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

Of Monsters and Madness by Jessica Verday

Of Monsters and Madness is inspired by Edgar Allan Poe and his character Annabel Lee.

Annabel moves to Philadelphia after her mother's death to where her father, who seems less than joyful to meet her after all these years, practices medicine. She struggles to find comfort in the stony town with all its uptight mannerisms and expectations, but quickly becomes infatuated with her father's assistant, Allan, a poet when not working with her father. Bloodied murders bring danger to the unfamiliar streets of Philadelphia, and Annabel discovers horrifying connections between the crimes, her father's work, and Allan's poetry. When Allan's peculiar cousin Edgar threatens the safety of those Annabel loves, she must uncover what exactly is happening in the night, and how she is to stop it.
Very different from the style which I am accustomed to, this novel was nonetheless very intriguing. I found certain points to be rather flat and anticlimactic, but the atmosphere created was strong. It wasn't particularly memorable although it is not as if I have already forgotten what happened in the story. It was an interesting and unique concept to approach but the book itself did not leave anything for me to hang on to, nor did it leave me wanting more.
Despite personally not loving this book, the concept is fascinating enough that it may capture other readers, perhaps fans of Edgar Allan Poe's works.
I personally rate this book 6/10
~Mushu

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

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

Chronicle of a Death Foretold by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Chronicle of a Death Foretold is the tale of a narrator as he goes around his old town, uncovering more details about the murder of Santiago Nasar, a victim who was killed of a crime he might not have committed, and faced a brutal attack the whole town was capable of preventing.
For those of you who have not yet read this very popular short book, it is especially recognized because of the completely different approach Marquez takes to storytelling. From the beginning, readers already know who the victim is, and who stabbed him. Yet the question remains of who is truly guilty for the events which occurred. As the plot goes on, we learn the motives of each of the characters, and what role they played in the crime. Everyone in the town knew the murder would take place before it did, yet nothing was done to stop it. This provides fascinating insight (and kind of a commentary) on the bystander effect. I am almost certain this is why schools make students read this.
The unique and fascinating approach Marquez uses makes this book worth reading, and the plot itself isn't bad either. The delivery at times is confusing, so I especially emphasize the importance to carefully read the whole book. It is very short, but still a good read.
I rate this book a 7.5/10 for the great writing.
~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

The End or Something Like That by Ann Dee Ellis

Compelling. Raw. Powerful. These are the words which came to mind as I was reading The End or Something Like That. Emmy considers herself a loser: plain, insecure, and nothing when standing beside her gorgeous best friend Kim. It sounds like a cliche teenage novel right? Unpopular girl secretly jealous of her perfect bestie who forever steals the spotlight. Except this isn't a stereotypical book. And Kim is dead. This is the novel of one teenage girl, trying to strive past her inner struggles as Emmy tries and tries again to communicate with Kim's spirit. Because Kim promised, she carefully spent her last days planning to return and make everything right.
Ellis uses the word "said" a lot, which I didn't appreciate very much, but the awkward, informal writing gives a unique aspect to the book. You can strongly feel Emmy's voice coming through and her emotions are straightforward. There are no intricate descriptions or wordy dialogues to blur anything out. Everything is right there. Her grief is so real as the book jumps back between the past and the present. Emmy goes through much more than just crying in her closet regretting everything (although this does happen). Ellis manages to skillfully portray the very real emotions that go through the mind of a young girl- and she doesn't take the worn path to do so.

My biggest problem would have to be the ending. Despite masterfully developing the story and Emmy's character, Ellis wraps everything up with extreme speed- which is simply messy.There was so much room to create a moving ending, but she just drops it. Excuse my SPOILER!! here because I think this is very important to mention: In the final scene, Emmy goes to Kim's favorite place, really hoping that this time she will actually appear (Also, is this fantasy or not? There are spirits, but not really? I CAN'T TELL?) and she has her family and friends supporting her. Instead, she sees the boy that she's kind of starting to have a crush on. He's been waiting for her all day. He kisses her in the rain. Emmy can't believe a girl like her actually has someone who likes her this way. They hold hands and go back together. She's very happy and she's finally over all that grief that's been pulling her around this entire book. Kim is probably watching from somewhere and is happy for her. The-End. It's almost as if Ellis is saying a girl needs a boy to pull her out of the darkness. As if having a boyfriend makes a girl complete and fixes all her problems.
I'm very torn by this book. I really grew to love it until I reached such a disappointing end. I can't help but wonder if Ellis had something more planned but forgot and just cut it off there thinking "this is good enough." I'm seriously at a loss. What's the message of this book supposed to be?
For the perspective of one wonderful character and the raw story told, I think it is still worth reading.
Tell me in the comments what you think. Do you agree?
~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.

Coffeehouse Angel by Suzanne Selfors

Being an avid coffee drinker, I was immediately drawn to this particular novel. Coffeehouse Angel is about Katrina, the granddaughter of an elderly woman full of energy and owner of a coffeehouse. Although it takes up most of her time, Katrina never really minded working at the old fashioned cafe until another place opens right next door, the trendy Java Heaven. If stealing all their customers, beside a few dedicated old men, wasn't enough, the daughter of Java Heaven's owner steals Katrina's best friend too. In serious lack of confidence in herself and the cafe, Katrina's problems continue to pile up. Little did she know leaving pastries and a cup of coffee for a stranger in her alleyway would blossom a new relationship and grant her true heart's desire.
I thought Coffeehouse Angel was an adorable, sweet book and I definitely enjoyed reading it. It's not a difficult read that would require analysis or make you think- it's really just something you pick up for fun. The build up of romance between the characters was a little fast, but it still keeps a genuine feeling, so this doesn't interfere with the story. My biggest complaint would just be in some of the smaller details, however these small details that bug me aren't big enough to necessarily bother someone else and they don't get in the way of the story.
I'd recommend this book to people who like simple romances, and are going through a tough time in their high school life.
I'd rate this book an 8/10
~Mushu

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

I am the Messenger by Markus Zusak

For those of you who have read, The Book Thief, you're probably already familiar with Markus Zusak. I haven't read it myself, but after reading this novel, any book by Zusak has definitely made my list.
I am the Messenger is the story of Ed, a simple underage taxi driver with a simple life. However, the day he unintentionally stops a bank robbery, his life begins to take a new course. He receives the first ace in the mail. The aces lead Ed around town, helping strangers and changing their lives. But who's sending Ed on these missions? ...And why would they choose him?
This book was intricate, complex, and beautifully put together. I didn't even slightly expect the ending, and I wasn't at all disappointed. The missions Ed undergoes will touch or break your heart. It's very much a "feel good" sort of book.
I want to say there was some magic realism in play, but I'm not sure if that's the right phrase. The entire novel is mostly realistic fiction, but the ending is mind-blowing and (probably?) not possible. I love that I am the Messenger makes you really think.
I'd suggest this book to anyone, unless you are looking for a simpler read because this book is anything but. It also may be best suited for more mature audiences.
I'd rate this book a 10/10
~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

I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga

 I will admit it. I have a major obsession for dark, morbid stories. But this really is such a good book.

Jasper Dent, aka Jazz, is the son of the notorious serial killer Billy Dent. Ever since the passing of his mother which he struggles to remember, Jazz has been raised in the way Dear old Dad thought was best- how to murder people. Because of his upbringing, Jazz is conflicted between his sociopathic instincts and his humanity. When dead bodies start piling up, each mimicking the styles of Billy Dent's past kills, people obviously point fingers at Jazz. But how can Jazz even begin to defend himself, when he isn't even sure if he's all that innocent? By tracking down that killer, of course.

I absolutely adored this book. It's very unique and dives deep into the way a sociopath (probably) thinks. There's incredible detail on every single thing. Unfortunately that  increases just how bad this would be for a squeamish person. But if you like gore then by all means. The ending was pretty good, with a haunting openness to it, but I personally found what happened in the last chapter (not the epilogue) a bit strange for a last chapter. Otherwise I loved it.

 

I'd rate the 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

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