Annette's Book Spot

Friday, January 18, 2013

Feature and Follow Friday: Villains

Here's Parajunkee's and Alison's question for Friday:

Who is your favorite villain from a book?

A blast from the past for me: Gary Soneji, from James Patterson's Alex Cross series. He's despicable. He's one of the earliest villains in the series, and appears in two books (I think.) I know these books are formulaic, but there's something very appealing about them. My heart always pounds as I fly through the books (they are usually pretty quick reads). I love them and can't get enough of Alex Cross. There's a new one coming out in February, and I haven't read the last one yet!!!

How about you? Do you have a "favorite" villain? Leave me your link in the comments. Thanks for stopping by!

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Book Review: Rebel Heart, by Moira Young @Moira_Young

Blood Read Road was my favorite book of 2011, and I'm happy to say the sequel, Rebel Heart, lives up to it's predecessor.

Once again, the characters are superb. I loved every one of them. It was amazing how quickly they all came back to me. Often, I have trouble remembering what happened to each person when it was more than a year since the first book, but in this case, Blood Red Road was so memorable, that I fell right back into the Dust Lands world.

I, unlike some readers, absolutely love Young's use of dialect. I think it adds so much atmosphere to the setting and characters. I don't think it would be the same book without that feature.

The main adventure is Saba and Jack trying to get back to each other, and of course nothing is straight forward -- nothing goes as planned. There is a new, more sophisticated enemy, and of course the forces of nature do not help their journey.

Rebel Heart is really action packed and I had difficulty putting it down. When I did have to pause, I found myself thinking about their predicament. Fortunately ;) I didn't feel well on Sunday, so I was able to spend much of the day finishing the book.

There is a romantic situation towards the end (trying not to spoil anything) that was a pretty big surprise. I didn't expect the plot to go that way, and I didn't like it -- but I do like it. I mean, it's clever, and I'm anxious to see where this love triangle goes. And there is even a third person who may be in the mix in the next book. Given the last page, I have a feeling this character is going to muck things up a bit in book #3.

I only have one very small criticism. When the shaman is "banishing the dead" from Saba, she gets interrupted in the middle. Auriel is very concerned because she says Saba is "dangerously open" because they didn't get to finish. It seemed like such a big deal, and I was sure this would come back to haunt Saba, but it didn't. Maybe there will be some consequences in the next book, but I thought there should have been at least some small effects in Rebel Heart, otherwise, why make it sound like such a big deal.

The ending is heartbreaking and satisfying. There isn't an uncomfortable cliff hanger, but plenty left to solve. I do wish the next book was coming sooner! I would (and do) recommend this series to anyone, young or old, who enjoys a great adventure, dystopian, or apocalyptic story. This series just can't be beat.

Published by Margaret K. McElderry Books, October 30, 2012
Copy obtained from the library
424 pages

Rating: 5/5

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Audio Book Review: The Alchemyst (The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel) by Michael Scott

I would have enjoyed The Alchemyst (The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel) much more had it been about half the length.

Twins Sophie and Josh come to the rescue as Nick Flemming, Josh's boss, is being attacked in his book store. Thus begins an adventure through the shadow realms, where they meet and are attacked by a variety of horrible and wonderful fantastical creatures.

It turns out the Nick is Nicholas Flamel. He's around 700 years old, and has stayed young because he possesses the Codex, a magical book that contains many secrets. When the book shop was attacked, a bad guy, Dr. John Dee, was able to steal the book -- all except the last couple pages that Josh managed to grab as Dee was stealing the book.

Now, Josh and Sophie must help Nicholas and some others of the Elder race to save the world from takeover by the Dark Elders. They must get the book back, while John Dee and the Dark Elders are trying to find them to get the missing pages.

The Alchemyst is full of wonderful creatures with imaginative magical capabilities. Our heroes escape from several near-death experiences in very unique ways. Scott has created a complex and intricate world and manages to keep it all organized and making sense.

My problem with The Alchemyst is the length, the "telling," and the repetition. The action in the book, along with interesting dialog and plotting, is regularly interrupted by giant asides -- describing the history and back story of the creatures and world. This really brought the story to a screeching halt several times. As the perspective changes during the story, we are brought inside each character's head and told their thoughts and feelings, often repeating the same thing every time we go back to them. I got really tired of being told how much Josh didn't trust Flamel. Likewise, every time were are returned to Perry (Nick's wife) we seem to be told the same thing over and over before any progress can be made. In general, there's much description of the characters' thoughts which is repetitive and unnecessary. Couldn't their actions describe their feelings? At least more than they did.

I would have enjoyed more dialog and movement (showing as opposed to telling) to keep my interest. At 400 pages, I thought The Alchemist would benefit from some editing.

The story itself is a good one. It's intriguing and I enjoyed the action. The audio narration was excellent. The various accents required were handled expertly by Denis O'Hare.

Die-hard fantasy fans who can handle the length will enjoy this as well as the other books in the series. The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel is appropriate for middle or high school students.

Published by Delacorte, 2007
Audiobook obtained from the library
400 pages

Rating: 3/5

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Book Review: Shadowlands, by Kate Brian

For the first 1/3 of Shadowlands, I was enthralled. It was a heart-pounding, thrilling ride and I wish it had kept going. However, the story slowed so much, the plotting became very sloppy, and I ended up just waiting for it to end.

Rory is the only victim to have escaped from what she finds out is a wanted serial killer. She knows the man as her math teacher, but he has a hidden past. According to the FBI, he will stop at nothing to finish the job, so Rory and her family (Dad and little sister) end up in protective custody, in something like a witness protection program.

The actual attack at the beginning of Shadowlands and Rory's escape is exciting and had me on the edge of my seat. Then, as the police frantically try to find the killer, the danger is palpable and the tension mounts. Then the family is sent away to a safe house on a remote island, and things get really weird.

Rory and her sister, Darcy begin to make friends, but there are strange things about the people on the island. There are no phones, no newspapers, no TV or internet reception. And, no contact with the authorities. Really? This makes no sense. Rory finds clues that the killer leaves -- and knows that he must be close -- but she does NOTHING about it. She just ignores them. Again, really?

The use of dreams was a bit overdone. I really got tired of the fact that most of the tense scenes turn out to be dreams. A cheap way to thrill a reader.

The last 20% of the book once again gets exciting, as Rory gets help from people on the island to stop the killer. The tension, once again, is felt. The ending really fizzled for me. The explanation of the island's idiosyncrasies was too easy, and very quick. In one page we get the answer, and I kind of felt cheated. The explanation just didn't do it for me. It explained a lot of what happened, but it was the easy way out.

The writing was great. The characters, for the most part, acted like teens act. There's animosity between the sisters, as teens will exhibit, but deep down there's love and support. The story flowed well and was easy to read, although it dragged in the middle. We get the perspective of the killer every few chapters, which was a nice touch and added to the suspense.

Ultimately, I was disappointed in Shadowlands. From what I can tell, I'm in the minority though, so look around and you will find lots of rave reviews. You should make your own decision.

Published by Hyperion, January 8, 2013
eARC obtained from NetGalley
336 pages

Rating: 2.5/5

Monday, January 14, 2013

Book Review: 12 Things to Do Before You Crash and Burn, by James Proimos

Even though the first scene of 12 Things to Do Before You Crash and Burn is the main character's father's funeral, the story is light and funny. It's not without a message, though.

After his famous day-time talk show host father dies, Hercules' mother sends him to stay with his Uncle Anthony. Hercules has always been bored when visiting his Uncle, but this time Anthony gives him a list of 12 things to accomplish in 12 days. Hercules has no intention of following through, but he definitely has accomplished the first task -- "Choose a Mission." From there, he just happens to make progress through the rest of the tasks on the list.

Herc is a typical teen -- obsessed with the opposite sex, which gets him in some uncomfortable situations. He also is somewhat famous, because of a picture that everyone has seen of him and his father. He doesn't relish this fame, since he thinks his father was an ass. (His word, not mine.)

12 Things to Do Before You Crash and Burn is only 120 pages long, and there's a lot of half pages. I read it in a little more than an hour. It's funny, but Herc grows and learns a bit about himself, his family, and some life lessons. There's not a lot of depth, but this is a cute little book about a teen trying to make it through a difficult time.

Published by Roaring Book Press, 2011
Copy obtained from the library
121pages (qualifies for my Books You Can Read in a Day Challenge!)

Rating: 3.5/5

Saturday, January 12, 2013

Stacking the Shelves - Another Library Week!

Welcome to the weekend and another edition of Stacking the Shelves, hosted by Tynga's Reviews. This week everything I obtained was from the library!

12 Things to Do Before you Crash and Burn, by James Proimos

The Always War, by Margaret Peterson Haddix

The Boy Recession, by Flynn Meaney

Rebel Heart, by Moira Young

Days of Blood & Starlight,by Laini Taylor

Can't wait to see what you have all added to the ol' pile. Please leave me a link. Thanks for visiting! Come back soon!

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Book Review: All the Earth, Thrown to the Sky, by Joe R. Lansdale

When I first read this title I wondered why someone would name a book All the Earth, Thrown to the Sky. When I began reading and realized it's about the dust bowl, it all made sense.

All the Earth, Thrown to the Sky is a book about three kids who, because of circumstances beyond their control, end up escaping Oklahoma and having quite an adventure while trying to find a life for themselves.

Jack has lost both of his parents. His mother died of respiratory problems, and his father committed suicide because he couldn't handle it. So now Jack is alone, in the middle of Oklahoma, with dust storms occurring more and more often and no means of support. When two neighbor kids, Jane and her little brother Tony, make it to his house, he allows Jane to talk him into leaving. They take a car from another neighbor, who has died on his porch.

The adventures they have keep the pages turning quickly. They face danger and also encounter great wealth. But nothing ever stays the same for long. While somewhat far-fetched, it does make for an interesting tale. And that's what All the Earth, Thrown to the Sky is. An entertaining tale. Jane is a creative liar, and makes up a different story for every person they meet. These were some of the most humorous parts. Yes, it's historical, but we really don't learn much about that period except what the dust storms and locust attacks were like. And, how everyone, pretty much everywhere, was poor.

The ending is satisfying. Not everyone gets what they want, but it stays true to the characters. All the Earth, Thrown to the Sky is a quick, easy read. Those who enjoy some adventure with a little historical bent will enjoy it.

Published by Delacorte Press, 2011
Copy obtained from the library
227 pages (qualifies for my Books You Can Read in a Day Challenge!)

Rating: 3.5/5

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Book Review: Battle Fatigue by Mark Kurlansky

I thoroughly enjoyed Battle Fatigue. The historical time period is one I can relate to, and the book reads quickly and held my interest.

Joel and his friends are growing up in the years after WWII. Nearly every "Dad" in town is a war veteran. However, they have little on which to base their pretend war play, since most of these vets aren't talking. Joel says his dad has malaria from the war. But the reader knows those sweats and nightmares aren't caused by any mosquito.

As Joel enters his teen years, the Vietnam conflict is just beginning, and it is interesting to see everyone try to make sense of what is going on. There is a lot of confusion, and of course miscommunication on the part of the government and media, so that no one understands. As Joel graduates from high school and decides to attend college, he must also decide what to do about the draft. Can he really go to war and kill people? Joel sees what has happened to some of his friends who fought in Vietnam, and he doesn't like what they've become.

My father is a WWII veteran. I was a small child when my two brothers got very high draft numbers. I remember the tension in my house during that time. I remember my brothers' friends going to Vietnam. So, reading Battle Fatigue explained a lot of the feelings of that time to me from the perspective as an adult. As a child, I didn't understand much of the politics. I remember my brother saying he'd go to Canada if he got drafted, but I don't know if he really would have. Needless to say, I found Battle Fatigue very relatable.

I love historical fiction, and this story is rich with details of the 1960s and 70s. We go through Kennedy's election and assassination, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Civil Rights movement and King's assassination, Johnson's entry into Vietnam, and Nixon's election. Joel becomes part of the anti-war protests. Joel loves baseball, so famous baseball legends are mentioned throughout the story.

The characters, besides Joel, are not very individualized. I got confused when old friends were mentioned later in the book. I would have to think, "Now, which one was that?" since they all seemed to mesh together.

The setting and Joel's inner dialog and struggle with his decision are what make Battle Fatigue stand out. I would not hesitate to point boys who are interested in this time period to Battle Fatigue. However, this isn't a book with a lot of action or war scenes. It's about the inner struggle of one teen boy who has to make a very difficult decision. Battle Fatigue is quick and easy to read, but would only appeal to a certain niche of teen readers.

Published by Walker Childrens, 2011
Copy obtained from the library
242 pages

Rating: 4/5

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Book Review: Through the Ever Night, by Veronica Rossi @V_Rossibooks

The short review: Just read Through the Ever Night. You won't be disappointed. Well, you probably need to read Under the Never Sky first, but other than that, this is really great stuff.

I just didn't want to put this book down. It's told in alternating POVs like Under the Never Sky. The plot leaps ahead -- there's no filler here. The relationship between Perry and Aria is PERFECT. There's no dishonesty here -- they are meant for each other and they both know it. It's refreshing.

There's adventure and danger. Through the Ever Night has an ENDING, which I also love, but of course there's plenty of fodder for another story.

I could go on about the world Rossi has created. The tension between the Dwellers and the Outsiders is great. The danger of the aether storms -- scary! The reappearance of old characters, and some of them taking on new roles. There's a lot to keep you entertained.

Just read it. And I'm going to recommend this series to a LOT of teens. With the second installment, Through the Ever Night, the Under the Never Sky series has moved towards the very top of my favorite series list.

Published by HarperCollins, January 8, 2013
eARC obtained from Edelweiss
352 pages

Rating: 5/5