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

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie Ford

This was half-intersting, and half-boring. I'm also kind of sick of it from doing so many homework assignments on this book- but that's just me. It's not exactly my type of book, and yeah...
Henry Lee is one of many people who carry heavy memories from the war years. One day he passes the Panama Hotel, a place he hadn't gone to in a long time. That's when he hears someone just discovered the belongings of Japanese families hidden away during World War 2. Upon hearing the news, Henry remembers when he was just a boy, and the special relationship he had with a little Japanese girl- Keiko Okabe. This book tells Henry's story as a twelve-year old boy and his story so many years later. Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet portrays love, hardships, and it teaches how some connections never die.
This was suprisingly a lot better than I thought, but still not the best book ever. I would have liked if the ending added more closure. The writing and descriptions was excellent so it doesn't bore one to death.
I'd recommend this to anyone who loves historical fiction, or maybe has an interest in World War 2.
I'll rate this book a 7/10
~Mushu
P.S. And we're back from the (super long) hiatus! Maybe. Our sincerest apologies- life has just been really hectic

Hey guys! Sorry Flounder and I totally haven't been updating this blog... I assure you we've both been reading a ton and will write up reviews, suggestions and such as soon as we get around to it! Anyways, I'd like to promote this amazing novel, Tone Deaf which is by Olivia Rivers. It's a really amazing story about a girl who's deaf that falls in love with a musician. If you want to know more, I suggest you go look up the story, and hopefully you'll buy it when it comes out. I know I will!
~Mushu

Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake

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

The Land of Elyon Series by Patrick Carmen

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

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

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

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

~Mushu