what i've been reading: Obernewtyn

Obernewtyn by Isobelle Carmody

my synopsis (contains information largely from the prologue and the official blurb, aka, no real spoilers)

basic plot:

Set in a post-apocalyptic world (after humanity was nearly destroyed, presumably by nuclear bombs), Obernewtyn follows the story of an orphan girl: Elspeth. Elspeth's parents were burned for sedition against the Council. Her brother is trying to join the Herder faction (a fanatical religious order who condemn anyone who displays strange abilities caused by the Great White). And Elspeth herself is a Misfit--a cursed human mutant. If discovered, she faces death.

additional info:

The world has undergone many changes. After "The Great White" (the nuclear apocalypse, also known as the holocaust), only those who lived in remote regions still survived. To ensure their continued survival, they slaughtered any who showed signs of sickness from the nuclear fallout. They imposed rigid rules and burned those who went against the Council.

Now, the Council still fears anything related to the Great White--including the possibility of another such disaster. They do not hesitate to remove anyone who speaks out against it, anyone who shows signs of being affected by the Great White (Misfits), and anything that might contain knowledge from the Beforetime. Beforetime books are forbidden. Technology is lost. The world is rudimentary, brutal, and unforgiving with little chance of change...

my thoughts:

the premise of Obernewtyn is more sci-fi-ish than i had originally expected. however, the story felt more like fantasy than sci-fi, so it didn't really bother me (i am generally NOT a sci-fi fan).

Elspeth appears to start out as an unsympathetic character who shrinks away from everyone around her. however, the reader soon discovers that her apparent indifference is really because friends are a luxury she cannot afford. as an orphan, her life is hard, and attachments are dangerous. saying the wrong thing can spell their doom, and associating with the wrong people can likewise mean death.

Elspeth's plight against the totalitarian "government" is very compelling. she is talented, smart, brave--everything a heroine needs. the world is utterly serious, creating an unforgettable setting. escape, mystery, sacrifice--i never knew what would come next. Carmody has a talent for never letting the story begin to slacken. she simply twists it around and keeps the reader guessing.

overall rating: (4.5)

what i've been reading

Eyes Like Stars: Theatre Illuminata, Act I by Lisa Mantchev

All her world's a stage.
Beatrice Shakespeare Smith is not an actress, yet she lives in a theater.
She is not an orphan, but she has no parents.
She knows every part, but has no lines of her own.
Until now.

Welcome to the Théâtre Illuminata, where the characters of every play ever written can be found behind the curtain. They were born to play their parts, and are bound to the Théâtre by The Book—an ancient and magical tome of scripts. Bertie is not one of them, but they are her family—and she is about to lose them all and the only home she has ever known.

(4.6)
i raced through this book, and i didn't want it to end (must read sequel!!). Bertie is determined, unique, uncontrollable, and likable. the rest of the cast was varied and unforgettable--just as they should be--and they fit their parts perfectly. i thought that, at times, the plot was slightly weaker than the characters and prose (both definitely strong points in the story), but the rest of the time, the story thoroughly captivated me. i loved it.

The Cardturner by Louis Sachar

The summer after junior year of high school looks bleak for Alton Richards. His girlfriend has dumped him to hook up with his best friend. He has no money and no job. His parents insist that he drive his great-uncle Lester to his bridge club four times a week and be his cardturner—whatever that means. Alton’s uncle is old, blind, very sick, and very rich.

But Alton’s parents aren’t the only ones trying to worm their way into Lester Trapp’s good graces. They’re in competition with his longtime housekeeper, his alluring young nurse, and the crazy Castaneda family, who seem to have a mysterious influence over him.

Alton soon finds himself intrigued by his uncle, by the game of bridge, and especially by the pretty and shy Toni Castaneda. As the summer goes on, he struggles to figure out what it all means, and ultimately to figure out the meaning of his own life.

Through Alton’s wry observations, Louis Sachar explores the disparity between what you know and what you think you know. With his incomparable flair and inventiveness, he examines the elusive differences between perception and reality—and inspires readers to think and think again.

(4.4)

this story had a slow beginning that nearly ruined it for me. once i got through the non-action, though, i was hooked. this story has a little bit of everything...romance, unrequited dreams, human greed, mystery, a little magic, and, of course, CARDS!!! (i should mention here that i like playing cards...if you absolutely hate cards, this story might not be for you). this is a story that i definitely recommend to YA readers--both adult and teen.

D. N. Angel Vol. 1 by Yukiru Sugisaki

Daisuke Niwa is an ordinary middle school student with an extradinary genetic "condition". Whenever he starts longing for the girl of his dreams, he transforms into the legendary Phantom Thief, Dark! The only way to lift the curse? To have his love returned, of course. But how can Daisuke win the heart of a girl he can't even romance?

i love the creativity and humor in manga...and the artwork, of course! D. N. Angel is one of my favorites with its fantasy and romance. Vol. 1 is an excellent start to the series, which, like nearly all manga, improves as the reader learns more about the characters and the plot begins to unfold (therefore, the first few chapters are typically the least captivating in the entire series). if you like manga, i highly recommend D. N. Angel.

what i've been reading

The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker by Leanna Renee Hieber

What fortune awaited sweet, timid Percy Parker at Athens Academy? Considering how few of Queen Victoria’s Londoners knew of it, the great Romanesque fortress was dreadfully imposing, and little could Percy guess what lay inside. She had never met the powerful and mysterious Professor Alexi Rychman, knew nothing of the growing shadow, the Ripper and other supernatural terrors against which his coterie stood guard. She knew simply that she was different, haunted, with her snow-white hair, pearlescent skin and uncanny gifts. But this arched stone doorway offered a portal to a new life, an education far from the convent—and an invitation to an intimate yet dangerous dance at the threshold of life and death…

this book was actually pretty good (4.0). it compelled me to keep reading, i liked the characterization, and the plot was interesting. however, i do feel that the author relied too much on what i would call Victorian reactions and passionate responses to make the action more dramatic and exciting. bottom line: i'd say it's definitely worth reading if you like Victorian fantasy.

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

What if you had only one day to live? What would you do? Who would you kiss? And how far would you go to save your own life?

Samantha Kingston has it all: the world's most crush-worthy boyfriend, three amazing best friends, and first pick of everything at Thomas Jefferson High from the best table in the cafeteria to the choicest parking spot. Friday, February 12, should be just another day in her charmed life.

Instead, it turns out to be her last.

Then she gets a second chance.

Seven chances, in fact. Reliving her last day during one miraculous week, she will untangle the mystery surrounding her death-and discover the true value of everything she is in danger of losing.

i devoured this book. it was amazing, and i give it a 4.7 (excellent!). i loved the characterization, development, and plot. Lauren Oliver has mastered dialogue and tension...this book is well worth reading at least once. i wouldn't hesitate to buy anything from Lauren Oliver after reading Before I Fall.

Dark Secrets Vol. 2 by Elizabeth Chandler

Vol 2 is comprised of two murder mysteries--with paranormal twists. i liked the first story, but i probably wouldn't read it again (3.5). i really enjoyed the second story, though (give it a 4.0) because i identified with the main character a lot more. as far as mysteries go, this is no Sherlock Holmes novel, but it is entertaining. once again, i'd recommend it if you like the genre.


*rating system: (probably won't review anything lower than a 3.0), 3.0--okay, 3.5--good, not sorry i read it, 4.0--recommended, 5.0--absolute brilliance

what i've been reading

this really should have been yesterday's post, but i had to announce my contest winners yesterday! so, today will be what i've been reading THURSDAY.

a couple great books i picked up lately were:

The Sky is Everywhere by Jandy Nelson

my rating: 4.5 stars

this is a great read for young adults (emphasis on adult, though. the content is kind of mature.) there are already some fantastic reviews for this book:
check out Jandy's site or Tahereh's review for more info!


The Forest of Hands and Teeth/The Dead-Tossed Waves by Carrie Ryan

amazing. Carrie Ryan is just a genius with words. i really enjoyed The Forest of Hands and Teeth (i'd give it a 4) but The Dead-Tossed Waves was even BETTER. it's definitely a 4.5. i'm actually really surprised i liked these books because i am VERY anti-horror/anythingscaryorcreepy. they are just so good.

US Paperback

THE FOREST OF HANDS AND TEETH

• A New York Times Best Seller
• A Junior Library Guild selection
• An ALA Best Books for Young Adults selection
• Named to the 2010 New York Public Library Stuff for the Teen Age List
• A Borders Original Voices finalist
• #4 on the IndieBound Kids' Indie Next List for Spring 2009

"...elegantly written from title to last line."
—Scott Westerfeld (read Scott's Amazon.com exclusive review here)

** visit Carrie Ryan here for more reviews/nomination info

In Mary's world, there are simple truths. The Sisterhood always knows best. The Guardians will protect and serve. The Unconsecrated will never relent. And you must always mind the fence that surrounds the village. The fence that protects the village from the Forest of Hands and Teeth. But slowly, Mary's truths are failing her. She's learning things she never wanted to know about the Sisterhood and its secrets, and the Guardians and their power. And, when the fence is breached and her world is thrown into chaos, about the Unconsecrated and their relentlessness.


13 to Life by Shannon Delany

my rating: 4.

i thought this was an excellent debut. the main reason it doesn't get higher than a four is that it really doesn't have a satisfactory conclusion--the reader is really left waiting for the next book.

blurb (courtesy of pureimaginationblog.com):

Something strange is stalking the small town of Junction…

When junior Jess Gillmansen gets called out of class by Guidance, she can only presume it’s for one of two reasons. Either they’ve finally figured out who wrote the scathing anti-jock editorial in the school newspaper or they’re hosting yet another intervention for her about her mom. Although far from expecting it, she’s relieved to discover Guidance just wants her to show a new student around—but he comes with issues of his own including a police escort.

The newest member of Junction High, Pietr Rusakova has secrets to hide--secrets that will bring big trouble to the small town of Junction—secrets including dramatic changes he’s undergoing that will surely end his life early.

"A unique tale with a bright heroine and dark secrets.”
- New York Times Bestselling YA author Maria V. Snyder

"You'll devour 13 to Life in greedy, eager gulps. Pitch-perfect and deliciously paced, this book dishes up your next fiction addiction. Shannon is a rising star!"
--Ann Aguirre, national bestselling author of Grimspace and Doubleblind

"A fun, gothic romance of suspense, secrets and the dangerous truth behind the new kid in town."
-Lucienne Diver, author of Vamped and Revamped

i would definitely recommend all these books (seriously, 4's and 4.5's are about as high as i'll give. only my all-time favs get a 5). if you're looking for some good reads, check these out!