Haroun and the Sea of Stories by Salman Rushdie

Haroun and the Sea of Stories tells the tale of Haroun, a young boy who's world is turned upside down when his mother runs off with his mean neighbor. Haroun's father, Rashid Khaliffa, was the greatest story teller in their entire city, and he would spread joy throughout the people. When this disaster occurs however, Rashid suddenly finds himself unable to tell stories- and right before an important performance. In order to save his father, Haroun goes off to Earth's second moon, Kahani, to regain his father's talents. But when he learns of the evil Khattam-Shud, who plans to ruin stories for everyone, Haroun must save more than just his father's story telling.
Rushdie creates this fun story for children, but it certainly suits adults as well. The book is littered with hidden (and some not so much) allusions and figurative language. There are also multiple important themes expressed, like freedom of speech, gender equality, and speech versus silence. It's a little all over the place, with made up creatures and "processes too complicated to explain," but that's part of the book's charm.
Personally, I like bizarre sort of books so although this isn't a novel I'd hold close to my heart and love forever, I certainly enjoyed it. It's not really the sort of book that you'd connect to, and character development is sketchy, but the deeper meanings make it worth reading. I didn't like the end because everything fell together too suddenly and perfectly, it was rather anticlimactic. I don't want to spoil it but it was pretty random- and not in a good way. However, perhaps it's still good to read for the values and topics addressed within the story.
I'd recommend this to people who have enjoyed books such as Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, or The Wizard of Oz.
I rate this book 7.5/10
~Mushu

Ensnared by A.G. Howard

Ensnared is the final book in the Splintered trilogy and it is most definitely an amazing end. I often find that the first book in a series isn't very connected with the last, as if the author wasn't sure that they'd get a sequel, or they forgot their original intentions when they first started. However, Howard successfully ties all three books together. Events in the first novel actually foreshadow what happens in the third. Once again the story was full of complexities and clever twists to engage the reader.
I think there's no need to provide a summary because if you read book two, Unhinged, you've probably been eagerly awaiting this third installment anyway. In my review for Splintered, I mentioned that it isn't necessary to read the following books because it had a splendid end. I take that back. Read all three books!! You will not regret it.
My only complaint would be the epilogue of this book wrapped everything somewhat quickly, but I think it's fine considering it's an epilogue and really more of a "in case you're wondering, here's how life went after the story ended." Also, some people may not like how Howard chose to deal with the romance and who Alyssa (the main character) ends up with. I think Howard's decision makes sense though, and actually holds a deeper meaning behind it.
So I certainly recommend this book to all who have read those that came before it, and if you have not started the series at all- I highly recommend you do so!
I rate this book 9/10
~Mushu