Review

Remnants Series – Book 2: Destination Unknown – By K. A. Applegate

Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulder, , 2 Comments

Hello Jared,

This series has take a drastic turn and I’m glad that I was able to read both the first and second books at the same time. I would suggest that everyone else does too.

destinationunknownTitle: Destination Unknown
Series: Remnants; Book 2
Author: K. A. Applegate
Genre: Science Fiction
Audience: Teen
ROTS Setting: CU, Modern, Apocalyptic, Space Travel, Aliens
Synopsis: When the world ended, there was the Eighty. Eighty people given the chance for survival. Given the chance to board a revamped space shuttle programmed to find them a new place to live. Somewhere to start over after an asteroid had destroyed the entire human race. Now, after a five-hundred-year “nap,” the Eighty have landed—but not everyone survived the trip. And some of those who did aren’t quite right. Actually, there are a lot of things that aren’t quite right—especially about the place the Eighty land. Half the terrain looks as if it’s been made of bright, crazy brush-strokes, the other is like a haunting black-and-white photograph. Jobs, 2Face, Mo’Steel, and the others don’t know if they’re on another planet. If they’re dreaming. Or if they are alive at all. But if they are alive, can they survive on this strange, new world…?
Recommendation: This book and series are In Dispute. Meaning there are equal reasons for and against recommending it. I would also say that this may be targeting a slight older audience that it may appear.

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Remnants Series – Book 2: Destination Unknown – By K. A. Applegate

Hunger Games Series- Book 1: The Hunger Games – By Suzanne Collins

Jared, , , , 2 Comments

Hey Robert,

So this is my first review in awhile. I have a bunch more to write and share with you. I’m kinda surprised that I am reviewing this first. But whatever.

Title: Hunger Games41bOj-am1RL
Series: Hunger Games: Book 1
Author: Suzanne Collins
Genre: Sci-Fi, Young adult,
Audience: Teens
ROTS Setting: Alternate Future, Dystopian
Synopsis: The nation of Panem, formed from a post-apocalyptic North America, is a country that consists of a wealthy Capitol region surrounded by 12 poorer districts. Early in its history, a rebellion led by a 13th district against the Capitol resulted in its destruction and the creation of an annual televised event known as the Hunger Games. In punishment, and as a reminder of the power and grace of the Capitol, each district must yield one boy and one girl between the ages of 12 and 18 through a lottery system to participate in the games. The ‘tributes’ are chosen during the annual Reaping and are forced to fight to the death, leaving only one survivor to claim victory. When 16-year-old Katniss’s young sister, Prim, is selected as District 12’s female representative, Katniss volunteers to take her place. She and her male counterpart Peeta, are pitted against bigger, stronger representatives, some of whom have trained for this their whole lives. , she sees it as a death sentence. But Katniss has been close to death before. For her, survival is second nature. (taken from Goodreads)
Recommendation: I have been really down on the Hunger Games since the movies came out and the hype followed. But I actually kinda liked it. So yes, recommended.

This is one of the most well known bits of media in the last ten years. I assume everyone knows the plot, characters, and setting. So spoilers.

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Hunger Games Series- Book 1: The Hunger Games – By Suzanne Collins

Remnants Series – Book 1: The Mayflower Project – By K. A. Applegate

Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulder, , Leave a comment

Hiya Jared,

With Katherine Applegate having such a pivotal place in my childhood I really wanted to read more of her work. Since this book and the sequel kindly showed up for me to take them home, I obliged.

themayflowerprojectTitle: The Mayflower Project
Series: Remnants; Book 1
Author: K. A. Applegate
Genre: Science Fiction
Audience: Teen
ROTS Setting: CU, Modern, Apocalyptic, Space Travel
Synopsis: It’s 2011. An asteroid is on a collision course with the earth. And eighty people have been given the opportunity to survive. To leave the planet before the world ends. Jobs isn’t quite sure of what’s going on. Just that he and his family are a few of the lucky ones chosen to board a revamped space shuttle. A shuttle that will leave Earth just before the final impact. No one knows where they’re going. Or if they’ll make it there at all. Because there isn’t a lot of time for questions. And there are fewer answers.
Recommendation: This book and series are In Dispute. Meaning there are equal reasons for and against recommending it. I would also say that this may be targeting a slight older audience that it may appear.

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Remnants Series – Book 1: The Mayflower Project – By K. A. Applegate

The Kingkiller Chronicles – Book 1: The Name of the Wind – By Patrick Rothfuss

Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulder, , , , 4 Comments

Hey Jared,

I really want to get this out so it’s going up on an unusual day. The book and I need some space to cool off.

thenameofthewindTitle: The Name of the Wind
Series: The Kingkiller Chronicles; Book 1
Author: Patrick Rothfuss
Genre: Fantasy
Audience: Adult
ROTS Setting: UU, Medieval, Higher Magic, Dragons (sort of)
Synopsis: Told in Kvothe’s own voice, this is the tale of the magically gifted young man who grows to be the most notorious wizard his world has ever seen. The intimate narrative of his childhood in a troupe of traveling players, his years spent as a near-feral orphan in a crime-ridden city, his daringly brazen yet successful bid to enter a legendary school of magic, and his life as a fugitive after the murder of a king form a gripping coming-of-age story unrivaled in recent literature. A high-action story written with a poet’s hand, The Name of the Wind is a masterpiece that will transport readers into the body and mind of a wizard.
Recommendation: This book is In Dispute due to the contrasting public and personal opinion of the reviewer.

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The Kingkiller Chronicles – Book 1: The Name of the Wind – By Patrick Rothfuss

Leven Thumps Series – Book 1: Leven Thumps and the Gateway to Foo – By Obert Skye

Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulder, , 1 Comment

Hey Jared,

I can’t remember if you were still around when Mom and Dad listen to this series. I just recall that they did and seemed to love it, so I was hopeful.

leventhumpsandthegatewaytofooTitle: Leven Thumps and the Gateway to Foo
Series: Leven Thumps; Book 1
Author: Obert Skye
Genre: Fantasy
Audience: Teen
ROTS Setting: EU, Modern, Magic,
Synopsis: Fourteen-year-old Leven Thumps (a.k.a. “Lev”) lives a wretched life in Burnt Culvert, Oklahoma. But his life is about to change and his destiny be fulfilled as he learns about a secret gateway that bridges two worlds — the real world and Foo, a place created at the beginning of time in the folds of the mind that makes it possible for mankind to dream and hope, aspire and imagine. But Foo is in chaos, and three transplants from that dreamworld have been sent to retrieve Lev, who alone has the power to save Foo.
Recommendation: This book is recommended.

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Leven Thumps Series – Book 1: Leven Thumps and the Gateway to Foo – By Obert Skye

The Spiderwick Chronicles – By Tony DiTerlizzi & Holly Black – Complete Series Review

Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulder, , , , Leave a comment

Howdy Jared,

This was supposed to be published on Monday, but I forgot to schedule it. It’s almost the end of the month so I’m sprinting to the end.

I’ve got the first two books on my shelf  (Bookshelf Blitz) but since they’re so short I figured I should probably just review the whole series at once instead of piecing them out. Also expect a review of the movie soon-ish.

Series: The Spiderwick Chronicles
Author: Tony DiTerlizzi & Holly Black
Genre: Fantasy
Audience: Youth
ROTS Setting: EU, Faeries, Dragons,
Synopsis: The Field Guide sets up the story of the Grace children—13-year-old Mallory and 9-year-old twins Jared and Simon—who with their mother move into the dilapidated Spiderwick Estate only to quickly find themselves sucked into a dark and fascinating world of faeries.
Recommendation: This book is recommended. Suitable for nearly all ages.

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The Spiderwick Chronicles – By Tony DiTerlizzi & Holly Black – Complete Series Review

Earthsea Series – Book 1: A Wizard of Earthsea – By Ursula Le Guin

Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulder, , 6 Comments

Hey Jared,

Good to hear you’re alive. I really want to hear your opinions on the Stormlight Archive before I start my read through. In the mean time I’m continuing my Bookshelf Blitz.

awizardofearthsea.jpgTitle: A Wizard of Earthsea
Series: Earthsea; Book 1
Author: Ursula Le Guin
Genre: Fantasy
Audience: YA
ROTS Setting: UU, Medieval, High Magic, Dragons
Synopsis: Ged, the greatest sorcerer in all Earthsea, was called Sparrowhawk in his reckless youth. Hungry for power and knowledge, Sparrowhawk tampered with long-held secrets and loosed a terrible shadow upon the world. This is the tale of his testing, how he mastered the mighty words of power, tamed an ancient dragon, and crossed death’s threshold to restore the balance.
Recommendation: This book is recommended. Suitable for teens.

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Earthsea Series – Book 1: A Wizard of Earthsea – By Ursula Le Guin

Animorphs – Book 5: The Predator – By K. A. Applegate

Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulder, , , Leave a comment

Greetings Jared,

I forgot how iconic most of the first few books in the series are. So many things happen, but I suppose it would need to given how short they are.

thepredatorTitle: The Predator
Series: Animorphs; Book 5
Author: K. A. Applegate
Genre: Science Fiction
Audience: Youth
ROTS Setting: CU, Modern, Aliens
Synopsis: Marco never wanted to be an Animorph. He never wanted the ability to change into any animal he touches. He just wants to chill. Whatever happens, happens.
Recommendation: Highly recommend this series.

SPOILER WARNING: This review assumes you’ve read up-to book 4.

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Animorphs – Book 5: The Predator – By K. A. Applegate

Animorphs – Book 4: The Message – By K. A. Applegate

Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulder, , , Leave a comment

Hello again Jared,

The Bookshelf Blitz has been going pretty well. I’m starting to see how the month is going to shape up. The big thing is staying focused.

themessenger.jpgTitle: The Message
Series: Animorphs; Book 4
Author: K. A. Applegate
Genre: Science Fiction
Audience: Youth
ROTS Setting: CU, Modern, Aliens
Synopsis: It all started with the dreams. But Cassie didn’t pay much attention to them. She and her friends had all been having weird dreams since they’d first learned to morph. Maybe it was just some crazy side effect.
Recommendation: Highly recommend this series.

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Animorphs – Book 4: The Message – By K. A. Applegate

Jurassic Park Series – Book 1: Jurassic Park – By Michael Crichton

Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulder, , , 5 Comments

Hiya Jared,

I was really pleased with this book and that might not be too surprising. I’d heard it was pretty good (as good or better than the movie).

jurassicparkTitle: Jurassic Park
Series: Jurassic Park Series; Book 1
Author: Michael Crichton
Genre: Science Fiction
Audience: Adult
ROTS Setting: CU, Present Day, Dinosaurs, Cloning, Genetic Manipulation
Synopsis: A billionaire has created a technique to clone dinosaurs. From the DNA that his crack team of scientists extract, he is able to grow the dinosaurs in his laboratories and lock them away on an island behind electric fences, creating a sort of theme park. He asks a group of scientists from several different fields to come and view the park, but something goes terribly wrong when a worker on the island turns traitor and shuts down the power.
Recommendation: This book is highly recommended. Good for teens and adults.

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Jurassic Park Series – Book 1: Jurassic Park – By Michael Crichton