Question: How was the cover?

***May Contain Spoilers***To start off, I have to gush about this cover. This is hand-down the most beautiful cover I have ever seen before (and I have seen some pretty beautiful covers before like "Fallen" and "Torment" by Lauren Kate, "Halo", and whatnot). When I originally bought the book I thought that if the book wasn't that great, I would be okay with that, just because the cover is so beautiful... (which thankfully I didn't have to worry about).Anyways, on to the story. This book is very much the case of girl and boy meet, as they look at one another/ touch one another they fall madly and deeply in love (all within an hour of knowing one another). I hate when this happens in books, mainly because it is not realistic whatsoever, and I personally believe that the stuff that happens as two people fall in love is extremely interesting. However, I didn't fully hate that this happened in this book. I mean, it did bug me, but it didn't completely turn me off of the book (*cough, cough, "Halo" by Alexandra Adornetto)... I think that what made up for this occurring was the boys....Oh, the boys... It's weird, lately while reading books where the female character has to choose between two boys, I haven't been able to choose which boy I prefer, or if I do choose between the two boys, I only like one over the other by a fraction (ie. Gale and Peeta in "The Hunger Games" trilogy) and in the first half of the novel, I, for the life of me, could not choose between Ren and Shay. I also found it weird that I liked Ren in this book. Usually I am anti-player boy, but with Ren, I was almost able to overlook the fact that he was a player, mainly due to the fact that he clearly cared about Calla and when he was a sweet, he was a really sweet (ie. giving her the ring). On the other hand, well, Shay was the perfect snarky/ sarcastic boy who also clearly cared about Calla. So how is a girl to choose? I did end up picking my favourite between the boys about halfway through the novel, but I still felt really bad for the boy that I didn't choose (the one who Calla didn't end up with in the end) and I think that because of his sacrifice at the end of the novel he still might have a chance with her.While reading this book I found myself growing more and more frustrated with Calla. I felt like she was playing both boys way too much in this book. I understand that she was confused and everything, but there was another option available, she could have isolated herself from both in order to think over the decision carefully without having any outside influences impacting her decision (as opposed to making out with both of them, making them both think that he was the one she was obviously going to choose in the end).I did find that this book was pretty predictable in some matters, but not in others. When it was first discovered that Shay was the Scion and that the Scion was a "gift" or something or another, I groaned, predicting (correctly) how this was going to play out with the union between Calla and Ren. On the other hand, I did think that what happened between Calla and Shay in the cave would eventually happen, I just didn't think that it would happen that suddenly or in that instance. I wish that in that part that it had been more elaborated upon, I found it to be quite rushed (it only took up a couple of pages at most), I would have loved hearing more about the process of transformation and whatnot. So it was nice that some things were still able to take me by surprise (and I am sure that lots will take me by surprise in the next novel in the series, "Wolfsbane", as so many questions were left unanswered in this book).I loved the secondary characters in this book (which is also quite surprising as I typically loathe them). I found them to be so dynamic and multi-faceted. For instance, Sabine, the obvious bitchy/ slutty girl, who despite it all, is obviously an extremely caring person as she does everything in her power to protect her pack member, Cosette, from the big bad world, Neville, the quiet boy whose music and poetry speak volumes, and Ansel, the little brother, who throughout the novel is discovering himself and what he wants in life, all the while, protecting his older sister, no matter the cost to himself.All in all, this is a great book (both the story and the cover). This book is perfect for the reader who loves a balance of the paranormal and romance (seriously, this book is an extremely hot YA novel).

Answer: This is hand-down the most beautiful cover I have ever seen before

***May Contain Spoilers***To start off, I have to gush about this cover. <hl> This is hand-down the most beautiful cover I have ever seen before (and I have seen some pretty beautiful covers before like "Fallen" and "Torment" by Lauren Kate, "Halo", and whatnot). <hl> When I originally bought the book I thought that if the book wasn't that great, I would be okay with that, just because the cover is so beautiful... (which thankfully I didn't have to worry about).Anyways, on to the story. This book is very much the case of girl and boy meet, as they look at one another/ touch one another they fall madly and deeply in love (all within an hour of knowing one another). I hate when this happens in books, mainly because it is not realistic whatsoever, and I personally believe that the stuff that happens as two people fall in love is extremely interesting. However, I didn't fully hate that this happened in this book. I mean, it did bug me, but it didn't completely turn me off of the book (*cough, cough, "Halo" by Alexandra Adornetto)... I think that what made up for this occurring was the boys.... Oh, the boys... It's weird, lately while reading books where the female character has to choose between two boys, I haven't been able to choose which boy I prefer, or if I do choose between the two boys, I only like one over the other by a fraction (ie. Gale and Peeta in "The Hunger Games" trilogy) and in the first half of the novel, I, for the life of me, could not choose between Ren and Shay. I also found it weird that I liked Ren in this book. Usually I am anti-player boy, but with Ren, I was almost able to overlook the fact that he was a player, mainly due to the fact that he clearly cared about Calla and when he was a sweet, he was a really sweet (ie. giving her the ring). On the other hand, well, Shay was the perfect snarky/ sarcastic boy who also clearly cared about Calla. So how is a girl to choose? I did end up picking my favourite between the boys about halfway through the novel, but I still felt really bad for the boy that I didn't choose (the one who Calla didn't end up with in the end) and I think that because of his sacrifice at the end of the novel he still might have a chance with her. While reading this book I found myself growing more and more frustrated with Calla. I felt like she was playing both boys way too much in this book. I understand that she was confused and everything, but there was another option available, she could have isolated herself from both in order to think over the decision carefully without having any outside influences impacting her decision (as opposed to making out with both of them, making them both think that he was the one she was obviously going to choose in the end).I did find that this book was pretty predictable in some matters, but not in others. When it was first discovered that Shay was the Scion and that the Scion was a "gift" or something or another, I groaned, predicting (correctly) how this was going to play out with the union between Calla and Ren. On the other hand, I did think that what happened between Calla and Shay in the cave would eventually happen, I just didn't think that it would happen that suddenly or in that instance. I wish that in that part that it had been more elaborated upon, I found it to be quite rushed (it only took up a couple of pages at most), I would have loved hearing more about the process of transformation and whatnot. So it was nice that some things were still able to take me by surprise (and I am sure that lots will take me by surprise in the next novel in the series, "Wolfsbane", as so many questions were left unanswered in this book).I loved the secondary characters in this book (which is also quite surprising as I typically loathe them). I found them to be so dynamic and multi-faceted. For instance, Sabine, the obvious bitchy/ slutty girl, who despite it all, is obviously an extremely caring person as she does everything in her power to protect her pack member, Cosette, from the big bad world, Neville, the quiet boy whose music and poetry speak volumes, and Ansel, the little brother, who throughout the novel is discovering himself and what he wants in life, all the while, protecting his older sister, no matter the cost to himself. All in all, this is a great book (both the story and the cover). This book is perfect for the reader who loves a balance of the paranormal and romance (seriously, this book is an extremely hot YA novel).

***May Contain Spoilers***To start off, I have to gush about this cover. <hl> This is hand-down the most beautiful cover I have ever seen before <hl> (and I have seen some pretty beautiful covers before like "Fallen" and "Torment" by Lauren Kate, "Halo", and whatnot). When I originally bought the book I thought that if the book wasn't that great, I would be okay with that, just because the cover is so beautiful... (which thankfully I didn't have to worry about).Anyways, on to the story. This book is very much the case of girl and boy meet, as they look at one another/ touch one another they fall madly and deeply in love (all within an hour of knowing one another). I hate when this happens in books, mainly because it is not realistic whatsoever, and I personally believe that the stuff that happens as two people fall in love is extremely interesting. However, I didn't fully hate that this happened in this book. I mean, it did bug me, but it didn't completely turn me off of the book (*cough, cough, "Halo" by Alexandra Adornetto)... I think that what made up for this occurring was the boys....Oh, the boys... It's weird, lately while reading books where the female character has to choose between two boys, I haven't been able to choose which boy I prefer, or if I do choose between the two boys, I only like one over the other by a fraction (ie. Gale and Peeta in "The Hunger Games" trilogy) and in the first half of the novel, I, for the life of me, could not choose between Ren and Shay. I also found it weird that I liked Ren in this book. Usually I am anti-player boy, but with Ren, I was almost able to overlook the fact that he was a player, mainly due to the fact that he clearly cared about Calla and when he was a sweet, he was a really sweet (ie. giving her the ring). On the other hand, well, Shay was the perfect snarky/ sarcastic boy who also clearly cared about Calla. So how is a girl to choose? I did end up picking my favourite between the boys about halfway through the novel, but I still felt really bad for the boy that I didn't choose (the one who Calla didn't end up with in the end) and I think that because of his sacrifice at the end of the novel he still might have a chance with her.While reading this book I found myself growing more and more frustrated with Calla. I felt like she was playing both boys way too much in this book. I understand that she was confused and everything, but there was another option available, she could have isolated herself from both in order to think over the decision carefully without having any outside influences impacting her decision (as opposed to making out with both of them, making them both think that he was the one she was obviously going to choose in the end).I did find that this book was pretty predictable in some matters, but not in others. When it was first discovered that Shay was the Scion and that the Scion was a "gift" or something or another, I groaned, predicting (correctly) how this was going to play out with the union between Calla and Ren. On the other hand, I did think that what happened between Calla and Shay in the cave would eventually happen, I just didn't think that it would happen that suddenly or in that instance. I wish that in that part that it had been more elaborated upon, I found it to be quite rushed (it only took up a couple of pages at most), I would have loved hearing more about the process of transformation and whatnot. So it was nice that some things were still able to take me by surprise (and I am sure that lots will take me by surprise in the next novel in the series, "Wolfsbane", as so many questions were left unanswered in this book).I loved the secondary characters in this book (which is also quite surprising as I typically loathe them). I found them to be so dynamic and multi-faceted. For instance, Sabine, the obvious bitchy/ slutty girl, who despite it all, is obviously an extremely caring person as she does everything in her power to protect her pack member, Cosette, from the big bad world, Neville, the quiet boy whose music and poetry speak volumes, and Ansel, the little brother, who throughout the novel is discovering himself and what he wants in life, all the while, protecting his older sister, no matter the cost to himself.All in all, this is a great book (both the story and the cover). This book is perfect for the reader who loves a balance of the paranormal and romance (seriously, this book is an extremely hot YA novel).


Question: How is the quality of plot?

I just loved this book.  It is in my top two and I will probably read it again which I rarely do.  The story was really good and the characters were excellent.  This author will go far.  I can hardly wait for her next novel.

Answer: I just loved this book

I just loved this book .

<hl> I just loved this book . <hl> It is in my top two and I will probably read it again which I rarely do. The story was really good and the characters were excellent. This author will go far. I can hardly wait for her next novel.

<hl> I just loved this book <hl>. It is in my top two and I will probably read it again which I rarely do. The story was really good and the characters were excellent. This author will go far. I can hardly wait for her next novel.


Question: How do you like the character?

I loved every second of this entire novel! Enough said! No really, the characters are fabulous and addictive. I felt the heartbreaking tale of Joss' loss and subsequent lifestyle. I loved every step of her journey.

Answer: the characters are fabulous and addictive. I felt the heartbreaking tale of Joss' loss and subsequent lifestyle. I loved every step of her journey

I loved every second of this entire novel! Enough said! <hl> No really, the characters are fabulous and addictive. I felt the heartbreaking tale of Joss' loss and subsequent lifestyle. I loved every step of her journey . <hl>

I loved every second of this entire novel! Enough said! No really, <hl> the characters are fabulous and addictive. I felt the heartbreaking tale of Joss' loss and subsequent lifestyle. I loved every step of her journey <hl>.

No really, <hl> the characters are fabulous and addictive. I felt the heartbreaking tale of Joss' loss and subsequent lifestyle. I loved every step of her journey <hl> .


Question: Is this character credible?

‘The Cuckoo’s Calling’ by Robert Galbraith – a pseudonym for J. K. Rowling, is the first in the mystery series ‘Cormoran Strike’, titled after the main character.We meet Cormoran Strike when he’s down on his luck, so much so that he’s taken to living in his office – a long fall for the man who used to be in the army. Then, luckily, John Bristow walks into Strike’s office with a job for him – prove the police wrong by discovering his sister’s killer. The case was ruled as a suicide, but Bristow is adamant that couldn’t be true, and he hires Strike to prove it.Armed with a new assistant and finally with a little money to his name, Strike sets out to do his job. The fact he’s investigating a supermodel means he’s soon pulled into the lives of those rich and famous, but even Strike’s steady head and nerves aren’t quite ready to deal with what is soon thrown at him.I honestly kept forgetting that the author is our favourite Rowling as I read this – I even thought at one stage that I needed to look up the author to see if he had written anything else. The writing may not be out of this world, but it was a comforting loose, enjoyable read, and I love books that capture the feel and echo of London. Rowling manages to write characters that aren’t exactly likeable, yet she still manages to make them likeable, if that makes any sense at all. They’re real and flawed but entirely realistic.The book itself is very much grounded in reality. While not teeming with original ideas, it is unmistakably a very well written and clever detective novel and I look forward to more, though it’s a pity Rowling was ‘outed’ as the author against her wishes as it sort of skews perceptions of the book when the author is such an acclaimed one.Perhaps I’ve been watching too much Luther, but if they ever develop this series for the screen, please let Idris Elba play Strike.Our protagonist is quick-minded and easily likeable and is what makes the whole book so very entertaining as he puts the puzzle together bit by bit.It might be a little typical story-wise but that’s by no means a bad thing. In fact, it’s exactly what the book is supposed to be, and it’s very good at what it sets out to do. Rowling makes a tired story somehow refreshing and above all else, very, very entertaining.

Answer: characters that aren’t exactly likeable

‘The Cuckoo’s Calling’ by Robert Galbraith – a pseudonym for J. K. Rowling, is the first in the mystery series ‘Cormoran Strike’, titled after the main character. We meet Cormoran Strike when he’s down on his luck, so much so that he’s taken to living in his office – a long fall for the man who used to be in the army. Then, luckily, John Bristow walks into Strike’s office with a job for him – prove the police wrong by discovering his sister’s killer. The case was ruled as a suicide, but Bristow is adamant that couldn’t be true, and he hires Strike to prove it. Armed with a new assistant and finally with a little money to his name, Strike sets out to do his job. The fact he’s investigating a supermodel means he’s soon pulled into the lives of those rich and famous, but even Strike’s steady head and nerves aren’t quite ready to deal with what is soon thrown at him. I honestly kept forgetting that the author is our favourite Rowling as I read this – I even thought at one stage that I needed to look up the author to see if he had written anything else. The writing may not be out of this world, but it was a comforting loose, enjoyable read, and I love books that capture the feel and echo of London. <hl> Rowling manages to write characters that aren’t exactly likeable , yet she still manages to make them likeable, if that makes any sense at all. <hl> They’re real and flawed but entirely realistic. The book itself is very much grounded in reality. While not teeming with original ideas, it is unmistakably a very well written and clever detective novel and I look forward to more, though it’s a pity Rowling was ‘outed’ as the author against her wishes as it sort of skews perceptions of the book when the author is such an acclaimed one. Perhaps I’ve been watching too much Luther, but if they ever develop this series for the screen, please let Idris Elba play Strike. Our protagonist is quick-minded and easily likeable and is what makes the whole book so very entertaining as he puts the puzzle together bit by bit. It might be a little typical story-wise but that’s by no means a bad thing. In fact, it’s exactly what the book is supposed to be, and it’s very good at what it sets out to do. Rowling makes a tired story somehow refreshing and above all else, very, very entertaining.

‘The Cuckoo’s Calling’ by Robert Galbraith – a pseudonym for J. K. Rowling, is the first in the mystery series ‘Cormoran Strike’, titled after the main character.We meet Cormoran Strike when he’s down on his luck, so much so that he’s taken to living in his office – a long fall for the man who used to be in the army. Then, luckily, John Bristow walks into Strike’s office with a job for him – prove the police wrong by discovering his sister’s killer. The case was ruled as a suicide, but Bristow is adamant that couldn’t be true, and he hires Strike to prove it.Armed with a new assistant and finally with a little money to his name, Strike sets out to do his job. The fact he’s investigating a supermodel means he’s soon pulled into the lives of those rich and famous, but even Strike’s steady head and nerves aren’t quite ready to deal with what is soon thrown at him.I honestly kept forgetting that the author is our favourite Rowling as I read this – I even thought at one stage that I needed to look up the author to see if he had written anything else. The writing may not be out of this world, but it was a comforting loose, enjoyable read, and I love books that capture the feel and echo of London. Rowling manages to write <hl> characters that aren’t exactly likeable <hl>, yet she still manages to make them likeable, if that makes any sense at all. They’re real and flawed but entirely realistic.The book itself is very much grounded in reality. While not teeming with original ideas, it is unmistakably a very well written and clever detective novel and I look forward to more, though it’s a pity Rowling was ‘outed’ as the author against her wishes as it sort of skews perceptions of the book when the author is such an acclaimed one.Perhaps I’ve been watching too much Luther, but if they ever develop this series for the screen, please let Idris Elba play Strike.Our protagonist is quick-minded and easily likeable and is what makes the whole book so very entertaining as he puts the puzzle together bit by bit.It might be a little typical story-wise but that’s by no means a bad thing. In fact, it’s exactly what the book is supposed to be, and it’s very good at what it sets out to do. Rowling makes a tired story somehow refreshing and above all else, very, very entertaining.

Rowling manages to write <hl> characters that aren’t exactly likeable <hl> , yet she still manages to make them likeable, if that makes any sense at all.


Question: How was the plot?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and its sequels.I found that she captured the essence of the moral ambiguity that life offers.Her characters,while engaging, live in shades of grey.Unlike Harry Potter- while extremely engaging- the morally expected outcome is not cast in stone.Characters are flawed- seriously so- and the hook is complex: her characters are both compelling and flawed.And isn't that life? While directed at a teen audience I found these books to be not just palatable but riveting to an older audience- we are engaged because we have ( many of us) observed,first hand, the complexities and ambiguities of our lives and decisions.I heartily recommend these books- these are not Twilight- (porno bland) but these serve I believe to challenge us with important question couched in a drama palatable to all: why are we here? what is true? and what,fundamentally,do I stand for?

Answer: I thoroughly enjoyed this book

<hl> I thoroughly enjoyed this book , and its sequels. <hl> I found that she captured the essence of the moral ambiguity that life offers. Her characters,while engaging, live in shades of grey. Unlike Harry Potter- while extremely engaging- the morally expected outcome is not cast in stone. Characters are flawed- seriously so- and the hook is complex: her characters are both compelling and flawed. And isn't that life? While directed at a teen audience I found these books to be not just palatable but riveting to an older audience- we are engaged because we have ( many of us) observed,first hand, the complexities and ambiguities of our lives and decisions. I heartily recommend these books- these are not Twilight- (porno bland) but these serve I believe to challenge us with important question couched in a drama palatable to all: why are we here? what is true? and what,fundamentally,do I stand for?

<hl> I thoroughly enjoyed this book <hl>, and its sequels.I found that she captured the essence of the moral ambiguity that life offers.Her characters,while engaging, live in shades of grey.Unlike Harry Potter- while extremely engaging- the morally expected outcome is not cast in stone.Characters are flawed- seriously so- and the hook is complex: her characters are both compelling and flawed.And isn't that life? While directed at a teen audience I found these books to be not just palatable but riveting to an older audience- we are engaged because we have ( many of us) observed,first hand, the complexities and ambiguities of our lives and decisions.I heartily recommend these books- these are not Twilight- (porno bland) but these serve I believe to challenge us with important question couched in a drama palatable to all: why are we here? what is true? and what,fundamentally,do I stand for?

<hl> I thoroughly enjoyed this book <hl> , and its sequels.


Question: Is plot ready?

Just the word "maze" incites an instant mental picture of adventure, mystery, danger, and bravery. James Dashner's, The Maze Runner, has screamed at me from bookshelves for the past six months. At last, when I found an extra $9.99 in my pocket, I purchased it.The story follows a teenage boy named Thomas who wakes up in what seems to be a never-ending pitch-black elevator that deposits him into the center of a maze--a maze that's kept over 50 boys prisoner for several years. With a faulty memory and determination to find answers, Thomas seeks knowledge in every nook and cranny of the hundred-foot walls surrounding the only safe square to live in--the Glade.He has a rough entry into the created Glade culture, where boys take little pity on newcomers and everyone has accepted the fate of what seems to be an unsolvable maze. Every Glader has a duty--farming, cooking, healing, etc. Thomas wants to be a Runner--an explorer of the maze who spends all day seeking answers. Instead of welcoming him with open arms, the Gladers suspect him when things start to change. Boys remember him, but they don't know why. A girl shows up in the elevator-box (the first one ever). A message is received from the Creators. And Thomas somehow has bravery and answers no one else has seen before.When the "end" is triggered, the boys are forced to fight for their lives, their friends, and their sanity against the dreaded enemies called "The Grievers". Time is running out and escape options dwindle like a trickling waterfall.This book was a quick read--took me less than a week, which is saying a lot in my busy schedule. The plot was intriguing and many of the character emotions were deep and believable. I felt confused with Thomas and frustrated with his fleeting memories. The adventure is constant and page-turning, but a little on the darker side. Many children die over the course of the book and there are other things like sacrifices and torturing sickness.The end was rather dark and a little depressing. Not a lot of hope is left or achieved. The "last battle" of sorts is graphic, sad, and slightly disturbing with the knowledge that all the screams and deaths are those of teenage children. Throughout the novel, I found Thomas's lack of compassion in certain situations disturbing, like when a boy is sacrificed to the Maze.The plot had a lot of potential. It built and built and built to something I hoped would be great, but turned out to be predictable. It didn't feel unique, which then didn't seem to match the rest of the book. Once I discovered the answers behind the existence and purpose of the maze, I was sorely disappointed. It wasn't believable to me. It kept the imagination-cogs turning through the novel, but in the end weakened the story.The characters came off sadly bland and inconsistent. Thomas in particular seemed lacking in emotions and somehow managed to succeed at most of what he tried. While the reader wanted to see the characters eventually succeed, I felt a lack of inner conflict. Thomas just had a lot of outer conflict that was "conquered" with just a little average thinking.The "culture" created in the Maze lacked  hope and compassion and the only clear theme running throughout the novel was "never give up." But once we reached the end, no hope was reached. The book had so much potential--cool title, catching first chapter, and who doesn't like the idea of a giant creepy maze? Overall, I found the read interesting, but mediocre. It's doubtful I'd read it again.

Answer: Just the word "maze" incites an instant

<hl> Just the word "maze" incites an instant mental picture of adventure, mystery, danger, and bravery. <hl> James Dashner's, The Maze Runner, has screamed at me from bookshelves for the past six months. At last, when I found an extra $9.99 in my pocket, I purchased it. The story follows a teenage boy named Thomas who wakes up in what seems to be a never-ending pitch-black elevator that deposits him into the center of a maze--a maze that's kept over 50 boys prisoner for several years. With a faulty memory and determination to find answers, Thomas seeks knowledge in every nook and cranny of the hundred-foot walls surrounding the only safe square to live in--the Glade. He has a rough entry into the created Glade culture, where boys take little pity on newcomers and everyone has accepted the fate of what seems to be an unsolvable maze. Every Glader has a duty--farming, cooking, healing, etc. Thomas wants to be a Runner--an explorer of the maze who spends all day seeking answers. Instead of welcoming him with open arms, the Gladers suspect him when things start to change. Boys remember him, but they don't know why. A girl shows up in the elevator-box (the first one ever). A message is received from the Creators. And Thomas somehow has bravery and answers no one else has seen before. When the "end" is triggered, the boys are forced to fight for their lives, their friends, and their sanity against the dreaded enemies called "The Grievers". Time is running out and escape options dwindle like a trickling waterfall. This book was a quick read--took me less than a week, which is saying a lot in my busy schedule. The plot was intriguing and many of the character emotions were deep and believable. I felt confused with Thomas and frustrated with his fleeting memories. The adventure is constant and page-turning, but a little on the darker side. Many children die over the course of the book and there are other things like sacrifices and torturing sickness. The end was rather dark and a little depressing. Not a lot of hope is left or achieved. The "last battle" of sorts is graphic, sad, and slightly disturbing with the knowledge that all the screams and deaths are those of teenage children. Throughout the novel, I found Thomas's lack of compassion in certain situations disturbing, like when a boy is sacrificed to the Maze. The plot had a lot of potential. It built and built and built to something I hoped would be great, but turned out to be predictable. It didn't feel unique, which then didn't seem to match the rest of the book. Once I discovered the answers behind the existence and purpose of the maze, I was sorely disappointed. It wasn't believable to me. It kept the imagination-cogs turning through the novel, but in the end weakened the story. The characters came off sadly bland and inconsistent. Thomas in particular seemed lacking in emotions and somehow managed to succeed at most of what he tried. While the reader wanted to see the characters eventually succeed, I felt a lack of inner conflict. Thomas just had a lot of outer conflict that was "conquered" with just a little average thinking. The "culture" created in the Maze lacked hope and compassion and the only clear theme running throughout the novel was "never give up." But once we reached the end, no hope was reached. The book had so much potential--cool title, catching first chapter, and who doesn't like the idea of a giant creepy maze? Overall, I found the read interesting, but mediocre. It's doubtful I'd read it again.

<hl> Just the word "maze" incites an instant <hl> mental picture of adventure, mystery, danger, and bravery. James Dashner's, The Maze Runner, has screamed at me from bookshelves for the past six months. At last, when I found an extra $9.99 in my pocket, I purchased it.The story follows a teenage boy named Thomas who wakes up in what seems to be a never-ending pitch-black elevator that deposits him into the center of a maze--a maze that's kept over 50 boys prisoner for several years. With a faulty memory and determination to find answers, Thomas seeks knowledge in every nook and cranny of the hundred-foot walls surrounding the only safe square to live in--the Glade.He has a rough entry into the created Glade culture, where boys take little pity on newcomers and everyone has accepted the fate of what seems to be an unsolvable maze. Every Glader has a duty--farming, cooking, healing, etc. Thomas wants to be a Runner--an explorer of the maze who spends all day seeking answers. Instead of welcoming him with open arms, the Gladers suspect him when things start to change. Boys remember him, but they don't know why. A girl shows up in the elevator-box (the first one ever). A message is received from the Creators. And Thomas somehow has bravery and answers no one else has seen before.When the "end" is triggered, the boys are forced to fight for their lives, their friends, and their sanity against the dreaded enemies called "The Grievers". Time is running out and escape options dwindle like a trickling waterfall.This book was a quick read--took me less than a week, which is saying a lot in my busy schedule. The plot was intriguing and many of the character emotions were deep and believable. I felt confused with Thomas and frustrated with his fleeting memories. The adventure is constant and page-turning, but a little on the darker side. Many children die over the course of the book and there are other things like sacrifices and torturing sickness.The end was rather dark and a little depressing. Not a lot of hope is left or achieved. The "last battle" of sorts is graphic, sad, and slightly disturbing with the knowledge that all the screams and deaths are those of teenage children. Throughout the novel, I found Thomas's lack of compassion in certain situations disturbing, like when a boy is sacrificed to the Maze.The plot had a lot of potential. It built and built and built to something I hoped would be great, but turned out to be predictable. It didn't feel unique, which then didn't seem to match the rest of the book. Once I discovered the answers behind the existence and purpose of the maze, I was sorely disappointed. It wasn't believable to me. It kept the imagination-cogs turning through the novel, but in the end weakened the story.The characters came off sadly bland and inconsistent. Thomas in particular seemed lacking in emotions and somehow managed to succeed at most of what he tried. While the reader wanted to see the characters eventually succeed, I felt a lack of inner conflict. Thomas just had a lot of outer conflict that was "conquered" with just a little average thinking.The "culture" created in the Maze lacked hope and compassion and the only clear theme running throughout the novel was "never give up." But once we reached the end, no hope was reached. The book had so much potential--cool title, catching first chapter, and who doesn't like the idea of a giant creepy maze? Overall, I found the read interesting, but mediocre. It's doubtful I'd read it again.


Question: How's the plot?

Starts a little slow but builds into a good story.  Several twists and turns keeps interesting.  Found it difficult to put down. Nice weekend read m

Answer: Several twists and turns keeps interesting

Starts a little slow but builds into a good story. <hl> Several twists and turns keeps interesting . <hl> Found it difficult to put down. Nice weekend read m

Starts a little slow but builds into a good story. <hl> Several twists and turns keeps interesting <hl>. Found it difficult to put down. Nice weekend read m

<hl> Several twists and turns keeps interesting <hl> .


Question: How is the way?

This probably wasn't the best of the trilogy...perhaps the worse.  I was disappointed in all the action that resulted in...nothing.  The action parts leading toward the end was boring...like the author got lost in thought and direction...alot of running in circles...perhaps even felt like the third installment of this trilogy was only a draft version rushed to print without being polished and properly editted.  I love a well written book, but this just didn't do it for me.  There were interesting twists throughout and the very end of the book was sweet, and I did like it over all.  But again, very disappointed in several parts leading up to the end.  Hoping the final movie version will be fixed by the director to make it more interesting than this final book.  That's my humble opinion.

Answer: This probably wasn't the best of the trilogy...perhaps the worse

<hl> This probably wasn't the best of the trilogy...perhaps the worse . <hl> I was disappointed in all the action that resulted in...nothing. The action parts leading toward the end was boring...like the author got lost in thought and direction...alot of running in circles...perhaps even felt like the third installment of this trilogy was only a draft version rushed to print without being polished and properly editted. I love a well written book, but this just didn't do it for me. There were interesting twists throughout and the very end of the book was sweet, and I did like it over all. But again, very disappointed in several parts leading up to the end. Hoping the final movie version will be fixed by the director to make it more interesting than this final book. That's my humble opinion.

<hl> This probably wasn't the best of the trilogy...perhaps the worse <hl>. I was disappointed in all the action that resulted in...nothing. The action parts leading toward the end was boring...like the author got lost in thought and direction...alot of running in circles...perhaps even felt like the third installment of this trilogy was only a draft version rushed to print without being polished and properly editted. I love a well written book, but this just didn't do it for me. There were interesting twists throughout and the very end of the book was sweet, and I did like it over all. But again, very disappointed in several parts leading up to the end. Hoping the final movie version will be fixed by the director to make it more interesting than this final book. That's my humble opinion.

<hl> This probably wasn't the best of the trilogy...perhaps the worse <hl> .


Question: How are the characters of the writer?

I really like this book - the character were likable, it was a good length, there wasn't too much angst and it was engaging until the end. I'm definitely looking forward to Landon's story and would definitely recommend reading 'Easy' first.

Answer: the character were likable

<hl> I really like this book - the character were likable , it was a good length, there wasn't too much angst <hl> and it was engaging until the end. I'm definitely looking forward to Landon's story and would definitely recommend reading 'Easy' first.

I really like this book - <hl> the character were likable <hl>, it was a good length, there wasn't too much angst and it was engaging until the end. I'm definitely looking forward to Landon's story and would definitely recommend reading 'Easy' first.

I really like this book - <hl> the character were likable <hl> , it was a good length, there wasn't too much angst


Question: What is the biggest secret of tully's past?

Brynne is a beautiful American girl studying at the University of London. She is also a part time model. Due to her troubled past, she is working hard to get her life back on track and so far, things are going great until she meets Ethan Blackstone. Ethan is a very successful businessmen and falls hard for the women in the portraits. He is gorgeous, a bit demanding and somewhat overbearing but not in an annoying way. The chemistry between them is undeniable. It also doesn't help that her therapist is pushing her towards this potential relationship. Brynne has reservations about Ethan, she knows he wants her in all ways but he also has a secret, a secret that can end things just as quickly as they began. It is a whirlwind romance , emotions are high but when the secret is revealed, Ethan stands to lose the one thing he loves the most.. Brynne.I really enjoyed this book, the writing was good and I loved the characters. Ethan is definitely up there with Mr. Grey and Gideon.My only complaint is that this book was too short and I felt things were a bit rushed but it didn't stop me from enjoying the story. OMG talk about a cliffhanger! I look forward to reading book 2!A job well done by Raine Miller!

Answer: It is a whirlwind romance

Brynne is a beautiful American girl studying at the University of London. She is also a part time model. Due to her troubled past, she is working hard to get her life back on track and so far, things are going great until she meets Ethan Blackstone. Ethan is a very successful businessmen and falls hard for the women in the portraits. He is gorgeous, a bit demanding and somewhat overbearing but not in an annoying way. The chemistry between them is undeniable. It also doesn't help that her therapist is pushing her towards this potential relationship. Brynne has reservations about Ethan, she knows he wants her in all ways but he also has a secret, a secret that can end things just as quickly as they began. <hl> It is a whirlwind romance , emotions are high but when the secret is revealed, Ethan stands to lose the one thing he loves the most.. <hl> Brynne. I really enjoyed this book, the writing was good and I loved the characters. Ethan is definitely up there with Mr. Grey and Gideon. My only complaint is that this book was too short and I felt things were a bit rushed but it didn't stop me from enjoying the story. OMG talk about a cliffhanger! I look forward to reading book 2!A job well done by Raine Miller!

Brynne is a beautiful American girl studying at the University of London. She is also a part time model. Due to her troubled past, she is working hard to get her life back on track and so far, things are going great until she meets Ethan Blackstone. Ethan is a very successful businessmen and falls hard for the women in the portraits. He is gorgeous, a bit demanding and somewhat overbearing but not in an annoying way. The chemistry between them is undeniable. It also doesn't help that her therapist is pushing her towards this potential relationship. Brynne has reservations about Ethan, she knows he wants her in all ways but he also has a secret, a secret that can end things just as quickly as they began. <hl> It is a whirlwind romance <hl> , emotions are high but when the secret is revealed, Ethan stands to lose the one thing he loves the most.. Brynne.I really enjoyed this book, the writing was good and I loved the characters. Ethan is definitely up there with Mr. Grey and Gideon.My only complaint is that this book was too short and I felt things were a bit rushed but it didn't stop me from enjoying the story. OMG talk about a cliffhanger! I look forward to reading book 2!A job well done by Raine Miller!


Question: Do you like romance novels?

I was pleasantly surprised reading this novel.  I was expecting just another teen romance, and got a dark fantasy, action-adventure with interesting and unique characters.  A sixteen year old begins to see things that can't possibly be real, but then can't deny the strange occurances when her four year old half-brother is replaced with a faery changeling.  Then, to top it all off, her best friend turns out to be none other than Robin Goodfellow (Puck).Meghan is determine to save her brother and gets Robbie (Puck) to take her into the fae world to save him.  Yet, she doesn't realize until it is too late just how dangerous the fae world can be.  Especially since the fae see humans as little more than meat.Super, great, fast-paced book. Other than of a few swear words in the book and a bit of gore and fighting, parents should not have a problem of buying this book for their teens.  The romance is very light and sweet.  The heroine has morals and makes good decisions in hopes of hurting no one.  I had a hard time putting this one down.  I'm so glad I chose it in my Vine selection, and I look forward to reading the next one in the series.  Yes, there will definitely be a next one according to the ending of the first.

Answer: The romance is very light and sweet

The romance is very light and sweet .

I was pleasantly surprised reading this novel. I was expecting just another teen romance, and got a dark fantasy, action-adventure with interesting and unique characters. A sixteen year old begins to see things that can't possibly be real, but then can't deny the strange occurances when her four year old half-brother is replaced with a faery changeling. Then, to top it all off, her best friend turns out to be none other than Robin Goodfellow (Puck).Meghan is determine to save her brother and gets Robbie (Puck) to take her into the fae world to save him. Yet, she doesn't realize until it is too late just how dangerous the fae world can be. Especially since the fae see humans as little more than meat. Super, great, fast-paced book. Other than of a few swear words in the book and a bit of gore and fighting, parents should not have a problem of buying this book for their teens. <hl> The romance is very light and sweet . <hl> The heroine has morals and makes good decisions in hopes of hurting no one. I had a hard time putting this one down. I'm so glad I chose it in my Vine selection, and I look forward to reading the next one in the series. Yes, there will definitely be a next one according to the ending of the first.

I was pleasantly surprised reading this novel. I was expecting just another teen romance, and got a dark fantasy, action-adventure with interesting and unique characters. A sixteen year old begins to see things that can't possibly be real, but then can't deny the strange occurances when her four year old half-brother is replaced with a faery changeling. Then, to top it all off, her best friend turns out to be none other than Robin Goodfellow (Puck).Meghan is determine to save her brother and gets Robbie (Puck) to take her into the fae world to save him. Yet, she doesn't realize until it is too late just how dangerous the fae world can be. Especially since the fae see humans as little more than meat.Super, great, fast-paced book. Other than of a few swear words in the book and a bit of gore and fighting, parents should not have a problem of buying this book for their teens. <hl> The romance is very light and sweet <hl>. The heroine has morals and makes good decisions in hopes of hurting no one. I had a hard time putting this one down. I'm so glad I chose it in my Vine selection, and I look forward to reading the next one in the series. Yes, there will definitely be a next one according to the ending of the first.

<hl> The romance is very light and sweet <hl> .


Question: What is the genuine character?

I wanted to like this book and I do...  The love story is very believable.  I can totally see how Lou and Will could have fallen in love with each other.  However, some of the characters feel very contrived.  Lou's family members are presented as happy, loving and accepting people even tho they struggle financially and are living in very tight quarters.  I get the feeling the author wanted to create the perfect family who focus on the right things but are just too poor, but there's not enough human flaws.  She gave them enough personality to be charming and slightly comical.  Will, too, was the perfect man before his accident.  He was independently wealthy by the age of 33.  He had traveled the world and partake in so many exciting and romantic travels and activities.  For a guy who spent so much time doing so many fun and wonderful things I wonder how he found the time to build a massively successful company.  If you built this successful business, you must have enjoyed that process, perhaps you can still work on it as a quad.  Since his business dealings weren't physically demanding.  It's feasible he could continue to have a fulfilling business career in spite of his handicap.  I know people who live with ALS which leaves them less physical functions than a quad, but they still work and find fulfillment in other aspects of life.  As I read the book, I could totally see a movie made by Hollywood to be the perfect romantic comedy with a tear jerker ending.  I do like the point made by Will that he no longer has a voice since the accident and he does have a choice when it comes to his life and the people who love him should respect that choice.

Answer: create

I wanted to like this book and I do... The love story is very believable. I can totally see how Lou and Will could have fallen in love with each other. However, some of the characters feel very contrived. Lou's family members are presented as happy, loving and accepting people even tho they struggle financially and are living in very tight quarters. <hl> I get the feeling the author wanted to create the perfect family who focus on the right things but are just too poor, but there's not enough human flaws. <hl> She gave them enough personality to be charming and slightly comical. Will, too, was the perfect man before his accident. He was independently wealthy by the age of 33. He had traveled the world and partake in so many exciting and romantic travels and activities. For a guy who spent so much time doing so many fun and wonderful things I wonder how he found the time to build a massively successful company. If you built this successful business, you must have enjoyed that process, perhaps you can still work on it as a quad. Since his business dealings weren't physically demanding. It's feasible he could continue to have a fulfilling business career in spite of his handicap. I know people who live with ALS which leaves them less physical functions than a quad, but they still work and find fulfillment in other aspects of life. As I read the book, I could totally see a movie made by Hollywood to be the perfect romantic comedy with a tear jerker ending. I do like the point made by Will that he no longer has a voice since the accident and he does have a choice when it comes to his life and the people who love him should respect that choice.

I wanted to like this book and I do... The love story is very believable. I can totally see how Lou and Will could have fallen in love with each other. However, some of the characters feel very contrived. Lou's family members are presented as happy, loving and accepting people even tho they struggle financially and are living in very tight quarters. I get the feeling the author wanted to <hl> create <hl> the perfect family who focus on the right things but are just too poor, but there's not enough human flaws. She gave them enough personality to be charming and slightly comical. Will, too, was the perfect man before his accident. He was independently wealthy by the age of 33. He had traveled the world and partake in so many exciting and romantic travels and activities. For a guy who spent so much time doing so many fun and wonderful things I wonder how he found the time to build a massively successful company. If you built this successful business, you must have enjoyed that process, perhaps you can still work on it as a quad. Since his business dealings weren't physically demanding. It's feasible he could continue to have a fulfilling business career in spite of his handicap. I know people who live with ALS which leaves them less physical functions than a quad, but they still work and find fulfillment in other aspects of life. As I read the book, I could totally see a movie made by Hollywood to be the perfect romantic comedy with a tear jerker ending. I do like the point made by Will that he no longer has a voice since the accident and he does have a choice when it comes to his life and the people who love him should respect that choice.


Question: How well written is the plot?

Suzanne Collins has already proven her talent for storytelling with her recently completed Gregor the Underlander series. In that series, she showed she was able to create strong characters, move plot along quickly, deftly control the rise and fall in tension, and create moving scenes.  While there were some weak sections in the series  (sometimes the pace moved too quickly, settings often could have been more detailed, and a few characters could  have been more richly drawn), by the end she had crafted one of the best YA series to hit the shelves the past few years--a thoughtful, often dark, almost always rewarding series.I'm happy to report that with book one (and it is a book one--fair warning to those who prefer not to start a series until it's already completed) of The Hunger Games, there is no sophomore slump.  In fact, she returns with a starting book that is more tightly focused, more moving, more quickly paced, more thoughtful and provocative, and more fully and constantly tense throughout.The premise for the Hunger Games is admittedly somewhat derivative and one could come up with dozens of possible Hollywood-pitch-like pairings:  "it's Survivor meets Running Man", "it's The Lottery meets The Most Dangerous Game", "it's  . . . ".  None of it matters.  What very often counts in a genre novel, where many of the same old premises, same old tropes, same old formulas, appear and reappear over the years is not the original starting point, but what you do with it.  What Hunger Games is, is good.The opening whisks us right through the premise in a few brief pages.  We're in a post-apocalyptic North America--in a dystopia named  Panem--a dystopia formed out of the remnants of civilization.  Panem is ruled from a rich Capital and has 12 districts that provide what is needed--food, coal, etc.  Outside the Capital the people are barely surviving, many starving and the rest close to it.  Years ago the 12 districts (actually, 13 at the time) rebelled and were brutally put down.  As "repentance" and as a form of cold reminder, every year each district sends one boy and one girl (chosen by lottery) to the Hunger Games-- a televised kill-or-be-killed event set in a huge arena.When Katniss's younger sister, Prim, is chosen by lottery, Katniss volunteers in her place, joining Peeta--the chosen boy from her district--in the Games.  All of this happens very fast in the book, as does the few days of training prior to the Games themselves.  Though the background is quick, it is efficiently concise. We get a clear sense of much of what we need to know:  what life is like for those in Katniss' district, what she is like, her relationship with her best friend Gale, her place in the family (she's become the one taking care of the family since her father died in a mining accident), the contrast between life in the Capital and life in the districts, etc. There isn't a lot of detail, and some readers will probably wish for more explanation, but what we have is sufficient.By the time the Games themselves start, we have a solid footing. Which is good, because once the Games do start, it's all pretty breathless as Katniss tries to survive.  There are a lot of action scenes--fights, things blowing up, desperate attempts to save wounded people, etc.--but Collins isn't interested in simply an episodic line of battles, one after the other, showing off various combat skills until the winner is left alone.Katniss faces many complex decisions--to what extent does she "play" to the watching crowd (a "popular" contestant can gain sponsors who can pay for gifts that can be the difference between life and death), can she really kill another human, whom can she trust, what motivates the people around her, what is her relationship to Peeta or Gale, what debts does one human own another, etc.  The third person point of view focuses on her actions and thoughts and so we struggle with those questions even as she does, all while we root for her to "win" through the discomfort of realizing what this means is that we're rooting for her to kill.We also come to care about Peeta, even as we wonder just what game, if any, he is playing.  And the relationship between the two of them is a major point of interest and tension. And while the other contestants, with one significant and moving exception, aren't painted in any sort of detail, we do get enough quick, concise brushstrokes for several of them to have distinct personalities (though one does wish more was done in this area).Along with getting us to care about the people, and not just the plot points, Collins also offers up some clear social criticism as well as some hints at much larger issues than these few characters or these single Games, both with regard to this created world and our own society.  And while the book ends resolved and can be read without fear of a cliffhanger, there is enough left hanging in the air that the reader wants to see what happens afterward.There really is very little to criticize in this book, though one point should be made clear. Collins does not shy away at all from the premise of 24 kids placed in a kill-or-be-killed situation. There is no deus ex machina that swoops down and stops the games before anyone is killed or miraculously cures/revives the killed contestant.  People die in this book.  In fact, most of the people die in this book. And our main character kills some of them.  And not by accident. Hunger Games is as dark as its premise promises and therefore it is not for the very young.A strong main character and several strong supporting ones.  Crystal clear if not particularly beautiful prose.  A constantly suspenseful plot.  A quick pace.  Moving scenes. A grim  tone that adds to the sense that actions matter. An author who has the courage of her ideas.  Social criticism.  Hints at a larger story to come.  A first book in a series that ends with enough resolution that  reader can stop here and be satisfied.  400 pages that pull you along effortlessly.  These positives more than outweigh the few very small negatives.  Highly recommended.

Answer: background

Suzanne Collins has already proven her talent for storytelling with her recently completed Gregor the Underlander series. In that series, she showed she was able to create strong characters, move plot along quickly, deftly control the rise and fall in tension, and create moving scenes. While there were some weak sections in the series (sometimes the pace moved too quickly, settings often could have been more detailed, and a few characters could have been more richly drawn), by the end she had crafted one of the best YA series to hit the shelves the past few years--a thoughtful, often dark, almost always rewarding series. I'm happy to report that with book one (and it is a book one--fair warning to those who prefer not to start a series until it's already completed) of The Hunger Games, there is no sophomore slump. In fact, she returns with a starting book that is more tightly focused, more moving, more quickly paced, more thoughtful and provocative, and more fully and constantly tense throughout. The premise for the Hunger Games is admittedly somewhat derivative and one could come up with dozens of possible Hollywood-pitch-like pairings: "it's Survivor meets Running Man", "it's The Lottery meets The Most Dangerous Game", "it's . . . ". None of it matters. What very often counts in a genre novel, where many of the same old premises, same old tropes, same old formulas, appear and reappear over the years is not the original starting point, but what you do with it. What Hunger Games is, is good. The opening whisks us right through the premise in a few brief pages. We're in a post-apocalyptic North America--in a dystopia named Panem--a dystopia formed out of the remnants of civilization. Panem is ruled from a rich Capital and has 12 districts that provide what is needed--food, coal, etc. Outside the Capital the people are barely surviving, many starving and the rest close to it. Years ago the 12 districts (actually, 13 at the time) rebelled and were brutally put down. As "repentance" and as a form of cold reminder, every year each district sends one boy and one girl (chosen by lottery) to the Hunger Games-- a televised kill-or-be-killed event set in a huge arena. When Katniss's younger sister, Prim, is chosen by lottery, Katniss volunteers in her place, joining Peeta--the chosen boy from her district--in the Games. All of this happens very fast in the book, as does the few days of training prior to the Games themselves. <hl> Though the background is quick, it is efficiently concise. <hl> We get a clear sense of much of what we need to know: what life is like for those in Katniss' district, what she is like, her relationship with her best friend Gale, her place in the family (she's become the one taking care of the family since her father died in a mining accident), the contrast between life in the Capital and life in the districts, etc. There isn't a lot of detail, and some readers will probably wish for more explanation, but what we have is sufficient. By the time the Games themselves start, we have a solid footing. Which is good, because once the Games do start, it's all pretty breathless as Katniss tries to survive. There are a lot of action scenes--fights, things blowing up, desperate attempts to save wounded people, etc.--but Collins isn't interested in simply an episodic line of battles, one after the other, showing off various combat skills until the winner is left alone. Katniss faces many complex decisions--to what extent does she "play" to the watching crowd (a "popular" contestant can gain sponsors who can pay for gifts that can be the difference between life and death), can she really kill another human, whom can she trust, what motivates the people around her, what is her relationship to Peeta or Gale, what debts does one human own another, etc. The third person point of view focuses on her actions and thoughts and so we struggle with those questions even as she does, all while we root for her to "win" through the discomfort of realizing what this means is that we're rooting for her to kill. We also come to care about Peeta, even as we wonder just what game, if any, he is playing. And the relationship between the two of them is a major point of interest and tension. And while the other contestants, with one significant and moving exception, aren't painted in any sort of detail, we do get enough quick, concise brushstrokes for several of them to have distinct personalities (though one does wish more was done in this area).Along with getting us to care about the people, and not just the plot points, Collins also offers up some clear social criticism as well as some hints at much larger issues than these few characters or these single Games, both with regard to this created world and our own society. And while the book ends resolved and can be read without fear of a cliffhanger, there is enough left hanging in the air that the reader wants to see what happens afterward. There really is very little to criticize in this book, though one point should be made clear. Collins does not shy away at all from the premise of 24 kids placed in a kill-or-be-killed situation. There is no deus ex machina that swoops down and stops the games before anyone is killed or miraculously cures/revives the killed contestant. People die in this book. In fact, most of the people die in this book. And our main character kills some of them. And not by accident. Hunger Games is as dark as its premise promises and therefore it is not for the very young. A strong main character and several strong supporting ones. Crystal clear if not particularly beautiful prose. A constantly suspenseful plot. A quick pace. Moving scenes. A grim tone that adds to the sense that actions matter. An author who has the courage of her ideas. Social criticism. Hints at a larger story to come. A first book in a series that ends with enough resolution that reader can stop here and be satisfied. 400 pages that pull you along effortlessly. These positives more than outweigh the few very small negatives. Highly recommended.

Suzanne Collins has already proven her talent for storytelling with her recently completed Gregor the Underlander series. In that series, she showed she was able to create strong characters, move plot along quickly, deftly control the rise and fall in tension, and create moving scenes. While there were some weak sections in the series (sometimes the pace moved too quickly, settings often could have been more detailed, and a few characters could have been more richly drawn), by the end she had crafted one of the best YA series to hit the shelves the past few years--a thoughtful, often dark, almost always rewarding series.I'm happy to report that with book one (and it is a book one--fair warning to those who prefer not to start a series until it's already completed) of The Hunger Games, there is no sophomore slump. In fact, she returns with a starting book that is more tightly focused, more moving, more quickly paced, more thoughtful and provocative, and more fully and constantly tense throughout.The premise for the Hunger Games is admittedly somewhat derivative and one could come up with dozens of possible Hollywood-pitch-like pairings: "it's Survivor meets Running Man", "it's The Lottery meets The Most Dangerous Game", "it's . . . ". None of it matters. What very often counts in a genre novel, where many of the same old premises, same old tropes, same old formulas, appear and reappear over the years is not the original starting point, but what you do with it. What Hunger Games is, is good.The opening whisks us right through the premise in a few brief pages. We're in a post-apocalyptic North America--in a dystopia named Panem--a dystopia formed out of the remnants of civilization. Panem is ruled from a rich Capital and has 12 districts that provide what is needed--food, coal, etc. Outside the Capital the people are barely surviving, many starving and the rest close to it. Years ago the 12 districts (actually, 13 at the time) rebelled and were brutally put down. As "repentance" and as a form of cold reminder, every year each district sends one boy and one girl (chosen by lottery) to the Hunger Games-- a televised kill-or-be-killed event set in a huge arena.When Katniss's younger sister, Prim, is chosen by lottery, Katniss volunteers in her place, joining Peeta--the chosen boy from her district--in the Games. All of this happens very fast in the book, as does the few days of training prior to the Games themselves. Though the <hl> background <hl> is quick, it is efficiently concise. We get a clear sense of much of what we need to know: what life is like for those in Katniss' district, what she is like, her relationship with her best friend Gale, her place in the family (she's become the one taking care of the family since her father died in a mining accident), the contrast between life in the Capital and life in the districts, etc. There isn't a lot of detail, and some readers will probably wish for more explanation, but what we have is sufficient.By the time the Games themselves start, we have a solid footing. Which is good, because once the Games do start, it's all pretty breathless as Katniss tries to survive. There are a lot of action scenes--fights, things blowing up, desperate attempts to save wounded people, etc.--but Collins isn't interested in simply an episodic line of battles, one after the other, showing off various combat skills until the winner is left alone.Katniss faces many complex decisions--to what extent does she "play" to the watching crowd (a "popular" contestant can gain sponsors who can pay for gifts that can be the difference between life and death), can she really kill another human, whom can she trust, what motivates the people around her, what is her relationship to Peeta or Gale, what debts does one human own another, etc. The third person point of view focuses on her actions and thoughts and so we struggle with those questions even as she does, all while we root for her to "win" through the discomfort of realizing what this means is that we're rooting for her to kill.We also come to care about Peeta, even as we wonder just what game, if any, he is playing. And the relationship between the two of them is a major point of interest and tension. And while the other contestants, with one significant and moving exception, aren't painted in any sort of detail, we do get enough quick, concise brushstrokes for several of them to have distinct personalities (though one does wish more was done in this area).Along with getting us to care about the people, and not just the plot points, Collins also offers up some clear social criticism as well as some hints at much larger issues than these few characters or these single Games, both with regard to this created world and our own society. And while the book ends resolved and can be read without fear of a cliffhanger, there is enough left hanging in the air that the reader wants to see what happens afterward.There really is very little to criticize in this book, though one point should be made clear. Collins does not shy away at all from the premise of 24 kids placed in a kill-or-be-killed situation. There is no deus ex machina that swoops down and stops the games before anyone is killed or miraculously cures/revives the killed contestant. People die in this book. In fact, most of the people die in this book. And our main character kills some of them. And not by accident. Hunger Games is as dark as its premise promises and therefore it is not for the very young.A strong main character and several strong supporting ones. Crystal clear if not particularly beautiful prose. A constantly suspenseful plot. A quick pace. Moving scenes. A grim tone that adds to the sense that actions matter. An author who has the courage of her ideas. Social criticism. Hints at a larger story to come. A first book in a series that ends with enough resolution that reader can stop here and be satisfied. 400 pages that pull you along effortlessly. These positives more than outweigh the few very small negatives. Highly recommended.


Question: What is the way in which the author incorporates the old Jacob?

Could not put this book down! The pace is so good, not too fast or too slow. The developing romance was really  to be believed.  I loved having the story be truly complete.  That it was not over the second they found relief.

Answer: That it was not over the second they found relief

Could not put this book down! The pace is so good, not too fast or too slow. The developing romance was really to be believed. I loved having the story be truly complete. <hl> That it was not over the second they found relief . <hl>

Could not put this book down! The pace is so good, not too fast or too slow. The developing romance was really to be believed. I loved having the story be truly complete. <hl> That it was not over the second they found relief <hl>.

<hl> That it was not over the second they found relief <hl> .


Question: How do you classify the performance of the animated characters?

Best book I've read in a long time.  My kind of love story!The history was interesting and new to me.  The characters were delightful, both the main character and all the others.  Because of the number of characters and how they were presented, I did have a little trouble remembering some of the minor characters.  I like the way the story line was slowly revealed and the end result was unfolded.And it was absolutely my kind of love story.  To explain:  I am not fond of "love at first sight stories", or the "war and peace love stories (they fight until they fall in love)" or the "forbidden love" kind.  All those formulas have not appeal to me.  But this one had three potential lovers, two with very good prospects.  Then they were both eliminated as prospects and the winner was slowly revealed.  And it all tied up nicely at the end.

Answer: The characters were delightful

Best book I've read in a long time. My kind of love story!The history was interesting and new to me. <hl> The characters were delightful , both the main character and all the others. <hl> Because of the number of characters and how they were presented, I did have a little trouble remembering some of the minor characters. I like the way the story line was slowly revealed and the end result was unfolded. And it was absolutely my kind of love story. To explain: I am not fond of "love at first sight stories", or the "war and peace love stories (they fight until they fall in love)" or the "forbidden love" kind. All those formulas have not appeal to me. But this one had three potential lovers, two with very good prospects. Then they were both eliminated as prospects and the winner was slowly revealed. And it all tied up nicely at the end.

Best book I've read in a long time. My kind of love story!The history was interesting and new to me. <hl> The characters were delightful <hl>, both the main character and all the others. Because of the number of characters and how they were presented, I did have a little trouble remembering some of the minor characters. I like the way the story line was slowly revealed and the end result was unfolded.And it was absolutely my kind of love story. To explain: I am not fond of "love at first sight stories", or the "war and peace love stories (they fight until they fall in love)" or the "forbidden love" kind. All those formulas have not appeal to me. But this one had three potential lovers, two with very good prospects. Then they were both eliminated as prospects and the winner was slowly revealed. And it all tied up nicely at the end.

<hl> The characters were delightful <hl> , both the main character and all the others.


Question: How was the bond?

3 “Riptide” “Mine.” “Racer“ KissesI am torn. Conflicted. Frustrated. I don't know what to do. Well...I know what I have to do but that doesn't mean that I am going to like doing it. When you know the capabilities of an author...a character...a story line...and when you love it so passionately, anything less than amazing is not good enough. That's what I'm faced with here. I feel like Real set the bar of what I was expecting for the whole series…and Mine did not measure up in my book. Stone me now…curse me if you will, believe me, the words that I have to say are not fun for me to admit…but I can’t lie about how I feel.Brooke Dumas...did I love everything about Brooke in Real - not exactly but I got over it because for some reason, on some level I connected with her and felt for her. So all the annoying stuff kind of...didn’t matter. I know it doesn't make a lot of sense but it works in my crazy brain. Well in the beginning of Mine, Brooke drove me about 10 shades of crazy with some of her antics and logic. If you are going to make decisions and then get mad at the results of those decisions...it's time for you to grow up! She was being completely irrational and utterly annoying at times. Drove me bonkers! Because that's not the Brooke I loved in Real. Then, it was like a heavenly light opened up and finally I got my Brooke back. She was strong, not only for herself but for Remy, I loved the way she handled him and their relationship and just…everything. I was proud of her and how far they had come together.‘I’ve been broken and put together again.I’ve been loved, and I have loved.I’m in love, and I will be forever changed by this man. I used to dream of medals and championships, but now I dream solely of a blue-eyes fighter who one day changed my life, when he put his lips on mine…’Remy...Remington Tate deserves a million stars. Ten million. Alright infinity stars - there...it's settled. He is not perfect...he has flaws...he has issues and he is no where near infallible...but the man is so freakin’ in love with Brooke it makes my heart soar. Remy is like no other book bf…he defies categories and logic because even his wrongs add up to so much right. The #1 thing that has me excited about Remy is the prospect of being in his head. He's just...*sigh*...there are no words. Well...there are actually lots of words....like loving, strong, protective, kind, sexy, alpha, dominating, endearing...he's just so complex and the more I get to know about him the more I crave him. There are so many layers to this chess playing, @#$ kicking, Brooke loving lion. He's like a drug and I totally want to be on a Remy high...forever.‘And I want him like my next breath.I want him more than any one of these screaming women wants im.I want every fragmented part of him. I want his body. His mind. His heart. His beautiful soul.He says he’s mine, but I know that there’s a part of Remington Tate nobody will ever have.I am his, but he is untamable and unconquerable.The only one who can defeat Remington Tate is himself.’The thing that kept this book from being another 5++++ book was the repetitiveness. It was out of control...enough to the point where I was rolling my eyes. A lot. I loathe repetitiveness...I've stopped reading books because of it. What do I mean by repetitiveness? A few examples...talking about ‘his hair’, ‘his abs’, ‘his eyes’ – I get it…the dude’s gorgeous, I’m aware. I love his looks…but I don't need to be reminded of them all the time, and it was constant. If that was all the repetitiveness then maybe I could have handled it better, but it was also using the same words, over and over, to describe the same things. I didn't understand the point and unfortunately, I needed more than that. They have this great and amazing love and connection – build off of that. Expand! They’ve not been in a relationship for that long, I wanna see all of those moments! So what kept me going? One word. Remy. Plain and simple. That's it - his character completely carried this book and made it worth reading for me. Because any other time I would have stopped reading before I reached 50%. I hate saying that. I hate thinking that. It just...sucks.‘My lungs ache for breath and the rest of me aches for his hands on me. And when my gaze flicks upward to find those blue eyes pinned on mine, his face hurt and sweaty, all the testosterone in the world courses through him, pulling and enveloping me, so I can barely take living right now I want him so much . He makes me feel this all-consuming, soul -searing, heart-wrenching, painful need for him that’s more than physical, more than emotional.’I was warned about the repetitiveness too...so I was prepared to possibly hate it and maybe that softened the blow a little bit because while it grated on my nerves, I was able to shrug it off and push forward. If I am being honest, I probably would have DNF’d it had I not been prepared. That makes me want to cry. But despite the annoyance, I was glad I did read it because there were fleeting glimpses of the amazingness that was in Real. Like the amazing quote worthiness...I did swoon and love all my special little Remy moments...he and Brooke still blew me away with their love and devotion to each other. But then that only makes me wonder if the repetitiveness hadn't been so bad...what could this book have been? It's a sad thought to ponder...‘His words caress me.Nobody ever taught him how to love.He does it instinctively.’I can't lie...this book did evoke emotions out of me, even though the half of the time the emotions were usually out of frustration, that wasn’t all I felt… I already admitted I swooned, but I cried, I gasped, it got to my little feelers...so I did have love for this book and that does mean something to me. I am an emotional reader and if an author can still pull emotion out of me even when I'm at my wits end with frustration...that's saying a lot IMO. I did not see a lot of this plot coming, which is another positive thing. I don't know what I was expecting but the story line was definitely unpredictable and I appreciated that it kept me on my toes. And seriously…the prologue…L.O.V.E.D. every word.“Remy . . .”“This is the last time I live without you. I’m half mad already and halfway into the f^@$ing grave. I don’t like this. Every single monster in my head tells me you’ll run and I won’t be close enough to catch you. Every instinct in me screams at me to go get you. Every bone in my body tells me you are MINE—not a part of me, but my brain understands why the hell I sent you away from me. The rest of me can’t take it. You can’t convince the rest of me being away from you is right.”“Remington Tate, I swear to you— I swear— that when I’m able to get up from this stupid bed and run again, you’re always, always, going to be the one thing I’ll run straight to.”I will always have a deep love for Remy and Brooke and their story...but I am nervous about what to expect from Remy because I am hearing similar things to what I heard with Mine. So once again...I will prepare myself but keep the hope alive that even though I may not like everything, that my love for the characters will save me from too much disappointment. :-\

Answer: Conflicted. Frustrated

Conflicted. Frustrated .

3 “Riptide” “Mine.” “Racer“ KissesI am torn. <hl> Conflicted. Frustrated . <hl> I don't know what to do. Well... I know what I have to do but that doesn't mean that I am going to like doing it. When you know the capabilities of an author...a character...a story line...and when you love it so passionately, anything less than amazing is not good enough. That's what I'm faced with here. I feel like Real set the bar of what I was expecting for the whole series…and Mine did not measure up in my book. Stone me now…curse me if you will, believe me, the words that I have to say are not fun for me to admit…but I can’t lie about how I feel. Brooke Dumas...did I love everything about Brooke in Real - not exactly but I got over it because for some reason, on some level I connected with her and felt for her. So all the annoying stuff kind of...didn’t matter. I know it doesn't make a lot of sense but it works in my crazy brain. Well in the beginning of Mine, Brooke drove me about 10 shades of crazy with some of her antics and logic. If you are going to make decisions and then get mad at the results of those decisions...it's time for you to grow up! She was being completely irrational and utterly annoying at times. Drove me bonkers! Because that's not the Brooke I loved in Real. Then, it was like a heavenly light opened up and finally I got my Brooke back. She was strong, not only for herself but for Remy, I loved the way she handled him and their relationship and just…everything. I was proud of her and how far they had come together.‘I’ve been broken and put together again. I’ve been loved, and I have loved. I’m in love, and I will be forever changed by this man. I used to dream of medals and championships, but now I dream solely of a blue-eyes fighter who one day changed my life, when he put his lips on mine…’Remy...Remington Tate deserves a million stars. Ten million. Alright infinity stars - there...it's settled. He is not perfect...he has flaws...he has issues and he is no where near infallible...but the man is so freakin’ in love with Brooke it makes my heart soar. Remy is like no other book bf…he defies categories and logic because even his wrongs add up to so much right. The #1 thing that has me excited about Remy is the prospect of being in his head. He's just... *sigh*...there are no words. Well...there are actually lots of words....like loving, strong, protective, kind, sexy, alpha, dominating, endearing...he's just so complex and the more I get to know about him the more I crave him. There are so many layers to this chess playing, @#$ kicking, Brooke loving lion. He's like a drug and I totally want to be on a Remy high... forever.‘And I want him like my next breath. I want him more than any one of these screaming women wants im. I want every fragmented part of him. I want his body. His mind. His heart. His beautiful soul. He says he’s mine, but I know that there’s a part of Remington Tate nobody will ever have. I am his, but he is untamable and unconquerable. The only one who can defeat Remington Tate is himself.’The thing that kept this book from being another 5++++ book was the repetitiveness. It was out of control...enough to the point where I was rolling my eyes. A lot. I loathe repetitiveness...I've stopped reading books because of it. What do I mean by repetitiveness? A few examples...talking about ‘his hair’, ‘his abs’, ‘his eyes’ – I get it…the dude’s gorgeous, I’m aware. I love his looks…but I don't need to be reminded of them all the time, and it was constant. If that was all the repetitiveness then maybe I could have handled it better, but it was also using the same words, over and over, to describe the same things. I didn't understand the point and unfortunately, I needed more than that. They have this great and amazing love and connection – build off of that. Expand! They’ve not been in a relationship for that long, I wanna see all of those moments! So what kept me going? One word. Remy. Plain and simple. That's it - his character completely carried this book and made it worth reading for me. Because any other time I would have stopped reading before I reached 50%. I hate saying that. I hate thinking that. It just...sucks.‘My lungs ache for breath and the rest of me aches for his hands on me. And when my gaze flicks upward to find those blue eyes pinned on mine, his face hurt and sweaty, all the testosterone in the world courses through him, pulling and enveloping me, so I can barely take living right now I want him so much . He makes me feel this all-consuming, soul -searing, heart-wrenching, painful need for him that’s more than physical, more than emotional.’I was warned about the repetitiveness too... so I was prepared to possibly hate it and maybe that softened the blow a little bit because while it grated on my nerves, I was able to shrug it off and push forward. If I am being honest, I probably would have DNF’d it had I not been prepared. That makes me want to cry. But despite the annoyance, I was glad I did read it because there were fleeting glimpses of the amazingness that was in Real. Like the amazing quote worthiness...I did swoon and love all my special little Remy moments... he and Brooke still blew me away with their love and devotion to each other. But then that only makes me wonder if the repetitiveness hadn't been so bad...what could this book have been? It's a sad thought to ponder... ‘His words caress me. Nobody ever taught him how to love. He does it instinctively.’I can't lie...this book did evoke emotions out of me, even though the half of the time the emotions were usually out of frustration, that wasn’t all I felt… I already admitted I swooned, but I cried, I gasped, it got to my little feelers... so I did have love for this book and that does mean something to me. I am an emotional reader and if an author can still pull emotion out of me even when I'm at my wits end with frustration...that's saying a lot IMO. I did not see a lot of this plot coming, which is another positive thing. I don't know what I was expecting but the story line was definitely unpredictable and I appreciated that it kept me on my toes. And seriously…the prologue…L.O.V.E.D. every word.“Remy . . .”“This is the last time I live without you. I’m half mad already and halfway into the f^@$ing grave. I don’t like this. Every single monster in my head tells me you’ll run and I won’t be close enough to catch you. Every instinct in me screams at me to go get you. Every bone in my body tells me you are MINE—not a part of me, but my brain understands why the hell I sent you away from me. The rest of me can’t take it. You can’t convince the rest of me being away from you is right.”“Remington Tate, I swear to you— I swear— that when I’m able to get up from this stupid bed and run again, you’re always, always, going to be the one thing I’ll run straight to.”I will always have a deep love for Remy and Brooke and their story... but I am nervous about what to expect from Remy because I am hearing similar things to what I heard with Mine. So once again...I will prepare myself but keep the hope alive that even though I may not like everything, that my love for the characters will save me from too much disappointment. :-\

3 “Riptide” “Mine.” “Racer“ KissesI am torn. <hl> Conflicted. Frustrated <hl>. I don't know what to do. Well...I know what I have to do but that doesn't mean that I am going to like doing it. When you know the capabilities of an author...a character...a story line...and when you love it so passionately, anything less than amazing is not good enough. That's what I'm faced with here. I feel like Real set the bar of what I was expecting for the whole series…and Mine did not measure up in my book. Stone me now…curse me if you will, believe me, the words that I have to say are not fun for me to admit…but I can’t lie about how I feel.Brooke Dumas...did I love everything about Brooke in Real - not exactly but I got over it because for some reason, on some level I connected with her and felt for her. So all the annoying stuff kind of...didn’t matter. I know it doesn't make a lot of sense but it works in my crazy brain. Well in the beginning of Mine, Brooke drove me about 10 shades of crazy with some of her antics and logic. If you are going to make decisions and then get mad at the results of those decisions...it's time for you to grow up! She was being completely irrational and utterly annoying at times. Drove me bonkers! Because that's not the Brooke I loved in Real. Then, it was like a heavenly light opened up and finally I got my Brooke back. She was strong, not only for herself but for Remy, I loved the way she handled him and their relationship and just…everything. I was proud of her and how far they had come together.‘I’ve been broken and put together again.I’ve been loved, and I have loved.I’m in love, and I will be forever changed by this man. I used to dream of medals and championships, but now I dream solely of a blue-eyes fighter who one day changed my life, when he put his lips on mine…’Remy...Remington Tate deserves a million stars. Ten million. Alright infinity stars - there...it's settled. He is not perfect...he has flaws...he has issues and he is no where near infallible...but the man is so freakin’ in love with Brooke it makes my heart soar. Remy is like no other book bf…he defies categories and logic because even his wrongs add up to so much right. The #1 thing that has me excited about Remy is the prospect of being in his head. He's just...*sigh*...there are no words. Well...there are actually lots of words....like loving, strong, protective, kind, sexy, alpha, dominating, endearing...he's just so complex and the more I get to know about him the more I crave him. There are so many layers to this chess playing, @#$ kicking, Brooke loving lion. He's like a drug and I totally want to be on a Remy high...forever.‘And I want him like my next breath.I want him more than any one of these screaming women wants im.I want every fragmented part of him. I want his body. His mind. His heart. His beautiful soul.He says he’s mine, but I know that there’s a part of Remington Tate nobody will ever have.I am his, but he is untamable and unconquerable.The only one who can defeat Remington Tate is himself.’The thing that kept this book from being another 5++++ book was the repetitiveness. It was out of control...enough to the point where I was rolling my eyes. A lot. I loathe repetitiveness...I've stopped reading books because of it. What do I mean by repetitiveness? A few examples...talking about ‘his hair’, ‘his abs’, ‘his eyes’ – I get it…the dude’s gorgeous, I’m aware. I love his looks…but I don't need to be reminded of them all the time, and it was constant. If that was all the repetitiveness then maybe I could have handled it better, but it was also using the same words, over and over, to describe the same things. I didn't understand the point and unfortunately, I needed more than that. They have this great and amazing love and connection – build off of that. Expand! They’ve not been in a relationship for that long, I wanna see all of those moments! So what kept me going? One word. Remy. Plain and simple. That's it - his character completely carried this book and made it worth reading for me. Because any other time I would have stopped reading before I reached 50%. I hate saying that. I hate thinking that. It just...sucks.‘My lungs ache for breath and the rest of me aches for his hands on me. And when my gaze flicks upward to find those blue eyes pinned on mine, his face hurt and sweaty, all the testosterone in the world courses through him, pulling and enveloping me, so I can barely take living right now I want him so much . He makes me feel this all-consuming, soul -searing, heart-wrenching, painful need for him that’s more than physical, more than emotional.’I was warned about the repetitiveness too...so I was prepared to possibly hate it and maybe that softened the blow a little bit because while it grated on my nerves, I was able to shrug it off and push forward. If I am being honest, I probably would have DNF’d it had I not been prepared. That makes me want to cry. But despite the annoyance, I was glad I did read it because there were fleeting glimpses of the amazingness that was in Real. Like the amazing quote worthiness...I did swoon and love all my special little Remy moments...he and Brooke still blew me away with their love and devotion to each other. But then that only makes me wonder if the repetitiveness hadn't been so bad...what could this book have been? It's a sad thought to ponder...‘His words caress me.Nobody ever taught him how to love.He does it instinctively.’I can't lie...this book did evoke emotions out of me, even though the half of the time the emotions were usually out of frustration, that wasn’t all I felt… I already admitted I swooned, but I cried, I gasped, it got to my little feelers...so I did have love for this book and that does mean something to me. I am an emotional reader and if an author can still pull emotion out of me even when I'm at my wits end with frustration...that's saying a lot IMO. I did not see a lot of this plot coming, which is another positive thing. I don't know what I was expecting but the story line was definitely unpredictable and I appreciated that it kept me on my toes. And seriously…the prologue…L.O.V.E.D. every word.“Remy . . .”“This is the last time I live without you. I’m half mad already and halfway into the f^@$ing grave. I don’t like this. Every single monster in my head tells me you’ll run and I won’t be close enough to catch you. Every instinct in me screams at me to go get you. Every bone in my body tells me you are MINE—not a part of me, but my brain understands why the hell I sent you away from me. The rest of me can’t take it. You can’t convince the rest of me being away from you is right.”“Remington Tate, I swear to you— I swear— that when I’m able to get up from this stupid bed and run again, you’re always, always, going to be the one thing I’ll run straight to.”I will always have a deep love for Remy and Brooke and their story...but I am nervous about what to expect from Remy because I am hearing similar things to what I heard with Mine. So once again...I will prepare myself but keep the hope alive that even though I may not like everything, that my love for the characters will save me from too much disappointment. :-\