End of Summer Update

Been in a slight reading slump. Procrastinating writing reviews. But mostly, reading adult fiction. Giving myself a break from the Young Adult.

~SK

Bean's Game

Ender's Shadow

By Orson Scott Card

Compaion novel to the sci-fi classic “Ender's Game”, the story follows Bean, a tiny, but incredibly intelligent rival to Ender. Earth has been to war against aliens, known as Buggers. To protect Earth and humanity, the Battleschool is built. High above, in neutral territory orbit the brightest children are sent to train as soldiers and commanders. Here, Bean's tale parallels Ender's in a fully rounded, incredible story.

If you can't tell already, I loved this book. Now to create some waves. I enjoyed this book more than “Ender's Game”. Here's why:

Bean is complex and intelligent. He explains situations and works through them with you, not for you. You're in his head. Basically, you're him. His life began with difficulty and it continues, but he never gives up. Perseverance sees him through.

Ender is morose and most of the time “woe is me” attitude. He does not accept his talents and what's expected of him. Bean, most of the time, believes himself to be better suited for Ender's position.

While it's not a light, easy read, I flew through this story. Bean's voice was uplifting and confident.

One could easily read this without having read “Ender's Game”, however, reading it after will give more insight into the events of the story.

Highly recommended.

4.5/5 STARS

Classroom: Use “Ender's Game” for the classroom. This book is quite lengthy. Or, suggest it to a student who loves Sci-Fi. Introduce them to the wonderful writing of Card.

Dragons Be Everywhere

The Story of Owen: Dragon Slayer of Trondheim

By E.K. Johnston

In a parallel world, one like our own, there are dragons. With dragons comes dragon slayers. Tales are told of these brave men and women by loyal bards, sung in halls, passed down through the generations. Present day, the dragons are threatening the normalcy everyday living especially in rural Ontario, Canada. Here, our story teller, bard-in-training, Siobhan tells the story of Owen Thorskard, Dragon Slayer of Trondheim.

AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH, PERFECT! ABSOLUTELY PERFECT!

Picked this one up at the library, completely random, excited for a story about dragons. Boy, what a find. Incredible. Honestly, I swear this book was written for me - music, dragons, Canada, history with a twist.


If I could pick one problem, the choice of calling the main character Siobhan. Constantly I had to remind myself that it was Chev-onne not Sie-Oh-Ban. How many people are familiar with this name. And there's no pronunciation guide.


A potential problem, that I really, REALLY enjoyed was the alternative history lessons. Think you knew WWII, think again. A book like this I savoured and didn't mind these stops in action.


LOOOOOVED it. And, the writing was impeccable. It was like a rich dessert, one that you love but have to eat slowly to savour it. I recommend this book to ANY dragon lover, young adult or adult.


Canada represent!


5/5 STARS


Classroom: Probably not... that won't stop me from recommending it to everyone!!!

Fire Breather

Firelight

By Sophie Jordan

Jacinda is a born draki – a human that can shapeshift into a dragon. Being a fire breather, a rare anomaly in her pride, she is special and the leaders want to keep her close. She will not be made captive. When her rebelliousness nearly costs her pride, her mother decides to pack up and leave with Jacinda and her twin, Tamra. Unfortunately, they pick the town where a group of dragon hunters live. Even worse, their star hunters are in Jacinda's grade. Especially, Will ... the cute one.

Again with the mythological romance, this book was enjoyable to the last page. A page turner and a dragon book at that! I'm reading the second book, hands down. 

Jacinda, our protagonist, is selfish, does what she wants, when she wants. Unless it comes to her family. She struggles with hiding her true identity and with moving to a new town where her sister seems to be making all the friends. She is lonely and wants to go back. Sometimes characters like this can get annoying, I never once found her annoying. I loved the struggle. It felt believable.

Tamra, her twin sister, does not have shapeshifting ability. Immediately this gives us conflict between the two. I love it! Their mother is struggling to give them a better life. The reader felt for her. And the twins didn't always understand the sacrifices she was making.

For a fast, light read. By no means is this a masterful novel, but it does make reading fun. Yes please! Book two here I come. Wait, there's another after that. Ok!

4/5 STARS

Classroom: Again, not for classroom use. Dragon suggested reading for the teen.

Hood, Robin Hood

Scarlet

By A.C. Gaughen

Taken in by Robin Hood and his “merry men”, Scarlet hides her identity. No one in the town of Nottinghamshire knows she's a girl, but the select few of Robin's crew. A master thief, she is skilled with knives and steals to help those in need. When Lord Gisbourne comes to town, Scarlet fears that her past will catch up to her. Even worse, she might lose the trust of the men who have taken her in.

Told in the early days of Robin, the readers are treated to a rough-around-the-edges adolescent Robin. Not quite the legendary hero ... yet. So too, we are introduced to our main character, known in most lore as Will Scarlet. In this rendition, Scarlet is a girl masquerading as a boy.

I really liked the twist on the old tale. Robin Hood is one of those legends that if you read one, you've read them all. Gaughen shapes the story in a way that keeps it fresh and still recognizable.

If you can get past the flirting love-triangle between Scarlet, Robin, and Little John, then you get to a story of adventure, funny interactions, and tests of loyalty, friendship and trust.

There is a sequel. Shocker. Actually a trio. Not shocked anymore. Duh, do I sense an annoying trend of young adult literature today? Maybe I'll check out the second book. Though, I did feel that this novel, on its own is just fine.

4/5 STARS

Classroom: When exploring the tale of Robin Hood, market this book absolutely, however, not to use as a classroom novel.

Swim Little Fishes, Swim

Of Poseidon

By Anna Banks

Galen has been sent by the Kingdom of the Syrena to seek out the girl who speaks to fish, Emma. For Emma, her literal run in with Galen leaves her rattled. A regular day at the beach quickly turns out to be the event that brings these two together.

Gosh, this was a happy, feel-good book. So enjoyable that I read it in one day. Could not put it down. The characters are likeable and realistic, with pet peeves and irritations of their own. I thoroughly enjoyed the take on the mermaid mythology.

If you're looking for a light, fast read of a romancey-mythological story, then pick this. The main character, Emma, is not passive. She reacts like anyone would in her situation. This is why I will continue with this series. Yes, a series. There are two more: “Of Triton” and “Of Neptune”.

Fun!!

4/5 STARS

Classroom: Suggested for summer reading or any student interested in mermaids. Not for classroom use.