Book Review: Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

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Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Synopsis: Lou Clark knows lots of things. She knows how many footsteps there are between the bus stop and home. She knows she likes working in The Buttered Bun tea shop and she knows she might not love her boyfriend Patrick.

What Lou doesn't know is she's about to lose her job or that knowing what's coming is what keeps her sane. 

Will Traynor knows his motorcycle accident took away his desire to live. He knows everything feels very small and rather joyless now and he knows exactly how he's going to put a stop to that.

What Will doesn't know is that Lou is about to burst into his world in a riot of color. And neither of them knows they're going to change the other for all time.*

Jojo Moyes, a British novelist, has previously won Romantic Novelists' Association Romantic Novel of the Year and was a Nominee for Goodreads Choice Award in Fiction. Contemporary romance is not typically my cup of tea, everyone had been raving about this book though, and I finally gave in. Me Before You is the first novel of Jojo Moyes' that I have read, and I was pleasantly surprised. The novel was well written, and though the plot was somewhat predictable, I did enjoy that Moyes finished with a heart-wrenching, morally-questionable decision. I almost didn't think she would have the guts to go through with it, but she did, and it was fantastic (I apologize for the vagueness, I don't want to spoil anything). I think more authors need to write about 'questionable' topics, things people don't typically like to discuss in open conversation (e.g. disabilities, depression, rape, addiction, etc.). It's important to acknowledge these do, in fact, exist, try to understand them, and teach others about them. But I digress.

Original Photo from Sawtooth Adventure Company

Solo guitarist/river guiding extraordinaire is my little sis (aw, proud big sis moment!) 

The characters throughout Me Before You, were extremely intriguing to me, and, if I'm being honest, aggravating at times. I enjoyed the contrast between the Clark family and the Traynor family. While the middle class Clark family struggled financially, they seemed to love and support one another, even if it was in a unique way. Whereas the Traynor's, a wealthy, upper class family, seemed to be held together by the thin thread of Will's condition alone. The stubborn, exhausted, envious, and witty Will Traynor was startling and brutal to read about. I did not like that Will's character was so focused on being envious of everyone else's capabilities, or telling others how to live their lives, that he did not focus on what his capabilities were and how much he could do. I do have very mixed feelings about Lou Clark though, Will's co-star in Me Before You. Lou is awkward, witty, immature, and self-absorbed for almost the entire novel. I am perfectly fine with awkward characters, however, when they are immature, self-absorbed, and play the victim for almost the entire novel, I get a bit aggravated. Thankfully, we witness an emotional and mental growth within her character, as she beautifully learned how to let go of the past and put others before herself. The dynamics between the two co-stars, Will and Lou, really worked for me. Their banter back and forth was highly entertaining, and witnessing their relationship grow realistically (i.e. gradually, two steps forward and one step back) was a nice change from the all-too-common quick-paced relationships. I'm a firm believer in the idea that one of the best ways to help yourself out, is by helping others. Lou and Will's characters come to understand this idea near the end, and I have to admit, the wait was worth the phenomenal ending. Me Before You is a quick, entertaining, and daring reminder to help others, to love deeply, and to live well. 

Enjoy,

JR

*Synopsis provided by Goodreads.com

Book Review: Orbiting Jupiter by Gary D. Schmidt

Orbiting Jupiter by Gary D. Schmidt

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Synopsis: Jack, 12, tells the gripping story of Joseph, 14, who joins his family as a foster child. Damaged in prison, Joseph wants nothing more than to find his baby daughter, Jupiter, whom he has never seen. When Joseph has begun to believe he'll have a future, he is confronted by demons from his past that force a tragic sacrifice.*

The first book I read of Gary D. Schmidt's was The Wednesday Wars, and I absolutely loved his writing style. I was thrilled when I found out about Orbiting Jupiter. This book is written from the simple, young perspective of Jack, a sixth-grade boy who lives on an organic farm with his parents. His family welcomes fourteen-year-old Joseph into their home as a foster child. Coming from prison, Joseph, who rarely talks or smiles and doesn't let anyone stand behind him, starts adjusting to life with Jack and his family, a life of attending to farm animals and going to middle school. Through Jack's eyes, we learn what haunts Joseph, how differently people within his new community judge and treat him, and witness how trust and love can change someone for the better. 

Although learning Joseph's background is crucial, my favorite part of this book was reading about the new relationships, good or bad, that Joseph made within his new home and school life. It was fascinating and emotional to see how various people treated him. Jack, being a true example of a kind heart, accepted Joseph almost immediately. . . just as soon as his cows approved. "You can tell all you need to know about someone from the way cows are around him," (Orbiting Jupiter, pg 11). That is one of the most true statements I've ever read, though I would apply it to almost any animal--dogs, cows, horses, etc. 

We also view the relationships Joseph developed with various teachers at his new school. While some pre-judged him and immediately shrugged him off as a no-good, dirty-rotten criminal, others, bless their loving and caring souls, gave Joseph a chance and were shocked at what he was capable of. "It's not the solution. . . It's the path to the solution that's fascinating," (Orbiting Jupiter, pg 29). It was beautiful to witness the miracle of a young man who has been through so much at such a young age, start to open up and have hope, to smile and laugh like a fourteen-year-old should. "Christmas is the season for miracles, you know. Sometimes they come big and loud, I guess--but I've never seen one of those. I think probably most miracles are a lot smaller, and sort of still, and so quiet, you could miss them. I didn't miss this one." (Orbiting Jupiter, pg 114-115). It can be difficult to successfully write such an honest, painful story--to put such astounding life lessons into a middle-grade/young adult novel. This is where Schmidt has shown what a profound author he is. Through the voice of the tender youth, he effectively transforms difficult and painful topics into quiet and simple stories that demand our attention. It is impossible to read this book and not think about how you treat others, judge others, or how to be a better person. Orbiting Jupiter is simple and bold; a powerful, difficult, and beautiful story about hope, true friendship, and being a good person.

Enjoy,

JR

*Synopsis provided by Goodreads.com

Book Review: The Raven King by Maggie Stiefvater

The Raven King (The Raven Cycle #4) by Maggie Stiefvater

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Synopsis: For years, Gansey has been on a quest to find a lost king. One by one, he's drawn others into this quest: Ronan, who steals from dreams; Adam, whose life is no longer his own; Noah, whose life is no longer a lie; and Blue, who loves Gansey. . . and is certain she is destined to kill him. 

Now the endgame has begun. Dreams and nightmares are converging. Love and loss are inseparable. And the quest refuses to be pinned to a path.*

"He was a book, and he was holding his final pages, and he wanted to get to the end to find out how it went, and he didn't want it to be over." -- Maggie Stiefvater, The Raven King

I can't. I just can't. 

I have a serious love/hate relationship with finishing a series, and The Raven Cycle was no different. Maggie Stiefvater did an incredible job with the final installment of the wild and glorious tale of Blue and her Raven Boys. I don't want to spoil anything, so I'll just say that while I truly enjoyed the crushing twist Maggie releases upon us towards the end, I still did not like the ending of The Raven King. I could have worked with what Maggie gave us if it had been prolonged, but as it is, I felt like the novel ended extremely abruptly, with loose ends tied up in a mere few pages. Other than that, I absolutely loved The Raven King. The twists and turns are fantastic, the secondary characters added even more depth and entertainment, and the tangible tension between the main characters is delicious. The Raven King is a beautiful, brutal, tantalizing, and mystical brew, and I could not get enough of it.

I was holding the book, and I wanted to get to the end to find out how it went, but I didn't want it to be over. 

Check out my reviews on The Raven Boys (The Raven Cycle #1), The Dream Thieves (The Raven Cycle #2), and Blue Lily, Lily Blue (The Raven Cycle #3).

JR

*Synopsis provided by Goodreads.com

Book Review: The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black

The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Synopsis: Children can have a cruel, absolute sense of justice. Children can kill a monster and feel quite proud of themselves. A girl can look at her brother and believe they're destined to be a knight and a bard who battle evil. She can believe she's found the thing she's been made for.

Hazel lives with her brother, Ben, in the strange town of Fairfold where humans and fae exist side by side. The faeries' seemingly harmless magic attracts tourists, but Hazel knows how dangerous they can be, and she knows how to stop them. Or she did, once. 

At the center of it all, there is a glass coffin in the woods. It rests right on the ground and in it sleeps a boy with horns on his head and ears as pointed as knives. Hazel and Ben were both in love with him as children. The boy has slept there for generations, never waking. 

Until one day, he does...

As the world turns upside down, Hazel tries to remember her years pretending to be a knight. But swept up in a new love, shifting loyalties, and the fresh sting of betrayal, will it be enough?*

Original photo: Stanmer Park, Bright by Finn Hopson

Best-selling author Holly Black spun an excellent tale of monsters, faeries, and magic in The Darkest Part of the Forest. Though I did not have any specific expectations when I started The Darkest Part of the Forest, I was pleasantly surprised by the raw honesty and struggle between good and evil--not just between humans and monsters, but between the good and evil inside each character. "Grey characters" as I call them, are my favorite, characters that aren't all good or all evil, but a beautiful, awful, realistic mix of both. Black does a fantastic job creating these "grey characters". Hazel has always dreamed of being an honorable, evil-destroying Knight, yet there is a secret, chilling side to her that even she is afraid to face. While Ben, Hazel's brother, has been blessed with a beautiful and covetous gift, he battles with the horrifying responsibility of the gift and envies his sister's 'normal' life. Though I thoroughly enjoyed the book and it's characters, I do wish it had been longer. The plot seemed rushed at times and I think it would have only improved the story if there had been more space to spread it's tentacles and display it's enchanting potential. The Darkest Part of the Forest is a fast and darkly clever read, with a bold blend of modern teenage life and childhood fantasy. 

Enjoy!

JR

*Synopsis provided by Goodreads.com

Book Review: The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan

The Sword of Summer (Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard Book One) By Rick Riordan

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Synopsis: Magnus Chase has always been a troubled kid. Since his mother's mysterious death, he's lived alone on the streets of Boston, surviving by his wits, keeping one step ahead of the police and the truant officers. 

One day, he's tracked down by a man he's never met--a man his mother claimed was dangerous. The man tells him an impossible secret: Magnus is the son of a Norse god. 

The Viking myths are true. The gods of Asgard are preparing for war. Trolls, giants and worse monsters are stirring for doomsday. To prevent Ragnarok, Magnus must search the Nine Worlds for a weapon that has been lost for thousands of years. 

When an attack by fire giants forces him to choose between his own safety and the lives of hundreds of innocents, Magnus makes a fatal decision. 

Sometimes, the only way to start a new life is to die . . .*

Rick, you have done it again, my friend. The Sword of Summer is another excellent adventure crafted by the ever imaginative Rick Riordan. It is fast-paced, full of attitude and personality, and will have total control over your giggle bone. (Yes, there is such thing as a giggle bone, not to be confused with the funny bone). The characters are full of life, and will have you glued to them and their emotions by the end of the first chapter title (not hard to do when the chapter is titled, "Good Morning! You're Going to Die"). One thing I love about the character Rick creates, is that they are never one-hundred percent good, or one-hundred percent bad--they are real. Rick is one of the greatest children and young adult story tellers around, and I highly recommend The Sword of Summer to anyone looking for a thrilling adventure. You will definitely have to fight the urge to whip out this book when in social situations, it is a hard one to put down. And Rick, way to leave us hanging, yet again. (We still love you though). 

Enjoy,

JR

*Synopsis provided by Goodreads.com 

Book Review: Eragon by Christopher Paolini

Eragon (The Inheritance Cycle #1) by Christopher Paolini

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Synopsis: When Eragon finds a polished blue stone in the forest, he thinks it is the lucky discovery of a poor farm boy; perhaps it will buy his family meat for the winter. But when the stone brings a dragon hatchling, Eragon soon realizes he has stumbled upon a legacy nearly as old as the Empire itself. 

Overnight his simple life is shattered, and he is thrust into a perilous new world of destiny, magic, and power. With only an ancient sword and the advice of an old storyteller for guidance, Eragon and the fledgling dragon must navigate the dangerous terrain and dark enemies of an Empire ruled by a king whose evil knows no bounds. The fate of the Empire may rest in his hands.*

Eragon is one of the most magical tales I have read in a while, a stunning blend of adventure, enchantment, and good battling evil. This book will not disappoint you, and you will find it extremely difficult to put down. Eragon is one of those books you will have an intimate affair with: eating with it, walking with it (hopefully not walking into things. . .), and staying up far too late with it. Prepare yourself for a thrilling adventure, because once you start, it is irresistible.  

Enjoy!

JR

*Synopsis provided by Goodreads.com

Book Review: City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare

City of Heavenly Fire by Cassandra Clare

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Bearing the Infernal Cup, Sebastian is turning Shadowhunter against Shadowhunter, mercilessly ripping their world apart. When Clary and her friends discover one of the greatest betrayals to the Nephilim, they have to journey to the demon realms, where no human has ever returned from, in order to save the world from Sebastian. 

The sixth and final installment of The Mortal Instruments series is thrilling, fast-paced, and will tear your heart out. I am extremely impressed with the way Clare ended the series; all too often, series end with horrible disappointment. There are a few predictable events throughout City of Heavenly Fire, but there is also a plentiful amount of shocking plot twists that will leave you flipping pages until your fingers are sore. If you started this series, and had a rough time pushing through the previous books, I urge you to keep reading and finish the series. It is well worth it. 

Enjoy!

JR 

Book Review: The Wizard Heir by Cinda Williams

The Wizard Heir by Cinda Williams Chima (The Heir Chronicles #2)

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Sixteen-year-old Seph McCauley leaves a wake of magical accidents and disasters behind him, getting kicked out of one private school after another. Ending up at the Havens, an exclusive boys' school in Maine, he learns that the headmaster, Gregory Leicester, is also a wizard. Leicester promises to train Seph and hone his magical powers. Seph soon learns that Leicester has his own agenda, leaving Seph to decide whether to join his cause or suffer the consequences. 

I thought The Warrior Heir (The Heir Chronicles #1) was incredible, but Chima stepped it up even more in The Wizard Heir. I was enthralled, to say the least. Chima developed the new characters in such depth, and added to the familiar characters from The Warrior Heir, that it was impossible not to feel connected to them, to feel every emotional high or low with them. There were many surprising twists and turns to keep you glued to the book. I highly recommend The Wizard Heir if you fancy action, fantasy, struggle, and human vulnerability. 

Click here for my review on The Warrior Heir. 

JR

Book Review: UnSouled by Neal Shusterman

UnSouled by Neal Shusterman

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

On the run after the Graveyard, the last safe place for AWOL Unwinds, was destroyed, Connor and Lev gain an unexpected companion while searching for a woman Proactive Citizenry has attempted to erase. This woman may be the key to ending unwinding for good. Meanwhile, the rewound boy, Cam, is in search for a way to destroy Proactive Citizenry to prove to Risa his love for her. Unexpectedly and alarmingly, Connor, Lev, Cam, and Risa cross paths, and their reactions will determine whether Proactive Citizenry or the Unwinds will win the war over life and death.

The third book in the Unwind Dystology, UnSouled, was worlds better than I ever expected it to be, making it one of the most well-written series I have read in a long time. The plot twists, character developments, and the battle between life and death are eerily realistic. This book is a read-in-one-go kind of book, extremely gripping and terrifying. I highly recommend this series to anyone, dystopian novel lovers or not, it will have you on the edge of your seat, biting your nails.

Book Reviews: Clockwork Prince & Clockwork Princess

Clockwork Prince and Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Set in late 1870's, the Shadowhunters of the London Institute have helped Tessa find safety from the Magister. Guarded fiercely by cursed Will and loyal Jem, Tessa journeys to learn more about her mysterious parentage. When someone close betrays them, armies of vicious automatons attempt to end the Shadowhunter race. Tessa's powers, Mortmain's secrets, Will and Jem's devotion, and the fighters of the Institute may all tip the balance between good and evil, peace and carnage.

I have to admit, after finishing this trilogy (The Infernal Devices), I may have enjoyed it more than Clare's sister-series The Mortal Instruments. The characters felt more developed, making connections to them that much more deep and heart-wrenching. Clockwork Prince and Clockwork Princess both have numerous unexpected, shocking, and tear-jerking moments, and who doesn't love those? It says a lot about a story (and the author) when emotions are felt that strongly just from reading words on a page. The Infernal Devices is an easy to read, easy to get attached to, fabulous trilogy for YA lovers and reluctant readers.