Dead Weight: Murder at Camp Bloom by Terry Blas

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Reading Dead Weight reminds me of Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys because of the mystery and sleuthing theme. The story of the four teenagers in the Camp Bloom, a camp for those who have weight issues, is quite interesting to read and the "accidental" bond between these teens will make readers happy.

I wasn't expecting anything before I read this because based on the cover, I thought the story could be childish or too juvenile. But the expression, "Don't judge the book by its cover," strongly represents this graphic novel. So if you enjoy reading mystery and detective type of stories, Dead Weight is a great addition to your list.



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The Scar by Pittacus Lore

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This short story is definitely the best among all the journals and the lost files bonus because aside from the fact that it was written on Six's point of view, it gave us some spoiler on what might happen (in the case that if you still haven't read the rest of the series). Well, I and every follower of this book series are hoping that spoiler that there could be another garde who died is not true. Or maybe there could be a chance that it will reverse.

Life Before Legend: Stories of the Criminal and the Prodigy by Marie Lu

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a short novella giving a glimpse on one of the memorable days of Day and June before the Legend. Day recounting the memory of his first kiss and of June at her first day at the University. The stories in this novella show us that Day misses the company of a family and of June's respect and love for her brother Metias. I love reading these short novellas because they give a glimpse of some important events in the lives of the characters in the books.

The Enchantress by Michael Scott

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Finally, I could move on after I finish reading this last installment of the book series. I was quite surprised that it was Josh and not Sophie who save the modern world and destroyed the Danu Talis. I was really rooting for Sophie to be the chosen one because I don't like Josh's attitude on the 4th and 5th book. But after contemplating on Josh's journey, I think it really suits him to make the biggest sacrifice and become a hero.

Josh experienced a lot of emotions such as anger, jealousy, uncertainty, and pride. But after all of these, Dee made him realized that whenever he was in doubt; he should always use his heart. The biggest revelation, I guess, is that Josh became Death or also called Marethyu and who gave the book of Codex to Nicholas.

I am curious about what happened to Sophie who isn't really related to him by blood, which was also revealed in this last book. If it's true that the author will be writing a sequel to this series, hopefully, there could be a chance that Sophie and Josh will meet again.

Glitches by Marissa Meyer

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read all of the books in the Lunar Chronicles Series and I was looking for a flashback of what happened to the moment when Cinder was adopted by her new family. I was happy that the author wrote this short novella so we could have a glimpse of what happened and this is really a perfect companion to the series.

The Little Android by Marissa Meyer

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Even Star is an Android, she made a huge sacrifice for the person she loves. Even if it makes her alone or miserable, she thought it would be better to see that the one she loves would be happy. I'm very contented with this short novella and it just shows that there could be chances for Androids, like the case of Star and Miko, to feel just like an ordinary human being.

Sarah's Journal by Pittacus Lore

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I never like Sarah's character because I find her too sweet, weak and easily smitten with John/Four. And this journal of hers proves my first impressions on her. Didn't like her then, and I still don't like her now either will on the ending of the series.

Nine's Legacy by Pittacus Lore

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A lot of readers would hate Nine because of him being obnoxious. But I don't know why I didn't have the slightest disapproval of his character. Or maybe I already guessed that there's something behind that pretense.

Traitor's Hope by Virginia McClain

AUTHOR: Virginia McClain
SERIES: Chronicles of Gensokai
PUBLISHER: Artemis Dingo Productions
PUBLICATION DATE: October 14, 2017
PAGES: N/A
SYNOPSIS FROM GOODREADS:
Traitors lurk around every bend. Mishi’s mind is betraying her, and she fears her kisō and katana will betray her next. Taka’s heart abandons her for a person she cannot possibly trust. Now that the two friends are obliged to help re-establish peace in the land of Gensokai, the only question is where the next betrayal will come from and if Mishi and Taka will have the strength to survive it.

 

 

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MY RATING: I was not aware that the Traitor's Hope is the sequel to the Chronicles of Gensokai series. But despite that this is second installment already and that I still haven't read the first book in the series, Blade's Edge, I was able to still follow what the story is all about. After the battle in Roju City, Mishi felt that she's broken because of what happened, but she still wants to seek out new female kisoshi, or an elite warrior. During the battle, Mishi would have died if Taka, a healer, wasn't able to save her. Mishi used so much of her kiso (fire) power during the battle that results to her fear that she might harm others because thought that she can't control it. However, Tsuku-san and Yanagi-Sensei told her that she must her kiso daily because it will help her channel it and will make it grow. Mishi was tasked by the New Council to fight once more, but she tried to decline because she thought she can no longer do it. Nevertheless, she still accepted the offer and together with the natural tracker Mitsu, they were assigned by Tsuku-san to track the group(s) of sanzoku or the mountain bandits. The former enemy Kusuko, a hishi or an assassin, became an ally during the battle of Roju. Yet, Mishi was still cautious of this former ex-foe because Kusuko killed Sachi, which can be read in Blade's Edge. But Kusuko was able to prove that she's no longer an enemy when she was able to protect Taka from her own father, Mamushi-san. Traitor's Hope is quite a long novel and I'm not familiar with the Japanese words/terms, but the author included a glossary of terms in the beginning of the book for easy access. The storyline is unique and those who are fascinated with the East Asia or Japanese culture, as well as fantasy fiction novels, this book by Virginia McClain will certainly enthralled them.

If you are interested in this book, you may buy it from Amazon:

Stella Maris by Marita A. Hansen

AUTHOR: Marita A. Hansen
SERIES: The Legendary Rosaries
PUBLISHER: Brave New Words
PUBLICATION DATE: September 9, 2017
PAGES: 438
SYNOPSIS FROM GOODREADS:
At her first Confirmation lesson, Catherine Lovich is given a beautiful rosary known as the Stella Maris. Unaware of the danger attached to it, she accepts the gift, soon discovering that each bead on the rosary holds a unique power, powers that only Merges can use. Descended from angels and demons, Merges have the innate ability to manipulate the elements as well as bring the past to the present through dreams.

After meeting Christopher Laboure on her first day back at Agnaru High, Catherine learns that the arrogant but heavenly-looking boy is a Merge—like herself. But unlike Catherine, Christopher is a Seraph, a Merge who controls the fire beads.

When a heated kiss goes wrong, Christopher finds out that Catherine is wearing the Stella Maris—the water rosary his grandfather wants to destroy.

Along with its owner.

STELLA MARIS will transport you into a realm where nothing is what it seems and everything holds hidden danger.

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MY RATING: Stella Maris has a solid foundation as a novel because the plot is quite intriguing and Hansen made the story very appealing; especially to those who are fond of paranormal topics, e.g. seraphs and fallen angels. I love the story, it's just that the pacing is slow and I can't believe that there will be a succeeding book after this.  Stella Maris has a solid foundation as a novel because the plot is quite intriguing and Hansen made the story very appealing; especially to those who are fond of paranormal topics, e.g. seraphs and fallen angels. I love the story, it's just that the pacing is slow and I can't believe that there will be a succeeding book after this. I was anticipating the battle between Catherine and Christopher's father, which was put near the end and I'm a little dismay because it was not what I've expected it to be. I envisioned some action-pack duel among them but it was like a petty fight when I've read it. One major complaint I have about this young adult fantasy novel of Marita A. Hansen is that it's quite long! I reckon I skipped almost 30% of the book because some parts are not really that important and could be remove without making any drastic effect to the novel. Lastly, I believe that the author could have squeeze the whole story of Catherine and Christopher in one single novel. There's no need for second installment if Hansen would have omit trivial and dragging parts in this book, especially the numerous necking scenes of the two protagonist.

If you are interested in this book, you may buy it from Amazon:

Morning Sun by Jeremy Flagg

AUTHOR: Jeremy Flagg
SERIES: Children of Nostradamus
PUBLISHER: Brave New Words
PUBLICATION DATE: May 1, 2017
PAGES: 270
SYNOPSIS FROM GOODREADS:
Before their paths crossed…
Before a fragile thread connected their futures...
Before they found themselves humanity's last hope...

The Nighthawks stood alone.

Armed with visions from the future, Eleanor P. Valentine is about to change the fate of eleven would-be heroes in a last ditch effort to save mankind.

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MY RATING: Morning Sun, the first novel in the Children of Nostradamus series, is quite unexpected to be this astonishing. It is a prelude to the series which narrates the stories of each mentalists or the so-called children of Nostradamus, and it also compiles all the individual letters of the psychic Eleanor to them. Some of these extraordinary people possessed different kind of special abilities, just like the power to become invisible or super strength, which the government tries to suppressed. Because of this, they have to hide their identity or they will be subject to the government's experimentation. If you enjoy reading suspense and action-pack scenarios as much as I do, then this book is for you to devour. This introduction of these children of Nostradamus was incredibly written and you'll certainly want to read the succeeding book, Nighthawks, after you're done reading this.

If you are interested in this book, you may buy it from Amazon:

Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder

AUTHOR: Maria V. Snyder
PUBLISHER: MIRA
PUBLICATION DATE: October 1, 2005
PAGES: 416
SYNOPSIS FROM GOODREADS:
Choose: A quick death…Or slow poison...

About to be executed for murder, Yelena is offered an extraordinary reprieve. She'll eat the best meals, have rooms in the palace—and risk assassination by anyone trying to kill the Commander of Ixia.

And so Yelena chooses to become a food taster. But the chief of security, leaving nothing to chance, deliberately feeds her Butterfly's Dust—and only by appearing for her daily antidote will she delay an agonizing death from the poison.

As Yelena tries to escape her new dilemma, disasters keep mounting. Rebels plot to seize Ixia and Yelena develops magical powers she can't control. Her life is threatened again and choices must be made. But this time the outcomes aren't so clear...

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MY RATING:I had a good time reading this but I cannot consider this as one of my favorite novel/series. I like the fast pacing of the story and the characters especially Ari and Janco. And who doesn't like Valek because of how he was portrayed as Yelena's knight in shining armor? There are also mature content or scenes in this story so I don't think young readers or teens should read this. Hopefully I could finish reading the remaining books in this Study series. I'll try not to be discourage by the low rating of the 3rd book and the lower number of raters for the succeeding books, which I've seen in Goodreads.

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Hate That Cat by Sharon Creech

AUTHOR:  Sharon Creech
PUBLISHER: HarperCollins
PUBLICATION DATE: September 23, 2008
PAGES: 160
SYNOPSIS FROM GOODREADS:

Jack
Room 204—Miss Stretchberry
February 25
Today the fat black cat
up in the tree by the bus stop
dropped a nut on my head
thunk
and when I yelled at it
that fat black cat said
Murr-mee-urrr
in a
nasty
spiteful
way.
I hate that cat.
This is the story of
Jack
words
sounds
silence
teacher
and cat.

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MY RATING: It's funny that both the cat and Jack hates each other. But because of the kitten that Jack adopted, they had a civil relationship in end. I enjoyed reading this book but I still prefer the Love That Dog than this.

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Love That Dog by Sharon Creech

AUTHOR:  Sharon Creech
PUBLISHER: HarperCollins
PUBLICATION DATE: April 8, 2008
PAGES: 112
SYNOPSIS FROM GOODREADS:

"I guess it does
look like a poem
when you see it
typed up
like that."

Jack hates poetry. Only girls write it and every time he tries to, his brain feels empty. But his teacher, Ms. Stretchberry, won't stop giving her class poetry assignments -- and Jack can't avoid them. But then something amazing happens. The more he writes, the more he learns he does have something to say.

 

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MY RATING: I like how Jack and his dad adopt a dog from a shelter/dog pound. Jack and his dog both had a great time together. It's really heartbreaking when his dog died and Jack no longer wants to have another pet because of the trauma he got from losing one. The short and bittersweet poem he wrote in the end is like a memorial for his dog.

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