Green Angel by Alice Hoffman

Left on her own when her family dies in a terrible disaster, fifteen-year-old Green is haunted by loss and by the past. Struggling to survive physically and emotionally in a place where nothing seems to grow and ashes are everywhere, Green retreats into the ruined realm of her garden. But in destroying her feelings, she also begins to destroy herself, erasing the girl she'd once been as she inks darkness into her skin. It is only through a series of mysterious encounters that Green can relearn the lessons of love and begin to heal enough to tell her story.

I've had this book FOREVER sitting on my shelf and honestly, I'm not sure why it took me so long to read it. It's SHORT. (128 pages, seriously!) and so it wasn't even like it was a time commitment or anything. No huge risk factor with this book. So anyways, I FINALLY got around to reading it.

I liked this book. Even after thinking about it for a few days, I'm still not 100% sure what the message of the book was supposed to be (and I'm almost positive there was supposed to be some kind of meaning) but I still feel like it affected me in some way.

The book doesn't have a lot of dialogue, which somehow seems to add to the mood of the story. The story gives off a very detached, isolated feeling which, I think, is exactly how Green feels throughout most of the book. It's also eerie and sort-of mysterious with hints of slightly creepy every so often. (hence why it's here for Spooky October!) I liked the description in the book and also the growth of Green's character. 

I don't really have a ton to say about this book, especially since it was so short, but I just know that I really did like it. It wasn't exactly WOW HERE READ THIS *SHOVES IN FACE* I WONT BE YOUR FRIEND IF YOU DONT READ IT but it certainly was not a waste of time. It was good.

The Good: Mood, character growth
The Bad: A bit slow
The Verdict: 7/10

Rachel

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Swimming Through Clouds by Rajdeep Paulus

I live in the in between. Between what if and what is. It’s how I manage. It’s the only way I know. Everyone has their way. This is mine.

When high school, cell phone disruption forces a classroom ban, the words on a Post-it note spark a sticky romance between two unlikely friends. Transfer student Talia Vanderbilt has one goal at her new school: to blend in with the walls. Lagan Desai, basketball captain and mathlete, would do just about anything to befriend the new girl. One Post-it note at a time, Lagan persuades Talia to peel back her heart, slowly revealing her treasure chest of pain—an absent mother, a bedridden brother, and an abusive father. In a world where hurt is inevitable, the two teens search for a safe place to weather the storms of life. Together.

Once again, I started this book having no idea what I was getting into. It seems to be a trend with me and books, to be honest(maybe I should start reading more just the first two sentences of the synopsis?) . In the first few chapters, I was kind of going "Oh, no, this is not what I thought it would be at all. What am I doing?" But that quickly changed.

Swimming Through Clouds turned out to be a time-well-spent kind of book. At times it was almost painful to read, but it was definitely worth it. 

The characters started off as a bit dull to me, but they definitely grew on me the more the story progressed. The book really only had four characters of importance: Talia, Jesse, their father, and Lagan. Without a doubt, I was always rooting for Talia, although, let's be honest, as the victim of an abusive father, I think it would be impossible not to. There were certainly times when Talia confused me and made me somewhat frustrated, but the more I got to know her the more I understood where she was coming from, even though it is impossible for me to relate to what she is going through. There was some definite character growth for Talia in this book and I really appreciate that. 

Jesse, Talia's younger brother, was another good character. He didn't make me frustrated or mad at all, and I really did sympathize with him for the entire story. Their father, though, I felt completely opposite about. 100% hater, just as we are supposed to. Some of he things he did made my stomach turn. As the synopsis says, he is abusive towards Talia and her brother. One thing that I would have liked is a bit more background on him. I felt like I never really got to understand why their father was the way he was.

Lastly, there was Lagan. He was truly a very sweet guy. The way he treated Talia was wonderful, although I do wish that, at least towards the end of the book, Talia had been able to become a bit more independent and not so... spookish. 

Also worth mentioning is Rajdeep Paul's's writing and storytelling, which were absolutely wonderful! It was all so detailed, and not in that please-stop-talking-about-the-exact-shade-of-the-neighbours-eyes kind of way, but in that I-can-totally-picture-everything-that-is-happening-in-vivid-detail way, and it was fantastic. Also, the pacing of the book was really really good. 

The one thing that I would have changed in this book is the ending. The ending itself was fantastic, but I think that an epilogue would have been just right to finish off. Swimming Through Clouds had one of those somewhat open-ended endings that lets the reader imagine what happens, but I think it is almost a bit too open in a way. Personally, I would have liked to have a bit more closure. There seemed to be a few things that could have been mentioned while still having that open-ended ending.

Overall, I think this is a book that I would definitely recommend. It was waaayy out of my normal comfort zone and yet I still thoroughly enjoyed it. However, I don't think enjoying this book is the main thing. Instead, I think the most important part of this book is that it made me think about this kind of situation in a way that was meaningful and not always 100% comfortable. It's one of those books that might not be light and happy to read, but is valuable and important.

The Good: Writing, overall story and meaning
The Bad: Possibly could have used an epilogue or something at the end
The Verdict: 8.5/10. Loved it!
Goodreads Link

Rachel

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The Unfailing Light (Katerina #2) by Robin Bridges

Having had no choice but to use her power has a necromancer to save Russia from dark forces, Katerina Alexandrovna, Duchess of Oldenburg, now wants to forget that she ever used her special powers. She's about to set off to pursue her lifelong dream of attending medical school when she discovers that Russia's arch nemesis--who she thought she'd destroyed--is still alive. So on imperial orders, Katerina remains at her old finishing school. She'll be safe there, because the empress has cast a potent spell to protect it against the vampires and revenants who are bent on toppling the tsar and using Katerina for their own gains. But to Katerina's horror, the spell unleashes a vengeful ghost within the school, a ghost more dangerous than any creature trying to get in.

As the second book in the Katerina trilogy, I'd been waiting a long time for this one to release. I enjoyed this book, but I have to say it was a bit disappointing. The first one had finished off so strong and I was dying to read the Unfailing Light, but it just didn't quite make the cut.

Katerina was still great character in The Unfailing Light- she has very clear goals and still does her best to do what's right AND what's best for her. However, George Alexandrovnich did let me down this time :( And I really did like him in the first book, too! He was just a bit of a jerk this time around. The non-insta love that was starting between Katerina and George in the last book did not seem to flow through into this book, since George was being dumb. He completely disregarded what Katerina wanted and underestimated her abilities again and again and again. I also didn't think that Katerina was as frustrated with him as she could have been. Personally, I would have seriously considered giving him a good kick to the shins at times.

Characters aside, there were other parts of this book that I wasn't entirely keen on. The pacing was much slower than the first book, which had me not as excited to keep reading. A faster paced action packed story was exactly what the Unfailing Light needed to keep the ball rolling after The Gathering Storm, but it just didn't really happen. Also, the setting was the same in this one as it was in the first book, despite there being hope of something new.

A part of the book that I did like, however, was the ghost that was mentioned in the synopsis. The setting as a whole is still as enjoyable as ever. Russia in the late 1800's with paranomal-ness? Yes. Still good.

So even though this book was a bit of a let down (it seems to be a trend with the middle book in trilogies, or is that just me?) I am eagerly looking forward to the next one, The Morning Star, which came out August 27th. It's on my list to read!

The Good: The world, as always, and Katerina
The Bad: George, pacing, anti-climatic after the first book
The Verdict: 3.5/5
Goodreads Link


Rachel

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Review: Rory by Ciye Cho

Far beyond heaven, earth and hell is a city known as Palladino, a place ruled by ghosts and filled with demons, magic, and all sorts of darkly beautiful things. A city where no one can ever escape.Eighteen-year-old Rory is a cake decorator who makes stunning confections. But no amount of frosting or miracles can save her when a demon kidnaps her—and carries her to Palladino. Here, Rory ends up in a deadly charm school where young women are forced to become companions for the Ghost Lords. And for her to survive, Rory must become everything that she isn’t: graceful, elegant... and perfect.
But nothing is what it seems in Palladino. Not the magic. Not the ghosts. And definitely not Martin Marius, the bizarre Ghost Lord-slash-inventor who is drawn to Rory. For amid a thousand machines and a hundred cats, Martin holds a secret that could change everything. A secret that could either free Rory... or destroy her.

This book was generously given to us from Ciye Cho in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much Ciye! 

Let me just say, honestly, I LOVED this book. I wasn't too sure what to expect going into it, but once I started reading it, I actually couldn't put it down! I finished the entire book in 2 days. That's how good it was. 

It was just a really great mix of everything I love in YA fiction. It was surreal, fantastical, although still extremely relatable. The setting is magical, and wonderful, but also dark and dangerous. The pace of the story was good, there were no slow points, or bits that were boring or hard to read through. It was one of those action-packed books that constantly throw plot twists at you to keep you interested. That fact made this book particularly addicting for me.The plot was mysterious, and very unpredictable, so it left me wanting to keep reading to find out what would happen next! And after I finished the whole book, I found myself saddened by the fact that the next book in the series is not published yet! I can't wait to read it! 

I loved the main character Rory. She's a baker, and my favourite scenes were when she was baking cakes and decorating them. The description of those scenes were just so much fun to read! There was a dream kitchen involved... and let me tell you... I think anyone would love to have that kitchen, even if you weren't a baker! It sounded fabulous! The level of description throughout the whole book was amazing, not just in the baking scenes. I am a very visual person, so when an author can really paint a clear picture in my head with the words they use, it's usually an instant hit with me! Ciye Cho definitely accomplished that! 

Another thing that was really great about this book was that there was a talking cat. Need I say more? Didn't think so. 

I'm wracking my brain to try and find something I didn't like about this book... but I don't think there was anything! All around, it was a great book, and very fun to read!  

The Good: everything. no joke. 
The Bad: nothing. it was addicting perfection that I couldn't put down. There's nothing bad about that!!!! 
The Verdict: 10/10 peeps. Give it a read. you won't regret it!!!! 

PS: I can't wait to read Ciye Cho's mermaid series Florence, it looks equally as good! 


keep readin' it write!
Megan

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Review: The Bagman by Rachael Rippon

In the midst of the Second World War, Abigail is deposited at St Winifred's Orphanage for Willful, Wayward and Wicked Children. As soon as she arrives, Abigail is warned of the Bagman and what will happen if she misbehaves. But Abigail is too busy trying to escape to listen. Her estranged twin, Tabitha, is close by and Abigail has to find her before their 16th birthdays. Besides, she doesn't believe in the Bagman.
He believes in her though. Appearing when she least expects it; he asks her to play his Game. He will give her seven wishes to be used in seven days. But the Game is not as easy as Abigail supposes, and the wishes not as nice…
Soon, Abigail is getting exactly what she wished for. And the effects are catastrophic.
If you loved 'Coraline' or 'Alice in Wonderland', then you're sure to love 'The Bagman".

**Just to clear something up before you start reading this review, there are many bagman in the world this is set in, but this book deals mostly only one. When I talk about the idea of the bagmen, I'm talking about the idea as a whole. When I talk about the characterization of the bagman, it's about our bagman, the specific individual that this book is about. In italics, I'm referring to the title.**

It's been a while since I read a book that was in this kind of setting, mood and plot-type. The time period (WWII) isn't one that I read often. Generally, books that I tend to pick are set between the Victorian era and the 20's, a medieval setting, present day or future time periods. This book was a good one to read to get back to the culture that was present during WWII without dealing with the war a lot. (part of the reason I don't read war-time books is because they often end up talking about whichever war is happening instead of the story that the book is about. Sometimes it's fine, but sometime I want something different to read about) 

It took me a few chapters to get into The Bagman but once the pace picked up and the Game started, that was it. The plot was so intriguing, I just needed to find out what happened next. The characters were engaging and fun to read about, and the plot was completely unpredictable  which is a good break from other books I've been reading lately. Once the story got set up and I read through the first few chapters, the pacing was just right for me. Fast enough to keep me excited to read more, but not too fast that I couldn't think about what was happening.

Another thing that was done well in The Bagman was the rotating perspectives that some chapters had. Most of the chapters were from Abigail's point of view as she is our protaganist (and a very good one at that!) but every so often we have a shorter chapter from the Bagman's point of view to provide a bit of dramatic irony, a somewhat different story, and to give us information that we need to have but that Abigail wouldn't have a way of finding out.

My favourite part of The Bagman was THE Bagman. The whole idea of the Bagmen was one of the things that made me want to read the whole book. I didn't completely understand the Bagmen at the beginning, and I wanted to know more about them so bad that I had to keep reading. 

Originally, a Bagman is:

bag·man  (bgmn)

n.

1. Slang A person who collects money, as for racketeers.

2. Chiefly British A traveling salesman.

(from thefreedictionary.com)

which I find very fitting and a bit ironic as well. The bagmen in The Bagman do collect things, although it is a bit more serious than money. They are also, in a way, traveling salesmen, but these salesmen are ones that you really don't want to have to deal with, and not just because they'll try and guilt trip you into buying their newspaper or watch or whatever. And yet, the Bagman repeatedly made my feel sympathetic for him and root for him even though he was completely nasty. The characterization of the Bagman was perfect for the concept. He was mean, cruel and calculating, but still clever and, in a somewhat creepy way, patient and charming. Everything that the Bagman did fit right along with his character and what he was supposed to be. He made a villain that I thoroughly enjoyed reading about.  

Another thing that I liked was the lack of romance. Usually I like a bit of romance in my books, but it was nice to have something to read that had a completely different focus so the characters had different motivators.

The end of the book was ANOTHER good thing about The Bagman. It was the perfect mix of answers and new problems to keep me happy with what I had read and keep me excited to read the next book.

A favourite quote from the book: 
""Follow your gut instinct, that's the ticket to success. I know." Abigail supposed this might be true, as Mr. Bentley's gut was on the large side."

The Good: The Bagman/men, the ending, character perspectives changing, the plot
The Bad: Somewhat slow to start
The Verdict: 8.5/10
This book was supplied by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, Rachael!


Rachel

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The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Today, F. Scott Fitzgerald is known for his novels, but in his lifetime, his fame stemmed from his prolific achievement as one of America's most gifted story writers. "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," a witty and fantastical satire about aging, is one of his most memorable stories.

In 1860 Benjamin Button is born an old man and mysteriously begins aging backward. At the beginning of his life he is withered and worn, but as he continues to grow younger he embraces life -- he goes to war, runs a business, falls in love, has children, goes to college and prep school, and, as his mind begins to devolve, he attends kindergarten and eventually returns to the care of his nurse.

This strange and haunting story embodies the sharp social insight that has made Fitzgerald one of the great voices in the history of American literature.

For the last while I've been wanting to get into classics, but the sheer number of books I already have to read combined with the fact that I don't really know where to start has left me a bit confuzzled. With the release of the Great Gatsby movie as a bit of a prompt, I've finally started to ease my way in to reading classics starting with some of the shorter, easier-to-read ones. And so I read The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (in one sitting! Although given the length of the book, err, short story, I guess that's not really something to brag about)

'm just gonna start off by saying that this was well-worth the half hour it took to read. I was a bit surprised that it was so short, though. For some reason I've always been under the impression that it was more of a novel, and to be honest, I wish it was. The plot, other than it being about a person who ages backwards (although I think that most people already knew that) is nothing incredibly shocking or unusual. Instead what made me enjoy this story is the different perspective it gives. Since Benjamin ages backwards, the normal stages of life are treated differently because he doesn't really fit it. I think the parts that I liked the most were how other people didn't understand how to treat Benjamin or socialize with him.

The other great thing about this book was that it introduced me to F. Scott Fitzgerald's writing style, which I loved! It seems very practical and straightforward, which makes reading a book that is really kind of silly even more interesting. I'm definitely looking forward to reading the Great Gatsby after reading this short story.

The thing to keep in mind while reading this book is that since it is so short there really isn't a ton of time to get to know the characters or get attached. There's not a ton of substance/meaning, at least not that I got out of the book. To me, it was just something to enjoy for half an hour and then set aside and move on, but it was worth the read for sure.

The Good: Writing style, perspective
The Bad: very short = hard get to know the characters/not very thought-provoking
The Verdict: 7/10

Rachel

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Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Set over the course of one school year in 1986, ELEANOR AND PARK is the story of two star-crossed misfits – smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try. When Eleanor meets Park, you’ll remember your own first love – and just how hard it pulled you under.










         Let's just start off by saying that I loved this book. I thoroughly enjoyed the process of reading it. It was just what I needed. I'm not usually caught reading extremely mushy gushy romance books, (don't get me wrong, I LOVE me a good romance) but I don't usually go LOOKING for them in particular. Often books I read will have large elements of romance in them, but it won't be the main genre. (For example The Selection by Kiera Cass, or Divergent by Veronica Roth- they are considered dystopian novels, but have heavy romantic undertones) So this book was a nice change. And after reading this book, I've officially decided that mushy gushy is pretty much the best thing ever. I absolutely love getting butterflies and that warm mushy feeling inside while reading a book, and that is definitely what Eleanor & Park gave me. 

        I also thought that the characters Rainbow Rowell presented to me in this book were very real and extremely relatable. Being in a relationship myself at the moment, I may have been a bit biased towards the subject matter, but I found it amazing. Every little detail that Eleanor and Park noticed about each other was described, and it was all completely adorable. There were times when I just couldn't handle the level of adorability (and YES I just made up a new word right there ;P) 

       Along with the awesome characters and adorable lovey-dovey-ness, Rainbow Rowell served up an engaging plotline as well! She's just on a roll! I felt very connected to Eleanor as she fought through family struggles, and as Park argued endlessly with his parents. Along with the very real love that they were experiencing, were very real problems that many people in our society unfortunately face. I loved that about this book. It showed that despite the struggles, true love can still come alive.

The Good: mushy gushy loveeeeee, characters, plot, realism
The Bad: I'm sorry, this word does not in any way relate to this book. 
The Verdict: 5/5 hands down. 


keep readin' it write!
Megan 

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Persephone by Kaitlin Bevis

There are worse things than death, worse people too.

The “talk” was bad enough, but how many teens get told that they’re a goddess? When her mom tells her, Persephone is sure her mother has lost her mind. It isn’t until Boreas, the god of winter, tries to abduct her that she realizes her mother was telling the truth. Hades rescues her, and in order to safely bring Persephone to the Underworld he marks her as his bride. But Boreas will stop at nothing to get Persephone. Despite her growing feelings for Hades, Persephone wants to return to the living realm. Persephone must find a way to defeat Boreas and reclaim her life.


If you read YA, it's really only a matter of time before you end up reading a re-telling of some sort. Personally  I really enjoy a good re-telling, but after a while some of the stories get told too much and end up being basically the same book. This one, though, stood out as different to me. Obviously, as the title suggests, this book is about the myth of Persephone. (If you don't know the one, here is a place to read up on it. I like this one!) 

I started off thinking that this was probably going to be just another re-telling to add to the list, but a few things made it stick out. Most importantly was the portrayal of the gods and other people that originally appear in Greek mythology. All of the ones that had at least somewhat important roles in the story were unique characters. Hades, Cassandra and Charon were the characters that stood out the most to me as having personalities different than I have ever seen them written as before. Hade's personality was one of the things that made me really enjoy this book, to be honest. It was just so much different than any way I've ever encountered him before.

Also, Persephone herself was not one of those annoying main characters. She did NOT like being told what to do without explanation or sitting back and letting everyone else do things for her. She struggled through the whole book to make people listen to her opinions and not decide things for her.

The writing style in this book is fairly simplistic and straightforward, but for me it really fit the storyline and the characters. It made it so that I could sit down and read a good chunk at a time without getting mentally tired at having to think all the time, but I could also pick it up and read a page or two quickly when I had a few minutes spare and not have to re-read, just jump in. It was refreshing to read, although that could have something to do with me reading another book at the same time that was much, much darker. Along with being straightforward, I found the writing was also smooth and flowed well.

Here's a quote that stood out to me for some reason that I still can't figure out. I think that it captures how the Underworld is portrayed in lots of modern re-tellings, and especially how it is portrayed in Persephone.

"I couldn't believe I'd ever been intimidated by the Underworld. It was just like the living realm. Life went on, so to speak. People were still people, and they continued to do the things that made them happy."

The Good: The characters, the writing.

The Bad: Started off being similar to other re-tellings. 

The Verdict: 4/5. Definitely worth the read!

This book was supplied by the author in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, Kaitlin!

Rachel

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Review: Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

Anna is looking forward to her senior year in Atlanta, where she has a great job, a loyal best friend, and a crush on the verge of becoming more. Which is why she is less than thrilled about being shipped off to boarding school in Paris--until she meets Étienne St. Clair. Smart, charming,beautiful, Étienne has it all...including a serious girlfriend. 

But in the City of Light, wishes have a way of coming true. Will a year of romantic near-misses end with their long-awaited French kiss?

I loved this book so, so, so much! I finally got around to reading it after seeing it about a 294829748248 times on other blogs. I'm so glad I did!

This is one of the few real chick-lit type books I've read. Partly because I generally don't read books set in a real-life setting in the present day, and partly because I haven't bothered to read many books that are mainly focused on romance. This book is changing that, though!

It's definitely a feel-good kind of book, one for when you just want a book that makes you feel all warm and happy. It's not one of those books that makes your brain stretch or completely changes your perspective, so don't read it if you are looking for that. 

As for characters, I found Anna fun and relatable (from a teenage girls' perspective, anyways, as well as I'm no good at speaking French either, despite my best efforts), her new friends interesting and awesome, and the love interest (Étienne St. Clair) is absolutely the best.

So many of the scenes in this book made me want to jump right in and be there with the characters, especially the ones where the characters are out in the city. (Side note: I've been to Paris, and even though it was my least favourite of the four European cities I visited, this book made me want to go back like RIGHT NOW.)

The plot was, I'll admit, predictable at times. However, this didn't make a negative impact on my opinion of the book. Anna and the French Kiss does deal with some serious issues, too, not all just fluffy stuff. There's some bullying, bad friends, and a few other things.

If you are looking for a fun read, a romance, or something light, I would definitely recommend this book.

Another side note: I've noticed a trend in the blogosphere that lots of people aren't particularly fond of this cover, and I've seen several other versions pop up, many of which are fan-made. Of all the covers I've seen, I actually like the original (the one up there) the most. I like how it's simple and pretty and sophisticated and elegant all at once.

The Good: The setting, the characters, and Étienne. Can I just- I can't even- can I... *grabby hands*
The Bad: Somewhat predictable (although that's not necessarily a bad thing)
The Verdict: 5/5. (Actually, on my notes page where I have things jotted down quick about all the books I've read, I wrote 10/5. So if that doesn't say anything about what I thought about it right after I read the book, I don't know what will.)

Rachel

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Review: Once Upon a Tag by Anna Adams

When David, a young French painter, unexpectedly meets Rita, an infamous Parisian street artist, his convictions are shaken to the core during a night he is unlikely to ever forget.


Ready for a joint review with both Megan AND Rachel? Woot woot! 

Rachel's Opinion: That's a pretty catchy synopsis, isn't it? When it comes to synopses the shorter the better, in my opinion. I was super excited to read this short story, and I'm glad to say I wasn't disappointed!

The story has two main characters, Rita and David, both of which I liked. I feel like I got to know them well, even though the story was only 18 pages long. I also loved the dynamics between Rita and David

A lot happened in the short span of the story, so it's a very satisfying read and not the least bit dull. I loved the way things played out in this story.


Megan's Opinion: I really enjoyed this short story, from start to finish. Right from the moment I read the title, I was instantly intrigued. "Once Upon a Tag"...that just sounds so interesting, no? Could it be a fantasy type story? That was my first thought. And in some respects, I was right. The story has some elements similar to those found in fantasy novels. There is mystery, intrigue, romance and humour. Also, I found that there was an interesting social dynamic between the characters which I often notice in the fantasy genre. The classic child-parent rivalry. We see this relationship in many fantasy and fairy tale type stories, such as Cinderella, Romeo and Juliet, The Little Mermaid, Alladin, and even newer stories like Disney's Brave. All of these stories contain some form of tension between the parents and the children. "Once Upon a Tag" incorporates this, but in a new and modern way, which is what makes it so interesting. 

I may be a bit biased because I am so interested in art, but I really think that this story has something that everyone can enjoy. Having it set in the historic and recognizable city of Paris allows for the reader to relate and imagine the plot more easily. I also really enjoyed the contrast in beliefs and lifestyle between Rita and David. It added a very interesting and relatable dynamic. How often in our lives do we come across people who agree with everything we do? Not very often at all. I think this story did a great job of portraying that real life difference we experience. We aren't going to agree with everyone, but that doesn't mean we can't be friends with them, or respect them and cooperate with them. Differences can be the bridge across the gap in what may have been a non existent relationship otherwise. Sometimes, conflict and rivalry bring people closer together. 

Overall, we both really enjoyed this short story! We highly recommend reading it! It was a great read. :) 

Anna Adams contacted us with a copy of her story in exchange for an honest review. (Thank you!)

The Good: Character dynamic, setting, plot 
The Bad: It was only 18 pages long! Too short, we wanted more! Haha. 
The Verdict: 5/5 stars! Definitely a must read!



keep readin' it write!
Megan and Rachel 

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Review: The Maze Runner by James Dashner

When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his first name. His memory is blank. But he’s not alone. When the lift’s doors open, Thomas finds himself surrounded by kids who welcome him to the Glade—a large, open expanse surrounded by stone walls.

Just like Thomas, the Gladers don’t know why or how they got to the Glade. All they know is that every morning the stone doors to the maze that surrounds them have opened. Every night they’ve closed tight. And every thirty days a new boy has been delivered in the lift.

Thomas was expected. But the next day, a girl is sent up—the first girl to ever arrive in the Glade. And more surprising yet is the message she delivers.

Thomas might be more important than he could ever guess. If only he could unlock the dark secrets buried within his mind.

I know it's been a while since I've posted a review... GOSH LIFE why do you have to get in the way all the time? Anyways, I actually read this book quite a while ago, but haven't gotten around to actually reviewing it until now. I know, I know, bad Megan... timeout time...

This book was pretty good. I had high expectations because my brother just gobbled it up in about a day, and if you knew my brother, you'd know that when he likes a book, that's an amazing compliment. He doesn't read all that much. To be quite honest with you, I kind of found it hard to get into this book. I spent a long time reading the first few chapters and rereading bits because I'd gone too many days without reading and would forget what happened in the last few pages. But once I got about a third of the way into it, it definitely got more captivating. 

This book is FULL of mystery and unanswered questions. It's basically like a really long riddle that you are trying to figure out the whole way through, which is pretty awesome. I constantly found myself asking questions and wondering how things could be happening the way they were. It was a fun read. But also sent a really serious message. Really got me thinking about life and the circumstances that we are so lucky to live in. Also, descriptions and imagery were really crystal clear. Awesome stuff. 

One thing I didn't like as much about this book was the ending. While it was a good ending, and a great opening for the rest of the series, I found it to be a bit predictable. I kind of guessed that something along those lines was happening after about the fifth chapter. So when I finished reading I was a bit dissapointed that the author had not surprised me more. I really like when books take me totally off guard and leave me going "OH MY GOD WHAT JUST HAPPENED?!?" but unfortunately, this book did not have that effect on me. 

 Other than the slightly dissapointing conclusion, this book was a good read. I enjoyed immersing myself in the world that Thomas finds himself trapped in...

The Good: imagery, mystery, riddle-ish storyline
The Bad: slightly dissapointing and predictable ending 
The Verdict: 3.5/5 

keep readin' it write!
Megan      

    

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Review: Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers

Why be the sheep, when you can be the wolf?

Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others.

Ismae’s most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?

I had to wait so long to read this book because it had about a million holds on before I could get it. And I am so glad I waited. This is one of the best books I read in 2012, I think.

At first, I wasn't too sure if I would like it. It's set in Brittany (that's medieval France, if you can't recall) in 1485, which is, for whatever reason, not one of my favourite time periods. I guess I've just read too many books set in this time that I just didn't like.

But this one did not fall into that category of 'just didn't like'. Not in the least.

Just to start off- Ismae, the main character, is probably one of the most kick-ass heroines I've ever read about. In fact, all of the characters were fun to read about and not a single one made me annoyed, not once. I don't think if I've ever read a book about assasins before, and I can't possibly think there was a better book to start with. I love the concept of the convent and the take on religion; it made the whole book more interesting to me. 

From the start, the pacing of this book was spot-on. It didn't waste time following Ismae from Timbuktu and back as she journeyed from her home(and away from her abusive arranged-marriage husband) to the convent, or as she spent time at the convent (I do kind of wish there was a bit more on that, just because I'm curious, not for plot-sake, but can you imagine how long this book would be if the author spent more time on this sort of thing? It's already 549 pages long!) and instead it sped(nawww, not the right word, more like... cruised) through, set the stage, and jumped in to the story with just the right amount of time to understand where Ismae was coming from and what the background of the story was like. I don't think there was a single part of the book where I got bored or it felt like it dragged on.

The book also incorporated many terms and words that are either not used much or at all anymore, or have a different meaning now. Depending on your preferences I guess this could be good or bad, but for me it was a plus. For me, it helped to draw me in to the world more. It was also written in first person, which isn't always a favourite for me, but I really really enjoyed it in this book. It fit first person more than it would have fit third person.

The romance aspect of this book was a nice addition. It was believable (as in, it made sense that the characters were drawn to each other, and not just added in for razzle-dazzle.) and added that extra spark to the book, even if it was a little bit predictable at times(the romance, that is). If I lived in the 1400's I think I'd call myself pretty lucky to have someone such as Duval courting me ;)

The overall plot had me not wanting to put the book down ever. I read all 500-some pages in about five days, it was that intriguing. As soon as I though I had it all figured out, something else would be revealed and the whole story would be a complete mystery all over again.

Overall, I think this is a must-read in the YA department. It's full of traitors and plots and awesome characters and kick-ass-ery and romance and intrigue and assassin-nuns-who-might-just-be-ninjas. 

What's more, the sequel, Dark Triumph, comes out in April and the pre-release reviews are already better than for Grave Mercy.

Plus, it has a map. Bonus points from me.

The Good: Plot, pacing, clothing, characters, romance
The Bad: Since Ismae is an assassin, I was expecting more actual assassinations and some more action. Hopefully that will be to come in the sequel.
The Verdict: 5/5 stars

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Review: The Hunger Pains: A Parody by The Harvard Lampoon

WINNING MEANS WEALTH, FAME, AND A LIFE OF THERAPY LOSING MEANS DEATH, BUT ALSO FAME! THIS IS THE HUNGER PAINS When Kantkiss Neverclean replaces her sister as a contestant on the Hunger Games—the second-highest-rated reality TV show in Peaceland, behind Extreme Home Makeover—she has no idea what to expect. Having lived her entire life in the telemarketing district’s worst neighborhood, the Crack, Kantkiss feels unprepared to fight to the death while simultaneously winking and looking adorable for the cameras. But when her survival rests on choosing between the dreamy hunk from home, Carol Handsomestein, or the doughy klutz, Pita Malarkey, Kantkiss discovers that the toughest conflicts may not be found on the battlefield but in her own heart . . . which is unfortunately on a battlefield.


When I saw this book on the shelf at the library and read the back, I was completely ready for a funny, witty and clever parody. I love parodies of anything- Star Trek, Harry Potter, Twilight, whatever. So long as it's witty and amusing, it's all good with me. Unfortunately, this book just kinda fell flat for me. The synopsis hinted at the kind of humour I really enjoy- the witty, clever kind, but the majority of the jokes weren't like that and just didn't really do it for me.

There was only a handful of jokes in the entire book that amused me. There was a few spots that truly were good jokes, ones that made me chuckle, but for the majority of the book I was just close to cringing.

I did like the fact that it was fairly short and quick- perfect for one of those day or two days when you don't have something to read and want a book that takes little energy and is nice entertainment to tide you over until you can get something more serious.

It swapped out character names, like in the synopsis, for ones that were similar but somewhat funny. These were amusing to start, but then all the jokes just kept going in a similar fashion- nothing especially funny or creative.

Of course, like always, this might appeal to someone else. Since it is a comedy there will very likely be people with a different sense of humor than I that will probably find this quite hilarious.

The Good: A few make-you-smile jokes, and a nice quick, short read.
The Bad: Not my type of humor- many of the jokes fell flat.
The Verdict: 1.5/5

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