Book Review: Warbreaker - Brandon Sanderson

Warbreaker - Brandon Sanderson

Sisters Vivenna and Siri are princesses of Idris.  Susebron is the God King one must marry.  Lightsong is the reluctant minor got of bravery.  Vasher is an immortal still trying to undo mistakes of centuries before.  Magic from individual breath from everyday objects can perform all manner of miracles and mischief.

4/5 stars (really liked it)

Took me a long time to read this since it was a free PDF version I read on my phone and I prefer to read actual books.  Also it's not the fastest paced book at the beginning, but it did keep my interest.  This book focuses on 4 main characters, Vivenna and Siri, who are sisters.  Vivenna is supposed to marry the God King Susebron but their father instead sends Siri.  Siri is a bit rebellious and immature and has no clue what to do when she meets Susebron.  I love the development of Siri and Susebron's relationship.  Then there is Vivenna, who was raised to know how to be the wife of the God King and suddenly finds herself not being that.  She goes to save her sister Siri from the position she is and.  On the way there she learns how to survive.  There is also Vasher, a mysterious character with a mysteriously deadly sword.  I was always happy when the story came back to him and I really found him intriguing and wanted to learn more about him.  Also there is Lightsong, a minor god who is always questioning his priest and questioning the whole system.  He's a god that doesn't believe in gods.  I loved his story and I loved what happened to him and it was so fitting.  Overall a great stand alone book but left it open for a sequel, which I would definitely read!

Book Review: United as One - Pittacus Lore

United as One - Pittacus Lore

The seventh and final book in the #1 New York Times bestselling I Am Number Four Series!  With United as One, this action-packed series comes to a surprising, breathtaking, and utterly satisfying conclusion.  The Garde didn't start this war, but they'll do whatever it takes to end it once and for all...

The Mogadorians have invaded Earth.  Their warships loom over our most populated cities, and no country will risk taking them head on.  The Garde are all that stand in the way, but they'll need an army of their own to win this fight.

They've teamed up with the US Military, but it might not be enough.  The Garde need reinforcements, and they've found them in the most unexpected place.  Teenagers from across the glove, like John Smith's best friend, Sam, have developed abilities.  So John and the others must get to them before the Mogs, because if they don't their enemies will use these gifted teens for their own sinister plan.

But after all the Mogadorians have taken from John--his home, his family, his friends, and the person he loves most--he might not want to put any more lives in danger.  He's got nothing left to lose, and he's just discovered he has been given an incredible new Legacy.  Now he can turn himself into the ultimate weapon.  So will he risk his life to save the world, or will he realize that power in numbers will save us all?

3/5 stars (liked it)

As much as I like this series, I was ready for it to end and for the Garde to finally defeat the Mogadorians and Setrakus Ra.  John and the others have been through so much and have lost so many loved ones.  John especially is in a dark place in this book where he will do anything to defeat the enemy, which includes him dying.  I love the relationship that developed between Six and Sam.  I wish there was more Danielle in this book as I was really starting to like her and we didn't get too much of her.  Nine is great and love what happens to him at the very end.  I thought it was a great wrap up to the series.

Book Review - The Rithmatist - Brandon Sanderson

The Rithmatist - Brandon Sanderson

More than anything, Joel wants to be a Rithmatist.  Rithmatist have the power to infuse life into two-dimensional figures known as Chalklings.  Rithmatists are humanity's only defense against the Wild Chalklings.  Having nearly overrun the territory of Nebrask, the Wild Chalklings now threaten all of the American Isles.

As the son of a lowly chalkmaker at Armedius Academy, Joel can only watch as Rithmatist students learn the magical art that he would do anything to practice.  Then students start disapperaint--kidnapped from their rooms at night, leaving trails of blood.  Assigned to help the professor who is investigating the crimes, Joel and his friend Melody find themselves on the trail of an unexpected discoery--one that will change Rithmatics--and their world--forever.

4/5 stars (really liked it)

I have not read many books by Brandon Sanderson but my husband has and he recommended this book to my 12 year old son.  After he read I and raved about it I read it too and loved it.  Joel is so likeable and I feel so bad for him.  His father, the Chalkmaker died and so it is just him and his mother living on campus.  All the professors and staff have known him all his life.  His mother is working non-stop cleaning the school.  Joel has a hard time finding friends and any he does make are not very nice to him.  But Joel is very intelligent and he uses that in this book.  The ending although I had guessed some of it really wanted me to read the next one, which isn't out yet.  I never would have thought a story about chalk drawings would be so compelling.  

Book Review: If I Was Your Girl - Meredith Russo

If I Was Your Girl - Meredith Russo

Amanda Hardy is the new girl in school in Lambertville, Tennessee.  Like any other girl, all she wants is to make friends and fit in.  But Amanda is keeping a secret.  There's a reason why she transferred schools for her senior year, and why she's determined not to get too close to anyone.

And then she meets Grant Everett.  Grant is unlike anyone she's ever met--open, honest, kind--and Amanda can't help but start to let him into her life.  As they spend more time together, she finds herself yearning to share with Grant everything about herself...including her past.  But she's terrified that once she tells Grant the truth, he won't be able to see past it.

Because the secret that Amanda's been keeping?  It's that she used to be Andrew.

3/5 stars (liked it)

I felt so bad for Amanda and the way she was treated her whole life.  It started with her parents, teachers and classmates.  All because she didn't fit society's ideal of what a boy should dress like, act like and be like.  Andrew was always Amanda on the inside.  Not only did she have that to deal with but she also felt responsible for her parent's divorce.  I know this was fictional story but it was based on the author's own personal experience and I'm glad she got to write these down to let people that don't know much about the subject understand it a little more.