Book Review - The Woodlands by Lauren Nicolle Taylor

The Woodlands

by Lauren Nicolle Taylor

Rating ****(4 Stars)

I love the dystopian genre. I think there is something about tarring down the system and making the world a better place that resonates with our current society. Just look at the protest in Hong Kong. We are living in a world that needs to be fixed. I think that is why dystopian literature is so popular at the moment, and why it is mostly geared towards young adults.

I had no idea what to expect when I first picked up The Woodlands. It was free and looked interesting. I had no idea that it was going to be such an amazing series, well book since I have not finished the series.

The writing is good, allowing you to forget the words and get lost in the characters. The characters have their flaws, but that is what helps make them real. I found them to be realistic and agreeable given the society.

The plot is interesting. It is not majorly unique in dystopian literature. However it is not boring and overdone as well. I cannot wait until I get book two and continue on in the series.

The best part is the book is still free (check before purchasing) so you have nothing to loose and everything to gain!

Book Review - Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater

Shiver

by Maggie Stiefvater

Rating ***(1/2)

 

 

 

Shiver is a first in a young adult series that features werewolves. It is hard to find a series that features paranormal creatures that is different and exciting. Yet, Shiver does deliver on the different aspect at least.

 

The writing is good, and the plot is unique, and the characters are relatable. It is a young adult novel, so it is about young love, which can be a bit hard to believe at times. However, I do appreciate that the novel is clean and respectful for younger readers. The werewolf plot development is unique, I have not seen anything really close to it. I am not saying it isn't out there, just that I have not seen it.

 

 

Should you read it? Yes, it is well worth reading, and the ebook price is reasonable as well. As an added bonus it is part of Kindle Unlimited. Which, is admittedly one reason why I started this series. I do plan on continuing onto the next book, and am eager to see what happens.

 

 



Book Review - The Silent Boy

The Silent Boy

by Lois Lowry

 

Rating ***** (5 stars)

I have been on a Lois Lowry reading spree as of late. It is one that I foresee continuing until I have devoured all of her books. I am uncertain how I made it through adolescence, with my obsessive reading habit, without having discovered her before now.

I seriously believe that Lois Lowry should go down as one of the greats. She should be hoisted right next to Charles Dickens.

The Silent Boy is another amazing novel. It is a book set in the early 1900s. The main character is a very young girl who wishes to be a doctor like her father. The young girl has wisdom beyond her years, which includes her ability to accept others for who they are. This is all accompanied by a ten year old temperament. She makes for a highly entertaining narrator.

One interesting character with whom she meats is Jacob, a fourteen year old boy who would most likely be diagnosed with Autism in today's society. It is fascinating seeing a character with Autism depicted in a less modern setting. While he helps out with his farm chores, like is expected of all the children, he also refuses to take off a woolen hat, is obsessed with the grinding stones at the mill, mimics sounds, is non verbal, and has a very strong connection with animals.

The ending is a bit sad, and you can see it coming early, some aspect of it from the first chapter. Yet that does not stop the reader from being swept up in the lives of the characters.

I think it is an excellent book for a middle school student, high school student, or adult. I do think it may be a bit difficult concept wise for early elementary school students.

Book Review - Winter's Awakening: The Metahumans Emerge

Winter's Awakening: The Metahumans Emerge

by Karen Luellen

Rating *** (3 stars)

This is the first in a young adult series written for children in the middle school range. The book opens up with a Doctor being led on a tour of a top secret facility. While the doctor has spent her career attempting to cure autism she has found that her research was being used to experiment on children. The introduction is a bit choppy and while the author seems like the reader will not instantaneously make a sort of connection when in the next scene the same doctor is now raising three children in the middle of nowhere. Hum. . . 

The plot is interesting, however there is one major hole. The doctor goes to a conference to present her research - while still trying to hide the children. Oh, and the research is based on the three kids. Yeah no one will make that connection - big surprise - it is a trap. 

Ok this novel is not meant to be a classic, and will never reach that status. It is a decent book with the main feature being the interesting characters. I picked this up for free, it was a decent read, but not sure I would have bought it. I will suggest to J to read it and if he is interested I could see us finishing the series (I mean if I buy it we might as well both read it). 

If you have a middle schooler who is looking for something interesting to read - this would be a decent pick. If you are looking for something to read - move on.