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REVIEW: #95 Ultraviolet by R.J. Anderson

May 8, 2011 By 2 Comments

Title: Ultraviolet (ARC)
Author: R.J. Anderson
ISBN: 978-7613-7408-4
Pages: 304
Price: $17.95 (HC) $12.95 (EB)
★★★★★

Synopsis:

(Taken from back of book) Sixteen-year-old Alison wakes up in a mental institution. As she pieces her memory back together, she realizes she’s confessed to murdering Tori Beaugrand, the most perfect girl at school. But the case is a mystery. Tori’s body has not been found, and Allison can’t explain what happened. One minute she was fighting with Tori. The next moment Tori disintegrated — into nothing.

But that’s impossible. No one is capable of making someone vanish. Right? But Alison has always been different. Nobody seems to see the world quite the way she does ..

Ultraviolet is genre-bending paranormal YA in which Alison discovers that everything she’s believed about herself and the world is wrong– and that she’s capable of far more than anyone else would believe.

Review:

I received this book from the publisher as a digital ARC. I have never heard of R.J. Anderson as of that moment but my eyes and ears are open now. She has caught my attention. Ultraviolet was very easy to get into and I was hooked from the very beginning. It was such a relief to be able to start a book and not be able to put it down until the end. Even at the end I wanted to read more. I really hope that Anderson is currently writing a sequel.

Alison is a young girl of 16 and she wakes up in the hospital, in the psych unit. She can not remember how she got there; not right away, at least. When the memories return, they don’t make sense. Was she really capable of murder? Weeks had passed since Alison had been admitted to the hospital before she woke up. Now that she has calmed down, she is admitted to Pine Hills Mental Hospital into the Red Ward, for those who are in danger of committing violence against themselves or others. That is, until she is fit for the yellow ward.

Everyone thinks Alison killed Tori, but no one can explain how it happened in the supposed time span. How could a young 16 year old murder another girl her age and hide the body within minutes before returning home? Things just do not ad up. Alison does know that one minute she is fighting with the Tori and the next Tori is being pulled apart in a painful, excruciating way. Then she disappears. Is Alison crazy? No one just disappears. More importantly, did Alison do it? Is this some hidden power manifested within her own being?

I felt that Ultraviolet was done very well. R.J. Anderson put a lot of thought and research into the novel, having bits of truth put in. I have never heard of some of the issues Alison faces, the phenomenons, but they exist. To find out what I am talking about, well — you’ll have to read the book. Those who enjoy paranormal YA will definitely enjoy R.J. Anderson’s, Ultraviolet. I found nothing wrong with the book other than the fact that it ended with me wanting more.

Filed Under: 5 Stars, Books, General, Genre, Paranormal, Ratings, Reviews, Romance, Science Fiction, Suspense, Young Adult Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

REVIEW: #88 Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

April 10, 2011 By 6 Comments

Title: Outlander
Author: Diana Gabaldon
Pages: 656
ISBN: 978-0385319959
★★★★★

Synopsis: (Taken From Amazon.com) Unrivaled storytelling … unforgettable characters … rich historical detail … these are the hallmarks of Diana Gabaldon’s work. Her New York Times bestselling Outlander novels have earned the praise of critics and captured millions of readers.

Here is the story that started it all, introducing two remarkable characters, Claire Randall and Jamie Fraser, in a spellbinding novel of passion and history that combines exhilarating adventure with a love story for the ages….

The year is 1945. Claire Randall, a former combat nurse, is back from the war and reunited with her husband on a second honeymoon — when she walks through a standing stone in one of the ancient stone circles that dot the British Isles. Suddenly she is a Sassenach — an “outlander” — in a Scotland torn by war and raiding Highland clans in the year of Our Lord … 1743.

Hurled back in time by forces she cannot understand, Claire is catapulted into intrigues and dangers that may threaten her life … and shatter her heart. For here she meets James Fraser, a gallant young Scots warrior, and becomes a woman torn between fidelity and desire … and between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives.

Review: This is actually the second time I have read this book. That is right, the second time. Very rarely in my adult life do I ever re-read books. The first time I discovered Outlander by Diana Gabaldon, I was a senior attending Florida Gulf Coast University. My roommate, Gina, was sitting on her bed with the book in her hands and reading away. Every time I would pass by her room, she was reading. Being the book worm that I was, we got into a conversation about Outlander and she insisted that I had to read it.

Initially, I wasn’t sure I wanted to. After all, I am not a huge fan of period pieces or fantasy or even romance for that matter. But for some reason, I did. From the beginning, I could not put it down. I believe at the time I read it in two days flat (all 600+ pages) . I am amazed that I enjoyed it as much as I did.

Very rarely can something pull me in with such depth of attachment that I physically feel for these characters. Claire Beauchamp Randall has just returned from World War II serving as a combat nurse, having spent the entire time away from her new husband, Frank Randall. Finally reunited again after the wear, they decide to go on a honeymoon to a little bed and breakfast in Scotland. However while observing a mysterious ancient rock formation, Claire finds herself whirled back in time – the 1700s to be exact.

At first Claire thinks she must have stepped foot into some sort of war reenactment but after run ins with the Red Coats, one the horrible Black Jack Randall (a long time ago relative of her very own husband, Frank) Claire realizes that much to her surprise, she has stepped over the boundaries of time.

I loved Outlander because it was obvious to me that Diana Gabaldon did much research into the time period. The characters spoke with a mixture of Gaelic and Scottish-dialect, making it an impressive and really immersive read. Then there is James Fraiser. Oh, wonderful Jamie Fraiser. Some of the things he says are so off the wall amazing that I just want to put them into a cup and drink them morning, noon, and night. (Might I remind you that I am no romance-genre fan) I absolutely loathe cheese and the stereotypical dashing hero lover — but somehow Jamie surpasses all preconceived notions and everything he says just seems genuine, and right.

I know that many people have had issues with moral values in the book; specifically the fact that Claire and Jamie develop an unmistakable intimacy when she is supposedly grieving for the loss of her husband in another time. It’s hard to justify infidelity. In fact, I am hugely against it and often find myself rolling my eyes and huffing over any form of infidelity in movies and I absolutely hate the fact when hollywood romanticizes it. But for some reason, it makes absolute sense. After all their connection was born from political necessity and for her own safety in a land much more dangerous than present day Scotland.

There are other moral issues present, specifically with male-female roles, however when readers read this they have to remember the time is in the 1700s and what Gabaldon has done is painted us a beautiful picture of what life was most likely like during that time. I also think, for what its worth, that Claire (a present day heroine) did a wonderful job of showing everyone she is worthy of respect, regardless of her mysterious arrival into their world and the fact that she is female.

Even if the idea of reading a period piece makes you yawn, or a romance for that matter to roll your eyes — I insist that you give it a try. It is beautifully written and I cannot wait to continue reading the rest of the series to find out what is in store for two of my favorite characters of all time.

Filed Under: 5 Stars, Books, Historical, Reviews, Romance, Science Fiction Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

REVIEW: #86 The Ask and the Answer by Patrick Ness

March 14, 2011 By 1 Comment

 

Title: The Ask and the Answer
Author: Patrick Ness
ISBN:1441888985
Pages: 536
★★★★★

Synopsis:(Taken from Amazon.com)We were in the square, in the square where I’d run, holding her, carrying her, telling her to stay alive, stay alive till we got safe, till we got to Haven so I could save her – But there weren’t no safety, no safety at all, there was just him and his men…Fleeing before a relentless army, Todd has carried a desperately wounded Viola right into the hands of their worst enemy, Mayor Prentiss. Immediately separated from Viola and imprisoned, Todd is forced to learn the ways of the Mayor’s new order. But what secrets are hiding just outside of town? And where is Viola? Is she even still alive? And who are the mysterious Answer? And then, one day, the bombs begin to explode…”The Ask and the Answer” is a tense, shocking and deeply moving novel of resistance under the most extreme pressure. This is the second title in the “Chaos Walking” trilogy.

Review: This is the second book in the Chaos Walking trilogy. If you have not read The Knife of Never Letting Go then I highly recommend you start there and not read this review as it may contain spoilers. I am the type of person that will refuse to even read the back cover of a book in a series until I have finished the book before it. So, needless to say, I wouldn’t want to ruin anything for you.

I have to say that I thought The Ask and the Answer was rather disappointing. Todd and Viola are separated for most of the book. Rather than the face-paced adventure in book1, we are pulled through a slow sludge of chores in Book 2. Todd is forced to work with the native aliens, the spackle. Used and abused, the spackle are forced to be inventoried and sorted and Todd has to do so with the son of his enemy, the Mayor. *Yawn*

Viola is in a different location learning her way as a healer. The entire book is spent going back and forth between Todd and Viola (which I didn’t like). Todd’s lack of education was rather endearing in Book 1, but in book 2 it made him rather unlikeable and weak. There was nothing particularly impressive about either character and it caused me to not feel as into the book as I should have. I kept reading to find out what happened but never felt compelled to read nonstop.

I will read number 3 but I don’t feel the urgency to do so. I hope that Ness redeems himself in the third installment because the series has such potential for a permanent place on the ‘must read’ list of Dystopian novels for years to come.

Allison
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

 

Filed Under: 3.5 Stars, Dystopian, Science Fiction, Suspense, Young Adult Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

REVIEW #81: Mockingjay (Hunger Games Trilogy #3)

September 26, 2010 By 8 Comments

Title: Mockingjay
Author: Suzanne Collins
ISBN: 978-0439023511
Pages: 400
[Rating:3]

** WARNING: SPOILERS ** ** WARNING SPOILERS** **WARNING SPOILERS**

Mockingjay, to say the least, was not my favorite of the three. In fact, I almost wish I hadn’t read it. Mockingjay left me with a sense of disrespect for Katniss, who (over the previous two books) I had come to love and admire. Katniss was a character of passion and strength. But something happened to her.

Maybe life just got to her but she turned into such a weakling. Every turn of the page something happens in which she SHOULD have died, but even the enemy comes to the rescue and all is well again. She whines. She talks about her recovery and then she’s back on the semi-battlefield.

The war, this time, was very disappointing. Although Collins discusses neat futuristic weapons of war, there is something lacking in the “puzzle” that made the fights so enjoyable and stressful to read in Hunger Games and Catching Fire.  This time, Katniss doesn’t really HAVE to use her mind, as there are a bunch of people there helping. Katniss doesn’t HAVE to be strong because it’s not the part she’s playing. Katniss just.. is there.

It was disappointing.

Then don’t even get me started on the whole Gale/Katniss/Peeta love triangle. For some reason, I always invisioned she would end up with Gale. He was her best friend — the one that I always felt in my heart Katniss loved. I also felt that Peeta was a pity love. Peeta kind of reminded me of my college boyfriend — in that he’s a great guy and treats Katniss like a Queen but the spark’s not there. Katniss wants to love him, but it’s a guilt kind of feeling. I never BELIEVED Katniss could love him — so why does she end up in such a depressing marriage with Peeta? (He “convinces” her to have kids?) Oh come on. In Hunger Games & Catching Fire.. no one “convinces” Katniss.

What the HELL happened to her??!

I think Collins sold out on this book. With such a success over the first two — she knew she wouldn’t have to invest a lot of time or thought into the last book because “people would buy it anyway”. I don’t really think that is a sign of a true author — to lesson the quality just because it’ll sell no matter what. I mean, just look at JK Rawling who kept it happening book after book after book. So, Collins, you semi-disappoint.

Katniss should have gone out with a BANG! Instead she went out with a pop!-fizzle. Ppsfffhhh. Well .. at least now I have The Scorch Trials by James Dashner to look forward to. (Please don’t disappoint, Mr. Dashner! I am counting on you!)

Filed Under: 3 Stars, Books, Dystopian, Reviews, Science Fiction, Suspense, Young Adult Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

REVIEW: #62 Catching Fire – Suzanne Collins #Book #Dystopia

March 9, 2010 By 2 Comments

Title: Catching Fire
Author: Suzanne Collins
ISBN: 0439023491
Pages: 400
[Rating:5]

Synopsis: (Taken from Amazon.com)

**WARNING** If you have NOT read The Hunger Games, please do not read this review including the synopsis as it may provide major spoilers for you.

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge.

Review:

I finished Catching Fire in a matter of a day or two. What was not to enjoy? There was suspense, fear, wonderment, and the anticipation of love. Katniss is semi-enjoying life as a victor. Never again does she have to worry about feeding her family, or her mother working too hard to provide for her sister.  Katniss has the means to give her family a somewhat-comfortable life. Having more riches and resources than she knows what to do with, Katniss often shares with other families close by.

But – is life really that easy? The capital, primarily President Snow — is angry. Katniss’ behavior in the games has begun a revolution, an uproar.  Districts are beginning to question authority. President snow will not have this. He will not be risen against. For this – that’s it – the victors (2 from each district) go back into the ring. That will teach them.

Katniss knows she is going to die. She will do everything in her power to protect Peeta, who has only loved her unselfishly. But Peeta will do everything in his power to protect Katniss.

When Katniss is up against only winners – who will come out alive? Who’s life will have to be paid as a punishment for their own revenge?

Catching Fire was interesting ( to put it lightly)– with a quickly building climax and more motion. In all honesty, just like The Hunger Games, I couldn’t put it down. Above all else — many questions are popping up and I need answers. Unfortunately, the final sequel, Mockingjay — is still months away. (And I anticipate this with frustrated anticipation!)

If you’ve enjoyed The Hunger Games, then I definitely recommend continuing on and reading what happens next in Catching Fire.

Preorder Mockingjay: Out August 10th, 2010 – ONLY $8.50!
Mockingjay (The Final Book of The Hunger Games)

Filed Under: 5 Stars, Books, Dystopian, Reviews, Science Fiction, Suspense, Young Adult Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

REVIEW: #1 – The Time Traveler’s Wife

August 5, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Book Cover

Book Cover

Synopsis:

Henry DeTamble is not your average librarian. A disorder he was born with, titled “Chrono-displacement” causes him to time travel to varying points in his life (both past & future) with out any warning or choice as to where he lands. When Henry travels, he arrives in his destination naked, nauseous, and often famished with ultimate hunger. Living with this disorder since he was very young, he wasn’t completely surprised when (in his 30s) a beautiful, young woman named Clare Abshire finds him and shares obvious excitement in their reunion. Henry, as far as he knows, has never seen her before in his entire life. Claire, on the other hand, has known him since she was six.

Review:

Niffenegger manages to take a science fiction idea (i.e. time travel) and write it into a fiction novel that makes the idea of time travel almost realistic.  Time travel goes from nerdy-geek to romantic-chic. The Time Traveler’s wife draws you into the story almost instantly and keeps you there until the very end.

The story is split between two different point of views (Henry and Clare). Each chapter takes place in a different time and place and point of view. While (at first) it’s confusing keeping track of the dates and ages – it all seems to wrap up by the very end and make perfect sense.  To be honest, however, I found parts to be lacking. For one – when Henry meets Clare in his present day, he is currently in a troublesome relationship with a troubled soul named Ingrid. One date with Clare and he dumps Ingrid flat and is instantly transformed by his love for Clare. Personally, if I was on a date with someone I have never met before and they were telling me all about how much they loved me and how we would eventually marry, it would sort of creep me out. At this point in time Henry is something of a “womanizer” and a bit of “trouble”. I couldn’t imagine Henry at his present day on a date with a woman, hearing her stories, and thinking, “Wow! Let me stop sewing my wild oats and drop everything and be with this woman!”

Their relationship, although full of passion and romance,  seems (at times) masochistic.  While Henry disappears at random times, Clare is expected to just sit and wait for his return. Sometimes the dynamic between the two main characters just seemed down right dirty. Although all interactions between Henry (age 30-something) and his future wife (as a child) were G-rated – the idea that he was there to see his child-bride seemed sort of.. off. Much like the interactions with Jacob and Baby Renesme in the Twilight Series. Something about it was just “icky”.

Overall the book was engaging and intriguing although not without fault. Niffenegger managed to take a difficult concept and tie things together so that questions did not go unanswered. The characters lacked impressive growth, but still likeable enough to continue reading without a second thought. Although this novel was far from perfect, it was still an interesting read and something I will recommend to others.

★★★★★
Filed Under: 4 Stars, Mainstream Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,