Book Review: Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

Title: Hatchet

Series Title: Brian's Saga (Book 1)

Author: Gary Paulsen

Genre: Young Adult Survival

Date Published: November 1, 1986

Why I Read This Book: My husband loved this book when he was younger. I remember reading it in elementary school, but I did not really enjoy it back then. I re-read this book to give it a second chance.

About the Book (from Goodreads):  

"Brian is on his way to Canada to visit his estranged father when the pilot of his small prop plane suffers a heart attack. Brian is forced to crash-land the plane in a lake--and finds himself stranded in the remote Canadian wilderness with only his clothing and the hatchet his mother gave him as a present before his departure..." [Note: synopsis shortened as to not provide spoilers]

Review

Survival books are always a good read. I love reading about unique ways to get out of sticky situations. Filled with adventure and adrenalin-pumping scenarios, Hatchet is no exception to this. Because of the various life-threatening events Brian encounters, he becomes a stronger young adult, both physically and emotionally, throughout the novel. Brian learns that in many situations a positive attitude and a thankful heart are essential for a positive outcome. Even though Hatchet was written over 30 years ago, it is still relatable and entertaining today. I would recommend this YA novel to any one, no matter the age, who is interested in survival shows such as Dual Survival.

Final Statements

Recommended Reading Age: Any Age

Overall Rating: 3.5/5

Series Review (No Spoilers): Underland Chronicles by Suzanne Collins

Series Title: Underland Chronicles

Book 1 Title: Gregor the Overlander

Author: Suzanne Collins

Genre: Middle Grade Epic Fantasy

Date Published (Book 1): 2003

Why I Read This Book: I read this series when I was younger and I LOVED it.

 

 

 

 

 

About Book 1 (from Goodreads):  

This irresistible first novel tells the story of a quiet boy who embarks on a dangerous quest in order to fulfill his destiny -- and find his father -- in a strange world beneath New York City.

When Gregor falls through a grate in the laundry room of his apartment building, he hurtles into the dark Underland, where spiders, rats, cockroaches coexist uneasily with humans. This world is on the brink of war, and Gregor's arrival is no accident. A prophecy foretells that Gregor has a role to play in the Underland's uncertain future. Gregor wants no part of it -- until he realizes it's the only way to solve the mystery of his father's disappearance. Reluctantly, Gregor embarks on a dangerous adventure that will change both him and the Underland forever.

Review

Yes, this series is written by the beloved author of the Hunger Games. No, these series are nothing alike.

The Underland Chronicles is a middle-grade epic fantasy series about a young boy who falls through a grate in his laundry room in New York city and finds himself in a whole new world filled with humans, rats, giant cochroaches and giant bats. A prophesy foretells of a war that Gregor will take part in.

This entire series was perfect; I would not change a single thing about it. I read this series way before I read the Hunger Games series and I did not realize that these were written by the same author until recently. This series is filled with action, adventure, love, friendship, courage, and death. As such, I would not recommend this for young children, but I would recommend this to anyone above the age of 10. If you love fantasy, you will LOVE this series. Although it is written for a younger audience, readers of all ages will easily fall in love with this series.

Final Statements

Recommended Reading Age: 10+ for some intense scenes

Overall Rating: 5/5

Release Day Book Review: The Fixer by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Title: The Fixer

Series: The Fixer (Book 1)

Author: Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Publish Date: July 7, 2015

Genre: Young Adult Thriller

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

 

 

 

 

 

About the Book (from Goodreads):  

When sixteen-year-old Tess Kendrick is sent to live with her older sister, Ivy, she has no idea that the infamous Ivy Kendrick is Washington D.C.'s #1 “fixer,” known for making politicians' scandals go away for a price. No sooner does Tess enroll at Hardwicke Academy than she unwittingly follows in her sister's footsteps and becomes D.C.'s premier high school fixer, solving problems for elite teens.

Secrets pile up as each sister lives a double life. . . . until their worlds come crashing together and Tess finds herself in the middle of a conspiracy with one of her classmates and a client of Ivy's. Suddenly, there is much more on the line than good grades, money, or politics, and the price for this fix might be more than Tess is willing to pay.

Perfect for fans of Pretty Little Liars and Heist Society, readers will be clamoring for more in this exciting new series.

Review

Full of action and suspense, Jennifer Lynn Barnes latest thriller, The Fixer, does not cease to amaze. I had previously read another novel by Barnes (The Naturals) and I loved it! (You can find my review here. So naturally (pun intended), as soon as I saw Barnes' latest novel on Netgalley I decided to pick it up.

In The Fixer, Tess Kendrick moves in with her sister and some big changes happen in her life. She goes from a teen in a small town skipping classes to take care of her grandfather with Alzheimer's disease to being invited to dinner by the first lady.

This action packed thriller had many twists and turns. The dynamics between the characters was what really got me hooked. I enjoyed the character development and the high-action plot. I loved every minute of The Fixer and would recommend this book to anyone looking for action and suspense.

Final Statements

Recommended Reading Age: Any

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Book Review: Shadowed by Kariss Lynch

Title: Shadowed

Series: Heart of a Warrior (Book 2)

Author: Kariss Lynch

Publish Date: March 3, 2015

Genre: Adult Christian Romance

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

 

 

 

 

 

About the First Book in the Series (from Goodreads):  

When her world is shaken, will her foundation survive?
Idealistic and sheltered with a passion to change the world, Kaylan Richards leaves her comfortable life in Alabama to serve in poverty-stricken Haiti. Despite her inexperience and the opposition of a voodoo priest, Kaylan develops a love for the country and the Haitian people. But something deadly is about to strike.

It is the worst earthquake the country has ever seen, and in its aftermath bodies, buildings, and broken lives litter the streets. People she cares about are dead, and Kaylan is caught in the middle of the destruction, questioning a God who said He was good.

Navy SEAL Nick Carmichael never planned to find a girl he loved more than his country. Now she is a world away, trapped in a deadly situation nothing could have prepared her for. Can Nick’s love help Kaylan heal and show her the God who never abandoned her, or will tragedy shake even the most rooted faith?

Review

This suspenseful Christian Romance series is one that you do not want to miss. I do not want to say much about the plot of this book because it is the second in the series and I don't want to spoil the first book. 

One of my favorite parts of this series is the reminder of God's love and His presence in our lives even in difficult times. Additionally, I love the fast-paced nature of the novels and the action that is present in every chapter.

Although the series is written in third person, each chapter focuses on one of the two main characters: Kaylan or her boyfriend Nick. The first book, Shaken, was mainly in Kaylan's perspective and Shadowed is mainly in Nick's perspective. Nick is a SEAL and although I appreciate that he serves our country in this series I am finding it more difficult to connect to the story line in this novel. This is why I could not give this book a perfect 5/5 stars.

I recommend this book to anyone looking for a Christian Romance novel filled with action and suspense.

Final Statements

Recommended Reading Age: 13+ for intense action

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

Graphic Novel Review: Amulet (Vol. 1) by Kazu Kibuishi

Title: The Stone Keeper

Series: Amulet (Vol. 1)

Authors: Kazu Kibuishi 

Publish Date: January 1, 2008

Genre: Graphic Novel, Fantasy

Why I Read this Book: I read this book during Dewey's 24 Hour Readathon. I found this graphic novel at my local library and loved the cover.

 

 

About Book 1 (from Goodreads):  

Graphic novel star Kazu Kibuishi creates a world of terrible, man-eating demons, a mechanical rabbit, a giant robot---and two ordinary children on a life-or-death mission.

After the tragic death of their father, Emily and Navin move with their mother to the home of her deceased great-grandfather, but the strange house proves to be dangerous. Before long, a sinister creature lures the kids' mom through a door in the basement. Em and Navin, desperate not to lose her, follow her into an underground world inhabited by demons, robots, and talking animals.

Eventually, they enlist the help of a small mechanical rabbit named Miskit. Together with Miskit, they face the most terrifying monster of all, and Em finally has the chance to save someone she loves.

Review

The first thing that caught my eye about this book was the cover. I found the cover beautiful and intriguing. I immediately had high expectations from this book and I was not disappointed.

At first, I thought is strange that one of the main characters in a somewhat scary and extremely action packed graphic novel was a cute pink and white rabbit, but I fell in love with all of the characters in this book. They are all incredibly unique and quirky.

My favorite part of the first volume of this series was the action and the plot twists. I was held of the edge of my seat until the very last page. I cannot wait to read the rest of this amazing graphic novel series.

Final Statements

Recommended Reading Age: 10+ for intense action scenes

Overall Rating: 5/5