Book Review: The Selection by Kiera Cass

Title: The Selection

Author: Kiera Cass

Publication: April 24, 2012 by HarperTeen

Rating: 4/5 stars

Summary (Amazon): For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn’t want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she’s made for herself—and realizes that the life she’s always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

My Review: I seem to be in a habit lately of picking up series that I think are done or books that I believe to be standalone, only to learn there are still more books left! I truly did not know that this was part of a trilogy when I began reading and was genuinely confused when I was nearing the end and things were not wrapping up. However, once I saw that it would be continued things began to make a lot more sense.

I was a little hesitant to pick up this book, as I saw reviews liken it to “The Hunger Games meets ‘The Bachelor’!” and I can’t even tell you how much i LOATHE reality shows like “The Bachelor”. Seriously, ick. However, once I got past that aversion to the story I ended up pleasantly surprised. It was adorable in all the right ways.

The Good: As much as I was wary of ‘The Bachelor’-esque theme, I have to admit I found myself enjoying the competition, especially getting to watch nasty girls taken down a  notch or two. The story is self is sweet and lighthearted (with the exception of a few minor instances), which I found was exactly what I needed as I read this book almost immediately after Insurgent. And of course, as with most recent YA books, there’s the love triangle between America, her childhood love Aspen and Prince Maxon. By the end of the books I still wasn’t quite sure which one I preferred. Hopefully the next two books will make the choice easier for me!

Also, America Singer is a fantastic main character for this story, she’s straightforward, bold, opinionated and stubborn. Also a tad socially awkward and isn’t used to dressing up, which i can totally relate to, especially around girls from the upper “castes”. It’s quite satisfying watching her awkward run-ins with Maxon and even more fun when she’s not afraid to hold back in a conversation. I do love a female character that speaks her mind (and plays multiple instruments!)

The Bad: One thing I was never quite clear on was how the caste system came to be or how the country of America deteriorated and over time became Illéa. Also, why are there two different camps of rebels and what are their goals? I mean, other than chaos and just general panic under gunfire. The history nerd in me needs to know these things, as they seem more important to the overall trilogy than the romance between Prince Maxon and his bevy of girls.

A fair warning, the ending leaves MUCH to be disired in this book, which is inline with it being the first in a  trilogy. However, I like endings best where they wrap up some plot points and leave a few others hanging, or introduce an entirely new cliffhanger. I’m not such a fan of leaving everything up in the air to be resolved IN THE NEXT BOOK. Which, doesn’t come out for at least another year. So, be aware.

One thing is for sure, I don’t really understand the comparison to The Hnger Games, other than it’s the book all ‘dystopian fiction’ is compared to. This is definitely more of a light hearted read for those who enjoy a good romance or princess fairy tales. Now I just have to figure out how to wait for the next two books…

 

TGIF! It’s All About Issues this week.

TGIF is a weekly meme hosted by Ginger at GReads. Every Friday she posts a new question and it’s a really fun way to discover new blogs.

This weeks question is: Which books have you found to be very rewarding when it comes to tackling tougher issues? 

I think this is a fantastic topic as books can speak to us in ways that people sometimes can’t. I’ve often found it easier to discuss personal topics when relating them to a book or a story, it makes it easier for me to explain the emotion behind the events when I can borrow someone else’s words.

As Maureen Johnson said in her post on The Guardian’s website last summer, “Yes, teen fiction can be dark – but it shows teenagers they aren’t alone.”

Teens have always had plenty of difficult experience to navigate and books provide a source of comfort and a way for them to discover that they aren’t alone. Below are the books I’ve found to be the most rewarding when trying to handle an issue or figure out how to discuss it with the teen girls I used to work with.

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson.
Melinda calls the police after an end of summer party turns wild. Her classmates ostracize her for getting them into trouble, but they don’t know the terrible secret she hides. It tears me up to think that there are girls and women both out there who have experienced this same sort of brutal attack and are too afraid to speak out against their attacker. This book helps young women to realize that they do have a voice and they shouldn’t be afraid to use it in their own defense. This is one of those books that stays with you long after you’ve finished reading.

 

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher.
As someone who has had more personal experience with suicide than I would wish upon anyone else, this book was particularly difficult to read. While heartbreaking and difficult to read at times, this book helps to show teens and young adults what happens to those left behind after a successful suicide. I know that at times it may seem that ending it all is the best option, but this book helps them to understand that their death will affect more people than they may even realize.

Suicide is never an easy topic to discuss with teens or young adults, but it’s something that most of them will face at some point. This book is the perfect way to start the discussion and hopefully frame suicide in way that will give them cause to stop and really think things through if they are ever in that situation.

 

Rules by Cynthia Lord.
In this Newbury Honor Book Catherine is a 12-years-old girl and her eight-year-old brother, David, has autism. The book is form Catherine’s point of view and she explains how David’s autism makes her life complicated and causes her to wish that her life was a bit more “normal”. It’s hard for anyone to have a sibling that’s “different” and this book is a great way to help kids understand what their what is happening with their sibling and how normal things can still be for them.

I grew up with a cousin with cerebal palsy and I wish that there had been a book like this for me to read when I was younger.

What books do you use for opening up a discussion on tough issues? Are there any issues in particular you have a harder time talking about? I’d love to hear everyone’s thoughts on this!

 

Throwback Thursday May 31st: Troubling a Star by Madeline L’Engle

Throwback Thursday is a weekly meme hosted by The Housework Can Wait and Never Too Fond of Books! It’s the nature of book blogging to focus mainly on new releases, but there are thousands of great books out there that haven’t seen the “New Releases” shelf in years. Through Throwback Thursdays THCW and NTFB hope to be able to bring attention to some older titles that may not be at the top of the current bestseller list, but still deserve a spot in your To-Be-Read pile.

This week’s Throwback Thursday book is Troubling A Star by Madeline L’Engle.

Summary from Amazon: The Austins have settled back into their beloved home in the country after more than a year away. Though they had all missed the predictability and security of life in Thornhill, Vicky Austin is discovering that slipping back into her old life isn’t easy. She’s been changed by life in New York City and her travels around the country while her old friends seem to have stayed the same. So Vicky finds herself spending time with a new friend, Serena Eddington—the great-aunt of a boy Vicky met over the summer.
     Aunt Serena gives Vicky an incredible birthday gift—a month-long trip to Antarctica. It’s the opportunity of a lifetime. But Vicky is nervous. She’s never been away from her family before. Once she sets off though, she finds that’s the least of her worries. She receives threatening letters. She’s surrounded by suspicious characters. Vicky no longer knows who to trust. And she may not make it home alive.

Why You Should Read This Book: I read this book for the first time in fifth grade and I’ve read it yearly since then. As a child I was enthralled by the mystery and intrigue that surrounded Vicky’s trip to Antartica. It held my attention and never lost it’s appeal or the delicious tension upon numerous re-reads. Although as I’ve gotten older there are some plot points I find a bit unrealistic (like parents allowing a 16 year old to go off on a month long trip with a older male chaperone), but that doesn’t affect me enough to challenge my love for the book.

As I got a bit older I became profoundly jealous of Vicky for both Adam and her fantastic trip to the Antarctic. I’ve always dreamed of traveling and it would be an incredible experience to get to take trip to visit Antarctica and see the penguins and seals! The cast of characters that surrounds Vicky are charming and engaging enough that you remember them and connect with them almost as well as you do the main characters.

if you enjoy Madeline L’Engle’s writing or if you are a fan of mystery and intrigue this book is worth taking a look at!

 

 

Book Review: Seven Realms series by Cinda Williams Chima

Title: The Demon King, The Exiled Queen and The Gray Wolf Throne

Author: Cinda Williams Chima

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

History of the Seven Realms Series: (from Cinda Williams Chima’s website)

The Seven Realms Series is set in a traditional fantasy world of medieval technology, swordplay, castles and keeps.

The action takes place in and around The Seven Realms—seven loosely-related realms once ruled by the Gray Wolf Queens and their wizard consorts or kings.  The Seven Realms include the mountainous queendom of the Fells, the kingdom of Tamron, the kingdom of Arden, the southern kingdoms of Bruinswallow and We’enhaven, the Southern Islands, and the Northern Islands.

The Gray Wolf queens ruled in a loose alliance with the upland clans. The clans are practitioners of earth magic and masters of materials: they are masters of healing, medicines, and the makers of the amulets and other magical tools and weapons that allow wizards to use their power.

Wizards have native magical ability that must be collected and channeled through amulets in order to do sophisticated charmcasting. Targeted charmcasting also requires spoken spells.

My Review: I purchased The Demon King a while back and it’s just been sitting on my shelf as my intention was to wait until all the books in the series were released before I started reading. Well, for some reason I managed to get it into my head that The Gray Wolfe Throne was the last of the series and so it was okay for me to start reading. Annnddd, only when I finished did i realize that there’s a fourth and final book due out in October!! So, now I’m forced to wait five more months before the story is resolved! *sigh*

First of all, Heidi at YA Bibliophile said it best when she said to me on Twitter that “Cinda Williams Chima does fantasy right!”. There’s no better way to state that! And this epic YA fantasy series is one of the best I have read in quite some time. It has all the elements you’d expect from a high fantasy, a Princess in danger, magic, war, murder, mystery, intrigue and a handsome stranger who may hold the key to it all.

The Good: There is so much good in this series that I don’t even know where to begin. Chima does an incredible job with world and character building. Fire Dance, Willo, Han, Amon, Averil and Raisa the Princess Heir are just a few of the characters who carry larger story lines over the course of the books. And even juggling a large cast of diverse and interesting characters Chima somehow makes them all standout in their very own way.

I have a soft spot in my heart for Amon Byrne and his unfailing devotion to Raisa as the Princess Heir but more importantly as a friend. My heart breaks for him knowing that he will always choose duty over all else, it takes an incredibly strong man to do that.

While with Raisa there are times I alternate between thinking she’s a spoiled brat to wondering how her mother managed to raise such a kind hearted and generous daughter. She’s a strong woman and that becomes even more apparent as the series moves forward. Raisa will make an excellent Queen, both fair and just and will work towards equalizing all of the people in her Queendom.

The Bad: While I know tat the details of the Naeming and the Breaking are left purposefully vague (we do get the general gist of things, but it’s very obviously things are being left out) to further the plot of the series, it gets rather frustrating to go through three books and still be left unsure as where everything is all heading. I do sincerely hope that the fourth book wraps up my unanswered questions about these large events and helps me to understand how the effects have survived 1000 years.

I had a hard time with the character of Micah Bayer as I never quite felt like Chima knew what to do with him. He was as slippery as an eel and seemed to change sides at the drop of the hat to whatever was the most convient for him. However, I’m putting my faith in Chima that she knows what she’s doing and that Micah’s true colors will become apparent in the final book.

The Great: The intrigue and mystery that lie behind events long in the past, such as the Naeming and the Breaking only intensifies the readers curiosity for  the impact they’ll have on what is happening in the present day. I could not put this series down once I started as it moved at a breakneck pace pausing only to answer questions raised in earlier chapters just enough to satisfy you before leaving you with even more answeres to search for.

Also, I love that Chima populates her story with characters of different colors, religions, genders and different backgrounds. From the people of the Vale who seem to fit very nicely into the mold made by the Kings and Queens of England, to the clan who are so reminiscent of our own Native American Indians to the people of the Southern Islands with their dark skin, braids and deeper accents and everyone in-between it’s refreshing to see a YA book with a diverse cast of characters. The tensions that exist between characters due to race, religion and gender feel very real and in this fantasy world of magic and wolves it’s something most of us can relate to.

This is must read for any fantasy lover, although I’ll understand if you want to wait until October before you get started so you can blow through all four books at once!

What are some of your favorite fantasy reads? I’m always looking for new books to get excited about!

 

Waiting on Wednesday: May 30, 2012: Princess Academy: Palace of Stone by Shannon Hale.

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly me hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine (gotta love the name!). The idea is that it spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating. So, here is my pick for the week:

Princess Academy: Palace of Stone
by Shannon Hale
Publication Date: August 21, 2012

From Amazon:
Coming down from the mountain to a new life in the city seems a thrill beyond imagining. When Miri and her friends from Mount Eskel set off to help the future princess Britta prepare for her royal wedding, she is happy about her chance to attend school in the capital city. There, Miri befriends students who seem so sophisticated and exciting . . . until she learns that they have some frightening plans. They think that Miri will help them, that she should help them. Soon Miri finds herself torn between loyalty to the princess and her new friends’ ideas, between an old love and a new crush, and between her small mountain home and the bustling city.

I read Princess Academy as a selection for a class assignment in grad school and I adored it. Miri is a fantastic lead character, the story was exciting and the setting reminded me of Heidi (which i read over and over again as a girl). I can’t wait to read this sequel and see where all of the characters are now! Plus I’m excited to get a glimpse of the world beyond Mount Eskel, as Shannon Hale’s world building is always fantastic.

I know fairytales aren’t for everyone, but if you enjoy them I’d recommend picking up Princess Academy and waiting with me for it’s sequel!

 

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Books Written In The Past 10 Years That I Hope People Are Still Reading In 30 Years

It’s Tuesday again and over at The Broke and the Bookish that means it’s time for another Tuesday Top Ten! This week’s topic is the Top Ten Books Written In The Past 10 Years That I Hope People Are Still Reading In 30 Years.

Ohhh, this is such a good topic! There are so many books that I hope stick around and continue to live their imprint on people for a good long time. So, here’s my list:

1. Harry Potter series by JK Rowling. I mean, did anyone out there really think that this wouldn’t be top on my list? I know that the first book was published 15 years ago, but I really do think that these books have earned their place in our literary canon and likely will not be going anywhere anytime soon.

2. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. I really cannot get over how much I loved this book. And honestly it’s a good book for anyone who knows a friend who is suffering from cancer or any other such terminal illness. Yes, it’s sad at times. Yes, it’s depressing at times. However, the emotions are all so real and I really think help give you a better insight into what someone may be going through. I sincerely hope this book is still being read and shared in thirty years.

3. How the World Makes Love: . . . And What It Taught a Jilted Groom by Franz Wisner. This is a fantastic book that starts out with Franz being left at the altar and ends up taking his pre-paid honeymoon with his brother. it leads him on a trip around the world to learn more about love and life and what it means to be happy. It’s a fantastic read and has some great life lessons for everyone in it.

4. Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. To be honest I’m kinda terrified that this future could eventually happen. Maybe not to the same extent but I could see a “capital” running things and the “districts” being forced to obey. I think that this book should still be read as a cautionary tale as much as for it’s literary worth. Maybe if we keep the worst in mind we won’t ever let ourselves reach that point.

5. The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak. This is another book that needs to stick around to help enlighten future generations of the horros of the Nazis and the Holocaust. I loved everything about this book, even as it was breaking my heart (as all Holocaust books tend to do) and I want to share that experience with everyone and anyone. The further we get from the events of WW2 and the Holocaust the more we need to ensure that our children understand what happened so it’s NEVER, EVER repeated.

6. The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch. This is my go-to book to re-read whenever I’m feeling down or lost or unsure about how my life is going. Randy Pausch was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in September 2006, and in August 2007 was given a terminal diagnosis. This book was his legacy, his life guide to leave behind mostly for his children, but I believe everyone can benefit from this now and in the future. Seriously, READ. THIS. BOOK.

7.  Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson. Okayl, I’m cheating here as this book was published in 1999 so technically it’s outside of the ten year range. HOWEVER, I cannot stress how important the message in this book is. It’s something everyone needs to read and understand, boys and girls, men and women. Sexual assault is serious and it sadly seems to be happening more frequently. Maybe this can go a ways in helping to prevent the issue, or to encourage girls to speak up and get help.

 

Okay, so this week’s was hard and I really can’t think of any other books that I really, desperately hope will still be read in 2042 (damn that’s crazy). What books do you hope people will still be reading? I’m sure others managed to get to ten so I can’t wait to see what they have to say!

 

Book Review: The Serpent’s Shadow by Rick Riordan

Title: The Serpent’s Shadow

Author: Rick Riordan

Publication Date: May 1, 2012

Genre: MG Fantasy

Publisher: Hyperion Book

Rating: 4/5 stars

How I got it: Pre-order on Amazon

Summary (from Barnes & Noble): He’s b-a-a-ack! Despite their best efforts, Carter and Sadie Kane can’t seem to keep Apophis, the chaos snake, down. Now Apophis is threatening to plunge the world into eternal darkness, and the Kanes are faced with the impossible task of having to destroy him once and for all. Unfortunately, the magicians of the House of Life are on the brink of civil war, the gods are divided, and the young initiates of Brooklyn House stand almost alone against the forces of chaos. The Kanes’ only hope is an ancient spell that might turn the serpent’s own shadow into a weapon, but the magic has been lost for a millennia. To find the answer they need, the Kanes must rely on the murderous ghost of a powerful magician who might be able to lead them to the serpent’s shadow . . . or might lead them to their deaths in the depths of the underworld.

Nothing less than the mortal world is at stake when the Kane family fulfills its destiny in this thrilling conclusion to the Kane Chronicles.

Review: Okay, so full disclosure I’m obsessed with Rick Riordan’s books. I devoured the Percy Jackson series in less than a week and have continued to follow those characters in the Heroes of Olympus series. So, it’s no surprise I was immediately drawn into the world of the Kane’s as well.

It took me a bit to get used to the narrative style that these trilogy is told in, as it’s treated as if it’s a transcript of a recording made by the Kane siblings Carter and Sadie. However, once you get into it the narration flows smoothly, even with the siblings taking turns relating the story in a first person narrative. I love that you get to be inside both of their head’s and get a better understanding of what drives them to complete the quests and save the world.

One of my favorite things about this book was the Sadie-Walt-Anubis love triangle, after all not many other love triangles feature a Egyptian God, a dying boy and a young teenage girl. The way Riordian wraps this up is fascinating and so perfect, all while being a complete plot twist that you hadn’t seen coming. And just to make sure Carter isn’t left out on his own he’s got his own romantic troubles with Zia to deal with. Ahh, young teenagers in love, is there anything more awkward or more entertaining? I think not!

As with the previous books in this series, The Red Pyramid and The Throne of Fire, the book makes sure to slip plenty of snark, witty one liners and just plain silliness in among the race against time to save the world from utter destruction. I honestly don’t think I’ve laughed harder in a book in recent memory than I did in regards to Felix and his Penguins. The mental image it created was pure amusement (I may have a thing for penguins..) and gave the right amount of lightheartedness to an otherwise tense and scary situation.

I definitely recommend picking up this series if you enjoy Harry Potter or the Percy Jackson books. It’s an easy, fun read that kept me entertained all the way thorugh!

 

Waiting on Wednesday: May 23, 2012: The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead.

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly me hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine (gotta love the name!). The idea is that it spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating. So, here is my pick for the week:

Bloodlines: The Golden Lily
by Richelle Mead
Publication Date: June 12, 2012

From Amazon:
Tough, brainy alchemist Sydney Sage and doe-eyed Moroi princess Jill Dragomir are in hiding at a human boarding school in the sunny, glamorous world of Palm Springs, California. The students–children of the wealthy and powerful–carry on with their lives in blissful ignorance, while Sydney, Jill, Eddie, and Adrian must do everything in their power to keep their secret safe. But with forbidden romances, unexpected spirit bonds, and the threat of Strigoi moving ever closer, hiding the truth is harder than anyone thought.

Richelle Mead’s Vampire Academy series remains one of my favorite YA spins on the vampire myth and I was so glad that the story continued on in this new series. I adore Sydney, Adrian and all the others and simply cannot get enough of the world she’s created.

I am especially giddy with anticipation for this novel, especially after that cliffhanger she left us with at the end of Bloodlines!!

Is it June yet? For Serious.

 

Top Ten Tuesday: Top Ten Blogs/Sites You Read That AREN’T about Books

It’s Tuesday again and over at The Broke and the Bookish that means it’s time for another Tuesday Top Ten! This week’s topic is the  Top Ten Blogs/Sites You Read That AREN’T about Books. This was a super fun topic for me to do because I basically live on the internet (which when you say it out loud like that it’s kinda sad, but true). And so I have a ton of websites that I visit on a regular basis.

So here we go!

1. The Hairpin - i love everything on this site. Everything.

2. XOJane - this site has one of my favorite recurring feature,s It Happened to Me. True stories about everything and anything told y women and men. It’s awesome.

3. Slate - I’m addicted to advice columns and Dear Prudence is one of my favorites.

4. Dear Wendy - see above

5. MacRumors - I’m a huge Apple nerd (worked for them for five years) and so I like to stay in top of the rumor mill ainr egards to what’s happening and what new products are releasing.

6. BBC - I prefer to get my news from the Brits. *shrugs*

7. What Should We Call Me - This tumblr is responsible for amusing me on days when I’ve given up on work. It never fails me.

8. Jezebel - Snappy and witty commentary on all sorts of issues. I’m a big fan of the feminists blogs.

9. EW.com - A great resource for all things popculture. I’m addicted.

10. TV Line - I like to spoil myself silly with my favorite tv shows. It’s what I do.

Honorable Mentions:
Animals Talking In All Caps – a Tumblr that is pretty much what the title suggests. It cracks me up all day at work.

Tekkah.net – This is my best friends blog where she rights insightful and entertaining things.

 

Waiting on Wednesday: May 16, 2012: For Darkness Shows the Stars

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly me hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine (gotta love the name!). The idea is that it spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating. So, here is my pick for the week:

For Darkness Shows the Stars
by Diana Peterfreund
Publication Date: June 12, 2012

Plot
It’s been several generations since a genetic experiment gone wrong caused the Reduction, decimating humanity and giving rise to a Luddite nobility who outlawed most technology.

Elliot North has always known her place in this world. Four years ago Elliot refused to run away with her childhood sweetheart, the servant Kai, choosing duty to her family’s estate over love. Since then the world has changed: a new class of Post-Reductionists is jumpstarting the wheel of progress, and Elliot’s estate is foundering, forcing her to rent land to the mysterious Cloud Fleet, a group of shipbuilders that includes renowned explorer Captain Malakai Wentforth—an almost unrecognizable Kai. And while Elliot wonders if this could be their second chance, Kai seems determined to show Elliot exactly what she gave up when she let him go.

But Elliot soon discovers her old friend carries a secret—one that could change their society . . . or bring it to its knees. And again, she’s faced with a choice: cling to what she’s been raised to believe, or cast her lot with the only boy she’s ever loved, even if she’s lost him forever.

I first discovered Diana at DragonCon a few years back where she was promoting her newest book Rampant, a novel about girls and killer unicorns. If you haven’t read it and you love strong heroines, then I absolutely suggest you add it to your TBR book (along with the sequel Ascendant).

I love Diana’s writing and when I first heard about For Darkness Shows the Stars I was thrilled to know that I’d be seeing more of it. The more I learn about the story the more intrigued I am to see where she takes it. I have a feeling this will be one I tear into on release day (only a month away!!) and don’t put down until I’ve completely finished!