Category: Book Review

Book Review, the maze runner

Book Review: The Maze Runner

Kathryn Cooper

Title: The Maze Runner
Author: James Dashner
Publisher: Delacorte Press Books
Release Date: September 2009
Pages: 379
Series: The Maze Runner #1
4 STARS: I Really Liked It

From Goodreads.com:
When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his first name. His memory is blank. But he’s not alone. When the lift’s doors open, Thomas finds himself surrounded by kids who welcome him to the Glade—a large, open expanse surrounded by stone walls.

Just like Thomas, the Gladers don’t know why or how they got to the Glade. All they know is that every morning the stone doors to the maze that surrounds them have opened. Every night they’ve closed tight. And every 30 days a new boy has been delivered in the lift.

Thomas was expected. But the next day, a girl is sent up—the first girl to ever arrive in the Glade. And more surprising yet is the message she delivers.

Thomas might be more important than he could ever guess. If only he could unlock the dark secrets buried within his mind.

My Thoughts:
My husband recommended this book to me. It’s so great to have a hubby who loves to read young adult fiction like me!

Thomas is just a likeable 16-year-old guy. He has no memories of his life or people he knew which made me feel for him and cheer him on from the beginning.  The mystery of the “glade” and why all these boys are there with their memories taken away kept me reading. I liked the action and mystery. I think I’ll enjoy the next book even better with more answers.

I especially recommend this book for teenage boys since all but one of the characters are teenage boys. There is some violence. It’s still a great read for girls and adults though!

Happy Reading!

Book Review, Flashback Friday, just one wish

Flashback Friday- Just One Wish

Kathryn Cooper

Flashback Friday is a weekly posting event, hosted by me, that gives book bloggers an opportunity to review a book they love but haven’t read in awhile. These reviews probably won’t be as detailed as more recently read books fresh on our minds.

Post your own Flashback Friday book review then add your URL to the linky at the bottom of this post. I look forward to reading where your Flashback leads us.

Title: Just One Wish
Author: Janette Rallison
Publisher: G. P. Putnam’s Sons
Release Date: March 2009
Pages: 264
Series: none
4 STARS: I Really Liked It

From Goodreads.com:
Seventeen-year-old Annika Truman knows about the power of positive thinking. With a little brother who has cancer, it’s all she ever hears about. And in order to help Jeremy, she will go to the ends of the earth (or at least as far as Hollywood) to help him believe he can survive his upcoming surgery.

But Annika’s plan to convince Jeremy that a magic genie will grant him any wish throws her a curveball when he unexpectedly wishes that his television idol would visit him. Annika suddenly finds herself in the desperate predicament of getting access to a hunky star actor and convincing him to come home with her. Piece of cake, right?

Janette Rallison’s proven talent for laugh-out-loud humor, teen romance, and deep-hearted storytelling shines in a novel that will have readers laughing and crying at the same time.

My Thoughts:
Oh such a fun read. It’s difficult not to tear up a little during the read though. A six-year-old has cancer! That fact is truly sad and will pull on your heart strings, but, true to the writing of Janette Rallison, there are lots of light and funny scenes as well.

I love how Annika has to try to meet a mega tv star, Steve Raleigh, and convince him to visit her sick brother. What teenage girl wouldn’t love to meet a gorgeous teenage tv star? Lots of laughs!

Favorite Line:
“The problem with internet directions is that they’re not always clear. That is the only reason it took us half an hour to get to the store and not, as Madison claimed, because I drive too fast, pass by streets, and then recklessly make U-turns in the middle of four lanes of traffic.”

Happy Reading!

Book Review, cascade

Book Review: Cascade

Kathryn Cooper

IF YOU HAVEN’T READ THE 1ST BOOK IN THIS SERIES DO NOT READ THIS REVIEW! It might giveaway who lives or dies and who gets together or doesn’t in the 1st book. You’ve been warned. =) Read my review of Waterfall, book 1 in the River of Time series.

Title: Cascade
Author: Lisa T. Bergren
Publisher: David C. Cook
Release Date: June 2011
Pages: 399
Series: River of Time #2
5 STARS: I LOVED IT!!!

From Goodreads.com:
 Mom touched my underdress—a gown made six hundred years before—and her eyes widened as she rubbed the raw silk between thumb and forefinger. She turned and touched Lia’s gown. “Where did you get these clothes?”
Gabi knows she’s left her heart in the fourteenth century and she persuades Lia to help her to return, even though they know doing so will risk their very lives. When they arrive, weeks have passed and all of Siena longs to celebrate the heroines who turned the tide in the battle against Florence—while the Florentines will go to great lengths to see them dead.
But Marcello patiently awaits, and Gabi must decide if she’s willing to leave her family behind for good in order to give her heart to him forever.

My Thoughts:
I just love this series. I can’t wait until I read the 3rd book. I love these characters. I feel like I am Gabriella when I’m reading the books. I, of course, wouldn’t be as crazy brave as her. I would definitely defend myself, but I don’t think I’d go looking for danger as much as she seems to do.

I can’t remember if I said this in my review of the first book, Waterfall, but I think Luca is my favorite character. I wish I could read a book that follows him around. He’s so funny and light-hearted.

I don’t know what else to say without spoiling the read for you. This book has action and violence. It’s Medieval Times; people get stabbed and killed or shot with arrows. It also has, as my husband said after reading Waterfall, lovey-dovey stuff.


Favorite Line:
This is the scene where Gabi and Marcello are reunited on pages 31-32.

“Marcello wheeled his horse around and studied the length of the river. At last, his eyes met mine. He was in motion so fast, dismounting, running, it made my heart skip a beat. Luca reached for his reins, frowning, looking toward us, wondering what had drawn his master’s attention.
But Marcello’s eyes were only on me.
I let out a low cry and ran toward him, too, ignoring the puddles of water that I trudged through to meet him in the middle of the riverbed.
He reached me at last and swept me into his arms, kissing my cheeks, my eyes, my hair. ‘Gabriella, Gabriella,’ He moaned. He pulled back and stared at me, as if he thought I was a ghost. ‘You returned,’ he said softly, cradling my cheeks in his hands. ‘You returned,’ he repeated in a whisper.
‘Yes,’ I said, grinning.”

Oh tear . . . that is such a sweet scene.

Happy Reading!

Book Review, emily and the scot, Flashback Friday

Flashback Friday: Emily and the Scot

Kathryn Cooper

Flashback Friday is a weekly post where I review a book I love but haven’t read recently.

Title: Emily and the Scot
Author: Kathryn Smith
Publisher: Harper Teen
Release Date: November 2002
Pages: 273
Series: An Avon True Romance
5 STARS: I LOVED IT!!!

From Goodreads.com:
Emily
At eighteen, Lady Emily Fitzgerald has seen her fair share of scandal. So when this Season’s prime catch proposes to her on a wager, she makes a decision. Rather than face the whispers and stares of London society yet again, she picks up and departs for Scotland, full of romantic images evoked by poetry and her own imagination.

The Scot
Cousin to the laird, Jamie MacLaughlin is nonetheless a simple man, content with the honest pursuit of living in the bonny wilds of the Scottish Highlands. A simple man he may be, but one with deep emotions and a quick temper. So when an impertinent English lass crosses his path, it’s no surprise that the two engage in sparring matches with words as their weapons.

First there’s a misunderstanding over an item of luggage. Then there’s an indecent swimming incident, followed by a muddy pigsty mishap. But what finally threatens to undo them both is a sudden—and unexpectedly delicious—kiss.

My Thoughts:
This is a book I can read over and over again. Emily and Jamie get off on the wrong foot after a misunderstanding. All they can do is argue and fight, but you can see their interest for each other building. I love how the story is told from both Jamie and Emily’s perspectives. Just when you’re wondering what the other person is thinking it changes to their point of view.

If you want to read a wonderfully romantic (and ‘clean’) book set in beautiful Scotland pick this one up. You won’t be disappointed.

Favorite Line:
     “Determined to stop staring at his chest, Emily raised her gaze.
     This was too much. He was just a man, for heaven’s sake! She’d met young men who were handsomer, richer–and certainly better dressed–in London. There was no reason for her strange reaction to this one. He was gruff and mocking and rude and completely unlikable.
     Her gaze locked with his. Those startling eyes of his had the crystal clarity of an aquamarine, and they bore into hers as though daring her to judge him, to condemn him. It occurred to Emily then that she unsettled him just as much as he unsettled her.
     The realization pleased her more than was proper.”

Happy Reading!

Book Review, waterfall

Waterfall: Read-A-Thon book #1

Kathryn Cooper

Ok so I’ve finished my first book of the read-a-thon hosted by Katie’s Book Blog. Maybe I can read 1 book a day and reach my goal of 3 books read this weekend.

Title: Waterfall
Author: Lisa T. Bergren
Publisher: David C. Cook
Release Date: February 2011
Pages: 352
Series: River of Time
5 STARS: I LOVED IT!!!


From Goodreads.com:
In Waterfall, American teenager Gabi Betarrini accidently finds herself in Fourteenth-Century Italy . . . Knights. Swords. Horses. Armor. And Italian hotties. Most American teens want an Italian vacation, but the Betarrini sisters have spent every summer of their lives there with their archaeologist parents. Stuck on yet another hot, dusty dig, they are bored out of their minds… until they place their hands atop handprints in an ancient tomb and find themselves catapulted into the Fourteenth Century and in the middle of a fierce battle between knights bent on killing one another.

My Thoughts:
Oh wow I’m in love with this book! I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book in the series. Waterfall has everything I could hope for in a book. A beautiful (and clean!) romance back in the 1300s! Where the main man is chivalrous and honorable. The pretty dresses and castles are great too.


Gabriella and her sister Lia happen to find a portal in time that takes them from present day to the 14th century. Gabi crawls from the cave to shocked looks from knights in battle staring at her wearing skinny jeans, a cami, and small cardigan. Definitely scandalously dressed! This book made me laugh out loud. I loved how Gabi’s thoughts sounded like a regular teenager amidst her speaking in the old fashioned way.

This is definitely not just a love story. It has many tense moments and great battles. With the battles happening there is some violence and killing going on. I love a great action book with romance on the side. Perfect!!

Favorite Line:
“I wasn’t one of those pretty criers, the type that gets a little pink in the cheeks, and their eyes all wide and bright. No, I got the swelling, bloodshot eyes, the dripping nose that made me a candidate for the Nyquil commercial. That was me. Puurty.“

Happy Reading!

Book Review, entwined

Book Review: Entwined

Kathryn Cooper

Title: Entwined
Author: Heather Dixon
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Release Date: March 2011
Pages: 472
Series: none

From Goodreads.com:
Azalea is trapped. Just when she should feel that everything is before her . . . beautiful gowns, dashing suitors, balls filled with dancing . . . it’s taken away. All of it.
The Keeper understands. He’s trapped, too, held for centuries within the walls of the palace. And so he extends an invitation. 
Every night, Azalea and her eleven sisters may step through the enchanted passage in their room to dance in his silver forest. 
But there is a cost.
The Keeper likes to keep things.
Azalea may not realize how tangled she is in his web until it is too late.

My Thoughts:
A wonderfully clean read. Maybe it was just really nice and refreshing to read after reading 2 zombie books.

This is the story of Azalea, the oldest of 12 princesses. It was new to have the royal family be poor. They lived in the castle but had to have porridge for breakfast every morning and pass down too big of clothes/shoes to the younger sisters. I felt more sorry for the princesses when they were poor than when they were rich in other versions of this story.

My favorite sister by far is Bramble! The sisters are named in alphabetical order from Azalea to Lily so Bramble is the 2nd daughter. She is so funny! I love how she really has no filter. Whatever she’s thinking she’s going to say and do.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It wasn’t the type of book where I couldn’t put it down and had to read it late into the night, but it’s a nice change to be able to put a book down when I need to do other things. I highly recommend reading it. There of course are a few romances blooming which always makes a book better for me!

Favorite Lines:
Funny Bramble sayings (there are lots more!):

“All ten of them crowded about together on the floor, hidden, pressed between the trees and the wall.
‘looks . . . comfortable,’ said Azalea.
‘It’s not so bad now that we can’t feel our legs.’ Bramble grinned, her thin lips turning up into a wry smile.”

“‘Oh . . . stuff if, Delphinium,’ said Bramble.”

Talking to her father the king-
“‘Down with tyranny!’ Bramble cried. ‘Aristocracy! Autocracy! Monocracy! Other ocracy things! You are outnumbered, sir! Surrender!‘”

Happy Reading!

Book Review, the dead-tossed waves

Book Review: The Dead-Tossed Waves

Kathryn Cooper

Title: The Dead-Tossed Waves
Author: Carrie Ryan
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Release Date: March 2010
Pages: 407
Series: The Forest of Hands and Teeth #2
4 STARS: I Really Liked It

From Goodreads.com:
Gabry lives a quiet life. As safe a life as is possible in a town trapped between a forest and the ocean, in a world teeming with the dead, who constantly hunger for those still living. She’s content on her side of the Barrier, happy to let her friends dream of the Dark City up the coast while she watches from the top of her lighthouse. But there are threats the Barrier cannot hold back. Threats like the secrets Gabry’s mother thought she left behind when she escaped from the Sisterhood and the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Like the cult of religious zealots who worship the dead. Like the stranger from the forest who seems to know Gabry. And suddenly, everything is changing. One reckless moment, and half of Gabry’s generation is dead, the other half imprisoned. Now Gabry only knows one thing: she must face the forest of her mother’s past in order to save herself and the one she loves.

WARNING: NOT FOR YOUNG TEENS DUE TO VIOLENCE

My Thoughts:
OH. MY. HECK. This book is horrifying, thrilling, romantic, a major page turner. This is NOT the type of book I would normally pick up. I read the first book of the series, The Forest of Hands and Teeth, for a library book club. I had no idea what it would be about, but I was hooked once I started.

I can’t remember how the infection started (I think it’s explained in book 1), but basically if a person is infected they die and ‘return’ with no memory of who they are. All they do is exist to infect others. Entire cities died, but those that survived built walls and fences around their cities to keep the ‘mudo’ out so no one could be bitten and then turned into another mudo. It’s truly horrifying if you really picture it during the fighting and running scenes. I mostly just concentrate on the main characters surviving instead of the Mudo which are basically zombies.

I love how Gabrielle changes and grows through the story. It is wonderful to see her come to understand herself better. I love the romance. Will she choose Catcher or Elias? Which boy is better for her? These books never end how I’d like! Not enough closure mostly.

For you parents that read this blog for your kids’ book recommendations, I do not recommend this book for teens under 15.  There are dead people killing other people who then turn into a dead killing machine for crying out loud!! It’s terrifying! But for some reason I just can’t stop reading. There’s no bad language or sexual content, just kissing.

Happy Reading!

Book Review, fairy bad day

Book Review: Fairy Bad Day

Kathryn Cooper

Title: Fairy Bad Day
Author: Amanda Ashby
Publisher: Speak
Release Date: June 2011
Pages: 336
3 STARS: I Liked It

From Goodreads.com:
While most students at Burtonwood Academy get to kill demons and goblins, fifteen-year-old Emma gets to rid the world of little annoying fairies with glittery wings and a hipster fashion sense. She was destined to be a dragon slayer, but cute and charming Curtis stole her spot. Then she sees a giant killer fairy – and it’s invisible to everyone but her! If Emma has any chance of stopping this evil fairy, she’s going to need help. Unfortunately, the only person who can help is Curtis. And now, not only has he stolen her dragon-slayer spot, but maybe her heart as well! Why does she think it’s going to be a fairy bad day?

My Thoughts:
All Emma has ever wanted to be, her goal in life, is a dragon-slayer like her legendary mom. Emma is still dealing with the death of her mom from 5 years ago. She also has to try to cope with her emotions at seeing her dad remarry. Emma’s step mom is sweet and happy and very pregnant.

I was very frustrated through most of this book because I thought it was so obvious what was going to happen! I thought I had all the answers… turns out I was wrong. I was actually surprised with some of the ending answers. It was still an enjoyable and light read.

Emma has 2 best friends, horoscope reading Loni and betting man Tyler. Tyler always has a bet going about something happening at their ‘slayer-training’ school while Loni religiously keeps up with horoscopes. Tyler and Loni are supportive friends and uniquely entertaining.

Curtis Green comes along and gets the dragon slayer designation Emma dreamed of and just knew she would get. To say Emma is angry and disappointed would be a major understatement. Can Emma learn to embrace her designation as fairy slayer?

Favorite Line:
“‘Yes, it’s called a Y chromosome,’ Loni retorted. ‘Guys aren’t supposed to be like girls because otherwise they would take up too much room at the mall and steal our makeup…'”

Happy Reading!

Book Review, supernaturally

Book Review: Supernaturally

Kathryn Cooper
Title: Supernaturally
Author: Kiersten White
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: July 2011
Pages: 336
Series: Paranormalcy #2
4 STARS: I Really Liked It

From Goodreads.com:
Evie finally has the normal life she’s always longed for. But she’s shocked to discover that being ordinary can be . . . kind of boring. Just when Evie starts to long for her days at the International Paranormal Containment Agency, she’s given a chance to work for them again. Desperate for a break from all the normalcy, she agrees.

But as one disastrous mission leads to another, Evie starts to wonder if she made the right choice. And when Evie’s faerie ex-boyfriend Reth appears with devastating revelations about her past, she discovers that there’s a battle brewing between the faerie courts that could throw the whole supernatural world into chaos. The prize in question? Evie herself.

So much for normal.

My Thoughts:
This was my first book to buy the Kindle Version and read it on my IPod Touch I got last week. I thought it would be weird not having a book to hold, but I actually loved it. The highlighting option is fun when keeping track of my favorite quotes (so many in this book!). I still like books to hold and easily flip through the pages, but I could definitely get used to this ebook thing. 

The 2nd installment in this Parnormalcy series (I think it’ll be a trilogy) did not disappoint. Evie is so funny. I love her flirty fun relationship with Lend. Evie got her normal life she so desperately wished for in the first book. She’s going to high school which she discovers is actually kind of boring, especially with Lend in college. I wish Lend could still be in high school still with her, but then she wouldn’t be able to discover so much about herself on her own.

Evie is the main character. She’s an almost 17 year old senior applying to colleges. She wants to go to Georgetown to be with Lend. Lend is the paranormal shape shifting hottie she met in the first book. Reth is her ex-boyfriend faerie who is a bit on the manipulative side. Is that an understatement? Arianna is her vampire roommate. She keeps things in perspective. Then there’s the new guy Jack who’s actually a human. He’s crazy, hyper, and hard to get real answers from.  Oh and Raquel, I love her multitude of sighs that Evie translates.

Favorite Line:
“I sighed, pulling out my gym clothes. What school chooses yellow and brown for their colors? Gross. Just, gross.”

And another because I could highlight lots and couldn’t choose.

“He stepped forward into the light, white eyes gleaming dully beneath his glamour and fangs bared in a pleasant smile. Yup, exactly where I needed to be. Bring it on, dead guy.”

Buy it!
Book Review, divergent

Book Review: Divergent

Kathryn Cooper

Title: Divergent
Author: Veronica Roth
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Release Date: May 2011
Pages: 487
Series: Divergent #1
5 STARS: I LOVED IT!!!

From Goodreads.com:
In Beatrice Prior’s dystopian Chicago world, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can’t have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles alongside her fellow initiates to live out the choice they have made. Together they must undergo extreme physical tests of endurance and intense psychological simulations, some with devastating consequences. As initiation transforms them all, Tris must determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes exasperating boy fits into the life she’s chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she’s kept hidden from everyone because she’s been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers unrest and growing conflict that threaten to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her.

Debut author Veronica Roth bursts onto the YA scene with the first book in the Divergent series—dystopian thrillers filled with electrifying decisions, heartbreaking betrayals, stunning consequences, and unexpected romance

My Thoughts:
Wow, wow, and wow! Loved this book! This book is a great action/romance which is my very favorite. I read this on the last day of our 3 day drive home from Cali. Thank you to my wonderful husband who doesn’t mind driving 10 of the 11 hour drive. After we got home I put the kids to bed and finished this book at 1am.

I love these characters. The main character is Beatrice later called Tris. She is so brave and strong. I would have definitely wimped out during the initiation she went through. It breaks my heart when she has to decide between staying with her family or choosing a faction that she thinks will allow her more freedom. Will and Christina are fun and light-hearted. Four is an intimidating instructor, but there’s definitely more to him than meets the eye.

I do NOT recommend this book for young readers because of the violence. The action reminds me of Hunger Games (FYI- I loved Hunger Games).

Favorite Line:
“We walk together to the kitchen. On these mornings when my brother makes breakfast, and my father’s hand skims my hair as he reads the newspaper, and my mother hums as she clears the table–it is on these mornings that I feel guiltiest for wanting to leave them.”

Happy Reading!