Review Two Lies And A Spy

Two Lies and a Spy by Kat Carlton

There will be a sequel (No Farther News)

Available Now (September 2013)

Bookologist Analysis: This book was a nice in between thriller with all the typical YA stuff.

Can u pick up milk on ur way home?

It's not the kind of text that would make most people climb out a bathroom window. It comes across as pretty harmless, right? But it's not, trust me. And I'm not most people.

I'm Kari Andrews, and I'm a junior here at the ivy-covered, lushly landscaped Kennedy Preparatory School in Washington, D.C. Yeah, I've definitely looked more dignified than I do right now as I dangle half out of the Ladies' Room window. I'm scrambling for a handhold between the climbing ivy and the old red brick and mortar that surrounds the window so I can pull myself up and out, then drop the four and a half feet to the grass below.

I hit the ground running. I'm not playing hooky--this is a Code Black Emergency.

This book was an okay one, not a big star, but not an- I’m-going-to-barf-because-of-boredom one. It was a spy thriller that was high in action and high in suspense. The actual writing was okay not anything superb that was over the top.

I thought the Kari was a dependable character that knew what she was doing. The fact that her parents are spies is just another fact in her life that is as complicated as a Rubix Cube. The fact that she picked up some of the skills is interesting considering that she is only sixteen. I didn’t like the fact that she is always being held back by her brother. The fact that she is plain about Luke is kind of annoying without any suspense because she just throws herself at him. Also she faces some confusion with Evan that had me smiling in my weird way (sadistic). Kari is definitely a main character that I would look up to.

Luke (Kari’s longtime crush) is just not my type of guy. I mean sure he is the son of one of the most important person in the US (head of the Agency). His twin sister Lacey is an airhead and annoying, the trademarks of being popular. The fact that he is okay at everything is a point up for him, but that he doesn’t have the (moves like Jagger, sorry couldn’t resist) really cool spy moves is a point down for him. Luke is just there for his connections and as a life interest he has no other uses which is kind of sad. He’s okay he is the average guy at your school (minus important parent) and can do some neat stuff, but he is not worthy of Kari.

Rita I think is just all of ours imaginary kickass best friend. She can hack computers; semi beat someone up, and is not afraid to voice her opinions (especially about guys). She is really into becoming a spy so of course she wants to know how to hack (something I need to earn) comes in handy for them while hacking a government laptop. She’s our inner persona and person we always strive for. I wish Rita was an awesome friend I had that had mean computer skills, wouldn’t be afraid to tell the truth, and was totally cool with my horrible plans.

Charley the brother is also kind of cool with being okay with being a girl and a mine genius knowing what four different languages. I just didn't like that Kari had such a hang about his wellbeing. Lacey is a jerk because she stole Rita’s belt and doesn’t offer info right away. Evan is this mysterious British boy that happens to be a jerk at that. I liked the fact that at the end of book she doesn’t admit she has feelings for Evan or if she still has them for Luke. The supporting characters are some the best in any book I’ve read.

This book’s plot with parents being traitors was okay. It is not anything to be overexcited about. I mean this is almost the plot to every spy book, parents/family needs help that means, we have to break into some government building- *gasp*. The fact is that this book doesn’t have much on the plot it is really the okay characters they have.

If you’re looking for a fast read that is sort of original and clean (younger YA) this is the book. There is a sequel coming out that I’m probably going to read just for the heck of it because there was a small cliffhanger. I want to see if Kat can improve upon at all. This book is something you would read just for the heck of it.

I wanted to share the author bio on her website just because I loved it so much:

ABOUT ME

Kat Carlton is the alias for a covert creative operative who's content to kick ass from behind her laptop, since she can barely spell the word 'karate' and has the street smarts of an eggplant. As for hacking? Kat is a shameless expert at hacking into anything that contains chocolate.

Under her various aliases, Kat is a multi-published, award-winning and occasionally best-selling author who has written for many of the big New York publishing houses such as HarperCollins, Penguin-Putnam, Harlequin and Simon & Schuster. TWO LIES AND A SPY is her first young adult novel.

Review Hollow City

Hollow City by Ransom Riggs

The Second Book of Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children

Available Now

Bookologist's Analysis: This book had sunk with historical fiction, fantasy, horror (at least's that is what the local library dubs it), and vintage photos. 

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children was the surprise best seller of 2011—an unprecedented mix of YA fantasy and vintage photography that enthralled readers and critics alike. Publishers Weekly called it “an enjoyable, eccentric read, distinguished by well-developed characters, a believable Welsh setting, and some very creepy monsters.”

This second novel begins in 1940, immediately after the first book ended. Having escaped Miss Peregrine’s island by the skin of their teeth, Jacob and his new friends must journey to London, the peculiar capital of the world. Along the way, they encounter new allies, a menagerie of peculiar animals, and other unexpected surprises.

Complete with dozens of newly discovered (and thoroughly mesmerizing) vintage photographs, this new adventure will delight readers of all ages.

This book was the required read for historical fantasy. I love holing with sequels that I have earnestly been waiting for. The book was a bit exaggerated with all the scenes, but was an innocent non-sequel-slumper. It tied in nicely at the end of the book.

This book was a sequel to Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children which was more of a fantasy-horror-mystery-for-about-a-mentally-disturbed-boy. This book is more about an unsure boy that doesn't know what to do. It also doesn't help that his power his passive until the enemy is near and is ready to eat/kill them. This book was about self realization and trying to find one's self. I felt that this book was that much more mature because of what Jacob's been through and how he has grown up to become person that is responsible for more than just his safety. I felt Hollow City was a sweet romance that just was in the wrong place at the wrong time (I mean love takes a back seat when your running away from bombs, hollowgasts, wights, random people trying to kill you, etc.) This book was just the highlight of my read the 1/12 of 2014. 

What I Loved:

1) Formatting- I'm a very big visual person in how a book feels and looks that is why I prefer hard books as opposed to an ebook. I really don't think that Hollow City would work as an ebook because of all the photos little tidbits. The cover has a cool design with the head as a Victorian head and line designs with Hollow City in a child's chalk writing. I also like how the author's name is on the side instead of across the bottom. The pages where there is no writing on them also feel very cool with their Victorian designs. The pictures are also placed next to their scenes, unlike Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children where all the photos were in one spot I like this better so you can get visualization. The formatting for the book was superb; the book itself is a piece of art.

2) Humanity- The humanity and honesty of the book is very realistic. The fact that Jacob admits he is confused and doesn't know what to do is an honest fact for a sixteen year old from Florida that is a bit spoiled. His power is not as destructive as a fire-maker (Emma), oracle (Horace), or even a raiser of the dead (Enoch). All he can do is feel the enemy (gut feeling is literal), and see the enemy who are invisible to all else. This is the painful truth that Jacob keeps close heart far from his friends. I felt that despite all most of the characters being peculiar they were still down to earth and all the normal human traits like being a jerk, smart aleck, or pessimist. 

3) Historical- The book takes place on the British isles in 1940. The reality of War World II and the suspicions of everybody are quite real. I mean doesn't someone get a little strange when you see floating clothing (Millard). I mean what better way to show the wights and hollowgasts are evil then have them ally with the Germans.  I liked meeting the Gypsies that were syndrigasti (peculiar in Old Peculiar) and were cool and helped old Miss Peregrine's kids. The bombings in London were scary though, but very realistic. The historical aspect was just more icing on the cake.  

What I Didn't Love So Much

1) SLOWNESS- The book went zigzag south to London, but it took forever with somewhat predictable action with the hollows which was a methodical action. The only bright side was that each time the hollows came there was nice people/peculiar on the hand.  When the action would happen became anticipated. The ending however was very twisty as the whole mission seems to be over and then boom what happens the end of the world. The book in the middle was a bit anticipated, but the end made this book that much better.

Hollow City is really one of the most creative books I've ever read with vintage photos, formatting, and other worldly characters. The setting just topped it all off with being in London during the height of War World II and the new concept of time travel. I can't wait till the next installment for the Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children Trilogy/Novels. 

Waiting On Wednesday- Ignite Me

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted there, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. It is hosted every week by Jill @ Breaking the Spine.

This week's book is Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi. 

Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi

Available February 4, 2014

Book Three in Shatter Me Trilogy

The heart-stopping conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Shatter Me series, which Ransom Riggs, bestselling author of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, called “a thrilling, high-stakes saga of self-discovery and forbidden love.”

With Omega Point destroyed, Juliette doesn’t know if the rebels, her friends, or even Adam are alive. But that won’t keep her from trying to take down The Reestablishment once and for all. Now she must rely on Warner, the handsome commander of Sector 45. The one person she never thought she could trust. The same person who saved her life. He promises to help Juliette master her powers and save their dying world . . . but that’s not all he wants with her.

The Shatter Me series is perfect for fans who crave action-packed young adult novels with tantalizing romance like Divergent by Veronica Roth, The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, and Legend by Marie Lu. Tahereh Mafi has created a captivating and original story that combines the best of dystopian and paranormal, and was praised by Publishers Weekly as “a gripping read from an author who’s not afraid to take risks.” Now this final book brings the series to a shocking and satisfying end.

From the Back

One day I might break
One day I might break free

Nothing will ever be the same.

The fate of Omega Point is unknown. Everyone Juliette has ever cared about could be dead. The war could be over before it ever really began.

Juliette is the only one standing in The Reestablishment's way. She knows that if she's going to survive, The Reestablishment cannot.

But to take down The Reestablishment and the man who very nearly killed her, Juliette will need the help of the one person she never thought she could trust: Warner. And as they work together to bring down their enemy, Juliette will discover that everything she thought she knew—about Warner, her abilities, and even Adam—was wrong.

OMG! Ignite Me is almost here people (me biting fingernails). We know that Ransom Riggs spilled that ignite me is not only a romantic connotation but also something else (me praying to ancient Celtic gods to tell me because I'm that desperate. I really hope Juliette ends up with Warner. Can't wait must read all Warner POV out there. Plus the fact we end the scene with her and Warner living(ish) together. What happened to Omega Point? What happened to Adam? It all comes down to this (evil laugh by Tahereh).And what is this about the powers (me laughs like a maniac till Ignite Me comes out to pass time).

My Weekend Was Weird With a Keep it Awkward

So this weekend I was reading Hollow City by Ransom Riggs (sequel to Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children). I was also thinking about Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi (comes out next month) and how I can't wait for that book. I stumbled across the photo of Ransom Riggs which was done by Tahereh Mafi and I was thinking do they know each other? And then guess what I found out? 

                        What Do These People Have In Common?

 
                           Turns Out They're Married!

I know they're so cute together! The are our favorite new YA lit couple, I mean why isn't this on their back flap bio? They both have twitters, facebooks, tumblrs, and youtube channels below. But here they started their own youtube channel here are the vids from there.














So aren't those videos the funniest. I mean they are so cute together. I hope they have a great marriage. To many more YA lit couples to stalk! 

Ransoms & Tahereh's YouTube Channel 

Ransom's Stuff
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Tahereh's Stuff
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Reveiw Champion

Champion by Marie Lu

Available Now

Book 3 (Last) in Legend Trilogy

Bookologist Analysis: This book was hot, steamy, breathtaking, nailbiting, and  heartbreaking- overall a great conclusion!

The explosive finale to Marie Lu’s New York Times bestselling LEGEND trilogy—perfect for fans of THE HUNGER GAMES and DIVERGENT!

He is a Legend.
She is a Prodigy.
Who will be Champion?  
 
June and Day have sacrificed so much for the people of the Republic—and each other—and now their country is on the brink of a new existence. June is back in the good graces of the Republic, working within the government’s elite circles as Princeps Elect while Day has been assigned a high level military position. But neither could have predicted the circumstances that will reunite them once again. Just when a peace treaty is imminent, a plague outbreak causes panic in the Colonies, and war threatens the Republic’s border cities. This new strain of plague is deadlier than ever, and June is the only one who knows the key to her country’s defense. But saving the lives of thousands will mean asking the one she loves to give up everything he has. With heart-pounding action and suspense, Marie Lu’s bestselling trilogy draws to a stunning conclusion.

This book was on fire (sing that to the tune of this girl is on fire by Alicia Keys). This was really the book where everybody's life is on the line (SPOILER ALERT: everybody comes out alive, but not the way you want to think) there is no turning back- it's your country, your family, and your home.

The main character (Eden, Anden, June, and Day) are all linked. Anden likes June. Day likes June. June likes Day. June works with Anden. Eden is Day's brother. The problem in this book is that Eden is such a vocal point for all of Day's problems (I probably don't understand because I don't have a sibling) not any of his other friends like Pascao, Tess, or June. In this book Day and June are not dating, but they still have some pretty weird chemistry.  I feel like Anden was never really serious in this book to Day he is just a fly that is in charge of him (bad analogy).  Anden to June is just a thing that she can just fling out because she can control him at a whim. Anden is underdeveloped. The main character all pull at each other that is kind of tense and pushy.

I never will cease to be amazed by the world and human spirit.  Antarctica has its own language how cool is that (besides the fact there a state without real social heirachy that is determined by the state it reeks of control)!?! I mean also the fact is that they refuse to help the Republic (despite all its flaws is still a great country). The Colonies is like Panem with a horrible government, non helpful policeish people, extreme proverty, and not addressing the basic problems with its control (corporate state anybody??). Internationlism in this book is different because of the fact the countries are so big. It means more people and more land to govern that makes larger countries that much more powerful on the uneven power scale.Who is really more American the Colonies or the Republic (leave a comment below)?

How about what I loved:
1) Ending - We leave off at a realistic ending, it wasn't a firey the world will die in flames (mwahahha) kind of ending it was more realistic with the I am going to leave you and get on with my life kind of ending. June is 17 she isn't going to have happy every after, she has a career in the military, friends, and grief with her brother to deal with.The epilouge shows that just because life in the future is  not so gong-ho; she makes mistakes and has bad relationships- maybe when Day comes back she can make peace, maybe. Day on the other hand has a brother, medical problems, and ambassador to the people role to lead. He has too much on his plate already.The ending left me at peace, I could deal that we wouldn't be bound to hear the rest of the story and that was okay. It really reminded of The Fray song How to Save a Life.

2) Fight - The Colonies and the Republic were once part of the glorious US. Now they're warring countries at each end of the spectrum, one is pure commercialism and one is militaristic and isloated. I think we have to learn a lesson from this. There are small countries like that (North Korea) and we have to learn that maybe everything we view as bad isn't so bad they are just fighting for something they believe in. War isn't fair. The Colonies attack because of something the Republic did by accident. Always be prepared. I like the fight scenes they're just really ampy.

Champion is a brilliant conclusion to the seires. The love, the bittersweetness, the reality (as much as you can get in a sci-fi book), and the choices are just so real along with the lessons. I realy loved the book it was just really touching and I learned that you should look at a person's chest if you are fighting- so many lessons! :P

Book Beginnings Champion by Marie Lu

Please join me every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name.-Rose City Reader

Book Beginning:
"Out of all the disguises I've worn, this one might be my favorite."
Champion by Marie Lu

Feels: You feel the inner ninja of Day as you feel the disguises he wears to make his identity. You also get to hear the inner sarcasm as you hear this one might be my favorite. It just makes you want to find this famous sarcastic ninja! 

Review The Van Alen Legacy

The Van Alen Legacy by Melissa De La Cruz

Book 4 Blue Blood Series

Bookologist Analysis: A wedding veil on a cover surely means a true mystery.

With the stunning revelation surrounding Bliss's true identity comes the growing threat of the sinister Silver Bloods. Once left to live the glamorous life in New York City, the Blue Bloods now find themselves in an epic battle for survival. Not to worry, love is still in the air for the young vampires of the Upper East Side. Or is it? Jack and Schuyler are over. Oliver's brokenhearted. And only the cunning Mimi seems to be happily engaged.

Young, fanged, and fabulous, Melissa de la Cruz's vampires unite in this highly anticipated fourth installment of the Blue Bloods series.

This book was by far the best book in the series (yes, I spelled series right). We have three main protagonists- Bliss, Mimi, and Schuyler. The girls of high society who have decided to run away to the high seas and far away.

The action in this book was minimal. Mimi had a few fight scenes because she is now a Venator on a team with two non-talkative boys and Kingsley Martin. Bliss is having inner conflict with her devil (also known as the Visitor). Schuyler is just dealing with running from her kind and her growing sickness.

Tensions in the romance department are growing. Mimi subtly ran away from Jack by joining the Venators (lead by Kingsley). Schuyler has spent a year with Oliver and has grown to love him, but still dreams of Jack. Bliss had Dylan for a while before he was killed (think dead dead this time). When thing go wrong we all like to wrong because our minds resist change.

I liked the few subtle changes. The translations for the Sacred Language (is it Latin?), French, and everything else was covered thankfully, otherwise I would have been driven crazy. This book really stretches its arms as it embraces that the entire world have Blue Bloods from the European Conclave to the traitors in South America. The tragedy of Kingsley is nice to. Finally for the first time the chapters were labeled, so it didn’t take forever to learn who the narrators were. This book was about perfecting series.

I didn't like the singularity of Bliss’s narration where it was just her and the alternate persons and dimensions in her brain. The betrayal of some people was wrong because these people were supposed to be there, now the elders are either gone or stupid. It is just the teens (counted that they do have several lives in their mind). This book had a few minor problems that will be corrected in the next installment.

The run in Paris was a scary one, but it was anticlimactic. The plots are usually predictable except at then end where everything was just a twist. I hated Bliss's identity issues. The Mimi depression was bad. The book overall was okay.

The book was enjoyable. I loved learning Then ending left you bittersweet where you know it was bound to happen, but still it didn't have to go down that way. The book was one I liked with a touch of mystery and love.