Book Review: Chosen by Ted Dekker

Title: Chosen
Author: Ted Dekker
Series: The Lost Books (Book #1)
Pages: 260
Publisher: Thomas Nelson Inc.
Year Published: 2007

"Think with your heart and prepare to die... for you have been chose."
"Thomas Hunter, supreeme commander of the Forest Guard, has seen a great evil decimate much of his beautiful world .
Witha  dwindling army and an epic threat, Thoams is forced to supplement his fighters  with new recruits aged 16 and 17. From thousands, four will be chosen to lead a special mission.
Unknown to Thomas, the chosen four are redirected to a different endgame. They must find the seven lost Books of History before the Dark One. For these seven books have immense power over the past, present and future, controlling not only the destiny of their world... but that of ours as well."

My Rating: 8/10

I have heard a lot of good things about Ted Dekker, the author of this book. For the most part I wasn't let down. Dekker has created a new world which is well thought through and imagined. I can only imagine how much work he put into it. From the setting to the characters and creatures that inhabit these places, Dekker's is fun and easy to follow. I didn't enjoy how long it took before I understood the story, but maybe if I had read some other books that relate to this story it might have clicked. If I have time this upcoming summer, I plan on continuing to read these amazing books.
THANK YOU TED DEKKER FOR GOOD AND EVIL IN A SURPSING FORM.

Smile :D

Love,
Sidny ♥♫♪

Book Review: Tilt by Alan Cumyn

Title: Tilt

Author: Alan Cumyn

Pages: 269

Publisher: Groundwood Books

Year Published: 2011

“A funny, sexy novel about a teenaged boy’s obsessions as he lives through an impossibly absurd time of life.”

“Finally they found Feldon semi-snoring in the kitchen cupboard… His chin leaned against the edge of a pot and Stan tried to extricate him gently, but he was not moving.

‘Do you think he can just stay in there?’ Janine asked. They were both on their knees looking in the cupboard. Her mouth was so close to his that he had to pull back to miss it.

Her hand was on his thigh. For balance.

‘Can’t be very comfortable,’ he said. If she pushed slightly she could knock him flat on his back.

‘I’d love to see your room,’ she whispered.”

My Rating: 8/10

This book is really unusual. It doesn’t have a set purpose other than to show how one boy’s life is, but that is purpose enough. I enjoyed this book because it was light and fun to read. I loved the way that the main character related so many things to his passion, basketball. I think all of us do this with something we are passionate about. In my case, books.

At times, the novel is difficult to follow. The author uses a different thought process for the main character that at time makes scenarios difficult to follow. It’s hard to decipher what is a dream to Stan and what is reality. For the most part, this book is enjoyable.

THANK YOU ALAN CUMYN FOR LETTING ME INTO THE MALE MIND!

Thanks for reading,

Love,

Sidny ♥♪♫

Book Review: The Kiln by Jennifer Armstrong & Nancy Butcher

Title: The Kiln
Authors: Jennifer Armstrong & Nancy Butcher
Series: Fire-us
Pages: 244
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Inc.
Year Published: 2003

"Five years ago, a deadly plague killed off most of the world's population- at least all the Grown-ups. Only a small group of children survived. So they formed a family and managed on their own. Then they came across some adults who had survived- the Keepers. But no adults were beter than these adults.
In this riveting conclusion to the Fire-us trilogy, the family is once again on its own- with a mission. They must find out why their world was destroyed and who did it. They must head straight into danger- to Pisgah, the heart of the Keepers' power."

My Rating: 8/10

I really enjoyed the ending to this series. The second book built it up so much that I think maybe the authors had trouble keeping up with the momentum. I imagined this book to be a lot different than it was but I still found the plot interesting, how all the books finally tied together into one main idea and theme. The older characters became more developed, and so I felt as a reader I was truly getting to know them. The reason this book didn't make a ten was because of the fact that I saw most of the twists and turns coming although the very end caught me by suprise. I love the ideas that the authors use!
THANK YOU JENNIFER ARMSTRONG & NANCY BUTCHER FOR AN AMZING "WHAT-IF" SERIES!

Love,
Sidny ♥♪♫

Book Review: Revenge of the Wannabes by Lisi Harrison

 Title: Revenge of the Wannabes

Author: Lisi Harrison

Series: The Clique

Pages: 194

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company

Year Published: 2005

 

“Pres Thanksgiving. Weeks before Christmas. Alicia and Olivia are on their way to Manhattan so the Teen People editors can do a story on them about winning the Octavian Country Day uniform design contest. When Massie finally processes that the girls who hijacked her victory are also modeling for Teen People, she is livid. It should have been her. 'Ehmagod, what will everyone think when they find out it wasn't me who was asked to model? I will be SO over.' Massie decides it's time to get revenge. This snake can not lay idle in the weeds for one more second. Kristen and Dylan throw out terrible 'revenge' suggestions and Massie vetoes them all. She will think of something! But first she has to go home and exfoliate. The social minefields of Westchester County's most privileged middle school girls drive the page-turning action of this addictive series, set in New York City's most elite suburban county. The Clique . . . the only thing harder than getting in is staying in.” –www.goodreads.com

 

My Rating: 8/10

 

I want to say this now that this is the last Clique book I’ll be reviewing. Not that I don’t like them anymore, just that it’s only fair for readers not to have to read 6 books to understand one book review/spoiler. Don’t worry, still my guilty pleasure. I really liked this book because the author let us see into yet another characters life. We can see how Alicia thinks. I didn’t like that many parts were left out of this book. Some details were skimmed over, which makes a reader (or me) feel like I have to guess what’s going on. All and all this series is an amazing guilty pleasure. One that makes me laugh at how back in middle school these were the “BIG” problems. It’s hilarious.

 

THANK YOU LISI HARRISON FOR MAKING KIDS REALIZE THAT YOU HAVE TO SEE EVERYONE’S POINT OF VIEW!

 

Thanks for reading,

Love,

Sidny ♪♫

Book Review: Mercy, Unbound by Kim Antieau

 Title: Mercy, Unbound
Author: Kim Antieau
Pages: 165
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Year Published: 2006

"Mercy O'Conner is becoming an angel.
She can feel her wings sprouting from her shoulder blades. They itch. Sometimes she even hears them rustling.
And angels don't need to eat. So Mercy has decided she doesn't need to either. She is not sick, doesn't suffer from anorexia, is not trying to kill herself. She is an angel, and angels simply don't need food.
When her parents send her to an eating disorder clinic, Mercy is scared and confused. She isn't like the other girls who are so obviously sick. If people could just see her wings, they would know. But her wings don't come and Mercy begins to have doubts. What if she isn't really an angel? What if she's just a girl? What if she's killing herself? Can she stop?"

My Rating: 8/10

This book is very interesting and follows a different line then I thought it would. I imagined the book to be a lot more fictional, but it stuck to a line about eating disorders. Eating disorders proved to be the main theme. I didn't overly enjoy it, I found it hard to follow and at the end I wasn't sure what really happened. I just felt out of it, but I could connect with the eating disorders. It's a very important story that I haven't really read about before. Eating disorders effects so many young lives, of both girls and boys of all ages. I think that it's caused by the media personally and other aspects of a persons life. I think that Kim Antieau was very brave to take on such a realistic topic, while combining an angel into it. And for that, this book earns a 8/10.
THANK YOU KIM ANTIEAU FOR BEING BRAVE ENOUGH TO TACKLE SUCH A HUGE MATTER!

Love,
Sidny ♥♪♫

Book Review: The Bone Cage by Angie Abdou

 Title: The Bone Cage
Author: Angie Abdou
Pages: 233
Publisher: NeWest Press
Year Published: 2007
"Digger, an 85-kilo wrestler, and Sadie, a 26-year-old speed swimmer, stand on the verge of realizing every athlete's dream- winning a gold medal at thw olympics. Both athletes are nearing the end of their careers, and are forced to confront the question: what happens to athletes when their bodies are too worn to compete? The blossoming relationship between Digger and Sadie is tested in the intense month leading up to the Olympics, which, as both of them are painfully aware, will  be the realization or the end of a life's dream."

My Rating: 8/10

I thought this would be a good book to read after these past summer Olympics in London. I found this novel to be very insightful, not only into the physical toll of sports but also the emotional. Many times we don't realize what athletes go through just to be able to compete in Olympics, the training is more intense than I ever could imagine. As i am not an athlete, I had trouble understanding the "Olympic Dream." I realize now that the Olympics are the highlight of any sport and if you don't make it there, you won't really make it anywhere, unless you are a hockey player in North America (NHL anyone?). Living in the country where this book takes place helped immensly and it was great to read something from a fellow Canadian.
THANK YOU ANGIE ABDOU FOR A VIEW INSIDE ATHLETES'  WORLDS AND MINDS!

Have a good day/night/afternoon/weekend etc.
Love,
Sidny ♥♪♫

Book Review: The Dangerous Days of Daniel X by James Patterson & Michael Ledwidge

 Title: The Dangerous Days of Daniel X
Author(s): James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge
Pages: 220
Publisher: Vision an imprint of Grand Central Publishing
Year Published: 2008

"Daniel X was born with the world's most extraordinary power: the power to create. With his secret ability, he can conjure anything and everything, from the animate objects to living, breathing people. This talent has helped him survive-- but couldn't save his parents from being brutally murdered. Discovering a strange list of names, Daniel vows to complete his father's mysterious mission and hunt down his family's assassin. Now, on his own, he must uncover the dark truth behind an apocalyptic struggle that will determine the fate of all mankind. But hot on his trail is a cunning killer-- one who knows exactly what Daniel X can do."

My Rating: 8/10

This is the second book I've read by James Patterson. I really enjoyed the first one I read by him and thought that I would rate this a ten for sure, but I couldn't seem to get stuck in the story. I enjoyed that the story was based on something we have no idea if it's true or not. It gives me the chills that I'm not sure what's really out there. James Patterson is amazing at working with the unknown. He makes things believable but friendly in a way as well. The humor in the story lightens it so the book isn't filled a dragging depression. Thank goodness. I was drawn in to the super powers thing, but it wasn't quite as I expected...
THANK YOU JAMES PATTERSON AND MICHAEL LEDWIDGE FOR MAKING THE UNKNOWN BELIEVABLE!

 

Next to read is Next Summer by Hailey AbbottLove,
Sidny♥♪♫

Book Review: Ask Me No Questions by Marina Budhos

Title: Ask Me No Questions
Author: Marina Budhos
Pages: 162
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Year Published: 2006

"Since emigrating from Bangladesh, fourteen-year-old Nadira and her family have been living in New York City on expired visas, hoping to realize their dream of becoming legal U.S. citizens. But after 9/11, everything changes. Suddenly being Muslim means you are dangerous- a suspected terrorist.
When Nadira's father is arrested and detained at the U.S.- Canadian border, Nadira and her older sister, Aisha, are told to carry on as if everything is the same. The teachers at Flushing High don't ask any questions, but Aisha falls apart. nothing matters to her anymore- not even college.
It's up to Nadira to be the strong one and bring her family back together again."


My Rating: 8/ 10


I didn't really know much about the illegal immigrants in the USA. This story really opened my eyes to reasons people come to North America and what life is like for them where they live. I enjoyed many aspects of this book, but mainly the story behind the novel. The fact that this has happened for so many years to innocent people is down right depressing. Although after a terrorist attack, people have the right to be upset and scared, you can not simply be stereotypical. Saying all Muslims are terrorists is like saying all Canadians are Inuit, it's simply not true but a round about way of looking at things. I sincerely hope that you have the time to read this book. Thank you Marina Budhos for opening peoples eyes!


Love,
Sidny♥♪♫

Book Review: Tenth Grade Bleeds by Heather Brewer

Title: Tenth Grade Bleeds
Author: Heather Brewer
Pages: 292
Publisher: Speak, an imprint of Penguin Group
Year Published: 2009

"It’s another sucky year at Bathory High for Vladimir Tod. The evil vampire D’Ablo is hunting for the ritual that could steal Vlad’s powers. His best friend Henry doesn’t want to be his drudge anymore. And as if all that weren’t enough, it’s getting harder for Vlad to resist feeding on the people around him. When months go by with no word from Uncle Otis and D’Ablo shows up demanding Vlad’s father’s journal, Vlad realizes that having a normal high school year is the least of his concerns. Vlad needs to act fast, and even his status as the Pravus won’t save him this time . . ." - Amazon

 

My Rating: 8/10

 

This series is only getting more and more intense. In this installment Vlad is in his second year of high school and dating the girl of his dreams. It shows a different side off Vlad, the side that is totally in love with Meredith, but thankfully not to mushy. 
This book is also less dramatic with suspense. I had to deduct the 2 marks off my rating for that one. When I guess what is going on 1/4 of the way through a book, it's kind of a good way to tick me off (pet peeve). Fortunately, the good sense of humor continues!!!!! I do enjoy a good laugh and with The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod, it's not hard to find one.
THANK YOU HEATHER BREWER FOR NOT GOING MUSHY ON US EVEN THOUGH VLAD FELL IN LOVE!   

 

Love,
Sidny ♥♪♫ 

Book Review: The Compound by S.A Bodeen

Title: The Compound
Author: S.A Bodeen
Pages: 245

"Eli and his family have lived in the
Compound for six years.
The world they knew is gone.
Eli's father built the Compound to keep them
safe. Now, they can't get out.
He won't let them."

My Rating: 8/10

I found this book captivating. I had a hard time putting it down, but it sure made me think. About the future that is. If the world was to "end" or there be a huge disaster would I want to be part of the only family left? Or would I rather die with the rest? I loved the way that Bodeen actually made you feel like you were there with Eli and his family as he went through this drama. I also enjoyed the use of suspense. I had a hard time stopping at the end of the chapter. Unfotunately, I found that the ending was very predictable. I knew the author wouldn't have them die... all and all I enjoyed this book.
THANK YOU S A BODEEN FOR SHOWING THOSE WE TRUST THE MOST MIGHT BE THE ONES TO TRUST THE LEAST.

Love,
Sidny♥♪♫

Book Review: The Big Burn by Jeanette Ingold

Title: The Big Burn
Author: Jeanette Ingold
Pages: 285

"Beware the fire you can't fit..."
"Jarrett is sixteen- old enough to reject the job his father wants him to take, old enough to court Lizbeth Whitcomb, old enough to join his new friend Seth in the fight against the hundreds of forest first destroying Idaho and Montana.
But the fires are worse than anyone imagined, and the exhausted firefighters are powerless against the advancing flames. When these fires join, they become one vast inferno that threatens everything- and everyone- Jarrett holds dear."

MY RATING: 8/10

I really did enjoy this book, but I found that it didn't keep me as captive as other books have in the past and that is why I gave a 8/10 rating.
I do like historical novels and this story was amazing. It is based on one of America's biggest wildfires in 1910. I found that the descriptions were amazing! The way that Jeanette Ingold tells the story suprised me even more. I enjoyed hearing the different points of view. Getting to hear from everyone was a big highlight in this book. I think that the part that failed for me was that I was confused at points between two characters who both have names that start with S. And usually i'd figure it out before long but they seemed slightly similar in manner and that set me off.
All and I would suggest this book to history buffs and adrenaline junkies.
THANK YOU JEANETTE INGOLD FOR TELLING SO MANY POINTS OF VIEW!
Hope you all have a good day :D
Love,
Sidny

Book Review: Scrambled Eggs At Midnight by Brad Barkley and Heather Hepler

"Where Renaissance Faire and Fat Camp meet."

"Calliope (or Cal as she calls herself) wants nothing more than to stay put; to stop traveling cross-country with her mother, sleeping in a tent, and abandoning all belongings whenever they pull up stakes. Meanwhile, Eliot misses the happy times he left behind when his father decided to open a camp for kids look to lose weight and find Jesus. When Cal and Eliot meet by chance, they feel and immediate connection. Together they must face their isolation, the threat of yet another move, and the deepening of Eliot's father's obsession. In their case, love just might be everything it's cracked up to be."

MY RATING: 8/10

I think the back description of this book is misleading, I thought I was going to hate this book by reading that but I thought hey, you know what they say, you can't judge a book by it's cover. That was a terrible joke, realistically I thought What the hell is with the green lips??? And so I thought that I should read. Honestly the back isn't explaining how likable this book is.
I didn't love this book but I didn't hate it either, I just liked it. It was kinda fluffy and cute. I knew that it was gonna be a good book when I realized that both the authors used humor. I do enjoy a good laugh. I think anyone who keeps up with this blog kinda realizes that. I have trouble with seriousness and.... apparently staying on topic. If you're looking for a cute chick book to read, I think you'd like this one. There isn't alot of thinking being done really. It makes you wonder, maybe, but really it's just an enjoyable read. It was good for christmas break, I could just cuddle up with some hot chocolate and this book and read. I didn't really cry or anything but I did laugh :) and laughing always makes me happy.

There also isn't really anything that inappropriate (in comparison to other things i've read lately) this book is tame for most teens I would say.

THANK YOU BRAD BARKLEY AND HEATHER HEPLER FOR A CUTE CHICK READ THAT INCLUDED LAUGHETER =D
Thanks for reading, someone, maybe...
Love, Sidny♥♪♫

Book Review: Mud Girl by Alison Acherson

"Mud girl, living at the river's edge.

Abi- Aba Zytka Jones lives with her dad in an odd little house that hangs over the Fraser River. Her mom took off a year ago. In his own way, so did her dad. She didn't fit in, never has, and she has questions.

Jude- the cute guy from the paint shop- starts to take an interest. Then she meets his two-year-old son, Dyl. The questions get even more complicated.

Ernestine- is she there to help Abi- or her dad?

Can Abi find the answers?"

MY RATING: 8/10

I liked this book.. it was good. And I'm sure someone will be mad because I didn't give it a perfect ten but I do have my reasoning. I didn't really relate well with Abi. I found her difficult to relate to and that's a real problem for me. I like most of the characters though so it was good just not... great. I was hoping though that it wouldn't end so abruptly. Endings are my downfall.... if I really like something( a book, movie) seeing it end is hard. This book was also a different style of writing (the characters are like the "regular" main characters) which is good. Being individual is goood! I did like that Abi was caring to everyone and so I still thank you Alison Acheson.

THANK YOU ALISON ACHERSON FOR SHOWING THAT DOING THE RIGHT THING CAN BE TOUGH BUT IT'S ALWAYS WORTH IT!

Sincerely, Sidny ♫♪♥