Review: The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark by William Shakespeare

Title: The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark

Author: William Shakespeare

Series: N/A

Format: Textbook

Release Date: 1603

Genre(s): Classic, Tragedy, Drama, Murder

Rating:

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Summary

Many consider the tragedy of "Hamlet" to be Shakespeare's masterpiece and one of the greatest plays of all time. It has entertained audiences for centuries and the role of Hamlet is one of the most sought after by actors. It is the story of Hamlet, the Prince of Denmark who learns of the death of his father at the hands of his uncle, Claudius. Claudius murders Hamlet's father, his own brother, to take the throne of Denmark and to marry Hamlet's widowed mother. Hamlet is sunk into a state of great despair as a result of discovering the murder of his father and the infidelity of his mother. Hamlet is torn between his great sadness and his desire for the revenge of his father's murder. "Hamlet" is a work of great complexity and as such has drawn many different critical interpretations. Hamlet has been seen as a victim of circumstance, as an impractical idealist, as the sufferer of an Oedipus complex, as an opportunist wishing to kill his Uncle not for revenge but to ascend to the throne, as the sufferer of a great melancholy, and as a man blinded by his desire for revenge. The true motivations of Hamlet are complex and enigmatic and have been debated for centuries. Source

 

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Review

Plot: Like said above, the classic story follows Hamlet, the Prince of Denmark, whose father was recently murdered and his mother has married his uncle. After discovering that his uncle has not only betrayed his father but also was the one who killed him, Hamlet sets out on a ploy to kill his uncle/stepfather. I had to read this for school and I'm glad I finally had a chance to read another Shakespearean play as well as this one. There are so many themes and situations that can be disputed and justified that it almost seems like it was made for English classes. Of course, it was an incredible book, but I had a few problems with it, mainly the characters. My biggest problem with the plot though was how convenient some situations were, like when pirates overtook a ship that was headed for one's death or being able to sneak into one's room. Some of the situations just seemed a little to easy for it to happen. But, then you would have to remember that it was a play and not everything can be explained.

Character(s): Hamlet - I don't know why, but I couldn't empathize or connect with Hamlet. There was something about him that I couldn't really relate to and ended up having me distant from him. I think it mostly came from his attitude which, in my opinion, was very egotistical and self-centered. He was in control of a country and yet he was busy plotting his uncle's death. He didn't even know that Fortinbras was headed towards Denmark or that there was even problems going on in his country. Other than Fortinbras, the only thing the characters seemed to care about was their on personal drama. This isn't a criticism of Shakespeare because I believe that was completely on purpose, but I just couldn't get over the selfishness of the characters. Fortinbras was the only one who cared about the bigger picture since he was in fact royalty while everyone else whined about what was going on in their lives.

Cover: My textbook didn't have a cover for this play and I'm glad it didn't. I think when it comes to classic books, whereas contemporary book covers give what the plot about, I think it is better to not have pictures or anything that gives away the plot because I think it would sway the reader's opinions.

Closing Thoughts: I gave this play (or book) a four out of four nail polishes. The plot was refreshing compared to the constant romance I had to read previously with Their Eyes Were Watching God. It was a nice break and it gave a plot that could be discusses and debated for centuries. The characters dynamics were good but consistent, which I think was a message about royalty from Shakespeare. But, all in all, it was something refreshing from what I normally read as well as something to stimulate conversation!

Where to find Shakespeare:

       Shakespeare's Work l "No Fear Shakespeare" Sparknotes

Peace and Fangs,
Alisha

Weekly Releases: September 16-22

The Diviners (The Diviners #1) by Libba Bray
Release Date: September 18, 2012

Evie O'Neill has been exiled from her boring old hometown and shipped off to the bustling streets of New York City--and she is pos-i-toot-ly thrilled. New York is the city of speakeasies, shopping, and movie palaces! Soon enough, Evie is running with glamorous Ziegfield girls and rakish pickpockets. The only catch is Evie has to live with her Uncle Will, curator of The Museum of American Folklore, Superstition, and the Occult--also known as "The Museum of the Creepy Crawlies."
When a rash of occult-based murders comes to light, Evie and her uncle are right in the thick of the investigation. And through it all, Evie has a secret: a mysterious power that could help catch the killer--if he doesn't catch her first

Where to find more info:Website l Facebook l Twitter l Goodreads  

Necromancing the Stone (Necromancer #2) by Lish McBride
Release Date: September 18, 2012

With the defeat of the evil Douglas behind him, Sam LaCroix is getting used to his new life. Okay, so he hadn’t exactly planned on being a powerful necromancer with a seat on the local magical council and a capricious werewolf sort-of-girlfriend, but things are going fine, right?

Well . . . not really. He’s pretty tired of getting beat up by everyone and their mother, for one thing, and he can’t help but feel that his new house hates him. His best friend is a werebear, someone is threatening his sister, and while Sam realizes that he himself has a lot of power at his fingertips, he’s not exactly sure how to use it. Which, he has to admit, is a bit disconcerting.

But when everything starts falling apart, he decides it’s time to step up and take control. His attempts to do so just bring up more questions, though, the most important of which is more than a little alarming: Is Douglas really dead?

Where to find more info:Website l Goodreads  

Glass Heart (Cold Kiss #2) by Amy Carvey
Release Date: September 18, 2012

Wren can do things that other people can only dream of. Make it snow on a clear, crisp day. Fly through an abandoned tunnel. Bring a paper bird to life.

Wren knows her abilities are tinged with danger—knows how easy it is to lose control—but she can't resist the intoxicating rush. And now that she has Gabriel by her side, someone who knows what she can do—what she has done—she finally feels free to be herself.

But as Wren explores the possibilities of her simmering powers, Gabriel starts pushing her away. Telling her to be careful. Telling her to stop. The more he cautions her, the more determined Wren becomes to prove that she can handle things on her own. And by the time she realizes that Gabriel may be right, it could be too late to bring him back to her side.

Where to find more info:Website l Twitter l Goodreads  

Dust (Of Dust and Darkness #1) by Devon Ashley
Release Date: September 18, 2012
 
4. The number of times my delicate wings have been broken and clamped behind my back.
68. The number inked upon my skin, marking me the sixty-eighth pixie to be stolen.
87. The number of days I’ve been wrongfully imprisoned.
88. The first day the faeries will regret stealing me.

Healthy. Cheery. Vivacious. All traits Rosalie has before becoming enslaved by the faeries to make an endless supply of pixie dust. Now that Rosalie has been traumatized by slave labor, extreme desolate conditions and multiple deaths, this hardened pixie is anything but. When this rebellious teenager attempts an escape, she’s isolated in cramped quarters until she learns her place. Just as she begins to let go of all that hope, she finds an unlikely friend in Jack, the faerie assigned to guard her. Interspecies dating is forbidden in the fae world, so their growing attraction is unacceptable. And even if Jack can find a way to free her, they know the prison is the only place they can truly be together.

Where to find more info:Website l Facebook l Goodreads  

The Dead Girls Detective Agency by Suzy Cox
Release Date: September 18, 2012

Pop quiz: What would you do if you had to solve your own murder to get anywhere in death?

Maybe if I hadn't slept through my alarm, slammed into Kristin--my high school's reigning mean

girl--or stepped in a puddle, destroying my mom's new suede DVF boots (which I borrowed without asking), I wouldn't have been in the wrong place at the wrong time, and I wouldn't have been pushed in front of that arriving train. But I did, and I was.

When I came to, I was informed by a group of girls that I'm dead. And that because I died under mysterious circumstances, I can't pass straight over to the Other Side. But at least I'm not alone. Meet the Dead Girls Detective Agency: Nancy, Lorna, and Tess--not to mention Edison, the really cute if slightly hostile dead boy. Apparently, the only way out of this limbo is to figure out who killed me, or I'll have to spend eternity playing Nancy Drew. Considering I was fairly invisible in life, who could hate me enough to want me dead? And what if my murderer is someone I never would have suspected?
Where to find more info: Goodreads  

The Crown of Embers (Fire and Thorns #2) by Rae Carson
Release Date: September 18, 2012

In the sequel to the acclaimed The Girl of Fire and Thorns, a seventeen-year-old princess turned war queen faces sorcery, adventure, untold power, and romance as she fulfills her epic destiny.

Elisa is the hero of her country. She led her people to victory against a terrifying enemy, and now she is their queen. But she is only seventeen years old. Her rivals may have simply retreated, choosing stealth over battle. And no one within her court trusts her-except Hector, the commander of the royal guard, and her companions. As the country begins to crumble beneath her and her enemies emerge from the shadows, Elisa will take another journey. With a one-eyed warrior, a loyal friend, an enemy defector, and the man she is falling in love with, Elisa crosses the ocean in search of the perilous, uncharted, and mythical source of the Godstone's power. That is not all she finds. A breathtaking, romantic, and dangerous second volume in the Fire and Thorns trilogy
Where to find more info:Website l Facebook l Twitter l Goodreads  

Ten  by Gretchen McNeil
Release Date: September 18, 2012

And their doom comes swiftly.

It was supposed to be the weekend of their lives—an exclusive house party on Henry Island. Best friends Meg and Minnie each have their reasons for being there (which involve T.J., the school’s most eligible bachelor) and look forward to three glorious days of boys, booze and fun-filled luxury.

But what they expect is definitely not what they get, and what starts out as fun turns dark and twisted after the discovery of a DVD with a sinister message: Vengeance is mine.

Suddenly people are dying, and with a storm raging, the teens are cut off from the outside world. No electricity, no phones, no internet, and a ferry that isn’t scheduled to return for two days. As the deaths become more violent and the teens turn on each other, can Meg find the killer before more people die? Or is the killer closer to her than she could ever imagine?

Where to find more info:Website l Goodreads  

Burn For Burn  by Jenny Han & Siobhan Vivian
Release Date: September 18, 2012

BIG GIRLS DON'T CRY...
THEY GET EVEN.

Lillia has never had any problems dealing with boys who like her. Not until this summer, when one went too far. No way will she let the same thing happen to her little sister.

Kat is tired of the rumors, the insults, the cruel jokes. It all goes back to one person– her ex-best friend– and she's ready to make her pay.

Four years ago, Mary left Jar Island because of a boy. But she's not the same girl anymore. And she's ready to prove it to him.

Three very different girls who want the same thing: sweet, sweet revenge. And they won't stop until they each had a taste

Where to find more info:Website l Goodreads  

The Raven Boys (Raven Cycle #1) by Maggie Stiefvater
Release Date: September 18, 2012

“There are only two reasons a non-seer would see a spirit on St. Mark’s Eve,” Neeve said. “Either you’re his true love . . . or you killed him.”

It is freezing in the churchyard, even before the dead arrive.

Every year, Blue Sargent stands next to her clairvoyant mother as the soon-to-be dead walk past. Blue herself never sees them—not until this year, when a boy emerges from the dark and speaks directly to her.

His name is Gansey, and Blue soon discovers that he is a rich student at Aglionby, the local private school. Blue has a policy of staying away from Aglionby boys. Known as Raven Boys, they can only mean trouble.

But Blue is drawn to Gansey, in a way she can’t entirely explain. He has it all—family money, good looks, devoted friends—but he’s looking for much more than that. He is on a quest that has encompassed three other Raven Boys: Adam, the scholarship student who resents all the privilege around him; Ronan, the fierce soul who ranges from anger to despair; and Noah, the taciturn watcher of the four, who notices many things but says very little.

For as long as she can remember, Blue has been warned that she will cause her true love to die. She never thought this would be a problem. But now, as her life becomes caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she’s not so sure anymore.
Where to find more info:Website l  Goodreads  

What's Left of Me (The Hybrid Chronicles #1) by Kat Zhang
Release Date: September 18, 2012
 
I should not exist. But I do.

Eva and Addie started out the same way as everyone else—two souls woven together in one body, taking turns controlling their movements as they learned how to walk, how to sing, how to dance. But as they grew, so did the worried whispers. Why aren’t they settling? Why isn’t one of them fading? The doctors ran tests, the neighbors shied away, and their parents begged for more time. Finally Addie was pronounced healthy and Eva was declared gone. Except, she wasn’t . . .

For the past three years, Eva has clung to the remnants of her life. Only Addie knows she’s still there, trapped inside their body. Then one day, they discover there may be a way for Eva to move again. The risks are unimaginable-hybrids are considered a threat to society, so if they are caught, Addie and Eva will be locked away with the others. And yet . . . for a chance to smile, to twirl, to speak, Eva will do anything

Where to find more info:Website l Facebook l Goodreads  

Cursed  by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Release Date: September 18, 2012

Dying sucks-- and high school senior Ember McWilliams knows firsthand. After a fatal car accident, her gifted little sister brought her back. Now anything Ember touches dies. And that, well, really blows.

Ember operates on a no-touch policy with all living things--including boys. When Hayden Cromwell shows up, quoting Oscar Wilde and claiming her curse is a gift, she thinks he's a crazed cutie. But when he tells her he can help control it, she's more than interested. There's just one catch: Ember has to trust Hayden's adopted father, a man she's sure has sinister reasons for collecting children whose abilities even weird her out.

However, she's willing to do anything to hold her sister's hand again. And hell, she'd also like to be able to kiss Hayden. Who wouldn't? But when Ember learns the accident that turned her into a freak may not have been an accident at all, she's not sure who to trust. Someone wanted her dead, and the closer she gets to the truth, the closer she is to losing not only her heart, but her life. For real this time.
Where to find more info:Website l Facebook l Twitter l Goodreads  

Sorry these keep getting later and later. I'm in a musical and on top of everything else I'm a bit busy right now. But here's this week! Keep checking in.

Sweet Daydreams,
Brooke

Review: Immortal Hearts (Vampire Kisses #9) by Ellen Schreiber

Title: Immortal Hearts

Author: Ellen Schreiber

Series: Vampire Kisses
            1. Vampire Kisses
            2. Kissing Coffins
            3. Vampireville
            4. Dance with a Vampire
            5. The Coffin Club
            6. Royal Blood
            7. Love Bites
            8. Cryptic Cravings
            9. Immortal Hearts

Format: Hardcover (260 pages)

Release Date: May 15, 2012

Genre(s): Paranormal Romance, YA, Drama

Rating:

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Summary

Athena "Stormy" Sterling is coming to Dullsville, and Raven is both excited and panicked in anticipation of Alexander's little sister's visit. Alexander tells Raven that she and his sister have a lot in common, but can the mini-Raven be everything she hopes for? Alexander calls her Stormy for a reason.

Stormy's visit stirs up the perfect immortal whirlwind. Raven is forced to take a good look at what it would really mean to be a vampire in the Sterling family, aside from some of the things she already loves, like shunning the sun and sleeping in a coffin with Alexander. When Raven compares her life with Stormy's, she can see that it's not all starry skies and black roses. But Raven knows she's always wanted to be a vampire.

Alexander is as romantic and dreamy as ever, and though he keeps showing Raven how much he loves her, will she ultimately be able to convince him that it's the right thing to turn her?

This final chapter of Vampire Kisses' nocturnal romance will keep all mortal and immortal hearts racing. Source

 

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Review

Plot: I sadly have a bone to pick with Mrs. Ellen Schreiber. Me, like many other VK fans, have been waiting for the epic conclusion of Raven's romantic story. But it has crashed and burned in more ways than I can describe. In this last installment, Raven meets Alexander's little sister, Stormy, who she is anxious to please. I loved Stormy's character and how she was different than Alexander but there wasn't much substance. There is so much that could have been done with her instead of taking the easy and predictable way out. I don't really know the complete plot line of this book because there seemed to several that didn't truly keep me on the edge of my seat or had any true epic conclusion. I guess I should have assumed so because there was no consistent plot line that lasted through every book, so the last installment didn't have any tremendous climax other than whether or not Raven will be turned. I was waiting with baited breath as to what Alexander's decision will be, but it wasn't enough for me to be surprised or anxious at the ending.

Character(s): Raven - I've got to say, when I first started this series, I thought Raven was my hero. I think I can speak for many other people that this series came along right when we were going through our "goth" stage. It was amazing to have a heroine whose lifestyle revolved around that, but this installment did worry me that Raven's lifestyle got the best of her. She lives in a small town where no one is like her and instead of being happy with finding a guy who shares the same interests and feelings, she is determined to find out if he is a vampire and when she finds that out, she want shim to turn her. If someone continually told me that they wouldn't turn me or said that I shouldn't want that, after awhile, I would have taken their word for it. It seemed like she was more gaga over the dream of being a vampire and Alexander was her key rather than seeing what a great guy he was.
Alexander - I felt bad for him. He was constantly pestered to turn Raven and he wasn't being selfish at all but wanted her to have a life that wasn't immersed in darkness. I kind of wish there was a way for him to be mortal. I think the book swayed so much to Raven's wants, Alexander didn't really get anything. I wish he could have found a way to be mortal and finally have be able to see the sun.

Cover: The cover is adorable and cohesive with the rest. I wish this last one could have another character in the book like Stormy or Alexander. But it definitely is dark and gorgeous.

Closing Thoughts: I gave this book a two out of four because I was truly bummed with the finale and the ending. I waited for so long to see how the story would wrap up and it just seemed like it was just another book in the series. I would recommend this series to middle grade readers because it is a series to not get too attached to. It is truly bittersweet to read this book, I loved this series for years and hated seeing it come to a close, but I wish it was a bit more epic.

Where to find Ellen:Website l Facebook l Twitter l Goodreads

 

Peace and Fangs,

Alisha

Review: Dead Rules by Randy Russell

Title: Dead Rules

Author: Randy Russell

Series: N/A

Format: Hardcover (376 pages)

Release Date: June 21, 2011

Genre(s): Paranormal Romance, Drama, YA, Thriller/Horror/Suspense

Rating:

 

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Summary

Till death
Jana Webster and Michael Haynes were in love. They were destined to be together forever.

Do
But Jana's destiny was fatally flawed. And now she's in Dead School, where Mars Dreamcote lurks in the back of the classroom, with his beguiling blue eyes, mysterious smile, and irresistibly warm touch.

Us
Michael and Jana were incomplete without each other. There was no room for Mars in Jana's life—or death—story. Jana was sure Michael would rush to her side soon.

Part
But things aren't going according to Jana's plan. So Jana decides to do whatever it takes to make her dreams come true—no matter what rules she has to break.

Source

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Review

Plot: The plot is very simple, Jana Webster has died and can not fully grasp her surroundings until her still living boyfriend, Michael, is along with her in Dead School. The plot seemed innocent at first. To me, Jana was so in love with Michael, she wished he would be beside her as she went through this process anyone would be scared about. However, as the story progressed, I knew it was more of an obsession than love. We follow Jana for a majority of the time, but it isn't until we see other characters' POVs that we see something is wrong. Jana will do and has done anything to get Michael to be beside her in the afterlife. The plot takes a bunch of twists and turns with many of the characters to keep you intrigued along with Jana's.

Character(s): Jana - I don't know if it is me, but again, I couldn't connect with Jana. It really felt like you were just reading her story. I was invested more in the other characters and what was going to happen, but Jana was too extreme for me to relate or feel empathetic towards. She's so blind by what she assumes is her happily ever after, she doesn't focus on what's in front of her. I don't know if this is due to the fact she just doesn't want to grasp that she died or that she really was obsessed with him, but it seemed so ridiculous the measures she would go to for a boyfriend. But maybe that was just it, maybe she truly does feel he is the only thing she has.
Mars - I can't say much about him with giving stuff away, but I can say looks can be deceiving. Mars seems like a total sweetheart and misunderstood because of his position of a Slider. He gets left behind and is the in between for Jana to get to Michael, which is a shame. I loved his story more and wish it could have been fully in his view with just Jana as the new girl and seeing her story play out through his eyes. But at the same time, it is a nice lesson to show to not be blinded by what you know but take risks with people or to not believe that there is only one form of happiness in one person. Mars is such an intriguing character and I wish there was more of him than I got.

Cover: The cover describes the theme of the book. It is elegantly disturbing. The eyes of the girl kind of remind me of Jana's character. She is visually beautiful and elegant, but there's a darkness and disturbance from her childhood and experience that makes her appearance terrifying at times.

Closing Thoughts: I'm giving this book a three out of four because this is the only time I thought a book truly needed a sequel. Many times, I just want another installment, but this one kind of needs one. The ending was left so open for all of the characters and there was no true development of Jana other than her knowledge to certain things that occurred. Plus, I want to know what happens to Mars in the long run. Even if Jana is not in it, I want to know his story. It is a beautiful book and I'll recommend it if you're looking for more of a dark read, but just be ready for many questions risen and only some answered.

Where to find Randy:

Website l Facebook l Twitter l Goodreads

Peace and Fangs,

Alisha

Review: Generation Dead (Generation Dead #1) by Daniel Waters

Title: Generation Dead

Author: Daniel Waters

Series: Generation Dead
            1. Generation Dead
            2. Kiss of Life
            3. Passing Strange

Format: Hardcover (392  pages)

Release Date: May 6, 2008

Genre(s): YA, Paranormal Romance, Horror, Fantasy, Drama

Rating:

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Summary

Phoebe Kendall is just your typical Goth girl with a crush. He’s strong and silent…and dead.

All over the country, a strange phenomenon is occurring. Some teenagers who die aren't staying dead. But when they come back to life, they are no longer the same. Feared and misunderstood, they are doing their best to blend into a society that doesn’t want them.

The administration at Oakvale High attempts to be more welcoming of the “differently biotic." But the students don’t want to take classes or eat in the cafeteria next to someone who isn’t breathing. And there are no laws that exist to protect the “living impaired” from the people who want them to disappear—for good.

When Phoebe falls for Tommy Williams, the leader of the dead kids, no one can believe it; not her best friend, Margi, and especially not her neighbor, Adam, the star of the football team. Adam has feelings for Phoebe that run much deeper than just friendship; he would do anything for her. But what if protecting Tommy is the one thing that would make her happy? Source

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Review

Plot: In Generation Dead, zombies are not a sign of the end of the world nor are they a hidden creature. They live among the living and are only young Americans. I was very curious why this was happening to a select group, but there was very little actually discovered apparently. In the book, scientists are trying to find out why it is happening, but I wish there was some progression so the reader wasn't so confused on how there are zombies. Besides that, the book is set in third person but has multiple viewpoints throughout the book, but the main character followed is Phoebe. She has a crush on Tommy who is a living impaired student at her school. He becomes more of a spectacle when he wants to go out for the school's football team. Throughout the book, you can see one football player's animosity towards Tommy grow to the point where he plans to hurt him. There is a lot that goes on in a book, but is slow at times. It is hard to sum up the book because there were so many questions left unanswered and so many things that were happening.

Character(s): Phoebe - I'm not completely sure whether or not I like her. I loved that she stuck up for Tommy and the other living impaired, but I wondered if she would have still done it if she wasn't into Tommy. I wish they went more into Phoebe before meeting Tommy because it seemed like there was no life to Phoebe before Tommy and the living impaired walked into her school. She does have personality and some fire in her, but I also wish there was more than just living impaired on her brain sometimes.
Tommy - He was definitely a person I wish we followed more. I wish it was more in his viewpoint since we all know how humans feel and it would be nice to go just between first person POV with Phoebe and Tommy. At first, I thought he was a great guy but after Phoebe started questioning his actions and how he acted towards her, I didn't know if he was what I thought he was. Hopefully, we learn more about him in later books.
Adam - I have to talk about him because he is a favorite of mine. I loved how simple his life was but also how much of an underdog he is in the book even though other characters assume he is not. He has feelings for Phoebe but they go completely unrequited or not recognized because her focus is on Tommy. I honestly wish he got some good luck because he absolutely none in this book, even after he continually helped Phoebe out. I'm hoping he gets more credit and is actually in Phoebe's focus now.

Cover: I love this cover because it reminds me of The Ghost and the Goth cover. It's bright and colorful, which is great when you're finding summer reads, but also has the darkness of paranormal from the cheerleader. It's beautiful and glad the rest of the series' covers look awesome as well.

Closing Thoughts: I'm giving this book a three out of four because it was interesting to read but not enough..."wow" factor. I wish there was something huge that happened or that the characters had a little more obstacles, but this is just the first installment. I would still recommend this because it is a fun read, but it is just a bit slow sometimes. However, I'm still going forward with the rest of the series because I really want to see what happens to the characters after this first book.

Where to find Daniel:

Website l Facebook l Twitter l Goodreads

Peace and Fangs,

Alisha

Review: Juliet by Anne Fortier

Title: Juliet

Author: Anne Fortier

Series: N/A

Format: Paperback (461 pages)

Release Date: July 26, 2011

Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Adult, Drama, Romance, Mystery

Rating:

 

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Summary

When Julie Jacobs inherits a key to a safety-deposit box in Siena, Italy, she is told that it will lead her to an old family treasure. Soon she is launched on a winding and perilous journey into the history of her ancestor Giulietta, whose legendary love for a young man named Romeo rocked the foundations of medieval Siena. As Julie crosses paths with the descendants of the families immortalized in Shakespeare’s unforgettable blood feud, she begins to realize that the notorious curse—“A plague on both your houses!”—is still at work, and that she is the next target. It seems that the only one who can save Julie from her fate is Romeo—but where is he? Source

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Review

Plot: After the death of her grandmother, Julie inherits a key for a safety deposit box in Italy. She is intrigued but also a bit disappointed because her sister, who is the pure opposite of Julie, inherited much more of their grandmother's estate. Julie heads to Italy though and meets the family who her family feuded with long ago and whose history is also intertwined with her family's. I was glad to see that the author didn't fully make the book in Julie's point of view. I liked how she mixed it with various POV's and also switched from past to present. It was also interesting to see how she depicted Romeo and Giulietta. The progression of the story was a bit slow, but it did help the development of the characters and the revealations Julie has about her family's history.

Character(s): Julie - I didn't know whether or not I liked Julie. She wasn't a bad person or too goody-good. It was more of, I was invested in the story, but not invested in her. I loved the romance she had with Alessandro but I loved him more than her. She was a great character to have on the journey but it seemed she lacked in impact compared to the other characters.

Cover: I loved the cover because it has the transition between Julie and Giulietta. It is really simple and elegant, but also showing the historical theme of it.

 

 

 

Closing Thoughts: This review is very short, but I do give this book a four out of four. You can see how much research Anne has put into this book and that she wanted it to be perfect. The characters are very mysterious and very interesting, I loved the journey to why Julie had the key, what it was for, and answers to her family's past. It is slow in some parts but it is interesting to see the transition between past and present. I would recommend this to anyone who wants a new read.

Where to find Anne:

Facebook l Twitter l Goodreads

Peace and Fangs,
Alisha

Review: The Secret Year by Jennifer R. Hubbard

Title: The Secret Year

Author: Jennifer R. Hubbard

Series: N/A

Format: Hardcover (192 pages)

Release Date: January 7, 2010

Genre(s): YA, Realistic Fiction, Romance, Drama

Rating:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Summary

Take Romeo and Juliet. Add The Outsiders. Mix thoroughly. Colt and Julia were secretly together for an entire year and no one, not even Julia's boyfriend knew. They had nothing in common, with Julia in her country club world on Black Mountain and Colt from down on the flats, but it never mattered. Until Julia dies in a car accident, and Colt learns the price of secrecy. He can't mourn Julia openly, and he's tormented that he might have played a part in her death. When Julia's journal ends up in his hands, Colt relives their year together at the same time that he's desperately trying to forget her. But how do you get over someone who was never yours in the first place? Source

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Review

Plot: I was glad to get away from paranormal romance for a little bit and give this book a try. The story is set in a small town where there are the people on Black Mountain (rich and popular) and the people who are not (middle class/poor and not as popular). I was a little disappointed about the plot because it seemed like a "been there, done that" plot, but I was willing to give it a try. At first, it was interesting to see how Colt got along after Julia's death and how many of her loved ones didn't know about him. I will say that one family member finds out and it is interesting to see their interaction. Colt is hesitant to reveal who he was to Julia while that family member is just trying to find out facts. But, as the story progressed, it felt like Colt didn't want to get over Julia. It seemed as though no matter what happened or who he met, it was like Julia was a hanging thread to him. What I hated the most was it started to seem one sided. When i was reading the flashbacks and then reading the present, it seemed like Colt might have taken more out of it then he should have.

Character(s): Colt and Julia - I'm putting them together because this is how I think Colt keeps thinking throughout the book. It seemed like he couldn't give up that Julia was gone or that he needed to move on. Needless to say, he doesn't develop much with his obsession and when it seems like he does, it just seems like he just wants to find something else to take his mind off of Julia. I couldn't grasp that aspect and is only my real adversion to the book.

Cover: The book has a simple cover, which is what really drew me in. It looked a little mysterious and actually had models who looked like the characters. The simplicity of it is what truly makes it an interesting cover.

Closing Thoughts: I am giving this book a three out of four because I truly did like the book, it was just the characters who were fustrating. I always say development is key to characters, but in this instance, I could say it is refreshing...and fustrating. It gets you thinking about if the author did it on purpose because it is realistic fiction and it could be that he truly doesn't or want to get over Julia. But it is a very intriguing read for those who want something different.

Where to find Jennifer:

Website l Twitter l Goodreads

Peace and Fangs,
Alisha

Review: Wintergirls by Laurie H. Anderson and Willow by Julia Hoban

Hey guys! Sorry I've been so busy lately. So I have been getting into a whole new genre of books lately and it realistic fiction. But on more of a... sad level. It deals with mental illnesses and eating disorders. These books are amazing, but if you don't like it or are worried about reading books like this than be warned. But I love them!

Wintergirls

Title: Wintergirls

Author: Laurie Halse Anderson

Series: N/A

Format: Paperback

Release Date: March 19, 2009

Genre(s): YA, Realistic Fiction

Rating:

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Summary

“Dead girl walking,” the boys say in the halls.
“Tell us your secret,” the girls whisper, one toilet to another.
I am that girl.
I am the space between my thighs, daylight shining through.
I am the bones they want, wired on a porcelain frame.

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.

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Review

Plot: Lia is a girl who's been sucked into the terrifying, addictive, fatal world of anorexia. Her old best friend Cassia and her had been competing for a while to see who could be the thinnest. But suddenly, out of nowhere, her best friend and competitor dies. Shocked by this, Lia starts wondering about her own health and how she could ever get out of this tunnel of despair. The book was overall written in a very poetic way and sometimes it was confusing, but overall I actually really liked it. It was a book different than I have ever read before and I loved it. It took me away from vampires and werewolves for a bit and put me in the mind of someone going through something beyond my comprehension.
Character(s): Lia- Lia is really the only big character in this book. She is a very confused girl who I can sometimes relate to. She feels like no matter how skinny she is, it's never enough. The thing she feels proud of is that even though she may not be the prettiest or the smartest, at least she's the thinnest.

Cover: The cover of the book has such an eerie feeling and it gives the book a great twist. It's not some girls sob story, it's almost a true horror story.

Closing Thoughts: I'm giving this book a three out of four nail polishes. I loved everything about how different it was. It was a great read, and it taught me a lot. It is a definite read for someone going through an eating disorder, but also for someone who isn't. It's a nice read. But remember, it's not a romantic book about hunky werewolves or glittering vampires. It's an intense read.

Willow

Title:

Author: Julia Hoban

Series: N/A

Willow

Format: Paperback

Release Date: April 2, 2009

Genre(s): YA, Realistic Fiction
Rating:

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Summary

Seven months ago, on a rainy March night, sixteen year- old Willow's parents died in a horrible car accident. Willow was driving. Now her older brother barely speaks to her, her new classmates know her as the killer orphan girl, and Willow is blocking the pain by secretly cutting herself. But when one boy, one sensitive, soulful boy discovers Willow's secret, it sparks an intense relationship that turns the safe world Willow has created for herself upside down. Told in an extraordinary fresh voice, Willow is an unforgettable novel about one girl's struggle to cope with tragedy, and one boy's refusal to give up on her.

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Review

Plot: One night, Willow is driving her parents home when she only has her license. Her parents had too much to drink so they asked her to. It turns out it was the biggest storm of the year and, in the end, she lost control of the car. Ever since then, Willow has been calling herself a murderer and thinking it was her fault her parents didn't survive the crash. After all this time, the only thing that can help her is the relief of cutting into her skin. But then a boy finds out and all that is ruined. What is she to do now that her secrets out? 

Character(s): Willow- She is a girl who's been strong much too long. She seems weak and fragile, and in a way she is. But once she falls victim t other blade, there's nothing she seems she can do anymore. Willow has become fragile and timid, but it takes a boy to make her see how strong she really is.

Cover: I have to say I don't actually like the cover too much. I like how there's.... strips? But I don't like the whole theme. But what I do like is how in each chapter, the lines (symbolizing the cuts) slowly start to go away.

Closing Thoughts: I am seriously in love with this book. It... hit me so hard. She had so go through so much and she has to be strong when she really just wants to give in. I could read this over and over. I love it. Be warned: It does have some content that may disturb others seeing as it is a book about a "cutter." But honestly, it's an amazing book.

So, as you can see, these are some serious books with serious topics, but they are great books. I love Willow especially (I just finished it yesterday) but Wintergirls is equally good. And Wintergirls even has a ghost for those paranormal die-hards out there. So good luck!

Sweet Daydreams,

Brooke

Review: Bloodlines (Bloodlines #1) by Richelle Mead

Title: Bloodlines

Author: Richelle Mead

Series: Bloodlines
            1. Bloodlines
            2. The Golden Lily
            3. The Indigo Spell (release date: Feb. 12, 2013)

Format: Hardcover (421 pages)

Release Date: August 23, 2011

Genre(s): Paranormal Romance, YA, Drama

Rating:

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Summary



Sydney's blood is special. That's because she's an alchemist - one of a group of himans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worls of humans and vampire. They protect vampire secrets - and human lives. But the last encounter Sydney had with vampires got her in deep trouble with the other alchemists. And now with her allegiances in question, her future is on the line.

When Sydney torn from her bed in the middle of the night, at first she thinks she's still being punished for her complicated alliance with dhampir Rose Hathaway. But what unfolds is far worse. Jill Dragomir - the sister of Moroi Queen Lissa Dragomir - is in mortal danger, and the Moroi must send her into hiding. To avoid a civil war, Sydney is called upon to act as Jill's guardian and protector, posing as her roommate in the unlikeliest of places: a human boarding school in Palm Springs, California. The last thing Sydney wants is to be accused of sympathizing with vampires. And now she has to live with one.

The Moroi court believe Jill and Sydney will be safe at Amberwood Prep, but threats, distractions, and forbidden romance lurk both outside - and within - the school grounds. Now that they're hiding, the drama is only just beginning. Source

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Review

Warning: This review may contain spoilers for those who have not yet read the Vampire Academy series.

Plot: In this spin-off series of Bloodlines, we follow Sydney who is an Alchemist and friend of Rose Hathaway's. Bloodlines begins with Sydney being assigned to Jill, Lissa's half-sister, to protect her after many extremists threaten her life. Sydney and Jill are sent to a California prep school to lay low for awhile until much of the chaos has blown over. At first, I was hesitant about a spin-off because many of them never measure up to the original. However, I was ecstatic it was a spin-off to Vampire Academy and that many of my favorite characters (*cough* Adrian *cough) would be in it. I loved how Mead intermingled not only a continuation of VA but also a new plot that seemed logical and exciting. I can't give away much without spoiling both this series and VA, but Mead is making a new series in itself. It is interesting to see how Moroi deal with leaving in a place like California and more of the background of Alchemists. Again, without giving spoilers, it is a great starting plot that does leave more to happen later on and new characters to come into the mix.

Character(s): Sydney - Already knowing a little about Sydney, I would say that I'm glad she got her own series in a way. I love her attitude when it comes to her duties and being rebellious. We saw Rose, who does as she pleases to help the one she loves, but Sydney is a complete 180 from Rose, which is something new to their world. Sydney has a soft spot with her sister and protecting her, but she also has the determination to prove herself as an Alchemist as well as gain her reputation back because even though she mostly follows the rules, at this point, other Alchemists she her as a disturbance.
Jill - Jill seems a lot like the Lissa for me, which shouldn't surprise me because they're sisters. Unlike Lissa, she's more shy and reluctant to speak her opinion but you do see that she an hold her own when she needs to. Mead did an incredible job with making Jill mature for her age, but also make decisions and have opinions that are not so mature. She wants to have a life as a normal teenager but also knows she has more responsibility that keeps her from having that option.

Cover: The classic VA cover still resonates with Bloodlines! I love how she puts models that look like the characters. I wish they would be a little more whimsical but they are iconic for me when I think of her because she has down them with each VA cover so far. But I do like how Bloodlines has more of an edgy but yet elegant feel to the title and colors.

Closing Thoughts: I give this book a four out of four because it is an  incredible start to a spin-off. The characters all have their faults and own personalities, which all contribute to the plot. The plot is something nice and quick to start off the series so the characters have room to grow and also have new plot ties for future books. If you're skeptical about reading it like I was, I would give it a try. It does have secondary characters and is a spin-off but it also seems to be on its way to be a series that can stand on its own as well.

Where to find Richelle:

Website l Facebook l Twitter l Goodreads
My post for a Bloodlines casting on Open Book Society

Peace and Fangs,
Alisha