Midnight Addiction

"'Have you fallen in love with the wrong person yet?'
Jace said, 'Unfortunately, Lady of the Haven, my one true love remains myself.'
'At least,' she said, 'you don't have to worry about rejection, Jace Wayland.'
'Not necessarily. I turn myself down occasionally, just to keep it interesting.'"

That's Jace Wayland for you, the mysterious and sarcastic teen heartthrob that graces the pages of the first installment in the Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare.

When sixteen-year-old Clary Fray visits the Pandemonium Club, she expects nothing out of the ordinary. However, her world is turned upside down when she witnesses what she perceives to be a gruesome murder. When Clary's mother disappears without a trace, Clary is thrown headfirst into the realm of Shadowhunters, a world that is invisible to most humans. The Shadowhunters - half-humans, half-angels - have one purpose: ridding the world of demons. As Clary uncovers secrets about her past, she becomes hopelessly entangled in a web of romance, danger, and lies.

The large number of characters were well-developed and lovable. Despite the fictional world in which they live, the characters undergo a series of realistic, relatable issues, minus the occasional slaying of a demon. And if you say that you've taken up demon slaying in your spare time, I will begin to question your sanity. The series centers around several main characters, introducing a collection of minor characters along the way. These main characters grow throughout the series, further developing their individual traits and characteristics. Additionally, each character has a unique, well-developed backstory that is gradually revealed in small fragments.

Jace was my favorite character with his witty remarks and dry sense of humor. He never fails to lighten the mood with a bit of comic relief. He's cocky but charming, relying on his arrogance to disguise his more vulnerable side. While his snide comments aren't always appreciated, the other characters and the readers themselves tend to respect him for his bravery and the values which he unwaveringly upholds. He is one of the few characters who is able to overcome his/her past and works to improve the lives of those around him.

The one character who irks me, however, is Clary, who perfects the role of the damsel in distress over the course of the book. She repeatedly portrays the helpless maiden who awaits her knight in shining armor to come to her aid at the first sign of trouble. While it may seem romantic the first and maybe even the second time, it becomes repetitive fairly quickly. Additionally, she makes several rash decisions with negatively impact both herself and other characters. Her inability to think a situation through before committing to a decision results in her demise on more than one occasion.

As for the plot. I will be the first person to admit that the pace is a bit slow, particularly toward the beginning of the book. Many readers attribute this to the numerous character introductions that occur, taking the place of the plot in the first several chapters. The remainder of the plot was both interesting and engaging, immediately drawing readers in. The book reaches its climax in the final chapters when a fairly large secret is revealed, leaving readers shell-shocked and scrabbling for their car keys so they can head out to the bookstore and purchase City of Ashes. The entire book builds up to a single crucial moment and abruptly ends, leaving readers with a cliffhanger that's hard to ignore.

All in all, readers tend to either love or hate this book. There isn't much of a middle ground. I, for one, fell in love with the set of characters and hilarious dialogue. Neither is an easy aspect to incorporate into writing, but Clare managed to do just that. While this isn't my favorite book in the Mortal Instruments series, I still thoroughly enjoyed it and would be willing to reread it in a heartbeat. Overall, I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys Young Adult books, such as the Harry Potter, Gone, and Pendragon series.

Before concluding my review, I wanted to address several comments proposed by reviewers regarding plagiarism. As you may or may not know, the Mortal Instruments series was originally written as a Harry Potter fanfiction with no intent to become a best-selling, published book series. Therefore, Clare has been accused of plagiarizing the Harry Potter series on numerous occasions. I do not feel that this is plagiarism. The two books share few similarities, following very different plots and containing a wide array of diverse and original characters. They are no more similar than the Harry Potter series is to The Scarlet Letter.

And now, for a few final words of wisdom from Jace Wayland himself:
"When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade, then throw it in the face of the person who gave you the lemons until they give you the oranges you originally asked for."

After three unsuccessful attempts to complete this book, I finally managed to read it cover-to-cover. My initial struggles should have given me some inkling that the remainder of the book would not be much better. Instead, I chose to give this book the benefit of the doubt, convincing myself that the story had to pick up at some point. Fortunately, I chose not to hold my breath.

The dark, mysterious cover, the mention of "fallen angels," and the promise of a tragic love story made this book enticing. I quickly realized that this was not the compelling read I had been expecting. Seventeen-year-old Lucinda Prince, or "Luce" for short, is enrolled in Sword and Cross reform school after she is caught at the scene of a devastating fire. Luce fills the role of the stereotypical "new girl," quickly becoming hopelessly entangled in a love triangle. Both boys are polar opposites, but have one thing in common: they're both hiding something dangerous and potentially deadly. And when their secrets are revealed, Luce realizes that she may be in over her head.

My first complaint is the plot, which moves slower than molasses in January. Approximately 3/4 of the book focuses on Luce's attraction to two of the most popular boys on campus. While I don't usually object to a little romance, I found Luce's constant pining for attention to be a bit excessive. It easily could have been more subtly incorporated into a faster-paced plot. Instead, the author took her time, spelling out every minor detail and leaving nothing to the reader's interpretation. The climax eventually made an appearance in the last 20 pages of the book, resulting in a rushed and confusing conclusion. A more consistent pace throughout the entire book would have made it a much more appealing and engaging read.

My second objection was the characterization, or lack thereof. I struggled through pages upon pages of Luce lusting after Daniel. Luce's incessant obsession with him makes her come across as weak, pathetic, and needy. Her otherwise nonexistent personality made her unrelatable and monotonous. Her predictably poor decisions do little to improve the plot or pacing. The remaining characters are flat and unrealistic, strongly reminding me of those in the Twilight series.

All in all, this book was highly disappointing and caused me unnecessary frustration. The book as a whole was uninteresting and slow due to the sub-par writing style, plot, and characters. For example, the narrator states, "Luce could hear the squish of her own mortification as all of Sword and Cross got its viewing of the meat-loaf-coated new girl." Such statements contributed to my source of aggravation, causing me to question why I hadn't set the book down 50 pages ago. As many other reviewers have stated, this book is an angel-ridden version of Twilight. Enough said.

Gone begins in the quiet, seaside town of Perdido Beach. A seemingly ordinary day is quickly transformed into one of confusion and mass hysteria when everyone over the age of fourteen suddenly disappears without a trace. In the absence of parents, teachers, doctors, and police, the children are left to fend for themselves. The lack of phones, internet, and television, as well as the quickly diminishing food supply convert the children's initial shock into terror. As the remaining citizens of Perdido Beach struggle to determine what's happened, they notice that animals have mutated and the teens themselves have developed strange and potentially deadly powers, growing stronger with each passing day. As Perdido Beach spirals into further turmoil, fear and hunger reign and war becomes imminent.

If you've been searching for a worthy replacement for [b:The Hunger Games|2767052|The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games, #1)|Suzanne Collins|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1358275334s/2767052.jpg|2792775], your efforts have not been in vain. Michael Grant's first installment in the Gone Series incorporates an excellent combination of post-apocalyptic YA, the fight for survival, and a suspenseful plot. Fourteen year old Sam Temple was a fantastic protagonist who assumed the role of a reluctant leader throughout the novel, preferring to remain in the shadows instead of immediately jumping at the opportunity to hold a position of power. His notable courage and determination were evident when he stood up for what he believed in and worked endlessly to discover what had happened to the adults of Perdido Beach. As for Astrid, I found her portrayal as a heroine both brilliant and intriguing. I also found her interactions with her autistic younger brother touching. Her relationship with Sam developed slowly over the course of the book, allowing readers to watch their transformation from complete strangers to close friends. I would have preferred, however, that their relationship progress at a slightly faster pace; this would have more readily held my attention toward the beginning of the book.

I was initially somewhat confused when the book shifted from Sam's POV to that of a female character by the name of Lana. Their stories did not appear to be connected in any way until they meet up later in the book. I found it challenging to adjust to the abrupt narrator changes, which disrupted the flow. I would become so engrossed in Sam's story that I would forget about Lana, struggling to recall where she was and what she was doing when the story returned to her point of view, and vice versa. Consequently, I feel that a third person omniscient narrator would have been a better choice in this situation.

I was immediately drawn into the story by the realistic characters and interesting concept. Approximately 50 pages into the book, however, the plot became slow and tedious, causing me to quickly lose interest. I'm glad that I continue reading, though, because the plot picked up again 30 pages later, and the book began living up to its classification as an apocalyptic thriller. There was a noticeable increase in the pace of the book which managed to hold my attention until the final page. While many questions were left unanswered at the conclusion of the novel, Grant incorporated a suspenseful cliffhanger that to compel readers to pick up the next book in the series. I must admit, this was a successful tactic.

Readers who tend to avoid more gruesome books should be warned that there are a few disturbing scenes, similar to those found in [b:The Hunger Games|2767052|The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games, #1)|Suzanne Collins|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1358275334s/2767052.jpg|2792775]. These scenes often depicted the aftermath, instead of the events as they occurred.

I would strongly recommend this book to: readers with a bit of patience to make it through the slow, uninteresting portion of the book without giving up, anyone who enjoyed the concept of [b:The Hunger Games|2767052|The Hunger Games (The Hunger Games, #1)|Suzanne Collins|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1358275334s/2767052.jpg|2792775], action enthusiasts who enjoyed the fight scenes in [b:Divergent|13335037|Divergent (Divergent, #1)|Veronica Roth|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1328559506s/13335037.jpg|13155899] and [b:The Maze Runner Trilogy|17292676|The Maze Runner Trilogy (Maze Runner)|James Dashner|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1366897607s/17292676.jpg|23924619], those who were fond of the reckless nature of the characters in [b:Fahrenheit 451|4381|Fahrenheit 451|Ray Bradbury|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1351643740s/4381.jpg|1272463], readers who enjoyed the fast pace and suspense of [b:I Am Number Four|7747374|I Am Number Four (Lorien Legacies, #1)|Pittacus Lore|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1305807140s/7747374.jpg|10576999], and anyone in search of an exciting, quick read.

This was my second time reading this book in anticipation of the release of the final book in the trilogy, Clockwork Princess, which will appear in stores on March 19th. And yes, I shall be the person who sleeps outside of Barnes and Noble to ensure that I receive a copy. And then stay up all night to finish the book.

Tessa Gray, the novel's protagonist, has lived in New York for her entire life with her brother, Nathanial, and her Aunt Harriet. Her brother, seeking work, travels to London where he secures a job shortly before their aunt's seat. After the funeral, Tessa receives a letter from Nate, containing a one-way ticket to London. However, when she arrives in London, her brother is nowhere to be found. Instead, she is introduced to two women who refer to themselves as the Dark Sisters. They deceptively inform her that they had been sent on her brother's behalf to escort her back to the house. A carriage ride through the busy, cobblestone streets of London brings her to the Dark House where Tessa is imprisoned. Terrified, confused, and alone, Tessa is introduced to an entirely new world, full of both wonder and danger.

Cassandra Clare's first installment of the Infernal Devices trilogy is set in Victorian England, adding an intriguing historical component to the book. As the story progresses, the various characters travel to different locations within the city of London, visiting multiple well-known attractions.

While many readers, myself included, complained that the first 30 pages of the book were slow and uninteresting, the pace picks up tremendously afterward. The entire book is a complex labyrinth with an elaborate series of twists and turns that are bound to keep readers on the edges of their seats for the entire novel.

Cassandra Clare portrayed with extreme accuracy the mannerisms that were common during the 19th century. While some of these contrast sharply with those present in our modern era, Clare was able to smoothly and understandably incorporate these into the book. Additionally, many snippets of humor were inserted throughout the book, making it a light read.

The plethora of characters that were introduced in the book were believable, relatable, and came from mysterious backgrounds. These hazy backgrounds will become much larger issues later on throughout the series, leaving readersin suspense until they discover the origins of each character. Clare's characters are ingenious, embodying an array of different traits and quirks.

My favorite character, by far, was William Herondale. For anyone who is unaware, I have been on Team Will since the first page. While I am also a fan of Jem, I feel that Will plays a more substantial role throughout the series. I also enjoy Will's sense of humor, which, I have to admit, can be a bit insulting at times. Nevertheless, his sarcastic comments never fail to make me smile.

Despite my knowledge of the events that were to come when I read this book for the second time, I was still enthralled. I must warn all potential readers, though: do NOT pick up this book the day before midterms, finals, or that rather large presentation you're giving in front of your boss. I can assure you that reading past one o'clock in the morning will not improve your performance.

Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone, as it was an excellent read. While the book summary did not originally appeal to me, I'm glad I decided to pick it up. Several people have asked me how this book compares to the Harry Potter series, which has been my favorite series for the past seven years. Let's just say that J.K. Rowling might be in for some competition.



This review also appears on Pages in Paris.

Before I begin, let me start by warning anyone who has placed this book on their To-Read Shelf: Do not plan on accomplishing anything productive for approximately 24 hours after starting the book. You have been warned. And for anyone who did not read this warning in time, you are more than welcome to join my sleep-deprived sob fest. If only I knew what I was getting myself into when I first picked up the book.

For the past sixty-four years, love was considered a disease which impaired reason and posed a threat to society. A cure was established to protect United States citizens from the debilitating effects of the illness. At the age of 18, each person is required to undergo a procedure, permanently curing them from the sickness. The story follows 18-year-old Lena Haloway, who grew up in Portland, Maine with her aunt and uncle. Lena anxiously counts down the days until her procedure, anticipating the moment she can join the other "cureds" with excitement. This excitement quickly fades as Lena herself succumbs to the disease, becoming hopelessly entangled in a forbidden romance.

I have to admire Oliver for the creative spin she placed on American society when establishing this dystopian world. She managed to create a plausible universe in which love had been almost completely eradicated. I felt a pang of sorrow each time Oliver highlighted the emotionless shell of a community in which parents exhibited no compassion for their children and married couples exchanged no signs of affection for one another. Such examples reveal the underlying theme: a life without love is not worth living.

More importantly, Oliver's writing was flawless. She vividly described each scene, allowing readers to visualise each event as it occurred. Through her writing, Oliver also evokes a vast array of emotions from her readers. When Lena is enraged, readers are fuming. When she breaks down, crying hysterically, readers are right there, sobbing along with her. Her feelings of love, betrayal, and loss transcend all boundaries, lodging themselves in the hearts of readers around the world.

Lena's characterization, although less than stellar at times, does have its perks. Above all, Lena treasures her family and friends. She is terrified at the thought of losing her best friend, Hana, after her procedure. Lena, like the rest of society, was convinced that love was dangerous and potentially life threatening. After experiencing the effects of the disease firsthand, she comes to the startling realization that love is harmless. Lena was determined to discover the truth, no matter how heartbreaking the truth may be.

On the other hand, Lena is not the epitome of perfection - no properly characterized protagonist should be. She struggles to move on from her past, particularly her mother's suicide. Her mother gave up her life for the ones she loved, and Lena is more than willing to do the same. But she continues to visualize her mother leaping from a cliff and slowly falling into the tumultuous waters below (a rather frequently mentioned event throughout the book). Additionally, Lena compares herself to a princess who is waiting for her prince to save her. Yes, she outright states this comparison and is not ashamed to do so. Unfortunately, the concept of a damsel in distress does not appeal to the majority of teens in this day and age, myself included. They would prefer to read about a strong, independent, female protagonist who does not rely on others to come to her rescue. I think we've all outgrown Disney movies at this point.

Lastly, there was the slightly overwhelming ending that left me shaking and speechless. My mother was only slightly concerned when she found me sitting on the floor, rocking back and forth and suffering from mild shock. To avoid giving away the ending, let's just say it was ... unexpected. Life changing. Devastating. Shall I continue, or let you form your own opinion?


"Love, the deadliest of all deadly things: It kills you both when you have it and when you don't."

My most recent encounter with a contemporary novel didn't exactly end well, making me a little hesitant to start this book. You can read my full rant about my dislike for contemporary novels in my review of [b:The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight|10798416|The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight|Jennifer E. Smith|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1337187623s/10798416.jpg|15464655], Anyway, I was pleasantly surprised by this book. Its quirky tale of friendship, betrayal, and love transcends all ages, races, and genders.

Seventeen-year-old Anna Oliphant is looking forward to her senior year of high school in Atlanta. When her famous father decides to send her to a boarding school in Paris, Anna isn't thrilled. As Anna quickly learns, it can be challenging to adapt to life in a different country, especially when there is a language barrier. As she struggles to adjust to her new life, she befriends Etienne St. Claire, one of the most popular students at the School of America in Paris, or SOAP for short. As the story progresses, Anna believes there is more than just friendship between them. The only thing standing in the way...his protective girlfriend.

Throughout the course of the book, Anna became one of my favorite female protagonists of all time, which is quite an accomplishment. Perkins has done an excellent job creating her eccentric, yet realistic character. Anna is extremely relatable, as she experiences an array of "teenage" emotions, ranging from love to hatred. She is confident and unafraid to speak her mind or stand up for what she believes in. Most importantly, Anna refuses to abandon her friends when they need her most.

I also was fond of her crush and closest friend, Etienne St. Claire. It is impossible not to fall in love with him as the story progresses. Rather than the stereotypical athletic, popular guy that the majority of female protagonists fall in love with, Etienne is sweet and realistic. He is a constant form of support for Anna as she adjusts to her new life in Paris. As he struggles with several challenging family matters, Etienne grows closer to Anna, developing a strong bond.

One of the main factors that distinguishes Anna and the French Kiss from [b:The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight|10798416|The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight|Jennifer E. Smith|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1337187623s/10798416.jpg|15464655] is the lack of a perfect "fairy-tale" romance. Anna's love for Etienne develops over the course of several months, instead of a rash and instantaneous romance. As Cassandra Clare accurately states, "Anna and the French Kiss really captures the feeling of being in love."

Overall, I tremendously enjoyed this book and would recommend it to others in a heartbeat. The cute, funny, and romantic nature of the book appeals to all audiences.

If I recall correctly, this book was a Christmas present and my third read of the year. The previous two books I read kept me up at night, simply because they were well-written and immediately captured my attention. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for this book. I abstained from my late-night reading while I slowly struggled through this book. Though I felt well rested the next day, I was utterly bored while reading this and was tempted to throw up the white flag and move on.

The only reason this book appeared on my “To-Read” shelf, and, eventually, my “Read” shelf was because of the interesting premise that was described on Barnes and Noble’s website. Hadley, a girl in her late teen, is preparing to board a flight to London to attend her father’s second wedding. When she misses her flight, it is rescheduled for three hours later, giving her plenty of time to roam around the airport. She repeatedly runs into a complete stranger – who she later learns is named Oliver – and the two begin talking. Oliver, a British student at Yale, is coincidentally flying home to London on the same flight. Questions arise as to whether Hadley will make it to the wedding on time and if she will ever see Oliver again.

How dramatic. Or so I thought until I actually picked up the book. Originally, I believed the third person limited narration was the main hindrance that noticeably slowed my progress. I have read several books with such a perspective in the past, but was unable to connect to the storyline and the characters throughout this one. I felt like a complete stranger, simply catching a glimpse of someone else’s life, while never really learning much about them. The gradual development of the book, however, portrayed that I had come to a false conclusion.

While the narration was only marginally responsible for my dislike of the book, I quickly discovered that I didn’t like any of the main, or even minor, characters. I couldn’t relate to them whatsoever. I felt like I was reading about a collection of two dimensional people with little emotion and unique characteristics.

Let’s start with Hadley, shall we? Some nearly immediate complaints:
a) She was the epitome of a three year old child throwing a tantrum (minus the tears) on several occasions throughout the book. Yes, she is understandably upset that her father is marrying another woman, but she takes the drama queen routine a bit too far.
b) She is, overall, hypocritical. At the beginning of the book, she explains all about her old boyfriend dumping her, vowing to guard her heart much more carefully in the future. She doesn’t want to put her future children through a divorce, like her own parents. And what does she do? She meets a complete stranger in an airport, who doesn’t even live in the same country, and kisses him in the middle of customs.
c) She has no common sense. As I already mentioned above, she has completely ignored the lessons you learn in first grade about not talking to strangers. Additionally, in the middle of her father’s wedding, she stands up, walks out of the church, and leaves. You’re probably thinking something along the lines of “Why?” To go find her “boyfriend” from the airport.

Now let’s move on to her dad. He travels to Oxford to teach. He meets another woman. He dumps Hadley’s mother. He marries another woman. Therefore, Hadley despises him. She doesn’t understand how he could so quickly dump her mother and then run off with someone else. This is the entire focus of Hadley’s thoughts throughout the entire book. No exaggeration. I felt sympathetic the first five times it was mentioned, but then was unable to muster any sorrow whatsoever for the girl after time 35 or so. Contrary to Hadley’s extreme hate of her father, she actually seems happy to see him at the wedding. Now her father I would call a cheater and Hadley, once again, I would label as a hypocrite.

While I could continue on and on for many more paragraphs about my dislike for the book, I will bring this review to a fast close. Overall, I wouldn’t recommend this book. It has received many positive reviews, but I was unable to relate the positive feedback I’ve heard with the book I read. Don't put yourself through the agony.

Lucy Dennison is mourning the death of her beloved mother. The apartment had already been sold, her belongings packed, and her aunt ready to whisk her away from everything and everyone she has ever known. Lucy struggles with the transition from a busy life in the city to her new life in Pine Ridge, a quiet, remote town where everyone knows everyone else’s business. Lucy just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time: walking through a cemetery on the night of a murder. Only Lucy knows exactly what happened that night, and it’s a secret that she struggles to forget. Just as she is assured that the worst has come to pass, her entire world is shattered into a million fragments.

Now I’m not a huge fan of horror anything: movies, books, haunted houses. My most recent experience with such a genre was the horror film, The Woman in Black. I dragged my parents to the movie theater to watch this movie for one reason and one reason only: Daniel Radcliff was in it. I didn’t sleep for a week. So when I found this book on the “Teen Picks” Horror shelf at Barnes and Noble, I was fairly reluctant to purchase it, to say the least. However, the description didn’t sound that bad and, to be completely honest, the covers were pretty fancy:

I mean, how fantastic is that? The two covers side by side give you a complete view of the girl’s face. Yes, I realize you’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but nearly every reader will admit to doing something of the sort. After finishing the book last night, I was able to fall asleep. I’m not sure I would classify this book as a true horror novel, because, quite frankly, it wasn’t all that frightening.

There were very suspenseful moments throughout the book that popped up every 50 pages, or so. These twists and turns certainly kept me on my toes, but I was expecting much more with respect to the horror aspect of the book. Cusick wasn’t big into taking a painstakingly long time describing each scene, so I didn’t find myself falling asleep from boredom.

It wasn’t the next Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, but it was a pleasant read. However, I did come away from the book still asking quite a few questions, which is incentive, perhaps, to find a ride to Barnes and Noble and purchase the next book.

Out of the relatively small number of characters, I had some issues with the protagonist, Lucy. She was portrayed as extremely jumpy and insecure, yet her decisions, words, and actions led me to believe she was also fairly gullible. These traits seem a bit contradictory in my opinion. If she was living so cautiously, Lucy wouldn’t automatically believe every word that comes out of anyone else’s mouth. Additionally, she tended to have a very short temper. She snapped at other characters on numerous occasions but would apologize in her next breath. Such a fast change in attitude was unusual.

The 49 pages in between each suspenseful moment were, on the contrary, quite disappointing. I found myself skimming the pages, anxiously anticipating the next unexpected plot twist. Yes, the book was still intriguing and I enjoyed it, I was just hoping for a bit more suspense or action. Several scenes involving one character in particular were fairly cheesy, overdramatic, and unrealistic. I was expecting a bit of teen romance throughout the book and found myself sadly disappointed.

And lastly, the ending of the book. Wow. I never saw that coming. I was waiting for the paragraph that explained it was all some big mistake. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. While I was reading, I was debating whether or not I wanted to invest the time to read the second book in the series. The ending made the decision for me. And now, it’s time for a trip to Barnes and Noble.

"A human doesn't have a heart like mine. The human heart is a line, whereas my own is a circle, and I have the endless ability to be in the right place at the right time. The consequence of this is that I'm always finding humans at their best and worst. I see their ugly and their beauty, and it wonder how the same thing can be both."

Those would be the words of the first person narrator of Markus Zusak's best-selling novel, The Book Thief. This chilling tale is written from Death's perspective, providing a unique outlook on the unfolding narrative. Instead of being portrayed as the grisly Grim Reaper we are accustomed to, Death is represented as a kind, empathetic individual who is fascinated by the constantly changing color of the sky. Set against the backdrop of World War II, Death recounts the story of Liesel Meminger's childhood in Nazi Germany. As she learns to read, Liesel fosters a love of books, eventually earning her the title of "the book thief." Liesel is first exposed to the true horrors of the Holocaust when her parents agree to hide a 24-year-old Jew by the name of Max Vanderbelt. As Liesel matures, she struggles to find her identity and formulate her own opinions amidst the turmoil and upheaval around her.

I immediately fell in love with Zusak's writing, which weaves an unforgettable story of love, friendship, and loss. Instead of subtly foreshadowing the events to come, Zusak states them outright, telling readers about quite a few major plot points in advance. He chooses to leave out any details surrounding the event in question, leaving readers with baited breath and a growing sense of dread when they realizes that they are unable to influence the outcome. When you finally arrive at a particularly scene, it is still unexpected and heart-wrenching, if not more so. This unusual and original method quickly captured my attention, holding my attention for the duration of the novel.

Another one of the redeeming qualities of this book is the portrayal of the Germans themselves. World War II is a topic which most individuals study several times throughout their education. Each time the topic is taught,the Germans are displayed in the same negative light. The Book Thief, however, paints a much more vulnerable, compassionate picture of the Germans. Despite their German heritage, many of he he characters actively oppose the Nazi's, sympathizing with and protecting the Jews. This new perspective was quite an eye opener, making The Book Thief a unique and refreshing read.

Liesel Meminger, the 10-year-old protagonist, possesses a sense of innocence that is rarely found in literature. Her kind, empathetic nature make her a lovable and endearing character. She finds comfort in the power of words, sharing her gift of reading with those around her to alleviate their suffering. Her curiosity and firm convictions cause her to question the ideals of German society and create a solid foundation for her own values and beliefs.

Despite popular classifications of The Book Thief as a Young Adult novel, it addresses a series of issues that apply to both an adult and adolescent audience. It's captivating plot and lovable characters apply to a large range of readers. I wouldn't, however, recommend this book to anyone under the age of 13 - it deals with several mature topics, including the horrors of World War II.

Overall, this tale of sorrow and heartbreak touches the hearts of all of its readers, leaving them with lasting impressions. It's seemingly simple plot is intertwined with deeper, more complex themes that are not initially apparent. It's unforgettable message transcends all barriers, speaking to those undergoing persecution or abuse. This timeless story speaks of the true horrors of World War II and it's effects on ordinary citizens worldwide, calling to mind a period of history that will never be forgotten.

This book had a bit of a slow start, but began to pick up after the first 50 pages. The story centers around a 7-year-old indigenous girl named Virginia who is "sold" into slavery by her parents. The plot follows Virginia as she grows up and becomes a prominent young adult. Throughout the course of the novel, Virginia suffers prejudice and abuse from the family she serves.

The prejudice Virginia suffers throughout the book reminds me of the racism portrayed in Harper Lee's novel, To Kill a Mockingbird. Like Tom Robinson, Virginia is shunned by those around her, leading to a low self-esteem and a loss of self confidence.

During the book, there were numerous references to the indigenous and Spanish cultures. While it was interesting to be exposed to a different culture, I feel these references lessened the overall quality of the book at times. Several Spanish phrases were included throughout the text, whose definition was not explained in English. These portions of the book were slightly confusing, but I succeeded in finishing and comprehending the book.

Therefore, I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a quick and easy read.

“Do not pity the dead, Harry. Pity the living, and, above all those who live without love.”

This spellbinding final installment in the Harry Potter series brings the 10 year franchise to a close. During this decade, Harry has captured the hearts of readers worldwide, immersing them in a world filled with the unimaginable. Thousands of fans flocked local bookstores, hoping to purchase a copy of the concluding novel when it was released in 2007. Through her writing, Rowling has woven an amazing tale of magic, friendship, and the never ending battle between good and evil.

The wizarding world has erupted in chaos after the return of Lord Voldemort. His steadily growing powers have rendered him unstoppable, leaving a trail of destruction in his path as he seeks to overrun the Ministry of Magic, rid the Wizarding World of Mudbloods, and seek revenge. Having discovered the secret to his immortality, the Golden Trio put their lives at risk for their friends and family. Harry, Ron, and Hermione face unspeakable dangers throughout the book, but even in the face of adversity, they never lose sight of those whom they are fighting to save. As death and destruction continue to plague the wizarding world, those who are fighting for a common goal must put aside their differences and unite if they plan to defeat the most powerful dark wizard of the century.

Once again, J.K. Rowling has astonished readers with her dramatic, unpredictable plot. The building suspense raises many questions from readers, which are eventually answered as the novel comes to a close. Whenever readers believed they have solved a mystery, two more arise. The dramatic action that is present immediately captures readers' attentions. I found it nearly impossible to set the book down and often stayed up into the wee hours of the morning to finish it.

Readers have been grieving the loss of their favorite characters during this novel. J.K. Rowling once stated in an interview that, to be a successful writer of children's literature, one had to be a "merciless killer." Let's just say that J.K. Rowling heeds her own advice. Many of the characters we have come to love over the years perish at the hands of a death eater. No matter where readers turn, they are followed by the deaths of such beloved characters. While many readers, myself included, view this as cruel and unnecessary, it adds a level of suspense to the novel, keeping readers alert and perched on the edges of their chairs.

There are several recurring concepts which appear throughout the series and are addressed in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows as well. Among these is the saving power of love. As shown through Lily's final actions, love has the power to save others. Harry's only advantage over Lord Voldemort was this love, which protected him from harm at the hands of his foe. Additionally, the concept of good triumphing over evil is also present. As Professor Trelawney prophesied, "Neither can live while the other survives." This refers to Harry, who represents good, and Lord Voldemort, who is a representation of evil. The two would continue to clash until one ceased to exist.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, by far, has been my favorite book from the series. Never before has Harry been faced with such extreme dangers. His courage and tenacity must be applauded, as he fights for what is right, never giving up on those he loves. He has matured greatly throughout the series, eventually understanding the importance of love and friendship. In he absence of Professor Dumbledore, he independently must face Lord Voldemort, fully aware that it may very well cost him his life.

The Harry Potter series has cast readers worldwide under its spell, enthralling them as they followed Harry throughout his years at Hogwarts. While many people have jumped on the fan wagon within recent years, there are some, like myself, who have followed the series from the very beginning. I've had the opportunity to watch Harry grow from a timid eleven year old into a young man who was willing to die for his loved ones. While we all knew this moment was coming, no one could predict its impact on our lives until it was actually upon us. Having grown up alongside Harry, I was devastated after the publication of the final book, feeling that part of my childhood had ended with the series. Looking back, I have never once regretted the time I have spent reading and rereading the series, committing it to memory. The Harry Potter series has served as more than a way to pass the time; it has helped to shape the person I am today.

“The scar had not pained Harry for nineteen years. All was well.”

"Happiness can be found in the darkest of times, if only one remembers to turn on the light."

Since 1997, the Harry Potter series has enchanted readers, both young and old. Legendary British author, J.K. Rowling's debut novel has gained international acclaim since its initial publication, winning a total of seven awards. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone is the thrilling first installment of the series where all of the magic began.

The novel begins at the small, quiet house on Number Four Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey where the book's eleven year-old protagonist, Harry Potter, lives in the cupboard under the stairs. He was orphaned at a young age after his parents were killed in a tragic accident and was sent to live with the Dursleys: Aunt Petunia, Uncle Vernon, and their son, Dudley. His only living relatives treat him poorly, making Harry's childhood miserable.

Harry's unhappy demeanor is replaced by one of elation when he receives a letter inviting him to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the finest school for witches and wizards in all of Britain. As the novel unfolds, Harry begins his first year at Hogwarts where he is introduced to the wizarding world, befriends other students, and comes face-to-face with adversity. The twists and turns, mounting suspense, and thrilling perils that Harry encounters render this book life-changning and unforgettable.

Rowling has a rare talent for creating believable, realistic characters that gradually change as the story progresses. These characters, as some people would say, possess a certain amount of depth. Their unique personalities and traits distinguish them from the characters in similar novels. Harry embodies all of the characteristics of a true hero: courage, tenacity, and an inclination to protect others. Harry is willing to sacrifice everything, including his own life, to ensure the safety of others. Rowling accurately captures his desire to protect those he loves, whatever the cost.

I must admit, Rowling's imagination is extraordinary. Her original vision of a young boy sporting a lighting scar who attended boarding school was transformed into a seven book series teeming with the unimaginable. Rowling's creative prowess enabled her to establish an entirely new world filled with realistic people, magical creatures, and thrilling enchantments. The wizarding world was crafted so thoroughly that it is flawless. No minor detail of this alternate world was excluded, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the book.

As the plot unfolded, readers received a glimpse of the growing complexity of the series. Rowling introduced specific details throughout the novel which the majority of readers overlook. These seemingly insignificant details, however, have a large impact upon later events within the book. My predictions of the events to come were quite far from the actual events that transpired. The shocking conclusion left me stunned and begging my mother to drive me to Barnes and Noble to purchase the second book.

While Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone falls under the "Fantasy" genre, Rowling discretely incorporated many mythological and historical references into the novel, especially those pertaining to the works of Ancient Rome. First and foremost among these allusions is Hagrid's three-headed dog, Fluffy. The concept of such a creature is taken from Greek Mythology; according to legend, Cerberus, a three-headed dog, ferociously guarded the entrance to the Underworld. The only means of subduing Cerberus (and Fluffy, consequently) is the playing of a lyre. Additionally, the Hogwarts motto, "Draco Dormiens Nunquam Titillandus," is Latin for "Never tickle a sleeping dragon." Rowling relies heavily on her knowledge of Latin to create incantations and character names throughout the series.

I am most impressed not with the books themselves, but with the author whose rags-to-riches life story has inspired countless people worldwide. J.K. Rowling was born Joanne Kathleen Rowling into a poor family living in Gloucestershire, England. She was accepted at the University of Exeter, where she studied Classics. She was devastated when her mother died shortly after her graduation, having suffered from multiple sclerosis. Several years later, Rowling married Jorge Arantes and gave birth to their daughter, Jessica. The unhappy couple separated 13 months after their marriage. Homeless, penniless, and caring for a newborn, Rowling struggled with depression and contemplated suicide. We almost lost the brilliant, talented mind who is solely responsible for the series that has now become a worldwide phenomenon. Her rags to riches story inspires millions of people in similar situations. Despite her challenges, Rowling's perseverance and determination brought the world of Harry Potter to life.

Overall, this series is the most memorable from my childhood. I was originally introduced to the series in third grade and immediately fell in love with the realistic characters, suspenseful plot, and flawless writing style. I was the diehard fan who watched each movie a dozen times at the same movie theater, eventually coming to know the employees at the concessions stand on a first name basis. For Halloween last year, in fact, I dressed up in an old pair of robes, pulled on a wig, and drew a scar on my forehead. And to this day, I find myself reciting quotes from the series. I was crushed after the release of the final book, feeling that part of my childhood had ended with the series. Looking back, I have never once regretted the time I have spent reading and rereading the series, committing it to memory. The Harry Potter series has served as more than a way to pass the time; it has helped to shape the person I am today.

To be completely honest, I definitely had some misconceptions when I stumbled across this series. I was searching for a short romance or YA novel, not one of James Patterson's world renowned, somewhat graphic murder mysteries. I had just finished I, Alex Cross the previous week, and was still recooperating from that at the time. I ended up purchasing The Angel Experiment, only to let it sit on my bookshelf collecting dust for the next 6 months until I finally got around to reading it.

I have to admit, I found myself thoroughly engrossed in the roller coaster of events that took place throughout the book. The chapters were extremely short, around two or three pages long, but action-packed, containing a new thrill at every turn. Patterson places extreme emphasis on the importance of family and friendship as the six main characters work together while battling for their lives.

Overall, I immensely enjoyed this book. I did, however, have three minor complaints. Firstly, the book was rather violent at times. Correction: nearly every chapter contained violence of some type. The fighting in certain scenes and the injuries the main characters sustained weren't exactly graphic or described in depth, but the fighting was a bit over the top. Perhaps some more substance in chapters besides a fight here, a fight there, and a nosebleed over there would have held my attention a bit more.

Secondly, I feel the urge to ask: WHERE WAS THE ROMANCE? I was feverishly turning pages and sitting on the edge of my seat, waiting for the moment when the tension would break, the two characters who were evidently meant to be together admitted their attraction to one another, and then I would have a smile plastered on my face for the rest of the day. That's almost laughable at this point. I feel like that perfectly logical idea for the plot of the book was stomped on and dragged through the dirt. Instead, I have to settle for one pathetic, flimsy kiss with a duration of a millisecond when one of the characters was on his deathbed.

And lastly: what happened to the ending? The book just abruptly cut off ... Stopped ... Ended ... It left me wondering if my copy of the book was faulty and missing the final pages of the novel. After performing a quick Internet search, I determined that my book, was, in fact, entirely intact. I realize that this book is only the first one in the series, and Patterson wanted to leave readers with a cliff hanger, forcing them to buy the next book, but I am a firm believer that every book, regardless of its author, genre, or audience, should have some form of an ending to tie up at least a few of the loose ends. And yes, I'm aware that was a run-on sentence. I'm also aware that Patterson's tactic worked and I have completed the series. Back to the point. Having not read many of Patterson's other works, I can't comment on the circumstance that this may be his usual writing style. I'm still not a fan of the missing ending concept. I could ramble on and on about my frustration, but I'll spare anyone who has taken the time to read this the agony.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone between the ages of 10 and 14. It was certainly worth my time and money, despite my initial reservations, and I've completed the series. The Angel Experiment has earned each one of the five stars I gave it.