Book reviews written by Caroline C

“No matter how much of this type of book I’ve read in the past another one comes along and it instantly becomes a favorite, replacing the previous one. This one take a little more of a realistic turn (sans aliens and zombies) and goes for what would happen if the moon is knocked closer to earth. Major natural disasters occur, and the weather changes drastically.

I admired Miranda’s mom. A lot. She was strong and held her family together, preparing everything in advance when things get worse later. It was as if she had everything under control - something extremely difficult to do especially when the majority of the public are probably panicking and running amok. I also liked Matt who also was strong and acted like the backbone of Miranda’s family too.

It did take me a while to like Miranda. There were times when she acted like a spoiled self centered selfish brat, but then there were other times where she would sacrifice anything to help her family. You do tend to forget that she’s just a sixteen year old girl because of her behavior. She acts like an adult at times, but then reverts to her age the next. It’s the same with Johnny too, and he’s younger than Miranda. It’s in crisis situations like these where you see children literally grow up when they should be having fun at their age.

The story is told in a diary format, which may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but Miranda doesn’t fill her entries with flowery writing, at times it can get a little whiny and her priorities get a little mixed but her descriptions of what’s going on and how the world is during this crisis is cut and clear. It may not be as graphic as some other post apocalyptic books are, but since this is meant for younger readers, the amount of details is just right.

It’s a great post apocalyptic book for younger readers, and I think it’s also a great ‘starter’ book for those that just want a taste of these kinds of books. It’s not over the top graphic detail, but just enough to know that the world Miranda lives in, is filled with a lot of difficulties and hardship. Yet it outlines the importance of family togetherness to survive through the ordeal. This was a great read, and I do recommend this book for readers of any age. ”

Caroline C wrote this review 2 days ago. ( reply | permalink )

Rose of Winslow Street, The

by Elizabeth Camden

Rated 5 stars

“What I loved most about this novel, was the characters in them. The plot was good, but it’s really the characters that made the book twice as enjoyable to read. Libby is a great character with an awful secret - although I thought it was most definitely a secret problem that can be fixed, so I’m not sure why it wasn’t encouraged for her to try to solve this issue. Perhaps because she’s tried so hard to do so with results, she just gave up - what surprised me was I really thought Michael would do something about it, but he didn’t. (This whole thing will make sense once you read the book).

I thought Libby and Michael were such a wonderful couple! from the start they had a little spark and it eventually grew to something more but it was just so nice to read them both. Some of the things Michael says to Libbey throughout the book were so nice I had to sit back and reread them again. They were most definitely very memorable quotes. My favorite scene, had to be when they were stranded in the rain.

The plot was really good and interesting. I was very glad of Mirela’s outcome because of her past story. What got me all riled up was Regina. Oh argh. She got me so mad and I can’t believe she did what she did. (Which just goes to show you how involved in the plot I was while reading this book). I also liked the perfume parts of the book. That was interesting and didn’t think someone like Michael would be into that sort of thing. It’s definitely something you don’t see in most novels out there.

Definitely recommended for those who want a light romantic read. The romance was brilliant, the plot very nice and interesting to follow, most importantly it had very memorable characters that made the book absolutely fantastic.”

Caroline C wrote this review 2 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink )

The Maid of Fairbourne Hall

by Julie Klassen

Rated 4 stars

“I enjoyed this book. It was a good read and the characters were all very well done and likable. Although at first, I disliked Margaret. She wasn’t that likable in the beginning and acted more like a spoiled brat who took a lot of things for granted. However, Margaret also provided for the most developed character in the book and it was nice to see her grow and become a much better person. I enjoyed reading her experience as a housemaid (mostly comical, sometimes I felt sorry for her).

The main couples ‘to be’ in this book suited each other very well. They were paired each other nicely, they sure had the chemistry all figured out but what was nice was when they were finally together. It made the ending of the novel a nice sweet one. The plot on the other hand was well done, I liked the amount of historical detail was made to make the plot much more authentic and realistic. I’m glad Julia Klassen took the time to make this book with as much historical detail as possible it made the reading experience much more fun.

The only thing I didn’t like about the book was towards the end, the plot slowed a bit, and there was a mystery added that was interesting, but it just felt like it dragged the rest of the plot as well. However it did have a nice ending as I mentioned earlier and overall the book was good so I’d say this is just a minor issue.

I’d recommend this to historical fiction lovers, the contrast between servant and high society is definitely mentioned and you follow Margaret in seeing the vast differences between the two. It’s most definitely worth the read.”

Caroline C wrote this review 2 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink )

Empty

by Suzanne Weyn

Rated 3 stars

“The book had all the things I wanted when I felt like reading about the world going down the drain and what happens when stuff hits the fan. So naturally, I picked this one up. It’s a short read, as it’s less than 200 pages.

I wish I could like it more. Yet I couldn’t. Although the situation is realistic and could be very possible, I just couldn’t get into this book. It was dry, and the characters weren’t that great to begin with. There’s also a potential love triangle but the characters just were not likable and there was absolutely no chemistry with any of them that it was almost painful to read.

The plot itself was okay, the subject matter interesting but it just did not have enough to really engage me as a reader. It could be also because the bland characters just didn’t do enough to make the plot flow successfully. It does get a little preachy towards the end, with the environment speech - however I have to add that house and how it was made was very interesting and if only houses like that could be made all throughout, perhaps this type of situation could be avoided.

I’d say take this book or leave it. It is a short read, but because of the dry plot and the blandness of characters the reading took a bit longer than I expected. The idea is unique but more should have been done to make it a more engaging book to read.”

Caroline C wrote this review 3 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink )

Warped

by Maurissa Guibord

Rated 4 stars

“
I was glad I picked this book up. It’s such a different story from the other YA I’ve read, and it was a good read, so good, it was hard to put down. The idea of the Fates, and the purpose of the tapestry is very different and it sets this aside from the usual plot hooks you find in the millions of YA books you’ve read - sometimes when you need a break from vampires and werewolves then perhaps you should read Warped.

I liked the time bending fantasy aspect of the book, and how our lives are really all woven into one big tapestry. The story itself is very well written and caught my attention all throughout the book. There’s plenty of magic and action, a very evil villain (well written and extremely evil! she could easily top the list of evil villains), and the romance is well done. It might take a bit to warm up to William de Chaucy, he’s pompous, arrogant, and can be a jerk but as the story goes on, he ended up being one of my YA crushes (his demeanor improves later). I really liked how his character worked out. Tessa on the other hand is a great main character and her chemistry with Will is there, and I liked seeing them both together.

The plot was a most different one. It’s got a great blend of historical fiction and fantasy all mixed in. The pacing isn’t too fast, and not too slow, but it’s gradual and as the story unfolds it gets much more interesting as the reader progresses. Characters are likable, and villain most evil so it fits all the characteristics of a book in this genre but made things interesting by going a step further (by adding in The Fates, and the tapestry).

I most definitely recommend this to other YA readers! take a break from the vampires and the werewolves and pick this book up! you won’t regret it! whether there’s going to be sequel, I’m not sure. It would be fun if there was, it does leave some things left out in the open. ”

Caroline C wrote this review Tuesday, January 17, 2012. ( reply | permalink )

Rise of the Evening Star

by Brandon Mull

Rated 4 stars

“I thought this one was just as good as the first. The action literally starts from the first few pages of the book and grabs your attention. The magic is still there and it’s still fun and exciting. It’s also nice to see a bunch of new characters, but also, some of the previous characters have also returned as well.

The plot was much more engaging and at a faster pace. There was much more character development when it came to both Kendra and Seth (and surprisingly enough, Seth got a little less annoying...). The magic is just as entertaining and I really enjoyed the new addition of the three specialists, it certainly put more emphasis on the magic aspect of the plot and a little more explanation on how it works. There is also some bit of mystery put into all of this (as to be expected) and it certainly was well written and well thought out as I was blindsided as to who the culprit was.

It is recommended you read the first book before jumping into this one there is so much the reader will have missed without reading this in its’ specific order. Highly recommended for Middle Grade readers, or for those who are into the fantasy genre.”

Caroline C wrote this review Monday, January 16, 2012. ( reply | permalink )

Wings

by Aprilynne Pike

Rated 3 stars

“I liked this book, but then I didn’t. The more I read further into this book, I almost wanted to drop it, but I didn’t because curiosity got the better of me and I wanted to know what was going on.

You have to wonder about Laurel’s parents. Laurel doesn’t eat like normal teens, and drinks up on the sodas. Yet her mom is okay with that? her parents are pretty much oblivious to everything regarding Laurel and this is where it gets unrealistic. It got a teensy bit worse when her good pal David seems to be VERY accepting of who Laurel really is. He doesn’t think it’s strange? he had no hesitations? he just shrugs and gets along with it? if David had been skeptical at first, it would have made this whole situation a little bit real. BUT! What bothered me the most was how in the end, once Laurel explains everything to her parents...they were just ok with it. Um..what? really? they just suddenly thought: ‘okay honey that’s nice. Run along, play with your new friends and hope your new outlook on life is great’ WTF?! At this point because it was at the end, I resorted to eye rolling. It was just too late into the book to throw it against the wall.

So, despite all of this silliness, there was a couple of things I liked. The world building was pretty good. The fantasy aspect and the magical places are interesting. The plot itself was an all right read and the pace made it for a quick read through. Character-wise, I thought David was the best one of all of them. Just because I thought he really was such a sweet guy after all. (He’d have to be sweet, to be so easily accepting to Laurel). Tamani on the other hand resembled a very jealous possessive guy who has severe issues and overall I found him downright annoying. His little comments here and there annoyed me and I wanted either David or Laurel to kick him in the face somehow.

I’m not sure if I would recommend this. A lot of readers seemed to have liked this book a lot. I’d say there’s better books featuring magical fae out there. I’d say try out Wondrous Strange by Lesley Livingston instead. For this one, take it or leave it.”

Caroline C wrote this review Sunday, January 15, 2012. ( reply | permalink )

The Bad Queen

by Carolyn Meyer

Rated 5 stars

“I enjoy reading anything about Marie Antoinette and this one does not disappoint! as this book caters to the younger age crowd, Marie Antoinette’s voice certainly ‘feels’’ younger. The book does a good job covering most of the main moments of her life leading up to her death. The book paints her somewhat in a sympathetic light, although ignorant and oblivious to what really is happening outside of the palace walls. Her large spending sprees and luxuries are a result of her desperate desire to please others, and to be surrounded by her friends (albeit, they all have another agenda). You can’t help but shake your head at these actions, but on the other hand, she was lonely, with no one to really talk to, and being under the constant scrutiny of others, you do sympathize and try to understand what’s she’s feeling. Her admirers and friends don’t help much in that matter either, as they just grab and take what they can. So although she’s done mistakes and she can disliked for her behavior, you can’t help but pity her as well.

The way her story is told is perfect and the writing style is superb. Although it’s a huge thick novel, I found it easy to read, and quick to read through. The setting and descriptions are well done and realistic, so everything is easily pictured. The little rules outlining the beginning of every chapter are cute but it goes to show the lengths to which Marie Antoinette was raised and how she was expected to be at court. It’s rigid and very restrictive, and you can’t blame her for wanting to break rules to suit herself and her comfort - much to the chagrin of others in the French court.

This was a great telling of Marie Antoinette tale for younger readers and I greatly recommend this for those wanting to know more about a misunderstood Queen. Those wanting to read a more adult version of this book, I’d recommend Abundance by Sena Jeter Naslund. It’s a more detailed account of her life, and also very well done. ”

Caroline C wrote this review Thursday, January 12, 2012. ( reply | permalink )

Abandon

by Meg Cabot

Rated 3 stars

“At first this book started off great! it was an interesting idea and I was really interested and engaged with this book. Yet as the book progressed it got really confusing with the flashbacks Pierce has, and her time spent with this mysterious stranger (you find out later who he really is). The flashbacks would have been much better if they actually were related to the present day events but they just seemed to be a rehashing of memories. Even so, it feels it’s all jumbled and it’s makes the reading awkward.

I also had a hard time liking Pierce. She was like a wooden doll with hardly any feeling or form and to be blunt, she just seemed so blah. Nothing exciting at all. I didn’t quite understand her relationship with John Hayden. It was like she liked him, but then she steered clear away from him. Although he ends up saving her from several horrible experiences, she just wants to get away from him as if he’s the plague. Ok. I supposed there’s not a problem with that but if they’re supposed to be the romance couple here, the chemistry seems way off and it just feels like it’s not there. Even the rules of ‘Opposites Attract’ does not work here. Pierce just seemed so wishy washy half of the time I ended up not really liking her in the first place.

The plot itself was okay. Although it’s supposed to be somewhat similar to the Hades and Persephone myth you don’t see much of it except for some parts here and there. Even so, it’s does not seem well put and just feels like a cut and paste job, with a lot of fluff in between. It does pick up in the end though, and it’s interesting enough for me to wait for the second book, but I am not in a real rush to get it.

I’d say take it or leave it with this one. I have not read Meg Cabot’s books before but fans of her might like this book more than I did. Those who want a better rendition of the Hades/Persephone myth, try The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter.”

Caroline C wrote this review Tuesday, January 10, 2012. ( reply | permalink )

Hunger

by Jackie Morse Kessler

Rated 3 stars

“I really liked the way this one was written. It was such a unique and great idea to mix a common social issue with the concept of the Four Horsemen. It’s certainly different and I liked it. It made a whole lot of sense,and did put a lot of things in perspective.

What I liked the most? is the Kurt Cobain version of ‘Death’ he was just plain awesome. I loved it whenever he appeared, he always had some sort of ironic witty comment to contribute. I’d have to say, he was one of my favorite characters in the book.

The way Lisa’s hunger is described, especially during a scene where she’s on a date with her boyfriend, the description of the food, the smells, especially the fries! I was almost hungry myself! this, I thought was a great way of writing. It was so well done, you could almost taste and sense of what Lisa is feeling and what she’s missing out on. What I liked the most about Lisa is, she grows and develops as a character. She finally sees what she’s doing to herself in a rather eye opening revelation (so to speak)

This book was a great way of tackling a very common issue among teenage girls and I most definitely recommend this. It’s put in an interesting manner by using the Four Horsemen and taking a problem plaguing young girls and putting it together. It’s different and makes an interesting read. I say give it a try, it’s worth a look through - it’s a fast read and worth the time.”

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Reviews

Life As We Knew It

by Susan Beth Pfeffer

Caroline C wrote this review 2 days ago. ( reply | permalink )

Rose of Winslow Street, The

by Elizabeth Camden

Caroline C wrote this review 2 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink )

The Maid of Fairbourne Hall

by Julie Klassen

Caroline C wrote this review 2 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink )

Empty

by Suzanne Weyn

Caroline C wrote this review 3 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink )

Warped

by Maurissa Guibord

Caroline C wrote this review Tuesday, January 17, 2012. ( reply | permalink )

Rise of the Evening Star

by Brandon Mull

Caroline C wrote this review Monday, January 16, 2012. ( reply | permalink )

Wings

by Aprilynne Pike

Caroline C wrote this review Sunday, January 15, 2012. ( reply | permalink )

The Bad Queen

by Carolyn Meyer

Caroline C wrote this review Thursday, January 12, 2012. ( reply | permalink )

Abandon

by Meg Cabot

Caroline C wrote this review Tuesday, January 10, 2012. ( reply | permalink )

Hunger

by Jackie Morse Kessler

Caroline C wrote this review Monday, January 9, 2012. ( reply | permalink )