I really enjoyed this book, it was unsettling at times but that was only because everything was so realistic. Even during the more surreal moments, it I really enjoyed this book, it was unsettling at times but that was only because everything was so realistic. Even during the more surreal moments, it felt true. Like when you're trapped in a bad dream that you can't wake up from.
That's what mental illness can feel like, and to have the main characters real life and dream life became so blurred was both chilling and intriguing.
I will admit that I did like the “real life” scenes the most, but I was still very impressed by how imaginative the narrative became throughout the story.
Buy, Borrow or Bin Verdict: Buy Check out more of my reviews here ...more
I didn't enjoy this book, the art is not really ideal for a Childrens' book its very plain and almost ugly. The writing itself was annoyingly repetiti I didn't enjoy this book, the art is not really ideal for a Childrens' book its very plain and almost ugly. The writing itself was annoyingly repetitive, the whole book was basically terrible “rhymes” coupled with the main line of the book about counting to disperse your anger.
I know that Childen's books often rhyme and are repetitive, I know this. However, while others leave the feeling of trying to hammer home an ideal or moral this just felt lazy.
Buy, Borrow or Bin Verdict: Bin Check out more of my reviews here ...more
I have had this book recommended to me countless times and I finally decided to read it! I thought the premise of evil actions creating literal monste I have had this book recommended to me countless times and I finally decided to read it! I thought the premise of evil actions creating literal monsters was very interesting, and I think that the story was very creative.
For whatever reason though I had trouble finishing this book, I don't know why, I was just kind of bored especially once the “action” started. This may have been because while the plot was very creative, the good guys and bad guys seemed a bit one dimensional.
I didn't real feel a connection between the protagonists. The villains were almost cartoony in their violence. I probably won;t be continuing with this series, but will still check out other works from this author, perhaps her adult books will be better suited for me.
Buy, Borrow Bin Verdict: Borrow (for unique premise)
Okay, let me start by saying that despite all my qualms with this novel I do think that it is a great middle grade book! I imagine that there are veryOkay, let me start by saying that despite all my qualms with this novel I do think that it is a great middle grade book! I imagine that there are very few 500+ paged books that could keep a young mind so enthralled. However this is not marketed as a middle grade book, it is marketed as a Young Adult book and as such I thought it was much too kiddy.
While the banter may have been cute and even witty for a twelve year old, for the protagonists later teen years it came across as rather juvenile. I also found that the book was much bigger than it needed to be, but perhaps that is also simply because I found the story somewhat predictable and therefore the dragging out of certain elements to be rather tedious.
Overall while not my cup of tea, I think this is a great book for younger children.
Buy, Borrow or Bin Verdict: Borrow Check out more of my reviews here
Wow I just realized that this book took me nine months to finish!...more
More middle grade than YA, but I did enjoy this sci-fi adventure. At times it felt a little jumbled and all over the place, however the uniqueness of More middle grade than YA, but I did enjoy this sci-fi adventure. At times it felt a little jumbled and all over the place, however the uniqueness of the world kept me interested.
Giving personalities to trains was pretty cool. Hard to find much to say about this, while I enjoyed it for the most part it was still rather middle of the road. The ending was very frustrating. 2.5/5...more
Another great book by Eric Walters. This one follows Graham and his adventures with his new friend, smooth talking lady killer, Ethan. The rapport bet Another great book by Eric Walters. This one follows Graham and his adventures with his new friend, smooth talking lady killer, Ethan. The rapport between Graham and Ethan was often funny and witty.
The only thing I thought was odd was that at times the dialogue felt a little unrealistic. I've never met teenage boys that talked so politely to each other, or were so honest about their feelings. I mean it would be nice if this was the norm but as such it isn't, and it took me out of the story a little. Overall I did have fun reading this, it was a sweet and short read. 3.5/5
I held off on reading this book because I was worried that this would be a tear-jerker, but it actually wasn't too hard emotionally. The story follows I held off on reading this book because I was worried that this would be a tear-jerker, but it actually wasn't too hard emotionally. The story follows Ray, a young girl who died in a car crash and is reincarnated as a dog. She soon meets Pip, a homeless boy who is on a quest to find his long lost father.
I appreciated that this book tackled some harder issues, such as youth homelessness. However while there are some grim realities sprinkled throughout this book, the ending was unrealistically ideal. I would have liked to have seen the story continue with its realistic feel. Nonetheless what better age than middle grade for perfectly concluded stories. 4/5
Diary of Anna the Girl Witch is a fun, albeit slightly dark middle grade mystery about a young girl discovering the magic within herself as she unrave Diary of Anna the Girl Witch is a fun, albeit slightly dark middle grade mystery about a young girl discovering the magic within herself as she unravels a nefarious plot.
The age recommendation for this is middle grade to young adult. I do find this to be a little too young for teens, but I think that this book is interesting enough for an adult to read to a child without either party being bored.
The story teaches the importance of being kind and not acting out of revenge. Overall this is an intriguing read filled with just enough pictures to help ensure a child's attention. 3.5/5
Buy, Borrow or Bin Verdict: Borrow
Note: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review....more
Yay! Finally a good children's book. Nay, a great children's book! I know there are a bunch of great kids books out there but I have been having a hel Yay! Finally a good children's book. Nay, a great children's book! I know there are a bunch of great kids books out there but I have been having a hell of a time finding them. Being a new mother and a bookworm, I have recently become interested in what the current offering of children's books are out there (since I want to get my daughter interested in books from a very young age, as I was). After slogging through a bunch of crap, I finally found a gem.
I loved this book! I'm 25 years old and I loved this book and I am certain that a child would too. It was fun and clever (but clever in a way that a child could actually understand). I chuckled constantly throughout the book, and I found all of the characters to be lovable and most importantly, memorable. The little drawings at the head of each chapter was also an adorable touch.
I would definitely recommend this for kids looking for an engaging read that's filled with humour, intrigue and mystery.
Buy, Borrow or Bin Verdict: Buy
Note: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review....more
Unpopular opinion here, but I didn't really care for this book. I was a nanny for many years and I have read my fair share of children's books. What I Unpopular opinion here, but I didn't really care for this book. I was a nanny for many years and I have read my fair share of children's books. What I have come to learn is that just because a book is for children doesn't mean it has to be overly simple or lazy.
Unfortunately I found this book to be just that. The writing was very stilted and while the plot had potential I found it to be rather boring. I realize that I am far from the target audience, but there are just so many other children's books out there that are entertaining for the parent and the child that I don't feel the need to settle for yawn inducing books.
Buy, Borrow or Bin Verdict: Bin
Note: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review....more
Chloe in India is the story of a young American girl that is forced to move to India with her family. Once there, she struggles to fit in and eventual Chloe in India is the story of a young American girl that is forced to move to India with her family. Once there, she struggles to fit in and eventually learns the importance of being yourself and treating people as equals.
I really enjoyed this story and can't remember the last time that I was so engrossed in a middle grade book. I liked how the book was an honest portrayal of not only how a young girl would feel trying to fit into a completely different culture, but that the book also showed a good representation of India. I liked how the author did not shy away from topics like poverty,inequality and discrimination.
The only thing I wasn't a fan of was the (brief) mention of prenatal sex selection and infanticide. However it doesn't go into detail and ultimately leaves the parent to explain these issues as they see fit.
Overall I found this to be a great middle grade book that teaches the importance of respecting people that are different than you.
Buy, Borrow or Bin Verdict: Buy
Note: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review....more
First is an interesting Dystopian that really delivers some enticing moral quandaries. There was definitely a lot of inspiration taken from other pop First is an interesting Dystopian that really delivers some enticing moral quandaries. There was definitely a lot of inspiration taken from other popular Dystopians, and at first I found this distracting,(the beginning reminded me very strongly of The Hunger Games for example) but eventually I got used to it and it didn't bother me as much as the story progressed.
I loved that I hated Socrates, as I always appreciate when the writing is good enough to make me feeling strongly about a character, even if that feeling is hate. As for Mira, I can't say that I was the biggest fan of hers, I found her to be very naive and a little annoying and repetitive. While being naive is a reasonable character trait considering her upbringing, I just couldn't root for her when there are so many alternative Dystopian characters that come from similar backgrounds, that are just so much stronger and badass.
Overall I did like this book, the plot really makes you think and the world that it took place in was interesting. However there were some issues with repetitive phrases and insta-love that brought down the rating for me a bit. The story also dragged a little. These issues were not enough for me to dislike the book, but it did bring down the rave factor.
Buy, Borrow or Bin Verdict:Borrow
Note: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review....more
This was an okay story about a young girl living during the dust bowl years. To me the narrative didn't feel like a child's voice, and I found the diaThis was an okay story about a young girl living during the dust bowl years. To me the narrative didn't feel like a child's voice, and I found the dialogue to be a bit stilted. However the illustrations were nice....more
Okay book, if not extremely repetitive. Rather childish, but the cartoons are fun. This might help for trying to get over something like a fear of dogOkay book, if not extremely repetitive. Rather childish, but the cartoons are fun. This might help for trying to get over something like a fear of dogs, but as for an ocd tick/general anxiety or agoraphobia I doubt it could help. Overall pretty meh, nothing new here.
Buy, Borrow or Bin Verdict:Bin
Note: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. ...more
Note: These are just my opinions on very short excerpts not the full versions. *R=requested
The thing about jellyfish- Pretty writing and interesting sNote: These are just my opinions on very short excerpts not the full versions. *R=requested
The thing about jellyfish- Pretty writing and interesting story, but I don't read a lot of middle grade books. 3.5/5
The game of lives- Skipped due to not reading the first two in the series. Will not count towards final tally.
These shallow graves- Decent story line but the stilted/overly formal dialogue might get annoying. 3/5
Inherit the stars- Liking this, but there is a lot of information to try to digest at once. 3.5/5 (R)
The accident season- Spooky plot, but I generally don't care much for mysteries/gore. 3/5
Nightfall- eh, just not interested in this. 2/5
What we saw- Good writing but a little too dark for me. I've also seen this plot a million times, but I guess as a fan of Dystopian I can't really talk about repetitiveness. 2.5/5
Legacy of kings- meh, slow excerpt. 2.5/5
Illuminae- A tad confusing at times, but overall really enjoyed this. 4/5. (R)
This raging light- Okay 3.5/5
Not if I see you first- Pretty funny, interesting mc. 4/5 (R)
A step towards falling- Better than expected, I predict an incoming tearjerker. 4.5/5 (R)
A history of blood and glitter- Terrible, couldn't even finish the excerpt. 1/5
Dumplin- Nothing special 2.5/5
The rest of us just live here- Okay, but not really interested. 2.5/5
This is where it ends- Interesting, but not a story I want to read. 3/5
Curiosity House: The shrunken head -Seems pretty fun and well written. 4/5
Are you still there- Just like with This is where it ends, interesting plot and decent writing, but I think I have filled up my lifetime quota of reading books about school violence. 3/5
Hello, goodbye and everything in between- Not bad, but a little too cheesy for me. 2.5/5
Everything,everything- Awesome, look forward to reading the full novel. Maybe not the most original plot, but I got sucked into it right away. 4.5/5 (R)
I really wanted to like this book, but the mixed reviews should have tipped me off. The beginning started off well, everything was interesting and fun I really wanted to like this book, but the mixed reviews should have tipped me off. The beginning started off well, everything was interesting and fun, even if the world building was a little overwhelming. Then the story progressed more and I quickly lost interest. It's hard to get into a book when the main character is so mediocre. There was so much potential, I mean she was half dragon!
Unfortunately for me, I found her to be bland and contradictory. For example, she is told to blend in, basically so she doesn't end up getting murdered by an angry mob for what she is, yet she shows very little regard for not only her own safety but those around her. Her contrariness did not come off as “badass” it only came across as foolish.
I did like the dragon and human alliance. It was pretty interesting, although I would have liked for some things to be elaborated on. I still found it a little hard to believe that the only reason that the dragons submitted to human form and didn't just roast them all alive was because they liked the humans art...especially considering the pain in the ass that humans were for dragons.
Overall this was far from a bad novel, but I found it hard to connect with the main character and found the book to be a bit too slow for my tastes, however there is still that teasing glint of potential in this story and therefore I will be reading the next in the series.
This was a quick, decent read. I flew through the first 70% of this book, but afterwards things got a little convoluted. I wasn't really a fan of wher This was a quick, decent read. I flew through the first 70% of this book, but afterwards things got a little convoluted. I wasn't really a fan of where the plot went, I think that my issues with this book could have been remedied if it was simply longer. Having such a short book (for a sci-fi), made everything feel very rushed near the end.
I liked the characters well enough, although their recklessness came off as selfishness more than once. I also liked the romance in the book, although I felt that it progressed a little too quickly to be believable. The writing itself is decent, I just would have liked more of it. While I did enjoy reading this, I don't think that this is worth more than a borrow due to its slightly lackluster ending.
Say you will is an adorable offering from Eric Walters, about an awkward boy creating a “promposal” for the girl he likes. As usual Mr. Walters writin Say you will is an adorable offering from Eric Walters, about an awkward boy creating a “promposal” for the girl he likes. As usual Mr. Walters writing is smooth as butter and his characters are realistic and lovable. For me personally, I did find the length of the novel a bit awkward, and felt it might have worked better as a short story. However for a middle grade book the length is probably ideal. Overall this is a fun and sweet story that will definitely leave you with a smile on your face.
Buy, Borrow or Bin Verdict:Buy
Note: While this book is being marketed as YA, to me it felt a little young. I think kids between grades 6-9 would enjoy this the most.
Note: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review....more
Wow...that's how you write a novella! I really appreciated that this was a true sequel and not a random prequel. I love back story as much as the next Wow...that's how you write a novella! I really appreciated that this was a true sequel and not a random prequel. I love back story as much as the next person, but sometimes you just want story 1.5 to actually be story 1.5, so thank you for that Ms. Bracken.
I was riveted while reading this and yet, to be honest I despised Gabe. I can't remember the last time I cursed a character so much. But the writing was so good and the story was so interesting that even with my hatred for the main character, I still loved this addition to the Darkest Minds collection.
Buy, Borrow or Bin Verdict: For $0.79 I would say this story is definitely worth a Buy....more
Loading...
