I did it. I read through the final book of this trilogy. If you haven’t read my first two reviews, you should probably start there. I was not that impressed with book two. The story moved on to several new characters and new settings while the old ones I came to love were set aside, […]
The Subtle Knife (His Dark Materials, book two), by Philip Pullman, 1997, Book Review
The Subtle Knife continues the story of Lyra, who is destined to change the universe as we know it. She has crossed over to another world and the main focus actually shifts from Lyra to a young boy named Will, who is from Earth. The story begins with Will, who is desperate to hide his […]
Cycles, by Lois D. Brown, Book Review
I always tread cautiously when my blog attracts requests for book reviews. I see a wide range of talent and professionalism, but Cycles, by Lois D. Brown, I am pleased to say, rates among the best stories I’ve received. Within, an accident leaves13-year-old Renee Beaumont’s life completely shaken. Not only does she narrowly escape death, […]
Cassidy Jones and Vulcan's Gift, by Elise Stokes, 2011, Book Review
I’m excited to be in on the release of Elise Stokes’ second novel, Cassidy Jones and Vulcan’s Gift. This fast-paced series is reminiscent of the adventures of comic book superheroes, except Cassidy Jones happens to be a totally hip, totally stubborn, totally modern fifteen-year-old girl. A freak accident left her with enhanced senses and superhuman […]
The Iron King, by Julie Kagawa, 2010, Book Review
“We were born of the dreams and fears of mortals…” The fey, the immortal, the faeries–they’ve always been out there, but Meghan never saw them till the day she turned sixteen. The day they came for her four-year-old brother. This delightful new tale draws from a pair of Shakespearean plays. Oberon, Titiana and Puck, from […]
The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak, 2005, Book Review
The Book Thief is quite an accomplishment. Five hundred and fifty pages of thought-provoking text in a very unique, slightly jarring style, all narrated by Death. The originality of this book made waves a few years ago, and that’s pretty hard to do. It’s a story of words. Words that prompted a Fascist regime, and […]
Divergent, by Veronica Roth, 2011, Book Review
I’m becoming more and more a fan of the dystopian genre. I’ve read some very good ones this year, and Divergent ranks high. Beatrice lives in what used to be Chicago, but it has become a land of factions. Five faction, to be exact, which all follow their own philosophy about how to live in peace: […]
The Maze Runner (The Maze Runner Trilogy, book 1), by James Dashner, 2009, Book Review
Whoa! Can you say “suspense”? How about “intense”? This is one of those books that sticks to your fingers the moment you pick it up. Meanwhile, your house goes to pot all around you and the kids start complaining that they’re hungry. Minor details–I could not put The Maze Runner down! Thomas wakes up in a creaky […]
Thirteen Reasons Why, by Jay Asher, 2007, Book Review
I read this book last year, just before hearing Jay speak at a writer’s conference. I’ll admit, Mr. Asher has talent, his book is a page turner. It’s unique, shocking and well-put-together, but I have some serious issues with passing it along. Thirteen Reasons Why is the story of a high school girl who commits […]
Delirium, by Lauren Oliver, 2011, Book Review
Amor deliria nervosa, the disease that terrifies Americans. The disease that ravaged the masses, driving them to madness and death. Fortunately, there’s a cure. For 64 years now the public has been safe from irrational behavior, from pain, from fear–from love. But the cure is only effective for over-eighteens. And Lena is 93 days shy […]