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Showing posts from May, 2021

Unwholly (Unwind Dystology #2) by Neal Shusterman

"The next installment in Shusterman's "Dystology" that continues to follow Connor, Risa and Lev in their fight for survival. A handful of new characters are also introduced to add intrigue, excitement, forgiveness, love etc to the mix. It delves deeper into the creation of the unwinding process and leaves the reader curious, intrigued and always wanting more." 5 Stars Pros:  Though there are new characters, there aren't so many that the old ones, Connor, Risa and Lev get lost in the shuffle/Lev's growth as a character is probably my favorite.  Cons:  There always has to be a manipulator, someone who's vying for power, it gets kind of old/Starkey and Miracolina's stories, though slightly different, felt similar to those of Connor/Lev etc, just with new names added.  Full Review:  SPOILER ALERT It's been a year since the events of Unwind  and Connor, Risa and Lev are still just trying to get by and survive another day. With the destruction of H

Unwind (Unwind Dystology #1) by Neal Shusterman

"A hard hitting, unflinching, dark, disturbing novel but one that is filled with hope, endurance, strength and the characters, as well as the story itself and its message, stays with you long after you read it, as it should."  5 Stars Pros:  This book is both horrifying yet immensely compelling and thought provoking all at once/ The subject of pro-life/pro-choice is so fraught with tension and it seems that people lean one way or the other but Shusterman is great at really making the reader see and consider all sides.    Cons:  Shusterman just loves those exclamation points/Not a book for people who are not willing to keep an open mind.  Full Review:  After the second Civil War, also known as The Heartland War, which was fought between Pro-Choice and Pro-Life, both sides come to an agreement and draft "The Bill of Life." It reads as follows.  "The Bill of Life states that human life may not be touched, from the moment of conception until a child reaches the age

Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens

"Dickens epic tale of poverty and desperation on the streets in London and how one, lost little orphan, Oliver Twist, manages to maintain his noble and loving heart even when faced with true evil. Also, he actually does say, "Please sir, I'd like some more", just to clear that up." 3 Stars.  Pros:  The foggy, smoky, dirty, loud, violent crowd of the London Streets are easily seen through Dickens' words/The Artful Dodger's "Devil may care" attitude towards crime and life in general is amusing, for someone so young.  Cons:  Dickens is not an author you can read while laying down because you will fall asleep/His writing is not entirely engaging but he grabs you enough to make you curious as to what will happen to the characters/About halfway through the book there were a bit too many subplots and evil associates that I just wanted to know about Oliver and didn't care much about all the rest though by the end it all came together very convenien

Assassins Quest (The Farseer Trilogy #3) by Robin Hobb

"At times plagued with a repetitive, "Get captured, escape, flee" theme, Fitz eventually finds his footing and the story really takes off. All the loose ends are, for the most part, tied up and though it does not end on the most positive note, the ending is realistic and satisfying. It was an acceptable end to a great series." 4 Stars Pros:  Nighteyes and Fitz's bond is both humorous and heartwarming/Hobb sets a good pace and though the book is long, it's engaging and you find yourself wanting to finish a chapter and leave yourself off at a good starting point, it was a classic "good read."  Cons:  Fitz's constant repetition of "get caught/escape" got monotonous after awhile. The Skilling is very ethereal and Fitz's visions of Verity are just that, cerebral and rather hard to follow. It adds a depth to the book but at the same time, can leave the reader feeling a bit confused/as if they walked in on the middle of a conversation/Th