Book Review: Eyes Wide Open by Ted Dekker (Outlaw Series #1)

Book Title: Eyes Wide Open

Author: Ted Dekker

Publish Date: Febuary 4, 2013

Genre: Christian Adult Thriller

Plot (from Goodreads):  

Who am I?

My name is Christy Snow. I’m seventeen and I’m about to die. I’m buried in a coffin under tons of concrete. No one knows where I am. My heart sounds like a monster with clobber feet, running straight toward me. I’m lying on my back, soaked with sweat from the hair on my head to the soles of my feet. My hands and feet won’t stop shaking.

Some will say that I’m not really here. Some will say I’m delusional. Some will say that I don’t even exist. But who are they? I’m the one buried in a grave.

My name is Christy Snow. I’m seventeen. I’m about to die.

So who are you?

In a return to the kind of storytelling that made Showdown and Three unforgettable, Ted Dekker drags that question into the light with this modern day parable about how we see ourselves.

Humming with intensity and blindsided twists, Eyes Wide Open is raw adrenaline from the first page to the last pure escapism packed with inescapable truth. Not all is as it seems. Or is it? Strap yourself in for the ride of your life. Literally.

Why I Read this Book: I have wanted to read this book for a while now.   I have love all of the books that I have read by Ted Dekker.  I picked this one up now because I have received the second book in this series for review from Netgalley and I wanted to read the first book before I started that book.  I checked out this book from my local library.

 

Review 

This book was a wild rollar coaster ride.  I loved parts of it and I was really bored in other parts.  I usually do not read thriller books, but I have been wanting to read some of Ted Dekker's adult thriller books.  Ted Dekker is overtly Christian and his believes are often seen in his books.  I was not sure how this would come out in a thriller, but I am so glad that I read this book.

The first half of the book was really slow paced and not much action occurred.  The thing that got me to continue reading was some advice that I have seen recently in a Booktube video (book review and discussion on Youtube).  This video suggested that when you are not really enjoying a book but really want to finish it to go look up 5 star reviews about the book.  I did this and saw that there was a Christian message at the end of the book.  This encouraged me to stick with it and I am so glad that I did.

As a thriller book, half the ride is reading the book for yourself and finding out what happens.  As such, I cannot tell you too much about this book.  It is better to go into it blind.  I really enjoyed the Christian message behind the book.  It was really inspirational.  If you have read this book, I would love to talk about that with you!

Although it was quite frustrating at times, I also really enjoyed the suspense of finding out what in the world was going on in the book.  It was really confusing at times, but once you read the ending you begin to appreciate the suspense.

I would suggest this to anyone who loves Christian thrillers and who love suspense.  Some scenes in the book were a little gory, so I do not recommend this book to anyone who has a weak stomach.
 
 

Final Statements

Recommended Reading Age: 13+ for intense action scene and some gore

Overall Rating: 4/5

Novella Mash-Up Reviews: Glitches, The Little Android, and The Queen's Army by Marissa Meyer (Lunar Chronicles 0.5, 0.6, and 1.5)

I recently read Cinder by Marissa Meyer (see my review here).  It was a wonderful read (4.5/5 stars, my review).  I saw on Goodreads that there are a few free e-novellas that are associated with the series and I decided to read them.  These are my reviews for 3 out of 4 of the currently published e-novellas.  I plan to read Scarlet during next weeks read-a-thon.

Book Title: Glitches

Author: Marissa Meyer

Publish Date: December 5, 2011

Genre: Young Adult Dystopian Science Fiction

Series: The Lunar Chronicles (0.5)

Plot (from Goodreads):  

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. In Glitches, a short prequel story to Cinder, we see the results of that illness play out, and the emotional toll that takes on Cinder. Something that may, or may not, be a glitch...

 

Review

This is a good novella and a great addition to the series. It is good to learn more about Cinder's family.  I loved learning more about Cinder when she was young and about her early relationships with the family.  Although this talks about Cinder's childhood, I think that this book should be read after Cinder is read.

 

Final Statements

Recommended Reading Age: 13+ for some intense scenes

Overall Rating: 4/5

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Book Title: The Little Android

Author: Marissa Meyer

Publish Date: January 27, 2014

Genre: Young Adult Dystopian Science Fiction

Series: The Lunar Chronicles (0.6)

Plot (from Goodreads):  

The Little Android is a retelling of The Little Mermaid, set in the world of The Lunar Chronicles by New York Times-bestselling author Marissa Meyer.

When android Mech6.0, saves the life of a handsome hardware engineer, her body is destroyed and her mechanics discover a glitch in her programing. Androids aren’t not meant to develop unpractical reasoning or near-emotional responses…let alone fall in love.

 

Review

I felt like this novella added the least amount to the series.  It did show the relationship between humans and cyborgs and androids.  It was nice to have more depth to how the humans felt about the androids and the cyborgs, but it did not add to the main storyline that is in Cinder.  This is a cute and very sad story.  I enjoyed reading it, but I wish that these characters were present in the main story.  In my opinion, this novella can be read before or after reading Cinder.

 

Final Statements

Recommended Reading Age: Any age

Overall Rating: 3.5/5


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Book Title: The Queen's Army

Author: Marissa Meyer

Publish Date: November 23, 2012

Genre: Young Adult Dystopian Science Fiction

Series: The Lunar Chronicles (1.5)

Plot (from Goodreads):  

It is time. The boy must leave his family to serve in the Queen's army. To be chosen is an honor. To decline is impossible. The boy is modified. He is trained for several years, and learns to fight to the death. He proves to the Queen—and to himself—that he is capable of evil. He is just the kind of soldier the Queen wants: the alpha of his pack.

 

Review

Although this is a very short novella,  I really felt connected with the characters.  I felt like this novella really adds to the series.  I cannot wait to read more about Z and his brother.

My only complaint is that I really do not understand how the cover matches the series covers (Cinder, Scarlet, ect.).

 

Final Statements

Recommended Reading Age: 13+ for some violence and intense action scenes

Overall Rating: 5/5

The Sweet Summer Read-A-Thon: Official Sign-Up, Goals, and TBR (June 9-15)

I was looking through the posts for the blogs that I follow via Bloglovin' and I just saw that there is another read-a-thon that is running next week.  Since I am already planning on doing the Crazy for Young Adult Books read-a-thon (Goodreads page that I am a part of), I have decided to do these two read-a-thons consecutively.  The Crazy for Young Adult Books read-a-thon does not have many rules, but has the point system that I talked about previously, so I do no think that it will be difficult to participate in both read-a-thons.

The Sweet Summer Read-A-Thon is hosted by The Book Tower.  The official post about the read-a-thon is here.  Below is a list of the optional challenges:

• Read a summer themed book
• Listen to an audio book
• Read an average of 200 pages a day

 There are also daily challenges:

• Monday 9th - If you'd like to host a challenge here, please email thebooktower92@gmail.com
• Tuesday 10th - Rainbow Spines hosted by The Rainbow Bookshelf
• Wednesday 11th - If you'd like to host a challenge here, please email thebooktower92@gmail.com
• Thursday 12th- Summer Reads hosted by Bottles and Book Reviews
• Friday 13th - Bookspine Poetry hosted by Social Bookshelves
• Saturday 14th Something Old, Something New hosted by Beth at the Coffee House
• Sunday 15th - Host Created by  ?? (Coming Soon) 

There are not any specific rules except to read as much as you can.  The read-a-thon starts at midnight in whatever time zone that you are in.  I hope that you will also join in with this read-a-thon.

My goals for this read-a-thon will be similar to the Crazy for Young Adult Books read-a-thon with a few additions.  Here are my goals:

• Read 2100 pages
• Read 3oo pages a day (completing the optional challenge)
• Post daily update posts during the read-a-thon
• Post a wrap-up post after the read-a-thon 
• Finish The Scorch Trials audiobook (completing the optional challenge?)
• Participate in the daily challenges for this read-a-thon

My TBR list can be found on Goodreads (as it may change throughout the week).  Currently, here is my TBR.  I may not read all of the books on this list and I may grab some other books too.

• Matched by Ally Condie
• Unsouled by Neal Shusterman
• The Program by Suzanne Young
• These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman
• Proxy by Alex London
• The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
• Scarlet by Marissa Meyer
• Fields of Elysium by A.B. Whelan 
• The Dragon Carnivale by Heidi Garrett
• Death Notes Volume 2
• Inuyasha Volume 2 
• The Complete Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi

Have you read any of these books?  What did you think of them?  What summer-themed book should I read for the optional challenge?  Are you participating in any read-a-thons this summer?  If so, which ones?  I would love to hear from you in the comments below.

Crazy for Young Adult Books Goodreads Group Readathon (June 9-June 15, 2014)

I am happy to say that I will be doing another read-a-thon next week.  This read-a-thon is organized by the Goodreads group, Crazy for Young Adult Books.  The read-a-thon will be from Monday, June 9 to Sunday, June 15.  It starts at 12 AM (Midnight) EST for everyone.  It would be amazing if you would join me for this read-a-thon.  You can find all the information about this read-a-thon here.  I will be participating in the 6th read-a-thon that they have organized.

This read-a-thon is a little more competitive than the last one and so I believe it is time to get my game on!  I am challenging myself more than I did last time because I will have a good amount of free time and I now know what I am capable of reading in a week from the bout of books 10.0 read-a-thon.

Here are the rules and the point system for this read-a-thon (from the thread on Goodreads):

To be a participant in this readathon you must be signed up by June 8th.

We will be having a point system that for every book you read you get some points! This is a way to add some competitiveness into our readathons (we all love that!) and a way to push ourselves to read more!

Our point system will look like this:

Pages:
450+ : 5pt
300+ : 4pt
200+ : 3pt
100+ : 2pt
Under 100 : 1pt

Sequel [and continuations of series]: 4pt
First In Series: 3pt
Standalone: 2pt
Prequels & Manga: 1 pt

Another important thing to note about the point system is that the books only count if you started and finished them during the read-a-thon.  

I am so excited to be participating in another read-a-thon.  I am hoping this will push me to read a whole lot of books next week.  Here are my goals so far for next week:

• Read 2100 pages
• Read 3oo pages a day
• Post daily update posts during the read-a-thon
• Post a wrap-up post after the read-a-thon

Below is my TBR list for the read-a-thon and an outline of the points that I would earn from each book. This is subject to change.  I may not read all of these books and I may grab some books that are not on this list.  These are the books that I currently have checked out from the library and a few that I have received for review.  Since this is for a YA group on Goodreads, I have selected YA books.

• Matched by Ally Condie
• Unsouled by Neal Shusterman
• The Program by Suzanne Young
• These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman
• Proxy by Alex London
• The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
• Scarlet by Marissa Meyer
• Fields of Elysium by A.B. Whelan 
• The Dragon Carnivale by Heidi Garrett
• Death Notes Volume 2
• Inuyasha Volume 2 
• The Complete Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi

 If you would like to keep up with my TBR which will most likely change some throughout the read-a-thon, you can find my Goodreads TBR here.

Book Review: Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Book Title: Cinder

Author: Marissa Meyer

Publish Date: January 3, 2012

Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction, Fairy Tale Retelling

Plot (from Goodreads):  

Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl.

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.

Why I Read this Book: I have been wanting to read this book FOREVER, so I picked it up at my library.

 

Review 

Wow!  This book is fantastic!  It does not stick much to the original Cinderella story, but it does not disappoint!  This mix of fairy tale and science fiction is perfect.  Full of action and intense plot shifts, this book leaves you intrigued and wanting more.  I do not want to spoil the intense action, so I will just leave it at this.

This book is incredibly unique and I cannot wait to find out what happens in the rest of the series.  I already have the second book in the series on hold.

There are only a few negative points about this book.  Firstly, the first 100 pages or so of the book were slow, filled with world and character building.  It was interesting, but difficult to get through.  The last 200+ pages were intense and I would give it a 5.5/5!  Secondly, part of the plot was easily predictable and it was frustrating that the main character did not realize it.  For more on this, check out my Goodreads review where I use the spoiler tag to discuss this more in depth.

 

Final Statements

Recommended Reading Age: 13+ for intense action scenes

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Gaither Homecoming Bible Review

Title: Gaither Homecoming Bible

General Editors: Bill and Gloria Gaither

Publish Date:October 9, 2012

Genre: Bible

Description (from Goodreads): 

The "Gaither Homecoming Bible" will make the Bible come alive for those seeking truth in the twenty-first century, even for those who think they already know it. For years, Bill and Gloria Gaither have reached millions of people across generations with the Good News of Jesus Christ.Their music of joy, thanksgiving, and praise ushers people into the presence of God so that He can do His wondrous work in their lives. Featuring inspirational and insightful Scripture devotions by the Gaithers and other favorite Homecoming artists; articles on beloved hymns, gospel songs, and Gaither classics and the inspiration behind them; original poetry by Gloria Gaither to enlighten and inspire; and quotes by greats of the faith, reflecting on the importance of music in the life of believers, this beautiful Bible featuring the New King James Version (NKJV) is one that readers will treasure for years to come.

Why I Read this Book: I received this Bible as a gift from my fiance.

 

Review 

My favorite part about this Bible are the quotes and songs throughout.  Song lyrics are presented from popular hymns and gospel songs along side the scripture that inspired them.  Quotes from famous Christians are presented next to verses that mean a lot to them.  This Bible makes me appreciate the hymns and gospel songs that are sung as I realize they come straight from scripture.  It is wonderful to discover how scripture has affected others and to see what God is telling other Christians.  I also love the NKJV translation.

The cover and images throughout the Bible are gorgeous.  The hardback cover preserves these wonderfully beautiful pages.  I would recommend this Bible to anyone who is looking for a beuatiful twist of a traditional version of the Bible.

 

Final Statements

Overall Rating: 5/5

Children's Book Review Tuesdays: Whubble Village by Jared R. Koyle

Book Title: Whubble Village

Author: Jared R. Koyle

Publish Date: February 27, 2014

Genre: Children's Fiction

Plot (from Goodreads):  

A young boy is teased because of the way he talks, but discovers a special secret that helps him remember life in the Village where he lived before coming to the Town of Whubble. Family and friends share a priceless message with him that he must carefully guard, yet share with others. He is given a pearl to remind him of his purpose and potential. If he does well, then when his life is complete he can return to the Whubble Village.

Why I Read this Book: I was given a physical copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.  This in no way influenced my review of this book.

 

Review

This creative story with a unique twist teaches young children that it is not bad to be unique and that you should not laugh at those that are different than you.  I love the moral of this story and I think that it is a wonderful, imaginative story.  I do find it to be a bit silly at times.  I loved the illustrations, but I wished that they were full page illustrations.  The formatting needs some work, but the story is great and the morals taught are excellent.

 

Final Statements

Recommended Reading Age: Any Age

Overall Rating: 4/5

Graphic Novel Review of Uglies: Shay's Perspective by Scott Westerfeld and Devin Grayson

Book Title: Uglies: Shay's Story

Author: Scott Westerfeld and Devin Grayson

Illustrator: Steven Cummings

Publish Date: March 6, 2012

Genre: Young Adult Dystopia Graphic Novel

Series Name: Uglies (Graphic Novel #1)

Plot (from Goodreads):  

Uglies told Tally Youngblood’s version of life in Uglyville and the budding rebellion against the Specials. Now comes an exciting graphic novel revealing new adventures in the Uglies world—as seen through the eyes of Shay, Tally’s rebellious best friend who’s not afraid to break the rules, no matter the cost.

A few months shy of her sixteenth birthday, Shay eagerly awaits her turn to become a Pretty—a rite-of-passage operation called “the Surge” that transforms ordinary Uglies into paragons of beauty. Yet after befriending the Crims, a group of fellow teens who refuse to take anything in society at face value, Shay starts to question the whole concept. And as the Crims explore beyond the monitored borders of Uglyville into the forbidden, ungoverned wild, Shay must choose between the perks of being Pretty and the rewards of being real.

Why I Read this Book: I saw this at my library and decided to check it out.  I have read the first three books in the Uglies book series, but this was the first graphic novel that I have read in this series.

 

Review 

I was really disappointed in this graphic novel.  It was no where near as good as the novels.  If you have not read the novel series, I do no think that you would fully understand everything that happens in this graphic novel.

There are very few world-building aspects.  There is not any character building.  There were some events that I did not fully understand.

The Uglies and the Pretties looked exactly the same in the graphic novel.  Appearances are an important part of the series and as such I did not think that this was accurate to the novel series.

Also, I do not remember there being any references to adult situations in the novel series and there were some references to this in the graphic novels.

I will continue with the series, but I hope that the others are more in depth and true to the novel series.

 

Final Statements

Recommended Reading Age: 16+ for sexual references and references to nudity (you cannot see anything, but you know that they are nude)

Overall Rating: 2.5/5

Book Review: Deception by Stacy Claflin

Book Title: Deception

Author: Stacy Claflin

Publish Date: November 21, 2011

Genre: Young Adult Paranormal Romance

Series Name: The Transformed (#1)

Plot (from Goodreads):  

Alexis is not the average person because she's exceptionally brilliant. When mysterious things start happening to her, she pursues the truth and learns is that she's been lied to her entire life. She runs into deception at every turn.

What she finds on her own terrifies her and she questions whether she really wants to know the truth about herself...

Until she meets a stranger and they experience an instant connection. She feels that she's known him her entire life, but she has never seen him before. At their first meeting, he knows more about her than she knows about herself. She begins to seek the truth about herself again and what she discovers turns her world completely upside down.

Everything that she believed to be false is suddenly her new reality.

Why I Read this Book: I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.  This in no way influenced my review.

 

Review 

I was really torn on how to rate this book in terms of stars.  There were some really great qualities in the book and some things that really bothered me.

The writing style is incredible!  My favorite aspect of the writing style was the way that the world is developed.  The story is told by someone who does not know much about the world; therefore, the world is developed slowly and this made the book a lot more interesting than if all the information was thrown at you all at once.  If it had been given to you all in one chapter, it may have seemed quite overwhelming.

The characters where really complex and dynamic.  I really enjoyed this aspect, but some of the characters really got on my nerves.  I cannot go into details, because this is a spoiler free review.  If you want more details, visit my Goodreads review where I have all the details hidden in a spoiler.

The overall plot was very interesting.  It was filled with action and suspense and also a love triangle.  The romance aspect of this book is one thing that really bothered me.  Once again, I cannot go into details because of spoilers, but feel free to see my Goodreads review if you don't mind spoilers.

 

Final Statements

Recommended Reading Age: 13+ for intense action scenes

Overall Rating: 3.5/5