Untold by Sarah Rees Brennan

As this is the second book to The Lynburn Legacy, I will leave a shorter review [there may be SPOILERS].
Kami Glass and her friends struggle to resolve their own personal conflicts, all the while preparing for the greatest danger of their lives. With Jared out of her head, Kami is more lost and alone than ever before, unsure of who she is and what she truly wants. But the chaos of their relationships must be cast aside as everyone is forced to band together and face the sorcerers demanding to return to the old days of blood and sacrifice.
This novel is largely working out relationships and what's really going on between everyone and in their heads. However, several events do happen, and it is not at all boring, which makes me eternally grateful to the author. In fact, critical changes occur, so anyone crazy enough to want to skip this book should dismiss that idea immediately. I did happen to catch one typo, in which two characters got their names mixed up, which is interesting (pg 328). Also, once again, Brennan shows a wonderful modern perspective in addressing the personal issues that really aid character development and perhaps making a fantasy strangely relatable.
In conclusion, from a faraway glance, the second book of The Lynburn Legacy is simply a bridge between presenting an issue and its resolution, but isn't that how all trilogies work? And yet Untold is still thoroughly entertaining. To anyone who still has not begun this series, I highly recommend it.
I rate this book 8.9/10
~Mushu

Unspoken by Sarah Rees Brennan

Kami Glass lives in a quaint little village known as Sorry-in-the-Vale, itching to uncover its secrets. Every town has some story to hide, and this aspiring journalist is intent on sharing everything in her own newspaper, The Nosy Parker. When the Lynburns, a mysterious family everyone seems to fear, return from America, Kami is convinced they are just the secret she's been searching for. However, the whispers and mysteries escalate to a dangerous level when bloody crimes begin unfolding and Kami discovers the voice in her head is a real boy, a Lynburn. What Kami learns about the Lynburns- and herself- is more than she ever imagined, but she's prepared to face it all head on.
Unspoken is the first book in The Lynburn Legacy, a trilogy. Brennan does excellently in describing the setting, detailed but not too wordy. A fantastical aspect is weaved in smoothly, without seeming tacky or requiring an excessive amount of explanation. Brennan also creates a fierce main character, and doesn't neglect the development of side characters. Kami is an independent, inspiring person while breaking out of the "spunky girl cliche" as one review titled it. I really loved that she embraced her femininity without being boy-needy. Brennan beautifully displays her immense skills as an author through this one book, building a unique plot and expressing excellent writing talent.
This novel does end in a devastating cliffhanger though. I am not exaggerating. The ending is heart-breaking. Be prepared to become invested in this series and please do have the sequel on hand.
I'd recommend this book to those who like more sophisticated fantasies. It's not a light and fluffy adventure, but it is not super dark with blood everywhere.
I rate Unspoken a 10/10.
~Mushu

Don't Look Back by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Samantha was an iconic it girl. Everyone loved her, everyone feared her, everyone wanted to be her. But she loses it all when she and her best friend Cassie go missing for several days and Samantha returns without a single memory. Now, Sam flounders through her once elite life style, struggling to find a place to belong amidst the rivalries and fake smiles. With a second chance to change her life, Sam must define who are her true friends, and who's just aiming for a shot in the limelight. As if dealing with the drama wasn't enough, horrific flashbacks to the nights she was missing forces Sam to remember, Cassie is still missing, and her buried memories could be the only thing keeping Sam safe.
I really enjoyed this book, the themes of friendship and romance were enjoyable additions without dominating the plot. The novel wasn't all goreish with murder like I suspected, so it was a considerably fun read. Don't Look Back was more of a mystery than a dark, horror book, and it's the kind where the killer has reasons and such, not just being an enraged psychopath. I didn't even suspect who the killer was, although I wouldn't deem the ending to be a shocking twist. The novel wasn't like a roller coaster of emotions, it neatly followed the typical arc of a mystery novel without being boring. Armentrout also wraps up her book very nicely and straightforward. Many authors attempt to quickly wrap up the falling action part of the plotline but it ends up rather rushed and messy. Armentrout manages to finish cleanly without leaving readers feeling cut off, which I greatly appreciated.
I'd strongly recommend this to people who enjoyed mysteries at a young age and which to continue reading similar books even as a young adult. I rate the book 8.5/10
~Mushu

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

Mare lives in a world divided between commoners of red blood and the supernatural elite with silver blood. The Reds live under severe oppression, forced to do intense labor, or be sent to fight a war of Silvers. Mare, having no particular skills, is bound for the latter. When a chance encounter lands her a job in the palace however, Mare uncovers her own power. A power that shouldn't exist, after all, she's a normal Red. To not cause an uproar, the queen disguises Mare as a lost Silver princess, mixed in with the Reds under special circumstances. Mare must then perform every action carefully, as revealing her true identity would mean death, but also the regal Silvers are bloodthirsty animals, always eager to take out the others. Even with this already treacherous lifestyle, Mare isn't ready to sit back lavishly and marry a prince. She's determined  to overturn the crown from the inside and give equality for the Reds, no matter who she has to use. After all, anyone can betray anyone.
I think Red Queen did wonderfully on showing a new take on equality issues, and it intrigued me how well the conflict between red bloods and silver bloods reflected problems society faces today. Aveyard's writing was excellent, capable of foreshadowing upcoming events without ever making things blatantly obvious. The author didn't hold back at all in bloodshed or betrayal, which was much better than daintily making a character fall off a cliff then come back to life. Red Queen's plot was fascinating from the beginning, but Aveyard's writing takes it to a whole other level. The novel was everything I had hoped it to be and more. I especially loved that despite some romance, Mare makes it very clear she doesn't need it to get things done. Each of the characters, not even just the main character, show a lot of depth. I adored this book.
I would rate this book a 10/10 and highly recommend it.
~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

Hollow City by Ransom Riggs

Hollow City is the sequel to Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. I highly recommend reading that first book, and then this one. The summary includes spoilers! You have been warned.
The children travel to the mainland, in search of help to turn Miss Peregrine human again. With their loop destroyed, the wights and hollowgast are intent on stopping them, and stealing Miss Peregrine back. The peculiars will find new loops and allies, and learn more than they'd ever want about what the wights are planning.
Although I have failed to give a summary worthy of this book's greatness, you should most definitely read this series. Riggs continues to create literary perfection and provides a plethora of creepy photographs. I thought this book was even more thrilling than the first one as the adventure continues and new secrets are unfolded. The ending leaves you eager for more, and I promise there's going to be a review on book three posted- as soon as it comes out.
I'd rate this book 10/10
~Mushu

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

I swear I've written a review for this book before... but I can't find it so here we go.
Jacob Portman spent his childhood listening to his grandfather's fantastical stories about his life in Miss Peregrine's home during World War 2, accompanied by even more amazing photos. When Jacob stumbles upon his grandfather's sudden death, however, it seems these tales were anything but fantasies. He then must go on a journey to uncover the truth behind Miss Peregrine's home for peculiar children- and it may lead to more than one boy can handle.
I read this book a while ago, but I remember clearly the events. Riggs is an excellent author and manages to beautifully create the eerie setting and take you completely into this world. There's a complex plot, a little bit of romance, and genuine characters. Included in the novel are several real photos Riggs collected that the story relates to. It's the first book in the series so it's not as action packed as what will come, but it's still very good. I highly recommend it. Also there is a graphic novel version by Cassandra Jean. It follows the novel nicely so I'd recommend it too.
I rate this book a 9.5/10
~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

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

Prince of Shadows by Rachel Caine

 Prince of Shadows is the story of Romeo and Juliet from Benvolio's, Romeo's cousin, point of view. Benvolio, a regal Montague, is secretly the Prince of Shadows, defying his uptight destiny by robbing cruel people by night and therefore shaming them. Along his expeditions, he stumbles into the room of Rosaline Capulet, the girl of his cousin's most recent infatuation. Despite the fight between Montague and Capulet, Benvolio cannot deny his attraction to the fair maiden. The story of Romeo and Juliet plays out as we all remember it does except the reason of the character's actions may not actually be true love- but rather a curse.

What I really appreciated about this book is that it filled in any plot holes that people frequently point out in the original play. If you found something rash and unreasonable, the reason is explained through this book. However, Prince of Shadows was a bit too much like the original in my opinion, so it was at times fairly boring.

I'd recommend this to Romeo and Juliet fans, or the people who complain about the plot. However, I don't suggest reading it if you have recently read the original.

I rate Prince of Shadows a 6/10

~Mushu

City of a Thousand Dolls by Miriam Forster

 The City of a Thousand Dolls was created to house orphan girls to prevent them from dying after being abandoned on the streets. There they grow up under different houses to be trained for a better future, whether being married off or becoming an apprentice. Nisha was left at the gates to the city at a young age, but rather than being assigned a house, she became the assistant of the head mistress. Despite several hardships, Nisha's future seems promising until girls mysteriously start being found dead within the city. The city was supposed to be the safest place for them. With the help of her cat friends, Nisha decides to find out what's causing these deaths, and learn more about her true identity along the way.

This book was pretty interesting with a very unique and complex plot.There's a large number of characters, which makes things a bit difficult at first. There were also some things I found a bit odd like character personalities, but that is my own opinion. Out of everything else, I mostly liked the ending.

I rate this book a 6.8/10

~Mushu

Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake

For the longest time, Walk of the Spirits has been my favorite book. Well, Anna Dressed in Blood has taken it's place.
This book is about Cas Lowood, who kills the dead. Before him, his father hunted ghosts until an especially bad ghost brutally killed him. Now, Cas travels around with his mom and their cat, killing ghosts with his father's athame. They then come into yet another town, this time in search of a ghost known as Anna Dressed in Blood. But there's something very different about this ghost. Cas feels some sort of connection with her. While Anna gruesomely killed anyone who entered her house, for some reason, she spares him.
When I first read this book, I kind of thought it was like Walk of the Spirits, House of Night, Power Rangers, and Big Bang on Running Man all mixed together. Except the book takes its own path, completely unique and amazing. There was terrifying action, suspense, dramatic flare, and a dark feeling throughout.
I loved the writing; the author really portrayed each character well and the plot contained enough that I could never guess what was next. It was one of the scariest books I've ever read and absolutely one of the best.
I'd really recommend this to anyone but I guess mainly to those who love dark and creepy paranormalcy. It's also pretty gruesome and violent, so if that stuff creeps you out, I guess not. But try the book anyway! You won't regret it!
I'll rate the book 10/10 -it really is amazing
~Mushu

The Land of Elyon Series by Patrick Carmen

 The Land of Elyon is a series of books about the main character, Alexa, who has spent her life living behind big walls that were said to protect her and the people of the city. Alexa has always dreamed of finding a way outside and to explore the world. When she does, a world full of wonders and mysteries is revealed. There are talking animals, magical powers, and so many adventures! But it's also complete with dangers she could never dream of.                                                                                                                  This series has five books in total: The Dark Hills Divide, Beyond the Valley of Thorns, The Tenth City, Into the Mist and Stargazer. I feel like there were more books, but I guess not. Though the books are fairly thin, a lot happens. This series was really good but it seems the first book doesn't really match with the rest of the series- though they do end up tying it together at the end. There were a lot of twists and suspense, and it was overall a very interesting read.

I usually kind of hate books about some person who feels trapped in their regulated community and just wants to be a rebel and escape- but it's not like that. And if you do like that sort of book, go ahead and read this anyway. It's still good.

I'd recommend this series to people of any age because it's certainly okay for children, and it's always fun to read a kid's book no matter how old you get.

I'd rate this whole series a 8.75/10 because though it was really good, it could've been better at some parts.

~Mushu