Skip to main content

Posts

Showing posts from March, 2018

Tempests and Slaughter by Tamora Pierce

Brief synopsis (no spoilers):  Chronicles the adventures of Arram Draper, a young and powerful mage, during his time at Carthak University learning to harness and expand his "gift" (magical abilities). Here he meets friends Orzone and Varice who take him under their wings. Category: YA Why I chose this book:  Read and enjoyed other books by the same author  My personal opinion: I have not enjoyed a book this much in quite a while. I haven't had much time for reading lately, but when I have I've been disappointed and had trouble staying engaged with the books. Though the book felt like it took a long time to read I never got bored. I enjoy books that include those with magical powers and their journey of learning to use those powers.  Warnings - I felt like the author did a good job of not over dramatizing things in the warnings section - yes violence, adult situations, and death do occur but she didn't over describe or dramatize them. All was done in a "

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling

Brief synopsis (no spoilers): The end (of the series) is nigh. Harry comes of age, and then he, Ron, and Hermione set out to finish Dumbledore's last orders, alone. They struggle with not having clear direction, and having to figure out their own way. And to muddle their path, they learn about three ancient, powerful, magical artifacts, and have to decide which are more important to hunt: Hallows or Horcruxes. Category : YA fiction Why I chose this book : I've read the series several times, but I've never reviewed them My personal opinion : I was sad to reach the end of the book, wish it could have gone on for longer. Don't give in, dear author- don't continue the story! Let it live on in our imaginations only. The story line was thrilling, the narration excellent, and the character development flawless. It definitely has some sad parts, so be warned. Warnings Language: Just a couple, minor Violence: Fighting, but nothing graphic "Adult" situations: Some

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling

Brief synopsis (no spoilers): If I hadn't committed to having no spoilers from the beginning, this paragraph would have a dozen of them. What a great book, even with spoilers! Harry and Ron scrape together a decent set of O.W.L. scores, and return to the classes they like, with the aim of becoming Aurors. Hermione can do anything she want- she passed everything, of course! The pressures of major exams are gone, because N.E.W.T.s aren't until seventh year. But in their place, the trio have to face teen romance, oppressive amounts of homework, Apparation tests, and coming of age. Harry spends more time with Dumbledore, as he takes a personal interest in sharing what he has learned about Voldemort's past- and his future plans. Category : YA fiction Why I chose this book : I've read the series several times, but I've never reviewed them My personal opinion : This book is the pinnacle of the series. The first couple of books could be considered kid stories. But starting

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling

Brief synopsis (no spoilers): After winning the Triwizard Tournament, and escaping the clutches of Voldemort yet again the previous year, you'd think Harry's life would be a little simpler. Instead, Harry finds himself tangling with romance, direct persecution from the Ministry of Magic (in the form of Professor Umbridge), stress of examinations at school, and a psychopath in his head- Voldemort's thoughts and feelings flowing through him at very inconvenient times. And Dumbledore, who could be of great assistance in Harry's trials, seems to be distancing himself. Category : YA fiction Why I chose this book : I've read the series several times, but I've never reviewed them My personal opinion : I absolutely love how Rowling either did see into the future, or appears to have seen into the future with her story. She pulls elements from the first couple of books into this one, and those details have a profound impact on this part of the story. It's incredible.