Closing the Bookshop

It's time to dust off the old spectacles as reading season begins once more, but before you nonexistent readers begin wondering about the title of this post, yes this blog is ending. Instead you can find new updates on...

http://thediariesofthatgal.blogspot.com/

The Lock Artist

Micheal was never ordinary. A tragedy in his childhood has left him completely mute. In his forced solitary life Micheal is able to discover a talent that will completely change the course of his life. He can pick locks. Not just one lock, but all locks; be it a simple padlock or a 800 pound safe. His unique skill makes him a hot commodity with the wrong types of people.

We meet Micheal in Prison, after the initial introduction we are transported into the scenes of his past.  In my opinion to have such a layout you need strong writing. The story line was interesting, but what sold the book (at least for me) was the developed characters. Each character had time to develop and grow, until they weren't just a character but a person. I actually felt like I was truly reading somebody's life story, not some fictional tale. Overall I really did enjoy this book and I would give it a 4.5 stars out of 5 stars.

First Sentence: "You may remember me."

The Lock Artist by Steve Hamilton

The videos went too viral...

You know the feeling you get in crowded place? You're minding your own business, when suddenly you feel...something. Back of the neck prickle, goose bumps adorning your arms. You furtively pan the room and there he is. A cretin with burning pupils, undressing you with his eyes. That sickening feeling plagues Ali, only she's not in public. She's in her bedroom...alone.

A friend posted videos of Alicia Ruffino dancing online; now her name is lost among the throng of spectators as the word dancergirl rings out. At first dancergirl seemed like harmless fun, until one viewer takes it too far. Now Ali's life is composed of constant fear and paranoia as she attempts to stop her personal stalker. 

Overall I thought this book made an interesting read, but I would not go so far as to sing praises. This is just a book that will keep you mildly amused for a few hours. The author did a fairly decent job with building up the main character's voice, but she forgot about the supporting characters. Also I felt as though there were too many details that did not correspond with the storyline. In my opinion the book merited a 3 out of 5 stars.

First Sentence:"'Question of the day,' Jacy says. 'What's the worst thing that could happen to you?'"

Dancergirl by Carol M. Tanzman 

Movie Stars...Writing??

The name Hilary Duff immediately triggers childhood memories of the beloved Lizzie McGuire, but now this multitalented actress has tackled another goal; her book Elixir. 

Clea Raymond has never had the chance to escape the paparazzi her entire life, mainly because she is the daughter of a renowned surgeon and a powerful political figure. But Clea is not one to hide in her parents shadows, she aspires to become a talented photojournalist. Her career goals abruptly halt when Clea's father goes missing. To top that off her photos are being haunted by a beautiful young man, a man that she has only seen in her dreams. When fate pushes this mysterious figure into her life she is forced to dig the truth about her father, and her own self. 

As a first novel I think Hilary Duff did a good job. Truth be told I had such high expectations from her, due to the fact I adored her as an actress. So while reading this book, I was disappointed. Throughout the novel I had many dramatic flashbacks to the books Fallen by Lauren Kate and Evermore by Alyson Noel. Not only was the plot shockingly similar to another novel, but I felt that the book included many irrelevant details. I'm hoping that the second novel will be better, because as the saying goes "Practice makes Perfect!" In total I am going to be generous and give the novel a two out of five stars.

Royalty, Gangs, and Wizards...Oh My!

I can only rave about The Demon King by Cinda Williams Chima.

The book takes place the city of Fellsmarch, where things are quickly going astray. Reformed street lord Han Alister is desperate to create a living for his family, but the only thing of value he owns are his silver cuffs. These cuffs are clearly magicked; because despite his effort to pry them off his arms, they won't budge. Han's normalcy quickly erodes on the fateful day he confronts Micah Bayar, and steals his amulet. The Bayar family will stop at nothing in order to get the amulet back. 

On the opposite side of society, Rasia ana'Marianna, the princess heir of Fellsmarch has returned to the palace after three years of freedom in the clan. Rasia wants to break through the cage of poise that has become her life, and become like the legendary Queen Hanalea.  Her mother has other plans for Rasia, involving a marriage that could tear her world apart at its very core.

Cinda Williams Chima has crafted a marvelous world. I cannot express the amount of praise I hold for this book, and I would easily give it a five out of five stars.

The Hunger Games Review

I would love some feedback! Thanks!!

A new twist on Unicorns

Forget everything you ever thought you knew about unicorns…

In truth unicorns are not sparkly creatures of peace and innocence, but man-eating beasts with deadly horns. The virgin descendants of Alexander the Great can only kill these deadly beasts. Lucky for us unicorns have been extinct for over 150 years…or so we thought.

Astrid Llewelyn has never believed her crazy mother’s tales of unicorns; until the night one of these monsters attacks her boyfriend, destroying any chance of him asking her to prom. Directly after the attack her mother sends Astrid away to Rome so she can train to become a warrior.

Rampant is a new exciting interpretation of unicorns. It was refreshing to read something that hasn’t been ever written about before, I look forward to reading the rest of the series. I would give this book a 4.5 stars out of 5.