Book Reviews

https://www.goodreads.com/thecoastisclear

[alisa902]

Howls Moving Castle Review

Okay, so you can’t really talk about this book without thinking of the Studio Ghibli film... I had always loved the movie version, so when I found out it was a book I knew I had to read it.

It’s an extremely short read, took me two days to get through it. And man was I hooked, it was impossible to let go of it. The characters were raw and relatable and I loved them. I laughed so much. Honestly, I’d tell any fan of the movie to pick up the book.

Howl and Sophie were a bit more fleshed out and funny, as opposed to the movie where even the author says they were nobler. The conflict was a little too vague in the book, in the movie I found it to be more concrete and “believable”. But I do see this story as more character driven so I prefer the book ever so slightly. BUT both are still fucking awesome.

I give this book a 5/5.

Never really understood (nor liked) the whole Howl being a weird bird in the movie, but you know what that's just me.

It was pretty cool how Howl was from Wales in the book.

[alisa902]

‘Battle Royale’ Review

The book, mostly, follows the perspective of Shuya Nanahara, a boy with strong morals and good athletic skills. He joins with Noriko Nakagawa and Shogo Kawada to survive a killing game in which only one of his classmates can survive.

Though I would love to rave about how brilliant this book is, and how the meaning behind it, and the metaphors were something of a different world, that is simply not the case. This story is one in which it’s plot is plain and simple, to be violent and gory. Well okay, the plot isn’t too simple:

First of all, it is simple because it mainly follows the events on the island, surely you have about two to three chapter in which you see the world outside of the children murdering. But it is mostly limited to the conflicts within the Battle Royale. There is no broad message of dictatorship or the fear instilled into the population. Though it is mentioned briefly at times, it is not a big theme.

It isn’t too simple though because it gives you minor, yet important perspectives of each and every participant and classmate. Giving it’s reader enough time to have an understanding of the psychology of said character before he or she dies. And it spends a lot of time delving into the interactions of these characters and how any small misunderstanding can lead to disastrous implications.

I give this book a 4.5/5.

I will always have a soft spot in my heart for this story. When I watched the movie I was in awe of how action-packed and horrifying it was. But now that I have re-read it at a point when I tend to enjoy more books with underlying messages or social, and political critics I am slightly disappointed the author did not take a more active role in displaying more of the conditions of “The Republic of Greater East Asia”. (But I say this statement knowing that it was not the intention of Koushun Takami to do an ‘exposé on totalitarian governments’.)

[alisa902]

Heartless

Okay so to begin with I don’t even know why I bought this book because I am extremely tired of this teen romance bullshit. But I guess the hype was too real and I have no self-control.

Heartless by Marissa Meyer was a total waste of time. I hated Cath, the main character, she was naive, dumb, and she wanted to be independent yet expected everyone to do everything for her. (tbh she didn’t deserve Jest nor the king of hearts.) And the world building kinda sucked.

I give this book a 1/5.

And don’t even get me started on Cath’s decision to return to save her friend. By that point, she was dead to me.

[alisa902]

One Child

One Child by Mei Fong is a book detailing the one-child policy implemented by the Chinese government in the 1980s. Exploring the reasons that led to its implementation, the scandalous behavior during the three decades of its existence, and the massive repercussions it entails for the future.

I found the book particularly interesting because it was on a topic that I had known about since I was little. I had heard that girls were being abandoned on the streets left and right and of the abolishment of the policy in 2015. But never had I known about it to the degree that it actually was.

I give this book a 5/5.

This book was incredibly educational, it helped me take a second glance at a country that is rising in power.

[alisa902]

Ready Player One

So, of course, the hype around this book was too intense to ignore. And I promised myself I would read the book before watching the trailer.

Ernest Cline is a great writer, he kept me entertained and devoted. Sadly I had already read Armada, and it’s suffice to say both books have a somewhat identical premise. A boy who’s obsessed with retro culture suddenly finds out his passion is needed to save the world. (It’s like Adam Sandler’s Pixels (2015)).

I give this book a 3/5.

I was so immersed in the story that every time the narrator reminded us that it was in fact not real life but the VR world, I cringed.(I don’t have anything against people who are into this stuff but this was some next level shit.)

[alisa902]

American Psycho

I went into this book thinking: “Huh, psychopaths are interesting.” Jesus Christ this book was a ride of intense boredom and chaotic emotions.

Though the book may take a slow pace at times it is definitely worth the read with only 400 pages. Bret Easton Ellis is masterful at detailing a story that took me forever to fully grasp. I had like four epiphanies throughout the book before realizing its commentary as a whole.

I give this book a 5/5.

I can’t get over the fact how such a character can make me feel sympathy, relatability, and concern while three pages prior he was melting a girls eyes off (and even that is one of the toned down things he does).

[alisa902]

The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson)

A boy finds out he is not in fact an outcast but a hero. This type of plot is used a lot... Bad examples: Light Turner (Death Note film), Good examples: Percy Jackson (The Lightning Thief (book)).

The book was playful and dreamlike but also dark and serious. Excellently delivering an easy, high paced story which I enjoyed from start to finish.

I give this book a 4/5.

I will try to read the second book, which my friend told me is really funny.

[alisa902]

City of Bones

Idk why I would ever give you a short introduction to this book because everyone and their mother knows about this story. Whether it was through the movie, the TV show, or the highly glorified books, everyone knows.

This was my first time reading this book. The only experience I had ever had within Cassandra Clare’s world of Shadowhunters was the movie, some of the TV show, and the Infernal Devices trilogy. And I have to say that it was extremely similar to the movie with some minor differences here and there.

I give this book a 4/5.

I hopefully will continue the Mortal Instruments whenever I decide to fork over enough money for it.

BTW: I cried like a bitch at the ending of the Infernal Devices.

[alisa902]

Three Dark Crowns

I wish I could’ve started this book knowing that it was part of a series. But alas I was not aware until I had fifty pages missing and sadly realized no hardcore badassery was going to happen. I’m upset.

Nevertheless I’m going to continue the series (at some point) because though the premise was utterly wasted in this book I am hooked on some characters.

I give this book a 2.5/5.

I did acknowledge though that Kendare Blake was trying to build up momentum for the actual moment in which these sisters actually attempt to kill each other.

BTW: I really hate that motherfucker who cheated… idk his name rn but he was a dick.

[alisa902]

Nevernight

School of assassins. Shadow wielding super powers. Vengeance. Sand Krakens. Blood. These are the basic components of Nevernight by Jay Kristoff, and they are all glorious in their own way. Mia Corvere, a hard core bad ass with a good heart, vows to avenge the men who killed her family. Thus she seeks help from the Red Church, a hidden society brimming with killers and murderers. But as Mia comes closer to her goal she realizes not all is as it seemed.

Nevernight is a very fast paced book with tons of fascinating info about the world the author has emerged you in. It is a great first book in what I hope is to become an excellent series.

I give this book a 4/5.

Someone I cared about a lot died in this book… and they weren’t even a main character. I’m still mourning.

[alisa902]

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy

Arthur Dent, the main protagonist, experiences a bit of a catastrophically inexplicable day when the Earth is destroyed to make room for a galactic freeway. Shouldn’t that be enough to convince you to read it.

I’ve been anticipating this read for quite a while, and it did not disappoint. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams is hilariously simple yet complex. Every time I read a new page I laughed, the authors creativity and talent are the best aspects of the book.

I give this book a 5/5.

Now I will shut up and continue reading the sequel, The Restaurant at the End of the Universe.

Favorite quote: “There is no longer any such thing as a McDonald’s hamburger. He passed out.”

[alisa902]

Red Rising

This is the first book of the Red Rising trilogy by Pierce Brown. It follows the rage and struggle of our main protagonist while he becomes part of the ruling class, the Golds. But being a Gold is not as easy at it looks, as he is thrown into a world of chaos, blood, and loss.

When I realized it was yet another dystopian book I hesitated. Did I really want to revisit the world of love triangles and dictatorships? But I accept that I was in the wrong. Red Rising is a brilliant story that brought something new to the table. The overall plot might be similar to those before, but the way Pierce Brown goes about it is new and exciting.

I give this a 4.5/ 5.

This book is more action packed than anything else, and it is exactly what I was in the mood to read. I look forward to continuing the trilogy (whenever it is that I buy the next two books).

[alisa902]

Emerald Green

The story of Gwyneth the time traveler, from Ruby Red, is ended in Emerald Green. Though there were still no huge changes to the dynamics of the characters, you could still tell that Gwyneth, the main character, has matured slightly from her typical behavior.

I invested far more in this book than the previous two. It picks up its feet and runs with the material it has left to tread, completely exploiting it to its utmost potential. I’d say the last six pages or so were by far the best, it is definitely worth reading all three books just to feel the impact of the ending.

I give this book a 4/5.

As a conclusion I understand that some people might find these books too childish and immature to be enjoyable. To be honest I found myself rolling my eyes at some points, especially in reference to the female protagonists. But I also found myself eager to find out the fates of our main characters. This book is one for those hopeless romantics whom can’t wait to fall in love (which is an admirable trait that I wish I carried).

[alisa902]

Sapphire Blue

The story of Gwyneth the time traveler, from Ruby Red, is continued in Sapphire Blue. And if you read Ruby Red then you know it's a good, yet slightly misplaced ending. These books take place continuously throughout a week or two. So you’re not missing anything that they didn’t already provide in the first book

There’s more glimpses of action and complexity in this book as we delve more into this story of secret societies and magical powers. I still remain with the same idea: “Am I genius or is this book really predictable?” That’s not necessarily a bad thing, quite the contrary if you’re looking for a bubblegum romance with adventure.

I give this book a 3.5/5

Gwyneth has managed to take back some power from the secondary characters, which I praise and hope to see further developed in the third book. Though I do feel that her affection for the male lead, Gideon, is slightly off putting. 

[alisa902]

Ruby Red

So apparently there are families in England, wealthy families might I add, that carry a specific gene. What is this "gene" you might ask? Well... it can help you travel to the past. Time travel is a very complicated subject if you already didn't know. That’s about as much as I want to go into the plot.

Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier is a typical YA book. I don’t mean that in a bad way. Throughout the book I kept wondering “Am I genius or is this book really predictable?” And I think that if you’re pondering that then it’s a hell of a fun read. 

I give this book a 3/5.

This is the first book in a trilogy. And I mention that because I found an issue with our protagonist (Gwyneth Shepherd). She was constantly being dragged through most of the scenes by secondary characters and/or the male protagonist. But I am hoping that it is only the beginning to a very well developed character arch.

[alisa902]

The Revenant

I came to know the story of Hugh Glass (the main protagonist) as many other people did, through the movie. I remember sitting down in the theater in wonder and spectacle of the revenge tale that was unfolding in front me. My mother thought the bear scene was too much and my father was “okay” with the movie overall, but I loved it. And when I heard it was a book, I bought it.

The book was exhilarating and detailed. The Revenant by Michael Punke varies from the movie, as seems to be the case with most book to film adaptations. Though it is different, the book was slightly more concrete.  Carrying the story of Hugh Glass as one of myth and intrigue. In my case, Hugh Glass' character will always remain as an excellent example of persistence and acceptance.

I give this story a 4/5 rating.

I do warn you that if you look for a story of full of revenge, that is not the case with this book. Glass seeks revenge, and it carries him through the story, but it does not become the resolution.