The Hunger Games

Pages: 374
Genre: Action, Adventure, Futuristic
Rating: 5/5

Summary (from Goodreads.com)

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before—and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.


My Thoughts

THIS BOOK WAS AMAZING. I really took my time with it, marvelling over the writing style and details. The author knew how to capture your attention and imprison it inside her pages. Collins did an unbelievable job with the characters, she took great patience in describing the kids from the other districts without boring the reader, and actually I felt myself hungering to know more about the other tributes. I wondered about what it would be like if she included scenes in the book which were based upon Peeta’s perspective, however, I knew that would only ruin the mystery of being inside of Katniss’s head.

The only wish I had for it was that Collins would have given more flashbacks to what Katniss’s life used to be like in the district, and get to know Gale a little more. Perhaps this will be more covered in the next books, especially Gale...there’s no doubt about that.

All in all, it’s certainly one of my favourites!

Maximum Ride: Saving The World And Other Extreme Sports by James Patterson

Maximum Ride Series: Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports (Book 3)
by James Patterson
Pages: 405
Genre: Action, Thriller, Mystery, Science Fiction, Adventure, Romance, Comedy/Humour
Rating: 5/5

“‘We will destroy you,’ the Flyboys droned. ‘You have no escape.’ That was the most imaginative, threatening thing the whitecoats had programmed these “droids” to say” –Maximum Ride

Summary
The time has arrived for Max and her winged "Flock" to face their ultimate enemy and discover their original purpose: to defeat the takeover of "Re-evolution", a sinister experiment to re-engineer a select population into a scientifically superior master race...and to terminate the rest. Max, Fang, Iggy, Nudge, Gasman, and Angel have always worked together to defeat the forces working against them--but can they save the world when they are torn apart, living in hiding and captivity, halfway across the globe from one another?

Why Read It?
I think if you've read the other two books, you'll know you have to read this one. And the ones after this. They're so fast-paced and pulse-pounding, with all the actionb, thrill, adventure and suspense with a twist of romance I don't think anyone is going to be able to put this series down.

My Thoughts
As I’ve mentioned before the character development is not that great. However, James Patterson doesn’t have much time to squish in much of that with all the action going on and with their lives on the line all the time. However, I can pick out a few traits of each character for the most part, to me I think they’re well-developed enough, although I would appreciate sometime in the book just to get to know the characters.
Anyway, put that aside and this third instalment of the Maximum Ride series has still got me on the edge of my seat. There is so much going on! I do have to admit it’s rather overwhelming; in a good way though. If it weren’t overwhelming where would all that suspense and thrill be? (laughs).
I don’t exactly have too much else to say... But Saving the world and Extreme Sports has taken the books to a whole new level! And I wonder what the fourth will be like! I hope the author will throw in a little more romance; as long as he doesn’t get mushy.

Maximum Ride: School`s Out - Forever (Book 2) by James Patterson

ATTETNION: If you have not read the first book in the series scroll down to the bottom of this post and look in the LABELS for the link The Angel Experiment.

Genre: Action, Thriller, Adventure, Mystery, Science Fiction
Rating: 5
Pages: 368

Summary

(Note: I thought the summary for this book was better off copied from the book. So here it is...)

Fang, Iggy, Nudge, Gasman, Angel and Maximum Ride: six incredible kids genetically engineered with the ability to fly, free as birds...until Max and her gang are discovered by an FBI agent and forced to face their worst nightmare. Yes, you guessed it-school. That is the abominable place where they learn everything except how to survive as winged mutants relentlessly hunted by killers...

Flock Report Card:
Computer Skills: A. Can hack into any computer at lightning speed-bonus in a quest to locate missing parents.
Scientific Research: B-. Score points for discovering source of a diabolical plot, but often fail to identify clones and imposters.
Extreme Sports: A+. Earn extra credit by trading Dumpster diving for supersonic travel, aerial ballet, and flying with dogs.
Dating: C. Relationships with non-winged peers improve. Need work on picking suitable mates.
Discipline: D. Setting off explosives, stealing hidden documents, and harassing faculty are no-nos – even if the headmaster is evil.
Saving The World: This is a pass/fail course...

Why Read it?

I hope your ready for another thrill ride because here it comes. James Patterson has continued the Maximum Ride Series and it’s about to get even more pulse-pounding, with twists and turns that are going to come out of nowhere. If you loved the first Maximum Ride book, you’ll go bird crazy for this! Keep your feathers on will you! Sheash...





My Thoughts

I don’t know where to begin, because I read this so fast my head is still spinning. Let me think. Right, Maximum Ride and her gang or should I say flock are back in a second book.
I wish that I could have dedicated an entire day to reading this book, however it’s really hard to do when I have school, and every chance I get I’m reading it. Eventually, I was able to take Friday night and just read the entire book.
Yes, I guess you could say that I am loving the series!
Apparently, the characters are not well developed according to a few reviews I’ve read. I think personally, that it’s difficult to stop, take the time to develop six characters in these lightening-speed-paced books. However, I believe that the characters are actually well developed. What do you think?
I love Max’s ability to be strong, independent and sarcastic. The fact that... A) she hates girly stuff, B) refuses to show emotion, C) is a terrible cook, D) acts like she’s a mom, and E) knows a lot of swear words and sometimes uses them but tries not to shows that she has a matured far beyond anyone. It also shows that she is a reliable leader who loves her flock to pieces. However, she is burdened with a bunch of kids, people trying to kill her and her family (the flock) twenty-four/seven and lack of food and shelter which produces the flaw of swearing. I think she should be allowed to swear as much as she wants, to be honest. And the nice thing about it is, she does her best to keep those words locked up around the flock.
I’m not going to describe the rest of the flock. But I’d say the characters are pretty well developed. They are all well developed but Angels, the Gasman’s, Nudge’s and Iggy’s parts aren’t as big as hers. In fact, their parts in the book are not equal. Fang, on the other hand, probably has the second biggest part. However, he’s a little more hard to figure out because he’s so quiet and mysterious, his two biggest traits.
What do you think? And I hope you enjoy reading the second book! It’s so worth buying!

Thunder From The Sea by Joan Hiatt Harlow

(ATTENTION: I’d just like to say that this is NOT a sad story!)

Genre: Realistic Fiction, Adventure
Rating: 3
Pages: 238

Summary

(Note: I copied the summary form the back of the book.)

It’s 1929 and thirteen-year-old Tom Campbell has always wanted a real family with a real house and a dog of his very own. Since he was three years old, the only home he has ever known has been the Mission orphanage.
When he is sent to live and work with fisherman Enoch and his wife, Tom finally sees his dream within reach. And when he rescues a Newfoundland dog in the middle of a terrifying squall, Tom feels as if both he and the dog, which he names Thunder, have found a place to call home at last.
But when Enoch’s wife becomes pregnant and it looks like Thunder’s owner might be found, Tom’s wonderful new world is turned upside down. Will the Murrays still want Tom? And will Tom be forced to give up his beloved Thunder?


Why Read It?

If you love dog stories, coming of age, stories and happy endings, you’ll fall in love with the characters of this children’s novel. It’s really meant for all ages!

My Thoughts

First, I have to say that this story made me want to run to my dog, Oscar, and squeeze him to death. I’m sure if you have a dog, you’ll want to do the same thing and if you don’t have a dog then you’re gonna want one.
What I loved about Thunder from the Sea was its not suspenseful, but it kept me guessing. Its easy level of reading made it so I could read it in a day, which I always love being able to read something all at once. Another thing I lvoed about it was, it had a happy ending!
I didn’t feel there was anything wrong with this novel, so just because I rated a three, which means I wouldn’t read it again, doesn’t mean it’s not worth reading at all. It really was a great heart-warming story! I recommend this for boys and girls of all ages.

Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment (Book 1) by James Patterson

Genre: Action, Thiller, Adventure, Mystery, Science Fiction
Rating: 5
Pages: 413

CAUTION: THESE PAGES FLY!!!!

“Basically, if you put a fence around New York City, you’d have the world’s biggest nontravelling circus.” –Max

Summary

Young Fourteen-year-old Maximum ride is 98% human and 2% bird. And the girl can fly. She’s got a load on her plate and more than she can eat and if you know her you’d know that the girl could win three pie eating contests in a row.

Max’s Dinner Plate (Also known as Missions):
• To protect the rest of her gang – Fang, Iggy, Nudge, The Gasman and Angel, from a pack of half-wolf, half-human mutants with a taste for flying humans.
• Rescue angel from a team of wack-job scientists.
• Infiltrate a secret facility to track down their missing parents (if they have any).
• Interpret what she really thinks about Fang.
• Get revenge on the one person she thought she could trust.
• Discover the best chocolate-chip cookie in New York City.
• And finally, save the entire world, why not?

Why Read It?

Fasten yourself in tight for this thrill ride that you can go on as many times as you please without the risk of getting sick to your stomach. It's a boys and girls read and if you love nonstop action, adrenaline, mystery, and suspense you better prepare for launch... no joke... these pages truly fly!



My Thoughts

Okay, so I completely and utterly loved this book. I cannot wait to read the next book. However, I’m trying to buy myself a little time between reading each book. I mean I want to read these books so fast but I want to read them slowly so the story lasts longer.
Anyway, I’ve rated it a five. I’m going to read this book multiple times for sure. I’m pretty sure I hit a new speed of reading. I’ve bumped up about ten pages in an hour, that’s how good it is and I can guarantee that any person who thrives for adventure, a little thrill, chocolate chip cookies and mystery this is something they’ll enjoy. I’d say especially people who hate reading, the chapters are no more than three pages long, which makes you feel like you’re accomplishing a lot in a way, maybe. My point is it has a super easy reading level, and those who prefer a challenge, well, all the mystery and suspense does it for you.
My favourite thing about this book though is all the sarcasm Max puts into the story, I love being in her head. However, something you should know is it will switch to a third person perspective and then back to hers. Like I said, it’s a easy read so it’s not hard to follow, it’s not like you’re suddenly in someone else’s head. It’s all her head and here and there a he/she perspective.
Now I want wings! Maybe I should think that desire through a little more... Nah, I like the idea of being able to fly, which is why I plan on going Norwegian Free Falling! I mean when I’m of age, because my mom says if I went now it would be abuse or something, I don’t know. I wasn’t really listening I was too busy daydreaming about flying. And you won’t be able to blame me if you read this book, the way Max describes her experience, well it’ll leave you breathless to the point you’re turning blue to purple. I’ll post a link at the bottom or you can search for it on YouTube or something.
I guess that’s about all I have to say for this book. Pfft. Yeah, right! I could go on forever about how much I love this adventurous series James Patterson has put together.
Literally, these pages fly! (Mentioned for the third time!!!!).

FREE FALLING IN NORWAY

NEXT IN THE SERIES: Maximum Ride: School's Out- Forever (Book 2) by James Patterson

The Grave by James Heneghan

Genre: Science Fiction, Historical Fiction, Adventure
Rating: 5/5
Pages: 236

"I've got a story to tell. I'll be surprised if anybody believes it because sometimes I don't even believe it myself. But I've got to tell it. It all started when I fell into a black hole. Or was dragged, more like..." -Tom


Summary
Tom Mullen was abandoned in a department store as a baby, now at thirteen years old he is still being moved from one foster home to another. When he hears rumours about a mass grave being unburied on his school property he can’t stay away from it.
One day when Tom falls into its terrible darkness and beyond where hi discovers he is no longer in Liverpool in 1974 but in Ireland in 1847. A family named Monaghan takes him in, and for the first time Tom experiences what it is like to have parents and siblings who care for one another.
But why has Tom been transported across time and place, any why must the grave keep yanking him back to its dreary, lonely existence in Liverpool? Most of all, what does it mean that the Monaghan’s son Tully is practically Tom’s double?

Why Read It?

Just like Tom has been drawn and pulled into the grave, you won’t be able to escape this heart-warming story.



My Thoughts

When I read The Grave, it was three years ago for English class grade seven. I was not found of it, because it seemed so dreary and unappealing, but once the teachers convinced me it was a good book I got into it al little book and only a few months later did I truly realize what a good book this is. My brother has read it now also, and just like me I don’t think he was all that into it. I don’t think he’s going to appreciate the story for a little while longer, but that’s ok.
This book is something I’m going to have to read again and soon this year... I’m not sure when though... for now it will be placed on the list of book I’ve read but not this year, and then when I read it I’ll add it to the books I’ve read this year... However, I don’t know if I will write a second review for this book. I probably will since it definitely deserves two reviews.
I hope you get around to reading this wonderful time-travelling story!

Teenage Mermaid by Ellen Schrieber

Genre: Romance, Mythical
Rating: 5/5
Pages: 150

"I'm going to drown! I'm only fifteen. I haven't gotten my driver's license yet. I haven't surfed the famous Pipeline in Hawaii. I haven't fall in love- unless my Sports Illustrated swimsuit poster counts. I barely had any breath left as I desperatley tried to reach the surface. Then it hit me- not the meaining of life, but my surfboard." -Spencer

"What I did was forbidden. To see one was objectionable, to be seen is prohibited, but to touch an Earthee is punishable by exile. And I, fifteen-year-old Waterlilly, touched on on the lips!" -Lilly

Summary

Spencer is about to drown in a surfing accident, until he is rescued by a sparkling golden girl who saves him with a kiss before she suddenly disappears. He is left not only awe-struck but love-struck too. Where did this gorgeous angel appear out of the blue from and when will she return?

Lilly has always been fascinated by humans, no matter how many times she is warned that they are dangerous and careless. Curious Lilly rescues a boy from nearly drowning one morning. She totally can’t believe what she did, but she realizes that she has to find her handsome Earthdude; because he accidentally ripped off her silver heart locket which she desperately needs back.

Why Read It?

If you love mermaids, romance and a little bit of humour this is definitely something that you’ll want to add to your reading list. It’s easy to read and great for all ages.

My Thoughts

When I first read this book I was twelve or thirteen years old. I decided to pick it up again recently this year for the third time. It’s one of my favourite books and it reminds me of the little mermaid. It’s an adorable love story that I just can’t get over. I don’t know what else to say...

Percy Jackson and The Olympians: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Rating: 3/5
Pages: 375

"I was used to this weird experience, but usually they were over quickly. This twenty-four/seven hallucination was more than I could handle.” -Percy Jackosn

Summary

Twelve-year-old Percy Jackson is troubled with his ADHD, dyslexia and high school, but that becomes the least of his problems when he learns that he is the son of Poseidon, Greek god of the sea, which means he is a demigod (half-human, half –god). And that’s not all! The Greek gods are on the verge of war because Zeus’s lightning bolt has been stolen and Poseidon is being blamed for theft.
Percy travels to Camp Half Blood, which is a training ground for demigods where he meets Annabeth, daughter of Athena and Grover who he already knows but learns that he is his protector and a satyr. Grover and Annabeth accompany Percy on his quest to set things straight with the gods, such as facing challenges, monsters and a visit to the underworld.

Why Read It?

The Lightning Thief is full of adventure and will leave you wishing there was more. Lucky for you this is just the beginning of the series!
If you love books that are full of thrills and adventure you’ll fall head over heels for this! With action happening constantly barely a page apart you won’t to stop reading.
This is definitely a treat for Harry Potter fans, young boys and even girls.

My Thoughts

Well, I know there’s a movie. Of course, they say; “The movies are never as god as the book.” However, I beg to differ in this situation. I can’t really say why other than the fact that he was older and I think that helped, and the story line was changed a bit and I preferred it over the one in the book. The book was great, though. I didn’t want to put it down when I was reading it and I have rated it a four. It didn’t reach a five, for me, because I don’t know if I would read it over and over.
I don't think this book’s genre can be also placed under humour, but it does have quite a bit in there. If you pick this book up and you aren’t so sure about it just take a peek at the chapter titles that should pull your interest. My favourite chapters and titles were: I Accidentally Vaporize My Pre –algebra Teacher, I Become Supreme Lord of the Bathroom and, We Take a Zebra to Vegas.I have always loved Greece ever since I learned about it in grade seven. I really enjoyed learning about all of their beliefs and Greek mythology and I just thought it was the most fascinating thing. The best thing about The Lighting Thief is it’s just packed with all these myths and monsters and Gods. The story just left me wishing I knew more about Greece. So I did some research on Greek mythology, especially Medusa, for some reason she just captivates my interest.
The characters in this book are very interesting. I really like Annabeth. She’s very headstrong and I admire that about her. Grove, the satyr, well he’s got a great sense of humour which makes him such a loveable character. And finally the main character, Percy, you know, the guy with dyslexia and ADHD, is just a classic character. He’s intelligent and mature for his age and I just wish I knew a kid like him.