Showing posts with label cross-over. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cross-over. Show all posts

Retro Friday Review: Alanna: the First Adventure by Tamora Pierce

8:38 AM mixagrip

Retro Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Angie of Angieville and "focuses on reviewing books from the past. This can be an old favorite, an under-the-radar book you think deserves more attention, something woefully out of print, etc."

Alanna: The First Adventure by Tamora Pierce
Publisher: Atheneum
Publication date: 1983
ISBN: 9781442426412
Source: Audiobook from library


Alanna of Trebond was supposed to go a convent and learn how to be a woman. Instead, she switches places with her twin, who wants to learn magic, and disguises herself as a boy to become a page. But things are a lot more difficult than she imagined they would be, especially hiding who she is and what she's capable of.

Things I Liked:
What a delight - why didn't I read this sooner?  I adore Alanna, her toughness and her inflexibility.  I love how she fought so hard for the things she wanted and how that was both good and bad.  She made the whole book enjoyable, and I'd have loved her even if the story hadn't been intriguing (which it was).  I loved the group of boys she meets and all the things they do together, including fight.  It was a perfect fantasy featuring the girl-dressing-as-a-boy motif, which can sometimes be cliched but was excellent in this instance.  Magic, squires, evil forces, a prince, a thief (chases, escapes, true love, etc): a great combination to make this series a new favorite.  Listening to it on audio was excellent as well, mostly because hearing the intonations of her voice made the Alanna even more real to me - kudos to the narrator.

Things I Didn't Like:
It was pretty short for the number of years that passed in the book.  Which is to say, I wanted more about Alanna and Jonathan and George.  Good thing there are more books in the series.

Read-alikes:
The Education of Bet by Lauren Baratz-Logsted
Anything by Tamora Pierce

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: ! 
maybe one or two, but not many

mrg-factor: none 

v-factor: -> 
some, but nothing descriptive

Overall rating: ***** 

What old favorites have you discovered recently?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage


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Book Review: The Lost Heiress by Catherine Fisher

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Posted as part of Tween Tuesday, hosted by GreenBeanTeenQueen.
Yeah, I'm continuing to cite this series as a great tween read, even if it's marketed as teen.

The Lost Heiress by Catherine Fisher
Publisher: Dial
Publication date: June 2011
ISBN: 9780803736740
Source: Library


Rumors abound in Tasceron that the heiress to the throne may still be alive somewhere.  Galen and Raffi, along with some old friends, must seek her out, before she is taken by the watch. 

Things I Liked:
I was intrigued once again with the unique setting Fisher has created here.  The world keeps getting more depth and background story with each addition to the series.  I love the strange creatures that are introduced, as well as the deceptions and mysterious motivations that so many characters have.  Raffi is such a contrast to all of those deceptive characters, by his simplicity and trust - I think he's the character that makes the series feel tween-y to me.  An interesting and odd cast of characters and world that continues to surprise me.

Things I Didn't Like:
I guess I can't help comparing this to my favorite Fisher books, Incarceron and Sapphique.  In comparison, this series is very simple, lacking the complexity and depth that those books hold.  I suppose this contributes to the fact that I think this one will appeal to younger teens and tweens, which is a good thing.  I'm interested enough to keep reading, but still think it can't compare with her other stuff I've read.

Read-alikes:
The above-mentioned Catherine Fisher books
Obviously, start with the first book The Dark City by Catherine Fisher

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !
maybe a few, but I can't really remember
mrg-factor: none

v-factor: ->->
some action

Overall rating: ***

I haven't seen many reviews of this series - anybody else out there reading it?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage


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Retro Friday Review: The Sea of Trolls by Nancy Farmer

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Retro Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Angie of Angieville and "focuses on reviewing books from the past. This can be an old favorite, an under-the-radar book you think deserves more attention, something woefully out of print, etc."


The Sea of Trolls by Nancy Farmer
Publisher: Atheneum
Publication date: 2004
ISBN: 9780689867460
Source: Audiobook download from the library








When Jack and his sister are stolen by Northmen and taken as thralls to their home, Jack isn't quite sure what to do.  When they are brought before the half-troll queen, Frith, he ends up forced to go on a quest for a magical well hidden deep in the kingdom of the Trolls.  Can he complete this quest, with the help of the gruff Thorgill and Olaf one-Brow in time to save his sister from being sacrificed?


Things I Liked:
What a fun story!  I wish I'd read this one sooner.  The mythology is absolutely fabulous.  I adored learning more about Norse and Scandinavian mythos, particularly the gods and the trolls.  The story is interesting and unique and it evoked the great quests so common in high fantasy.  But what I really loved was the historical element as well.  This is set in the dark ages of England and Scandinavia and that setting is written so thoroughly that you can't help but fall into it!  The book is rich with myths and history and entirely relatable characters.  In addition, it talks so neatly about the issues of slavery and the animosity between countries that you almost don't notice it.  I adored Thorgill and I could write an entire treatise on her complexities, but I'll spare you.  I listened to this one on my new horrifically long commute to work and it kept my mind completely off the traffic (hopefully in a good way).  The narrator does incredible voices and accents and I truly loved delving into this story through audio.  A fantastically underrated fantasy series that I've got to read (or listen to) more of.




Things I Didn't Like:

It did seem a bit long, but for fantasy fans the thick book will be nothing extraordinary. 


Read-alikes:

It felt rather Lord of the Rings ish

Icefall by Matthew Kirby

A bit like the Percy Jackson books by Rick Riordan



BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: ! 
there were some here and there


mrg-factor: none 





v-factor: ->-> 


several rather gruesome battles described





Overall rating: ***** 



Anybody else read this series or know of any other Viking books for kids?




If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage




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Book Review: The Trouble with Half a Moon by Danette Vigilante

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The Trouble with Half a Moon by Danette Vigilante
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Publication date: January 2011
ISBN: 9780399251597
Source: ARC sent by publicist

The Trouble with Half a Moon 

Dellie's life completely changed when her brother was killed in an accident.  Now her mom is crying all the time and won't let Dellie leave the house.  When they get some new neighbors that seem to bring trouble, Dellie is torn between trying to help Corey, who's mom is in the thick of it, and staying safe as her mom wants her to. 

Things I Liked:
I really loved the cast of characters for this book!  It was filled with a diverse group of people - kids and adults.  And it wasn't the main focus of the story either.  I was drawn into the lives of the people, Dellie and Corey's obviously, and I felt like they were my own friends and neighbors.  It was a heart-breaking story, watching how hard it is for Dellie and her parents to deal with the loss of her brother.  And then to watch Corey's life slowly become worse.  I found myself in tears on multiple occasions.  A sweet and affecting story about dealing with grief and the things we can't prevent.

Things I Didn't Like:
I was actually a little surprised at the quick changes Corey's mom makes near the end.  It seemed rather unrealistic, though the ending kind of made more sense.  It all was a little too neatly resolved.  It was something that drew me out of the story.  But a solid debut and I look forward to more from Vigilante.  

Read-alikes:
Invisible Lines by Mary Amato
After Tupac and D Foster by Jacqueline Woodson

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !
a few here and there

mrg-factor: none
 
v-factor: ->
a little bit of domestic violence

Overall rating: ****

Do you cry easily when reading or not? I think it depends entirely on my current mood :)

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage


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Retro Friday Review: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

6:13 AM mixagrip


Retro Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Angie of Angieville and "focuses on reviewing books from the past. This can be an old favorite, an under-the-radar book you think deserves more attention, something woefully out of print, etc." 

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publication date: 2005
ISBN: 9780375842207
Source: personal copy (reread for book club)

The Book Thief

Guys, I really struggled with a summary of this book.  I just don't think it's possible for me to write it well enough.  But here's what I will say: story of a young girl growing up in World War II Germany.  All told from the narrative perspective of a compassionate Death, Liesel's story will break your heart and lift your spirits at the same time.

Things I Liked:
Does this book really need more gushing?  Could I possibly be able to say anything new about it?  Probably not.  I'll just say, if you haven't picked this book up, you really should.  The writing alone is worth the read - gorgeous, different, vivid and expressive, it will make you think differently about nearly everything you know about WWII Germany.  The story itself is slow to unfold, but you become acquainted with the characters and fall in love with them, and then suffer when they do.  It is a rich, detailed and simply lovely story, with such a unique and intriguing narrator that you will find yourself flying through the pages.  Read it.  And then read it again.  And again.  After meeting Markus Zusak, I loved the story even more.  Some of the many, many parts I loved:
I could introduce myself properly, but it's not really necessary.  You will know me well enough and soon enough, depending on a diverse range of variables.  It suffices to say that at some point in time, I will be standing over you, as genially as possible.  Your soul will be in my arms.  A color will be perched on my shoulder.  I will carry you gently away.  At that moment, you will be lying there (I rarely find people standing up).  You will be caked in your own body.  There might be a discovery; a scream will dribble down the air.  The only sound I'll hear after that will be my own breathing, and the sound of the smell, of my footsteps.  The question is, what color will everything be at that moment when I come for you?  What will the sky be saying?  Personally, I like a chocolate-colored sky.  Dark, dark chocolate.  People say it suits me.  I do, however, try to enjoy every color I see - the whole spectrum.  A billion or so flavors, none of them quite the same, and a sky to slowly suck on.  It takes the edge off the stress.  It helps me relax. p 4
She was the book thief without the words.  Trust me, though, the words were on their way, and when they arrived, Liesel would hold them in her hands like the clouds, and she would wring them out like rain.  p 80
Many jocular comments followed, as did another onslaught of "heil Hitlering."  You know, it actually makes me wonder if anyone ever lost an eye or injured a hand or wrist with all of that.  You'd only need to be facing the wrong way at the wrong time or stand marginally too close to another person.  Perhaps people did get injured.  Personally, I can only tell you that no one died from it, or at least, not physically.  p 111
Yes, the Fuhrer decided that he would rule the world with words.  "I will never fire a gun," he devised.  "I will not have to."  Still, he was not rash.  Let's allow him at least that much.  He was not a stupid man at all.  His first plan of attack was to plant the words in as many areas of his homeland as possible.  He planted them day and night, and cultivated them.  He watched them grow, until eventually, great forests of words had risen throughout Germany....It was a nation of farmed thoughts.  p 445
Things I Didn't Like:
This being my second time reading it, I was struck again by how many swear words there are.  Mind you, many of them are German, but the religious exclamations also made me uncomfortable, but I don't think they'll bother many people.  I know it didn't detract much from the beauty and bitterness of the story for me.  Also, it really isn't a short book and might be a bit hard for those who can't invest much time and effort into the reading, but know it will be worth it if you can.  
 
Read-alikes:
Honestly, not much like any other WWII book I've read, but try  
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne 
Milkweed by Jerry Spinelli 
Hitler Youth by Susan Campbell Bartoletti

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !@#
as mentioned above, mostly German or religious

mrg-factor: none

v-factor: ->->
not a lot in number, but necessary as part of the story

Overall rating: *****

Anybody out there not read this book?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage


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Book Review: Reckless by Cornelia Funke

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Reckless by Cornelia Funke
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Publication date: September 2010
ISBN: 9780316056090
Source: Library (for Cybils)

Reckless

Jacob Reckless has slipped from his world into the mirror world for years with no real regrets.  But, when his younger brother follows him there, they are met with disaster.  As his brother is being changed by dark magic, Jacob must find a way to reverse the magic, before it is too late for all of them.

Things I Liked:
I really loved the fairy tale aspect of the book.  There were subtle mentions and little parts that felt familiar, because they came from recognizable fairy tales - the magical objects, in particular.  I just loved the way the tales were twisted into the story as if they belonged there.  There was also action and adventure and lots of twists and turns, and no truly happy ending.  There was some of Funke's truly lovely writing as well (though I guess that might be the translator's doing...).  A solid book for fairy tale fans and lovers of Funke's Inkheart books. Some favorite parts:
The night breathed through the apartment like a dark animal.  The ticking of a clock.  The groan of a floorboard as he slipped out of his room.  All was drowned by its silence.  But Jacob loved the night.  He felt it on his skin like a promise.  Like a cloak woven from freedom and danger.  p 1
The second chamber contained Witches' artifacts.  The Chamber of Miracles made no distinction between the healers and the cannibals.  Knives that had separated human flesh from bone lay right next to needles that healed wounds with a single stitch and owl feathers that restored the power of sight.  There were also two of the brooms on which the healing Witches were able to fly as fast and as high as birds, as well as some gingerbread from the deadly houses of their man-eating sisters.  p 345
Things I Didn't Like: 
I read this book for Cybils and all of us agreed it was more suited to an older teen/adult reader.  There was not anything particularly "naughty" but the themes and the way its written seem very mature to me (the characters are nearly all adults, no children).  Jacob is not someone easy to identify with and he's not particularly likable.  Also, mixed in with the lovely writing were some very awkward phrases and sentences.  Kind of hit and miss for me.

Read-alikes:
The Grimm Legacy by Polly Shulman
Inkheart trilogy by Cornelia Funke

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !@
a few here and there

mrg-factor: X
some implied

v-factor: ->->->
definitely some action violence and frightening imagery

Overall rating: ****

  Did you like or dislike this one? What about Funke's other works?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage


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Book Review: The Dark City by Catherine Fisher AND Giveaway

7:17 AM mixagrip

Posted as part of Tween Tuesday, hosted by GreenBeanTeenQueen.
I know this series is published and publicized as teen, but I think it has great appeal for tweens who love a rich fantasy.  It was remarkably easy to read as well and will definitely have broad appeal in its age ranges - for both teens and tweens.

The Dark City by Catherine Fisher
Publisher: Dial (Penguin)
Publication date: May 2011
ISBN: 9780803736733
Source: ARC provided by publisher

The Dark City #1 (Relic Master)

Summary from the publisher:
"Welcome to Anara, a world mysteriously crumbling to devastation, where nothing is what it seems: Ancient relics emit technologically advanced powers, members of the old Order are hunted by the governing Watch yet revered by the people, and the great energy that connects all seems to also be destroying all. The only hope for the world lies in Galen, a man of the old Order and a Keeper of relics, and his sixteen-year-old apprentice, Raffi. They know of a secret relic with great power that has been hidden for centuries. As they search for it, they will be tested beyond their limits. For there are monsters-some human, some not-that also want the relic's power and will stop at nothing to get it."

Things I Liked:
As you know, I adored Catherine Fisher's other books, Incarceron and Sapphique, so I was super excited to get an ARC of the first in this "new" series.  In some ways, it felt similar to her other books, but in many ways it was different.  It has the same unique and interesting world that has many secrets to be unraveled.  Initially, it seems Anara is just another fantasy world with no relation to us.  As the story unravels, bit by bit, hints are dropped here and there that give us a glimpse of much more.  I love the complete world Fisher has created and the feeling of so much history behind it.  I think that is one mark of really great fantasy, when the world that's created has such depth and history that it almost feels real.  I was definitely sucked into this new story and I can't wait to fit more pieces into the puzzle of this series.

Things I Didn't Like:
While it did have some similarities to Incarceron and Sapphique, it lacked the complexity and depth that series has.  It is more simplistic and definitely doesn't have (at least not in this first book) the same level of writing and the characters are not quite as intriguing.  Still, a fantastic new series for fans of Fisher and good fantasy.

Read-alikes:
Incarceron and Sapphique by Catherine Fisher
Reminded me of Beyonders by Brandon Mull

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none
that I recall...

mrg-factor: none

v-factor: ->
a bit, but nothing graphic

Overall rating: ****

I'm super excited that the sequels will be released so closely to one another!  That's definitely an added bonus.  To learn more about the series, visit the Relic Master website.  The release dates for the next three books are:
Book Two: The Lost Heiress, June 14
Book Three: The Hidden Coronet, July 12
Book Four: The Margrave, August 9

For the giveaway, I have two copies of The Dark City, thanks to Penguin and Big Honcho Media, to give away!  Also, I managed to get two ARCs of the book, so I have an additional copy of my own I'm giving away.  So, three copies up for grabs!  To enter, fill out the form below.  (US only, must be 13 or older to enter.)  You have two weeks to enter, until June 14th!



If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage


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Book Review: Spy Glass by Maria V. Snyder

7:53 PM mixagrip

Spy Glass by Maria V. Snyder
Publisher: Mira
Publication date: September 2010
ISBN: 9780778328476
Source: Library

Spy Glass (Glass, Book 3)

Warning: some spoilers for Storm Glass and Sea Glass!
Opal is still reeling from giving up her magic.  She tries to tell herself that she's ok without it, but her life will never be the same.  As she attempts to deal with this loss, she finds herself running away from family and loved ones as she seeks some purpose in her life.  When she gets drawn into a scheme to control a small community, she must do everything she can to fight against evil magic again.  Will she ever know what she should do with her life before she loses it?

Things I Liked:
The story was exciting and took lots of twists and turns throughout that sometimes caught me by surprise.  I love the fantasy world Snyder has created so completely here and the way characters from different places interact.  I really love her supporting characters that bring some humor and light to the story.  A fun and fast-paced fantasy that brings this series to a satisfying conclusion.

Things I Didn't Like:
I admit to not liking Opal again.  She bothers me in this book, as in Storm Glass.  I found her indecisive behavior and desire to rush into danger without thought tiresome and selfish at times.  I especially did not like her romantic choices, though I have to give Snyder props for not going the conventional route.  Opal has experienced a lot of weird romantic feelings in this series, and I thought this was the weirdest.  I also think there was once again too much story going on and too many plot lines trying to tie together.  The books could be so much shorter if some extraneous trips and incidents were removed.  Not as good as I was expecting, but still pretty entertaining.

Read-alikes:
Start with Storm Glass and Sea Glass by Maria V. Snyder
Also read the Study series by Snyder

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none
that I can remember

mrg-factor: XX
there are a few not-too-descriptive incidents

v-factor: ->->
some action, not graphic

Overall rating: ***

I'm beginning to wonder if I have problems in general with last books in a series! Maybe it's just the idea of the series ending that makes me sad. Are you that way?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage


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Book Review: I Now Pronounce You Someone Else by Erin McCahan

7:19 AM mixagrip

I Now Pronounce You Someone Else by Erin McCahan
Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books
Publication date: June 2010
ISBN: 9780545088183
Source: ARC provided by publisher

I Now Pronounce You Someone Else 

Bronwen Oliver is certain she was switched at birth.  She can't possibly be related to her blonde and gorgeous mother or her practically perfect brother.  They none of them have a meaningful relationship either.  After her father died, they all retreated into themselves.  Which is why when she starts dating Jared Sondervan, she falls completely in love with him and his normal family.  When she agrees to marry him, she is ready to finally have the family she's always wanted.  But when the date moves closer, she begins to wonder if that's what she wants, or who she is. 

Things I Liked:
This was a interesting look at a girl trying to figure out who she is.  I liked the way we slowly discover her past and why she is so anxious to be with Jared and his family.  Some very heartbreaking things happened to her and still seem to happen.  It was a rather natural development of her relationship with Jared and where it goes.  I also liked how it had a pretty solid romance - they didn't fall in love at first sight, but slowly and with small steps.  It was a fairly unique take on a girl discovering herself.

Things I Didn't Like:
I definitely thought this would relate more to college aged young adults than teens.  While Bronwen is seventeen at the beginning of the book, I still think she it is more appealing to slightly older populations.  Not very many juniors/seniors in high school are wanting to get married.  The way Jared acts early on and the way he acts later seem a little inconsistent, like it was contrived so she had to make certain choices later on.  I was rather surprised by one part of the ending: *spoiler warning* how very completely she severed her relationship with Jared seemed unrealistic, considering how much they both cared for each other and considering what happened later.  *end spoiler* 

Read-alikes:
Maybe a little like The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !
not very many

mrg-factor: X
just some passionate kissing

v-factor: none

Overall rating: ****

Anybody know how this book is being received by teens? I'm wondering if it really does appeal more to young adults.

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage


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