Celaena Sardothien is the most famous assassin in the empire of Adarlan. Betrayed by those closest to her, she is now held prisoner in the infamous mines of Endovier, a pit of misery from which she would do almost anything to escape. Does that include working for the very king who conquered and enslaved her homeland of Terrasen? That is the choice she faces when Prince Dorian Havilliard offers her an opportunity: compete in a contest to become the King's Champion, and after five years of service to the crown she will be free. Fail, and she returns to Endovier, a place from which she cannot hope to leave alive.
The premise of this book is interesting enough, although I'm already tired of this weird genre of female assassin/romance. However, in my opinion the author lacks the skill to bring the potential in the story to fruition. There are multiple problems.
First, Celaena is not believable as the most deadly assassin in the known world. She is more
interested in pretty clothes and making out with the flavor of the month
than with focusing on the competition she's supposed to win. She's sloppy and makes so many mistakes. A real assassin would surely sleep with one eye open--she repeatedly sleeps through people tromping in and out of her room. Part of the reason she's always so tired is that she stays up late reading instead of getting sleep so she can be strong and win the competition. Yeah--the competition that means the difference between life and death. That one.
Second, this book really, really drags. It is sooooooo long, and desperately needs tightening. There just isn't a strong enough plot here to warrant this kind of detail. It's basically a romance novel, and it needs to have the lighter-moving pace that a romance novel requires.
Third, there's a lot of untapped potential, which always bothers me. For example, it's implied that, although magic was banished by the king, Celaena may have had powers at one time. Then the author never returns to it again. Whaaaaat? That would have made this lackluster story super cool! Magical powers are awesome!
In fairness, I should say that several of my friends have really loved these books. They're just not my cup of tea. I struggled through this one and part of the second one and then quit because there are too many other books out there I was more interested in reading. I would rate these books PG-13 for violence and also sexual themes.
Wednesday, February 3, 2016
Eragon by Christopher Paolini
The kingdom of Alagaesia is ruled by cruel Galbatorix, a madman who has destroyed entire races in order to achieve the throne. Allied against him are the Varden, a group of rebels fighting a seemingly hopeless battle to overthrow the evil usurper.
Arya is an elf who carries one of only three remaining dragon eggs. She and the Varden hope to be able to restore the dragon riders, a perfect partnership of man and dragon. Once there were many, but Galbatorix has destroyed all but his own dragon. The egg Arya carries is one of three eggs that he kept hoarded in his castle. However, the theft has been discovered and as she is captured she is forced to use magic to send the egg far away. The spell misfires.
Eragon is an insignificant boy in an insignificant village until fate sends him on a different destiny than he could ever have anticipated. While he is out hunting, Arya's spell brings the egg to him rather than to the intended recipient. When the egg hatches for him, Eragon is thrown into a world of which he never dreamed.
This book is reminiscent of some of the great fantasy sagas such as the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Because Paolini was only a teenager when he wrote Eragon, it is not as polished as Tolkien's works, or even as polished as the Eragon sequels. Nonetheless, I enjoyed it. It's a book that will appeal to boys and even some girls. There is combat-style violence in it, which I would put at about a PG level. Because of the length and complexity of the book, as well as the war-centered themes that dominate it, I would say it is probably appropriate for middle school and above, with only limited interest among elementary age children.
In spite of his youth, Paolini has the ability to create a plot that has continuity, complexity, and interest. He has also created a cast of characters who appeal to me. Eragon is a sympathetic, relatable protagonist that the reader truly comes to care for. The conflict in the novel is masterfully done, with the antagonist (Galbatorix) represented by multiple nasty henchmen and their armies. Supporting characters such as Brom, Murtagh, Arya, and so forth are also well-drawn and three-dimensional. As far as hero journeys go, this book holds its own. The sequels are, in my opinion, even better, as Paolini's writing skills visibly improve.
Arya is an elf who carries one of only three remaining dragon eggs. She and the Varden hope to be able to restore the dragon riders, a perfect partnership of man and dragon. Once there were many, but Galbatorix has destroyed all but his own dragon. The egg Arya carries is one of three eggs that he kept hoarded in his castle. However, the theft has been discovered and as she is captured she is forced to use magic to send the egg far away. The spell misfires.
Eragon is an insignificant boy in an insignificant village until fate sends him on a different destiny than he could ever have anticipated. While he is out hunting, Arya's spell brings the egg to him rather than to the intended recipient. When the egg hatches for him, Eragon is thrown into a world of which he never dreamed.
This book is reminiscent of some of the great fantasy sagas such as the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Because Paolini was only a teenager when he wrote Eragon, it is not as polished as Tolkien's works, or even as polished as the Eragon sequels. Nonetheless, I enjoyed it. It's a book that will appeal to boys and even some girls. There is combat-style violence in it, which I would put at about a PG level. Because of the length and complexity of the book, as well as the war-centered themes that dominate it, I would say it is probably appropriate for middle school and above, with only limited interest among elementary age children.
In spite of his youth, Paolini has the ability to create a plot that has continuity, complexity, and interest. He has also created a cast of characters who appeal to me. Eragon is a sympathetic, relatable protagonist that the reader truly comes to care for. The conflict in the novel is masterfully done, with the antagonist (Galbatorix) represented by multiple nasty henchmen and their armies. Supporting characters such as Brom, Murtagh, Arya, and so forth are also well-drawn and three-dimensional. As far as hero journeys go, this book holds its own. The sequels are, in my opinion, even better, as Paolini's writing skills visibly improve.
Friday, January 29, 2016
The Wednesday Wars by Gary Schmidt
It is 1967. Holling Hoodhood goes to a school that is fairly equally divided between Catholic and Jewish students. Holling is a Presbyterian, and the only student in his class who is a part of neither group. Every Wednesday, the Catholic students go to catechism class and the Jewish students go to Hebrew school. Thus, on Wednesdays he finds himself alone with his teacher, Mrs. Baker, who forces him to read Shakespeare. This is evidence enough (for Holling) that she hates him!
As the year goes on, however, he begins to find out things about his teacher that don't fit with his image of her at all. As Holling realizes there's more to her than meets the eye, he also begins to see that there is more to a lot of other people he knows, as well.
I admit it: I'm a fan of Gary Schmidt. I love to laugh, and this book is full of humor, but it also has substance to it. Schmidt has assembled a cast of complex characters here, and masterfully weaves together the stories of Holling's family, his friends, his teacher, and others in his community with whom he comes in contact. People are rarely what they seem at first glance, and in the course of his adventures Holling gains glimpses behind those public masks that people put on for others.
Schmidt is a Newbery-winning author for a reason. This book is a beautiful read. He manages to keep a light touch while creating a very deep, meaningful story that will leave the reader wishing for a sequel.
As the year goes on, however, he begins to find out things about his teacher that don't fit with his image of her at all. As Holling realizes there's more to her than meets the eye, he also begins to see that there is more to a lot of other people he knows, as well.
I admit it: I'm a fan of Gary Schmidt. I love to laugh, and this book is full of humor, but it also has substance to it. Schmidt has assembled a cast of complex characters here, and masterfully weaves together the stories of Holling's family, his friends, his teacher, and others in his community with whom he comes in contact. People are rarely what they seem at first glance, and in the course of his adventures Holling gains glimpses behind those public masks that people put on for others.
Schmidt is a Newbery-winning author for a reason. This book is a beautiful read. He manages to keep a light touch while creating a very deep, meaningful story that will leave the reader wishing for a sequel.
Unwind by Neil Shusterman
It's the United States some time in the not-so-distant future. There has been a civil war between those who support abortion and those who oppose it. Peace was finally achieved by virtue of a treaty agreeing that all pregnancies will be carried to completion, but when children are between the ages of thirteen and eighteen parents can sign an order to have their child "unwound," which means 100% of their organs and tissues will be taken and donated to others who are in need of them. In the book, this is an agreeable compromise because the child is alive during the unwinding, and since 100% of the body is used, the child isn't actually being "murdered."
Connor is a juvenile delinquent whose family is sending him to be unwound because he is too much trouble. Risa is a ward of the state who is sent for unwinding because the facility where she lives has experienced budget cuts. Lev is a "tithe"--a child sent for unwinding because he is part of a family who believes 10% of everything, including their children, should be given to God. Due to various circumstances, all three of these characters end up "runners." Running away is against the rules.
I'm going to be blunt: I hated this book. Normally I assign an appropriate age range, but in this case, I am struggling because I personally had nightmares after reading it. I realize that I am in the distinct minority, as it is an extremely popular title with excellent reviews. Colleagues have actually chosen to have students read it as classwork. Logically, I can understand why they would want to use it. First, it is a story that both genders will probably find highly engaging. It's a well-written, suspenseful novel that's edgy and really, really dark. Second, there is plenty of fodder for discussion here. So many ethical questions to consider. So many journaling opportunities. Nevertheless, I would never recommend this book to anyone.
Why didn't I like it? Well, to begin with, I found the premise a little too unrealistic. I don't know a single pro-life advocate who would accept this compromise. If you aren't comfortable with ending the existence of an embryo, there is no way you're going to be comfortable with a 13-year-old being cut up into pieces. I actually don't know any abortion advocates who would be comfortable with that, either. And while I can, sadly, imagine that there might be a tiny number of parents who would sign an order to have their teen unwound, given the sad stories one sees in the news sometimes, I find it unimaginable that it would be done on the scale described in this book.
All that aside, though, the whole thing was just too gruesome for me. I was fairly engaged in the novel until about three-quarters of the way into it, when one of the characters is unwound and we are right there in his head throughout the process. I thought I was going to vomit, and I still can't think about it. And I did literally have several nightmares in the following weeks. So, bottom line, I don't think a young person should read this book.
Connor is a juvenile delinquent whose family is sending him to be unwound because he is too much trouble. Risa is a ward of the state who is sent for unwinding because the facility where she lives has experienced budget cuts. Lev is a "tithe"--a child sent for unwinding because he is part of a family who believes 10% of everything, including their children, should be given to God. Due to various circumstances, all three of these characters end up "runners." Running away is against the rules.
I'm going to be blunt: I hated this book. Normally I assign an appropriate age range, but in this case, I am struggling because I personally had nightmares after reading it. I realize that I am in the distinct minority, as it is an extremely popular title with excellent reviews. Colleagues have actually chosen to have students read it as classwork. Logically, I can understand why they would want to use it. First, it is a story that both genders will probably find highly engaging. It's a well-written, suspenseful novel that's edgy and really, really dark. Second, there is plenty of fodder for discussion here. So many ethical questions to consider. So many journaling opportunities. Nevertheless, I would never recommend this book to anyone.
Why didn't I like it? Well, to begin with, I found the premise a little too unrealistic. I don't know a single pro-life advocate who would accept this compromise. If you aren't comfortable with ending the existence of an embryo, there is no way you're going to be comfortable with a 13-year-old being cut up into pieces. I actually don't know any abortion advocates who would be comfortable with that, either. And while I can, sadly, imagine that there might be a tiny number of parents who would sign an order to have their teen unwound, given the sad stories one sees in the news sometimes, I find it unimaginable that it would be done on the scale described in this book.
All that aside, though, the whole thing was just too gruesome for me. I was fairly engaged in the novel until about three-quarters of the way into it, when one of the characters is unwound and we are right there in his head throughout the process. I thought I was going to vomit, and I still can't think about it. And I did literally have several nightmares in the following weeks. So, bottom line, I don't think a young person should read this book.
Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George
The country of Westfalin has been at war for a generation, but finally peace has been restored. Eighteen-year-old Galen, who was raised in the army and has never known any other life, is on his way "home," and is faced with figuring out what his life will be now that war is over. Along his way he encounters an old woman and shares what little food he has with her. In classic fairy-tale style, she rewards his goodness with a valuable gift: an invisibility cloak.
Princess Rose is the eldest of 12 sisters who are living under a terrible curse. Each night they are forced to dance in an underground kingdom ruled by an evil sorcerer until their slippers are in tatters. Nor are they allowed to explain anything to their worried father. In desperation, he promises the hand of his daughter to the prince who can solve the mystery and save his daughters. The princes who have made the attempt are now dead from mysterious accidents. Can Galen, with his magical cloak, help the princesses?
This book is an absolutely charming re-telling of the classic fairy tale "The Twelve Dancing Princesses." It is appropriate for readers from the upper elementary grades on up. I loved it, not only as a teacher thinking about what books might appeal to my students, but as a reader. The characters, especially those of Galen and Rose, are very well-developed. Those of you who know me know that if I don't like the characters, I don't like the book. In this case, I enjoyed being in these people's heads. They have a great chemistry as romantic leads, but that is not all there is to them. They are brave, honorable, and kind.
Everyone knows that without Darth Vader, Obi Wan is just an old man living out in the desert. In other words, the villain is crucial! The antagonist in this book is the King Under Stone, and he is highly creepy. I give him my bad-guy seal of approval: you truly believe that if Galen can't save the day, Rose and her sisters are utterly lost. The plot line that weaves this evil entity together with the royal family of Westfalin is satisfyingly meaty. I was impressed with George's deft use of magical elements that she weaves into the storyline, as well.
The only (sort-of) criticism I really had was about the cover and title of the book. It has a picture of a young girl in a gorgeous dress. What boy is going to want to read that? And the fact is, this book is actually about a soldier, so why is it called Princess of the Midnight Ball? These things make this a difficult book to sell to young male readers, even though I believe they would actually really like it if they could get past the cover.
Princess Rose is the eldest of 12 sisters who are living under a terrible curse. Each night they are forced to dance in an underground kingdom ruled by an evil sorcerer until their slippers are in tatters. Nor are they allowed to explain anything to their worried father. In desperation, he promises the hand of his daughter to the prince who can solve the mystery and save his daughters. The princes who have made the attempt are now dead from mysterious accidents. Can Galen, with his magical cloak, help the princesses?
This book is an absolutely charming re-telling of the classic fairy tale "The Twelve Dancing Princesses." It is appropriate for readers from the upper elementary grades on up. I loved it, not only as a teacher thinking about what books might appeal to my students, but as a reader. The characters, especially those of Galen and Rose, are very well-developed. Those of you who know me know that if I don't like the characters, I don't like the book. In this case, I enjoyed being in these people's heads. They have a great chemistry as romantic leads, but that is not all there is to them. They are brave, honorable, and kind.
Everyone knows that without Darth Vader, Obi Wan is just an old man living out in the desert. In other words, the villain is crucial! The antagonist in this book is the King Under Stone, and he is highly creepy. I give him my bad-guy seal of approval: you truly believe that if Galen can't save the day, Rose and her sisters are utterly lost. The plot line that weaves this evil entity together with the royal family of Westfalin is satisfyingly meaty. I was impressed with George's deft use of magical elements that she weaves into the storyline, as well.
The only (sort-of) criticism I really had was about the cover and title of the book. It has a picture of a young girl in a gorgeous dress. What boy is going to want to read that? And the fact is, this book is actually about a soldier, so why is it called Princess of the Midnight Ball? These things make this a difficult book to sell to young male readers, even though I believe they would actually really like it if they could get past the cover.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)