29 June, 2011

The Two Princesses of Bamarre: A Book Review

“Tarry with me, my love, at my side.”
-Gail Carson Levine
I haven’t enough words to put the praise I have for Gail Carson Levine into. Until now, I had only read her most well-known novel, Ella Enchanted, and it was my favorite. Recently I was lucky enough to find two of her other books at a used bookstore. I got decent copies of Fairest and The Two Princesses of Bamarre. The later I read first and absolutely loved it!
Princess Adelina is a shy, timid little princess. Princess Meryl, Adelina’s sister, is more of an adventure loving, courageous, strong willed princess. Princess Meryl always planned to find the cure to the Gray Death and to protect her sister. When the tables are turned and Meryl gets the Gray Death, it’s up to Adelina to leave the warmth and safety of her castle home in hopes to save her sister. Can a shy little princess become a hero? Or with Bamarre lose both the princesses?
I absolutely loved the fairytale way Levine tells this story! Such a beautifully spun new tale for the ages. It’s so wonderful to read a standalone novel and it’s even better that it was amazing. While Ella’s story still remains my favorite, this book is certainly towards the top of my list of favorite full novel fairy tales.

20 June, 2011

Bad Girls Don't Die: A Book Review

"Preps are like cheerleaders, only with less jumping."
       -Katie Alender

"In case you haven't noticed, my whole existence is one big flaw."
       -Katie Alender
















All I have to say about this book is Oh. My. God! This book is absolutely fabulous! I read it in about 24 hours. I absolutely could not put it down. Mrs. Alender has such an excellent way of writing. It's easy to follow but still manages to draw you in. It had me jumping at every little noise and nearly screaming to warn or help the characters.

Alexis isn't popular, in fact, she's kind of anti-popular. Every one at school is either afraid of her or constantly, but secretly, mocking her. At home Alexis's parents are a bit preoccupied with anything but their daughters. That just leaves Kasey, Alexis's baby sister who is so timid, shy, and unique. Kasey collects dolls. Did I collects? More like she hoards them. That's all fine and dandy until timid little Kasey starts becoming a more secretive, angry girl. Then things start happening in their old house. Doors close by themselves, water boils on burners that have yet to be turned on, cold air blows from an air conditioner that's turned off leaving the house in near arctic temperatures. That's just the beginning. Alexis starts to notice Kasey is changing too, more than just secretive and angry (which can be attributed to early teens). Kasey's eyes, usually a beautiful blue, sometimes are a deep green. Kasey also starts using strange, old-fashioned language. Something is definitely wrong and Alexis (with the helps of an unlikely friend) is the only one who can save her sister, but is the bond of sisters stronger than whatever has the house?

I recommend this book to everyone! Well, everyone who enjoys paranormal fiction, ghosts, creepy doll collections, etc. I absolutely can't wait to get the next in the series, From Bad to Cursed. With the amazingness of this book, the sequel can only be brilliant as well. This is definitely a 5/5!

18 June, 2011

Princess Academy: A Book Review

"No wolf falters before the bite
So strike."
       --Shannon Hale

"Look no farther than your hand
Make a choice and take a stand."
       --Shannon Hale
















This is a sweet book about a young girl faced with a new environment bent on changing her. It's a good book, but not really exciting. There are a few scenes when you worry for the girls' safety, but mostly it's about the girls at school. I personally was able to put it down and walk away no problem. I certainly didn't  want to abandon it, but I wasn't dying to see how it would end either.

Miri is a young girl who doesn't feel she quite fits in her mountain village home. Down in the Lowlands is a prince ready to marry, and the Priests will declare where she is to come from. The entire kingdom, and the province itself, we're surprised to hear Mount Eskel would produce the next princess. With this announcement, an academy is set up, per the King's orders, and all girls age 8-16 are forced to attend. Learning to read, write, curtsy, and survive. When trouble comes to Mount Eskel's academy, only Miri, the outcast, can save them all.

Shannon Hale has won a Newbery Honor award for this novel. It's a good relaxed reading. I suggest it if you like strange but not overly active or exciting novels. I think it's a good summer read for under a tree.