Anyway, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to everyone! As I did last year, I’m posting a book review for the books I’ve read this year. It hasn’t been nearly as many as last year (50 last year, 30 this year), and that’s in part my own fault, reading manga, playing games, or whatnot instead of reading, and also due to being busier in school. Hopefully I get back into reading more next year.
Basically, in this review, I go over the books I read this year, roughly in the order that I read them. I didn’t read any books twice this year, but if I do, I obviously don’t review it twice. I re-read books all the time, because I enjoy it. Also, these reviews are based purely on what I think makes a good book. To me a book is best when it both has good writing AND good storytelling. I will never like a character if the author doesn’t make me like them, so only good writing won’t cut it (that’s my problem with many books I had to read in school). That being said, without good writing, I’m less likely to get into the characters or think about the story as it applies to me after I’m done reading. Both are integral parts to it. Last year, I just did a rough 1-10 scale. This year, I think I’m going to give a separate storytelling, writing, and overall score. And, frankly, the overall score may well be higher than the average of the other two scores, because many times the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.
Hope you enjoy reading this and hope you get a chance to read some of these too. If you do, let me know, and we can chat about them.
Percy Jackson: The Last Olympian (10)
by Rick Riordan
∫Short Synopsis:
Percy finally learns of the great prophecy involving him as he also prepares to defeat Kronos in order to save the Gods.
Storytelling: 10/10
This is the last book in a 5 book series. The last book can sometimes make a break a series (though this series was already amazing); in this case, this book succeeded in taking everything that had already gone on in the series and wrapping it up very well. Riordan is a great “hip” storyteller. His characters are engaging and each chapter, almost, is a ride in itself. That being said, the climax to the story is still an effective climax and the dénouement at the end still keeps the character hooked until the last page.
Writing: 7/10
“Hip” writing is what it is: clever, but not usually artistic in a literary sense. That being said, the Percy Jackson series does have themes and executes them well throughout the story. The characters are believable and they have well developed character arcs. The story isn’t all wittiness either; it has its serious moments and writes them well such that you can feel for or along with the characters.
Overall: 10/10
Anyone looking for a great story and doesn’t mind fantasy should check out this book, preferably having read the rest of the series beforehand. The storyline is well thought out, meaningful, informative (on Greek mythology), and entertaining. A reader could hardly ask for more, in my opinion.
Shadow of the Hegemon 10
Shadow Puppets 8
Shadow of the Giant 9
by Orson Scott Card
Short Synopsis:
Bean, upon returning to Earth, plays a major role in resolving the political and military crisis’ as he helps Peter Wiggin rise to power as Hegemon.
Storytelling: 9/10
This year I only read 3/9 of the Enderverse series. The 3 I read follow Bean after the events of “Ender’s Game,” the most well known book of the series. The books here are especially intriguing if you like war games, psychology, philosophy, and, of course, sci-fi. Orson Scott Card tends to have a mix of these in this series. For me, I think he integrates these parts really well, although there are occasional moments when the narrative is bogged down slightly by the philosophic details. That being said, Bean especially is a likeable character and the intelligence of the main characters in outwitting the villain is constantly entertaining. Each books wraps up well within itself while still leaving room for more. A good story, in my opinion, closes up the most important loose ends, while still leaving something to the imagination of the reader.
Writing: 8/10
Card is a really good writer, but again, not necessarily a literary writer. Most of the themes and messages are often explained in one form or another, and not done so much through symbolism. Yet at the same time, I’ve always admired Card’s subtle way of setting up an emotional moment so that it hits home for me. It’s unexpected in a ways because of how the main character tries so hard to not have any emotions. Anyway, Card does characters and dialogue really well, in my opinion. Bean has character arcs in the series, as well as Peter later on, both of which were interesting to follow.
Overall: 9/10
The whole series as a whole I give 10/10, but this portion of it has a couple areas that aren’t done quite as well. My numbers are generally all pretty high anyway, but the middle book, Shadow Puppets, lags a little bit, perhaps because Card’s way of talking about love is a little odd, but I’ve gotten used to it over the years. Still, I’ve seen it done better in other books. As a whole though, the story is constantly thoughtful and interesting. I definitely recommend these books.
The Red Pyramid 9
The Throne of Fire 9
by Rick Riordan
Short Synopsis:
Carter and Sadie Kane learn that Egyptian mythology is real and still active in modern life and that they have major roles to play to prevent upcoming disaster.
Storytelling 9.5/10
So far so good. The series has one more book to go. A series is hardest to rate before its been completed. As usual, Riordan is a witty writer who constantly hooks the reader in with constant climaxes throughout the story all leading up to a larger climax at the end of each book. Somehow I feel it was slightly better done in the first 5 of the Percy Jackson series, but I’m also enjoying this series so far. This might be in part due to the fact that I’m less familiar with Egyptian mythology than with Greek mythology.
Writing 7/10
Again, “hip writing” isn’t something I would consider literary, but the dialogue is well done, the characters are fleshed out, and there are themes to the story. Everything is done well enough to engage the reader and draw out emotion at key moments.
Overall: 8.5/10
It’s hard to judge a trilogy its first two books, but I’ve read enough by the author to trust him as a good writer. The last book may tip the scales, hopefully in favor of making the series even better. I think he will. So far the book is fun and informative on Egyptian mythology while still having good emotional moments. If there’s one thing the first Percy Jackson had over this series though, it’s that this series, so far, as less impacting emotional moments, in my opinion. We’ll see how it goes from here.
The Maze Runner 9
The Scorch Trials 8
The Death Cure 7
by James Dasher
Short Synopsis:
Thomas, along with many others, are put through a series of trials by a mysterious group called WICKED, supposedly for a good cause, but is it really worth the price?
Storytelling 7/10
Admittedly, the first two books in this series were good, but the series went downhill over time, especially in the storytelling aspect. This series is a dystopian / sci-fi series that started off really promising, even if the writing wasn’t as tight as many of the other books I’ve read. The writing was less sophisticated and a little clunky at times. There was some invented language that may or may not have been necessary. It created a certain atmosphere, but sometimes it got in the way of easy narrative. Thomas was a mainly likeable character, but the characters as a whole in the series were less engaging. That being said, the series, for the most part, led you on wanting to read more. In the end, however, you didn’t get what you wanted. A semi deus ex-machina ending didn’t help either.
Writing 5/10
As I mentioned earlier, the writing was clunky at times and some of the made-up words weren’t always effective. The dialogue wasn’t always well done, but it wasn’t bad either. The characters didn’t really have character arcs. You thought they might, but in the end, no. Many of the important characters were didn’t have character development, especially in the 3rd book. The 3rd book really broke the series, unfortunately.
Overall: 7/10
A trilogy can stand or fall on the strength of a trilogy, and this one fell, but the first two books are still worth reading. The 3rd book isn’t bad, but it will likely leave you disappointed.
The Giver 10
by Lois Lowry
Short Synopsis:
In Jonas’s town, everything has been regimented into a utopian perfection, but as Jonas takes to his new role as the next “Receiver of Memory,” he begins to understand just how great the price is.
Storytelling 10/10:
A reader reading this for the first time would likely not notice all that’s missing until it slaps them in the face. Sure, the reader can tell that not everything is as perfect as seems, but the extent of the problem is well hidden until suddenly it is revealed. The writing is very effective with a very convincing set of main characters and a good pace of revelations. The ending is slightly open ended, but effective. The purpose of the story is clear and effectively shown, rather than merely told.
Writing 10/10:
As I mentioned earlier, the writing reveals content at a wonderful pace – quickly enough that we are not confused, but slowly enough that we are wondering what will be understood next. There is a definite theme and opinion. It is a book that is as applicable today as it was nearly 20 years ago when it first came out.
Overall: 10/10
Although this is often touted as a book for children, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Of course, I tend to love kids books, but that aside, this books treats many themes that adults can relate to. In fact, I’d argue that an adult could benefit more from it than a child, though it is certainly beneficial for a child as well. I loved it and found it to be one of the best dystopian books I’ve read all year. And trust me, I’ve read many.
The Thief Lord 9.5/10
by Cornelia Funke
Short Synopsis:
Prosper and Bo, on the run from their unfriendly aunt and uncle, wind up in Venice and live with a crew who follows the Thief Lord, a mysterious young man; soon, the group is called on to steal a mysterious wing and uncover something far greater than they had imagined.
Storytelling 10/10:
The story is charmingly told and it contains enough history, mystery, and logic for adults, yet enough humor and imagination for children. The main characters, Prosper and Bo, the Thief Lord, as well as a detective, who is another major character, all have interesting back-histories and story-arcs that lead the ultimately satisfying conclusion to the novel. The movie was very good too, but that has nothing to do with the book. Because this is MY book review, I get to do what I like. Anyway,
Writing 9/10:
I think the book is effective in the way it treats its subjects and themes. How does an older brother take care of his younger brother when they’re now orphans? How does a detective try to do what’s right, rather than what will make him money? The book is, obviously, a kid’s book, not a literary one, but in that way it’s not pretentious. Instead, the book helps the reader get into the story enough to want to follow the characters. Another theme that is explored is that of age and whether it’s better to be young, or old, or just be content with the age you are.
Overall 9.5/10:
I’m biased, I admit, towards books that are enjoyable to read as opposed to ones that make you struggle through them, but I think that this book was fantastic. I’m tempted to give it a 10, but I’ll have to read it again perhaps next year to make sure. I reread books a lot. Anyway, this story is famous in its home country Germany and I’m happy it made it over here as well. It give some historical view into Venice as well as presenting a host of enjoyable, if quirky, characters. Even the principle “villains,” if you can call them that, are interesting and enjoyable to read about. The story, as I’ve already said, presents its material in such a way that I think even adults would be able to take something away from reading it, and children all the more so. Loved it.
Divergent 8/10
by Veronica Roth
Short Synopsis: In a futuristic Chicago, Beatrice lives in an attempt at utopia, where there are factions based on what is most important to the people in it. At age 16, she makes a shocking choice that thrusts her into a strange place, and into a position to help the city from falling into chaos.
Storytelling 9/10:
It’s hard to write a stand out dystopian book so soon after many stand out books have appeared. This is a book that pretends to be dystopian, but it’s really just fake-topia. In that way, some of the set-up seems a little unbelievable to me, but I tend to suspend my disbelief pretty quickly if the story is enjoyable, which it is. The society isn’t actually bad, but it is strange. All this being said, the actual storytelling is, in my opinion, very good. The pace is very quick and it’s hard to put down. The seemingly blissful city is on the verge of crumbling, and it’s up to her, basically, to try to stop those who would take power from getting that power. It’s perhaps the most similar to “The Giver” in terms of set-up, but it ends up very different. Beatrice and Four, the other main character, are very compelling and interesting characters. The action is constant, as is the suspense. The ending is the ending of the end of the first book of a trilogy, so it’s still hard to say yea or nay to it.
Writing 6/10:
So far, the writing has been entertaining, but I can’t say its been deep. I’m not even sure I see one main theme yet, which is okay, I guess, but I’d’ve preferred more in that department. I mean, I’m sure I could find themes if I had to, but it’s nothing that sticks out immediately. So far, it’s primarily a good story. There are changes going on in the main characters and there’s nothing that stands out as bad. I think I’ll have to re-read the book to get a better handle on the writing and on the themes, but the fact that nothing sticks out as particularly excellent, other than the storytelling. The writing did pull on your emotions at times though, so that’s good.
Overall 8/10:
I’d recommend this book, as it was really enjoyable to read, especially if you like dystopias, sci-fi, and romance, as I do. The book made some interesting choices that set up the sequel to be very interesting. I can’t say it’s a stand out first-book of a trilogy like “The Hunger Games” or “The Knife of Never Letting Go,” but it’s good enough that I could see the series as becoming very good and satisfying by the end of the trilogy. I’ll just have to wait and see.
The Screwtape Letters 10/10
by C.S. Lewis
Short Synopsis: A series of letters between an older experienced demon Screwtape and his foolish nephew as he tries to tempt a man and lead him off the right path.
Storytelling: N/A
Writing: N/A
Overall 10/10:
This isn’t really a story, so I decided to skip the storytelling and writing parts. If you are a Christian or like to read Christian philosophy than this is extremely well written and presented. I may be biased by the fact that I agree with a good amount of it, though not all of it. Still, it is written in a very witty way and with solid logical arguments. I underlined many parts of it, but constantly wrote in that many of the quotes have to be reversed. Lewis does an amazing job of writing convincingly from the perspective of demons. A very good read that one can take a lot out of if he/she chooses.
Mr. Midshipman Hornblower 8/10
by C.S. Forester
Short Synopsis: Young Horatio Hornblower joins the British Navy and through his intelligence and wit overcomes many challenges and rises in the ranks
Storytelling 8/10:
The storytelling is such that to me it seemed like a series of short stories. I suppose, nowadays, I’m used to chapters that end on hooks, rather than actually concluding what was going on. The storys are enjoyable and Hornblower is a compelling character. The writing seems somehow in an older style to me, though I’m not sure how to describe it. Perhaps a large part of that is that the description expects the reader to know about some of the seamanship or more British things first, some of which I knew and some of which I didn’t. I liked each story, but not each story was immediately successive after the first.
Writing 7/10:
It’s a different style of writing than I’m used to, but overall effective. I wouldn’t consider it literary or symbolic, but it sure does convey the thought process of Hornblower and it conveys the period in which its set very well.
Overall 8/10:
I like the stories very much, but I find reading them to be slightly more difficult than I’d like on a regular basis. However, I can recommend them heartily to anyone who loves history and seamanship. I can also recommend the television series based off of him, as I remember enjoying them very much, watching them with my dad.
The History of Joseph Smith by His Mother 10/10
by Lucy Mack Smith
Short Synopsis: Lucy Mack Smith gives a history of her family leading up to the birth of Joseph and then continuing on until his death.
Storytelling: N/A
Writing: N/A
Overall 10/10:
If you are a member of the LDS church or are interested in “Mormon” history, I’d think this would be very interesting to read. Then again, I am a member of the LDS church, so I may be biased on this account. I learned a number of very interesting things and thoroughly enjoyed reading it and would recommend it to anyone interested.
Mistborn 10/10
by Brandon Sanderson
Short Synopsis: The Lord Ruler has ruled for a 1000 years like a God, but a trained crew led by a mysterious rebel decides on a plan to overthrow him once and for all, along with the aid of a young urchin girl who doesn’t yet know her powers.
Storytelling 10/10:
This fantasy book reminds me slightly of Dune, in that the story is slightly dense, meaning that the author has created a world and a way of doing things that we the reader can only understand by reading. The whole story is fascinating and the struggle is amazing and the climax incredible. The main characters, Vin and Kelsier, are intriguing and, although we are often in the mind of Vin, Kelsier remains an enigmas throughout, which is one of the hooks drawing on the story. Trust me when I say, the story is amazing.
Writing 10/10:
It takes real skill to craft a world and think of all the nuances that go into it. Mistborn provides a mix of a sort of older feudal style / almost late Victorian British sort of lifestyle mixed with a fantasy world with a magic system unlike any other. Not only does the author do a great job of this, but his characters are also well done and complex. Vin, the main main character has a character arc. The book also has many interesting philosophical ideas and theories.
Overall: 10/10
I loved this book a lot. So much so that I was afraid, and still am to some extent, afraid to read the next two novels. You see, this is book 1 of a trilogy, but it ends pretty nicely at the end of book 1. Admittedly it has strong hints at sequels with several things left unresolved, but enough was resolved, in my mind, that I began to fear that I might not like the ending of the trilogy. I’ll get to them next year, but this one book is definitely a must.
Flipped 9/10
by Wendelin Van Dranaan
Short Synopsis:
Juli and Bryce, two young kids, take turns narrating their encounters and individual experiences over the years, from when they first met, up through 8th grade.
Storytelling 9/10:
Okay, so maybe the synopsis doesn’t sound like much, but if you like romance and you like thoughtful coming of age stories, this book has them both for both characters. Both characters are interesting and complex and enjoyable to follow. Their perspectives are unique and very different, and their struggles also very different, but the story goes at a nice pace and is enjoyable all the way through. There was only one moment that didn’t seem quite as believable, but it was funny, so I didn’t mind.
Writing 9/10:
For a book that seems like a it’ll be a shallow kids romance book, there’s a lot to this book, I think. The characters come from complex families with unique problems that cause each kid to think about some deep issues. Yes, there is also romance, but it doesn’t feel like a romance novel. It’s more slice of life, I’d say. Both characters change a lot over the course of the story and the ending of the book was really good.
Overall 9/10
I was introduced to the book because I first watched the movie (which I now own and love, except that I had no idea PG movies allowed swear words nowadays (why were they there in the first place?)). Anyway, the movie and the book are both very much the same and different at the same time, but both good experiences. I recommend the book to anyone. I’d recommend the movie too, if I could just get rid of the 2 swear words L
Ship Breaker 9/10
by Paolo Bacigalupi
Short Synopsis: Nailer is a Shipbreaker in a difficult almost dystopian modern world, set in the Gulf of Mexico and the coastline there. It’s a tough life, but when he finds the wreck of a rich girl’s ship and finds that the girl is still alive, he makes a decision not many would make.
Storytelling 9/10:
The story is harsh and grasping with its difficulties. It may or may not be a dystopia at large, but it’s definitely a dystopian life for Nailer, the main character. The author does a good job of keeping in mind his audience by not getting more detailed than he needs to for young adult fiction, but its obvious that life is hard. I’ve been thinking a lot about what it means to be good in a dystopian world, and this book handles this question well by showing a character who is good, even though he himself isn’t necessarily sure of it. The pace is quick, but not so quick it leaves you behind and the resolution is effective for a stand-alone novel.
Writing 9/10:
As with Mistborn and Dune, this book is slightly dense, as in you have to keep reading to fully understand what’s going on. I guess I like that in a book, because it shows that the author has confidence in the story and in the reader. The story brings up real emotional issues, such as how to deal with a father who used to be nice and is now abusive. It deals with survival in a harsh environment. Nailer has an effective character arc through the story and comes to some deep thoughts near the end. In case you can’t tell, character arcs are important to me. Not that I think about it the whole way through, or even really at the end, but looking back I always know which books were good or not as good based on effective character arcs.
Overall 9/10:
I really enjoyed this book. I’ve read a lot of dystopian books this year and last and this is one of the few really fresh ones that didn’t have echoes of other people’s successes in them. Don’t get me wrong, most books I’ve read have been original, but some feel less fresh to me. Anyway, this book was a great read and also good at getting you to think about some important issues about today as well.
Matched 8/10
by Ally Condie
Short Synopsis: In a seemingly perfect world, guys and girls are “matched” at age 16; Cassia is 16 and I matched, but for a moment someone else also appears on the matching card.
Storytelling 8/10:
The story is a lot more interesting if you like romance and fake-topias. I can totally see other people as not enjoying this story as much, especially if they aren’t big into romance. Out of all the dystopian books I’ve read, this one focuses most on the romance part, considering that that’s the central focus of the plot. That being said, there are other interesting facets of the fake-topia once you get into it. I enjoyed it, but if you’re looking for action, this isn’t your book.
Writing 8/10:
One of the things I enjoyed most about this story was its utilization of poetry and prose intermingled with the story. It added a lot to me what might have been a shallower story. The characters got more interesting as the plot went on and changed bit by bit.
Overall 8/10:
I’m rushing things slightly, so I might be getting lazy with my ratings, but I did really enjoy this story. It’s the beginning of a trilogy and it seems to be an interesting set-up, so we’ll see how it goes. It’ll need more of something to really become great trilogy, but so far it’s good.
Leviathan 9/10
Behemoth 9/10
Goliath 9/10
by Scott Westerfield
Short Synopsis:
This is World War I set in a steampunk sort of history where Darwin discovered much more than just evolution and mechanics are also greatly advanced. In this context, we meet both Alec, the Hapsburg prince running for his life after the murder of his parents and, far away, a British girl named Deryn who pretends to be a boy so that she can join the British Airforce.
Storytelling 10/10:
If you don’t mind alternate histories and enjoy a fantastic story, then this will surely satisfy. The story starts off with the beginning of WWI and goes from there. The story is imaginative and yet it helps you into the story with good description and, what’s more, incredibly detailed and enjoyable art that constantly appears on the pages to help portray what is going on. They help the story really lift off, in my opinion. Each story is enjoyable with dashing characters and action aplenty.
Writing 9/10:
I’ll start off by saying, because it’s expected by now, that the principal characters of the story go through some great character arcs, especially Alec. Deryn has a lot of what makes her likeable at the beginning, but still gets better. The story as a whole is well thought out with a some solid interesting insights throughout. They a picture says 1000 words, and I’d have to agree and include that in this section, because it makes me wish that more stories went to the effort of having illustrations throughout their books. It would help a lot, I believe, to really show the reader what’s going on. The book also handles very effectively the fact that its an alternate history by constantly implementing real and historical facts into the narrative. The world crafting of this alternate history is well done and effective.
Overall 10/10
As a trilogy, it deserves a 10. It maintains its premise throughout and is clearly the result of a well thought out narrative from start to finish. I loved the characters and was thoroughly satisfied by the ending. What can I say more?
The Knife of Never Letting Go 10/10
The Ask and the Answer 10/10
Monsters of Men 10/10
by Patrick Ness
Short Synopsis:
On a recently colonized world, it seems that all women have died off due to a disease that causes everyone’s thoughts to be heard. Todd Hewitt grows up believing this and soon, at the age of 13, he’ll be the last boy in Prentisstown; but not all is as it seems and he discovers, one day, a hole in the noise.
Storytelling:
I loved the storytelling. Each book adds to the number of narrators, the first book being only Todd, the second being Todd and Viola, and the third adding one more narrator as well. Each book has a different plot hook and solution, ending in one of the greatest climaxes I’ve read in a long time and the most satisfying ending of all the dystopian books I’ve read, which is saying something. I can hardly praise this story enough.
Writing 10/10:
The author is careful in using different diction and voice for each narrator. Each book is a different sort of book with different major themes, and yet they all have a couple overarching themes as well. The main characters all have great character arcs (you knew it was coming). Todd especially becomes better and better.
Overall 10/10:
I’m a little pressed for time, so I’m keeping this a little short, but this is my #1 recommendation to people. That being said, you have to not mind a little fantasy/sci-fi, but I think this book is good enough even for those who don’t normally like those things. That’s what I think anyway. For more details you can check last years book review. Also, I hope to be writing a mini-essay on dystopian books sometime in the near future, but I probably won’t post it on facebook, so you’ll just have to stay tuned.
The Son of Neptune 9/10
by Rick Riordan
Short Synopsis:
Percy Jackson doesn’t remember about himself, but he obviously as the skills and power of one who’s overcome great obstacles (see the 1st Percy Jackson series). Now he runs in with a camp of Roman Demi-Gods and goes on quest to help prevent a new evil from rising
Storytelling 10/10:
I think my synopsii are getting more and more ridiculous, but basically, this book is in the same vein as most of Riordan’s other books in this same series. The story is funny, witty, and mythologically interesting. I learn a ton by reading his books and it keeps me interested the whole way through. He sure knows how to deliver climax after climax, which may be a little exhausting for some.
Writing 7/10:
As with his other books, I’d call the writing “hip”. In my book, “hip” writing is great fun to read, though not necessarily literary and merits a rough “7” on my writing scale. Others may disagree. If you want a fun story that also has touching moments and also has good themes and such, then this is good writing. To me, 7 is pretty darn good. Maybe I ought to give it an 8 or a 9… but then I’d have to go back and change all the other scores. Who cares? I’m just writing this review for fun and because I want other people to read the same good books I’ve read, not because I actually want to give a score to a book. Each book has its own occasion at times.
Overall 9/10
What can I say, Riordan knows how to write an enjoyable book. Technically they’re kid’s books, but why should that stop me from enjoying them? They still have things to add to my life. In other words, I recommend this book to anyone who loves fun and witty uplifting books (which, I have found, in not everybody).
The Prophet 10/10
by Kahlil Gibran
Short Synopsis:
A man hailed as a prophet gives words of wisdom before leaving a town
Storytelling: N/A
Writing 10/10:
This is poetry, so I can write about the writing, a little. This book of poetry is amazing to me because the imagery and language is simple, accessible, and profound.
Overall 10/10:
This book covers many, if not most, common day subjects and addresses them in touching and spiritual ways. I don’t agree with all the opinions expressed in the poetry, but there are many I do agree with. I love it and think of some of the poems often.
The Shadow of Sirius 10/10
by W.S. Merwin
Short Synopsis: N/A
Storytelling: N/A
Writing 10/10:
This is a Pulitzer prize winner and I am not in a position to talk at length about the amazingness of this writing, but in short the language is, in some ways, deceptively simple. The images are clear. The syntax, however, is nonexistent. You have to find it for yourself. Sometimes it’s hard, but mostly it’s nice.
Overall 10/10:
This has been one of my favorite poetry books yet read. Merwin has a certainly simplicity to him that draws you into his poetry only to find that it’s also deep and complex. I love that sort of stuff! If you love poetry, read this.
Clockwork Angel 9/10
by Cassandra Clare
Short Synopsis:
Tessa arrives in London, only to discover an undercover world of demons and strange creatures and a sinister plot that revolves around powers she didn’t know she had.
Storytelling 9/10:
This story definitely hooks you in with it’s tale and it’s romance (of course, since most of what I read has some level of romance to it). It’s full of hooks to lead you on, constantly reading. The plot was well put together, to make you think that you understood what was happening or going to happen when in reality you didn’t. I really enjoyed the storytelling here.
Writing 9/10:
I’m definitely getting lazy with my ratings so they all match up, but the writing was good with very nice epigraphs to start each chapter, some of which fit in obvious ways, while others you may have to think about for a while. Either way, the book has some interesting themes about trust in others and what makes someone human. So far we see arcs in the main characters from beginning to end.
Overall 9/10:
This series may be 10 material, but as I haven’t read the 2nd and the 3rd one won’t be out for almost another year, I’ll reserve judgment. It’s interesting how, if a first book of a trilogy is great, I’ll cautiously give it lower than a 10, just in case, whereas if the first book of a trilogy is good, but not necessarily great, I’ll give it a 9, just in case. I think this book is really a 9.5, but I’m too lazy to change the above rating. I also just want you to laugh or smile as you read this review.
The Hero and the Crown 9.5/10
by Robin McKinley
Short Synopsis:
Aerin, daughter of the King, feels like she has a great destiny to achieve, but feels oppressed by the judgments cast upon her by the townspeople and many other fellow nobles. She does not realize, however, just how great her destiny is.
Storytelling 10/10:
This story weaves well between present and past, giving the reader sufficient backstory to really get into the story and understand who Aerin is and the world she lives in. The story is epic as fantasy goes with dragons and swords and mages and the like, but all of it done in a fresh and interesting way. There’s constantly interesting things going on and a decent blend between action, adventure, and musings. I say musings, because the writing is somewhat poetic or thoughtful at times in a way I enjoy. Anyway, the ending is has some great tender moments and I was satisfied, even if I can’t explain all the exact “hows” of how it all worked out. It was written in such a way that I believed it.
Writing 9/10:
I’ve already read “The Blue Sword” the other related book by the same author, set further in the future, so the language wasn’t so hard to get into this time around, but I can see the book as being slightly dense. I enjoy that, as I’ve already explained, because it shows, to me at least, effective and confident world building. It’s an immersion experience, in some ways. Aerin, the main character goes from being for shy to more powerful in expression. I’m not sure how else to put it, but she comes out of her shell through the course of the book. I’m also impressed by writers who pull off the type of heart-rending moments like one near the end of this book that I won’t spoil for you. It takes courage as an author. Reminds me of “Enchantress of the Stars,” except that that book REALLY rips my heart out. Anyway…
Overall 9.5/10
I agree with my sister that “The Blue Sword” was better, but this was still a really good book. I recommend both books as they are great fantasy tales with intriguing characters and strong women roles and strong endings.
Phew, I’m done with that book review. I think next year I won’t separate the 2 components and do an overall as well. Too much work. But it was fun for this year. Hopefully I get minimally better at writing reviews every year. Maybe I ought to write the reviews soon after I finish the book, instead of leaving it off until the end, but… nah. Have a Happy New Year everyone and here’s hoping we all read many good books this upcoming year! Until next time!
