Ok, I feel like being random today (what else is new? XD) and talking about some really good books that not a lot of people know about. So if you like to read at all, here are a few of the ones I like!
The Mistmantle Chronicles by M. I. McAllister
Okay, even if you're not a fan of the whole talking animals genre, I would recommend checking this out. The series actually has a very complex plot and well-developed characters. The first in the series, Urchin of the Riding Stars, is about an island called Mistmantle, where the stars leave their orbits on rare occasions. On nights such as these, it is said that a great event is always to follow, whether for good or harm. But nothing happened, except for the birth of one mysterious squirrel, Urchin…
The Claidi Journals by Tanith Lee
Before you read this book, you need to know this: First book=really good, second book=kinda weird, but still good, third book=just weird, fourth book=totally weird and will change your perspective on the entire series. So, I would actually just recommend reading Book 1, Wolf Tower. The story is about a slave named Claidi, who lives in a palace with a bunch of selfish nobles. No one leaves the palace, because it is said that everything outside is an inhospitable wasteland. Until one day, a handsome stranger arrives…
The Doppleganger Chronicles by G. P. Taylor
Written for reluctant readers, this book is a combination of a novel and a comic book. It can be kind of confusing at first jumping from colorful panels to black and white text, but the art is unique and appealing. The story is good, although it's not very complex. But that might just be me, because I like stories with lots of deep characters and plot twists. Anyway, the plot revolves around two twin girls living at an orphanage. When one of them is adopted and whisked away from her sister, she discovers a dark secret at her new home…
The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall
Okay seriously, Hayao Miyazaki should totally make a movie of this book. I can totally picture it, it's just so whimsical and summery, and it reminds me of My Neighbor Totoro! It's really a feel-good kind of book. The style this book is written in is fresh and unique, and the characters all have really amusing, endearing, and relatable personalities. In this story, the four Penderwick sisters go on vacation to a summer cottage, causing delightful mayhem wherever they go…
I hope you guys check these books out and enjoy them as much as I do~!
Showing posts with label Books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Books. Show all posts
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Meeting an Author +
Recently I got the chance to meet my favourite Christian author, Bryan Davis, in person! He signed my copy of Starlighter and Raising Dragons! :3 I also bought his daughter's new book, Precisely Terminated, which she signed as well! Both of them were really nice, and they had really good writing tips.
They were speaking at a Christian school around where I live, and they had a lot of really good tips on writing. They also talked about using your gifts to glorify God, which was really inspiring for me! When I got home, I decided to draw one of the characters from his book, Diviner (it's the third in the Tales of Starlight series).
Oh, and I finished another picture on Photoshop! My mom wanted me to make her a sign to put outside her classroom at the preschool where she works. She wanted it to look autumn-ish, so I let her pick the colors!
They were speaking at a Christian school around where I live, and they had a lot of really good tips on writing. They also talked about using your gifts to glorify God, which was really inspiring for me! When I got home, I decided to draw one of the characters from his book, Diviner (it's the third in the Tales of Starlight series).
 |
| It's supposed to be Brinella... |
 |
| HAPPY OCTOBER EVERYBODY!!!!!!!! |
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Book Review - "Firelight"
I hate it in books where the the main female character is obsessed with their love interest. I mean, even if the book is considered a romance, they don't have to be all like, "There's just something so different and magical about him...His very PRESENCE is intoxicating...He's like an addictive drug...I NEEEEEED HIIIIM!!!!" Seriously, girl, get ahold of yourself. You just met the guy. This is one of the main reasons I don't normally read romance stories.
But the Christy Miller series was good because they didn't take things so fast, and she admired Todd (the love interest) for his selfless heart and caring actions. But she wasn't obsessed with him. She asked God for guidance in their relationship, and the book wasn't completely and totally about their romance. That's the kind of romance story girls should be reading.
Forgive me, I digress. This post's topic is my opinion on the novel Firelight, by Sophie Jordan. It looked interesting from what I read on the library website. I didn't really trust their recommendations for teens, after having a bad experience with the book Shiver, by Maggie Stiefvater. But I thought, "Hey, I found about the Hunger Games through here. Maybe I'll give it a try. After all, it's about dragons. I like dragons."
![]()
The story's about a 16-year-old girl named Jacinda, who is part of a race of creatures called Draki, who have descended from dragons. For years, Draki have been pursued by dragon hunters, who sell their skins and body parts for their supposed magical properties. Jacinda is thrust into the world of humans when she is forced to flee the other Draki, and falls in love with a boy named Will. But Will is a dragon hunter, and she risks exposing her secret and endangering her family by being with him.
I can't believe I even finished this book. But I didn't think it was fair to review it if I hadn't even read it all the way through. It kind of had the same problem as Shiver. It had the potential to be a good fantasy novel, but it was ruined by drawn-out romantic scenes and total obsession with the love interest. Actually, Jacinda sort of had an excuse to want to be with Will. By being in the human world, the Draki part of her is dying, and being around him awakens the dragon inside her. Which is kind of weird...O_o The two of them kept getting into situations that would be tempting for couples...like being alone in a house together. I don't want teens reading this and thinking that's okay! Because it's not! Needless to say, I will not be checking out the sequel.
Actually, this book inspired me to write a good fantasy story, one that doesn't focus entirely on relationships! But my main character's love interest will be a strong, faithful man of God! Look out Lynnette...your future husband is in the works. :3
Oh! By the way, my printer/scanner is working again! I will be uploading art soon...I might have to break out some colored pencils...
But the Christy Miller series was good because they didn't take things so fast, and she admired Todd (the love interest) for his selfless heart and caring actions. But she wasn't obsessed with him. She asked God for guidance in their relationship, and the book wasn't completely and totally about their romance. That's the kind of romance story girls should be reading.
Forgive me, I digress. This post's topic is my opinion on the novel Firelight, by Sophie Jordan. It looked interesting from what I read on the library website. I didn't really trust their recommendations for teens, after having a bad experience with the book Shiver, by Maggie Stiefvater. But I thought, "Hey, I found about the Hunger Games through here. Maybe I'll give it a try. After all, it's about dragons. I like dragons."
The story's about a 16-year-old girl named Jacinda, who is part of a race of creatures called Draki, who have descended from dragons. For years, Draki have been pursued by dragon hunters, who sell their skins and body parts for their supposed magical properties. Jacinda is thrust into the world of humans when she is forced to flee the other Draki, and falls in love with a boy named Will. But Will is a dragon hunter, and she risks exposing her secret and endangering her family by being with him.
I can't believe I even finished this book. But I didn't think it was fair to review it if I hadn't even read it all the way through. It kind of had the same problem as Shiver. It had the potential to be a good fantasy novel, but it was ruined by drawn-out romantic scenes and total obsession with the love interest. Actually, Jacinda sort of had an excuse to want to be with Will. By being in the human world, the Draki part of her is dying, and being around him awakens the dragon inside her. Which is kind of weird...O_o The two of them kept getting into situations that would be tempting for couples...like being alone in a house together. I don't want teens reading this and thinking that's okay! Because it's not! Needless to say, I will not be checking out the sequel.
Actually, this book inspired me to write a good fantasy story, one that doesn't focus entirely on relationships! But my main character's love interest will be a strong, faithful man of God! Look out Lynnette...your future husband is in the works. :3
Oh! By the way, my printer/scanner is working again! I will be uploading art soon...I might have to break out some colored pencils...
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Book Review for "Matched"
I first found about this book because I noticed that the library recommended it for fans of The Hunger Games, which, as you may know, is one of my favorite books. I was interested, but a bit wary, since I'd had a bad experience the last time I checked out a popular teens book the library recommended. I did a bit of research and it sounded clean, so I decided to give it a try. I was very, very right to do so. I finished it in two days.
Cassia Reyes has always trusted The Society to make the right decisions for her, from what job she takes to who she marries. When she is Matched with Xander, her best friend, she thinks things couldn't be any more perfect. But when she inserts her card to learn more about her Match, another boy's face flashes for a moment before the screen goes dark. The Society tells her that it was just a glitch, but Cassia isn't so sure.
I practically devoured this book. It's going right up into my favorites list, alongside The Hunger Games. It seems like dystopian novels like this one have become more popular lately. I've heard that "dystopian is the new vampire." Well, I'm glad if that means the reign of fangs and blood is just about over (no offense to anyone who likes vampires, it's just not my thing).
Anyway, one of the things I love about these kinds of books is that they really make me think. It forces me to imagine what it what be like to live in a place where even my choices are controlled. Lovable characters and a poetic style of writing only add to the awesomeness of this book! Go and get it from the library now! (But it might take a while...when I ordered it I was number 134 in the holds list...it's worth the wait, though!)
In fact...I loved this book so much I was inspired to do some fan art. But not in my usual medium. My mom's been getting into collage, and she let me use some of her supplies! It was pretty fun. (It's not quite finished...what do you guys think it needs?) P.S. Sorry it's so blurry! >.<
...I just found out like five minutes ago that the author pronounces Cassia like Casha...I totally thought it was Ca-see-a. O_o
Cassia Reyes has always trusted The Society to make the right decisions for her, from what job she takes to who she marries. When she is Matched with Xander, her best friend, she thinks things couldn't be any more perfect. But when she inserts her card to learn more about her Match, another boy's face flashes for a moment before the screen goes dark. The Society tells her that it was just a glitch, but Cassia isn't so sure.
I practically devoured this book. It's going right up into my favorites list, alongside The Hunger Games. It seems like dystopian novels like this one have become more popular lately. I've heard that "dystopian is the new vampire." Well, I'm glad if that means the reign of fangs and blood is just about over (no offense to anyone who likes vampires, it's just not my thing).
Anyway, one of the things I love about these kinds of books is that they really make me think. It forces me to imagine what it what be like to live in a place where even my choices are controlled. Lovable characters and a poetic style of writing only add to the awesomeness of this book! Go and get it from the library now! (But it might take a while...when I ordered it I was number 134 in the holds list...it's worth the wait, though!)
In fact...I loved this book so much I was inspired to do some fan art. But not in my usual medium. My mom's been getting into collage, and she let me use some of her supplies! It was pretty fun. (It's not quite finished...what do you guys think it needs?) P.S. Sorry it's so blurry! >.<
 |
| Almost everything in this represents something in the book...even the colors! |
...I just found out like five minutes ago that the author pronounces Cassia like Casha...I totally thought it was Ca-see-a. O_o
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Book Review for "The Giver"
Whoa, it's been a while since I've done one of these! That's kind of one of the reasons I want to change the name of my blog...it's not really about reviews anymore. Ideas, anyone?
Anyway, this is how I discovered The Giver. I was at my school (well, actually I'm homeschooled, but I go to a co-op twice a week, but the co-op is registered as a public school...it's complicated) and I got out of math lab early. I went over to the school library to hang out with my mom and Jake. No one else was there, so I could talk without having to whisper! I was bored, so I scanned the shelves for something to read. Jake had already snatched up the Bionicle book I had my eye on! (I read it later...IT WAS SO WEIRD!!!!) Anyway, just then I spotted The Giver. I vaguely recalled a friend telling me it was good, so I decided to give it a try. As usual, I was hooked from page one.
The book is about a boy named Jonas, who lives in a world where everything is "perfect." There is no war, no pain, nobody who is different. The words music, color, and love mean nothing to him, until the day when he meets The Giver. The Giver holds the memories of the way life used to be, when things like animals and weather actually existed. Jonas has been chosen to be the next Receiver of these memories. His experiences change his perspective on life and make him desperate for this mysterious thing called love.
Wow...what a book. It was a bit slow, since nothing much happens throughout the book, but I enjoyed it anyway. Maybe because it reminded me a bit of The Hunger Games (but without all the action!).
Genre: Science Fiction
Rating: 3.5 stars
Age Recommended: 12+
Anyway, this is how I discovered The Giver. I was at my school (well, actually I'm homeschooled, but I go to a co-op twice a week, but the co-op is registered as a public school...it's complicated) and I got out of math lab early. I went over to the school library to hang out with my mom and Jake. No one else was there, so I could talk without having to whisper! I was bored, so I scanned the shelves for something to read. Jake had already snatched up the Bionicle book I had my eye on! (I read it later...IT WAS SO WEIRD!!!!) Anyway, just then I spotted The Giver. I vaguely recalled a friend telling me it was good, so I decided to give it a try. As usual, I was hooked from page one.
 |
| I love that dude's beard XD |
Wow...what a book. It was a bit slow, since nothing much happens throughout the book, but I enjoyed it anyway. Maybe because it reminded me a bit of The Hunger Games (but without all the action!).
Genre: Science Fiction
Rating: 3.5 stars
Age Recommended: 12+
Friday, January 28, 2011
Seven Shelves
So today, I have decided to show you my bookshelf! I know what you're thinking, "Her bookshelf?! BOR-ING." Not so! My bookshelf has more than just books. It holds knick-knacks and other random treasures, and I plan on showing you one shelf each day for the rest of the week! (or it might take every other day, depending on my schedule...) By the way, sorry about the poor quality of the pictures, my camera is not the best...
Pretty much everything on my shelf has some kind of story behind it...so here is a short explanation of all my stuff and where it came from!
The cat figure I got in Spokane a while back at a craft store. My little cousins and I each got one and painted them at our grandma's house. It's supposed to be a fire cat...or something...
The stuffed dude is a handmade gift from my cousin...she's so sweet! It's supposed to be a "cupcake ghost."
The Betty Boop mini-poster is from my good friend Allie. She knew that I loved Japan and bought this for me!
The clay Pokemon is another handmade gift from my cousin...she's so thoughtful!
The totally awesome Mickey Mouse figure that I'm sure you're staring at with jealousy (just kidding!), came with my Epic Mickey video game. HE'S POSABLE! 8D By the way, that game is pretty cool, too!
The white Doglefox is a birthday present from my good friends Chelsea and Lauren. So cute!
Now, onto the books. You may have noticed that I have the second and third Eragon books, but not the first one. I kinda lost it...>.<
The Red Pyramid and The Lost Hero are both written by Rick Riordan (author of the Percy Jackson series). I got them for Christmas from my dad.
The blue book is Ella Enchanted, which is very different from the movie and is also a childhood favorite.
The books that Mickey is perched upon are a trilogy by C. S. Lewis, given to me by my grandma.
And...that's it for today! ;)
 |
| Behold the blurry awesomeness! |
The cat figure I got in Spokane a while back at a craft store. My little cousins and I each got one and painted them at our grandma's house. It's supposed to be a fire cat...or something...
The stuffed dude is a handmade gift from my cousin...she's so sweet! It's supposed to be a "cupcake ghost."
The Betty Boop mini-poster is from my good friend Allie. She knew that I loved Japan and bought this for me!
The clay Pokemon is another handmade gift from my cousin...she's so thoughtful!
The totally awesome Mickey Mouse figure that I'm sure you're staring at with jealousy (just kidding!), came with my Epic Mickey video game. HE'S POSABLE! 8D By the way, that game is pretty cool, too!
The white Doglefox is a birthday present from my good friends Chelsea and Lauren. So cute!
Now, onto the books. You may have noticed that I have the second and third Eragon books, but not the first one. I kinda lost it...>.<
The Red Pyramid and The Lost Hero are both written by Rick Riordan (author of the Percy Jackson series). I got them for Christmas from my dad.
The blue book is Ella Enchanted, which is very different from the movie and is also a childhood favorite.
The books that Mickey is perched upon are a trilogy by C. S. Lewis, given to me by my grandma.
And...that's it for today! ;)
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Book Review for "The Hunger Games"
This summer my library had a contest for teens -- write reviews for any books you read during the summer and submit a review on their website for a chance to win a 32-gig iPod Touch. A few days ago, I got a call from the library saying that since I had submitted five reviews, I had won a free book! So I went down to pick it up. I got to choose from a shelf of books at the information desk. I picked a book I had been hearing a lot about lately-The Hunger Games. A friend of mine had read it and said she liked it. Here's the description on the back of the book:
"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 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 a second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love."
Genre: Science Fiction
Rating: 3.5 stars
Age Recommended: 13+
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Book Review for "Raising Dragons"
A couple years ago, my mom was looking through the Christian Bookstore catalogue and noticed they had a summer reading list. One of the series that caught her eye was Dragons in our Midst. She ordered the first one from the library for me to read. When I saw the book, I complained to her that I was sure I wasn't going to like it. I was wrong. Once I had (reluctantly) started reading, I was hooked. Here's the book description:
"A boy learns of his dragon past, a girl has known of hers for years. They combine their faith, courage, and love to overcome an evil slayer who seeks to bring an end to the dragon heritage forever.
"The kids at school call Billy 'Dragon Breath' for good reason. His breath is bad! It isn't the normal, morning-mouth bad; it's the hot-as-fire 'don't-you-dare-get-near-me bad. Trouble erupts when his hot breath sets off the fire sprinklers in the boys' restroom at school, and his parents learn that they've kept their secret too long.
"Billy finally discovers the secret. His father was once a dragon! Now that's a piece of news a guy doesn't deal with every day! Billy feels betrayed, alien, lost. When the dragon traps him on a cold mountaintop in West Virginia, Billy learns to battle with weapons of steel and spirit while relying on a power he doesn't understand, a power that helps him learn to trust again.
"Bonnie, an orphan, tries to find a home, someone to love her, even though she feels like a freak because of a body feature she calls a deformity. But this unusual feature becomes a life-saving attribute as she discovers that her love for others and her faith in a Creator hold the answers she's looking for."
This series has become one of my all-time favorites. It has tons of action, surprises, and humor, as well as important themes such as faith, redemption, and forgiveness! With its unique characters and plot, the entire series is a must-read for any fantasy lover.
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 4.5 stars
"A boy learns of his dragon past, a girl has known of hers for years. They combine their faith, courage, and love to overcome an evil slayer who seeks to bring an end to the dragon heritage forever.
"The kids at school call Billy 'Dragon Breath' for good reason. His breath is bad! It isn't the normal, morning-mouth bad; it's the hot-as-fire 'don't-you-dare-get-near-me bad. Trouble erupts when his hot breath sets off the fire sprinklers in the boys' restroom at school, and his parents learn that they've kept their secret too long.
"Billy finally discovers the secret. His father was once a dragon! Now that's a piece of news a guy doesn't deal with every day! Billy feels betrayed, alien, lost. When the dragon traps him on a cold mountaintop in West Virginia, Billy learns to battle with weapons of steel and spirit while relying on a power he doesn't understand, a power that helps him learn to trust again.
"Bonnie, an orphan, tries to find a home, someone to love her, even though she feels like a freak because of a body feature she calls a deformity. But this unusual feature becomes a life-saving attribute as she discovers that her love for others and her faith in a Creator hold the answers she's looking for."
This series has become one of my all-time favorites. It has tons of action, surprises, and humor, as well as important themes such as faith, redemption, and forgiveness! With its unique characters and plot, the entire series is a must-read for any fantasy lover.
Genre: Fantasy
Rating: 4.5 stars
Age Recommendation: Ages 12+ ( This can reflect reading level, not necessarily content)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)