A crazy adventure with interesting characters | Starflight

Starflight (Starflight #1) by Melissa Landers

Published: February 2nd 2016 by Disney Hyperion

Genre: young adult, science-fiction

Goodreads summary: Life in the outer realm is a lawless, dirty, hard existence, and Solara Brooks is hungry for it. Just out of the orphanage, she needs a fresh start in a place where nobody cares about the engine grease beneath her fingernails or the felony tattoos across her knuckles. She's so desperate to reach the realm that she's willing to indenture herself to Doran Spaulding, the rich and popular quarterback who made her life miserable all through high school, in exchange for passage aboard the spaceliner Zenith.

When a twist of fate lands them instead on the Banshee, a vessel of dubious repute, Doran learns he's been framed on Earth for conspiracy. As he pursues a set of mysterious coordinates rumored to hold the key to clearing his name, he and Solara must get past their enmity to work together and evade those out for their arrest. Life on the Banshee may be tumultuous, but as Solara and Doran are forced to question everything they once believed about their world—and each other—the ship becomes home, and the eccentric crew family. But what Solara and Doran discover on the mysterious Planet X has the power to not only alter their lives, but the existence of everyone in the universe...

REVIEW

When I first heard about this book, I wasn't expecting a lot from it. I read Melissa Landers' debut, Alienated, when it came out, and really disliked it, because it was full of clichés and almost only focused on the romance. So if you're like me and disliked Alienated, you should still read Starflight, which I found so hilarious and entertaining. If you're a 'beginner' in sci-fi, you can also start with this one, because it doesn't involve complicated theories.

The beginning of the story was a little predictable, with Solara wanting to go to the outer realm and having no choice but to go with her nemesis, Doran. It was obious they would warm up to each other during the story, but I still really enjoyed reading about it. The plot really surprised me, I didn't really know what to expect, but it's more complex that I thought. It involved pirates, conspiracy and space ships, I don't see how I can ask any more. I really enjoyed the fact that some twists surprised me, because I hadn't thought this or that could be a possibility. This book was more of a fun book to read quickly, with no pressure. When I think about some scenes, I'm still laughing. It was action-packed, but sometimes I felt like I was waiting for something big to happen, so maybe it dragged in some parts - or I would have read faster.

Starflight didn't have a lot of world-building, but it didn't need it anyway. At the beginning of the book, our two main characters are on Earth and then they go in space. It's basically our world if we were able to colonize other planets. Also, you can note that a Planet Disney was mentioned, which made me laugh and eager to get there. Melissa Landers still managed to describe a realistic world I can totally see as an evolution of our world. It was a little like the Starbound trilogy with a powerful company and conspiracies, which I liked. Landers' still created special beings, the Daeva, whose will gave you goosebumps.

I found the characters to be interesting and realistic. Solara was a mechanic, typical in sci-fi, that had to fend for herself all life because she was basically an orphan - I would like to know more about that aspect by the way. She was daring and I really enjoyed that about her, she never gave up or anything. I had a harder time liking Doran, because he was such a jerk in the beginning. He went through a lot of character development and I even liked him at the end of the book. He was more resourceful than everyone was saying, which actually made sense since his father was sending him into missions all the time. The secondary characters -the crew- were all interesting and had their secrets. I loved learning about them, because at first, we knew nothing about them, just like the main characters. 

The dynamics between the characters worked well, thanks to witty dialogue. Of course, there was Solara and Doran's romance, which was a hate-turned-love type of relationship, which I enjoyed, even if I found that Doran was a bit quick in changing his opinion of Solara, even if I get it, he was in a bad situation and had to think through everything. Their dynamics were still well written and at some point I was just waiting for them to finally kiss. I think they reminded me a little of Tarver and Lilac in These Broken Stars. Landers managed to write a realistic relationship for them and I don't think they'll have to deal with drama in the next book, since it'll focus less on them. There were other interesting dynamics among the crew, the best one was of course the family aspect. At the end of the novel, the characters were ready to do anything for each other, which makes me want to read the sequel now. I even liked the idea of Acorn, even if in the beginning I was sceptical. 

I was surprised by one turn of event, I'm wondering if I could have predicted it, but the author still got me. It was more of an open-ending which could almost make me feel like this one is a standalone. I would have liked more closure because there is one plot point. Moreover, I'm not sure I'll have my answer straight away, since the sequel will focus more upon Cassia and Kane, even if we'll still see the main characters. 

Overall, this was an entertaing book which was so much fun to read about. I didn't feel this spark that makes an amazing book, but I still loved it. The characters were interesting, especially since we didn't know everything about them. The romance was cute and enjoyable. I don't know if the second book will be as good as this one, since it seems to involve more drama, but I'll read it nonetheless. If you're looking for a quick book to read that will entertain you should pick this one up, even more if you loved Illuminae or the Starbound trilogy.

 Do you love sci-fi books? Have you read this one? What did you think of it? Did you have a Illuminae/Starbound vibe?

A fast-paced western read with a tough female lead | Vengeance Road

Title: Vengeance Road

Author: Erin Bowman

Published: September 1st by HMH Books for Young Readers

Goodreads summary: Revenge is worth its weight in gold.

When her father is murdered for a journal revealing the location of a hidden gold mine, eighteen-year-old Kate Thompson disguises herself as a boy and takes to the gritty plains looking for answers—and justice. What she finds are untrustworthy strangers, endless dust and heat, and a surprising band of allies, among them a young Apache girl and a pair of stubborn brothers who refuse to quit riding in her shadow. But as Kate gets closer to the secrets about her family, a startling truth becomes clear: some men will stop at nothing to get their hands on gold, and Kate’s quest for revenge may prove fatal.

REVIEW

Western is pretty new to the YA genre, but I think it is a trend I will totally enjoy! I actually only saw one western movie in my life, a few months ago, it was SO LONG but I enjoyed the plot. I’m a history major at uni, so of course I like historical fiction. I’ve read a lot of books set in that time period – Something Strange and Deadly is set in 1876 – but never about the Golden Rush.

I was immersed in the book straight away, because Bowman chose to use the slang of that period, it worked beautifully, it made me feel like I was there. I think the author did a lot of research; the atmosphere is accurate, like what we see in Western movies.

I really enjoyed our main character Kate, how tough she was, when she was supposed to be at such a time period. She disguised herself as a boy not to draw attention, she was so much into fighting, and didn’t want to be a wife who stays at home to take care of the children. If I recall well, she was at a marrying age but it wasn’t her goal at all, even if she might have picked the interest of some guys. There was a romance in the book, but it was such a minor part of the plot, I really enjoyed that, because it wasn’t what Kate wanted after all.

"That sounds real nice, boy," he says. "Now for the love of God, lower that damn pistol."

"All right," I says.And I do.Right after I shoot him through the skull.

The plot was really interesting; with kick-ass action scenes, however sometimes I was a little bored because it felt repetitive. The way Bowman included folklore was really interesting and was relevant to the plot. There was a nice plot twist I didn’t see coming at the end of the story, I enjoyed it quite a lot. I really liked that an Appalachian girl was an important character to the story, because she was part of a different culture all together, it was a way to add some diversity to the story. Also, Kate’s favourite book is Little Women, which was one of my favourite when I was a kid I was so happy about that!

"Then you ain't found the right book yet," I says. "There's something for everyone."

FINAL THOUGHTS

I really enjoyed this book, its genre is quite new in YA, I think I will enjoy this trend a lot: I still need to read Walk on Earth a Stranger and I’m eagerly anticipating Revenge and the Wild (it’s steampunk!) next year. However, I don’t think those kind of books are for everyone, because you have to be okay with people dying all the time. Those books aren’t a romantic representation of the Wild West, but as close as possible from the truth.

The Sword of Summer | Book review

Title: The Sword of Summer (Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard #1)
Author: Rick Riordan
Published: October 6th 2015 by Disney - Hyperion Books

Goodreads summary: Magnus Chase has always been a troubled kid. Since his mother’s mysterious death, he’s lived alone on the streets of Boston, surviving by his wits, keeping one step ahead of the police and the truant officers.

One day, he’s tracked down by a man he’s never met—a man his mother claimed was dangerous. The man tells him an impossible secret: Magnus is the son of a Norse god.

The Viking myths are true. The gods of Asgard are preparing for war. Trolls, giants and worse monsters are stirring for doomsday. To prevent Ragnarok, Magnus must search the Nine Worlds for a weapon that has been lost for thousands of years.

When an attack by fire giants forces him to choose between his own safety and the lives of hundreds of innocents, Magnus makes a fatal decision.

Sometimes, the only way to start a new life is to die . . 

REVIEW

I read a lot of negative reviews about this book so I admit I was a bit anxious going into it. These reviews said Magnus Chase and the Sword of Summer was a lot like the PJO books and I totally agree with that. The chapter titles are back in all their glory, like: “Come to the Dark Side. We have Pop-Tarts” or “We are Falafel-Jacked by an Eagle”. Being in the head of Magnus while he was telling his story reminded me a little too much of Percy’s point of view in the first books, it had the same sassy tone, I’d have liked it better if the point of view felt more new to me. Magnus was hilarious and had his own personality though.

The monster’s ridged forehead and tapered snout made him look more like an eel than a snake. His hide glistened in a camouflage patchwork of green, brown and yellow. (Here I am calmly describing him. At the time the only thought in my mind was: YIKES! HUGE SNAKE!)

Moreover, there is also the matter of the quest, because it is the plot of every book Riordan wrote on this world. But well, I knew what to expect so I don’t know if I can complain.

Anyway, it was a strong plot and I really enjoyed that Magnus’ quest started in the mortal world, before he knew the truth about himself. His family had connections with Vikings, it was so great. Still, I thought this book was a bit long, because Magnus really starts his quest page 148. I know we needed explanations on this world, but then the quest should have been shorter. The way mythology is handled is just like Riordan’s previous books so I don’t have anything to add about it, but it was as much fun as usual (Thor is addicted to TV shows, Odin to PowerPoint presentations). This book felt a little more educational than the previous one, because I didn’t know a lot about Norse mythology, compared to the Greek/Roman and Egyptian ones.

I loved that Riordan made an epilogue; it felt so much like a Marvel movie when you have a last scene that reveals what will happen in the next one. It was full of evilness and we all want that, let’s be real! 

The characters were amazing, it was a very diverse cast of characters, both for our mortal world (one character is Muslim, another one deaf) and in the Nine Worlds (a demigod, a Valkyrie, an elf and a dwarf). It is something a lot of people are talking about these days, I liked that it was important in here. Magnus wasn’t particularly badass, like some people said, he isn’t really a warrior, but he can be a lot more. There wasn’t romance in here – even if something “happened” for secondary characters at the end – but it’s not something to be surprised about, because Riordan never focuses a lot on that (except PERCABEEEEETH).

This leads me to… We had Annabeth cameos and the last one was everything. This book is also a lot about family, from the one you have blood bonds with to the one you create for yourself, it was really enjoyable. The final thing I would like to highlight is the multiple pop culture references. From PJO when Magnus asks his sword to be a pen to Doctor Who when he says something is bigger on the inside, it was everything.

I had so much fun reading this book, I actually laughed out loud several times – which doesn’t happen that often. I’m actually really excited for the second book, because I fell for the story and the characters. I had reasons to be scared, because it is a lot like PJO, but once you’re aware of that… You won’t care and love this book anyways. 

Have you read this book? What did you think of it?

Never Never | Book review

Title: Never Never

Author: Brianna Shrum

Published: September 22nd 2015 by Spencer Hill Press

Goodreads summary: James Hook is a child who only wants to grow up.

When he meets Peter Pan, a boy who loves to pretend and is intent on never becoming a man, James decides he could try being a child—at least briefly. James joins Peter Pan on a holiday to Neverland, a place of adventure created by children’s dreams, but Neverland is not for the faint of heart. Soon James finds himself longing for home, determined that he is destined to be a man. But Peter refuses to take him back, leaving James trapped in a world just beyond the one he loves. A world where children are to never grow up.

But grow up he does. And thus begins the epic adventure of a Lost Boy and a Pirate.

This story isn’t about Peter Pan; it’s about the boy whose life he stole. It’s about a man in a world that hates men. It’s about the feared Captain James Hook and his passionate quest to kill the Pan, an impossible feat in a magical land where everyone loves Peter Pan. Except one.

REVIEW

At first, I was really intrigued by this book and really wanted to know more of Hook’s backstory, which was a success, but this book didn’t captivate me, I had a hard time finishing it. I felt the story was a bit slow in the beginning, I wasn’t hooked right away, but it was better when we got into Neverland. I liked that every aspect of Neverland was a child’s dream – James Hook’s is the pirates, of course. It was interesting to see how James starts from being a Lost Boy to the captain we all know about, it’s the aspect I enjoyed the more.

                                                                                  

It was great to see a lot of Tiger Lily, I loved her character. The other characters didn’t really matter, in my opinion, I expected so much more from M. Smee. At first, I really enjoyed the romance, it was original, but at some point it was just DRAMA, it was so frustrating… Ugh. It’s sad because I really shipped the characters together. I had a hard time connecting with Hook, unfortunately. However, the scene with Timothy made me so emotional.

Another problem I had with this book is that it started as middle-grade to switch to young adult. The line between this two genres wasn’t drawn very well, it was a little confusing. Moreover, while reading the book, I was wondering how this would end, because honestly, Hook and Pan’s fight can go on forever, it’s Neverland, after all. The ending was five lines long and I didn’t really care…

Have you read this book? What did you think of it?