Legend by Marie Lu

Title: Legend
Author: Marie Lu
Rating: 3/5 stars
Blurb: What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic’s wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic’s highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country’s most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths—until the day June’s brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family’s survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias’ death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

Review: I read this book right after I read Ashfall by Mike Mullin, and I have to say, both of them made me go through the same motions... shrugs.

So anyway, Legend turned out to be an interesting read, and from the beginning I found myself fascinated by Day's character. He's very likable in that he's poor, yet totally bold and helpful. His is also the first POV in the story. June's POV comes second, and because of that, I wasn't as intrigued with her character. It's not that she was unexciting or anything, I just found that her character was very similar with Day's. Or maybe it was just their voices. Yeah, the voices.

The plot was alright. It kept me reading till the end, and it had enough twists to hold my attention. Especially near the end. I really wanted to find out how things would turn out, and John (Day's older brother), just became my favourite character after what he did. To be honest, I think I liked him from the very start.

There was one huge pitfall for me in the book. Both June and Day are these super smart, super agile and athletic, super famous (for different reasons), super mega beautiful 15 year olds... Have I said enough? OK, maybe all of the above might have been alright had our protagonists been older. I mean, they are so young yet so influential... it's all just very unrealistic, and therefor, it threw me off a bit.

In all though, the plot and characters were interesting enough, and the whole story was put together nicely. For me, this book is truly a three stars, nothing great, nothing sucky. Just average. I might give the second book a try (greater chance if it makes its way to me, and not me to it, yeah?) (Day said yeah a lot, is that like, and an American thing? Because I can totally use this on my cousins in the states, yeah?)  

Ashfall by Mike Mullin

Title: Ashfall
Author: Mike Mullin
Rating: 3.5/5
Blurb: Many visitors to Yellowstone National Park don’t realize that the boiling hot springs and spraying geysers are caused by an underlying super volcano, so large that the caldera can only be seen by plane or satellite. And by some scientific measurements, it could be overdue for an eruption.

For Alex, being left alone for the weekend means having the freedom to play computer games and hang out with his friends without hassle from his mother. Then the Yellowstone super volcano erupts, plunging his hometown into a nightmare of darkness, ash, and violence. Alex begins a harrowing trek to search for his family and finds help in Darla, a travel partner he meets along the way. Together they must find the strength and skills to survive and outlast an epic disaster.

Review: After reading a whole bunch of reviews, and skimming through a page of 5 star ratings (goodreads), I feel like my 3.5 stars doesn't fit in. That being said, I will admit I wasn't sure what to rate this book, but after a while of debating, I figured this book was just average.

The first page, the first line drew me in, and for the most part, I was feeling the suspense of 'what's going to happen now?' I felt I could relate with the characters, and I really wanted them to overcome whatever opposing forces they had to face. The main character, Alex, had a very witty voice, which made the book that much more enjoyable.

Then there was the relationship between Darla and Alex. I have to say, it was very cute in the beginning and I really wanted to see it blossom into something beautiful, but it was also the thing that threw me down to a 3.5 stars. Yeah, yeah, I know, maybe a bit too drastic, but I have my reasons. The first is that for me, it went way too fast. Not even a month in, and they were getting way too serious. The second reason is that it was, if nothing, a bit too average. There was nothing special about their relationship. Of course, I just happen to prefer the slow and steady motto when it comes to romance in novels.

The other thing that threw me off course was the behaviour of the authority figures and the resources at the refuge camp. I mean, this is the US we're talking about. How can there not be enough food to feed a few hundreds, even thousands? And the authority that ran the camp, they were so crude and uncivil... Fine, there's a crisis, and it's a dystopian novel, but still, it was a bit unrealistic even with basic things. I guess it helped build the plot and suspense.

In all though, the book was well written. I couldn't stop reading it because of the anticipation. Sure, there were some pitfalls, but no matter, it was still a satisfying read. If you're a lover of dystopia, and suspense, then I'm sure you'll love this book. I'm going to give the second book a try, just maybe not right away.

Thirst no.5 (The Sacred Veil) by Christopher Pike

Title: The Sacred Veil
Author: Christopher Pike
Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Blurb: In her five thousand years as a vampire, Alisa - or Sita, as she was originally called - has experienced the equivalent of fifty lifetimes. Every moment of her immortal life is seared deep into her being. Every person she has loved, every victim she has killed - their faces are forever part of her.

Yet, strangely, a handful of memories have been lost to Alisa. As she and her friends embark on a search for the location of a sacred artifact - an ancient veil that may hold the key to mankind's salvation - Alisa soon realizes that her own mind may be her greatest enemy.

The memories she is blocking deal with the most horrifying period in mankind's history, a time when she was tortured by a madman responsible for the deaths of millions. But what information did her torture yield?

Review:
Being the fifth book in a series I read a while ago, I was reluctant to pick It up. I couldn't remember much from the first four books, and when I saw this one, I looked over it. Then, just a few weeks ago, I decided to give this book a go because I had enjoyed the first four books, and I absolutely love Christopher Pike's style of writing. It is very professional. Let me begin by saying that I quickly got into the Sacred Veil, and the pace was perfectly set-not too fast, not too slow.

The characters were the same from the previous books, and some new ones were introduced. Aside from the main characters-Sita, Seymour, and Matt-I really felt with the minor characters, and I think this is a result of Pike's very realistic settings and events. He did an amazing job conveying the emotions and feelings our characters went through.

Other things I loved about The Sacred Veil-more like all of the books-were the ideas. I mean, the idea of different worlds and multi-billion organisations that were demonic-all of it was really fascinating. I absolutely love this about his books, especially the idea of beings called the Tellar, and the crazy strong children in the cradle. Just fascinating.

And now, for the ending (no spoilers). Pike decided to throw a cliff-hanger, a major one, and a cliff-hanger involving my favourite two characters! I suppose it's a good thing we can improvise on our own, but I still wish I knew how it would all end...

In all, the book was beautifully written, had a good pace, and had me hooked until the end. Give the series a try if you haven't already!

Book Haul #3

It's officially the first day of summer, June 21st, and what better way to spend it than to stare at the new books that just came in from the library. I've been waiting awhile for these four books, but hey, patience pays off. Once I finish them, I promise reviews! Without further ado:

Title: Ashfall
Author: Mike Mullin

Blurb: Many visitors to Yellowstone National Park don’t realize that the boiling hot springs and spraying geysers are caused by an underlying supervolcano, so large that the caldera can only be seen by plane or satellite. And by some scientific measurements, it could be overdue for an eruption.

For Alex, being left alone for the weekend means having the freedom to play computer games and hang out with his friends without hassle from his mother. Then the Yellowstone supervolcano erupts, plunging his hometown into a nightmare of darkness, ash, and violence. Alex begins a harrowing trek to seach for his family and finds help in Darla, a travel partner he meets along the way. Together they must find the strength and skills to survive and outlast an epic disaster.

 

My Reaction: So alright, the cover's cool, so is the title. The description is meh. The reason I went for this book was because I needed a dystopian. Just that. Also, I'd been seeing this book around the web for a while now, so I figured why not give it a try? I hope it proves worthy.

                                                         

 

 

Title: Legend
Author: Marie Lu
Blurb: What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic’s wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic’s highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country’s most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths—until the day June’s brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family’s survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias’s death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

 

My Reaction: Yes, so it's another dystopian, but come on, I haven't had a good dystopian for what seems like forever. Besides, my friend recommended, and I trust in her sense of books. Hope it's good, and can't wait to get my hands all over it.

 

 

 

Title: The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate

Author: Jacqueline Kelly
Blurb: Calpurnia Virginia Tate is eleven years old in 1899 when she wonders why the yellow grasshoppers in her Texas backyard are so much bigger than the green ones.With a little help from her notoriously cantankerous grandfather, an avid naturalist, she figures out that the green grasshoppers are easier to see against the yellow grass, so they are eaten before they can get any larger. As Callie explores the natural world around her, she develops a close relationship with her grandfather, navigates the dangers of living with six brothers, and comes up against just what it means to be a girl at the turn of the century.

My Reaction: Ok, my experience with books set in the past is perfect. I've never come across any book with a setting in the 90's and 80's that I haven't totally adored. Examples: The Book Thief, The Kite Runner, and Fever 1793. I've got big hopes for this baby, and hey, it's not a dystopian.




Title: The Sacred Veil (Thirst no.5)
Author: Christopher Pike
Blurb: In her five thousand years as a vampire, Alisa - or Sita, as she was originally called - has experienced the equivalent of fifty lifetimes. Every moment of her immortal life is seared deep into her being. Every person she has loved, every victim she has killed - their faces are forever part of her.

Yet, strangely, a handful of memories have been lost to Alisa. As she and her friends embark on a search for the location of a sacred artifact - an ancient veil that may hold the key to mankind's salvation - Alisa soon realizes that her own mind may be her greatest enemy.

The memories she is blocking deal with the most horrifying period in mankind's history, a time when she was tortured by a madman responsible for the deaths of millions. But what information did her torture yield?

My Reaction: I enjoyed the past four volumes, and Sita has really become a favourite character of mine. Her moods, her style (especially her 'then you should never have been born' line). I'm scared of just one thing. That this book might just be pushing it a bit too far. What I mean is that I was certain that the fourth volume might be the last, but now this? Ok, I've just read a few reviews that state that this book has no real plot to the whole series. I'm a bit nervous, but I still can't wait!

 

 

 

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Title: The Book Thief

Author: Markus Zusak

Rating: 10 000 000/5

 

I just finished reading this book for the second time. The first, as I recall, was when I was about 12 years old, and back then, I loved it, but not with the kind of passion I'm feeling now. Where do I start? Ok, ok, I know. I'll start with the thing that's been on my lips for this past week (took so long because of exams) the most.

 

Markus Zusak. Ugh, Markus Zusak. Now, I myself am quite addicted to writing stories, and have high hopes for the future. After reading The Book Thief, I'm in a tug of war between totally hating Monsieur Zusak, or totally adoring him. Zusak, Zusak, Zusak, you dare write so masterfully? You dare, oh you make me feel pathetic! Now, as much as I totally envy him for his style of writing, I couldn't stop myself from praising him before my family and friends. Praising him and his story. Let me give you guys an excerpt:

 

Me: His narrator is death, hey, you listening? Death, man, death, how creative can you get?

Brother: Mhm, interesting..
Me: Give me some ideas for my own narrators, I can't just write without a known narrator, god, I just can't write like that!

Brother: Life?

Me: NO, it's not death, man, life is just so... I dunno. Forget that, you know, Markus Zusak wrote the story when he was in his 30s, obviously he writes better than me *crosses arms*
Him: You're just jealous.

Me: His characters, oh, his characters- ALL OF THEM- are so, soo, characterized! They all have a role, all have distinct characteristics.

Him: Mhm

 

I wish I could write like Zusak, he's just, brilliant. Brilliant.

 

Now on to the other thing I totally felt myself going *drools* over. The narrator, Death. Rather than having an unknown narrator, Markus Zusak decided to make the narrator death. From the above excerpt, you guys already know I'm head over heels for Death. Death is witty, he is solemn, and he spoils a lot of things. But I like how he spoils events, it gives the whole book a very 'story being told' kind of feel to it. I, I don't know how to explain this, but it gives you this feeling.... gah, I don't know! This is why I envy Zusak, he totally steals the words from my mouth!

 

Another thing about the Book Thief was that throughout the whole story, there wasn't like a fixed plot. Hmm, what I'm trying to say, is that rather than having one anti force and everything revolving around it, there were many little things here and there. Yes, the major anti-force at the end of the day was the Fuhrer, Hitler. Liesel hated him for what he did to his mother, as Hans Huberman hated him for what he did to the Jews, and because of the Fuhrer everything was happening. But at the same time, the main story was just about a girl named Liesel Meminger, and her everyday life. The things she felt, the things she got into as a child, her friend Rudy Steiner...

 

RUDY!!!! I Ruddy love you! (Do you guys get it? Ha, ha.). Rudy is your typical boy. Wait, no, he's above typical, but anyway. He's the kid on the block who aspires for much, and gets himself into much mischief. He's bold (A kiss, saumensch?), he's brave (jumps into cold water, and giver of bread). He's everything a character should be balled up into childhood arrogance. I loved him for that, and oh, I totally loved the description Zusak gave him. The boy with lemon coloured hair.

 

Max. The Jewish fist fighter (god, how does Zusak come up with this brilliance?). Max, I have to say, was my absolutely favourite character...and... hey, is it wrong if I totally ship him and Liesel? PAUSE, don't get me wrong guys, I totally love Rudy, and I totally rooted them, but when the tragic something happens in the end (trying not to spoil), Max and Liesel are like all that are left of Himmel street, and the loneliness that I felt was just too much. At first, the friendship between Max and Liesel in itself was just brilliant, but you know, when she grows up? Besides, Max and Liesel are totally perfect, and you can't tell me otherwise! Max, oh Maxi Taxi *Weeps* And hey, Death even mentions a husband in the end, and I can't picture anyone except for Max in Rudy's place. How could any other man be half as brilliant as the characters that death took away on Himmel street?

 

Rosa Huberman (so many cherries, just hang on, guys). I liked her swearing. Saumensch, Saukerl, bring it on, Rosa! Rosa is the foster mother of Liesel, and she is constantly calling Liesel names. You may at first think, wha? Rosa is an despicable character! But no, she's a character with beautiful and distinctive characteristics. She's calling people names constantly, but at the same time she's loving. This just makes her more believable, rather than the cheesy mother who always gives you a hug, and a smile and bakes chocolate chip cookies. Puh-leaze.

 

All the characters introduced in the story are unforgettable. Even if they weren't as important. They all had a role, and as death likes to say: They all had a date with him.

 

All the relationships were excellently created, and built upon. It's through when they say, slow and steady wins the race.

 

I could probably go on and mention all the things I loved about this book (the thieving of books, and the thieving of food. The street soccer, Rudy and Jesse Owens. The stories of Max, the Standover man who was never really a man, but a woman. Arthur the teenage thief. Max fainting and hitting his head on the accordion. Rudy jumping into the water and saving the books. The domino playing. Kurt Steiner. The Jews and Hans Huberman giving them bread. Max and Liesel meeting in the end, and hugging and crying...etc)

 

I just don't know what to say or do. This story has been a whole load on my shoulders, and I absolutely cannot forget it. I just, just can't do it. Ok, this review has to come to an end now, though much of the emotion on my shoulders is still there, being heavy and all.

 

Unwholly by Neal Shusterman

Title: Unwholly
Author: Neal Shusterman
Rating: 5/5

Blurb
It’s finally here. The long-awaited sequel to the bestselling Unwind, which Publishers Weekly called a “gripping, brilliantly imagined futuristic thriller.”

Thanks to Connor, Lev, and Risa—and their high-profile revolt at Happy Jack Harvest Camp—people can no longer turn a blind eye to unwinding. Ridding society of troublesome teens while simultaneously providing much-needed tissues for transplant might be convenient, but its morality has finally been brought into question. However, unwinding has become big business, and there are powerful political and corporate interests that want to see it not only continue, but also expand to the unwinding of prisoners and the impoverished.

Cam is a product of unwinding; made entirely out of the parts of other unwinds, he is a teen who does not technically exist. A futuristic Frankenstein, Cam struggles with a search for identity and meaning and wonders if a rewound being can have a soul. And when the actions of a sadistic bounty hunter cause Cam’s fate to become inextricably bound with the fates of Connor, Risa, and Lev, he’ll have to question humanity itself.

Rife with action and suspense, this riveting companion to the perennially popular Unwind challenges assumptions about where life begins and ends—and what it means to live.

 

Review

So, let us start by mentioning Neal Shusterman. I adore the man, truly, I do. His storytelling skills are as sharp in my memory since a few years back when I read his Skinjacker trilogy (go check that out too). Neal Shusterman can not only create a riveting setting, but an equally gripping plot. He gives us the POV's of so many distinct characters, and still somehow manages to make them all work out. Let me all explain in detail:

 

The plot, first. The plot of the whole series revolves around the idea of 'unwinding', where adolescents of a certain age are eligible to be tossed out by their parents, and become unwound. The first book introduces all of this unwind business, and in the second book, we're taken a step further. To create a totally new person out of different parts of unwound teens. This is Cam, and Cam is one of the characters who's POV we get to taste. Cam is a curious character, and his curiosity helps entwine his life with Connor, Lev and Risa-not necessarily in that order. He plays many roles in the book, and one specific role that I totally adore him for comes in the end, what he does, you'll have to read to find out.

Ok, then there was Connor. Connor is the kind of character you root for throughout the story. He's the guy who's POV you'd want to read the most. The guy who, if something happened to him, you'd probably roll on the floor going: NO, not my baby Connor *weeps*. He's the leader, Connor, he's the guy who just wants the best for everybody, while at the same time he's doubting certain things about himself. In the first book he gets a replacement arm when his breaks, and this arm belongs to the guy who 'was going to hurt Risa', so now he's not sure he'd be able to control himself before her. Aw, relationship problems between my favourite couple! It only makes the story interesting.

Another character we get to see things from is Starkey, a new to be unwind kid. Starkey is a major fan of Connor, the AWOL, but when he meets Connor, he's a big disappointed. Things happen, and Starkey just proves to be my new voldymort *gags*.

Overall, all these different characters meet and connect somewhere along the way, and they are all connected to the plot, like different pieces of a puzzle. Throughout the book, Neal Shusterman can truly get that reaction from us, the realisation that all the characters are somehow important. In general, his style of writing is truly amazing, and I so can not wait for the third book in this trilogy!

The ending was not a cliff-hanger, but definitely there were many things that happened, and many reactions and results we need to see in the next book.