Book Post August

[signourney]

The Alchemyst (The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel 1) by Michael Scott


2,5 out of 5 stars
He holds the secret that can end the world. The truth: Nicholas Flamel was born in Paris on September 28, 1330. Nearly 700 years later, he is acknowledged as the greatest Alchemyst of his day. It is said that he discovered the secret of eternal life.The records show that he died in 1418. But his tomb is empty.
The legend: Nicholas Flamel lives. But only because he has been making the elixir of life for centuries. The secret of eternal life is hidden within the book he protects-the Book of Abraham the Mage. It's the most powerful book that has ever existed. In the wrong hands, it will destroy the world. That's exactly what Dr. John Dee plans to do when he steals it. Humankind won't know what's happening until it's too late. And if the prophecy is right, Sophie and Josh Newman are the only ones with the power to save the world as we know it.
Sometimes legends are true. And Sophie and Josh Newman are about to find themselves in the middle of the greatest legend of all time.

First read: 2009
Second read: 2014

The first time I read this I rated it 3 stars, but after this reread I'm putting it down to 2,5 stars.

The Alchemyst has an interesting world. The myths and mythical figures that appear are interesting and they all seem to tie in together. Yet at the same time I don't feel like they are old when there are scenes with these characters which I think is a shame. Just a little quirk referring back to their time period instead of constantly mentioning how old they are would have come across better.

As for the plot, it is very clearly that this is a set-up book for hopefully an intricate plot. Unfortunately the execution does leave some to be desired. A certain plot point around the twins could have been very interesting. But instead of building up to it in this book and possibly the next book, it was plainly stated, taking away all elements of surprise it could have brought. That was certainly a shame. I do hope that in the next books this will not just be a continued travel and going by every mythical figure one can think off.
The book takes places in two days. At the start you get thrown into the action very quickly and most of the action and events keep on coming. But the book doesn't feel as if it moves very fast at all. I think this might have to do with some of the drawn out thoughts and references to things that aren't important to the scene. Also the chapters focusing on the villain didn't always seem to be needed and it took some of the speed out of the story. I would have liked to have seen his character development more so in the next few books.
Most of the action scenes were fine and easy to follow.

With the characters I have very little bond so far. I don't particularly have any preference for any character in this book so far. The twins don't really speak to me. Their constant mention that their parents are archaeologist and the types they are pushed in got a little annoying at times. Josh is being put down more as going to be the failure where as Sophie seems to be the favourite child. It is a little too obvious. I do understand Josh a little better.
The concepts of Nicholas and Perenelle Flamel are interesting but they don't come alive for me.

Still I do see potential and I hope this series will get better. :)


A Storm of Swords (A Song of Ice and Fire 3) by George RR Martin


4 out of 5 stars
Here is the third volume in George R.R. Martin's magnificent cycle of novels that includes A Game of Thrones and A Clash of Kings. Together, this series comprises a genuine masterpiece of modern fantasy, destined to stand as one of the great achievements of imaginative fiction.
Of the five contenders for power, one is dead, another in disfavor, and still the wars rage as alliances are made and broken. Joffrey sits on the Iron Throne, the uneasy ruler of of the Seven Kingdoms. His most bitter rival, Lord Stannis, stands defeated and disgraced, victim of the sorceress who holds him in her thrall. Young Robb still rules the North from the fortress of Riverrun. Meanwhile, making her way across a blood-drenched continent is the exiled queen, Daenerys, mistress of the only three dragons still left in the world. And as opposing forces maneuver for the final showdown, an army of barbaric wildlings arrives from the outermost limits of civilization, accompanied by a horde of mythical Others-a supernatural army of the living dead whose animated corpses are unstoppable. As the future of the land hangs in the balance, no one will rest until the Seven Kingdoms have exploded in a veritable storm of swords..

The start to this book was slow as it was with the other two. Setting up so many characters for us to follow takes a while. Most of this book is focused on who will marry who to remain on top. There are various politics that are happening in this book yet there is still some action woven in with big peaks to not let your attention waver. From the middle there were some big events concerning a few weddings that shook the world of the characters as much as it shook us as a reader. Maybe Martin should have chosen a different title for this book… As with the other books, death, blood and gore were splattered across those pages.

The fantasy element besides the dragons is coming further into play now. On the side the war behind the war rages on which gets an unexpected ending at the end. An other ending (to another story line) certainly was a twist I had not expected and I’m not sure if I want it.

Near the end there are a lot of things that fall into place: the death of Jon Arryn, the attempt on Bran’s life, Eddard Stark etc. There were details and twists woven into this third book that still grab back to the first book that I can certainly appreciate. The events and even some of the dead characters do stay relevant that way.

From the start I have always had my favourite story lines to follow. Deanerys, Tyrion, Sansa and Bran. I feel Bran is moving to an interesting part of his journey but in this book he was snowed under by the wedding events. There were not many chapters with him nearing the end. I am curious as to how he will develop from this point on. There seems to be a special path for him. Deanerys is still trying to find her way as a queen and khaleesi. She is trying to shed herself of treachery. I’m a little in doubt about her two decisions at the end but we’ll see. Tyrion and Sansa though. There are too many feels there to address.

This book delved more into the character of Jaime Lannister. Not a character I had previously liked. However his ‘team-up’ with Breanne seems to have had an effect on him. Getting a deeper peak inside of his head was good and through his interactions with Breanne he has certainly grown on me. Of course there is the Hound. I wonder if he will get to play a bigger role later on… Sam got to show his smarts.
Then there is Stannis who is also growing on me, that righteous man. He frustrates me the most but he would be a good king if it weren’t for those whispering in his ear of fire.

As I continue further into this series I am starting to like it a lot more. I suppose this has to do with getting to know the characters a lot better and having a better grasp on the various families and the world itself. I have so many feelings for some of these characters (Bran, Tyrion, Sansa) The plot is complicated but still followable. I admire Martin for being able to juggle so many story lines and weaving them together in various points throughout the book.
One of the reasons that I rate this book 4 stars and not higher is because there are characters I have no interest in, like Catherine and Arya Stark or Bran’s current companions. I find it difficult to follow these story lines because of that. Also in parts there are so many details about surroundings and clothing. It is hard to properly read these sometimes when your head is already so full with the plot and the feelings for some of the characters.


The Magician (The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel 2) by Michael Scott


2,5 out of 5 stars
California:
In the hands of Dr. John Dee and the Dark Elders, the book of Abraham the Mage could mean the destruction of the world as we know it. The most powerful book of all time, it holds the secret of eternal life - a secret more dangerous than any one man should ever possess. And Dee is two pages away from the knowledge that would bring the Dark Elders into ultimate power.
His only obstacle? Josh and Sophie Newman - who are eight thousand miles away.
Paris:
After fleeing Ojai, Nicholas, Sophie, Josh, and Scatty emerge in Paris. The City of Lights. Home to Nicholas Flamel. Only, this homecoming is anything but sweet. Niccolo Machiavelli, immortal author and celebrated art collector, is working for Dee. He's in hot pursuit, and time is running out for Nicholas and Perenelle. Every day they spend without the book, they age one year: their magic becomes weaker and their bodies more frail. For Flamel, the Prophecy is growing clearer and clearer. It's time for Sophie to learn the second elemental magic. Fire Magic. And there's only one man who can teach it to her: Flamel's old student the Comte de Saint-Germain - alchemist, magician, and rock star. Josh and Sophie Newman are the world's only hope. If they don't turn on each other first

There were times during reading this book that I had to put it away. The frustration it gave me was big at moments. This has to do with the writing. Things that really struck me in this book was that a lot of things are told instead of shown. Emotions, a plot point that was already said in the first book instead of hinted at. I think that really worked against this book. Next to that there is the same build-up in this book as in the first. They are followed, they fight, Josh doesn't trust them, he goes with Dee, he goes back to his sister. Overall for the most part the story was okay but it didn't really move me. Only the ending I thought was really interesting in this book which honestly saved the rating. There are hints in there that I hope are further explored in the next book. Also Perenelle's plot is interesting though I think it is mostly interesting as her story line is very to the point.

The things that really frustrated me though were certain contradictions. In one paragraph Perenelle for instance says that she doesn't think that they are prisoners. Two sentences later she says she wonders if they are prisoners or if they choose to be there. Or in the first book the twins both make friends, now only Sophie makes friends. There were a few more things like that, that really stood out and jolted me out of the story.
Also there is an awful lot of repeat information. That Josh is afraid of snakes is repeated an awful lot for instance. Show he is afraid! Or Perenelle that can talk to ghost. Show it! Don't spend another paragraph on mentioning it again. Information we learned in the first book isn't weaved into the book very well.

As for the characters, the twins still don't really live for me though Josh for some reason seems to be growing on me. At least he is critical about things that are happening. As for their relationship, it feels forced in places. Especially when they have a bonding moment and it ends in them laughing (to laugh of the tension). It doesn't work.
Something struck me with Scathach though. When she is in a scene she is constantly labeled as a warrior instead of using her name. It is also constantly emphasised on in conversation. This also happens with Flamel and him being an alchemist but with him at least most of the time it has a use. With Scathach not so much. Also every time we meet a new ancient she is either super good friends with them or they are her biggest enemies. It is getting old.
Some of the newer characters are interesting. Especially Areop-Enap and Machiavelli. Though once again with Areop-Enap the illusion of her being ancient is destroyed when after 200-150 years of sleep and no contact with humans she knows what a newspaper is and uses very modern speech.


The Gray Wolf Throne (the Seven Realms 3) by Cinda Williams Chima


4 out of 5 stars
When Han Alister finds his friend Rebecca Morley near death in the Spirit Mountains, nothing matters more than saving her. The costs of his efforts are steep, but nothing can prepare him for what he soon discovers: the beautiful girl he knew is none other than Raisa ana'Marianna, heir to the Queendom of the Fells.

There are very few characters in this series that I dislike. They all appeal to me with their motivations and character growth. Even the minor characters grow in the background.
My favourite character though will always be Raisa in these books. I think this book, especially the second part shows how much she has grown to be able to become queen. Her determination, her quest to do the right thing, giving up what she wants for her responsibilities. She is still searching and she wonders often enough if she is walking the right path but she remains doing what she thinks is best.

Han has always been a great manipulator. I did feel for him when he discovered it about Raisa. He is becoming a bit of a heartthrob but he is just trying to play the game. He's not really cold, he is just trying to hide his feelings and secrets even more closely to his chest. But in the last book those are bound to be exposed and it will all go the hell then I'm sure.

I'm glad that in this book Dancer is more prominent. It isn't just Han that is doing the good things. His revelation about his father partly surprised me. I had thought it at the first book but then I didn't any more in the second book. I'm glad to see that Han and Dancer can still share their secrets. I wish there was more of him in the ending.

And then there is Micah. There are signs that he does have some good qualities. Actually there have always been signs. But under his father he could never become his own person. Even now. I'm curious to see how he will be further developed. Despite being an ass in the first two books he does appeal to me.

As for the plot, I don't want to say too much for spoilers. However I do feel that this book is a clear set-up for the ending. For the explosion. It is slow in places. I can't say that the things in this book aren't important but how this book would end was very clear from the start. There is no real surprise in the second part of the book. One revelation concerning Crow was revealed incredibly early in the book (first 40 pages and as I had predicted in the second book). Crow after this very quickly fell away and was hardly mentioned in the second part of the book. Part of me thinks this story line should have been present. The other part thinks that it will all be in the fourth to keep things a surprise.


The Darkest Minds (The Darkest Minds 1) by Alexandra Bracken


4,5 out of 5 stars
When Ruby woke up on her tenth birthday, something about her had changed. Something alarming enough to make her parents lock her in the garage and call the police. Something that gets her sent to Thurmond, a brutal government “rehabilitation camp.” She might have survived the mysterious disease that’s killed most of America’s children, but she and the others have emerged with something far worse: frightening abilities they cannot control. Now sixteen, Ruby is one of the dangerous ones.
When the truth comes out, Ruby barely escapes Thurmond with her life. Now she’s on the run, desperate to find the one safe haven left for kids like her-East River. She joins a group of kids who escaped their own camp. Liam, their brave leader, is falling hard for Ruby. But no matter how much she aches for him, Ruby can’t risk getting close. Not after what happened to her parents.
When they arrive at East River, nothing is as it seems, least of all its mysterious leader. But there are other forces at work, people who will stop at nothing to use Ruby in their fight against the government. Ruby will be faced with a terrible choice, one that may mean giving up her only chance at a life worth living

After a slight confusing start this book started absorbing me. This happened mostly because of the characters and their bonds to each other. The group of four consisting of Ruby, Liam, Chubs and Zu give off the feeling of a family.

It took me the first 100 pages to get into Ruby. I wasn't so sure I would like her at the start but as the book continued on and we moved away from the camp, Ruby grew and started becoming her own person. Finding her own motivation, wanting to survive, wanting to protect others etc. In the end I was quite fond of her as a character. The introduction of the tree she later travels with gave this book something extra for me and because of them she starts to grow.

Liam is a character that is almost impossible not to like with his charm and general friendly vibes. I took an immediate liking to him. Chubs or rather Charles is the one that took a bit of warming up to. He is a bit grumpy and has a more pessimistic outlook on life but he has his heart in the right place. And then there is little Zu. It isn't described what exactly was done to her but the implications in the book was horrible.

As for the romance part of this book, it did not bother me. It felt natural and I was actually hoping something would happen between them. There is no mention of love yet. Not even the attraction is mentioned like that. It is more described and told in their actions. It also doesn't take over the plot in anyway. It enriches the bonds that were already there. They had a chemistry that was on the page. It wasn't forced.

The premise of this book is interesting. With some of these dystopia ideas I often have the feeling of this will never happen. This was my first instinct with this book too but the more that I think about there being children with powers, I realize that with current differences with people we aren't that accepting of each other yet either. I like that at least other countries were briefly mentioned so it doesn't feel as just America again.
As I mentioned earlier I found the start a little confusing but later that starts falls into place when we learn more about Ruby and what is going on in the world. The pacing is mostly good. After events there is often a small rest moment before we are pulled into another event.

Throughout the book there are many stabs of feels. But the ending makes everything so much worse. It starts with Su and from there it starts spiralling out of control. My poor Charles. And Liam. Part of me wants to shout at Ruby: Why did you do that? But the other part of me understands her so well in that.


The Iron Daughter (the Iron Fey 2) by Julie Kagawa


Half Summer faery princess, half human, Meghan has never fit in anywhere. Deserted by the Winter prince she thought loved her, she is prisoner to the Winter faery queen. As war looms between Summer and Winter, Meghan knows that the real danger comes from the Iron fey-ironbound faeries that only she and her absent prince have seen. But no one believes her.
Worse, Meghan's own fey powers have been cut off. She's stuck in Faery with only her wits for help. Trusting anyone would be foolish. Trusting a seeming traitor could be deadly. But even as she grows a backbone of iron, Meghan can't help but hear the whispers of longing in her all-too-human heart.

Let's start with Meghan and the romance, shall we. The first few chapters we saw a crying and incredibly mopey Meghan because of Ash's 'betrayal' to her. I'm sorry, Meghan, but what did you expect? He practically spelled it out for you at the end of the first book that he could not be with you and that he could not show any emotion towards you at the winter court. This start did nothing to pull me in or to like Meghan in any way. As the subject of Ash left her mind, Meghan became more bearable and she shot back into action. However, as was hinted at in the first book, a love triangle is thrown in and she finds herself making out with Puck who she doesn't know how she feels about. But because of the ending I'm pretty sure it was only thrown in to create some jealousy.

The other characters were mostly okay. Ash and Puck were as they always were. Puck had his nice moments and in parts I can understand Ash, though I have no idea why he seems so taken with Meghan who he barely knows. I feel he is smarter than that ending to be honest. Ironhorse was likeable for the most part. His speech was in caps lock the entire time though and it grew on my nerves after a while. I get it, his voice booms and is loud.
Grimalkin is another matter though. Clearly he has his own agenda with Meghan. Looking at him throughout this book and even the first book though you could almost call him the hero. He is always pointing Meghan in the right direction, helps her figure out the riddles (going almost as far as telling her exactly what to do), gives her allies, etc. Still, I like him the most out of them all. Obnoxious fluffball.

As for the plot, I found it a bit boring to be honest. Like I said, Grimalkin guides her in most of her decision making. The idea of the new Iron King is interesting, but the rest of it did not appeal that much to me. After about halve of the book I wasn't that curious about the ending at all, I'm sorry to say. I feel bad, because I do want to love this series. I think the idea has potential (and lets not forget those covers).

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Previous Book Post - July

2014 Goodreads Challenge 2014 - 50/70 books
Upped to 70 in August

1. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern - 4 stars - 512 pages
- xxxHolic: Rei volume 1 by Clamp - 4 stars - manga
2. In Extremis (Crime Scene Investigation 9) by Ken Goddard - 3 stars - 288 pages
3. The Titan's Curse (Percy Jackson 3) by Rick Riordan - 3 stars - 294 pages
4. Among the Nameless Stars (For Darkness Shows the Stars 0,5) by Diana Peterfreund - 3 stars - 60 pages
5. Castle in the Air (Howl's Moving Castle 2) by Diana Wynne Jones - 4 stars - 383 pages
6. Glass Houses (The Morganville Vampires 1) by Rachel Caine - 3 stars - 348 pages
7. The Demon King (Seven Realms 1) by Cinda Williams Chima - 5 stars (reread) - 506 pages
8. The Witch of Duva (The Grisha 0,5) by Leigh Bardugo - 4 stars - 43 pages
9. The Exiled Queen (Seven Realms 2) by Cinda Williams Chima - 4 stars - 586 pages
10. City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments 1) by Cassandra Clare - 3,5 stars - 485 pages
11. The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games 1) by Suzanne Collins - 2,5 stars - 454 pages
12. First Day of the Rest of your Lives (The Morganville Vampires 0,5) by Rachel Caine - 3 stars - 25 pages
13. City of Ashes (The Mortal Instruments 2) by Cassandra Clare - 4 stars - 453 pages
14. Scarlet (The Lunar Chronicles 2) by Marissa Meyer - 3,5 stars - 454 pages
15. The Golem and the Djinni by Helene Wecker - 3 stars - 644 pages
16. The Little Android (The Lunar Chronicles 0,6) by Marissa Meyer - 3 stars - 35 pages
17. Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire) by George R.R. Martin - 3,5 stars - 837 pages
18. Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy 1) by Richelle Mead - 3 stars - 352 pages
- Death and what comes next (Discworld 10,5) by Terry Pratchett - 3,5 stars - 5 pages
19. Dracula by Bram Stroker - 3 stars - 334 pages - E Book
20. Eragon (The Inheritance Cycle) by Christopher Paolini - 3 stars - 497 pages
- Cardcaptor Sakura Omnibus Volume 2 by Clamp - 5 stars - manga
21. Divergent (Divergent 1) by Veronica Roth - 3 stars - 487 pages
22. Don’t Hex with Texas (Enchanted Inc. 4) by Shanna Swendson - 3 stars - 292 pages
23. The Iron King (Iron Fey 1) by Julie Kagawa - 2,5 stars - 363 pages
- The First Kiss (Iron Fey 1,25) by Julie Kagawa - 2 stars - 8 pages
- Shutterbox volume 3 by Rikki Simmons - 2 stars - 192 pages
- Shutterbox volume 4 by Rikki Simmons - 3 stars - 176 pages
24. Cress (the Lunar Chronicles 3) by Marissa Meyer - 5 stars - 550 pages
25. The Battle of the Labyrinth (Percy Jackson and the Olympans 4) by Rick Riordan - 4 stars - 350 pages
26. City of Glass (The Mortal Instruments 3) by Cassandra Clare - 3,5 stars -
27. The Cordelia Collection (Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Novelization 12) by Nancy E. Krulik - 2 stars - 176 pages
28. The Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices 1) by Cassandra Clare - 4 stars - 482 pages
- The Last Airbender: Prequel - Zuko’s story by Dave Roman, Alison Wilgus, Nina Matsumoto - 2 stars - 100 pages
29. So long and thanks for all the fish (Hitchhiker’s Guide 4) by Douglas Adams - 3 stars - 187 pages
30. Daughter of Smoke and Bone (Daughter of Smoke and Bone 1) by Laini Taylor - 3 stars - 363 pages
- Air Gear Volume 7 by Oh!great - 3,5 stars - 198 pages
31. Frostbite (Vampire Academy 2) by Richelle Mead - 4 stars - 327 pages
- Attack on Titan Volume 1 by Haijme Isayama - 3,5 stars - 208 pages
- Attack on Titan Volume 2 by Haijme Isayama - 4 stars -
32. A Clash of Kings (A Song of Ice and Fire 2) by George R.R. Martin - 3 stars - 1007 pages
33. Eon (Eona 1) by Alison Goodman -3,5 stars - 368 pages -
34. Catching Fire (Hunger Games 2) by Suzanne Collins - 3 stars- 472 pages
35. The Colour of Magic (Discworld 1) by Terry Pratchett - 3 stars - 286 pages
36. City of Fallen Angels (The Mortal Instruments 4) by Cassandra Clare - 3 stars - 435 pages
37. Angelfall (Penryn and the End of Days 1) by Susan Ee - 4,5 stars - 271 pages
38. Clockwork Prince (the Infernal Devices 2) by Cassandra Clare - 4 stars - 496 pages
39. Mostly Harmless (Hitchhiker’s Guide 5) by Douglas Addams - 3,5 stars - 230 pages
40. The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J.K. Rowling - 3 stars - 119 pages
41. Insurgent (Divergent 2) by Veronica Roth - 2 stars - 525 pages
42. A Discovery of Witches (All Souls Trilogy 1) by Deborah Harkness - 2,5 stars - 651 pages
43. Mort (Discworld 4) by Terry Pratchett - 4 stars - 251 pages
44. The Alchemyst (The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel 1) by Michael Scott - 2,5 stars - 314 pages
45. A Storm of Swords (A Song of Ice and Fire 3) by George R.R. Martin - 4 stars - 1177 pages
- xxxHolic: Rei Volume 2 by Clamp - 4 stars - manga
46. The Magician (The Secrets of the Immotal Nicholas Flamel 2) by Michael Scott - 2,5 stars - 398 pages
47. The Gray Wolf Throne (The Seven Realms 3) by Cinda Williams Chima - 4 stars - 517 pages
48. The Darkest Minds (The Darkest Minds 1) by Alexandra Bracken - 4,5 stars - 488 pages
49. The Brothers Grimm Fairy Tales by Jacob Grimm - 3 stars - e book
50. The Iron Daughter (The Iron Fey 2) by Julie Kagawa - 2,5 stars - 359 pages