Review: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games

Author: Suzanne Collins
Publisher: Scholastic
Series: Hunger Games #1
Pages: 374
Genre: Fantasy
Release Date: October 1, 2008
How Received: Library

Summary: Could you survive on your own, in the wild, with everyone out to make sure you don't live to see the morning? 

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before—and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

My Thoughts: 

At first, I had my reserves about this series. I had heard about it from reviews, but the entire concept of the Hunger Games repulsed me enough to not really want to read. But when I actually sat down to read The Hunger Games? It did not disappoint. At all. It was full of such epic epicness! Within the first few chapters – the first, actually – I was hooked. I couldn’t put the book down, even if I had tried to.

I loved Katniss. She’s my newest favorite character. She’s strong, level-headed (most of the time), and will stop at nothing to protect those she loves. I was easily won over when she placed herself in front of Prim despite the certain death that would consequently await her. If there was a definition of epic, it would be Katniss.

Peeta was a lovely counterpart to Katniss. He had such charisma that he won me over with the littlest of promptings. He was comic relief and just plain funny despite the grim situation. I loved how he was the “weak” one, when men are usually portrayed as the big, macho protectors of our weak female heroines. The roles were definitely reversed in this book.

The plot was just... epic. The concept of the Hunger Games is repulsive, yet it reels you in, all the same. I found myself wanting to know what happened, to see which kid died, and how. Katniss’s predicament in the arena is so raw, and real, and I found my heart quickening with each page turn. It was so intense that I had to fight myself from not jumping ahead a few pages. I couldn’t take the suspense! There were a few times, I have to admit, that my eyes wandered ahead. I couldn’t help it! The one thing that totally got me was the scene where District 11 gave her the bread, and the scene preceding it. I was bawling.

The ending was just as awesome as everything else. Katniss is even more in danger than she was before. I love it.

I’ve seen all the Team Gale vs Tale Peeta buttons out there, and I have to say (for now, at least) I’m Team Peeta all the way.

Cover Musings: I wasn’t too impressed with the cover for The Hunger Games. That’s probably why I didn’t pick it up sooner. But after reading it? I looooove the cover, for all it symbolizes, and the Mockingjay pin!

Memorable Quotes:

[I had a hard time with quotes, because they either spoiled something or had to be taken in context, so.. I apologize for my meager amount of quotes D: ]

“At first one, then another, then almost every member of the crowd touches the three middle fingers of their left hand to their lips and holds it out to me. It is an old and rarely used gesture of our district, occasionally seen at funerals. It means thanks, it means admiration, it means goodbye to someone you love.” 24

“I guess all those hours decorating cakes paid off.”

Peeta smiles. “Yes, frosting. The final defense of the dying.” (252)

Overall Thoughts/Final Comments: I freaking LOVED The Hunger Games. I don’t know what else I can say besides that. I said epic about a gazillion times in this review -- that's how darn good this book was! I felt like each page turn was like crack. It was sooo good; I’m dang addicted now! If you had the same reservations about this series as I had... FORGET THEM. Just pick this book up right now! Go Peeta! <3

Rating: 5/5

Extras:
Book Trailer! :3 I was going to post another video, but it was a bit spoilerish, so I decided on this instead.

** This post is a challenge entry in the September Spectacular Challenge #5. 

Review: Need by Carrie Jones

Need

Author: Carrie Jones
Publisher: Bloomsbury U.S.A Children’s Books 
Series: Need #1
Pages: 306
Genre: Paranormal, YA
Release Date: December 28, 2008
How Received: Library

Summary: Zara White suspects there's a freaky guy semi-stalking her. She's also obsessed with phobias. And it's true, she hasn't exactly been herself since her stepfather died. But exiling her to shivery Maine to live with her grandmother? That seems a bit extreme. The move is supposed to help her stay sane...but Zara's pretty sure her mom just can't deal with her right now.

She couldn't be more wrong. Turns out the semi-stalker is not a figment of Zara's overactive imagination. In fact, he's still following her, leaving behind an eerie trail of gold dust. There's something not right - not human - in this sleepy Maine town, and all signs point to Zara.

In this creepy, compelling breakout novel, Carrie Jones delivers romance, suspense, and a creature you never thought you'd have to fear.

My Thoughts:

As much as I hate comparing books to other books, I had to with this one. The beginning of Need was so reminiscent of Twilight, it wasn’t even funny. New girl in a small town, it’s cold – she hates the cold, she falls down on the first day of school as she’s walking to her new ride, the hospital near the end. Maybe it’s just me, but I felt myself going back through time when I first read Twilight. Hell, some of the lines even sounded the same.  

I really didn’t know what to expect from this book, and let me tell you – even without a clue about what’s going on at the beginning, this book delivers.

So, not knowing what was going on, I accepted the pixie “sub-plot” pretty easily. Werewolves? Okay. Were-tigers? Uhh... I’ll let that slide. No vampires? That’s where I draw the line. You have an entire army of these other mythical creatures, and no vampires? That’s just odd. But yes, despite the seemingly normal title, Need IS paranormal with lots of shiny creatures.

Our main character, Zara, is dealing with loss, a new romance, potential stalker, and phobia on top of phobia. She’s depressed, hollow, and stubborn. I think she was meant to be portrayed as a strong character, but she’s really just a stupid one. She goes to danger and ends up with concussions, broken limbs, etc. I mean cmon... There is only so much physical harm the body can take. Have some self-preservation. If she had waited for half of the bad scenarios she got caught in, I’m sure there’d be more favorable outcomes. I loved Issie – she’s hyper, eccentric, and loves bunnies. Who wouldn’t like her?! She was a nice, bubbly contrast to Zara.  I also liked the fact that there was a parental figure in Zara’s life – that almost always seems to be missing in YA novels. Betty was so badass for a grandmother, and it seemed like she bended over backwards for Zara.

The novel didn’t drag too much, if at all. A lot of the story revolved on moving forward, and action from here to there. Something was always happening. And goodness, PLOT TWIST GALORE. I was only able to predict one plot twist, and that was only because it was super obvious. I’m usually up to par with some plot twists, but goodness, I did not see at least 2 of them coming AT ALL. My mouth hung open – it takes a lot to do that, so kudos to Need for catching me off guard so badly.

I love that the title Need incorporates into the story, in a way I wouldn’t have expected it to – I thought it was more of a need for... romance, or saving, or some sort. You’ll see what I mean. But it was super cool. =)

Cover Musings: THIS COVER IS GORGEOUS. Gah! I’m in love with it so much. I love it even more now that I know it actually has significance and ties in with the story! Sooo much love.

Memorable Quotes:

“It’s a lot easier to understand things once you name them. It’s the unknown that mostly freaks me out.” (pg. 1)

“'The keys are right here

à

She drew an arrow pointing at the keys, next to the note on the table, like I’d miss them.” (pg. 19)

“I used to be the type of person who was always in motion, always doing things, writing letters, running through the streets, laughing with my friends, moving. Always forward. Moving.

                Then I got stuck. My dad died and the only words I hear are death, deadly, stillness. To never more. No forward. No backward. Just stuck. Gone forever, like my dad, a blank screen on the computer, an old photograph in the hall with no spirit in it, an ice patch on a road to nowhere, nothing. Just gone.”  (pg. 62)

“Nick laughs. Dimples crinkle up the skin near his lips. I will not look at his lips. How can he never have used those? That’s a crime against humanity right there.” (pg. 101)

“Fear pushes my feet faster, makes my heart speed up too fast. It pounds against my chest, trying to escape. But from what? A voice? A shadow? I came out here to find him. He’s found me.” (pg. 111)

“Everybody has fears, right? But how many of us have my fear? Enough, it seems. Because there’s a name for it.

Autophobia

Fear of oneself” (pg. 306)

Overall Thoughts/Final Comments: Need was a pretty good book – I’d recommend this to any YA lovers out there. The pacing was good, the characters were enjoyable, and the plot was semi-unique. The inclusion of phobias made this a rather fun and quirky read – much like our main character. Zara’s and Nick’s romance was sweet, and I actually enjoyed seeing how it progressed. This actually would have been a great standalone book, but I realized it’s a series, so I’m rather curious as to how the story will expand.

Rating: 4/5

Random, fun phobias in the novel that applied to me:

Ophthalmophobic

Fear of being stared at.

Couplogagophobia

Fear of being the third wheel

Scotophobia

The fear of darkness

Catagelophobia

Fear of being ridiculed

Autophobia

Fear of being alone

** This post is a challenge entry for the September Spectacular Challenge. 

Review: Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

Vampire Academy

Author: Richelle Mead
Publisher: Razorbill

Series: Vampire Academy #1
Pages: 332
Genre: Paranormal, YA
Release Date: August 16th 2007
How Received: Library

Summary: (via Goodreads) St. Vladimir’s Academy isn’t just any boarding school—it’s a hidden place where vampires are educated in the ways of magic and half-human teens train to protect them. Rose Hathaway is a Dhampir, a bodyguard for her best friend Lissa, a Moroi Vampire Princess. They’ve been on the run, but now they’re being dragged back to St. Vladimir’s—the very place where they’re most in danger...

Rose and Lissa become enmeshed in forbidden romance, the Academy’s ruthless social scene, and unspeakable nighttime rituals. But they must be careful lest the Strigoi—the world’s fiercest and most dangerous vampires—make Lissa one of them forever.

My Thoughts:

I LOVED Vampire Academy. I could easily see it surpassing my guilty pleasure, House of Night by PC Cast and Kristin Cast. I normally have trouble getting into a book and staying in it, but I didn’t have that problem with Vampire Academy. I was hooked from the very first chapter.

One brief annoyance involved the plot twists. They were awkwardly placed, I think. The twists were every which way in this novel – it made me wish the explanations were more linear. The way the flashbacks are depicted also needed some work on, or at least a line break between present and past! One moment we’d be in the present with Rose, and the next, we’d be in the past with no distinction that a time jump occurred. It was frazzling.

Now, on to my giddiness. The storyline barely lagged at all. Actually, I don’t think it ever did. There was a continual chain of events that led on to the next event almost immediately. It was fast-paced, and there was hardly a dull moment in Rose/Lissa’s lives – there was always some tragedy, joy, or murder.

The characters were bad-ass. Our main character, Rose, was a strong woman – she’s feisty, snarky, and packs a punch! Not to mention she’s loyal and has no greater wish than to protect her best friend. I’ve never came across such a strong female lead until I met Rose. Dimitri was also pretty awesome – the mysterious, broody type, but with a lot more awesomeness sprinkled in. Lissa was... unique. She was pretty two-dimensional until her “darker” side came looming out. She’s kind, gentle, and caring. Everything about her screams comfort and safety. Although, I have to admit... I’ve never heard of a vampire cutting themselves. It was a nice contrast. Mason was lovely for comic relief, and I fell in love with Christian through sympathy for him. Poor kid.

And the ending. WHOA. Who saw that one coming?! I sure as heck didn’t!

Cover Musings: I’m in love with whoever modeled for this cover! The alternating VA is pretty cool, and I love that the school is looming in the background.

Memorable Quotes:

“‘Hey Mason, wipe the drool off your face. If you’re going to think about me naked, do it on your own time.’” (pg. 28) 

“He was a royal Moroi, and he was so hot, he should have worn a WARNING: FLAMMABLE sign.” (pg.50)

“Setting fires was apparently a new sign of affection. Christian had done it and now Mason.” (pg. 201)

“The prospect of shopping can brighten a lot of dark situations—even animal murder—and I put my own worries on hold.” (pg. 231)

“‘I was taken down by a bench,’ I groaned.

‘What?’

‘I survived the whole day guarding Lissa, and you guys said I did a good job. Then, I get back here and meet my downfall in the form of a bench.’” (pg. 248)

“And then, suddenly, he was there, charging down the hallway like Death in a cowboy duster.” (pg. 322)

Overall Thoughts/Final Comments: Freaking A, I LOVE Vampire Academy. The romance was sweet, progressing slowly instead of a “oh-my-god-you’re-the-one” at first glance, and the depth of love Lissa and Rose had for each other was heart-warming. The characters were pretty awesome, and there was a LOT of humor in the book to balance out the darker events. Humor, high school gossip, romance, snarky comments, and fights galore. What more can you want in a novel?! :)

Rating: 5/5

Extras:

Richelle’s Official Website 

Richelle’s Livejournal 

Richelle’s Twitter  

On the origins of Vampire Academy

Pretty awesome book trailer

**This review is an entry for the September Challenge!

Review: Sisters Red

Sisters Red

Author: Jackson Pearce
Publisher: Little, Brown
Series: Sisters Red #1
Pages: 324 [hardcover]
Genre: Young Adult
Release Date: June 7, 2010
How Received: Library

Summary:
Scarlett March lives to hunt the Fenris—the werewolves that took her eye when she was defending her sister, Rosie, from a brutal attack. Armed with a razor-sharp hatchet and a blood-red cloak, Scarlett is an expert at luring and slaying the wolves. She’s determined to protect other young girls from a grisly death, and her raging heart will not rest until every single wolf is dead.

Rosie March once felt that her bond with her sister was unbreakable. Owing Scarlett her life, Rosie hunts ferociously alongside her. But even as more girls’ bodies pile up in the city and the Fenris seem to be gaining power, Rosie dreams of a life beyond the wolves. She finds herself drawn to Scarlett’s only friend, Silas, a young woodsman who is deadly with an ax. But does loving him mean betraying her sister and all that they’ve worked for?

My thoughts:

I was impressed by this novel. I was lured in by the cover only – the summary on the inside jacket flap nor the good reviews on Goodreads didn’t sway my perception of this book. I just wasn’t interested. It even took me about a fourth of the way into the book to get really interested. I’m not saying this book was bad, because it really wasn’t. It was good; I liked it. But that was it.

Let me start off by saying... I loved Scarlett. I’ve never been more impressed with a character so well-developed, and completely flawed (inside and out). I empathized with her for the loss of her eye and her scarred body that deflected people away from her as if she had three heads. She was rational (most of the time), quick-witted, and just plain bad-ass. The fact that she wasn’t completely perfect at her hunting skills really caused me to admire her – admitting you’re not the best at something you’ve been doing for years takes a lot. Honestly, how many girls do you know would take action and get revenge for her grandmother and the loss of her eye? I know I wouldn’t have – I would have gotten depressed and tried avoiding the Fenris for the rest of my life.

I felt pretty much the same way Scarlett did when she found out Rosie started branching out on her own, dreaming about other things. Scarlett risked her life for Rosie – her scars were the embodiment of how far she would go to protect her sister and other unaware girls. How unfair is it that Scarlett gets the short end of the stick, even if she got it willingly by placing herself in front of Rosie all the time? She’s jealous (even if she won’t admit it), bitter, resentful, and has a one-track mind that is always centered on killing Fenris. I can’t even express how much Scarlett spoke to me, and how much I love her, without at least writing 2 pages in Word, so I’ll stop there.

Rosie, on the other hand, pissed me off. I think it’s because I empathized with Scarlett far before I even took notice of Rosie as a strong character. She was weak for 3/4^th’s of the novel. She was always being protected, always “failing”, always being driven into guilt because of her need for something more. Rosie is the “damsel-in-distress” type of character, a half-“Dragonfly”, as Scarlett would put it. The only time I had respect for Rosie was in the tunnel, and that was only because she cast herself into Scarlett’s perspective (which just reinforces my saying Scarlett’s so bad-ass :]).

I loved the intensity of the two sisters’ relationship, though, and how Pearce described their relationship as of being one heart. For someone who hasn’t had a sibling tie that strong before, it sure got me envious of the both of them.

The plot was very predictable. I, like many other reviewers before me, was able to guess at what would happen long before it was even hinted at. Nevertheless, that knowledge didn’t stop me from getting goose-bumps when the characters found out. There were times when the plot was very slow-paced, lulling in between action packed fights. The romance was just... there. It was inevitable, and I knew it would happen, but I, for once, didn’t feel anything for it. I was too wrapped up on Scarlett and her purpose to even like the romance between Rosie and Silas. I’ve never not felt anything for a romance in a book, but the romance in Sisters Red was just... meh.

Cover Musings: How can you NOT love this cover?! This is just... just... amazing. It’s what made me read the book in the first place. I saw it on the top shelf among other tasty titles, but the contrast of red and black, and the eyes of the Fenris, drew me like no other. Ugh, all I can even begin to say is LOOOOVE.

Memorable Quotes:

“The only thing worse than making Rosie angry is knowing I have to make up for making Rosie angry. Otherwise, something is wrong. It’s hard to explain, but when she’s angry, it feels as though someone has put me together incorrectly, like a bookshelf with a row of upside-down books.” (pg. 35)

“‘We can’t change the station, by the way,’ he says.

‘Because you really like pop music?’ I ask, wrinkly my nose as a bubbly song blares at us.

‘Not hardly,’ Silas says. ‘I hate it. But last time I changed it, the car stopped. Oh, and lean away from your door—sometimes it opens randomly.’” (pg. 95)

“It’s sort of hard to justify taking dance classes when your older sister is trying to save the world.” (pg. 98)

“‘Silas,’ I greet him without looking. He slows.

‘You know, for a girl who can’t see on her right side, you’re hard to sneak up on. What is that, some sort of pirate superpower?’ he teases.” (pg. 109)

“The same heart, torn apart so that I could stay safe in our mother longer while she put her body in front of mine. Her body in front of mine so that I could stay safe longer instead of face the mouth of a monster. Always her body in front of mine, always her to be wounded, to be cut into pieces and hacked away at while I see with both eyes and can think of a life beyond hunting.” (pg. 197)

“Silas leans in. My chest tightens and I beg for him to stop, but no one hears me—I’m not even sure if my pleas are spoken aloud. Rosie tilts her head back. His arms draw her closer, encasing her slight frame. Stop, both of you—we’re hunters; we’re in this together, remember? We promised one another; we promised one another ages ago. We’re in this together. Their lips meet.

            And I’m more alone than ever before.” (pg. 232)

“It is not a sickness, it’s a passion, I now realize, a passion to hunt the same way a painter must paint or a singer must sing. It’s her blood and her heart.” (pg. 320)

Overall Thoughts/Final Comments: This was a very lovely read; not the best, not the worse, but just right. The characters were all relatable to in some way or other, and both of the March sisters had redeemable qualities about them alongside their flaws. The story is somewhat unique – two girls hunting a slew of werewolves – and the action was enjoyable because it wasn’t perfect. Someone always got hurt. I didn’t like the ending too much, and I’m very curious how this will turn into a series.

Rating: 4/5

Extras:

Jackson Pearce's Livejournal 

Jackson Pearce's Twitter 

Book Trailer/Memorable Quote
Awesome, fun video Pearce made! 


This review is an entry of the September Spectacular Giveaway! :)

Review: Arrow's Flight by Mercedes Lackey

Arrow’s Flight

Author: Mercedes Lackey
Publisher: DAW Books
Series: Heralds of Valdemar Series, #2
Pages: 318
Genre: Fantasy
Release Date: September 1987
How Received: Own 

Summary:
HERALD’S CHALLENGE!

Talia could scarcely believe that she had finally earned the rank of full Herald. Yet though this seemed like the fulfillment of all her dreams, it also meant she would face trials far greater than those she had previously survived. For now Talia must ride forth to patrol the kingdom of Valdemar, dispensing Herald’s justice throughout the land.

But in this realm beset by dangerous unrest, enforcing her rulings would require all the courage and skill Talia could command—for if she misused her own special powers, both she and Valdemar would pay the price!

My thoughts:

Out of all the novels in this trilogy, this has to be my least favorite. But I still enjoyed it, and the series, a lot, so my saying that it’s my least favorite isn’t something bad, really.

In this installment of the Heralds of Valdemar trilogy, Talia is sent out on her 18 month intership and the entire book revolves around the duties a Herald is likely to perform on circuit. To be honest, it was a refreshing change of scenery from the Collegium – there were only so many situations Talia could find herself in, and a lot of them were starting to repeat. So when I say the change of scenery is a nice change, I mean it.

Right off the bat, a new friendship is unveiled. Kris and Talia are bound to become closer, as he is her “mentor”, of sorts. It doesn’t help, however, when he asks (very bluntly!) Talia about the rumors spreading in Court about her. This dampers the mood immediately, and Talia is suddenly cast into self-doubt and a depression that eats away her soul. In fact, after the first 50 pages, the entire novel was basically Talia being suicidal/depressed, angry, and weak. Am I being harsh in saying she’s weak? Hell no. If I were her, I would have tried my best to reverse the predicament she was in. All she did was reflect on it and allow the doubt to eat away at her. I wanted to reach into the book’s pages and slap her silly. I mean, I’m glad that she had something she wasn’t sure of/skilled at, since a lot of things just came easily to her in the first book, but it was getting me depressed while I was reading about it.

Back to Kris and Talia... I love that they both love someone so much they don’t want to hurt that person, and sacrifice their own feelings (however insignificant) because of that. I love Kris; I’ll admit. He’s funny, arrogant, gallant (at times), and understanding/patient (well, after he reevaluates his perceptions of others). He screamed different, very much like Skif did in the first novel [pertaining to how all the characters sounded the same]. Near the end of the novel, the Midsummer’s Eve scene with him had to be one of my favorites. It was such a nice, loving, thoughtful scene, and I have to admit that I got misty eyed. So sweet!  

I have to admit that I hated the lack of action. By action, I merely mean that half of what we read is just them riding, and Talia being emo in the corner (okay, not the corner). There were only about... four scenes that deviated from the monotonous circuit up north, not including the snow-in that occurred. Two of those scenes were stuck in the back of the book, as if Mercedes Lackey just thrust them in without careful planning at all. I also disliked the lack of time (what can I say, I’m a stickler for time!) sequence. One moment, we’d finish up a scene and in the line break, we’re months ahead. Sometimes it was hard to distinguish when a time jump would happen, and I’d have to re-read again to check what month I was reading about.

Upon this re-read, I found some things I had missed in previous reads, which got me really excited. Knowing how the third book goes, I was able to foreshadow a few events (two in particular stuck out; the Weatherwitch and the flowers), so I was happy I was able to pick those events up that I hadn’t in earlier reads.

Cover Musings: I’m less fond of this cover than I am of the first book. The only thing I remotely like is the color scheme. I didn’t like the rendition of Talia, but Rolan looked lovely. <3 The trees (which didn’t look like trees upon first glance) were able to get my attention this time around. I sort of wish that they’d re-make the cover art, much like they did for Tamora Pierce’s series.

Memorable Quotes:

“‘Grow? Bright Stars, grow is too tame a word!’ Dirk groaned. ‘We spent half our time keeping him [Skif] fed; he ate more than our mules!’” (pg. 57)

“She groaned faintly. ‘Before this trip is over I’ll probably be in agony. I didn’t realize I was this badly out of riding trim. I may never be able to get my legs closed again.’

‘That would make some people happy,’ he teased.” (pg. 112)

“‘In that case, I can assume it’s safe to come to bed?’

‘I wouldn’t murder you there, anyway,’ she replied with a hint of her old sense of humor. ‘It would get the blankets all sticky.’” (pg. 225)

“‘Dirk was damned worried when I talked to him.’

‘If you’re going to be seeing him sometime soon, or can find a Bard to pass the message, you can tell him that we’re both fine, and the worst we suffered was the loss of Talia’s harpcase,’ Kris said with a laugh.

‘If? Bright Havens, I haven’t got any choice! I’ve been flat ordered to find him when I’m done with briefing you, on pain of unspecified torture.’” (pg. 266)

Overall & Final Comments: While this was not my favorite book in the series, I generally enjoyed it (when I wasn’t being dragged into Talia’s emo moments). The change of storyline was very welcome, but I wish there had been a bit more action on her circuit up north. The struggles Talia had to go through were very raw, and a nice contrast to her previous ease of slipping into the Heraldic role. There was a lot I loved about this novel, but it certainly wasn’t because of the main character.

Rating: 4/5