The Princess and the Hound by Mette Ivie Harrison: Review

The Princess and the Hound

By: Mette Ivie Harrison

Description:
He is a prince, heir to a kingdom threatened on all sides, possessor of the animal magic, which is forbidden by death in the land he'll rule.

She is a princess from a rival kingdom, the daughter her father never wanted, isolated from true human friendship but inseparable from her hound.

Though they think they have little in common, each possesses a secret that must be hidden at all costs. Proud, stubborn, bound to marry for the good of their kingdoms, this prince and princess will steal your heart, but will they fall in love?

Review: This book really surprised me in how much I enjoyed it. It was told from the male perspective, which was not only refreshing, but very well done. Prince George's mother dies when he is still quite young, and his father never seems to learn how to connect with him.  Having animal magic is frowned on, and while George does his best to ignore his abilities, they are still a huge part of who he is. In the beginning of the book, most of George's development is learning how to cope with his powers and try to live a life that will set him up for his future as a king.

I loved George's relationship with Beatrice. It's difficult to describe without giving a lot away, but basically, George wasn't expecting what he found in Beatrice. This causes him to do some reflection on who he is, and what he wants out of life.

Anyway, the characters were fantastic, and I loved the story. I highly recommend it to those that love fantasy.

Rating:

I gave the book 5 stars

Book A-Likes:

I can't think of a good book to compare it to, but the writing was similar to that of Robin McKinley, Jessica Day George, and Gail Carson Levine.

Profanity: None

Drugs and Alcohol: None

Sexuality: None

Violence: Very Mild

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare: Review

City of Bones

By: Cassandra Clare

Description: When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder - much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing - not even a smear of blood - to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?

This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know....

Exotic and gritty, exhilarating and utterly gripping, Cassandra Clare's ferociously entertaining fantasy takes readers on a wild ride that they will never want to end.

Review: I didn't know this going into the book, but apparently the author is quite famous in the Harry Potter fandom world. I really didn't have any idea what the book was about when I started. Frankly, I just liked the cover.

This book was pretty much a combination of Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I could pick out elements from all the different books/series, and use them to predict what was going to happen next.  In some ways, that was good, in others, it was a little corny.

The characters were mostly good, none really stood out to me as being fantastic.  Except perhaps Luke. I really liked his character and learning more about him as the book progressed.  I also really liked the integration of vampires, werewolves, faeries, and demons. The vampires were not sparkly, and the wolves were not full of teen angst. The underground world was fascinating, similar to Harry Potter's world.

Overall, the book was fun. It wasn't brilliantly original or anything, but it had some good points. It was good enough for me to continue the series.

Rating:

I gave the book 3.5 stars, and rounded up to 4.

Book A-Likes:

Harry Potter, Star Wars (even though that isn't a book), Recommended for those who like Urban Fantasy.

Profanity: Mild

Drugs and Alcohol: Mild. There is mention of drugs and clubs with alcohol.

Sexuality: Mild

Violence: Moderate. I mean, they are vampire/werewolf/demon killers. There has to be some killing.

Wings by Aprilynne Pike: Review

Wings

By: Aprilynne Pike

Description: Laurel was mesmerized, staring at the pale things with wide eyes. They were terrifyingly beautiful—too beautiful for words.

Laurel turned to the mirror again, her eyes on the hovering petals that floated beside her head. They looked almost like wings.

In this extraordinary tale of magic and intrigue, romance and danger, everything you thought you knew about faeries will be changed forever.

Review: I was so close to loving this book. There were just a few things that have prevented me from really getting into it like I wanted to.

My favorite character in this book was David, easily. He seems to genuinely be interested in Laurel's well being. When her dad gets sick, he volunteers time at their bookstore and other things that show that he really cares.

The Faerie lore was another aspect I really enjoyed.  The author did a great job of taking an idea and really running with it. Also, the villains were pretty good. I only wish they had been featured more. I'd really like to know more about their history and hope that they play a bigger role in the sequel.

This book is a good middle-reader fantasy. It was a little slow as far as actual action goes, and some of the events in the book were a little trite. But, I would very highly recommend this book for a pre-teen girl that you don't want to give a book about abusive vampire relationships. There isn't any of that in this book. And, I liked it enough to be pretty excited about the sequel coming out next year.

Rating:

3.5 stars rounded up to 4

Book A-Like:

Twilight, If you like paranormal romance you'll like this book.

Profanity: None

Drugs and Alcohol: None. She doesn't even eat meat.

Sexuality: None

Violence: Mild. There is one fight scene.

Buying Books

I re-discovered my local library this summer.  It has increased my number of books read, and decreased my amount of money spent in bookstores.

Since I started checking books out, I've realized that my buying habits of books have changed significantly. It causes me severe heartburn to buy a book that I haven't read. The only time I do this is when there is a waiting list of 30 or more at the library. (Hunger Games comes to mind). Or, if it's the next book in a series that I know I like. (Catching Fire, Harry Potter, pretty much anything by Shannon Hale).

For me, it's almost like trying on clothes before buying them and taking them out of the store.

But, I'm dying to know what you think? What motivates you to purchase a book you haven't read before? Do you utilize your local library?

The Hunt for the Dark Infinity by James Dashner: Review

The Hunt for the Dark Infinity

(The Thirteenth Reality Part 2)

By: James Dashner

 Description: It's been a quiet summer for Tick, Paul, and Sofia, but the latest message from Master George changes everything. The Realities are in danger and from something more terrible than Mistress Jane and the mutated Chi karda of the Thirteenth Reality. People from all Realities are unexplainably going insane. Worse, some Realities are fragmenting, disintegrating into nothingness. Master George has learned that Mr. Chu from the Fourth Reality is working on a mysterious new weapon called Dark Infinity. But no one has any idea how to stop the weapon or even if it can be stopped. To make matters worse, Tick and his friends have been kidnapped, forced to wink from Reality to Reality, solving impossible riddles in order to survive the deadly traps surrounding them. Mistress Jane and Tick find themselves in a race to reach the weapon first but who will destroy it and who will become its master?

Review: I really liked the first book in this series. And, many of the things I loved about book one continued into book two. It's really refreshing to have active parental involvement in a middle reader/YA book. Often, the parents seem totally out of the picture. In this series, the parents are aware of Tick's role in the realities and support him in his mission, even though it is difficult for them. (Frankly, if they knew half the stuff he had to do, they might be less supportive).

Atticus is a great character. I think a lot of kids (especially boys) can relate to his character. He's a good student, struggles with bullies and self-image. I really liked seeing his character evolve more in this book. He is a loyal friend, and does a good job of keeping the peace between his two friends.

The only complaint I have about the book is that sometimes it's a little technical and long winded. By technical, I mean that James Dashner has obviously put in a lot of effort to make a very complex world/reality. Sometimes the jargon (made up) is a little hard to follow. But, it doesn't take away significantly from the story.

Rating:

I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars.

Book-A-Likes: This book would be great for boys 9-12 that like fantasy. It's similar to Fablehaven by Brandon Mull, Harry Potter by JK Rowling, and other books where a group of kids learn their true identities and attempt to save the world.

Profanity: None

Drugs and Alcohol: None

Sexuality: None

Violence: Mild. There is a little fighting.