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| 0060566213
| 9780060566210
| 0060566213
| 4.05
| 151,447
| Feb 20, 2001
| Feb 20, 2001
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really liked it
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[image] You can find my review on my blog by clicking here. What if wealth was the answer to all misery, despair, and discomfort in our lives? Even bett [image] You can find my review on my blog by clicking here. What if wealth was the answer to all misery, despair, and discomfort in our lives? Even better, what if wealth was the perk of those who must look out for our well-being while we go on with our lives without a care in the world about adult responsibilities and all those shenanigans that make most people unhappy? While wealth might resolve many issues, there are countless others that it is inefficient against and sometimes it’s those little things that really make life worthwhile. Being the sixth book in A Series of Unfortunate Events, writer Lemony Snicket, still assisted by illustrator Brett Helquist, continues to tell the tales of the Baudelaire orphans so that the world may know the terrible things that happened to them. What is The Ersatz Elevator about? Having now left Prufrock Preparatory School, also inevitably leaving behind the narcissist vice principal and the rude girl Carmelita Spats whose really the cakesniffiest of all cakesniffers, Mr. Poe takes the Baudelaire orphans to their new and wealthy guardians, Mr. and Mrs. Squalor, living on 667 Dark Avenue in the penthouse of a terrifyingly tall home. Although Mr. Squalor is a good friend of the Baudelaire orphans’ mother, he despises arguments and avoids them at all costs. Meanwhile, Mrs. Squalor is the city’s sixth most important financial adviser and does everything in her power to follow trends and enforce new rules in her presence regarding what’s “in” and what’s “out”. In this case, upon meeting the children, elevators were “out”, orphans were “in”, and pinstripe suits were “in”. Unfortunately, the Baudelaire orphans must still look out for Count Olaf, wherever he’s at, since “evil plans” aren’t “out” just yet. If you thought the previous book had fewer if not no elements that required readers to embrace some suspension of disbelief, get ready for plenty of that in this story. However, having gotten this far into the series, it’s become customary to go with the flow, to embrace those sillier moments, and to remember the core target audience of this book series, immediately transforming all those unbelievable moments into more comedic pieces to the narrative. Oddly enough, these elements often pertain to dangerous aspects of the story, things that would never be put near children or things you would never ask them to do, even if it might be their only hope in saving their friends or themselves from unwanted trouble. Nonetheless, once buckled in and ready for anything writer Lemony Snicket throws at you, this latest chapter in the life of the Baudelaire orphans is another sad and depressing event, once more adding to the pile of unfortunate circumstances that they must survive through. As per usual, writer Lemony Snicket does a fine job in his narration, often warning readers of the deplorable things that are about to unfold. He also continues to include quirky contextual definitions of words and expressions that allow readers to understand unusual words or admire his wordplay. There’s also a lot of repetition that is often there for comedic effect as if the characters alone weren’t enough with all the silliness they are sometimes quite capable of. In fact, it’s also worth noting that adults, once again, are completely irrelevant and terrible characters in this story. Mrs. Squalor, in particular, really outdoes herself as an egocentric and uncaring adult that you can’t help but resent, while Mr. Squalor shows some sign of wanting to do good by the children but never really getting there, as his flaws always end up dominating his character. Although the story doesn’t really move forward as much as you’d hope, this remains a direct continuation of the previous book and adds into the mix a little droplet of new clues regarding the tragedy that affected the Baudelaire orphans and sent them on this wild series of unfortunate events. The overarching story’s mystery continues to be a huge reason to keep going, always hoping that these Baudelaire children will get their happy ending. The Ersatz Elevator is another unfortunate event in the Baudelaire orphans’ lives that remains entertaining by hook or crook as these children witness an ersatz world full of ersatz goods. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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May 11, 2023
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May 16, 2023
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May 11, 2023
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Hardcover
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| 0064408639
| 9780064408639
| 0064408639
| 4.01
| 164,758
| Aug 08, 2000
| Aug 31, 2000
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really liked it
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[image] You can find my review on my blog by clicking here. You’d think that school would be a safe place for children, that it would promote their grow [image] You can find my review on my blog by clicking here. You’d think that school would be a safe place for children, that it would promote their growth, their happiness, and their self-realization. You’d think that teachers, principals, and deans would look out for these children as if they were their own, that they would always protect them from all sorts of danger, even those that grow within us. You’d think that children would learn everything they need to do better than the previous generation within these educational environments rich in knowledge and experience. Unfortunately, Violet, Klaus, and Sunny, once more, can’t catch a break and find themselves at the mercy of wicked adults and a rude, violent, and filthy girl in this latest misadventure in their lives. The fifth novel in the A Series of Unfortunate Events is another chapter into the tales of survival of the Baudelaire orphans as the always-in-disguise Count Olaf continues to haunt them as long as they live and breathe. What is The Austere Academy about? Welcome to Prufrock Preparatory School, the latest destination for the Baudelaire children after their last miserable experience at the Lucky Smells Lumbermill left them without care again. Dropped off at the boarding school by Mr. Poe to be under the supervision of Vice Principal Nero, Violet, Klaus, and Sunny are condemned into rotting away in a crab-infested and fungus-full shack, forbidden to profit from all the school’s benefits (except two particularly boring classes) without a living guardian to sign a permission slip. Unfortunately for them, despite being in an environment supposedly beneficial for learning and discovery, they find themselves suffering through the strict rules of this academy, not only from the Vice Principal but also the new gym teacher Coach Genghis. What follows is another series of unfortunate events as the relentless Count Olaf strikes again. Unlike the previous book, this one doesn’t feature any deadly sword fights or a bloody death that could traumatize even the most cold-blooded of psychopaths, that is, if you exclude the tragic fate of the old gym teacher who then gets replaced by a new one who we all know who he really is pretending not to be. Once more, the adults in this story are incompetent in more ways than one, not showing a semblance of understanding or wit to notice what’s unfolding right under their noses. Vice Principal Nero, in particular, is incredibly condescending and narcissistic and mimics whatever the children say with an obnoxious tone. Thankfully, the Baudelaire orphans have learned so much from their past experiences and know how to play the game when it comes to talking to adults. Although they mature faster than any other children of their age, their family name makes it so that they can’t have a moment of respite, even when they do their best to turn lemons into lemonade. This isn’t a tragic story without a single happy moment though. Author Lemony Snicket once more plays with our feelings by introducing new children, the Quagmire triplets, although they’re just two with one having died in a fire, who resemble the Baudelaire in so many ways. To see how compassionate, understanding, and friendly these two were with Violet, Klaus, and Sunny is just wonderful to read about, especially after everything they’ve already gone through. However, like anyone who should know by now how author Lemony Snicket writes his stories, nothing good ever lasts longer than necessary. While everything is quite predictable in this tale, it’s written and executed quite wonderfully, quite addictively—with the usual cynical humour, numerous definitions of complicated words integrated into the story, and some fourth-wall breaking—making you want to continuously root for the orphans and pray that they get a happy ending. Unfortunately, it is not in this one that they get anything that looks like a happy ending. The Austere Academy is another twistedly-inviting installment in the sad and unfortunate events that compounds into the life of the Baudelaire children, this time in a hellish boarding school. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Apr 22, 2023
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Apr 28, 2023
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Apr 22, 2023
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Hardcover
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| 155192370X
| 9781551923703
| 155192370X
| 4.43
| 4,079,746
| Jul 02, 1998
| 2000
|
really liked it
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[image] You can find my review on my blog by clicking here. Young, it is difficult to understand our place in the world. From the expectations hinged up [image] You can find my review on my blog by clicking here. Young, it is difficult to understand our place in the world. From the expectations hinged upon one’s shoulders from adults to the inevitable comparisons drawn by oneself with others of our age, our identity becomes a fragile concept, one that is contingent on our resilience to the outside world and the endeavours we must face. Little do we know that much of who we are and who we want to become remains within the palm of our hands, in consonance with the choices that we make, no matter what we are capable of. In the second book of her critically-acclaimed young-adult fantasy series, writer J.K. Rowling presents an adventurous sequel that introduces new characters while building on the foundations she’s already intricately established in her first novel. What is Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets about? The story follows Harry Potter in his second year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Desperately desiring a life far away from the Dursleys, he finds himself visited by a mysterious house-elf called Dobby who warns him of the danger that awaits him at Hogwarts if he doesn’t stay away from this life of magic. Refusing to abide, Harry rejoins his friends Hermione Granger and Ron Weasly as they pursue their education in all things magical. As the year progresses, Harry is confronted with sinister messages left on the walls of the school’s corridor referring to the “Chamber of Secrets” as well as threats that lead to devastating attacks on the school’s residents. Puzzled, the trio embarks on an adventure to unravel this mystery and identify the depraved soul who might be orchestrating these attacks. With the whole “Chamber of Secrets” mystery serving as the overarching plot that propels the story forward in a clear direction, the episodic nature of this adventure, whimsically constructed in an engaging and colourful fashion, offers an amusing display of a motley of relationships, from the core trio’s wonderful friendship full of compassion and propensity to sacrifice to Harry and Draco’s unruly animosity, an assorted amount of magical creatures, and strategically-placed opportunities to expand on the magical school’s lore. The scattered exploration of various corners of Hogwarts does steer the story away from a decisive and goal-oriented story-telling but paves the way to a more exploratory approach that allows the narrative to contain various entertaining digressions. The mystery behind the “Chamber of Secrets” also benefits from how the suspense was handled throughout the story, surgically teased at with the growing threat, and then its thrilling resolution that builds up an exciting and tense final encounter. While the ending doesn’t add much to the series itself, it does bring to light some key story-telling pieces and some unforgettable bits of wisdom that will forever stick with the reader. Writer J.K. Rowling’s wonderful characterization does merit credit for the book’s success as her execution allows her characters and their interactions to seem incredibly human and relatable. It remains to be seen how these heroes survive what’s to come. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is an enthralling mystery adventure building on its established characters’ identities, their relationships, and the mysterious past hidden within Hogwarts. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Oct 03, 2022
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Oct 13, 2022
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Oct 03, 2022
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Paperback
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| 0786838655
| 9780786838653
| 0786838655
| 4.31
| 3,144,729
| Jul 28, 2005
| 2014
|
really liked it
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[image] You can find my review on my blog by clicking here. When the going gets tough, the tough get going. For one kid, all he ever wanted was a simple [image] You can find my review on my blog by clicking here. When the going gets tough, the tough get going. For one kid, all he ever wanted was a simple and bully-less life. But when he learns that there was much more to who he is than what he knows, he goes on to discover his inner strength, stamina, and perseverance, unlocking an ability to do everything in his power to protect and save the people he cares about. First adapted as a movie in 2010—unfortunately failing to garner the desired success—and now awaiting a Disney+ live-action TV series adaptation, writer Rick Riordan’s critically-acclaimed series has made the rounds and become one of the most beloved young adult fantasy series in the world. It was now my turn to finally discover Percy Jackson’s story. What is The Lightning Thief about? Percy Jackson is a twelve-year-old boy who is on the verge of getting kicked out of his boarding school once again. While his dyslexia and ADHD don’t help him perform much in class, he has lately been experiencing odd phenomenons, instances where mythological creatures infiltrate his reality and seek to take his life. With only his textbook knowledge on Greek mythology at hand, he is slowly reeled into a perilous quest that will send him looking for Zeus’ precious and lost master lightning bolt. While the road ahead is not without its fair share of obstacles, from monsters to gods, Percy Jackson needs to elucidate the riddle of the Oracle where a fate far worse than death awaits him. Writer Rick Riordan does a remarkable job in infusing Percy Jackson’s world with a soft take on Greek mythology as he ventures into a mystical facet hidden in plain sight, right in the United States of America. Sequentially exploring notorious Greek monsters and Gods, he offers readers the chance to rediscover them through the eyes of young children who are ready to tackle the worse that destiny has in store for them in order to achieve their deepest desires. The modernized interpretation of these myths jumbled with the breakneck pace of this story ultimately makes this quest riveting in unimaginable ways. The minimal effort put into merging these worlds together and bringing it all to life is a feat in itself, one that makes the journey refreshing and delightful. And then you have these characters at the core of this adventure. None of them are flawless, yet somehow they shine like beacons of light in a scary world. They all have unique identifying personalities, they all have dreams, and they all have qualities and talents that make them all the more special in their own way. The main trio also procures some fun banter that highlights their charismatic nature, whether it’s through their silly jokes or their insecure deflections. The various different creatures and gods that they encounter also embody iconic traits of their respective mythological counterparts and bring readers additional entertainment in their particular interpretation. While you might know everything about who they are, writer Rick Riordan assures readers a thrilling ride with fun surprises to make it all worthwhile. The Lightning Thief is an electrifying and enchanting quest drawing upon Greek mythology and sending a couple of friends through a myriad of exciting trials to seek the truth. Yours truly, Lashaan | Blogger and Book Reviewer Official blog: https://bookidote.com/ ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Nov 22, 2021
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Nov 22, 2021
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Nov 22, 2021
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Paperback
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| 0064407683
| 9780064407687
| 0064407683
| 3.95
| 199,772
| Feb 02, 2000
| Feb 25, 2000
|
really liked it
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[image] You can find my review on my blog by clicking here. Have you ever thought that you were unlucky? It would be an understatement for the Baudelair [image] You can find my review on my blog by clicking here. Have you ever thought that you were unlucky? It would be an understatement for the Baudelaire children. Nothing in their life has or will ever be the same after the loss of their parents in a mysterious and deadly fire. As things seem to get better, there's always something out of the blue that will shift their perspective and drown them in misery. While they might learn to get used to it, it won't stop them from trying to get out of it as quickly as possible. And thus begins the next unfortunate event chronicled by Lemony Snicket himself. From deadly leeches to hurricanes, everything is possible. What is The Wide Window about? Picking up where things were left off in The Reptile Room, the story now sends Klaus, Violet, and Sunny to their Aunt Josephine who lives at the edge of a hill on top of Lake Lachrymose. As they finally feel relatively at peace under the protection of the strangely-scared aunt with an obsessive fascination for grammar, it was only a matter of time before the criminally-dangerous Count Olaf reappears in their life under a brand-new disguise that continues to fool everyone but the Baudelaire orphans. Can they escape his evil plan to capture these children and get his hands on their incredible fortune? Writer Lemony Snicket continues to brilliantly deliver the Baudelaire orphan's stories by utilizing a narrative formula seen in the previous two events. From his ability to seamlessly teach the reader new words and expressions, such as “Brobdingnagian” or “the Gordian Knot”, to cleverly inserting himself within the story as an omniscient narrator who has seen it all and done it all, this latest unfortunate event sends these children into unwarranted trouble as they do everything in their power to stay alive and away from the clutches of Count Olaf. While they face these obstacles, through the latest new character of Aunt Josephine, the author also does a brilliant job in teaching us grammatical lessons that would otherwise be boring as you grow to love and hate her character and her inability to be the fearless guardian that the children need. Similar to the previous stories, the Baudelaire orphans masterfully use their unique skills, whether's it's Violet's creativity, Klaus's intellect, or Sunny's biting skills, to get themselves out of those situations where they're constantly between a rock and a hard place. To fully enjoy this series, it is critical to practice a significant amount of suspension of disbelief as the world in which these children evolve is one where adults are dumb as a rock. This particular story also introduces fantasy elements that stretch the frontiers of reason a bit too much but still adds to the lunacy of events that these children are bound to face in a series where hope is merely a mythological creature. And don't get me started on Mr. Poe. I'd have taken care of him myself if I were one of those kids. The Wide Window is another thrilling and unfortunate event forcing the Baudelaire children to achieve survival against all the odds. Yours truly, Lashaan | Blogger and Book Reviewer Official blog: https://bookidote.com/ ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jul 14, 2020
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Jul 19, 2020
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Jul 14, 2020
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Hardcover
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| 155192398X
| 9781551923987
| 155192398X
| 4.47
| 10,414,224
| Jun 26, 1997
| Jun 30, 2000
|
really liked it
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[image] You can find my review on my blog by clicking here. By the end of this story, you will pray to receive an acceptance letter to Hogwarts, to belo [image] You can find my review on my blog by clicking here. By the end of this story, you will pray to receive an acceptance letter to Hogwarts, to belong to a House based on your personality, to learn spells and brew potions, to fly and vanish in thin air, to face mystical creatures, to unveil dangerous conspiracies, and to defeat evil wizards. Spell-binding and inspiring, British author J.K. Rowling introduces a magical and mesmerizing world where nothing is impossible for an orphan child destined to be a wizard. Published in 1997, the series saw its fandom explode with feature-length films forever being a part of everyone’s popular culture while the books set the modern-day standards for all young adult fantasy novels as it becomes the epitome of fantasy stories set in academies or magic schools. What is Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone about? Following the mysterious death of his parents, Harry Potter now lives an unbearable and unforgiving life with his relatives, the Dursleys. Resigned to living a life that does not rhyme with greatness, he embraces his resilience with warmth and gratitude. Fortunately for him, this young man is bound to achieve incredible feats in his life when he discovers his destiny as a wizard through a friendly giant named Hagrid. It’s once he accepts his invitation to attend the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardy that little Harry Potter learns of his unbelievable powers and the double-edged fame attached to his name. Although he has much to learn on who he’s meant to become, it is on this enchanting adventure that he not only sets himself up to figuring out who he could become but he also grasps that he isn’t alone anymore. It is difficult to not describe the world created by author J.K. Rowling as enthralling. Written like an episodic adventure into a magical land with mystical creatures, the story follows the young hero, dazzled by innumerable revelations regarding himself and the life he’s guided into, as he’s finally rewarded with a ticket out of his mundane life as a muggle. Inquisitive and brave, he doesn’t allow others to break him down as he endures unfairness with his gentle heart. Accompanied by newfound life companions, he finds it in himself to stand tall when facing adversity and strives with the unprecedented support he now earns for the virtues he embodies. It is the naive, innocent, and whimsical traits within the protagonist and his friends that allow the wonderful world to be brought to life. Imagination simply becomes J.K. Rowling’s greatest asset in conceiving Hogwarts and its surroundings. Drawing upon a classic chosen one narrative, the story doesn’t, however, limit itself in delivering an introduction to a multi-layered world. It sets up the pieces to a complex and rich plot but especially takes the time to tackle important lessons that allow the reader to better understand each character’s predicament. One of its most omnipresent themes explores the phenomenon of bullying and sheds light on the importance of getting back up rather than staying on the ground. The story also looks into ideas of friendship, family, grief, and desire through various chapters that allow each character to build their personalities from the ground up. By thus bringing the readers to quickly establish an intimate connection with these characters, it is safe to say that J.K. Rowling only had to keep things rolling in terms of plotting for this debut novel to capture the hearts of readers all around the world. Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone is a bewitching entrée into the wizarding world where tragedy transfigures into prophecy. Yours truly, Lashaan | Blogger and Book Reviewer Official blog: https://bookidote.com/ ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jan 10, 2020
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Jan 21, 2020
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Jan 10, 2020
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Paperback
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| 0990624994
| 9780990624998
| 0990624994
| 4.43
| 23
| unknown
| Jun 13, 2017
|
liked it
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A great super-duper fast-paced introduction into the Woven Worlds. Luke Taylor continues to strive at putting his original ideas from his Mystis (mind
A great super-duper fast-paced introduction into the Woven Worlds. Luke Taylor continues to strive at putting his original ideas from his Mystis (mind) to paper. Wish his Mystis hadn't restrained him and gave us more content for all his characters though! P.S. Full review to come soon. Yours truly, Lashaan | Blogger and Book Reviewer Official blog: https://bookidote.com/ ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Aug 15, 2017
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Aug 25, 2017
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Aug 15, 2017
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Mass Market Paperback
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| 0064407675
| 9780064407670
| 0064407675
| 4.01
| 231,756
| Aug 26, 1999
| Aug 25, 1999
|
really liked it
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You can find my review on my blog by clicking here. A flair for disaster. That is what circulates in his veins. Lemony Snicket continues to deliver eve You can find my review on my blog by clicking here. A flair for disaster. That is what circulates in his veins. Lemony Snicket continues to deliver events of the most unfortunate kind with The Reptile Room. The story continues where the last book left off. Finding a new host for the Beaudelaire children didn’t take too much time, but will bring them into a whole new chapter of their life. Lemony Snicket doesn’t forget to warn readers of the potential terrors that this series will bring us and gives us the opportunity to relieve ourselves of such a terrible adventure right from the get go. What the Beaudelaire’s are to find out with their new host is that a new creature is about to become quite predominant in their lives. Freaking snakes. While all sorts of snakes were illustrated with the brilliant touch of fantasy that Lemony Snicket is capable of, the most dangerous snake isn’t what one would expect. This one blends into its environment and lays waiting till it finds the right opportunity to jump on its preys. You know what I mean? One of the new characters that were introduced in this event is our dear Uncle Monty. He undoubtedly seemed like a ray of light in the life of the Beaudelaires when you look at all the things that they have lived so far. However, anyone who reads this series probably knows that there is no such thing as everlasting happiness. Every moment, good or bad, has a beginning and an end. It only takes the evildoing of one individual to turn a whole day into complete poo. While this book was slightly more predictable and exploited a rather linear formula when it came down to the characters and their strengths or weaknesses, Lemony Snicket’s writing helped make this another great book. Even the moments where he took the time to define words seemed a bit more coherent in this book. I actually might have learned a word or two thanks to this! I truly enjoyed Sunny’s contribution in this book. The things she utters are quite amazing and truly touched me right in the feels. Lemony Snicket event makes references to famous catchphrases through Sunny’s uttering. Brilliant stuff, I say. Other characters, however, did get on my nerves. Especially Klaus and his incessant need to say he knew what this or that word meant. Chill, boy. Your desire to show the world your smarts can take other forms, my friend! The Reptile Room still however brings a much deadlier tone to the series. With villains and their bloodthirsty urges being brought to life thanks to Lemony Snicket’s writing, this book managed to capture a quite morbid vibe. One of the most memorable part of the book is the knife. The bloody knife. I truly felt disturbed by it and everything that was mentioned about its potential uses. I mean, the worse part is when there’s some rubbing action going on with it. The scene goes by quite fast, and that didn’t help in stopping me from using my imagination to recreate the scene. What a sadistic moment. Sometimes I just can’t stop wondering how much smaller this world could get. I mean, it feels like there’s only 13 people in the Beaudelaires universe. Where’s everyone at while all these criminals are roaming the streets? Reptiles are scary, but what the Beaudelaire’s lived through was so much more horrifying. While The Reptile Room promises no happy ending to the series, readers are slowly conditioned to understand that these children are only bound to see terrible things in their lives. But every sad and horrible moment comes with a refreshing moral, a bright life lesson. Lemony Snicket might not have any mercy for the Beaudelaire’s, but he knows that there’s always something to learn in adversity. Violet, Klaus and Sunny will always find a way to use their strengths to their adventure and come out strong from every obstacle to come. What’s their biggest strength, you wonder? Family. It’s by sticking together and working their magic that the biggest challenge will end up seeming like their easiest puzzle. Yours truly, Lashaan | Blogger and Book Reviewer Official blog: http://bookidote.wordpress.com ____________________________ Uncle Monty sure did seem like a ray of light in the life of the Beaudelaires. Anyone who reads this series probably knows that there is no such thing as a everlasting happiness. Every moment, good or bad, has a beginning and an end. While this book was slightly more predictable and exploited a rather linear formula when it came down to the characters and their strengths or weaknesses, Lemony Snicket's writing helped make this another great book. I truly enjoyed Sunny's contribution in this book. The things she utters are quite amazing and truly touch you right in the feels. Other characters, however, did get on my nerves. Especially Klaus and his incessant need to say he knew what X word meant. Chill, boy. Your desire to show the world your smarts can take other forms, boy! The Reptile Room still however brings a much deadlier tone to the series with villains and their bloodthirsty urges being brought to life with Lemony Snicket's writing. I truly felt disturbed by the knife and everything that was mentioned about it and its potential uses. Sometimes I just can't stop wondering how much smaller this world could be. I mean, it feels like there's only 13 people in the Beaudelaires universe. Where's the world at while all these criminals are roaming the streets? P.S. A full review to come. Yours truly, Lashaan | Blogger and Book Reviewer Official blog: http://bookidote.wordpress.com ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Aug 22, 2016
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Aug 25, 2016
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Aug 22, 2016
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Hardcover
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| 0763676187
| 9780763676186
| 0763676187
| 3.97
| 197,272
| May 05, 2008
| Jul 22, 2014
|
really liked it
|
It takes a lot of guts to go through with an idea like this one. Patrick Ness seems to never settle with the simple and unoriginal. Known for his famo
It takes a lot of guts to go through with an idea like this one. Patrick Ness seems to never settle with the simple and unoriginal. Known for his famous Chaos Walking trilogy, I’ve only contented myself of reading some of his more recent works till this day. It was only a matter of time before I tackled one of the most popular young adult novel out there. A couple pages into the book, I knew that I was about to enter a brand new universe. One that doesn’t limit itself in the boundaries of reality. Suffice to say that Patrick Ness knows his shit. To make this even more memorable was the fact that I had completely forgotten what the book was about. It is always a pleasure to know that all your books on your shelves are there to be read for a reason. Whether you remember or not that reason is only a plus to the surprises that the book has in store for you. Jumping into this book clueless was definitely worth it. Why? Because this novel relies strongly on suspense and readers start of with little to no information on what’s going on. Highly action-packed, this science fiction novel succeeds in keeping the reader hooked to a desire of information till the very end. This is a story that is impossible to speak of without spoiling something. The very plot is set around a kid who only knows what he’s been fed. And the fact that what he knows isn’t all there to is to the world he lives in makes readers just as clueless as the main protagonist. The Knife of Never Letting Go is set in a town where people can hear the thoughts of others and animals (not as coherently as humans, of course). Todd Hewitt, the last boy in town who’s a month away from being a man, is sprung into an adventure without the slightest clue what to do, and most importantly why. Pursuing a life of running away from the unknown, a path of self-discovery and a pursuit of manhood is all that lies ahead for our protagonist. The story is narrated from his point of view, an element that can cause outrage for readers who can’t stand his unique voice. In this story, while Todd is highly anticipating the day that he turns into a man, things become a little to hectic for him to really appreciate the remaining days of his innocence. Intensity will reach peaks and surprises are around every corner for the last boy of Prentisstown. While the narration can be quite tedious when coming from a teenager who could not get an education due to some rather horrible circumstances in the town of Prentisstown, Todd’s character manages to capture innocence at its purest. It’s always nice to see characters have their own voices, but Todd’s voice is one that needs some getting used to. He’s someone who can easily irritate you because he acts on little knowledge. But this is what makes me enjoy it so much more. A child who’s been fed one story and who has been limited access to further knowledge is one that can’t do anything other than to believe what he’s learned. By pushing him into the wilderness and face life on his own, he’s also brought to learn the coldness of the world. Todd Hewitt easily learns relativity in all its facets. What is manhood? What is caring? What is hope? This book brilliantly showcases that what he sees as normal isn’t what other people from other places of the world find normal. Being on the brink of manhood, a concept that Prentisstown forged into him, Todd is also a lot more sensitive to becoming a man. But what he doesn’t know is that being a man is something far more complex than an age threshold. Even in the simplicity of the world, Patrick Ness’ cleverly uses characters and objects for imagery and symbolism purposes. That knife alone has given so many life lessons that some parents can’t even do nowadays. I guess we can say that sometimes, the best lessons are learned through experience rather than show-and-tell. Todd Hewitt makes up for a fantastic character. His evolution throughout this roller-coaster of a novel shows a confused, frustrated yet determined child. Although he doesn’t know what he’s looking for or why his enemies are looking for him, he slowly discovers himself and fights for his convictions. In fact, at every major juncture, Todd ends up learning a life lesson, one that isn’t only crucial for him, but stunningly true for readers. For example, there comes a moment where Todd learns that good things will always have something bad to follow. If that isn’t shocking, especially for a kid to realize such a thing, then I don’t know what is. As impossible as it is to talk about the events that unfold in this book, one thing remains factual. This book never ceases to continuously toss live grenades into the lap of readers. While some events were quite predictable and can be foreseen, the shock value of these moments remain as high as they possibly can be. Patrick Ness definitely didn’t disappoint with this first book in his trilogy. The Knife of Never Letting Go is the story of Todd Hewitt, a kid who sees his innocence challenged and lives every day as his last. It is the story of a child who learns to become a man through choices, choices that will question the fairness of life and the mysteries of living. Lashaan | Blogger and Book Reviewer Official blog: http://bookidote.wordpress.com ______________________________ It's nice to jump into a book after forgetting what the blurb once said. This is a story that is impossible to speak of without spoiling something. In a town where people can hear the thoughts of others and animals can speak (not as coherently as humans, of course), Todd Hewitt is sprung into an adventure without the slightest clue what to do. Pursuing a life of running away from the unknown, he's put on a path of self-discovery and a pursuit of manhood. Highly action-packed, this science fiction novel succeeds in keeping the reader hooked to a desire of information. While the narration can be quite tedious coming from a teenager who could not get an education due to some rather horrible circumstances in the town of Prentisstown, Todd's character manages to capture innocence at its purest. P.S. A full review to come soon. Yours truly, Lashaan | Blogger and Book Reviewer Official blog: http://bookidote.wordpress.com ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Aug 07, 2016
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Aug 20, 2016
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Aug 07, 2016
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Paperback
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| 2070408507
| 9782070408504
| 2070408507
| 4.33
| 2,190,333
| 1943
| Feb 23, 1999
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it was amazing
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You can find my review on our blog by clicking here. Do you know what makes a classic, a classic? Let me tell you. It’s in their ability to withstand t You can find my review on our blog by clicking here. Do you know what makes a classic, a classic? Let me tell you. It’s in their ability to withstand the test of time. It’s in their power to convey life lessons through a couple of words. It’s in their nature to always surprise a reader who wishes to reread it. Le Petit Prince, with only 97 pages, is a book that defines classics. I was too young the first time I heard about the Little Prince’s story. I had little recollection of his adventures and the words of wisdom he had told us. Reading this novel with the mindset of an adult in his early 20s definitely gives Le Petit Prince the opportunity to blow my mind. But how does he do it? Simple. He comes from a small little planet far, far away, and lands on Earth with all his innocence and purity. He encounters a stranded pilot in the middle of the desert and from that point on, the most amazing anecdotes are exchanged. I felt several chills go up my spine throughout the novel as memorable quotes presented themselves in beautiful fashion. I’ve only had the chance to read this exquisite masterpiece in French, and do hope to get my hands on an English version just for the sake of appreciating both languages. Nonetheless, the version I had was beyond extraordinary and definitely succeeded in throwing magnificent lines right across my face. It’s quite enchanting how the messages are conveyed and how the novel's beauty was accentuated by the water color drawings. Every time I flipped through a page, I felt like I was going to get drowned in truths and maxims. I actually had no clue where this novel was going to go, but when the book started to talk about how weird adults are, I just felt absorbed, mesmerized, and connected. There are various—innumerable, in fact—lessons throughout the book. One of my favorite lessons is about adults and numbers. Oddly enough, throughout my life, this has fascinated me in more ways than I can imagine. Numbers always seemed to blind people. I have always felt like they drained any capability among adults in making solid beliefs without the use of numbers. Without numbers, people weren’t able to build facts and appreciate them. The other memorable moment is, of course, with the fox. His little secret couldn’t have hit the mark with such accuracy. If there’s one line that anyone who reads this book should marinate in, it’s the very quote at the top of this review. Its pure innocence makes you realize that some things slowly die in us, and it is only you who can decide on keeping them alive. I like to think that this novel was about the death of childhood; or at least the deeply hidden child within most adults nowadays. I’ve always believed in the importance of keeping that little spark that once suffused every kid alive. It’s by keeping that very inquisitive nature, that desires to discover and find beauty in the smallest things that, I believe, will make every person a lot more alive. The ending of Le Petit Prince will forever be a gloomy one, but it won’t be one that was executed in vain. For, this novel, has reinvigorated the child in me and given me the brighter perspective of life that every routine-filled adult should envision. If you think you know everything about the Little Prince and all the wonderful things he discusses, then I beg you to go through this novel again. For children's book, the amount of philosophy that it captures is simply mind-boggling. They say every book is an experience of its own kind. Well, let me tell you that this one is one hell of an experience. If you haven’t given this a shot, I urge you to do so. ____________________________ Simply amazing. They say every book is an experience of its own kind. Well, let me tell you that this one is one hell of an experience. The numerous lessons that you can extract from this are mind-boggling. If you haven't given this a shot, I urge you to do so. P.S. A full review is to come. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jun 13, 2016
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Jun 14, 2016
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Jun 13, 2016
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Mass Market Paperback
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| 0439206472
| 9780439206471
| 0439206472
| 4.01
| 536,240
| Aug 25, 1999
| Sep 30, 1999
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really liked it
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You can find my review on our blog by clicking here. Remember that series you used to read as a kid and just couldn’t let go of? Well the story of the You can find my review on our blog by clicking here. Remember that series you used to read as a kid and just couldn’t let go of? Well the story of the Baudelaire’s was one of them. This series came knocking at my door in the form of a dark and suffocating gust of disaster. It contained sinister events and desperate characters. It built a unique and gloomy atmosphere that can only bring tears to an optimistic and joyful child. A Series of Unfortunate Events arrived onto my elementary school shelves like an unwanted transfer student. One that smelled of evil and looked like the devil himself. But something about it made everyone want to know the story, even if Lemony Snicket emphasizes that readers should drop this book down if they’re looking for a happy ending. Boy, was he right to give out that warning cause the Baudelaire have nothing to smile about in this series. The Bad Beginning invites readers to acquaint themselves with three young children; Violet, Klaus and Sunny Baudelaire. As the books opens up with them at the beach and the arrival of terrible news, the Beaudelaires are soon to encounter more disastrous news as they meet up with a never-heard-of relative, Count Olaf. If thing’s weren’t already bad enough, Count Olaf isn’t one to make things any brighter as his greed and villainy steals the show and gives the Beaudelaires the worse possible life a kid would dream of. The Bad Beginning, the first book in a series of 13, is only the starting point to a series of unfortunate events. You might be wondering what makes this series such a classic among middle-grade children. The experience talks for itself. The story is filled with misery and woe, and if you’re looking for a happy ending, Lemony Snicket makes sure to let you know that you won’t find it in the lives of the Baudelaires. In even the saddest and darkest moments of this book, every ray of light that shows up ends up being darkness in disguise. Reading this book ends up being an empathy-building exercise and the only way to enjoy this is to have hope. The world in which Violet, Klaus and Sunny live in is thick, depressing and grim. It’s as if any sign of goodness would inevitably come with the same—and sometimes larger—dose of evil. But the greatness of this book lies in the various lessons that the author inserts as the story unfolds. It’s actually the lessons your learn through the dark times of the Baudelaires that make this series a must for readers. There’s nothing short of the truth in the words spoken by the wisdom-filled narrator that holds the readers hand as he unveils the unfortunate events. The characters are unique and always entertaining. We can’t forget that we’re dealing with three youngsters that are trying hard to let the world know that their under horrible hands. Lemony Snicket makes sure to let us know of the difficulties of these children in having a voice of an adult in order to win their fight against evil. Every character also has a unique personality—nothing too complex for a middle-grade children to get lost in—and bring out a typical persona of modern society. From the successful woman with a childhood dream that they never had the chance to do to a busy business man who doesn’t have time for anything. The Bad Beginning introduces us to a bunch of fascinating characters, while keeping the villain, Count Olaf, the most mysterious and intriguing of them all. Our three protagonists also have unique traits and adds to a compelling and creative storyline. What I also adored is the foreshadowing done right from the beginning, giving readers hints to the answers that could help the Baudelaires later on. The Bad Beginning is a sad story, the kind that no one would want to go through. Although the kids are brilliant, their intelligence isn’t enough to overshadow the darkness that follows them. The book is also sprinkled with—a little too many—definitions of “complicated” words/expressions just to facilitate the reading experience and avoid interruptions. If you ask me, those moments could’ve been spared just to make this a more fluid storytelling. The plot twists in this first book are quite clever, if you remind yourself that it’s essentially a book for middle-grade children, and especially if you aren’t yet filled with a bunch of knowledge (like things related to the law). I’m definitely excited to pursue the rest of the series and see how much more unfortunate the Baudelaires are to be. Yours truly, Lashaan Lashaan & Trang | Bloggers and Book Reviewers Official blog: http://bookidote.wordpress.com _____________________________ Revisiting this series was a complete must; especially when there's a Netflix TV show in the making for this unforgiving series. I'm quite sure that I've forgotten a lot of the events and finishing the first book confirmed it. Lemony Snicket tells the unfortunate tale of three bright children who are left with an immeasurable fortune and a evil legal guardian/relative. Keeping in mind that the series is tagged as "middle-grade" material, this sad story is filled with lessons for kids to take home. It's also sprinkled with--a little too much-- definitions of "complicated" words/expressions just to facilitate the reading experience, to avoid interruption. The plot twists are quite clever if you're a kid and aren't yet filled with a bunch of knowledge (like things related to the law). I'm definitely excited to pursue the rest of the series and see how much more unfortunate the Baudelaires are to be. P.S. A full review to come. Yours truly, Lashaan & Trang | Bloggers and Book Reviewers Official blog: http://bookidote.wordpress.com ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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May 09, 2016
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May 11, 2016
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May 09, 2016
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Paperback
| ||||||||||||||
| 0553499114
| 9780553499117
| 0553499114
| 4.24
| 154,975
| Oct 20, 2015
| Oct 20, 2015
|
it was amazing
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A goldmine for sci-fi fans, I tell ya! Illuminae is the true definition of creativity! A story told through instant messaging, camera feed transcripti
A goldmine for sci-fi fans, I tell ya! Illuminae is the true definition of creativity! A story told through instant messaging, camera feed transcriptions, Unipedia pages, cross-ship radio communications, and so much more. You'd think it was preparing itself to be a total failure, but Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff prove us wrong. Exhilarating from start to finish, I found myself flipping through pages as if my life depended on it. The book was so cleverly designed! They were able to convey such a great story and had me immersed like never before. I mean, I was rotating the book as if I was piloting a Cyclone fighter in space. Talk about a child's dream come true! Through literature! The artwork was also so fascinating. You just had to take a moment to zoom out, hold the book in front and admire the exposition. To make it even better, zooming in gave you all the little binary details that code the art. Literally. It was also so easy to connect with characters and to love each and every one of their relationships (whether it was friendship or love). I mean, come on. AIDAN alone gives this book 5 pretty stars! You'd think the book would have no such power with the format it explored, but the authors pulled off a miracle. If your curiosity is even slightly tickled by this book, you should definitely plunge into this unknown. It is a ride that you will not forget! [image] Lashaan | Blogger and Book Reviewer Official blog: http://bookidote.wordpress.com ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Dec 02, 2016
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Dec 12, 2016
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Apr 27, 2016
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Hardcover
| ||||||||||||||
| 1457527065
| 9781457527067
| 1457527065
| 3.91
| 100
| Mar 05, 2014
| Mar 05, 2014
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it was ok
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You can find my review on our blog by clicking here. Set in the future, 2053 to be precise, a disastrous event is about to unfold. America will never b You can find my review on our blog by clicking here. Set in the future, 2053 to be precise, a disastrous event is about to unfold. America will never be normal again. People will meet Death and succumb to his demands. Nothing is promised and there’s only one person that change everything. Arena Power. This 15 year old girl finds out that the faith of humanity is within the palms of her little hands and is confronted with one ultimate decision: To follow her destiny as the Chosen One and save the world or steer away from a future filled with a burden to unleash God’s wrath on the Evil that walks among them. Surrounded by her twin brother, her uncle—also trainer of various arts—family and friends, Arena Power is put upon a path that is blurred with death, blood and destruction. Thankfully, she holds more skills and intellect than most of humanity to help her rid the world of the nightmare that embellishes it. Disappointment is all that rose from this novel. Novels that take up the challenge to put a Chosen One storyline are rarely admired because of the difficulty that comes with building an original and captivating story with those binoculars on. The first book in the Last Light Falling series sadly didn’t succeed on that front and suffered considerably from the moment the author made readers aware of the ride they were about to go on. J. E. Plemons also poorly built his world and that did not help in conveying the Chosen One plot. The beginning of the novel constructs a teenagers life and barely introduces readers to the overall setting that clears up the reader on the dystopia that the characters live in. However, when the author attempts to clear up the air, he dumps an enormous stack of information on readers. We’re then submerged by information, forcefully fed, and quickly destroy any attempt to build a rhythm for the story. The novel is also filled with a lot of action scenes; or was it only action scenes. But do not underestimate them. They are filled with chopped heads, bullets to the temple, limb cutting and so much more. All done by a 15 year old girl. Let’s not forget to mention her unusual interest to male private areas. It’s insane. It’s as if every opportunity she gets to kill a man, she makes sure to aim for the groin. Unfortunately, all the gore in this novel didn’t serve any purpose in my reading experience, since all they did was making me want to get over the book as soon as possible. In fact, the novel focuses a lot on the bloodbath and little on the delivery of a fine-tuned story. There’s actually more downsides to this novel than one could imagine. This part pertains to the use of religion in the storyline. J.E. Plemons grossly use religion as the very engine that runs the Chosen One idea. The thing I despised about this isn’t because there’s a strong religious background to this story, but how it was used to propel the story forward. In this novel, God has made Arena Power and her twin brother the Chosen Ones that will kill every individual that harvests Evil. Through a priest that delivers the message to the twins, these two blindly take upon the role and go out on a killing spree that totally uncalled for. Every single action scene increases their death count exponentially and every action they take is poorly justified by a proclamation that they have been sent by God to rid the evil from Earth. Now, if you take a moment to look things through the eyes of others, you’ll most likely think that our dear protagonist is a deranged psychopath who prefers to kill people rather than solve problems humanly. The novel is narrated in the first person. Therefore, readers get to have Arena Powers thoughts throughout the whole novel. Wonderful! Or is it? J.E. Plemons has a rich vocabulary and it’s definitely one of the upsides to this novel. There’s no doubt that his writing clearly tells the story without any discrepancies. However, it’s when you remind yourself that you’ve got a 15 year old girl as a protagonist that you start to question yourself if the writing isn’t instead harming the character building. In fact, thoughts are conveyed with a strong poetic power and sometimes makes some descriptions quite awkward to conceive. It’s hard to imagine that the main character is thinking these things with such fluidity and precision (just like her ass-kicking). The writing, instead, made me see a more pretentious and over-zealous character who thinks a little too high and might of herself. What didn’t help any more than it should have are all the other characters who are with Arena Power. The moment she’s proclaimed the Chosen One, every other character felt benign and diminished in presence. They seemed irrelevant and their reactions felt unusual. For example, when Arena Power gets to her first kill ever (which was violent in nature), the reaction from the others felt absolutely absent and uninfluenced. In general, there was no real connection between characters and none between me and the them. I felt disconnected from the whole story and there was no attempt to hook me up with intrigue or anything. Felt like the book was a lot more concerned in dropping bodies than keeping the reader attached to the adventure. J.E. Plemons debut novel is nonetheless a bloody action-packed apocalyptic fiesta. If a large number of action scenes featuring a 15 year old girl who can dual-wield blades and guns, shoot arrows better than the best archer in the world and manipulate guns and bullets like none other, are your thing, then you’ve met your match. The story is sadly superficial and revolves entirely on the elimination of a leader that plans on ruling the world in his own crazy way. Oh, and to get to him, our Angels of Death go out of their way to kill any antagonists. Whether they’re innocent or not. The Last Light Falling also mentions a lot of horrible acts, such as rape, to affect us emotionally and to advance the plot by using such events to motivate characters. I was quite disappointed by how it felt downplayed and dull. Then again, the novel as a whole failed to distinguish itself and couldn’t raise itself back up with its finale. Hopefully it’s sequel has better plans for Arena Powers and her trusty sidekicks. Yours truly, Lashaan Lashaan & Trang | Bloggers and Book Reviewers Official blog: http://bookidote.wordpress.com ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Mar 29, 2016
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Apr 14, 2016
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Mar 29, 2016
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Paperback
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| 4.11
| 1,621
| Jul 29, 2015
| Jul 29, 2015
|
liked it
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You can find my review on our blog by clicking here. There was this trend in young adult books where everyone and their mothers could only write, talk You can find my review on our blog by clicking here. There was this trend in young adult books where everyone and their mothers could only write, talk and look at dystopias. Don’t act all surprised. I’m pretty sure you can name a couple hundred of series right off the top of your head. Today, we’ve got a whole new trend that focuses more on retellings. Oh, the famous modern retellings written in order to reach and please the fans and those who are oblivious to the source material. Wouldn’t it be nice to spice up our lives again with another dystopia featuring a female lead and a post-apocalyptic setting? Cue darkness. Cue spotlight. Here’s The Threat Below. Following the Great Death that nearly eliminated humanity from the face of the Earth, the descendants of the now remaining hundred individuals live at the top of a mountain. They call this village Mountaintop and it is protected by giant wall to keep away the very creatures that pushed humanity to the brink of extinction. A thick and opaque cloud line also surrounds the mountain, right after the wall. Impossible to see what’s beyond, citizens of Mountaintop live in isolation and desire nothing more than harmony in their well-structured, yet primitive, society. Until their water source is poisoned. In search for answers, a chain of events is unleashed and 17 year-old Icelyn is off on an adventure that will unearth the buried secrets of the past and awaken a force that shouldn’t be reckoned with. The Threat Below could make up for an interesting TV show with all the wonderful ideas that are spread throughout the book. In all honestly, Jason Latshaw had a mass of ideas to make sure this novel felt post-apocalyptic. The novel was so rich in theses ideas, I could basically smell the dystopia all over it. In fact, the whole novel is built upon solid and well-documented premises for a dystopia. Because the chapters were extremely short, but numerous, it was nearly impossible to avoid pointing out all the ideas one by one. From a restricted and controlled allocation of resources for survival to the division of the people in different factions (this book preferred to split the humans in Veritas and Cognates), you’re bound to feel the heavy density of the high altitudes. Although Jason Latshaw didn’t hide his various attempts in building the perfect world for his story, the themes discussed are intriguing. The best part of this novel lies in the world-building. Humanity is restrained to live their lives on the tip of a mountain, and if that wasn’t obvious enough, the privileges they have are stripped down to a need-to-survive basis. While the Cognates are seen as intellectually superior, their faction has evolved without pleasures as we know them (music, art, freedom to love whom we wish, etc.). The Veritas, obeying the orders of the Cognates in order to maintain the harmony in the society, have a much more similar culture and beliefs as their common ancestors before The Great Death happened. While the two factions live their lives with the sole intention to survive and perpetuate the existence of humans, the story leads readers to discover all the thing they take for granted in our current age and time; yes, of course, I’m talking about our age and time, my friend. As Icelyn and friends discover the secrets of the past, they also question some fundamental existential questions (sometimes weakly approached) and make this novel a fascinating read (and sometimes a poor one). My biggest downsides to Jason Latshaw’s debut novel is the ensemble of characters and the narration. As much as I enjoyed the succulent ideas implemented in the novel, I fear the characters (especially our dear protagonist) ruined it all for me. Icelyn’s thought processes and decision-making is dumbfounding; especially when she’s the main narrator for most of the novel. Her character simply annoyed me too much. From the moment she was introduced, I knew there was no way she was going to evolve into someone more likable or realistic. Her tone, her reactions, her attitude, there’s nothing satisfying in her presence. To top it off, her adventure unveils some really big twists, but her adaptation to these events was really outlandish, impossible to understand and beyond reason. It also didn’t help that there was a ridiculous love triangle in the mix. I understand that Icelyn (a Cognate) hasn’t known physical contact or learned the depths of love in her life, but the love triangle that was implemented in The Threat Below was just awkward and unnecessary. At least Icelyn’s sidekicks had some more interesting aspects to their personas; although the whole cast were a burden to carry around the adventure. I really think that if it weren’t for the world-building and the various themes that were tackled upon, this book would’ve flopped. With weak characters that tried too hard to be something, a porous narration was all that was needed to drag this down. And that’s what we get. With the innumerable transitions, there was no way I was going to get hooked to the characters. As much as having 1st class seats into the mind of the protagonist should give great insight, this narration did nothing more than showcase flaws, after flaws, after flaws. Although the ending was easily predictable, The Threat Below is filled with potential. It explores themes from love, religion to creativity, and never seizes to find an interesting angle to explore. The characters and the narration might have dragged the experience to something borderline enjoyable, I still thought this novel is quite an adventure and could deliver a strong sequel. There might have been some major plot holes and some rushing through events, here and then, but the overall experience leads me conclude that The Threat Below is worth a short. Compared to various other dystopian tales, this young adult novel has an interesting vision and Jason Latshaw doesn’t shy from diving into some controversial themes thanks to his unique world-building. In fact, there are a thing or two we can learn from this. Hopefully, the next installment will deliver on all fronts. Yours truly, Lashaan Lashaan & Trang | Bloggers and Book Reviewers Official blog: http://bookidote.wordpress.com _____________________________ There's some really interesting ideas scattered around the story. I enjoyed how it flipped the way we see the world thanks to the world-building. In fact, by making the main character's world look primitive helped enormously in making all her discoveries more fascinating (even if this is a post--apocalyptic future). However, the characters are very annoying. They're filled with flaws and are utterly incoherent. The protagonist showcases this the most. The narration is also one to add headaches. The constant flipping between point of views and the annoying voice of Icelyn (the main character) made the adventure something I wanted to end as soon as possible. Sadly, the obvious ending didn't help in making this novel a better debut novel. P.S. A full review to come very soon. Yours truly, Lashaan Lashaan & Trang | Bloggers and Book Reviewers Official blog: http://bookidote.wordpress.com ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Feb 08, 2016
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Mar 13, 2016
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Feb 08, 2016
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Paperback
| |||||||||||||||||
| 1614753253
| 9781614753254
| B01CT6M2SU
| 3.43
| 61
| Mar 28, 2016
| Mar 28, 0016
|
really liked it
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You can find my review on our blog by clicking here. It is with no shame that I’ve read this book without much Irish mythology knowledge helping me out You can find my review on our blog by clicking here. It is with no shame that I’ve read this book without much Irish mythology knowledge helping me out. I believe it is a rare source material in literature nowadays, and I’m happy to be able to plunge into Shean Pao’s creation without being overwhelmed by it. Leave it to none other than Shean Pao to deliver a novel with intricately infused references to Irish mythology. Written with a divine pen skill, The Feather and the Moon Well is a tale that marvelously draws upon a unique and brilliant magic system to put forth the story of Anarra, the Willow Woman. Bound to her magical tower, she grants wishes or curses upon receiving a gift from strangers. But the day has come that Rash’na’kul, the lord of the sixth hell, sends his lesser-demon Barbarus to bribe the sorceress into creating an object that holds great power. Gazing into her Moon Well, she however realizes that the future reveals that her freedom will be imminent, only at the cost of something dark and destructive for the rest of the world. When confronted to life-changing decisions, what will these characters peruse upon? What will be the fate of humanity? I simply adored the magic system in this book. It’s fairly easy to follow and gives a great visual experience. In fact, Shean Pao uses threads as if the world had an invisible spiderweb covering it, and explains how these very threads have a role on individual’s fate and the different pathways in life. There’s no doubt that every passage that explores the threads and their utility are mouth-watering. The way the protagonist’s magic works is also one that is quite simple, yet complex. Upon a gift, she ponders the desires of the person and gives them a gift of their on. A wish or a curse. As she’s stuck to serve her guests and is known as a legend among the people, it is no surprise that she sees herself as a Goddess. Being able to choose who dies, who doesn’t, who rules, who serves, Anarra slowly learns that her self-centered behavior is only the result of her secluded and pleasure-free life. Wishing only to keep what she cherishes close, she remains a flawed character just like Barbarus, the lesser-demon. This character was nothing less than intriguing. He blindly follows his master’s orders and is struck with purpose upon the sorceress’ revelation that his freedom can be granted. It is in these flawed characters that Shean Pao finds something fresh and new for her debut series. The narration in this novel is beyond any reproach. It’s visually stimulating and succeeds in delivering an exquisite prose. Every word, every sentence has the power to drive this story forward while leaving readers staggered on questions on love, freedom and hope. What I was quite stunned by was also how the novel was built. One moment readers are exploring Anarra’s point of view and her problems, and in another you’d be following Barbarus’ adventure and struggles. It sadly felt unconnected and completely separate. Although the story still manages to reunite characters in common settings, I believe it would’ve been even more engaging—than it already is—if there was a little overlapping on each of the character’s lives. The other problem, which is probably due to the not-so-lengthy nature of this novel, is how little information we get on some characters (Odhran and Gedauvan). The love story behind Odhran and Anarra is one that quickly hit me in the face. It felt more like they were always meant to be together without any real development in their relationship. The same goes for the hate that emanates from Gedauvan. An antagonist from the past that should’ve maybe had a little more insight, especially with his more magical appearance and aggression towards the protagonist. However, having divergent story lines helped Shean Pao deliver various conflicts, whether they were personal or relational. I deeply enjoyed how the themes emerged through her unblemished narration. Questioning actions that are beyond humans right (i.e. deciding upon a person’s fate to die or live) to wondering on the various privileges that we hold for granted, this novel explores subjects in a fluent and comprehensible way. If I could get a dime for every beautiful sentence, I’d probably be a billionaire. Shean Pao’s use of threads and her clever imagery makes this novel a very pleasant read. Holding a lot of potential and a lively core essence, this book is assured of a bright future. All I’d need is my own Moon Well to prove it. The authors beautiful way with words helps greatly in laying out the groundwork for a beautiful series. Not to mention that The Feather and the Moon Well has a great twist in the end that will have you wondering what the future of the characters hold for them. It is without surprise that this story unfolded like an ancient fairy tale, and hopefully the adventures to come will unveil more on the characters and their past. The questions that are brought to light through this story filled with love, hatred, deceit, freedom and hope, are seldom enough to jump into this magical realm. Yours truly, Lashaan | Blogger and Book Reviewer Official blog: http://bookidote.wordpress.com ______________________________ A talent with words? She sure does. Shean Pao thrives in story-telling and doesn't shy away from building her own authentic world. This novel was beautifully written from cover to cover. It's fantasy elements were exquisite and quite intriguing; drawing upon Irish Mythology. Not to mention that Fate and threads have never been used like this before. Although I felt like the book was missing important parts, its core essence is lively and holds great potential for the next books in this series. P.S. A full review to come really soon. Yours truly, Lashaan | Blogger and Book Reviewer Official blog: http://bookidote.wordpress.com ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Mar 14, 2016
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Mar 21, 2016
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Jan 22, 2016
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Paperback
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| 1514272997
| 9781514272992
| 1514272997
| 4.10
| 20
| Jun 30, 2015
| Jul 02, 2015
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really liked it
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Fun, it was. Short, it was. Recommended for a more middle-grade audience, it was. While reading this novel, I had to put myself in a younger mentality
Fun, it was. Short, it was. Recommended for a more middle-grade audience, it was. While reading this novel, I had to put myself in a younger mentality. Only then was I able to truly see the creativity and humorous adventure that Courtney Anz has written and given for her audience to dwell in. Tomb of Truth is the story of Marina, a young teenager with fiery passion for seeking the truth; and also for fencing. After accidentally uncovering a hidden treasure among her mother's belongings, Marina, unknowingly, set a course straight into Chinese history. However, she doesn't know that this journey is bound to teach her valuable lessons about lying, friends and family. Her decisions, as reckless and care-free they were, blasts her into the depths of Xi'an, as well as the very dark corners of her families past. Will Marina and her family come out of this grand trip out of their homes untouched or will the past contaminate a family living in ignorance? Tomb of Truth is filled with various events that will definitely invite readers to a bubbly world of teenagers. It's only after realizing how long it took the book to reach its climax that I understood that I wasn't the target audience. Nonetheless, I'll give credit to the author in depicting a great protagonist that managed to keep me entertained throughout her wild, wild actions. Marina was without a doubt a character with a sense of justice and who wishes only to seek the truth. Be that as it may, every other character felt very flat or stereotypical. There was no real character development and they essentially served a more practical role, whenever they had a moment to shine. In fact, I never felt attached to any of the characters, but I still managed to laugh at some of the more far-fetched moments. Coming back on my previous point, Tomb of Truth did feel like it started off slow. I had the feeling that the author wanted readers to connect with the characters more than to focus on setting up the climax. It really did take almost half the book before things started to spice up. If anything, Cuki (one of the antagonist) was definitely a burden to read about. A huge focus was put on her relationship with Marina's sister, yet this very relationship was quickly destroyed to bits without ever taking the time to take into consideration any of the consequences (especially psychological). This debut novel to a series (Marina's Secrets) is a fantastic novel for middle-grade to very young adults. Essentially funny, Tomb of Truth still had its moments where the author attempted to have readers question Marina's decisions and reflect on the idea of lying. Courtney Anz even manages to tackle pollution in China discreetly. Kudos on that. Marina and friends also reserve great potential for the author to exploit in her future novels and I'd definitely love to see what direction she'd take upon reflection on feedback's received. What was quite stunning, but very comprehensible when you take in the idea of entertaining your readers, was how the book dramatically shifted into a realm of fantasy towards the ending. It felt like every character, specifically villains, had a quick transformation; within seconds they all removed their masks and portrayed personas that you couldn't have expected, ever. It was like seeing little mouses running around before they transformed into dual-wielding ninjas with bazookas on their backs. Even one of the plot twists had this humorous tone to it that you couldn't help but giggle at the thought of it. Tomb of Truth is a great book and should definitely be read to kids. They'll be craving for another chapter. And another one. And another one. And another one. You can find a picture and quote-filled review right here: https://bookidote.wordpress.com/2016/... Yours truly, Lashaan Lashaan & Trang | Bloggers and Book Reviewers Official blog: http://bookidote.wordpress.com ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jan 08, 2016
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Jan 25, 2016
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Jan 08, 2016
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Paperback
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| 0765399113
| 9780765399113
| 0765399113
| 4.05
| 382,349
| Feb 24, 2015
| Oct 31, 2017
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really liked it
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A royal smuggler and a lowly thief, multiple Londons, and a devastating black gem that promises to infuse chaos into the lives of countless innocent f
A royal smuggler and a lowly thief, multiple Londons, and a devastating black gem that promises to infuse chaos into the lives of countless innocent folks. That is what the first book in the Shades of Magic trilogy presents us. A Darker Shade of Magic is a testament to V.E. Schwab’s masterful story-telling skills. While the pace was slow at first and the different coloured Londons instigated instant confusion in me, as soon as the real adventure for Kell and Delilah begins this freight train goes full steam ahead into an action-packed, atmospheric, and magical epic that will leave you craving for more. I know for sure that I need more of that beautiful banter between these two characters. [image] ...more |
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1
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Nov 2017
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Jan 28, 2018
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Dec 08, 2015
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Hardcover
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| 0062398903
| 9780062398901
| 0062398903
| 3.75
| 63,279
| Mar 01, 2016
| Mar 01, 2016
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liked it
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You can find my review on our blog by clicking here. Who wouldn’t go nuts over the thought of reading a retelling of Sir Conan Arthur Doyle’s books? No You can find my review on our blog by clicking here. Who wouldn’t go nuts over the thought of reading a retelling of Sir Conan Arthur Doyle’s books? Now, how tempting is that? A Study in Charlotte is a brand new take on our beloved Sherlock and Watson. These two fellows are quite real in Brittany Cavallaro’s new book, but it has been a century since their existence. Descendants of the great detective and the trusty doctor, Jamie Watson and Charlotte Holmes are now the protagonists of a whole new paradigm, and they don’t know it yet. If the names weren’t an indicator, the author of this young adult novel brings in a slight twist in gender with Charlotte being a girl and having Jamie drool on the idea of being hands in hands with her. Both established in Connecticut and going to Sherringford Boarding School, these two teenagers are framed for the murder of one of their colleagues. Clueless, shocked and determined, they unite together in these unusual circumstances to solve the case. A case where the murderer reenacts crime scenes similar to the ones in the legendary Sherlock and Watson novels. For an author who hasn’t yet made a name for herself in the industry, Brittany Cavallero sure does have an impeccable writing skill. As you might have deduced, the majority of the book is told in Jamie Watson’s point of view, just like Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s novels with the voice of James Watson navigating the show. The humor is unique and the general ambiance depicts a great high school environment. The characters are quite well developed and each played their role to the letter in this whodunit story. In fact, Brittany Cavallero succeeds in creating the perfect young adult retelling of Holmes and Watson. Every actor is unique and the author thrives in giving every actor a persona of their own. Except for our protagonists. This was a major downside in my books, especially when I came diving into this book looking for an entertaining and a new take on Holmes and Watson. Charlotte embodies the dear Sherlock Holmes in every possible way. Except her snappy deductions and beyond human intelligence doesn’t make her as attachable as the great Sherlock Holmes. Even her habits, attitudes and behaviors are similar to her famous predecessor. And then there’s Jamie. With far too similar traits to Dr. Watson, this teenage boy also gets the opportunity to fall in love with Charlotte, thanks to the wonderful twist in sex. The romance felt like an easy way to go, especially when you think about the perfect bromance that the original characters had together. What drove me a little close to insanity is how predominant the romance was in the plot. A great deal was allocated to creating scenes to put their teenage love on a pedestal. I really would’ve hoped that they could’ve at least built a stronger friendship bond before jumping into a wild back-and-forth love story. Besides the strong emphasis on the relationship of the character, the mystery itself wasn’t as exciting as one would hope. The constant love and hate between Charlotte and Jamie did serve a purpose when you observe the impact it had on the plot. In fact, their conflict in communication and Jamie’s blind love for Charlotte serve as an obstacle in several ways. Although I believe this was inevitable, the mystery still couldn’t benefit from it. I felt a great deal of the novel staggered in fruitless hypotheses. Both characters also seemed to go in random directions and sometimes would draw conclusions right out of the blue. Not the Sherlock Holmes kind of deductions that lead to a mind-blowing revelation. The plot also seemed to be dragged around a little too much with close to little attempt to hook me to the adventure. However, I was quite pleased by the ideas tackled on by the author to spice up Jamie and Charlotte’s adventure. But the biggest problem lies in getting attached to the characters. In no way did I find myself consumed by A Study in Charlotte or feel any attachment whatsoever to the two protagonists. The secret to this novel simply lies in how invested you’d be to the characters. The difference in opinion will differ greatly depending on that very factor. Brittany Cavallaro has created a great young adult novel with a female Holmes. The chemistry between the two protagonists might have been easily foreseen, but it remains that both characters were entertaining; if you overlook the fact that they are exactly like the original Holmes and Watson. Other than a touch of teenage and modern culture (use of texting, hacking, etc.), the characters aren’t much different from their predecessor and the readers knowledge of the original characters would also make a great difference for this novel. Even though I was underwhelmed by A Study in Charlotte, I still believe it has great potential if the author decides to continue the adventures of Jamie and Charlotte. Hopefully, Brittany Cavallaro can step her game up regarding the plot. Thank you to Frenzy at HarperCollins Canada for sending us an advance review copy! Yours truly, Lashaan Lashaan & Trang | Bloggers and Book Reviewers Official blog: http://bookidote.wordpress.com ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Feb 08, 2016
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Feb 28, 2016
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Dec 04, 2015
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Hardcover
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| 1627792120
| 4.48
| 1,008,551
| Sep 29, 2015
| Sep 29, 2015
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it was amazing
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You can find my review on our blog by clicking here. Where do I begin? Leigh Bardugo has concocted one of the most amazing caper story of all time. Fro You can find my review on our blog by clicking here. Where do I begin? Leigh Bardugo has concocted one of the most amazing caper story of all time. From the moment I read the blurb, I knew I had to give this a try. A bunch of teenage anti-heros who plan on carrying out an impossible mission? Sold. Now lets scour through a world of darkness and acquaint you with an instant masterpiece. Set in Ketterdam, one of the many places that the author Leigh Bardugo has masterfully constructed for her Grishaverse, only the darkest, the most mysterious and the truly conflicted individuals roam the streets. A macabre underbelly where hope and greed are the sole strings that run the society, Kaz Brekker, criminal prodigy and master of deception, is offered a handsome sum of money upon the completion of the most hopeless and suicidal heist. Greed might be his servant and his lever, but even the blindest man knows that this is not a one man job. Six of Crows assembles a nifty and complex cast of characters. They might have had distinct pathways in life and known different facets of misery, deceit and loss, but their faith will collide and give them an opportunity like none other. If you’ve read this novel, then let’s take a moment to appreciate this masterpiece. You know it’s made out of jurda parem, cause I know for a fact that there’s no other explanation to the addiction and then withdrawal I experienced upon completion. Now. If you haven’t read this book… What are you waiting for?! I do love a good book with great writing. The best part is when I lay my hands on one that falls in the young adult category. Then, I’m truly impressed. In my books, what makes the difference between an excellent young adult novel and a typical one lies in its ability to snipe the soft spots of any—I’d like to emphasize on the word “any” here— audience. It’s as if the world was its target and no one could escape the grasp it has on them. If a book can keep its level of intrigue, execute a clever plot, develop multidimensional characters while prompting reactions and emotions from readers, then, ma’am and sir, we have discovered gold. Six of Crows delivers an addictive and breath-taking story. Not only does it revolve around drug, alcohol, gambling, money and crime, it also explores vengeance, deceit, addiction, friendship, family and love. Although the foundation of the story rests upon a heist mission that could lead to a humongous cash reward, the novel continues to bring depth into the fantasy elements that are present in Leigh Bardugo’s Grisha trilogy. Beautifully tailored into the plot, readers are likely to never be disturbed by the abnormal elements. The universe is so well sewn together that the moment you crack open the book, you’re bound to be lost in it. The fantasy adventure and the crime thriller just perfectly blend together. If the past was never used to forge a better future, only darkness would wait us. Leigh Bardugo implements flashback sequences to incorporate intriguing sub-plots and to give readers a better insight into the characters past and personalities. If anything, I’m going to vouch for the incredible use of these flashback moments. They’re used in such meticulous fashion and build just as much page-turning action than the main plot itself. Amazing thing is, these past events are never remotely futile. They drive the characters and compliments the suspense by building plot holes. Not the bad kind of plot holes. Plot holes that serve as mini-cliffhangers just to keep you hooked to the end. As if we were getting teased with a healthy dose of an unknown substance. *cough* jurda *cough* parem. No good book can go a long way without great characters. Six of Crows is far from being unsuccessful in that department. Logically, when you’re up against a plot like this, your team needs to excel in diverse fields. Giving them each the opportunity to excel in what they do and show-off their talents. It’s what gives a good caper story its edge. Six of Crows does this perfectly. Every single character had their own persona, their own past, their own habits, their own motivations. None of them were perfect. They were all flawed in more than one way. That’s where the book shines in its darkness. As the story progresses, the flaws are overlooked and readers learn more on each member of the crew. Readers are sucked into the book, engaged to the characters mission, and become attached to them. Honestly, the diversity and the originality in the characters helps tremendously in building a beautiful adventure. For a crew of teenagers who have matured way beyond their age thanks to their respective trials in life, you can’t help yourself from cheering every single one of them in their actions and their pursuit of happiness. Their search for purpose beyond the dirty and crime-infested life of Ketterdam is a fascinating evolution to follow throughout the novel. What’s even more amusing in Six of Crows is the different dynamics that are built from ground up. Every interaction gives a great idea of the different attitudes and attachment that exist between everyone. Kudos, Leigh Bardugo. Kudos. Giving Six of Crows a chance is a must. This fantasy caper story brings new heights to story-telling as well as a new set of characters that literature will quickly forge into history. From an unbelievable cast of intriguing character to a page-flipping plot, this new series set in the Grisha universe is bound to keep you tied to the novel until the very last sentence. The main storyline, the sub-plots, the action sequences and the romance are all absolutely perfectly balanced out. In fact, the novel stays clear from all the typical easy way out. It plunges into depths that authors wouldn’t dare to peek at and finds its powers to hook you through exquisite writing skills and world-building. The best part of it all is in the amount of research put into developing the concepts that hide behind the raw charm of this book. When you seek to understand the underlying variables behind behavior, behind heists, behind relationships, you’re surely going to succeed in making a precious gem in literature. Yours truly, Lashaan Lashaan & Trang | Bloggers and Book Reviewers Official blog: http://bookidote.wordpress.com ___________________________ Hey. You. Got anymore of that good stuff? [image] P.S. A full review is coming real, real soon. Yours truly, Lashaan Lashaan & Trang | Bloggers and Book Reviewers Official blog: http://bookidote.wordpress.com ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jan 29, 2016
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Feb 16, 2016
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Nov 01, 2015
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Hardcover
| ||||||||||||||||
| 030788743X
| 9780307887436
| 030788743X
| 4.23
| 1,206,785
| Aug 16, 2011
| Aug 16, 2011
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really liked it
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I'm a gamer. I'm also a 90s kid. Are those really crucial facts to determine if Ready Player One is made for you? Hell nah. Ernest Cline brings us the
I'm a gamer. I'm also a 90s kid. Are those really crucial facts to determine if Ready Player One is made for you? Hell nah. Ernest Cline brings us the ultimate 80s kid source of geekasm. It is action-packed and highly nostalgic, but ultimately, it really is a blend of Willy Wonka with The Matrix. The story follows Wade Watts as he vows to find the Easter Egg hidden by the creator of the OASIS (a virtual utopia) that would give him access to a huge, really huge, inheritance. Along the way, Wade Watts, also known as Parzival inside this virtual reality game, ends up meeting friends and foes, running into insane gaming challenges, and ultimately doing all kinds of impossible feats. The book is written in an addictive prose and delivers so many geeky facts for fans to enjoy. Everyone, gamer or not, can enjoy this story without feeling overwhelmed. Those who aren't an 80s kid or a gamer will either end up hovering through all those references or looking them up for their own personal culture. Those who are, on the other hand, will find themselves thrown down memory lane and smile their way through the whole book. It's not just a bunch of gaming references. Music, movies, and anything you can think of will be hinted at for the joy of everyone. And if the book might seem a bit intimidating for you, there's always Steven Spielberg's movie adaptation to check out. I'm sure it'll be a fun ride. [image] ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Mar 16, 2018
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Mar 25, 2018
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Sep 22, 2015
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Hardcover
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