Mulling On Monday #17

4 Stars

So, as some might recall, this was one of the novels on my ‘to-read’ list. While I am glad that I read it, it was not quite as good as I had hoped. This was a sad thing, because it had so much potential. However, it still was a good novel, it just fell slightly short of my hopes for it.

This novel is by Carrie Ryan, and is yet another novel to follow up on the dystopian ‘we-screwed-up-now-the-world-is-a-little-strange’ idea that is now becoming popular. Not that this is a bad thing, as it is more interesting than some of the YA novels that are spouting quite a bit of crap.

While, this novel did fall slightly short of the expectations, it was still good. Twisted. A little crazy. A little obsessed. A little frightening. Mary is a different character than many of the ones I have seen lately. And the story is a little different too.

The descriptions are very well done, the mystery enchanting. I read it from cover to cover in one sitting, so that was nice, in a way. It shows that it was enthralling; that I wanted to figure out how this thing ended.

I also like the bizarre love triangle going on in the novel. A little typical, but the way it is presented, and the idea that it builds on is nothing but plain strange.

Also enjoyable was the whole new take on zombies; because, while throughout the book the creatures are presented as ‘un-consecrated’, they are still zombies. That much is easy to see.

What I did not like was Mary’s obsession with the ocean. At first it was a really good driving point, but towards the end it got annoying very quickly. While I understand that the obsession was a way to build everything, it was a real turn off later – anyone who reads the novel may find that she almost goes a little crazy with this.

What I also did not like was how some characters were introduced, and then just as quickly were gone.

One last irritating point was how some things could have been more developed, added in to create more of a mystery, but quite simply were not. That was slightly frustrating, knowing that tiny things that were shown could have been built apon, and made the difference between 4 stars and even 4 ½.

So, like I said, what drew me to this novel was the cover (the US hardcover – I hate the paperback cover) and the strange title. Once you get through the novel, it is pretty self-explanatory, but still. Neat.

Overall, a good read, and I think that I will have to pick up the ‘accompanying novel’. Great for those who like zombie reads or dystopian.

Mary has grown up knowing nothing but the sisters, the village, and the occasional moans from beyond the fence. Ones of the unconsecrated. Ones of danger, pain, and a reminder that life outside the village is impossible. They are the only ones left living.

But Mary’s mother tells of a place far away, of a body of water that stretches on beyond the horizon, and tastes of salt. Mary longs to taste that salty water, but it’s all just a fictional story.

But when Mary enters the sisterhood, secrets begin to emerge, and the ocean doesn’t just sound like a fairy-tale anymore.

In a novel that is chilling and haunting, The Forest of Hands and Teeth is one that will make you wonder about hidden truths…and what could be hiding under your eyes.

Author: Carrie Ryan

Published: March 5th 2009

Page Count: 308

ISBN: 0385736819    (isbn13: 9780385736817)

Books On My Growing List To Read: Nomansland

  This novel is pretty much brand new, as it came out in June, and it sounds unique, that’s for sure.

  No Man’s Land is by Lesley Hauge, and certainly looks interesting. I would love to get my hands on this novel.

  It is supposed to be yet another dystopian novel, but hey, this is the new thing, and I have no issues with this genre because they bring the imagination and the ‘what-if’s’ to the table, which can be as unique as authors can imagine them.

  And this one, while not necessarily a new idea, sounds great.

  It is about a small island in the north that is completely run by women. Exclusively. Totally. Utterly, run by women.

  It’s been heard of before, but this is the first book I have found that I have been interested in that holds this subject.

  What I like about it is that it sounds so different. Usually with dystopian novels, you get government/society takeover, (Birthmarked, The Hunger Games, The Forest of Hands and Teeth), or a version of crazy ‘on their own to forge through the unknown wilds’, type thing.

  On Wikipedia, this technically could be filed under the name of ‘Feminist Utopias’, which, apparently, borders on ‘feminist science fiction’. Um. Okay then.

  Found it on good ol’ Teenreads, which is great for finding new teen novels, just so you all know. The description sounded lovely, so that is why I picked this one.

  Anyways, it looks good, sounds good, has been reviewed decently. On Goodreads, we have a 3.33avg rating with 123 ratings and 47 review. So a bit on the lower side, but the majority is not always right. So we will try it soon, I hope.

Sometime in the future, a lonely, windswept island in the north is populated solely by women.  Among these women is a group of teenaged Trackers – expert equestrians and archers – whose job is to protect their shores from the enemy.  The enemy, they’ve been told is men.  When these girls come upon a partially buried home from the distant past, they are fascinated by the strange objects – high-heeled shoes, teen magazines, makeup – found there.    What are they to make of these mysterious things, which introduce a world they have never known? And what does it mean for their strict society where friendship is forbidden and rules must be obeyed – at all costs?

From http://www.lesleyhauge.com/

Author: Lesley Hauge

Published: June 22, 2010

Page Count: 256

ISBN: 0805090649   (isbn13: 978-0805090642)

Mulling On Monday #16/Mission Re-Read The YA Book Shelf

Overall, 3 Stars

So, now that things are more back to normal, I am going to be able to write more often. Yay. 

  Anyways, so for my first re-appearance, Monday Mulling is back! (This is also technically the Young Adult Mission, but for now it’s mixed) And the best part is, it’s back with a new series. Well, technically, the last book in the series, but nevertheless, it’s a new book with quite a buzz about it.

  Any guesses?

  So this series. I loved the first novel. Absolutely, without a doubt, loved it. Caught my attention and brought me to the dystopian genre. It was dark, it had a sense of ‘what-if’ reality, the characters shone. It was a great thing. So I was very excited for the second one.

  The second one, I disliked. Almost extremely so. I was less than impressed with the writing and character development. I found the plot too rushing, with little time to breathe- and not in a good way.

  As for the third one. There was so much hype and excitement for it. I thought the author would redeem themselves and fix everything that they had done wrong in the second one. After all, I waited anxiously for a year +.

  Did that happen?

  Quite frankly, no. I was actually really upset with the author, and felt that the third one was no where near redeemable. The first one was the best and the author couldn’t touch that. Which is sad to say, and I really hate to say it.

  Overall, the series is a great idea, and the first book makes it to the five star list. But the other two left me feeling so disjointed and disappointed that the series, overall, only gets three stars. That’s saying something.

  How did I even find this series?

  I admit, I saw it on Stephanie Meyer’s site. This was when Twilight was low-key and not as over-the-top as it is now. It was a good suggestion, and I am glad that I have read this series, I’m just disappointed with the last two.

  Anybody figure out what series this is?

  It’s The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins.

   On that note, here is the rest of the review, book by book.

  The Hunger Games

5 Stars

  This novel I was over the top impressed with. Great characters, a good pace, amazing story idea that is very haunting. Everything about this novel was lovely. I really liked the idea of the dystopian world. It’s changed my way of thinking, quite literally.

  What I thought was so great was the set up. Everything was well paced, the timing impeccable, and she knew how to get the readers on the edge of their seats.

  And while I wished the book was longer, just for more reading time, I feel that the novel was the right size for what Collins wanted to give us. Everything was nicely in it’s place, and she knew what she was doing.

  What I didn’t like in this novel was the ending. I was surprised to see such a cliff-hanger, but I took it in stride and immediately looked up when the next novel was coming out.

  Other than that, this book is highly enjoyable and I would recommend it.

Katniss is a sixteen year old girl living in a world of danger and foul-play. But it’s not from the foreboding woods and the people she lives with ; it’s the Capitol, a pro-apocalypse controlling government that has taken over the ruins of North America and turned it into a running, controlled Panem, where all is restricted.

But to get respect for what they have so graciously done, and to put down any rebellions like District 13, who has been blown to bits, The Capitol holds games. The Hunger Games.

Twenty four kids, two from each district are sent into a world-simulated area to kill each other. The rules are simple; be the last to survive. And that is Katniss’ plan.

In a novel raw with emotion and power, The Hunger Games is sure to please, and make you think about true government corruption.

Author: Suzanne Collins

Published: September 14th, 2008

Page Count: 384

ISBN: 0439023483    (isbn13: 978-0439023481)

Catching Fire

3 Stars

  This novel, I had to read and re-read about four times to finally even enjoy it.

  There is just something off about this novel, which I feel, is the beginning of the downfall of the series. It’s fast-paced, yes, but, too fast, where it feels like you don’t even have time to process what has just happened two pages ago. Things appear and disappear randomly. It feels disjointed and not properly planned out.

  The characters undergo some development, but I feel like there was not enough for this sequel.

  What I did like was the introduction of the threat of Snow. He was a major threat before, but in this her seems even more frightening. He’s not a nice guy, to be sure.

  What I also liked was that the Quarter Quell was involved. However, this one is a mixed case for me, because I feel like it was too set up, to ‘on-purpose’. It just annoyed me a little.

  Overall, disappointing for me, but alas, these things happen.

In the next book of the Hunger Games series, this novel goes through the ‘after-life’ of the two winners of the Hunger Games. However, winning is no longer just a luxurious home, food on the table, and money in your hand. The Capitol is not exactly pleased with how the last Games turned out, and they are determined to  let the two winners know.

In a fearful, fast paced sequel to the first novel, this is one novel that will answer some questions; and pose some more.

 

Author: Suzanne Collins

Published: September 1, 2009

Page Count: 400

ISBN: 0439023491   (isbn13:978-0439023498)

Mockingjay

2 1/2 Stars

  In the highly anticipated final novel to end The Hunger Games series, this novel is fast paced with unexpected twists and turns that are compelling. It wraps up the series and answers many of the questions posed after finishing the last novel. Who will Katniss end up with? What happened to everybody? What will the Capitol do?

  And that is probably the nicest thing I can say about this novel. Perhaps I’m just bitter about being disappointed again with this series, but I was actually angry with the novel. I spent how long waiting for it, and then how long reading it? I give up my time and money to read an author’s work. If they don’t give, then I believe I have a reason to be a little upset.

  Endless killing. Hopeless suspense. An ending that suddenly stops the blurring of action. What???

  The characters that had been so meticulously developed ending up meaning little to nothing because they change so much in this novel.

  Which brings to the the idea that this is a pure war novel. And that Katniss’ life and her feeling mean next to nothing in this. They could have killed her off for all I care, I was so upset.

  So. Here is the novel that I am extremely disappointed in. Collins, I am very upset with you, and expected so, so, SO much more from you. The story had such potential, everything had amazing potential and something that could be so useful, but I felt you threw it away. And thus, I am both saddened and angry.

  Overall, a major disappointment.

In the final book of the series, this novel is fast paced and desperate. With enough power to answer the remaining questions, and enough creativity to give new life to the characters, the last novel is a rocky and emotional ride.

Author: Suzanne Collins

Published: August 24, 2010

Page Count: 400

ISBN: 0439023513   (isbn13:978-0439023511)

So that is that. Hope that you had a better experience with these novels.