Friday, August 31, 2012

Did you know?

Did you know that even if you think that your eyeballs don't grown, they do! An infant's eyeball is only 66% of an Adult eyeball!

I'm so sorry that I haven't been posting! I haven't really had time for reading, but I just took a trip to the library, so I think you'll be getting some things soon!

~Remedyleaf

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

All You Get is Me

Well, all you do get is me, but that's not what I meant up there. What I meant was, that's the title of the book I just finished. (Yes, I'm still reading The Hunger Games trilogy, but come on, I can have breaks from that, right?)

All you Get is Me by Yvonne Prinz is about Roar, 15 year old newly hatched farm girl who is struggling with living on the farm, her friend Storm's craziness, her secret relationship with Forest, which her father would not approve of, acceptance about her mother's problems, and the lawsuit her dad is stirring up for the death of an illegal Mexican worker. Let's just say her life is not easy.

When I first read the blurb, I will admit that I was none too drawn in. But I was in a hurry at the library and I wanted to at least get something. But as I get into reading it, I was surprised to see how much I liked it. So I kept reading, yada yada, until I knew the end was coming soon, and I didn't really want it to end. But when I did get to the end, I was not quite satisfied with how the author pulled it all together. Uh-uh. *Shakes Head* I think there were numerous other amazing endings that she could have gone with, and they would have been much nicer for the story.

On Roar's relationship with Forest. Okay, I will give Prinz that it did develop, and it was not just all-the-sudden. But I have something about the whole teenagers-I-love-you thing, so even when I see it in a book, it drives me crazy. I know, I know, "when it's with that special person..." yada yada. I don't think it's appropriate for any teenager, fictitious or real, to say "I love you" to each other "that way" (Whatever that means) Even if they aren't throwing it around, you still shouldn't be saying it like that. (Family and best friends don't really count. There is differences in "I love you"

I think overall was surprised, but then let down with this book and author. I will rate it 3 stars, and say, give it a chance if you want. But I wouldn't stress it.  Maybe you'll have a better time than me!

Adios amigos,

~Remedyleaf

Friday, August 17, 2012

The Hunger Games

With all the reviewing I've done, and especially after reading a modern day craze like Harry Potter, you all must be wondering when I would get around to such a current thing as The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. But the truth is, even though the movie came out this year, and that's when the craze really started, I read the book all the way back in 2010. A few months after it was published. Anyone remember 2010? The year the devastating earthquake hit Haiti and those Coal Miners were rescued in Chile? (Almost ironic isn't it, District Twelve, Coal Miners...) Anyway, though, by the time the book/movie was "such a big thing" it was old news to me. Although I had read The Hunger Games numerous times, and enjoyed it, I was excited about other new and enticing books this year, and was annoyed that everyone was just now getting hyped up about it because a movie (And inaccurate one at that...) was coming out. (Or did)

So I ignored most of the "Hunger Games" drama in these past few months. Yes I did see the movie. Yes I did like it. No I don't think it accurately portrayed the book, as said above. And no, I have never read the sequels. Why? You may ask, well, here is the story.

It was probably right around the time Catching Fire came out. The friend of mine who had lent me The Hunger Games, was eagerly eating up the sequel. The summer after it came out, they lent it to me. And I started it to read it. I won't go into detail, but I will admit that I was bored. It was boring. So I quit reading it, and tucked the memory away until all this "Hunger Games" jazz came about and drove me crazy for a year.

Now, Remedyleaf. You ask. Why are you suddenly bringing this up now? Well, dear bloggies, the answer is that I have been meaning to get around to re-reading The Hunger Games, and then read the sequels for reviewers sake.

So this afternoon I picked up my mothers ipad and found the books. My brother had downloaded the whole series-in-one for a trip we were on, but I don't think he ever got around to finishing it. So I spent the rest of the afternoon, evening, and night up until now reading (and finishing) The Hunger Games. I doubt I'll start Catching Fire tonight, for I have other important books that I am reading, but you never know.

And also, I've decided not to review each of the books individually, then review the whole series like I did with Dark Mirror . I'm just going to to the latter; review the whole series. But I will say one thing about each book individually, and the thing I will say about The Hunger Games is that when I finished it, each and every time, and even when didn't know that there was going to be sequels, I was totally content with the ending. I didn't really need to see more from the characters. I thought the story was complete and done. Yes I might have fantasied about the characters lives after the book, but I do that with practically everything I read, so that wasn't a sign that I was looking for a sequel. That all contributed to my reluctance to continue with the trilogy.


Au revior,

~Remedyleaf

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Dark Destiny and the whole Dark Mirror Sequence

Hello my blog followers, today I'm going to review the sequel to Dark Passage by M. J. Putney; Dark Destiny. Also I'm going to review the series as a whole afterwards.

Alright, Dark Destiny is the sequel to Dark Passage, and starts right where Dark Passage left off. The Irregulars have returned from France, and are on their way back to their Lackland. Their new friend Rebecca is staying with the 20th Century Rainfords, as in Polly, and Nick, and their mother. But time travel is not over for the Irregulars, or their 20 Century friends, and as a looming threat approaches, Rebecca promises to do all she can as repayment for the Irregulars past deeds.

What a lovely conclusion to a glorious series, that will be on my favorites list for a while. The writing was perfect for the end of the book, although a little confusing with too many she's and not enough first names to follow in certain occasions. But I managed.

The relationship development in the final book is interesting, Tory and Allarde make an inheritance altering commitment, Jack and Cynthia admit that they will push past the aristocratic differences between them, and then our new romance, Nick and Rebecca, is even more complicated. Although they do know they have feelings for each other, there is a barrier different than titles, one of faith and everything they believe. But don't worry, everything is happy in the end.

But don't take that as too perfect. Although they did seem happy, it wasn't like Ms. Puteny was implying that their lives would be happily ever after, I'm not quite sure she's done with our dear friends. ;)

4 and 1/2 stars for the final installment, (I think) of the Dark Mirror series.

Now to talk as the series as a whole. There may be spoilers, I'm not sure. Beware! Hisssss.... ;)

In the beginning, I was drawn into the story because of Tory's strong willingness to push past her sudden mageling-ness, and still be the Lady Victoria she new she was, or though she was...

Elsbeth and Jack were fabulous characters to work with through out the story. Even though they weren't front and center, they were still important, and you came to love them as well.

The time traveling WWII alter ego to the story shook me a bit, for I thought it would be a bit much, but by the end of the series, I disagree with my former feelings. The time traveling isn't more to the story, it is the story.

Cynthia is another thing of witch I want to speak of. Comparing her personality in the beginning of the series, to the end, is astonishing! She is a totally different person. This is something that you often don't, but should see in YA writing. Young people don't know exactly who they want to be, they may have an idea, but they are often in confusion and flip flopping all over the place. I thought that with Cynthia, this showed that towards the end, she knew who she wanted to be, and she was that well.

Throughout my individual book reviews, I have praised Putney for her wonderful skill of relationship development. Here, I will praise it again. Overall, the relationship between the Irregulars strengthens as they travel through time and almost get themselves killed numerous times. Next, the intimate relationship of Tory and Allarde progresses, falls back, and returns stronger than even in a realistic way.  Tory and Cynthia's relationship changes too. They are not just teenage girls forced to share the same room, they are friends. And really good friends at that. The relationship of Jack and Cynthia, persay? Their relationship blossoms, but has it's drawbacks too. In the end, they know where their feelings stand. (Together) The relationship of Nick to the Irregulars is interesting, for he becomes one of their strongest friends, just as they return the favor to him. I guess life or death situations bring people together? I'm kidding, I bet they do. Finally, for the last relationship to mention is the new development of feelings between Rebecca and Nick. Okay, maybe not new feelings for them, but new for the story. That relationship progresses differently, for they are apart for different reasons. Eventually though, (see, development!) their true feelings are let out, and they can finally admit they have a connection beyond words.

Well that's enough talk of relationships for one review, eh?

The historicalness works extremely well with the story, because back then, they really did believe in magic, mages, spells, and such. (Not that I don't now....) But it fits better than being an annoying fantasy gone Modern day. I'm glad that the setting was just the way it was.

 I rate this series 4 and 1/2 stars and highly recommend it to lovers of Historical Fiction, Romance, Or just a Good Story! I cannot wait to read more from Putney, and I'm excited to have found her as an author!

~Remedy

Monday, August 6, 2012

If this was RL, I think I would die.

Well, not really die, just be totally freakin out! ;)

So, anyway, I'm reviewing the book Monument 14 by Emmy Laybourne. Monument 14 is the first novel by Laybourne, although the sequel is expected Summer 2013, and she did write a short story companion to the book called "Dress Your Marines In White" You can read it on Tor.com Link: http://www.tor.com/stories/2012/05/dress-your-marines-in-white 

Monument 14 is from the point of view of Dean, a high schooler who is stuck in a futuristic Supterstore with 13 other kids. 5 other teens. 1 8th grader. And 6 elementary school students. No adults. The world outside is waging with natural disasters. What could go wrong?

When I first read about Monument 14 I was totally excited to see this common RP (Role Play) plot be turned into a novel. 

The writing was lovely, not too wordy, and very to the point. Laybourne managed to develop the characters in a very strategic way. 

The beginning moved a little quickly for me, but all the characters were understandable soon enough. The ending was a little unclear and vague, making me crave the release of the sequel. (Come on Laybourne!)

There were several confusing and seemingly un-needed events and things throughout the story. *SPOILER*. What made Josie suddenly get better? Why did Astrid reveal her pregnancy? Who was the father? What was she implying by asking Dean to stay, because we all know it had nothing to do with their blood type? Why did Caroline and Henry come back?

I will praise Laybourne for keeping the story moving, there was never really any repetition, as you might expect with such an idea, and the plot worked great.

So I will rate this book 4 stars, great read, in the end still had a few unclear questions though.

Now, I'm going to review Dark Passage by M. J. Putney, sequel to Dark Mirror.

Dark Passage starts right where Dark Mirror leaves off. The Irregulars, (The group of Lackland students who embrace their magical ability in secret, vowing to help England) return safely back to 1803. Tory is very firm about not wanting to time travel again, although she and Allarde have a strange feeling that they will go again soon.

I must praise Putney, for her critical development of the characters relationships. First of all, Tory's relationship with Allarde. The pair knew in Dark Mirror that they would have to figure out their relationship after returning to their own time, and figure out they did. Sort of. Following Tory most of the way, the beginning of the book is heart wrenching, and my heart did not heal until towards the middle and end, when their true feelings and acceptance and in full fledge. Although throughout the story, their friends try to get them to talk and often joke about them making up. That was lovely ;) I am excited to be seeing their love flourishes (hopefully!) in the next book, Dark Destiny.

Another relationship that was interesting to follow was the one of Tory and Cynthia, (Tory's unruly room mate back at Lackland.) For a (good) change, Putney focused on Cynthia for numerous chapters, unlike in Dark Mirror where I'm pretty sure every chapter was centered around Tory. With this new point of view, you see into Cynthia in a way you didn't get to see in Dark Mirror, and it is very vital to the development of her relationships and budding personality.

The last relationship to examine is* SPOILER* Cynthia and Jack. In the beginning of the book, the obvious attraction Jack has to Cynthia is very noticeable, and with the new point of view, you get to see how crazily Cynthia reacts. Throughout the story, you see Jack try and try again, as Cynthia little by little starts to like him back. This shows how realistic relationships often bud, and bloom. Happily, in the end, they are a couple.

I have tried very hard, but I don't think that I can say one bad thing about this book. I tried to predict something, but the outcome was totally different. Putney totally nabbed me.

As I said above, I'm anxious to see the aftermath of the last and final book in the trilogy; Dark Destiny. That is the last book to my knowledge, I could be wrong.

Love ya!

~Remedyleaf 

Saturday, August 4, 2012

La la la

Hey everyone!

Remember when I was reading As I Wake by Elizabeth Scott? Well, I finished it, so now it's time to chat.

As I Wake is about Ava, a high school student who woke up one night to not remember who she is. Or so she's been told. There is actually a deepness to the story of Ava's memory loss, and the things she does remember.

At first I was extremely excited to begin As I Wake; it was by an author I trusted, it seemed very intriguing from the blurb on the inside cover, and the first page was grabbing. But as I pursued through the book, I became frustrated, and had to take brakes with other books in between reading. The plot was very vague, the obvious climax was not a very high part of the story, and very it was confusing. The characters weren't all that developed either- excuse me, the main characters weren't developed very well. For some reason, back round characters had more depth than the main ones.

Although the middle and beginning of the book were bearable, the end was totally bizarre. I could barely follow enough to enjoy the end, as it was unclear and rushed.

I don't think that I would recommend this book at all.

Elizabeth Scott has disappointed me, I will hesitate before reading another one of her books or novels.

 And now I am going to review the book The Waters And the Wild by Francesca Lia Block. Block is the author of numerous other YA Novels, among them are The Frenzy and House of Dolls. (P.s. This is the first book by Block that I have read, so the review is crucial to if I'll read her work again)

The Waters and the Wild is about Bee, a struggling, loner, thirteen-year-old, lost in a world that is not quite hers. Join her on a journey to find herself, her true self.

I was very excited to begin to read this, and my excitement continued as I kept reading. I loved the idea, and fell head over heels for the characters. But don't think that it was all just great; the poetry experts and few stanzas of nonsense words were confusing, and didn't seem to fit into the story the way the author intended it to. Also, the switching of point of views was puzzeling, because I could go paragraphs, to even pages thinking I was reading about someone else, or just not sure.  The characters were very flimsy; not see thru, just flimsy. That was disappointing.

The ending was a bit crazy too, it was rushed, and a lot of different, unrelated things just suddenly changed. I did not enjoy that last transition.

I will rate it 3 & 1/2 stars.

That's it folks!

~Remedy

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Dark Mirror

Last night I finished the novel Dark Mirror by M. J. Putney. M. J. Putney is Mary Jo Putney's YA alter ego.

Putney has written the two sequels to Dark Mirror completing the trilogy.

Dark Passage is about 16 year old, Lady Victoria Mansfield in 1803. She is the youngest daughter of the earl and countess of Fairmount, and is likely to live a privileged life, enjoying her title.
But then everything changes; Tory finds out that she has magical ability, and chooses a life or death situation to reveal it.
Thus, she is sent to Lackland Abbey, the magical correction school. But there, she joins a group who secretly studies using their powers, instead of smothering them.
This group leads Tory on an amazing adventure, where they save lives beyond their wildest dreams.

Wow, what to say about this book? I will admit, that after finding out the crazy magical element, I was totally not prepared for what was to come. Although it was a great idea, it seemed a little much with the whole plot and everything.
The writing style was good, and I enjoyed how it was written. The characters were all a bit typical, nothing crazy original, but still alright.
I will disclose that I have the sequel in my possession, and am looking forward to reading it soon.

Loves and Hugs,

~Remedyleaf

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Diary of a Witness

Hello.

Today, I am going to review the most traumatic book. Ever.

Diary of a Witness is by Catherine Ryan Hyde. Hyde has written numerous other YA and Adult books, her most recent YA; Jumpstart The World.

Diary of a Witness is about a high school boy named Ernie, who is overweight, and kinda an outsider. You're typical obese kid, (although he does like fishing, so that changed the story. A bit.) He has one friend, Will. But Will is not normal. Over the course of almost a year, Ernie finds out the true nature of Will, and it's not pretty.

Wow, this book... Hmmm, how do I put this? This book was hard to read. It was hard to read because if was traumatic and sad and I felt the loss of the characters harshly. Although the writing was fine, and the characters semi-developed (The author doesn't seem to know her characters very well. You should know who you're writing about as well as you know yourself.), this book was nothing special. Everything was a little expected, and being so dark didn't really help.

I think that I really only finished this book to see how it ended, and to make sure that Ernie was o. k. in the end.

I don't think that it was good work in at all, and I don't think I would recommend it to any reader, even ones who like dark stories.

I'm now reading As I Wake by Elizabeth Scott. Elizabeth Scott? The author of Stealing Heaven and Perfect You?  Yes, yes it is.

Au revior,

~Remedyleaf