Review: Cinder by Marissa Meyer (2012)

Title: Cinder

Author: Marissa Meyer
Genre: Young Adult, Sci-fi
Publication: January 3 2012, Feiwel & Friends
Pages: 387 pages, Paperback

Summary (from Goodreads): Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl.
Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.

Personal Review

The story of Cinderella takes a whole new spin in Marissa Meyers thrilling novel, Cinder. This book is exciting, funny, and a great combination of fantasy and science fiction.
Cinder, a sixteen year old cyborg, is New Beijing's Commonwealth's talented mechanic. She is this storys' Cinderella. However her story isn't quite the same. After being adopted, Cinder is brought to live with her new stepmother, Adri and stepsisters, Pearl and Peony. Her stepmother never wanted Cinder, but because of her late husband, and the love he had for Cinder, decides to keep her. Her new family doesn't appreciate her in any way. She is a cyborg after all. Who would care for someone like her? She lives a laborious and strenuous life. She has to work very hard in order to provide for her and her stepmother and sisters. Cinder makes the all the money but legally it belongs to her stepmother. Because of this, everything she makes is handed off to Adri. She feels as if she is chained to her. Cinder just wants to escape from this and from living there her whole life. Freedom is calling her when she finds a broken down automobile in a junk yard. She plans on fixing it up and fleeing from this life. Her android, Lko, is her one good friend. She helps Cinder with anything she needs and plans on escaping with her. Lko is extremely funny. Shes always saying such witty and amusing things. Lko is very loveable and even though she is made of metal, she is full of heart.

The story takes flight once an unexpected costumer walks in Cinder's booth. Prince Kai of the Eastern Commonwealth. He asks Cinder to repair one of his personal androids. It holds important information, but can't be retrieved because it has broken down completely. She promises to repair it as soon as she can. While talking with him she leaves out the fact that she is indeed a cyborg. She knows she is piece of machine and doesn't believe the prince will think of her the same. She keeps this a secret for as long as she can. From that moment she starts to care for him. Her feelings seem to develop a bit quickly, in my opinion. Their love story was always just one bar too low before it hit the bar I have set. That might just be me though. Never the less its still terrific.

The relationship that grows between them is lovely, however, and its such an interesting twist on Prince Charming and his princess. When I say “grow” there is some exaggeration because the love seemed to bloom fast. What I mean is that, as the reader, you know from day one that she loves him. And its not hard to tell that he cares for her as well. But I guess love is different for everybody. Over all, though, it is adorable and I really enjoyed reading about them and their love story.

All throughout New Beijing, Commonwealth is a severe, deathly plague that is consuming and killing its citizens and spreading throughout the world. There is no cure and hardly any hope. The cyborg draft continues as the best doctors try their hardest to find a cure. Adri blames Cinder for a tragic event that ends up happening and volunteers her for the cause. Cinder is taken by force. All who go never make it out. Its more like a death sentence then a worthy cause. However, while she is there she is told that she is actually very valuable. She becomes friends with Dr. Erland and learns many things from him: Secrets about her past and who she is. Her whole life and everything she thought she was is now changed. Its very difficult for her to believe this news. But sometimes things have to be the way we don't want them to.

Her life then gets entangled with Prince Kai. While she is struggling to find freedom, Kai is learning to role an empire. He is only eighteen and isn't ready for this. Surprisingly, running an empire is not the worst thing on his list. Queen Levana of Luna, the moon colony, is basically threatening him to marry her. She has tried to talk Kai's father into doing the same thing. She says it will settle all war and there would finally be peace between them and Luna. But Kai knows that it will not solve their problems. But the Queen is strong. She is wicked, cunning, and deceiving. Lunars have the ability to make someone else see them however they wish them to. Queen Levana is strikingly beautiful. When someone looks upon her its almost as if they are being enchanted. Ironically enough, Lunars hate mirrors and refuse and eliminate mirrors of any kind. For it is mirrors that reflect and show who they really are.

The grand ball of Prince Kai's inauguration is the night that everything in the book is leading up to. Adri forbids Cider to attend the ball, but she doesn't mind all that much because thats her night of escape. But there is one conflict facing her. The prince has asked her numerous times to accompany him to the ball. Decisions, decisions. What will she do? Will she take her chance to freedom or attend the ball with the famous prince? Will Queen Levana take over Commonwealth? Does the plague ever become curable? The questions carry on and on, but you won't find the answers here. Read Cinder for yourself and allow yourself to be swept in with this wonderfully wired fairy tale.

I have rated this book a four out of five stars. The writing is fantastic and definitely my style. Marissa Meyers is extremely talented and deserved all the feedback and popularity from it. She knows how to take an ordinary idea and keep it going. I never lost interest while reading. Very moving and intriguing. Even though this is a Cinderella story, it is still its own unique fantasy.

Review by Hannah Gibbons

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Review: The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon

Title: The Bone Season
Author: Samantha Shannon
Genre: Fantasy, Speculative Fiction
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication Date: August 2013
Hardcover: 280 Pages

Summary:  It is the year 2059. Several major world cities are under the control of a security force called Scion. Paige Mahoney works in the criminal underworld of Scion London, part of a secret cell known as the Seven Seals. The work she does is unusual: scouting for information by breaking into others’ minds. Paige is a dreamwalker, a rare kind of clairvoyant, and in this world, the voyants commit treason simply by breathing.
But when Paige is captured and arrested, she encounters a power more sinister even than Scion. The voyant prison is a separate city—Oxford, erased from the map two centuries ago and now controlled by a powerful, otherworldly race. These creatures, the Rephaim, value the voyants highly—as soldiers in their army.
Paige is assigned to a Rephaite keeper, Warden, who will be in charge of her care and training. He is her master. Her natural enemy. But if she wants to regain her freedom, Paige will have to learn something of his mind and his own mysterious motives.

Personal view/review
WARNING: MIGHT CONTAIN SPOILERS

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Review

The Bone Season introduces a compelling heroine—a young woman learning to harness her powers in a world where everything has been taken from her. It also introduces an extraordinary young writer, with huge ambition and a teeming imagination. Samantha Shannon has created a bold new reality in this riveting debut.

“Not all of us know what we are. Some of us die without ever knowing. Some of us know, and
never get caught. But we're out there. Trust me.
-Samantha Shannon, The Bone Season

Approaching this book, and reading it, was probably the best thing I did in this month. Coming at it in the beginning was different because I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Prior to reading this amazing book, I had not even the slightest knowledge to what was stored inside. It was more of a “This seems/looks interesting. I think I'll give it a go” kind of book. Normally, in the past, I would rather know a small synopsis of the book before reading it. Which isn't a bad thing, but anyhow, I didn't do that with this one. But I regret nothing.

~Just want to say now that this book does include some language. So just fair warning and something to consider before reading.~

From the very beginning, Samantha Shannon puts no doubt in her reader. She does not start off explaining the story or whats happening. You just dive into this whole new world and have no interpretation to whats going on. I think that's really cleaver and keeps the wheels in your head turning as you try to venture your way through all the things unknown. Throughout the first few chapters you might fell a little bit lost, like you don't understand anything. (However, in the back of the book there is a glossary and it is extremely helpful.) After a while you will understand the strange terms she uses and soon enough you will understand and enjoy the story.

This brilliant novel takes place in 2059. Paige Mahoney, the main character, works for a man named Jaxon Hall, who is a mimelord in the criminal underworld of Scion London, based in Seven Dials. Paige is a dreamwalker. Someone who is capable of moving in and out of the minds of other people. Her job to Jaxon Hall is basically just that, to find useful information by breaking into peoples minds. Like some kind of hacker. Because she is a dreamwalker, she commits treason by just existing. One day, Paige is kidnapped and is transported to Oxford. Oxford is a secret city that has existed for two hundred years. While she is there, Arcturus, Warden of the Mesarthim, a rephaite, becomes her master. From the first day she is chosen by him, they become enemies. Paige can barely stand the sight of him, she hates him so much. If Paige wants to regain her freedom she must allow herself to be nurtured in this prison where she is meant to die. Her whole goal throughout the entire story is trying to find a way out and back home to Seven Dials. But over the course of time Paige learns more and more about this place she is imprisoned at. She makes a few friends and plans a way to find a way for her and her friends to escape. Nashira, who is Wardens betrothed, is planning on capturing mimelords. She wants to be unstoppable. Personally, I just hate her guts. I could not stand her. She is in a way “Raising” red coats. To become a red coat one must past two different kinds of tests. It will test both their skill (in Paige's case, her skill to unleash her spirit and jump into the minds of others) and their ability to survive. Everyone starts out as white coats. Then if they pass the first test they move on the a to pink coat. If the next one is passed they become a red coat. Thats all I can say. I don't want to say too much of her plans because I don't want to spoil anything.

It may take some time, but you will soon grow to love Warden. I actually started liking him and his mysterious character in the first chapter he gets introduced. You never fully quite know who this person is. But I really liked that about him. Something about him just sucked me in. And might I just say that I absolutely love the love story that unfolds. Yes, yes it will be no secret here that there is, indeed, a love interest. When I was not even half way through the book, I heard that there wasn't no romance. I think its only fair to tell you that there is, and its beautiful. Unlike so many books or movies out there where a couple falls in love after the first day, this story takes time for them to actually realize they are in love. Warden and Paige start out being pure enemies. Slowly, and I mean slowly, they begin to kinda understand one another. Then they become somewhat tolerable with one another. After some time they become allies. He begins to want to help her. Trust is something that they both hold highly, but soon enough that are able to trust each other. They become friends. Then of course find the love. I just think its a wonderful process.

Now, I do want to talk about Paige Mahoney. She is a very strong and determined young woman. She knows what she wants and will have nothing stop her from trying. Honestly, she is like a super hero. Not afraid of a fight or of pain. Seriously, though this girl is tough. It is, at times, some what “annoying” I guess you could say, to how perfect she is. To me it seems like at he beginning of the story she is this strong, epic character and even til the end she holds on to it. There isn't to much character development. Of course she changed in the fact that she learned how to love and how to use her “gift” with more control. But honestly besides that I do think there could have been a time when she was weak and thought everything was lost. She always seems to be powerful and full of ambition. She is amazing though, I just thought that she could have evolved a bit more. But then again there are six more books along the way, so who knows what could happened in those. Overall this story is fantastic and I give it a five out of five stars! Wonderfully written and puts a whole new twist on futurist novels. If you have ever questioned yourself about reading the Bone Season, know that if you do you will not be disappointed. Its has mystery, suspense, love, and awesome characters. I loved it and can not wait for the next one. Samantha Shannon stepped beyond just writing a good book. She carried it up and over excellent.

Review by Hannah Gibbons

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Review: Divergent by Veronica Roth

Title: Divergent (Divergent #1)

Author: Veronica Roth
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publishing Date: May 3rd 2011
Length: 496 pages
Genre: YA, dystopian novel

Summary: Beatrice "Tris" Prior has reached the fateful age of sixteen, the stage at which teenagers in Veronica Roth's dystopian Chicago must select which of five factions to join for life. Each faction represents a virtue: Candor, Abnegation, Dauntless, Amity, and Erudite. To the surprise of herself and her selfless Abnegation family, she chooses Dauntless, the path of courage. Her choice exposes her to the demanding, violent initiation rites of this group, but it also threatens to expose a personal secret that could place in mortal danger. Veronica Roth's young adult Divergent trilogy launches with a captivating adventure about love and loyalty playing out under most extreme circumstances.

(summary from Goodreads)
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Review

What first drew me to this book was the movie trailer. I know, I’m horrible. Totally going against readers rules.

I was in the movie theatre, watching The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, and the trailer for Divergent played. I was intrigued but also, turned away. My first thought was "this is gonna be just like Hunger Games."   I have never been so wrong!

After hearing more about this book, I decided to pick it up and read it. To be honest, I wasn't expecting much. I expected some adventure, a futuristic time period and not much else. But, after the first few chapters, I was already obsessed with the book. The story revolves around Beatrice Prior and her struggles trying to find her place. In dystopian Chicago, at the age of 16, she must choose one of five factions to join for life. Being from Abnegation, which is the faction honoring selflessness, she is humble, kind and self-denying. But, even while you’re learning about her character, you detect this hint of wanting more. She does not hate being in Abnegation, but does not like it much either.

I thoroughly enjoy the character of Beatrice, mostly because I can relate to her. She is unlike most famous female characters in that she begins meek. She is a weak girl who is scared, and without courage. But, she chooses Dauntless, where doing insane daredevil things is the norm. Like her, if I’m put in a tense situation where I am out of my comfort zone, I will go through with what I am forced to do. Perhaps that’s what builds her courage; the fact that she is constantly put into situations where she has no other choice. Beatrice (Tris) is a totally wonderful character.

The whole concept of the book did still remind me of The Hunger Games. But, in no way does that make this book unoriginal. Veronica Roth definitely adds her own twist and spunk to the plot, which makes the book just as well done as Hunger Games.

Another character I’d like to point out is Four. I loved him. Of course, you can guess right away that there could be something between him and Beatrice. Her feelings for him are certainly strong. But the process of their relationship is told in a fantastic, clever way. Obviously, he takes particular interest in her from the beginning, and towards the end their relationship materializes into a strong, loving and protective relationship. It just makes me wonder what happens in the other two books in this series, Insurgent and Allegiant.  But, overall, Four was probably my most-liked character besides Tris.

Verdict

In conclusion, this book is to be considered as my new favorite.  The action, adventure and romance kept me going all the way to the end.  It left me wanting to read more, and luckily I can, with two more books after this.  Overall, the book was incredibly amazing and kept me on my toes, just waiting to turn the next page.  The only negative thing about this book for me was the fact that it was very tense at some moments and is not for the faint of heart.  From a scene describing a boy getting his eye stabbed with a knife to Beatrice jumping off of a thousand foot "zipline," I'd suggest that if you have a fear of pain, blood or hights, to maybe skip this book.
But, in conclusion, this book was fantastic and I would read it again in a heartbeat.

Review by Cari Frantz

Check out the author's blog here:  http://www.veronicarothbooks.blogspot.com/

Review: Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs 2 (2013)

Directors: Cody Cameron, Kris Pearn
Written by: Judi Barrett
Cast: Bill Hader, Anna Faris, Will Forte, Andy Samberg

Synopsis (from IMDB):
After the disastrous food storm in the first film, Flint and his friends are forced to leave the town. Flint accepts the invitation from his idol Chester V to join The Live Corp Company, which has been tasked to clean the island, and where the best inventors in the world create technologies for the betterment of mankind. When Flint discovers that his machine still operates and now creates mutant food beasts like living pickles, hungry tacodiles, shrimpanzees and apple pie-thons, he and his friends must return to save the world.___________________________________________________

Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs was by far one of the best movies of 2009. This amazing animated film left viewers in love with every character and wanting more. The playful and witty atmosphere was wonderful, and very enjoyable to watch. This story jumped from the book pages of its original story (Written by Judi Barrett, 1978) and climbed into the TV screen with a bang!

To most peoples expectations, sequels are a downfall from the first one. First of all there is a line of assumption that the first one has set and is hard to beat. Because of that it makes sequels a bit more resistant to overcome that line of hope the first one had left. But many props and congratulations to the directors, Cody Cameron and Kris Pearn, for not only going beyond that point but raising the bar twice as high. There is no doubt that Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 not only made children but many adults filled with laughter throughout the entire movie.

Flint Lockwood, voiced by the wonderful Bill Hader, has a chance to live his dream working side by side by his ultimate hero, Chester V (Will Forte). So he decides to follow in his foot steps and takes that job. Flint has always wanted to be like Chester V and after he sees that his hero is counting on him, he lets nothing stand in his way to help him. Flint is told that the FLDSMDFR is still operational and is destroying his and his family and friends home on the island. It is up to him to save Swallow Falls. So Flint, Sam Sparks (Anna Faris ), Baby Brent (Andy Samberg), Manny (Benjamin Bratt), Earl (Terry Crews), Mr. Lockwood (James Caan), and of course his best pal Steve (Neil Patrick Harris), all go off to save their beloved home.

There are many adventures once they reach the island of Swallow Falls. Flints machine is now changing the food into animals- resulting in making Foodimals. Everyone thinks that these creatures are dangerous and must find a way to stop them. However you begin to find these foodimals to be overly adorable. A special, captivating one by the name of Berry lends great help to Flint and the gang. Their journey will suck you in and have your fingers crossed, hoping that they all make it safely and that their home will be restored.

Through out this ingenius story Flint learns about friendship and what it means to trust other people. He learns about family and the importance of what it means. Sometimes what we value most in life is clouded over with pride we have for something else, or in Flint's case, someone else. Flint discovers this and realizes that he has everything that he could ever have asked for. Overall this film is exciting and will always have you either on the edge of your seat or your head falling back from laughter. Wether its for the fun story of adventure, the hilarious puns, Berry's cute character, or just Flints beautiful dedication to his friends, you will enjoy this tale immensely.

Review by Hannah Gibbons

Review: Frozen (2013)

Directors:  Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee

Written by:  Jennifer Lee

Inspired by "The Snow Queen" by Hans Christian Anderson

Cast:  Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff, Josh Gad

Synopsis (from IMDB):
After the kingdom of Arendelle is cast into eternal winter by the powerful Snow Queen Elsa (voice of Idina Menzel), her sprightly sister Anna (Kristen Bell) teams up with a rough-hewn mountaineer named Kristoff (Jonathan Groff) and his trusty reindeer Sven to break the icy spell. 

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First of all, I'd like to point out that I love Disney.  Take me to Disneyland and leave me there, I'd probably be the happiest kid on earth.  The love doesn't stop at the parks.  The majority of films that I own are Disney movies.  From the stories they express to the creative humor that goes into their classic tales always amaze me.  So, as I walked into the movie theater to see Frozen for the first time, I knew I was about to see something good.  Let me be the first to say that I was not wrong in my expectations.  It was better then great.  It was fantastic.  Disney has created yet another masterpiece.

To begin with, the movie is based off of Hans Christian Andersen's tale, The Snow Queen.  Never having read this particular story, I went to the all-knowing Wikipedia to do some research.  It wasn't very useful, to be honest.  There really isn't much resemblance between the two, except for a few minor details.  Since Frozen was inspired by The Snow Queen, it's not crucial to compare the two.

Additionally, the movie has a fantastic cast.  First of all, Josh Gad gave a thrilling performance as the voice of Olaf, the sweet & lovable snowman.  In the very first scene when Olaf is introduced, its hard not to fall for this adorable, hilarious snowman.  He is the comical relief.  In a hilarious depiction of his desire to experience "summer" and "heat," he belts out his song titled "In Summer," which had me bouncing in my chair and smiling to the catchy tune.  Whenever you see him enter a scene, you can relax knowing that side-splitting witty lines and expressions are about to take place.  By the end of the movie, we're all wishing we had our own personal Olaf to give us his warm hugs.  Secondly, Idina Menzel (Queen Elsa) and Kristen Bell (Anna) top the vocals for musical performance.  Both women are incredible singers and have the vocal talent to go hand in hand with their characters.

From the beginning, it was obvious that the directors and animators had worked previously on Tangled (2010).  Frozen had similar love interests, similar main characters and a similar style to Tangled.  A spunky girl just waiting to go out and explore and overcome that obstacle in her way.  Falling in love with the man she never dreamed she would in the first place.  Interestingly, you can even spot Rapunzel and Flynn Ryder in the crowd going into Elsa's coronation day party.

The plot was different and twisted compared to many of Disney's stories of princesses and magic and knights in shining armor.  To begin with, the older sister, Queen Elsa, has no love interest or ever shows a remote care in the matter of getting married.  Younger sister Anna, however, has her own spirited ideas of love and marriage, which are expressed in the marvelous duet, "Love is An Open Door."  But even for her, the motives and ideas she thinks she has locked in place certainly are not what she expects in the end.  Secondly, in this particular Disney film, they did a wonderful job at the general rule of storytelling, which is to "show" and not "tell."  Just through simple words and short phrases, we are able to see what the characters mean.  A nod should be given to the writers in the comedy department as well.  Many scenes had me giggling and dying to see the movie again.  

In conclusion, this film was enjoyable on so many levels.  The moments when we are able to see the portrayal of deep emotion and beautiful virtues are quite moving.  Sisterly love and devotion is displayed violently well throughout the film.  Friendship, trust and hope is also illustrated.  Additionally, an honorable mention to the animators for the stunning animation and gorgeous scenery.   Overall, Frozen will captivate your heart and leave you inspired, excited and, quite possibly, leave a smile on your face as the credits role on the screen.

Review by Cari Frantz