Graceling by Kristin Cashore

pretense.
perseverance.
enrapture.

I was blown away by this novel. It always helps to have no preconceived notions when beginning a new book with a new [to me] author--as was the advantage in this instance. Never a dull moment, this literary journey was filled with adventure and emotion.

I suffered with Katsa, experienced falling in love, and laughed out loud at her absurd and often comical brutal nature. It was a pleasure for me to share in her evolution, and the progression of the seven kingdoms and her inhabitants. Cashore is skilled at carefully weaving characters into the plot that are flawlessly imperfect yet endearing. (I personally feel Po is quite nearly perfect though :D)

This story confirms the resilience of the human spirit and reminds readers of what a person can prove capable of, surprising even themselves in the process.

5 out of 5 stars

I hope the next book rivals this one, though I remain unpretentiously minded about it. I'll keep you posted...

Matched by Ally Condie

conditioned.
contradictory.
complimentary.

The first 316 pages of the book where the tiniest bit tormenting for me. Its not that the book up to this point was bad, by any means. It was just so "cookie cutter," so "perfect" in its imperfection that it made me sick. Even in Cassia's attempted inner rebellion, she still follows the rules on the outside! I kinda wanted to scream at her.

It wasn't until chapter 29 that everything that I despised about the story finally found its purpose. In that moment, I felt the journey had been worth it. I understood the necessity to feel the emotions I experienced leading up to that point. I am pleased to report that I was happily surprised to realize how much I ended up appreciating this book. And guess what...100% clean read! Wow, now that is a feat.

3.5 out of 5 stars

The next book is slated to be released Nov 1st, 2011...oh, and planned to hit the big screen in the future as well. Enjoy...

I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore

pursuit.
menace.
value.

First off I have to say, the movie based on this book was TERRIBLE. Don't let that keep you from reading this series.

The book is Sci-Fi based, so that's a bonus if you're into that sort of thing. It's a quick and enjoyable read. I'm pretty sure the margins are larger than average so you're under the illusion that the book is longer than it is. The next book in the series is called "The Power of Six." I'm ready to find out what adventures these characters stumble upon next.

3.5 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

Red Riding Hood by Sarah Blakley-Cartwright

marketing ploy.
mysterious.
chilling.

First, I need to get something off my chest. When I saw the previews for the movie of the same title of this book, I was intrigued by the possibility of a new take on a timeless classic. I was disgruntled when I discovered that the "bonus chapter" was not included in the original book published, but would become available online to read once the movie officially released. To say this irked me is an understatement. The book shown at TOP left is actually a different version that is being sold now (lower left), and I have to wonder if the newer version has the "bonus chapter" included in it. If anyone is privy to this info, I'd be curious to hear. It may be too late for me to purchase the book in its entirety because there is something wrong with contributing any more money to this marketing ploy, but that doesn't mean its too late for you.

The book is prefaced with the director of the screenplay telling readers about the author and how she is the perfect person to accurately portray the vision of the storyline. I wish this info came after the story so that I wasn't being so critical of her writing style, since I had recently discovered that this was the author's first novel post-graduation. Because of this, I found certain scenes to be overly descriptive which took away from the story at times.

That all being said, I did enjoy the mystery of the story and am still dying to know what happens in the final chapter. I happened to forget that it is available online (or maybe I blacked it out). Nevertheless, I am at a place where I can sit down and read the last dozen or so pages. I just hope that the wait will be well worth it in the end and that I will find satisfaction in whatever resolution of the story awaits me.

3.5 out of 5 stars

Because I'm still bitter...hey, I'm just being honest (;
Read BONUS CHAPTER here.

The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake by Aimee Bender

melancholic.
unexpected.
nostalgic.

I wasn't sure what to expect based on the title and description of this book. I had the book placed on hold a month or so before Nikki recommended it to me, and couldn't wait to read it once I heard she was dying to discuss it.

This book offers a delectable and unique plot that I couldn't have predicted at the start of the story. I enjoyed savoring Aimee's writing style and lulling off to dreamland before my eyelids closed each night.

This book wasn't uplifting or terribly depressing...melancholic, perhaps.  Yet I thoroughly enjoyed that realistic aspect, because I was able to immerse myself in the plot and soak up its raw-ness; the story wasn't showy, prideful or boastful.  It just WAS.

Hallelujah for authors like this, who write outside the box, crafting a story that defies time and logic. Nothing makes sense in this book, except for it's embodiment of the very essence of nostalgia, which I felt keenly.  Like the warmth and newness of a first love.  To sum it up, this book is about deciding what to do when life gives you lemons...and I loved it tart, fresh, and all!

5 out of 5 stars

P.S. Beware of the "F" bomb dropped a handful of times.

The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake by Aimee Bender

vivid.
introspective.
confusing.

I love it when adult fiction is narrated first person from a child's perspective. It always reminds me how confusing this crazy world is to little ones, who often have to grapple with experiences that far exceed their understanding or ability to navigate. So, subconsciously, they translate the things they don't understand into their own language, making a sort of sense of thing that make no sense. This book is told from the perspective of a child (and on in to her teen years) who develops the ability to taste others' emotions and moods through food. From the standpoint of someone who loves food, and appreciates vivid descriptive fiction, I really enjoyed the journey, up until the climax, which was deliberately written in a vague way and left me craving answers rather than understanding a revelation. I believe the author did this on purpose--the "child" narrator didn't fully understand it herself. And often in life we don't get the real, concrete answers that movies or stories tend to provide. But the "big revelation" in the book was diminished for me because it was so confusing, I couldn't really put my finger on what actually happened. What I think happened is a very cool story. If only I could know.
3 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 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

 ...Already read this book and want to join the conversation? Click here: 
[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

 ...Already read this book and want to join the conversation? Click here: 
[SPOILER ALERT!]

Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer

shocking.
sexy.
tense.

I wasn't prepared for what was going to happen in this book. It was like watching a car accident...I just couldn't look away. The story did drag on a bit for me but it was well worth it in the end. I was pretty satisfied with the ending, though I'd love to read another series picking up where this one left off someday.

On a side note, I'm not sure how they're going to make this into a movie while keeping it tasteful, but I sure can't wait to find out! Oh, and I'm all about Edward still. He brings out the school girl crush in me (;

4 of 5 stars

Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer

action.
love-triangle.
giggle.

Overlooking the grammatical errors that bothered me to start, I found this book action-packed, engaging, and satisfying. Most memorable for me, was the tent scene that seriously made me laugh out loud.

I remain team Edward at this point. Something about his desire to be with and protect Bella, not to mention his ability to do so makes me a little crazy, in a good way (;

On a side note, Kristin Stewart in the movie really bothers me.  I think she acts like a snobby brat. I'm uncertain if she meant to act that way, or if the actress is just like that in real life, but she bugs.  In the book, Bella is perhaps naive, yes, but there is an innocence about her inner struggle when you read the book that is lost in the movie.

5 of 5 stars