Review: Pathfinder

Author: Orson Scott Card
Page: 672
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Source: Library
Synopsis (from Amazon):
A powerful secret. A dangerous path.


Rigg is well trained at keeping secrets. Only his father knows the truth about Rigg's strange talent for seeing the paths of people's pasts. But when his father dies, Rigg is stunned to learn just how many secrets Father had kept from him--secrets about Rigg's own past, his identity, and his destiny. And when Rigg discovers that he has the power not only to see the past, but also to change it, his future suddenly becomes anything but certain.


Rigg’s birthright sets him on a path that leaves him caught between two factions, one that wants him crowned and one that wants him dead. He will be forced to question everything he thinks he knows, choose who to trust, and push the limits of his talent…or forfeit control of his destiny.

If you ask me do I like Sci-Fi, I'll probably say it depends on the book. If you pressure me to say more, do I like Science Fiction in general, I'll say I haven't read enough to be considered a fan. On a blog hop a few weeks ago, it was asked whether bloggers liked Sci-Fi. One blogger said they didn't normally read Sci-Fi, but enjoyed the works of Orson Scott Card. I didn't recognize the name and wondered why I never read a book by him. It turns out that I was planning to when I received my hold of Pathfinder by Orson Scott Card from the library.

This story is epic. I don't mean epic in the sense of "extremely awesome" though it could also be considered that way, but epic in the sense that this is a huge story. It's the kind of story that teaches an important lesson, a world I will always remember. A story that frightens me, but addicts me too. Other epic stories include the Harry Potter series, the Star Wars books, and the movie Avatar.

There are many main characters in Pathfinder. Ram and Rigg mainly narrate though. Ram is on a kind of futuristic space ship leaving Earth to create a new colony since there's no space on Earth. We learn that technology had greatly advanced, and that the humans of Earth are in trouble. On the other hand, there is Rigg, a young boy who lives on the outside of a small town with Father and who has the amazing ability of seeing all paths left by living beings. Hence the name Pathfinder. I found that Ram isn't completely relatable, but by the end of the book I liked him as a character. Rigg is far more relatable, but because we see much more about him, his life and his adventures.

One of the best and worst things about this book is how smart it is. Honestly, the characters were all quick witted and knew a lot. Just thinking about all the stuff the talents brought hurt my head. It's like learning something huge that changes your whole view of the world. Sometimes it's hard to understand. Then there's a click in your head and for a second, it makes perfect sense and you get it, but then a second later you don't understand again. I never fully understand the basis of the story because there was so much to it. So much detail and thoughts. It made me marvel at how clever it was, but I also didn't like that I couldn't understand how the characters reached the right conclusions so easily.

The plot was filled with twists and turns. 600+ pages means there must be a lot of plot to keep the story going and there always was. It was just so much fun to read. I'd call it a masterpiece, and I think Orson Scott Card is some kind of genius for writing this.

It may look like a simple Sci-Fi read, but it isn't just that. I had a hard time calling it completely Sci-Fi since (forgive me for how cheesy this sounds) it was so much more. The story included friendship, family, politics, war, greed, humanity, etc. Pathfinder is probably a perfect story for me. However, this story isn't for everyone. It's long and has a fair bit of adventure in it. Some people may not like that it isn't a light read, but if anyone is interested I definitely recommend they read this.

Overall, I couldn't stop reading this book. It took me by surprise and I loved it. I wish I had more time to read it and digest it all, but I'm definitely looking for sequels. This story gets 5 stars because of it's brilliant story telling, plot and characters.

*****

Review: Prom & Prejudice

Author: Elizabeth Eulberg
Pages: 288
Publisher: Point
Source: Library
Synopsis (from Amazon): 
After winter break, the girls at the very prestigious Longbourn Academy become obsessed with the prom. Lizzie Bennet, who attends Longbourn on a scholarship, isn’t interested in designer dresses and expensive shoes, but her best friend, Jane, might be — especially now that Charles Bingley is back from a semester in London.

Lizzie is happy about her friend’s burgeoning romance but less than impressed by Charles’s friend, Will Darcy, who’s snobby and pretentious. Darcy doesn’t seem to like Lizzie either, but she assumes it’s because her family doesn’t have money. Clearly, Will Darcy is a pompous jerk — so why does Lizzie find herself drawn to him anyway?

Will Lizzie’s pride and Will’s prejudice keep them apart? Or are they a prom couple in the making? Whatever the result, Elizabeth Eulberg, author of The Lonely Hearts Club, has concocted a very funny, completely stylish delight for any season — prom or otherwise.
Prom and prejudice is a cute story of love, friendship, and jumping to conclusions. It's a retelling of the Jane Austen novel Pride and Prejudice. To be honest, I haven't read Pride and Prejudice (or pretty much any literary classic) yet so I was looking at the story through relatively new eyes since I watched a retelling called Bride and Prejudice.

Anyway, the story is narrated by Lizzie. I like Lizzie. She has her faults, but she's a good friend. She's determined and strong, plus is focusing on the future. Except that's her problem, she doesn't focus enough on what's happening in the moment. The changes people are making, because in her mind, she already has made up who they are. She soon realizes that there are some serious misjudgments and such, and she feels terrible about it. This was all written by Elizabeth Eulberg who wrote The Lonely Hearts Club, so I found this an enjoyable read. There wasn't anything too special about it, but it was quick and fun.

There's not much to say. This book isn't a favorite of mine, but it is as good as any book of it's type will be. It reinvents the story of Pride and Prejudice in a clever way, but the story isn't as powerful in modern times. Well, to me at least.

The one thing that bothered me was the way characters spoke. They might slang a bit and sound relatively normal, and them they would sound formal. I don't know why they're written that way. Is it because they're supposed to be private school kids? Or is it a way to tie in the original story? That little part confused me.

Overall, Prom and Prejudice is a nice read, but it's not on my must read list. 3.5 stars,

***& 1/2 *

The Weekly Progress

 For everyone new to my blog, the Weekly Progress is a little wrap up feature kinda thing that I do every Sunday. I don't review every book I read but since I do read many books, it might help people find new books to read. This progress reports covers books I've read, books I will be reading, books I am reading, and whatever extra bit I feel like posting. This week, underneath each book I read I'll put in a star rating to help convey which books I enjoyed.

My Thoughts:
I'm so glad this week is over. It's been a bit hectic, though I expect things will return to normal soon. At least I  hope so. I'm really excited for a new week with more books! Though I did manage to read some amazing books this week. I also managed to write a few reviews (and I'll hopefully do more)!

Books Read:

3.5 stars             3 stars                 3 stars                 3 stars                5 stars
 
3 stars

It's not a bad book week, though I wish more books truly impressed me. As always, if you'd like a review or a mini- review of any book, just leave a comment and I'll write one. Currently, I have a review for Prom and Prejudice as well as Pathfinder already written.


Currently Reading:
 

TBR Soon:


Super excited to read all of those.

Well, that's it for now! Have a great week everyone.

Thanks and Review: Blood Feud

First, I'd like to say thank you to the amazing Chloe at YA Booklover for her amazing new feature, Booklover Discovers. I had the honour of being her first "discovery". Visit her blog to read the awesome interview!

Now on to the review.



Author: Alyxandra Harvey
Pages: 272
Series: Drake Chronicles, book 2. First book was Hearts at Stake
Publisher: Walker Books for Young Readers
Source: Library
Synopsis (from Amazon):
It's been centuries since Isabeau St. Croix barely survived the French Revolution. Now she's made her way back to the living and she must face the ultimate test by confronting the evil British lord who left her for dead the day she turned into a vampire. That's if she can control her affection for Logan Drake, a vampire whose bite is as sweet as the revenge she seeks. 
The clans are gathering for Helena's royal coronation as the next vampire queen, and new alliances are beginning to form now that the old rifts of Lady Natasha's reign have started to heal. But with a new common enemy, Leander Montmarte—a vicious leader who hopes to force Solange to marry him and usurp the power of the throne for himself—the clans must stand together to preserve the peace he threatens to destroy.


This second adventure in the Drake Chronicles—told from both Logan's and Isabeau's perspectives—has all the same butt-kicking action, heart-pounding romances and snarky humor that readers loved in Hearts at Stake, as well as exciting new revelations about the vampire dynasties to keep readers coming back for more.

Blood Feud is the second book in the Drake series, centering around the Drake family. I'm starting to really like this series. I was really pleased with this book because book 1 in the series (Hearts at Stake) didn't interest me much but Blood Feud was so much more interesting.

What made me enjoy Blood Feud was the characters. Isabeau is strong, and fierce, but also so vulnerable at the same time. I would never want to be her because she has faced so many difficulties. I also liked the bits of French, history and language. I'm in French Immersion so whenever I read a book with French in it, it's a little bonus.

Logan was also a great narrator. He was charming, funny, and stylish. I particularly enjoyed reading about his brotherly feelings toward Solange and his relationship with his brothers. I was interested in him since Hearts at Stake so I was really happy that this was his story.

One of the problems I had with Hearts at Stake is that I got everything mixed up in my head. There was so much new information- 7 brothers, aunts, uncles, parents, friends, organizations and I kept confusing them all. While right now I still can't remember the names of all 7 brothers, (there's Logan, Quinn, Nicholas, George? Sebastian? I shouldn't have bothered trying) I do understand the world much better. And I like it.

The idea is so imaginative. There's so many possible stories. The Drake world is completely different from our own with many dangers but they face the same issues like trying to form alliances and truces. Trying to make peace. Because of this cool world, there's lots of room for plots and it's where the plot for Blood Feud came. Blood Feud alternates between Isabeau's past and present, and the connection between them. We see further into the world, and there's lots of action and fighting.

Overall, I really enjoyed Blood Feud and I can't wait to read Out for Blood which features Quinn, who may possibly be my favorite brother. It's a fun, fast roller coaster of love, death, and the undead. It's probably one of the most unique vampire worlds yet, and it's a series to keep an eye on. 4 stars,

****

Book Blogger Hop

Hey guys, it's Friday, which means 3 things: We get two days to do whatever we want, there's Supernatural on tonight, and lastly it's time for the Book Blogger Hop!




In the spirit of the Twitter Friday Follow, the Book Blogger Hop is a place just for book bloggers and readers to connect and share our love of the written word!  This weekly BOOK PARTY is an awesome opportunity for book bloggers to connect with other book lovers, make new friends, support each other, and generally just share our love of books!  It will also give blog readers a chance to find other book blogs to read!


This week's question comes from Mia who blogs at Girl About Books:

 "Who's your all-time favorite book villain?"

Amazing (but really hard) question! I would say Damon Salvatore, but he's not entirely a villain. He's actually a lot like a hero. So I shall probably say Lord Voldemort. He's terrifying, evil, has a sad background but doesn't make me feel bad for him. I'm always curious about villains. So much that I end up pitying them, but I never pitied Voldemort. He's a memorable, historic villain and someone I can call without hesitation "evil". 

So what's your favourite villain?

To everyone who visits, thanks and welcome! Leave a comment so I can return the visit! And have a fun Friday and a great weekend! :)

Review: The Lying Game

Author: Sara Shepard
Pages: 320
Publisher: HarperTeen
Source: Library
Synopsis:
I had a life anyone would kill for.

Then someone did.

The worst part of being dead is that there’s nothing left to live for. No more kisses. No more secrets. No more gossip. It’s enough to kill a girl all over again. But I’m about to get something no one else does—an encore performance, thanks to Emma, the long-lost twin sister I never even got to meet.

Now Emma’s desperate to know what happened to me. And the only way to figure it out is to be me—to slip into my old life and piece it all together. But can she laugh at inside jokes with my best friends? Convince my boyfriend she’s the girl he fell in love with? Pretend to be a happy, carefree daughter when she hugs my parents good night? And can she keep up the charade, even after she realizes my murderer is watching her every move?

From Sara Shepard, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Pretty Little Liars books, comes a riveting new series about secrets, lies, and killer consequences.

Let the lying game begin.

Ever since I first heard of this book, I wanted to read it. It has a cool name, a pretty cover, and an author who can write a complex, scary and interesting story. The Lying Game pretty much gave me all I expected.

The story is told from Sutton's perspective. Sutton's a ghost and she is weirdly connected to her long lost twin sister, Emma. Sutton can see Emma's thoughts, but she adds her own all of a sudden. It's like a POV within a POV. To be honest, I didn't like it. I'd fall into Emma's perspective and then all of a sudden, Sutton would make a comment and I would be reminded that there is an invisible girl there too. I don't see the point of having Sutton around yet, but since it's Sara Shepard, I expect there is one that pertains to the story.

Beside from that, I enjoyed the story. The murder plot is classic, but Shepard is able to make it original with the whole idea of the Lying Game. That's probably what I like the most- the game. Those girls are insane, but it leaves many plot lines open for exploring. Many interesting plot lines. It also gives motivation for Sutton's killer.

There are some memorable parts in this book, but it's exactly what I expected and it's good. I do wish the story was longer; I want to know more of what happens next, but this is a great intro to our characters (who are all interesting). It doesn't go too in depth about any of them though.

Overall, I think this is a start to a series that will probably get better as each book comes along. I'm not hooked, but this series has already roused my interest and I think it will be lots of fun to read.

3.5 stars

***& 1/2 *

One Lovely Blog Award and 7 Facts

x2



I'd like to say a HUGE thank you to Kayla from Midnight Twilight's Book Blog and NaKesha from Totally Obsessed for giving me my first award(s). They both have amazing blogs that are worth stalking- I should know. :)

Here;s what to do to accept the award:
1) Thank the person who gave you the 7 fact award and link back to their blog.
2) Post 7 random facts about yourself. 
3) Pass this award to 15 other worthy people.



7 Facts About Yours Truly:
1. I love chocolate.
2. I live in Canada.
3. I'm a freshman in high school.
4. My nails are painted a metallic silver-grey right now.
5. I have a little 5 year old sister.
6. I usually use my mom's white laptop or my ipod to blog.
7. I'm planning on eating cake very soon. 


15 Brilliant Blogs That I'm Passing These Awards to:
1.Addicted 2 Novels
2.Book Geek Central
3.Books Your Kids Will Love
4.Books, Sweets and Other Treats
5. Braintasia Books
6. Cry Havoc! Reviews
7. Henrietta
8.I Live In A Fictional World
9. KelseyAnne's Book Blog
10.Live...Love...Laugh...and Read
11.Read Books Have Fun
12. The Garden of Books
13. Tynga's Reviews
14. All Consuming Book Reviews by Tiger
15. YA Bliss