Saturday, December 8, 2012

Review: Days of Blood & Starlight


Days of Blood & Starlight
Days of Blood & Starlight by Laini Taylor

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



OMG. I think I am going to cry this book was sooooo good. Well, not literally, but maybe. This book is just so indescribable. I. NEED. THE THIRD BOOK. NOW. And as far as I cna tell, there is no release date for book 3. I think I just might die waiting. I am now a hardcore fan. Sigh. On to rereading it for now...



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Friday, November 23, 2012

In which I do not have an iphone, but have found the most awesome iphone cover...

I was just surfing the interwebs and I came across this extremely cute iphone cover. The back of the cover has an eyshadow palette with 12 different colors and an applicator wand. I'm in love!  I am a huge fan of etsy and you can purchase this cover from the site for only $6.99. Now if only I had an iphone... I might just have to get an iphone if only to be able to use this cover. Sooo cute!

This cover is available here from etsy.com.

Review: Pushing the Limits


Pushing the Limits
Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



This was an amazing book! I'm not usually a fan of the romantic YA books, but this totally broke the mold for teen romance. The story and characters were so real and not perfect and the author really makes you feel what the characters are experiencing!! Can't wait for the next book!



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Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Review: Shadows


Shadows
Shadows by Ilsa J. Bick

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



In this nail biting edge of your seat sequel to the thriller Ashes we meet Alex again. Alex survived the Pulse that killed all electronics and turned teens into bloodthirsty cannibals. But she didn’t change the same way those teens did. Now what she thought was a brilliant escape from a cult like insular survivor community has become the fight of her life. The town of Rule has been feeding these cannibal teens and now Alex has been captured by them. Thinking she is in for a pain filled but immediate death she finds that her captors are much smarter that anyone has imagined, and they keep her alive. Can Alex manage escape, all the while planning how she will rescue the people she cares for most?



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Sunday, September 9, 2012

Review: Dearly, Beloved


Dearly, Beloved
Dearly, Beloved by Lia Habel

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



This is an egalley review. WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!!



Dearly, Beloved Nora Dearly and her zombie beau Bram are out of the war zone and back at Nora’s home in the underground development Elysian Fields. But just because the made it back to civilization does not mean they can live their lives peacefully. The war between the humans who hate zombies and zombies and their sympathizers has just begun- and it looks like the battlegrounds will be in the middle of New Victoria.
A gang of miscreants turned zombies called the Changed are trying to help other zombies, a group of young aristocrats turned hate group have begun to kidnap and kill zombies, and in the middle of all that there looks to be a new form of the Laz that no one has a cure for. Nora and Bram have their hands full, especially when it looks like Nora and Bram are targets and a zombie soldier and a friend has gone rogue. This is an action packed follow up to Lia Habel’s first book in the Dearly series, Dearly, Departed. Though it is full of action, the storyline has added more characters, plot twists, and a more rounded romance between Nora and Bram. Great book!!




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Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Review: The Secret Year


The Secret Year
The Secret Year by Jennifer R. Hubbard

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



I thought the book was a good quick read, but I really didn't think it was as awesome as my coworker (who recommended it to me) claimed it was. I did think that characters were pretty realistic, but I was not a fan of the way that the main character Colt was very nearly obsessed with a girl that secretly dated him for a year, but died recently. There was too much teen angst in this book for me to really enjoy it. The flipside is that the teen volunteers that I work with really loved this book. So maybe it's best enjoyed if you are a teenager.



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Sunday, August 12, 2012

Review: Imperfect Bliss: A Novel


Imperfect Bliss: A Novel
Imperfect Bliss: A Novel by Susan Fales-Hill

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



I did initially enjoy this book, but as I continued to read on there were some very odd plot twists as well as enresolved conflict and occurrences by the end of the book. This book is billed as a modern retelling of Pride and Prejudice, but I found it lackluster, particularly with the dialogue and plot between this book's Elizabeth, Bliss, and Darcy nee' Dario.

The book's main characters Bliss and her three sisters, her daughter, and their parents are involved in the new Bachelorette style reality show starring Bliss' second youngest sister Diana. The show stirs up the feelings that the girls have for their parents as well as what they feel about each other. All this is happening while Bliss ins trying to move on from her divorce and her mother is lamenting her terrible luck of having married only one daughter off only to have her return back home.

I am a fan of classic retellings, so I did enjoy the book, but it wasn't spectacular.



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Friday, August 10, 2012

Review: Size 12 and Ready to Rock


Size 12 and Ready to Rock
Size 12 and Ready to Rock by Meg Cabot

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I really love Meg Cabot's books and I think the Heather Wells series is awesome! I have been waiting for this book to come out for soo long and once I got it, I was not disappointed.

Heather Wells, former pop singer and current resident hall sleuth, is back to her old habits: protecting her student charges from danger and murderers. This time all the trouble seems to be aimed at Tania Trace, current chart topping pop singer and wife of Heather's boy band ex, Jordan. If that isn't enough to deal with she's got to handle a new boss, a reality show full of divalicious tweens being taped in her residence hall, oh and hiding her engagement to Cooper from everyone especially his brother and her ex Jordan. This is a must read. I loved it!



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Saturday, June 2, 2012

Review: Fracture


Fracture
Fracture by Megan Miranda

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



I got a prepub of this book since I work for the library and the blurbon the back really drew me in. To be truthful when I was reading the book, my desire to find out what was going to happen really kept me reading. I liked the book, but I was disappointed with the ending a little. It was because the characters did not resolve everything by the end of the book. I can say that teens will love the book because of the teen "angsty-ness" and the moodyness and the "emotionality" of the characters. I did enjoy it, but I came into reading it thinking it would be different. Overall I think it's a good read.



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Monday, May 7, 2012

Think Like a Man movie review...

Movie Review to come soon...Think Like a Man Movie Review:

This was originally posted on the book review post I did, but I added it as a new post.

Ok, so yesterday I went to see the #1 movie in America Think Like a Man for the second time. It was just as awesome as the first time (I went on opening night when everybody and their momma was at the theatre). I have to say I love Kevin Hart, and SPOILER ALERT!!!!              :Wendy Williams. Ok on to my thoughts on the movie and other such items.

First, I love a good Black movie. There is just something about an all star Black cast doing some great acting that just takes be back to the 90's and early 2000's where there was an abundance of great Black movies. To this day I love, love, love Brown Sugar, Poetic Justice, Love and Basketball- just to name a few. Now back to Think Like a Man.

It was expertly written and casted. For once in a long time, I really liked Meagan Good in a movie. Gabrielle Union is back in top form. I have loved her in like every movie she's been in. The hilarious black guy from 40 Year Old Virgin, Baby Mama, Blades of Glory, and the TV show Weeds, Romany Malco has finally gotten his breakout starring role and he was awesome. Not to mention great  actors like Taraji P. Henson, that's my girl!!, Micheal Ealy- I loved him in For Colored Girls and as Tea Cake in Their Eyes Were Watching God, and SPOILER ALERT!!!!             : the return of the ultra fine Morris Chestnut.

The movie seamlessly incorporates the content of the book with the movie content. The movie takes key chapters and content of the book and shows how the men and women (soon to be coupled off) use Steve Harvey's sage advice. The resulting hijinks, hilarity and reality checks make for a great comedy, rom-com, and Black movie. I have already seen it twice and I ready to go see it again!! If you haven't seen it, here is the trailer, enjoy!!



If you saw the movie, read the book or both, tell me what you think!!

Saturday, May 5, 2012

Ratchet Girl Anthem (Official Video)

OMG, I flippin love these guys and they have the best and most hilarious videos. Here is the official video for the Ratchet Girl Anthem. Enjoy.

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Best New Nonfiction Book Review: How To Be Black


How To Be Black
How To Be Black by Baratunde R. Thurston

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



At first glance you read the cover and think is this for real? And it is- sort of. Baratunde Thurston, comedian and political commentator, has compiled his own experiences, opinions and ideas of being black and those of a panel of artists, comedians, and black people, to create a laugh out loud yet astute review of the changing paradigm of race in pre and post-Obama America. Thurston presents hilarious yet reality based thoughts on “How to Be the Black Employee” and what’s up with the ridiculous idea of “post-racial” America and other ideas and questions on everyone’s minds. Thurston reveals that “blackness” is as much individual as it is the collective experiences of black people that create an ever shifting and novel alchemical force. This is a must read!!



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Monday, April 23, 2012

Self Help Relationship Nonfiction Book Review: Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man: What Men Really Think about Love, Relationships, Intimacy, and Commitment


Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man: What Men Really Think about Love, Relationships, Intimacy, and Commitment
Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man: What Men Really Think about Love, Relationships, Intimacy, and Commitment by Steve Harvey

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I will let you know up front that I read the book because I was about to see the movie. I usually like to read the book first, and I almost had it finished before I saw the movie on opening night.

I think that Steve Harvey has cashed in on giving simple but really good relationship advice. This book was a fun and fast read; I bought it Thursday night, started it and got halfway through while I was at the hair salon on Friday and finished it Saturday.

While I enjoyed it for the most part, the section that gave me the most pause was the chapter entitled The Ninety Day Rule. I believe that 90 days is not long enough to hold out on giving up what Steve calls 'the cookie', but others have different opinions.

What Harvey does in his debut books is give women insight into the male mindset. He advises women to set some standards and the good guys, the ones you want to keep, will rise to the occasion. He also tells women how they can get men to view them as 'keepers' instead of just 'sport fish', the women you just hook up with and don't take home to meet the family. The game changer for me was the section entitled The Five Questions Every Woman Should Ask Before She Gets in too Deep. These were simple questions that you can creatively ask a man while you are dating him and if his answers are wrong then you know he may not be ready to go to the same place you are relationship-wise.

Now this book is not the end all be all and women should not wield it like it has the power of the Bible, but it is interesting and at best eye-opening. I would definitely say that this is a must read, if only to stay relevant in current pop culture. Definitely read it if you loved the movie!!

Movie Review to come soon...Think Like a Man Movie Review:

Ok, so yesterday I went to see the #1 movie in America Think Like a Man for the second time. It was just as awesome as the first time (I went on opening night when everybody and their momma was at the theatre). I have to say I love Kevin Hart, and SPOILER ALERT!!!!              :Wendy Williams. Ok on to my thoughts on the movie and other such items.

First, I love a good Black movie. There is just something about an all star Black cast doing some great acting that just takes be back to the 90's and early 2000's where there was an abundance of great Black movies. To this day I love, love, love Brown Sugar, Poetic Justice, Love and Basketball- just to name a few. Now back to Think Like a Man.

It was expertly written and casted. For once in a long time, I really liked Meagan Good in a movie. Gabrielle Union is back in top form. I have loved her in like every movie she's been in. The hilarious black guy from 40 Year Old Virgin, Baby Mama, Blades of Glory, and the TV show Weeds, Romany Malco has finally gotten his breakout starring role and he was awesome. Not to mention great  actors like Taraji P. Henson, that's my girl!!, Micheal Ealy- I loved him in For Colored Girls and as Tea Cake in Their Eyes Were Watching God, and SPOILER ALERT!!!!             : the return of the ultra fine Morris Chestnut.

The movie seamlessly incorporates the content of the book with the movie content. The movie takes key chapters and content of the book and shows how the men and women (soon to be coupled off) use Steve Harvey's sage advice. The resulting hijinks, hilarity and reality checks make for a great comedy, rom-com, and Black movie. I have already seen it twice and I ready to go see it again!!

If you saw the movie, read the book or both, tell me what you think!!

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Sunday, April 22, 2012

Post-Apocalyptic Zombie YA Book Review: Ashes


Ashes
Ashes by Ilsa J. Bick

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Alex is hiking into the woods in the middle of nowhere to scatter that ashes of her dead parents. She's also out there to possibly die. You see Alex has a monster in her brain. It refuses to die, no matter what treatment the doctors have thrown at it.

Not long into her trip Alex meets a nice older man and his decidedly not nice eight year old grandaughter, Ellie, and Ellie's dog, Mina. Then all hell breaks loose. All three of them are incapacitated with an excruciating pain in their heads; all the birds are freaking out and dying; Alex just witnessed a herd of deer jump straight off of a cliff. Then it's all over. Alex and Ellie are ok, but Ellie's grandfather is dead. What they just experienced was the Pulse and it killed everything electronic including the pacemaker in Ellie's grandfather's heart.

Now, all Alex wants to do is get back home, but she's saddled with a brat. The upside is she now has her sense of smell, long lost to the effects of the monster tumor in her brain. As a matter of fact she can smell even better. Alex can smell, danger; danger in the form of dangerous teens changed by the Pulse. What she's coming to realize is that not everyone who survived the Pulse is "normal". Alex really understands this when she and Ellie are being attacked by a pack of feral dogs AND a crazed man. Tom comes out of the woods and saves them from his friend and the dogs.

Now the three of them are tasked with getting back to civilization. What they don't know is that it's not going to be easy surviving the older adult survivors who are desperate to keep away from or kill the crazed teenagers who were changed by the Pulse.



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Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Super Late Book Review: The Greyfriar

The Greyfriar
The Greyfriar by Clay Griffith

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I was walking through the library and I just happened to walk by the new fiction shelf and saw this book. I thought it might be interesting because I had just read my first steampunk novel and this one had a steampunk feel to it. Well I absolutely loved it and I also just finished the sequel. The book is set in a new future where vampires are real and 150 years prior, they conquered the human race and drove them southward where vampires could not survive due to the heat. The human civilization thrived and prospered, determined to rebuild their economies of steel and steam. Enter Princess Adele, future empress of Equatoria, one of the most established human empires. On her goodwill trip to the frontier states, before her impending marriage, she is captured by the vampire Prince Cesare who is intent on stopping the impending war between the Vampires and Humans. The war is the humans' attempt to regain the North. Cesare believes that stopping the empire joining marriage of Adele and the famous vampire killer, Senator Clark of the Americas, by kidnapping the princess will allow him to keep his power. Amazingly Adele is rescued by the Greyfriar, an infamous human living in the Vampire occupied North and protecting humans and killing vampires alike. Together the Greyfriar and Adele set off on a nailbiting and gripping adventure to return Adele to her kingdom and to the iron grip of a marriage of duty, much to her dismay- as well as the Greyfriar's. This book was awesome and I eagerly look forward to the third installment as I have already read the Rift Walker.



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Monday, March 5, 2012

Ratchet Girl Anthem!!! OMG, What do she have on??!!!! - She RATCHEEEETTT!!!

I admit I am coming late to this video, but this is just toooo funny!!! You must watch b/c you know you know somebody who acts just like this or you have done or said something just like this!!!

Monday, February 27, 2012

Zombie Romance Book Review: Dearly, Departed


Dearly, Departed
Dearly, Departed by Lia Habel

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



This was my first foray into the now very popular sub-genre of zombie themed YA fiction. While it included nearly everything that you expect when you dump zombies into a situation - eating human flesh, attacking people, spreading disease, rotting limbs - it was entirely stomachable (I read the first 30 pages of Lord Loss and I could read no more) and the romantic unfolding of the plot was not rushed, like in Twilight, though I do see the similarities. The book can also be included in the steampunk genre, though less so than paranormal romance or zombie fiction. The book is set in the future after the world has gone through major climate shifts and nearly everyone has moved south. Society has been remodeled based on the Victorian era with the clothes and transportation and manners and everything. Imagine a girl wearing dresses with corsets and petticoats but also with a chip, ubiquitous to all, implanted in the same arm where she carries something very similar to an ipad. Fast forward and we find the same girl fighting off zombies (the bad ones) with a shotgun only to be saved/kidnapped by more zombies (the good ones). She comes to find out that the zombie condition is due to the Lazarus virus that her father evidently died from and is currently trying to find a cure for. Add into all of this some combat scenes, witty dialogue and a forbidden and impossible romance and you get Dearly, Departed. I truly enjoyed it, even though every other chapter was written in a different person's/zombie's perspective, and I eagerly await the sequel.



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Monday, February 20, 2012

My Library Life...

So I know that I have been posting nothing but book reviews lately, but I work in a library- in teen services. My life is about staying up to date on the latest YA books. I also have a degree in Africana Studies, so I am really trying to  keep up with what's new with black authors. I originally started this blog thinking that I would be doing alot of fashion and outfit posts, but I have yet to do that. This will be next adventure- not to be so camera shy and take some picks of some really cute outfits I have been wearing to work. Alrighty then, I will be seeing you...

Dating Advice Book Review: A Belle in Brooklyn: Advice for Living Your Single Life and Enjoying Mr. Right Now

A Belle in Brooklyn: Advice for Living Your Single Life and Enjoying Mr. Right Now
A Belle in Brooklyn: Advice for Living Your Single Life and Enjoying Mr. Right Now by Demetria L. Lucas

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



Ok, I will preface this review with stating the fact that I don't read nonfiction books in my downtime. I definitely do not read relationship books. But, since I love Essence magazine so much, I thought that a relationship book written by a black woman and the Essence relationships writer would be a great choice. I also need to let you know that I am obsessed with the state of Black America and all of the relationship info and media about black people in relationships, especially black women. I thought this would be a knock out book, but I was a little disappointed.

The book is of course from the writer, Demetria Lucas' point of view, I expected that. What I did not expect was for her to go through nearly every relationship that she had and explain that the reason why she quit all of these dudes was because she was happy being single. Well if you like being single so much, why are you writing a relationship book. Granted, I chose to read the book, not only because I was curious, but also because I wanted some single girl relationship advice. Well, I guess I got what I wanted. All I'm saying is that, in my personal opinion, I was disappointed with the 'advice' she gave, but it was interesting reading about all of her dating escapades.



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Thursday, February 16, 2012

Review: Die For Me


Die For Me
Die For Me by Amy Plum

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



I chose this book because I thought it might be about zombies... Well it's not exactly about zombies. I was hoping that it would be completely awesome, but it was solidly good. If I have nothing else to read I will definitely be looking forward to the sequel.

That said, there is no way that I can give a clear synopsis review- I have tried. I work for a public library and we can put book reviews on the library site. I really tried and it's just not happening. Suffice it to say that it is unlikely that you will ever guess the paranormal aspect of the book, but the romance is not nearly as entrancing as Twilight series, or the Fallen series.

I give this a solid like and I might even read the sequel.



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Review: Crave


Crave
Crave by Melissa Darnell

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



CRAVE introduces Savannah and Tristan. Set in East Texas, best friends Savannah and Tristan were separated in fourth grade, neither really knows why. Now in high school, both still hold secret mutual feelings of attraction. Savannah soon finds out she is half vampire and half witch and her family was kicked out of the Clann because of her very existence. Though forbidden to be with her, Tristan, the reluctant future leader of the Clann, is now even more drawn to Savannah. Can they overcome their families' rules about their relationship and the tense treaty made between the Clann and vampires, or will they be separated again, this time forever.

I give this book three stars because I liked it enough to read the whole book. Normally if I don't like I will just quit reading it. I also like the vampire/witch aspect of it because, though not entirely a new take on vampires, the book did add some twists and turns. Overall this is a solidly ok/good book and I would recommend it to anyone who blows through books quickly.



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YA Dystopian Book Review: Enclave


Enclave
Enclave by Ann Aguirre

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I totally loved this book. There was lots of action and always something new right around the corner. Here's a bit of a description...

Life is different underground. The subway tunnels once used for transportation are now home to Enclaves-progeny of the survivors of the devastation Topside. There are 4 groups of people-Elders, Hunters, Builders, Breeders. Nobody's named until age 15– if they survive that long. Deuce just got named and is now a Huntress. She starts protecting the Enclave from Freaks-horrible mutations that eat human flesh-with her partner Fade. Fade wasn’t born into the Enclave and he questions the Elders’ authority. When Deuce’s friend is wrongly accused of a crime and nearly exiled, Deuce takes the blame-surprisingly so does Fade. They’re both exiled and decide to go Topside. Can they make it to a safety or will the dangers Topside stop them? A Must Read!



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Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Best YA Post-Apocalyptic Book Review: Shatter Me

Shatter Me
Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Ok, I will say that I absolutely loved this book. The way the book was written in the beginning -sort of stream of consciousness style- was really refreshing and added a great layer to the story. As the story unfolded the writing changed to match the event taking place.

Juliette hasn't spoken to- or touched- anyone in 264 days. She's been locked up by the Reestablishment for a crime she didn't mean to commit. Her parents let her be taken away three years ago after it happened and now she's imprisoned in hellish asylum. She finds out she's getting a roommate - someone she can talk to- but her roommate is a boy. What's he in here for? Will he hurt her? Why does he seem so familiar to Juliette?

Just when she thinks she can trust him, he betrays her. She is taken to Warner, the son of the leader of the Reestablishment. Warner knows why she was put in the asylum - and he wants to use Juliette. He believes he can make her into a weapon. Can she trust Warner, will she be able to escape? And what about Adam, did he really betray her?

Read it and find out for yourself. I can't wait for the sequel!!!



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Saturday, January 28, 2012

Book Review: Eve

Eve
Eve by Anna Carey

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Eve has grown up in a school like orphanage since she was five and orphaned by the plague that killed nearly everyone. Now at the end of her School education and as valedictorian of her class, she eagerly awaits graduation and her trip across the School lake where she and all the other girls will go to learn how to become artists and teachers. All the teachers at the School have been teaching them that they will be an integral part of rebuilding New America. There are no boys at the school, they have been taught that men are dangerous and only want to harm them. The only man they can trust is the leader of New America and he may even come to hear Eve's valedictorian speech. But Eve's celebration revelry is cruelly shortened when she witnesses a classmate running away into the dangerous wild outside of the school walls, but not before the same girl tells her that learning an art trade is not what Eve will be doing when she graduates. Eve doesn't believe her and decides to find out for herself. What she sees is gruesome and straight out of a nightmare. All the pieces start to fall into place for Eve: why all the girls' nutrition is monitored so closely; why they must receive these strange monthly shots that make them all feel terrible; why they must be the best of the best; why they're locked inside the School. Eve escapes from her horrible nightmare of a future with help of a teacher, but she finds that the world outside the School walls is just as dangerous as she's been taught. Until someone saves her life- a boy. Can she learn to trust that he will keep her safe by any means or should she fear his motives as she's been taught her whole life? I totally loved this book. Even though there was a cliffhanger ending, I still love it for really surprising me. I eagerly await the sequel... if there is one. Oh please tell me there will be a sequel!!!!!!



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Friday, January 20, 2012

YA Dystopian Book Review: The Pledge - A new twist on dystopian fiction.

The Pledge
The Pledge by Kimberly Derting

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



This book is another dystopian fiction novel, but with a new twist. The book is set in some distant future land and you can't tell whether it is Europe or the United States. The countries no longer have names and neither do the cities. The classes are separated by language but everyone also speaks Englaise. When a member of a different class lapses into their class tongue other not of that class can not look at them. This is what protagonist Charlie is starting to dislike the most. Unbeknownst to anyone besides her close knit family, Charlie can understand all language and she nearly uncovers her secret when she looks at her daily and personal tormentor while she is saying terrible things about Charlie in her upper class language. The lands are now ruled by queens, the post being handed down from mother to daughter or another female of the royal blood line. But the queen of Charlie's country has no daughters or grandaughters and is looking for an heir to force her special brand of evil upon. She has been looking for Charlie, but so have the rebels, the freedom fighters. Charlie soon finds that new friends have ulterior motives and old friends lead secret lives. How can Charlie keep her secret safe and her family? Read this first installment of an awesome new dystopian fiction series and find out.



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Book Review: Cinder

Cinder
Cinder by Marissa Meyer

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I absolutely loved this book. I have been seeing so much marketing for it, but I was very skeptical about how good it would be.This since it re-telling of Cinderella in a futuristic dystopian age was absolutely riveting. I was pleasantly surprised when I read it that apparently this book is to have three sequels.

When looking at the cover you may think Dorothy's Ruby red slippers and to be honest the story is kind of a mash-up between Cinderella - complete with a real prince- and Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz trying to find her way back home. The book is set in a future China called New Beijing. Cinder is a cyborg adopted by a family five years prior, but is now the sole provider for her lazy and mean stepmother and spoiled stepsisters. Cinder is an incredibly gifted mechanic, but all of her earnings go to her family. When Cinder finds and old car in the junk yard she begins to think of desire for escape could come true, but during that same visit her stepsister and only friend, Peony, discovers that she has contracted the plague. This disease, brought to earth by the Lunars, citizens of the moon, has been ravaging the human civilization and the survival rate is virtually zero. Cinder's stepmother blames her for Peony's illness and decides to sign Cinder up for cyborg experimentation - a search for a cure as well as a gift to society. She is carted off to the Palace where she encounters the Prince Kai, heir to the empire and deeply vested in the search for a cure to the plague.

This is a pivotal moment in the book where Cinder has freedom within her grasp, only to find out that she isn't who she thinks she is and there is no place on Earth where she belongs. Read this book to find out what happens to Cinder and Prince Kai.



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