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

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

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