The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey

Title: The 5th Wave
Author: Rick Yancey
Rating: 3.5 stars
Blurb: After the 1st wave, only darkness remains. After the 2nd, only the lucky escape. And after the 3rd, only the unlucky survive. After the 4th wave, only one rule applies: trust no one.

Now, it’s the dawn of the 5th wave, and on a lonely stretch of highway, Cassie runs from Them. The beings who only look human, who roam the countryside killing anyone they see. Who have scattered Earth’s last survivors. To stay alone is to stay alive, Cassie believes, until she meets Evan Walker. Beguiling and mysterious, Evan Walker may be Cassie’s only hope for rescuing her brother—or even saving herself. But Cassie must choose: between trust and despair, between defiance and surrender, between life and death. To give up or to get up.

My Review:
They attacked in waves, the aliens did. The first wave took out all forms of technology. The second wave destroyed the coastal cities. The third wave was a plague. The fourth wave, silencer's. And the fifth wave, well, where would be the fun if I told you guys that? Cassie Sullivan has survived all the waves, and now she must face the 5th. The worst of them all.

I was in much anticipation of the 5th Wave, partly because the author happened to be Rick Yancey, and then there was also the hype. Was I satisfied? Yes. Was it flawless? No.

I must admit that I did love the idea of the waves, but not necessarily the way they were portrayed. For the most part, the story is a retelling of the four waves that have already passed, and that really made the plot drag a little. But there was enough curiosity there for me to carry on until the plot started to twist enough to grab my attention and race me through the last half of the story. There were also two narrators, and both had a distinct tone and attitude, allowing us to distinguish between them. I admittedly preferred the second narrator, who I will not mention by name or I fear I might spoil the story. He, yes it is a he, was just more steady and natural sounding then Cassie. I think Rick overdid her tone, trying to bring out a forced teenager, but only slightly.

The one thing I absolutely loved was the element of mystery. The knowing something that later is not what you'd expect it to be but then suddenly it was. What? Exactly. At one point in the story you will begin to question everything, especially the characters. Who's good and who's not? The whole issue of trust is embedded deeply within the characters, and therefore within us.

Overall, I didn't know what to think of this story. I loved it but found myself shaking my head every here and there. Essentially, the plot was nicely paced and the characters were steadily built upon. There was enough excitement and mystery, and a nice touch of romance to carry me to the end. I would recommend this to everyone because it wasn't just another 'Hunger Games'. This was something more. It was enough to satisfy my search for a good read.  

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.

Eden's Root by Rachel E. Fisher

Title: Eden's Root

Series: Eden's Root Trilogy
Author: Rachel E. Fisher 
Edition: Paperback
Pages: 380
Published: December 17th, 2011
My rating: 3

 

Blurb

The year is 2033 and the world hovers on the edge of explosion as unexplained crop deaths lead to severe global food shortages. In the United States, the Sickness is taking lives slowly, creeping its way into every family. Fi Kelly has already faced the Sickness in her own family, toughening her beyond her years. But a shocking confession from her dying father will push her toughness to its absolute limits. Saddled with an impossible secret and the mission of saving her little sister, Fi sets out to transform herself into the warrior that she must become to survive the coming collapse. Along the way, she will discover that evil can be accidental and that love can be intentional.

 

Review

It's the year 2033, world chaos, one girl and her family. Sounded interesting, and proved to be so. There were some turn effects for me, though, but we'll get to that later. The main concept of this dystopian novel seemed to spin around the problem of food, a problem that I think is connected with real life. Fi Kelly's- the protagonist- dad is on the verge of death because of the sickness, but he has secrets that will change Fi's whole life. Before her fathers death, he reveals to her that the very food they eat is killing them all. Sickfood. Yikes, huh? But there is a solution- and it'll be the biggest risk she'll ever have to face.

Fi Kelly, she's a very different character. Petite in size, but when it comes to energy, she's bursting with it. Seriously, she is, and that sort of threw me back a little. I mean, don't get me wrong, I love a strong female character, but I don't like them perfect. There were times when she'd go out on raids and stack her bag with like, a dozen cans and who knows what else. I can barely hold a grocery bag to my car, and I'm tall, but this petite girl can stack a whole bag and run with it without slowing down? Seemed a bit unrealistic. Her ego, didn't like that either. She felt herself responsible for everyone's safety, so she would put up this I'm so strong shield in front of everyone, and then complain when alone. Got tired of her a long time ago. Don't get me started on the whole Sean thing (trying not to spoil much).

Just because I didn't like Fi, didn't mean I didn't like the story. There was something about it that kept me bound for some reason. Maybe it was the thrill of all the adventure, or just wanting to know how things would end up. I will be honest though, this was one of those stories where there weren't that many surprises. And it sort of repeated itself. For example, Fi and her family met with people along the way, adding them to their family. When you thought the family was done, well, you'd be wrong.

One thing that made me laugh a little was french. Yeah, there was some french here or there, and speaking french myself (Canadian here!), I found it funny when the characters said something wrong.

Ok, this one I have to write down, because it irked me to no end! The characters in the story.... drum roll please... LAUGHED. AT. EVERYTHING. Even the things that made no sense, and at random times.

Then there was the romance. It was slow, very slow, and when I thought it might get interesting, it got triangular (oh hahaha). I'm not a fan of love triangles, unless their written pro-ishly. Period.

In all, I realise that this review wasn't all positive, but it was the most honest I've ever been. Why I gave it three stars? The first was for the effort and the idea. The idea was creative, very. Second, If I read to the end, it deserves some credit. And the third star, well, I did enjoy it a little. With a bit of tinkering, I think the story could go far.

Agents of Change by Guy Harrison

Title: Agents of Change

Series: (Agents of Change #1)
Author: Guy Harrison
Edition: Paperback
Pages: 380
Published: February 13th 2012
My rating: 3 stars

Blurb

An amiable corporate manager by day and a matchmaker whenever he can get around to it, Calvin Newsome's new dream job falls into his lap when he's recruited by a secret worldwide organization whose agents use uncanny abilities to empower and influence everyday downtrodden individuals. Disaster strikes, however, when an elaborate scheme leaves Calvin as a prime murder suspect...and his new employer is presumably to blame.
With the authorities on his heels and his life left in ruin, Calvin uses his new powers to blend in until a journey for freedom becomes a quest for peace. As the agency's rival organization threatens the security of all of earth's inhabitants, he teams up with unlikely allies and battles surprising enemies hellbent on unleashing their power in a twisted version of justice, innocent lives be damned

My Review

The first thing I could think of when I saw this book was, I love the cover. And, well, the cover is neat. So I proceeded to read the blurb and all the right things caught my eyes. This book, like many others, started off a little slow for me, but eventually is started to get more into the action of the plot.

Calvin Newsome is your above average man who seems to have one of those hearts that really reaches out towards others. He is caring, and a little too easy going on people. Too much for his own good. I guess I kind of liked that about him. I mean, how often do you see a character who is so whiling to do anything to make other peoples lives easier? So his life is just like everyone else's (sprinkled with a few childhood problems), but that all changes when he is recruited by an agency. The Agency of Influence, a group of people who want to do those little deeds that will help ordinary people who are going through hard times.

I found the idea of such an organisation very interesting and original, but there was one aspect of it that threw me in a flurry of questions. The change machine. It is a machine that can give you the power to change into anyone you like. The thing that got me was that on some occasions, when Calvin needed to change into someone, he chose really famous people. Now, how does that really work out? I mean, so I'm at a store, and Oprah just walks in... A little bit unreasonable if you ask me. But the whole change machine didn't throw me off course or anything.

I really liked Calvin's other job. Match making. The thing that I liked about it in particular was how he was willing to help a teenage boy while in the midst of a crisis. That was really touching.

All in all, I believe this book has a lot of potential, but I couldn't find it in myself to add an extra two stars to the three. The plot, in my opinion, just didn't seem... fiction enough. There were too many real life connections. The way the characters talked didn't seem I don't know, fluent enough for me. But everyone has their own opinion. I just happen to like a more fantasy/sci-fi kind of thing. Overall, though, for a first novel, it was well done.

Five Flavors of Dumb by Antony John

Blurb

The Challenge: Piper has one month to get the rock band Dumb a paying gig.

The Deal: If she does it, Piper will become the band's manager and get her share of the profits.

The Catch: How can Piper possibly manage one egomaniacal pretty boy, one talentless piece of eye candy, one crush, one silent rocker, and one angry girl? And how can she do it when she's deaf?

Piper can't hear Dumb's music, but with growing self-confidence, a budding romance, and a new understanding of the decision her family made to buy a cochlear implant for her deaf baby sister, she discovers her own inner rock star and what it truly means to be a flavor of Dumb.

Review

The first reason I picked up this books was because it had an epic cover. No, I don't just mean it looked epic, but it even felt epic. I'm a sucker for good covers, so I threw it in my bag, and took it home. Again, I'm also a sucker for first lines. And the first line in this book got me hooked. I can't remember what the first line was, but it was told through Piper's point of view, the main character, and it really brought out a witty, confident and original voice. In my opinion, that's one of the important ways an author can attract a reader.

Piper is a deaf girl, and when she has the opportunity to manage a band and get some money so she can go to the school of her choice, she's in. Of course, what she didn't know was that she was getting herself into a band that was so out of sync. Which, for the record, is when she decided to call them the five flavors of Dumb. Because each one of the members were so different. Like flavours.

Reading a book through a deaf persons perspective was really refreshing for me. Something that took me out of all the regular books I read all the time into something new. The characters were all very likable, or unlikeable, but that's a good thing. Antony John got reactions out of me over what the characters did, and that's OK because it means that I actually cared.

Of course, in the end, I gave it a three star because the ending just didn't seem satisfying. It all wrapped up like a happily ever after, no hint of any despair, or future fame, or what not. Just, a yay! Now don't get me wrong, I loved the book, and the author did an amazing job, but still, there was something missing. The whole story lacked a sort of emotion. I think at points it was supposed to be sad, like the time the gang went to visit all the famous dead musicians. I didn't feel it. Or when Piper was using a broomstick to keep the band together by tapping it on the floor for a tempo. That, I think was supposed to be inspirational. I didn't feel it. So I think the problem here was the choice of events, or just the way the words were combined didn't really help bring out the best in the story.

Also, I guess the other thing that disappointed me was who ended up with who. That has nothing to do with the authors writing or what not, just solely based on my opinion. I was hoping the deaf girl somehow got to the 'egomaniacal pretty boy'. Also the lead singer, Josh. They just seemed to have this little spark going every once in a while, so it was kind of misleading me. Oh, well.

Overall, the book was properly put together to create a humorous, witty, and a finding-yourself novel.   

Ashes, Ashes by Jo Treggiari (review)

 The end of the world came, and went.

16 year old Lucy Holloway (or was it 17?) lives in the wilderness because her whole family has died thanks to the plague. She lives off of mashed acorns, and the very few animals that she catches in her traps. Life is rough, but she seems to manage... that is until a wild pack of dogs are on her lead. She gets recued by some 'handsome' guy named Aiden, who invites her to his camp 'Hellgate'. Of course, she refuses at first, because frankly, she's totally capable of surviving on her own. Things change when a tsunami hits and Lucy has no choice but to head for safety. She finds herself racing through the wilderness, past bridges, over rocky lands to reach Camp Hellgate. The journey is short, and tiresome, but it's all worth it, right? No, when she arrives at the camp, she finds the Sweepers, people who find survivors of the plague to 'help' them, or so Lucy was taught to believe. In truth, the Sweepers take the innocent into their labs and test on them.

    There were some who were never vaccinated as children, Lucy being one of them, and the un-vaccinated should have died one hundred percent. Lucy is still alive. What makes her so special? Why are the Sweepers after her?

    I hope I didn't spoil too much, and sorry for the short and belated (I finished the book a few weeks ago) review.  
    Hmm... I was a little disappointed at this book. I was seriously looking forward to reading it, because it was a dystopian and the cover page was just... killer! Unfortunately, from the very start, I was bored. I find that it's ok to describe things in the beginning, you know, let the readers become familiar with the main aspect or the protagonists life, but to go on and on and on... well, it really started to drain my enthusiasm. I did not give up, though. I was hoping that maybe all the excitement was just around the corner, and when something did happen (the scene where the wild pack of dogs were after Lucy) it happened around page 40 or something, and lasted a few pages. In those few pages, she met Aiden- who later on proves to be a love interest- and he told her about his camp. He invited. She declined, and we're back to the wilderness where Lucy made her camp. That's all fine, because she later on seeks out the help of camp Hellgate because her own camp has been devastated by a tsunami, and get this; when she arrives at the camp, she sees Aiden hanging out with this other girl who we later find out is Del. Love triangle much? The Del girl proves to be very annoying, and the worst part was that Aiden didn't seem to mind her flirting habits. He leaned into them. The romance between Aiden and Lucy only started to develop near the end, and by develop, well, I don't really mean develop, it just sort of became a little bit obvious that the two liked each other. That's all.

    Then there was the plot.... To be honest, I'm not even sure what the plot was- ok, I'm exaggerating. The plot was clear, but it wasn't very developed. Of course, that's just my opinion. I find that our protagonist and her friends didn't face to many challenges, and the solutions were very simple... I don't want to give away to much. If you're reading this, I suggest you still read the book, but don't put your hopes up too high... Still, try it, because everyone has different tastes. 

             I'll give this one ★★★  
By the way, go check out the post where I mentioned this was one of my top ten wanted books of 2012: http://ellechanteremporium.blogspot.ca/2012/03/ok-heres-other-half-of-my-must-read.html

The Hunger Games hit high!

Hey, guys!
The Hunger Games are what everyone has been talking about lately! Why? Because it seems the movie is to be released in March 23, 2012. The trilogy itself has been getting really popular, and though the theme of the book is just amazing, and well written, the reason for this fame seems to be coming from the whole love triangle thing between Katniss, the protagonist, and a tribute of the annual Hunger Games. Peeta, another Tribute, and Gale. I, personally, am on team Gale's side, because Katniss and Gale have been through so much more! Nonetheless, I was a little disappointed at the final book, it seemed very rushed. The books, by Suzanne Collins, revolve around something called the annual Hunger games, where 12 tributes are chosen from the 12 different districts to take part in the hunger games. The 12 tributes are to compete with each other until only one is left standing. In other words, only one contestant gets out alive.

Left: Gale played by  Liam Hemsworth
Right: Peeta played by Josh Hutcherson
Middle: Katniss played byJennifer Lawrence

I am a total Gale fan, but love Josh Hutcherson's acting from the Vampires Assistant. As for Katniss, Jennifer Lawrence seems to fit the description perfectly!