Review: Athena the Brain

Athena has always been above average. She has never quite fit in at Triton Junior High, but who would’ve guessed that Athena is actually a goddess? Principal Zeus’s daughter, to be exact.

When she’s summoned to Mount Olympus Academy, Athena thinks she might actually fit in for the first time in her life. But in some ways, school on Mount Olympus is not that different from down on Earth, and Athena is going to have to deal with the baddest mean girl in history: Medusa!

I loved this book, it was short but it was very sweet. I loved all the characters we know from mythology portrayed as teenagers, it was fun, original and very exciting. The whole concept of the school and how it was run was amazing. There was so much I loved about this book and I cannot think of one thing I disliked apart from it ending, thank goodness there’s more books in the series.

I loved the character Athena, she was one of the mythological characters I knew less about, it was fun to see her grow and interact. Medusa lived up to her reputation, how she got the snakes was a brilliant idea.

I am not sure what else I can say, other than read it 🙂

5 out of 5 stars

Advertisement

Review: Gossip Girl

Welcome to New York City’s Upper East Side, where my friends and I live, go to school, play, and sleep—sometimes with each other.

S is back from boarding school, and if we aren’t careful, she’s going to win over our teachers, wear that dress we couldn’t fit into, steal our boyfriends’ hearts, and basically ruin our lives in a major way. I’ll be watching closely . . .

You know you love me,

gossip girl.

I really enjoyed the T.V. show, although the book is not usually something I would read but decided to give it a try. Glad I did. It was really fun and as you’d expect full of gossip. Serena was an enigma, she seemed to have two personalities, it annoyed me a little. But I really enjoyed the rest of it. Some of the characters were not what I expected. But I did expect more gossip and more scandal. Dan was not what I expected, he was a lot more whiny and too much of a cliche. It seemed like he was wanting people to think he was sensitive and I honestly wanted to tell him to stop being so pretentious and get over himself.

I hope that Dan and Serena get together. They seem like they would make a nice couple, a little odd but nice. Chuck is a little perverse, almost illegally so. He abused a girl and she felt like she could not yell out and no-one seemed to care. That really annoyed me.

I would read this again and I am looking forward to the second one in the series.

4 out of 5 stars.

Challenge Update: April and May

April was not a good month for this but May was. Click the pictures to take you to my reviews.

11 to be read books out 21-30 overall, so not too bad, on track 🙂

16 books out 50 is okay but not great, I can do better. Really need to get moving this month if I want to manage this.

So 1 out of 20, really not good. It is my favourite genre, so I should manage to get back on track.

0 out of 3, still got plenty of time.

How are all your challenges going?

Review: Skeleton Key

Skeleton Key (Alex Rider 3) by Anthony Horowitz

Alex Rider has been through a lot for his fourteen years. He’s been shot at by international terrorists, chased down a mountainside on a makeshift snowboard, and has stood face-to-face with pure evil. Twice, young Alex has managed to save the world. And twice, he has almost been killed doing it. But now Alex faces something even more dangerous. The desperation of a man who has lost everything he cared for: his country and his only son. A man who just happens to have a nuclear weapon and a serious grudge against the free world. To see his beloved Russia once again be a dominant power, he will stop at nothing. Unless Alex can stop him first… Uniting forces with America’s own CIA for the first time, teen spy Alex Rider battles terror from the sun-baked beaches of Miami all the way to the barren ice fields of northernmost Russia. Come along for the thrilling ride of a lifetime.

The third book in the Alex Rider series, it lived up to expectations, it was full of action and adventure. It was good to see some adult spies that did not want him to do any spywork, that may sound mean, but come on, all the ones at MI6 seem to be okay with him risking his life and don’t really seem to care, apart from Mrs Jones, who I think is a brilliant character. I like it when she stands up to her boss, in defense of Alex. The story was good, it was like two stories in one. I know Alex says he does not want to be a spy, but he really does not show it, he keeps going back, and since there is 9 books, possibly more on the way, I am guessing he keeps on going.

The story was good, believable and shows how mature Alex is, he may be fourteen but he doesn’t act like it most of the time, although he has his moments. I like how he has a possible love interest, he does not seem to have any friends, which I am not too keen on, especially when he seems like a really nice person, smart and funny. I was a clever way that Alex “beat” the adult spies, it made sense, a little over the top but a great read. I am looking forward to the fourth book in the series.

Four out of Five stars

Review: Poison

Poison by Bridget Zinn

Sixteen-year-old Kyra, a highly-skilled potions master, is the only one who knows her kingdom is on the verge of destruction—which means she’s the only one who can save it. Faced with no other choice, Kyra decides to do what she does best: poison the kingdom’s future ruler, who also happens to be her former best friend.

But, for the first time ever, her poisoned dart . . . misses.

Now a fugitive instead of a hero, Kyra is caught in a game of hide-and-seek with the king’s army and her potioner ex-boyfriend, Hal. At least she’s not alone. She’s armed with her vital potions, a too-cute pig, and Fred, the charming adventurer she can’t stop thinking about. Kyra is determined to get herself a second chance (at murder), but will she be able to find and defeat the princess before Hal and the army find her?

Kyra is not your typical murderer, and she’s certainly no damsel-in-distress—she’s the lovable and quick-witted hero of this romantic novel that has all the right ingredients to make teen girls swoon.

I like the setting of this book, the potion making is really inventive and I always wanted to hear more when it was mentioned. I loved Rosie the Pig, I liked how she had a character but it was not weird, it was really cute. At first I was not a fan of the way the story was told, but after while I got used to it, I felt like the story started half way through, but then flashbacks started, so everything was explained. I really liked Fred, he was fun and very charming. He is the kind of guy you want on your side, he tries his best even if he is totally out of his comfort zone.

I really had no clue what was going to happen, the twists and turns kept me guessing. The ending was really good and I wish I could read more about the world. Hal, oh , Hal he is such a creep. What she ever saw in him, chasing down his ex girlfriend and not even trying to get an explanation, not what I think a decent guy would do.

Four out of five stars

I would recommend this to anyone to likes fantasy.

Review: The Selection

The Selection Kiera Cass

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn’t want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she’s made for herself—and realizes that the life she’s always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

It took me a while to read this book, but oh my it was worth the wait! I only put it down to sleep and work, and started the second book straight away. I loved everything about this book. The setting was great and I liked the detail of the history about how the world ended up this way and how the Selection was started. I really do not like Aspen though, I just wish he was not there, I love Maxon and really want America to end with him, I know given the titles of the next two books that she probably will.
I think I may have worked out what is wrong with Marlee, let’s hope she does not get into too much trouble for it. I liked how the selection was not skipped over for sake of a quick story, every part was new and exciting. It was good to have some politics and some danger, just to mix things up and give the story some depth. I like how real America is, she does not think herself the most beautiful but neither does she think she is ugly, a nice happy medium which is probably closer to the truth for most people, even if they are not willing to admit it.
I am intrigued to find out what each set of rebels want. What the ones from the North are searching for, if they are actually searching for something.
I want Celeste out, I fear she is up to no good, she obviously wants to be Queen, but how far will she go to get it?
I know cannot wait any longer to read the second one, I think I have a book addiction 

5 out of 5 stars.

I would recommend it to anyone who loves YA and dystopian books.

Review: Shadow and Bone

Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

The Shadow Fold, a swathe of impenetrable darkness, crawling with monsters that feast on human flesh, is slowly destroying the once-great nation of Ravka.

Alina, a pale, lonely orphan, discovers a unique power that thrusts her into the lavish world of the kingdom’s magical elite—the Grisha. Could she be the key to unravelling the dark fabric of the Shadow Fold and setting Ravka free?

The Darkling, a creature of seductive charm and terrifying power, leader of the Grisha. If Alina is to fulfil her destiny, she must discover how to unlock her gift and face up to her dangerous attraction to him.

But what of Mal, Alina’s childhood best friend? As Alina contemplates her dazzling new future, why can’t she ever quite forget him?

Glorious. Epic. Irresistible. Romance.

General Review (No Spoilers)

I was a little unsure of this book before I started, it did look good so I went for it and I was so glad I did, it was amazing. The story flowed really well, was really enjoyable and had me wanting more. I really liked the characters and the storyline, I know I shouldn’t but I loved the Darkling. I cannot wait to read the second one.

5 stars out of 5

Step by Step Overview (Spoilers)

0% – Looks in depth and full of excitement, dark and ominous. It looks good.

10% – How do I describe what I am feeling right now? I don’t want to put the book down. I want to keep reading until I know everything about this land and about Alina and Mal.

20% – I am guessing she she eventually saves her lands from the evil sources. I am so entranced. The writing style is beautiful and the story is just as enchanting. I just wish there was some more explanation for some of the terms.

30% I think she will end up with the Darkling. The King seems ghastly. I like Genya I hope she is in it more.

40% – A library with doors carved to look like a book. I want so badly. Aww poor Genya.

50% – Where is Mal? Has he been writing but they don’t want any ties to her old life? What does the Apparat want? He is really creepy.

60% – Ooh I knew he liked her. The display at the ball sounds like it would be a sight to see.

70% – He hates that he likes a girl? I am not sure that I believe that the Darkling is evil.

90% – Is the Darkling going to be able to expand the Shadow Fold or is Alina going to destroy it, I am guessing expand since it is a trilogy.

100% – Wow what an ending. How is Alina going to get rid of the shadow fold? Looking forward to finding out.

 

Review: Touch of Frost

My name is Gwen Frost, and I go to Mythos Academy; a school of myths, magic and warrior whiz kids, where even the lowliest geek knows how to chop off somebody’s head with a sword and Logan Quinn, the hottest Spartan guy in school, also happens to be the deadliest. But lately, things have been weird, even for Mythos. First, mean girl Jasmine Ashton was murdered in the Library of Antiquities. Then, someone stole the Bowl of Tears, a magical artifact that can be used to bring about the second Chaos War. You know, death, destruction and lots of other bad, bad things. Freaky stuff like this goes on all the time at Mythos, but I’m determined to find out who killed Jasmine and why; especially since I should have been the one who died..

I enjoyed this, it took a little while to get into it. I found some of the writing a little annoying, sometimes the main character would find something and not know who it belongs to then describe it as his or hers, may have been an error, but happened a few too many times, and it was really annoying. Other than that the story was really good, it had lots of myths and legends in it. The characters were good, the plot was enjoyable, if not a little predictable. I worked out what would happen just before half way through. Gwen was an interesting character who learned as we did, she was new to the school, and did not believe most of what she was taught. The story progressed well, I loved some of the other characters, I liked how Gwen made friends and her Gran is probably my favourite character. I am looking forward to the next one in the series.

Four Stars out of five

I would recommend this to YA fans

Review: Point Blanc

Point Blanc by Anthony Horowitz (Alex Rider 2)

MI6 assigns Alex Rider, 14, undercover at an elite prep school for teen rebels after two fathers are assassinated. Principal Dr Grief and vicious cigar-smoking Mrs Stellenbosch are the only teachers. All the students act studious, perfect – and identical. When Alex finds the plot, the villains find him, and the mountain peak has only a black ski run escape.

I really enjoyed the second installment of this series. I did not know the story (no film) which was a good thing. I managed to read this in two sittings. It was all I could want and more. Alex Rider is back, on his second mission. The story was full action, but not so much that it not seem realistic. I liked the setting and the story, I like how it was feasible but (hopefully) not true. The school was really creepy and full of surprises. The ending totally got me. I need to know what happens, cannot wait for the next book to arrive so I can find out what happens. The characters were realistic and enjoyable to read about. The only thing I feel is slight unrealistic is that Alex is a little mature for a fourteen year old boy, but I suppose he has been through a lot.

Favourite Scene: The one with the crane, that was very cool.

4.5 stars out of 5.

Review: Feast of Souls

Feast of souls by Celia Friedman

What a dark, delicious fantasy that I devoured. I liked the vast range of characters and settings. How the magistars stay alive for ever is very clever indeed, it makes perfect sense when you think about it. The start had me, it was engrossed, did not want to stop until I found out every detail of this world and it’s unique magic. The middle had me wondering if the relationship between us was going to last. The end had me wanting more, I cannot wait for the next book.

The story is complex and full of rich storylines, which intertwine beautifully, they all come together well at the end. The story of the magistars was my favourite, they was so many of them and all after different agendas. The souleaters were terrifying, I hope to hear more about them.

4 out of 5 stars.

I would recommend this to Game of Thrones fans.