Since Kayla took on the enormous task of trying to fit all the awesomeness of Twilight and New Moon into a review, I figured I'd go ahead and review the 3rd book in the series, Eclipse.
By now, if you've read the first two books in the series, chances are, you're already hooked on the Cullens so I don't need to explain much. This book is a continuation of Edward and Bella's story. As Seattle is ravaged by a string of mysterious killins and Victoria continues her quest for revenge on Bella, Bella once again finds herself surrounded by danger. She is forced to choose between her love for Edward and her friendship with Jacob (boo!) sorry...couldn't resist.
Graduation is approaching and Bella has to choose...life with Jacob...or death and eternity with Edward and the rest of the Cullens. Which will she choose? Read it and find out. This one was just as good as the first two.
Ratings:
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Interest level: 5/5
Overall rating: It's no surprise that I'm giving this an A+
Sunday, November 30, 2008
CM - The Quickie - James Patterson
This one was a good read. I'm normally not an absolute Patterson fanatic...but this one was
pretty easy to get into.
The story is about a detective named Lauren who is married to her husband Paul. One day, she drives downtown hoping to surprise him at lunch. She spots him going into a hotel with a georgeous young blonde. This betrayal tears her apart and of course allows her to justify having her own fling with a detective coworker.
That's as much of the plot as I'll give away. Let's just say that once Lauren has the quickie, an amazing amount of things go wrong. Lauren is faced with many decisions and dilemmas that force her to decide what really matters in her life.
I won't divulge too much to avoid spoiling the book, but I will say that there's murder, infidelity, and revenge...and that's just in the first few chapters. All in all, it was a good book.
Ratings:
Characters: 4/5
Plot: 5/5
Interest Level: 4.5/5
Overall Rating: I'll give it an A-
pretty easy to get into.
The story is about a detective named Lauren who is married to her husband Paul. One day, she drives downtown hoping to surprise him at lunch. She spots him going into a hotel with a georgeous young blonde. This betrayal tears her apart and of course allows her to justify having her own fling with a detective coworker.
That's as much of the plot as I'll give away. Let's just say that once Lauren has the quickie, an amazing amount of things go wrong. Lauren is faced with many decisions and dilemmas that force her to decide what really matters in her life.
I won't divulge too much to avoid spoiling the book, but I will say that there's murder, infidelity, and revenge...and that's just in the first few chapters. All in all, it was a good book.
Ratings:
Characters: 4/5
Plot: 5/5
Interest Level: 4.5/5
Overall Rating: I'll give it an A-
CM - How to Make Love Like a Pornstar - Jenna Jameson
Ok, I know what you're thinking, it's a book about a freaking porn star. BUT and that's a big but, I was very surprised by this book. It was actually well written and reasonably tasteful. True, she had help, but that's beside the point. It was nothing like what I expected; I expected a book about a porn star. What I read was a book about a woman who had alot more to say than I would have thought.
The story is an edgy raw look at a life of turmoil filled with rape, drug abuse, and tumultous relationships with family, friends, and of course lovers. The book starts with Jenna's early days and takes you on the rocky journey to what she is today. I was surprised to say the least that someone who in my opinion has been degrated to a pulp actually is a very strong person. I have a new respect for her, although I still do not condone what she does nor do I think it is any way to make a living, the book was still a pretty decent autobiography. Definitely for the 18+ age group.
All in all, don't judge a book by it's cover...you may just find a decent book behind the slightly sleazy cover.
Ratings:
Characters: 4/5
Plot: 5/5
Interest Level: 5/5
Overall rating: I'll give it an A- ...and would recommend people give it a chance
The story is an edgy raw look at a life of turmoil filled with rape, drug abuse, and tumultous relationships with family, friends, and of course lovers. The book starts with Jenna's early days and takes you on the rocky journey to what she is today. I was surprised to say the least that someone who in my opinion has been degrated to a pulp actually is a very strong person. I have a new respect for her, although I still do not condone what she does nor do I think it is any way to make a living, the book was still a pretty decent autobiography. Definitely for the 18+ age group.
All in all, don't judge a book by it's cover...you may just find a decent book behind the slightly sleazy cover.
Ratings:
Characters: 4/5
Plot: 5/5
Interest Level: 5/5
Overall rating: I'll give it an A- ...and would recommend people give it a chance
KM- Let Me Call You Sweetheart- Mary Higgins Clark
Kerry has taken an interest in a 10-year-old murder case, in which Skip Reardon had been found guilty of slaying his beautiful wife, Suzanne, and has since been pleading his innocence from his jail cell. When Kerry's small daughter, Robin, goes to a New York plastic surgeon after a car crash, it is apparent that Dr. Smith, who was Suzanne's father, is weird. He seems to be fashioning the faces of young women to resemble his dead daughter?and it was his testimony that sent Skip to jail. Kerry's interest in the case (and her parallel interest in Skip's good-guy lawyer) may harm her chances of a judgeship, and it also draws the ominous attention of another possible suspect, James Weeks, a wealthy real-estate magnate with rumored mob connections. Then there's elegant, tasteful art burglar Jason Arnott, who had also known Suzanne....
This one was decent, nothing to jump around about, but I enjoyed it. As usual, Clark writes in characters designed to do nothing more than to throw you off the trail of the actual culprit. I feel that this story was a bit slow paced and lackluster. More of a read for when there's really a lack of anything else, or for when you're looking for a shallow read.
RATINGS
Characters: 3/5
Plot: 4/5
Interest Level: 3/5
Overall: 67/D
This one was decent, nothing to jump around about, but I enjoyed it. As usual, Clark writes in characters designed to do nothing more than to throw you off the trail of the actual culprit. I feel that this story was a bit slow paced and lackluster. More of a read for when there's really a lack of anything else, or for when you're looking for a shallow read.
RATINGS
Characters: 3/5
Plot: 4/5
Interest Level: 3/5
Overall: 67/D
KM- Paint It Black - Janet Fitch
Josie Tyrell, art model, teen runaway, and denizen of LA's rock scene, finds a chance at real love with art student Michael Faraday. A Harvard dropout and son of a renowned pianist, Michael introduces Josie to a world of sophistication she had never dreamed existed and to his spiritual quest for the beauty that shines through everyday existence. But when she recieves a call from the LA county coroner, asking her to idenitfy her lover's dead body, her bright dreams all turn to black.
This was a happen-upon, I saw it on a bargain rack at Waldenbooks, and picked it up. I was amazed at the simple-yet-powerful style with which Fitch wrote the book. The story involves all sorts of emotions, from despondency to love, to betrayal, and unlikely friendships. It delves into the darker side of human nature and makes you wonder just how much you really know about those around you. Overall, I found it very enlightening, and the flashback-style of writing definitely made for a great adventure with Josie.
RATINGS:
Characters: 4.75/5
Plot: 4.5/5
Interest Level: 5/5
Overall: 95/A
This was a happen-upon, I saw it on a bargain rack at Waldenbooks, and picked it up. I was amazed at the simple-yet-powerful style with which Fitch wrote the book. The story involves all sorts of emotions, from despondency to love, to betrayal, and unlikely friendships. It delves into the darker side of human nature and makes you wonder just how much you really know about those around you. Overall, I found it very enlightening, and the flashback-style of writing definitely made for a great adventure with Josie.
RATINGS:
Characters: 4.75/5
Plot: 4.5/5
Interest Level: 5/5
Overall: 95/A
CM - Watch You Bleed the Guns N Roses Saga - Stephen Davis
Anyone who knows me knows that I'm a big fan of the GNR. So I was of course attracted to this book simply because it was about Guns N Roses. I always try to stay objective so I didn't let my love of the band affect my opinion of the book.
The book was well written, I'll give Stephen Davis that. It takes you back to the days when hardcore Axl was little Bill Bailey. The story tells you how the members met, and how they all ended up in L.A. and their journey to stardom and how they became the biggest rock stars of their generation.
Stephen Davis is one of America's more prominent rock journalists, so he definitely didn't let me down. Although the book was a bit difficult to get into, it picked up. The book definitely explains some of the titles to some of GNR's hits. I can imagine that it would be a tremendous feat to try to fit the awesomeness of these rock God's into 420 pages...(ironic I know) but somehow Davis pulled it off. Definitely an educational/entertaining read. I recommend it to all GNR fans, as it gives you a more in-depth look into the rock Gods...all in all, worth the $20-something I spent on amazon.
Ratings:
Characters: 100/100 :)
Plot: Could have been better
Overall rating: I'll give it a B+
The book was well written, I'll give Stephen Davis that. It takes you back to the days when hardcore Axl was little Bill Bailey. The story tells you how the members met, and how they all ended up in L.A. and their journey to stardom and how they became the biggest rock stars of their generation.
Stephen Davis is one of America's more prominent rock journalists, so he definitely didn't let me down. Although the book was a bit difficult to get into, it picked up. The book definitely explains some of the titles to some of GNR's hits. I can imagine that it would be a tremendous feat to try to fit the awesomeness of these rock God's into 420 pages...(ironic I know) but somehow Davis pulled it off. Definitely an educational/entertaining read. I recommend it to all GNR fans, as it gives you a more in-depth look into the rock Gods...all in all, worth the $20-something I spent on amazon.
Ratings:
Characters: 100/100 :)
Plot: Could have been better
Overall rating: I'll give it a B+
CM - Seduced by the Night - Robin T. Popp
It's no secret, I'm a sucker for vampire novels (pun highly intended ;) Other than the Twilight series and the Marked series, Seduced by the Night was on up there on my list of favorite vampire novels.
The story is about a bio-chemist named Bethany who works in the fancy Van Horne Technologies research lab. She soon finds herself in need of protection because her assitant and front desk security guard are both killed. She is engaged to marry the wealthy owner of Van Horne Technolgies, Mr. Miles Van Horne himself. Her fiance has her working on project to duplicate a synthetic version of a plant that is only found deep in the amazon. While working on this project, Bethany finds that this project could be highly illegal and starts to worry. She doesn't have much time because a group of vampires is out to kidnap her. After a few attempts to snatch her, Dirk Adams, an ex Naval officer/ fledging (half vamp half human)/ vampire hunter volunteers to protect her. Bethany doesn't know why, but she always feels safe with Dirk. Their attraction is undeniable, but she is after all in a loveless engagement to Miles.
Bethany is faced with decisions that she doesn't have a whole lot of time to make. Why is Miles getting her to produce this plant extract? Will she stay devoted to Miles and end up in an unhappy marriage...or follow her heart into the arms of Dirk Adams? Will she be safe or is she doomed to be kidnapped and forced to produce venom for this clan of vampires? How will it end for Bethany? I dunno, read it yourself and find out :)
Ratings:
Characters: 4/5
Plot: 4/5
Overall rating 4/5
The story is about a bio-chemist named Bethany who works in the fancy Van Horne Technologies research lab. She soon finds herself in need of protection because her assitant and front desk security guard are both killed. She is engaged to marry the wealthy owner of Van Horne Technolgies, Mr. Miles Van Horne himself. Her fiance has her working on project to duplicate a synthetic version of a plant that is only found deep in the amazon. While working on this project, Bethany finds that this project could be highly illegal and starts to worry. She doesn't have much time because a group of vampires is out to kidnap her. After a few attempts to snatch her, Dirk Adams, an ex Naval officer/ fledging (half vamp half human)/ vampire hunter volunteers to protect her. Bethany doesn't know why, but she always feels safe with Dirk. Their attraction is undeniable, but she is after all in a loveless engagement to Miles.
Bethany is faced with decisions that she doesn't have a whole lot of time to make. Why is Miles getting her to produce this plant extract? Will she stay devoted to Miles and end up in an unhappy marriage...or follow her heart into the arms of Dirk Adams? Will she be safe or is she doomed to be kidnapped and forced to produce venom for this clan of vampires? How will it end for Bethany? I dunno, read it yourself and find out :)
Ratings:
Characters: 4/5
Plot: 4/5
Overall rating 4/5
CM - The Client - John Grisham
There was no hesitation for me to buy this book, I had already saw the freaking fantastic movie so for me it was a must-read. I wasn't disappointed.
The story is about an 11 year old named Mark Sway who witnessess an attorney commit suicide. Before he dies, the lawyer tells Mark a deadly secret concerning the recent murder of a Louisiana senator who was murdered by a Mafia thug killer who is about to go on trial . The FBI pressures Mark to tell them the attorneys last words but Mark knows that the mob is watching his every move and is already fearful after his house is burned down. He is concerned for the saftety of his mom and little brother so he hires a lawyer. (Susan Saradon in the movie :) Reggie Love in the movie & book. Realizing that Mark has no choice but to talk, Mark comes up with a crazy plan that would keep Reggie and his family safe from the mob... and it just might work.
Definitely recommend! It was a suspense and humor filled novel and surprisingly, the book and the movie were both great (usually its one or the other).
Ratings:
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Overall rating: 5/5
The story is about an 11 year old named Mark Sway who witnessess an attorney commit suicide. Before he dies, the lawyer tells Mark a deadly secret concerning the recent murder of a Louisiana senator who was murdered by a Mafia thug killer who is about to go on trial . The FBI pressures Mark to tell them the attorneys last words but Mark knows that the mob is watching his every move and is already fearful after his house is burned down. He is concerned for the saftety of his mom and little brother so he hires a lawyer. (Susan Saradon in the movie :) Reggie Love in the movie & book. Realizing that Mark has no choice but to talk, Mark comes up with a crazy plan that would keep Reggie and his family safe from the mob... and it just might work.
Definitely recommend! It was a suspense and humor filled novel and surprisingly, the book and the movie were both great (usually its one or the other).
Ratings:
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Overall rating: 5/5
KM- The Face - Dean Koontz
He's Hollywood's most dazzling star, who inspires the worship of millions and the hatred of one twisted soul. His perfectly ordered existence is under siege as a series of terrifying "messages" penetrates the security of his legendary estate. All that stands between him and an insidious killer is a weary ex-cop who has already seen his own death.
This was a great one, with a classic Koontz feel in that it's not what you're expecting. The characters are amazingly well developed with great personality and interweaving storylines that cumulate into one great tale. Aelfric "Fric" Manheim, the son of The Face, is a young boy who is being threatened by forces unheard of, and the security manager of the estate, Ethan, is protected by forces even more strange. Even the minor characters in the story are absolutely crucial to development. From Hollywood glitz and glam, to voodoo practices and time loops, this one will definitely keep you glued to the pages.
Ratings:
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Interest Level: 5/5
Overall: 100/A
KM- Along Came A Spider - James Patterson
A missing little girl named Maggie Rose..
A family of three brutally murdered
in the projects of Washington, D.C.
The thrill-killing of a beautiful
elementary school teacher.
A psychopathic serial kidnapper/murderer who calls
himself the Son of Lindbergh. He is so terrifying that the FBI, the Secret
Service, and the police cannot outsmart him — even after he's been captured.
This is the first novel in the Alex Cross series. Det. Cross is a unique character in that he's an African-American detective with a Ph.D. in forensic psychology, and yet still has a sense of humor. He and his best friend and co-worker, Sampson, make a great team. You'll be immediately endeared to the characters.
The story starts out with a retelling of the Lindbergh kidnapping that will leave you thinking, "What?!" but the story develops amazingly well and is paced at a perfect speed. From rogue FBI agents, to the adrenaline always involved with stories of children, this book will tug at your heartstrings, keep you on your toes, and even make you question your own views of the justice system. This was one I could barely put down!
RATINGS:
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Interest Level: 5/5
Overall: 100/A
CM - The Lost Boy - Dave Pelzer
Most of you have probably seen the book "A Child Called It" on the bookshelves in the bookstore and probably have passed right by it without much thought. I picked it up one day and soon was out looking for The Lost Boy, which is the sequel. Dave Pelzer is an amazing man. He is so incredibly brave for allowing readers to delve into his heartwrenching childhood.
The story is about a young boy who has suffered torture at the hands of his crazed mother and ignored by his alcoholic firefighter father. I found it ironic that his father was a "hero" but yet never saved his own son from the hell he received at the hands of his psychotic mother. The book takes you back to a time when Pelzer was a nine year old boy. You feel his pain as he describes living with his mother and bouncing from foster home to foster home all the while feeling isolation, fear, and devastation while dealing with feeling unworthy of being loved. It is definitely humbling to read how tragic his childhood was. Though society is quick to ridicule the foster care system, Dave Pelzer is a living breathing testament to the necessity of the systems existance. I will warn that this book is not for the weak at heart or the weak-stomached as some of his recollections will rip your heart out and make you want to vomit on your shoes at the sheer thought of this level of human evil. Overall, I would recommend this book to the more mature readers. Definitely not for those under 16-17. If you are in need of a big slice of humble pie, pick up A Child Called It and the sequel, The Lost Boy. Reasonably priced at around $11 a piece.
Ratings:
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Overall rating: 5/5
The story is about a young boy who has suffered torture at the hands of his crazed mother and ignored by his alcoholic firefighter father. I found it ironic that his father was a "hero" but yet never saved his own son from the hell he received at the hands of his psychotic mother. The book takes you back to a time when Pelzer was a nine year old boy. You feel his pain as he describes living with his mother and bouncing from foster home to foster home all the while feeling isolation, fear, and devastation while dealing with feeling unworthy of being loved. It is definitely humbling to read how tragic his childhood was. Though society is quick to ridicule the foster care system, Dave Pelzer is a living breathing testament to the necessity of the systems existance. I will warn that this book is not for the weak at heart or the weak-stomached as some of his recollections will rip your heart out and make you want to vomit on your shoes at the sheer thought of this level of human evil. Overall, I would recommend this book to the more mature readers. Definitely not for those under 16-17. If you are in need of a big slice of humble pie, pick up A Child Called It and the sequel, The Lost Boy. Reasonably priced at around $11 a piece.
Ratings:
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Overall rating: 5/5
CM - The Lucky One - Nicholas Sparks
I own every last one of Nicholas Spark's novels and I have yet to be completely disappointed. Although this one was highly advertised, I have to say it was not his best work, however, I am still glad that I read it.
The story is about a U.S. Marine named Logan Thibault who while deployed, finds a photograph of a young woman buried in the dirt. His instincts tell him to toss it aside, but instead he keeps it in his pocket. Soon after, Logan experiences what most would call incredible luck. He survives deadly attacks that claim the lives of those around him. His superstitious best friend, Victor, is convinced that the photo is his good luck charm-that it keeps him safe. Back home, Logan can't stop thinking about the woman in the photo. He sets out walking on foot across the country to find her, and ends up in North Carolina. Elizabeth, the woman in the photo, is a divorced mother with a young son. Her ex husband is the corrupt sheriff in town and soon butts heads with Logan. Logan doesn't disclose his reasons for coming to find Elizabeth immediately and instead ends up working with her and her mother training dogs.
The last 10 or so pages of this book were the best part of the entire story. Kudos to Nicholas Sparks for over a decade of stories that tug at the heart strings and keep me personally entertained. There's a reason he is a New York Times best-selling author. His writing styles are seeming to change up and this book is definitely set apart from his normal style. Perhaps he is starting to lean into a more suspenseful Dean Koontz type feel to his stories. Either way, I paid $14 for the book and I would recommend it.
Ratings:
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 4.5/5
Overall rating: 4/5
The story is about a U.S. Marine named Logan Thibault who while deployed, finds a photograph of a young woman buried in the dirt. His instincts tell him to toss it aside, but instead he keeps it in his pocket. Soon after, Logan experiences what most would call incredible luck. He survives deadly attacks that claim the lives of those around him. His superstitious best friend, Victor, is convinced that the photo is his good luck charm-that it keeps him safe. Back home, Logan can't stop thinking about the woman in the photo. He sets out walking on foot across the country to find her, and ends up in North Carolina. Elizabeth, the woman in the photo, is a divorced mother with a young son. Her ex husband is the corrupt sheriff in town and soon butts heads with Logan. Logan doesn't disclose his reasons for coming to find Elizabeth immediately and instead ends up working with her and her mother training dogs.
The last 10 or so pages of this book were the best part of the entire story. Kudos to Nicholas Sparks for over a decade of stories that tug at the heart strings and keep me personally entertained. There's a reason he is a New York Times best-selling author. His writing styles are seeming to change up and this book is definitely set apart from his normal style. Perhaps he is starting to lean into a more suspenseful Dean Koontz type feel to his stories. Either way, I paid $14 for the book and I would recommend it.
Ratings:
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 4.5/5
Overall rating: 4/5
CM - The Guardian - Nicholas Sparks
This book was by far one of my favorite Sparks books.
The story is about a 29 yr old woman named Julie who's husband died and left her two things- a great dane dog and the promise that he would always watch over her. She lives in a small town in North Carolina. After four years have passed since her husbands death, Julie finally feels ready to start looking for love again. But who will she choose? Her last husbands best friend Mike, or a handsome engineer named Richard. Instead of being a easy-breezy love story, Julie finds herself fighting for her life in a nightmare spawned by deceptionand jealousy that has grown into a murderous intent.
This book definitely had more heat than the average Nicholas Sparks book. The ending was hair raising and definitely had me ignoring the world as I tried desperately to finish the book. I even talked Kayla (who is avid about ignoring Nicholas Sparks) into reading it (and she liked it!)
Ratings:
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Overall rating: 5/5
Definitely pick it up!
The story is about a 29 yr old woman named Julie who's husband died and left her two things- a great dane dog and the promise that he would always watch over her. She lives in a small town in North Carolina. After four years have passed since her husbands death, Julie finally feels ready to start looking for love again. But who will she choose? Her last husbands best friend Mike, or a handsome engineer named Richard. Instead of being a easy-breezy love story, Julie finds herself fighting for her life in a nightmare spawned by deceptionand jealousy that has grown into a murderous intent.
This book definitely had more heat than the average Nicholas Sparks book. The ending was hair raising and definitely had me ignoring the world as I tried desperately to finish the book. I even talked Kayla (who is avid about ignoring Nicholas Sparks) into reading it (and she liked it!)
Ratings:
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Overall rating: 5/5
Definitely pick it up!
KM- New Moon - Stephenie Meyer
This is the second novel in the Twilight series. It continues the story of Edward & Bella, and is a rollercoaster. Early on in the novel, Edward decides that it's best for Bella that he leave her, rather than risk hurting her. So Bella becomes closer friends with Jacob, who has a secret of his own. The matter is further complicated when Bella begins doing dangerous things, feeling that she refuses to keep a promise to be safe when the promise to stay with her was broken. She risks her life several times, and the ending will blow you away.
New Moon flows brilliantly with Twilight, and the seamless transition from one to the other only leaves you thirsting for Eclipse.
RATINGS
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Interest Level: 5/5
Overall: 100/A
New Moon flows brilliantly with Twilight, and the seamless transition from one to the other only leaves you thirsting for Eclipse.
RATINGS
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Interest Level: 5/5
Overall: 100/A
KM- Twilight- Stephenie Meyer
I must say that I stumbled across this book by accident. I'd never heard of it, and ended up buying it on recommendation from a girl who worked at the local Waldenbooks. I am definitely not a vampire-story fan, never have been, I believe they're all too cliche.
This book, however, was amazing. It's a story about a young girl moving in with her father, from Arizona to Forks, Washington. It's a drastic change for her, and she begins at a new school only to find the most attractive guy at the school, Edward Cullen, and his family all seem to think she's absolutely terrible from the moment they meet her. The story blossoms into a very complicated romance between a vampire and a normal teenage girl. Go ahead, I know what you're thinking. "That's so for 12-year-olds." I thought so too, until I got completely caught up in the story and finished the first 3 novels within a 48 hour period, not even pausing when I was at work.
It's a great story for all ages and both genders. Love is a theme that applies to all. Angst makes for an interesting read for teens. There's a maturity to the characters that endear them to adults. There's action for the males.
From the moment Edward and Bella encounter each other in a close setting for the first time, you will be hooked. You'll be taken through a tour of life as a vampire, life as a teenage girl with a great secret, the danger of love, an amazing game of baseball, and an intense scene of action where enemy vampires battle over a "snack". Overall, GREAT read, recommended for ANYONE.
Ratings:
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Interest Level: 5/5
OVERALL: 100/A
This book, however, was amazing. It's a story about a young girl moving in with her father, from Arizona to Forks, Washington. It's a drastic change for her, and she begins at a new school only to find the most attractive guy at the school, Edward Cullen, and his family all seem to think she's absolutely terrible from the moment they meet her. The story blossoms into a very complicated romance between a vampire and a normal teenage girl. Go ahead, I know what you're thinking. "That's so for 12-year-olds." I thought so too, until I got completely caught up in the story and finished the first 3 novels within a 48 hour period, not even pausing when I was at work.
It's a great story for all ages and both genders. Love is a theme that applies to all. Angst makes for an interesting read for teens. There's a maturity to the characters that endear them to adults. There's action for the males.
From the moment Edward and Bella encounter each other in a close setting for the first time, you will be hooked. You'll be taken through a tour of life as a vampire, life as a teenage girl with a great secret, the danger of love, an amazing game of baseball, and an intense scene of action where enemy vampires battle over a "snack". Overall, GREAT read, recommended for ANYONE.
Ratings:
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Interest Level: 5/5
OVERALL: 100/A
CM - Marked - P.C. Cast
I picked this series on a whim one day, and I was pleasantly surprised. Although the first book in the series, Marked, was a bit difficult to get into to, I was glad I stuck with it.
The story entails a girl named Zoey who gets "Marked" by a tracker vampire. This means that she must go to a vampire academy called the House of Night. Her uber-religious step father and doormat mother are not exactly welcoming to the idea of their daughter turning into a vampire and Zoey isn't thrilled either. She has to pick up and change schools, and lets face it, no one wants to be the new kid.
I won't spoil the book so i'll simply add that the book definitely is worth reading, especially since I paid $8.95 for it -- $35 for the set of four books. It is classified as "young readers" but I would definitely not recommend it for anyone under the age of maybe 16. I know 40+ yr olds that read and enjoyed so don't be thrown off by that classification. The 5th book in the series "Hunted" comes out in March 2009 and I am definitely looking forward to it.
Ratings:
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 4/5
Interest Level: 4.5/5
Overall: 4.5/5
The story entails a girl named Zoey who gets "Marked" by a tracker vampire. This means that she must go to a vampire academy called the House of Night. Her uber-religious step father and doormat mother are not exactly welcoming to the idea of their daughter turning into a vampire and Zoey isn't thrilled either. She has to pick up and change schools, and lets face it, no one wants to be the new kid.
I won't spoil the book so i'll simply add that the book definitely is worth reading, especially since I paid $8.95 for it -- $35 for the set of four books. It is classified as "young readers" but I would definitely not recommend it for anyone under the age of maybe 16. I know 40+ yr olds that read and enjoyed so don't be thrown off by that classification. The 5th book in the series "Hunted" comes out in March 2009 and I am definitely looking forward to it.
Ratings:
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 4/5
Interest Level: 4.5/5
Overall: 4.5/5
KM- Your Heart Belongs to Me - Dean Koontz
I've never been disappointed by a Koontz novel, although I must say this one threw me for a loop. I felt like the ending sort of came out of nowhere, although it was a very interesting read.
The story revolves around a 34-year-old Ryan Perry. He is in love with his girlfriend, Samantha, and things begin going downhill for him when he begins have seizures out of nowhere, with no previous medical indication of an abnormality. While he suspects he's being poisoned, he alienates some of the most important people in his life. When diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, he is put on a donor list, and has some very strange incidents, beginning with a friendly nurse assisting in his biopsy, ending with the barrel of a gun pointed at the back of his head.
I would recommend it, although for some reason, it lacks the usual Koontz feel. I can't quite put my finger on what it is, but something was lacking from his usual talent in this one.
Ratings:
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 4/5
Interest Level: 4.5/5
Overall: 90/B
Next Up: Before I Say Goodbye- Mary Higgins Clark
The story revolves around a 34-year-old Ryan Perry. He is in love with his girlfriend, Samantha, and things begin going downhill for him when he begins have seizures out of nowhere, with no previous medical indication of an abnormality. While he suspects he's being poisoned, he alienates some of the most important people in his life. When diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, he is put on a donor list, and has some very strange incidents, beginning with a friendly nurse assisting in his biopsy, ending with the barrel of a gun pointed at the back of his head.
I would recommend it, although for some reason, it lacks the usual Koontz feel. I can't quite put my finger on what it is, but something was lacking from his usual talent in this one.
Ratings:
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 4/5
Interest Level: 4.5/5
Overall: 90/B
Next Up: Before I Say Goodbye- Mary Higgins Clark
Introductions, ladies and gents.
Hello! I'm Kayla, 18, avid reader. I mainly read suspense, muder mystery, sci-fi, etc., with a lot of true crime peppered in. Some of my favorite authors are: Dean Koontz, James Patterson, Mary Higgins Clark, Stephen King, and John Grisham. I do read outside my main genres, and will be posting all sorts of reviews. My friend and I decided to start this site after we've pretty much formed our own little book club. We will sometimes post on the same book, but more than likely will be making different posts about different books, and occasionally commenting on each other's commentaries.
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