Burned by Ellen Hopkins

Title: Burned

Author: Ellen Hopkins

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

Ages: Young Adults - 15+
Genera: Fiction
Subjects: Abuse, Poetry, Sexuality, Religious upbringing
Contains some VERY adult topics

Summary:

Told in verse, the book tells the sad tale of Pattyn Von Stratten, the eldest daughter of a ‘good’ Mormon family. Her journey begins with a simple dream about a boy. With most families, it would not mean anything. But to Pattyn, it could be the first step to hell and eternal damnation.

The dream is the first step, but to what? Will the dream lead to a better life or hell? Pattyn ponders this and other questions. They are questions without any answers – about God, sex, and most of all, love. The readers will find themselves pondering these same questions along with her in this battle of good and evil. Soon enough, Pattyn gets caught with a real boy, and gets shipped to rural Nevada. There she finds something new to her: love and acceptance. And for the first time in her life, she feels worthy of it. But her past demons won’t let her escape. Pattyn goes down a path that will surely lead her to hell.

Review:
Rating: A+
Ellen Hopkins’ books are a work of art. It warns girls and boys alike, about how dangerous the world can be. Dealing with sex, abuse, drugs, and alcohol, it can be quite hard to read at times yet thoroughly worth it. The endings will leave you pondering for the rest of the day, and sometimes more.

From the first pages, you are drawn into Pattyn’s harsh life. The way it is written makes it impossible to quit reading. It is not possible to skip a paragraph – because there are no paragraphs. Most of the book is thoughts and feelings, but the dialogue is very important to read. There are no annoying pages where the dialogue just goes on… and on. I love how you always know what Pattyn is thinking. When she is sad, you are sad; when she is ecstatic, you are too. Her story will leave the readers absorbed until the very end.

This book isn’t an easy read and some scenes could be quite traumatic to younger audiences. I don’t recommend this to kids younger than 15 or 14 (unless their parents permit them to read it). But with this said, it is an amazing book that I think everyone should at some point in their life. Ellen Hopkins’ books should be recommended reading in schools across the country and the world.

- Rogue

6th book review

The Angel Hunter by J. A. Leary

Title: The Angel Hunter

Series: Unknown

Author: J. A. Leary
Publisher: AML Enterprises, LLC
Ages: Young Adults
Genera: Science Fiction

Subjects: Angels, Christianity

Some cussing

Summary:

Victoria Hunter faces an enormous terror as her twin sons are torn from her arms and the shock leaves her with little more than vague memories of consuming fear and something profoundly evil. FBI agent Mc Clanahan is convinced that Victoria Hunter suffers from severe postpartum psychosis and is herself responsible for the infants disappearance. Her psychiatrist however, is beginning to sense that what she is up against is not something easily explained in the glib terms of psychiatry and law enforcement. Meanwhile, Father Stephen Christensen, an aged Catholic priest finds himself closer to the truth than most and that isn’t much comfort to him. An ancient secret is waking up and reaching for destiny. Victoria’s mother has some deeply help secrets which she simply cannot reveal to her daughter, even in the light of these terrifying circumstances. As the protagonist and the other characters start to spiral towards a terrifying crescendo the reader will find themselves struggling to define good and evil within the context of this book.

Review:
Rating: B
J. A. Leary’s debut book is a good start. It is a supernatural mystery starring Victoria Hunter, a highly accomplished business woman and mother of twins. It has an original plot, unlike many of the popular wannabes, interesting dialogue, and life-like characters. Mr. Leary proves that it is possible to write a spell-binding book involving the supernatural without vampires and werewolves. Yes, you read that right. There are no vampires fighting over the heroine in this book. Many twist and turns will compel you to keep turning the pages well into the wee hours of the morning. The book delves into the eternal question of good and evil and challenges some deeply held Judeo-Christian principles which may further fascinate (or upset) some readers.

The initial pages felt awkward as though the writer was trying to write according to some creative writing principles handed down by a teacher from long ago, rather than in his own voice. By about chapter three it was clear that Mr. Leary had found his way back to his own voice and style and the novel had managed to garner my undivided attention. As the perspective of the narrator changed frequently in the book it became, at times, cumbersome to read.

This book is not an easy read and some of the scenes can be quite frightening, which makes this not a book I would recommend to younger audiences. But to readers who enjoy reading something other than your average pool side novel I recommend this book.

- Rogue

5th book review

Waterfall by Lisa T. Bergren

Title: Waterfall

Series: River of Time (bk 1)

Author: Lisa T. Bergren

Publisher: David C. Cook

Ages: Young Adult

Genera: Fiction

Subjects: Time Travel, Romance, Medieval Times

Some romance, cussing, and mature topics

Summary:
It's not everyday you get to go to Italy! Actually, for Gabi and Lia, it is everyday. Gabi and Lia are the daughters of prominent archaeologist parents. Gabi and Lia are bored out of their minds, so they go into one of the tumuli (which are basically burial grounds). Gabi puts her hand on the wall, along with Lia and they are sent through time to the sixteenth century - right between a epic battle between two forces.


Review: 
Rating: B
What can I say? This book has everything I love:
Italy
Medieval History
Strong Heroine
Did I mention Italy? I ♥ Italy.

Gabi it a wonderful heroine. She is similar to Maximum Ride, same sarcastic, witty, character. Luca and Marcello are so fun. Marcello is a bit too protective for my tastes (he just reminds me way to much of Edward Cullen). Luca is Marcello's sidekick; a fun, witty guy. He has to be the best of the two.
Lia doesn't get fleshed much in the book, nor the whole series so that's a bit of a disappointment. She is the little sister character: kind, sort of hesitant, and all around little sister-y. It's kind of a downer.
I do love how kick butt they are, both of the sisters.
The story is great, but slightly rushed in parts. Some times, this is necessary (like in the battle parts). The story leaves a good cliffhanger, so it's good I had all three books. The next book's review will come soon!

In all, though the book is good, it isn't great. I did enjoy it greatly. I would recommend it to an person who loves Italy, history, or/and a good romance.

- Rogue

4th book review

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

Title: Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

Author: Ransom Riggs

Publisher: Quirky Books

Ages: Young Adult
Length: 352 pages
Genera: Fiction
Subjects: Orphans, Mutants, Photography
Some major cussing.

Summary:
Jacob Portman has an odd grandfather, but to six year old Jacob, Grandpa Portman is the best person in the world. He told wild stories about monsters with tentacles for tongues, war, and more. Only when Jacob grows older does he finally begin to question Grandpa Portman. Now, sixteen year old Jacob knows that Grandpa Portman is just a crazy old coot.
When Jacob and his friend finds his grandfather dying in the forest, he is given Grandpa Portman's last words. They lead him to a seemingly boring island looking for people long dead. What will happen?

Review:
Rating: A
Ransom Riggs is certaionly an brilliant artist. He has crafted a story with words and pictures. Ransom Riggs has compiled vintage pictures to help describe the story. The pictures include a man lifting a heavy "boulder" and a girl standing over a pond - with two reflections. My brother and I loved to look at them. I also enjoyed reading the end where all the origins of the photos.
The story itself was slightly confusing at times, but otherwise a good mystery. The slight romance was entertaining and I enjoyed reading them flirting with each other (I won't mention who they were though). The powers were very different. For example, one of the characters had teeth under the back of her hair. The end was rushed, but I think it needed to be like that. The drama, action, and mystery worked well for Ransom Riggs.
There was very little cursing, and far spaced as well. I actually don't remember anything other than a d@mn here and there. According to Shelfari, there is a bit of major cussing. Don't remember any of it though.

In all, I loved the book! I would recommend it to everyone and would love to read it again.

- Rogue

3rd book review

As I Wake by Elizabeth Scott

Title: As I Wake

Author: Elizabeth Scott

Publisher: Dutton Juvenile

Ages: Young Adult (13+)

Length: 224 pages

Genera: Science Fiction
Subjects: Paranormal Romance, Amnesia, Two Worlds
Some romance and cussing.

Summary:
Ava wakes up in a house she doesn't know. Just released from the hospital, she comes home to a wonderful mother and a group of best friends, even a crush that's beginning to show interest. She doesn't know any of them. Ava can't shake the feelings that she doesn't belong.
Ava finally remembers something, but its not from this life. Where does she belong - the life with a caring mother or one filled with danger and love?

Review:
Rating:: D
I had recently joined a book group, and the previous BOTM (book of the month) were As I Wake (Elizabeth Scott) and Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children (Ransom Riggs). I held both of them at the library, and read started As I Wake first.
I really loved the idea, it was original (or at least I haven't read anything like it). The first few pages were... confusing. I couldn't get past them quickly. At the time though, I thought it was just because they were the first pages. The whole book turned out to be like that. I quit reading it and turned to Miss Peregrine (click here for review). When I started it again, it was easier to read (by a bit). The farther I got in. the more confused I got. It just didn't make sense!
The two plots made NO sense. How did the boy come in to the other Ava's life? Not to spoil anything but, the romance was forced and rushed.

In all, I didn't enjoy it one bit, I would not read it again, and I would NOT recommend it.

- Rogue

2nd Book Review

Warriors: Into the Wild by Erin Hunter

Title: Warriors: Into the Wild

Author: Erin Hunter

Series: Warriors

Publisher: Avon

Ages: 10 - 12+

Length: 288 pages

Genera: Fantasy

Subjects: Cats, Adventure, Animal
There are no unsuitable topics in this book.

Summary:
An ominous prophecy is foretold to Bluestar, the clan leader of a group of wild cats. For generations, the four feline clans lived in harmony in the forest. They were Thunderclan, Riverclan, Shadowclan, and Windclan. The desperate Thunderclan took in a poor, lost kittypet, or house cat, to train as a warrior. The other clans of the forest are threatening them. Will this kitty rise to the top?

Review:
Rating: C
Usually, I don't go for junior books, but Warriors had many good reviews, I had lots of recommendations, and it was free on Kindle. I bought it, and finished it in a few days. Now, I'm not the biggest cat lover in town, but I was pleasantly surprised with this book.
Warriors was fun and quick paced. I loved how Firepaw/Rusty, the main character, was so curious. It was so cute ♥  It was odd how he was much better than the clan born apprentices, but I guess that's what they wanted.
Firepaw is a curious, compasionate character. It was fun to read, but he wasn't really a special in anyway. Katniss and Maximum Ride - those were special characters which I ENJOYED reading. Firepaw was fairly normal.

In all, I enjoyed the book but I'm not sure I still want to read the series.

- Rogue

Book Review 1

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!
Time for me to start my blog = ) There are a lot of books needed to be reviewed, and let's start now.

My beginning list:

Warriors: Into the Wild
As I Wake by Elizabeth Scott
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Reggs

- Rogue