I recently mentioned that I read "Fade Out" by Rachel Caine. After that I moved on the next book in the Morganville Vampires series, "Kiss of Death".
"Kiss of Death" is the 8th book in the Morganville Vampires series, and it's the first time that it's set (at least primarily) outside of Morganville. Unfortunately, the series is called the Morganville Vampires, and it really does work better in Morganville. This was probably my least favorite book in the series so far.
For more about "Kiss of Death", click here.
Showing posts with label teen fiction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label teen fiction. Show all posts
Monday, 18 July 2011
Friday, 8 July 2011
"Fade Out" by Rachel Caine
You've probably noticed by now that I have a weak spot for fantasy/paranormal fiction in general, and especially vampires. I also really like young adult novels. The end result is that I've read a lot of vampire books ranging from the horrific to cheesy.
"The Morganville Vampires" is a young adult series by author Rachel Caine. The basic premise of the series is that a seemingly ordinary town (Morganville) is actually controlled and partially inhabited by vampires. The main characters are:
Claire (teen genius and newcomer to Morganville)
Shane (brawn over brains and Claire's boyfriend)
Eve (both bubbly and ironically goth)
Michael (boy turned ghost turned vampire, guitar god and Eve's boyfriend).
They live together at the Glass House and have lots of life threatening adventures.
"Fade Out" is the 7th "Morganville" book. (If you enjoy it, look for the next three books. The 11th "Morganville" book is due to be published this November.) In it, life seems to have found a new normal and calmed down. In Morganville, though, normal and safe never last. Eve becomes infatuated with a new friend. In fact, everyone seems to just love the new girl and Claire must battle with jealousy and suspicions. Throw in some vampire attacks, a vicious steampunk vampire computer, and reality TV references, and you have "Fade Out".
To read my review of the book "Fade Out" by Rachel Caine, click here.
To visit Rachel Caine's official website and find out more about all of her books, click here.
"The Morganville Vampires" is a young adult series by author Rachel Caine. The basic premise of the series is that a seemingly ordinary town (Morganville) is actually controlled and partially inhabited by vampires. The main characters are:
Claire (teen genius and newcomer to Morganville)
Shane (brawn over brains and Claire's boyfriend)
Eve (both bubbly and ironically goth)
Michael (boy turned ghost turned vampire, guitar god and Eve's boyfriend).
They live together at the Glass House and have lots of life threatening adventures.
"Fade Out" is the 7th "Morganville" book. (If you enjoy it, look for the next three books. The 11th "Morganville" book is due to be published this November.) In it, life seems to have found a new normal and calmed down. In Morganville, though, normal and safe never last. Eve becomes infatuated with a new friend. In fact, everyone seems to just love the new girl and Claire must battle with jealousy and suspicions. Throw in some vampire attacks, a vicious steampunk vampire computer, and reality TV references, and you have "Fade Out".
To read my review of the book "Fade Out" by Rachel Caine, click here.
To visit Rachel Caine's official website and find out more about all of her books, click here.
Wednesday, 6 July 2011
"Brisingr" by Christopher Paolini
I admit that I'm a little behind the times when it comes to Christopher Paolini's books. Everyone was talking about Eragon when it came out way back in 2003. Even my dad read and loved it and recommended it to me. I put it on my mental list of books to read, but somehow never actually got around to it until recently.
The good news about procrastination is that I didn't have to wait for the next book in the series to be published. I read the first three books of the "Inheritance Cycle" one right after the other, and the long awaited fourth book is due out in a few months.
"Brisingr" is Paolini's third book. It continues the story of Eragon and his dragon Saphira. (You could debate whether she's his dragon or he's her person; I think it's some of both.) I enjoyed the book and thought it was probably the strongest in the series so far. It tied together and explained a lot of points from earlier books. Also, I really liked the moments of fierceness that came out coupled with very quiet scenes. There were a few things that I personally was disappointed by, but overall it was a good read and I'm looking forward to the last book in the series.
The good news about procrastination is that I didn't have to wait for the next book in the series to be published. I read the first three books of the "Inheritance Cycle" one right after the other, and the long awaited fourth book is due out in a few months.
"Brisingr" is Paolini's third book. It continues the story of Eragon and his dragon Saphira. (You could debate whether she's his dragon or he's her person; I think it's some of both.) I enjoyed the book and thought it was probably the strongest in the series so far. It tied together and explained a lot of points from earlier books. Also, I really liked the moments of fierceness that came out coupled with very quiet scenes. There were a few things that I personally was disappointed by, but overall it was a good read and I'm looking forward to the last book in the series.
Tuesday, 19 April 2011
"The Host" by Stephenie Meyer
Just about everybody has heard of Stephenie Meyer. She became a superstar in the publishing world virtually overnight when her first book, "Twilight", was published. Since then the "Twilight" series has become a merchandising empire of best-selling books, popular movies, and related merchandise...but you don't need me to tell you this. Even if you've never read "Twilight", you know about the vampire love saga.
What less people know about is what else Stephenie Meyer has done. Her only other published book is a science fiction novel called "The Host". This book hasn't reached the manic popularity of "Twilight", although I'm sure that both Meyer and the publishing company both made a healthy profit off of it.
Out of curiosity, I read "The Host". Overall, I have to say that it probably is actually better written than the "Twilight" books. Meyer's writing is more focused and less awkward with overall better crafting than the "Twilight" series (certainly at the beginning of the series). Somehow, though, that doesn't necessarily make this a better book. Despite the many shortcomings of "Twilight", people still get sucked into the characters and story (especially the love story). In "The Host" you just don't get quite as involved with the characters, and so you're not as emotionally invested in the book. It was entertaining, but it wasn't groundbreaking science fiction. I do commend it, though, for the simple fact that I think it probably introduced scifi novels to a new generation of readers that wouldn't otherwise have considered picking up a scifi novel.
For more of what I thought about "The Host", click here.
To visit Stephenie Meyer's official website, click here.
What less people know about is what else Stephenie Meyer has done. Her only other published book is a science fiction novel called "The Host". This book hasn't reached the manic popularity of "Twilight", although I'm sure that both Meyer and the publishing company both made a healthy profit off of it.
Out of curiosity, I read "The Host". Overall, I have to say that it probably is actually better written than the "Twilight" books. Meyer's writing is more focused and less awkward with overall better crafting than the "Twilight" series (certainly at the beginning of the series). Somehow, though, that doesn't necessarily make this a better book. Despite the many shortcomings of "Twilight", people still get sucked into the characters and story (especially the love story). In "The Host" you just don't get quite as involved with the characters, and so you're not as emotionally invested in the book. It was entertaining, but it wasn't groundbreaking science fiction. I do commend it, though, for the simple fact that I think it probably introduced scifi novels to a new generation of readers that wouldn't otherwise have considered picking up a scifi novel.
For more of what I thought about "The Host", click here.
To visit Stephenie Meyer's official website, click here.
Friday, 1 April 2011
"Evermore" by Alyson Noel
Teen fiction is big business. Not only do teens read, lots of pre-teens and adults read teen books (technically young adult literature).
"The Immortals" is a series of books written primarily for teen girls by Alyson Noel. Basically there are "immortals". They're people who live forever (unless killed). They're not vampires or other traditional immortal creatures, but instead seem to get their immortality from a weird red drink that they chug. There's a cheesy high school love story complete with jealousy and family issues.
These books, beginning with "Evermore", are really popular. Either that or someone is filling up warehouses with them, because they've been best sellers. Being honest, though, I have to say that these are far from the best teen fiction books--even teen paranormal romance books--that I have read. The characters just aren't real enough for me, and it's all just a bit too melodramatic. I'd recommend reading other books like "The House of Night" series or the "Generation Dead" series. Even if you want cheesy romance, you'd be better off sticking to the "Twilight" books.
To find out more about "Evermore" either click here or visit Alyson Noel's official website.
If you like "Evermore", be sure to check out the sequel, "Blue Moon".
"The Immortals" is a series of books written primarily for teen girls by Alyson Noel. Basically there are "immortals". They're people who live forever (unless killed). They're not vampires or other traditional immortal creatures, but instead seem to get their immortality from a weird red drink that they chug. There's a cheesy high school love story complete with jealousy and family issues.
These books, beginning with "Evermore", are really popular. Either that or someone is filling up warehouses with them, because they've been best sellers. Being honest, though, I have to say that these are far from the best teen fiction books--even teen paranormal romance books--that I have read. The characters just aren't real enough for me, and it's all just a bit too melodramatic. I'd recommend reading other books like "The House of Night" series or the "Generation Dead" series. Even if you want cheesy romance, you'd be better off sticking to the "Twilight" books.
To find out more about "Evermore" either click here or visit Alyson Noel's official website.
If you like "Evermore", be sure to check out the sequel, "Blue Moon".
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)