The Iron Thorn by Caitlin Kittredge

steampunk.
refreshing.
twisted.

I only recently learned about the steampunk genre, which I find weird because I totally dig it...would've thought I'd stumbled upon it before now. This book IS steampunk. You can tell from the book summary that this is a dark and twisted tale, but Kittredge brings new life to this melancholic dystopian storyline. Maybe I haven't read enough books to sense this plot being reminiscent of similar tales, but I found this story refreshingly ingenious. I honestly couldn't have guessed where the plot line would take me but I was happy to be helplessly and intoxicatingly strung along.

Kittredge used just the right amount of eccentric words masterfully interspersed in the novel. One thing that bugged me initially was the unknown to me pronunciation of the main character's name "Aoife." By the third chapter, I had to look it up online before I could read another word. I found that the name is an Irish name, similar to Eva or Ava in English, and is pronounced "Ee-fa."

I was a teensy bit miffed about the unsatisfying ending. To me, this is defined as more lingering questions than answers at the turn of the last page. To some, this may be an intriguing cliff-hanger, but I was left wanting. Now comes the waiting game until the second novel is released...

4.5 out of 5 stars

Incarceron by Catherine Fisher

inventive.
abstract.
lingering.

The idea behind the plot in this story is intriguing and creative. Certain points in the story I found moderately predictable, while others I found mystifying. At times it was unclear what was happening because the written words were not forming a relevant picture in my mind which confused me, and not in a good way. However, I liked the overall concept and never found myself bored.. I would have read the book from start to finish in one sitting if time had allowed. The ending was somewhat satisfying, yet left unanswered questions lingering just out of reach, beyond the last page. I will definitely read the next book in the trilogy "Sapphique."

3.5 out of 5 stars

Pretties by Scott Westerfield

mind.
futuristic.
savage.

I really enjoyed the first three-quarters of this book, but that is when it went downhill for me. I can see a potential for the third book in the series to be really great, or a huge failure. I'm a little aprehensive to find out because I want the time spent reading it to be worth a great ending, you know?  Let's just say the jury's out on if I would recommend adding this series to your collection.  So far there's been one good book amidst the two I've read, as 3/4 of the first book was lacking and last 1/4 of the second.  I'll let you know what I think. But if you think it sounds like something you might be into reading based on the back cover, then I'd say go for it. If you are on the fence about it, I'd suggest waiting for my critique so you don't feel like a fraction of your life has been wasted (;

4 out of 5 stars

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

heart-wrenching.
honest.
masterful.

Wow. Initially, I felt like the book started off slowly. But around page 80 it picked up pace, and again around page 270.  It was at this point that I couldn't possibly set the book down until I absorbed every last word. I had been wondering where Suzanne Collins could possibly take this third book, given the plot of the first two, but I was pleasantly surprised. I laughed, I cried, I got goose bumps.

This series is everything I can possibly ask for from an author. Crafted in my mind is a painfully vivid and poignant reality--from the capitol and its extravagant personalities, to the districts and their bleak and uncertain existence. The characters are witty, memorable, and believable.  Interwoven in the story is a cornucopia of suspense & drama, romance & tragedy, materialism & raw humanity. Suzanne Collins manages to tie it all together with a neat little bow: the effects of war and violence on adolescence. This was her intention, but there's even more depth to the story than that. I could go on and on, but I don't want to ruin the book for anyone who hasn't read the series. That being said, "READ IT!" (Yes, as in right now.)

5 out of 5 stars

Don't forget to start with books one and two in the series:

















...Or why not go for all three (=

Uglies by Scott Westerfield

superficial.
unique.
has potential.

For me, this book was a great attempt at a unique and intriguing storyline, but unfortunately it paled in comparison to the depth and magnitude of other recent books in the genre. I wanted more from this book overall. Thankfully, three-quarters of the way through the book, there was a shift and I became enthralled and can't wait to see how everything plays out in the second book in the series. I'm hoping I won't be disappointed by the next book because there is great potential here. I suggest put this

3.5 out of 5 stars

Other books in the series:
(Not sure where the series ends and marketing ploy begins here, but I'm going to eventually read all of these...)

The Mortal Instruments: City of Glass by Cassandra Clare

predictable.
yet entertaining.
but anticlimactic.


I felt like the end was anticlimactic, but I still anticipated great things leading up to the conclusion, so I still think it was a good read.  If you've read the Twilight series, I'd say it's comparable to Breaking Dawn in that way.

All in all, I think it was worth the read, and it is rumored to be made into a movie in the future.  Pick it up!

4 out of 5 stars


Also noteworthy is the fact that the prequel is coming out August 31st of 2010.

The Mortal Instruments: City of Ashes, by Cassandra Clare

unexpected.
enchanted.
suspenseful.


This second book in the series was more action-filled than the last. More characters are added to the plot, if you can imagine. There were moments when I felt Clare was either spoon-feeding, or withholding info a bit, yet I continued to be intrigued due to unexpected turns of events and emerging romances. I definitely wanted to know how those were gonna work out...or not.

Magnus Bane has been a favorite of mine, and Simon has raised the bar with his maturing throughout the series. There isn't much of a dull moment in this book. I still don't love Clare's writing style but I can certainly appreciate the intricacy that has gone into writing this book...almost makes me want to read the series again so I can remember all the hints and foreshadowing that occurred in previous books.
Keep reading and you won't be disappointed!

4 of 5 stars

The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones, by Cassandra Clare

characters.
youthful.
other-worldly.

My initial problem with this book is that the narration is in third person, which unfortunately tended to take me out of the story at times. Another writing technique I disliked,was the way the author would start a dialogue, interrupt it by explaining what the character(s) were doing, then continue with the end of the quote. I found this to be extremely distracting throughout the first half of the book. But I eventually got used to Clare's writing style until it wasn't foreign to me anymore and I can honestly say that I can appreciate the reason that she wrote it that way, in the end.

Once I put my pettiness aside, the story and several of the characters started to grow on me. By the end of the first book, I was excited to start the second. And after that one, I couldn't wait to start the third and it got better from there.

This is definitely one of those books that gets progressively better as you go along. The main characters are in their mid teens; the age that is awkward and confusing for us all. Add to the chaos: demons, vampires, werewolves, angels in the city that never sleeps, and things start to get interesting.

My advice would be, if you liked The Twilight Saga, give this series a chance...it pays off in the end.

3.5 of 5 stars
(keep in mind that the ratings go up with each of the following books  in the series :D)

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

intelligent.
captivating.
passionate.

Once again, I had no idea this story could be pulled off, while still maintaining intrigue and mystery, but Suzanne has done it again! What a cliff hanger. Ugh! I'm pretty much crazy about Suzanne Collins' writing...she's onto something here and I hope she keeps rolling with it because I can't get enough.

5 of 5 stars

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[SPOILER ALERT!]

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

colorful.
humanity.
hope.

Where to begin? This book was everything I could hope for and more. My only thought when I finished the first book, was that I needed to start the second book, Catching Fire immediately...and I did. The only pity is that the third book doesn't come out until August!

I had my doubts when I read the summary of the book, I mean how could an entire book be written about children fighting to the death for food? Sounded like a serious downer to me. I was pleasantly surprised to find the overall plot to be hopeful and heart-warming.

Lionsgate is making a movie and I just hope it will do the book justice because the book, is amazing.

5 of 5 stars

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[SPOILER ALERT!]