Crystal Palace Park. London, England. 2013.
Archive | December 2013
Book Review: Edge of Nowhere by Elizabeth George
“Whidbey Island may be only a ferry ride from Seattle, but it’s a world apart. When Becca King arrives there, she doesn’t suspect the island will become her home for the next four years. Put at risk by her ability to hear “whispers”–the thoughts of others–Becca is on the run from her stepfather, whose criminal activities she has discovered. Stranded and alone, Becca is soon befriended by Derric, a Ugandon orphan adopted by a local family; Seth, a kindhearted musician and high school dropout; Debbie, a recovering alcoholic who takes her in; and Diana, with whom Becca shares a mysterious psychic connection.
This compelling coming-of-age story, the first of an ongoing sequence of books set on Whidbey Island, has elements of mystery, the paranormal, and romance. Elizabeth George, bestselling author of the Inspector Lynley crime novels, brings her elegant style, intricate plotting, incisive characterization, and top-notch storytelling to her first book for teens.”
What I See: This is FANTASTIC! Well written, expertically executed and an engaging story that isn’t based on romance! No! This girl with spunk is on the run and to see her grow as she starts over on her own on Wimbey Island is standout.
It’s smart; it’s witty and clings the reader through every page. George has constructed a fabulous story line and I have no idea what to expect for the sequel, but look very much forward to it!
Guardian
Crystal Palace Park. London, England. 2013
Book Review: A Need so Beautiful by Suzanne Young
“We all want to be remembered. Charlotte’s destiny is to be Forgotten…
Charlotte’s best friend thinks Charlotte might be psychic. Her boyfriend thinks she’s cheating on him. But Charlotte knows what’s really wrong: She is one of the Forgotten, a kind of angel on earth, who feels the Need—a powerful, uncontrollable draw to help someone, usually a stranger.
But Charlotte never wanted this responsibility. What she wants is to help her best friend, whose life is spiraling out of control. She wants to lie in her boyfriend’s arms forever. But as the Need grows stronger, it begins to take a dangerous toll on Charlotte. And who she was, is, and will become–her mark on this earth, her very existence–is in jeopardy of disappearing completely.
Charlotte will be forced to choose: Should she embrace her fate as a Forgotten, a fate that promises to rip her from the lives of those she loves forever? Or is she willing to fight against her destiny–no matter how dark the consequences.”
What I see: This is an interesting shorter YA. Charlotte’s story focuses on relationships. What begins as a standard YA blossoms into a story of heavenly assistance. As reader you’re torn between wanting Charlotte to have a life. Her childhood was tragic but she raises herself up, has a steady boyfriend, best friend and hopes and dreams for her future. Charlotte has to make a choice to continue on her destiny or reject it and turn to darkness. At the same time you want Charlotte to have her life, you’re always wondering what will come after should be complete her destiny’s task.
There is a lot of heartbreak as Charlotte continues her transition. The ending is smacked with surprises and the final chapter is only a thread. It’s excellently paced, with a continous flow and althought the endings feels completely different from the beginning, I am curious to see how Charlotte’s choice turns out.
Book Review: Pretties by Scott Westerfield
Please note this is the second book in the Uglies series and does contain spoilers.
For my review on the first book, Uglies.
“Gorgeous. Popular. Perfect. Perfectly wrong.
Tally has finally become pretty. Now her looks are beyond perfect, her clothes are awesome, her boyfriend is totally hot, and she’s completely popular. It’s everything she’s ever wanted.
But beneath all the fun — the nonstop parties, the high-tech luxury, the total freedom — is a nagging sense that something’s wrong. Something important. Then a message from Tally’s ugly past arrives. Reading it, Tally remembers what’s wrong with pretty life, and the fun stops cold.
Now she has to choose between fighting to forget what she knows and fighting for her life — because the authorities don’t intend to let anyone with this information survive.”
What I See: I don’t feel this sequel helped progress the series as much as I was hoping for, but, Westerfield’s craft of language is amazing. I felt this book was cluttered with too much romance, but I loved the shift between Tally and Shay’s relationship.
I feel this series might have worked better as a graphic novel. As everything is based on appearance, it would be cool to see the visuals of the ‘Pretties’ and ‘Uglies’ and ‘Specials’.
Top Ten Tuesday: New-To-Me Authors I Read In 2013
Hi everyone! Another super quick post about some of the YA authors (a literary one slipped in too!) that were brand new to me this year courtesy of the fantastic lists by The Broke and the Bookish:
1. Kasie West – Pivot Point
2. Marissa Burt – Storybound and Story’s End
3. Gina Damico – Croak, Scorch and Rogue
4. Kiera Cass – The Selection, The Elite and The One
5. Randsom Riggs – Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children
6. Rainbow Rowell – Fangirl
7. Lynn Cullen – Mrs. Poe
8. Elizabeth George – The Edge of Nowhere
9. A. G. Howard – Splintered
10. Amanda Sun – Ink
The week’s been pretty busy with my job, internship and making sure all gifts are ready to go for friends and family. I’m hoping to get to some more diverse content in the new year, but for now, the authors above have given me such reading pleasure through this tortuous year!
Through a Seattle Looking Glass 