Blog

Book Review, clockwork angel

Book Review: Clockwork Angel

Kathryn Cooper

Title: Clockwork Angel
Author: Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Release Date: August 2010
Pages: 476
Series: The Infernal Devices #1
4 STARS: I Really Liked It
Magic is dangerous–but love is more dangerous still.

When sixteen-year old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London’s Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos.

Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What’s more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa’s power for his own.

Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institutte, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by–and torn between–two best friends: James, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm’s length…everyone, that is, but Tessa. As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world…and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.

My Thoughts:
This is a great book. Cassandra Clare writes so beautifully. I love the Victorian England time period. The customs and atmosphere sound so interesting.

I love the characters. Tessa, the main character, is someone to root for. From the very beginning her story pulled on my heart strings. I wanted to see her succeed. I liked that she seemed a bit naive and innocent. Of course I don’t want every character in every book to be naive and innocent, but I did enjoy that aspect of Tessa. She was also strong and smart, very smart. Her life had been difficult and instead of hating others and having a pity party she cared for others and wanted to help them. She seemed to love easily, not necessarily in a romantic sense.

Oh Jem and Will. These boys are great. Jem is easy to love and Will is easy to hate. No I’m kidding, I liked Will he just drove me, and Tessa, crazy sometimes. Jem is such a gentleman and is wise. Wise because of circumstances he has endured.

Charlotte, Henry, Sophie, and Jessamine are some other great characters. Cassandra’s characters, no matter main or side characters, they all have depth. These characters have their own flaws and strengths and hold their own secrets.

I’m looking forward to reading Clockwork Prince which comes out December 6th!

Happy Reading!

Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) for details
Sexual Content: mild ( kissing, talk of brothels, talk of prostitutes )
Language: mild ( 1 b****, I forgot to count but I think there were some d*** and h*** )
Violence: moderate ( fight scenes with blood and injuries )

Uncategorized

Happy Thanksgiving!

Kathryn Cooper

Happy Thanksgiving to all you wonderful blog readers out there. I’ve been MIA this week enjoying time with family. Hopefully I’ll find time to do an overdue book review between stuffing my face with turkey and pumpkin pie. Yummy yum and . . . yum. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Happy Holiday Reading!

Book Review, protostar

Book Review: ProtoStar

Kathryn Cooper




Title: ProtoStar
Author: Braxton A. Cosby
Publisher: Firefly Publisher and Entertainment
Release Date: September 25, 2011
Pages: 356
Series: The Star-Crossed Saga #1

From Goodreads.com:

On the brink of Civil War, the Torrian Alliance continues with its mission to obliterate Star-children across the universe in order to suppress an intergalactic evil. Following the recommendations of his Council, King Gregorio Derry has agreed to send his only son William, on a mission to restore honor to his family. What starts out routine, becomes a lot more complicated as an inopportune crash landing delays the assassination. During this time, William begins to form a ‘connection’ with Sydney that challenges his inner being. But this conflict is the least of his problems, as a conspiracy back on his home planet Fabricius threatens the lives of those he loves and his father’s royal legacy. Along with that, he must unravel a hidden threat here on Earth that seeks to secure a vested interest that threatens both his and Sydney’s safety. Will William be able to complete his mission or will he choose love, sacrificing everything he stands for?

My Thoughts:
This book has a great story line. It’s about a Prince named William from another galaxy who comes to earth to kill the Star-child Sydney. It’s not easy to start a romantic relationship with someone you were sent to kill. . . just saying.

I liked William even though he came across too stiff for me at times. His language was a bit too formal using words like “Madame”. I guess that wouldn’t have bothered me so much if the other characters would have acknowledge his ancient vocabulary use. Sydney was also likable with her optimism and naivety to what was happening.

For some reason I couldn’t completely loose myself in the story and connect with the characters. I found it confusing when the point of view would change from one character to the next in the middle of a paragraph. I like books where the point of view changes as long as each POV is at least a chapter long or at least between just two characters. The POV in Protostar was mostly between the two main characters, but sometimes it switched around between 6 or 7 other minor characters.

I wasn’t a huge fan of all the sci fi talk at the beginning which is just my preference. I also think the book paused too much during the first half to describe characters and other things. It made it drag for me. More use of “show don’t tell” would have kept the pace moving.

Overall, a good story line that shows promise for the series. I’m sure I’ll read the second book when it comes out.


*I received an eBook copy of Protostar from the author. Thank you!*

Content Ratings: highlight between the ( ) to see details
Sexual Content: mild/moderate ( kissing, an accidental view of a man’s naked bottom by a female of the same age, body feature descriptive words like breasts, thoughts )
Language: mild ( h***-1, God-a few times, Christ-1 )
Violence: mild ( some fight scenes and tense moments )

Happy Reading!

cinder, waiting on wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday: Cinder

Kathryn Cooper

“Waiting on Wednesday” is a weekly post, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating.

Cinder
by Marissa Meyer
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Release Date: January 3, 2012

Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . . 

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.

I love this cover! It’s so simple but really intriguing. Let’s just say that I love shoes! This book sounds like a really interesting retelling of the Cinderella story. I love a good retelling. I can’t wait to read it!

What’s your WoW this week?

in my mailbox

In My Mailbox (4)

Kathryn Cooper

In My Mailbox, hosted by The Story Siren, is a weekly post where bloggers list the books they received this week. The books can be from anywhere: publishers, authors, won in a giveaway, bought, borrowed from the library.

Click book image to link to Goodreads.com summary.

BOUGHT:

Crossed
by Ally Condie

Remembrance
by Michelle Madow

Slayers
by C.J. Hill

Waterfall
by Lisa T. Bergren
I’ve already read this series, and decided it’s my favorite! I just bought a copy so I can read it over and over again.

FOR REVIEW FROM AUTHORS/PUBLISHERS: (Thank you!)

Kevin’s Point of View
by Del Shannon

Nightingale
by David Farland

Noah Zarc: Mammoth Trouble
by D. Robert Pease

Spirits of Glory
by Emily Devenport

Scary School
by Derek the Ghost

* Thank you to Del Shannon, Jim at East India Press, D. Robert Pease, Emily Devenport, and Derek the Ghost for my review copies. *

Book Review, Flashback Friday, the frog princess

Flashback Friday: The Frog Princess

Kathryn Cooper

Flashback Friday is a weekly post where I review a book I love but haven’t read recently. I wanted a way to share books I read before starting my book blog. These reviews will not be as detailed as more recently read books fresh on my mind.

What book do you love but haven’t read recently? You can talk about the book or leave a link to your blog post about it in a comment. I look forward to reading where your Flashback takes us.


Title: The Frog Princess
Author: E.D. Baker
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Release Date: November 2002
Pages: 214
Series: Tales of the Frog Princess #1
4 STARS: I Really Liked It

From Goodreads.com:
Princess Emeralda a.ka. Emma isn’t exactly an ideal princess. Her laugh is more like a donkey’s bray than tinkling bells, she trips over her own feet and she does not like Prince Jorge, whom her mother hopes she will marry. But if Emma ever thought to escape her troubles, she never expected it to happen by turning into a frog! When convinced to kiss a frog so he might return to being a prince, somehow the spell is reversed and Emma turns into a frog herself! Thus begins their adventure–a quest to return to human form. 

My Thoughts:
I loved this book! I read it a few years ago so the details are a little fuzzy. The book was funny and exciting. I really didn’t know how it would all end!

Princess Emma and “the frog” are both so likable! I loved the characters which made me love the book. I know I’ve said this before, but I love a good princess book. I guess I was one of those little girls who always dreamed of becoming a princess so I could live in a castle and wear pretty dresses.  Now I just live that dream through books. 

Go read this book! You’ll love it.

Content Ratings: highlight between the ( ) for details
Sexual Content: mild ( some kissing )
Language: none
Violence: I can’t remember! I think it was very mild or none

Book Review, dragon kiss

Book Review: Dragon Kiss

Kathryn Cooper

Title: Dragon Kiss
Author: E.D. Baker
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children’s
Release Date: September 2009
Pages: 288
Series: Tales of the Frog Princess #6
3 Stars: I Liked It

Audun is a teenage ice dragon in love…with a human princess. Can he become human and win Millie’s heart?

Audun is on a quest to find Princess Millie, and to become human in order to win her heart. But The Dragon King has set out a number of tasks Audun must perform before he is permitted to even try to woo Millie…and each one is filled with E. D. Baker’s signature adventure and hilarity as this dragon-turned-human-turned dragon and back again battles sea witches and warlocks both familiar to readers of the series, and altogether new. A fantastic stand-alone fairy tale that brings new life to this wonderful series.

My Thoughts:
This is a fun young teen series. I really loved the first book The Frog Princess. I’ll have to feature it in my Flashback Friday post tomorrow.

Audun is a teenage boy dragon in love with a human princess who can turn into a dragon at will. Princess Millie’s story is told in book 5 now this is Audun’s adventure. Audun has to go on many quests and accomplish what the Dragon King and Court ask of him so the court will grant him his wish. He wants to learn how to turn human for Millie. Audun is honest, noble, and brave; he’s easy to like.

What I didn’t like was Audun traveling alone on his quests. The story lost my interest during his lonesome travels. I prefer the main character to at least have one ‘sidekick’ to keep the story moving and dialog flowing. A side character you can depend on and care for. That is just my preference. I wish Auden and Millie were together more since I love their relationship.

It was still a nice clean read that I think young teens would enjoy.

Content Ratings: highlight between ( ) to view details
Sexual Content:very mild ( a few short kisses )
Language: none
Violence: very mild ( not detailed fight/war scene )

review 1
Reviewed by Kathryn Cooper
Creator of Clean Teen Fiction

legend, waiting on wednesday

Waiting On Wednesday: Legend

Kathryn Cooper

“Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

Legend
by Marie Lu
Release Date is November 29, 2011

From Goodreads.com:
What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic’s wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic’s highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country’s most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.
 
From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths – until the day June’s brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family’s survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias’s death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.
 
Full of nonstop action, suspense, and romance, this novel is sure to move readers as much as it thrills.

I’ve already seen lots of great reviews for Legend by Marie Lu from bloggers who received an ARC. I’m looking forward to reading this book. It sounds very exciting, and like a book that will keep me in suspense on the edge of my seat.

Happy Reading!

Book Review, the amaranth enchantment

Book Review: The Amaranth Enchantment

Kathryn Cooper

Title: The Amaranth Enchantment
Author: Julie Berry
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Release Date: 2009
Pages: 306
Series: none
4 STARS: I Really Liked It
From Amazon: 
When a mysterious piece of jewelry and a strange visitor arrive in the jewelry shop where she works for her evil aunt, Lucinda’s course takes a surprising turn. With the help of the Amaranth Witch, a young (and harmless) con-artist, and a prince, Lucinda uncovers secrets about her own royal past. A strong seller in hardcover, this original fairytale marks an exciting debut from a lyrical new voice. Can one magical moment lead to happily ever after?

My Thoughts:
I liked this book. I’m not sure if it was the author’s intent but it reminded me of a Cinderella story at times. The orphan Lucinda is pushed around by a nasty and mean aunt. A helpful friend (I won’t say the name) reminds me of her own unique fairy godmother.

Lucinda’s story is easy to get caught up in. From the very beginning I felt for poor Lucinda and the rough life she lived. I wanted to keep reading so I could find out what happened to her. Will she find her own happily ever after and get away from her abusive aunt?

I wish there was more time spent on the side characters. I think Peter is hilarious and handsome, the Prince as well. I wanted to hear more of their stories. I love the pet goat she finds along her journey. He acts like a dog so Lucinda names him Dog. He is loyal and brave. A very funny and cute sidekick. Overall, a great clean entertaining read.


Content Review: highlight between ( ) to see details
Sexual Content: none
Language: none
Violence: mild ( abusive slaps with bruises, short struggle with a little blood )

Happy Reading!

inheritance, waiting on wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday: Inheritance

Kathryn Cooper

“Waiting On” Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

Inheritance
by Christopher Paolini
Inheritance #4
Release Date is November 8, 2011

From Goodreads.com:
Not so very long ago, Eragon—Shadeslayer, Dragon Rider—was nothing more than a poor farm boy, and his dragon, Saphira, only a blue stone in the forest. Now the fate of an entire civilization rests on their shoulders.

Long months of training and battle have brought victories and hope, but they have also brought heartbreaking loss. And still, the real battle lies ahead: they must confront Galbatorix. When they do, they will have to be strong enough to defeat him. And if they cannot, no one can. There will be no second chances.

The Rider and his dragon have come further than anyone dared to hope. But can they topple the evil king and restore justice to Alagaësia? And if so, at what cost?

This is the much-anticipated, astonishing conclusion to the worldwide bestselling Inheritance cycle.

We have waited a long time for this final book! I’m looking forward to seeing how everything ends.

What are you waiting on?