Mitosis

Mitosis (Reckoners #1.5)

by Brandon Sanderson

4 stars

ebook, 35 pages

Published Dec. 3, 2013 by Delacorte Press

A short story in the universe of the Epics and Reckoners - this could have been a chapter or two in the next book, but it's a nice taste for people who loved the first book and can't wait for the next to come out.

I am one of those people.

Quick paced and full of action, Mitosis will not disappoint. I am quickly becoming a Brandon Sanderson fan.

Steelheart

Steelheart (Reckoners #1)

by Brandon Sanderson 

4.5 stars

386 pages

Published Sept. 24, 2013 by Delacorte Press 

 

I admit, I love superhero movies - but not books about superheroes. They're just so cheesy. I've tried.

BUT ...

I loved, loved this superhero book! It's a totally new take on superheroes ... they're EVIL! And regular people have to figure out their weaknesses and take them down so protect all the other regular people.

The first part of the book is pretty disturbing and violent. Actually the whole book is filled with fighting and violence and death, so I won't be letting my 10-year-old read it for a couple years. But as an adult - and maybe I'm desensitized - I could overlook it a bit and focus on the plot and the struggle for freedom from tyranny and fear.

The writing was fantastic and in places, quite witty. There was little to no swearing and no sex. Just a thrill ride from start to finish.

Based on this book, I'm going to find other books by Brandon Sanderson. And I will definitely be reading the next in line in this series.

Well done, Brandon!

The Fall of Five

The Fall of Five (Lorien Legacies #4)

by Pittacus Lore

4 stars

352 pages

Published Aug. 27, 2013 by HarperTeen

 

Again, the fictional author Pittacus Lore has written another pulse-pounding novel in the Lorien Legacies series. This time we see betrayal plague the Garde.

I almost wish the title was a little more vague. It basically tells you the plot of the entire book. The only thing you are left wondering is HOW.

Despite that, the book is well-written, clever, and full of action. We also are treated to a few more clues to how the story will end. But nothing too much.

I, of course, will be reading the next in the series.

The Testing

The Testing (The Testing #1)

by Joelle Charbonneau

3.5 stars

336 pages
Published June 4, 2013 by Houghton Mifflin Books for Children

(Mild Spoilers)

Is this a The Hunger Games knock-off? The odds are ever in your favor ... so yes. It absolutely is. A completely unabashed, blatant knock-off.

That being said, it is a good knock-off. I enjoyed it thoroughly once I accepted the similarities between the two books. The plot is basically the same as Hunger Games - except in The Testing, the applicants want to go to the Testing (Hunger Games) because if they pass, they can go on to University and their families back home get compensation.

The main character - Cia - is a clever, resourceful, smart, lucky, strong heroine who falls in love with her travel companion/fellow applicant. Sound familiar? I know, I know. But just as I loved Katniss, I thought Cia was awesome. Slightly flat at first, but she is developed further as she loses her innocence during the phases of Testing.

The majority of the book is focused on the 4th phase of The Testing, which makes sense, because it is the most exciting and longest test the applicants must go through. Traveling in a designated area, they must reach their goal any way they can. Killing is neither encouraged nor discouraged. Some applicants are good. But most turn vicious. It's sad that the author decides to put forth the theme that people are intrinsically bad - and will revert to base instincts whenever possible. I agree there is evil in the world, but I have hope that people at least have the desire to be better and to do better things. Am I naive? Probably. But I still lock my doors and keep my wallet safe. I ain't stupid.

There is some mild swearing and some violence (obviously, since it's Hunger Games reincarnated).

Anyway ... if you liked the Hunger Games, you'll probably like this. It's basically the same. Hopefully Number Two in this series will go in a different direction than Catching Fire did. I'll read it when it comes out and let you know.

Inhuman

Inhuman (Fetch #1)

by Kat Falls

4.5 stars

384 pages

Expected publication: Sept. 24, 2013 by Scholastic 

 

Dystopia-lovers, REJOICE!

I finally get to share a book with you that ranks up there with the best sellers, because this one is definitely going to be on that list!

Recently, I had fallen into an "I'm bored" slump with many of my books, so it took me a week to pick up this novel and start reading. But when I did, somehow my fingers developed super glue! This book mutated me into a part human, part raccoon who can't let go of that shiny something.

A fantastic premise (Think an I Am Legend/The Island of Dr. Moreau hybrid),  excellent writing, quick pacing and insightful character development make this the next "TO READ" for any teen or adult. I enjoyed every gripping minute I was immersed in the wild, colorful, dystopian, violent world of "Inhuman," by Kat Falls.

The only reason I docked a half-star was the love triangle that is developed. I'm so tired of the widely overdone Bella/Edward/Jacob formula. I adored both male love interests, so I despised the choice that our heroine is faced with. But that's the only beef I have with the book. I'm not going to overly analyze it either, because I just want to enjoy.

I cannot wait until I can get my paws (sorry!) on the next book in the series. I can only hope it's as good as this initial offering. Kat Falls has a winner on her hands - much to the joy of the millions of dystopian fans that roam the earth.

Thank you NetGalley and Scholastic Inc. for the opportunity to review this wildly good new book!

Starry Night

Starry Night

by Debbie Macomber

3 stars

384 pages (on my e-reader, 142 pages)

Expected publication: Oct. 8, 2013 by Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine

Debbie Macomber has made a name for herself writing sweet, little love stories using a formula that guarantees a happy, uplifting ending. If you are looking for angst-ridden romances strewn with sex, language and grit, Macomber is not for you. I happen to like these innocent, little novels. But not every day … or even every month. Her plotlines are eerily similar, and if you read them one after another, this is easily seen. But as a guilty pleasure – or a palate cleanser after a particularly gruesome, bad or stupid book – these little novels are perfect.
Starry Night tells the story of a female journalist who is challenged with finding a reclusive, “no-interviews-ever” best-selling author who lives in Alaska. If she succeeds, she can have her pick of any beat at the newspaper. So … predictable? Of course it is. That’s why you read these books! You know what’s going to happen. The joy is in the journey. How do they get together?
My only gripe is that I wish that the romance were developed further. It seems that within 24 hours (if that), the two are madly in love. I like my love stories drawn out just a tad bit more.
And an Epilogue would have been appreciated, too.
Yet for all its shortcomings, I will be reading Macomber again. She’s a bit addictive.
Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the opportunity to review this book.