Pages

Friday, May 4, 2012

Whisper by Alyson Noel (Riley Bloom Series)


Disclaimer: I bought this book to read to give it an honest opinion!



Whisper by Alyson Noel

Publisher: Square Fish
Publication Date: 4/24/2012
Pages: 240

Overview
This time, Riley might really have bitten off more than she’s ready for. After practically begging the Council for a more challenging Soul Catch, she is assigned an actual Roman gladiator—Theocoles, the Pillar of Doom. How is Riley, a skinny twelve-year-old, supposed to get through to him? Then she meets the beautiful Messalina, who convinces her that her only chance is to become part of this world. To accomplish this, Messalina helps Riley through a dramatic, mystical makeover, transforming her into the beautiful and mature teen she’s always wanted to be. Finally, Riley can experience her first boyfriend and her first kiss. With a dream this enchanting, will she ever want to leave?

My Take
I love the Riley Bloom series. Each book that I've read about Riley Bloom are adventures filled with various stories of her being a Soul Catcher and adjusting to it. This book was sweet and well paced! Riley learns to deal with Theocoles as it ties in with Messalina. A few themes sprouted out of the adventure that Riley goes on such as forgiveness, romance/crushes and a bit of history (after all it does relate to Roman times).

Even though these series are geared towards 9-12 year olds. I enjoyed them. This is a great way for tweens to read! The writing is smooth as silk. Reading about Riley always makes a smile upon my lips to see how she is doing and what she learns. All the covers are so stunning and the colors that are placed on them..wow!

So pick up the series today. Be sure to check out the links below.

(Short Review)

Cover Rating: A
Story Rating: A

Twitter Website

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Wake Unto Me by Lisa Cach


Disclaimer: I bought this book to read to give it an honest opinion!




Wake Unto Me by Lisa Cach

Publisher: Penguin Group USA Incor
Date: 3/31/2011
Pages: 304

Overview
Caitlyn Monahan knows she belongs somewhere else. It's what her dead mother's note suggested, and it's what her recurring nightmares allude to. Desperate to flee these terrifying dreams-and her small town-she accepts a spot at a boarding school in France. Only, when she arrives, her nightmares get worse. But then there are her amazing dreams, so vivid and so real, with visits from an alluring, mysterious, and gorgeous Italian boy from the 1500s. Caitlyn knows they are soul mates, but how can she be in love with someone who exists only in her dreams? Then, as her reality and dream world collide, Caitlyn searches for the real reason why she was brought to this school. And what she discovers will change her life forever.

My Take
The main character Caitylyn was very realistic and likable character. I could understand how Caityln felt going to a new school, who hasn't felt like that? Get those butterflies of nervousness in our tummies and then slowly trying to make friends. I'm sure we all have been there. I know I have!

I loved how she connected with Raphel. I felt like this book had a bit of time traveling though Caitylyn dreams. If you like time traveling, ghost stories, treasure hunting, romance and a bit of gothic, then this book is for you. Yes there is a treasure hunting aspect in it which reminded me of Da Vinci Code movie a little bit feel like an adventure.

Love being in a different time and can't really savor it since of the time differences is heart wrenching. I love that! Gloom and doom of love and yet is there hope for it to survive?

Historical aspect was written very well with detail. The author did well with this. I hope to read more of her books down the road.

Cover Rating: B
Story Rating: A

Website
Twitter

Timeless by Alexandra Monir


Disclaimer: I bought this book to read to give it an honest opinion!



Timeless by Alexandra Monir

Randhom House Children's Books
3/13/2012
304 pages


Overview:
When tragedy strikes Michele Windsor’s world, she is forced to uproot her life and move across the country to New York City, to live with the wealthy, aristocratic grandparents she’s never met. In their old Fifth Avenue mansion filled with a century’s worth of family secrets, Michele discovers a diary that hurtles her back in time to the year 1910. There, in the midst of the glamorous Gilded Age, Michele meets the young man with striking blue eyes who has haunted her dreams all her life – a man she always wished was real, but never imagined could actually exist. And she finds herself falling for him, into an otherworldly, time-crossed romance.


My View:
Time traveling!!! This book had me wrapped around its finger. I read it in two days. I could feel what Michele, the main character was going through emotionally along the adventures she embarked on with time traveling. It was also interesting to see what family secrets Michele uncovered. Music is even mentioned in this book which is another thumbs up.

Other characters being mentioned in this book were amazing aw well. You could see and feel their personalities. I also enjoyed the characters, Philip and Lily. Great characters over all. I look forward to more!

The history that is mentioned in this book is awesome too. You get a feel for what it is like back then in the early 19th century. A great historical and supernatural book. Pick it up today to read.

The cover is stunning. I so cannot wait to see the second book's cover was well as the story. Keep up the fantastic work Alexandra!!

Cover Rating: A
Story Rating: A

Website
Twitter