So here in Sweden The Maze Runner has its premiere today (so exciting) and I have been waiting to write a review about The Maze Runner but I had to see the movie first.
I saw the trailer way before I knew The Maze Runner was a book. When I saw the trailer, boy did my hopes go up. It wasn't just the fact that Dylan O'Brien was the main character, but the whole movie and my interpretation of the plot from trailer was overall exciting. This made me want to dig into what The Maze Runner was actually about. Which led me to find out that not only is it going to be a movie, but The Maze Runner is also a book and part of a trilogy.
Overall The Maze Runner was a good read. It was easy to follow and had an alright amount of mystery, action and suspense but there was unfortunately something was lacking. But, for the life of me, I can't tell you what it is that is lacking. It might be because there are so many unanswered questions by the end of the book that it makes me feel like somethings missing. A hidden question or clue that isn't obvious might be hidden in this book or the others that I haven't found yet. (Disclaimer disclaimer, I haven't read the other two books or the companion novellas so I can only speculate.) I hope that Dashner has done this because I haven't read a book like that, filled with clues and hints, since Harry Potter.
This book is perfect for anyone looking for an easy, fast, interesting read with a good amount of mystery and action coupled with a dystopian feel. I love it when there are some hints of romance in books and The Maze Runner has just enough romance to keep things a bit interesting. Not only that but the books is riddled with quite a few plot twists that make you keep reading.
Happy Reading.
Friday, September 19, 2014
Sunday, September 7, 2014
Weekend Read: Poison Study
I am a full time student and I ref soccer and study during the weekends. That means that I don't have a lot of time to read. This, in turn, leads me to being very selective about the books that I choose during the school year. Poison Study is a book I recommend to everyone with a limited amount of free time.
I love this book. I have reread Poison Study so many times, I have to get myself a new copy. The front page is falling off. The glossy, plastic surface on the cover is pealing away. I do try not to destroy my books, but sometimes I just happen to love them a little bit too much.
Anyhooo, Poison Study is a historical-fantasy with a slight dystopian feel. The country, where the main character grows up, is a country run by a dictator called The Commander. But, most of the people in this country agree with how the country is run and not many people want a life different to what they have now. The military supplies all of their basic needs. No one is without work, homeless or starving. BUT,but(!), there is one catch. If you have magic you are killed, or assassinated. No exceptions.
In Poison Study you follow a young woman named Yelena. Fate has dealt her a rather nasty hand, and through harsh trails she ends up a prisoner, charged with murder, (that she did commit) in The Commander's dungeons. In Ixia, the country ruled by The Commander, if you forfeit yourself, you admit to your crimes, you are offered the Hangman's Noose or a chance to become the food-taster for The Commander. Yelena chooses the latter.
That is all that I am going to say about this book. It is a wonderful, easy read, with just enough action to keep it exciting, just enough historical-fantasy to set a great world and just enough romance to keep you on edge of your seat. One of the pluses of this book is that there is romance but the book isn't centered around it. And if you don't like graphic, raunchy scenes, have no fear, sex is only hinted at in this book.
Happy reading.
I love this book. I have reread Poison Study so many times, I have to get myself a new copy. The front page is falling off. The glossy, plastic surface on the cover is pealing away. I do try not to destroy my books, but sometimes I just happen to love them a little bit too much.
Anyhooo, Poison Study is a historical-fantasy with a slight dystopian feel. The country, where the main character grows up, is a country run by a dictator called The Commander. But, most of the people in this country agree with how the country is run and not many people want a life different to what they have now. The military supplies all of their basic needs. No one is without work, homeless or starving. BUT,but(!), there is one catch. If you have magic you are killed, or assassinated. No exceptions.
In Poison Study you follow a young woman named Yelena. Fate has dealt her a rather nasty hand, and through harsh trails she ends up a prisoner, charged with murder, (that she did commit) in The Commander's dungeons. In Ixia, the country ruled by The Commander, if you forfeit yourself, you admit to your crimes, you are offered the Hangman's Noose or a chance to become the food-taster for The Commander. Yelena chooses the latter.
That is all that I am going to say about this book. It is a wonderful, easy read, with just enough action to keep it exciting, just enough historical-fantasy to set a great world and just enough romance to keep you on edge of your seat. One of the pluses of this book is that there is romance but the book isn't centered around it. And if you don't like graphic, raunchy scenes, have no fear, sex is only hinted at in this book.
Happy reading.
Thursday, September 4, 2014
Throwback Thursday: The Raven
Ok, I do know that The Raven isn't a YA novel. I'm not an idiot. But just because you love YA, you shouldn't neglect the classics. The classics are classics for a reason. I have personally been putting off reading The Raven and A Midsummer Night's Dream, i.e., for a long time. But as I am reading a lot of these popular YA novels, like books in The Iron Fey series and in the Nevermore trilogy, I notice the references to classic literature.
Going back and reading though the classics not only gives you a deeper understanding of the characters and their backgrounds, it will also give a different understanding of the book itself. Especially when it comes to books with direct links to the classics.
Now of course this is something that I have personally seen and something I personally think. I would be surprised if everyone felt the same way. Moving along to the review.
I was surprised when I started reading The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe. First off, I thought it would be a whole lot longer than what it really was. Secondly, I thought it would be a whole lot harder to read and understand. The Raven was, in fact, short and very easy to read. Maybe this is because I am practically inexperienced when it comes to poetry or it's because I'm just shallow. I hope it isn't the second alternative. The Raven was entertaining and I have reread twice now.
In The Raven, Poe uses something called a Trochee which is the opposite of an Iambic Pentameter, the metrical line that Shakespeare used. A trochee is a metrical foot with a stressed syllable followed by an unstressed syllable. Now I do believe that these meters are used to enhance a characters speech in narrative poetry, so disclaimer if I'm wrong.
For those of you who don't know what this would sound like, go on to youtube and search Edgar Allan Poe vs Stephen King EBR. The first few lines of that rap battle is in trochee and is inspired by The Raven.
I'll leave determining what The Raven is about to you, fellow readers.
Happy reading.
Going back and reading though the classics not only gives you a deeper understanding of the characters and their backgrounds, it will also give a different understanding of the book itself. Especially when it comes to books with direct links to the classics.
Now of course this is something that I have personally seen and something I personally think. I would be surprised if everyone felt the same way. Moving along to the review.
I was surprised when I started reading The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe. First off, I thought it would be a whole lot longer than what it really was. Secondly, I thought it would be a whole lot harder to read and understand. The Raven was, in fact, short and very easy to read. Maybe this is because I am practically inexperienced when it comes to poetry or it's because I'm just shallow. I hope it isn't the second alternative. The Raven was entertaining and I have reread twice now.
In The Raven, Poe uses something called a Trochee which is the opposite of an Iambic Pentameter, the metrical line that Shakespeare used. A trochee is a metrical foot with a stressed syllable followed by an unstressed syllable. Now I do believe that these meters are used to enhance a characters speech in narrative poetry, so disclaimer if I'm wrong.
For those of you who don't know what this would sound like, go on to youtube and search Edgar Allan Poe vs Stephen King EBR. The first few lines of that rap battle is in trochee and is inspired by The Raven.
I'll leave determining what The Raven is about to you, fellow readers.
Happy reading.
Monday, September 1, 2014
Monday and Tuesday Blues: Shatter Me
Mondays are tough. And starting them without some form of enjoyment is even worse. For those of you who enjoy reading just as much as I do I have a suggestion for you. I do believe that very few people haven't read of this book but for those of you who haven't or just haven't picked it up, pick up Shatter Me!
This book has some major character development. I have read, I don't know how many books, but never have I experienced so much change in just one book. The main character Juliette goes from cowering, pitiful girl to girl on a mission. With a very hot, very buff, very sensitive bodyguard/boyfriend. Now I don't want to reveal anything when it comes to this book. Personally I believe that going into this book slightly blind is what makes the read more intriguing. But for those of you who want a more in depth description here comes a short synopsis.
Juliette is a very powerful girl. Although neither she nor her captures understand what she is capable of. Juliette has been alone for a long time. Until the day when she gets a new roommate or cellmate. She is then removed from her prison and moved to a fancier cage. From there she learns, quickly, how to grow and how to become stronger. And she starts to tap into the power resting inside of her. This she must do if she wish to escape. With Him.
Happy reading
Friday, August 29, 2014
Weekend Read: Cinder
Ok, so I may be a little late jumping on to this band wagon, but hey(!), better late than never. So...the first time I picked up Cinder I put it straight back down again. What the heck? I was thinking. Why rewrite Cinderella? Now don't get me wrong I love retellings. "Retelling" is one of my favorite genres, if you can call retellings a genre. What I was thinking was why rewrite a story that doesn't really have all that much to work with. But now my views and opinions have completely changed.
Anyone hesitating to pick this book up, don't. I regret putting off diving into this world since I finished the book a couple of days ago. And this advice goes with all books. Of course if you do fins yourself struggling to read a book and you aren't enjoying it at all. Put the book down. We have a limited amount of time on this planet. Spend it reading books that you won't regret picking up. And Cinder is one of those books...if you love, sci-fi, futuristic fantasy retellings with a slight dystopian feel. It took me a couple of chapters to real get into this book but after that I finished the book in less than two days.
Cinder is a retelling of Cinderella for of you who didn't catch on to that (pssst the title and the cover). Now Cinder isn't a regular human being. She is a cyborg, part human part "robot". She lives in the classical Cinderella scenario, with the evil stepmother and stepsister. Notice that I wrote sister not sisterS. She in fact gets along quite well with the younger stepsister. Now this world that Cinder lives in is plagued by, you guessed it, a plague. There is also a secondary race that is introduced into this version that come from a planet called Luna. I mustn't forget to mention that there is also a very interesting love interest.
And will end my Weekend Read suggestion with that.
Anyone hesitating to pick this book up, don't. I regret putting off diving into this world since I finished the book a couple of days ago. And this advice goes with all books. Of course if you do fins yourself struggling to read a book and you aren't enjoying it at all. Put the book down. We have a limited amount of time on this planet. Spend it reading books that you won't regret picking up. And Cinder is one of those books...if you love, sci-fi, futuristic fantasy retellings with a slight dystopian feel. It took me a couple of chapters to real get into this book but after that I finished the book in less than two days.
Cinder is a retelling of Cinderella for of you who didn't catch on to that (pssst the title and the cover). Now Cinder isn't a regular human being. She is a cyborg, part human part "robot". She lives in the classical Cinderella scenario, with the evil stepmother and stepsister. Notice that I wrote sister not sisterS. She in fact gets along quite well with the younger stepsister. Now this world that Cinder lives in is plagued by, you guessed it, a plague. There is also a secondary race that is introduced into this version that come from a planet called Luna. I mustn't forget to mention that there is also a very interesting love interest.
And will end my Weekend Read suggestion with that.
Thursday, August 28, 2014
Throwback Thursday: Kate DiCamillo
When I think Throwback Thursday in book terms I remember one of my favorite childhood authors, Kate DiCamillo. I remember reading The Tale of Despereaux during the evenings while I was still getting the hang of reading larger children's novels and wondering how Edward felt in The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane and what I would do if I had my own very special dog like Winn-Dixie.
I do hope that you have read Kate DiCamillo's work. If you are ever looking for an easy read, with capturing illustrations and a very odd plot, check her out. I personally found The Tale of Despereaux, Winn-Dixie and The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane.
For those of you who haven't read these books, here is a very short summary.
The Tale of Despereaux is partially about a mouse who is exiled, Despereaux, and about a princess who does not truly understand the King's hate towards the Rats, and about a young, abused girl called Miggery Sow. Despereaux lives in the castle. The same castle where the Princess lives and Miggery Sow works as a maid. Through a complicated series of events all three meet and face their own battles.
Although this novel has a quite a series of twist and turns, the story is amazing and much loved.
Winn-Dixie is a story about a girl who finds a stray in a grocery store called Winn-Dixie. The book revolves around how India Opal, the main character, dreams about having a dog and how she finds Winn-Dixie, the dog. Of course it isn't as simple as 1 2 3 voilà you are now the proud owner of a very special dog. No, India Opal has to go through the whole process of convincing her parents.
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane follows the travels of a rabbit. Now this is not any ordinary rabbit but a doll that looks like a rabbit. Now if I remember correctly Edward was lost at sea one year and his dream was to find his way home. And of course that is his miraculous journey. His journey home.
Enjoy
I do hope that you have read Kate DiCamillo's work. If you are ever looking for an easy read, with capturing illustrations and a very odd plot, check her out. I personally found The Tale of Despereaux, Winn-Dixie and The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane.
For those of you who haven't read these books, here is a very short summary.
The Tale of Despereaux is partially about a mouse who is exiled, Despereaux, and about a princess who does not truly understand the King's hate towards the Rats, and about a young, abused girl called Miggery Sow. Despereaux lives in the castle. The same castle where the Princess lives and Miggery Sow works as a maid. Through a complicated series of events all three meet and face their own battles.
Although this novel has a quite a series of twist and turns, the story is amazing and much loved.
Winn-Dixie is a story about a girl who finds a stray in a grocery store called Winn-Dixie. The book revolves around how India Opal, the main character, dreams about having a dog and how she finds Winn-Dixie, the dog. Of course it isn't as simple as 1 2 3 voilà you are now the proud owner of a very special dog. No, India Opal has to go through the whole process of convincing her parents.
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane follows the travels of a rabbit. Now this is not any ordinary rabbit but a doll that looks like a rabbit. Now if I remember correctly Edward was lost at sea one year and his dream was to find his way home. And of course that is his miraculous journey. His journey home.
Enjoy
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Women Crush Wednesday: Sabrina Grimm
I don't think many people know about the middle grade, fantasy series The Sisters Grimm: Fairy-Tale Detectives. This is not a review about the series but a tribute to the voice and one of the series main characters. Sabrina Grimm is the twelve-year-old protagonist with more willpower than other adult characters I have stumbled upon. Although she is hot headed, reckless and doesn't realize that some of her actions hurt those around her until it is too late, she is still a very complicated character. And throughout the series we see substantial character growth, which is great. Certain characters in other series do not have the same amount, or any, character growth, which is an essential part of a story. Some books, characters, have better growth and development and others have less, more disappointing, development and growth. I was not disappointed.
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