I love this book! I loved it the first time I read it and I loved it even more the second time.
All the characters are interesting and entertaining; thI love this book! I loved it the first time I read it and I loved it even more the second time.
All the characters are interesting and entertaining; the plot is fast and attention-grabbing, and Richard Adams did such a fantastic job at creating culture among rabbits (in an anthropomorphic way, of course). I thoroughly enjoyed viewing things from rabbits' points of view for a bit. I really like them, even if they have a poor opinion of cats.
If you're a rabbit lover, or if you like animal tales from their points of view, this is the perfect book for you. It'll be a good read-aloud book for children, too! And, for good measure, the audio book read by Ralph Cosham is worth a listen. Very well preformed!...more
Going into it, I was expecting a very G-rated story, similar to Charlotte's Web, because the descriptiWhat a vivid, mysterious, heart-wrenching story.
Going into it, I was expecting a very G-rated story, similar to Charlotte's Web, because the description on the back cover only gives you the briefest blurbs of plot. "The Underneath" is full of mystery, deception, history, mythology, terror, but most importantly, love and hope.
The journeys I went on through reading this book are very emotional, challenging, sometimes evil, and while I never actually intended on not finishing the book, there were several times I had to pause and collect myself before continuing. It is classified as a children's literature, but as an adult who was wrecked reading this book, I warn caution for the sensitive readers. That's not to say not to let your kids read it, but be weary; this is not Charlotte's Web or Stuart Little. This isn't even Warriors (cat series by Erin Hunter). It is vivid and beautiful, and the writing is so well done, but it is beyond sad, in that gripping, crushing way that makes you grow a little after the experience.
It is a very good story. But it is a very sad story, and there is a lot of struggling, and a lot of evil within it. So I beg caution, but I also encourage the brave (and the curious) to venture forth and bare my same burden....more
I guess I was expecting a silly adventure about a boy and his imaginary cat friend, something whimsical and fun, but this was a more serious take on rI guess I was expecting a silly adventure about a boy and his imaginary cat friend, something whimsical and fun, but this was a more serious take on real life issues this boy Jackson faces. It touched on sensitive and serious topics, forced character and audience to face the feelings these topics and situations made us feel, and declared we resolve the issues with the truth.
It's a great story; there is silliness, there is whimsy, and that's what makes the serious parts all the more sad. It's about a boy and his family who are having a hard time, and how they are (or are not) dealing with things. Very well written; the audiobook is good. I highly recommend it....more
If I thought the first book was cool with its originality and new take on fairy tale "retellings" (it's not really a retelling, but it's all about faiIf I thought the first book was cool with its originality and new take on fairy tale "retellings" (it's not really a retelling, but it's all about fairy tales and all the famous ones are mentioned throughout), the second has pushed those boundaries and expectations even further!
Wishes can be dangerous; but princesses and witches can be friends now, can't they? Sophie and Agatha's friendship is put to the test yet again, with intrigue and mystery and stakes all the higher! And more, their friends' lives and fairy tales themselves are in jeopardy as well.
I really enjoyed the drama in this book. Where the first book really hooked on identity and overcoming personal boundaries and stereotypes, A World Without Princes goes into gender roles and expectations, the lengths and limitations of friendship, loyalty, and love, and how gender and sex matter (or don't), and what it takes to get a happy ending.
I loved The School for Good and Evil and couldn't wait to start A World Without Princes, and for good reason! Both are fantastic. Both are engaging and unique and bring forth a whole new variation to the fairy tale genre. I very much recommend the series to any and everyone who loves fairy tales, fantastical schools, magic, and trials that allow people to learn about identity, loyalty, friendship, and most importantly, love....more
The drama is ever mounting as we near the close of Darren Shan's exhilarating story. Old friends and new friends are in jeapoeday, and Darren's goodneThe drama is ever mounting as we near the close of Darren Shan's exhilarating story. Old friends and new friends are in jeapoeday, and Darren's goodness is even threatened.
This one made my heart hurt. The surprises and twists are intriguing, interesting, gut-wrenching...and so worth the wait! The story had truly gotten really good and I can't wait for the big finish!
Also, my 12 year old brother loves this series; he read all 12 books in less than a week....more
Darren's loyalty is tested when Harkat faces his face. They journey together in hopes of figuring out who he was before he died. We need a strange fewDarren's loyalty is tested when Harkat faces his face. They journey together in hopes of figuring out who he was before he died. We need a strange few people on the way, and old wounds are reopened. I enjoyed this one; it's part of the plot I've been waiting for and it was certainly worth the wait! You'll never expect the reveal, but you'll want to continue on to the next book!
Also, note: my 12 year old brother loves this series; he read all 12 books in less than a week!...more
If we thought things would get easier for Darren and the vampires, this book surely defies all hopes. Wrong thing after wrong thing happens, even whenIf we thought things would get easier for Darren and the vampires, this book surely defies all hopes. Wrong thing after wrong thing happens, even when victory is in their grasps. What cost is worth saving strangers, especially when that cost is a dear friend?
Killers of the Dawn is packed with action and drama. There's new twists and plot redirections that take you for a spin. It gears you up to figure out how possibly it can continue after this... Darren's life seems all the more complicated now and I can't wait to see how he'll get out of this mess, if at all.
Also note: my 12 year old brother loves this years. He read all 12 books in less than a week!...more
It's always great to return to Hogwarts! I read it every year for a blast of nostalgia.It's always great to return to Hogwarts! I read it every year for a blast of nostalgia....more
Things certainly take a turn in this novel! It's been 13 years since they set foot in Mr. Crepsley's old hometown, and a lot has changed. The vampanezThings certainly take a turn in this novel! It's been 13 years since they set foot in Mr. Crepsley's old hometown, and a lot has changed. The vampaneze are getting more ruthless and killing more freely. To make matters more complicated, Darren is forced into going to the local public high school! If the vampaneze weren't enough to worry about, now he's got homework-and his English teacher is a very familiar, very pretty face he might know from somewhere.
Even more complicated is Steve Leopard is back, which is cool and exciting and emotional. But Mr. Crepsley is still distrusting of the now-man and still thinks he is evil. We go on an interesting journey with Darren at school, with past friends, face off with vampire and vampaneze... then plot thickens!
It's fast paced and still focuses on the vampire life Darren has choosen, not too much on the school thing (I was a little worried it might go in a different direction but it didn't). It's a great series; my 12-year-old brother read all 12 books in less than a week! If you like vampires, this is a series for you!...more
After the first two heart-wrenching and introduction books into Darren Shan's new world, Tunnels of Blood is a new turn. Vampires aren't inherently evAfter the first two heart-wrenching and introduction books into Darren Shan's new world, Tunnels of Blood is a new turn. Vampires aren't inherently evil, just like humans; there are evil ones, but Mr. Crepsley is careful to instill that in Darren.
But that doesn't mean there aren't evil beings out there. And Darren isn't totally sure he can't think his creator is one of them.
There are good people, though, too, who help Darren hold on to remains of his humanity. His loyalty is tested, his faith in the people he know is strained, and once again he puts his life on the line for a friend.
Tunnels of Blood is a face-paced page turner. We see more into the vampire world, watch as our protagonist gets into yet more trouble, that of course leaves us with a cliffhanger to continue in the next book.
If you're a vampire lover, this will be a refreshing twist on the classic monsters! Also, note: my 12 year old brother loved the series! He read all 12 book in less than a week!...more
What an incredible second installation to the Cirque Du Freak series! Darren isn't too keen on the new life that was all but forced upon him, but it dWhat an incredible second installation to the Cirque Du Freak series! Darren isn't too keen on the new life that was all but forced upon him, but it does prove to be exciting and full of interesting characters. We meet several new and fun people, and a few not-so-fun and interesting people (possible villains!). The atmosphere isn't as sinister as we originally thought in Book 1, and yet the characters prove they aren't all what they seem to be at first meeting.
Darren's new friendships at first bring him solace with his new life, but he's still not fond of Mr. Crepsley or the vampire world. A vampire novel trope is, naturally, going through the motions of leaving one's humanity behind and adapting to this new way of life; this is my favorite version of that process, this series. Darren is going to be 12 (I don't think his age is ever officially mentioned but the Wiki says he's 12) for a long time, and not exactly a normal, average human 12-year-old.
The first book opened the door to Mr. Crepsley creepy world; the second book kicks the door ajar and invites in to get a firsthand experience. It's a great setup to the future adventures Darren and his freak friends are going to go on, and I'm super excited to continue with him!
Also, note: My 12-year-old brother loved this series! He read all 12 books in less than a week!...more
If you're a fan of the movie, the novelization will be a fun experience! We get to see slightly more intimate moments within the character's head as tIf you're a fan of the movie, the novelization will be a fun experience! We get to see slightly more intimate moments within the character's head as the plot progresses. The moments that moved me in the movie were different than the moments that were in the book; that was probably due to a visual/musical thing.
Disney fans, Tangled fans, those who like fairy tales, adventures stories, and princesses will certainly enjoy this adaption of Tangled!...more
There is nothing more I like than vampires, so a different twist to these ancient (and arguably overdone) beings is always enjoyable! I first discoverThere is nothing more I like than vampires, so a different twist to these ancient (and arguably overdone) beings is always enjoyable! I first discovered this series when I was in 8th grade; I finally found the whole series in paperback and am rereading them!
Darren Shan had a normal, enjoyable, happy life. Great friends, loving family, a little sister whom he could trust and confide in... He's a boy one can relate to, and Steve, his best friend, makes things interesting (and tense).
The adventures that unfold in Darren's life start innocently enough, kids having fun, doing daring and impulsive (and rather stupid) things that ultimately spiral into unforeseen events they can't undo. A Living Nightmare opens the door to a strange new world of night, one that Mr. Crepsley not only invites him to join, but eagerly welcomes him in.
It's a fantastic opening to a long series. I don't remember most of the plot but I can't wait to get to my favorite books and journey with Darren and Mr. Crepsley through their weird vampiric tale. I highly recommend this to people who love vampires. (My 12 year old brother loved this series; he read all 12 books in less than a week!)
Also, I found the audiobook on Hoopladigital.com and it's fantastic! The first go around I read it as an American adventure, as I'm American, but somehow when it's read with an English accent, it makes it all the more exciting for me! If you're an audiobook fan, this will be a great experience for you!...more
I am a huge fan of the movie, Brave, so naturally the book drew my attention.
This story speaks loudly to me because it's not what's expected from yourI am a huge fan of the movie, Brave, so naturally the book drew my attention.
This story speaks loudly to me because it's not what's expected from your average Disney Princess. Firstly, Merida is part of a loving family with two parents, her mother included, and three brothers. Their dynamic is expected, regardless that they're royalty.
Fate and freedom are major themes within this story, but what sticks out for me is Merida and Eleanor's relationship. They are your typical mother and daughter, who don't see eye to eye, as most mothers and 16-year-old girls, but it's their choices that get them in the bad situations. The ultimate issue is listening to the other person, really appreciating her for who she is and what she's trying to teach you, mother and daughter.
I love the adventure and whimsy of this tale, of selfishness and sacrifice, of fear and hatred, of pride and humility. And of course, the most powerful, the journey of love. The novel is a perfect capture of the movie, the plot, Merida, and I certainly recommend it to Brave lovers, as well as Disney lovers in general.
(The writing is so well done you can visualize the movie scene-for-scene without effort. Very well done.)...more
We're sucked back into the beloved and romanticized Regency period, where Elizbeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy's dramatic relationship has become a classic. We're sucked back into the beloved and romanticized Regency period, where Elizbeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy's dramatic relationship has become a classic. Jane Austen's brilliance tells us of the middle and upper classes, highlights of the glamours of Society and the dangers of this long ago world for women (females can't inherit; only males can).
Jo Baker, however, has shed light on a new angle to this classic and beloved tale, through the eyes of those Downstairs, the very servants that lived and worked at Longbourn, who have waited hand and foot on the Bennet family (practically) all their lives.
We meet a vast array of complex, interesting, and understanding characters. There was not a single "new" character I didn't enjoy; of course, original characters are present throughout, namely the Bennets, the Bingleys, Mr. Darcy, Mr. Collins, and Mr. Wickham. Jane Austen's original story is highlighted and narrated throughout the progression of the novel, but it is Sarah's story in whom we're invested, her choices and life that warp and change as Longbourn, and the Bennets, are swept up into the drama of proposals, scandal, travel, and love.
What is most enjoyable about this book is the blatant honesty of the lower class world; Jo Baker crafts a realistic viewpoint within the world so often romanticized and purified as this pristine, perfect era. In the first scene of the book, all that glamor, and sophistication associated with Austen's world evaporates and you're thrown into the brutal reality that is Sarah's life--that was Jane Austen's life. It is gritty, it is often gross and graphic, but it is real and beautiful and makes Sarah's journey all the more interesting.
I really liked this novel. I do recommend reading Pride and Prejudice beforehand because the plot does follow it's original story and make several references throughout the novel (characters, places, storylines, etc.). It's a fantastic read. Anyone who enjoys period romances/dramas will enjoy Longbourn by Jo Baker.
Also, the audiobook read by Emma Fielding is fantastic!...more
Howliday Inn is a fun sequel to Harold and Chester's adventures since they met Bunnicula. However, Bunnicula isn't actually in this one, other than a Howliday Inn is a fun sequel to Harold and Chester's adventures since they met Bunnicula. However, Bunnicula isn't actually in this one, other than a brief mention at the beginning. This one revolves around the mysteries that occur at the kennel where our furry friends are staying while the family goes on vacation.
It's an interesting murder mystery, with cool (and weird) new characters, nice plot twists, and a lot of funny moments. It's a great second in the series and kept me interested the whole way through. I'm looking forward to Harold and Chester's next adventure!...more
I cannot express how awesome this book is! With so many fairy tale retellings out there, to get something that feels 100% original is super cool. TherI cannot express how awesome this book is! With so many fairy tale retellings out there, to get something that feels 100% original is super cool. There are the fairy tale tropes, of course, but they're all done in such a way that makes it feel like it's never been done before, as if The School for Good and Evil is the first ever retelling of fairy tales. Another cool thing is that it isn't a retelling of a specific tale; there's not "backbone" that supports it; it is completely and totally its own story.
The characters, too, feel authentic, like real people that got transported into a fairy tale, slowly digesting and accepting their new world. Both Sophie and Agatha have huge flaws that shine through even when they are on point, and they play to their strengths so that it's hard to dislike them because at least they are playing their roles honestly. I wasn't a huge fan of Tedros, the prince character, but mostly because of course he comes between the girls--but don't think this is a fairy tale themed love triangle; it's not. It's all about friendship and love, Good and Evil, hate and revenge.
Soman Chainani has a gift for weaving a magical, mystical fairy tale world that feels plausible and real; it's beautiful and unique, with overarching tropes and themes that help the plot spiral in and out of control. Nearly every prediction I had was wrong; or if I was right in expecting what would happen next, something twisted it just slightly enough that I was thrown for a loop as if I hadn't ever guessed correctly.
If you're a lover of fairy tales and originality, cool and complicated characters, and even the whole concept of fate, this is the perfect book for you. And greater news: there's two more books after it, which I, for one, am super excited to read!...more
A Day to Remember gives us an insight to Rapunzel's passion for painting. Her day in the royal village is shown briefly in the movie, but this book giA Day to Remember gives us an insight to Rapunzel's passion for painting. Her day in the royal village is shown briefly in the movie, but this book gives us several hours of the day. Flynn, Pascal, Maximus are all there to support and encourage our long-haired beauty every step of the way. It's a cute story; if you're younger readers are fans of Tangled, Rapunzel, painting, and/or Disney, this will be a fun (and quick) read!...more