Winter by Marissa Meyer

Winter 
By Marissa Meyer 
YA Fantasy
*Last in the Lunar Chronicles Series 

"Princess Winter is admired by the Lunar people for her grace and kindness, and despite the scars that mar her face, her beauty is said to be even more breathtaking than that of her stepmother, Queen Levana.

"Winter despises her stepmother and knows Levana won't approve of her feelings for her childhood friend, the handsome palace guard Jacin. But Winter isn't as weak as Levana believes her to be, and she's been undermining her stepmother's wishes for years. Together with the cyborg mechanic, Cinder, and her allies, Winter might even have the power to launch a revolution and win a war that's been raging for far too long." 

Welcome to the final installment of the magnificent Lunar Chronicles! This novel is worth its place as the final book of the series. 

Winter, bless her heart, is a bit crazy, but the reason why softened my heart so that her madness didn't throw up a wall between us. Although she's broken (who isn't?), she possesses a courage and strength that the other characters don't. I do wish I could've spent more time with her; the reader is thrown around into so many heads because there a mountain-load of events happening all the time.

However, I did enjoy watching the other characters grow more in this novel, especially Cress, who I believe matured the most. Cinder didn't seem to change much over the course of the series, which was a bit disappointing since she's the main character. 

Meyer continued to enthrall me in this novel with her world-building prowess of the eerily majestic Luna, the fast-paced events that hint at the Hunger Games, the variety of the characters, and the satisfying conclusion (don't worry, I won't spoil anything!). 

The main thing that niggled at me throughout the novel was that the fairy-tale surrounding Winter, that of Snow White, was more difficult to follow than in the other books. This could just be due to the fact that I'm not as familiar with this fairy-tale as I am with Cinderella and Red Riding Hood. But I still wish it could've been as straightforward and obvious as it was with the other characters. 

Still, Winter deserves a 4 out of 4 like the rest of her comrades, and I recommend it for 15 year olds and up. 

*What I learned: There are different kinds of crazy, and being so doesn't mean you're not smart, brave, or capable. 

Scarlet and Cress by Marissa Meyer

Scarlet 
By Marissa Meyer 
YA Fantasy
#2 in the Lunar Chronicles Series

I'm not going to type out the synopsis on the back of Scarlet, as I typically do, so as not to spoil anything in case you haven't read the first book in the series, Cinder, yet. But if you have read that novel, then there's no doubt you're reading or have read Scarlet. One bleeds into the next like watercolor, all vivid and thrilling. I've found this to be true with each book in this delightful series. 

Scarlet is the story of Red-Riding Hood, but more than that, it's the story of Scarlet, a stubborn, strong-willed young lady and her love for her grandmother. When her grandmother goes missing, and a suspicious, yet handsome wolfish man appears who claims he can help Scarlet find her, Scarlet jumps into an adventure that will bring her in close contact with Cinder and her dangerous reputation. 

I love how Meyer introduces the reader to new characters while continuing to develop those in former novels. This requires true talent. 

The first time I read this book, my heart galloped in fear and pleasure at Wolf's and Scarlet's interactions. Their relationship spun out differently than I anticipated, and they both changed for the good at the end. I also enjoyed the French culture tossed into the book and into Scarlet's character; it was light enough to be charming. 

Although I thoroughly devoured this novel, I gobbled up the next one in the series much quicker. 

Cress 
By Marissa Meyer 
YA Fantasy 
#3 in the Lunar Chronicles Series

This novel explores the fairy tale of Rapunzel. Cress has been imprisoned in a satellite by a wicked Lunar to spy on Earthens. Until one man shows up and hurtles her into Cinder's and Scarlet's plot to save their world. 

Every chapter of this book was a feast! So much happens on every single page, that I definitely extended my lunch hour to longer than an hour just to get to the end of a climax. But then another one would begin, and my eyes kept swinging across the pages. 

Also, I love Cress. I love her more than any other character (so far). This is probably due in part to her utter innocence and how pitiable her position is at the beginning of the story. But more than that, I love her because she is so like me: enthusiastic and passionate, imaginative, and yes, because she loves to sing out loud (and in the shower). 

This book devotes more time to the other characters (due to there being more characters around), and Cinder and her friends are (finally) sharpening their plans and plots to protect their planet(s). Things are happening, and Meyer yanks you through the story with all of her plot twists, but it's so exhilarating that you just feel as if you're soaring through the action. It would be worthwhile to read the other two novels just to read Cress. 

The problem of the various languages spoken throughout the novel did niggle at me, and Meyer's quick explanation didn't tie it up neatly enough for me. Also, my husband, being the engineer/logic-brained one, questioned the anti-gravity on the ship, but those were our only obstacles. 

Both Scarlet and Cress deserve four gold stars. I recommend them for 15 year-olds and up. 

What I learned: People are more than their appearances, and a beautiful face does not equate to a beautiful heart. 

Code Name Verity

Code Name Verity 
By Elizabeth Wein 
YA Historical Fiction 

"On October 11th, 1943, a British spy plane crashes in Nazi-occupied France. Its pilot and passenger are best friends. But just one of the girls has a chance at survival. Arrested by the Gestapo, "Verity" is given a choice: reveal her mission or face a grisly execution. They'll get the truth out of her. Only, it won't be what they expect." 

This book is a masterpiece. It's also a tear-jerker, so have a box of Kleenexes ready if you're one of those readers who melt into tears when something somber occurs. 

But veritably, Wein did an amazing job sculpting the world and characters of England and France in the 1900s. I can't fathom how much research she did, but it is (as much as I am aware of, which isn't much), spot on. Everything, from the airplanes to the scarves 'Verity' wears seems current to the time period. Her characters also make references to books and other media in thise time period. This was fascinating and definitely helped push the reader thoroughly into the characters' world, but it also sometimes was over my head, since I obviously didn't live in this era, and it frustrated me at times. 

Overall, though, this novel and the other Wein book I've read has caused my expectations of historical fiction to rise to Mt. Everest heights. Sorry, future historical fiction books I will read and historical fiction books I long to write; you just won't measure up. 

'Verity's' and Maddie's best-friend love for each other are as real and apparent as my husband's love for me. I can't believe they're not real! The characters charmed me with their British and Scottish slang, the way they played make-believe to incite their courage, and the way they fought through all the trials that confronted them. 

It did take a while for me to get used the narration style. The narrator is unreliable for an exceptionally good reason, but it did throw up barriers between her and myself. I also didn't relate to her personality as much as most characters in previous novels I've read; she's just wild. I much preferred the narration and personality of the other main character, Maddie. Too bad she didn't have much talking time! However, she features in the book, Rose Under Fire, so I'm quite excited to enter that story once I can get my hands on it. 

For all the above reasons, I give this novel a 4 out of 5. It would have been a 5 if I had not felt so left out of 'Verity's' mind. Again, it was for a good reason, but I do not enjoy the experience, nor am I used to it. 

What I learned: Writing historical fiction requires too much research! But in all seriousness, life is fleeting and short; it can leave us as easily and quickly as blowing out a candle. So what am I doing with mine? 

A Cyborg Cinderella

Cinder 
By Marissa Meyer
#1 in the Lunar Chronicles 
YA Fantasy 

"Sixteen-year-old Cinder is considered a technological mistake by most of society and a burden by her stepmother. Being cyborg does have its benefits, though: Cinder's brain interface has given her an uncanny ability to fix things (robots, hovers, her own malfunctioning parts), making her the best mechanic in New Beijing. This reputation brings Prince Kai himself to her weekly market booth, needing her to repair a broken android before the annual ball. He jokingly calls it 'a matter of national security,' but Cinder suspects it's more serious than he's letting on. 

"Although eager to impress the prince, Cinder's intentions are derailed when her younger step-sister, and only human friend, is infected with the fatal plague that's been devastating Earth for a decade. Blaming Cinder for her daughter's illness, Cinder's stepmother volunteers her body for plague research, an 'honor' that no one has survived. 

"But it doesn't take long for the scientists to discover something unusual about their new guinea pig. Something others would kill for." 

There are enough fairy-tale retellings nowadays to fill a ballroom. This one, though, is worth the trip to the library or bookstore. The fact that Cinder is a cyborg hooked me right away. Meyer does a great job, even though she's probably not a mechanic herself, of making Cinder's mechanical parts, their unique functions, and even her job as a mechanic, believable. Cinder is also a spunky, sarcastic, yet tender underdog-type character whom it's hard not to root for. Or possibly even shed some tears on behalf of. 

Kai is also a sweetheart, yet strong, and difficult not to like. This was my second reading of the book (yes, it's that good!), and I did notice this time around that there wasn't much foundation to the couple's feelings. I didn't quite understand why he liked her so much, and vice versa, so perhaps Meyer could have dived deeper into those reasons. But it obviously wasn't something that turned me off from the story. 

Also, who ever heard of a fairy-tale taking place in Asia, and a futuristic Asia, at that? The setting is fascinating and although not crafted in as many details as the world of Harry Potter (which book is?), it's still a place steeped in character. But the characters and the world-changing decisions facing them are what pulled me deep into every page and line. You might grow dizzy with all the plot twists and turns, but hang in there! The battle for this country and its people is worth fighting for alongside the characters. 

This is the first in a series, so you might want to have the second one, Scarlet-which follows another fairy-tale character, but in the same world-handy so you can dash right into it. Be on the lookout for a review of the sequel in the upcoming weeks. 

This novel deserves a shining four out of five stars, and I recommend it for 15 year olds and up. 

What I learned: First impressions are not typically true. It takes time and initiative to learn the depths of a person's soul.  

The Danger of Silence

Speak 
By Laurie Halse Anderson 
YA Realistic Fiction

"Melinda Sordino busted an end-of-summer party by calling the cops, so her old friends won't talk to her, and people she doesn't know hate her from a distance. It's no use explaining to her parents; they've never known what her life is really like. The safest place is for Melinda is to be alone, inside her own head. But even that's not safe. 

"Because there's something she's trying not to think about, something about the night of the party that, if she admitted it and let it in, would blow her carefully constructed disguise to smithereens. And then she would have no choice. 

"Melinda would have to speak the truth." 

I've never been much into realistic fiction because who would want to read about real life, when you can read about dragons, mermaids, and time travel? But I heard great things about this book, so I gave it a go. And I'm SO glad that I did! This book was exceptionally-well written about a hard topic that is often glazed over. 

The main subject in the book (which I won't give away) has the tendency to be depressing, and the book was at times, but Melinda's sardonic humor mitigated the somber feelings. Sometimes I even laughed out loud. Anderson, the author, did a wonderful job of leaping into a high schooler's brain and describing the tedious, difficult world of a high schooler from her opinionated perspective. Anderson handled the delicate balance between melancholy and humor magnificently, while remaining true to her point. 

The symbolism woven throughout the novel also helps deepen the story line and shows how Melinda changes. It was neat to see her healing, or lack thereof, in a tangible way. I love symbols, but I'm an English nerd, so I guess that's to be expected. But they add so many layers and meaning to the story, when done well, and these symbols were written expertly. 

The themes of silence, being rejected, the self-centered world of high school (and the world in general) were not too conspicuous and hit truth spot-on. Good job, Anderson, for speaking out about important, often pushed-away matters, and doing so in a gentle, loving way! 

It's probably obvious, but this book definitely deserves a five at minimum. It's appropriate for fifteen year olds and older, though you might want to check me on that (especially if you're a mom reading this). 

What I learned: We must give people time and space to speak and to truly listen. Our thoughts and words are always worth sharing (sometimes it just takes a while to find out who that 'safe' person is!). 

Machines Vs. Beasts

Leviathan, Behemoth, Goliath
By Scott Westerfeld 
Young Adult Steam Punk
*A Trilogy 

I read the first book in this series, Leviathan, several years ago, and knew I had to nab the rest of the series to know what happened, but I just got around to finishing it. 

This series is an alternate history of World War I, with elements of steam punk and fantasy. It follows Alek, a young prince of Austria without a throne running for his life. He is part of a Clanker nation, which surrounds itself with metal and machines. 

Deryn, a girl disguised as a boy in the British air service, also plays a crucial role in this series. She is a lover of fabricated beasts, from flying whale-like airships to message lizards, and detests anything metal. 

Fate throws the two together, and they must battle to end the war before it ends everything they know, both metal and beast. 

I highly enjoyed this series! Something exciting is always happening, so the story flies by. The books are also littered with excellent drawings depicting the fabricated beasts, metal creations, and characters so you can better imagine these bizarre things that Westerfeld imagined.

Alek is a bit dimwitted and naive at times, especially in the last novel, but Deryn more than makes up for his idiotic moments. She is clever, daring, adventurous, and basically a 'better' boy than he is. I do get frustrated with many of the female characters in today's world acting like boys. Can't there be a strong, clever girl who's more feminine? I suppose one must look to Jane Austen for that. But overall, Deryn was a great, realistic character (even with all of her crazy stunts); I just wish she didn't have to help/prod Alek so much. 

As I mentioned above, the series moves along at a gallop, which is mostly a good thing. However, I did find myself, especially in the sequel, Behemoth, wishing for the action to slow down a bit so the characters would interact more and grow. There was such a spate of action, that it was hard to keep track, in the second and third books, what was happening, and how everything is connected. Certain events in Goliath seemed random, or that Westerfeld just wanted to put them in the novel because they were cool. 

I enjoyed the first or the last book the best. I like certain characters in the final novel, but not how thick Alek acts. But once you've started the series, there's no going back! You must finish it, or you probably won't sleep at night. This series deserves a 3.5 out of 5, and I recommend it for 10 year olds and up. 

What I learned: Don't judge someone on just their appearance (including gender). Also, fabricated beasts are awesome, and it's really too bad that thylacines are extinct. 

*Westerfeld also wrote the Uglies, Pretties, and Specials series which is deeply provocative and fabulously written. 

We're a Long Way from Chicago

 A Long Way from Chicago

By Richard Peck 

Genre: YA Historical Fiction 

"Each summer Joey and his sister, Mary Alice-two city slickers from Chicago-visit Grandma Dowdel's seemingly sleepy Illinois town. Soon enough, they find that it's far from sleepy...and Grandma is far from your typical grandmother. From seeing their first corpse (and he isn't resting easy), to helping Grandma trespass, catch the sheriff in his underwear, and feed the hungry-all in one day-Joey and Mary Alice have nine summers they'll never forget!" 

This was a lighthearted, risible book that kept me laughing throughout its pages. I'm not sure, as I never read this book in elementary school, but I probably enjoy/appreciate its humor more now than I would if I had read it as a wee lass (there are no Scots in it, I just wanted to say that). 

Joey, the main character, doesn't have much of a character himself, but Grandma Dowdel more than makes up for it. She is by far my favorite character, and seems to always do what you don't expect. 

It's also fun to take a journey into early 1900 country life and see how difficult, yet still pleasant, life could be. I was surprised with the grandkids about how exciting life in a small town could be (not that I want to move to one now, however...). 

If you like this book, you also might enjoy its sequel, A Year Down Yonder, which is from Mary Alice's perspective, which is more stimulating than Joey's. Richard Peck has also written a spate more young adult novels, which I definitely wish to check out in the nearish future. 

I give A Long Way from Chicago a 4 out of 5 and recommend it for 10 year olds and up. 

What I learned: How to make soap (kind-of). 

Flying through Stunts and War

Black Dove White Raven
By Elizabeth Wein
Genre: YA Historical Fiction 

"Emilia's and Teo's lives changed in a fiery, terrifying instant when a bird strike brought down the plane their stunt-pilot mothers were flying. Teo's mother died immediately, but Em's survived, determined to raise Teo according to his late mother's wishes-in a place where he won't be discriminated against because of the color of his skin. But in 1930s America, a white woman raising a black adopted son alongside a white daughter is too often seen as a threat. 

"Seeking a home where her children won't be held back by ethnicity or gender, Rhoda brings Em and Teo to Ethiopia, and all three fall in love with the beautiful, peaceful country. But that peace is shattered by the threat of war with Italy..." 

This was the first Wein book I've read, and it was wonderful. The intriguing dynamic stunt mother duo drew me in almost at once. What would it be like to have mothers who do stunt flying for a living? And during a touchy race time when you're of different races? Well, I won't ruin it, but it's both exciting and boring at times for the kids. 

I loved Emilia's character: she's snarky, brave, and terrified, sometimes all at once. She lightened up the tense, sad moments, and I wouldn't have enjoyed the novel nearly as much as I did without her brazen personality. The relationship she and Teo have is adorable, and Wein made it personal with little relational details that I won't spoil but that are so neat. 

Wein also did an excellent job of describing Ethiopia. I fell in love with the country almost as much as Em, Teo, and Rhoda did! I'm sure this was a complex story to write for many reasons, but Wein did a great job weaving and displaying the tension between the Italians and Ethiopians in a way that grips the reader and pulls them in. I can't even imagine suffering through some of the things the main characters had to deal with at their age. Wow! 

Wein pieces the tale together through different essays and stories the kids wrote, which was well done and gave me better insights into their personalities. The stories especially helped me be able to see the situations through the eyes of a child, since that is what the main characters are for the majority of the novel. The stories of Black Dove, White Raven, exhumes Teo and Em's thoughts and feelings so the reader can better see and understand what they are going through. How I miss Teo and Em! I will definitely have to visit them again in this book. 

The only problem I had with this novel was a moral decision that one of the characters makes at the end. But overall, I give it a 5 out of 5 and recommend it for 15 year olds and up. I will definitely check out some of Wein's other historical novels, so keep a sharp lookout for them here! 

What I learned: Life is about relationships and those we love. 

Miracles, Magic, and Owls

All the Crooked Saints 
By: Maggie Stiefvater
Genre: YA Magical Realism

"Any visitor to Bicho Raro, Colorado is likely to find a landscape of dark saints, forbidden love, scientific dreams, miracle-mad owls, estranged affections, one or two orphans, and a sky full of watchful desert stars.

At the heart of this place you will find the Soria family, who all have the ability to perform unusual miracles. And at the heart of this family are three cousins longing to change its future: Beatriz, the girl without feelings, who wants only to be free to examine her thoughts; Daniel, the Saint of Bicho Raro, who performs miracles for everyone but himself; and Joaquin, who spends his nights running a renegade radio station under the name Diablo Diablo.
They are all looking for a miracle. But the miracles of Bicho Raro are never quite what you expect."

I haven't read many books in the magical realism genre, and the ones I have were just pain weird. Thankfully, All the Crooked Saints wasn't like that. It was weird in ways that make sense, if that makes any sense ;). I loved the symbolism spread throughout the novel, and how she creates Bicho Raro as a character in itself. When authors do this, it just adds so much more reality and depth to their characters and, in turn, their novel, for no one is anyone without the location or several locations where they grew up.

I didn't fall in love with any one specific character; Maggie drops you into everyone's tale so that you root for every character. For this tale isn't about a specific character, it's the community coming together to fight their darkness. That's unusual in novels, but it's more like real life.

The only thing that irked me about this book was the facts she throws in. Most of them I found fascinating, but toward the end of the novel, I was questioning why she had placed some of the facts in the story, as they didn't seem to add much to the plot and seemed almost to the point of showing off.

But overall, it's a great, magical tale of miracles, darkness, and owls. I give it a 4 out of 5 and recommend it for youth ages 15 and up.

What I learned: Everyone has darkness in themselves. And sometimes just seeing and realizing that truth is when the miracle unfolds.

If this novel sounds interesting, or even if it doesn't, you might also like: The Scorpio Races by Stiefvater.

Lost Princesses

I’ve been living for the last two years in Papua New Guinea, working for Wycliffe Bible Translators (if you want more information on that organization, you can click on their link above). In PNG the internet is expensive and sketchy, so this blog has pretty much died. But since I’m about to return to the land of internet, I’m attempting to resurrect it. Hence the book review below. 

A Little Princess 

By Frances Hodgson Burnett

Genre: YA/Children’s Fiction

“Sarah Crewe seemed to have everything, including a rich father who was willing to spend a lot of money on his little daughter. The story tells how she copes when disaster strikes while she’s living as a ‘little princess’ at a girl’s boarding school in 19^th century England.”

I loved this movie as a child: the exotic stories the girl told herself and her companions at her school, the unfair difficulties her life later revolves around, the thought of every girl being a princess, and the magical-like happy ending.

Since I loved the movie, I realized I should probably read the book. I finally did, and it did not disappoint! In fact, I like the book better. It is more realistic, and the relationships are fuller and deeper. I do miss the dramatic, India-based stories in the movie and scenes from that magical land, but the book makes up for it by exploring another family not in the movie and being able to see more of Sarah’s antics.

The ending of the book differs from the movie’s, but it is more believable (especially to an adult), and still ends almost magically for the main character.

Although the theme of being a princess is touched upon in the movie, it is more explored in the book, as Sarah tries to act like a princess even when others treat her horribly. She is a heroine with flaws who knows about them, but tries to shake them off and emulate kindness and goodness even to those who treat her inhumanly. We can all learn something from this ‘little princess’.

I give this book a 5 out of 5 (yes, it was that good!), and recommend it for ten year olds and up.

What I learned: How important and possible it is to act like a princess even when one doesn't feel like it. Also, the importance and magic of imagination. 

Light and Love

This Raging Light
By Estelle Laure
Genre: Realistic YA

"Her dad went crazy. Her mom left town. She has bills to pay and a little sister to look after. Now is not the time for level-headed seventeen-year-old Lucille to fall in love. But love-messy, inconvenient love-is what she's about to experience when she falls for Digby Jones, her best friend's brother."

I don't usually read realistic novels (YA or adult), especially ones that revolved around love, because that kind of story doesn't usually appeal to me. But, I saw this book in the break-room at the library and started reading it. The situation and Lucille hooked me almost right at the start.

Lucille is an intense girl who's practical but also passionate. I didn't necessarily love her as a character, but I did feel for her and was definitely rooting for her to succeed. And although this book does have romantic love, it's not all about the boy. It's more about the love Lucille has for her cute, funny sister, Wren, the love for her messed-up and missing parents, and the love of two best friends.

This novel was heartbreaking and hard, but beautiful. It is very poetic, and the poetic-ness of her writing took me a while to get used to, but once I did, I could hardly put the book down. The subject and characters in this novel are raw and real, just like life, and will remain with long after the last sentence.

I give this novel a 3 out of 5 and recommend it for 16 year olds and up.

What I learned: If Lucille could face everything she did in this novel, I have no reason to complain about the small bumps of difficulties in my life.

Those who enjoyed this book might enjoy the poem by Dylan Thomas, Do Not Go Gentle.

Let me hear you ROAR!

The Roar

By Emma Clayton

Genre: YA Dystopian

#1 in the Roar Series

"Mika lives in future London, behind the Wall, safe from the Animal Plague beyond. Or so he's been told. But ever since Ellie vanished a all year ago, he's suspected his world may be built on secrets-and lies. When a mysterious organization starts recruiting mutant kids to compete in violent virtual reality games, Mika takes the chance to search for his twin sister-and the truth." 

I want you to be aware, before you read this book, or think about reading this book, that it's part of a series. I did not know that when I was reading it, so, when I got to the ending, I was very confused, agitated, and frustrated that the author left so many unanswered questions. This was an easy mistake to make, because there was nothing on the book to indicate that it was part of a series. I hate when publishers do this!

So, all the above has a huge impact on how I viewed and will review this novel. 

If I would have known there was a sequel, the abrupt ending probably wouldn't have bothered me. However, one aspect of it would have bothered me regardless. One of the main characters disappeared at the end of the book, like the author forgot about her. One minute she was there, the next, she was gone and not mentioned again. At the end of novel, even one in a series, everyone should be accounted for, whether they're in prison, dead, missing, etc. This was not the case here. 

I did enjoy parts of this novel, though. The suspense of knowing 'the secret' (even though I had a good guess) kept me turning the pages throughout the book to see what would happen next. Also, it had some pretty unique ideas, like the animal plague, and what the mutants could do (I won't give it away). I loved the latter. I also enjoyed how the author kept the parents in the novel. They're not usually in YA fantasy/dystopian novels much (for obvious reasons) but they kept cropping up here, and it was good to see their love and relationship fluctuate like any normal teenager's. 

Ellie was my favorite character by far; I loved her spunk and spark. I was disappointed the reader didn't get inside her head more, especially since she was the first person we meet. 

Due to all these factors, I give The Roar a 2.75 out of 5 and recommend it for 12 year olds and up. I'm still debating whether or not to read the sequel or not. 

What I learned: Everything the government tells you is a lie! (Ha. ha. Joking...mostly.)

*Readers who enjoyed The Hunger Games, Ender's Game, or the Uglies, Pretties, Specials series might like this novel. 

**What about you? What do you think about reading a book, and then finding out it's a series? Do you think they should be clearly marked? Have you read The Roar? Think you might or might not now? Let me know!

Machines and Monsters, Oh My!

Leviathan 
By Scott Westerfeld
Genre: YA Steam Punk
#1 in the Leviathan Series

Choose your Weapon: Beastie or Clanker

"Alek is a prince without a throne. On the run from his own people, he has only a fighting machine and a small band of men.

"Deryn is a girl disguised as a guy in the British Air Service. She must fight for her cause-and protect her secret-at all costs.

"Alek and Deryn are thrown together aboard the mighty airship Leviathan. Though fighting side by side, their worlds are far apart. British fabricated beasts versus German steam-powered war machines. They are enemies with everything to lose, yet somehow destined to be together."

This book was nothing like I've ever read before. In a good way, don't worry. First of all, it's steam punk. I've never read anything in that genre before, nor ever desired to, so I have nothing to compare this to, but it blew me away. The way that Westerfeld used facts from World War I and brought in highly imaginative creatures was so creative. I enjoyed the blurring of the lines of past and future, so that this novel truly could have taken place at any time. He always kept me on my toes, and I never knew what to expect.

The way Westerfeld used science and Darwinism was fascinating. I mean, animals that are made up of lots of other animals and can fly? So cool! Also, this book is laced with beautiful drawings that bring the reader into this unique world and help explain the machines and creatures Westerfeld invented for this tale. Without the drawings I might have been more frustrated and confused about what the creatures specifically looked like or how they worked, but since there were drawings, I could easily imagine these strange inventions in my head and didn't feel left out of the world.

This book was as different from the other novels I've read by Westerfeld, Uglies, Pretties, Specials, as a zebra is from a squirrel. I think that shows great talent on his part. But like in those books, I like how he creates new words for his characters to use, and I might have used one of them out loud at one point... And the characters! They're so funny, especially Deryn. I love her snarky humor and 'no-nonsense' attitude; she just pulls you right along with her and keeps everything fresh and funny.

The only thing I didn't particularly like about this novel was that the boy, Alek, seemed a bit 'weak' at the end. For being a Prince and a male character, I expected to pull more of his weight toward the end of the novel, especially when Deryn's soaring down ropes and threatening people. It was kind-of like Inheritance by Christopher Paolini all over again. But there's still hope! There's two more books in the series: Behemoth and Goliath. I do want to finish the series, but I'm not necessarily dying to.

I give Leviathan a 3.5 for all of the above and recommend it for 12 year olds and up.

What I learned: Oftentimes you have to take risks to grow, to change. Difficulties shape us into who we are.

Stargirl

Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli 
Genre: YA Realistic Fiction 

"Stargirl. From the day she arrives at quiet Mica High, the hallways hum with the murmur of 'Stargirl, Stargirl.' She captures Leo Borlock's heart with just one smile. She sparks a school-spirit revolution with just one cheer. The students of Mica High are enchanted. At first.

"Then they turn on her. Stargirl is suddenly shunned for everything that makes her different, and Leo, desperate with love, urges her to become the very thing that can destroy her: normal."

What I Liked: 
I loved the character, Stargirl. She's sarcastic, sweet, and bizarre. Sometimes she seems a little too good to be true, but then she says something funny or dreams something impossible, and she floats back to the earth for a time. We all could probably be more like her.

This novel is spun from some great, deep themes that every human has faced at some point-popularity, and what does it mean to be different and if that identity is worth it. Spinelli also does a good job of portraying the reality of what all humans desire, not just high-schoolers: to fit in and be included. The author also does a good job of outlining the different reactions to people (or things) that are different and the progression that it can make. Also, there are some lovely metaphors and images in this work. I love when authors take the time to make their words beautiful.

What I Didn't Care For: 
The main character/narrator, Leo. Yes, I liked him at times and understood him, but at the end of the novel, I was saying to him out loud, "Stop being a dummie! Man up, Leo!" He seemed weak and didn't change at the end as much as I had hoped, which was a slight disappointment. Because if characters in novels can't change, where's the hope for the rest of us?

Another thing that irked me about this novel was that there was so much summary. Spinelli sums up a lot of things that took place, and some of that is understandable because the novel would be much too long if Spinelli wrote out in scene-form everything that happens. But still. He could have written out a few more of the events that took place. The summary acted like a wall to the reader, separating me from the characters and the world in the novel.

I give this novel a 3 and recommend it for about ten year olds and up.

My favorite quote: "She was bendable light. She shone around every corner of my day."

What I learned: I'm so selfish! I need to care about others and serve them more than myself.

P.S. This novel has a sequel, Love, Stargirl. I haven't read it yet, nor do I have a great desire to read it, although I probably will sometime in the future.

*What books have you guys read lately? Any character traits you want to steal from the main characters? Have a lovely Easter!

A Review: Firefight

Firefight by Brandon Sanderson

Genre: YA Fantasy

Sequel to Steelheart 

**Spoiler Alerts** 

(You might not want to read the following if you haven't read Steelheart yet or ever plan to). 

"Newcago is free. They told David it was impossible-that even the Reckoners had never killed a high epic. Yet Steelheart-invincible, immortal, unconquerable-is dead. And he died by David's hand. 

"Eliminating Steelheart was supposed to make life simpler. Instead, it only made David realize he has questions. Big ones. And no one in Newcago can give him answers. 

"Babylon Restored, the city formerly known as the borough of Manhatten, has possibilities, though.  Ruled by the mysterious High Epic Regalia, Babylon Restored is flooded and miserable, but David is sure it's the path that will lead him to what he needs to find. Entering a city oppressed by a High Epic despot is risky, but David's willing to take the gamble. Because killing Steelheart left a hole in David's heart. A hole where his thirst for vengeance once lived. Somehow, he filled that hole with another Epic-Firefight. And he's willing to go on a quest darker and even more dangerous than the fight against Steelheart to find her and get his answers." 

I enjoyed this book just as much, if not more so, than Steelheart. There were plenty more heart-thumping, teeth-clenching scenes, and surprises waiting around the corner, all of a more dangerous nature, if that's possible, than in the first novel. 

David and his metaphors continued to crack me up, although I did miss Abraham and Cody in this book. The other characters the reader meets-Mizzy, Val, and the other guy-didn't seem as developed as the other minor characters. And, the reason for Val's irritation at David wasn't quite explained. 

But this novel is more tense than the previous, and the nature of the Epics takes on a whole new perspective as David gets closer and closer to understanding them. 

Sometimes, I hate series. Because right when you get into one, you realize there will be another one, and it won't be out for a whole year! And by that time, you'll forget the plot and characters and will have to re-read them all over again. And who has time for that? So be forewarned before beginning this book-the last, third book, Calamity, will come out in 2016. 

I give this novel a 3.5 and recommend it for 13 year olds and up due to violence. 

What I learned: Our fears can control and weaken us. 

Again, here's Brandon Sanderson's website if you want to learn more about this series or his other novels: http://brandonsanderson.com/. 

A Review: Steelheart

Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson
Genre: YA Fantasy

"There are no heroes. Every single person who manifested powers-we call them Epics-turned out to be evil.

Here, in the city once known as Chicago, an extraordinarily powerful Epic declared himself Emperor. Steelheart has the strength of ten men and can control the elements. It is said no bullet can harm him, no sword can split his skin, no explosion can burn him. He is invincible.

It has been ten years. We live our lives as best we can. Nobody fights back...nobody but the Reckoners. A shadowy group of ordinary humans who spend their lives studying powerful Epics, finding their weaknesses, then assassinating them.

My name is David Charleston. I'm not one of the Reckoners, but I intend to join them. I have something they need. Something precious, something incredible. Not an object, but an experience. I know his secret.

I've seen Steelheart bleed."

I haven't read many, actually any, superhero novels, so I can't say what this one is like compared to them. But it is far more unique than the Marvel or other superhero-based movies I've watched. For one thing, in this novel, the humans are fighting the superheros. Also, the whole idea that there are no 'good' epics is interesting and somewhat baffling. I'm sure Sanderson explains this more in the second novel (yes, there's a sequel, and where there's a sequel, there's bound to be a  trequel, or whatever you call a third novel...). I found it slightly hard to believe that a group of so few humans could stand against the epics, but they have some supernatural help that makes it slightly more possible.

I often laughed out loud in this novel, mainly due to David's character. His horrible use of metaphors is hilarious, and he acts just like a determined, reckless teenager would. Although there is plenty of action in this novel, the characters are very lifelike and I feel like they became my good friends at the end.

Several times the plot takes sharp turns, causing the reader to start in surprise and re-read to make sure that just happened. This story will grab you with both hands right away and not let go!

This novel is a lot of fun due to the plot, David, and the world Sanderson has created, but it also explores deep issues as well, such as: what does it mean to truly be a hero? What are the moral boundaries in overthrowing tyranny, if there are any? I'm still contemplating some of the themes Sanderson unearthed in his book.

For the above reasons, I give this novel a 3.5 out of 5 and recommend it for 13 year olds and above.

What I learned: Pride is dangerous and often deadly. Vengeance is not as powerful as love.

*If you would like more information on Brandon Sanderson or his other books, visit his site here: http://brandonsanderson.com/

Cloned Humans

 Replication: The Jason Experiment

 by Jill Williamson

  Genre: Christian YA Science-Fiction

"Martyr-otherwise known as Jason 3:3-is one of many clones kept in a remote facility called Jason Farms. Told that the has been created to save humanity, Martyr has just one wish before he is scheduled to 'expire' in less than a month. To see the sky. 

"Abby Goyer may have just moved to Alaska, but she has a feeling something strange is going on at the farm where her father works. But even this smart, confident girl could never have imagined what lies beneath a simple barn. Or what would happen when a mysterious boy shows up at her door, asking about the stars. 

"As the reality of the Jason Experiment comes to light, Martyr is caught between two futures-the one for which he was produced, and the one Abby believes God created him to have. Time is running out, and Martyr must decide if a life with Abby is worth leaving everything he's ever known." 

I had a difficult time as a pre-teen and teenager finding 'Christian' novels that weren't cheesy, filled with bad writing/plots, or boring. I didn't want to saturate my mind with the godless, hormone-driven, cussword-filled teenage books that one often (though not always) finds on the book-shelves. But it was just difficult to find specific Christian books that looked entertaining and deep. Has anyone else had this problem? 

Replication, however, is a cute, humorous book that I wished I could have enjoyed when I was younger. Williamson keeps the cheesiness/superficiality to a minimum, although she does have God talk at one point. Why do Christian authors often do that? I've never heard the Lord speak clearly like that before, but all these characters just happen to hear him so well. Anyways, Abby is fun and real, and Jason stole my heart with his sweet innocence. There is also plenty of adventure/mystery in this novel, even though most of it couldn't have happened in real life (probably). The author does a good job of portraying the world as a clone would see it and using (or not using) words the clone would know. 

The characters in this novel face real, deep issues without the author preaching at anyone, and while keeping its lightness. I didn't find any major flaws with the book, and it was a delight to read. It's suitable for children 12 and older, and I give it a 3.5 out of 5. 

What I learned: It's important to know that not everyone sees the world like you do, and we shouldn't take the little, beautiful things for granted. 

Shannon Hale is Dangerous

Dangerous by Shannon Hale
Genre: YA Sci-Fi

         How far would you go to save the world? Probably not as far as Maisie Danger Brown...

"When Maisie Danger Brown nabbed a spot at a NASA-like summer boot camp, she never expected to uncover a conspiracy that would change her life forever. And she definitely didn't plan to fall in love.

"But now there's no going back-Maisie's the only thing standing between the Earth and annihilation. She must become the hero the world needs. The only problem is: How does a regular girl from Salt Lake City do that, exactly? It's not as though there's a handbook for this sort of thing. It's up to Maisie to come up with a plan-and to find the courage to carry it out-before she loses her heart...and her life."

Wow, you impressed me, Mrs. Shannon Hale. I heard a lot about this book from her blog, about how she's writing another genre-hopping book (sci-fi in a contemporary world and a superhero novel, instead of a comic) and writing a minority character who also has one arm. And Hale didn't let me down. Sure, I like some of her other books better (The Goose Girl series and Princess Academy to be precise), but there is so much to love in this novel:
                 1. Maisie Danger Brown: I mean, with a nickname like that, you can do anything, right? I loved that she was half-Paraguayan (so unique) and had one arm, with a prosthesis that had a hilarious, always-changing name.
                 2. The Plot: It was more creative than other science fiction stories I have read. Yes, there are aliens, but they aren't the main focus of the story.
                 3. The Humor: Maisie's dad makes pretty hilarious puns throughout the book, and Maisie is funny in her nerdiness.
                 4. The Poetry: What? Poetry in a science-fiction book, where all the characters are obsessed with science and technology? I know, right?! This might just be the English major in me, but I loved that Hale laced the story with real poems, adding another layer of depth and beauty. It shows that literature and science might be able to live side-by-side after all.
                  5. The Similes: Hale always writes so beautifully and eloquently and peppers her novels with similes, which are so clear and creative.

There were other things about the book that I enjoyed, but I don't want to give away too much. There were just a few things that I thought could be improved upon. The first part of the book, when the characters are at the camp, seem to go too fast, and I would have liked more information/detail about the fireteam training. Since I'm a highly visual person, a few more details about what the characters looked like would have helped; I had a hard time seeing them in my head. And I was confused about what the havoc armor looked like exactly.

Overall, though, this book was excellent, and Hale did what she wanted to do: write a thrilling sci-fi superhero story, and about a girl, no less! I give it a 4 out of 5 and recommend it for 15 year olds and up.

What I learned: Don't judge people too harshly until you understand their motivations. An elevator that goes up to space=awesome. Love is not made up of attraction, infatuation and consternation; there's more to it than just tingly feelings.

How I do wish I could have understood more clearly all the sciency words she used in the novel...

My Favorite Quote: "Life is precious because it's finite."

Swimming with Mermen

Of Poseidon by Anna Banks
Genre: YA Fantasy/Romance
*First novel of a trilogy

"The day Emma meets Galen on the beach is the day her life changes forever. Galen is the prince of the Syrena sent to find a girl he's heard can communicate with fish. When Emma runs into him-literally, ouch!-their connection is immediate and powerful. Could this be the girl? After several encounters, Galen is convinced Emma is the one. But how can he convince her of her gift? And how can he make his feelings for her disappear? She's the key to his kingdom, she can't be the key to his heart."

Or can she? Oooh. I was first interested in this book because the cover shows someone swimming underwater, and I'm fascinated by the ocean, mermaids, or anything wet since there's so little of it in Amarillo, TX. And let's face it people, readers do judge books by their covers.

I highly enjoyed this book and I have read it twice. Yes, it is cliche in some parts, and for the most part the reader can guess what is going to happen, but Banks crafted an interesting plot and did I mention there are mermaid-like creatures (Syrena) swimming from page to page?

The narrator, aka the main character, is extremely snarky and sarcastic, and I found myself laughing out loud several times (good thing the first time I read this book it was an audio version in my car). Each character in the novel stood apart and possessed at least one slightly entertaining facet.

I had a difficult time imagining the underwater world of the Syrena, and it was a bit too romance-focused for me, but if you want a light, funny read, this book is for you. I give it a 3 out of 5 and suggest it for 15 year olds and up.

What I learned: People can't expect to know everything about a person and what they're thinking/feeling right away; bigger things might be swirling around in someone's soul, making them act in a certain way. Good rulers are those who can sacrifice their own desires for the betterment of their people.  

Warning: There's a major cliffhanger at the end of this novel. Be prepared. (The sequel is out; more on that later).

Anna Bank's blog: http://byannabanks.blogspot.com/

A Review: Champion

Champion by Marie Lu
Third and last book in the Legend trilogy
Genre: YA Dystopian

Insert from the inside cover:  (WARNING: May give away things if you haven't read previous two books!)
"June and Day have sacrificed so much for the people of the Republic-and each other-and now their country  is on the brink of a new existence. June is back in the good graces of the Republic, working within the government's elite circles as Princeps-Elect, while Day has been assigned a high-level military position.

"But neither could have predicted the circumstances that will reunite them: just when a peace treaty is imminent, a plague outbreak causes panic in the Colonies, and war threatens the Republic's border cities. This new strain of plague is deadlier than ever, and June is the only one who knows the key to her country's defense. But saving the lives of thousands will mean asking the one she loves to give up everything."

This was a great conclusion to the trilogy. It is just as action-packed as the previous two novels, but also continues to develop the relationships between the characters, specifically Day, June, Eden, and Anden. I enjoyed returning to these characters and their vivid personalities.

I like how the 'lovey-dovey' stuff in this book isn't the main focus, and the people have to deal with larger things, like war and disease. And I loved seeing Day's relationship and his love for his brother and how that played out.

There is plenty of events in this tale to keep you on your toes! It is slightly heavier and more depressing than the first two novels, but that was to be expected after the cliff-hanger in the second novel, Prodigy. It deals with some real-life stuff, but in a way that is not highly disturbing or depressing.

The only major problem I had with this book was the ending, which brings it down for me to a 3.5 out of 5. Endings pretty much make or break a story for me. Don't worry, it's not super sad, although it slightly is. It felt unsatisfying and kind-of cheap to me. I think Marie Lu could have solved the main problem with June and Day's relationship a different way than that, but perhaps not. You'll have to tell me what you think if you read it (and you most definitely should).

Recommended for ages 16 and up for violence, a scattering of cuss words, a 'hot' scene (if you know what I mean. And there are references to homosexuality too, by the way).

What I learned:  Love is sacrifice. No matter what kind it is.

*Check out more info about Marie Lu and her books on her website: http://www.marielu.org/index.html