Sunday, November 10, 2013

The Widdershins Adventures

I discovered this series, by Ari Marmell,  last year at my local library, but I never blogged about it.
The first book, Thief''s Covenant follows the story of Widdershins, a young thief who had a chance at a better life, but had to go back to thievery.  She also has a god in her head, Olgun. As his only remaining follower, they will both die if she is killed. In the city of Davillion, where she lives, there is an evil monster after her. She is also in a dispute with an influential member of the Finders' Guild, the group all thieves in the city belong to. On top of all that the city watch wants to arrest her, even though she hasn't done anything illegal...well, at least not in front of them. When the Archbishop William de Laurent. comes to Davillion, his life is in danger and things get even more chaotic. 
Delivered in chapters that vary between the past events that led Widdershins to abandon her name and return to the streets, and the present, in multiple perspectives, Thief's Covenant is a wonderfully crafted novel.
The characters are witty, clever, and funny. Widdershins is a great character if you want a quick, slightly smart-aleck character with potentially questionable morals, but a good heart.
The second book, False Covenant, is out and I just read it. I think it is an excellent continuation of the series. There will be a third book coming out soon. 
I would recommend this book for teens thirteen or older. it has some violence, given several monster fighting scenes and some mildly inappropriate language, but it is an excellent story. 

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Halloween Horror

This blog is entirely suited to my taste of literature, which means that I usually don't cater at all to those teens who love horror books. Having been given a rather overactive imagination, I tend to steer away from the genre. But, I've decided to make a few suggestions based on what I have read.  To be frank, anything that  is on the list below is there for the sole reason that it gave me trouble sleeping when I accidentally read them (and it is entirely all too possible to accidentally read horror... I know form, personal experience).
1. Gone by Michael Grant (series)
2. Jade Green  by Phyllis Reynolds (It sounds like a it isn't scary based on the title but it is actually a very frightening ghost story)
 3. Deep, Dark, and Dangerous by May Downing Hahn (Don't ask how I accidentally read that one. I was a sixth grader with my head in the clouds when it happened. I somehow convinced myself that it wouldn't be scary. I also may have thought it was a story with magic. It isn't, unless  you count the very disturbing, angry ghost of a drowned girl as being magical.)
Again, these are not on here because I enjoyed them. They terrified me. But then again, I don't do horror, but I think that anyone who likes the genre should enjoy these. Happy Halloween!

Sunday, October 6, 2013

The Reading Promise

The Reading Promise, by Alice Ozma, was given to me by my father. You can be pretty much any age to enjoy it, and it is one of the sweetest books about a father-daughter bond that I have ever read. It is an autobiography of the author's childhood.
When Alice's mother left, her father raised her and her older sister. As an elementary school librarian, he loved to read to Alice before bed every night. When she was in fourth grade though, he became worried that she would eventually want him to stop reading aloud to her. Making a promise to read together for 100 consecutive nights and succeeding, they decided to keep 'the streak' alive as long as they could. They managed to do so until the time she entered college 8 years later. The story tells the story of Alice growing up and the adventures and books she shared with her father. It is also an excellent example of the improtance of reading. I think it is a must-read.

Sunday, September 29, 2013

A World Away

I read A World Away, a realistic fiction novel by Nancy Grossman, several months ago, while on vacation, but  never got around to writing about it. The story is written from the perspective of sixteen year-old Eliza Miller. As an Amish girl, Eliza has never experienced life outside her community. When she gets an opportunity to baby-sit for a family living in the Chicago suburbs for the summer, she can't wait to try out new things. She meets Josh, a boy who shares his love of music with her. As the summer winds on though, Eliza finds that she misses her life within her simple and pious community, but she also is in love with Josh. She must choose between the new world she's discovered and Josh or the life she has back home. Either choice, she knows, will mean making a sacrifice.
I recommend this book for teens 14 and up, because there are a few scenes in the book that might not be appropriate for younger teens.

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Anne Frank

Everyone, I am certain, has heard of Anne Frank, if not read her diary. I found out that you can see her other writings, too. In  Anne Frank's Tales from the Secret Annex, numerous short stories by her have been compiled. Some of these are her diary entries, rewritten as short stories. Yet others are reminiscences from before she went into hiding. There are also several essays, fables, and short stories. This culminates with the beginnings of a novel that she was writing. I found that she wrote fiction incredibly. Her fables and essays represent many lessons and morals that people need to have.  She expresses her thoughts and feelings very well on paper, as skill I doubt I will ever master. As a young aspiring writer and a book lover, I wish I could write even half as well as Anne Frank.I couldn't stop reading.

Monday, July 15, 2013

Code Name Verity

For fans of historical fiction, Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein is hands down one of the best books in that genre that I have ever read. Set during World War II, the story revolves around two best friends, the Scottish Julie (Verity), a flight officer and spy, and Maddie, a British ATA pilot. Maddie accidentally ends up charged with bringing Julie into occupied France for her first mission. Unfortunately, the plane is shot down and Maddie makes Julie parachute out of the plane while she attempts to land. Julie is captured by the Gestapo and forced to write everything she knows about the British war effort. The book follows her writing about how she came to know Maddie and how she ended up becoming a spy. In the meantime, no one knows what happened to Maddie. And Julie doesn't know whether her writing will be enough to save her.
This novel is very moving and sad. I feel as if it does not just speak of the troubles of war, but of the ultimate bond of friendship. I highly recommend this book to anyone over fourteen. I also recommend the companion novel, Rose Under Fire, when it comes out. It follows the story of another female ATA pilot who is captured while flying back to her base in England from Paris. It is set chronologically after Code Name verity. I have been able to read an advance copy of the novel, and it is every bit as excellent as Code Name Verity.

Saturday, July 6, 2013

Summer Reading 2013: Beneath the Surface

For those of you who are into summer reading at your public library, this year's theme is "Beneath the Surface". I have added a list of recommended books based off that theme that I found at my library below, edited down to what I have read. I included personal comments on each. I will most likely do some more extensive posts on some of these titles throughout the summer. I hope that those who read this will find at least one enjoyable title to read this summer. Happy reading! (Note: * symbolize that I will write a more extensive blog entry on specific titles. But these, despite lack of comments now, are excellent reads.)

Anya's Ghost by Vita Bosco- I read this for Battle of the Books a few years ago. It is a graphic novel. I didn't really like it, but that was mainly because I found it to be a little scary. Then again, I don't usually read ghost stories.
The Brides of Rollrock Island by Margo Lanigan-This is a good fantasy story, with messages about family. It was a little hard to follow at first, but I enjoyed it.
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare- I have already posted a blog entry on this.
*Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
*Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor
*The Diviners by Libba Bray
*The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
*Graceling by Kristin Cashore
*Grave Mercy by Robin LeFevers
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald- I read this for a previous Battle of the Books. It wasn't my favorite book, but if you're looking for classics, don't pass it by.
Keeping the Castle by Patrice Kindl- This book was definitely a romantic comedy. I enjoyed reading it.
Midwinterblood by Marcus Sedgwick- This tale of lovers across the age, was a bit dark at times, but really drove in the theme of undying love.
Paper Towns by John Green-Again, I read this for Battle of the Books. I thought it was a very interesting novel, but I thought that there were a few bizarre twists in it.
The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater- I read the first book in this series and found it to be a good fantasy story. I must admit that I found the romance in it a little predictable.
*Seraphina by Rachel Hariman
Ship breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi- Another former Book Battle title, Ship Breaker is a futuristic story. It is adventurous, with interesting characters and a fast-paced story line.

I think this list has some enticing books on it. Happy reading!



Throne of Glass

                 If you like high fantasy, you will probably like Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas. Set in a kingdom ruled by a tyrannical, warlike king, where magic has gone from the world, the story’s heroine is an assassin. Celaena Sardothien is a girl with a troubled past and an explosive temper, who hates the cruel king above all others. Captured and imprisoned, she is given the opportunity to free herself through a contest. If she beats other assassins, thieves, and criminals to become the King’s Champion, she wins her freedom. Losing means being sent back to prison- and almost certain death.  Her troubles don’t end at that: someone is brutally killing other contenders one by one, and that person is using something dark and evil to do it. Also, she is torn between love for the gruff Captain of the Guard, and the Crown Prince, a member of a family she detests.  As events unfold, Celaena begins to realize that the contest may not only be determining her freedom, but the fate of her entire world. 
                The second book in this new series, Crown of Midnight, is due to come out on August 27th, 2013. I have been able to read an advance copy of this novel, and I think it is an excellent continuation of the series. It has several new twists and turns, and the ending is incredible.
                I would recommend this series for teens fourteen and older, because there are several violent or gory moments. I don’t believe that this should discourage anyone though, because I think that it is an excellent, well-written story. I would give both books a ten out of ten. I definitely recommend these books, and can add that it has become my favorite series.  

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Encouraging Reading

If you enjoy reading, it is always fun to recommend books and encourage others to embrace literature. Reading is both a way to learn new words and facts, expand your imagination, and see things from another point of view. It always surprises me when I hear someone say, "Yeah, well, I don't really like reading." In my mind reading is something everyone should appreciate. You don't have to be fast or read all the time, but you should all immerse yourselves in a book you like once in a while.

Besides just telling people about the books you've read and making recommendations, there are other things that will encourage others to look into literature. One of the main points I'd like to stress is that support of your local library is key. Help out and participate in the events that they run. The public library I use has great programs and is very open to new ideas. I'm sure its the case in other libraries too. If you see something about a program people you know might be interested in, speak up! It is more than likely that they are happy to learn of a new activity related to their interests. Besides just being a great place to learn about more books, library events are an enjoyable way to discover something new, create, make new friends, get new ideas, or simply enjoy an evening. I can personally say that the people I've met at the library usually share a few things in common with me, but the differences in their personalities always bring whatever topic we're covering into a new and unique light. A library is an ideal setting for creativity to flourish, and it is one of my favorite places to be.

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

The Future of Us

The Future of Us, by Jay Asher and Carolyn Macker,  is a good book for people. who enjoy technology and the concept of time travel. It is written from the perspective of two high school seniors in 1996. Josh and Emma have been neighbors and best friends their whole lives, but lately there has been tension between them. Emma gets a new computer and Josh's family gets a special CD-ROM. When he brings it over and they download it, they find themselves looking at their Facebook accounts 15 years in the future. Facebook hasn't been invented yet, though. Every time they log on, their future changes. Carrying the message that what you do now affects your life down the line, this story reveals two characters who are trying to discover themselves and understand what mistakes they are making. I'd recommend this book for ages fourteen and older.

Saturday, January 5, 2013

The Infernal Devices Series

For people who have read and enjoyed The Mortal Instruments, The Infernal Devices series is another good choice of reading. Also written by Cassandra Clare, it delves further into the world of the Shadowhunters. It also uncovers some back history behind the characters of  The Mortal Instruments.
Set in the past, Victorian London, Tessa Gray, the main character, is introduced. Moving from new York to London, she discovers that her older brother and only living relative, Nate, has gone missing. The only people who seem to know what might have happened to him are the mysterious Darke Sisters. Confronted with the knowledge that she has the power to change her form to look like others, Tessa is trapped with the Darke Sisters until she is rescued by two Shadowhunters, Will and Jem. Like Clary, Tessa finds herself immersed in a world of magic and monsters, but she finds that she may fit in there more than she originally thought. It is very interesting, because you discover more about certain names mentioned in The Mortal Instuments. Also, the warlock Magnus Bane and several other characters reemerge in this series as well.
So far the books are as follows:
Clockwork Angel
Clockwork Prince
The book, Clockwork Princess, is scheduled to come out in a few months.
I think this series is good for readers fourteen and up.

The Mortal Instruments Series

The Mortal Instruments is a series of books by Cassandra Clare. I was first introduced to it through the "Battle of the Books", a local reading competition. It is a piece of urban fantasy. The first book, City of Bones, introduces the main character, Clarissa Fray (Clary). Living in New York City with her mother, Clary is at a club when some strange events unfold. She sees three other teenagers covered in odd markings kill a fourth boy. When Clary's mother is kidnapped, she falls into a world she never knew existed. The three teenagers, she discovers, are Shadowhunters, special warriors whose job it is to rid the earth of demons, and protect the world from other dangerous magical creatures. As Clary tries to discover what happened to her mother, she is confronted by several questions. No one knows how she can suddenly see a world that is hidden from the eyes of normal humans. She also must face the fact that her mother hid the truth about her past. As she helps the Shadowhunters fight a man who was thought to be dead, Clary must also discover who she is while finding out that nothing is what it seems.
This series is so far comprised of five books, though it is not complete. Here are the titles:
City of Bones
City of Ashes
City of Glass
City of Fallen Angels
City of Lost Souls
I'd suggest it for people fourteen or older. I think it is a very interesting and engaging world. The main character isn't my favorite character, but all the key figures in the story have unique and interesting personalities.