The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins Review

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Series: The Hunger Games (#1)
Published by Scholastic Inc.

SUMMARY:

 Could you survive on your own, in the wild, with everyone out to make sure you don't live to see the morning?
In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before --- and survival, for here, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes as contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

Review:

I would've read this book as soon as it came out but at that time, it didn't interest me in any way whatsoever. That was a HUGE mistake. However, I am finally able to join in on all the hype.

I am a huge fan of stories with make believe or futuristic worlds. The setting created in this story seemed so fascinating I was hooked before the real games even started. The build-up and introduction of characters created great excitement because it felt like I was right there observing and watching the events take place. All the describing and explaining at the beginning was within perfect pace. It did take half the book before the Games began but I didn't have to guess and interpret my way through the book.
The Games itself was epic, dangerous, adrenaline rushing, violent,  somewhat gruesome deaths filled with mischievous and devious schemes to get rid of their opponents. It's either kill or be killed.

Katniss was the perfect contestant. Edgy, bold, feisty, independent, clever, nimble, a hunter at heart. The supporting characters brought out Katniss' personality and survival instincts and proved to many how girls can be more tough than guys. Peeta and Katniss' completely opposite personalities showed how well these two would be as a couple. He melted Katniss's ice cold personality a little showing her more desirable and caring side.

Collins has written the perfect book that allows readers to get away from the real world, and escape into someone else's.

On a side note, right after I finished reading the book I went to watch the movie. The movie was a little disappointing but I did expect this, movies never really do the book justice. The arena and elements in it were different than what I had visualized in my mind, however, it was still an enjoyable movie.

Rating: 5/ 5

The Book of Spells by Kate Brian Review

The Book of Spells by Kate Brian

Private #0.5

Published by Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

Summary: The year is 1915 when sixteen-year-old Eliza Williams arrives at the Billings School for Girls in Easton, Connecticut. Her parents expect her to learn the qualities of a graceful, dutiful wife. But Eliza and her housemates have a dangerous secret: They're witches. After finding a dusty, leather bound spell book, the Billings Girls form a secret coven. Bonded in sisterhood, they cast spells--cursing their headmistress with laryngitis, brewing potions to bolster their courage before dances, and conjuring beautiful dress out of old rags. The girls taste freedom and power for the first time, but what starts out as innocent fun turn sinister when one of the spells has an unexpected-and deadly - consequence. Magic could bring Eliza everything she's ever wanted... but it could also destroy everything she holds dear.

Review:

Kate Brian isn't one of my most favorite authors. Past books that I read from her would always leave me somewhat unsatisfied. The Book of Spells definitely changed my mind about Kate Brian. I loved every single thing about this book, from the plot, the setting, the climax, to the characters.

The vivid detailing of the behavior, setting, and fashion of 1915 mad this book so realistic and surreal. I had a sudden wish to travel back in time, if possible, to live like how they used to. Surely, it would've been beautiful.

I had a like hate relationship with Eliza. Although she was raised under a strict household; forbidden to act anything other than ladylike, robbed of the books she most enjoyed, the classics and books that men would enjoy, Eliza never tried to change who she was. Her adventurous and spontaneous side never failed to show when Eliza and her friends went on many "field trips" together. Along with her leadership skills, Eliza can be very stubborn. So stubborn it was frustrating.

After the last sentence of this book, I thought, 'this can't be the end, I don't want it to end' because of how fond I grew of this book. The Book of Spells was perfectly written, perfectly wicked, perfectly magical and perfectly mysterious. Among the many books I've read that involved witchcraft this was probably the best.

Rating: 5/5

Cover: 6/10

First Sentence: Even at the tender age of sixteen, Elizabeth Williams was the rare girl who knew her mind.

What the Author's Up To: Goodreads/Website/Facebook/Twitter/Myspace

Coffeehouse Angel by Suzanne Selfors REVIEW

Coffeehouse Angel by Suzanne Selfors

Published July 21st, 2009 by Walker & Company

Format: Hardcover, 276 pages

Source: Library

Summary: From the author of Saving Juliet comes a romantic comedy that is good to the last drop. When Katrina spots a homeless guy sleeping in the alley behind her grandmother's coffee shop, she decides to leave him a cup of coffee, a bag of chocolate-covered coffee beans, and some pastries to tide him over. Little does she know that this random act of kindness is about to turn her life upside down. Because this adorable vagrant, Malcolm, is really a guardian angel on a break between missions. And he won't leave until he can reward Katrina's selflessness by fulfilling her deepest desire. Now if only she could decide what that might be...

Review:

I've gotta say, this book definitely surprised me... I didn't expect I would love this book so much. But this novel really touched me in a way that made my heart warm every time I read those touching moments... kinda like when you're drinking coffee...

Katrina is an average girl in high school, going through life like it's a routine... until she starts to learn more about Malcolm. Things start to change, in ways she never thought possible. Especially falling in love with an angel that might have feelings for her. Even though clues that Malcolm was an angel were in front of her face, Katrina still couldn't believe that Malcolm was an angel. How could she? The chances of getting to see an angel on earth are slim. Throughout the book, while you were reading you were also watching Katrina grow and mature from the beginning of the book. At the beginning, she was more of a shadow of her friends then a leader, but when she went through so many traumatic experiences it made her stronger which made her realize what she truly wanted and her ambition, and that's what made her become a great leader and problem solver. I really liked Malcolm's personality, although I suppose I was meant to, since he is an angel. He was a funny character, since he was an angel, it was hard to him to come down to earth to familiarize himself with our habits and... diet. And especially because he could get away with a lot of the things normal people couldn't.

In the beginning this didn't really spark my interests because there wasn't anything that caught my attention. A couple of chapters in, things really started to get interesting. For me, the ending was definitely unpredictable. I expected it to end with what might have been the obvious answer; angel's have to leave as soon as they're finished with their business. Then BAM! a twist! A surprising yet delightful twist! When I thought the book would end with a sad ending, I was a little sad myself, and was hoping there might be a sequel to Coffeehouse Angel. But because of the happy ending, I was content and satisfied and glad it ended the way it did.

Rating: 5/5

Cover: 5/10

First Sentence: The first time I saw him, he was lying in the alley behind my grandmother's coffeehouse.

What the Author's Up To: Goodreads//Website

Bitter Frost By Kailin Gow REVIEW

Book 1 in the Frost Series

Release Date: June 1st, 2010 and published by: The Edge

Format: Paperback, 235 pages

Source: Library

Summary from Goodreads: All her life, Breena had always dreamed about fairies as though she lived among them...beautiful fairies living among mortals and living in Feyland. In her dreams, he was always there the breathtakingly handsome but dangerous Winter Prince, Kian, who is her intended. When Breena turns sixteen, she begins seeing fairies and other creatures mortals don't see. Her best friend Logan suddenly acts very protective. Then she sees Kian, who seems intent on finding her and carrying her off to Feyland. That's fine and all, but for the fact that humans rarely survive a trip to Feyland, a kiss from a fairy generally means death to the human unless that human has fairy blood in them or is very strong, and although Kian seemed to be her intended, he seems to hate her and wants her dead.

Review:

I have to be honest, I was skeptic about reading this book because I wasn't in to the whole fairy concept. The inside was far worse, the font was big and the book was thin, and I was thinking, what am I getting myself into? Don't judge a book by its cover. I've never known how true this phrase is until now.

I was absolutely in love with the world created: Feyland. It sounded so wonderful, magical and so pleasant to live in. The author must have known me by heart (haha) to include all other mythological creatures like mermaids and centaurs. I wish I could wake up to the multi-colored skies with two suns overlooking me. With the descriptive language, and vivid descriptions, it felt like I teleported to Feyland and through the whole journey, I was with Kian and Breena myself! I pitied Kian, since he had to make a huge decision, love over his kingdom, or his kingdom over love. And both seemed equally important to him.

It amazed me to see how heroic and courageous each of the main characters were, all willing to sacrifice themselves for the one they love. I liked the boldness of Breena, how she wasn't afraid of anything. At first, I was a little confused about Kian... In the summary, it depicted him as cold and cruel, but in the story, he was the complete opposite! But as I started to get attached to the story, I didn't really care as much. I do have to admit, the love triangle between Breena, Logan and Kian was pleasing to read about. It was Twilight all over again! Breena being Bella, Logan being Jacob and Kian being Edward except fairy version. I liked the whole idea of weaving forbidden love into this action-packed book. Because, let's face it, no novel is complete without romance in it!

I was frustrated at the abrupt ending, since nothing was resolved. I didn't expect it to be a cliffhanger ending either, but now, more then ever, I can't wait to read the second book in the Frost series.

Bitter Frost is like Percy Jackson, The Narnia Chronicles and Twilight combined. You will either love this book like I did, or hate it.

Rating: 5/5

Cover: 5/10

Character(s) I liked: Kian, Logan, Breena

Character(s) I disliked: Pixies, Summer Queen

What the Authors up to:

Blog//Twitter//Facebook//Goodreads

Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson REVIEW

SOURCE: LIBRARY

Wintergirls was truthful, unpredictable and frightening.

Laurie Halse Anderson does it again! After reading Speak, I immediately fell in love with the style the author writes with.

Wintergirls is the story of two best friends vowing to be the skinniest, even though one of them have lost their lives to this bet, the other is being ignorant and refusing to quit. Anorexia is a huge issue today, which I think was a smart choice for Laurie to write a story about. This book definitely showed you the dark and dangerous sides of plummeting down the life-threatening behaviour that most teenagers today might experience.

In Wintergirls, a lot of the times, the passage was written in metaphors, which made me think really hard about them, and how they related to the story. The metaphors are what left a big impact on the story, and without the metaphors, the story wouldn't be as strong as it is now.

Lia's character was raw, precautious and strong. She always had a goal for her weight, whether it'd be 97 pounds, or 87, she was always doing her best to achieve them, which meant quitting all foods that were good and fat. You could tell that it took a lot of Lia's willpower to be able to pass on foods that were fat, yet tasted and smelled good. I was often angry at Lia's character, because she always cared more about counting calories on the food she ate then her health. It's because of her ignorance to continue to lost weight, that pushed her family away, when her family was so eager to help her recover. What really annoyed me was how, Lia did WANT to recover, but at the same time, she was afraid to.

This book is sure to leave an impact on anyone, engraving it deep into your head. Even till now I still shiver at the thought of all the pain that Lia endured through her journey. I would recommend this to everyone who isn't afraid to learn about the dark, dirty secretive lies that someone goes through to be the skinniest girl.

Rating: 5/5

Cover: 10/10

First Line: So she tells me, the words dribbling out with the cranberry muffin crumbs, commas dunked in her coffee -page 1

CHARACTER(S) I LIKED: Emma

CHARACTER(S) I DISLIKED: none

SUMMARY: from Goodreads

Lia and Cassie were best friends, wintergirls frozen in matchstick bodies. But now Cassie is dead. Lia's mother is busy saving other people's lives. Her father is away on business. Her step-mother is clueless. And the voice inside Lia's head keeps telling her to remain in control, stay strong, lose more, weigh less. If she keeps on going this way—thin, thinner, thinnest—maybe she'll disappear altogether.

In her most emotionally wrenching, lyrically written book since the National Book Award finalist Speak, best-selling author Laurie Halse Anderson explores one girl's chilling descent into the all-consuming vortex of anorexia.

Hex Hall (Hex Hall #1) by Rachel Hawkins REVIEW

SOURCE: LIBRARY

I never would've thought that I would like Hex Hall this much! I was never into the whole concept of books about prodigium. I guess that's why I never finished reading Harry Potter (I know, shame on me). But Hex Hall was absolutely amazing, and as soon as I started, I didn't want to put it down.

The story was intense and mystifying. There was barely any flaw to the writing, and so there wasn't a time where I went; hmm... I don't like this part. It was so anticipating it kept me off my seat the whole time. There was also the mystery of who is the hidden killer? It made me guess a lot of times. Before I knew it, something I never would've imagined happened. And I just immediately thought; there you go, problem solved. Who would've known that that was just a deception, to lure you away from the actual truth.

Sophie was the kind of character that you would enjoy reading about. She was a little insecure about her powers, but she was fun to read. It was interesting, funny even, to read how she kept trying to deny her feelings for Archer, the warlock, but everyone knows that love always wins. Whenever she talked to Archer, she was always snooty, and trying to think up a smart and witty reply, which is what got Archer hooked onto Sophie.

Overall, I loved the first book so much, and I CANNOT wait for the second book to see what happens next!!

RATING: 5/5

COVER: 9/10

FIRST LINE: Felicia Miller was in the bathroom crying. Again. -page 1

CHARACTER(S) I LIKED: Jenna

CHARACTER(S) I DISLIKED: Elodie, Anna, Chaston

SUMMARY: from Goodreads

Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father--an elusive European warlock--only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters.

By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tagalong ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire student on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect.

As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her.