[Review] Bared to You

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‘Bared to You’ by Sylvia Day

  Crossfire # 1...

Synopsis:
Our journey began in fire…
Gideon Cross came into my life like lightning in the darkness—beautiful and brilliant, jagged and white-hot. I was drawn to him as I’d never been to anything or anyone in my life. I craved his touch like a drug, even knowing it would weaken me. I was flawed and damaged, and he opened those cracks in me so easily…
Gideon knew. He had demons of his own. And we would become the mirrors that reflected each other’s most private wounds… and desires.
The bonds of his love transformed me, even as I prayed that the torment of our pasts didn’t tear us apart…
(Source: Goodreads.com)

My thoughts about it:
Right from the first pages on I could see that Day doesn’t empathize much on the current stylistic writing manners. Her formulations are all extremely exaggerated and drips with adjectives that often I had to shake my head. Don’t get me wrong, in general I’ve nothing against adjectives or I’m also not the same opinion like Stephen King, that every author should delete most of the adjectives/ adverbs … but if you read Day’s book, then you see again, what King meant with that and you also acknowledge, how uncreative Day used them and you notice the bad writing style of her.
Luckily soon I got dragged into the story and also into the life of Ana… ups, sorry – I meant Eva. Therefore you could try to ignore the writing style, even if it hasn’t always worked.

But also the plot and the idioms were not exactly brilliant. And several times I had to ask myself ‘where is here the plot?’, because after the second or third encounter of Ana Eva and Christian Gideon, it was only just a see-saw between them. One moment they had the best, most unrestrained sex on God’s earth and in the next something happens, so that Eva becomes sad/ disappointed/ sour and simply runs away without saying a word. And then Gideon runs after her like a well educated Golden Retriever/ apologizes to her/ calms her and the endless loop begins/ ends again with the greatest sex you can imagine. This goes on through the whole book – until I was only frustrated and didn’t know what to do against it.

Furthermore instead of adding more action in the story, Day rather described which clothes Eva, Gideon and Cary wore every day. And here I mean really – always and everything! Okay, I also like stylish clothing, but this was a ‘tick’ too much. Also I didn’t get a lot of insights of Eva’s work, which she has started just in the beginning, because everything was described only very short and also the communication with other characters, except with Gideon, was rare. So that, as already said, there were only arguments/ misunderstandings and sex scenes in this book. That’s all!

But regardless of everything, it was also not so, that I didn’t want to read on. To declare, in spite of all my criticism, the book has also pulled me in its spell and above all, also the characters didn’t let me go any more, so that I was tied up wiht them and I simply wished them a happy end.
Even if I had my problems with Eva, I was a fan of Gideon and from the first page on I’ve fallen in love with Cary. He is great and has amused me through the whole book, which has made it lighter for me. Unfortunately he is also a relationship-destroyer like Eva, but I hope that will change in the following books and that he will be even more present in the story.

After all the emotional rollercoaster and constant up and downs, we finally got a pleasant ending for which I was happy and which, to be honest, would have also been enough for me. I would be satisfied with it, if the story of Gideon and Eva has ended now or okay, some little more background information would have been nice too, but all in all, it would have been better to put everything in one book, at most into two (but not in three).
But because nowadays everything goes in the direction of trilogies, we also get here another two books from Day and I’m skeptical what she’ll still present us of Eva and Gideon in two further parts. I’m very doubtful whether it’ll functions for me or not and I fear that it’ll be a duplication of the first book, only with other conflicts, but from the style exactly the same. But we’ll see.

German Cover:
I like it from the style and it fits also perfectly to the contents of the book. Well selected and I think it’s great that the English Hardcover version was used.

All in all:
Seldom I‘ve liked parts in a book so much and at the same time others convinced me so little. I still want to read book 2, but if this won’t be better, then I’ll stop to read this series.

Rating:
3 of 5 points – (I liked it)
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A huge Thanks for the reviewer’s copy to:

© Random House

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Succession:

#1: Sylvia Day – Bared to You »»
#2: Sylvia Day – Reflected in You
#3: Sylvia Day – Entwined with You

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© Sylvia Day

About the author – Sylvia Day:
Sylvia Day is the #1 New York Times and #1 international bestselling author of more than a dozen award-winning novels translated into over three dozen languages. She has been nominated for the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Author and her work has been honored as Amazon’s Best of the Year in Romance. She has won the RT Book Reviews Reviewers’ Choice Award and been nominated for Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA® award twice.s.
(Source: Goodreads.com)

Visit her Website »»

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[Review] Air

(© goodreads)

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‘Air‘ by
Terra Harmony

The Akasha Serie # 2

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Synopsis:
She carries more than just elemental powers. In ‘Air’, the sequel to ‘Water’ of the Akasha Series, Kaitlyn has a secret. One she won’t be able to hide much longer. As the strongest Gaia the planet has ever seen, she must face mankind’s greatest enemy as he campaigns for ‘One Less: Depopulation’. Everything depends on Kaitlyn fully embracing her role as Gaia. Her family. The Seven. The Earth. Something has to give, and it won’t be Kaitlyn.
(Source: Goodreads.com)

My thoughts about the book:
After the great first part which could persuades and inspire me completely, I just had to read the next part. And I’ve been glad about the continuation, because there was a little cliffhanger at the end of the book ‘Water’. When I finally get my hands on ‘Air’ to start reading the book, I was a little disappointed, because it was different than I had expected.

To one side the plot starts some time after the events from part 1, but without much of important thing happened in the world or with the characters. What I find extremely odd, if one remember which relation Kaitlyn and Micah had almost at the end, before the thing with Shawn happened, and that Micah has saved her afterwards.
After that you think that they would talk about it afterwards, or not? But Kaitlyn didn’t and she still couldn’t tell him or the others, that she is pregnant. And funnily enough she holds particularly to Micah an emotional, as well as a physical distance, which was never so big, as in this time.

Also Micah reveals only too little about him or he didn’t makes obvious steps toward Kaitlyn, what I found a great pity. And then suddenly there came the big revelation and from one second to the other, there also came the big, inexplicable turn in their love relationship; when the action all around Shawn and his bad underground organization tapers to a point and the quick and above all complete turnabout of the relationship of Micah and Kaitlyn takes place, which was for me too quickly and also a little illogical.
For weeks there was no real conversation between the two main characters and suddenly Micah is a completely other person and devote all love to Kaitlyn, with all consequences and relations. And what is Kaitlyn doing? Of course not the right thing! And this happens not only in this situation, but also throughout the whole book and particularly at the end, I wanted to punch or shake her so long till she comes to her senses again. Unfortunately a reader can’t intervene in the events of books and thus I was left watching her decisions silently and despairing.

Of course in this part there aren’t only bad things between Micah and Kaitlyn, but there were also really some good, very romantic and crackling scenes of them, which could also score with eroticism. But nevertheless, I’ve not liked the end at all. I almost wanted to start crying or scream or smash something – which on the other side, however show here, that I was completely taken by the characters and that I’ve felt and suffered with them. And that characters not always act like we readers wishes for, is natural, because people also often don’t act like they should. Therefore you could say that the characters and the plot course were realistic and authentic; with people, which make mistakes, act illogically or aren’t perfect and learn from it – hopefully!

What has disturbed me also, beside these points, was the fact that the middle section was to be read a little tenaciously. For me the part with Alex was too extended and drown-out, and in overall the second part couldn’t hold the same tension and speed, like ‘Water’.

As I’ve already mentioned, I’m not happy with the end of the second book at all, and the only bright spot is, that I hope and know, that the author will give us a positive and reasonable end after the fourth part – so, at least we still have two more books, for which we can looking forward to and I really hope sooo much, that after all the up and downs, we’ll get our deserved happy-ending!

Cover:
The cover is again just beautiful and is limited on what is important in the book and what it is about – the element and the ability of handling it.

All in all:
A must-read for all fans of fantasy books which deal with the strength of the elements and which have already read book 1 – it goes on interesting and we still can be glad about two more parts, which will bring us more tension and sizzle.

Rating:
3 of 5 points (I liked it)

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Succession:

# 1: Terra Harmony – Water »»
# 2: Terra Harmony – Air »»
# 3: Terra Harmony – Fire
# 4: Terra Harmony – Earth

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(© goodreads)

About the author – Terra Harmony:
Terra is a debut author, and currently has her first full length novel, ‘Water’, published. Water is a contemporary eco-fantasy and the first book of a four book series called ‘The Akasha Series’. The next book, ‘Air’ will be released mid-February in 2012.
Terra also has a vampire short story anthology. The first two books of ‘The Kindred Curse Anthology’, ‘Gleaming White’ and ‘Streaks of Red’ are self-published as e-books. Three more short stories will follow to complete the anthology. Terra was born and raised in Colorado but has since lived in California, Texas, Utah, North Carolina and Virginia. Terra has served a 5½ year enlistment in the Marine Corp, has earned her bachelor’s and master’s degree and presently runs the language services division of a small business.
Terra currently lives in a suburb of Washington, DC with her husband of 13 years and three children. (Source: Goodreads.com)

Visit her Website »»

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[Review] Bayou Moon

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‘Bayou Moon’ by Ilona Andrews

The Edge # 2
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Synopsis:
Cerise Mar and her unruly clan are cash poor but land rich, claiming a large swathe of the Mire, the Edge swamplands between the state of Louisiana and the Weird. When her parents vanish, her clan’s long-time rivals are suspect number one.
But all is not as it seems. Two nations of the Weird are waging a cold war fought by feint and espionage, and their conflict is about to spill over into the Edge—and Cerise’s life . William, a changeling soldier who left behind the politics of the Weird, has been forced back into service to track down a rival nation’s spymaster.
When William’s and Cerise’s missions lead them to cross paths, sparks fly—but they’ll have to work together if they want to succeed…and survive. (Source: Goodreads.com)

My thoughts about the book:
Maybe some of you can remember how much I liked and how much enthusiastic I was about the first book of Andrews’ series ‘The Edge’ and therefore I hardly couldn’t wait to read the second part, particularly because I also was already a fan of William in the first book, and secondly because I read it together with a blogger-friend in a reading-circle, which meant more fun for me or both of us.
But here in spite of all that, this book has disappointed me a little, although it’s not recognizable at the first sight, because of the average rating.

All in all it’s also not bad, and also better than other books I’ve already read so far, but if I compare it to part one, here it lacked at some places.
First of all I’ve only got very haltingly in the story and it was at first also a little bit too long-breathed to me. The surrounding area was described too detailed, many new characters were introduced and to be honest, I’ve only waited for the time, when the two central characters William and Cerise meet each other. And when they finally did it, then I even haven’t really recognized it immediately, but I don’t want to say much about it, otherwise I would spoil a lot.

And although also here these two characters have fitted greatly together, I just couldn‘t feel with them, as I did with Declan and Rose in the first book. This is probably due to the fact, that both characters are very determined, stubborn and like to look out for others and rather do something to defeat the ‘bad guys’, instead of take care for their own feelings, or just identify them. Unfortunately, hence it’s also clear, that here aren’t many romantic scenes and even in the second book there is even less fun and humor in it, than in the predecessor. What I found both a great pity, particularly the abstinence of the big feelings and the pleasant prickle in the belly, when the characters fall in love with each other. Okay, yes, it was also quite nice every now and then, but the big feelings were missing.

The second point, which has led to less joy of reading, was that Andrews were very often changed between the narrative perspective, which wouldn’t have disturbed me so much, if it had been only between William and Cerise, but unfortunately many other characters also got a chance to speak. Here not only from the good figures, but also every now and then from the enemies of the story, which was for me extremely unnecessary, because these chapters revealed no important revelations, but only made the book thicker. Here it would have been better to shorten the book by some chapter and to write it exclusively from the point of the main characters – I really would have liked that more. Furthermore also the certain spark has been absent anyhow all the time and as already said, some pages in it were unnecessary and described too detailed.
Also the plot couldn’t grab me like in the first part and often the pages got filled with too many details. Added to that comes that also the description of this surrounding area in the middle of the marsh brought an unwell feeling to me and the portrayal and the world in the first part of the ‘Edge-series’ were for me much better and more pleasant.

And now we are already at the end, which has allowed me to finish this book happy and peacefully. If you haven’t read the book yet, then please stop reading now, because – SPOILER ALERT –

I namely found absolutely great, that at the end it has worked with these two, although they are both stubborn as hell, and hence it was also really sweet, as her father has helped them a little. Moreover it was very nice that I could read how the life goes on now for them in the Weird, now that they’ve settled down there. And it was even better to hear that they live close to Rose and Declan and that also the children Jack, George, Gaston and Lake spend time together. Everything sounds very peaceful and like a nice, lovely family-life with friends and exactly that, the figures have earned, after all the strains. Hence this end was perfect for me and I found it absolutely cute!

German Cover:
Also here the cover is again a feast for the eyes and I like the picture very much, although it has little relation to the plot.

All in all:
Unfortunately part two is a little weaker than the great first book, but I’m sure, that this series still has to offer a lot and that the next book will fulfill my full expectation again. Andrews simply knows how to write exciting, amorous books and therefore I remain loyal to her.

Rating:
3 of 5 points – (I liked it)

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A huge Thanks for the reviewer’s copy to:

Egmont Lyx

 

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Succession:
# 1: Ilona Andrews – On the Edge »»
# 2: Ilona Andrews – Bayou Moon »»
# 3: Ilona Andrews – Fate’s Edge
# 4: Ilona Andrews – Steel’s Edge

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(© goodreads)

About the author – Ilona Andrews:
Ilona Andrews is the pseudonym for a husband-and-wife writing team. Ilona is a native-born Russian and Gordon is a former communications sergeant in the U.S. Army. Contrary to popular belief, Gordon was never an intelligence officer with a license to kill, and Ilona was never the mysterious Russian spy who seduced him. They met in college, in English Composition 101, where Ilona got a better grade.  (Source: goodreads.com)

Visit the Website »».

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[Review] Kiss of Frost

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‘Kiss of Frost’ by Jennifer Estep

Mythos Academy # 2
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Synopsis:
I’m Gwen Frost, a second-year warrior-in-training at Mythos Acad­emy, and I have no idea how I’m going to sur­vive the rest of the semes­ter. One day, I’m get­ting schooled in sword­play by the guy who broke my heart—the drop-dead gor­geous Logan who slays me every time. Then, an invis­i­ble archer in the Library of Antiq­ui­ties decides to use me for tar­get prac­tice. And now, I find out that some­one at the acad­emy is really a Reaper bad guy who wants me dead. I’m afraid if I don’t learn how to live by the sword—with Logan’s help—I just might die by the sword…  (Source: Goodreads.com)

My thougths about the book:
Well, where I should start. With this book it is really hard for me to be objective. Like in the first part there were again some things in it which have disturbed me, but nonetheless I’ve virtually devoured the book in two days and I could hardly put it aside, which usually is always a good sign.

The best is, if I start with the points of critic:
The first points of it goes to the writing manner, which is not really bad and also is to be read easily and fast, BUT I just can’t get along with the sloppy expressions, which Estep throws in between sometimes. Actually there are nice sentences but then, (for example) such words like ‘oh well‘, ‘ah, yes’ or similar ones, destroy something for me. For example I also didn’t like the fact, that Estep uses words twice very often and writes them only with comma in between. For example: “This was great, great.” or “I was so scared, scared.”

Also you’ve to be warned, that almost the first fifty or hundred pages show only a pure repetition of the first book. Seriously – here it often even seemed to me, as if the author had copied whole sentences or passages of the first book – word for word!
As well I also had to shake my head again and again about the fact how often Gwen eats sweet and injurious things but actually looks slim and slender – in which unrealistic world does the author live?

Moreover I found it very annoying how often – as well as in the first part – it was pointed out that Gwen doesn’t really mind about money or brand clothes and such things, but it constantly gets mentions in the book and Gwen broods over it all the time how stupid the other students are because they carry so super-chic brand clothes/ brand make-up, drive expensive cars‚ eat much hoity-toity-food and so on – and here I don’t exaggerate, THIS goes on through the whole book!
If for her (or the author) this subject about money and wealth wouldn’t be important, I wouldn’t always think about or mention it, or? Something like this, I’ve found in no other book and it has really irritated me after a while.

Unfortunately, adding to that is also the romance with Logan and Gwen goes on, which maybe will please some of you, me, however, not so much. I don’t know what this Logan has to offer, except a muscle-loaded body and blue eyes, but from his character he unfortunately has nothing that interests me much. He has a bad reputation with girls and sex escapades, where I would like to run away and not get involved with him, but Gwen idealizes him like a prince – but which he isn’t in my opinion. I must admit that I’ve wished that someone else kicks in Gwen’s life with whom she could get a good future romance, but sadly not.

And in spite of all these negative points, I’ve finished the book quickly, because I’ve read through the pages extremely fast, because –okay, it also was thrilling sometimes ^^ – but also because I’ve always waited for something great, but I only got a few real highlights in it. Nevertheless I had my fun while reading it, if I bend the rules a little. However I still want to read the third part to give to the author one more chance and to see whether this series becomes better for me.

German Cover:
A wonderful cover, which is designed very similar to the first book, but here I prefer the violet color and also the eyes. *beautiful*

All in all:
I don’t know whether it’s my fault or the books, but unfortunately it was only average. Nevertheless I think that it could please many other readers, especially fans of YA books or people, who want to have an easy dispersion and read something about a mythology topic.

Rating:
3 of 5 points – (I liked it)

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A huge Thanks for the reviewer’s copy to:

© Piper ivi

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Succession:

# 0,5 Jennifer Estep – First Frost (Short Story nur als ebook)
# 1:    Jennifer Estep – Touch of Frost »»
# 2:    Jennifer Estep – Kiss of Frost »»
# 3:    Jennifer Estep – Dark Frost
# 4:    Jennifer Estep – Crimson Frost
# 5:    Jennifer Estep – Midnight Frost

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(© goodreads)

About the author – Jennifer Estep:
Jennifer Estep is a New York Times bestselling author, prowling the streets of her imagination in search of her next fantasy idea.
Jennifer writes the Elemental Assassin adult urban fantasy series for Pocket. Books in the series are SPIDER’S BITE, WEB OF LIES, VENOM, TANGLED THREADS, SPIDER’S REVENGE, and BY A THREAD.  (Source: goodreads.com)

Visit her Website »».

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[Review] Legend

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‘Legend’ by Marie Lu

Legend # 1...

Synopsis:
What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic’s wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic’s highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country’s most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.
From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths—until the day June’s brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family’s survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias’s death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets. (Source: Goodreads.com)

My thougts about the book:
I’ve finished the book ‘Legend’ within two days and usually this is always a good sign, but here, I partially had my problems with it.
In any case positively is to be mentioned, that the writing style is very easy to read and it goes on quick and casual, with a special easiness. This is probably due to the fact to that the story is written in the present and on the other hand that it is used a very simply language, without a lot of frills, descriptions or kitsch, what also fits to the whole elitist system, which is described in the book.

However, to tell the truth, the plot and also the characters here didn’t completely knocked my socks off, but it was also at the same time no disappointment, but rather just quite average.
The plot is thrilling and also dramatically written, so that I wanted to read on fast. But it seemed to me in between that as if I’ve waited for something certain to happen, but unfortunately it never really came. Particularly with the first third of the book I had this feeling, when also the action got on just slowly. But then the last pages have virtually overturned with action and more action and everything happened here too quickly for me till to the end.

What also stroked me considering the plot was, that for me it wasn’t a real dystopia, but it rather appeared like a book about war, like a story, which has happened during the second world war with the Nazis and the totalitarian, pitiless system – only that here some modern elements were inserted, to be able to let it play in the future and to be able to declare it as a dystopia for the right marketing. Also this selection of the children and these researches, sounded very much like something that already happened in those times and hence, I found these points not very original. But only terrifyingly; like it probably also should be appear.

Now to the central figures in the story: Day and June.
The male protagonist Day is quite okay, but I don’t always understand completely his actions or the reason for his past doings, which always were mentioned only briefly or I don’t understand, why he is the most searched criminal of this republic. For me it looks a little too exaggerated, that he should be the ‘#1 enemy of the state’, only because he has committed little things like little raids or smaller sabotages, but up to now he has never made really big damages or killed somebody. So why should this big, strong regime, like this republic here, care for such a prowler and places so much value for his arrest?
Otherwise Day was a nice and also attractive character, of whom I liked to get to know more about and I hope, that we still get more from in the next parts.

Also June was likeable to me, but I couldn’t understand, how she should be one of the best agents, the most intelligent person and already got her degree – at the age of just 15 years? Again it seemed to me too exaggerated and phony.

Moreover I unfortunately couldn’t build up a strong connection to Day or June and for my taste they have fallen in love with each other too fast. I mean – these two were drilled their whole life to hate each other and already after two days they’ve spend time together on the street, they have to kiss each other, because they can’t stop themselves? Ohm, hello – have I missed there something?
Okay, they were sweet and everything and have also suffered and must endure many pains, but nevertheless, I missed the special spark for them.

German Cover:
Concerning the contents the cover fits perfectly to the story and the military construction. But I’m rather a fan of flourishes, charming lines and luminous colors; hence this cover looks a little dumpy for me.

All in all:
But in spite of the hard criticism, the book gets 3 points for the exhilarating action and the liquid, quick writing style. This book appeared like a longer pre-story, but I think, there is still place up and that the second part can inspire my enthusiasm more.

Rating:
3 of 5 points – (I liked it)

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A huge Thanks for the reviewer’s copy to:

and also to:

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Succession:

# 1: Marie Lu – Legend »»
# 2: Marie Lu – Prodigy
# 3: Marie Lu – Untitled

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(© goodreads)

About the author – Marie Lu:
She writes young adult novels, and have a special love for dystopian books. Ironically, she was born in 1984. Before becoming a full-time writer, she was an Art Director at a video game company. Now she shuffles around at home and talk to herself a lot.
She graduated from the University of Southern California in ’06 and currently live in LA, where she spend her time stuck on the freeways.  (Source: goodreads.com)

Visit her Website »».

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copyright: Penguin Young Readers

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Review: Skin Hunger

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‘Skin Hunger’ by Kathleen Duey

A Resurrection of Magic #1
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Synopsis:
Sadima lives in a world where magic has been banned, leaving poor villagers prey to fakes and charlatans. A “magician” stole her family’s few valuables and left Sadima’s mother to die on the day Sadima was born. But vestiges of magic are hidden in old rhymes and hearth tales and in people like Sadima, who conceals her silent communication with animals for fear of rejection and ridicule. When rumors of her gift reach Somiss, a young nobleman obsessed with restoring magic, he sends Franklin, his lifelong servant, to find her. Sadima’s joy at sharing her secret becomes love for the man she shares it with. But Franklin’s irrevocable bond to the brilliant and dangerous Somiss traps her, too, and she faces a heartbreaking decision. (Source: Goodreads.com)

My thoughts about the book:
I must confess that I didn’t know that book before I’ve started to read it, and hence, I’ve simply let surprised me. And I didn’t get disappointed. Right at the beginning I’ve liked the writing style of Duey very much and I could get into it well and nicely. The book was written in the past. What was very great and has also confused me a little in the beginning was the fact that not all chapters were written in the same perspective, but they rotated.

Moreover, the time line wasn’t only simply linear like in any other book, but also the time switches. There is virtually a story which plays in the past and tells the background story and how it happened that it has come to the present-state. Okay, I’ve to confess this was a little bewildering at first, but it also has carried me away immediately and it was therefore so thrilling that I almost couldn’t put aside the book. These points were absolutely the biggest fascination of the book for me.

Beside these, also the central figure, called Samida, was a highlight of the book and she could win me for herself very fast, as well as after some time the character Haph, for whom I’ve felt endlessly sorry. Also I’ve liked Franklin at the beginning of the book very much because of his friendly kind and his natural, helpful being. Unfortunately he couldn’t really grow within the book or for me he has even changed at some points to the negative.

And unfortunately the same happened with the whole book. Not that the writing style have gotten worse or such a thing but the plot was from time to time too stretched in the length, although it didn’t happened a lot in those chapters. Occasionally I had the feeling, as if something will immediately happen, some kind of highlight or such a thing, but that never came.

The arc of suspense simply decreased again. In addition was that the characters have also slipped into some roles, in which I didn’t really want to see them. For example Franklin became rather weaker than stronger throughout the story, and in my opinion he hasn’t grown at all or has changed to the positive. It was rather in a way that he was completely guided only by Somiss, another central figure, and has operated for me too less independently, so that I wanted to shake him sometimes to wake him up. It was exactly what also Samida wanted to do with him or she also wanted to free herself from him, to put her own luck into focus again, but unfortunately, she didn’t made it.

Now I really hope that this relatively open end, with raised many questions, soon gets a better second book, in which will be also some answers and in which the characters can grow again. Because I think that this phase, in which they characters couldn’t be themselves and where their hands were virtually bound, will be important for the future, their maturation process and the general plot. Hence I’m curious how this series will go on and therefore I’m looking forward to also read the next books.

Cover:
I find the cover very suitably for this story, because it shows Samida well, but also doesn’t reveal too much from her. Moreover it suits to the magic atmosphere in the book and hence I think it’s really felicitous.

All in all:
It’s an interesting book which has brought me to ponder and has carried me away much particularly at the beginning. Unfortunately there have been some weaker phases in the meantime. Nevertheless a must read for fans of Magic and High fantasy or also for readers of for example Trudi Canavan.

Rating:
3 of 5 points – (I liked it)
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A huge THANKS for the reviewer’s copy to:

© Random House

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(© goodreads)

About the author – Kathleen Duey:
Kathleen Duey grew up in Colorado. She loved riding her horses, hiking, being in the mountains. Reading was always important to her. Writing became a fascination early in her life. In the fourth grade, Kathleen began writing stories and told everyone who would listen that she was going to be an author. Then she did nothing about it until she was 35 years old. In the last decade, Kathleen has learned about computers, the internet, research and writing. Writing is her passion and her dream-come-true. She is in love and feels lucky to have a such a wonderful and loving partner in her life.
(Source: goodreads.com)

Visit her Website »»

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Review: Good Oil

English Cover

German Cover

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‘Good Oil’ by Laura Buzo

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Synopsis:
‘Miss Amelia Hayes, welcome to The Land of Dreams. I am the staff trainer. I will call you grasshopper and you will call me sensei and I will give you the good oil. Right? And just so you know, I’m open to all kinds of bribery.’
From the moment 15-year-old Amelia begins work on the checkout at Woolworths she is sunk, gone, lost…head-over-heels in love with Chris. Chris is the funny, charming, man-about-Woolies, but he’s 21, and the 6-year difference in their ages may as well be 100. Chris and Amelia talk about everything from Second Wave Feminism to Great Expectations and Alien but will he ever look at her in the way she wants him to? And if he does, will it be everything she hopes?  (Source: Goodreads.com)

My thoughts about the book:
Who hasn’t experienced how it is to fall in love for the first time and often at the same time also unhappily? Particularly if one is at an age, while one doesn’t recognize oneself again because the own body is changing, the feelings play around and everything and everybody apparently starts to revolt.

This book begins with the story of Amelia who is telling it in the present, from which I’m unfortunately not a fan but nevertheless, after some chapters I was caught in the reading flow and it didn’t disturb me so much anymore.
Amelia has just become 15 and for her the world is upside-down, particularly after she meets Chris, who is 6-years older than Amelia, but for whom her heart beats faster but she realistically also sees no chance for them. The story is primarily around the life of these two main characters, their developing friendship and beyond.

About the first half of the book is very childish and very easy, often with very short sentences, but it is also written liquidly and hence fitting for a 15-year-old teenager. Though it seemed authentic for the situation, but nevertheless there were also some times at which I’ve felt this writing style was too simply, too jolty. But I’m already a little older than 15 and therefore I maybe don’t fit completely to the given age recommendation.
However, to my luck this changed after this aforesaid half of the book and I was very glad to be allowed to read suddenly a completely other writing style. I don’t want to describe here at this point how that has exactly happened or why it has changed, because I don’t want to ruin your ‘surprise‘. But who has also already read the book, will certainly know what I mean here.

The storyline begins very slowly and the reader is led step by step to the central figure Amelia, as well as to her family and friends and therefore gets to know them and her way of thinking better and better. I must confess that I couldn’t get along with her at the start but it became better with the time. She has irritated me sometimes with her ‘puppy love’ and keenness, but if I remember my puberty right, I probably was just like that and like almost every other girl in this bewildering time.
Chris is the total opposite to her and the typical darling of everybody with a constantly loose saying on his lips and he’s always up for every fun. He’s really very likeable and charming, but only when he also has shown his negative sides and his self-doubts, he could also conquer my heart.

Who now thinks that in this book it is only told about the both of them, who hold dull dialogues than you’re wrong. Amelia and Chris, as well as the book, discuss also principle questions about the female emancipation and also talk passionate a lot about classical books.

SPOILER !

Actually not really a spoiler, but nevertheless I wanted to mention here that I’m not a fan of open ends. Certainly this gives the reader the chance to thinks freely of the things afterwards and to create a positive exit for themselves. But I rather want books which are completely led to an end and read it to a final end, instead of thinking one up for myself. I didn’t like this point so much.

Cover:
I really like it because of these two faces and the decoration on the sides. It’s particularly nice that the little flowers shine.

All in all:
This book is an homage to the first great love and describes vividly and with feeling in which whirlpool of emotions one is pulled if one falls in love for the first time with 15. It is empathetically and even so sweetly. In general the book is suitable for the age recommendation of 12-15 years, but some scenes aren’t that appropriate for this age.

Rating:
3 of 5 points – (I liked it)
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A huge Thanks for the reviewer’s copy to:

©Arena Verlag

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Quotes:

Chris: “She even takes the goings-on of fictitious characters personally.”

Amelia: “I wonder briefly if I could somehow broker a deal with God whereby if I put both my arms around Chris, his suffering would be transferred to me via skin-to-skin osmosis at a rate inversely proportionate to how much I love him.”

Amelia: “Oh, well. Love is pain. Or is it beauty is pain? I wouldn’t know about the latter, but the former makes my sternum ache.”
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(© goodreads)

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About the author – Laura Buzo:
Laura Buzo was born and grew up in Sydney, middle of three daughters. Growing up she loved swimming, riding horses, tennis, netball, running, chocolate and above all, reading. After university, Laura worked as a social worker in various acute and community-based mental health settings in Sydney. In 2005 she took some time away from work to start writing her first novel, Good Oil. Laura is still working as a social worker and has a young daughter. She lives in Sydney.
(Source: goodreads.com)

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Film Critic: Hunger Games

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The Hunger Games

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copyright: http://www.usmagazine.com

German Titel: Die Tribute von Panem – The Hunger Games

Puplishing Year: 2012

Production: Lionsgate

Regie: Gary Ross

Cast:
Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Donald Sutherland, Woody Harrelson, Stanley Tucci,
Lenny Kravitz, …

English Website »»

German Website »»

Novels written by:
Suzanne Collins.

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copyright: Lionsgate

Synopsis:
In a dystopian future, the totalitarian nation of Panem is divided between 12 districts and the Capitol. Each year two young representatives from each district are selected by lottery to participate in The Hunger Games. Part entertainment, part brutal retribution for a past rebellion, the televised games are broadcast throughout Panem. The 24 participants are forced to eliminate their competitors while the citizens of Panem are required to watch. When 16-year-old Katniss’s young sister, Prim, is selected as District 12′s female representative, Katniss volunteers to take her place. She and her male counterpart Peeta, are pitted against bigger, stronger representatives who have trained for this their whole lives.  (Source: imdb.com)

My thoughts about the movie:
I’ve already read some critics about that movie on other blogs and most of them were very happy about the movie and the adaption from the book, as well as about the cast and the general atmosphere, which was created in the film. Unfortunately, I don’t completely understand this many positive critics because parts of it didn’t work for me at all and it has happened what I’ve been afraid of before, namely that the film wasn’t able to hold a candle to the great book.
I also let myself hype for the movie by the whole advertisement of the last months and also the trailer which persuaded me to watch the movie right away and I could only hardly wait to see it. However, just to say it short – I was disappointed.

To one point I haven’t liked the camera work at all. The images were, already at the beginning at the ‚harvest’, so unsettled, wiggly and tangled, that I’ve already got a headache after 15 minutes of watching it. Though I reckon that they probably did that this way to also reflect the inner conflict and disruption of the protagonists and the system, but this was certainly ‚too of much’.
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copyright: http://www.dietributevonpanem.de

As a countermove for that, the producers of the movie have very much hold back the special effects and the soundtrack and therefore everything appeared very secluded. What would have been quite nice, if I don’t know the books and hence this fact has created a complete different atmosphere for me, than the one I felt while reading the book.

This story tells a dystopia, a post-apocalypse and therefore it should have needed more tension, more power, more energy, but everything was taken back so much and some things also were played down like it didn’t happen in the book.
In the book you get drawn into a new world, carried away in a whirlpool of desperation, unbelief and brutality and everything happens frightfully fast and intensely, but here in the film it stretches slowly, like a small, splashing brook. For me it almost appeared like they did that on purpose and slow the tempo down and do everything to get the movie more ‚girly’ trimmed, so that they can copy the success of Twilight. But for me this hasn’t worked out at all and destroyed a lot of the meaning.

Unfortunately also of the Cast couldn’t persuade me and this not only because of the theatrical achievement, but also of their appearance. In my opinion Gale, Peeta and Prime were huge false choices, from their appearance and their looks and unfortunately also Cinna (Lenny Kravitz – whom I usually really like) wasn’t able to convince me..

copyright: http://www.dietributevonpanem.de

However, but on the other side I think Jennifer Lawrence (Katniss) was chosen greatly and she also has shown Katniss’ seriousness and her will very well. Also Haymitch (Woody Harrelson) was played very well and Harrelson has made a fantastic job to breathe life into his character. Also Effie and President Snow were very alike to the characters and how they were described in the book and I was contented with their performance. Especially with President Snow (Donald Sutherland) I had the same creepy prickle in the belly, like in the book, when he appeared on the screen.

I particularly liked very much the visual adaptation with the costumes and also with the surroundings and the scenery. First the authentic and miserable scenery in the district 12 and as the counterpart the colorful, florid and decadent ‘Capitol’. These contrasts also reflected significantly the life situation, which shows that the people in the districts must fight for their everyday survival, while in the Capitol the people just swim in their superabundance. I think I’ve liked that fact the most in the movie, beside Katniss and Haymitch.

copyright: http://hungergamesmovie.org/3266/hunger-games-animated-character-poster/

Soundtrack:
Also disappointing because there wasn’t really a soundtrack at all and therefore also no big feelings arose by the music like I appreciating it in other movies.

All in all:
An average film which one can have a look though, but not necessarily because there are better ones. If one liked to be motivated to reflex over serious topics and like Dystopias, one should let out the movie and read the books first because otherwise a lot of sense, feelings and atmosphere get lost..

Rating:
3 of 5 points

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copyright: Lionsgate

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This Film Critic is for the ‘Book2Movie – Challenge’ 2012 !

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