Book Review: Spirited-13 Haunted Tales

From hauntings to the land of the dead, this collection is full of ghostly occurrences. A wonderful and varied mix of tales ensure that you never find yourself bored.

This collection explored many ideas and concepts, some classic and some entirely new to me. Each story was fascinating, with distinct characters. I loved that there were three sections – past, present and future. That is unique and creative, much like the stories themselves. Read this book during the day – or at a campfire!

Reviewed by Marissa, grade 10

Book Review: Froi of the Exiles by Melina Marchetta

Froi has been toiling to master both weaponry skills and his temper. When the former street thief is given the chance to prove himself with the assassination of neighboring Charyn’s king, he leaps at the opportunity. However, the finds that Charyn is much stranger — and darker — than it appears. Faced with his past, his future and heart-wrenching decisions, Froi must find himself.

With many different views to keep a reader engrossed, all of the characters get a chance to show of their complete and realistic selves. I will definitely be reading the first book (Finnikin of the Rock, 2010), not because it is needed to understand this one, but because I cannot get enough of this dark and compelling land. Though I was upset by the vagueness of the ending, I can only hope that it means there will be another book to come.

Reviewed by Marissa, grade 10

Book Review: Until I Die by Amy Plum

Reviewed by Marissa, grade 10

Things should be wonderful for Kate and her undead revenant boyfriend Vincent now that they have slain the evil numa leader, but disaster and misery seem to lie in wait. As both search for a solution to their lopsided relationship — Vincent’s revenant nature makes him need to die saving others, yet he comes back to life after a few days, for he is immortal — the numa are planning something big, and it’s centered on Vincent.

Yet another love story about a girl with a powerful immortal boyfriend, except in this one, Kate doesn’t just rely on Vincent to protect her, she trains herself! While the beginning and middle were a little slow, the ending was action-packed. Full of strong characters and interesting plot twists, this is a great read for anybody 12 or older. Kate is opinionated and unafraid to follow her heart, and I love her for it. She’s no damsel in distress — she’s a force to be reckoned with.

Book Review: Ripper by Amy Carol Reeves

Abbie is accustomed to her rough and tumble life, moving from place to place with her mother. So, when her mother dies and Abbie moves in with her strict and socially conscious grandmother, she feels trapped. Though it is strange for a girl to pursue a dream in 1880, Abbie decides to volunteer at a hospital. But when strange and gruesome murders start, along with strange visions, Abbie must decide how much she is willing to risk.

This was an original and interesting take on the Jack the Ripper murders. Reeves took the purpose and focus down an entirely new path, one I would never have imagined. With strong, loveable characters and just enough gory description, this is a book I couldn’t put down. Some older content leads me to recommend this novel to readers around 13 and up.

Rating: 5 Stars — I loved it!

Reviewed by Marissa, grade 10

 

Book Review: Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore

Bitterblue has grown from a terrified young girl, hiding from her evil and twisted king father, to a queen with many aspirations to restore her kingdom. But King Leck’s magical lies still cloud the minds of some and his sadistic deeds have shattered the minds of others. With more strange things occurring daily, Bitterblue starts to wonder who she can trust, for it is up to her to right the wrongs of her father, even when it means risking her own life.

This was a wonderful addition to Fire and Graceling. It tied up formerly loose ends and answered the pressing question of what happened to Bitterblue. Kristin Cashore has once again created a masterpiece. She deftly combines old and new characters, and melds her two previous books seemlessly. Full of intrigue and action, this page-turner kept me wondering until the very end. I loved it and would rate it 5 of 5 stars.

– Reviewed by Marissa, grade 10