Cirque du Freak by Darren Shan

Happy last day of August! And lucky for me I’ve been reading very short books lately, which means more fun for the both of us. Right? Anyways… I know for a while I said that I was going to do a review on The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, but I honestly don’t feel like doing seven different reviews for that whole series because everything is pretty similar in all of the books.

In other books, the heroes can go through the whole story making many horrible mistakes – but never having to face the consequences before the story came to an end. Not in this one. After Darren sneaks into an illegal freak show, he finds out secrets that will definitely come back to haunt him. Now he’s caught into something that he can’t understand or get out of, and when he puts his best friend’s life on the line he has to decide to pay up for what he has done, or risk losing somebody he cares about. But how can you pay back some thing that only accepts blood as currency?

I don’t know how many books there are in this series, I think it’s a lot. But who cares? NOT ME! This book was a spooky adventure that I couldn’t help getting pulled into. I’ve never watched the TV series that came out of this, but I can see the reason that they would make this into a show, it’s so compelling! I love the type of fiction books that try hard to convince you that these things really did happen. It just makes it all the more realistic!

This was another book that was great for any age group, and the transitions between each chapter and each book were very well done. It kept you hanging, no matter how short they were… they were jam packed with loads of exciting events. Like a well put together music festival with all the right pieces in all the right places. Haha, bad reference… I know.

This was a great read, but of course I know when something stands out. I’ll give this one a 3.5 You guys will have to watch the show for me, and tell me if it’s good. Here’s his website, http://www.darrenshan.com/ . Looks PRETTY freaky.

Later Cheese Graters,

MRR

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

I think it’s been two days, and most of the time on those two days were spent reading this god damned book. It was SO good. What else can I say? I love it when I read a good book because it makes me extremely happy… but then I realize when I get on here to do a review that I have nothing to complain about and so my paragraphs to you will be short. I guess you can deal though, right?

Living in the twelfth district, which comes surely alongside a life of starvation and scarcity… the Hunger Games is not something to celebrate. Who would want to die in such a horrible way? But when Katniss’ younger sister’s name is called for one of the two participants, she volunteers to take her place. Thrust into a world of deceit and death, Katniss trains and tries to follow her mentors instructions, but will it help her claim victory in the arena? Or will she be killed and forgotten just like hundreds that have died at the mercy of the Capitol?

Wow. I loved this book so much. I was hooked on every page, I brought it with me anywhere I could take it and read it whenever I had a minute to spare. So many things have been said about this novel, and one of the main things that I heard was that anybody that read it liked it… and it’s true! It doesn’t matter what age you are, or what you’re interested in reading… this book is for everybody to enjoy. I feel sure that Collins wrote it like that purposefully, and she did a beautiful job.

One thing that really caught my attention was the time that it was set. I loved the idea that it was in the future, after people rebelled against the Government in the USA. A whole new system was created that seemed like it was back in the day because District 12 (where the two main characters are from) was the poorest district… but then you read the technology they have and this whole new wonderful world forms in your mind as you read. Even after the first chapter, you get sucked in to the adventures of Katniss and her allies.

Loved it! I give it a straight out 5 with no complaints. It’s nice to read two amazing books in a row… it should happen more often. Alrighty, you now the deal. Check out the website, http://www.suzannecollinsbooks.com/. This looks like it’s only her second series, PRETTY DARN GOOD IF YOU ASK ME. Time for me to sleep because I’m going to watch the Vancouver Canadians baseball game tomorrow… what a stupid name huh?

Later Cheese Graters,

MRR

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

Hola. A great thunder and lightning storm just hit where I live, so I had a bit of a delay getting on to this thing BUT it was very much worth it because the thunder and lightning were amazing. I’ve always loved storms, I apologize to those people who are scared of them (I also feel deeply sorry for you) but YOU’RE CRAZY. I just don’t get how people can’t love storms! Anyways, enough of storms let’s get on with it. Oh,I don’t really know how to explain this book well and I’m lazy you get it straight from the back this time.

“Orphaned and penniless at the height of the Depression, Jacob Jankowoski escapes everything he knows by jumping on a passing train – and inadvertently runs away with the circus. Thrown into the chaos of a second rate traveling show, Jacob is adrift in a world of freaks, swindlers, and misfits. Jacob uses his veterinary skills in the circus menagerie and becomes a savior for the animals he so loves, including a baffling elephant named Rosie. He also comes to know Marlena, the enchanting star of the equestrian act – and wife of August, a charismatic but cruel animal trainer. Caught between his love for Marlena and his need for belonging, Jacob is freed only by a murderous secret that will bring the big top down.”  - Sara Gruen

I couldn’t find one bad thing about this book, it really was unforgettable. The writing style was flawless and the setting was perfect… everything was just woven so neatly together! I loved how it went back and forth between when Jacob was in his 90’s and when he was remember himself when he was 20. It was just so fun to read, I honestly couldn’t put it down. When I wasn’t reading it I could do nothing but think about it, and it made me a little bit grumpy when somebody tore me away from reading it.

The best part about this novel is that it mixes realistic history with a story of just another one of those guys behind the scenes. The mood swings in the book are almost as bad as August’s but they really make you feel the tone. I mean, the attitude of this book just constantly changed and that’s one of the reasons it was so interesting.

It doesn’t matter what type of book you normally enjoy, this story has a little bit of everything for everybody. I recommend this book, if fact, read it as soon as you can! You won’t regret it. A solid 5/5 on this one.

 

There is a movie coming out, with Reese Witherspoon and Robert Pattison if you’re more of a movie type of person… so I am going to provide a nice video to make up for my lack of type.

And here is Sara Gruen’s website if you want more of her. She’s a real animal lover http://saragruen.com/category/books/

Later Cheese Graters!

MRR

The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

I had a great week at softball camp in the Okanagan, if you play – then I highly recommend it! I must have lost at least ten pounds, and I’m all warmed up for fall ball and tryouts in September. But of course, lots of softball means way less reading. So for this week I only got one book finished for you guys. I’m way behind on everything – as usual.

The constant moans and scratching of the Unconsecrated at the fence have been a part of Mary’s village life as long as she can remember. With the Guardians to protect, and the Sisters to keep peace – every body was happy with what they had, except for Mary. Growing up with stories of a different world, without the infected… of a place with ceaseless water. Mary has always been trapped – because of the rules; because of the fence; because of the endless Forest of Hands and Teeth. But when she escapes, she slowly loses hope… how can there be anywhere else that isn’t surrounded by so much death?

I’ll tell you the first thing that pissed me off about this story. About halfway through the story, Mary gets a pet dog. And this dog is with her for about one night and then the next morning when they’re in trouble this dog is protecting her and coming to her lovingly and staying by her side etc. It takes way longer than that to get a dog to know you, and to protect you and for them to get used to their new owner and surroundings! It kind of made me angry when I read that it was already so attached to her when all she did the first night she got it was sleep.

If your the type of person that likes it when characters are well rounded, and they all have really defining personalities – THEN DO NOT READ THIS BOOK. The only to virtues I could find in the characters were that Mary was ambitious/curious and Cass was weak/whiney. Other than that – all of them could have been the same person. They way they all talked, and the way that they acted were all the same. Kind of a put down for me, and probably you.

Those are the only two big things though. I didn’t really like the way it was written, and it seemed like even though you jumped right into a main event right when you started the book, it was still slow! The main events were just too far spaced away at the beginning so you were stuck thinking that the book was iffy and kind of weird. It does get better though, and the idea is brilliant. I loved the way that things were revealed, and the ending was good. Mary was sort of selfish but she finally reached her goal, and the next book doesn’t look bad! I give this one a 2.5 Check out the series on this site, http://www.carrieryan.com/

Later Cheese Graters,

MRR

The Forbidden Game by L.J. Smith

I finished this right before I’m about to head off for my week long softball camp – lucky you. AND LUCKY ME, seeing as this book was amazing (but we can get into that a bit later). I thought that I should tell you guys that I think I have a minor case of pink eye in my right eye…. I think I got it from one of the damn colored contacts that I bought – and I wore them almost all day. It pained my poor right eye to finish this book, but I got through it! For you guys. Mostly for me though. :D

If you had to choose a couple words to describe Jenny, they would probably be something along the lines of these ones: innocent, kind, and most importantly – good. When she and her friends get caught inside a seemingly harmless board game, Jenny learns that the mysterious boy who sold her it is the ruler of the shadow world – a place the exact opposite of anything good. How will she get her and her friends out alive (who have to face their worst nightmares by themselves), and also escape Julian’s obsessive idea of having her light to match his shadowy darkness?

To start off, I would just like to say that I loved this book. I’ve always loved L.J. Smith’s writing, and this just helped me love it even more. The Forbidden Game was brilliantly written, full of never ending action which you have to expect from three books in one – another thing that I love about Smith’s writing.

But the one thing that I know that I can always rely of from L.J. Smith is her wonderful villains. I don’t mean that their actually wonderful… their actually quite horrible sometimes, but come on give them a break – they’re villains! What I mean is that her villains are memorable! The people that make the main character go through hardship, are not always enjoyable to read about and the thing about villains is that you have to love them as much as you hate them. The part that made this book so amazing was the beautiful Julian. This villain did have a vulnerable side, and that was that he longed for the innocence of the main character, and in the end it brought out a part of him that made a GREAT ending.

I don’t want to turn into a fan girl on this review, but damn! Julian was the highlight of the book, and I couldn’t wait for the part where he would come up and make some more trouble or give another difficult clue. I sort of got angry that Jenny didn’t give into him, but everybody knows that never happens because authors like to piss the readers off.

I give this book a big 4.5 because despite all of awesomeness, the story ran on a bit and too many similar themes for each section.

Here is her official site if you want to take a look at her other books, I strongly suggest the Night World series… and also her older ones like The Secret Circle and Vampire Diaries. http://www.ljanesmith.net/index.htm If you find the thing at the beginning annoying, you can just click on it and go on through. (I was clever enough figure it out.)

LATER Cheese Graters,

MRR

The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold

Howdy! The end of summer is coming up fast – and I can’t keep up. I have too many books to finish before school starts up and I know that once that happens I’ll have little to no time to read. I really ought to get reading, but sometimes it’s hard to jump right out of a book and into the next. I sometimes need a break in between to digest the story and other things like that. Any who

“Her name is Salmon, like the fish; first name, Susie. And she was fourteen when she murdered on December, 6th 1973.” Biding her time in heaven – while watching her family struggle to keep together in their overwhelming grief. Susie longs to push against the barriers that hold her apart from earth as the lives of her killer and her loved ones unfold in front of her eyes. There is nothing but she can do except for hope, and observe… but will she ever be able to feel at peace? Not with never ending events that Susie can witness while sitting in her heaven, trying constantly to contact or become a part of earth again.

I haven’t read a book like this before, and I thought that the perspective of Susie – a girl who died and is telling her story from heaven – was a whole new way to write a novel. I can be pleased with something besides fantasy, and I thought that this story was told beautifully. The horrifying idea of getting a young girl getting raped and then murdered, should be told realistically, and all of Susie’s memories were intertwined into the story line so that you could read them smoothly and they would be registered in your memory in just the right time and place. Brilliant.

I also like how Sebold used one of the climax’s of the story as the opening line, which really pulled you in. It also got me wondering what the rest of the book was going to be filled up with if the first couple chapters hold the murder in them. But this is a book more about a family’s struggle after their daughter is murdered instead of a story about a girl who got raped and murdered. I don’t know, it’s sort of both things.

Then again, this isn’t my favorite type of story and because it’s my review I can do what I want! So in the end, I give it a 3.5/5.

There is not official website it seems… so here is a nice wiki page for you lot.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lovely_Bones I tried to look for some sort of video to entertain you, but no such luck, so GO SEE THE MOVIE.

Chow Mr Cow,

MRR

The Ruby in the Smoke by Philip Pullman

I don’t have much to say here right now, except that I think that this is going to be a short one. Seeing as I don’t have much to say about this book…. I don’t really know what to think of it actually. Strange strange book is what this is.

In a time full of of darkness and opium smoke – Sally Lockhart is just another young lady trying to make her way around London in the Victorian Age. Stuck with her horrid aunt, while trying to uncover the mystery of her father’s death – Sally seems to have lost all hope of discovering anything useful. But one morning, she receives a strange letter that is only the beginning of the scandal that her father had once tried to shed light on. Sally slowly strings together as people and clues fall in around her, but she can’t help but wonder… will she be able to figure it out before she meets the same fate as her father?

This was an interesting one – that’s for sure, but it was enjoyable all the same. I’m not really a big mystery fan but because this novel was short and it got to the point pretty quickly I didn’t mind it. I don’t really know what to say about it though, I mean – I liked it. Hmm, maybe what I’m trying to say is that it was good but there was just something that was missing. I liked how it didn’t go too in depth with things if you know what I mean, but the writing or the story itself didn’t make you feel any emotions, and that’s what I really try and look at to see the quality of a story. Even if one of the main characters were going to get caught, or somebody was beaten up by the bad guy… it was still hard to feel worried about them.

In a sense, the plot line was great, and of course – I loved the setting, Old England is one of my favorite settings for books. Another thing that I liked about this book was that it wasn’t childish at all, drugs played a main part in it and curse words were actually in the dialogue (I just love reading a good curse word). This series isn’t one of Pullman’s stronger ones, I mean I think that I liked The Golden Compass much more than this one, but it was still good. Which is why I will give it a well deserved 3 out of 5.

 

There are three other books in the series, so maybe it will get better. I own the second one so as soon as I get to reading that it should be up here… anyways – website as per usual. http://www.philip-pullman.com/pages/content/index.asp?PageID=72

Chow Mr. Cow,

MRR

The Amulet of Samarkand by Jonathan Strout

Sorry that I’ve been sort of unresponsive over the last week, but I’ve sort of been… gone. On a road trip actually! And I happened to finish exactly three books on that road trip, two of which I shall be reviewing today. I do have a bit of news as well, I’ve decided that my ‘No reviewing second books in the series’ rule is silly, and that what I meant by that certain obligation is that I don’t want to review second books on here when I read the first one before I started this little blog. So, there we go – and here I go.

Taken away from his family when he was young, and then sent of to a strange place with a new home and master – Nathaniel is goes through what happens to every apprentice. He is there to learn the art of magic, and all it’s principles and even if progress is slow, all is well for Nathaniel. Until one day, when a high ranked magician embarrasses and puts him to shame, fully unaware of how intelligent the boy is, Nathaniel vows to take revenge. And when his plans finally unfold, and everything seems to be justified – something goes terribly wrong, and it’s up to Nathaniel to fix it.

One very good reason why I loved this book, would be because of the cold hard reality that it shows. Usually in books when a main character is doing something that they are not supposed to be, they don’t get caught. They are too clever – and too willing to take the risk, that nothing ever comes out of it and nothing goes wrong like it so often does in real life. This novel however, took a realistic turn, a turn that I was glad to take to be honest. It was a nice change to have the main character in trouble, shamed even. Because we all know that feeling of getting caught, whether it’s stealing a cookie or something less innocent than that. The feeling of dread is displayed not once but twice in this wonderful story, and it is quite a breath of fresh air.

The writing style was nice and sharp, I loved the way that Strout described certain things. In the opening paragraph, there were some really full words that I liked. When Bartimaeus was telling his part of the story, there were even foot notes to explain things. Those footnotes were often the funny part of Bartimaeus’ side and a lot of the little comments at the bottom of the page made me laugh out loud, or at the least – smile.

This was a great book, and I can’t wait to read the other two in the series. I give this one a great big 4.5

Well, here is the pretty official website. http://www.bartimaeustrilogy.com/ Take a look there, maybe play some games…. I honestly don’t know.

Chow Mr. Cow,

MRR