I really liked this book for several reasons. I know there are arguments that the characters and plot aren't developed, lack resolution, and fall flat for many reasons. If you're not looking for something amazingly deep, though, this is a fun read.
Not many high school students would think to rob the Franklin Mint, but Alice, Jason, Dakota, and Benny do. They're forced to think everything through to the last minute, drafting and redrafting their plans. Things go horribly awry (as these things are wont to do), but they all band together to figure out the next steps.
Things don't end perfectly. There are issues that haven't even begun to be resolved. But the narration and writing are strong, the characters are engaging, and the entire concept is fun. Coin Heist by Elisa Ludwig is worth the read.
4 out of 5 stars.
Wednesday, July 30, 2014
Monday, July 28, 2014
Third Degree by Julie Cross
I ended up really liking this one. I wasn't expecting to because I found Izzy to be so condescending and annoying from page one. Surprisingly, she turned out to be human and a teenager after all. Her character development is gradual, taking place over the course of a school year and is detailed greatly for the reader.
Marsh makes a great counterpoint to Izzy, providing us with the guy everyone wants to befriend, even if we don't know it yet. There's depth to him that Izzy isn't aware of at first- which is nice because Izzy seems to think that she knows everything just because she's a textbook genius.
There's a fair amount of conflict, too. Izzy's parents aren't perfect, or perfectly happy, which is a stunner to her. Her career isn't going exactly the way she expected it would, and she's not even finished being a medical intern yet. Her nemesis seems to know things she doesn't, even though she's clearly smarter than he. And Izzy just can't seem to escape Marsh, who seems to take great pleasure in letting Izzy know everything she does wrong.
At times this entire story appears to self-involved. (Yes, it's narrated in the first person which lends itself to the thought that it would be self-involved.) For someone who is so incredibly smart Izzy is outright stupid about life. No one is more surprised by her shortcomings than Izzy and it's her acceptance of them that makes her redeemable, and Third Degree a good book.
Marsh makes a great counterpoint to Izzy, providing us with the guy everyone wants to befriend, even if we don't know it yet. There's depth to him that Izzy isn't aware of at first- which is nice because Izzy seems to think that she knows everything just because she's a textbook genius.
There's a fair amount of conflict, too. Izzy's parents aren't perfect, or perfectly happy, which is a stunner to her. Her career isn't going exactly the way she expected it would, and she's not even finished being a medical intern yet. Her nemesis seems to know things she doesn't, even though she's clearly smarter than he. And Izzy just can't seem to escape Marsh, who seems to take great pleasure in letting Izzy know everything she does wrong.
At times this entire story appears to self-involved. (Yes, it's narrated in the first person which lends itself to the thought that it would be self-involved.) For someone who is so incredibly smart Izzy is outright stupid about life. No one is more surprised by her shortcomings than Izzy and it's her acceptance of them that makes her redeemable, and Third Degree a good book.
Sunday, July 27, 2014
Salt & Storm by Kendall Kulper
It's hard to know where to begin talking about this book. There is the driving force of the life-sustaining need for a witch on Prince Island. There is the tension produced between a the girl who wants to become the witch and the mother who would do anything to keep her from it, and the tension between the same girl who wants to learn from the grandmother who blames her for failing lessons the grandmother never taught. Then there is, of course, the relationship that develops between Avery and Tane, in spite of everything.
I had issues with the writing and the story line, but some things can be overlooked for the sake of a good tale and others cannot. The one I can't overlook is the writing. There is almost no variance in sentence structure- every single one is long, with an overabundance of the word "and." This does lend itself to the historical aspect of the book. At times, though, it makes it less engaging and more of a question of unnecessarily dragging things out.
Avery is incredibly strong as a character, never giving up hope that she'll figure out how to unlock her magic. What that magic is, exactly, is never really explained. It's protection, I get that, but whaling itself was a dying industry at that point, and the island would never be able to sustain itself on that tack forever. There's not even a hint that Avery would be able to adapt her magic to help in any other venture that would provide the islanders with their futures beyond whaling. So what protection could the unlocking of her magic really give?
Overall, I liked Salt and Storm. I think it needs some polishing in the writing and some fixing of holes in the story line, but I did read a galley copy and am hopeful that these things are addressed in the final product. I especially liked that this is a stand-alone book in a YA world chokingly full of series-based stories.
3 of 5 stars.
I had issues with the writing and the story line, but some things can be overlooked for the sake of a good tale and others cannot. The one I can't overlook is the writing. There is almost no variance in sentence structure- every single one is long, with an overabundance of the word "and." This does lend itself to the historical aspect of the book. At times, though, it makes it less engaging and more of a question of unnecessarily dragging things out.
Avery is incredibly strong as a character, never giving up hope that she'll figure out how to unlock her magic. What that magic is, exactly, is never really explained. It's protection, I get that, but whaling itself was a dying industry at that point, and the island would never be able to sustain itself on that tack forever. There's not even a hint that Avery would be able to adapt her magic to help in any other venture that would provide the islanders with their futures beyond whaling. So what protection could the unlocking of her magic really give?
Overall, I liked Salt and Storm. I think it needs some polishing in the writing and some fixing of holes in the story line, but I did read a galley copy and am hopeful that these things are addressed in the final product. I especially liked that this is a stand-alone book in a YA world chokingly full of series-based stories.
3 of 5 stars.
Wednesday, July 23, 2014
Some Fine Day by Kat Ross
Told from the point of view of Jansin, Some Fine Day is a unique portrayal of life after the end of the world. Jan is all set to be a top performer in the armed services, but her entire perspective (and life) changes after a trip to the Earth's surface ends in her captivity. Yes, this is another dystopian society-type story, but it does offer a deviation and creativity that others lack
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Jan makes an excellent narrator, illuminating her doubts, fears, and suspicions. Her perceptions of other characters gives great insight into their development, as well as her own. The writing is good, the plot is good (although, there are some holes in it, but those can be overlooked easily enough). While the action sequences are spaced out, there is plenty of conflict and confrontation to be found.
The ending does leave a little to be desired, which is detrimental to the story. I don't get the feeling that there will be a sequel- frankly, I don't think there needs to be one. But it does feel rather rushed and leaves off in an odd place. I definitely had questions afterward, and I know I'm not the only one. It does, however, present a unique look at what happens after catastrophic events force humankind to alter lifestyles and adapt quickly to environmental changes.
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Jan makes an excellent narrator, illuminating her doubts, fears, and suspicions. Her perceptions of other characters gives great insight into their development, as well as her own. The writing is good, the plot is good (although, there are some holes in it, but those can be overlooked easily enough). While the action sequences are spaced out, there is plenty of conflict and confrontation to be found.
The ending does leave a little to be desired, which is detrimental to the story. I don't get the feeling that there will be a sequel- frankly, I don't think there needs to be one. But it does feel rather rushed and leaves off in an odd place. I definitely had questions afterward, and I know I'm not the only one. It does, however, present a unique look at what happens after catastrophic events force humankind to alter lifestyles and adapt quickly to environmental changes.
Monday, July 14, 2014
Braving the Brontes (Carly Keene,Literary Detective #1) by Katherine Rue
I've read a lot of reviews of Carly Keene and the prevalent feeling is that Carly is that she too often lets her emotions lead the way during her time helping the Brontes. Yes, Carly shouts to make her feelings known. Yes, she throws tantrums once or twice in order to get people to listen to her. More than anything, though, Carly has been transported from 2014 to 1846. She's a twelve-year-old girl who is stuck in a place that doesn't place much value on being either young or female. I think that would wear on me, too. It's hard to go from being important and heard to being ignored and pushed aside.
Braving the Brontes is excellently written, and is a great step into the literary world. There is much to be said for a strong protagonist who doubts herself, but finds the courage to fight her way through unexpected situations. Carly Keene provides a character to aspire to, no matter what the age of the reader- especially because she provides so many examples of literary heroines in her own story.
4 out of 5 stars.
Braving the Brontes is excellently written, and is a great step into the literary world. There is much to be said for a strong protagonist who doubts herself, but finds the courage to fight her way through unexpected situations. Carly Keene provides a character to aspire to, no matter what the age of the reader- especially because she provides so many examples of literary heroines in her own story.
4 out of 5 stars.
Saturday, July 12, 2014
Just One Night by Lauren Layne
Another great love story from Lauren Layne, Just One Night details the romance between Riley McKenna and Sam Compton. Not only are these pages full of sizzling scenes, there are also some laugh-out-loud one-liners and moments. The characters are excellently drawn, the writing is strong, and I had a hard time putting the book aside to do...well, anything else.
I also enjoyed the unique take on a sex expert who doesn't fondly remember the one and only time she experienced the act. I haven't read any of the other books in the Sex, Love, and Stiletto series, but if they're anything like Just One Night, I'll have to make sure they're on my list.
4 out of 5 stars.
I also enjoyed the unique take on a sex expert who doesn't fondly remember the one and only time she experienced the act. I haven't read any of the other books in the Sex, Love, and Stiletto series, but if they're anything like Just One Night, I'll have to make sure they're on my list.
4 out of 5 stars.
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Dear Killer by Katherine Ewell
Ever wanted to be inside the head of London's most notorious serial killer? Dear Killer provides readers insight to the mind of Kit, seventeen-year-old hired killer who never backs down after she decides to take a life.
I found myself thinking oddly during this book. Mainly because Kit makes everything seem so rational, following her rules to the letter. I'd find myself thinking, yeah, that makes sense. Then I'd remember she was talking about killing someone without leaving evidence, flawlessly evading capture.
Kit's a very introspective person, frequently wondering about herself and how others would feel or react in different situations. This does present a problem for the reader, giving the impression that Kit is too self-centered and unfocused to represent a true serial killer. It can be overlooked, though, as it can be construed as the self-examination of a girl who can't share her thoughts with anyone else at the risk of her own exposure.
I did have an issue with the ending, but after thinking about it for a while, I feel it was the right way to go. I can't say any more than that without sharing too much.
My main problem was the authenticity. The writing is good, but it doesn't have a British feel. Yes, it's set in London and Kit mentions some famous landmarks and streets. But she refers to her mother as "Mom," not "Mum." Her speech patterns also don't match those of other authors who successfully capture all things British. I was able to push past that, though, and enjoy the story.
I also had trouble with the relationship between Alex and Kit. For a police officer, he's entirely too trusting of her randomly turning up at crime scenes and offering her input. Unless someone is a forensic genius, why would a cop listen to the opinion of a teenager wandering through almost every area in which there is a dead body? Also, why is this same cop meeting said teenager regularly for coffee and lunch when they have had no previous benign relationship? I'm not sure this could have looked more sketchy under any circumstance.
After wavering back and forth several times and reading a few things between Dear Killer and writing this review, I have to admit that I liked it. It was intriguing, it provided a lot to think about, and Kit is a strong character. I could have been much better with more authenticity, some consistency, and some more revision.
3 of 5 stars.
I found myself thinking oddly during this book. Mainly because Kit makes everything seem so rational, following her rules to the letter. I'd find myself thinking, yeah, that makes sense. Then I'd remember she was talking about killing someone without leaving evidence, flawlessly evading capture.
Kit's a very introspective person, frequently wondering about herself and how others would feel or react in different situations. This does present a problem for the reader, giving the impression that Kit is too self-centered and unfocused to represent a true serial killer. It can be overlooked, though, as it can be construed as the self-examination of a girl who can't share her thoughts with anyone else at the risk of her own exposure.
I did have an issue with the ending, but after thinking about it for a while, I feel it was the right way to go. I can't say any more than that without sharing too much.
My main problem was the authenticity. The writing is good, but it doesn't have a British feel. Yes, it's set in London and Kit mentions some famous landmarks and streets. But she refers to her mother as "Mom," not "Mum." Her speech patterns also don't match those of other authors who successfully capture all things British. I was able to push past that, though, and enjoy the story.
I also had trouble with the relationship between Alex and Kit. For a police officer, he's entirely too trusting of her randomly turning up at crime scenes and offering her input. Unless someone is a forensic genius, why would a cop listen to the opinion of a teenager wandering through almost every area in which there is a dead body? Also, why is this same cop meeting said teenager regularly for coffee and lunch when they have had no previous benign relationship? I'm not sure this could have looked more sketchy under any circumstance.
After wavering back and forth several times and reading a few things between Dear Killer and writing this review, I have to admit that I liked it. It was intriguing, it provided a lot to think about, and Kit is a strong character. I could have been much better with more authenticity, some consistency, and some more revision.
3 of 5 stars.
Monday, July 7, 2014
The Battle for Arcanon Major (The Lost Dacome Files #1) by Alexandra May
This novella is excellent. May imparts the history of Halika Dacome and her fellow rebels, giving insight into the events of Elemental: The First and Elemental: Origins.
May's skill at weaving a story is superb. The narrative is immediately engaging, drawing readers in to an alien world filled with war, weary soldiers, and a leader who is becoming torn between what she is supposed to do and what she feels she needs to be done.
I'm looking forward to reading Elemental: Circle of Fire, but I am just as eagerly awaiting the next installment of The Lost Dacome Files.
May's skill at weaving a story is superb. The narrative is immediately engaging, drawing readers in to an alien world filled with war, weary soldiers, and a leader who is becoming torn between what she is supposed to do and what she feels she needs to be done.
I'm looking forward to reading Elemental: Circle of Fire, but I am just as eagerly awaiting the next installment of The Lost Dacome Files.
Saturday, July 5, 2014
Billy and Me by Giovanna Fletcher
By the end of Billy and Me, I was underwhelmed. Sophie May's secret wasn't really a secret. The relationship between Sophie and Billy seemed to have not progressed at all from when they first met and barely knew each other. Sophie became a character I didn't even like. (How does one relate to a character who seems to do nothing with her life other than be someone's girlfriend?) And what was supposed to be a happy ending felt saccharine and overly sentimental.
The writing is technically correct- too correct, actually. Everything was so formal it felt almost like reading a recitation of facts rather than being told a story by a friend. The use of ellipses drove me absolutely crazy. There was, at a minimum, one per page. Exclamations points were used in even the most mundane of sentences, making me feel as if I were talking to someone who'd indulged in way to many espressos before telling me this (mostly) dull story of a regular girl's love for a famous man.
It's unlikely that I'll read this again. I'll give Fletcher's next book a chance, but I don't hold high hopes.
The writing is technically correct- too correct, actually. Everything was so formal it felt almost like reading a recitation of facts rather than being told a story by a friend. The use of ellipses drove me absolutely crazy. There was, at a minimum, one per page. Exclamations points were used in even the most mundane of sentences, making me feel as if I were talking to someone who'd indulged in way to many espressos before telling me this (mostly) dull story of a regular girl's love for a famous man.
It's unlikely that I'll read this again. I'll give Fletcher's next book a chance, but I don't hold high hopes.
Friday, July 4, 2014
The Girls at the Kingfisher Club by Genevieve Valentine
A fantastic reimagining of the fairy tale "The Twelve Dancing Princesses," The Girls at the Kingfisher Club takes readers into the speakeasies of New York in the Roaring '20s.
Although the third-person narration is primarily centered on Jo, the eldest of the Hamilton sisters, the reader is occasionally allowed insight to the other eleven sisters. Valentine does a wonderful job of distinguishing each of the girls, making each one her own force within the larger group. The background characters are also distinct and memorable, weaving in and out of the Hamilton sisters but never overshadowing them.
The writing style is also great. The jargon is authentic- at least according to my grandmother, who remembers the '20s as some of the best years. The dances and popular music of the time are also presented accurately, making at least this reader want to try it all.
While the ending can't be described as the perfect romantic closing, it is nonetheless hopeful. Real life doesn't always work out with full closure and happy endings for all, but this story will leave readers feeling satisfied with leaving the Hamilton sisters, knowing that even if everything isn't how they imagined, they're at least together and happy.
Although the third-person narration is primarily centered on Jo, the eldest of the Hamilton sisters, the reader is occasionally allowed insight to the other eleven sisters. Valentine does a wonderful job of distinguishing each of the girls, making each one her own force within the larger group. The background characters are also distinct and memorable, weaving in and out of the Hamilton sisters but never overshadowing them.
The writing style is also great. The jargon is authentic- at least according to my grandmother, who remembers the '20s as some of the best years. The dances and popular music of the time are also presented accurately, making at least this reader want to try it all.
While the ending can't be described as the perfect romantic closing, it is nonetheless hopeful. Real life doesn't always work out with full closure and happy endings for all, but this story will leave readers feeling satisfied with leaving the Hamilton sisters, knowing that even if everything isn't how they imagined, they're at least together and happy.
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