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

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

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

With so many parodies and alternate versions and spin offs, finding the original Alice's Adventures in Wonderland was more difficult than I expected it to be. Quite honestly, I love the concept more than I ended up loving this original book.
As many of you may be familiar with it, I'll keep the summary brief. This book is about a young girl named Alice, bored of her lessons and bored of looking at books with no pictures. When she happens across a white rabbit in a waistcoat, Alice follows the creature into a rabbit hole where she falls into Wonderland. Wonderland is a world with seemingly no logic and strange animals and creatures which speak like civilized people. Alice journeys through the land until she can find a way back home.
What was the main plot of this book? Did I just completely miss the conflict of the story? Is the point of the book to get out a message that went completely over my head? I have so many questions because, after finally reading the novel, I found no plot to it whatsoever. I struggle to even find deep meanings behind the bizarre creatures (the only things I come up with seem like desperate attempts to answer why cats bark to smell a tree's sense of humor). As of this moment, the conclusion I have is Alice's Adventures in Wonderland is a whimsical classic simply to entertain the youth from years past. I didn't fancy Carroll's writing much either.
I love the Alice in Wonderland concept so, so, much and all the renditions of it, but I didn't favor the actual book as much. I didn't hate it, I just had very high expectations which this novel failed to meet. I found it to be drab and uneventful. Yet I appreciate being able to finally have read the book for myself.
I would still recommend that people read this, because it is indeed a classic, and it's always fun to catch when another piece references or alludes to Alice in Wonderland.
I rate this book 5.5/10
~Mushu


*Note: It also occurs to me that- what if this book I read is not in fact the original? How upsetting.

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

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

The Bridge of Peace by Cindy Woodsmall

This is the second in the Ada's House series. The first is The Hope of Refuge. This was also a really good book and I totally recommend it.

Gray Graber lives with his wife and son but his wife has been shutting out. Gray doesn't understand when or why the sudden change in his wife's attitude toward him occurred but they've been pulling apart ever since. Something has to be done about it. Gray and Elsie, his wife, start to work toward a better relationship, tragedy strikes. Lena Kauffman is the local school teacher. All her life she's been ashamed of her birthmark on her cheek and has had to take all the looks for it. She believes that no one will ever want to marry her and the only thing she can do is teach, which is something that she loves dearly. One of her students starts to play tricks on her in an attempt to get her fired or... worse. Gray and Lena have been friends since childhood and they have to find ways to work through their misfortunes, maybe even together.

I have to say that I liked this book but not as  much as the first. I really liked the characters and the relationship in the first book and I wasn't expecting this book to bring in a whole new batch of characters. For those of you who have read the first book, Cara and Ephraim aren't totally gone but the spotlight is less on them and more on the new characters.

I recommend reading the first book in the series because it was fantastic and if you've read that then you should read this one but I don't think you should skip the first book because it has all the best characters.

I rate this book a 8.5/10 because it wasn't as good as the first book but the writing was still great and I liked the ending.

-Flounder

Girl of Nightmares by Kendare Blake

I'm hoping you all were able to guess, but this is the second book for Anna Dressed in Blood. I didn't really think the book needed a sequel, but reading it wasn't a disappointment. Also there are some spoilers in this, just a warning!
Cas hasn't been able to move on with his life after Anna disappeared into Hell, despite his friends convincing him Anna sacrificed herself for a reason. Furthermore he sees Anna everywhere, even in his dreams. But what if they aren't just dreams? Images of Anna being gruesomely tortured continue to haunt Cas and he knows he has to put a stop to it. It's time for Cas to save the girl he loves... from whatever it is that's happening.
I liked Anna Dressed in Blood more and the ending made me extremely sad, but the book was excellent. The writing was optimal as usual and I loved being able to read about these characters one last time.
I'd suggest it to anyone who loved Anna Dressed in Blood and wanted more closure or what's happened since the end of it.
I rate Girl of Nightmares a 9.5/10
~Mushu

Splintered by A.G. Howard

 Splintered describes the truth behind Wonderland from Carroll's classic story. In this book, Wonderland is much darker than the whimsical adventures we all thought we knew. Alyssa Gardner is the supposed descendent of Alice Liddell, and her great-great-great grandmother's madness has been passed on through the generations. But is it really madness? With her mother in an insane asylum, Alyssa is shocked to discover she and her mother hear the same voices coming from bugs and plants. She begins to question everything. When her mother's sickness seems to be growing worse, Alyssa decides to go back to her roots- jump down the rabbit hole and undo the curse placed on her family. But she soon finds out things are so much more complicated then she could ever have expected.

Right from the start of this novel you get a taste of how twisted and gruesome the story will be. I personally loved it, but I can see how some people would find it disturbing. Before Alyssa entered Wonderland I did find the beginning to be generally slow, but I loved it as soon as the main plot began. There was also a love triangle, which wasn't as bothersome as I thought it would be. I really enjoyed all the twists at the end, some I didn't entirely predict.

I'd suggest this book to anyone who loves dark fantasies or the original Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Also this book is for older audiences- probably about 14+ There is a sequel, but the ending to this book was perfect so it's not necessary.

 
I rate Splintered an 8.5/10 The second half of the book was much better than most of the beginning.

~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

Walk of the Sprirts by Richie Tankersley Cuisick

This book is about Miranda Barnes, a girl who just moved away from her old life in Florida and isn't so sure she wants to get used to this new one in St. Yvette. There's something weird around her, whispers, shadows, and those pleading voices. Slowly she'll come to understand that she has a gift like her grandfather. She can communicate with spirits and she'll have to find some way to put them in peace.
Okay, not the best summary but believe me, this is one of the best books ever! There was the thrill of the mystery, and the author was great at portraying that amazing friendship we all hope to find. I also love how there was a connection between Miranda's life and the spirits. I read this book a long time ago, and it's still one of my favorites.
The writing's good, the plot's good and it was such an amazing story. Please be sure to read it! I highly recommend it to anyone, especially those who like reading about spirits and such.
I'd rate this book 10/10 (maybe even more than that.)
~Mushu

Shadow Mirror by Richie Tankersley Cuisick

This is the sequel to the book, Walk of the Spirits. Because I really liked Walk of the Spirits, my expectations were really high for this book. Maybe too high?
Miranda Barnes still needs a little time to get used to her abilities, but the spirits aren't willing to wait for her to get comfortable. She begins to recieve unsettling images and visions from looking into the mirror, and especially when she goes to the plantation, Belle Chandelle. Miranda will soon find herself caught up in her own romance and the tradgedy dwelling around her.
I didn't really like the beginning of this book. It didn't get interesting untill Miranda found out what exactly she was supposed to do. Of course I still loved the connections and the snuggly friendships. This book was good, but not quite as good as the first. You'd be fine only reading the first book and never reading this one. I think there may be a third one though, and if there is, I'm reading it.
I'd rate this book 8/10
~Mushu

Pegasus by Robin McKinley

This book was... okay? Because Pegasus is a fantasy, the author found a way to explain the fantastical world- through a history lesson. History bores me no matter what so... I found the first few chapters more than a little confusing. The writing is also very formal. But once you get through that a bit, the book becomes more interesting.
Pegasus is a book about a girl, Sylvie, and her pegasus, Ebon. She has a pegasus because she is a princess and royalty usually get their own pegasus. Now this is because of some treaty between the humans and the pegasi. Usually, there is a translator needed for a human and her/ his pegasus to communicate but Sylvie finds she can naturally speak to Ebon on her own. Sylvie and Ebon form a strong friendship, but it seems that this might be a bad thing...
Well, once adjusted to the book, it is pretty good. I actually think the idea itself was great but... not exactly the story. Anyway, so I'd suggest this to people who can get through a slow beginning, like history, or enjoy fantasy a lot.
Also, there is a sequel which has not yet come out. From the sources I checked, the sequel will come out in 2014. It might be a good idea to check that out
In my opinion, this book is a 5.5/10
~Mushu

When the Soul Mends by Cindy Woodsmall

I did read this book last in the series like I was supposed to even though I read book 2 before book 1. I would recommend reading this series in order though, you get so much more respect for some of the different characters. You've just gotta read this series!

This is the 3rd book in the series, like I mentioned: the last. Hannah is just getting used to her life and actually starting to really appreciate it when she recieves a call from home, from Sarah, the sister she hadn't even missed. But everything at home is falling apart and it's because of something she started. She has to go back and patch things up. But will she ever truly be happy after seeing what she had done to her community?

This book was fabulous. It totally wrapped up the series. Throughout the entire series I rooted for different things to happen and in the end, nothing had gone how I had planned but I was very very very satisfied. I would recommend this book to like, EVERYONE! Probably over the age of 10, maybe even 12, but there is no such person as that of someone who is too old to read this book. It is timeless and amazing!

EVERYONE OUT THERE WHO IS READING THIS NEEDS TO GO READ THIS SERIES: Sisters of the Quilt!

I would rate this book a 9/10 because there were a lot of moments in the book that really frustrated me although that doesn't mean the writing or anything was bad, the book probably wouldn't be as good without them but I'm still grading it down because of them because they had made me super frustrated. The ending was super fabulous.

I would rate the entire series 10/10 because it was just fabulous and everyone should read it!

-Flounder

When the Morning Comes by Cindy Woodsmall

I just finished this book and I loved it. Looking at the bottom of the book I found that this is the second book in a series called Sisters of the Quilt. I didn't know that until then. I read this book without even knowing there was a first so that just shows that the author explained everything. Although after I read the first book, I think it would be better to read them in order.

This book is about Hannah Lapp who decides to run away from home. Her Old Order Amish community falls apart along with all her plans. This is the story of how she makes it in the Englishers world and how she finds love after her escape along with how things are doing in the community she came from in Owl's Perch, Pennsylvania.

I would recommend this to teenagers up because I don't believe that elementary school students should be reading about the more adult concepts such as rape. I know I made this book sound really dry and boring but it truly isn't. There's a lot of stuff going on for Hannah and her family back at home. Such as with her fiancee Paul, (Stereotypical question's start:) Will he ever get over her? And for an even bigger question, after Hannah's sister Sarah started going crazy, Matthew and Elle's relationship starts heading down a rough path and Luke and Mary trying to regain their relationship, will life in Owl's Perch ever be the same without Hannah? ...There, now it sounds a little more exciting. But I won't tell anybody answers and you're just going to have to read the book. (DO IT!!!!!!)

I would rate this book a 10/10 because I couldn't put it down. I wasn't really expecting the ending when it came but I liked it because it left it a ways open so you can decide for yourself how things turn out. Also the drama and life that went on couldn't have been any more well planned out.

READ THE BOOK FOLKS. THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS I'VE EVER READ AND I HAVE NO DOUBT I WILL READ IT MANY TIMES TO COME.

-Flounder

When the Heart Cries by Cindy Woodsmall

This is the first book of an amazing series. I actually read this book after I had read the second book. I just had to read this after I had read the second book. This is a must-read series!

This book is about Hannah Lapp, an Old Order Amish girl, the oldest in her family. She becomes secretly engaged to a Mennonite man who has one more year of college until his graduation. They love each other and he has promised her that he will do whatever it takes to convince her father that he will take care of his daughter. But then the "Unmentionable" happens to Hannah. Around the same time, her brother and best friend get in a horse-and-buggy accident which leaves them in extensive care at the hospital. Hannah's life starts crashing down and this is her story.

I would recommend this book to more mature people because of some of the concepts. It has some broken romance. Also, it might make you cry because I certainly did.

I would rate this book 9.9/10 because I feel like it wasn't perfect, but it was still very amazing.

-Flounder

Kill You Last by Todd Strasser

Kill You Last is about a girl, Shelby, whose father becomes a prime suspect concerning the wherabouts of some missing girls after they each had a headshot taken by her father, a photographer. Life is getting really hard for Shelby and now she's not even sure who she can trust. And the main mystery is: what does her father have to do with these girls? And what happened to them, exactly?
I thought this was an amazing plot with great writing and I just loved it. It was a nice mystery that kept me wanting to find out what would happen next and there's even a big twist at the end. I would have never guessed it. The book wasn't actually all that scary though it sounds like it would be and though I usually find mystery a tad annoying, this wasn't.
It is also part of a "thrill-ology" but you don't need to read the other books. I didn't.
I highly suggest this to those who love a good mystery. Even if you just like a thin plot, the book's short so it'll be fine. Now if you don't like those little mystery books, try it anyway. I recommend it.
I'd rate this book a 10/10
~Mushu



I'm just going to flat out say it: this was a pretty good book but it wasn't as good as I thought it would be. It had like good writing and plot and all - I was totally hooked in the beginning and the ending was pretty good, too - but the Prologue or whatever was something that happened later in the book, so I was just getting pretty confused. Also, I felt like what happened to Gabriel was just overkill and that shouldn't have happened.

All in all I would rate this book a 8/10 because it was pretty good just that those extra things pushed it over the top and made it too much for one book. Also I would recommend this book to anyone who likes creepy books or horror or murder or stuff like that.

-Flounder