Sound of Waves by Yukio Mishima

This is the story of one poor boy who falls in love with the daughter of the richest man in the village. Shinji and Hatsue have an instant connection and decide to continue meeting in secret to prevent attracting the attention of nosy villagers. When rumors of their relationship is revealed, however, gossipy neighbors and one strict father may end their love story before it even starts.
Personally, I didn't find this book very appealing and didn't connect with it at all. There was nothing in particular that made the story unique from every other cliché romance. Of course, this book has received lots of praise, which I'm guessing is because of Mishima's excellency in describing setting and providing insight on Japanese culture. Even with this, I found the writing to be a little bland, the dialogue was stiff and there wasn't much character development.
This book is often assigned in school, and I suggest if you have a choice in which novel you read, don't pick this one. I would only recommend this to someone who wants a simple book to get over with in class. There is definitely some symbolism and deeper meanings to analyze, but the story is just really mediocre. Not to mention, there is quite of bit of thinly veiled sexism behind the author's writing.
I'd rate this book 4.5/10
~Mushu

I am the Messenger by Markus Zusak

For those of you who have read, The Book Thief, you're probably already familiar with Markus Zusak. I haven't read it myself, but after reading this novel, any book by Zusak has definitely made my list.
I am the Messenger is the story of Ed, a simple underage taxi driver with a simple life. However, the day he unintentionally stops a bank robbery, his life begins to take a new course. He receives the first ace in the mail. The aces lead Ed around town, helping strangers and changing their lives. But who's sending Ed on these missions? ...And why would they choose him?
This book was intricate, complex, and beautifully put together. I didn't even slightly expect the ending, and I wasn't at all disappointed. The missions Ed undergoes will touch or break your heart. It's very much a "feel good" sort of book.
I want to say there was some magic realism in play, but I'm not sure if that's the right phrase. The entire novel is mostly realistic fiction, but the ending is mind-blowing and (probably?) not possible. I love that I am the Messenger makes you really think.
I'd suggest this book to anyone, unless you are looking for a simpler read because this book is anything but. It also may be best suited for more mature audiences.
I'd rate this book a 10/10
~Mushu

Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

 The Kite Runner is the story of a young Pashtun boy living in Afghanistan. Amir lives a good life with his best friend and Hazara servant, Hassan. Despite facing minor hardships such as bullies and aching for his father's attention, everything starts out peaceful. However, one horrible even changes Amir's life forever and a new guilt rests upon his shoulders. Kite Runner is the story of truth, family, and Amir's path to seeking redemption. As the story progresses, the events with the war in Afghanistan and the Taliban occur as well.

I thought this book was very well written with a captivating plot. There were also many meaningful topics and symbols addressed throughout. The ending could be seen as cliché or predictable, but I thought it was fine- and it's only the end after all. My only protest is that I found the main character to be absolutely despicable. He does one terrible thing after another and his personality certainly isn't admirable. But things get better and of course, if Amir didn't act the way he did, The Kite Runner would have a very different plot.

I'd suggest this book to anyone who has an interest in learning more about Afghanistan during this time period- the book goes from about 1975 to 2001.

I'll rate the book 8/10

~Mushu

Unhinged by A. G. Howard

 You guessed it- this is the sequel of Splintered, which I reviewed not too long ago. Like with any sequel review- I must warn you that this summary has a few spoilers.

Alyssa is back to living her usual teenage life, with her amazing boyfriend and completely sane mother. However, normal isn't possible when you're the queen of Wonderland. The realm she rightfully rules is in trouble as Red has somehow managed to survive, and Morpheus is intent that Alyssa is the only one who can save them all. Alyssa finds herself once again torn between the two realms, but either way her life can never be "normal" again.

Similar to the book before, Unhinged is morbid, twisted, and an absolutely addictive read. After having read the first book, I knew there were going to be many plot-twists, yet I still found myself constantly surprised. This book is the opposite of predictable.

I would highly recommend it to those who have read Splintered. However: this book does end with a cliffhanger (meaning there is a third book). Splintered ended perfectly fine, so do not read Unhinged unless you are willing to become involved in yet another series.

I would rate this book 9/10

~Mushu

I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga

 I will admit it. I have a major obsession for dark, morbid stories. But this really is such a good book.

Jasper Dent, aka Jazz, is the son of the notorious serial killer Billy Dent. Ever since the passing of his mother which he struggles to remember, Jazz has been raised in the way Dear old Dad thought was best- how to murder people. Because of his upbringing, Jazz is conflicted between his sociopathic instincts and his humanity. When dead bodies start piling up, each mimicking the styles of Billy Dent's past kills, people obviously point fingers at Jazz. But how can Jazz even begin to defend himself, when he isn't even sure if he's all that innocent? By tracking down that killer, of course.

I absolutely adored this book. It's very unique and dives deep into the way a sociopath (probably) thinks. There's incredible detail on every single thing. Unfortunately that  increases just how bad this would be for a squeamish person. But if you like gore then by all means. The ending was pretty good, with a haunting openness to it, but I personally found what happened in the last chapter (not the epilogue) a bit strange for a last chapter. Otherwise I loved it.

 

I'd rate the book a 9.5/10
~Mushu

Wild Magic by Cat Weatherill

Wild Magic is a short children's novel featuring the Pied Piper. Siblings Mari and Jakob are enchanted by the Pied Piper's music, along with all the other children in the town. The children follow the piper into a magical realm of beasts and wonder- but certainly not paradise. Jakob, however, is left on the other side due to a crippled leg. Together, the siblings will be able to unravel the real reason the piper had taken them away, which isn't quite as straightforward as it seemed.

I thought this book was cute and surprisingly touching. Despite being for children, it was certainly well written. I liked how complicated the plot managed to be without being very confusing. Some parts were predictable, but that's not necessarily a bad thing.

I'd recommend this to readers of all ages, especially those who like those classic fantasies.

I rate the book a 7.5/10

~Mushu

Once Upon A Curse by E.D. Baker

A long time ago I started this book but the first chapter kind of made me bored. After getting into the book, though, it was good.

This is a book about a Princess name Emma. She is the Green Witch, the protector of her kingdom. At the age of sixteen, all of the women in her family may not touch a flower for they have been cursed that when they do, all their beauty will disappear and they will become very, very mean. This has been in her family for generations, all dating back to her ancestor, Princess Hazel who was cursed by a fairy at her sixteenth birthday party. Emma is a week from her sixteenth birthday and after seeing the curse fall onto her aunt she is determined to find the cure before it's too late for her. This is the story of her adventure with Eadric, who she plans to marry and Li'l, her bat friend.

I would recommend this book to someone who likes fairy-tale stories and fantasy. This story certainly has it's fair share of dragons, fairies, magic and love. It was pretty good!

I would rate this book a 9/10 because it was pretty good but the introduction didn't hook me. Other than that, it was amazing and I was very pulled in.

-Flounder

The Sweetest Spell by Suzanne Selfors

Emmeline Thistle was always seen as an outsider among the other dirt-scratchers. Being born with a curled foot, she should've been left out to die. Yet she lived. Not only that, Emmeline has an odd affinity with cows. Everyone thought Emmeline was weird and different, no one wanted to even touch her. That is, until one day after a great flood, Emmeline discovers she can make chocolate, a delicacy more precious than gold. Suddenly everyone, nobles, barons- the king, wants Emmeline for themselves, to make chocolate. And some of these people will even do drastic things just to get her in their own hands, no matter the cost to her. But all Emmeline really wanted was to be loved for who she was, and the only one who ever did that was the wonderful Owen Oak. Too bad that's just not what fate had in store for her.
This was an amazing, adorable, and absolutely fantastic book. I loved the plot, even if it seems a little silly. The whole book was really cute and well-written too. At the beginning of the book, maybe page 50 or so, I already started crying. It's just that good. The book really connected with me.
I'd recommend this amazing story to anyone, especially people who love cute romances.
I'd rate the book a 9.5/10
~Mushu

Towering by Alex Flinn

It was a while ago, but some of you may remember my review on A Kiss in Time, also by Alex Flinn. These two aren't in a series, but they have a similar concept. Towering is the retelling of Rapunzel in a modern day setting.
Rachel was taken to a tower years ago by her Mama, at first thinking it was like a palace. It isn't. Rachel begins to plan her escape, aided by her hair which has mysteriously begun to grow at a rapid pace. Not to far away and completely unknowing is Wyatt, a normal teen forced to live with a family friend and somehow bound to Rachel. When they come together they will come to learn the truth behind her entrapment all these years.
Towering is a really cute, fun book. It stayed true to the original ideas from Rapunzel (not the Disney version, the author makes sure to point out) yet has it's own differences that makes it worth reading. I think the way Flinn modernized this classic fairy tale was extremely clever, I definitely recommend reading this.
I rate the book 9/10 as some of the romance felt a bit too sweet.
~Mushu