Brad About Books: A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

A MONSTER CALLS
Published: September 15, 2011
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 215 pages
Source: Amazon.com
First Line: "The monster showed up just after midnight."

At seven minutes past midnight, thirteen-year-old Conor wakes to find a monster outside his bedroom window. But it isn’t the monster Conor’s been expecting — he’s been expecting the one from his nightmare, the nightmare he’s had nearly every night since his mother started her treatments. 

The monster in his backyard is different. It’s ancient. And wild. And it wants something from Conor. Something terrible and dangerous. It wants the truth. 

From the final idea of award-winning author Siobhan Dowd — whose premature death from cancer prevented her from writing it herself — Patrick Ness has spun a haunting and darkly funny novel of mischief, loss, and monsters both real and imagined.

A MONSTER CALLS is now one of my favorite books of all time. The writing style inside the book was perfect, the characters were so interesting and fascinating, and the illustrations in the book were creepy and elegant.

If you are thinking that this book is horror, you are mislead. While this looks as if it might be a scary book, it is not. It is almost a coming-of-age novel. But there is one scary thing about A MONSTER CALLS: the truth.

Yes, that is the main storyline. The monster wants “the truth” from our main character, Conor. While that doesn’t sound intriguing at first, once you do find out what the truth is, it’s shocking and a bit frightening.

This whole story idea is brilliant. Siobhan Dowd, who was the person to create this story, but, unfortunately, passed away before she could complete the book herself, has one of the most vivid and creative imagination I’ve ever seen.

And Patrick Ness did a phenomenal job with A MONSTER CALLS. I finished this book in a day. The way he wrote this story was pure and fresh, but disturbing in some ways. 

And even though it is middle grade, A MONSTER CALLS is one not to be missed. The characters inside the book were all so interesting and unlike any characters before. I have to say that the Monster was my favorite.

The Three Tales in A MONSTER CALLS made this story whole. In these tales, the Monster explains why he comes walking because “Conor called to him”. In the end, when the truth is explained, this is also is explained.

And that’s the thing about this novel: everything makes sense in the end. All the loose ends are tied up, and it ended just the way I wanted it to. I had no questions left after the end of the book, since all of my previous questions had been answered!

Jim Kay did an amazing job with the illustrations. Next time you are in a bookstore, pick this book up and just look at the illustrations. You will be in awe. And you most definitely need to buy this book and experience the journey for yourself!

Overall, A MONSTER CALLS is one of the best books I have ever read, with it’s quirky characters and dark storyline. You will not be disappointed by this read! 

M Y   R A T I N G:

Brad About Books: The Vicious Deep by Zoraida Cordova

THE VICIOUS DEEP
Published: May 1, 2012
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Format: ARC
Page Count: 384 pages
Source: Publisher
Series: The Vicious Deep, #1

THESE ARE NOT THE MERMAIDS YOU KNOW


For Tristan Hart, everything changes with one crashing wave.

He was gone for three days. Sucked out to sea in a tidal wave and spit back ashore at Coney Island with no memory of what happened. Now his dreams are haunted by a terrifying silver mermaid with razor-sharp teeth.

His best friend Layla is convinced something is wrong. But how can he explain he can sense emotion like never before? How can he explain he’s heir to a kingdom he never knew existed? That he’s suddenly a pawn in a battle as ancient as the gods.

Something happened to him in those three days. He was claimed by the sea…and now it wants him back.


DON'T LET IT PULL YOU UNDER

THE VICIOUS DEEP is one of the best mermaid books I have ever read! It has action, a sea kingdom setting, and a great male protagonist. Bonus points for the male protagonist. 

This entire mermaid realm that Zoraida created was beyond incredible. The way that she describes the Sea Kingdom and all of the people living inside it made me want to dive into the story so I can experience the story myself. Yeah. It was that good.

Tristan was such a great character. When you figure out what secrets his family is keeping, it’s pretty unbelievable. But in a good way. And Layla, his snarky sidekick and possible love interest, was just as epic as well. I loved the way that Zoraida made these characters come to life in my mind. 

The Silver Mermaid in the book freaks me out, though. On the back of the ARC, there is a little excerpt from a scene in the book. That scene gave me a nightmare. This mermaid is creepy and dark and utterly fascinating. I hope we get to learn more about her in book two!

Zoraida’s writing style in the book was clever and amusing. Her way with words sucked me into the story from the very first page. I could easily see this book being turned into a movie.

The action in this novel was brilliant. It was perfectly paced; we got to see some scenes of the castle and character development, but we also have a perfect balance of fighting and action scenes. 

And can we just talk about the tagline of the book? “Don’t let it pull you under.” Props to whoever came up with that! I love that tagline.

Overall, Zoraida Cordova’s THE VICIOUS DEEP is a mermaid tale like no other and has left me gasping for the sequel.

In My Mailbox (15): Unboxing Edition!

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren!

Here's what I got in my mailbox this week:

I would love to know what you got in your in my mailbox this week! 

Happy Reading!

-Brad 

Divergent by Veronica Roth

DIVERGENT:
Published: May 3, 2011
Publisher: Katherine Tegen (Harper)
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 487 pages
Source: Amazon.com
Series: Divergent, #1

Beatrice "Tris" Prior has reached the fateful age of sixteen, the stage at which teenagers in Veronica Roth's dystopian Chicago must select which of five factions to join for life. Each faction represents a virtue: Candor, Abnegation, Dauntless, Amity, and Erudite. To the surprise of herself and her selfless Abnegation family, she chooses Dauntless, the path of courage. Her choice exposes her to the demanding, violent initiation rites of this group, but it also threatens to expose a personal secret that could place in mortal danger. Veronica Roth's young adult Divergent trilogy launches with a captivating adventure about love and loyalty playing out under most extreme circumstances.

I know. I am probably the last person to read DIVERGENT. But I’m so glad I waited. Want to know why? Because I can’t wait any longer for INSURGENT. That ending was so awesome, but such a cliffhanger!

DIVERGENT is a masterpiece. I read this almost-500-page novel in two days. This book sucked me into the story within in no time, and I found myself already caring for Tris and what might happen to her by chapter two. That is so hard for that to happen to me in a book.

And let’s talk about the characters. Tris has become one of my favorite characters of all time. I love how she gets what she wants and doesn’t whine over herself if she does something wrong. This line really stood out to me:

“I want to feel guilty for what I did. I don’t.” 

I love her. And Four is perfect for Tris. He challenges her and pushes her to the limit in training, but out of the arena, the reader can clearly tell that sparks are flying. And you have no idea how much I hate Peter. And I can’t believe he did that to Edward! (if you’ve read DIVERGENT, you know what I’m talking about.) 

If I lived in this dystopian world, I would choose Amity, the peaceful, as my faction. We don’t get to learn much about Amity in DIVERGENT, but we might in book two. 

Overall, DIVERGENT is brilliant with fantastic characters and pacing like you’ve never seen before. Can May 1st just come already? 

In My Mailbox (14)

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren!

Here's what I got in my mailbox this week:

I would love to hear what you got in your mailbox this week!

Happy reading!

-Brad

Die for Me - Amy Plum

DIE FOR ME:
Published: May 10, 2011
Publisher: Harper Teen
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 341 pages
Source: Amazon.com
Series: Revenants, #1
First Line: "The first time I had seen the statue in the fountain, I had no idea what Vincent was."

In the City of Lights, two star-crossed lovers battle a fate that is destined to tear them apart again and again for eternity.

When Kate Mercier's parents die in a tragic car accident, she leaves her life--and memories--behind to live with her grandparents in Paris. For Kate, the only way to survive her pain is escaping into the world of books and Parisian art. Until she meets Vincent.

Mysterious, charming, and devastatingly handsome, Vincent threatens to melt the ice around Kate's guarded heart with just his smile. As she begins to fall in love with Vincent, Kate discovers that he's a revenant--an undead being whose fate forces him to sacrifice himself over and over again to save the lives of others. Vincent and those like him are bound in a centuries-old war against a group of evil revenants who exist only to murder and betray. Kate soon realizes that if she follows her heart, she may never be safe again.

*I will be re-reading DIE FOR ME and re-reviewing it soon because I want to jump back into the world of the Revenants before I read book two!*


DIE FOR ME is an electric love story that had me wondering what would happen to the characters! 

The writing style in DIE FOR ME was excellent. Amy Plum made me feel as if I was in France, roaming the streets and searching for a cafe. While the beginning was pretty slow, Amy Plum hooked me into the story with the tragic accident of Kate’s parents. And I loved Kate and Georgia (the two sisters) in DIE FOR ME. They had a special, sisterly relationship that shined throughout the book. And when Kate met Vincent, I could tell that Amy Plum was setting us up for something awesome and epic later in the story! 

And speaking of Kate, our beloved main character, she had fell for dark and mysterious Vincent soon within the book. Amy Plum made all these characters seem realistic in their dialogue and movement. And I love the background history for all of the characters! Amy Plum put creative and mysterious histories in the lives of all these character, and I applaud her for that!

The setting of France was my absolute favorite part of DIE FOR ME. Amy Plum described this country so well, and I applaud her for that. And that ending knocked me off of my feet! I need to get my hands on a copy of book two when it comes out!

Overall, DIE FOR ME was a great paranormal romance novel!

M Y   R A T I N G:

The Secret Me Book - Rachel Kempster & Meg Leder

THE SECRET ME BOOK:
Published: April 1, 2012
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Format: Paperback
Page Count: 208 pages
Source: Publisher

Discover what makes you, you...

What makes you tick and hum?
What quirks and habits are yours and yours alone?
who do you wish you could be?
who are you now?

The answers make up your "secret me," your soul's fingerprint.

Packed with creative and quirky prompts, ideas, and activities, The Secret Me Book gives you an inspiring way to get to know this core part of you.

Scribble thoughts, make lists, paste pictures, and doodle—all tapping into the real you.

What would you do if you won the lottery?
Is there a movie that defines you?
What's your secret talent?

Here's your secret me book—it's time to celebrate what you're made of.

THE SECRET ME BOOK is a very thought-provoking journal that asks great questions that can make you think about yourself and the world around you.

 THE SECRET ME BOOK is a fun journal that makes you want to laugh out loud and tell your deepest secrets. Rachel Kempster and Meg Leder did a fantastic job crafting together this book of hidden treasures, and I applaud them for that.

One of my favorite things from THE SECRET ME BOOK is how the time passes by as you work through the journal. In no time, I had completed several pages without realizing how much time and effort I put into this. This is a great book to keep for memory-sake and to look back on yourself later in the future. I highly recommend THE SECRET ME BOOK if you want a journal that makes you think and explore yourself. I think the tagline says it best: "A journal to celebrate what makes you, you." 

I think something could have been improved though with THE SECRET ME BOOK; the cover. I won't lie; I had the hardest time getting past the cover with me being a guy. It just looks very feminine from my point of view. I know we're not suppose to judge books by their covers, but I think that this book would have been even greater if the reader could doodle and draw on the cover themselves. I mean, it's a book all about you. Why not create the cover yourself? 

Overall, THE SECRET ME BOOK is a fun book that has memories locked inside of it. If you're looking for something inspirational and has great questions, this is a must have.

My Rating: