Review: The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

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Set in South Carolina in 1964, The Secret Life of Bees tells the story of Lily Owens, whose life has been shaped around the blurred memory of the afternoon her mother was killed. When Lily's fierce-hearted black "stand-in mother," Rosaleen, insults three of the deepest racists in town, Lily decides to spring them both free. They escape to Tiburon, South Carolina--a town that holds the secret to her mother's past. Taken in by an eccentric trio of black beekeeping sisters, Lily is introduced to their mesmerizing world of bees and honey, and the Black Madonna. This is a remarkable novel about divine female power, a story women will share and pass on to their daughters for years to come.Goodreads

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I liked the writing. The southern tone of the narration really set the scene of Southern Carolina in 1964. I also enjoyed the facts about bees at the beginning of each chapter.

This is a strong story about the intersectionality of women. Themes of sisterhood, motherhood, spirituality, race and segregation are also present. It's a beautifully written story that gives you insight into the 1960s and the relationships between the characters. Each one has their own tale and hurdle to get over.  

Favourite quote from the book

" People can start out one way, and by the time life gets through with them they end up completely different. I don't doubt he started off loving your mother. In fact, I think he worshipped her"

_8/10

Review: Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng

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Lydia is dead. But they don’t know this yet.

So begins this exquisite novel about a Chinese American family living in 1970s small-town Ohio. Lydia is the favourite child of Marilyn and James Lee, and her parents are determined that she will fulfil the dreams they were unable to pursue. But when Lydia’s body is found in the local lake, the delicate balancing act that has been keeping the Lee family together is destroyed, tumbling them into chaos. 

A profoundly moving story of family, secrets, and longing, Everything I Never Told You is both a gripping page-turner and a sensitive family portrait, uncovering the ways in which mothers and daughters, fathers and sons, and husbands and wives struggle, all their lives, to understand one another.GOODREADS

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I'm gonna start off by admitting that I picked this book because of the cover and the synopsis about a Chinese  American family.  A family of two identities and two generations.  I identified with the expectations from parents to be perfect and the conflicting roles you can feel towards family members. 

The book starts on the day Lydia goes missing, there are some flashbacks to when the parents meet and to an important event and then it all comes together when they find the body and the aftermath of that. This is definitely one of the strong points of the book because it helps build an understanding of each character; especially the parents. Parents expect the best from their kids, they want them to do better and achieve what they couldn't. This is common in Asian immigrant families and this very expectation can be way too heavy sometimes.  

Favourite quote from the book

"If her mother ever came home and told her to finish her milk, she thought, the page wavering to a blur, she would finish her milk. She would brush her teeth without being asked and stop crying when the doctor gave her shots. She would go to sleep the second her mother turned out the light. She would never get sick again. She would do everything her mother told her. Everything her mother wanted"

_8/10 

Review The Princess Bride by William Goldman

Originally published in 1972, William Goldman's delightful, so-called "abridgement" of S. Morgenstern's classic swashbuckling tale of true love and epic adventure, The Princess Bride, has reached an enormous audience, thanks greatly to Rob Reiner's wonderful film version featuring Robin Wright, Mandy Patinkin, Billy Crystal, Andre the Giant, and William Goldman's sharp and vivacious screenplay. If you enjoyed the movie -- and I've never met a person who didn't -- you're certain to treasure this 25th-anniversary edition for many years to come. If you haven't yet delved into its enchanting pages, you'll find it utterly delightful, romantic, and entertaining read. GOODREADS

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I, like many people, have seen the titular movie. Although, I saw it when I was a kid on tv. Much like the child who heard a retelling, I too was exposed to only the movie version. I remembered bits and pieces and for a while, I was under the impression that Inigo Montoya was the man in black. Inconceivable, I know.  

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I was very excited when I found the book at a book market. I snatched it right away. It was a second-hand copy, some of the pages were glued together. I didn't mind, however, while reading the book it broke in half. I was very saddened by this, but I eventually used the half I finished as a bookmark and kept reading. 

From start to finish, it was very much a journey. Nowadays I think reading a book is a bit more predictable; you know what's gonna happen and can recognise the formula in a story. I went in this thinking I already knew what would happen and who the bad guys were and I was pleasantly surprised at the end.  

Of course, all the characters were awesome. I would even go so far as to say that even the villain was intriguing. Definitely a way better villain than Thanos.  My only pet peeve was Goldman interrupting the story sometimes (Hi, it's me, pick up the book and you'll know what I mean. One thing that I have learned by his interruptions and thoughts about the original book, is that I have no interest whatsoever in reading it). 

(Goldman also has a great sense of humour. I'm gonna add this here in case you want to help him stick it to the man)

Favourite quote from the book

"I'm not trying to make this a downer, understand. I mean, I really do think that love is the best thing in the world, except for cough drops. But I also have to say for the umpty-umpth time, that life isn't fair. It's fairer than death, that's all."

10_/10

The Shadows by J.R Ward

Trez “Latimer” doesn’t really exist. And not just because the identity was created so that a Shadow could function in the underbelly of the human world. Sold by his parents to the Queen of the S’Hsibe as a child, Trez escaped the Territory and has been a pimp and an enforcer in Caldwell, NY for years- all the while on the run from a destiny of sexual servitude. He’s never had anyone he could totally rely on... except for his brother, iAm.

iAm’s sole goal has always been to keep his brother from self-destructing- and he knows he’s failed. It’s not until the Chosen Serena enters Trez’s life that the male begins to turn things around... but by then it’s too late. The pledge to mate the Queen’s daughter comes due and there is nowhere to run, nowhere to hide, and no negotiating.

Trapped between his heart and a fate he never volunteered for, Trez must decide whether to endanger himself and others- or forever leave behind the female he’s in love with. But then an unimaginable tragedy strikes and changes everything. Staring out over an emotional abyss, Trez must find a reason to go on or risk losing himself and his soul forever. And iAm, in the name of brotherly love, is faced with making the ultimate sacrifice... GOODREADS

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It's been a long time since I've actually been engrossed in a book. A very long time. I'm happy to say that The Shadows was such a good read, so good it reminded me of not only why I so much adore the Black Dagger Brotherhood series but also reading. I was drawn in by the very first chapters, with the simplistic and enjoyably gangsta writing of the Warden. The references to pop culture, the brothers!, especially Rhage. The set up for Ward's upcoming spin-off series, Legacy, centring around the training of new recruits and more of the brothers, as we knew them from the earlier books. 

I was excited that there was a new book coming out because it was a BDB book and not so much because of iAm and Trez. I liked these characters before, but I didn't like the set up in The King (DNF). However, I was very surprised by The Shadows. I loved how there wasn't too much of a spotlight on the back-story, it was done in even portions spread throughout the book. Trez and Selena's story was already set up in The King ( I think), so things pick up very fast and progressed nicely. Although, if this was solely a Trez-Selena love story the book wouldn't have been as enjoyable. It would have been your cliche lover-dying-of-deathly-sickness-story. There was a lot going on in the background with the other characters and, iAm, which made this so amazing.

There were less Lesser-centered conflicts. I like the Lessers as the main villains in the BDB universe, but I found them to have had a too much of a big role in previous books. I'd rather focus on the Brothers than have to be in the minds of dumb evil Lessers because clearly, they're less fun. The Shadows has successfully used the Lessers as a villain without having to give them too much attention.

We also see a mutiny take place in the Band of Bastards (BoB). A failed mutiny, Throe tries to undermine and take over the BoB by arguing that their leader, Xcor has become weak. I.e. Xcor has become whipped because he has become infatuated with a Chosen (Layla). Xcor is very impressive when he tells his men they can choose between him and Dumbass Throe, which to his surprise they all choose to stay with Xcor. This was a nice scene because maybe it means the BoB are turning into good guys ( anti-heroes?). Seeing as Xcor now recognizes Wrath as a democratically chosen leader and no longer wants to take over the throne.  Throe, on the other hand, defecting means we have a new villain (which I highly think is a possibility, the dude is up to no good).

Hollywoooooodddd yeah! Any self-respecting BDB fan loves Rhage. Dude can turn into a dragon and I bet since Lover Eternal, you haven't looked at a tootsie roll the same way. Rhage is experiencing panic attacks and what I think could be PTSD ( then again I'm pretty sure they all have PTSD). What made this all the more interesting was that Trez and Selena's situation resembled his and Mary's. and V and Jane's situation, but could end up like Tohr's and Wellsie. Rhage is having difficulties dealing with all of this and feeling guilty. Feeling bad that this is happening to people he cares about, wishing they can also have a miracle happened to them as it did for him and Mary. But relieved it's not him, which makes him feel guilty. This is great! horrible, yeah for Rhage, but great. I felt like the other similar stories were addressed because as a reader I felt like Trez and Selena's story had already been done. However, I didn't expect the ending to their story.

In the end, it seemed more like iAm's story, even though the bulk was focused on Trez and Selena's romance.  It was a sad ending, I didn't cry but I was moved.....a tiny bit.

Note, Lassiter !! I luv him! He's amazing and the banter between Lassy and the brothers delivers as always.

What are you doing ? Go read this one now!

Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

Far in the future, the World Controllers have finally created the ideal society. In laboratories worldwide, genetic science has brought the human race to perfection. From the Alpha-Plus mandarin class to the Epsilon-Minus Semi-Morons, designed to perform menial tasks, man is bred and educated to be blissfully content with his pre-destined role.

But, in the Central London Hatchery and Conditioning Centre, Bernard Marx is unhappy. Harbouring an unnatural desire for solitude, feeling only distaste for the endless pleasures of compulsory promiscuity, Bernard has an ill-defined longing to break free. A visit to one of the few remaining Savage Reservations where the old, imperfect life still continues, may be the cure for his distress…GOODREADS





O brave new world !? No, no thank you. I'd much prefer this cruel and horrible reality than be cowardly. Brave New World and 1984 have always been two books on my TBR list that I've thrown in the same category; not even having read them yet. I expected to enjoy 1984 more than Brave New World, however, Brave New World turned out to be easier and more engaging than 1984 ( which I have yet to finish).

The story starts out with an exposition of the laboratory where the mass human capital is produced and more information of how the future society works and is structured. I personally enjoyed these starting chapters, even if some of the science stuff escaped me, The process of producing human beings like that and conditioning them was very sociologically interesting to me. However, the scene where babies were being "conditioned" to hate reading and flowers was disturbing. The entire method used to condition people was disturbing. People are being conditioned to accept their place in society and like it and not want to rise above their stations. To do their jobs, enjoy and buy new things. Work and enjoyment! Everybody belongs to everybody. Individuality isn't allowed neither is monogamy. 

Bernard Marx is our main character at some point this changes to the Savage. Bernard Marx was disappointing, I first thought it would be interesting. He would be a self-aware member of this superficial society, however, that's not the case. Bernard Black is an Alpha, a status that grants him certain privileges but, he's defected. He's shorter than normal alphas and is bullied by other alphas and is not recognized as an alpha by people below him. This has caused him to question things and that makes him self-aware. Then again, if he wasn't defected and treated so unfairly, would he still have become self-aware? This makes him an interesting character. But Bernard after returning from the Savage Reservations becomes popular and receives a lot of attention from his peers. He becomes the alpha he was meant to be. This was disappointing in a way and answers my question, no,  he would not have become self-aware.

Bernard and Lenina go on a trip to the Savage Reservations. Life in the Reservations is supposed to depict the old and imperfect life. The uncivilized life, I felt uncomfortable about this, because it felt a lot like the stereotype people might have of natives and how they're "uncivilized"'.  Even Lenina's reaction to life on the reservation was strongly ethnocentric. This wasn't a shock though, I suppose it is to be expected. The conditions in the Reservation were horrible and don't adequately show what the other imperfect life was really like. I assumed the 'uncivilized'; the opposite would be housed with normal families and traditional cultures. NOT a place that resembles a prison for people who wouldn't confirm. In this place, Bernard finds the Savage, the child of Linda somebody from the civilized world who got stuck in the reservation. Bernard brings the savage back to the civilized world.

Enter the Savage: The Savage is my favourite character and succeeds where Bernard failed. The Savage is a stronger character ( well excluding him being young and having a severe case of blue balls). Him being from the reservation means he was never conditioned in the way Bernard and Co were and was very critical of the Brave new world he was in. The Savage learned to read in the Reservation and he read a lot of Shakespeare. I liked this about the Savage because he used Shakespeare to convey his thoughts, however, this had a downside because when Lenina makes sexual advances to the Savage he reacts badly. He reacts like an idiot, but I suppose only reading Shakespearean plays isn't the right way to form a very strong opinion of women.

The last chapters and the ending were interesting and entertaining. If I were to use one word to describe how the book ends. Well, I'll just say it was a............. tragedy.  


Grade: 

The Cuckoo's Calling (Cormoran Strike #1) by Robert Galbraith

A brilliant debut mystery in a classic vein: Detective Cormoran Strike investigates a supermodel's suicide.


After losing his leg to a landmine in Afghanistan, Cormoran Strike is barely scraping by as a private investigator. Strike is down to one client, and creditors are calling. He has also just broken up with his longtime girlfriend and is living in his office.
Then John Bristow walks through his door with an amazing story: His sister, the legendary supermodel Lula Landry, known to her friends as the Cuckoo, famously fell to her death a few months earlier. The police ruled it a suicide, but John refuses to believe that. The case plunges Strike into the world of multimillionaire beauties, rock-star boyfriends, and desperate designers, and it introduces him to every variety of pleasure, enticement, seduction, and delusion known to man.


You may think you know detectives, but you've never met one quite like Strike. You may think you know about the wealthy and famous, but you've never seen them under an investigation like this.

Introducing Cormoran Strike, this is the acclaimed first crime novel by J.K. Rowling, writing under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith.

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The motivation behind reading this book is, yeah you guessed it. J.K Rowling, I'm a fan of hers and therefore must devour all of her books and when presented with the opportunity to read "The Cuckoo's Calling" one does not simply refuse.

I like a good crime novel just like any other reader and I've read my fair number. There's a bunch of them out there with good plots, some might even argue that those are better than this one. But even though there's a vast number out there we can't possibly read them all.

The Cuckoo's Calling is that old school kind of detective novel. At least that's the kind of feeling it evokes from me. The writing is brilliant. I love it, it's soothing if that makes any sense. It's nice to delve into the story, by the way, it's written.

The start of the story is done very well also. It starts off with Robin, the soon to be secretary of our main character. We start off from her POV then she, as it were, takes us to our main man, Cormoran Strike. The only thing I'm going to say about their first meeting is...well, it was very grabbing.

Cormoran Strike is a great character. He's a former soldier with a prosthetic leg. He's a bit depressing at times, but also very human...(I'm going with that). He's also not created as some extremely sexy male lead as I'm used to in most books these days.

The other favourable mentions when it comes to characters: Robin becomes Strike's secretary. She's a very good one and has some kind of fascination with the job. She and Cormoran become friends in the end (kind of). The person I really want to highlight here is Cormorans ex-girlfriend. I'm not sure why, but she really makes me curious..or maybe I've made her out to be some kind of crazy person.

The story unfolds very slowly in my opinion, but the good writing makes it worth the wait. Everything fits together nicely in the end. It's a great book in itself, but so are many others and I don't know what makes this one exceptional. It would be your choice in the end. I, however, will be reading the sequel if there is one.

Grade:

Think Out Loud #14

Think Out Loud.

This is a weekly meme used for bloggers

to post something they would normally not post.

So, post whatever YOU want!

My literary highlights and downsides of 2014

O Brave New World, 2015 is  upon us! Are we entering a more enlightened age or...are we falling into the rabbit hole backwards to 1984. I'll leave it to time to answer that. I suppose doom and gloom isn't very cheery to start the new year with, so I won't bore you with my apprehension for the future of mankind. I'll just stick to literature, our one true love and drug.

2014 wasn't a particularly good year for reading. I was way too busy with college and stressing about college to actively and properly READ. Of course this doesn't mean I read nothing. ha.ha. I read some books, considering college I challenged myself to read less books. I started out with a goal of 20 ( college is important...) then I hit my mark and adjusted it to 30 ( ..procrastination set in). I hit the mark again and just kept reading. I ended up setting it to 50 and unfortunately I didn't hit this mark. I ended 2014 having read 44 books. Anyways..

Let's get this show on the road, here are my literary highlights and downsides from 2014:

-+ According to Goodreads the longest book I've read this year is Styxx by Sherrilyn Kenyon with 836 pages. I was really looking forward to Styxx's story, although I was a bit disappointed.  The cover is nice though: the color and the bird...thing...

+ Another book I was looking forward to reading was Dark Skye by Kresely Cole: I was counting the days to Dark Skye and going insane with excitement. Melanth and Throno's story was one I was eager to read. Just like Styxx, only it wasn't disappointing. Lots of hate and love stuff and NIX! It did get sappy towards the end but it's to be expected. The cover sucked -->

-+ Mockingjay lives ! My friends and I went to watch the first part of the Mockingjay movie. It was an exciting and surprising night. I felt guilty joining in on the frenzy to watch the movie because the hype around the movie felt contradicting to the book's message. Almost like we, the viewers, were going to the arena to watch Katniss in the Games. Also Mockingjay the book wasn't the most cheery book of the series. The night turned out great and inspirational. We all wore our mockingjay necklaces and one wore a pin, who we continued to refer to as Madge. The first part of the movie seemed a bit lighter than the book, I suppose the heavy part will be in part 2. The scene where president Snow talks about and denounces the Mockingjay symbol as criminal made me feel like a rebel! And fear for my life while being thankful it was just a movie. ( but is it? recent developments make what the Hunger Games is about very relevant).

-+ I watched Divergent (Veronica Roth) and read the book. The movie was sociologically interesting. The way society was constructed and the division into factions got me interested in the book ( which I was reluctant to read) also Theo James. The concept of factions angers me and fascinates me.  It would have been better if people were free to choose their place rather than forced into one. I'd rather be factionless than dance to societies warped and butthurt ideas of efficiency......of course, I'd die homeless and hungry. The book wasn't as engaging as the movie; I read spoilers on it and ...what happens in Alegiant depressed and discouraged me enough not to continue with this series.

+ Heroes of Olympus by Rick Riordan, the spin off series to the Percy Jackson series. This was an awesome series. The introduction of an alternative halblood camp was fantastic. A roman counterpart to the Greeks camp halfblood. Unlike my friends, I enjoyed the Romans camp Jupiter: the discipline and order. Less magic and humor but still good. Although I respect the Romans way , I'd still pick camp half-blood. My favorite characters out of the seven was Leo. I identified with Leo more, him being the the seventh wheel and him using Morse code the way I use Korean. Further more I liked the diversity of the group.

+ This year I read more Shakespeare and more Jane Austin! Shakespeare is awesome, if you disagree you just need to give the guy a chance. If you still can't get into it, then wait a couple of years and try again.  I finished Taming of the Shrew this year, a book I started reading years ago. It was different than what I expected. Hamlet! This is easily my favorite for this year! I went to watch the Globe theater performance of the play! And  it's one of the most memorable things of the year!....From now on ask my what I'm reading and I'll say words, words,words!

+ Jane Austen, I'd like to think I'm an austenite now. Persuasion and Northanger Abby were amazing! Captain Wentworth's letter was so moving: half agony, half hope.  I finally got to watch the 2005 movie of Pride and Prejudice and it was moving, Darcy's proposing scene in the rain, the way he whispers .."please.." had me overwhelmed-like. Jane Austen has bewitched me body and soul and I love,love,love her! 

+ finally read some more Neil Geiman!

+ A friend let me burrow her E-reader and added a bunch of my TBR books on it. Giving me the opportunity to read more Neil Geiman, Shakespeare and Jane Austen books. Although I prefer the printed word, I now have a better understand of both sides of the book VS Ebooks debate. 

+ I also got to do a buddy-read with her, we're both currently reading the Hallows series by *Kim Harrison. 
+ I got an editor now. ClarA RowlKin.

+ The Cuckoo's Calling by J.K Rowling! I was happy to get the opportunity to read this book. If it wasn't JKR who wrote it, I'm not sure I would have read it. It's true my interest for the book stems from my HP bias. Either way the book in it self is wonderful. It's not the most original story, but the way it's written and the characters is what make it a winner. Reading this book was magic! it's far from modern simplistic writing we find now in some YA novels. This is easily one of the most well written books I've read in 2014. Well next to Practical Magic.

+ Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman was a whole different experience. It was magic as well. I'm a fan of the movie and finally got around to reading the book. The writing really gives that homey feel the movie gave. However the movie pales in contrast to the book. The book was more dramatic and scary.
+ The Page has mascots now! pandas ( Haru and Sofia)
- The page went on hiatus because college sucks the fun out of everything. 
- I decided to no longer accept review submissions. 

It seems I read some awesome quality books this year to compensate for the quantity of books. As I look to the year 2015 , I'm thinking I should dedicate the year to some classic books, to downsizing my TBR list and to start reading some of those new authors and books I've been eyeing. Like Kurt Vonnegut, Harukami, Hemingway, the Art of War, The Island of Dr. Moreau. Of course more Shakespeare and Jane Austen. NO Mark Twain! and definitely The Hunchback of Notre Dame. I suppose I have my literary resolutions down as well. Tell me yours in the comments below and have an awesome new year, you filthy animals!

It by Stephen King

The story follows the exploits of seven children as they are terrorized by an eponymous being, which exploits the fears and phobias of its victims in order to disguise itself while hunting its prey. "It" primarily appears in the form of a clown in order to attract its preferred prey of young children. The novel is told through narratives alternating between two time periods and is largely told in the third-person omniscient mode. It deals with themes which would eventually become King staples: the power of memory, childhood trauma, and the ugliness lurking behind a façade of traditional small-town values.GOODREADS

"The terror, which would not end for another twenty-eight years-if it ever did-began, so far as I know or can tell, with a boat made from a sheet of newspaper floating down a gutter swollen with rain" ch.1pg.3

I started reading It in 2011 and then abruptly put it aside for a while....alright for two years. Not that I was scared or anything.......

Although I stopped reading in 2011 the first chapter has always lingered in my mind. It's to be a very well described and memorable start. On a rainy day a paper boat sailing down the gutters. A boy in yellow slickers and red goloshes in its wake. I can see it! Other memorable scenes that have stayed with me since I started in 2011, is when somebody talks through the sink addressing a strange voice that says "it's legion". This is also when I stopped reading because if there are voices coming from your sink you run...you run like hell!

It's a lengthy book of 1090 pages that spans over 28 years. From the beginning to the end you'll feel like you're friends with the characters  (the Losers) and the ending will be bittersweet. 

The seven children are the main characters and they refer to themselves as The Losers. Yes, it's sad. Each of them has their own distinguishing characteristic. Bill's the leader who grows up to be a writer and Ben an architect.  They all have some talents and some weaknesses which when confronted by the evil "It" they overcome together. Friendship is a theme here and something that's lost in the end. That's what makes the ending bittersweet. 

While reading "It" something interesting to ponder is, what It actually IS. At some point in the middle, It's something that takes the form of the thing you fear the most. Conclusion It's a.......BOGGART! Ha! And being a Ravenclaw myself with some Defense Against the Dark Arts Training this monster is just riddikulus. Well, it was, up till the story changed and more was known about where It came from ...from out there. So It's an alien?

However, at the final showdown, we learn that It's something that existed before the universe. I was reading the book together with a friend of mine and after seriously discussing what to call it we've decided on classifying It as a Primordial being. Although calling It an alien works for me too.

The characterization is really well done and I love it. Even some of the villain like characters have some intriguing backstories. Like Patrick Hockstetter one of the bullies. A boy who kills things and puts them in a fridge and believes he alone, exists. Patrick is a monster but then what is It? Or Eddy's mother or Henry Bowers background?

Something surprising was the addition of It's POV at the last showdown. I'd definitely recommend this although I'd advise not to read it at night. It's not as scary (bad) as Pet Sematary. On a side note, I'd also suggest Danse Macabre (by Stephen King) as a companion to any Stephen King books you're planning on reading. In this case for this book. I haven't finished Danse Macabre, but chapter two was very insightful and useful when reading It. 

Happy reading!

Grade:

My Sisters Keeper by Jodi Picoult

New York Times bestselling author Jodi Picoult is widely acclaimed for her keen insights into the hearts and minds of real people. Now she tells the emotionally riveting story of a family torn apart by conflicting needs and a passionate love that triumphs over human weakness. Anna is not sick, but she might as well be. By age thirteen, she has undergone countless surgeries, transfusions, and shots so that her older sister, Kate, can somehow fight the leukemia that has plagued her since childhood. The product of preimplantation genetic diagnosis, Anna was conceived as a bone marrow match for Kate -- a life and a role that she has never challenged...until now. Like most teenagers, Anna is beginning to question who she truly is. But unlike most teenagers, she has always been defined in terms of her sister -- and so Anna makes a decision that for most would be unthinkable, a decision that will tear her family apart and have perhaps fatal consequences for the sister she loves.

My Sister's Keeper examines what it means to be a good parent, a good sister, a good person. Is it morally correct to do whatever it takes to save a child's life, even if that means infringing upon the rights of another? Is it worth trying to discover who you really are, if that quest makes you like yourself less? Should you follow your own heart, or let others lead you? Once again, in My Sister's Keeper, Jodi Picoult tackles a controversial real-life subject with grace, wisdom, and sensitivity.GOODREADS

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I got this book in a trade. It's not the kind of book I'd buy, but since I had it I decided to read it. It wasn't what I expected. I suppose seeing as I had watched some of the movie; I expected some Cameron Diaz-like drama. The book isn't anything like that IMO.

The book has more story to it, more structure. There are flashbacks; different POVs and each other part starts off with a quote about fire. I absolutely loved that each part started this way which fits with the story because Brian is a  firefighter and Jess is an arsonist (Arson is bad!). I suppose fire is kind of  a metaphor in the story;  Anna is named after a star and stars burn;  Anna was a light; she meant hope for Kate and knew how to break the tension in the house. In the end she does save her sister....fire's will burn itself out; even without your help.

It takes some time to get into the multiple POVs, but, once you have, the story reads pretty well. There are POVs from everybody in the family, the lawyer and Julia; in the end there's one chapter from Kate. All the POVs are centered around one event/theme i.e Kate. Jesse's POV, Campell's and Julia's surprised me because I didn't really think they needed to have one. Jesse's is important, because he showcases what happens to other family members when somebody in the family has cancer or is seriously sick. 

Jesse was my favorite character, unfortunately we didn't get to see the real Jesse in the movies. Jesse in the book is an arsonist, he goes around abandoned buildings and sets them on fire. He then waits for his dad ( a firefighter) to come put them out. Jesse also exhibits self-destructive behavior at a young age. He can't save his sister because they don't match genetically, so he reasons if he can't heal he should destroy. It sucks that they watered down his character in the movies.

Campbell is the lawyer that takes on Anna's case; he's a funny guy with a secret. I was amused by how he always came up with something ridiculous when people asked him what his service dog was for. Then there's Julia ( a guardian appointed to Anna ); who happens to be Campell's high school girlfriend. This leads to a romantic sub-plot I didn't really care for or thought was necessary. It eventually grows on you though, but I could have done without it.

The ending; I definitely did not see that coming. Although I don't mind giving away spoilers. I'll refrain from sharing the ending here. How this story ends is an important part of the story. It's unexpected and it's also the one thing that gives the story it's climax.  

Grade:

Styxx by Sherrilyn Kenyon

Just when you thought doomsday was over...

Centuries ago Acheron saved the human race by imprisoning an ancient evil bent on absolute destruction. Now that evil has been unleashed and it is out for revenge.

As the twin to Acheron, Styxx hasn’t always been on his brother’s side. They’ve spent more centuries going at each other’s throats than protecting their backs. Now Styxx has a chance to prove his loyalty to his brother, but only if he’s willing to trade his life and future for Acheron’s.

The Atlantean goddess of Wrath and Misery, Bethany was born to right wrongs. But it was never a task she relished. Until now. She owes Acheron a debt that she vows to repay, no matter what it takes. He will join their fellow gods in hell and nothing is going to stop her.

But things are never what they seem, and Acheron is no longer the last of his line. Styxx and Acheron must put aside their past and learn to trust each other or more will suffer.

Yet it’s hard to risk your own life for someone who once tried to take yours, even when it's your own twin, and when loyalties are skewed and no one can be trusted, not even yourself, how do you find a way back from the darkness that wants to consume the entire world? One that wants to start by devouring your very soul?YOU DON'T KNOW STYXX

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If you've followed Kenyon's facebook page and devoured the excerpts and the Styxx related goodies then like me, you've been dying to read this book!...for the bromance!

Sadly it doesn't exceed my expectations, if anything Acheron's book was better. This only by comparison: Styxx's book starts from the beginning like Acheron's . The same beginning and the same story, only now from Styxx's point of view. It pretty much feels like 2/3 of the book is repetition, because everything that happens has already happened in previous books and the other 1/3 of the book with the new stuff is very little and felt rushed.

The writing is at times too detailed and corny! So damn corny! I suppose this is just a pet peeve  of mine.."no, honey"...."it'll be fine darling"...."you're amazing"...

Beth and Styxx, they both lie about who they are when they meet. They're fated to love each other. Bethany's awesome I guess, she's a goddess, a warrior. Has a bad ass father. Then she's all sweet and lovey dovey with styxx. It felt off at times...again this might also just be a pet peeve.

Oh and not to mention the son they "lost". Turns out Apollymi didn't kill their son (Styxx & Beth's).. He's alive....and it's Urian!! The revelation was freaking awkward....most of the emotional scenes at the end just felt awkward.

There are some funny bantering scenes and overly philosophical ones. And (I guess for me) some painfully cute scenes between Styxx and Beth.

Styxx gets Beth a dog: first this just annoys me because the dog adds to this "perfect'-ish lovey dovey picture..but the dog also added some comedy to things.

In the end, Styxx shows us the other side of the story. Now we have the whole picture of what happened to Acheron and Styxx. I found this to be discomforting, because I like Acheron; he's the leader of the dark-hunters and yet he made this major mistake. I get the message, emotions cloud judgement but..this is Ash we're talking about.

The book isn't without its surprises or question marks.

Styxx is a freaking Chthonian! A  godkiller....and he kills Archon.

Another thing that has me very piqued: if Archon  isn't Ash's dad..then who is?.....I'm thinking maybe Savitar? If it is...then there's going to be some more awkward scenes coming.

Before the Fairytale: The Girl with No Name (Seventh Night) by Iscah

Banished from her village, a young shape shifter sets out on a journey to find her place in the world...

The first of four "Before the Fairytale" stories, "The Girl With No Name" is told in a deceptively simple storybook style with the flavor of an original Grimm's fable, but don't expect your typical "once upon a time.."once upon a time scenario. This is a coming of age tale, humorously interwoven with social commentary.

This story is recommended for older children to adult readers (9 & up) but may not be suitable for younger children.GOODREADS

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Who doesn't like fairy-tales? And even if you don't ,you've probably been introduced to some in your youth. Hansel and Gretel,  Snow White, Red Riding Hood  Mulan...wait, Mulan is a Disney movie...

The Goodreads description of the book is fairly accurate. "Before the Fairytale", is indeed written in a storybook way and very easy to read.  I, being a fan of the Brothers Grimm, could find some of that in this book. 

Like most fairy tales there isn't much characterization .

Except for The nameless girl and Leifhound: The main character referrred to as The Girl , changes a lot and learns a lot about the world and its people. Leifhound turns out to be a very wise prince. I think as far as secondary characters go, Leifhound might be the one I liked the most, because for a prince he's something different. He wants to be a good king and does everything possible so Uritz can have a good future.

Other memorable characters are the bookshop owner that helps the girl and when the girl meets the witch. When she meets the witch, this scene is very well depicted as frightening and different from the other places the girl has visited.

The girl at first starts off on her journey wanting to find her father. She comes back to the town she was born in after years without having found her dad. This is kind of disappointing though for an ending. It's not what I expected but endings are never to a person's expectations.

Although this is a fairy tale and a fantasy novel. The pegasus and unicorns took me off guard.

It's not a bad thing and it worked in the book but it was surprising and unexpected.

I enjoyed reading this book just like I enjoy reading any fairy tale book. It's amusing and simple. Plus there's a wonderfully wise prince.

Grade:

The Soul of the World (Legends of Amun Ra #2) by Joshua Silverman

The ancient powers lost to Potara have returned. The Brotherhood of the Black Rose rises to bring Thoth into disorder. And, while the Brotherhood reclaims their power, chaos reigns among the survivors. Six individuals have emerged from the aftermath struggling for control over their lives and a divided land. Kem and Shirin, who abolished the five thousand year reign of the Amun Priests, rule from the golden throne of the Oracle’s Chair in the Hall of the Nine. Dio and Axios struggle to piece together a resistance worthy to challenge the ancient magic which resides in the Great Temple of Amun, and Leoros and Atlantia try to remain true to their hearts and their cause despite tragedy.

But when the Book of Breathings is discovered, the path to immortality is revealed. Leoros and Kem race to capture the Soul of the World unaware of the challenges awaiting them. This time, the gods themselves will intervene.

In a tale where boys become men and girls become women, where treachery and deception are around every corner, and where primeval mysticism finds its way back from the grave, victory is reserved for neither the good nor the evil, but the powerful.GOODREADS

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I didn't like this cover at first but looking at it now, it actually works. I've read the previous book in this series a long time ago and only remember bits an pieces. Not that the book isn't memorable, I just have really bad memory.

There were a lot of things that bothered me, but as a whole this is an awesome book and sequel.  I like mythology and this one doesn't only focus on popular Greek mythology but Egyptian as well. There's also a futuristic element to the world Silverman has created. The use of exo-skeletons in battle and holograms and other advanced technology. I didn't touch on this in my first review, but these three things: Greek, Egyptian and futuristic technology all in ancient Egypt ( or a version of Egypt) . The Greek and Egyptian mythology mixing them together and creating the story works and is believable even the advanced stuff works. However, I found it to be distracting at times and contradicting in  way. I would sometimes be so engrossed in the story that I would forget that they had such technology in Potara and  it would surprise me. Then there's the the Am-ra (energy), these abilities some of the characters have and the presence of mythological creatures. It's just a lot to take in and isn't always believable. But it works!

The narration bothered me as well. The story is told from multiple POV's but at times it feels really static and drags. It picks up in the last chapters.  Some of the dialogue as well sound really textbook-like. Especially when Leoros talks about energy and life. At times it seems like almost every person in this world has a sarcastic bone in their body...even the freaking Griffin and Sphinx can be sarcastic. It's like every thing or person has a default sarcastic punk as an alter ego. This isn't necessarily a bad thing but it's also not very dynamic. 

I didn't connect with any of the characters. The  story picks up two years after the events in The Emerald Tablet, Leoros is stuck on earth and wants to get back to Potara. Leoros is suppose to be the chosen one; He's the hero and I don't like him. I don't sympathize with this kid at all. The way he just  accepts his fate and jumps into the role of the savior is unbelievable. The characters that I even remotely liked were probably Dio and ( hate to admit it ) Shirin; Shirin reminded me of Artemesia from Rise of Empire. The way she took control of things and the way she encouraged Kem ( that arrogant bastard) to become a god. I can totally see Kem as the new God king......pharaoh?. Dio is an alcoholic now and eventually gets her *&%$ together. Her relationship with Axios has progressed and they've become closer. Even though Dio has fallen off the wagon they stick together; Dio even tries to commit suicide at one point. I mention this scene, because Axios catches her in the act. The way this event took place was interesting. They just calmly talked it out...even though she pulled the trigger and the gun was empty. The characters don't always react the way you think they will.

The book is called Soul of the World because Kem has to go looking for the Soul of the world to become a god. The soul of the world is a freaking dragon ( I am going with that). There is more to it then just a dragon, but seriously you do not want me to even try to explain it. In the end this dragon is defeated by Leoros with a magic sword. This happens in the end when Leoros , Atlantia and a new character Kevin show up in Ankar. They practically walk into the Resistance fight led by  Axios and Dio in the frey and the city being attacked by Kem's soldiers and ah.... ..did I mention the dragon?. Leoros and company enter the city on a flying griffin and spinx. 

I liked the last chapters because they were exciting and actually funny; Atlantia hits Leoros upside the head because the Sword of Thoth, which he had, could kill the dragon. I also hated that Axios, a supposedly awesome general didn't realize that Shirin was trying to capture Dio or that Dio was an important weapon in the war and sending her off on her own to fight the Brothers of the Rose was an idiotic move. These scenes where Shirin gives orders during the battle again reminded me of Artemesia, especially when she tells her general not to disappoint her. 


I don't know how to categorize this book. It could be sci-fi, it could be supernatural/spiritual. I definitely don't think it's Young Adult, because although some of the main characters are teenagers there's a lot of violence and some sex in this book. Shirin's past is riddled with violence and rape; this surprised me because I didn't really expect that. At times even though Leoros and Atlantia are suppose to be kids they sound really mature and being reminded of this fact, instead of being amazed by this it sounded unbelievable. 

The ending sucks and in a  bad way. I like it when the last line in a book lingers in your mind, it should be memorable. The chapter itself isn't bad it's just the last line ...Leoros after reading a prophecy off of a pyramid miniature literally says " I've heard that before"....that's the ending line...I'm not impressed.



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