Secret Society : A Book Review

I actually read this back around the time of The Two Princesses of Bamarre, but, liek the other, it got lost in my jump drive. But here it is! Better late than never, no?

“Nothing is easier than self-deceit. For what each man wishes, that he also believes to be true.”

       qtd. by Tom Dolby

“The greatest trick the Devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn’t exist.”

       qtd. by Tom Dolby

This is one of those books you cannot put down! It may take a few pages but the reader learns to love (or hate) the four main characters: Pheobe, Lauren, Nick, and Patch. This is an excellent debut novel and I expect to see amazing things from him. I’m eagerly awaiting to get my hands on the sequel.

Pheobe just moved to town with her mom. She doesn’t quite fit in at Chadwick, but she’s determined to make her New York life exactly what she dreamed it to be. Lauren is a girl thrust into the life a socialite by her mother. Definite Fashionista , Lauren is positive and loves a good time, or she used to. Nick is a little rich boy who is always in the spotlight because of his family. But the spotlight comes with responsibilities, ones he may not be quite ready for. Patch is nothing like the others. He’s an aspiring film maker, but not blessed with wealth. He’d do anything for his chance to shine. These four seem to have nothing in common but their school, but they have one thing in common: The Society.

I really adored this book. Especially towards the end I refused to put it down! I grew to love and hate various characters and some of then turned out to be nothing I expected. I suggest this book to everyone! Especially if you like conspiracy, rebellion, secret society type books.



The Two Princesses of Bamarre : A Book Review

I actually read this before Princess Academy, but the review got lost in the world of my flash drive. So here it is!

 

“Tarry with me, my love, at my side.”

-Gail Carson Levine

I haven’t enough words to put the praise I have for Gail Carson Levine into. Until now, I had only read her most well-known novel, Ella Enchanted, and it was my favorite. Recently I was lucky enough to find two of her other books at a used bookstore. I got decent copies of Fairest and The Two Princesses of Bamarre. The later I read first and absolutely loved it!

Princess Adelina is a shy, timid little princess. Princess Meryl, Adelina’s sister, is more of an adventure loving, courageous, strong willed princess. Princess Meryl always planned to find the cure to the Gray Death and to protect her sister. When the tables are turned and Meryl gets the Gray Death, it’s up to Adelina to leave the warmth and safety of her castle home in hopes to save her sister. Can a shy little princess become a hero? Or with Bamarre lose both the princesses?

I absolutely loved the fairytale way Levine tells this story! Such a beautifully spun new tale for the ages. It’s so wonderful to read a standalone novel and it’s even better that it was amazing. While Ella’s story still remains my favorite, this book is certainly towards the top of my list of favorite full novel fairy tales.

Live for you.

 

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They asked her why she was like that. Why she was different, why she insisted on being a "freak." In reply, she could only smile, fiddle with her fiery hair, and say, "I'm not really different. I'm just real. I'm just who I am. I don't dress for you, I don't smile for you, laugh for you, breathe for you. Everything I do is for me. So maybe I am different, because it seems you live for everyone else. Learn to live for you."

Free.

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She finally felt free. She was scared out of her mind. Her whole life was actually in her own hands for once. Everything she wanted to happen, she had to make happen. No one to rely on. Fly or fall, it was all of her own doing. It was scary, but she was finally free.

Something.

 

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There's no real way to describe it. Nothing really seems to match and yet nothing is out of place. Beautifully miss-matched. It's kind of her outward showing of her inner mind and life. Everything is so strange and different. Everything is just perfectly out of place. Something's strange, very strange, but everything's just right.

Bad Girls Don't Die : A Book Review

"Preps are like cheerleaders, only with less jumping."
       -Katie Alender

"In case you haven't noticed, my whole existence is one big flaw."
       -Katie Alender

All I have to say about this book is Oh. My. God! This book is absolutely fabulous! I read it in about 24 hours. I absolutely could not put it down. Mrs. Alender has such an excellent way of writing. It's easy to follow but still manages to draw you in. It had me jumping at every little noise and nearly screaming to warn or help the characters.

Alexis isn't popular, in fact, she's kind of anti-popular. Every one at school is either afraid of her or constantly, but secretly, mocking her. At home Alexis's parents are a bit preoccupied with anything but their daughters. That just leaves Kasey, Alexis's baby sister who is so timid, shy, and unique. Kasey collects dolls. Did I collects? More like she hoards them. That's all fine and dandy until timid little Kasey starts becoming a more secretive, angry girl. Then things start happening in their old house. Doors close by themselves, water boils on burners that have yet to be turned on, cold air blows from an air conditioner that's turned off leaving the house in near arctic temperatures. That's just the beginning. Alexis starts to notice Kasey is changing too, more than just secretive and angry (which can be attributed to early teens). Kasey's eyes, usually a beautiful blue, sometimes are a deep green. Kasey also starts using strange, old-fashioned language. Something is definitely wrong and Alexis (with the helps of an unlikely friend) is the only one who can save her sister, but is the bond of sisters stronger than whatever has the house?

I recommend this book to everyone! Well, everyone who enjoys paranormal fiction, ghosts, creepy doll collections, etc. I absolutely can't wait to get the next in the series, From Bad to Cursed. With the amazingness of this book, the sequel can only be brilliant as well. This is definitely a 5/5!

Always.

 

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She was always so elegant. Always so prim. So prissy. So happy. She knew exactly what to say and exactly what I needed. She'd leave me alone and hold me close at the same time. No one could ever make things better the way she did. She was always beautiful and kind. She was always so many things, but she was never truly mine.