The Return of the King by J. R. R. Tolkien

The Return of the King by J. R. R. Tolkien
Series: The Lord of the Rings Book 3
Genre: Fantasy

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

I finished this book quicker than the last. It was not as fast paced, but there was a lot of action that was described thoroughly. I felt completely immersed in the tale, as I had with The Two Towers. There was so much insight to the story and into each individual character.

What I liked most about this book was the characters. Yes, they were the same as the previous books, but I truly felt connected with each one. I was able to understand the characters and fall in love with them in a completely new way than I had during the movies. I was able to respect all of the characters, even Saruman. Despite his cruelties, Tolkien was able to show him in a different light, or at least show that he too was just a person and no more than that. It was nice to find that new connection with a story that I had grown up with.

This book was heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. I felt my heart shatter into a million pieces countless times as Tolkien wrapped up the series. Despite my reluctance to continue with this series, I am so glad I did. There is so much sadness and yet so much happiness in one tale. This is a true classic, and it will forever be one of my favorite stories, through both film and literature.

It's a grueling roller coaster, but that's what makes it so fantastic. That's what makes it one of my favorites. It was nice to see that Tolkien wasn't just a teller of dynamic tales, but he could create dynamic characters with relatable thoughts.

As the end was near, I was prepared for the story to slow to a crawl. But it never stopped. Everything kept moving and I stayed riveted even as it came to a close. Perhaps it was because I was not ready to say goodbye. Either way, this book, and this series, were amazing and wonderful, the perfect world to escape too.

4 stars.

Flat Out Love by Jessica Park

Flat Out Love by Jessica Park

Genre: YA Realistic Romantic Humor

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

This book was very hard for me to get into. Not because it was boring, not because I didn’t like the characters, not because it was a bad book, but because—oh gosh you guys are gonna hate me for this—the paragraphs were so long. I have issues with focusing sometimes, especially when all the words jumble together into one or two super long paragraphs per page, leaving me no break between to gather myself and my thoughts. Description and introductions and character traits and imagery and jokes, all rolled into super long paragraphs. I had no choice but to skim past many words for the sake of my sanity.

Otherwise, this book was excellent. It was refreshing to have such a real story and real characters with their own creative quirks. First off, Julie had a great sense of humor that left me cracking up on the inside—and even helped me find my own sense of humor, despite the fact that I’ve already lost it one day after completing this book. Secondly, Matt had a hilarious and clever sense of humor as well, combining smarts, humor, wit, and geek into one. Thirdly, Celeste was such a dynamic character, especially with her lack of friends except for Flat Finn of course.

I have to say Park’s wit and creative plot won me over. I absolutely loved this book and enjoyed the humor paired with sadness and underlying problems revealed at the last possible minute. I loved Flat Out Love, and Flat Finn, and Julie, and Celeste, and Matt, and Finn, and every beautiful character that made up this plot.

4 stars.

Never Never Part 2 by Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher

Never Never Part 2 by Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher

Series: Never Never Part 2

Genre: YA Suspenseful Romance Novella

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Once again, Hoover and Fisher had you on your toes for the whole book. It starts off with Silas loosing his memory, but reading the notes he has to give him clues as to who he is and what he is doing. He knows he needs to find Charlie, and he knows that he is Silas, but he has no clues as to where to find her.

Charlie, on the other hand, is in a mental hospital, or so she thinks. The whole situation with Charlie was very confusing and seemingly pointless, but I am sure Hoover and Fisher will clear it up in the next book.

I enjoyed this book, but there was less action and there were fewer revelations, probably because we learned much of the information in the first book. The love story was cuter in this one, but there were fewer interactions between the two and fewer conversations in total.

I feel like Hoover and Fisher could have done a much better job. This was fast paced and moved quickly, but there were hardly any actual actions in the whole novel. It was almost too short, even though I know it is supposed to be short because it is only a novella.

Overall, this story was enjoyable and once again, left us with a major cliffhanger. Desperately awaiting the next book!!!

3 stars.

Afterworlds by Scott Westerfield

Afterworlds by Scott Westerfield

Genre: YA Romance Realistic and Paranormal Fiction

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

I have previously read Scott Westerfield’s series Uglies and, after listening to my mother’s suggestion to read Afterworlds, I jumped at the chance to read it, without knowing what it was about. I was immediately enthralled with the world Westerfield, or, rather, Patel, created with the first chapter, and then was thrust into the life of the fictional author of Afterworlds. Because my dream is to be a writer, I loved hearing about what an author’s life is like and what happens when you are published, while at the same time getting the chance to read the novel created by the author.

I loved how Afterworlds was like two books in one. One book was about the author’s life, and the other was the book the author wrote. Therefore, I’m going to give to separate, but connected, reviews.

The author’s life: Darcy Patel was an interesting character. She was awkward and seemed to live in a shell in the beginning, but began to break out with more exposure to YA heaven and the real world. Her book was comprised of different scenes she believed to be stolen, when really novels are various scenes from various experiences stitched together to create something unique. So, no, Darcy Patel was not a thief, she was a writer, and an excellent one at that. It was hard for me to remember that Darcy wasn’t in fact writing Afterworlds, though, and Westerfield wrote the whole story.

Darcy Patel’s novel: The first chapter, as said throughout the whole book, set the scene perfectly. There was the perfect amount of conflict and mystery that kept the readers wanting more, even reading past the chapter about Darcy’s life to get to the next part. Lizzie was an interesting character as well, but she seemed kind of flat. There were mentions of her life before she discovered the flipside, but there were no real connections, as if there was nothing in her life besides herself, her new ghost friend, Yamaraj, the flipside, death, and her mother. Half of those things were completely new to her as of the first chapter, as if she didn’t have a backstory, which made her seem flat. Yamaraj’s backstory was very interesting and unique, and though his character was inspired by the Hindu Vedas, he was still an original character.

I loved the world, or rather the Flipside, in Afterworlds. It was different than any other views on death than I had ever read, or seen, and I loved the originality. It made me realize that life is so precious, and not only things that were living can die. I loved the fact that ghosts only exist if people exist to remember them, and that is a nice thought, although not extremely comforting. Of course it’s only fiction, though.

Overall, this book was excellent. It was both real and paranormal in one novel split into two. The characters were ok, if not a little flat, but the idea behind this novel was very original and I loved it very much.

5 stars.

End of Days by Susan Ee

End of Days Susan Ee

Series: End of Days Book 3

Genre: YA Fantasy
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
A lot happens in this book. Everything from an angel warrior trial to Penryn and Beliel to escaping to hell through memories to recruit warrior, from a strained love story to an epic battle to mankind and angels. I enjoyed Susan’s depiction of the apocalypse once again and the constant movement of this novel. There was never a quiet time, never time to sit back and relax, and Susan Ee did a good job of keeping the readers on our toes.

There were times where I just wanted to curse the characters. Some authors can create characters so real who make decisions as if they are actual real people, and there are some authors who can’t write characters in a way that makes them come alive. Susan Ee is in between. There were some actions and decisions that were so stupid and unrealistic, even for her novel, that made the characters seem like just another figment of imagination, while there were other decisions that made them dynamic and real. Of course, the characters were never entirely flat and they were always moving and breathing, but, especially in the resolution, there was no reader to character connection whatsoever.

I’m not going to lie, I kind of hated the ending. It was far too cheesy to be an ending to a trilogy like Susan Ee’s trilogy. It was nothing like I expected, and the resolution happened in a matter of pages as if there was never any conflict at all.

Overall, this novel was great. The characters were fun, the plot was a rollercoaster, but the ending was just too cheesy. Otherwise, I loved it and enjoyed the read very much.
3 stars.

Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen

Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen

Genre: YA Realistic Romance

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

I’m going to be completely honest with you: I was taken aback at this book. Sarah Dessen always manages to take such emotional problems and make them seem simple, and I love that about her books. She manages to reduce everything down to something so small, and yet so influential to everyone. Of course, this book did an equally excellent job at doing so as her other novels. However, Saint Anything seems different. I don’t know if it’s because I am older and more mature now, seeing as I read most of her other books in 6^th and 7^th grade, but I do know that Saint Anything seemed much more mellow and realistic than her other novels. (Also, I haven’t read any of her other novels in quite some time, so I might not remember.)

You know me, though. I relate to every single character out there, and I’m always searching for my literary twin (by the way, I have thousands). So I’m going to say this once again: Sydney seemed like another literary twin of me. She was shy, calm, always thinking about others, and feeling guilty even for things that she didn’t cause. And she was lonely. Her depiction of her sadness was so similar to how I feel. Of course, there were aspects of her that were nowhere near similar to me, like her inability to stand up for herself. (Not that I didn’t like that, it was a necessary component to the story—I just don’t have that same problem.)

I loved the ease of all of the relationships in Saint Anything. Sydney just eased into her friendship with Layla, eased into her relationship with Mac, and she held onto her old friends as well. I loved how easy it seemed, because it’s nice to see that sometimes relationships with others aren’t as difficult as they are for me.

Overall, this book was so very good and entertaining. I loved it so much, and I loved the mellow tone that was uncommon for Sarah Dessen’s books (or so I remember?). Reading this book just made me crave pizza and lollipops (I like grape!), and that’s when you know that it was a well-written novel.

4 stars.

It's Been A While . . .

Hi. I know it's been a while, and even though I'm sure nobody is reliant on this blog for daily quality reviews of books, I still feel as if I'm letting myself down. This blog is a huge commitment to me that is more than just something to do if I'm bored. I actually want to get to the point where people would miss this blog when faced with a review drought. I want people to rely on this blog for quality reviews of books.

The problem is, I am struggling. The words in novels blur together because I am so lost. I miss reading, I miss books, but I can't focus on a single book for longer than a few pages before I get bored. It's not that the books are bad, it's that I am going crazy.

I used this inability to read new books to take a trip down memory lane. I read through my favorite book series, The Breathing Series by Rebecca Donovan, for the millionth time, and I had no problem getting into those. But now that I finished, I'm starting to panic. I need to read new books now. I know I need to. I just find myself not able too, still.

There are two weeks left of school, two weeks until I am stress free. Hopefully after these two weeks I will find my inspiration to read again, and I will find a great book to lose myself in.

I think that this is the cost of taking on so many responsibilities at one time, while also reading books nonstop in whatever free time I have. Hopefully without my responsibilities, it will be easier to read.

xxxx

Just One Night by Gayle Forman

Just One Night by Gayle Forman

Series: Just One Day Book 2.5

Genre: YA Romantic Fiction

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

This book was very relaxing—or, rather, this novella was very relaxing. It was a short, easy read that wrapped up all loose ends into one nice, pretty little package. It had what the previous novels did not: an ending with an explanation. Gayle Forman famously leaves her readers questioning the resolutions to her novels, and she even does that in this novella, but at least she gives an explanation for the endings of Just One Day and Just One Year.

I loved the elation that Willem and Allyson had upon seeing each other again, and I loved that there was no hatred or sour emotions—they were simply together at last as if they had never been apart. It was refreshing to read a Gayle Forman story that was so calming and happy, without her usual depressing tones.

Overall, this novella was a great way to end the series in a bright and cheerful way. The writing was, as usual, fantastic, and the characters were too infatuated with each other to be able to relate to them unless you have experienced love before (I say this in a good way, not negatively). I enjoyed it very much, in a different way than the first two novels.

4 stars.

Just One Year by Gayle Forman

Just One Year by Gayle Forman

Series: Just One Day Book 2

Genre: YA Romantic Fiction

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

My first thoughts when I started reading were, and I quote, “Holy shit, how am I going to get through 323 pages of this book!?” It’s not because it was a bad book, nor was it because I didn’t like it, it was simply because the ending of the first one left me with no answers and no happy ending, and I didn’t want to read the same story from Willem’s point of view if it meant delaying those answers.

However, I soon realized—or, rather, after nearly half the book—that by reading Just One Year, even though it wasn’t what comes after, still gave me answers that I needed. Of course, answers never come without a price, and Gayle Forman’s price was 323 pages of torture and anticipation.

The majority of this book was pure frustration. He almost stopped her, he almost found her, he almost got over her, he almost saw her. This book was comprised of so many almosts that I don’t think I ever want to hear that word again. He almost had her.

While it was frustrating, I still enjoyed it very much. I liked hearing Willem’s story, and his feelings on “Lulu” (or Allyson). I like hearing about his parents and his childhood and his many adventures, and I liked how, even though he never truly moved on, he still did things with his time after Allyson. He wasn’t stuck.

Overall, I loved this book—maybe not as much as the first one, but pretty close. I liked the story and, after hating Willem in the first one, it was nice to find the capacity to fall in love with him. This was a great tale of heartbreak and romance and love—not just his love of Allyson, but the love he shared with his mother. I loved it.

4 stars.

Just One Day by Gayle Forman

Just One Day by Gayle Forman

Series: Just One Day Book 1

Genre: YA Romance Fiction

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

All characters in any books before Just One Day that I believed to be my book clone do not even live up to the exact replica of myself in this book. Well, I shouldn’t say this entire book, because Allyson Healy went through immense changes throughout the story, but in the beginning of the book, when she first met Willem, it was like reading a novel from the point of view of myself. I had the same insecurities, same voice, same antisocialness, and even the same issue with traveling (although after traveling to New Zealand, those issues disappeared, so I guess I went through a similar change to Allyson’s, as well). Because of my connection with Allyson, it felt as if her experiences were happening to me. It felt like Gayle Forman was talking directly to my soul, and it made me miserable as well as slightly elated. I felt the heartbreak as Allyson experienced it, I felt the courage as Allyson took the leap of faith. I felt like Allyson as Allyson felt like Lulu.

Then, of course, that leads me to Part 2. Allyson suffered in Paris, and that led to her depression at home. Once again, Gayle Forman was speaking to my heart. Allyson refused any invites to social activities, she was failing her classes, she hated her life. She was depressed, and I’ve heard that many freshmen in college experience this. And this wouldn’t have impacted me were it not for my own struggle with all of her same feelings and issues (besides the heartbreak—who needs boys when you have books?), and also the fact that I’m feeling these emotions four years prematurely. Her experiences caused me to feel the loneliness, frustration, and exhaustion deeply, as well as caused me to feel incredibly terrified for the future and what it brings.

I loved this book so very much. I loved the format, and the evolution of Allyson’s character. After her depressive faze, she made many life changes and got back on her feet. That was the end of our resemblances, but I’m hoping one day I might find myself with her courage and strength and bravery.

Also, I had mixed feelings about Willem. He was perfect in the beginning, but I always had my doubts about his credibility (as did Allyson). Then I thought he was a player, and just used Allyson for sex. But clues kept popping up and I won’t spoil the ending.

Overall, this was such a great book, and it impacted me as well. Gayle Forman has a way with words that always seems to hit me in the softest spots, deep down inside. I’m still recovering from this book and I know I will be for a while.

5 stars.

The Heir by Kiera Cass

The Heir by Kiera Cass

Series: The Selection Book 4

Genre: YA Dystopian Romance

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

I have to say that while this book was good and I did enjoy it, I kind of hated it as well. Cass painted Eadlyn to be a total brat, exactly what you would expect a child of royalty to be. She was selfish and believed that everyone adored her. When she realized that the people actually kind of hated her, she couldn’t for the life of her figure out why. She treated people like they were dirt and believed herself to be superior to everyone. She is by far my least favorite YA character out of all of the books I have ever read.

While I could rant on and on about Eadlyn and her flaws as a character, I might as well point out the good things in this book. Cass did a good job focusing on actual conflict instead of just a love story. The readers were able to understand the problems in the world, unlike in the first three novels. There were many aspects of conflict and plot that Cass executed greatly, and this novel was very entertaining.

Overall, despite the extremely annoying characters, the story was good and the plot was thought out well. I did enjoy reading this novel and can’t wait to read the next one.

Three stars.

Never Never Part 1 by Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher

Never Never by Colleen Hoover and Tarryn Fisher

Series: Never Never: Part 1

Genre: Young Adult Suspense Romance Novella

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

This was one of those books that I just picked up and started reading without any knowledge as to what it was about. Of course, even if I had read the description, it was very brief and gave little to no indication of the story line. It reads, “Best friends since they could walk. In love since the age of fourteen. Complete strangers since this morning. He'll do anything to remember. She'll do anything to forget.”

Never Never was a quick, fast paced read, considering it is a “novella series”. From the beginning, Hoover had you on your toes trying to anticipate her next move. It was utterly confusing from cover to cover, and it leaves you wanting, craving, heck needing answers. It was nonstop questions and, despite expecting answers, it leaves with none. This book is literally the true meaning of cliffhanger. I am already eagerly awaiting the next book.

The love story in this book, though quite confusing, was cute and I couldn’t help but root for Charlie and Silas. They both seemed like awful people before they lost their memories, but now that they can’t remember anything, I actually really like them.

I can’t wait for the sequel to come out, hopefully soon!

I would give this book 4 stars. 

The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger

The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger

Genre: YA Coming of Age

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

I started reading this book after finishing The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Steven Chbosky, by recommendation of both my mom and my English teacher. I’d heard a lot about this book and even though I didn’t know what to expect, I did have high expectations.

Usually, when I read a book, I don’t formulate opinions until the end. Sometimes, I may like the beginning and the middle, but if it has a crappy ending, all of my opinions will change massively. The ending is what makes the book, in my opinion. Except for this book. My opinions were constantly changing. I thought it was pretty boring in the beginning and hard to stay focused because of the repetitiveness and the long paragraphs. However, then I really started to relate with Holden Caulfield and his point of view on things. I completely understand his hatred for everyone and everything, as I was going through this very same thing about the time that I read this. I couldn’t stand school and I didn’t understand what the point in trying was, and I would love all my friends then hate them the next day. His viewpoints on life are so similar to mine it is uncanny, although I do feel that I am a bit more optimistic than he was.

Once I connected with Holden, the story got interesting and I really enjoyed it. Before, I was dragging my feet in reading this book, but then I couldn’t put it down. I was riveted, and then it abruptly ended, and overall I was left confused. What happens next? What was the point of this whole story? It was actually quite frustrating.

I have found that of the old books I have read, they all end abruptly and without resolve. That is frustrating to me because I love endings and I always have, but I feel as if there aren’t endings in these books, and I don’t know what to do with myself.

Overall, I’d say this was a humorous, realistic, and relatable book with interesting characters and lots of sarcasm that may or may not leave you confused.

Four stars.

Nearly Gone by Elle Cosimano

Nearly Gone by Elle Cosimano

Genre: YA Paranormal Romantic Mystery

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

This book was nonstop. I picked it up Saturday afternoon and didn’t put it down until I finished at 3 am. It was amazingly suspenseful and a great mystery. I never saw any of it coming, and I never would have suspected the person who did it. Nearly Gone was the perfect blend of romance and mystery, with a hint of paranormalcy, all rolled into one novel.

This book had the type of plot that didn’t leave you craving character connections. I’m sure if the plot had been calmer and less chaotic, I would have connected with Nearly and Reece, but I was too focused on figuring out the next clue and finding out who the murderer was.

Overall, this book was amazing, and I couldn’t get enough. The name choice was fantastic—who would think of the name Nearly?—and the elaborate mystery was well planned and thought out. I loved this book and definitely couldn’t put it down until it was over.

4 stars.

The One by Kiera Cass

The One by Kiera Cass

Series: The Selection Book 3

Genre: YA Dystopian Romance

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

This book was infuriating. America had made her choice, she had pushed Aspen away and focused on Maxon, but Maxon and America kept fighting about the same issue over and over again and refusing to declare their love. It was so repetitive and childish and annoying. This whole book was just cheesy and predictable, as the rest of this series, but everything caused a fight and everything caused doubts that shouldn’t be there.

Also, the emotional reactions of many of the characters were either far too powerful for such a small issue, or not enough for an important issue, and that bothered me. America would sob and cry at the tiniest little spat with Maxon, but she hardly reacted to various deaths.

However, if you ignore the cheesiness and lack of realistic emotions, this book was pretty good. Cass focused more on the conflict in society than the relationship, which I appreciated. Although, considering how important endings are too me, I didn’t think that Cass did the book justice. She could have done so much more with the plot and world she’d thought up, but instead she just ended it. It was as if all of the conflict was magically resolved as America slept, and she woke to find a beautiful husband and a recovering country.

This book could have been magnificent, and I did enjoy it, but there were more things that bothered me than things I enjoyed.

Two stars.

The Elite by Kiera Cass

The Elite by Kiera Cass

Series: The Selection Book 2

Genre: YA Dystopian Romance

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

This book was exhausting. The story that I enjoyed in the first book was continued in this one and I thought it was carried out well, for the most part. What bothered me were the flaws in all the characters. They were so unnatural, and the conversations had no flow or natural feeling. One minute America would be strong and independent, the next she’d be a jealous friend, then she’d run off throwing a temper tantrum, then she’d be extremely stubborn, and then she’d be a damsel in distress. America was not the strong woman that was shown in the first book. She was weak and always crying and making bad choices.

Maxon and Aspen weren’t any better. Maxon would be kind and considerate one minute, then he’d be cold and hard, but then all of a sudden they’d show a soft side and instead of America eating that up she’d think he was simply acting. And Aspen would seem so perfect one minute, but America would change her mind again and paint him as a cruel human being.

Also, issues would just pop up out of the blue and go away the next chapter. The story would be focused on America sobbing because of a gossip column in a magazine, then the rebels would attack, but Cass doesn’t dive into that or connect that to a plot. It seemed like the major conflict in the society is included more to fill in blank pages between the next spat between America and Maxon or Aspen.

Cass could have expanded much more on the plot, the conflict, and even the characters. It was still enjoyable and an easy read, but it was written quite poorly in my opinion. I’m hopeful that the next book in this series will be an improvement on the first two books.

Two stars.

Branded by Keary Taylor

Branded by Keary Taylor

Series: Fall of Angels Book 1

Genre: YA Romantic Fantasy

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

This was the first book that I have been able to dive into in a while. I’ve been very busy and overall very uninterested in all the books I’ve attempted to read, until this book. When I started reading, I was immediately caught by the hook and drawn in. Taylor held me from cover to cover and I couldn’t put it down.

I loved the story line and the cleverness of it. Usually, angels are perfect beings and the main character is the spawn of an angel and human *gasp*. However, in this book, the main character was an ordinary human who just happens to dream of the horrendous and terrifying angels and their world each night.

One thing I didn’t enjoy was the relationship development. Jessica and Alex were head over heels for each other immediately, despite the odd and slightly creepy manor of their first encounter. And everyone Jessica tried to hold a conversation with was met with little to no response, which bothered me immensely. She had little interactions with certain people, despite the fact that they had enormous rolls in the plot.

Overall, this book was very entertaining and unique. There was great description and a great storyline. The relationships were a bit odd, as were the connections with the characters, but it was otherwise a great book.

Three stars.

The Selection by Kiera Cass

The Selection by Kiera Cass

Series: The Selection Book 1

Genre: YA Dystopian Romance

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

I have always loved dystopian novels. First I read Hunger Games, then Matched, and now this! I love Kiera Cass’s series because while it is futuristic, it also has hints of the past. There is a strict and binding caste system and the poor are starving. Also, there is the feeling of having princesses that slightly reminded me of my childhood but more of the Middle Ages. I loved the incorporation of different time periods.

Also, I loved the name choice. I wish that I could adopt some of these names for my own, such as Aspen and Tuesday. I have to praise Cass for being so clever! I really connected with America as well. She was so strong, opinionated, stubborn, and kind, and though I’m not all of those things, I like to think that I am.

However, one of my reservations about reading this book was that it was similar to the TV show, The Bachelor. And I can’t stand that show and that idea. It’s appalling that someone has to pick who they will from a pool of girls, and the girls are willing to do it. I hated how all of the girls in the pool were falling over each other just for Maxon’s attention. As if girls need a famous and powerful man to make them complete. Even America fell for his charm, although if I were in her shoes I would have too. But what bothered me about America is she has this love triangle. And I will have you know: I HATE love triangles. They can be entertaining for a little while, but they just get frustrating. And love triangles are a bit overdone now, just like the Romeo and Juliet idea.

Although, this love triangle was less exhausting because it wasn’t a love triangle until the end when Aspen came back into America’s life after breaking her heart. Before that, America was just being charmed by Maxon and slowly falling for him while completely forgetting about Aspen. But then he appears on her guard and he claims he never stopped loving her. I thought that whole part was completely cheesy, especially because America fell for it and became uncertain again. From that point on everything irritated me. It was so frustrating having him back and I thought that the plot would have flowed more smoothly if Cass hadn’t reintroduced Aspen into the story.

Overall, though, I loved this book. The characters were great, although Aspen was a bit overbearing and annoying. The love story was good, and the dystopian combination of past and future was very well done. I loved this book, and can’t wait to read the next one!

Three stars.

World After by Susan Ee

World After by Susan Ee

Series: End of Days Book 2

Genre: YA Fantasy

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

This book was very morbid. There were man-scorpions that liquefied your insides and sucked them out. There were ragdoll children who feasted on flesh and blood. And the angels enjoyed it. There were times when I had to stop and put the book down just to keep the images from playing in my head.

I’m not saying this book was bad. It was good, actually. There were parts of it that I didn’t like and I thought were very cliché. In the beginning, Penryn kept getting visions and dreams from her newfound archangel sword that taught her how to fight. It was kind of annoying because she would talk to the sword and it would respond with flashbacks.

However, the rest of this book was fairly well. The characters were very interesting, each of them having a strange perk or dominate quality. There was lots of action and fighting.

Most of all, though, I just couldn’t believe Susan Ee’s imagination. The angels were appalling as well as the creatures and I couldn’t even imagine being able to think the way they do. Everyone was worried about themselves and themselves only and that made me realize how truthful that really is. Not many people would risk their lives to save others if need be.

This book, in contrast to the first book, had no mystery and no shocking revelations, not that the plot was affected by the lack thereof. It was entertaining and left you wanting to read the next book to find out what happens next!

Three stars.

Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes by Chris Crutcher

Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes by Chris Crutcher

Genre: Realistic YA Fiction

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

I read this book for my Independent Reading Project for English. I chose it off of a list of 9^th Grade reading level books. Knowing myself, I probably never would have read or heard of this book if it weren’t for this project. I forever judge books by their covers, despite my efforts not too, and this particular cover would not have caught my eye. I started this book with low expectations. I figured it would just be another boring book that I’m required to read that I won’t enjoy.

I was so very wrong. This book was excellent. There were always questions and Crutcher kept you wanting answers. Sarah Byrnes was a mystery and as the book went on, her secrets spilled out one by one. It was baffling and depressing and utterly amazing.

I loved the CAT’s class. That is the type of class that I could spend years in, discussing and listening to people’s opinions and sharing my own, having disputes. I was so very jealous of this class that when Eric was in it, I didn’t want it to be over.

I loved Eric, or Moby, or Mobe, the main character. I loved the hard and humorous exterior Sarah Byrnes put out and Eric eventually adapted to use. I loved the foil character for Eric and Ellerby, Mark Brittain, because I hated him so much. He gave me fuel to my hate for super religious people. I loved his transformation, too. He showed me that people who were once self-righteous assholes can change to be better people, and that gives me hope. I also loved Ellerby and his father, because they showed me something that I have difficulty seeing on my own: not all religions and religious people are bad. Ellerby’s dad was an advocate for so many of my beliefs, despite being a preacher himself while I am the very opposite.

But mostly, I loved all the heartbreaking and hard life stories everyone had. No one was perfect in the book, everyone had a small flaw or sad story to tell, especially Sarah Byrnes. She was definitely my favorite character, inspiring and strong, yet weak and loving as she evolved.

Overall, I just have to say I was surprised. This was a great book despite the fact that I was forced into reading it for an English assignment.

4 stars.