book review. Jennifer Estep has outdone herself. Every single book in the series is better than the last and has you wanting more. Crimson Frost was brilliantly written and Estep put so much thought into the intricate webbing of the plot. WOW.
The action was as intense as ever and I was constantly on my toes, enjoying the thrill the entire read. I really like Gwen as a character, she's starting to seem more like a friend than a literary character in my one of my favorite novel series. She's a strong heroine that any teenage girl could look up to. I'm not a teenager anymore but I kind of look up to her, as odd as that may sound. I love the budding relationship between Logan and Gwen, throughout all the battles and drama that goes on in their world they still manage to strengthen their bond.
There were a number of new characters introduced in Crimson Frost, and Alexei has grown on me. I won't give away any spoilers but I really liked him and the awkward "relationship" that he and Gwen had. Crimson Frost was filled with a lot of jaw dropping moments with twists and turns in the plot. So many unexpected things were thrown at the reader that were so shocking and mind-blowing. Bravo Jennifer Estep. I haven't read any of her other books aside from the Mythos Academy series but her writing style is becoming a favorite of mine.
The cliff-hanger at the end of Crimson Frost is probably the best of the series. I am dying to get my hands on Midnight Frost when it comes out in August. All I can say is if you guys haven't started reading the Mythos Academy series, you're missing out....more
I have quickly become engrossed in this world again, and I'm loving it. Gwen has done some growing up in this book and I'm glad for it, especially in I have quickly become engrossed in this world again, and I'm loving it. Gwen has done some growing up in this book and I'm glad for it, especially in regards to how judgemental she was with other girls in the precious books. I'm already halfway done with the series in just this last week alone. It's been a long time since I flew through a book series like this. It's much needed with all of the impending stress in my life right now. Can't wait for the next book!
2013 review: Usually when you read book series that consist of a ton of books the story seems to drag on and on or get duller and duller with every new segment of the series. But that is certainly not the case for the third installment of the Mythos Academy series Dark Frost. Jennifer did such an amazing job at this book and had me on my toes for a majority of the story. Gwen no longer seems like just a character but a real person that I can connect with, and I love it.
Dark Frost was equal parts funny, romantic, witty, and super action-packed. I feel like every time I read the next book in the series I think to myself "This is my favorite book in the series!" and only repeat the process when I read the next book.
I love Estep's humor and the characters she's created within the world of Mythos academy are so lovable, every time I pick up the book it's like I'm greeting old friends.
Very few times have I read a book that left me so happy and elated when I finished reading it. But even though Dark Frost had a super steep cliffhanger I was grinning from ear-to-ear when I closed the book shut. Mythos Academy has easily become one of my favorite book series EVER. I'm super excited for the next installment to the series to continue the story of Gwen, irresistible Logan, and her friends. Even though I'm anticipating what's going to happen next because of the intensity of what happened in Dark Frost I think I'm going to wait a while before I read Crimson Frost to let everything sink in, including my whacked-out emotions that seem to be flying all over the place.
Congratulations Jennifer Estep, if I wasn't hooked before I certainly am now....more
I had never even heard of this book before I saw it on the 'NEW' shelf at my local library. But I read the synopsis and got really excited because it I had never even heard of this book before I saw it on the 'NEW' shelf at my local library. But I read the synopsis and got really excited because it was about something I would want to read about. All of my friends and some family are super tech savvy and carry numerous gadgets around and are constantly texting or updating social networking sites. I, on the other hand, am the complete opposite and they all call me "old-school for that."
The entire concept for this book is absolutely brilliant, a dystopian world that we can actually relate to as our world grows more and more technology dependant and digital everyday. Right from the very first page I was hooked and stayed hooked to the very end. Not once did I have to force myself to read, the opposite really because I would keep reading when I had a lot of important things I should have been doing.
The relationship between Justin and Maddie was so cute and I loved the budding romance that was building between them. At times I found myself getting frustrated that Justin wouldn't kiss her already! But nonetheless the frustrations felt toward Justin only added to the allure and suspense of the novel. The thing about the world Katie created in Awaken is that it's entirely possible of happening to us. Digital School is the enemy in this book because they're responsible for the 'everything must be digital' wave that swept the nation. It was a result of school shootings and bombings that were happening left and right and people no longer trusted each other and enclosed themselves in digital cocoons.
It made me sad when I read that book because when I thought about all of the shootings that have been happening in schools recently and the tragedy that happened at a movie theater here in my home town last summer realized it was like the book. A lot of people are beginning to not trust each other, parents are taking their kids out of real schools and doing homeschooling or online schooling just like what happened in the book. This book definitely is thought provoking and is kind of enlightening about our condition as we grow more dependent on technology. I really recommend this book to anyone, it's a fantastic read, has a cute romance, and it makes you think while being very relate-able. ...more
The moment I saw Rules of Attraction, the second book in the Perfect Chemistry series, I got super giddy. You know that saying? The one that states thThe moment I saw Rules of Attraction, the second book in the Perfect Chemistry series, I got super giddy. You know that saying? The one that states that sequels are never as good as the first book, well that saying doesn't apply to Rules of Attraction. This book was so good, you could tell Simone owned the story-telling in this second installment to the series.
Carlos was hilarious, and I loved his cockiness that would get him into heaps of trouble. Kiara was really cool, she was down-to-earth, not into social cliques and appearances like a majority of the rest of the student body at her high school, and she was always willing to go head to head with Carlos. I loved their relationship, it was challenging, raw, funny, quirky, and down right cute.
The Perfect Chemistry series isn't exactly an on-going series, meaning that it isn't necessary to read them in order because each book revolves around the love story of each Fuentes brother. I honestly like Rules of Attraction way better than the first book, though Perfect Chemistry was pretty good. I enjoyed bieng able to see continuing bits and pieces of Brittany and Alex's relationship woven in and out of the story, keeping them alive
I'm stoked to read the next installment to the Perfect Chemistry series, Chemical Reaction, to read about Luis's love. If you can say anything about the Fuentes brothers it would be that they've got spunk and they know it. ...more
This second installment to the Maze Runner series was pretty intense. The Scorch Trials was super action-packed and suspenseful, there was never a dulThis second installment to the Maze Runner series was pretty intense. The Scorch Trials was super action-packed and suspenseful, there was never a dull moment. There were a lot of crazy things going on throughout the story, the boys had more of an adventure in this book than the last one if that's even possible. A lot of new characters were introduced in The Scorch Trials, and without giving away any spoilers they're pretty memorable. However, I now very much dislike a particular character very much (not mentioning any names).
After reading this sequel in the trilogy I've come to the conclusion that Minho is by far my favorite character. He's spunky and smart mouthed and he had a lot of highlighted moments in this book. I had instantly liked Minho the moment he showed up in The Maze Runner but The Scorch Trials really added depth to his character.
Dashner did a good job of keeping us on our toes in The Scorch Trials but there was a lot of confusion towards the end of the book leading up to the inevitable cliff hanger. I'm super excited to read the next book, more excited than I was after reading The Maze Runner, I really want to know the truth behind it all (almost as much as the Gladers themselves). Klunk it, I'm too impatient to wait to get my hands on The Death Cure, and not to mention the prequel to the entire Maze Runner series, The Kill Order. ...more
Engrossing. I am seriously hooked on the Mortal Instruments series. Cassandra Clare's City of Ashes is a masterpiece, I'm in love with her writing styEngrossing. I am seriously hooked on the Mortal Instruments series. Cassandra Clare's City of Ashes is a masterpiece, I'm in love with her writing style. The sequel to the Mortal Instruments series was no disappointment. I enjoyed reading more of Clary and the gang's story unfolding, and about Valentine's impending uprising. After the first book I was pretty shell-shocked from a major plot-twist (though between you and me, I don't believe it at all) but City of Ashes helped me get over that drastic turn of events (well, sort of). This is one of those book series that gets you wanting more and the books don't get worse as you continue on through the series, actually it's just the opposite. The Mortal Instruments series has easily become one of my favorite book series. City of Ashes was packed with action from cover-to-cover and filled with a hefty dose of suspenseful drama, just the way I like it. Jace is as charming as ever; his sarcastic mouth is something you could never get bored of. This book was filled with a couple of plot-twists that made me put the book down in shock, it's that good. After being left with a huge cliffhanger I'm excited to see what Clare has in store in City of Glass. If you haven't started reading the Mortal Instruments series, what are you waiting for?...more
Perhaps I'm biased because Ellen Schreiber is one of my all-time favorite authors but I really liked this book. Her stories are always light-hearted bPerhaps I'm biased because Ellen Schreiber is one of my all-time favorite authors but I really liked this book. Her stories are always light-hearted but filled with adventure at every turn. She did a great job creating the world of werewolves in the Full Moon series just like she did in the Vampire Kisses series.
This book wasn't as great as the first one though, at times it felt like it was dragging on and had a lot of repetition. One of Celeste's best friends Ivy really got on my nerves at several parts of the book but that just goes to show that Ellen is really good a characterization because she makes them so believable. But it was still a good book nonetheless, I've had a lot of stress from things that have been going on lately so it was nice to unwind to Magic of the Moonlight at the end of the day.
In my experience I've learned authors generally tend to write about things they know or have experienced within their own lives. In different books that Ellen has written she has a reoccurring theme of towns being split into two sides (Uptowners and Downtowners, Eastsiders and Westsiders) which always has me wondering if she had dealt with something like that in her own hometown growing up. I'm really excited to read the last of the Full Moon series, Full Moon Kisses as soon as I can get my hands on it. One of my favorite things about Ellen's writing in book series is the way she does cliffhangers; something terrible could be going on and things are out of control but she always leaves the readers with a sweet moment between the main characters/couple. ...more
I first read this book back in 2013 and now re-reading it I remember why I had fallen in love with Cassandra Clare's world. I fell off after the 3rd bI first read this book back in 2013 and now re-reading it I remember why I had fallen in love with Cassandra Clare's world. I fell off after the 3rd book I think just because of school and everything else happening. Jace still cracks me up; I really love and have thr biggest soft spot for snarky, witty smartasses. The movie adaptation was really great, and I'm still deciding whether or not I like the show. Magnus Bane is also a huge favorite of mine, a badass wizard with style for days. I'm excited that I'll really only be rereading the first few books and then everything else (all of thr spin off series and the rest of this one) will all be brand new.
2013 Review: Awesome! City of Bones is a great start to the Mortal Instruments series. It's jam-packed with action, demon-fighting, sarcasm, romance, suspense, drama, and everything else you could want in a paranormal YA book. Cassandra Clare has a unique writing style that's very different from other young adult writers, but different in a good way. Eloquent is the word that comes to mind when I think of her writing style. Clare's writing is so vivid and descriptive I didn't get lost once during any of the fight scenes. Some of the fight scenes I've read in other books had me lost in the middle of it because of the authors' writing styles. Cassandra, however, managed to write out the fight scenes perfectly. I liked Jace right from the get-go. He's a smart-mouth and has endearing qualities I won't mention to prevent spoilers. You know how sometimes you read a novel and you really like a character? Maybe you and that character wouldn't get along very well in real life because your personalities would clash but you still enjoy reading scenes they're in. I smiled whenever Jace made an entrance because regardless of what was going on you could always rely on his smart-mouth to lighten up a situation a bit. He actually really reminded me of the character Loki from Amanda Hocking's Trylle trilogy. At the beginning of the book I already knew what team I was rooting for in the little love triangle going on in City of Bones. However, as the plot progressed...things happened. I won't tell you what things happened, if you want to know you'll have to read the book yourself. The falling action leading to the conclusion of the book left me so confused. I'm not entirely sure how I feel about what happened, I think I'm still in shock and processing all of the information. I'm angry and sad for sure. I'm still on the same team I was on at the beginning but I need to read more of the series to make sure my theories are true. I recommend City of Bones to anyone looking for a good summer read now that schools are coming to an end in time for summer fun....more