Teenage Bookland

Worst Sidekicks

1. Vee (Hush, Hush)
2. Stevie Rae (House of Night)
3. Jas (Georgia Nicolson)
4. Keiro (Incarceron)
5. Lilly (Princess Diaries)

Anyone you would add to the list?

Day 18: A book you think is highly overrated.

Nicole: Twilight. Seriously, the writing is not good, people!

Maren: the Mortal Instruments series. I’m sorry, dear followers, I  just can’t see what all the fuss is about.

Rating: 4 TBLs

Reviewer: Maren

Prince Aleksander, would-be heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, is on the run. His own people have turned on him. His title is worthless. All he has is a battletorn war machine and a loyal crew of men.

Deryn Sharp is a commoner, disguised as a boy in the British Air Service. She’s a brilliant airman. But her secret is in constant danger of being discovered.

With World War I brewing, Alek and Deryn’s paths cross in the most unexpected way…taking them on a fantastical, around-the-world adventure that will change both their lives forever (image & summary via Goodreads)

I’ve read Scott Westerfeld’s other books,Uglies, Pretties, Specials, Extras, so I thought I knew what I was getting into with this book. Um, I was wrong. This book is nothing like his other series. It’s historical steampunk and war-torn, whereas the Uglies series was futuristic sci-fi fight-the-man. Westerfeld’s versatility as a writer really shines in these two very very different series.

I enjoyed the main conflict in this book, which was World War I, but re-imagined. The War is over ideals. The British are Darwinists, and have genetically engineered animals to serve them in almost every capacity, from airships to everyday tasks. The Austro-Hungarians are Clankers, and have come to depend on machines in the same way that the Brits depend on animals. Two very different ways of life.

And Deryn and Alek are in the middle of the war. Deryn’s main problem is hiding the fact that she’s a girl; Alek’s is hiding the fact that he’s royalty. I have to say, Deryn is way better at deception than Alek— she’s also not as stuffy. I really enjoyed her quick wit and sharp mind. Alek was harder for me to like. He’s got loyal subjects who he is loyal to in return, but he also whines a bit more than Deryn. I guess he is allowed to whine a bit since both his parents have just been murdered though.

Okay, I’ve given away enough of the plot. I liked this book a lot! There was plenty of action, the alternate history that Westerfeld created was captivating (and the Leviathan, which is the Darwinist airship that Deryn is a crew member of, was so well imagined and put together… I loved it!), and the plot has plenty of places to go in the rest of the trilogy! I should have expected that from Westerfeld, based on how I burned through the Uglies series in about a week…

Looking forward to getting my hands on the next book!

Day 11: Name three absolutely awful film adaptations of books.

Nicole’s List:

1. The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss
2. The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman (pretty, but they cut too much)
3. Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine

Maren’s List:

1. Twilight. (you can’t make a bad book a good movie.)
2. Ella Enchanted (shallow, compared to the book)
3. Harry Potter & the Sorcerer’s Stone (not close enough to the book.)

Rating: 2.5 TBLs

Reviewer: Maren

In Deuce’s world, people earn the right to a name only if they survive their first fifteen years. By that point, each unnamed ‘brat’ has trained into one of three groups–Breeders, Builders, or Hunters, identifiable by the number of scars they bear on their arms. Deuce has wanted to be a Huntress for as long as she can remember.

As a Huntress, her purpose is clear—to brave the dangerous tunnels outside the enclave and bring back meat to feed the group while evading ferocious monsters known as Freaks. She’s worked toward this goal her whole life, and nothing’s going to stop her, not even a beautiful, brooding Hunter named Fade. When the mysterious boy becomes her partner, Deuce’s troubles are just beginning.

Down below, deviation from the rules is punished swiftly and harshly, and Fade doesn’t like following orders. At first Deuce thinks he’s crazy, but as death stalks their sanctuary, and it becomes clear the elders don’t always know best, Deuce wonders if Fade might be telling the truth. Her partner confuses her; she’s never known a boy like him before, as prone to touching her gently as using his knives with feral grace.

As Deuce’s perception shifts, so does the balance in the constant battle for survival. The mindless Freaks, once considered a threat only due to their sheer numbers, show signs of cunning and strategy… but the elders refuse to heed any warnings. Despite imminent disaster, the enclave puts their faith in strictures and sacrifice instead. No matter how she tries, Deuce cannot stem the dark tide that carries her far from the only world she’s ever known.” (via goodreads.com)

You know how sometimes when you’re reading a book, you realize what’s going to happen and you kind of do a mental facepalm and think, ugh, why did the author have to go THERE?

That’s the whole last third of Enclave. But I’ll rant about that in a minute. Warning: This review will be spoiler-ific.

Read More

Rating: 4.5 TBLs

Reviewer: Maren

“Why be the sheep, when you can be the wolf? Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others.

Ismae’s most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?” (via goodreads.com)

I am, if nothing else, a very predictable reviewer. In order for me to like a book, I ask only that the following be present:

1. Strong protagonist who doesn’t whine
2. Creative plot that’s exciting to read
3. Character development

So, let’s start with number one. Ismae is definitely a strong protagonist who doesn’t whine. She’s an assassin, for God’s sake. It doesn’t get much stronger than that. This is a chick who kicks major traitor ass. It’s awesome. Moreover, Ismae is fallible. Much like some of my other favorite female protags, Ismae is not perfect— she makes mistakes, she questions herself, and she questions those around her.

Which sort of naturally leads me to number three.. Ismae’s character development. She starts off as a tool of her convent. She is a glorified puppet, really- she kills who she’s supposed to and does not question the authority of the abbess she serves. But that all changes when she gets all tangled up in the treachery and politics surrounding her liege, the duchess of Brittany, Anne. Oh, and Duval. But he should have his own paragraph.

And of course, number two. This is definitely a creative plot— there are a lot of twists and turns, rich characters, and since it’s based on historical fact, it’s exciting to read (if you love historical fiction like me). There’s also just the right touches of magic and mystery, especially surrounding Ismae’s abilities and her relationship with the god/saint Mortain.

The only small criticism I have is that the plot was kind of predictable. I mean, I’d figured out a significant amount of the end of the book before I read it, so it was slightly frustrating to read about Ismae fumbling around what I had already figured out. I hope the second book isn’t as easy to figure out.

Overall— I really loved this book. It leaves off during a very difficult time for Brittany (and Anne, and Duval, and Ismae) and I can’t wait to see where things go. I think the next book will be written from another St. Mortain assassin’s perspective, so it will be interesting to see the story through different eyes.

Oh! And DUVAL. It’s a shame he’s a fictional character. Since, of course, he’s pretty much perfect. He’s loyal, and strong, and caring, and soft when he needs to be… anyway. Someone please find me a man like that who exists in real life. Thanks.

Rating: 5 TBLs and lots of gold stars

Reviewer: Maren

“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.” (via goodreads.com)

Okay, so let’s start with the ingredients.

• June, a totally kickass girl who alienates everyone around her because she’s scary awesome and is already graduating from military school at age 15.
• Day, a totally kickass guy who has become a local hero to the downtrodden population of post-apocalyptic LA.
• One dead brother.
• One unforgivable crime (see above bullet point).
• A deadly virus infecting the poor, yet somehow mysteriously avoiding the ritzy sections of the city.
• A militaristic, propaganda-spewing super government, hell bent on destroying dissenters.

Instructions: Stir well and throw in a lot of action scenes, typical (but so well written) teenage angst, and some lovely twists & turns.

Yield: One REALLY AMAZING BOOK. Especially delicious when read in one sitting.

I couldn’t put it down. I love the complexity of the storyline. Day wants to keep his family safe from the capital; June wants to avenge her brother by any means necessary. Day is against the system; June thrives in it. But both are legendary. Both have reputations that put them in the public eye. Both are exceptional people, inside & out.

The characters of June & Day are dynamic, which as you all know, is a major plus for me. June in particular undergoes some pretty hefty character development, which allowed me to relate to her more as the book progressed.

And of course, the romance. June & Day compliment each other. They’re so opposite, and yet so similar, that the reader yearns for them to be together right from the get-go. I was in love with how they were able to hold such similar values within the constraints of their completely different cultures. A+ for this part, Marie Lu.

I would put this book in a similar genre as Divergent, Blood Red Road, and The Hunger Games. Plenty of dystopia here. The creative storyline and the complexity of the characters really make it a stand-out though.

Marie Lu, write faster. January 29th is too far away for the second installment, Prodigy (my calendar is already marked).

(photo courtesy of Goodreads)

Rating: 3 TBL’s

Reviewer: Nicole


“The day Louisiana teenager Rory Deveaux arrives in London, it’s the start of a new life at a boarding school. But for many, this will be remembered as the day a series of brutal murders broke out across the city, gruesome crimes mimicking the horrific Jack the Ripper events of more than a century ago.”

Things I liked about the book:
I love a book with some historical facts to it and I had never read a fictional book with the Ripper case at its heart. I was intrigued by the mystery to the book, is this a copy cat Ripper? Who could/would do this?

It was fun to be transported to London from Louisiana and get lost in the culture.

The writing was pretty good and thankfully the storyline didn’t scare me too much. I think the reason I gave it a three is because I really enjoyed the plot.

Things I didn’t like:
There were a few chapters and characters that seemed to be just tossed in there for no reason. There’s a web designer that discovers video on the murders, but then she’s never mentioned again. Not that I’m sad, but it’s just a little out of place.

Her romance with Jerome was also disappointing. It seemed really awkwardly placed, like she felt that Rory needed some sort of romance in London and just decided that this guy who was obsessed with the Ripper would be good enough. Sorry, but it was a disappointing romance. Give me a hotter more interesting male love interesting next time, Maureen.

I dreamed about zombies trying to kill me all night. Side effects of writing about Dark Inside, I suppose.

Anyway, here are some books we’re going to write reviews on! Feel free to send us suggestions, too!

Rating: 5 TBL’s

Reviewer: Nicole

“For seventeen-year-old Janie, getting sucked into other people’s dreams is getting old. Especially the falling dreams, the naked-but-nobody-notices dreams, and the sex-crazed dreams. Janie’s seen enough fantasy booty to last her a lifetime.
She can’t tell anybody about what she does they’d never believe her, or worse, they’d think she’s a freak. So Janie lives on the fringe, cursed with an ability she doesn’t want and can’t control.
Then she falls into a gruesome nightmare, one that chills her to the bone. For the first time, Janie is more than a witness to someone else’s twisted psyche. She is a participant.”

I devoured this book in about two hours, while I was seriously ill. In the same day I read books two and three. That’s how much I loved the series. I just couldn’t get enough.

I loved the relationships between characters and the growth and development that I saw in such a short period of time.

Janie doesn’t know who her father is and her mother is an alcoholic and the pair are barely making ends meet, but it is Janie’s gift (curse?) that makes her life challenging. She falls in and out of people’s dreams and some of them are very disturbing. In the first book Janie discovers a lot about herself and the series follows her journey of self discovery.

Cabel is an interesting character, Janie talks about him in the first few chapters and man, he sounds like a hottie. I don’t want to give too much away about Cabel though, so I’m just going to tell you that he’s a great character.

It’s a quick read, about 200 pages. You should check it out. Be warned, it is addicting.

Forgive me for doing such a short review for a book I loved, I’m still battling bronchitis.

Rating: 3 TBL’s

Reviewer: Maren

Victor and Konrad are the twin brothers Frankenstein. They are nearly inseparable. Growing up, their lives are filled with imaginary adventures… until the day their adventures turn all too real. 

They stumble upon The Dark Library, and secret books of alchemy and ancient remedies are discovered. Father forbids that they ever enter the room again, but this only peaks Victor’s curiosity more. When Konrad falls gravely ill, Victor is not be satisfied with the various doctors his parents have called in to help. He is drawn back to The Dark Library where he uncovers an ancient formula for the Elixir of Life. Elizabeth, Henry, and Victor immediately set out to find assistance in a man who was once known for his alchemical works to help create the formula. (from goodreads.com)

I wanted to like this book. No, really, I think I spent the whole book willing it to be better, trying to trick myself into liking it more than I actually did.

There was nothing really wrong with the book, per say. I liked the plot. It was creative, rich in detail, and completely arresting to read. I truly enjoyed the determination and the spunk of Victor, Henry & Elizabeth as they try to save Konrad.

Perhaps where I ran into a bit of trouble was with character development. All the characters felt a little flat to me. Okay, so Victor is jealous of Konrad, but loves him. Elizabeth is a feminist and all the boys love her. Henry is bookish. Konrad is perfect. I guess I just didn’t see a lot of depth there. The book was all about the action of saving Konrad anyway, not about allowing Victor to sort out WHY he loves Elizabeth (because of who she is, or because his brother has her heart?) or how his own brash temper can get him into trouble.

I’ve started the second book in this series, so perhaps there will be some forward motion with these characters. I’m especially interested in seeing Henry change. He didn’t get a lot of play time in this book, and I think he’s got a lot of potential to grow. It’d be awesome if Elizabeth ended up with him and neither of the twins.

Just thinking out loud now. I’ll let you all know what I think of the next book!