Book Review: The Vampire Diaries Vol.1-2

Fiction: The Vampire Diaries Vol.1-2-The awakening and The struggle
Author: L.J Smith
Genres: Fantasy, Horror, Romance, YA
Rating: 7.5/10

Summary: [taken from Barnesandnobles.com]

Elena: the golden girl, the leader, the one who can have any boy she wants.
Stefan: brooding and mysterious, he seems to be the only one who can resist Elena, even as he struggles to protect her from the horrors that haunt his past.
Damon: sexy, dangerous, and driven by an urge for revenge against Stefan, the brother who betrayed him. Determined to have Elena, he'd kill to possess her. Collected here in one volume for the first time, volumes one and two of The Vampire Diaries, the tale of two vampire brothers and the beautiful girl torn between them.
--

L.J Smith's approach to the vampire theory is mysterious and intriguing. Yet the whole making of the characters, their descriptions, their feelings for each other weren't exactly translated into words very well. The summary (see above) seems like it's a book worth reading, but when you read the book, you'll find that it's nothing special. Well, at least that's how I saw it.

A lot of people were comparing this to amazing well-written stories like Twilight or the Sookie Stackhouse Series, so I assumed it would be good. The story starts out strong but then falls apart when the characters realize their own feelings for each other. The plot was way too rushed and the author didn't spend enough time in deciding the characters' feelings for each other - to wring out some emotion from the readers. Elena instantly falls in love with Stefan and the way she wants to grab his attention seems kind of forced and desperate (as opposed to the introduced character). I didn't like her at all - her character development wasn't as strong and descriptive as I wanted it to be.

On the other hand, Stefan was your average good-looking vampire boy who tries to blend in but doesn't. He transfers to the school and instantly notices how Elena looks like the girl he loved in his past. That right there ruined it for me completely. It seemed like he didn't get over the first girl at all; he was falling for Elena was because of her looks despite Elena having the exact opposite personality from the girl he loved in the past.

My expectations for this story weren't met, but I enjoyed the [petty drama] of two vampire brothers fighting for the same girl and trying to win her over. Overall, it was an almost good-read if it weren't for the quick description of the characters, and their desperate attempts at finding love in each other.

By: Eli
Edited By: Annie

Book Review: Psyche in a Dress [Needs Editing]

Fiction: Psyche in a Dress
Author: Francesca Lia Block
Genre: Fantasy, YA
Rating: 10/10

Summary: [taken from barnesandnobles.com]

But this is what I could not give up:

I could not give up myself
Psyche has known Love—scented with jasmine and tasting of fresh oranges. Yet he is fleeting and fragile, lost to her too quickly. Punished by self-doubt, Psyche yearns to be transformed, like the beautiful and brutal figures in the myths her lover once spoke of. Attempting to uncover beauty in the darkness, she is challenged, tested, and changed by the gods and demons who tempt her. Her faith must be found again, for if she is to love, she must never look back.

-

This is..
Only the most deep and astounding story there is. There is not a single word that can describe how beautifully written this story in form of prose is.

Francesca Lia Block writes about a young girl named Psyche who had found love in her childhood but in an instant she lost it. As time goes by, she grows and becomes a women. She then tries to fall in love again by meeting various man, only to realize that her one and true love will always be that man from when she was a little girl. Through all the struggles she goes through, she realizes that she's playing all the stories her lost love had told her when she was little, she realizes that she will not ever find anybody to love more than that man.
The way this book was written was amazingly deep and cunning, by fusing stories from Greek mythology, Francesca Lia Block paints a world filled with wonder and realism through the use of deep and expressing words which will leave you with a deep understanding of how much pain and suffering the character is going through. The story narrates through out Psyche's whole life as a women and a mother, and then at the end it leaves you wanting for more..
This book is poetry itself along with powerful and beautifully well written prose, you will re-read it again.
This book is raw literature itself. With a deep understanding of even the simplest things, it makes for a great and unique read. Honestly, I took my time reading this, for this makes you forget everything around you since the descriptions were so explained in detailed, you could actually see what was happening and for a moment, you can almost imagine the world Psyche belongs to.
Truly a deep and amazing read. For a mature audience. This book is a memorable one that will always stay in my mind as one of the most unique and amazing stories I've ever reading. There is not a single word that can describe such masterpiece.

Eli.

Book Review: Peeps

Fiction: Peeps
Author: Scott Westerfeld
Genres: Fantasy, Comedy, Mystery, YA
Rating: 9.5/10

Summary:

"One year ago, Cal Thompson was a college freshman more interested in meeting girls and partying in New York City than in attending his biology classes. Now, after a fateful encounter with a mysterious woman named Morgan, biology has become, literally, Cal’s life.
Cal was infected by a parasite that has a truly horrifying effect on its host. Cal himself is a carrier, unchanged by the parasite, but he’s infected the girlfriends he’s had since Morgan—and all have turned into the ravening ghouls Cal calls peeps. The rest of us know them as vampires. And it’s Cal’s job to hunt them down before they can create even more of their kind. . . . "

This is something entirely different from what I usually read. Definitely a hilarious piece of work, I thoroughly enjoyed Cal's adventures of finding out where his ex-girlfriends were and the problems that he had to deal with that made him go..well, crazy. This book can be partly categorized into the theme of vampires, but the whole STD spin off made it tremendously different and interesting.

Peeps has some strong situations and language, and it turns out that it's just that much more attention grabbing. The effects of the disease parallels the conventional vampire setup, but it's definitely funnier and more lighthearted. The teen aspect of Westerfield's book is that unlike the usual way for someone to turn into a vampire (they need to be bitten by another one), the disease is sexually transmitted. Which... totally made me read the book. [Ed's note: ...and raises some eyebrows as to Cal's promiscuity].

Since Cal has a strong immune system that prevents him from turning crazy and allows him to stay in control, he joins an organization whose main goal is to hunt down peeps like his ex-girlfriends - those without that extra layer of protection. Perhaps the interesting part of the book is that in each chapter, Westerfeld includes a description of various real parasites and diseases; a taste of real science, so that while you read the book, you might come to believe that everything you read might happen for real.

The combination of action, romance and that extra dash of scientific commentary makes for a great read.

By: Eli.
Edited By: Annie

Book Review: Untamed

Fiction: Untamed [House of Night Series]
[Book 4]
Author: P.C Cast, Kristin Cast
Genres: Fantasy, Mystery, YA
Rating: 10/10

I was in my school library when I finally found the book I was desperately looking for.
[Whoo me!]

I was absolutely psyched to read it. My expectations were high, but they were well met once I finished reading the book. It was totally awesome. I am addicted to this series and can't wait to read the next book in the House of Night series, HUNTED.

A lot of mysteries were revealed in the 4th book. Neferet, Zoey' s enemy, has declared war against humans and is trying to awaken an ancient evil, who is more powerful than anything or anyone. This evil is someone beautiful and dangerous. On top of all of this, there is some kind of darkness surrounding the Academy and is targeting Zoey. Neferet has deceived everybody, and now, they think that this someone is related to their goddess, Nyx [the goddess of all vampires, basically]. Actually, the truth is that he is a fallen angel [a lot like Lucifer], who hates humans, especially women, and is now coming back to get revenge!

The good thing, though, is that Zoey has her friends back and maybe even her boyfriend, Erik Night. Her friends, who were dead, have now come back to life.

The weirdest thing that happened while I was reading this book was that I found myself visualizing everything that was happening. And, I have to say, I have a pretty awesome imagination. The way the author described everything was simply amazing, because it was easy to imagine how beautiful the fallen angel was. I really love this kind of action. Cast's use of words was superb and incredibly visualizing. I really enjoyed this book.

I am anxiously looking forward to the next book.

By: Eli
Edited by: Joey

Book Review: Chosen

Fiction: Chosen [House of Night Series]
[Book 3]
Author: P.C Cast, Kristin Cast
Genres: Fantasy, Mystery, YA
Rating: 10/10





What can I say about this series?I totally love it. These books are a must read.

Tagline?

A 16-year old girl has the future of humanity in her hands and her enemy is the strongest priestess in the House of Night Academy.

~
In the third book of the house of night series, Zoey Redbird struggles to get back her friends' trust and friendship. Her best friend, Stevie Rae, has been reborn from being undead and has acquired a new mark, which is completely different from the normal fledgings [students in the academy in the process of becoming vampires]. All in all, this book has lots of good and bad surprises along with a few steamy characters to die for.

The story is thrilling and filled with action. The drama is powerful, especially when some of Zoey's friends reject the change [into vampires] and die.

I am completely in love with the characters, especially Zoey, who is far from being a mistress in distress. There is a dash of comedy to it and quite a bit of romance, which will leave you completely satisfied at the end.

You can say these series have a litle of everything: romance, action, comedy, suspence, mystery and a touch of something special.

I love this series!

By: Eli
Edited By: Annie

Book Review: Betrayed

Fiction: Betrayed [House of Night Series]
[Book 2]
Author: P.C Cast, Kristin Cast
Genres: Fantasy, Mystery, YA
Rating: 10/10




The second book of the House of Night series is better than the first.
Following Zoey Redbird's new life as a vampire in training has become even more exciting. Along with becoming the high priestess of the House of Night, Zoey' s life has turned out to be way more complicated.

First, she encounters her ex-boyfriend Heath again and they imprint [When a vampire sucks the blood of a human and they form a special bond.]. Then, she becomes Erik's girlfriend, the hottest guy in the academy. And on top of this, she feels an attraction towards the most god-like teacher in the academy, Loren, and he feels the same way towards her.

Moreover; human students are starting to turn up dead from blood loss and all the evidence points towards the House of Night Academy. She also finds out that her high priestess (mentor), Neferet, isn't who everyone thinks she is. Many secrets are revealed and enemies become friends.

Along with other unexpected surprises that I'll leave for you to find out yourself, Betrayed has become a story impossible to put down. It was hotter than the first book; the scenes were surprising and steamy. It kept me at the edge of my seat and I seriously could not put down the book because of its amazingly well-written plots. The humor - which was in parts you'd least expect to find - was amazing and kept me laughing. The action was thrilling with the new enemies that were made and secrets that were uncovered. Zoey struggles as a new vampire who has been given the mission of finding out the secrets that surround the academy and the teachers themselves.





By: Eli
Edited By: Joey

Book Review: Thicker than Water

Fiction: Thicker than Water
Author: Carla Jablonski
Genres: Drama, Romance, YA
Rating: 8.5/10

[Even though I loved this book, I found that the ending was absurd and disappointing. It was a story I couldn't put down and a story with an amazing plot and strong characters I could relate to. However, while I was so much into it, I (along with the main character) was fooled by its surprising twist, which I hadn't seen it coming..until this day. I still laugh about it, because it's something I never experience in a book and it's something I find unique in a way.]

The story goes like this: It's about a girl, Kia, who's mother is dying of cancer. Her father is a complete fool and is never home, and her friends can't help her because they have problems of their own. The only way to escape the reality she lives in is while cutting herself.

In the mist of everything, she is introduced to a goth world filled with vampire fanatics and people who enjoy living in the darkness. This world is something out of the ordinary. And while being a part of it, she meets the sexy and handsome DJ Damon, whom she instantly assumes is a vampire due to the world he belongs to and the mysteries that surround him.

Jablonski introduces us to a world where everything is not what it seems; that appearances can be deceiving; and that reality can be mixed with fantasy. There are some things you want to believe, even though it seems irrational or unreal. In this story, Kia is able to experience the feeling of being liberated by a world that is fake and make-believe, yet she refuses to see otherwise. The pain caused by her dying mother is unbearable and she wants to be set free. By confining her self to Damon and believing that he is a vampire, she grabs hold of an escape that she badly needs.

While reading this book, I was entranced by its plot and its mysterious characters. The method in which it is written will surely make you feel addicted to it. The intensity and the depth of the characters; the feelings and strong personalities, are so well described that every reader can understand what Kia is going through.

[The book is a painfully true novel about how the cruelty of reality can cause us to escape to a fantasy world where lines blur between life and death.]

By: Eli

Edited By: Annie

Book Review: Marked

Fiction: Marked [House of night Series]
[Book 1]
Author: P.C Cast + Kristin Cast
Genres: Fantasy, Mystery, YA
Rating: 9.5/10

[The reason for taking 0.5 points away: I found the story to be lacking in some parts, but I did enjoyed reading it.]

I finished reading this book today and am totally looking forward to reading the second one and so on. The plot is very original - something I haven't read in a while.

From being a total outcast in her old school, to becoming the high priestess of the house of night, Zoey Redbird seems to have come to the right place. But the House of night isn't as peaceful or safe as her old school, as mysterious events happen and enemies begin to arise. Then, along with Zoey's new powers comes [the danger of living in a secret world.]

Overall, it's about a girl struggling to understand and fit into her new vampire school and about the changes that she goes through. An example is how she transforms from being completely grossed out by blood into totally liking it. Of course, don't forget meeting the school preps and getting to know the school's hottest guy, Erik Night.

The plot is interesting, the dialogue is of modern-age - funny and spicy. There are moments that leave you both laughing and crying, moments that take you from sadness to hilarity, and moments that makes you sigh as everything unravels for Zoey and her friends in the House of night.

Needless to say, I enjoyed this book to the core, mostly because I'm into every kind of vampire series. Since I am a devoted vampire fan, I am looking forward to the next books which I will surely be reviewing later on.

By: Eli

Edited By: Annie

Book Review: Twilight

Fiction: Twilight
Author: Stephenie Meyer
Genres: Fantasy, Romance, YA
Rating: 10/10

I finished this book a long time ago, but couldn't help letting go for its well-written plot and originality. From time to time, I go back to reading it because I can't get enough of it.

This is one of the best vampire books I have read in my life. Honestly, the characters are well developed and the story keeps you wanting for more.

Isabella Swan goes to Forks, Washington to live with her father, Charlie. Upon arrival, she starts to attend Forks' high school and thereby meets Edward Collin, the biggest mystery to be ever known.

After a series of strange events, Bella starts to question Edward's real identity. This is especially true after he saves her from a car accident, and the story only escalates in suspense.

Stephenie Meyer can seriously write a thrilling story with powerful characters. [Her imagery allows readers to imagine incredible scenes] and get a clear view of what's happening in the story.

Her characters are thrilling to the core, especially Edward Cullen, whose personality is strong and is easy to befriend. Bella, on the other hand, is a curious character and intriguing character.

It's easy to get in deep with the story, since it's easily understandable. The descriptions of the characters, setting and [plot flow together into a masterpiece]. All in all, I enjoyed reading this one till the very end.

Romance, action, spellbinding characters, and a story to die for.

By: Eli

Edited By: Annie

Nobody's Princess

Fiction: Nobody’s Princess
Author: Esther Friesner
Genre: Historic, Adventure
Rating: 8.5/10

The first impression I got from this book was that it might be one of those horrid spinoffs of some fairy tale. Like Just Ella (though I enjoyed that one) or that one by Jane Yolen, Briar Rose. It had the word “Princess” in it, so don't blame one for making assumptions.

Of course, like most times, I was dead wrong. This book turned out to be about Helen of Troy. Yes, that one. The one whose face launched a thousand ships…supposedly. It was the initial blurb that drew me in:

“She is beautiful, she is a princess, and Aphrodite is her favourite goddess, but something in Helen of Sparta just itches for more out of life. Unlike her prissy sister, Clytemnestra, she takes no pleasure in weaving and embroidery. And despite what her mother says, she’s not even close to being interested in getting married. Instead, she wants to do combat training with her older brothers, go on heroic adventures, and be free to do what she wants and find out who she is.”

Okay, at first glance, I thought it was a tad presumptuous of the author to create our lovable, war-incurring Helen into some tomboy. But then I thought to myself, “Hey, it has a unique plot. Might be a good read.” So I followed myself on that instinct.

I’m what you would call one of those history nuts. I know way too much about Ancient Greece and the history of it too. This was the first time that somebody shone the spotlight directly on Helen. Sure, she was known as the most beautiful woman short of Aphrodite, but that was when she was mature.
In this book, Helen is portrayed as a tall, awkward, gangly girl. Can you imagine a girl like that growing into the Helen of Troy? I suppose that it was partially to extend a hand out to the girls who are reading this to say that even if you are tall and gangly, you might grow up to become extremely beautiful. I enjoyed reading about her escapades and her determination to get what she wanted.

The first few chapters really made a deep impact on me. I’m not going to reveal the whole book, but it has an epiphany where Helen, our cute gangly Helen, realizes that being beautiful has advantages. It’s disturbing to think that a seven year old girl can realize this so early on in life, but I guess it worked for her. She knew how to charm people with her smile and a flick of her hair.

The most surprising thing is how many of my preconceived stereotypes this book broke about Helen of Troy. She wasn’t blonde; she was a brunette. She wasn’t pretty from the get-go; people weren’t compelled to make her their bride when looking at her in her crib. She wasn’t weak and meek; the exact opposite actually. And she wasn’t dumb. Of course, I don’t know how many creative liberties Esther Friesner took with this book, so I’m calling these stereotypes “cracked” until further notice.

The level of reading is fairly easy. It would be advised that you know a bit about Greek mythology before reading, it would make the read more enjoyable. There is also a sequel now, called Nobody’s Prize.

If you enjoy reading historic novels, here are some recommendations of mine:

- The Black Stallion, Tim Farley: a very touching story about Alexander the Great’s courageous black stallion Bucephalus and his adventures with Alexander. This book actually brought tears to my eyes in the ending. People usually think of dogs as fiercely loyal, but who knew horses could be that loyal too?

-Troy, Adele Geras: a story of two very different but close sisters who lived in Troy at the height of the Trojan War. Romance, sisterly drama, and internal conflicts ensue! The book conveys very accurately what it was like to live during the time of war.

-The Red Thread, Roderick Townley: a girl keeps having dreams of her past life—no, her past TWO lives. She finds out that she was killed in one of them—murdered. But how can she forgive her own murderer when it happened 400 years ago? Like a tapestry, there are so many complex layers woven together in this story. It's like reading three plots at once - with them all joining together at the end

By: Berber
Edited By: Annie

Book Review: Girl, Interrupted

Non-Fiction: Girl, Interrupted
Author: Susanna Kaysen
Genre: Drama, Memoir,YA

At first i didn't pay much attention to this novel, thinking maybe it was just some book about a typical girl's problems. But then I thought "what the heck"and started reading the first page. It was the most original story I've read so far [in a long time]. How should i say it - it was raw literature, simply brilliant and hillarious to the point of tears.

Susanna Kaysen writes about her memories as a young 18-year old girl struggling in a psychiatric hospital where she was admitted apparently because she suffered from Borderline personality disorder. She tried commiting suicide and [slitting her wrists], from there, she met a psycologist and concluded that she had this kind of disorder.

She met various people [with whom] she became friends with.
Her memories of being in the hospital were something unique, [especially when] outsiders feared them. Due of the fact that they were different and suffered from a disorder, they seemed like they had been cast off to the side by society and their own parents just because they did things that weren't "normal" to most people.

Heck, what does it even mean to be normal?

It's special in its ability to make you think about greater concepts. For the most part, it's a brilliant memoir of a world we hardly know of. The world of Susanna Kaysen may seem crazy and scary, but inside the hospital everything is peaceful and free, as [described] by the author.

And maybe at the end, you'll find yourself asking if she really suffered from BPD, whether or not if it was a matter of choice, or perhaps she was simply questioning her own sanity.

By: Eli
Edited By: Annie

Book Review: Graceling

Book Review: Graceling

Author: Kristen Cashore

Genres: Fantasy, YA

Rating: 3.5/5

The fact that I am the first person from my library to borrow this book is surprising but understandable, considering its inconspicuous hiding place. It was sitting in a dusty corner of the very lowest shelf, among books whose widths span the length of my hand. I happen to have a gift for finding great books (by looking in places where only the mightiest of heart traverse), and I congratulate myself on discovering yet another jewel among paperback trash (ie. Mates, Dates, etc books). However, I shall not indulge the reason behind why I picked it up (Ok, fine - the cover looked pretty), and will contend myself with simply providing you with my personal account.

.

Blend of jacket cover and my edits:

.

The setting is a familiar idea - a beautiful and fantastical land divided into seven countries. In this world, some people are born with an extreme skill - called Grace - and are often feared and exploited. Katsa, niece of King Randa of the Middluns, carries the burden of a skill even she despises: the Grace of Killing. For the most part, she is her uncle's toy, and is expected to execute his dirty work, punishing and torturing anyone who displeases him.

When she meets Prince Po, who is Graced with combat skills, her life suddenly takes a drastic turn. She never expected to become Po's friend, or to learn the truth about his Grace and her own. And for the first time, it occurs to her that there is a more important calling beyond the borders of her world, a secret that has the power to destroy all seven kingdoms... with simply words alone.

The characters were absolutely enthralling. Unlike many other heroines, Katsa had absolute power over almost every aspect of her life. She was a refreshing change from the girls in distress who are always squalling to be saved. And Po? It is simply too easy to fall in love with him. His lazy arrogance tainted with surprising intuition makes for a great secondary character.

I found the plot elements especially creative. I never knew what was going to happen next, but I could see both the plausibility and logic when it did happen. The world Cashore created was rather comprehensive for a YA (and for a non heavy-duty fantasy), and there is definitely a lot of potential for future books in the same setting.

There were, however, a few aspects of the book I had qualms with. The climax was too short, and too pitiful an end to what the whole novel built up towards. The pacing was wonderful in the beginning, but turned erratic near the end. Again, the climax was less than satisfying, and though I would love the book to be longer if only to admire the characters some more, the end was much too stretched out. There is no point adding more to the plot if it doesn't amount to something, and Cashore was only good at tying up the strings of the subplot as opposed to the main political intrigue.

Graceling is not deep as it is entertaining. It makes for a great, light read, but if you're looking for something to make you cry and laugh, this isn't the book for you. Not a winter night's tale, but a good bus-stop/ boring-class/ read.
~~~

Next on my reading list? The Hunger Games, A Curse as Dark as Gold, and Book of a Thousand Days. I'm open to any recommendations (apparently the Sword of Truth series are quite good? I shudder at the length of the books in comparison to my free time). Can't wait till the Break - then I can get down to the heavy ones.

Manga Review: Do You Want to Try?

Shoujo: Do You Want to Try?
Author: Cha Kyung Hee
Genres: Romance, Drama, YA
Rating: 6/10

I started reading Do You Want to Try? today, and I have to say that I don't mind the style. In fact, after the first chapter, I really started getting into the plotline and the characters. I like the main character, who is assertive and even agressive when the situation calls for it. The main male character is also quite attractive, and as an added bonus, his personality reminds me of Jaewon from Conversations Between Us.

As for the artwork, I'm not going to sing praises about it. I don't like it as much I should (I try to appreciate everything I see in its own style), but let's just say it's similar to (but still a notch below) Hwang Mi Ri's. One of these days, I really wish I would be able to encounter stuff like The Bride of the Watergod or Red River, because even if the plots were horrible (they are not), I'd read them to enjoy the artwork.

Overall, the tone is optimistic, so I'm not really expecting a sad ending. However, it deals with tough school leaderships (which remind me of gangs), and in that way, who knows what can happen? In regards to the story, I think what started off as cliched is no longer as predictable. The interesting parts always stem from originality, and I see the potential for new development. I haven't been able to get my hands on more than perhaps 2 volumes, so I can't say that much more. Check it out when you have the time, but don't expect too much.

The Internet Summary:

When the hot-tempered Han Hye Won accidently insults the handsome jjang of Han Hwa Go, Sun Woo Bin decides to pay her a visit... with his entire motorcycle gang, ready to see some blood. So how does that lead up to a kiss and the infamous captain begging for a date? Do you want to try?

- Annie

Book Review: The Ruling Class

More Mean than the Mean Girls

Cat fights aren’t the only deal when girls are pushed to the brink

Fiction: The Ruling Class
Author: Francine Pascal
Genres: Teen, Drama
Rating: 1.5/5

It’s often easy to be swayed by the outward appearance of something to make a faulty judgment of what’s inside. The Ruling Class is like that, a book that at first seemed to be only describing scenes directly from a Mean Girls situation, but turned out to be much more. This book touches on an important issue that plagues almost every girl at least once in her life - bullying. Even though some cases can be more serious than others, it’s something that happens constantly in all age groups. This book – encompassing the backstabbing, intimidation and plain meanness of such people, delivers a riveting account of one girl who isn’t afraid to stand up to them.

Perhaps being a new girl at a rich high school when you’re poor isn’t what most people would consider their best experience in life. In fact, it’s beyond horrible for Twyla Gay Stark, who is constantly being picked on by a group of girls named the Ruling Class. Made up of the stereotypical cheerleaders, superrich snots and a few all too eager suck-ups to Jeanette Sue, their leader, these girls rule the school by terrorizing those they believe are in their way. Unfortunately, Twyla falls into that group. Having been picked on time after time, especially after Jeanette’s boyfriend Ryder shows interest in her, Twyla takes a stand. There is nothing for her to lose anyway.

One of the most outstanding qualities of this book is the feelings it invokes in the reader. As you watch the main character become a target of the Ruling Class, it is hard to extricate yourself from your personal emotions that compel you to take action along with this brave girl. Exasperated, the only thing to do is to flip another page and continue reading. There is also the feeling of satisfaction when Twyla, at certain times, becomes successful and outsmarts them. The fascinating characters and meaningful plotline are especially attractive to those who love teen drama.

Aside from such good qualities, there are certain aspects of this book that can be frowned upon. The circumstances Twyla is faced with often seem just a bit outrageous, which makes everything less convincing. The climax seems hurried and unexpected, in the sense that you wouldn’t have recognized it except for the number of pages that were still left. The falling action is quite weak, and there could definitely have been more strings to tie up the loose ends. However, these drawbacks do not draw away from the existence of a good story and the impact of an inspirational message.

- Annie

Book Review: Darkwing

I don't usually lavish praises like what you'll see below, but I wrote this as a positive review. That means I didn't write the paragraph containing what I dislike about it (which is suggested for reviews). Therefore, this book review is a little biased. Don't start thinking that Darkwing is better than Silverwing, because it's not. However, it's still a pretty good book. Oppel's bat series can be compared to Watership Down - in the sense I'd like try being a rabbit or bat for a day or two.

Fiction: Darkwing
Author: Kenneth Oppel
Genres: Young Adult, Adventure, Historical, Animals
Rating: 3.25/5

Darkwing brings to life the hauntingly poignant memories of Kenneth Oppel’s previous works. As the fourth book describing the incredible tales of lifelike bats, it sets itself apart by bringing with it a sense of wonder and imagination equaling its predecessors. It is remarkable how the vivid adventures of the protagonist are not only able to capture the audience’s attention but also able to win over the hearts of minds of the readers. Darkwing is the rare type of novel that can be enjoyed by everybody, regardless of their inclinations.

65 million years ago, Dusk is a newborn bat in a world where only the strongest and fittest survive. Unfortunately, though he is born to a colony sheltered within the boundaries of an almost paradise, he has certain attributes that mark him as the outcast of his society. The fact that he can fly and see in the dark pits him against the conventional characteristics of his bat colony. However, when things begin to change and their perfect haven is not nearly so desirable anymore, Dusk is the only one with the power to save them. He is the only one who can lead his kind a step away from extinction.

Proven over and over again, Kenneth Oppel has the ability to bring to life fantastical characters that are easy to relate to. His refreshing take on a time so different from today is only a fraction of his achievement, for he should also be applauded for keeping the story fast-paced and appealing. Simply put - Darkwing transcends the borders of age and preference and establishes itself as a fiction worth reading and keeping.

- Annie