Siege and Storm

 

Siege and Storm

Leigh Bardugo

435 pages

The Grisha Trilogy

Summary: Leigh Bardugo's website ("Leigh Bardugo: Author of The Grisha Trilogy: Shadow and Bone, Siege and Storm, and Ruin and Rising." LeighBardugo. Web. 22 Dec. 2014. <http://www.leighbardugo.com/siegeandstorm/>.)

Darkness never dies.

Hunted across the True Sea, haunted by the lives she took on the Fold, Alina must try to make a life with Mal in an unfamiliar land, all while keeping her identity as the Sun Summoner a secret. But she can’t outrun her past or her destiny for long.

The Darkling has emerged from the Shadow Fold with a terrifying new power and a dangerous plan that will test the very boundaries of the natural world. With the help of a notorious privateer, Alina returns to the country she abandoned, determined to fight the forces gathering against Ravka. But as her power grows, Alina slips deeper into the Darkling’s game of forbidden magic, and farther away from Mal. Somehow, she will have to choose between her country, her power, and the love she always thought would guide her–or risk losing everything to the oncoming storm.

My Opinion:
This book was just on 100. So much happened in its little 435 pages. I couldn't possibly keep up. There were lots of suprises in its pages. The characters were okay, but Alina and Mal got on my nerves. They were so stubborn and crazy. Now this book isnt on my top ten, twenty, or even thirty. It wasn't bad, but I felt that it could have been so much more. I do recommend reading it, but it is not a must read.  I will continue to read the series though; I need to know what happens.

Orleans

 
Orleans
Sherri L. Smith
324 pages

Synopsis: Sherri Smith's website ( "Orleans, A Young Adult Novel by Sherri L. Smith." Sherri L. Smith {writer}. Web. 22 Dec. 2014. <http://www.sherrilsmith.com/books_main4.htm>.)

After a string of devastating hurricanes and a severe outbreak of Delta Fever, the Gulf Coast has been quarantined. Years later, residents of the Outer States are under the assumption that life in the Delta is all but extinct…but in reality, a new primitive society has been born. Fen de la Guerre is living with the O-Positive blood tribe in the Delta when they are ambushed. Left with her tribe leader’s newborn, Fen is determined to get the baby to a better life over the wall before her blood becomes tainted. Fen soon meets Daniel, a scientist from the Outer States who has snuck into the Delta illegally. Navigating the Orleans wilderness, they form an unlikely bond and, in the end, may be each other’s last hope for survival.

Summary:
Wise words before you read this book. Don't have any predictions about the book, because it revels in the unexpected. I never would have thought most of the events would have happened before i first started reading it. Orleans is a really good book. I liked all the characters, especially Fen. Every single one had great character development and back-stories. I didn't want to change a thing, well maybe some parts in the ending and some stupid things Daniel did. Sometimes I wanted to knock some sense into Daniel. He certainly needed it. Orleans is a great book, a must read. I only wish this was a series.

P.S. Sorry for the long hiatus. I should be back to my every weekend posts now. I promise. Non-girl scout's honor.
 
P.P.S. Orleans is a Georgia Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl book. 

P.P.S Helen Ruffin died November 22, 2014. We have lost a great lady. Rest in peace.
P.P.P.S.  MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

The Girl In Between

The Girl In Between
Laekan Zea Kemp
242 Pages
The Girl In Between Series

Overview: Laekan Zea Kemp's website (https://laekanzeakemp.wordpress.com/books/)
Bryn Reyes is a real life sleeping beauty. Afflicted with Klein-Levin Syndrome, she suffers episodes of prolonged sleep that steal weeks, and sometimes even months, from her life. But unlike most KLS patients, she doesn’t spend each episode in a catatonic state or wake up with no recollection of the time she’s missed. Instead, Bryn spends half her life in an alternate reality made up of her memories. For Bryn, the past is a place, until one day a boy she’s never met before washes up on the illusory beach of her dreams with no memory of who he is.
But the appearance of this strange boy isn’t the only thing that’s changed. Bryn’s symptoms are worsening, her body weakening as she’s plagued by hallucinations even while awake. Her only hope of finding a cure is to undergo experimental treatment created by a German specialist. But when Dr. Banz reveals that he knows more about her strange symptoms than he originally let on, Bryn learns that the boy in her head might actually be the key to understanding what’s happening to her, and worse, that if she doesn’t find out his identity before it’s too late, they both may not survive.

Opinion:
Omg magnifique. I legit could not but this book down. It has me hooked. Bryn was very interesting; I thought she was a strong independent female character (i love those types of characters), until Duncan was introduced into the story. Then Bryn got a little annoying. She knew Duncan was bad news. Even though I know this happens in real life, i still wish it wouldn't happen in books. I liked mystery boy. He seemed fun and cute. The story was great; i just wish the shadow mystery was resolved. I kinda feel like they are from another planet. That would be cool. Lastly, this is the first time i have ever heard of Klein-Levin Syndrome. So that made the book even more interesting. The Girl In Between isn't a must read, but it is a worth-while one. Continue on with the series once you are done as well.

Until next time, Adieu!

The Book Thief

  


The Book Thiefby  Jaystab (COVER ART)

The Book Thief

Markus Zusak

550 pages

Overview: Amazon.com ("Robot Check." Robot Check. Web. 9 Nov. 2014. http://www.amazon.com/The-Book-Thief-Markus-Zusak/dp/0375842209. )

It is 1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier, and will become busier still.

Liesel Meminger is a foster girl living outside of Munich, who scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist–books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement.

Opinion:
OMG! This book was amazing. Before I read the book, I saw the movie and I cried. I rarely cry during a movie, but The Book Thief stole my heart. The same for the book though i didnt cry this time. I loved the characters; all of them. They were all so beauitfully written and portrayed; they seemed like real people. Leslie, Max, and Rudy were my favorites though. I felt their angst and struggle. Rudy was too cute with his kiss requests. I was waiting for the day she finally gave in and gave Rudy what he deserved. Rosa and Han were beautiful people and foster parents; Im glad Leslie went to then and that they made her into the fabulous book thief that she was. Isla Hermann, the mayor's wife, was an important character as well. And Max's book was beautiful. It was perfect. I pretty much have soo many words that I want to say about how i loved this book, but none will come out. The first and last page of the book hooked me to it forever. And then how the narrator was Death. WOW!! I think that is the one simple word that describes the book. Get it and read it. A MUST READ AND A MUST HAVE. It is [insert every possible positive word her]!!!!!

P.S. I want the book and movie for Christmas.

P.P.S For the cover, i have no idea why dominoes are included.Anybody have a guess.

A Lesson before Dying

 
A Lesson Before Dying
Ernest J. Gaines
256 pages

Summary: Amazon.com
("A Lesson Before Dying (Oprah's Book Club)." Amazon.com. Web. 5 Nov. 2014. <http://www.amazon.com/Lesson-Before-Dying-Oprahs-Book/dp/0375702709>.)

 A Lesson Before Dying, is set in a small Cajun community in the late 1940s.  Jefferson, a young black man, is an unwitting party to a liquor store shoot out in which three men are killed; the only survivor, he is convicted of murder and sentenced to death.  Grant Wiggins, who left his hometown for the university, has returned to the plantation school to teach.  As he struggles with his decision whether to stay or escape to another state, his aunt and Jefferson's godmother persuade him to visit Jefferson in his cell and impart his learning and his pride to Jefferson before his death.  In the end, the two men forge a bond as they both come to understand the simple heroism of resisting—and defying—the expected.

Ernest J. Gaines brings to this novel the same rich sense of place, the same deep understanding of the human psyche, and the same compassion for a people and their struggle that have unformed his previous, highly praised works of fiction.

 My Opinion:
This book was interesting. Jefferson's death was inevitable, so pretty much the only conflict in the book was Jefferson's thinking and Grant's thinking. Now let me tell you I really dislike Grant. His pessimistic, almost depressed, egoistical attitude got on my nerves. He didn't seem to truly care about other human beings beside himself, not even Vivian. His perspective on things was also very narrow-minded and closed-minded. I really wonder how Tante Lou was able to put up with him for so many years. My big question is how old Grant is? It was never explained; I suspect more than 20. Grant didn't deserve Vivian and she could do so much better. Grant never even told us more about Vivian's children. What were their names and ages? All these questions that wont be answered.Now about the Reverend Ambrose, i like that he wanted to save Jefferson's soul, but his approach was atrocious. He seemed so fake. Most of the men in this book didn't understand tact and other simple things about interacting with others. Miss Emma, Vivian, and Tante Lou needed more chapters diverted to them and their strong wills. They seemed like fabulous people and Strong Independent Black Women, although Tante Lou and Miss Emma's view on mulattoes was uncalled for in my opinion. If you took out all the complexities of the characters or just the characters in general, the symbolism in this book was beautiful. I can relate to some of the issues in 2014. The Mulatto vs. African American is now light skinned vs. dark-skinned. The vicious cycle for black men is still jail or death. The thing between church and atheism will always be around. Ernest J. Gaines went in deep for this book; he made me think. I cant say i thoroughly enjoyed the book, but I can say i didn't hate it like some of the other school books I have been forced to read.

*When i say mulatto, i am only using the term from the book. In regular everyday language, i would say mixed and it wouldn't be in a negative manner.*

p.s. My class is watching the movie and it is way different from the book, but a lot of the actors are well-known and famous. It also seems like i have seen it before.

Story's End

Story's End
Marissa Burt
358 pages
Sequel to Storybound

Overview: Marissa Burt's website 
("Books."  Marissa Burt. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Oct. 2014. <http://www.marissaburt.com/books.html>.)

 
Long ago, a King ruled the land of Story....
During his reign, Heroes, Villains, and characters of all kinds lived out Tales filled with daring quests and epic struggles. Then the King disappeared, and over the years nearly everyone forgot that he had ever existed. Now an evil Enemy has emerged, determined to write a new future for Story. And an ordinary girl from our world named Una Fairchild must find a way to defeat him.

Una and her friends Indy and Peter set off on a quest for answers, facing warlocks, beasts, and enchantments at every turn. But Una soon discovers that the real key lies in her own mysterious ties to Story’s past—and to the long-forgotten King who may be their only hope for survival.

 My Opinion:

 Lol! Let me tell you know. Read this series back to back or else nothing will make sense. I accidentally waited, and just got the second book. I was highly confused for most of the book especially when it kept saying WI instead of Written In or even who some of the characters were.  Big mistake. Besides that what i gathered and understood the book was actually okay. It wasn't highly amazing or the best thing since pre-sliced bread, but Story's End is cute. A little predictable at times, but still cute. A nice way to pass the time.

P.s. This is technically a kids book maybe for ages 9-12. No romance or heavy situations at all.

P.P.S. Sorry I didn't post this last weekend. It was a busy one. At least I got it now :)

The Bitter Kingdom

 
The Bitter Kingdom
Rae Carson
433 pages
The Girl of Fire and Thorns Trilogy

Overview: Direct from Rae Carson ("The Bitter Kingdom." Rae Carson. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Oct. 2014. <http://www.raecarson.com/books/the-bitter-kingdom/>.)

The champion must not waver.

The champion must not fear.
The gate of darkness closes.
Elisa is a fugitive.
Her enemies have stolen the man she loves, and they await her at the gate of darkness. Her country is on the brink of civil war, with her own soldiers ordered to kill her on sight.
Her Royal Majesty, Queen Lucero-Elisa née Riqueza de Vega, bearer of the Godstone, will lead her three loyal companions deep into the enemy’s kingdom, a land of ice and snow and brutal magic, to rescue Hector and win back her throne. Her power grows with every step, and the shocking secrets she will uncover on this, her final journey, could change the course of history.
But that is not all. She has a larger destiny. She must become the champion the world has been waiting for.
Even of those who hate her most.

My Opinion
I loved this series and this book was the icing on the cake. The Lengua Clasica is probably based on Spanish. I loved it!!! The book had soo much going on. I thought it was going to end soo many times, but alas there were more chapters. I didnt mind though; I got to see Elisa at work. She is a fabulous character. I loved her character development throughout the whole series. I saw her growth and she is fabulous. Only 17 and Elisa was ruling the world. Wow! And the Invierno wow. I want to know more about these people. Sadly, though i believe she wont do a continuation series. Oh well! I will still love this book series!

P.S. Does anyone know of/could recommend any free Nook teen/young adult/kid books I can get? I've read most of them, so i only have my rejects left. What is a girl to do? ;-( Tell me in the comments please.

A Hero for WondLa

 
A Hero for WondLa
Tony DiTerlizzi
437 pages
WondLa Trilogy

Summary: Direct from the WondLa website

("A Hero For WondLa." WondLa Atom. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Oct. 2014. <http://wondla.com/home/a-hero-for-wondla/>.)

Before the end of The Search for WondLa, Eva Nine had never seen another human, but after a human boy named Hailey rescues her along with her companions, she couldn’t be happier. Eva thinks she has everything she’s ever dreamed of, especially when Hailey brings her and her friends to the colony of New Attica, where humans of all shapes and sizes live in apparent peace and harmony.

But all is not idyllic in New Attica, and Eva Nine soon realizes that something sinister is going on—and if she doesn’t stop it, it could mean the end of everything and everyone on planet Orbona. Three illustrations trigger a 3-D Augmented Reality flying game that mimics action in the novel.

Featuring an abundance of lavish two-color illustrations and spot art throughout and introducing a host of remarkable characters that reinforce the importance of friendship, A Hero for WondLa has all the hallmarks of a classic book—of the future.

Opinion:

WOW! These WondLa books wont ever stop surprising me. Nothing is predictable and nothing seems to follow the strict rules of book characters and well i like that. The book starts right where The Search for WondLa ends. So it makes a lot of sense to read all three books back to back. This series is defiently original and attention-grabing. I cant wait to read the next book. Eva Nine keeps surprising me and Im starting to like Hailey. I ship it ! ;^)  No words can describe this book in my opinion without giving away the ending, but some chapters I can tell you leave you with a giddy smile on your face. Plus the lessons and themes given are timeless.

Criminal

 























Criminal
Terra Elan McVoy
269 pages

*Overview: Terra Elan McVoy's website*

"Terra Elan McVoy | Criminal." Terra Elan McVoy | Criminal. N.p., n.d. Web. 5 Oct. 2014. <http://terraelan.com/criminal.html>.

Nikki’s life is far from perfect, but at least she has Dee. Her friends tell her that Dee is no good, but Nikki can’t imagine herself without him. He’s hot, he’s dangerous, he has her initials tattooed over his heart, and she loves him more than anything. There’s nothing Nikki wouldn’t do for Dee. Absolutely nothing.

So when Dee pulls Nikki into a crime—a crime that ends in murder—Nikki tells herself that it’s all for true love. Nothing can break them apart. Not the police. Not the arrest that lands Nikki in jail. Not even the investigators who want her to testify against him.

But what if Dee had motives that Nikki knew nothing about? Nikki’s love for Dee is supposed to be unconditional…but even true love has a limit. And Nikki just might have reached hers.

*My Opinion*
This book was interesting. Up to maybe page 190, Nikki was just an annoying character. She didn't listen to anyone but Dee. She loved to wallow in self-pity. And Nikki didn't understand how good she had it. But when Nikki finally woke up from her Dee-filled splendor, she was a fierce independent woman. I loved the In-jail Nikki more than the Before-Jail Nikki. She was someone I could love or look up to. That was when the book got good and juicy. It isn't a must-read, but I can say I'm glad to have read it...just for the in-jail part. Plus Priscilla was my favorite character; she didn't take no mess. Bird was cool too.

Enjoy! This is a Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl book.