BookCupid

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Top Ten Tuesday: Irks and Pains

TOP TURN-OFFS YOU ENCOUNTER WHILE READING

Too Many Clichés and Non-Original Stories

I'm glad we have moved on from the Mary-Sue Syndrome that infected YA. Girls are just as brave as boys and can handle life without running to hide in a corner.

Also, when you read a lot of books per month, originality is always a plus.

Open Endings

An open ending to me is a clear sign of a lazy author who wrote too long without a plan. Enough said! I will always remember throwing Ira Levin's book out the window (I have a backyard so no one got hurt) when it turned out that the whole series had been a dream.

No Character Growth

An immature voice through the entire book, or simply, a dude who doesn't value his relationship and shows up at the end of the book to save the day. Didn't see that one coming!

Lengthy Sequels

You all know what I'm talking about. Those never ending, characters get lost on the way to the fight of their lives and nothing really happens. Terrible formula for a trilogy.

Sunday, September 29, 2013

Review: Mister Max

Mister Max, twelve, becomes a ~~detective~~ (he detests that word) solutionner under the worst circumstances.

Right before Max and his parents are set to depart for India, Max stops to say farewell to a friend. But when he shows up at the port, on time, his parents have already left. What's even more peculiar, there was no boat for India that day. Max has only Grammie now, and both of them will stop at nothing to find out what really happened to their loved ones.

Cynthia Voigt sets the story in the Victorian Era, giving it a polished Sherlock Holmes feel. This detail made Max a more mature character. Money was scarce back then, and to survive Max had no other resort than to find work. Joining him, is sidekick Pia, a young girl with a dose of attitude who helps him in his odd jobs: rescuing a lost dog, a stolen spoon, reuniting two long lost lovers, and even a search for a missing child.

A great read recommended for children 10+

Friday, September 27, 2013

Feature and Follow Friday: Don't Take my Sunshine Away

Parajunkee / Alison Can Read

FEATURE & FOLLOW FRIDAY

Once you answer be sure to leave me your link so I can follow you back

Q: Reading Nook Tour

''As long as there is light, I can read anywhere'' BookCupid

If there was no light, I'd learn braille. There is always a solution to every problem.

Mostly, I read on the go: subway, dentist office, at the park, between classes... I must admit reading at home is much more relaxing and easier to just let go and let the story transport you.

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Review: Seraphina

When two species unite, there is always someone willing to cause a stir.

Dragons and humans have lived together for several years. The curiosity strung once dragons realized how artistic we are. In order to maintain the peace, dragons are forbidden to eat meat -- best way to avoid nibbling on villagers -- and humans are forbidden to kill dragons while they are in their human form. But when one dragon dies, the truce might go along with him.

Rachel Hartman chose a brave and intrepid girl named Seraphina, to lead the story. Not only is she a talented musician, but her connection with dragons placed her right in the middle of the fiasco. Joining this mysterious crime investigation is Prince Lucian Kiggs, whom Seraphina can't help but fall in love with. Unfortunately for her, he is engaged.

Although the story maintains a stable slow paced action, where lots of towns were name dropped for no particular reason, Hartman manages nonetheless to provide an interesting take on dragons.