Quote of the Day - November 30, 2013

"Inanimate objects are harmless indeed, Mr. Mortmain. But one cannot always say the same of the men who use them."

- Henry, Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

- Nick

City of Lost Souls – Mini-Review

My Allegiant review took so long that I'm really behind on reviews! I'll be doing a bunch of "Mini-Review"s like this one to catch up. They will be just my thoughts on the book, not an in-depth talk about it.

Title: City of Lost Souls

Author: Cassandra Clare

Series: The Mortal Instruments

Previous books in this series:

1. City of Bones (My rating: 9.0)
2. City of Ashes (My rating: 8.9)
3. City of Glass (My rating: 9.3)
4. City of Fallen Angels (My rating: 9.2)

Reviewer: Nick

In many ways City of Lost Souls was a little too much for me. First of all, it was really long. I got a little bored near the end. The ending paid off, though, and had a nice little quirk too.

Spoilers start now.

I tried to keep this spoiler-free, but there's one thing I need to talk about—Sebastian. And Clary. Ew. We learned that Sebastian likes Clary in that way, although we don't know in what capacity. That's kinda disturbing, but you have to give Clare credit. I mean, very few authors would go there.

Also, Jace glowing at the end was a stroke of genius on Clare's part.

Spoilers end now.

City of Lost Souls was a little disappointing, but of course it was still good. I'm psyched for City of Heavenly Fire! I can't believe we have to wait until May 27, 2014!

Final score: 8.7 out of 10

Next review: Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

 — Nick

Allegiant – Book Review

Title: Allegiant
Author: Veronica Roth
Series: Divergent
Other books in this series:

1. Divergent (My rating: 9.0)
2. Insurgent (My rating: 8.8)

Reviewer: Nick

In my review of The House of Hades, I talked a little about how a long wait for a book can change how you read it. The anticipation can change your whole perspective. If the book is not as good as you anticipated, it can seem awful when it's really not. I think Allegiant suffered from that a lot.

I will warn you now. Allegiant is very different from Divergent and Insurgent. There's a lot of changes that may startle diehard fans of the first two. Some of these changes worked, but many fell flat.

The first thing that you notice immediately is the dual perspective. Tris narrates part of the book, and Tobias narrates another. I don't mind dual perspective when it's done well (see Marie Lu's Legend books), but it's REALLY ANNOYING when not (see Matched by Ally Condie). In this case, it's not done well. Since Tris is now the narrator for only half the book, we don't get to see her character develop as much. Too much of it was "off-camera". This is a crucial disappointment towards the end of the book, but I'll talk about that in the spoiler-y section. Now, there were two major pitfalls of having Tobias narrate the other half of the book. The first was that his view on the world was practically the same as Tris. Many people have said that they had to look back at the beginning of the chapter multiple times because they were confused as to who was narrating. I did that multiple times as well. The second is that he such a boring narrator compared to Tris. I just don't think that Tobias is that interesting as a character, period. I frequently found myself waiting impatiently for the parts where Tris narrated. If Roth wanted to do a dual perspective, I think Caleb would be far more interesting. It didn't really need the dual perspective anyway. The book would be far better if Tris just narrated the whole thing.

The story takes place right after the events of Insurgent. Something I loved about Insurgent was that Roth wasted no time on recapping the events of the previous book. The same thing happens in Allegiant. While this is nice, it's also now necessary to reread or at least refresh yourself on the events of the previous two books. I recently reread both, and I would greatly recommend doing so.

In the beginning of Allegiant, Tris, Christina, and Cara are locked up because their role in stealing Edith Prior's video from Erudite headquarters went directly against Evelyn's orders. They get out by blaming everything on Marcus and are free to go. Meanwhile, Evelyn has taken over Chicago. She has eliminated all echoes of the factions. A nice piece of symbolism is there when she forces the former faction members to wear a mixture of clothes from all the factions. A group of former faction members who dislike the rule create a group called the Allegiant, who want to take back Chicago and restore the factions. The group is headed by Tori and former Amity leader Johanna Reyes. The Allegiant reach out to Tris & Tobias, and the two of them attend a super-secret meeting. The Allegiant set two goals: 1) to usurp Evelyn and take back Chicago, and 2) follow Edith Prior's wishes and explore outside the fence. Tris and Tobias join the group that goes out the explore the outside world.

Spoilers – a LOT of them – start now!!!

One of the things that this book does best is reinforce Veronica Roth's message that realistically, your favorite characters don't always make it out in the nick of time. They're not even out of the city yet and BAM!—Tori's dead. It makes it worse when we get out of the city and we find out her brother's still alive—that's just cruel, Roth. :(

I'm getting a little ahead of myself, though. Right now, our narrators are just about to find out what is outside the fence. They'll learn what their society is, how it became so, and why it did. This is a crucial point in the story. Roth can do whatever she wants here. She can create a unique, interesting world that sets Divergent apart, or she can just do a boring, we've-seen-it-before world that's not notable among all of the dystopian books out now. Unfortunately, Allegiant ends up leaning towards the second one.

At the beginning of the book, I was hopeful that Roth would pull it all together. Sure, the beginning focused a little too much on Tris & Tobias's romance. Sure, I did not like the dual perspective. But I was hoping Roth could  make a solid story that I would get hooked on, and she didn't really do it here.

See, the magic of Divergent and Insurgent was that Roth's great, fast-paced writing (plus a lot of action) made someone even as OCD as me able to overlook the plot holes. In Allegiant, they're shoved in your face the minute you step outside that fence.

So the premise of this dystopia is that the world went down the toilet because of genetic modification. People tried to genetically modify the human race to be more intelligent, honest, peaceful, selfless and brave. However, people with these genes also became vain, impolite, indifferent, withdrawn, and cruel respectively. Sound familiar, anyone? Soon, big cities became test facilities in which a society of genetically modified persons was created. They would stay in that controlled environment for generations until heredity produces a sufficient amount of their population that was genetically pure, or known to them as Divergent.

Seems simple enough, right? Genetically modified = bad. Divergent = good. But no, apparently Roth can't make up her mind. Now we get into a moral discussion: Are GDs (genetically damaged persons) really that much worse that GPs (genetically pures)? In this dystopian society, GPs are treated as an inferior race. Is this justified, is it going too far, or is it completely immoral? Tris struggles with this in a completely boring way.

Ok. Now, Tobias commits to the GDs and their mission to show the GPs that they are not inferior and stop the cities-turned-test facilities (which would be completely pointless if the GPs aren't inferior). Tris doesn't commit because they have an awful plan, and she tells Tobias this, but he doesn't listen. The plan turns out horribly, and Uriah dies. So, Tris is super-pissed at Tobias—but wait! They reconcile again twenty pages later, so who cares?

Back in Chicago, the Allegiant are about to attack Evelyn and the factionless. The people in charge of the Chicago experiment decide to wipe out the memories of everybody inside the city, because they'll stop fighting, and who cares about the moral value of the Chicagoans, they're GDs! Tris is not happy with this, so her counter-attack is to… wipe out the memories of the experiment people! WTF? I'm sorry, that just doesn't make sense to me.

So now we're nearing the conclusion, and we have the big shocker conclusion: Tris dies. She sacrifices herself for her brother. Now, let me get one thing clear: I don't mind Tris dying. It was a very dauntless (ahem) move on Roth's part to kill off the main character. Tris sacrificing herself for her loved ones is a very good way for er to die. The act in itself is a good effort.

However, the problem is that it doesn't fit into the story that well. Veronica Roth wrote a very interesting blog post explaining exactly why she killed off Tris. You can see it here. She explains that it all begins when Tris's parents sacrifice themselves for her at the end of Divergent. Tris struggles to understand this throughout Insurgent, leading to behavior that is more self-destructive than selfless. In Allegiant, she finally realizes this and her last act, saving her brother, is truly selfless. Now, I think this makes sense. However, the biggest problem is that Roth shouldn't have to tell us this. I learned the rule of "show, not tell" in second grade writing, didn't she? Now, we come back to my problems the dual perspective. Because Tris narrates less than half of the book, we don't get to see this character growth. It's arguably the most important part of the book, and WE DON'T SEE IT. Does this make sense to anyone?

Spoilers end here.

Now it's time to wind this review down. It's taken me weeks to write, so I'll stop here. While this book made me pretty angry about all the things I said above, I still liked it. Roth is a phenomenal writer, and I was addicted to this book every step of the way. Even the bad steps.

Final score: 7.4 out of 10

I just want to say Roth has gotten a lot of hate for killing off Tris, far more than she ever could deserve. I heard she even got death threats! Really, people? Even if the author mass murdered every fictional character in existence, it's not a reason to hate her, let alone send death threats.

If you liked this book, then you would like:

• Legend by Marie Lu
• The Maze Runner by James Dashner
• Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein

Next review: City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare

- Nick

Quote of the Day — November 24, 2013

• "Each day means a new twenty-four hours. Each day means everything's possible again. You live in the moment, you die in the moment, you take it all one day at a time."

  — Day, Legend by Marie Lu

— — Nick

Quote of the Day – November 22, 2013

• "Things don't magically take off and fly just because it's a little windy."

— Rose, Rose Under Fire by Elizabeth Wein

Very true. Far too many people think that they can get what they want without trying. 

— Nick

Ivy's Book of the Month: November

Have you ever had those times when you just know something's going to come back...
but it seems like it never will?

My pick for this month is Keeping the Moon by Sarah Dessen.

For this cold month, I would suggest something like this summer book to keep with me. It's called keeping the moon for one reason and that's mentioned inside of the book, just once, but enough to be significant.

Summary: Colie expects the worst when she's sent to spend the summer with her eccentric aunt Mira while her mother, queen of the television infomercial, tours Europe. Always an outcast -- first for being fat and then for being "easy" -- Colie has no friends at home and doesn't expect to find any in Colby, North Carolina. But then she lands a job at the Last Chance Cafe and meets fellow waitresses Morgan and Isabel, best friends with a loving yet volatile relationship. Wacky yet wise, Morgan and Isabel help Colie see herself in a new way and realize the potential that has been there all along.

This book like most of Dessen's others has a major theme of change. It can be that drastically optimistic or depressing. I think this book gets straight to your feelings even in the first few chapters.

I think this book focuses real well on some hard life for people. It's friendship that keeps many things in tack. Hold onto hope, is the message that this book screams to me.

If you decide to read the book, leave a comment on what you thought about it.

Quote of the Day- November 17, 2013

"S.P.Q.R- Senatus Populusque Romanus, the senate and people of Rome."

-Motto of the Ancient Romans

I think this means a lot. Not to have a corrupt government, thinking about the people and everything else. Bravery not not hold room for cowardice. You have to do what you've got to do. I think all of those Sci-Fi books that we read these days bases their characters to be like this: strong enough to pull through whatever problems that they have.

Signed,
Ivy

Quote of the Day – November 16, 2013

• "Things change and friends leave and life doesn't stop for anybody."

– The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

I actually found out about this quote from school, of all places.

– Nick

Quote of the Day: November 10, 2013

“I have something I need to tell you," he says. I run my fingers along the tendons in his hands and look back at him. "I might be in love with you." He smiles a little. "I'm waiting until I'm sure to tell you, though."
"That's sensible of you," I say, smiling too. "We should find some paper so you can make a list or a chart or something."
I feel his laughter against my side, his nose sliding along my jaw, his lips pressing my ear.
"Maybe I'm already sure," he says, "and I just don't want to frighten you."
I laugh a little. "Then you should know better."
"Fine," he says. "Then I love you.” 
― Veronica Roth, Divergent

Unfortunately,  I am still not done with  Divergent. But I cant wait till im done.

Quote of the Day- November 8th, 2013

“I wonder if fears ever really go away, or if they just lose their power over us.” 

- Allegiant  written by Veronica Roth

I feel bad saying this, but I don't remember if it was Tris or Tobias saying this. Anyways, I'm at my friend's house. The Wi-Fi broke down and still isn't back yet, bear with me if I don't get the Book of the Month until next Tuesday.

I chose this quote because it's what brings us back to Divergent. Dauntless initiation was about overcoming fear and it is why we love the books. It keeps us thrilled.

Anyways, it's my birthday on  11/11. Bye!

Signed,
Ivy

 

Quote of the Day – November 8, 2013

• "There’s no way to please everyone, because that mythical book with the ending that every single person wants can’t exist—you want different things, each one of you. The only thing I can do, in light of that fact, is write an honest story as best I can."

– Veronica Roth

Not a book quote today, just one from an author. This is a quote by Veronica Roth, about the ending of Allegiant. Yeah, if you've finished, you'll see this quite differently. My review is coming soon!

– Nick

Somaya's Quote of the Day: November 3, 2013

“I was afraid I was wrong, that you would change your mind any second. I’ve been looking for a suitable alternative, but the truth is …”—Maxon looked me in the eyes again, unwavering—“there’s only you. Maybe I’m not really looking, maybe they aren’t right for me. It doesn’t matter. I just know I want you. And that terrifies me. I’ve been waiting for you to take back the words, to beg to leave.” 
― Kiera Cass, The Elite

This part of the story is so touching. Did you guys read the Book of the Month I did on this? If not go now!!!! PLEASE ;)

Somaya's Book of the Month: November 2013

So November's book of the month is going to be different. Instead of a book, I am going to do a series!!!!! Well, its two-thirds a series. Third book still didnt come out. The Selection series is outstanding. It is a romantic, tragic and an adventurous series. There are a lot of twists and turns. 

Summary for The Selection:  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.

Summary for The Elite: Thirty-five girls came to the palace to compete in the Selection. All but six have been sent home. And only one will get to marry Prince Maxon and be crowned princess of Illea.

America still isn’t sure where her heart lies. When she’s with Maxon, she’s swept up in their new and breathless romance, and can’t dream of being with anyone else. But whenever she sees Aspen standing guard around the palace, and is overcome with memories of the life they planned to share. With the group narrowed down to the Elite, the other girls are even more determined to win Maxon over—and time is running out for America to decide.

Just when America is sure she’s made her choice, a devastating loss makes her question everything again. And while she’s struggling to imagine her future, the violent rebels that are determined to overthrow the monarchy are growing stronger and their plans could destroy her chance at any kind of happy ending.

So overall, I think it is an outstanding series. You can choose which teams you are on, Maxon or Aspen. To be honest, I am totally Team Maxon. I would recommend this book to anyone. The third book is coming out in the beginning of May 2014. I can not wait. It is called The One and the book cover is also out. Enjoy! :D

Quote of the Day - November 3, 2013

"It's strange how time can make a place shrink, make its strangeness ordinary."

- Tris, Allegiant by Veronica Roth

This is so true! Once you get used to something, it's totally different.

Here's some news on the blog:

1. We're sorry for not doing the Book of the Months on time. Mine has just been posted, Somaya will post her book later, and I think Ivy's post will be tomorrow.
2. We're going to start including little trivia in the QOTDs, stuff like books that come out today, birthdays of authors, etc. It's not that big a deal, just wanted to tell you.
3. I have a secret idea I've been sitting on and was planning to introduce this weekend, but SO MUCH STUFF TO DO and not enough time. I have to talk to Ivy and Somaya about it.
4. Happy November!

- Nick

Nick's Book of the Month – November 2013

Title: Proxy
Author: Alex London
Summary: (from Goodreads)
"Knox was born into one of the City’s wealthiest families. A Patron, he has everything a boy could possibly want—the latest tech, the coolest clothes, and a Proxy to take all his punishments. When Knox breaks a vase, Syd is beaten. When Knox plays a practical joke, Syd is forced to haul rocks. And when Knox crashes a car, killing one of his friends, Syd is branded and sentenced to death.

Syd is a Proxy. His life is not his own.

Then again, neither is Knox’s. Knox and Syd have more in common than either would guess. So when Knox and Syd realize that the only way to beat the system is to save each other, they flee. Yet Knox’s father is no ordinary Patron, and Syd is no ordinary Proxy. The ensuing cross-country chase will uncover a secret society of rebels, test both boys’ resolve, and shine a blinding light onto a world of those who owe and those who pay. Some debts, it turns out, cannot be repaid"

This book just came out over the summer, and it's kind of gotten lost among sooo many new YA dystopia books that are coming out recently. And it shouldn't be. I bought this on a hunch while I was browsing Barnes & Noble--and I never do that. I read it very quickly, and I'm glad that I bought it.

This book is quite different from most YA dystopians out recently. It does not have a carbon-copy-of-Katniss female lead, which is nice. It has two male leads, and one of them is gay. So no, not your average dystopian book.

Despite one of the boys being gay, there is no question of the two of them being together in a relationship. That's also different; 95% of the time in these books, the male lead and the female lead get together, unless they're brother and sister (leaving Cassandra Clare out of this equation--she's just a crazy lady). I will rant about that someday. Hmmm, should I put all of my rants into one post and show it to you guys? Nah, that would probably overload the entire internet. Whatever, back on topic.

This book had a lot of action in it too. It was fast-paced. It's great for anyone who is looking for a quick read that is not too deep.

Sorry for this guys, this BOTM definitely sucks, but I had to put it together real fast. I'm so far behind in reviews! Ugh, I'm drowning in stuff to do and I don't even have homework this weekend!

- Nick

Nowhere to Run – Book Review

Title: Nowhere to Run

Author: Jude Watson

Series: The 39 Clues: Unstoppable

Reviewer: Nick

Yeah, I know what you're thinking. They made a third series? There are now nineteen books in the three 39 Clues series. Nineteen is a lot, even for the most diligent reader.

After the supreme disaster that was book six of Cahills vs. Vespers (series two), Day of Doom, let's just say I wasn't liking the 39 Clues series that much. I mean, that book was awful. Horrifyingly bad. Usually, I don't read sequels to horrifyingly bad books. But, you have to remember that each 39 Clues book is written by a different author. So, I decided to give the third series a try anyway.

Jude Watson, the author of Nowhere to Run, is no stranger to the series. She's written 3 1/4 other books in the series, all of which were good. Unfortunately, this new one—not so good.

It falls into many of the traps you'd expect to see in a nineteen-book old series. It has that I've-seen-it-before feeling, there are no really surprising twists, etc. To the author's credit, she doesn't crazily overcomplicate everything, but still.

The plot of the entire third series is that (minor spoiler) someone has stolen the serum and its 39-part formula. It was inevitable, really, as the authors have been dangling that over our heads for the entire series. Maybe a little too much. It just doesn't seem like an earth-shattering catastrophe anymore. After this earth-shattering catastrophe, our characters would have to do something about it, right? Wrong, apparently. They do absolutely nothing productive the entire book. I want a storyline, people, not just angst about Amy's love life and stunts that we've seen before.

Maybe the one good new thing in this book is the fact that Amy and Dan are being followed by paparazzi. It's funny to see that even they're not immune to the power of the tabloids.

So, will I read book number twenty? Yeah, I guess so. I'm too invested in these characters to just leave them hanging.

Final score: 7.2 out of 10

The next book in the series, Breakaway, by new-to-the-series author Jeff Hirsch, comes out on January 28, 2014, if you're still reading the series by then.

Next review: Allegiant by Veronica Roth

– Nick