Weekend Recommendations #17

This is a weekly feature, where I get to go all fannish about two randomly-picked favvies (which may not actually be favorites, but got a rating of 3 or higher) that I would recommend to friends! So, here are this week's two picks:

Title: The Maze Runner

Author: James Dashner

Genre: post-apocalyptic

Part of a Series: Yes

Rating: 4 out of 5

Who'll Like It: Guys and girls who like grittier, guy books and just strange stories. Dystopian fans will enjoy this as much as post-apocalyptic, and though it's not a zombie book, some zombie fans might like the series as it progresses. Seventeen-and-up.

Why I Like It:

I enjoy weird reads, provided it's a weird that sort of makes sense or fits the world. I also enjoy stories that begin with a character who has forgotten who they are, where they are, and why. I loved the ominous feel of the story, I loved the giant maze idea, and the Greavers were actually spooky. The Maze Runner left me disturbed, but in a good way. I was never bored, and I stayed up all night finishing it. Each chapter produced a new and chilling fact about the world of the Glade. While all of the character are definite guys, I liked a surprising number of them. And those I didn't like, I appreciated what they brought to the story.

Title: Cross My Heart

Author: Sasha Gould

Genre: historical fiction/mystery

Part of a Series: Yes

Rating: 3 out of 5

Who'll Like It: Girl-read, fans of historical fiction mysteries and Venice!

Why I Like It:

The protagonist, Laura, is wonderfully unannoying, and I happen to love Venice! Especially in this era. I love the plot, too, and though the book had its flaws, I enjoyed a lot of its aspects. And the sequel - Heart of Glass - only improves.



Weekend Recommendations #16

This is a weekly feature, where I get to go all fannish about two randomly-picked favvies (which may not actually be favorites, but got a rating of 3 or higher) that I would recommend to friends! So, here are this week's two picks:

Title: Dragonswood

Author: Janet Lee Carey
Genre: fantasy
Part of a Series: No
Rating: 5 out of 5
Who'll Like It: Girl-and-guy read, fourteen-and-up, great for fans of fantasy, dragon stories, strong female protagonists, and subtle romance.

Why I Like It:

I get tired of stories where girls swear off marriage because they don't need a man to take care of them, and then meet their match. Thankfully, that isn't the direction Dragonswood takes. Tess swears of marriage alright, but it's because she has only ever known abuse at the hands of a man, and not because she has something to prove. And of course, once Garth walked into the story, I was totally in support of a romantic relationship between them, because Garth is just awesome. The writing style, the world, and the story itself all enthralled me, and I really have nothing to complain about.

Title: Shelter

Author: Harlan Coben

Genre: mystery/suspense

Part of a Series: Yes

Rating: 4 out of 5

Who'll Like It: Girl-and-guy read, fourteen-and-up, great for fans of contemporary mysteries with interesting twists.

Why I Like It:



It's hard to find good suspense books without them feeling like a Lifetime original movie. Shelter is one of those rare good suspense novels. There's tons of twists, realistic characters, and an end that had me pleasantly surprised. Mickey was also a great adolescent narrator; I didn't expect to like him nearly as well as I did.

Weekend Recommendations #15

This is a weekly feature, where I get to go all fannish about two randomly-picked favvies (which may not actually be favorites, but got a rating of 3 or higher) that I would recommend to friends! So, here are this week's two picks:

Title: The Last Dragonslayer

Author: Jasper Fforde

Genre: fantasy/comedy/alternate reality

Part of a Series: Yes

Rating: 3 out of 5

Who'll Like It: Girls and guys of any age will enjoy this quirky and fun weekend read, especially those who enjoy comic fantasy and funny female protagonists. It's a great summer read!

Why I Like It:

I didn't have especially high expectations with this book, and while it didn't reach the 4/5 mark, it was still a really, really fun book. Filled with amusing events, unique characters, chaotic mistakes, and a girl protagonist who just has the world's greatest sense of humor - as well as an adorable Quarkbeast! - this is one of those books that you don't have to think. You just sit back and enjoy it. It's relaxing and entertaining and just the right kind of book to wind down with after a long week.

Title: Tuesdays at the Castle

Author: Jessica Day George

Genre: children's fantasy/comedy

Part of a Series: Yes

Rating: 4 out of 5

Who'll Like It: Girl-read, though some boys might enjoy it as well, since there is no romance, best for eight to thirteen-year-olds, though adults to love a good kids' book will like it as well. Ideal for fans of comic fantasy and Jessica Day George's books.

Why I Like It:

I love a good comic fantasy, and I love Jessica Day George's books. Not a single one has ever disappointed, especially when it comes to the humor category. Tuesdays at the Castle not only made me feel like a kid again, it was just loads of fun. A living, breathing castle that grows a new room every Tuesday? A witty princess who has a special connection to it? Royal parents kidnapped and the castle under attack? What's not to love?!