Plague by Michael Grant
9 June 2011
Filed under Book Reviews, Challenges for 2011
Tags: Michael Grant, Plague
Plague continues the story of the children in the Fayz and is number 4 of the series. I seem to be on a roll with books at the moment – they’re all good! And Plague is no exception. (Maybe it’s because I’m reading books that are a continuation of series that I already like – or maybe it’s because I have actually started to put down books that I don’t like – shocking, and difficult to do – but I can do it – after all I’d have no hesitation turning the TV off if it was below average so why this need to complete something I’m not enjoying. Life is too short and there are too many good books out there.)
This is a really gripping, fast moving ride. It’s definitely not shy of a bit of horror and it’s probably darker than the first three but I actually think this is my favourite book so far. I will try not to include any spoilers but can’t guarantee not to do so and also would recommend that all of the books be read in order.
Firstly, I think the name of this book is great. Plague – we basically have two kinds occuring in the novel. There is a virus quickly spreading through the children (and taking them down like flies – pun intended *sorry*) and secondly there is a plague of insects. I hope I’ve not given too much away by saying that. I’m not going to elaborate but I will say the first few scenes, where the existence of these new insects is brought to life, literally made me cringe. For anybody who has read the book – if I say the word Hunter – you know exactly where I’m coming from!!
Secondly, Sam gets to go off on a little jaunt in this episode. Water is becoming scarce and a small party secretly take off to scout for more. However, this leaves the town without the protection of their strongest mutant. Still, what can possibly go wrong? Drake/Britney is in captivity and Caine is in his own personal exile…
There is such a lot going on in this installment and it’s all brought together so well in a totally riveting finale. We finally get to hear Petey, we discover a new part of the island (not to mention some goodies), we meet a new character called Toto (who brought a bit of humour to ease the tension) and we sat tense while some of our favourite characters appeared to be dying. On top of that we start to see some of the inner conflict that people are struggling with such as Astrid.
The other great thing about these novels is that you feel for the characters. I like Sam. He’s a lovely boy The boy next door. You just want him to catch a break – and he almost does for a brief snatch of time (I laughed out loud when his fantasy was running through his head and taking over). He feels guilty over some of his decisions and yet he isn’t bad. Conversely Caine never feels bad about his decisions, he is a genuinley ruthless character – but there’s a sort of honesty to him and he was actually quite comical (unintentionally and in spite of himself) in this episode. You know what to expect and he never fails to deliver. Then we have Drake who is just plain mixed up (actually very mixed up in this novel all things considered). Add to this a host of characters, some weak, some more cunning and it’s a great dynamic. I feel so sorry for Orc as well – you get to hear a lot more of his thoughts this time and it’s really quite sad. And of course we have the girls – The Breeze – who is excellent, tough, kick ass, humorous, unafraid. Dekka, loyal and trustworthy and of course Astrid who was a bit tormented in this novel.
It makes me feel as though by trapping this small world in a self contained bubble all of the remaining resident’s behavious has become magnified. The bullies are really nastry, the ambitious really ruthless and the good are striving against all of this to maintain some kind of order.
I think this novel also starts to pave the way for the final two books. There is an interesting element brought into play by the discovery of the secret research huts plus the question of whether or not some of the children would even welcome being rescued or escaping from the FAYZ. After all, some of them have now been through such a lot that they themselves have changed. Plus, some of them are thriving in this new environment and it might not be easy to give that up.
All in all a very compelling must read book.
Rating A+
Plague
The Dark and Hollow Places by Carrie Ryan
5 June 2011
Filed under Book Reviews, Challenges for 2011
Tags: Carrie Ryan, The Dark and Hollow Places
Just finished reading the Dark and Hollow Places by Carrie Ryan and what a totally breathtaking book this is. I literally couldn’t put it down. It was gripping, thrilling, exciting and horrible, dark and twisted.
This review will definitely contain spoilers for the first two novels so please do not read unless you’ve read the other two (unless of course you don’t mind plot spoilers – in which case press on!)
This book is told by Annah (twin sister to Gabry (or Abi) from the Dead Tossed Waves). Annah has grown up in the Dark City with Elias (who you may remember from the DTW) who has now been gone for 3 years after signing up to become a recruiter. I really liked Annah. She is tough and can look after herself but she’s managed to retain her own sense of being. She hasn’t sunk so low that she can’t stop and help others.
The action in this novel increases as the hoardes of unconsecrated, awakened during Catcher and Gabry’s escape from the Recruiters in No.2, descend upon the unsuspecting inhabitants of the Dark City and cause havoc in their wake.
Without too much plot description, the four are eventually reunited and share a strange imprisonment on an island full of recruiters where Catcher is used as a forager with the lives of the others constantly held over his head by way of incentive!
I have really enjoyed this whole series. I loved the Forest of Hands and Teeth but thought the Dead Tossed Waves was even better. I didn’t know what to expect with this final chapter but frankly I think it succeeds in topping off the series perfectly. This is without question my favourite installment. Everything about it is just so well done.
Firstly, the charcters. I really cared about them, I certainly cared about Annah and Catcher (this isn’t Gabry and Elias’ book after all – they had their moment in No.2). I loved the way that Catcher and Annah found each other – and they were both equally broken – but managed to break through their own barriers (with tentative steps of course). Then you have the characters who you’re not supposed to like – and you really don’t like them at all! The recruiters are no longer there for the protection of the people but have become brutal and cruel, preying on the weak and quite frankly resorting to sickening levels to provide their own cruel means of entertainment.
Secondly, the setting. As you would expect, as we have now moved to a much larger city things are darker and grittier. It’s not really a surprise, you’re in a big city, hundreds of people trying to survive and basically becoming much more base, savage almost. The fabric of the city is slowly decaying, buildings have become pale imitations of their former self, rubble and twisted metal filling the landscape. Add to this a labyrinthe of old unused underground tunnels (former subways) where the potential for dormant unconsecrated is a very real possibility and a series of bridges that have been constructed between buildings – to allow safer travel – but which are also fast decaying and you have the perfect setting for this dark tale.
On top of the characters and the setting the story itself is brilliant. I wondered how we would move forward in this book and whether it would mimic slightly the tale in number two but it doesn’t. Don’t get me wrong, I had my moments where I was almost despairing and couldn’t see any hope. Things do become really rough on the island but these are survivors. They cling on to their lives desperately and not only that they’re inventive.
The ending was fast paced and gripping. If I could have held a cushion in front of my face whilst reading I would have done! A bit like when you’re watching a scary film and the tension is building, people being chased, falling, being trapped, etc, I was reading between my fingers and practically shouting ‘get up’ (thankfully I wasn’t sat on the bus travelling at the time).
And, if I can continue to wax lyrical – I love the name of the book and what it means and also the fact that it has more than one meaning.
All in all perfect series with, for me, a perfect ending. I’m sad it’s come to an end.
Rating A+
The Dark and Hollow Places
Die for Me by Amy Plum
4 June 2011
Filed under Book Reviews, Challenges for 2011
Tags: Amy Plum, Die for Me
Okay, just finished reading Die for Me by Amy Plum. This is a debut novel based on a new and original idea.
The story centres around Kate and her sister Georgia who have recently moved to Paris to live with their grandparents following the death of their parents. Enter Vincent and his pack of rather gorgeous friends. Of course Vincent is no ordinary human – but I’m not going to go into that here because I think you need to find out why for yourselves!
I have mixed feelings about this book. So, I’m going to give a very rambling sort of pros and cons list.
Firstly, the pros:
I love the setting. I haven’t been to Paris but I love that the novel was set there. For me, it’s just a winning place to set your novel with so much scope – you can make it romantic or dark and twisting, exciting, touristy, huge but intimate. Cobbled squares busy streets, etc etc.
I think the idea for this book is great. What an original concept. It was interesting learning more about the revenants and the numa. I mean, there’s such a lot of scope here to bring in more characters and explore historical events.
As a debut novel I think this is a lovely read. It’s quick and compelling. It’s filled to the brim with good looking characters so it can’t fail to appeal on that level. And, it also has ‘baddies’ in case you like the darker element (which sadly I always seem to be drawn to in these books).
And, on a totally inanne note a like the cover. I know. But I do – and it matches the author’s name – Amy Plum! (Amy Plum is such a great name, it has a lovely sound and it’s a lovely colour!)
Now, being an older reader I can’t help over scrutinising things – I like detail – okay, I hold my hands up, I am not the target audience here!! In fairness a lot of people won’t probably pick up on my niggles, or if they do may not be bothered by them, but they are my niggles and this is my review, so… Firstly, the revenants are deeply secretive and yet they have their photographs appearing in publications from years and years ago. It was pretty easy for Kate to find after all. Also, they are drop dead gorgeous and totally eye catching – they don’t really blend in do they, but given what they do you would think they would try to be less noticeable. All right they can’t help being gorgeous can they but maybe they should ‘dress down’ or something? They’re not exactly difficult to find either. You’d expect them to be a bit more covert!
Personally I liked Jules more than Vincent! He had a bit more spark and I thought Lucien should have played a bigger part.
(Can I just say as well, that this did ring a few Twilight bells, not in terms of the concept, she rushes to say, just parallels)
Now, on a separate note, and this comment extends to a lot of novels in this genre not just this particular story, speaking as a parent I find it worrying how many authors feel the need to ‘bump’ the parents off before the novel even gets started. Come on, give me a break. I’m getting worried over here (I’m going to start looking over my shoulder so much anticipating bad things that I’ll probably walk into a post or something). Also, can we have a few normal, plain Jane types thrown in to the mix every now and again??? I’m just saying – even us plain Janes manage to have a life after all and it would be nice to have some representation in the odd novel. Please.
In spite of my ‘niggles’ I did think this was an enjoyable read and I certainly think it will appeal to the audience it was intended for. Personally, I liked, not loved it, but I will definitely pick up the next one when it appears on the shelves. Good debut!
Rating B
Die for Me
The Wise Man’s Fear by Patrick Rothfuss
2 June 2011
Filed under Book Reviews, Challenges for 2011
Tags: Patrick Rothfuss, The Wise Man's Fear
Just finished reading The Wise Man’s Fear by Patrick Rothfuss. Wow, what an amazing storyteller Patrick Rothfuss is.
This book continues the story of Kvothe started in The Name of the Wind. I came across The Name of the Wind totally by accident and thought it was a great story. I confess that I was almost worried about reading book No.2 in case it didn’t live up to the first installment but there was no need to worry as this installment is excellent and wonderfully told.
I’m not going to elaborate on the story itself. We once again follow Kvothe and his adventures at the University and further afield. He develops his magic and mastery of naming, he meets fey, overcomes bandits and starts upon a path of learning that is totally new.
I love the world that PR has created. It is rich in detail. I have no problem imagining the places or the people and whilst it’s detailed it’s not overly so. I felt that everything in the story was necessary and added the next layer to Kvothe’s ever building personality.
In terms of the characters it’s strange to admit but neither Kvothe or Denna are my favourites – which probably seems really odd as I’ve just finished reading the second of a very large book based mainly on Kvothe but also circulating quite a lot around Denna also. But, I will stress, I don’t dislike them, I like Kvothe very much and I love reading about his escapades but there are so many characters in this book that are easy to have feelings for. I always love the ‘crazy professor’ types so Master Elodin is one of my favourites. I think Kvothe has a wonderful circle of close friends with Sim, Wilem and Fela, Devi is wickedly lovely and I thought the addition of the Adem people with their different culture and the introduction of Tempi with his unusual ways was excellent. Add to that the slighty ethereal character Auri and we have a totally great bunch of characters. So, although Kvothe, and to a lesser extent Denna, is central there is an impressive cast of supporting characters.
I really don’t know how the author has come up with all of the information he packs in. It’s mind boggling. Everything has been thought through. Each place you travel to with Kvothe you learn about the traditions, the people, a bit of their history and because it’s been so cleverly put together it’s easy to picture and doesn’t leave you with niggles as you progress through the story. I loved the way new places were brought into the tale. Ademre is a really fascinating place and the introduction of Vintas and the Maer with all his courtly intrigues added yet another layer. Plus, I love the University aspect, it sort of gives the story a realness to it. You’re in a strange place, with magic, demons and fey and yet here we have a University, which reads like any University. Squabbles between students. Masters who hold grudges for slights. Tuition fees. Admissions. Archives. Old buildings set on a sprawling campus and a magnificent, dark and twisting Archive. (Did I mention rooftops and underground passages???)
In terms of criticisms. Well I don’t really have any proper criticisms. I guess I wasn’t overly fond of the Felurian aspect to the story but I can see why it would be necessary. I don’t suppose Kvothe seems to have moved forward a great deal since book one (probably gaining a couple of years in total. The thing with Kvothe is that sometimes he can be irritatingly rash or to be honest plain bloody stupid and irritating but then I would remember his age and his circumstances, his lack of experience or family and forget his faults and thinks about all that he has achieved through strength of will). And, I suppose it’s a bit of a stretch of the imagination to believe that this was entire book is based on day two of Kvothe’s retelling of his past to Chronicler (day one being the story told in The Name of the Wind). That would be a very long day methinks!
The above aside though I think this is a truly amazing piece of writing. Beautifully told, interesting and humorous.
I think that if you enjoy fantasy you will love this new series. It doesn’t have any huge, large scale wars between good and evil (at least at the moment it doesn’t), it’s more like the coming of age of a young man and his adventures as he does so and I realise I’ve probably made that sound a bit mundane with that description but it really is anything but!
I can’t wait for number three, particularly as this book ended on such an intriguing note – clearly something is afoot!
Rating A+
The Wise Man's Fear
Don’t Judge a Girl by Her Cover
26 May 2011
Filed under Book Reviews, Challenges for 2011
Tags: Ally Carter, Don't Judge a Girl by Her Cover
Well, carrying on in the vein of catching up on all my series I’ve just finished reading Don’t Judge a Girl by Her Cover (and I’m still behind). Before I start, I dare say there will be spoilers contained as this is book No.3. I think all the books will probably work alone but frankly I would recommend reading all. It’s a bit like the Harry Potter books. Of course you don’t have to read them all but it probably helps if you do (just saying).
What a very enjoyable series of books this is. There’s a little bit of romance. Good looking boys and kick ass girls. It’s set in a boarding school (similar again to HP) but it’s covert. I mean, really, what isn’t going to appeal to young girls. Firstly, we have all these smart girls. Doing brilliant things. Secondly, they’re all so smart that they can totally break all the rules and usually not get caught. Thirdly, they hold their own. But, fourthly, they’re still girls and they enjoy dressing up and going out and gossiping, etc,.
This was another good installment. The story sees Cammie taking a visit to Macey where a kidnap attempt takes place. Frankly, I’m not going to elaborate on the plot. Cammie helps to save the day but, there are going to be other attempts. The plot is thickening without doubt! There is some school activity but this one is starting to take the girls into more external settings. They’re starting to grow up, and, they’re in the spy business after all so each installment becomes a little more serious.
What is so good about this sort of novel is that you become invested in the characters and you feel like you’re watching them grow. I wanted the girls to band together and prove that they cared about each other. Which they did. And it’s so touching. They’re a family. They all have their own families but they also care a great deal about each other because they spend so much time together.
So, still light hearted. Definitely moving forward. The characters are all developing more. There is the presence of Zach and all that he is and the mystery surrouding him.
A very good read. Not with the laugh out loud moments of the first novel but as I say enjoyable and with no real criticisms. The girls are growing up and I figure that things are going to become more serious. These first novels are just the basics, setting them on their path and showing you all their skills, I think they’re going to be tested much more.
Rating A
Don't Judge a Girl by Her Cover
