[Book Review] The Colossus Rises

Title: The Colossus Rises

Author: Peter Lerangis

Published: February 5th 2013 by HarperCollins

Source: Paperback   Genre: Fantasy, Middle Garde

Amazon • Goodreads • Website

Synopsis:

Jack McKinley is an ordinary kid with an extraordinary problem. In six months, Jack is going to die.

After Jack collapses in the middle of a busy street, he's whisked off to a strange hospital in a strange place. There are armed guards and weird kids and fantastic creatures, not to mention no parents, no phones, and no possibility of escape. The place is run by an odd professor named Bhegad, who tells Jack that what's killing him is a genetic trait inherited from the prince of a long-lost civilization. It's destroying Jack by making him too strong too fast. He'll need to stay strong though - because it's up to him to save the world.

Review:

I think some who knows about this book can’t stop comparing it to Percy Jackson, to some it was just another Percy Jackson, I say if you love the Percy Jackson series go and try this one. This book tackles about the origin of man’s civilization, a story of the world’s most advanced civilization, the Atlantis, written in a new wonderful complicated story.

This starts with Jack in which he discovered that he has a unique power, a gift that he inherit from an Atlantis prince, but a gift can also be a curse, a curse that can kill him. The good thing was Jack is not alone, a secret organization is willing to help him and the other kids to make their life longer, so Jack and his friends must take an adventure to find these seven loculi each hidden on the seven wonders of the ancient world to save their lives and to save our world from a possible destruction. But where could they find these seven wonders if six of them no longer exist?

This book didn’t fail to let us know about Jack and the other characters, to a world we knew no longer exist, the myth meets the reality. You’ll see clearly the progress of the world building which makes the story great and fresh.

If you love ancient civilization, if you love the world’s history back at elementary and high school, when you’re at full attention when your teacher starts lecturing about the ancient world and its wonders, if you love adventure, then this book is really meant for you.

[Book Review] Clockwork Angel

Title: Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices #1)

Author: Cassandra Clare

Published: August 31st 2010 by Simon & Schuster

Source: Paperback   Genre: YA, Sci-Fi, Dystopia
Amazon • Goodreads • Website

 

Synopsis 

The year is 1878. Tessa Gray descends into London’s dark supernatural underworld in search of her missing brother. She soon discovers that her only allies are the demon-slaying Shadowhunters—including Will and Jem, the mysterious boys she is attracted to. Soon they find themselves up against the Pandemonium Club, a secret organization of vampires, demons, warlocks, and humans. Equipped with a magical army of unstoppable clockwork creatures, the Club is out to rule the British Empire, and only Tessa and her allies can stop them.

First of all I want to say that I haven't read the TMI series yet, so the reincarnation of TMI's main characters to Tessa and Will is not a problem for me.

I picked this book knowing that it's better than CoB as many readers say, yes I enjoy reading this book, I really do, but after reading this book and Clockwork Prince I am now in doubt if I will still enjoy the TMI series, and if I will continue to finish this series.

I love the world of Shodowhunters, it's something unique that a paranormal world could offer, and it all takes place on Victorian London, so hurray! I finally lived in London. The story was very compelling despite of it being slow paced. I love Cassandra Clare's writing it is very descriptive and detailed, sad to say that this is the main reason why I struggled to finish it, feels like it ruined the good parts of the book. The characters development are well written, I love how complicated their story is, how they sacrificed, their struggles, how they protect one another. I don't like Tessa though, I'm really not into a fictional girl with a severe I-can't-move-on I-can't-get-him-out-off-my-head syndrome.

Overall a lovable book.

Shatter Me [Book Review]

Title: Shatter Me (Shatter Me #1)

Author: Tahereh Mafi

Published: November 15th 2011 by Harper

Source: Paperback   Genre: YA, Sci-Fi, Dystopia

Amazon • Goodreads • Website

Synopsis

No one knows why Juliette's touch is fatal, but The Reestablishment has plans for her. Plans to use her as a weapon. But Juliette has plans of her own. After a lifetime without freedom, she's finally discovering a strength to fight back for the very first time—and to find a future with the one boy she thought she'd lost forever.

A Game of Thrones [Book Review]

Title: A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire #1)

Author: George R.R. Martin

First Published: August 1st 1996 by Bantam Books

Source: Mass Market Paperback  Genre: Sci-Fi Fantasy

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Synopsis

Summers span decades. Winter can last a lifetime. And the struggle for the Iron Throne has begun.

As Warden of the north, Lord Eddard Stark counts it a curse when King Robert bestows on him the office of the Hand. His honour weighs him down at court where a true man does what he will, not what he must … and a dead enemy is a thing of beauty.

The old gods have no power in the south, Stark’s family is split and there is treachery at court. Worse, the vengeance-mad heir of the deposed Dragon King has grown to maturity in exile in the Free Cities. He claims the Iron Throne.

I Am Number Four [Book Review]

Title: I am Number Four (Lorien Legacies #1)
Author: Pittacus Lore
Published: August 3rd 2010 by HarperCollins
Source: Paperback
Genre: Young Adult, Sci-Fi
Amazon  • Goodreads

Synopsis:

Nine of us came here.
We look like you.
We talk like you.
We live among you--but
We are not you.
We have powers you dream of having.
We are the superheroes you worship in movies and comic books--
But we are real.
They caught Number One in Malaysia. Number Two in England. And Number Three in Kenya.
They killed them all.
I am Number Four. I am next.

Review: 

Everyone of us knew what this book is all about, either you have read it already or just saw it at the bookstore or in goodreads and read the synopsis or you're a big fan of the movie. But I'm going to write my own opinion anyway.

Earth is not the only planet that sustains life, there were few more, like the planet Mogadore; a poisoned dying planet, and also there was the planet Lorien; an advance planet where Lorics lives, Lorics are very similar to humans except that some of them possesses a supernatural powers they called "Legacies". Planet Lorien was attacked by the Mogadorians for their resources, many Lorics were killed, those who are left have escaped and end up living here on Earth.

We all know 9 Garde have escaped together with their own Cepans. 3 are dead, and the 4th which is John Smith is on the run. The hunt was in order to protect the other Gardes, but once the Gardes are with each other the charm that protects them will be destroyed. But, if they were with each other the Mogadorians have nothing to do but to surrender.

Question: Why does the Mogadorian wants to kill Four and the rest of the Gardes? 
Answer: So they can conquer and inherent the Earth without any hindrances.

This book is really amazing, although it's a fiction I still love the possibility of a life somewhere, the possibility on what will happen to our planet if we stop to care for it. This book is also very rich in history, it's very convincing that Lorics played a great part in our civilization, that was one of the factors that made this book very interesting. After reading this book I really really got disappointed at the movie, the movie didn't give any justice, they changed almost everything. 

Back to the books, the characters are all amazing, Four, Sarah, Six, Mark James, Sam, Bernie and the rest even the Mogadorians are cool. Mark James and Sam are my favorites. Fast paced, beautifully written. I recommend this amazing book for an amazing reader like you. Go grab and read it!

Rating: 5/5

About the Author 

Pittacus Lore is Lorien's ruling Elder. He has been on Earth for the last twelve years, preparing for the war that will decide Earth's fate. His whereabouts are unknown.

http://www.iamnumberfourfans.com

Becoming a Superhero [Book Review]

 
Title: Becoming a Superhero
Author: Oliver Galang
Published: October 4th 2012
Source: Paperback
Genre: Non Fiction 
Amazon • Goodreads
 

Synopsis:

 Oliver was a lost child. Even though he had a good background, he managed to screw up his life. He was a military brat. His father served 24 years in the US Navy. His mom was loving and kind, but very strict. Maybe too much discipline was too much for him?

He also had a good education. He was taught in DoDDs (Department of Defense Dependents Schools), similar to private schools, in Portugal and Panama. He even earned a bachelor's degree in Business Management from the renown San Diego State University. However, after all that, it was all downhill.

Oliver was a nerd. And he was determined to become a superhero to prove to all the bullies wrong. He worked out hard, even up to five hours a day. He told his psychologist that the reason why he worked out so hard was so he could become a triathlete. However, his real goal was to become a superhero.

Unfortunately, Oliver took a wrong path in life. He got mixed up in women, money, and gambling. He had a theory: To think like a criminal, you must act like a criminal.

See the adventures of our young superhero as he turns his life around....

Review:

Becoming a Superhero is a story of Oliver Galang, a story that tells us no matter how hard your life may get, just move on. He tells us his story growing up as a military brat, about his life living in different countries, he also tells us his ups and downs, his problem in gambling, relationships, and money, most of all his dream to become a superhero.

Everyone of us is a hero, we all have it inside, not a hero with supernatural powers or a hero with super-fighting extraordinary skills, we are a hero by means of saving others by helping, giving, and by caring. From his childhood dream of becoming a superhero Mr. Galang soon realized that he's a superhero by means of giving love to those who he thinks need it most, and most of all he's a superhero who needs to save himself.

I adore this book, it was simply written, it proves that you don't need a help of a great editor to let the people know your story. I adore Mr. Galang for being brave to let the people know his deepest stories. And especially I adore his parents for letting their children experience the culture of a Filipino, which many Filipinos who just stepped on a foreign country forget nowadays. I had fun time reading that. I definitely recommend this book who enjoys reading a memoir.

Ratings: 3.5/5

About the Author:

Oliver Galang lives in San Diego, California. He was a military brat and traveled all around the world. Oliver has three sisters and no brothers. He graduated from the renown San Diego State University with a bachelor's degree in Business Management and a minor in Industrial Organizational Psychology. When the author is not writing, he is either running, boxing, kickboxing, or playing the piano. 

Gone by Michael Grant [Book Review]

Title: Gone (Gone #1)
Author: Michael Grant
Published: June 24th 2008 by Katherine Tegen Books
Source: Paperback

 Summary from Goodreads

In the blink of an eye. Everyone disappears. GONE.

Except for the young. Teens. Middle schoolers. Toddlers. But not one single adult. No teachers, no cops, no doctors, no parents. Just as suddenly, there are no phones, no internet, no television. No way to get help. And no way to figure out what's happened.

Hunger threatens. Bullies rule. A sinister creature lurks. Animals are mutating. And the teens themselves are changing, developing new talents--unimaginable, dangerous, deadly powers--that grow stronger by the day.

It's a terrifying new world. Sides are being chosen, a fight is shaping up. Townies against rich kids. Bullies against the weak. Powerful against powerless. And time is running out: On your birthday, you disappear just like everyone else...

Review:

If you're looking for a book that will creep you out, stay you up all night, get paranoid, and sleep with lights on (that's the exact thing happen to me). Then grab and read this book.

Gone.
The book started with Sam wandering at his school then suddenly in an instant his professor has gone, everyone 15 and up has also gone.

What will you do if you were trapped inside this dome which they called the FAYZ? With no way out, with no elders for guidance, bullies do rule, with kids starting to mutate, not just kids but also animals do mutate. Everything is just getting worse.

The greatest thing I love about this book is responsibility. Everyone needs a leader, a protector, someone who will tell them the best thing to do, and they see Sam has a potential for it, but Sam didn't want to, yet he grabbed it and defend those who are in need. And there was these characters like Mary who takes care of the infants, Albert who runs a fast-food restaurant, and Dahra who takes care of the injured, they take those responsibilities to help, no one told them to do those things, and when things got worse, they can't complain but they can quit, yet they didn't. Every one of them have responsibilities to give strength and hope to one another.

Michael Grant style of writing is great, it was clearly written, shifting from one person's story to another, and it's not confusing. The book doesn't focus on Sam's story alone, yeah he's the main character so he gets the main attention, well except from Sam there was also (as far as I remember) a story of Albert and Mary at Perdido Beach, Lana at the wilderness, Caine the antagonist, and some story happening on Coates Academy and Perdido Beach. The book was written in 3rd person.

The plot is amazing its so different, I can't think of a book that is a bit similar to this one. The world-building is also amazing, you'll feel like you were part of the book seeing everything in front of your eyes and kicking Drake's face (he's the most arrogant, brutal, worst antagonist I've ever read). The fighting scenes are very well written and when things gets into the peak point you'll read with an open mouth and a big eyes, that's how amazing this book is. There's no big changes on character build-up, 'cause its obvious that there's still 5 more books. Definitely it's a page turner, it has over 500 pages that I didn't notice at first, but it doesn't matter. It's a great read you'll never regret it.


Rating: 5/5

About the Author

Michael Grant (born July 26, 1954) is an American author of young adult fiction, the co-creator and co-author of the Animorphs and the Everworld book series, and also the creator and author of Gone and The Magnificent 12 series.
Grant was raised in a military family, attending ten schools in five states, as well as three schools in France. As an adult, he became a writer in part because "it was one of the few jobs that wouldn't tie him down to a specific location." According to the back flap of one of his books: "He lives in California with his wife, Katherine Applegate and their two children, and far too many pets." He currently lives in Irvine California. In the Gone series, there are currently five books: Gone, Hunger, Lies, Plague and Fear, but there will be at least one more, Light, which the author has said will be the conclusion to the series. It is supposed to end up on the market in 2013. A new book called BZRK was released in 2012.

http://www.facebook.com/authormichaelgrant

Blood Red Road [Book Review]

Title: Blood Red Road (Dust Lands #1)
Author: Moira Young
Published: June 7, 2011 by Margaret K. McElderry Books

Summary from Goodreads:
 
Saba has spent her whole life in Silverlake, a dried-up wasteland ravaged by constant sandstorms. The Wrecker civilization has long been destroyed, leaving only landfills for Saba and her family to scavenge from. That's fine by her, as long as her beloved twin brother Lugh is around. But when a monster sandstorm arrives, along with four cloaked horsemen, Saba's world is shattered. Lugh is captured, and Saba embarks on an epic quest to get him back .

Suddenly thrown into the lawless, ugly reality of the world outside of desolate Silverlake, Saba is lost without Lugh to guide her. So perhaps the most surprising thing of all is what Saba learns about herself: she's a fierce fighter, an unbeatable survivor, and a cunning opponent. And she has the power to take down a corrupt society from the inside. Teamed up with a handsome daredevil named Jack and a gang of girl revolutionaries called the Free Hawks, Saba stages a showdown that will change the course of her own civilization. 

Review:

At first I was struggling to read it because of the misspelled words that was written intentionally to make it kinda slang. I have to repeat those words, sometimes I correct it, and thought that it's endless, I got irritated, then I gave up. After a month I decided to read it because my Goodreads friends enjoyed it they even wrote a great review, and that makes me think that there's something in this book that will keep me reading, so the secret is - just ignore those words and eventually you get used to it. Gawdammit, It's really a great read.

Follow the adventures of Saba on her search for his twin brother Lugh that was captured by those horsemen that came right after a huge sandstorm, she have to travel the dessert with her pet raven Nero and her younger sister named Emmi whom she blames for their mother's death. On her way she got captured, she got slaved, forced to be a cage fighter which she handled easily 'cause she's tough, she was born to be a fighter. And there she meets Jack, and the Free Hawks, then she managed to escape with a very great plan, then made an alliance with Jack's old friends.

The protagonist Saba, she's fierce, she's tough, but sometimes she's kind of irritating, she's always like, I have to save Lugh, I have to save Lugh, but I understand her, they were just four of them in SilverLake, her father is almost out of his mind, and she got easily irritated to her sister Emmi. Lugh is the only person that she can lean on. And they were twins, twins are always connected, they were bond together.

I love the world building, men and woman are all equal, it's just the power and the wealth that makes them superior. The scenes was described very well. The characters are all great. Not so good ending it was predictable, and the last fighting scene i think was overly used. Nevertheless It's really a great read, the hype when you're reading it was superb. Highly recommended.

Rating: 4/5



About the Author

Moira Young has been by turns an actress, dancer, and opera singer, but her first loves are books and writing. A native Canadian, she now lives in the UK with her husband. Blood Red Road is her first novel.

Hush, Hush [Book Review]

 
Title: Hush, Hush (Hush, Hush #1)
Author: Becca Fitzpatrick
Published: October 13th 2009 by Simon & Schuster

Summary from Goodreads:

A SACRED OATH
A FALLEN ANGEL
A FORBIDDEN LOVE

Romance was not part of Nora Grey's plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how hard her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch comes along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Patch draws Nora to him against her better judgment.

But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is and seems to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.

For she is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost Nora her life.

 

Review:

This book took me by surprise, I really have no plan to buy a book that day, but when I saw this one lurking at the side with $4.99 price (that's P175.00) who cant resist? I'm running like hell, I immediately bought it.

I think everyone of us believes in angels may it be a guardian angel, or a fallen one, as long as its angel. I believe they were there following us and protecting us. But what if that angel is in human form, we maybe even encounter them but we just didn't notice who they are.

This is my first angel/nephilim book. I even don't know about these nephilims thing, so now I know, half angel + half human = nephilim. Great!

Patch and Nora, I love them, I love Patch doing those thing to Nora, although it turned out that his intentions are not that good, I really like Patch character you will really think that he's hiding something and that's the one thing that keeps me reading 'cause I want to know what it really is. And Nora, the name feels flat for me, but she's sexy, she know she's attractive and beautiful but she don't want to get noticed, I can't find anything wrong about her character.

This book is surprising, and intriguing at the same time. At first it was this man who got close at this girl, that revealed he is a fallen angel and there's a story behind that, on why he want to get close tho this girl, on what his real intention is, and there was this mysterious characters that wants to get revenge and the other that wants them to get separated, and so on. I was bit surprised that these angels have some abilities rather than to fly. And that thing makes you keep reading. The ending was just OK, no cliff-hangers, it feels like it's not a series and have no sequels, it makes a good stand-alone. After reading this I really have no idea on what will happen to the next book. Definitely I will still buy the sequel.

That's it, for those of you who have no interest in reading this book just like I do, you should give it a try. You won't regret it. I promise. Thanks for dropping by.

Rating: 4/5


About the Author

Becca Fitzpatrick grew up reading Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden with a flashlight under the covers. She graduated college with a degree in health, which she promptly abandoned for storytelling. When not writing, she's most likely prowling sale racks for reject shoes, running, or watching crime dramas on TV. She is the author of the bestselling HUSH, HUSH Saga. HUSH, HUSH Saga are in stores everywhere! Worldwide.
 

www.beccafitzpatrick.com

Eon [Book Review]

Title: Eon (Eon #1)
Author: Alison Goodman
Published: December 26, 2008

Summary from Goodreads:

Eon has been studying the ancient art of Dragon Magic for four years, hoping he’ll become apprentice to one of the twelve energy dragons of good fortune. But he also has a dark secret. He is actually Eona, a sixteen-year-old girl who has been living a dangerous lie for the chance to become a Dragoneye, the human link to an energy dragon’s power. It is forbidden for females to practise the Dragon Magic and, if discovered, Eon faces a terrible death. But after a brilliant sword ceremony, Eon is catapulted into the treacherous world of the Imperial court, where his desperate lie comes to light.

Thanks to Lori's Reading Corner for the book.

Review:

If there's a word that can describe fantastic, excellent, brilliant all-in-one, that's the word for this book. It really takes a great time to research to make such ambitious work especially working on a culture that is rich in history, hands down to you Ms. Goodman. The use of Chinese zodiacs are absolutely amazing. Somewhat part of our lives we believe that this zodiac brings luck.

As everyone knows this is all about Eona hiding her true identity as Eon because woman at early times are underrated, this is not just in China but all over the world. She's fighting not for her own but also to every people that cares for her. It has some political issues that I think will lead to the downfall of China's imperialism and its all because of greed. Greed will always pull you down.

I love all the characters, this is not just some of the other book that has these characters that just come and go and forgotten, this book is not, all characters played their role very well, I also feel myself played their role each and every one of them, I feel like an actor in here, I deserve a best actor award.

The descriptions was written very well, the plot, the twists, the dragon scenes, I feel like I was watching a Chinese fantasy movie. Well, I recommend it for those who love Asian history, fantasy, swords and dragons. It's great read you should read it.

 Rating: 5/5

About the Author

  
Alison is the author of EON and EONA, a New York Times Bestselling fantasy duology which has sold into seventeen countries and been translated into ten languages. EON was short-listed for Victorian, NSW, and WA Premier’s Literary awards, and won the 2008 Aurealis Award for Best Fantasy Novel. It was also listed as an American Library Association Best Young Adult Book (2010), a James Tiptree Jr. Honour book, and a CBCA Notable Book.

The Giver [Book Review]

Title: The Giver (The Giver Quartet #1)
Author: Lois Lowry
Published: April 26th 1993

Summary on Goodreads:

Jonas's world is perfect. Everything is under control. There is no war or fear or pain. There are no choices. Every person is assigned a role in the Community. When Jonas turns twelve, he is singled out to receive special training from The Giver. The Giver alone holds the memories of the true pain and pleasure of life. Now, it is time for Jonas to receive the truth. There is no turning back.

Review:

What will you do if you live in a world where everything is the same: sameness as it says, if you live where no one thought you the difference between this and that, you can no longer identify the colors, where everything was fixed, from the food you eat, to the clothes you wear, to the job where you should spent all your life trying to get busy, and even your family; your kids and your partner in life, in a world that you thought is perfect even if it's not. Do you want to be Jonas who wants to change everything, or to be The Giver who wants to do what he's suppose to do?

It was beautifully written, from a perfect balanced society where every man needs to be productive to an hideous society who gives the burden to just one man to keep all the emotions, and the knowledge that every man should know, just imagine you were this man who carries all this different kind of feelings and emotions whether it's pain, happiness, fear, everything, just thinking 'but it it really makes me insane, that's why I was filled with admiration to this old man, he keeps all this burden for his entire life.

If there's a Giver then there's a Receiver. Jonas, well honestly I can't describe him very well, he's just this kid like the other who plays, who have friends, and do what he's suppose to do. Then it all changed, his life changed when he was chosen to be "the Receiver", all the thoughts, all the knowledge, all the feelings should be passed unto him by "the Giver", Once he received some of them it opens his eyes to see the reality, and this is where he tries to change everything.

Well I was quite disappoint at the ending, like it shouldn't have to end that way. Otherwise it's a great read, from the start it was interesting, the next few chapters are quite not good, but when you're nearly at the mid part it was getting better and better that keeps you read on-and-on. So yea, if you haven't read it, I suggest that you should read it now.

Rating: 4/5


About the Author

Lois Lowry (born Lois Ann Hammersberg on March 20, 1937) is an American author of children's literature. She began her career as a photographer and a freelance journalist during the early 1970s. Her work as a journalist drew the attention of Houghton Mifflin and they encouraged her to write her first children's book, A Summer to Die, which was published in 1977 when she was forty years old. She has since written more than thirty books for children and published an autobiography. Two of her works have been awarded the prestigious Newbery Medal: Number the Stars in 1989, and The Giver in 1993.

As an author, Lowry is known for writing about difficult subject matters within her works for children. She has explored such complex issues as racism, terminal illness, murder, and the Holocaust among other challenging topics. She has also explored very controversial issues of questioning authority such as in The Giver quartet. Her writing on such matters has brought her both praise and criticism. In particular, her work The Giver has been met with a diversity of reactions from schools in America, some of which have adopted her book as a part of the mandatory curriculum, while others have prohibited the book's inclusion in classroom studies.

Check her site @ http://www.loislowry.com/