Book Review: Eragon by Christopher Paolini

Eragon by Christopher Paolini
Summary: One boy . . . One dragon . . . A world of adventure. When Eragon finds a polished blue stone in the forest, he thinks it is the lucky discovery of a poor farm boy; perhaps it will buy his family meat for the winter. But when the stone brings a dragon hatchling, Eragon soon realizes he has stumbled upon a legacy nearly as old as the Empire itself. Overnight his simple life is shattered, and he is thrust into a perilous new world of destiny, magic, and power. With only an ancient sword and the advice of an old storyteller for guidance, Eragon and the fledgling dragon must navigate the dangerous terrain and dark enemies of an Empire ruled by a king whose evil knows no bounds. Can Eragon take up the mantle of the legendary Dragon Riders? The fate of the Empire may rest in his hands.

Rate(1-10): 7

Book Review: The Last Dragonslayer by Jasper Fforde.

 The Last Dragonslayer by Jasper Fforde.
Book Summary: In the good old days, magic was indispensable—it could both save a kingdom and clear a clogged drain. But now magic is fading: drain cleaner is cheaper than a spell, and magic carpets are used for pizza delivery. Fifteen-year-old foundling Jennifer Strange runs Kazam, an employment agency for magicians—but it’s hard to stay in business when magic is drying up. And then the visions start, predicting the death of the world’s last dragon at the hands of an unnamed Dragonslayer. If the visions are true, everything will change for Kazam—and for Jennifer. Because something is coming. Something known as . . . Big Magic.

Liana's Summary: Jennifer Strange has 2 more years until she's free, and she's determined to make the best out of those 2 years, running Kazam, the magician agency. When she encounters something inevitable and crazy, she has to take action.. as the last Dragonslayer.

Rate(1-10): 6

Can I just say it wasn't as good as I wanted it to be? I mean, it was okay. But honestly it shouldn't be in the Young Adult shelves at the library. It should be in the Juvenile Fiction section. The cover is, indeed, very alluring and wonderfully made, but really.. the story isn't as good as the cover is.

Jasper Fforde is another James Patterson, I'm just gonna say that. For those people who have read my James Patterson reviews, y'all know wassup. My point is, Jasper Fforde's writing style is a bit juvenile. I really dislike writing negative reviews and all, but like.. this book just didn't come to me as good. I wanted more dragon action and medieval stuff (because yes, I am a dragon fan) but it just concentrated on Kazam and the society and this alternate universe where things are magical. I sort of consider it Dystopian.

As for Jennifer, the main character. She would have been better off as a boy. Jasper Fforde should have made her a boy. I don't know why, but I just know that she would have been better off as a boy. LOL.

Maybe you'll love it, maybe you'll like it, and maybe you won't. People have different opinions and that's all I really have to say.

Quotes.

"You are the last Dragonslayer."



LOL WHAT

"You may leave now."


So.. dismissive. LOL

"Humans," he scoffed.


DRAGONS, LIANA SCOFFS. Idk. Why are other species so prejudiced against humans and look at them with disgust gosh

"Perhaps it was my destiny.."


AIN'T NO SUCH THING AS DESTINY
---------------
Well, that's that.
It may be that I had a really bad stuffy nose while reading this, or my phone was exploding with texts while I was reading this, or that my eyes were about to fall out of their sockets while reading this, or I was just sick of reading books without romance while reading this, or it may be that I just dislike the author's writing style, or it may be that I skimmed some paragraphs.. or whatnot, but I just really didn't like this book. It may have been the author's writing style. But yeah, I'm done!

Book Review: Born In Flames by Candace Knoebel.

Born in Flames by Candace Knoebel.
Book Summary: Red mirrored scales race up my arms as the haze of pain blurs my vision. My bones crack, breaking to realign. I scream. It is then that the realization of my unavoidable fate sinks in; I am of a dying race. I am dragon. 

Aurora Megalos, orphaned and teetering on the edge of adulthood, thought finding her past would curb the sting of being an outcast. Having no memories of the time before she awoke on her foster mother’s doorstep, she yearns for the emptiness inside her to be filled. With her fellow orphaned best friend, Fenn, by her side, she has nothing to lose and everything to gain. But something powerful stirred within her that she couldn’t explain. Something wanted out. 

In the dark of night, a crazed Seer, dubbed Mr.Creepy, erases everything she’s ever known with an impending prophecy. She now faces two paths. Return to her true home to protect a dying race against a growing evil, or stay hidden in the safety of our realm with a shot at a true love. With a vengeful Arch Enemy stopping at nothing to see her dead, she’s running out of time; a decision must be made. What would you choose?

Liana's Summary: Aurora Megalos doesn't know how she's immune to the fire's burn. Shouldn't she be afraid? No. She feels.. at home. With the help of a few people considered 'creepers,' and her best friend, Fenn, Aurora finds out that she is a dragon. That she must find the keys. That she has to stop her arch enemy.. before it's too late.

Rate(1-10): 8.5

First of all, I would like to thank the author for sending me a PDF of this book, giving me a chance to read such a wonderfully crafted story.

This book is basically about a girl, Aurora, who is transported to a different dimension at a young age, which is basically ourdimension. Yeah, that's right, the human world, and it's her responsibility to find the three keys that can lead her back home when the time is right.

In the beginning, that one guy basically said, "You'll find your way back with those keys even if you won't remember anything." And that sort of made me confused because, how can someone remember something that they can't remember? But eventually, throughout the book, I understood this concept.

What I noticed about Candace Knoebel's writing is that she's really descriptive. So descriptive that I could hear, feel, see, and etc all the stuff she described. Crazy, right? It's like bringing false speculation to life. I thought it was pretty cool.

Now the characters.

Aurora. She has such a princessy name, but she acts nothing like the proper princess stereotype should act. Although I don't expect her to act like that. What I felt was that she acted really immature at times. I've concluded that she has anger issues and she's really annoying. I didn't really see any big and significant character development happen with her except for that one moment of changing. Basically, what I'm saying is that her..  change (ahem) made her a little more confident. But she's still annoying. What I view of the characters don't really affect how well I enjoy the story, because a book is mainly about the plot. To be honest, actually, her rotten attitude lowered the book rating a bit. Just a tiny bit.Well, I can't really expect that much out of her because this whole story is a trilogy. Hopefully she'll show more signs of character development in the next books.

Fenn. He's really awkward. LOL. I felt like I had to say that. He kind of reminds me of Simon from The Mortal Instruments series, (except Simon is 994809328490379073247289473892743298473289479328478327x hotter) because, in the beginning, Simon was so uncomfortable around Clary and tried to act 'cool'. Just like Fenn is doing. Unlike Simon, Fenn does not suddenly turn hot at the end of the book. LOL. But he's actually really nice. Except when he decides to be secretive or decides to push Aurora against the wall and yell at her. I feel like he's more than Aurora's protector. Since Aurora has more rage fits than he does, I feel like he's there as Aurora's calmer-downer. (LOL CALMER DOWNER WHAT)

And there you go, the two main characters. Is it even worth discussing the antagonists? Ugh.

I've read a lot of dragon books because I just like dragons, and I've seen a lot of interesting views on how a dragon should be, how a dragon can turn into a human, how a human can turn into a dragon, etc. 

Overall, this book was thoroughly enjoyable.

 I will kill him if he lays one finger on you.”




“No, the bumblebees are coming,”




He stared at me in disbelief. “Who said anything about a relationship?”




"Maybe Fenn could be my rabbit?"




“I’m always right…I’m a man, remember?”




"..my most prized possession,"


Oh okay apparently his wife is a possession

"...respecting it more than I had before,"


If I found out the ring I was wearing contained a soul then I would be crying and dying and scared.. 

"I'm in love with you,"





"YOU DON'T KNOW ANYTHING!"




"Anger flared up."


(Again)

"Who, Soothe?"




"An evil smile crossed my lips."




"Not this time, shithead,"




"So the map was real,"




"Eww,"




"Looking for this?"




"..she really liked Logan,"


They just met each other.


-------------------
I originally said I was sick of the Dystopian genre. This book is actually a good break for me. I guess I'm back to reading Iron Fey, huh? (; DEAR IRON KING, SORRY FOR CHEATING ON YOU. BBY, I'M BACK FOR YOU NOW. LOL

That's it! What did you think of this review? (;

Book Review: Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin.

 Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin.
Book Summary: In the Valley of Fruitless Mountain, a young girl named Minli spends her days working hard in the fields and her nights listening to her father spin fantastic tales about the Jade Dragon and the Old Man of the Moon. Minli’s mother, tired of their poor life, chides him for filling her head with nonsense. But Minli believes these enchanting stories and embarks on an extraordinary journey to find the Old Man of the Moon and ask him how her family can change their fortune. She encounters an assorted cast of characters and magical creatures along the way, including a dragon who accompanies her on her quest.

Liana's Summary: Minli is determined to change her family's fortune. So she decides to go find The Old Man of the Moon, who can answer any question in the world every 99 years. Minli is determined. Leaving her parents a single note of where she's going, she immediately sets out alone. With the help of a talking goldfish she was lucky enough to encounter, she finds out exactly where to find the man she's looking for. On the way, she encounters a dragon who can't fly-- who's wish is to learn how. Minli's story revolves around loyalty, friendship, and many other important morals in life. Grace Lin takes you on an enthralling journey through the topic of Chinese Mythology.

Rate(1-10): 8

This book was actually better than I would have ever anticipated. Being Chinese myself, I enjoyed reviewing my Chinese mythology and I actually learned some more, too.

Minli is the main character of this story, and her dad LOVES to tell stories. A handful of stories in this book are actually from her dad. Her mom is always complaining, "WHY YOU GOTTA TELL THEM STORIES. AIN'T GON' GIT US ANYTHING." But her dad tells stories anyway, and since Minli's mother is always complaining about how they're so poor, Minli goes off to chase a myth, believing her father's stories. But they actually turn out to be real. Yep, that's right. Real. Making this story more than Historical-Fiction. It's a blend of Fantasy and Mythology and history at the same time. Somehow, this sort of reminded me of The Chronicles of Narnia. They both taught morals and protagonists are faced with a decision that's really hard to make. This was a really, really moral-filled story. It was a fun and quick read. My eyes were tired from reading The Kill Order so I sort of cheated on TKO for this book. LOL. It only took 2 hours though, since the text was HUGE, and there were pictures as well (totally good for younger kids). And I really have nothing left to say. That's that. No quotes! I kind of sort of started this book in the middle of the night.. with a flashlight.. What did you think of this (really short) review? (;

Book Review: Silver Phoenix by Cindy Pon.

 Silver Phoenix by Cindy Pon.
Book Summary: No one wanted Ai Ling. And deep down she is relieved—despite the dishonor she has brought upon her family—to be unbetrothed and free, not some stranger's subservient bride banished to the inner quarters. 

But now, something is after her. Something terrifying—a force she cannot comprehend. And as pieces of the puzzle start to fit together, Ai Ling begins to understand that her journey to the Palace of Fragrant Dreams isn't only a quest to find her beloved father but a venture with stakes larger than she could have imagined. 

Bravery, intelligence, the will to fight and fight hard . . . she will need all of these things. Just as she will need the new and mysterious power growing within her. She will also need help. 

It is Chen Yong who finds her partly submerged and barely breathing at the edge of a deep lake. There is something of unspeakable evil trying to drag her under. On a quest of his own, Chen Yong offers that help . . . and perhaps more.

Liana's Summary: Ai Ling isn't going to wait for her father to return anymore. Because she's going to find him herself. He promised 2 months. He's already been gone for six. And besides, Ai Ling would rather die than marry Master Huang. But when she sets out on her journey, she realizes she can't do it alone. So, with the help of Chen Yong, a young man, and his brother, Li Rong, they set out to their destination to face what they must face, sacrificing a lot on the way. Meanwhile, Ai Ling and Chen Yong find out that their fates are more interwined than they think.

Rate(1-10): 10

This was SO good.  I don't know why l didn't pick it up earlier.

Wow Cindy Pon, wow. That was freaking amazing.

Okay, so, I am Chinese myself. And a fan of Chinese dramas. So whenever I read a Chinese historical fiction, such as Silver Phoenix, I feel like I'm watching a drama. LOL. There, of course, are a lot of historical references and since I know some of them, I often find myself recognizing the tradition. In this book, I not only recognized, but learned a few things about my own culture.

There are a lot of gods and goddesses and dragons and phoenixes and demons and trees of immortality (sounds almost like Greek mythology now, huh?) which just made me enjoy it THAT much more. It reminded me of a Chinese version of Little Sister by Kara Dalkey, honestly. 

The title. Silver Phoenix. There isn't an explanation for it until the almost-end. Which I will not explain out loud because that's spoiling. And I hate spoiling, especially when the book is highly recommended by me. But oh ho, yah. It means so much.

So let me discuss the characters. (The fabulous trio that made me think of Harry Potter)

Ai Ling- She's brave and reckless and persuasive. Persuasive. PERSUASIVE. That's a really big part of her and I can't give any more emphasis. You'll see. Anyways, she seems like she can do fine without Chen Yong but then again he saved her life so much times. And she saved his life so much times as well. What I like about her is that she's not weak. She's not the type to cower, she's the type to approach the bad things.

Chen Yong- This guy. Ok. He's half Xian and half... White, I'll just say broadly. His father was White and his mother was Xian. His life story is so sad. And, he's hot. He's gorgeous. LOL. He's really kind and caring and he's ready to unsheathe his sword any time as long as it means he's protecting Ai Ling. Whenever he's mad or sad he just keeps his emotions to himself, which makes him somewhat introverted, but not really. He's just so lovable. The best part of him is that he went with Ai Ling even if he didn't have to. He risked his life so much times and he remained calm each of those times, never yelling at Ai Ling or blaming her in any way.

Li Rong- He's Chen Yong's brother. Well, not by blood, anyways. Without him, I doubt this story would have humor at all. Without him, Chen Yong and Ai Ling's travel would have been boring, dry, and flat. And 3 fighters are better than 2, right? I'm grateful that Cindy Pon decided to let Li Rong travel with them. Readers will never forget him.

I think it's time for quotes!

"..Hei Po.."

Some of these names bring me great amusement. Hei Po. #BrbDying LOL

"After two years, I implored your father to take a second wife."


"Fei Ming towered over her."



"Somewhere private."



"I've been hungering for a taste of you."



"It was a mistake..."



"I've been waiting for you."



"I counted nearly three hundred strides. I saw no windows or doors, no way of entering the tower."

IT'S TIME TO CALL FOR RAPUNZEL

"I became a eunuch when I was twenty years.."


GOOD NOW HE CAN'T MAKE HER PREGNANT

"I don't doubt your capability to travel the world-- and beyond."


Toooooooo infinity, and beyond!
-------
Hopefully there's more romance in book 2. I need it NOW. -cries-
The ending was just so sad.
And that's that. What did you think of this review? (;

Book Review: Firelight by Sophie Jordan.

Firelight by Sophie Jordan.
Book Summary:
A hidden truth. 

Mortal enemies.
Doomed love.

Marked as special at an early age, Jacinda knows her every move is watched. But she longs for freedom to make her own choices. When she breaks the most sacred tenet among her kind, she nearly pays with her life. Until a beautiful stranger saves her. A stranger who was sent to hunt those like her. For Jacinda is a draki, a descendant of dragons whose greatest defense is her secret ability to shift into human form.

Forced to flee into the mortal world with her family, Jacinda struggles to adapt to her new surroundings. The only bright light is Will. Gorgeous, elusive Will who stirs her inner draki to life. Although she is irresistibly drawn to him, Jacinda knows Will's dark secret: He and his family are hunters. She should avoid him at all costs. But her inner draki is slowly slipping away—if it dies she will be left as a human forever. She'll do anything to prevent that. Even if it means getting closer to her most dangerous enemy.

Mythical powers and breathtaking romance ignite in this story of a girl who defies all expectations and whose love crosses an ancient divide.

Liana's Summary: Jacinda is a draki, descendant of dragons. She is reckless and yearns for freedom. One day, she meets Will- a hunter that hunts her kind. He's dangerous, she knows. But she can't help but be attracted to him. When fate brings them together a second time, they start to get to know each other, and Will can find something out about Jacinda- something that's dangerous- something that he shouldn't know.

Rate(1-10): 9

I've been wanting to read this book for a LONG LONG time. (I think I'm going through the phase of reading books I've been wanting to read for a LONG LONG time. Yay!) Anyways, it was great. It was freaking awesome. I totally loved the idea and everything. I love fire-breathers, which makes everything awesome. And better, the romance was perf.

So, the protagonist is going through both Internal and External conflict. She's really strong and persistent, but sometimes you can't help but be annoyed at her sometimes. Anyways, her internal conflict is what she wants- she can't decide. Her external conflict is her mother and sister. She's trying to consider them, but they just think the total opposite. They want her to get rid of her inner draki and live as a normal human- just like them. But she doesn't want to. That's what I like about her, because she kept hanging on no matter how much hardships she went through to do it. If she forgot about her inner draki I would be ranting right now about how she's the worst protagonist ever. 

So, in the first paragraph, I indicated that I loved the romance. Okay, there are different types of romance.

1- Love at first sight.
2-Hate each other at first, Love each other later.
3- Overboard I-just-want-to-have-sex romance.
4-Awkward romance. Annoying attraction towards each other.
5- Too forward romance.
6- Friends at first, lovers later.

That's not even all, but that's all I'm listing right now.

In this case, it was 1 and a little bit of 5. Not that much of 5 that I got annoyed, though. I mean, I don't really like love-at-first-sights, but this was kind of different. Because they have this awkward inexplicable attraction towards each other that causes them to have love at first sight. You know? Anyways, it was JUST RIGHT. Liana approves.

Okay, I know that this is a love triangle. But I don't see who in their right minds would love Cassian. (Unless I'm wrong and he turns uber-hot-and-nice-and-reasonable-and-lovable in book 2 and 3. I SHALL SEE. Even if Cassian is an awesome name.. But for now I'm sticking to Team Will. WILL! I love that name because of Infernal Devices. LOLOL. WILL.

I finished this book in 4 hours. This is what I love about Sunday mornings. I have time to read a WHOLE book. So like, yeah. I finished in one sitting. 

Anyways, I already downloaded the ebooks to book 2 and 3. Will be reading it later. Here, I'll share too. The files are EPUB.

Book 1: Firelight. http://www.epubbud.com/book.php?g=AN6TJ6XG
Book 2: Vanish. http://www.epubbud.com/book.php?g=LBTNEG3CBook 3: Hidden. http://www.epubbud.com/book.php?g=3PAYB34X

Interesting titles, right! I love epubbud. Epubbud is my main ebook source. omg. Okay, I suppose it's time for quotes! I have a few.

"I'm hit."


"A shutter falls over his eyes,.."
Idiottttttttt. This is the part where you get annoyed with the main character.

"Look," he grumbles, "his eyes angry. Defensive. "I just wanted to see where you live."
Stalker!

"Then he kisses me. I'm too weak to resist."
She's 'too weak.'

"Not Cassian. I don't need Cassian to rescue me."
No sirree.

"He can't be here."


"She beats a fist against her thigh.."
Brat. omg.

"You were like burning firelight.."
I suddenly get the title. That awesome moment when you understand the title!

"A hunter in love with his prey.."


"Stop! Stop it!"
What annoys me is that she can't do anything about it but yell stop.
---------

And that, is all!

Book Review: Wolves, Boys, and Other Things That Might Kill Me by Kristen Chandler.

Wolves, Boys, and Other Things That Might Kill Me by Kristen Chandler.
Book Summary:  KJ Carson lives an outdoor lover’s dream. The only daughter of a fishing and wildlife guide, KJ can hold her own on the water or in the mountains near her hometown outside Yellowstone National Park. But when she meets the shaggy-haired, intensely appealing Virgil, KJ loses all self-possession. And she’s not sure if it’s a good thing or a bad thing that they’re assigned to work together on a school newspaper article about the famous wolves of Yellowstone. As KJ spends time with Virgil, she also spends more time getting to know a part of her world that she always took for granted . . . and she begins to see herself and her town in a whole new light.

Liana's summary: Katherine Jean Carson is finally starting to look like a girl. But, just because her new appearance is different from her old one, it doesn't mean that her classmates have forgotten every single embarrassing detail from the past, and when Virgil Whitman comes along, they put her on full blast. Meanwhile, with KJ suspecting him, Virgil tries to get along with her, and along the way, they find romance, wolves, and disaster.

Rate(1-10): 8

So, usually, I don't like those books that are set in the 2000, or 1990, or something modern, without some.. MAGICKK. Magic is missing. D; When I first saw this book, I apparently thought that there were werewolves, but they're actually actual wolves. LOL. Well, because it's modern, I didn't give it a 10. Otherwise, this was a pretty good modern book! I keep saying modern. Like rlly. I think all my books are set somewhere NOT to this time, and if it is, at least there's magic. This isn't my book actually. :p But my point is, I liked it! (:

Discussing the name Virgil: Well. When I was taking a Diagnostic for the SAT, I read a passage in the Critical Reading section. And the narrator was named Virgil. That's honestly the first time I heard that name, (About 4 weeks ago) and I thought it was a girl's name and I thought the narrator was a girl until I saw the questions about HIM. Yeah, well, my main point is, I like that name good enough now. (x I do. Maybe I'll use it somewhere..

Discussing the name KJ: Usually protagonists aren't really named two letters, but I suppose it adds to her 16 years of boyishness. Katherine Jean. Eh. I like it because it's unique. (: Besides, JK Rowling. KJ Carson. I like it. (x One thing- I've always imagined Kristen Stewart as KJ. Don't know why. But she fits! Even if I don't like her, but.. oh well.

The main concentration about wolves: I don't know. Wolves. Apparently the author knows wolves. I'm one of those writers who WON'T use self experience for a character. (Despite the birthday so I can remember it. Besides. That's what Joanne K. Rowling did.) Anyways, I don't think that the story would have been interesting if it wasn't for the wolves.

Before I read it I thought: Virgil was a werewolf and he was going to bite KJ and she's gonna be "Wolf Girl" (on the back of the book!) And then yeah. Apparently I haven't paid enough attention to reviews. omg.

After I read it I thought that it was pretty unique. I have less quotes. ;D

I skimmed through a lot. I finished last night at 12:30PM. Here's Liana's step-by-step tutorial on how to sneak in the middle of the night: I shouldn't be teaching this, but um.

1- Wait for 5 minutes after the lights are off.
2- Move an inch.
3- Move another inch.
4-Repeat step 2-3 until you're off the bed.
5- Fast is quiet. Now run to the bathroom.

It totally occurred to me that many of you have your own rooms and can just turn on the lights. LOL. But this is why I like the ereader.

Quotesssss~~

"And the coyotes are biting him. Very exciting."
o________________O I don't know, man, exciting ain't really a weeerd to describe this.

"After sixteen years, I finally started to look like a girl this summer. I had to buy a real bra,..."

Uhh. Don't even know what to say.

"Either he has a crush on Virgil too..."
omg. This made me laugh out loud.

"Whatever, Just because you got boobs and a haircut. He's still way out of your league, sweetie."
How. Rude. Like he's in your league?

"...and he gifted me a C-. I still can't do math."
EWWWWWWWWWW. A C- LIKE EWWWWWW GET AWEY. Not even I am that bad. And I stink at math. Like, I got a B. Two times in a row. </3

"Don't tell me to shut up."
"Both of you shut up."

LOL. Shut up, don't tell me to shut up, both of you shut up. (x

".....I have Sexy Hair sitting in front of me?"
Okay, one thing I forgot to mention: Virgil's not that hot. But, oh well. Sexy Hair? o_o

Virgil's warm Minnesota voice floats out in front of me. "When the value of the variables changes, when the values can be reversed or destroyed, it changes the inequality."
WOOOH. Go Virgil!

"I mean, I noticed you. You're pretty."
Even I don't know what to say.

"You look like you have a giant hickey."
EW.

"You're dad's a tough guy,"
What. YOUR. It's YOUR NOT YOU'RE LIKE WHAT KIND OF WRITING IS THIS IT'S YOUR! Sorry. I get like that when people mix up you're and your. Like. Really. I'm sad to say that the author did this two times in the book.

"Like what? Do you think I'm gay or something?"
"You're not?"

omg. You offended him, girrrrrrrrrrrrl.

"Mud looks good on you."
-_______-'

"You know.. the guy..."
"The guy?"

LOL. THE GUY. He's THE guy. (x

"What if Virgil becomes my stepbrother?"
EWWWWW.

"I go to the kitchen and make him a sandwich."
Way to go with the stereotype, KJ. Way to go.

"So what if they sleep in the same room."
Overprotective dad!

"Do you ever wear clothes around my daughter?" 
omg. (x NO SIR. It's a mere coincidence.

--------------

Well, that's it! Goodbyeeeeeeeeee~