Cloaked by Alex Flinn

I've come across quite a few works by Alex Flinn now, and they're all adorable. Flinn doesn't seem to appreciate Disney very much (which from my blog you can probably tell I'm a fan of), but she does love the classic fairy tales and her modern twists are always fun to read. Unlike the other books by Flinn I have written about, Cloaked features not one, but several fairy tales, including lesser ones that even I haven't heard of (mind you, there were only two in her list that I didn't recognize).
Cloaked is the story of Johnny, a seventeen year old boy who repairs shoes in his family's store to try and make ends meet. His life is difficult and rather... boring. When a princess from a European kingdom visits the hotel he works at, Johnny figures he should at least get to see her. Little does he know that he would catch the eye of Princess Victoriana and be sent on a quest to save her brother, the heir to the kingdom and currently, a frog prince. On a mission to rescue a prince and his country, Johnny enters a world of magic, witches, and used-to-be-human animals.
This novel was fun and light although the romance felt randomly thrown in, with way too obvious hints. Of course, the target audience is around pre-teen, middle school age, which is fitting. I really liked the adventure aspect in Flinn's writing. Villains and heroes were clearly divided so although not the most complex read, it was quite entertaining. I enjoyed the simplicity, although from other reviews it appears others do not share the same appreciation. My only real complaint would be that because several of the characters were from Europe, Flinn wrote their dialogue with accents. By this, I mean that the princess would speak like "I vill vait for zat," or something similar. It just felt tacky to me.
I'd recommend this book to those who are looking for a fun, cute book, not something complicated to vex your mind- especially for younger audiences. I rate the book 6.5/10
~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.

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

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

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

Journey to the River Sea by Eva Ibbotson

I just finished this book and I totally loved it! I couldn't put it down at all!

This is a book about a girl, Maia, who's parents have both died so she's sent to Manaus, Brazil to live with her distant family, the Carters, who are horrible people only wanting Maia for the fortune her parents had left her. Amidst all the horribleness of life with the Carters, Maia makes many friends including a child actor wishing of nothing but to return home, a mysterious Indian boy, and her governess.

I would recommend this book to anyone really interested in adventure. I'm such a romantic that even though this book doesn't really have any major or obvious romance, I kind of imagined it so I guess this would be good for romantic's as well. This is definitely a Cinderella type book, like not exactly but there's the character of the evil step mother and the step daughters, just not at all in the same sense. Read it to understand. I think everyone should really read this book, it was amazingly good.

I would rate this book 10/10 because I really can't think of anything wrong with it. I just kept reading and reading not wanting it to ever be over. Definitely read this book.

-Flounder

Spirit's Princess by Esther Frieshner

So I know people are always saying "Don't judge a book by it's cover" but seriously. The cover looked absolutely ridiculous. The only thing that kept me from putting this book back was that Frieshner is the same person who wrote the books Nobody's Princess and Nobody's Prize which I liked.
Spirit's Princess is about a young girl named Himiko. She's the daughter of the chief of her clan which means she could very easily live a simple and pleasant life. But Himiko doesn't want a boring life simply sitting around with the other girls, gossiping and playing around. Himiko feels connected to the spirits, and she knows she's destined to do something great. She then starts her training as the apprentice of the shaman, something like a priestess, determined to become one no matter what.
Okay, there's another thing beside the cover I had a problem with. How old is this girl? At one point she's 7, then she's 9, then it feels like she's 14 but she's still only 9. Then suddenly she's 12 and soon after years passed. The book had a large time span. Also, this book is really thick but it only felt like the beginning of another story, and that this ending was only the beginning to the real plot. I don't know if there's a second book, but there SHOULD be one.
It's still a good book though... I wouldn't suggest it unless there's a second book and the sequel is sitting right next to you after you finish this one.
I'd rate the book a 7/10
~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

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

I was probably half way through this book and completely bored when my friend told me it was a true story and I was suddenly more interested. Let me just clear that up right now, it's not a true story. But it is pretty great. It took me two or three days to finish.

This is a book about a boy who's on a small plane with only the pilot for company. Well, to wrap up the first 30 pages or so, the driver dies, the plane crashes and the boy is stranded in the middle of nowhere. This is the story of how he adapts. 

I would recommend this book to people who like to camp or are interested in things which have to do with the woods and survival because that is much of what this has to do with. 

I would probably rate this book a 6.5/10. The only reason I kept reading it is so that I could review it. The ending was pretty good but for a long section of the book nothing really interesting happens. I guess that's all...

-Flounder

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

Flush by Carl Hiaasen

Carl Hiaasen is also the author of Hoot, which I haven't read, and Scat, which I have read. Those books aren't really related or anything, but they all involve nature and animals- that sort of thing.
This specific book is about how a casino boat is doing illegal dumping, putting their crap into the water. After his father is sent to jail for sinking that ship, Noah and his sister Abbey try to stop the flusher themselves. They've got a few allies and a crazy plan of their own that just might work.
This book was very supportive of protecting nature and all that, which I am not ace on. But I still really liked it.
I'd suggest it to people who love nature of all ages. It's probably for younger children but reading a kid's book every now and then is always nice.
I'd rate this book a 9/10
~Mushu

I read this book when I was in third or fourth grade. I remember that I liked it. The idea was interesting and their plan was intriguing. I don't really remember too much character development which maybe if I re-read it I would find but off memory I don't remember a whole lot.

I think after I had read it I would have rated this book an 8/10 because it was good but not fantastic.
-Flounder

Sarah Bishop by Scott O'Dell

I read this book for a project when I was in 4th grade so I don't remember all the details of the story.

I do remember that this is about a girl named Sarah Bishop and she has to run away to the woods, although I don't remember why. I remember that I worked on this project with my friend and both of us were really into it.

I would recommend this to people who like adventure books and kind of lonely books because there aren't all that many people in this book.

I think when I read it I would have rated the book high so something like a 8/10 or maybe an 8.5/10 but I can't really remember. Read it and fill me in. :)

-Flounder
p.s. sorry, I know that was super vague and short but I'll re-read it sometime I get the chance and then I can fill in all the gaps, deal? Deal.