Monday Meme: SEQUELS!

We all know that sequels to books are dangerous creatures. They can go a thousand different ways, and oftentimes they don't beat out their predecessors. But here are three sequels I think went above and beyond.

Fire (Graceling 2)- Kristen Cashore: This companion novel soared for me. It had luscious characters, intense world-building, and a beautiful, twisting plot that I adored. Graceling was amazing, too, but Fire really hit it out of the park. Click here to put a hold on it.

Pretties (Uglies 2)- Scott Westerfeld: A lot of people loved Uglies. I didn't. I had no interest in continuing with the series, but way back when it was so hugely popular my friends convinced me to continue. Pretties is the only book in the series that I own. I love the Pretty world, the characters, the flavor of the writing, and really, it was the only one (apart from Extras, which is a different story) that I really enjoyed. Click here to check it out.

Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy (Gallagher Girls 2)- Ally Carter: I talk about this book a lot. It's one of my go-to recommendations for someone looking for a light mystery with a little bit of fun. I liked it better than the first book, mostly because of the appearance of a certain character I won't name for fear of spoilers. But if you're interested, click here.

Monday Meme Spotlight: Steampunk

 

     Have you ever wanted a new kind of superhero? Is Batman too mainstream to you? Do you like historical fiction, but with there was more action involved? Then steampunk is for you! Here are a few excellent examples of steampunk in books. 

Leviathan- Scott Westerfeld:  This is a great example of a divergent steampunk adventure, set in an alternate history where DNA was discovered much sooner and the world- beasties versus mechanics- is on the brink of World War II. In this world, animal airships and mechanical walkers battle on the snowy tundras and forests down to the dusty lands of the Ottoman Empire. Click here to get your copy, and don't miss the other two books, Goliath and Behemoth.

Incarceron- Catherine Fisher: No fantasy steampunk is complete without a living prison that changes and moves to keep its captives inside. This is exactly what Incarceron provides, a thrilling adventure starring the daughter of the warden of this prison, who willingly goes in to escape an arranged marriage. There are three books in this series as well, so click here to check it 

Airman- Eoin Colfer: This book is close to my heart. Most certainly one of the best books I have ever had the pleasure to read, it's set in various places and times, but the gist is this: Connor is imprisoned for a crime he did not commit, and sentenced to serve out his term on a deadly mining island while the villain usurps control and endangers the princess- the new queen, Connor's best friend. He must find a way to escape and take back his reputation and save his friend before it's too late- and the novel is a complete thrill. Click here to get it for yourself. 

 

Monday Meme Spotlight: Short Story Collections

     Sometimes you just don't have the time or the mental awareness to wade through a whole novel. Or maybe you just find that long books get too detailed- you want the action, and you want it now! In that case, short stories are for you! There are innumerable short stories floating around out there, and sometimes, publishers will kindly tie them up in a collection of similarly-themed stories by well-known authors.  Here are a few examples. 

1. Geektastic: Stories from the Nerd Herd- Full of nerd culture references and fun illustrations, these short stories (by such authors as Cassandra Clare, John Green, and Scott Westerfeld) take a fun, lighthearted approach to a movement that is ever growing in the new generation. From comic-con to MMORPGs, this collection is a fun, easy read that I thoroughly enjoyed. Here's a link to hold a library copy.

2. Corsets and Clockwork- Featuring 13 steampunk stories by such authors as Ann Aguirre and Maria Snyder, this collection is perfect for the history buff who likes a little bit of a twist in their stories. No matter who you are, these action-filled tales of airships and super-technology will satisfy your desire for a quick read. Here's the link to the library copy.

3. Zombies v. Unicorns- For the fantasy lover inside of you, here's a collection of fantastic, outlandish stories that portray the pros and cons of being Team Zombie or Team Unicorn. Featuring stories by Maureen Johnson, Carrie Ryan, and Meg Cabot, this anthology edited by Holly Black is a daring exposé that reveals the truth about how some of our favorite authors feel! 

So whether you're looking for a fun, light read or you're trying to decide what mythical creature to support, expand your world with some short stories and see what happens!

Book Review: Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld

Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
In an instant, Prince Alek’s life changes forever. His father Archduke Franz Ferdinand, heir to the throne of Austria-Hungary, and his mother are assassinated while visiting Serbia. On the run with a few of his father’s most trusted men, Alek seeks to escape from those who would kill him or make him a pawn.

Dylan Sharp, a young Midshipman aboard the Leviathan is more than he appears to be. Dylan is actually Deryn, a girl who longed to fly who disguises herself as a boy in order to enlist in the navy. When the Leviathan is attacked by the Germans and forced to crash land in Switzerland, Deryn meets a most unusual young Austrian who may or may not be her enemy.

In a world where Darwinist creations such as the whale of the Leviathan roam the skies, and Clanker machines walk on two, four, six, or even eight legs, you never know what will happen next.

Westerfeld refers to this book as being steampunk, a mixture of history, and science fiction. Where advanced technology may appear in an historical era. That is indeed the best description of what this novel is. It takes place right at the start of World War I, after the death of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife.

While the book was action packed, it did take a while to get used to the world Westerfeld has created. The book has interesting drawings to accompany the text which is helpful in visualizing the world Westerfeld created.

An audio version of this book is available in the teen book section.  The audio is well done and very engaging.  The only downside to listening to the audio is that you miss out on the interesting (and sometimes helpful) illustration that pepper the text.  The illustrations help the reader visualize the machines, but even this did not detract from the quality and interest of the audio.

Overall, I felt this was an fascinating book, but I found the ending a bit abrupt.  Since this is the first book in a series, I am anxious to see how this story will end. In some ways it reminded me of Eoin Colfer’s Airman, a book I also enjoyed. I just wish I had gotten more of a concrete ending to this book. I will pick up the next though, since I have to know what happens next.

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Read and Feed Book Discussion Wednesday on Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

Don't forget to join us on Wednesday March 25th from 7:00pm to 8:00pm for pizza and a discussion of the book Uglies by Scott Westerfeld. You can pick up copies of the book at KHCPL Main or KHCPL South.

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
Everyone wants to be pretty right? This futuristic novel looks at what happens when everyone embraces plastic surgery and allows the government to tell you what is right. Brainwashing, plastic surgery, and free will clash in Uglies.




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