Friday 21 June 2013
Inky #3: Fire in the Sea by Myke Bartlett
Sadie is bored - her unexciting summer life of lying around on the beach is getting to her, and she so desperately wants a change. Change comes stiffly though. It comes in the form of Jake - a young-looking boy who brings a whole world of danger with him. Sadie and her family are thrown into a world of Gods and their envoys - life will never be the same for Sadie.
Inky #2: Every Day - David Levithan
Every Day by David Levithan is narrated by A. A is a nomadic soul, each and every day his soul and conciousness travels to a new body, and he lives their life for that single day. But when A ends up in the body of Justin, he becomes infatuated with his girlfriend Rhiannon, and leads himself on a rocky road to find love and happiness.
Sunday 16 June 2013
Inky #1:The 5th Wave - Rick Yancey
Right on scheduld! 3 days in and I have completed my first Inky novel. I decided to read this one first because it has a lot of pages, just under 500 actually. I want to alternate between genres, so my next novel will probably be a contemporary.
The 5th Wave, basically, is about an alien invasion in which the alien invaders use trickery and mind invasion to annihilate all of humankind. For a full blurb and/or detailed reviews visit Amazon or Goodreads (I am unable to discuss my opinion of the book).
This is my first Inky detail! Smell ya' later!
Saturday 15 June 2013
172 Hours On The Moon - Jonah Harstad
To start, I'm going to be all-out honest, this is a horror book, if even the slightest thing manages to keep you awake and frightened at night, do not consider this book, it scared the pants off me, but it was an excellent book.
Jonah Harstad's novel is amazing. For the most part - the book was happy and no horror was in the genre, then you get to the Moon. I wanted to put it down because this stuff really bugs me, but the book was just so amazing, I found myself unwilling to put it down.
The story revolves around three teens - Mia, Midori, and Antoine. They all come from different parts of the world, and have problems that are different. I found the problems really cheesy as well as the way the author described the characters and their lives prior to the main theme of the novel. It just didn't go well with me, and if not for the moon landing I knew was coming, I'd have returned it to the store.
I didn't regret not returning it, as soon as the moon landing training came up I loved it. Starting with a freaky woman in the locked stall of an airport bathroom, and ending with several murders, on and off the moon, the horror part was excruciatingly exciting. I wanted to put it down because the horror was scaring me to bits (and it was 2am, I read late into the night) but I wanted to know what happened next, so I didn't dare put that book down.
As I mentioned earlier, my main problem with the book was the, I dare say it, cheesiness (insert funny pizza joke here). When introducing Mia and her love of music, I was sure that things wouldn't of been the way they were. Realism in a book is really important to me, and it's the reason I did not love this book, and only like the book.
See you on another day, wizards!
Jonah Harstad's novel is amazing. For the most part - the book was happy and no horror was in the genre, then you get to the Moon. I wanted to put it down because this stuff really bugs me, but the book was just so amazing, I found myself unwilling to put it down.
The story revolves around three teens - Mia, Midori, and Antoine. They all come from different parts of the world, and have problems that are different. I found the problems really cheesy as well as the way the author described the characters and their lives prior to the main theme of the novel. It just didn't go well with me, and if not for the moon landing I knew was coming, I'd have returned it to the store.
I didn't regret not returning it, as soon as the moon landing training came up I loved it. Starting with a freaky woman in the locked stall of an airport bathroom, and ending with several murders, on and off the moon, the horror part was excruciatingly exciting. I wanted to put it down because the horror was scaring me to bits (and it was 2am, I read late into the night) but I wanted to know what happened next, so I didn't dare put that book down.
As I mentioned earlier, my main problem with the book was the, I dare say it, cheesiness (insert funny pizza joke here). When introducing Mia and her love of music, I was sure that things wouldn't of been the way they were. Realism in a book is really important to me, and it's the reason I did not love this book, and only like the book.
See you on another day, wizards!
Friday 14 June 2013
The Alchemyst - Michael Scott
The Alchemyst by Michael Scott is widely mistaken to be affiliated with J.K. Rowling and her Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. This angers myself and many others. Nicholas Flamel was a real person, and many theories surround his death, whether his death actually happened is debatable. This is what the book is about.
The book follows Sophie and Josh, twin sister and brother working in a coffee shop and book store across the street from each other. When Dr. John Dee arrives at the book store, demanding the Codex, or the Book of Abraham the Mage, they get pulled into something they never expected. They are on a wild chase to protect the world from Dr. John Dee and his mischievous plans to release the Elders - the models on which many gods are based - from hiding, and take over the world.
I loved this book. The originality was soundless and exquisite. Never before have I read a book that puts a fantasy spin on such historical characters, the series later introduces William Shakespeare as a character, and no, he is not a time-traveller. The plot is terrific, and the entire 400 page novel takes place over the span of three or four days, with two major settings.
I have one problem with the book though - some of the believability of the characters was flawed. Some reactions in pressurised situations were too quick or had the character doing something they normally wouldn't. Considering this, I also had a great relationship with the characters, I understood them, and I felt like I knew them in a weird and wacky kind of way.
I'd recommend this book to kids as young as 10, as long as they are an avid reader and like the genre, they should have no problem with it. There are no inappropriate themes or dialogue in the book, or any of its sequels for that matter.
I give this book a solid 3.5 stars, and to be honest, I prefer it's sequel books (well, that's unusual!)
The book follows Sophie and Josh, twin sister and brother working in a coffee shop and book store across the street from each other. When Dr. John Dee arrives at the book store, demanding the Codex, or the Book of Abraham the Mage, they get pulled into something they never expected. They are on a wild chase to protect the world from Dr. John Dee and his mischievous plans to release the Elders - the models on which many gods are based - from hiding, and take over the world.
I loved this book. The originality was soundless and exquisite. Never before have I read a book that puts a fantasy spin on such historical characters, the series later introduces William Shakespeare as a character, and no, he is not a time-traveller. The plot is terrific, and the entire 400 page novel takes place over the span of three or four days, with two major settings.
I have one problem with the book though - some of the believability of the characters was flawed. Some reactions in pressurised situations were too quick or had the character doing something they normally wouldn't. Considering this, I also had a great relationship with the characters, I understood them, and I felt like I knew them in a weird and wacky kind of way.
I'd recommend this book to kids as young as 10, as long as they are an avid reader and like the genre, they should have no problem with it. There are no inappropriate themes or dialogue in the book, or any of its sequels for that matter.
I give this book a solid 3.5 stars, and to be honest, I prefer it's sequel books (well, that's unusual!)
Thursday 13 June 2013
Tomorrow When The War Began - John Marsden
Well I thought I'd go down to a straight-out Australian classic. Although it is world renowned, not many people out of the country know about. It's such a classic that dozens of schools study it as a classic. I thought I'd review this one because it's one of the only Aussie books that I've read and completely loved.
The book starts on our main character, Ellie Linton, who is telling the story from an afterwards perspective, and it is said that she is writing it down. Her and her seven friends - Corrie, Kevin, Homer, Robin, Lee and Fi - wanted to do something really exciting before they go back to their last year of school, and so, they go camping. Upon coming out of the bush, five days later, their houses are abandoned, electricity is down, and phone lines are off. They know something is wrong, so they go in guerilla style.
That's as much as I can say about the story without giving away too much, so let's get into the review. I really enjoyed how John Marsden set the story and the pace. He never strays from the perspective that he set forth for the team, not once is it written by someone else, and this tells us how Ellie feels about everything that is going on and how she struggles as a person.
The book was not written to be a Hollywood thriller, he used language that every Australian teen does (with less swearing) and the theme is proper. Everyone I know that has read the book can completely relate to it and the ideas it puts forth. I am set to study this book for Semester 2 of Year 9 (Freshman Year) and I have a feeling I will have a better idea of what it's about than the first time readers.
There are several books in the series, and I would recommend reading all of them, as they are all great and stay at the same theme, but my curiosity was gone as soon as I reached the Ellie Chronicles, its sequel series. I would not recommend buying that series.
I give this book a 4 out of 5 star rating - the book is spectacular, and although I didn't like small itty bitty things, it is the best Australian book, and probably my favourite series of its genre. Au revoir!
The book starts on our main character, Ellie Linton, who is telling the story from an afterwards perspective, and it is said that she is writing it down. Her and her seven friends - Corrie, Kevin, Homer, Robin, Lee and Fi - wanted to do something really exciting before they go back to their last year of school, and so, they go camping. Upon coming out of the bush, five days later, their houses are abandoned, electricity is down, and phone lines are off. They know something is wrong, so they go in guerilla style.
That's as much as I can say about the story without giving away too much, so let's get into the review. I really enjoyed how John Marsden set the story and the pace. He never strays from the perspective that he set forth for the team, not once is it written by someone else, and this tells us how Ellie feels about everything that is going on and how she struggles as a person.
The book was not written to be a Hollywood thriller, he used language that every Australian teen does (with less swearing) and the theme is proper. Everyone I know that has read the book can completely relate to it and the ideas it puts forth. I am set to study this book for Semester 2 of Year 9 (Freshman Year) and I have a feeling I will have a better idea of what it's about than the first time readers.
There are several books in the series, and I would recommend reading all of them, as they are all great and stay at the same theme, but my curiosity was gone as soon as I reached the Ellie Chronicles, its sequel series. I would not recommend buying that series.
I give this book a 4 out of 5 star rating - the book is spectacular, and although I didn't like small itty bitty things, it is the best Australian book, and probably my favourite series of its genre. Au revoir!
The "Inky Awards"
Hello Brains!
Just recently I was selected to be a judge for the Australian Inky Awards, which celebrates the popularity and beauty of two books, one Australian, and one International. There are 20 longlisted titles that can be viewed at: http://insideadog.com.au/inkys/2013-longlist
The "Inside A Dog" website (website that runs the competition) can be seen here: http://insideadog.com.au/
It is my job to read all of these books and then deliberate with the 5 other judges on which 10 make the shortlist. Part of the agreement I make with becoming a judge is that I am unable to post a review of any of the books on the longlist until after the shortlist is released. This doesn't mean I won't be posting reviews for the books, after August 26, I will post one of these every day. I will write the reviews as I finish reading the titles and leave them unpublished.
Due to this, my reviews will not be as recent and will focus on some of my favourite books, and will focus on lesser known titles. Instead of posting reviews of books as I read them, I will post a review twice a week of a book or series that I loved and enjoyed. And every time I finish reading one of the Inky titles I will post a brief summary of the book (Would we prefer SPOILER or NON-SPOILER?).
Hope you're looking forward to the reviews to come, smell you later.
Just recently I was selected to be a judge for the Australian Inky Awards, which celebrates the popularity and beauty of two books, one Australian, and one International. There are 20 longlisted titles that can be viewed at: http://insideadog.com.au/inkys/2013-longlist
The "Inside A Dog" website (website that runs the competition) can be seen here: http://insideadog.com.au/
It is my job to read all of these books and then deliberate with the 5 other judges on which 10 make the shortlist. Part of the agreement I make with becoming a judge is that I am unable to post a review of any of the books on the longlist until after the shortlist is released. This doesn't mean I won't be posting reviews for the books, after August 26, I will post one of these every day. I will write the reviews as I finish reading the titles and leave them unpublished.
Due to this, my reviews will not be as recent and will focus on some of my favourite books, and will focus on lesser known titles. Instead of posting reviews of books as I read them, I will post a review twice a week of a book or series that I loved and enjoyed. And every time I finish reading one of the Inky titles I will post a brief summary of the book (Would we prefer SPOILER or NON-SPOILER?).
Hope you're looking forward to the reviews to come, smell you later.
Book versus Movie: The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins
Before I begin this post, I would like readers to know that this is not spoiler free, and is highly opinionated. I would like to ask that if you have a comment that is disrespectful of my opinion, that you take yourself elsewhere.
Okay, sombre attitude aside, let's get busy!
Hunger Games is a highly touched on topic, and I thought it'd be pointless doing a review, as most lovers of young adult fiction have already touched on the book, but I thought it'd be a great opportunity to discuss the shortcomings and the positives of the movie in comparison to the book.
Going to see the movie, I had high expectations. I had looked over all the casting, and seen the trailer multiple times, and honestly, I was naive as a fourteen year old nerd can get. Of course, in some aspects, the movie did live up to expectations, yet mine were a hell-of-a-lot lower than most of the freaked out teenagers, most who followed the books with undying love (NOTE: My high opinion of the first in the trilogy does not reciprocate to its sequels).
In the book you really understand how hard it is for everyone, including Katniss, Peeta, and even Cato. For some, the event is glorified, much like war used to be. But I don't feel we really feel that in the movie. Cato and the Careers all come across as dirty sadistic (insert rude word here). And the only time when I feel that this is shown is in the scene where (SPOILER!) Clove is killed by Thresh, and she yells desperately for Cato to save her.
Another thing, many people complain about the non-appearance of Madge, and the Mockingjay pin and Peeta's Dad. But these were unnecessary characters, that would of added to the cost of the movie without real reason.
That's all we have time for today, Goodnight Booktopia! Tune in next week for another great bookish post!
Okay, sombre attitude aside, let's get busy!
Hunger Games is a highly touched on topic, and I thought it'd be pointless doing a review, as most lovers of young adult fiction have already touched on the book, but I thought it'd be a great opportunity to discuss the shortcomings and the positives of the movie in comparison to the book.
Going to see the movie, I had high expectations. I had looked over all the casting, and seen the trailer multiple times, and honestly, I was naive as a fourteen year old nerd can get. Of course, in some aspects, the movie did live up to expectations, yet mine were a hell-of-a-lot lower than most of the freaked out teenagers, most who followed the books with undying love (NOTE: My high opinion of the first in the trilogy does not reciprocate to its sequels).
In the book you really understand how hard it is for everyone, including Katniss, Peeta, and even Cato. For some, the event is glorified, much like war used to be. But I don't feel we really feel that in the movie. Cato and the Careers all come across as dirty sadistic (insert rude word here). And the only time when I feel that this is shown is in the scene where (SPOILER!) Clove is killed by Thresh, and she yells desperately for Cato to save her.
Another thing, many people complain about the non-appearance of Madge, and the Mockingjay pin and Peeta's Dad. But these were unnecessary characters, that would of added to the cost of the movie without real reason.
That's all we have time for today, Goodnight Booktopia! Tune in next week for another great bookish post!
Magician - Raymond E. Fiest
Bookity-dookity-woo! Time for another book review!
Magician by Raymond E. Fiest, high fantasy, magnificent! Magician revolves around Pug, a young orphan that resides in the castle of Crydee, along the eastern coast of Midkemia, a medieval kingdom. Fourteen months are Pug is apprenticed to a master magician, Pug comes across something very strange, an alien ship broken up along the coast. When the Duke of Crydee forms a party to ride west to inform the king of the possible invasion, things go downhill. Tragedy strikes and Pug seems to be lost forever.
Magician is high fantasy at its greatest. With simplistic writing, keeping even young readers entranced in its deep storyline with immense detail used when describing different events within the story. Normally, high fantasy with increasing complex background stories and complicated magic don't appeal to me, as it takes a large degree of concentration to read them and focus on them, but this was not the case with Magician.
Although many, many years pass in Magician, many of them not delved deep in to during the book, we are able to capture a broad idea of what happens during the book, and I'd easily recommend the book to an avid reader as young as ten or eleven.
This is easily one of my favourite fantasy novels, possibly my most favourite. Awesome!
Although many, many years pass in Magician, many of them not delved deep in to during the book, we are able to capture a broad idea of what happens during the book, and I'd easily recommend the book to an avid reader as young as ten or eleven.
This is easily one of my favourite fantasy novels, possibly my most favourite. Awesome!
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