The Lab

How can you go wrong with an spy/action book with genetic engineering and a hero who has tons of money? I didn't think so. Six is part of a secret organization with agents and departments named after the cards in a deck. If the top secret deck is discovered, no one will be left to fight for the good in their decaying world.

The bad: Ya know what: there isn't any!

The good: Finally a good secret agent who tries not to kill people! And all that fighting for goodness stuff is pretty good.

My view: Being the aesthetic person that I am, I picked this book out at B&N because of its cover, and when I saw it again my library, I was pretty excited. With good cause. I'm not afraid to call myself a teen action book connoisseur, I a liked this one. Lots of action (much of it impossible), a troubled hero and an interesting story made this book a really fun read. I hope he writes an other one. But his name can't really be Jack Heath. Too cool.

My one word:

Successful

Maximum Ride, Vol. 1 Manga

The first Maximum Ride book put in manga form. The story is that Max and her flock are genetically engineered bird-humans. The main perk of this is that they can fly. The main drawback is that The School that they escaped from really wants them back. So when they get a hold of the youngest of the flock, Angel, the rest of them go after her.

The bad: Okay, really, since when to skinny bird-humans age eleven have breasts? It is within the realm of possibility that Max is that filled out, but really, not Nudge. She looks like she's seventeen!

The good: Yay sticking together!

My view: I don't really go for manga made out of books, because they all claim to be drawn by the best artists in Japan, but they're all by different authors. And I'm thinking, if I were the best manga artist ever, I would not be transposing some one's good book into crappy manga. But I actually thought this one was okay. The artwork was pretty good (except for Fang, who got ruined), and the story transfers easily. But I would recommend skipping the half-an-hour manga book for the real and wittier Maximum Ride, The Angel Experiment.

One Word:

Fine

Hero

In a world filled with superheroes, Thom longs to be one. In a world filled with heterosexuals, Thom doesn't fit. Only... But... So many things stand in the way of his dreams, but Thom's going after them, and if he has to lie a couple of times, that's the price of getting what you want.

The bad: Yup, Thom lies to a lot of people, including his dad. Also, we are privy to Thom's masturbation life (once), something I certainly didn't want to read about. And his first kiss, which he quite freely gives to an unknown guy. And did we really need 3 pages devoted to every detail? Hmmm, no. And then there's swearing.

The good: Yeah, Thom lies, which I'm not excusing, but I think the point is that he shouldn't have to. He shouldn't have to fear people's unfounded judgement, and yet he quite reasonably does.

My view: I enjoyed the writing, and the story was a cool idea. No, it wasn't a super original idea and it had it's fallacies, but it was cleverly written. But the detailed descriptions of Thom sexual life was just too much for me.

The Hunger Games

In one of the lesser districts of what use to be the United States, Katniss survives by poaching game from beyond the fence. She is the main provider for the mother and dearly beloved sister. So when the system tries to tear them apart, Katniss finds herself a contestant of the ultimate survivor game. On the way she is partnered with a kind boy from her district also taking part in the games. But is he kind? Is he her partner?

The bad: All the contestants are manipulated into attacking and killing each other. It's hard to believe that winning is so important to these teens that they are willing to kill. Even our main characters.

The good: I'm not sure that there is really all that much "good" in this book!

My view: I really liked the Gregor books by Suzanne Collins, until I stopped reading them. It was a case of me growing up waaaay faster than him, I just got disconnected. But I really did like them, so I was excited when Ms. Collins came out with a teen book. I did enjoy reading it, it was fun and crisp, but it didn't have the qualities of a really great book.

Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy

Cammie is the daughter of two spies, and is thus expected to become one herself. Since she was a child (well, she still is a child, legally) she has attended an all girl spy school, where she's done pretty good till she met Josh. That's when things started going wrong.

Cammie lies to her mom, and deceives her a lot. She feels bad about it, but that doesn't stop her. She never even gets any consequences for it. She's also a spy... So she does a lot of lying and beating people up.

Working together is shown to be a good thing.

This was a fun read, but it had an unsatisfying end, which makes me dislike it. It was suppose to be all mysterious, but they kinda forgot the mystery. Some of the things that happened were fun, but the plot was inane.

Unwind

Conner, Risa and Lev could hardly have less in common, except a common future, or lack of one. They are all scheduled to be 'unwound', a process which means all of their pieces are separated and put into a different form, an arm goes there, an eye here. But really, they're still alive, just in different form. Or that's what everyone would like them to think... But Conner and Risa aren't so happy about being in a different form, however nice it sounds. Lev just gets swept up in the flow.

This is a pretty dark book, but it makes its point. Quite a few people are killed from backlash of actions taken. Conner gets into a lot of fights, he's kinda out of control.

This was an amazing book about non-violence, trust, relationships, hard choices, and the true meaning of death, life and the human soul. I thought it was beautiful.

I loved this book, the characters are real, especially Conner, who is amazing. I would definitely recommend this book, if the premise doesn't completely gross you out.

Graceling

Kasta has the grace of killing. Funny that the word grace is used, because it feels more like a curse to her. She is used by her uncle to get rid of or persuade enemies to capitulate to his laws (most of which involve him receiving lots of money). Until Kasta meets the charismatic Prince Po, she can't see anything new for her life. But he changes everything. But can she trust him? Mwhahahahaha (evil laugh).

Well, watch out for my minor spoiler, but Kasta and Po have sex. Not that I'm really against that... Do you really want to hear my sex sermon? Of course you do! What I think is that getting married before having sex is a good idea, because marriage is a symbolic commitment that every lover should have. But if you want to do with out marriage, fine by me, you should still be committed though. This maybe hopelessly old fashioned, but it will save me some heart ache. So what bothers me about Kasta and Po is that Kasta doesn't think she can trust Po with her freedom, and if you can't trust him, how can you love him?

Kasta is a really good character and so is Po. But let's start with Kasta. She is really committed to things, when she gets going there isn't anything that's going to stop her, and most often she is fighting for someone else. She is willing to risk life and limb (literally) for people she doesn't even know. Po is great because he is completely there for the people he cares about. He is willing to put other people first in his life, without losing his sense of self. He cares enough to put aside what he wants to give them what they need.

So, long enough review you think? But I really liked this book. It had some issues, but it was well written (though definitely a debut novel) and interesting. I would recommend it, it reminded me of the Heir Books, which is always a good thing.

8 The Raven Rise

Okay, so how many of you thought that it was over when Pendragon destroyed the flume? Yep, that's what I thought. So Pendragon's the only one who believes he's stuck; and he's given up being a Traveler. And Halla never needed him more.

There isn't really anything that I can remember that needs to go in the "bad section". Things in the book are pretty bad though. But bad choices have their consequences.

Always fight for what is good, that's the message. People should have a choice; that's what Pendragon believes enough to put his life on the line for again and again, kinda like what God does.

Loved this book! Loved it!

6 The Time Paradox

Artemis is trying to deal with having lost three years of his life, and his new (to him) two year old younger brothers. Guess which one's harder? But trouble cannot leave Artemis alone for long (and God forbid it should) and this time it comes knocking in the form of his past self, and some lies.

Artemis is really a good guy this book! He even plays with his younger brothers. But he does tell a lie, but it really bites him in the... You get the point.

Yeah good guy Artemis! You are amazing (not like you don't already know). Really, Artemis has made great improvments.

It's good to read a new Artemis again. I've really grow up with him (except he's not real), and I love to read his stories. Funny and Fun, I loved it. And that silly Minerva girl is gone; come on, who really liked her anyway?

1 Sleeper Code

Tom Lovett is just like ordinary kids, which of course means he's not. He suffers from a rare sleeping disorder were he can fall asleep at any time, and wake up days later. *Interesting historical note, Harriet Tubman also had this disease* But also of course this is just a front for something more sinister... Que creepy music.

It's kinda violent, but in a non-icky, James Bond way. A little swearing...

Tom is trying to do the right thing, and is noble about it. Madison is kind and considerate. They both have remarkably little resentment.

Really, I knew what was going to happen, where and when. The plot was see through, but that didn't stop me from enjoying it. It isn't anything like Alex Rider, there isn't really a dark side; so some lazy winter day, sit down and let yourself be entertained.

7 Snakehead

Alex Rider has hardly splashed down off the coast of Australia, than he is back in the world of espionage. But this time it is for different reasons than his other missions, and very different stakes. Alex travels across the world fighting against the massive gangs called snakeheads, and perhaps Scorpia?

A few more swearwords than the others. Otherwise????? Violence as usual.

Alex saves the world once again (it's not as pathetic as it sounds), this time around he seemed a little harder, less compassionate. Though he must be motivated by more than just the thrill of adventure, I hope.

A very different style than the other Alex books, and yet very enjoyable, with new action, ideas and gadgets. Personally I think Mr. Horowitz should have left off with Scorpia, but that's just me.

7 The Quillan Games

Pendragon flumes (is that really a word?) to Quillan, home of the psychotic gamers. Pendragon tries to go along with their insane culture, and nearly gets killed, several times over. How can he escape this maniacal circle?

Nothing new to report.

Pendrangon is trying to break free from Saint Danes endless circles, but everything he does always seems to lead exactly to be what he wanted. Frustrating, but he still tries.

In this one the author seems to want to be predicting what our future is in danger of looking like. This one has some unexpected twist that will definitely have you reading the next one (if you like the twists).

8 The Pilgrims of Rayne

How will Courtney and Pendragon be able to stop Mark from destroying Halla? When we left them Pendragon and Courtney had just jumped into a flume to try and save their future (or their past, it gets confusing). Mark had changed the past and may have opened a door to Saint Dane. As they move forward, it becomes more difficult to see the way.

I know this is getting old, but you could just read the past reviews. One thing I was reading about these books is that "Halla" is Allah spelled backwards. Something to ponder.

Courtney is hurt that Mark has left, but is ready to forgive him, in her own way. Pendragon is willing to do anything to save Halla, a thing we should emulate.

I am going to read the next one. As soon a possible! NOW! (I wish)

3 Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports

Maximum Ride is still here for her last book (supposedly). Here being loosely used. Max is taking some time out of her schedule to pursue saving the world, as her voice suggested. Maybe in between eluding the Erasers, getting food for the flock, Fang ("what is with him", she wonders), and staying alive, saving the world has a place.

Max's best offence/defence is her ability to get under the skin of her opponent. This composes of continually insulting them. Still swearing and hitting and/or kicking.

Max is devoted to her flock and cares about every single one of them, they are the most important thing to her. And they feel the same way.

Personally, I'm getting a little sick having to put up with Max's attitude. The first one was good and fun, the second was cool, this one just kinda loses it's self. If you are a die hard Max fan, there isn't really anything different to say about this one that isn't personal opinion. So enjoy it. It still made me laugh, but maybe next time I'll grab Artemis Fowl or Pendragon instead.

Shock Point

Cassie hates her new life and her step dad that brought it. Her mom is pregnant and her old life is gone. Switched to a new school in the middle of the year Cassie can't even make new friends. After a look at her new dad's patient files, Cassie gets proof (other than teenage hormones) of his non-innocence.

A few uses of the same swear word (what is with that?). One of the bad guy is called 'Father', but it doesn't seem to have any base in religion. Cassie and others have sadistic things done to them, if you can't read that, don't even bother finishing the review, no one's going to mind.

Cassie has a friend that really comes through for her, in a big way. Cassie is also determined to do the right thing, at first it's just proving her step dad is an evil step dad, but what keeps her going is justice. Sacrifice for the greater good is praised.

This book isn't really worth reading. The bad things could be over-looked if the story had been better, it really had you going, and then it just left you with out so much as a by your leave. But if you about to die of boredom and decide to try a Stephen King, please read this instead!!!

3 Specials

Tally has once again been changed. This time not into a lame brain pretty, this time into a icy special. A special, someone who is trying to destroy everything that Tally formerly been working for. Can Tally find herself before she destroys everything that she holds dear?

Specials are compassionless, everything is for the good to themselves and the other specials. They cut themselves to keep "icy" (aka clear headed). But this is shown to be shameful, not good.

Tally makes the right decision in the end, I think, you need to decided for yourself.

The other to books were happy compared to this one. Not quite the action of the other ones, this one is more a drama. By the time you get to this book, you have to finish the series anyway.

2 Pretties

Tally is pretty now. Need I say more?

One of Tally's friends starts cutting herself to help her escape the lesions.

Tally is trying to do the right thing.

Well, kinda short, but you have to read the book to find out the rest. This book delivers the same message as the last book, only better. The only thing the kinda bit me is Tally switches her affections pretty (ha) quickly. But this time she sticks with her man. He's kinda cooler than David. Not just prettier.

1 Uglies

If you have problems with self esteem (don't we all?) this is really the book for you. If you like a good conspiracy, this is also the right book for you. Tally is approaching her sixteenth birthday, the day she has been dreaming and waiting for for YEARS. On her sixteenth birthday she gets to become pretty. Yup. Pretty. Reconfigure her bones, blast off her skin, enhance her eyes and make her pretty. But, maybe the surgery isn't what she thought it was. Tally's new friend Shay isn't going to do it. Shay likes the way she looks, who wants to look like everybody else anyway?

Part of an uglie's life is playing tricks on your room, escaping and doing wild things. Not wild as in drugs and drinking, but wild as in sneaking into pretty land or going outside of the city. Tally is prepared to betray a lot of people to get what she wants.

Shay tries to get Tally to save herself. This book mocks the lives we have made for ourselves, were the pretty make it and everybody else just doesn't count.

Ya know what's cool about the word uglies? The word lies is hidden in it. These children are told that to count they have to be beautiful. Their lives revolve around their sixteenth birthday. They are lied to and told that they must be pretty or not worth any thing. When I look in the mirror I don't see some one beautiful in the worlds standards, but am I really willing to base my life off of what everybody thinks I should look like. Does that even make sense??? NO! This book gets the good book badge.

1 The Warrior Heir

Jack is just like any other kid. Well mostly, the only thing different about him is his heart condition. But all it takes medicine each morning and he is just fine. Then one day he forgets to take it. But instead of dropping dead, Jack feels better than ever. Thus starts a complicated journey of self discovery and magic.

Jack is not paranoid, but people are out to get him. Kill him or sell him. I counted five swearwords total. The only other thing that might be considered negative was the magic. This whole book 'revolves' around magic. If that is a problem this book isn't for you. Warriors come from the afterlife to assist people.

Jack is really a nice guy. He is kind to his mom and sticks by his friends, and his friends stick by him. A lot of people care about Jack and try and do what is right for him. Jack is kind and gentle to these people. For his training dead, but not really, warriors are called; but Jack offers not to 'kill' them. Or for them to just talk about their experiences on the battlefield.

This book is well written and fun. You can relate to Jacks emotions of confusing and frustration and embarrassment, but we also like him because he is humble, kind and fair. I would really recommend this book.

6 The Rivers of Zadaa

Pendragon is finally on Loor's home planet (if travelers have homes). Here he will learn more about himself, travelers, and being a warrior.

Swearing is still a bit of a problem. And I've just got to say that Courtney is being a DORK!

Mark is faithfully keeping Pendragon's journals and keeping his life up too. The Travelers are good people, they support their own.

This is my favorite book thus far, you'll see why once you read it.