Hey world! Tada! It's Wednesday, and here I am on my Wednesday blog! I have two books to review today, so stay tuned! It's almost Christmas time, and next Wednesday is Christmas Eve, so I'll be able to wish you happy holidays then. I don't know what my gift is going to be to you, fellow readers, but I'll think about it. What's you gift going to be to me? Hopefully it's a comment. I really love those.
So, a few days ago I finished this book called Incarceron by someone who's name I can't remember. Catherine Fisher! Thank you, Google. Pretty snazzy website. Google and Ms. Fisher's. This is the first book in a series. I think it's actually just a duology, since I can't find any information about a book three. Ms. Fisher has a great many books. I'm quite amazed. The audible is nice. I'm surprised it's read by a female, though. It's nicely paced. There are some who read way too slow. Amazon link!
Summaryish: In a future world that has been divided into two places - inside Incarceron, a prison where centuries ago all criminals were sent and locked away, and outside where a law has been passed that all the people must live in a certain period of history out of necessity. Finn, inside Incarceron, is looking for Escape, which is impossible in the vast world of the prison. Claudia, outside, is trying to escape something herself - an arranged marriage. It seems the only way to do it is to free Finn, who has an interesting past that he can't remember. But Incarceron won't give him up. Did I mention Incarceron is alive?
Review: I have mixed feelings about this book. It was well-written and seemed to have everything a good story needs, and I did pay attention...but I didn't really enjoy it as much as I had hoped. I was reading it more to finish it than because I wanted to. I was promised many twists and turns, and a twist ending I wouldn't see coming, but I predicted almost every single event before it happened. I think I was also upset because the plot had no pitfalls. There was danger, of course, but nothing that really worked against the characters. I like to be pushed forward, and then brought back, like a wave in an ocean, but there just weren't any obstacles, and a clear path is easy to predict. I was never surprised, and in my book that's worthy of a demerit.
About the Cover:
At least the cover was awesome. As you can see above, it's covered in gears and interesting keys and things, and a lovely color scheme. The cover was what first drew me towards this book. In fact, I didn't even read the jacket flap. I pulled the book off the shelf, said to myself "I want it," and put it in my bag. Very steampunk, which fits the themes. Well done!
Post one, done!
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
Anonymous Book Reviewer.
Hey world! Welcome to Day Ten, the final day of the blog marathon! I thought I would make it to eleven, but I don't think I will. Still, this is probably one of the longest marathons I've ever had - it lasted more than a week! Three cheers for loyalty! Although, no one brought a friend on bring a friend day, and there was not one comment throughout the whole thing...Goodness, fans, I thought you existed.
So, just a few days ago I finished reading this book called The Infinite Sea by Rick Yancey, who has definitely entered my top-fifteen favorite authors. This is book two in the 5th Wave series which, you may remember, is actually the book that began this marathon. How cool is that? I start the marathon with a book, and end the marathon with its sequel. Hopefully, there are plenty more on the way, but for now these are the only two books available. In addition, the movie version of The 5th Wave will be out in early 2016. Again, I'm not wearing my headphones at the moment, but I think the last audible was good, so maybe this one is too. Here's the Amazon link.
Summaryish: After what happened in The 5th Wave, Cassie, Ben and co. retreat to the rendezvous location that Cassie and Evan had previously set up to wait for him, even though they don't know if he's alive. He's they're one chance at defeating the aliens that took over the planet, so wait they shall. But winter is coming, and they need to find a place where they can survive the bitter cold that is sure to come. And then there's that whole thing with Ringer...
Review: This is one of those incredibly rare books that is not a Wow. Just Wow, but Too Wow. Just Wow to Be A Wow. Just Wow. You may not know this, but here on my blog a Wow. Just Wow is a book too awesome to review, because trying to put my feelings into words is not only impossible, but may just ruin it. Not the case here. Nothing could ruin this book! I don't like series that are just a continuation of the same old events like Tempest and Celaena, this is a series that brings what happened before, and adds on to it. An almost unknown sequel that is better than the first book has occurred here! If you liked 5th Wave, you'll love Infinite Sea. Not only is it full of action and emotion, some interesting questions come up about reality and humanity that I have enjoyed pondering these past few days. Not only do you get a great story that can suck you in like the vacuum of space, you could even learn something about yourself. Well done!
Words to the Characters:
Cassie: I admire your loyalty and commitment. Some other heroines, and I could name quite a few, would crumble in seconds.
Ringer: Totally did not see that coming. Whoaaa snap.
Okay, see you Wednesday, since before this marathon I decided to make this a Wednesday blog instead of a tea time one.
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
Anonymous Book Reviewer.
Hey world! Welcome to Day Nine of what looks like is going to be an 11 day marathon! It is Thursday, so you can let go of the ridiculous notion that today is Wednesday you have inexplicably been carrying around in your head for the past while. It's just starting to sink in that it is December. I might even change my calendar from November today. You know what December means - another year drawing to a close. What are some of the best books you've read this year?
So, I recently read this book called Coda by Emma Trevayne. She'll have a website soon, but for now she's one of those authors with websites under construction. I believe this is book one a series, though the thought of that does not make sense, the proof is in the pudding. And by pudding, of course I mean the Amazon link. And because I've decided it's high time this blog became a little more snazzy, here's a picture of the cover. You better appreciate it, it took three tries to get it awesome.
Summaryish: In a future world, after many wars, music has been transformed into a kind of addictive drug that will eventually kill you. But young Anthem and his friends, while addicted to tracking themselves, have a secret underground band where they play real unencoded music. The risk is high - what they're doing is illegal and the penalty could be a track that deafens them forever - but it's worth it for the music. Anthem's family is suffering, and he wants to help them as much as possible, but the only way to save his little siblings from becoming hooked on the deadly drug is revolution. But maybe the one he loves the most is the one he can trust the least...
Review: So, my summary makes the book sound a little cheesy. I mean, seriously, addictive music? I wasn't even expecting much, and I consider myself very open to new books, as long as their covers are as pretty as that one so beautifully text-wrapped above. But the setting is so carefully crafted, and the character so real, and the plot so believable, that I fell into this book as if it were a warm word-river. A rushing word-river, as it was fast paced. Not a single page of this book is wasted space - even the slower parts, the parts that don't seem to mean much, are important. As someone who loves music so much I sometimes have to stop whatever I'm doing when I hear a song that catches me, I can appreciate this story more than someone who isn't as moved by melodies. To read and enjoy this book, I think you have to be compatible with it, so consider your relationship with rhythmic sounds before you begin.
Words to the Characters:
Anthem: I can imagine it...and it's beautiful.
Alpha and Omega: I totally love your handles!
Okay, see you tomorrow for what I'm guessing is Day Ten?
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
Anonymous Book Reviewer.
Hey world! Happy Wednesday, because it is of course Wednesday. The middle of the weekdays. Wednesday. And also Day Eight of the blog marathon! Welcome. Read the rest of this introductory paragraph with a soothing voice, because I'm welcoming you to my blog like a late night dedications radio show host. And all of this is of course happening on a Wednesday. Shall we begin?
So, I recently read this book called Prodigy by Marie Lu. It is book two in the Legend Trilogy. You may remember that I read book one just a little while ago. All three books are out, and I think my hold on the third one arrived...I'm not sure. I'll have to check. Yes! It did arrive! And, oh snap, I have to pick it up by Saturday. Do I have time for that? I guess I'll never know. And then I'll have like, four weeks, with at least three books from this library trip on top of it, one being 600 pages...Oh, I'll figure it out. There is an audible version, but I won't be telling you about that right now because I'm not wearing my headphones and I don't feel like putting them on right now, mostly because my glasses are on top of my head, and I'd have to remove them, which means I'd lose them and...Amazon link.
Summaryish: After what happened in Legend, Day and June are (be careful here, people who have not read Legend) running away from the Republic. The only way to say safe is to join the Patriots, the rebel group against the strict rules and tyranny of the Republic. But the price of joining is steep, and by steep I mean murderous. I don't want to give away more than the jacket flap, and I can't remember what the jacket flap says, so that's all I'll say. But there is a new Elector.
Review: This book was even better than the first! The first book was a great opener, and in this one, the plot extends and picks up. The action, the suspense, the uncertainty, and everything else that makes a book good is masterfully displayed throughout the novel, and excellently timed and balanced. But more than just a thrilling page-turner that makes it hard to breathe, this book also has fun moral dilemmas. It's not just action-adventure, and it's not just a love story, and it's not just a story about freedom from an oppressive government. It's all of the above, and more. And I don't know about you, but it certainly makes me happy.
About the Font:
So, the cover of the book is mostly blue, and the title is "Prodigy" which June is...and last book the cover was mostly yellow and the title was "Legend" which Day is...Day's chapters were yellow in book one, but Day's chapters were blue in book two? Shouldn't June's have been blue, since she's the prodigy? I guess it fits her personality that her chapters would be black...but does this mean in book three, Day's chapters will be red? Or are you going to trick me and June's chapters will be red?
See you tomorrow, Thursday.
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
Anonymous Book Reviewer.
Hey world! Welcome to not only Day Seven of the blog marathon, but also Bring A Friend Day! Did you bring any friends? Did I mention I was going to give a prize to whomever comments that they brought a friend? Maybe I should have mentioned that yesterday. There's still a prize, but you'd have to both bring a friend and comment today, 12/9/2014. All other entries will be void. I don't think this is going to be all that successful.
So, I read this book called The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway a little while ago, and while it is not a series, it did win a Pulitzer Prize and contributed to the author's Nobel Prize in Literature. Pretty snazzy accomplishments, I'd say. There are tons of versions available because of it's popularity, but oddly enough - no audible. Strangeness. There is more than one Amazon link, of course, but I'm only giving out one. And it's not even the version I read!
Summaryish: Basically, this book is what the title says it is - there's an old fisherman, and it's been 84 days since he caught his last fish. He sets out, and lo and behold, a giant marlin is snagged on his line! He isn't strong enough to pull it in, and so the fish begins to drag him out to sea. But he doesn't let go. The ocean is a dangerous place. Draw your own conclusions.
Review: This book is a really quick read that is definitely worth the three hours it takes to get through it! Not only is it an adventurous story with as much action as a book from the 50s is prone to having, but it's an adventure into life, as well. Some pretty deep questions are contemplated here, and excellent themes of courage in the face of defeat are displayed throughout. The characters were real people, round and realized. And as a classic in American literature, reading it gives you some bragging rights too. This isn't necessarily a rush-to-pick-it-up book, but it's certainly not a book to turn down, either. When given the chance, read it.
Words to the Characters:
Santiago: I'm pretty sure that's your name, anyway. Well done. You never gave up, and you deserve props for that.
Fish: Same.
Okay, see you tomorrow. Remember...it's a pretty lame prize, but it's still a prize, so comment.
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
Anonymous Book Reviewer.
Hey world! I checked! Today is Day Six in the blog marathon! Welcome. Tomorrow is Bring a Friend to the Blog Marathon Day, so be sure to collect your loved ones, or maybe hated ones depending on how you answer the survey over on the right side of this webpage. Do you see what I just did? I just promoted my own page twice in the same sentence. I'm desperate for more pageviews, considering this whole marathon has gotten a total of three views. I feel so unnecessary...But, I shall press on and continue to be loyal.
So, recently, because we're up to just one library trip ago now, I read this book called Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas (Must not forget that all-important middle initial or you'll end up getting therapy for all ages). This is the last book in the Throne of Glass trilogy, in which I have reviewed every book. The audible is pretty good, but not the best I've ever sampled. Amazon link?
Summaryish: After what went down in Crown of Midnight, assassin Celaena Sardothian has sailed across the sea to a different continent. Sent to murder some royals, she instead started training with some Fae to master her magic and learn as much as she can about the Wyrdkeys. On the other continent, Dorian tries to keep his newly discovered magic a secret.
Review: I'll be honest, I was bored for most of this book. It just seemed like the same thing repeated over and over and over again almost to the point of closing the book and slamming the almost 600 page hardcover on my skull. In addition, what parts weren't completely redundant didn't seem to be exactly relevant to the story. Things that should have been just skimmed over were explained in mind-numbing detail. And then there are the characters...not many of them are particularly like-able, which is important in any story. Ms. Maas, I believe, was trying too hard. And I was disappointed, considering the first book in this series was so great. Another warning: I doubt there's a single page in the whole novel without a swear word on it. Goodness.
About the Title:
Much better, Ms. Maas. Last book's title just didn't make sense, while this one was much better as the title was actually used at one time during the book, and it kept the flow of the other two. That, at least, was done well.
See you tomorrow! Remember, it's Bring a Friend Day!
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
Anonymous Book Reviewer
Hey world! Happy Sunday! This is Day Five (I think) of the marathon. This is around the time that I lose track of how many days it's been. I'm sure you know, committed fan that you are, so I guess we're fine. Oh man, I just stretched and it kind of hurt. I don't know what to feel when that happens, because it hurts, but it also feels kind of nice. Thoughts?
So, we're getting really close to recently that I read this book called The Revenge of Seven by Pittacus Lore. It is book five in the Lorien Legacies series, also known as the I Am Number Four series, what I believe might be seven books in all when it is finished, but I'm just guessing. The first book in the series was the inspiration for a movie that I have not seen. In addition to that, there is a plethora of novella and novella collections available as well, all about the Loric. And there's an audible version, which is pretty okay. Here's the Amazon link.
Summaryish: After the events in Fall of Five, Seven is angry and out for revenge. New legacies are being developed as well as new enemies rising, and new allies too. There's not much I can say that won't give things away, but I can say that the Loric children are readier than ever to fight back against the Mogadorians, and the Mogs are through with keeping their alien nature a secret from the humans.
Review: I've been looking forward to this book for months, and I wasn't disappointed! This book is just as full of action and suspense as all the others, in addition to the story progressing marvelously with new twists and fun things like that. The one thing I was disappointed about was the lack of character development. It's fight scene and planning for fights and strategy sections more than anything, and only one or two of the characters is growing and changing, the rest are sticking to how they've always been, which makes the story a little predictable. But whatever happened to predictability, anyway? The milk man and the paperboy, etc.
Words to the Characters:
Five: I think I understand now, and you are forgiven.
Six and Sam: Awww...
Okay, see you tomorrow for what is probably Day Six!
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
Anonymous Book Reviewer.
Hey world! I may or may not have not blogged yesterday due to Star Trek: The Motion Picture. But we're going to pretend that didn't happen and I'm going to blog twice today to make it all better, and it will be just the same, and the marathon will continue. Let's get started before people get suspicious.
So, some time ago I read this book called The Travelers by John Twelve Hawks. This is the first book in the Fourth Realm trilogy, in which all the books have been written and published. It's a wonderful audible, with a very skilled reader. Nicely inflected and dramatized. Here's an Amazon link.
Summaryish: For the third time in a row, I wrote "Review" instead of "Summaryish" before realizing my mistake. Anyways. Maya is a Harlequin, sworn to protect the Travelers, people whose "light" can leave their bodies and travel to different realms, from the Vast Machine that is trying to force order on the world through endless surveillance and the threat of harsh punishment for even a minor infraction, like that one episode of Next Gen where Wesley fell into a plant nursery and was going to be killed for it. The Travelers, however, are disappearing. There are only a few left, and Gabe is one them. And even though he doesn't want to be, he is still a target of the Vast Machine - a very dangerous thing to be.
Review: This book was a fine read, with plenty of explosions and fight scenes. But still, I feel like that was all the story line was - there wasn't really much substance that latched onto me and wouldn't let go. The two opinions cancel themselves out and leave me neutral. It's excellent if you just want to settle in enjoy some action and suspense, but not that great if you're looking for a book to make you feel something.
Words to the author: I like how your name is a name, a number, and more than one animal. Pretty cool.
And, see you tomorrow (wink).
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
Anonymous Book Reviewer.
Hey world! Day Three in this blog marathon game, I hope you noticed that my beat hasn't changed. I'm upping the ante. That was a reference to something. Maybe you'll get it, maybe you won't. You probably won't. It's kind of obscure. But anyways...I have finished another book, which means this marathon will last one day longer! But this post might not go well, because I can't remember which book I'm reviewing next. I of course remember the book itself, just not the order in which I read it...Luckily, I keep a reading log, and it says we're up to...
So, I read this book called The Testing by Joelle Charbonneau recently. It appears that in addition to teen Distopian, she also writes books for younger people about glee club and skating. Interesting resumé. This is book one in a trilogy, but I'm sure you already know this because I feel like, like the last book I read, there's been a lot of hype going on because of this book. It's a mostly great audible, though a little, I don't know...the cadence seems a little to dippy. Amazon link!
Summaryish: It's the future, like most of the books I read, and things are very different. After wars and environmental disastrophes, the few cities left are all struggling to become self-sustaining, while at the same time grooming their children for success at school and life, so that maybe they'll be chosen to participate in the Testing to go to university and learn more, and earn better lives for them and everyone. But Cia's father was chosen long ago, and his nightmares about the brutal Testing days haunt him. So when Cia is chosen, he gives her simple advice: Trust no one. Nothing is as it seems in the Testing.
Review: I can see why a lot of people like this book, but I wasn't very engaged when reading it. I found the tone a little too mellow and clinical for my taste. Also, things kind of just...dragged by. Days were passing in a matter of single-digit pages, which while I suppose was important to the plot, just seemed empty and boring to me. It seemed like most of the book was a list of things being consumed and fires being built, and the same old thoughts being rehashed over and over again. There were plenty of actiony scenes, and plot twists I didn't see coming, but something important was missing from this story, and that elusive thing is probably what would make me want to read more. But I don't. I probably won't.
About the cover:
The cover is gorgeous which left me disappointed. That whole "don't judge a book by its cover thing" is an allegory to other people. Actual book covers you can judge as much as you want, and the shiny awesomeness combined with the ticker tape of warning along the bottom of this book was fabulous. I only wish the innards were as promising.
See you tomorrow!
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
Anonymous Book Reviewer.
Hey world! I almost forgot that I needed to blog again. We are now entering Day Two of the marathon, and who knows how long it will last? If I remember correctly, my longest marathon was...what? A week? Nine days? Just for fun, let's see if I can get to ten! I'll have to finish two more books, but that should be hard at all. Since I might be going to the library today, right exactly now would be a great time to recommend something for me.
So, a while ago I read this book called The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. I feel like there was a craze about it a while back, but now I can't exactly remember. I know that I was seeing it everywhere, and so many people were telling me to read it, but maybe that's just because it was new and I'm generally around people who read. The audible is a little too deep and rumble-y for my taste in listening fun, but here's the Amazon link anyway. Just now, a thought suddenly struck me, and that thought was that I feel like typing all my words backwards right now, but I'm not going to do that for your sake.
Summaryish: Two magicians get into a contest to see who can raise a better illusionist. The two students grow up knowing this, but not who their opponent was. When a location is finally set to begin their battle - a circus - they go crazy! Manipulating the circus and becoming tied to it, and each other, in ways they never expected. And that's all I feel like saying about it.
Review: This book was intriguing, but not particularly interesting. I had lots of fun with the imagery, but the story just didn't grip me. Not much happened, not much held my interest for long. I didn't even really enjoy my time reading it, and there's not much more I can say about it without being all redundant .
Words to the Characters:
Celia: I like the tree...
Marco: I like the ice...
Okay, see you tomorrow! Bye!
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
Anonymous Book Reviewer.
Hey world! Forgive me, but it's been...well...a month. And a few days. But, in my defense, I'm not drinking tea near my desk anymore. So instead of a tea time blog, this is now a Wednesday blog. Of course, I'll have to blog tomorrow and the day after this week because I'm so many books behind. How many do I have to review now? 8? Goodness, I really am behind! Well, I didn't change my calendar to November until the 30th, so I guess it's fitting. Time to get started!
So, a while ago I finished this book called The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey and after running around like a crazy person for a while, I confirmed that it is in fact a series! I'm not sure how many books are going to be in it, but I know there's at least one more since I have it on hold at the library and will be picking it up tomorrow (I'll bet you know where this is going). It's a great audible! I give it two thumbs up. But here's the Amazon link if you'd like to hear it yourself.
Summaryish: Where to begin? How about an alien invasion? It didn't happen all at once, but in waves that each decreased the human population until there were so few of us left that it was impossible for Cassie to know if she was the only human left in the world. If the soldiers who took her brother away from her were to be trusted. Or if the boy who saved her life was one of Them. The aliens are killing everyone they see...But Cassie has had enough. It's time to fight, to take back the Earth that belongs to her.
Review: Woooow snap. This book was like - whoa. I thought long and hard, which is probably how I got so behind, about whether or not to make this a Wow. Just Wow or not. I did decide not simply because of the swear words and the fact that, while I loved it so so so so so much because of all the action and drama and suspense and even some humor, it didn't change my life significantly, other than the fact that I memorized one sentence because it sounded so cool. The story was crafted expertly, and I honestly have no complaints. It was paced, there were twists, nothing too obvious, the foreshadowing was nice and subtle the way I like it, and it was so marvelously done that I changed my mind about certain characters, like, ten times. Bravo!
Words to the Author:
Mr. Yancey...thank you soooooo much for making this a series. I want to tell you that I had a panic attack when I couldn't find my library card to put the next one on hold absolutely right way, and I constantly checked my account to see when it would arrive. When three other books I had on hold arrived first, I began to lose hope...but then I got the email. And I screamed for joy. That means I liked your book.
See you soon! I think I'm going to start a marathon now, so I guess soon will be tomorrow.
Xxxxxx X. Xxxxxx
Anonymous Book Reviewer.
