DAC I ~ January: Cinder

Author: Marissa Meyer

Summary:

Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . .

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.

In this thrilling debut young adult novel, the first of a quartet, Marissa Meyer introduces readers to an unforgettable heroine and a masterfully crafted new world that’s enthralling.

My Review:

I absolutely loved this book! This is one of those books you’re going to either love or hate, there really is no in between. At first, I thought this would just been one of those new debut young adult novels that everyone drools over for no good reason. Surprisingly for me, it was well written and the story line, enticing. This is saying alot, for this fairy tale retelling/steam-punk/dystopian premiss may seem a bit predictable and unoriginal. But Meyer’s does not disapoint!

Cinder, our main protagonist and Cinderella remake, is a cyborg, and in her Society, an outcast. Stuck at the bottom of the social class, she’s forced to work tirelessly as a mechanic to support her stepmother and two stepsisters. As fate would have it, she’s thrust into a forbidden relationship with the Prince Kai, soon to be Emperor. She also becomes involved in the research for a cure to the disease that plagues their kingdom. There’s also the threat looming over all their heads, that of the Lunars, the alien race inhabiting the moon. Their Queen wishes to form an alliance... by marrying Prince Kai.

Characters:

While the characters themselves may be based off of the original Cinderella story, Meyer’s did an excellent job portraying them with a new spin. They are no longer dull, retold characters but ones who have new names, characteristics, and personalities that draw you into the story.

Plot:

Again, though the plot is based off this well known fairy tale, the basics may be a bit predictable, but the added imagination thrust into the story builds up a great, suspenseful read.

Disclaimers:

There really isn’t much to disclaim about for once. Profanity wasn’t really prevalent. The romance was nice and clean. I guess for the more squeamish readers, there’s alot involved concerning a life threatening, deforming disease. And with cyborgs come missing limps. So I wouldn’t recommend it for young readers. The description never is too nasty, though.

Favorite Character: Kai

Favorite Quote: N/A

Recommended: Teens & up.

Over-all Rating: ★★★★★

~ Darkitty

Why We Broke Up

Author: Daniel Handler

Summary:

I'm telling you why we broke up, Ed. I'm writing it in this letter, the whole truth of why it happened. Min Green and Ed Slaterton are breaking up, so Min is writing Ed a letter and giving him a box. Inside the box is why they broke up. Two bottle caps, a movie ticket, a folded note, a box of matches, a protractor, books, a toy truck, a pair of ugly earrings, a comb from a motel room, and every other item collected over the course of a giddy, intimate, heartbreaking relationship. Item after item is illustrated and accounted for, and then the box, like a girlfriend, will be dumped.

My Review:

First picking this book up, I had hoped it would be good. Being very familiar with Daniel Handler's (Lemony Snicket) writing style, I had hoped he might write a rather enjoyable young adult novel. I will say that I did love the writing style. I did love the fun setup of this book, with short chapters and fun pictures. I would recommend it, but only if you are comfortable with whatever goes in your novel reading. I did like that when it came to the more sensual matters, the scenes were not as explicit as they could have been. So great writing style, interesting plot, but not enough to make me say that I enjoyed it (kinda wished I hadn't bought it, either).

Characters:

The characters were very interesting, with specific personalities and traits. They weren't flat so to speak. I must say while I don't ever like the main character (and have to say sometimes they do act rather stupid and are very gullible) I found Min's knowledge of all things film entertaining. I did like her original cast of friends, who are so much more down to earth and real, rather than when she gets caught up in Ed's world. I felt Ed's sister was a fun, rather unusual character that brought more humor and life to the story, while Min's friend, Al, was such a great friend... no matter what or how many stupid things Min got herself into.

Plot:

The story is written with you following along as Min writes this rather long, farewell letter to her ex, Ed. They broke up, but she's making sure he knows why, and the entire book flashes back through their relationship. So it was a very fun, imaginative way to tell a story.

Disclaimers:

There was quite a bit of profanity throughout. There was alot of drinking, teen partying, and hints at people goofing off. There are a few bit more intense scenes, but when Min and Ed actually do have sex, we don't get a descriptive blow by blow. There is alot of derogative name calling  and uncomfortable topics brought up throughout.

Favorite Character: Al

Favorite Quote: 

"And anyway, Coach says coffee's bad for you."

"Unlike drinking every weekend."

"It stunts your growth."

"You're on the basketball team."

"And you can get addicted to caffeine."

"Yeah," I said with another sip, "you see them living under the overpass, caffeine addicts."

"Come on! And it tastes gross."

"How do you know. You pour it out."

~ Ed & Min

Recommended: Older teens & up

Over-all Rating: ★★★☆☆

~ Darkitty

***Later this week: Timeless***

Vampire Academy

Author: Richelle Mead

Summary:

Lissa Dragomir is a Moroi princess: a mortal vampire with a rare gift for harnessing the earth's magic. She must be protected at all times from Strigoi: the fiercest vampires--the ones who never die. The powerful blend of human and vampire blood that flows through Rose Hathaway, Lissa's best friend, makes her a Dhampir. Rose is dedicated to a dangerous life of protecting Lissa from the Strigoi, who are hell-bent on making Lissa one of them.

After two years of freedom, Rose and Lissa are caught and dragged back to St. Vladimir's Academy, a school for vampire royalty and their guardians-to-be, hidden in the deep forests of Montana. But inside the iron gates, life is even more fraught with danger... and the Strigoi are always close by.

Rose and Lissa must navigate their dangerous world, confront the temptations of forbidden love, and never once let their guard dawn, lest the evil 

undead make Lissa one of them forever.

My Review:

I was thoroughly disappointed. I mean, I truly couldn’t give it a higher rating even if I had wanted to. The plot wasn’t all that special. The writing style, seriously, it wasn't that great. The characters were bland and not very relatable. I wanted to like this book, I really did. But just too much about it ticked me off. I couldn’t stand the main character’s sassy attitude. The constant flirting and casting off of clothing was truly unnecessary. I could tell when the author was just writing to please. I’ve heard that alot of people really enjoyed this series. I’m at a lose why... So I guess it's a must that the vampires actually bite the victims and think about sex while they’re at it. Sigh... I hate to put this book down so, and I'm sure there's alot of people that would like it, but I personally couldn't stand it. So forgive my ranting and raving if you please!

Characters:

Ok, casting aside all other prejudices I have against this book, the characters themselves never really found their way into that “I care what happens to you” portion of my brain. Even the characters I wanted to like, the author’s over all portrayal of them just left me all around irritated. We have one guy I liked, who ultimately turns villain. There goes one. Another, supposedly the bad-ass character, who just becomes a love sick dope at the end. Nothing else to it. There goes another. The one character I really, truly wanted to like, the one who kept it together throughout the entire book, just disappointed me at the end. Yeah. Rip of the main character’s clothes. That’ll get you points with the female audience. Obviously it did. Why?...

Plot:

I hate to say this, but... It's like one of those books, where you're thinking "Hey! I could've made this better. Much, much better!" I think the description is also a lie, or at least very misleading. I mean what I expected to happen never did. I expected it to be a tad more epic. What happened focused around a high school like academy for vampires. It was all the beer and sensuality of the average modern teen novel, just with blood suckers. I mean, we get to the climax, and NOTHING HAPPENS!!! It just... *plop* ends...

Disclaimers:

Between the profanity and sensuality, I don't think there's anything else to complain about... Which isn't saying a whole lot, now, is it? There’s alot of mentioning of “blood whores” or sex while drinking blood. There’s two instances where Rose has her clothes stripped off by a guy while making out. Second time, she is left completely naked. The guys, I might also mention, stayed dressed. Hello!?!?! There’s drinking and partying, and lots and lots of flirting. There’s also alot of immature name calling and excess language. Also hints of depression and wrist cutting. There's a couple animals brutally killed but really, the description wasn't enough to make you squirm. Not much violence otherwise, or nothing terrible to speak of.

Favorite Character: N/A

Favorite Quote: N/A

Recommended: N/A

Over-all Rating: ★★☆☆☆

~ Darkitty

***Later this week: The Strange Affair of Spring Heeled Jack***

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Author: Stephan Chbosky

http://www.shelfari.com/books/24285/The-Perks-of-Being-a-Wallflower

Summary:

Standing on the fringes of life offers a unique perspective. But there comes a time to see what it looks like from the dance floor. This haunting novel about the dilemma of passivity vs. passion marks the stunning debut of a provocative new voice in contemporary fiction: The Perks of Being a Wallflower.
This is the story of what it's like to grow up in high school. More intimate than a diary, Charlie's letters are singular and unique, hilarious and devastating. We may not know where he lives. We may not know to whom he is writing. All we know is the world he shares. Caught between trying to live his life and trying to run from it puts him on a strange course through uncharted territory. The world of first dates and mixed tapes, family dramas and new friends. The world of sex, drugs, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show, when all one requires is that perfect song on that perfect drive to feel infinite.

Through Charlie, Stephen Chbosky has created a deeply affecting coming-of-age story, a powerful novel that will spirit you back to those wild and poignant roller coaster days known as growing up.

My Review:

I feel the need to compare this to I am the Messenger. Same type of issue for me. It would have been really, really good, but only if he had left certain aspects out of the plot. I loved all the song and book references. I loved the flow of the letters, not quite like a journal but not quite like something you would actually tell other people. It was anonymously personal. Honest. I didn’t want to give just two stars, for the main reason that it was just really well written. I just wish alot of it had been left out. It could have been better...

On a side note, I found this psychological ride both extremely interesting and frightening. We start to suspect something is wrong with Charlie, but throughout the story there are so many thoughts he wonders and actions he preforms that make him so relatable. If there was one thing I liked about this story, it was the honest sincerity. I would have preferred a bit more innocence, though...

Characters:

One of those rare instances where I cannot choose a favorite. If I could, I believe Charlie’s friend Patrick was one of the few I liked, but the homosexuality was greatly disturbing for me. Even some of the other likable characters I was turned off from constantly. It felt like everyone was having sex. Everyone had major flaws or issues. I think I found Charlie’s English teacher the most down to earth type of character, with no surface flaws. Or at least none that were ridiculous blown out of proportion.

Plot:

I found the way this story unfolds quite interesting. We’re reading the letters of a fifteen year old boy, Charlie, who is not writing to us, but to someone he knows. Maybe not well, but he knows them. He’s writing anonymously. He’s writing about his first year of high school. Now while I’ve never gone to “public” high school, I did find though that this story felt a bit off. Of course, then I realized the reason that they were making such a big deal about certain “issues” was the time frame. This book was published over 10 years ago. And the story takes place another 10 years before it’s publication. So the setting is older than I am. No wonder I felt so lost.

Disclaimers: 

It’s just there was so much detail. TMI. I mean, it was a great book otherwise. But uncomfortable. The writing style really hooked you, drawing you into the story. But there was alot of inappropriate content that just left me really disturbed and unfocused for several days. I didn’t need to know that so-and-so went somewhere with such-and-such and did this-and-that. There was outright sex. And rape. And child molesting. And a pretty intense gay relationship. And drug abuse. There’s also an abortion. And he mentioned the sexual “m word” waaay too many times for comfort. Awkward!!! There is also quite a bit of language, and some physical and I believe even some emotional abuse. All around not your happy-go-lucky type of story.

Favorite Character: N/A

Favorite Quote(s): N/A

Recommended: Older teens & up.

Rating: ★★★☆☆

~ Darkitty

***Next week: Vampire Academy***

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

Author: Ransom Riggs

Summary:

A mysterious island. An abandoned orphanage. A strange collection of very curious photographs. It all waits to be discovered in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children , an unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience. As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a deserted island for good reason. And somehow—impossible though it seems—they may still be alive.

My Review:

I really, really, really liked this book. That doesn’t happen quite often. Not exactly what I was expecting, but still really good! I wouldn’t describe it as a page turner, not really, but it did leave me very hesitant to turn off my light at night. And I also did read through it rather quickly, three days tops. I also found it interesting in that while we know or at least we assume that the main character, Jacob, is not crazy, the psychological elements thrown in were, to me, fascinating.

Characters:

The characters were strange, there’s nothing else to be said. As we get deeper into the story, we find that all these peculiar children Jacob’s grandfather described to him, are, in fact real. The levitating girl, to the invisible boy, to the super strong siblings, to the mysterious Miss Peregrine...

Plot:

I found this book very original, not quite what I was expecting, but I wasn’t at all disappointed, either. It was just nothing like anything else I’ve picked up before. I think I can see why some people might not enjoy it, but I found it intriguing. I raced through it, getting alot of slack jaw from family when I returned it to the library so quickly. It’s starts off, reeling you in bit by bit. While it’s hard to describe without ruining the plot twists, I find that the climax may have been bit, well, confusing, since we’re left feeling like there’s more to be explained. Sequel, maybe? I’m not sure at this point. While the conclusion was over all satisfactory, I do hope to see more from this author in the future.

Art(photography):

Ok, we can all tell that these photos have been manipulated. I read another book quite similar in concept to this, The Fool and the Vanisher, and while I actually love the idea of black and white photos in a fiction, I find books like this rather odd. Odd, in a good way. I mean, there’s a reason there in the fiction section, but sometimes glancing at these bizarre photos is a bit creepy. But over all, I found this part of the book fascinating, even if it is rather strange, or peculiar...

Disclaimers: 

There was language in this book. I wouldn’t say there was a ton, but it was pretty strong. I really hate when an author does that, it dampens the reading experience in my opinion. I can see when it’s called for, occasionally, but everything in moderation. There was also some gory details. Nothing too grotesque, but this isn’t a book I’d recommend for younger readers. There’s one scene where they have to “revive” a corpse, and the guy is really torn apart, disfigured beyond recognition, with lots of lovely description. Nasty.

Favorite Character: Millard

Favorite Quote(s):

I turned to him in amazement. "I don't mean to be rude," I said, "but what are you people?"

"We're peculiar," he replied, sounding a bit puzzled. "Aren't you?"
"I don't know. I don't think so."
"That's a shame."

***

“...Should we sit on our bums and wait for them to come through our front door? What if rather than clever disguises, this time they bring guns?”
“That’s what I'd do,” Enoch said. “Wait till everyone’s asleep and then slide down the chimney like Santa Claus and BLAM!” He fired an imaginary pistol at Emma’s pillow. “Brains on the wall.”
“Thank you for that,” Millard said, sighing.

Recommended: Older teens & up.

Rating: ★★★★★

~ Darkitty

***Next week: The Perks of Being a Wallflower***

Gotta Love Those Lists!

This is a general list of what I devoured this past year. In total, 69 books. I bunched nonfiction(italicized) and fiction(bold) together, did not included textbooks (though I could have), nor manga, comics or graphic novels (though I did read a whopping 330 volumes). I am pleased that I read more novels than last year, but still a bit disappointed in myself for not reaching my goal of 100... (I may come back and add the authors later).

The Vile Village

Roverandom

The Hostile Hospital

Best Seat in the House

A Treasury for Cat Lovers

The Carnivorous Carnival

A Tiny Step Away From Deepest Faith

Isle of Swords

The Replacement

Tales from Outer Suburbia

The Rumpelstiltskin Problem

Castle in the Air

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

All I Need to Know I Learned From My Cat

Montmorency

The Book Without Words

Princess of Glass

Flora's Dare

I Can't Keep My Own Secrets

House of Many Ways

Not Quite What I Was Planning

It All Changed In An Instant

Sapphique

Mindblind

Atlantis Complex

I am Number Four

Pay the Piper

The Mystery of the Fool and the Vanisher

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane

Airman

Muddle Earth

Mermaid's Mirror

Benny and Omar

Twilight

Hangman's Curse

Thr3e

Kenny and the Dragon

The Ribbajack

Don't Give up, Charlie Brown

Anna and the French Kiss

New Moon

Caring and Feeding of Sprites

The End of the Beginning

Cirque du Freak

Lost and Found

Over My Dead Body

Till Death Do Us Bark

Zorgamazoo

Modern Fairies

Lemony Snicket

Sorcery and Cecelia

I am the Messenger

The Vampire's Assistant

The Velveteen Rabbit

The Ruins of Gorlan

Tunnels of Blood

Vampire Mountain

The Slippery Slope

Eyes Like Stars

Wondrous Strange

Year of Goodbyes

Perchance to Dream

Beautiful Creatures

The Woman in Black

Paranormalcy

Bloody Jack

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

Crusade

Beautiful Darkness

This is a list of 100 books I would like to tackle this year. There are definitely others (and I know deep down I won’t get to them all), but alot of these I’ve already started, set aside, or have been meaning to read for quite some time. If I’m in the middle of a series, I just listed the next book. If it’s the beginning of a series, I just listed the first. This list may change, but for now.... They truly are in no order of importance whatsoever... (again, I may add the authors later).

Curse of the Blue Tattoo

Vanquished

Crank

Variant

Flora’s Fury

Prince of Thorns

Trials of Death

Why We Broke Up

The Night Circus

My One Hundred Adventures

Harmony

Unwind

Lemonade Mouth

Eon

Mordred

The Pillars of the Earth

The Humming of Numbers

Num8ers

Troll’s-Eye View

The Power of Six

Eclipse

Red Riding Hood

Radiant Darkness

Small Steps

Enclave

Divergent

The Strange Affair of Spring Heeled Jack

Clockwork Orange

Timeless

Steel

So Silver Bright

Dark Life

Delirium

Matched

Night Road

Marcelo and the Real World

Hatter

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Warrior

Boneshaker

The Grand Tour

The Secret of Ka

Relic Master

The Floating Islands

Sebastian Darke: Prince of Fools

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

Beastly

Pathfinder

Montmorency: On the Rocks

Thirteenth Child

Water for Elephants

Isle of Fire

The Iron King

The Grim Grotto

Exile

And Then There Were None

The Book of Mordred

Peter Pan

Stormbreaker

When You Reach Me

The Subtle Knife

Clockwork Angel

House

If I Stay

Nightmare Academy

Halo

The Storyteller

The Thief

The Picture of Dorian Gray

Un Lun Dun

The Diamond of Drury Lane

Inkdeath

The Forest of Hands and Teeth

Thirteen Reasons Why

Heist Society

Make Lemonade

The Red Necklace

Labyrinth

The Way of Shadows

A Great and Terrible Beauty

Redwall

I am Mordred

Wicked Lovely

Graceling

The Seventh Dwarf

Castaways of the Flying Dutchman

Angel

Magyk

Blood Red Horse

Number the Stars

The Burning Bridge

The Alchemyst

The Princess Bride

Hoot

The Graveyard Book

The Hobbit

Brisingr

The Red Pyramid

Vampire Academy

The Way of Shadows

For the 12x12 challenge(some of the books from the above list are missing from this list and there are others that are not present above): http://www.shelfari.com/groups/92792/discussions/416390/Wanderers-12x12-Reading-Challenge

~ Darkitty