Review: Flood - Stephen Baxter

Flood - Stephen Baxter
Pages: 488

Four hostages are rescued from a group of religious extremists in Barcelona. After five years of being held captive together, they make a vow to always watch out for one another. But they never expected this. The world they have returned to has been transformed by water and the water is rising. As it continues to flow from the earths mantle, entire countries disappear. High ground becomes a precious commodity. And finally, the dreadful truth is revealed: before fifty years have passed, there will be nowhere left to run... -monstersandcritics.com

This book completely fits the apocalyptic theme. It is literally about the end of the world. I saw it in the library one day and thought it sounded interesting, but it was far better than I expected.

The part mentioned above about the four characters being hostages for five years really makes it sound like the book will spend a lot of time with them in captivity, but it really doesn't. They're rescued at the end of chapter one, and their experiences together from the five years imprisoned together slowly come out as the book progresses. I liked how by chapter two one could already tell that something was wrong, and things got more interesting from there.

One of the things I found a bit hard to keep track of was the time jumps. I could read three or four chapters, and all of a sudden the book shifts to two or three years in the future. It was interesting seeing how the oceans gradually covered the planet, and there were transitions, but this book was different from what I'm used to. I did like that it took place over several years, though.

The characters in Flood were very interesting. They are all very distinct, and yet they almost blend together through various relationships. The development of the four hostages and their families is very well done. One really gets to know Lily, Piers, Gary, and Helen through the course of the book, save whomever dies (I won't spoil it for you...). I thought that Stephen Baxter was very blunt when he killed off a character. There was no pointless beating around the bush, he just came straight out and told you that someone was dead.

On a sort of closing note, the points where the flooding is up close and personal is very descriptive. I don't know about you guys, but I love being able to picture it exactly, the water rushing in and forcing it's way into peoples lives. The storms and tsunamis are very vivid, and I enjoyed that.

Overall, this book is about the world coming to an end, ecosystems and governments collapsing as the water rises. It is a very apocalyptic book, and those of you who don't like end-of-the-world scenarios might not enjoy. Stephen Baxter is a new author to me, but so far he's very promising...

Rating: 8.5/10


Until next time,

Harry

REVIEW: Catching Fire - Suzanne Collins

Catching Fire - Suzanne Collins
Pages: 391

Every year in Panem, the dystopic nation that exists where the U.S. used to be, the Capitol holds a televised tournament in which two teen "tributes" from each of the surrounding districts fight a gruesome battle to the death. In The Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark, the tributes from impoverished District Twelve, thwarted the Gamemakers, forcing them to let both teens survive. In this rabidly anticipated sequel, Katniss, again the narrator, returns home to find herself more the center of attention than ever. The sinister President Snow surprises her with a visit, and Katniss’s fear when Snow meets with her alone is both palpable and justified. Catching Fire is divided into three parts: Katniss and Peeta’s mandatory Victory Tour through the districts, preparations for the 75th Annual Hunger Games, and a truncated version of the Games themselves. Slower paced than its predecessor, this sequel explores the nation of Panem: its power structure, rumors of a secret district, and a spreading rebellion, ignited by Katniss and Peeta’s subversive victory. Katniss also deepens as a character. Though initially bewildered by the attention paid to her, she comes almost to embrace her status as the rebels’ symbolic leader. Though more of the story takes place outside the arena than within, this sequel has enough action to please Hunger Games fans and leaves enough questions tantalizingly unanswered for readers to be desperate for the next installment. - Amazon. com

It didn't really take long for me to read this. I'm just now getting to the review. Finals week is really messing me up. ):

Anyways. This book is the 2nd in the Hunger Games Series. It delivered just as much of a punch as the first one. Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark have thwarted the system and both survived the horrid Hunger Games. In this book, Katniss matures as a character as she is forced to visit every district on the Victory Tour and face the families of the very people she killed. When she hears whisperings of a rebellion and a secret district, she is both astonished and empowered. She has become the very face of rebellion in Panem, and everyone is out to keep her alive and perserve her image for all of the people in the nation.

This book, honestly, I can say this is my absolute favorite book right now. It may almost be better than the Hunger Games! This book focuses more on Katniss and her relationships and importance to all the people of Panem. She learns what her act of rebellion has brought to herself, her family, her friends, Gale, Peeta, and so many others that live in District 12 and all the other Districts.

This book is, by design, slower paced than its predecessor. This is both a blessing and a curse. In the beginning, I was looking for all the action, turmoil and twists that the Games and being in the arena had brought. However, there is nothing even mentioned about the Arena until about half-way through this book. Instead, it is about Katniss's involvment in a rebellion, her reaction to this and her actions for her loved ones.

Originally, I was disappointed, but I was rewarded when the plot twisted. I was not expecting President Snow's announcement about the Quell Games, and I actually almost wanted to cry for Katniss and Peeta.

President Snow is someone to keep your eye on. He's sly and a tricky sort of fellow. I certainly can't ever tell what he's thinking.

Haymitch and Effie are also keeping in their respective roles, and I do come to admire Haymitch more. And Cinna. He's definitely one of my favorites. (:

Overall, I did quite enjoy this book. Maybe not as much as the first, because there was less rumble and tumble action, but it was a great sequel and really sped the entire fate of Panem, Katniss, and Peeta up. It was thoroughly enjoyable.

Rating: 9 of 10

until next time,

Addy

Review: The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins Pages: 374

In a future North America, where the rulers of Panem maintain control through an annual televised survival competition pitting young people from each of the twelve districts against one another, sixteen-year-old Katniss's skills are put to the test when she voluntarily takes her younger sister's place.-goodreads.com

Oh gosh...where to start. I read this book in 3 days. I started Monday, and finished yesterday. That's how good I thought it was. The Hunger Games is actually my summer reading book, but I couldn't put it down after the first few pages. I've got to give kudos to my school for choosing this one, it's very gripping.

The book starts out introducing Katniss and her family, giving us background into her life. She's the breadwinner for her mother and little sister, and they live in one of the poorest of the twelve 'districts' that divide the country of Panem. However, it doesn't last long. Before chapter one ends, there's a sever plot twist. Suddenly Katniss finds herself in a completely new place, surrounded by strange people and wealth she had never even dreamed of before. She meets 22 other tributes, two from each other district, and they prepare to kill each other. That's the point of the Hunger Games. The person who outlives everyone else becomes the champion, and they never need to work another day in their life.

Katniss and the other tribute from her district, a boy named Peeta, end up playing the 'starstruck lovers' role, something new to the Hunger Games, because the rules state that there can only be one champion. Both characters also have very different views on their 'romance', because one is more interested in survival, and the other in love. The only problem is that one of them has to die.

As mentioned above, the book took me three days. It's a quick read, but you won't be able to put it down. Peeta and Katniss definitely have something going on, but Katniss tries to hide it because she knows one of them will die, and that the entire thing is televised, and being watched by literally everyone. I loved how the two balanced their strengths and worked together in various parts of the book. They bounced off each other and worked well together.

The book itself is mainly action, most of the time spent in the Games themselves. There's a lot of killing, but it's not disgustingly graphic. It's just enough to get the point across. The wide variety of characters is nice too, from an annoying girl named Effie to a friendly fashion designer named Cinna, they all add something interesting to the book.

Something small to note, the book is written in first person, so it's narrated by Katniss. It's interesting, seeing things from her point of view, but I like it. It helps the reader to make connections to her and distinguish her friends from her enemies.

Overall, however, I loved the book, and can't wait to read the next one. Suzanne Collins is a new author to me, but I'm liking what I've read.

Rating: 9/10


Catch you later,
Harry

REVIEW: City of Ashes - Cassandra Clare

City of Ashes - Cassandra Clare

Pages: 453

Summary: Clary Fray just wishes that her life would go back to normal. But what's normal when you're a demon-slaying Shadowhunter, your mother is in a magically induced coma, and you can suddenly see Downworlders like werewolves, vampires, and faeries? If Clary left the world of the Shadowhunters behind, it would mean more time with her best friend, Simon, who's becoming more than a friend. But the Shadowhunting world isn't ready to let her go -- especially her handsome, infuriating, newfound brother, Jace. And Clary's only chance to help her mother is to track down rogue Shadowhunter Valentine, who is probably insane, certainly evil -- and also her father.
To complicate matters, someone in New York City is murdering Downworlder children. Is Valentine behind the killings -- and if he is, what is he trying to do? When the second of the Mortal Instruments, the Soul-Sword, is stolen, the terrifying Inquisitor arrives to investigate and zooms right in on Jace. How can Clary stop Valentine if Jace is willing to betray everything he believes in to help their father?
In this breathtaking sequel to City of Bones, Cassandra Clare lures her readers back into the dark grip of New York City's Downworld, where love is never safe and power becomes the deadliest temptation.

So, this book is the second in the Mortal Instruments series. Great book, this is. I was captured the instant I started.

There is a whole world that humans can't see. The Downworld. This consists of werewolves, vampires, faeries, warlocks and the like. And then there are Shadowhunters, children of Angels, who keep order among all. The Clave is the governing body and presides over and organizes the Shadowhunters. It is not without flaws and corruption. And Valentine is out to destroy it.


I really did like this book. I was so captivated. I was a little disappointed that Isabelle's role seemed to have gotten cut, but I really liked hearing about Max, Mayrse and Robert Lightwood. The Lightwoods are such a complex family. Mayrse is bipolar, it seems, but is a loving mother, and fierce and protective by nature. Max is cute, I love him. :)


The plot of this book coincides directly with the first book. I'm not saying this could not stand alone, but there is a lot of background referenced. Valentine's plan is to get the Truth Telling Sword, the Soul Sword, but when turned by Downworlder blood, can be used to control demons. To compound matter, the Inquisitor, the Clave's enforcer, suspects Jace of stealing it, especially when he, Isabelle, Alec, and Clary are found at the scene of the Silent City.

Valentine is so interesting as a character. He's self-righteous, proud and unyielding to the Clave, but he supposedly hates demons, yet has them do his bidding. He is also both loving and destructive and uncaring toward his children. It's downright baffling. You have no idea what he will really do up until he actually does it.

I would recommend this series to anyone who is really into fantasy, and the whole "other" world type. I love werewolves and vampires, if it isn't apparent already, and the added races to this book interest me a good deal.


Simon, Magnus and Alec are some of my favorite characters. I'm always feeling for them and trying to lend my heart to them. But I still have to say Jace is my absolute favorite. He takes after Valentine so much, and his love is just so forbidden. I feel bad for him, but then angry cuz he's such an ass. :P Clary and Jace's newfound abilities are coming into effect more than ever, especially now that Clary is fully immersed into Shadowhunter life and their world.

Good book. I loved it. :D



Rating: 9 of 10

Until next time,
Addy

Review: Cell - Stephen King

Cell - Stephen King

Pages: 449

In Cell King taps into readers fears of technological warfare and terrorism. Mobile phones deliver the apocalypse to millions of unsuspecting humans by wiping their brains of any humanity, leaving only aggressive and destructive impulses behind. Those without cell phones, like illustrator Clayton Riddell and his small band of "normies," must fight for survival, and their journey to find Clayton's estranged wife and young son rockets the book toward resolution. -goodreads.com

I read Cell about 9 months or so ago, but it stuck out in my mind so vividly I felt like reviewing it.

For starters, Stephen King is just generally creepy. He has written some of the scariest things I've ever read. I'm working up to read It, but from the rumors I hear, it's pretty messed up. Stephen King does a good job of getting a hold of the part of you that wants to put the book down out of fear or disgust, but at the same time can't put it down because then you won't know what happens next.

Cell starts out on a happy note, the main character just landed a job that will finally bring in some money. As the book puts it, "God was in his Heaven." Then, everything falls apart in a heartbeat. It starts out with a few messed up things, and soon the entire world blows up in a storm of insanity, and it's all because of cell phones. The phones send out a sort of a 'pulse' that seems to virtually liquify the brains of those exposed to it. Clayton Riddell doesn't have a cell phone, and that's what saves him from being infected. However, as things progress, and the zombie-like characters grow ever stranger, Clayton races to find his wife and son. He has no idea if they're even alive, or if they are, if they've become braindead zombies.

There's a nice wide range of characters in Cell. Clayton meets up with three or so companions, none of whom had cell phones. Together, they race to find Clayton's family, a strange meeting place, and the cause and effect of the Pulse. As the plot progresses, you learn more and more about each one of the characters, and the development is very nice.

Personally, this book freaks me out looking back. I didn't have a cell phone when I read it, but I do now. The reason Cell scares me is because it points out the major technology in society, and the consequences of it. If something bad happens, chances are you'll want to call your friends, parents, etc., to make sure they're alright or to find out news. What this book focuses on is what would happen if the cell phone itself was what caused the catastrophe. I for one know that I would instantly call someone, meaning if this book was reality, I would be a braindead zombie.

Overall however, I really liked the book, and could hardly put it down. A very good word for it is 'gripping.' I would highly recommend it, but if you have a cell phone it might give you a case of the shivers...

RATING: 8.5/10

Must love on-time reviews,

Harry.

Review: Shiver - Maggie Stiefvater

Shiver - Maggie Stiefvater
Pages : 390

For years, Grace has watched the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf—her wolf—is a chilling presence she can't seem to live without. Meanwhile, Sam has lived two lives: In winter, the frozen woods, the protection of the pack, and the silent company of a fearless girl. In summer, a few precious months of being human ... until the cold makes him shift back again.

Now, Grace meets a yellow-eyed boy whose familiarity takes her breath away. It's her wolf. It has to be. But as winter nears, Sam must fight to stay human--or risk losing himself, and Grace, forever.

Say hellow to this awesome book. Shiver was a great read, I must say. If you noticed, I did this here book for Kiss and Tell. I gave a good initial rating, I think. Maybe a step higher would have been good.

But anyways. Onwards.

First of all, I love werewolves. In general, I perfer their mythical-ness to other fictional races/being/etc.

Sam Roth is a werewolf. He was bitten and every winter, he becomes a wolf and in the summer he is human. Grace Bisbane was once attack by the pack of wolves Sam belonged to. She never knew him as anything but "her wolf," with his yellow eyes, who had saved her from being eaten alive by the wolf pack. Every winter, Grace observes the pack and her wolf. Then one winter comes around and everything changes.

I love animals. This book almost made me feel like these wolves were an endangered species. This is somewhat accurate, however, I should sawa the humanity most of the wolves had is what is scarce.

This is a love story between Sam and Grace. It was very touching and endearing; the two felt as if they had known each other their whole lives, which, is somewhat true. My only qualm is that the romance just jump-started into action. But it is somewhat understandable when you realize what the plot becomes.

Sam is my favorite character of them all. He's so sweet, and he's always looking out for Grace. Even as a wolf, he is always aware of her. He is shy and cute, always wanting to please his other half. Grace comes in as my second. She's so self-sufficient. It's almost like she was the man in the realationship! haha! :P

The plot was...confusing. I was very unsure of what the real intention of the author was. I'm still not quite sure. The climax, or what I think it to be, was indeed exciting, and probably the high point of the book. However, I just feel...let down after that. As if the ending had no real meaning. It was a great build up, and then PLOP. Nothing.

The "meat" of the plot was interesting though. Grace has and unexpected friendship with the most popular girl at school, and her best friend Olivia, is an interesting case. I'll let you figure that one out. :P

Overall, I would recommend this. I'm a sucker for wolves and love stories. :P

RATING: 8.5 of 10

Until Next Time,

Addy

Review: Nick of Time - Ted Bell

Nick of Time - Ted Bell

Pages: 433

The setting is England, 1939, on the eve of war. Nick and his sister Kate live in a lighthouse on the smallest of the Channel Islands. Nick, Kate and their father are engaged in a desperate war of espionage with the German U-boat fleets that are circling the islands prior to invasion. The information they provide daily to Winston Churchill is vital as he tries to warn England of the imminent Nazi invasion. In a surprising twist, Nick discovers an old seachest sent to him by his ancestor, Captain Nicholas McIver of the Royal Navy. Nick returns to the year 1805 via a time machine and help save Captain McIver and, indeed, Admiral Nelson's entire fleet from the treachery of the French and the mutinous Captain Billy Blood. In the climactic sea battle with Captain Blood, Nick's love of the sea, and his feats of derring-do, indisputably prove his courage and heroism. His sister Kate, meanwhile, has enlisted the aid of two of England's most brilliant detectives, Lord Hawke, and Commander Hobbes, to thwart the Nazis. They prove themselves more than a match for England's underwater enemies, when they discover the existence of Germany's super-secret experimental submarine. -Goodreads.com

Goodness...I'm overdue for a review. My apologies to you loyal peoples out there. I know I've been busy, but being 3 days late is a baaaaad thing.

Anyways, on to the book.

Nick of Time was a birthday present about a year ago, and I absolutely loved it. Various critics have called it a great boy book, and I agree. It has sailing, war, conspiracy, mystery, and so on. It has a strange sense of fantasy with the time traveling, and keeps you guessing with a whole maze of twists and turns. Nick of Time has pirates, spies, time travel, military combat, the list goes on.

The characters in this book are very well developed, to say the least. One of my favorites was Hobbes. Hobbes is a very intelligent former Oxford instructor and fencing master, among other talents. He works with Lord Hawke, spying for the English troops. The Goodreads.com review mentions that this book takes place on the eve of World War II, and it really does. Reading the book, one can almost feel the tension that exists between Germany and England alone. However, for those of you who aren't big history buffs, Nick of Time isn't entirely history.

Nick, being only 12, has a great imagination, a caring side for his younger sister, a fun curiosity about everything around him, and is an expert about everything related to the sea around the island where he lives. He has a want for adventure, for change in his life. He just has no idea what he's getting into. The book is a good read, at 433 pages. I would really recommend it for teenage guys overall though. No offense to you girls, but I'm not sure you'd like it that much.


RATING: 9.5/10

(The next review will be on time...I promise!)

Until then,

Harry

Kiss and Tell (2)

This Is a new meme being featured Over at Fatasy4eva, where the whole idea is to gush about our latest books compare and discuss them.

The second Kiss and Tell. I'll let you know that I'm almost finished with Catching Fire, and I have the review on Shiver coming up, so get excited for that!

Onto the meme, haha.

City Of Ashes -Cassandra Clare

Pages: 453

Rating: 7 Kiss and Tells

Summary: Clary Fray just wishes that her life would go back to normal. But what's normal when you're a demon-slaying Shadowhunter, your mother is in a magically induced coma, and you can suddenly see Downworlders like werewolves, vampires, and faeries? If Clary left the world of the Shadowhunters behind, it would mean more time with her best friend, Simon, who's becoming more than a friend. But the Shadowhunting world isn't ready to let her go -- especially her handsome, infuriating, newfound brother, Jace. And Clary's only chance to help her mother is to track down rogue Shadowhunter Valentine, who is probably insane, certainly evil -- and also her father.
To complicate matters, someone in New York City is murdering Downworlder children. Is Valentine behind the killings -- and if he is, what is he trying to do? When the second of the Mortal Instruments, the Soul-Sword, is stolen, the terrifying Inquisitor arrives to investigate and zooms right in on Jace. How can Clary stop Valentine if Jace is willing to betray everything he believes in to help their father?
In this breathtaking sequel to City of Bones, Cassandra Clare lures her readers back into the dark grip of New York City's Downworld, where love is never safe and power becomes the deadliest temptation.


What I think:
Oh where to start...
I think City of Ashes is gonna be a really great book, I really do. There was so much I loved about City of Bones and there is so much in the series I love. The normal main character, the hot boy, all the fantastic creatures, especially werewolves, and so much more.
I'm a huge fan of all things magical and fantasy, so this series has been a good one for me. I'm looking forward to this one a lot!

Random Thought:
Not to spoil, but I hated when I found out about Jace. Seriously crushed my dreams


Until Next Time,
Addy