The Gray Wolf Throne

By Cinda Williams Chima

517 Pages

Published by Hyperion Book CH

★★★★

By Em

 

I have finally gotten around to reading the third book in Ms. Chima's Seven Realms series, and like I've said before, she doesn't disappoint.she has created a rich fantasy world that she builds every book. Her characters are getting more complex, and overall, these just keep getting better and better. 

Raisa ana'Marianna has escaped the clutches of Fiona and Micah Bayar, one of the kings fighting for control over Tamron, and is now on her way home with Edon Byrne and the rest of the Gray Wolves. But she quickly finds herself alone, on the run, attacked, and then, healed and rested at the Maris Pines Camp. Han is there as well, in much worse condition, and she knows that she'll have to tell him her secret sooner or later.

Han has been searching for his love interest Rebecca ever since she disappeared from Oden's Ford. His journey quickly finds her on the brink of death in the mountains, under attack by the Queen's military. He knows that all that matters to him is rescuing her, so using his limited magic he heals her as best he can and takes her to Willow, the healer at Marisa Pines. But the healing puts himself at the brink of death, and things don't get much better when he wakes to find that Rebecca isn't who he thought she was, and that he is going to have to uphold his deal with the Clans sooner than he thought. 

The beginning of this book is full of dramatic irony. (Ha, just learned that in English class. Who says you never learn anything at school?) What I mean is, that for a lot of time, Han will be wondering something, and we know the answer, because Raisa has already answered it for us. So we spends a lot of time of tome watching the characters work out questions and problems that we already know the answer to, thanks to another character. There's been a lot of this in this series, especially in the last book, and I think that's a great thing to have in a book, because it creates interest and gives the reader a feeling of superiority over the characters, because the already know! 

I think that this book is diving even more into intricate politics, and while normally I would find that boring, I think that Cinda finds wonderful ways to keep the intrigue up. Like  how Raisa must fight to get her throne back. Or the multiple attempts on her life. It makes you realize that politics aren't all that easy. There's fighting , deceiving, and even murdering, just to make sure the right person for you is sitting on that throne. And we get a lot of that in this book.

I think that this book has shown a lot of character growth since the beginning of the series. Han has dealt with a lot, and keeps getting hit by blows, and now, he has stopped hating the world for everything, but rather has used those who hurt him to benefit himself instead. Raisa has come form being a little princess who just wants to party and flirt with boys all the time. She has realized that being queen is coming sooner that she hopes, and that she's going to have to be ready when the time cones. Her life is a sacrifice for the greater good of everyone else. 

I'd like to close this review with something I don't think I've put into this review yet. You remember that guy, Crow, who was teaching Han in the dream world. Yeah, him? He becomes important again. And that Demon King guy, who nearly destroyed the world a while back. Yeah, he's important too. So don't forget about those guys. I'm very excited for the release of the fourth book in this series, The Crimson Crown, which comes out this October. Until then, I think I'll probably reread Cinda's other series, and let you guys know just how awesome those books are too!

The Rise of Nine

By Pittacus Lore

 360 Pages

Published by HarperCollins

★★★★★

By Em

I don't think anyone can fathom on how long I waited for this book to finally be released. The minute I finished The Power of Six, I scribbled down the date of this book's release, and had basically been counting down the days for months! Actually, to be specific, 362 days. So, practically a whole year. it was torture...

May contain spoilers from The Power of Six.
Six in on her way out of Spain, accompanied by Marina, Number Seven, Ella, the surprise Number Ten, and Ella's Cêpan, Crayton.They are headed towards India in search of another member of the Garde, much to Six's distaste, who wanted to head back to America as soon as possible to find John and Sam. India seems like it will hold plenty of promise, what with the supposed resurfacing of the Indian God Vishnu, and the military vehicles all printed with a massive Eight. But finding the Garde member may be more of a war then they ever expected. Literally. 

Meanwhile, John and Nine are recuperating from their last run in with the Mogadorians, back in their headquarters deep within a mountain. John is coming to terms with the loss of his friend Sam, and is constantly reliving that reality when he sees his best friend being tortured in his dreams. (Emma sad...) And what's even better is they quickly learn that the FBI is in cahoots (I love that word!) with the Mogadorians. Okay, never saw that one coming! Looks like life just got even harder for the Loric. 

So, let's just start with what I didn't like about this book. Do not get me wrong, this book is still one of the best books EVER! But you know what, there was not enough Sam. Not even close. And that makes Emma very angry. Because she waited a whole year for this book. And now she is going to have to wait even longer for her Sam-like needs to be fulfilled. She is not very happy about that. (And I think I just overused the whole third person thing...)

So, now what did I like? EVERYTHING ELSE!!!!! This books was chalk full of fighting and action, and alien super powers, that I can't even express how totally cool it was! There were multiple battles, plenty of mind boggling questions, and a whole big army of evil aliens! Now, you must admit that this beats out sappy love story any day!

This story really brought two new characters into perspective. We meet Nine last book, but we knew very little about him. How do you sum Nine up? Well, I think John put it perfect when he said,
 "He does enjoy pissing people off."
 I don't think I could have said it any better. Nine seems to live to get on anyone and everyone's nerves. His day isn't complete until he's dished out enough insults to make any teenage queen bee jealous.But, you know, there's a lot more to him that we learn about too. Like his Cêpan Sandor, who I will happily learn more about in my birthday present (see my earlier post Book Club (Among other recent events!) for more information.

We also meet Mr. Eight, who is just as much a mystery as Nine is to us at the very beginning of the book. He's developed many different Legacies already, and when Crayton meets him, he thinks he just may be the one who could rid them of the evil Mogadorian leader Setrakus Ra. But Eight knows things that makes him pray that isn't true. Because he knows that Setrakus Ra just may be who kills him in the end. 

 We see lots of Legacies develop, secrets of the Chests get solved, and many surprises unravel all throughout the book. I must say that the ending of this book is most definitely the best part, and is something you all should excitedly anticipate. Right at this very moment I am getting set to readThe Legacies, so expect that review to come soon! In conclusion, awesome book, one really long wait for the next...

The Power of Six

By Pittacus Lore

406 Pages

Published by HarperCollins

★★★★★

By Em 

 

I'm pretty sure this is my favorite book of the series. Don't get me wrong, I love I Am Number Four, but there is too much romance, and I love The Rise of Nine, but there isn't enough Sam. But this book? Ohhhhhhhhhhhh! This book is just too good! The Mogadorians are out for our main characters, and once again, they are on the run.

May be spoilers from I Am Number Four
So, John, Six, and Sam have left Paradise and are recuperating from their last run in with the Mogadorians. John is dealing with a lot of personal conflicts. Henri's death, leaving Sarah behind, his peculiar dreams, and now a bounty on his head for apparent terrorist acts back in Paradise. As if being an alien teenager wasn't enough stress? John and friends are on the run from the Mogs and the US government, and still, John can't help thinking about Sarah. And Six. And how Sam likes Six. Now his life seems a little bit like a teenage soap-opera. How in the world is he going to survive this?

Meanwhile, up in a mountain covenant full of nuns, Marina, Number Seven, is having problems as well. She's been following the news of John Smith, a supposed terrorist, who she thinks is like her. And she can't help thinking that she should be out there, using her Legacies, fighting Mogadorians, as well. But instead, she stuck inside a covenant until she's 18. And her Cêpan Adelina, no longer believes in their cause. She's hidden Marina's chest and believes in only the word of God. So, for now, Marina is stuck here. But it's not all bad. She has her cave full of paintings, and her friends Hector, the town drunk, and the new girl, Ella. And yet, she still doesn't feel safe.

Now, while the addition of the character Marina was most certainly necessary, I didn't like her. This is a huge debate that we Lorien Legacies fans have. Some think that Marina is a good character, others disagree. I just think she's kind of boring. She whines about things, but doesn't really do a whole lot to make things better for her self. I just kind of read her chapters because I knew that in a few pages I would get to read about what happened to John, Sam and Six, because their story is far more interesting to me than Marina's. Like I said, she's just a little bland.

In this book, I think they build Sam into an even better character. While John spends a lot of his time dealing with his romantic problems, Sam basically takes up Henri's role.

Sam (To Six and John): “You guys are ridiculous," he says, retreating back to the kitchen. "Your flirting just scared the hell out of me."

He researches and trains, and seems to care a lot more about what happens to Lorien than John does sometimes. He solves problems they stumble upon, and even learns about his past. Turns out, he's a whole lot more important than everyone thought in the first place. And that makes Emma very happy.

This book is filled with action and adventure. You never know where the Mogs are going to pop up next, and you have to be suspicious of everyone they run into. Not being grounded to one spot all of the time adds more depth to the characters, because we get to experience what John talked about so much in the last book, always being on the move. And having that whole terrorist thing going on means that there is no where safe for out characters. Everyone is out to get them. And I simply love that about this book.

Book Club (Among other recent events!)

Well, it has been quite a long time since I've gotten any posts up on this website, and I want to apologize. Life has just gotten a little hectic on my side. School just started up, and with volleyball practice, games, homework, clubs, and all that other fun stuff, I've barely been able to get on the computer. For the time being, I will probably only be able to get on the computer over the weekend, so, posts may be scarce or a while. I can't even guarantee that the weekends will be free. The volleyball had invites on Saturdays sometimes, so my whole week is booked occasionally. But Mel and I promise that we will get up new posts as soon as we can.

So, what has been going on in these hectic lives of ours? Well, Melanie and I both have celebrated birthdays within the month, so that has been very exciting! My parents got me The Legacies by none other than Pittacus Lore, which consists of three back stories in my favorite book series. I'm very excited to read it, and I'm sure Mel is too! Though I should probably review the other two before I start this one... sigh.............

Melanie and I, along with Cassidy, have all joined the book club at our school. So, I'm hoping that will be fun. We're reading The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky for October, and I've wanted to read that for a long time, so it should be exciting! Morgan didn't want to join though, because apparently she doesn't like being told what books to read. (And now she claims that is the reason she doesn't like anything that I recommend to her! I think she likes it all and just won't admit it!)

Our school has started a boycott! So Emma and friends are now rebels. That's right were rebellious teenagers making all sorts of mischief! We get into so much trouble becau.... Okay, I can't even write this without laughing. Me and my buds are probably some of the least troublesome people you will ever meet. But we are protesting. Peacefully. Our school lunches are over-priced and they have cut portion sizes ( which is a big thing if you eat lunch at 10:30, have the rest of the school day, volleyball practice from 4-6, and then don't get to eat anything until 7:30 because your brother is at football practice!) so over 50% of the students at the high school and middle school brought paper bag lunches in protest. So yeah, we're rebels. It's pretty cool.

So, now that I think about it. I haven't really been that busy. Just homework... lots and lots of homework... but new reviews are on their way. And once volleyball is over on October 13th, I promise to have a bunch more posts coming out! So, that's all I got for now! Keep reading! (Was it just me, or did that sound really dorky?)

<3 Em

Goddess of the Night

By Lynne Ewing

Pages: 294

Published by Hyperior New York

★★

By Mel

This book was very disappointing. I know that if it was written better the idea would have been amazing. But, the beginning was disappointing and didn’t grab my attention too well. I hoped it would get better but it didn’t. The climax was just as disappointing as the beginning. And worst of all it felt like it didn’t really have an ending. I tried reading the second book but it still never grabbed my attention. I ended up only reading a few chapters before I concluded that it wasn’t going to get better and began reading another book.

It’s basically about a teenage girl, Vanessa Cleveland, who has this inexplicable power to become invisible. Her best friend, Catty, also has the unique ability to travel through time. When Vanessa feels like someone has been following her she travels back in time with Catty to find out who it was. They return unsuccessfully. Later she notices that the new girl, Serena, seems to be looking at her a lot. Then one day she takes her to see this weird lady named Maggie. Maggie tells Vanessa that she and Catty are goddesses. Their job is to defend the humans against the Atrox who steal hope from their victims.

So, while the story could have been a good one, I really did not like the way it was written. But, if you still want to give it a try you might like it a little better. I just did not like it enough to read the full series (12 books!).

The Always War

By Margaret Haddix

Pages: 197

Published by Simon and Schuster

★★

By Mel

  When I was younger, Haddix was one of my favorite authors. I read this series called the Shadow Children by her when I was in fifth grade. That was my favorite series for awhile. So I found this book and it sounded like a great story. But, as I began reading it I was very disappointed. The idea was good but I did not enjoy Haddix's writing style. She wasn't descriptive enough, and I'm pretty sure she writes for younger readers (which explains why I loved her when I was younger, and don't anymore). Maybe if I was still in fifth grade I'd like it. But for now, I suggest you don't read it unless you are younger.

Anyways, this book was about a war known as The Always War. It has been going on for so long that even grandparents don't remember a time before it. But, one day Gideon Thrall is one stage to receive an award for bravery during the war. When he runs off stage saying he doesn't deserve the award, people are bewildered. Including Tessa, a normal girl who happens to live in the apartment next to Gideon. One night she follows this mysterious stranger and soon finds herself in a rouge plane and going into enemy territory. Soon Tessa and Gideon discover a secret that shakes the whole foundation of everything they have believed their whole life. Will they bring the truth to light? Will anyone believe them?

So, as you can see, it sounds like an okay book but when I read it, it wasn't that good. My sister Val just read the back cover and knew the ending. Of course she had to tell me it before I even finished the first page. That also kind of ruined the story for me. But if you feel the need to read it anyways, let me warn you: the book doesn't get any better towards the end.

Perception

By Kim Harrington

Pages: 275

Published by Point 

★★★★

By Mel

 

 This book was really interesting. It's a mystery that kept me glued until the last page. But the thing is, half way through reading this book I found out that it was the second in a series. Which was actually kind of funny because while I was reading it I kept thinking that they should write a prequel to it about the summer adventure she kept referring too. Sadly, my library only has this book and not the first, Clarity. 

This novel is about Clarity (Clare) and her small town's eery mysteries. The unique thing about Clare's family are their special abilities. Her mom can read minds, her brother can talk to the dead, and Clarity can touch an object and see what the person saw who last touched it. After some summer events, Clare is something of a celebrity in school. And she hates it.

But her new status at school is the least of her problems. She keeps finding gifts and notes from a secret admirer. At first they seem innocent and Clare is slightly flattered. But soon, they become sinister and a girl in town goes missing. Clare doesn't know what to do. She has no idea who is stalking her and feels the need to find out what happened to the girl who disappeared.

The ending came as a surprise to me. I never could have guessed what happened. It was crazy! I loved it and I really wish my library had the first book. I think I will try some other libraries.

The Trylle Trilogy

By Amanda Hocking

Pages: 293-295

Published by St. Martin’s Griffin  

★★★★★

By Mel

I’ve decided it would be much easier to just write one review for the whole Trylle Trilogy because I read them too fast to keep up with writing the reviews for them. They were so intriguing and full of mysteries with some romance as well, that I found myself staying up later into the night then I intended.

Now I realize that no matter how I word this it will sound weird. But, this story is about Trolls. Now they aren’t the creepy little monsters with colorful hair that sticks up straight or the ones that guard bridges or something. In this series trolls look like normal humans except that they have some very powerful powers. They can do things like move objects with their minds, heal people, and control the elements like wind or rain. They prefer to call themselves Trylle because humans think of trolls as I previously described them before. Trylle is actually just the name of their community in Minnesota. There are other tribes too, living right underneath our noses.

The first book Switched is about Wendy Everly’s discovery of her true identity. At age six her mother attacked her, telling her that she was a monster and not her child. Years later, with her mother now in a mental institution, Wendy never believed she might be right. She is a changeling who was switched at birth. In this book she discovers the magical world that she came from.

Torn is the second book in the Trylle Trilogy. Wendy Everly now knows the truth about her real mother and the world she was born into. In this book she learns a secret about the Vittra she never could have foreseen. The Vittra are the natural rivals of the Trylle. Wendy must make a choice between her love for her body guard, Finn; her affections for the Vittra prince, Loki; or to marry a friend that could help her end or win the war against the Vittra that is inevitable.

The final book of the series is Ascend. It was a great ending to an amazing series. Wendy now must either sacrifice herself to the Vittra, or watch her kingdom become destroyed by a war against the Vittra that they have no chance of winning. On top of this she now must make her final choice between Finn and Loki, the two loves of her life. She knows she must pick one and the choice becomes obvious soon. But, it might not matter anyways if her plan fails and their lives meet their ends.

I didn’t expect to like this series. My mom bought them for me when I informed her I needed a good book to read. I pushed off reading them for a few months and my sister ended up reading them. She told me how good they were and so I read the trilogy. And now I love this series too!