Book Review: The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games

Author: Suzanna Collins

Publish Date: Oct 2008

Publisher: Scholastic, Inc

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before-and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.(From Goodreads)

Originally I thought this would be different than anything I’ve ever read before. How many books write about arenas with kids that fight to the death. Unfortunately, some time last year I saw and read Battle Royale.

The characters are original in themselves. I like Katniss despite her apparent naivety. She’s goal oriented and focused. She makes plans and tries her hardest to follow through with them. It’s admirable. 

Peeta is a darling. I love Peeta and would definitely sponsor him if I lived in the capital. He’s sweet and gives off an apparent innocence and good will. It would be very hard not to like Peeta. 

The problem I have is the story line runs too close to Battle Royale. There are differences in the execution and the reasoning behind the battles but the battles are essentially the same. The arenas are essentially the same. 

Overall it’s still worth reading. Only for those that have already touched Battle Royale you may find yourself sort of blasé about this book. It still entertains and it’s just different enough not to be boring or predictable. 

My Rating:

Book Review: Crescendo

Crescendo

Author:  Becca Fitzpatrick

Publish Date: Oct 2010

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

Nora Grey's life is still far from perfect. Surviving an attempt on her life wasn't pleasant, but at least she got a guardian angel out of it: a mysterious, magnetic, gorgeous guardian angel. But, despite his role in her life, Patch has been acting anything but angelic. He's more elusive than ever and even worse, he's started spending time with Nora's arch-enemy, Marcie Millar.

Nora would have hardly noticed Scott Parnell, an old family friend who has moved back to town, if Patch hadnt been acting so distant. Even with Scott's totally infuriating attitude Nora finds herself drawn to him - despite her lingering feeling that he's hiding something.

Haunted by images of her murdered father, and questioning whether her nephilim bloodline has anything to do with his death, Nora puts herself increasingly in dangerous situations as she desperately searches for answers. But maybe some things are better left buried, because the truth could destroy everything - and everyone - she trusts.(From GoodReads)

Crescendo picks up where Hush Hush left off. The reader is tossed into the love of Patch and Nora. Or, what should have been love. 

Nothing changes in our characters and I think this is part of the problem. Nora still trusts Patch unquestionably, but he won’t her. In fact he’s a total ass in this book and I nearly put it down several times because of his attitude. I can’t blame Nora at all for her responses to him. She did what I believe any woman would have done in her shoes. 

For all the hate I have for Patch in this book it does progress through the story rather quickly. I hadn’t expected the twists and turns the story took and it was a pleasant surprise. What bothers me most is one action from Patch in the right direction and this story wouldn’t have taken place. IF he had just provided the truth from the start everything that happened here, wouldn’t have happened. Or at least not in the form that it did. 

This series is still a must read for anyone that likes the fallen angels. I would definitely recommend it if you haven’t read it yet. 

My Rating:

Book Review: Mage In Black

Mage In Black

Author: Jaye Wells

Publish Date: April 2010

Publisher: Orbit

Sabina Kane doesn't have the best track record when it comes to family. After all, her own grandmother, leader of the vampire race, wants her dead. So when she arrives in New York to meet her mage relatives, the reunion puts the fun in dysfunctional. Not only is mage culture completely bizarre, but everyone seems to think she's some kind of 'Chosen' who'll unite the dark races. Sabina doesn't care who chose her, she's not into destiny. But the mages aren't Sabina's only problem. In New York's Black Light District, she has run-ins with fighting demons, hostile werewolves and an opportunistic old flame. Sabina thought she'd take a bite out of the Big Apple - but it looks like it wants to bite back.(GoodReads)

I’m skeptical when it comes to vampire books. There’s only so many ways to be creative with a vampire. However, the first book drew me in and engaged me with unique characters that stand out from the vampire cliché. That made this a must read in my eyes. 

Our characters are still wonderfully unique. Sabina is still a badass with a mussy center. If you can reach the center. This book is more about Sabina and her twin then any others, so we don’t see much of Adam. We are introduced to a few new characters, some from Sabina’s past and some that I think will affect her future. These characters are still just as fun and original as their companions and it doesn’t take anything away from the story. 

The story is just as fast paced as the first book. There’s no dust in any of the chapters and Ms. Wells doesn’t waste any words on useless or pointless actions. One chapter leads into the next. With the smooth flow putting the book down at the end of a chapter is a hardship. 

My Rating: