To Kill A Mockingbird

by: Harper Lee

323 pages

Summary:
Jem and Scout's life has always been pretty quiet, living in the town of Mayomb, Alabama. Then a strange boy from out of town shows up to stay with his aunt for the summer. The three of them decide to try to lure out a man, Boo Radley, who has been outside of his house for as long as they can remember.

Summer after summer they try different ways to get him out. And summer after summer, Scout and Jem's life change as their father takes on an unusual and threatening case. And after the case is over, their lives will never be the same again.

My Reaction:
Since I had to read this book for school, at first I found it boring and not something I usually read, and it's not. But after a while I found myself enjoying the book and getting carried away on the adventures of Jem and Scout. But no book is perfect, and this one wasn't either, it is a bit hard for us in these modern times to relate to two childern, but for the time it was written in, I think it's great.

My Rating: 8.5/10



                                                   Spring Into Reading,
               
                                                                                 ~Chantel(:

P.S. Sorry guys, between breaks, travelings, finals, sports, and just soo much going on, we've been soo busy...but trying to post more often. Thanks for staying up with our blog!!

The Lightning Thief

by: Rick Riordan (Percy Jackson & the Olympians #1)

375 pages

Summary: Percy Jackson is just your average dyslexic, ADHD kid...until he finds out he's a demigod (half human, half god). After finding out quite abruptly, and at a cost, Percy finds himself at Camp Half-Blood-where all demigods, satyrs, centaurs, and more reside. But Percy quickly finds out that this camp isn't all fun and games, he also finds out who his father is...Then he's told that Zeus's lightning bolt has been stolen, and Percy is the prime suspect. But there's one way Percy can clear his name...by taking the quest. After visiting the Oracle, about whether he should take the quest or not, he finds out that he will be betrayed by a friend, and he won't save what matters most. Despite hearing this, Percy takes the quest-accompanied by his half goat/half human stayr best friend Grover, and Athena's wise strategic daughter Annabeth, but they don't know what lies ahead of them, and that something more powerful than the gods is coming...


My Reaction: This book was...FaNtAsTic!!! I looved it! There was suspense, mystery, action, romance, friendship, and even humor. My favorite character would probably have to be Grover, he's clumsy but lovable. Riordan did an amazing job of creating characters that are relatable-even if ur not a half blood. He also took the gods, and made it into a YA (young adults) book. He did an amazing job. I couldn't put it down!! I've started the 2nd one already!

My Rating: 12/10




                                               Happy Reading & Christmas Vaca,


                                                                                                 ~Chantel***



P.S.  we got to 1300 views before Christmas, yayyy!! Thanks guys, soo much for checking out r blog, it means a lot :)(: 

Mockingjay

by: Suzanne Collins (the Hunger Games #3)

391 pages
Summary: Peeta's been captured, Katniss's home has been destroyed, Gale's escaped, and District 13 exists. But most importantly a revolution has begun. District 13 is plotting to overthrow the Capitol-which is where Peeta is. 

                      Katniss is trying to settle into life, when she finds out that she is the face of District 13. The District starts making videos and spreading them throughout the Districts. The Capitol sends some videos of their own...                       
                    Then the shootings start, and Katniss soon finds herself in the middle of the revolution. Decisions will be made. Lives will be the same. And no one-even you-will ever be the same again.

My Reaction: I liked this book, but I didn't love it. The first two were amazing, and I couldn't wait to read this one. But when I actually did read it, it was sort of a disappointment. In Hunger Games and Catching Fire, the surprises that Collins put in made me never want to put the book down, but in Mockingjay, I found mysself dreading the surprises. I did like the ending-let me rephrase that-I loooved the ending, even though it was a little flawed. Even if it wasn't perfect, it was a great conclusion to the Hunger Games trilogy.

My Rating: 7.5/10

                             Peace, Love, Read,

                                                          ~Chantel

P.S. Just started reading I Am Number 4. Review coming soon after I finish it!

Princess Academy

By: Shannon Hale

Summary: Miri is a mountain girl. Living in their remote mining village on Mt. Eskel with her sister and father, she is convinced that nothing is going to change.
     So it was a big surprise when the ambassador from the lowlands made the journey to their village and announced that the next princess of their land would come from Mt. Eskel. In order to civilize the girls, and to help select the future princess, "lowlanders" set up an academy a little farther down the mountain. 
      Miri is forced to go to this academy, and after some time, decides to do the best she can there, even if she doesn't really want to be a princess.

       Through several different turns of events, Miri discovers that you don't have to be big and powerful to make a difference. And, in the end, maybe what's best will be something totally unexpected!!

Reaction: This is possibly one of my favorite books ever. I've read it so many times! It's a very sweet story. I can't really give everything away, but anyways I would definitely recommend it!

Rating: 12/10


                                           xoxo, 
                                          Marie

Magyk

by: Angie Sage (Septimus Heap #1)

564 pages
Summary: Wizard Silas Heap, and his wife Sarah give birth to the seventh son of the seventh son-Septimus Heap-only to have him pronounced dead. That same night while Silas is out getting some things in the forest, he comes across a baby girl at the edge of the forest. The Heaps take her in and raise her as their own. But who is this girl really? And whatever happened to Septimus?
                        Now on Jenna Heap's tenth birthday, everything is about to change. Her true identity is revealed, the Heaps have to flee the only home they've ever known, and be separated on top of that. Accompanied by the ExtraOrdinary Wizard, Marcia Overstrand, their dog Maxie, Jenna's brother Nicko, and an unexpected traveler Jenna and Silas head to stay with Silas's sister. But someone is following them, and their mission is to kill...


My Reaction: I liked this book a lot! It had suspense, action, and on top of that surprises. I liked the characters, and how they had their own strengths and weaknesses. I also liked the recurring characters, and how they all had their own special part in this story. This is a young adult book, so there wasn't any romance whatsoever, which was disappointing. I also didn't like this one part near the ending, even though the ending was amaaazing. I recommend this book to anyone who loves adventure, and doesn't mind some weird creatures. 

My Rating: 8/10

                                Keep Calm and Continue Reading,

                                                                                      ~Chantel

P.S. *Sorry guys, been reallly busy with school, we try to post as often as we can.


OMW over 900 views, thanks guys sooo much!!! Really appreciate it :)

Palace of Mirrors

by: Margaret Peterson-Haddix

320 pages
Summary: Cecelia knows that she's the real princess. That Princess Desmia is a fake. And she knows that one day she'll take back the throne. But when the enemy- whoever they are- start catching on, that one day might be sooner then Cecelia thinks. 
                       Along with her best friend Harper, Cecelia heads off to the royal palace to see Desmia face to face and take back the throne. But this isn't what she's supposed to do, she's supposed to go see one of the knights Sir Stephen and stay with him until the enemy has gone. But Cecelia has to start doing what's best for her, and stop waiting for the day, because that's what she's been waiting for her whole life.

But when Cecelia arrives, Desmia believes a whole different story...

My Reaction: This book was ok. I liked the beginning, it seemed mysterious and adventurous. But the middle & end wasn't as good as thought & totally different than I expected. I also think there needed to be more romance. It's also really a fast read, I read it in like 2 days. I don't know if that makes a difference, so ya. But like I said it was ok.

My Rating: 6/10


                                                   Peace, Love Read,

                                                                            ~Chantel

Inkheart

by: Cornelia Funke (Inkheart #1)

534 pages

Summary: When Meggie Folchart was three years old, her father, Mo read aloud from Inkheart. Out of no where, three characters from the story appeared. Now nine years later, Meggie's in for the surprise of her life.
                         For some reason, that Mo won't tell her, the Folchart's are forced to leave their home and stay with an aunt that Meggie's never met, along with an "old friend" of Mo's. When they get there, Meggie finds herself in a world of books. But Meggie's interested in a particular book, and it seems that she's not the only one. 
                          When secrets are revealed, unexpected visitors arrive, and a new world is introduced, Meggie, Mo, and all their friends wish they go back to a different time and place...

My Reaction: This book was AMAZIIING! I absolutely loved it. Funke tells a great story about family, friends, and books. Inkheart is told from many different viewpoints, and is a book I would recommend to any one who loves books. After reading Inkheart, I appreciated books a whole lot more. After reading the back of the book, it seemed a little slow getting into it, but it's full of action and suspense right from the beginning. A wonderful read!!!

My Rating: 11/10

                                               Tender Loving Reading,

                                                                                  ~Chantel<3

P.S. Sorry we haven't posted in a while, started high school and have been really busy. We'll post when we can. Love u guys! 
Also currently reading Magyk by Angie Sage. Review coming when I finish it!

Catching Fire

by: Suzanne Collins (the Hunger Games #2)

391 pages

Summary: Against all odds, Katniss and Peeta are alive. Now they're heroes, and have returned home to their families-along with food and riches. Shouldn't Katniss be happy?  But she can't be, not with Gale holding her at a distance. Peeta no the other hand is completely done with her. And there are whispers of a rebellion against the capitol, one Katniss and Peeta may have started. 
      
                   No matter how much Katniss and Peeta try to stop the rumors of rebellion, they don't seem to be doing any good, all while trying to convince the world their still in love. But if Katniss and Peeta think that's all they have to worry about, they've got another thing coming...and well they do. 

My Reaction: A+!!! I don't know if I liked the first or second better, and that's saying a lot considering I liked the first a lot. I was not expecting the surprises Collins put in the book, but I loved most of them-especially the big one (if you've read it you know what I mean). The ending was probably the only thing I didn't like, because it ended on a cliffhanger, so i recommend that if you get Catching Fire, that you also get Mockingjay (review coming soon). 

My Rating: 10/10

                                           Reading As Usual,

                                                                      ~Chantel:)         

The Hunger Games

by: Suzanne Collins

374 pages

Summary: In a place known as Panem, the people of all 12 districts, are subject to a cruel and unusual punishment. As punishment for rebellion against the Capitol, one boy and girl from each district must participate in the Hunger Games-where the tributs must fight to the death, until only one is left. 
                      In District 12 Primrose Everdeen's name is drawn, her older sister Katniss decides to volunteer herself as tribute, alongside Peeta Mellark, the male tribute, whom Katniss knows form her past. Now Katniss must say goodbye to her mother, sister, and close friend Gale. Together Katniss and Peeta are taken to the Capitol where their mentor, Haymitch Abernathy-victor (winner) of the 50th Annual Hunger Games-instructs them to watch for the other tributes strengths and weaknesses. But that's just the beginning of their problems, as they face the loss of everything they know, and that eventually one or both of them will have to die...

My Reaction: I LOOOOVED THIS SERIES. It was heartfelt, and adventurous. I loved the unexpected surprises Collins weaves into her books. Specifically about the Hugner Games, I liked the unusual plot. The characters were loveable, and I could relate to some of the feelings Katniss had. Although some parts of the book were sad, overall it was a great book. I can't describe how amazing this book is, and if you haven't read it, I highly recommend you do. Catching Fire, coming soon.

My Rating: 10/10

                                                Happy Summer Reading,

                                                                                       ~Chantel!!!