**spoiler alert** I LOVE THIS! It gives you more insights about the Vespers and how dangerous/worthy opponent for the Cahills. It is a sad thing to kn**spoiler alert** I LOVE THIS! It gives you more insights about the Vespers and how dangerous/worthy opponent for the Cahills. It is a sad thing to know that they're monitoring every move the Cahills make during the Clue Hunt and deciding to whom they should give the privilege to be a Vesper. The candidates were Ted Starling, Jonah Wizard, Hamilton Holt and Ian Kabra. Ted Starling: This happened during the Franklin Institute where the Starlings are spying on Amy and Dan. Ted used his genius skills that made the watcher impressed. Jonah Wizard: I must admit, I kind of dislike this. It's personal really, but it is written great! Jonah went to Caracas, Venezuela for he heard from Cora that there was a hidden clue on Bolivar's tomb. The watcher was also impressed. There are also some Spanish involved. Ok, so I hate where Jonah went. Of all places, why does it have to be on Caracas, Venezuela ? It's personal for... Ok, I'll give you hints: Friendship, rejection and the one who did those all to me lives on that place. Thank you. Hamilton Holt: This happened when the Holts are climbing Mt. Everest. The Holts found tents and bonfires while climbing and without thinking, Eisenhower concluded they were Cahill agents. Ham hesitated and just left. After thinking for a few moments, he retraced his steps but then, suddenly he got lost. It was already night and he saw someone with a flashlight. He followed the man and he got away. Suddenly, turning his back, he saw a male polar bear, ready to devour him. He ran and thought of some ways to escape. He saw some pointed rocks covered with snow and proceeded there. He took advantage of polar bears being inquisitive on foods and left his pack while running away. The watcher was impressed on Ham's speed, agility and smartness and said that he was the smartest of all the Holt family. Ian Kabra: Ah, this is the most interesting of all and fun to read. Isabel called Ian and Natalie worthless, useless and many more thus, Ian wanted to prove himself he can get all of the 39 Clues. He went to Cambodia, to the Angkor Wat where he heard many rumors that there were a clue hidden in that historical place. No one dared to go near it for it was secured by the Madrigals but Ian was prepared. He went inside and saw 'Madrigals' guiding it. He eventually found a way inside and started searching for the clue. He got inside a room full of 'Madrigals', grabbed one of them and pointed the dart gun he brought to his neck and threatened everyone to give him the clue. One of them stepped forward and said that they were only guardians and there were no clues in Angkor Wat. Ian, in frustration just left, not after shooting some dart guns. The watcher was very pleased and impressed on Ian's performance. She stated that he'll make a great Vesper. Ian was someone who will not let anyone to get on the way and was ready to threaten just to get what he needed. The watcher then typed a report about Ian and sent it. It hurts me to know that Ian must be the traitor, but still I believe that he wouldn't leave the Cahills no matter what. Besides, that happened during the Clue Hunt and Ian already changed.
Merged review:
I LOVE THIS! It gives you more insights about the Vespers and how dangerous/worthy opponent for the Cahills. It is a sad thing to know that they're monitoring every move the Cahills make during the Clue Hunt and deciding to whom they should give the privilege to be a Vesper. The candidates were Ted Starling, Jonah Wizard, Hamilton Holt and Ian Kabra. Ted Starling: This happened during the Franklin Institute where the Starlings are spying on Amy and Dan. Ted used his genius skills that made the watcher impressed. Jonah Wizard: I must admit, I kind of dislike this. It's personal really, but it is written great! Jonah went to Caracas, Venezuela for he heard from Cora that there was a hidden clue on Bolivar's tomb. The watcher was also impressed. There are also some Spanish involved. Ok, so I hate where Jonah went. Of all places, why does it have to be on Caracas, Venezuela ? It's personal for... Ok, I'll give you hints: Friendship, rejection and the one who did those all to me lives on that place. Thank you. Hamilton Holt: This happened when the Holts are climbing Mt. Everest. The Holts found tents and bonfires while climbing and without thinking, Eisenhower concluded they were Cahill agents. Ham hesitated and just left. After thinking for a few moments, he retraced his steps but then, suddenly he got lost. It was already night and he saw someone with a flashlight. He followed the man and he got away. Suddenly, turning his back, he saw a male polar bear, ready to devour him. He ran and thought of some ways to escape. He saw some pointed rocks covered with snow and proceeded there. He took advantage of polar bears being inquisitive on foods and left his pack while running away. The watcher was impressed on Ham's speed, agility and smartness and said that he was the smartest of all the Holt family. Ian Kabra: Ah, this is the most interesting of all and fun to read. Isabel called Ian and Natalie worthless, useless and many more thus, Ian wanted to prove himself he can get all of the 39 Clues. He went to Cambodia, to the Angkor Wat where he heard many rumors that there were a clue hidden in that historical place. No one dared to go near it for it was secured by the Madrigals but Ian was prepared. He went inside and saw 'Madrigals' guiding it. He eventually found a way inside and started searching for the clue. He got inside a room full of 'Madrigals', grabbed one of them and pointed the dart gun he brought to his neck and threatened everyone to give him the clue. One of them stepped forward and said that they were only guardians and there were no clues in Angkor Wat. Ian, in frustration just left, not after shooting some dart guns. The watcher was very pleased and impressed on Ian's performance. She stated that he'll make a great Vesper. Ian was someone who will not let anyone to get on the way and was ready to threaten just to get what he needed. The watcher then typed a report about Ian and sent it. It hurts me to know that Ian must be the traitor, but still I believe that he wouldn't leave the Cahills no matter what. Besides, that happened during the Clue Hunt and Ian already changed....more
I don’t know if I’m calm and collected enough to write a proper review. But, I promise I’ll try my best.
Basically, this book is the last installment I don’t know if I’m calm and collected enough to write a proper review. But, I promise I’ll try my best.
Basically, this book is the last installment for the Sisters Grimm series and I must say, I’m completely, perfectly, undeniably disappointed on the ending. I've expected a lot of things from this book. I mean it’s the ending. It should be like a huge grand finale for the series I had loved and adored! But I was wrong.
There’s still adventure and it radiated what books did when you were reading ‘the final battle’ with the villain. I love how Sabrina used her skills being the Queen of Sneaks and even for such a young age of twelve, she was mature and capable enough to lead an army. The prophecy was right. I love how they outsmart the First’s troops, I was laughing at how brilliant Puck was! I love almost everything in this book!
Mr. Michael didn't become selfish on Puckabrina, like I expected, instead almost every scene that Puck and Sabrina was present, I already consider it as a moment! It sure made up on the long years I've waited for the two of them to realize they were for each other. It quenched my thirst for Puckabrina!
I love how at the end of the final battle, Peter Pan came with the Lost Boys, riding a pirate ship, asking Puck and Sabrina about Ferryport landing. And since, our beloved Puck hated the guy, he lied telling him Ferryport landing was actually boring and since Peter Pan likes interesting things, he left. I was laughing at that scene! XD
I was really enjoying myself, and I was thinking of giving it five stars.
But then, I stumbled on the ending.
Oh, the annoying, cliffhanger-y, disappointing, upsetting, lousy and discouraging grand finale ending. Oh good Lord, it was one of the most disappointing endings I've ever read. The whole Sisters Grimm shouldn't have ended that way! Mr. Buckley should have liked, I don’t know, let Puck be in it? I love Puck! He should be on the ending of ’16 years later’! The ending could have been better like they would all meet up again, refreshing memories and the readers would learn what happened to them. Who went back to the Ferryport Landing? Where were Snow, Billy, Uncle Jake, Granny Relda, Daphne and the others? What happened to them?
I hate how the author didn't answer the questions throughout the plot, especially the ending. It should have been better. It should have made me sigh dreamily, with a wide smile on my face as I closed the book I was reading, with happy thoughts in my mind thinking of the happily ever after of my favorite couple and my favorite characters, and will make me inspire to write a fan fiction of it. But no! I sighed in disappointment, a frown on my face as I closed the book I was reading, with thoughts of what the ending should have been to my favorite couple and favorite characters, and made me inspire to write all of the upset I felt in a book review in Goodreads. See the difference? It doesn't help that I’m also currently upset on the ending of Clockwork Princess even if I still haven’t read it yet. And now, I’d be encountering another ending to be upset on? *sighs*
Conclusion:
The Council of Mirrors by Michael Buckley is a good book with the same adventure-type you’ve read from the past books. The final battle is exciting, some scenes made me laugh and the Puckabrina moments were so many I was full, completely satisfied with it. The wait for some great fan-girl-squealing moments for Puckabrina was worth it (especially the kiss scene in The Inside Story).
One star was deducted for how disappointing, annoying, cliffhanger-y, upsetting- you get the idea- the ending was. I should have deducted two but since I dearly love this series, I decided for just one. This is just something I can’t let pass! I rate it 4 stars.
So, if you’re a Puckabrina fan, you can read this, the moments were worth squealing for, but I warn you, don’t expect too much on the ending. It’ll just bring you nothing but disappointment. ...more
This a good book to read. The simple plot is amazing and so are the ideas. It is also cool for I read this at December 24 in my time. :) I'm really hyThis a good book to read. The simple plot is amazing and so are the ideas. It is also cool for I read this at December 24 in my time. :) I'm really hyped up on the Christmas Holidays! I might read A Christmas Carol soon. :)
Plot Summary:
Jack and Annie are back for another mission for Merlin- to bring happiness to others by helping four creative people give their special gifts to the world. They already helped three people- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in Moonlight on the Magic Flute, Louis Armstrong in A Good Night for Ghosts, and Lady Augusta Greggory in Leprechaun in Late Winter. And now they're prepared for the last person, Charles Dickens.
What I Love:
[_] The plot. I love how simple and yet informative it is! This is the reason why I love reading Children's Books, they're all light and not that heavy. :)
[_] I love how I learned more things about Charles Dickens, one of my favorite authors of all time! It was amazing!
[_] The illustrations inside the book are really cool to look at. We have an idea what Charles Dickens looks like, the cobblestoned streets, the events that were happening and a lot more. Mr. Sal is a great artist!
[_] The Holiday stickers. The copy I bought was an international edition, published around September 2012 and with free stickers! They're amazing! :) The free stickers are: Jack, Annie, the Ghost of Christmas Present, the Ghost of Christmas Future and a mistletoe.
[_} The values I learned. Sure, I already know some of them but I never did realize how it can apply to the world- even if it's just in a fictional world. Just take a look at this: "Oh, man," said Jack. "Everyone was nice to us when we looked rich. Now it feels like the whole world's against us."
Here's another: "Charles is going to be fine," said Annie. "Yep," said Jack with a smile. "He never even knew that it was us who helped him." "That's the best way to help someone, I think," said Annie. "Why?" asked Jack. "Then you know you're not helping them just to get a lot of credit," said Annie. "You're helping because it's the right thing to do."
Such words of wisdom from a children's book! :) I'm so glad I bought a copy!
What I Dislike:
I didn't find anything I dislike. :) I love everything in this book!
Conclusion:
[book:Ghost tale for Christmas time|13414557] by Mary Pope Osborne is a book with a great plot, illustrations and values you'll learn while reading this. The free holiday stickers is also a bonus!
I love how it is very informative and light to read, you'll finish it in 15 minutes or lesser- if you're not doing anything else. I didn't find anything I dislike.
A mix of romance, sci-fi, adventure, action, mystery, suspense and thriller, this book will surely make sure that you'll have a hard time bringing it A mix of romance, sci-fi, adventure, action, mystery, suspense and thriller, this book will surely make sure that you'll have a hard time bringing it down and pausing to read it.
That was what happened to me.
Discovering it for one of my friends recommended it to me and reading the plot summary, my first impression was that it'll be a really good book. And it was.
Plot Summary:
Miranda North just woke up with no memories other than her name. She went inside a mall in Cleveland and was trying to talk to the mall cop into helping her. Thinking she was just pranking him, the mall cop refused and this made Miranda frustrated releasing this kind of energy that made everyone panic in fear. She also discovered she had inhuman strength and wasn't like any other ordinary people.
She was confused, not knowing what to do nor where to go. And that was where he met him. A guy with black hair and unnaturally blue eyes was sitting in one of the dining chairs, a mango chicken in front of him. He wasn't like the other people, panicking or doing things out of fear. He was just there, sitting calmly, watching her as if he had an idea what was happening to her. Curiosity filling her mind, Miranda approached him.
He was a stranger, that was for sure even if he gave her his name, Peter. But, she doesn't have any choice. If she wanted to know the answers to the mysteries around her, she had to trust this guy.
Peter then led her to a safe place and told her almost everything. They were all called "Roses". They engaged in a gene therapy and was born with supernatural abilities. Their purpose was to help prevent war by sending fear signals to the minds of the people.
Miranda North's life would be in a hard roller coaster ride finding answers to who she really was, meeting strangers that were once her friends, learning the true purpose of Roses, people she loved dying, and torn between a man who was actually her boyfriend she doesn't remember loving and a man who just introduced her to this world.
If I were you, fasten your seat belts now and hold on the railing tight and secure yourself on your seat as this book will put you to a roller coaster ride filled with mysteries, romance, suspense and thriller.
What I Love:
[_] The plot is surely one of the things I love. It is very unique (which is hard to find nowadays thanks to cliches). (view spoiler)[ Who would ever thought of writing a book with clones as main characters? (hide spoiler)] It is also full of action and these scenes are described so amazing it was like I was watching an action movie.
[_] The characters are great too.
Miranda North is an amazing woman. I love how authors nowadays make girls main characters and are not damsel in distress that depends on their prince charming to save them but in the other way around. She was strong, smart and is great in coping up with changes. I also admire that she wasn't selfish and follows what her heart tells her.
Peter West is another of those boys who are handsome and are like prince charming. (He reminds me of Will Herondale from Clockwork Angel with the black hair, blue eyes with the main girl protagonist getting intimidated to him and hopefully ending up with the girl protagonist. ) He's also the leader and wants what is the best for the group. Ever since I first read about him, I know there's something in him that makes him a great love interest for Miranda. (view spoiler)[ I'm also glad that they ended up together in the end! (hide spoiler)]
Noah East is a nice guy. He's kind, warm, sweet and shows how much he loves Miranda (view spoiler)[ that he's ready to erase her memories for her safety even if that'll mean she won't be able to remember him anymore (hide spoiler)]. He's also a great boyfriend, if you ask me. Too bad, though, that I still like Peter for Miranda than him.
Olive South is a girl you want to be your friend. She's quiet, a listener and take things calmly. She also have this reassuring presence that everything will be alright and is not that vocal, complete opposite to Noah. If I were in this book, she already became my best friend. (view spoiler)[ Too bad, though, that the Olive South I wanted to befriend died. (hide spoiler)]
Rhys is a rogue Rose who discovered the truth about Roses, making this reason to betray their creators. I like how he helped other Roses see the truth and doesn't let his loved ones get hurt and will do everything so that they won't be a part in the upcoming war (view spoiler)[ even if he have to kill them (hide spoiler)]. He was at first a mystery but when I had read his encounter with the characters, he was one of the best supporting characters. I also like how he cope up with things and shows everyone that everything will be alright with his carefree attitude.
[_] The writing style. I love how Mr. Dan wrote the action scenes so amazing! I guess that was his specialty.
[_] The title. False Memory. It really describes the whole plot in just two words. (view spoiler)[ It is entitled False Memory for Miranda North is not actually who she thinks she was. Every memory she had in mind was false and was just put their with mad scientists who was her creator. And she was just a clone and not the Miranda the Alpha team loved. She was different and just a clone. (hide spoiler)]
[_] The cover. Are those two shadowy figures of a man and woman are Peter and Miranda? Anyway, I love how it is also unique and reminds me of the cover of Divergent. I love how the blue combines with black, harmonizing with each other. And it is truly nice to look at if you ask me. (view spoiler)[ The big thing in the middle which looked like wires connecting to each other inside a circle, I think that's the tattoo that'll make a clone a robot and will have an apathy, or not feeling anything at all. Which was creepy. (hide spoiler)]
[_] I also love how the author answers as many questions roaming around the plot as he can. Why was Miranda there in Cleveland? Why did she have an amnesia and can only remember her name? What is she? Who will she end up with? And the most important question of all, Who is Miranda North really? All of this questions were answered throughout the plot and I love it! It doesn't leave the reader remembering this book as something that didn't answer most of your questions and is left as a mystery to all of us like Rapture. Sure, there are still some questions that wasn't yet answered and I hoped will be on the next book, but, hey, at least I already have an idea of what is going to happen next.
What I Dislike:
[_] Except for the fact one of my favorite characters died, I have no dislikes in this book.
Conclusion:
False Memory by Dan Krokos is one of the great books I've read this year and will surely make you grip the railings hard and hanged on your seat as you see yourself in a hard roller coaster ride full of mysteries, romance, sci-fi, suspense and thriller. It also answers most of your questions in the end and some that are left unanswered for you to get anticipated for the next book like I do!
Despite of the horrible thing Mr. Krokos did by killing one of my favorite character, but because of the original plot and a catchy cover and title, I'll be giving this book five stars.
I was shocked of what happened in the end. I can’t believe it. I already have suspicion on him that he might be the spy but I just ignored it for he wI was shocked of what happened in the end. I can’t believe it. I already have suspicion on him that he might be the spy but I just ignored it for he was one of my favorite characters, 3rd to be exact. Goodness… How can he do such a thing? I still can’t believe it and am now starting to hope it isn’t true.
EDIT: It isn't true! *throws confetti around in happiness*
Plot Summary:
(view spoiler)[ Amy and Dan Cahill, still accompanied by Jake and Atticus Rosenbloom, went to Germany to steal one of the most heavily guarded jewels in the world- the Jubilee. They made a plan of ten minute intervals starting with Dan, Atticus and lastly Amy. Jake shall be inside the car.
After a series of suspense events with Dan getting arrested by Milos Vanek, Amy getting caught on the metal detector and getting recognized by the machine, Atticus changing the password of the security and turning off the electrical system, and Jake disguised as an Interpol police officer, they got back to the car safely.
Amy realized her watch was missing and remembered that she had left it on the tray where metals were put. She nearly gone mad but everyone got her to calm down.
She then got it when Milos Vanek appeared at the doorstep exchanging the wallet to his own (which Dan stole). Dan also promised Milos Vanek Luna Amato and advised him to follow where Jonah Wizard was for he was tracking her down. Barter was made and they escaped the hotel safely.
While on Hamilton, Jonah and Erasmus, they were on Mumbai, India still following Luna. While they were looking around, Jonah saw a snake charmer and danced on the tune. Before he knew it, he was being video recorded and got post into YouTube. That’s how Milos Vanek caught up.
After a wild goose chase with Luna inside a taxi, Erasmus with his motorcycle catching up with Luna, Hamilton driving the motorcycle while Jonah clings his life to him and got raided by fans, they reached one of the Vesper strongholds.
After planning, Luna walked out of the house and Erasmus told Jonah and Hamilton to follow her. They did.
They kept following her but then the fans recognized Jonah once again and the two realized it was just a person who wore Luna’s clothes. They quickly got on a boat and rowed hard. The only thing they then heard were the fans’ shouting and the fisherman’s grumbling.
On the hostages, they got a way out. Knocking two guards unconscious they then escaped. Nellie and Reagan stayed behind to stop their pursuers but they got caught.
The other remaining five were walking and Phoenix fell hundred feet below to the rapid rivers. Everyone was sad and thought he was dead. They then met a mountain climber named Martin Holds. He told them they were on the Black Forest in Germany and the only way out is to get up and get a signal to call for help.
They went back up and saw the Vesper guards. They got caught once again and killed Martin. They were captives once again.
They rode on a vehicle and after hours of travelling got on an airship. The guards made them go inside a wide room with floor to ceiling glass windows with toilet and ready to eat meals.
They were about to eat when Nellie suggested that they should have a moment of peace and silence for what happened to Phoenix. Everyone stopped and bowed their heads in prayer.
While on Erasmus, he broke inside the house through another exit, by the window. He knew that it was a decoy. He just wanted to make Luna think her plan worked. While looking around, he heard a voice and saw it was Milos Vanek holding a flashlight.
He stayed there frozen for one click on the light switch he was done. But then, there was a loud sound on the third floor and the Interpol agent decided to check it out.
Erasmus took this opportunity to hide. After a few minutes, he heard someone dragging a person. He saw it was Luna dragging poor Vanek who was tied on a chair. They talked, unaware of Erasmus’s presence. Luna will kill Vanek, Erasmus was sure of it.
He kept chanting on himself that he shall not interfere for this is for Interpol only. Before Luna could kill Vanek, he got out of his hiding place and attacked Luna with a shuriken. Luna got it and after a few exchanges of words, threw it on Erasmus, going into his chest straight to the heart. He never thought that the thing he’ll see before he dies was his murderer.
Jonah came and saw what happened. Holding a pistol, he shot her. The shot was accurate thanks to Gangsta Kronikles but this was no fiction. It was real. Jonah got shaken up for what he did as he saw Luna fell on the floor lifeless. He wasn’t Jonah the popular singer with a platinum album he was now Jonah the Murderer.
With the help of Hamilton they carried Milos Vanek, chair and all into a safe place and left him. He offered them his help but they declined. What they were doing was top secret and no one would be able to help them. They just left him there wondering what the kids were up too.
Amy, Dan, Atticus and Jake then got to Timbuktu, the center of knowledge of Africa where they could find dozens and dozens of manuscripts. They were looking for the manuscript with the word ‘apologize’.
After a lot of events with Jake and Amy kissed in a few seconds (which I demand should’ve been longer), Dan and Atticus travelling around with no chaperone and meeting a painter who helped them realized what the manuscript was, the two Cahills and Rosenbloom went to the place where they found a manuscript written in a salt tablet.
There they found the manuscript with ‘apologize’ and they decided to engrave it on a piece of paper to see what it contains and why Vesper One wanted it before giving it to the Wyomings.
They then went back to Jonah’s private jet.
Phoenix was desperate to survive. When he saw a branch hanging, he got it and went back to the surface. He then waited for the others but they didn’t come. Assuming they either think he was dead and got into the next village, Phoenix proceeds on his journey. He caught real fish and ate it, thinking it was sushi for he was hungry. He then realized one thing: he was alone on the wilderness.
Evan was exhausted. He was trying to reconnect with Amy on Skype 24/7 but it didn’t work. He got another cup of coffee and was about to continue reconnecting when he heard a scream.
He got to the living room and saw Ian, the side of his face bleeding. He got another wound thanks to Saladin. Ian got a first aid kit and mended it himself. Evan then received a text from Hamilton saying Erasmus was dead.
Ian said to Evan that he had made progress in thinking of a way and Evan just ran away from him and directly went to Sinead. He told her everything.
It was almost five in the morning when Amy, Dan, Atticus and Jake arrived at the Timbuktu airport. They were exhausted but pleased. Amy told Mr. Tannous, the pilot of Jonah’s private jet to go to Morocco. Dan was staring at his cellphone when he got a text. It was from Sinead.
Erasmus dead. Luna Amato dead. I have proof that Ian is the traitor. Have Amy call me or Skype me ASAP.
Dan was in a shock, he couldn’t believe Erasmus was dead. He then approached Amy who was busy booting up her laptop and showed her the text.
It took Amy to read several times before the information was fully computed in her mind. She cried, thinking it was her fault.
(view spoiler)[ Then, a Skype call came, it was from Ian. Here’s the scene:
“Hi, Amy,” he said cheerfully. “Where are you?”
“You know exactly where I am,” Amy answered, a storm of raw fury building in her chest.
“Actually, I don’t,” Ian said. “The reason I’m calling is to tell I’ve made some progress. My mother is-“
“How could you do this?” Amy screamed. “How could you do this to your own sister?”
“What are you talking about? I’m trying to find where Natalie is, just like you-“
“Erasmus is dead!”
“Erasmus is what?”
“I hate you, Ian Kabra!” Amy slammed the laptop closed so hard that the screen shattered. (hide spoiler)]
Depressing, I know.
Then the Vesper phone rang and nearly smashed it too. She then pushed the button. A photo appeared with the hostages looking terrible. They then realized they were only six and Phoenix was missing.
The Vesper phone chimed again. A text message appeared:
Phoenix Wizard sat on a wall. Phoenix Wizard had a great fall. All the Vespers’ horses and all the Vespers’ men couldn’t put Phoenix together again. You didn’t really think that I would reward you for your failure with the Jubilee? And as you can see, the others paid a price, too. I suggest you get to the United States in the next 24 hours or another Cahill will fall. Vesper One. (hide spoiler)]
What I Love:
[_] The suspense scenes. I love how it makes me get curious and read faster than before to know what will happen next.
[_] Jake/Amy scenes. I’m a Jamy fan (view spoiler)[ and that few seconds kiss made me squeal, but not too long. They deserved to have a minute! (hide spoiler)] explaining why I love it. I love how we are the witness of their blooming love unlike Evan whom we don’t even have that much idea how they ended up together.
[_] Writing style. Mr. Roland knows when to be blunt, when to describe things, when to use figures of speech and when to describe the mood of the story. And the ideas he got with Phoenix falling, the salt tablet, and Jubilee scene? Just pure amazing.
[_] The cover. It is seriously gorgeous. Now we have an idea what the Jubilee looks like!
[_] The three-chapter bonus from the next book. I love how they didn’t leave us hanging. Sure, the ending is cliffhanger, but at least, at least, we have an idea what’s going to happen on the next book. And three chapters? One is good enough. Two is better. Three is best! I want to thank the authors of 39 Clues because of this!
I also love the fact that I only have to wait at least a month before the next book will get published. Great! I love you 39 Clues!
What I Dislike:
[_] The sudden upturn of events. With my introduction, I think you can already tell that I’m referring to Ian. If you have read the full of spoiler-y Plot Summary I made, you’ll also see the reason why I said that. To be vague as much as possible, all I can say is that I refuse to believe it until I have seen the so called proof they have. EDIT: It isn't real!
[_] Can I include a character? I seriously dislike Evan. He kept on thinking ways in finding fault on Ian. Isn’t it enough that he was Amy’s boyfriend and not Ian? Seriously?
I love the cover, the suspense moments and a scene which made me squeal which gave this book an instant three stars and another one for the three chapter bonus on the end and the next book Trust No One being published within a month.
Despite of the bonus, I didn’t give this book another star for I dislike the sudden upturn of events and what they did to my third favorite character (which isn't real btw. I mean what they accused him of is sham).
But even with that reason, I still give this book 4 stars. ...more
Thrilling and full of suspense. Those two adjectives are the first two words that came in my mind after reading this book. Up till now I was still in Thrilling and full of suspense. Those two adjectives are the first two words that came in my mind after reading this book. Up till now I was still in a daze, still under the enchanting magic of Battle Royale. Koushun Takami-kun did a really excellent job in this one. If I ere the judge of "Best Book Authors from Japan", I'll surely vote for him.
Plot Summary:
Imagine you were a third year high school student and fifteen years of age riding in a bus with your other classmates. Of course, there'll be chatter of excitements, munching of foods and a lot of anticipation around. Who wouldn't be? It's your field trip! That just happens once a year and you'll get to go to different places! Like your classmates, you were also in the state of excitement unaware that it'll be the last day you'll ever see your classmates and your family.
Shuya Nanahara and Noriko Nakagawa are the two main protagonists of the story. Shuya with his best friend, Yoshitoki Kuninobu and the whole class B of Shiroiwa Junior High School were going on a study trip. There was a lot of fun and excitement around but after many minutes, Shuya saw the driver of the bus wearing an oxygen gas mask and everyone was asleep. He was about to fall asleep when he saw Shogo Kawada, a transferee who has scary scars all around his body was trying to break the window. He then just fell asleep.
He then woke up and saw everyone was still asleep and they were in a classroom, similar to their classroom back at Shiroiwa High. And then he saw they were all wearing white collars around their neck. And then when everyone was awake just when a man suddenly announced, "You have to kill your classmates".
That's where the plot is centered around. The Program or The Battle Royale is a kind of game where one of the third year classes in whole Japan are required to participate. The chosen class will have to participate by killing their own classmates for their own survival. The next events then was how each 42 students died and how will Shogo, Shuya and Noriko will survive throughout the game especially that some of their classmates were ready to participate.
What I Love:
-The plot. I love that when you start reading Chapter 0 (there IS a chapter 0 in this one!) it already promises a great plot ahead. I love how thrill and suspense build up inside of me that makes me want to never stop reading until I finish it and from turning the pages. It's just THAT amazing!
-Characters. At first, you won't understand too much about the characters in the story. But as the story progress, you'll know the characters better and as the chapter goes on, you'll feel sympathy towards them (or to some hatred).
The main protagonist, Shuya is a very admirable and simple man. This is the reason why a lot of the girls in his class has a crush on him or is in love with him. He also never fear to fight for his philosophies in life and throughout the story, he's trying to save his fellow classmates.
Noriko, also a protagonist, is good too. Though, if you ask me, she doesn't contribute that much on the group and in some situation can be a burden. I just wish that Sir Koushun chose a stronger girl as a protagonist.
The characters of this book is really good and very realistic (in the case of personalities). He introduced us to a lot of different point of views of the students in class B how they're coping up to the game and to survive. Impressive.
-Writing style. I love how Sir Koushun describes everything in different point of views of the students. It's like he has different tastes. There's sweet, sour, bitter, spicy and many others. And one thing I love more is that he doesn't describe the manner of how they died too much so I must say I wasn't gross out the whole time I was reading it.
-The ending. It just fits greatly on the whole plot. Though, if you ask me, I expected something much better than that and I just dislike how cliffhanger-y it is. More to that later.
What I Dislike:
-The plot is kind of unrealistic. I mean, come on! I'm just fifteen years old. They're just the same age as mine. But how in the world they learned such things? How did they learn how to use guns wherein I've never touched a gun before much less other fifteen year olds in the world? How did they learn how to hack computers that GREAT? I wish I have such talent! And most of all, how did they learn how to drive trucks and vans wherein we're not yet in the legal age to do so?
There are some circumstances that shows that not the whole book is similar in real life. But if you ask me, in a matter of life and death situation, I would try my best to learn things I needed to survive.
-Some of the characters. There are some characters that are just plain too annoying and hateful in this book. There's Kazuo Kiriyama and Mitsuko Souma who are just plain evil for such a young age of fifteen. (view spoiler)[ And is there even a real person in this world who doesn't experience any single emotion? And is there a real girl in this world that at the age of fifteen experienced a lot of sexual abuse? I guess there is someone but the first one is really unreasonable for human beings feel emotions. (hide spoiler)]
-There are some scenes NOT appropriate for readers below 15. I decided 15 since it's the age of the characters. (view spoiler)[ There's this particular scene where a male student tries to rape a female one and more gory scenes after that. There's also this scene where a very beautiful whore girl seduces a male student where they started making love. But it wasn't finished for the girl tried to kill the guy. And many more others. (hide spoiler)]
What To Expect:
Well, here are some things that you're going to encounter when you'll read the book:
-Suspense and thrilling plot. Every chapter has always something to give and as the chapters go on it just gets better and better and as you also turn the pages.
-If you're an action lover and a lover of Hunger Games, you'll surely enjoy this one. If you ask for my personal opinion, I'm going to say that this is a gazillion times better than The Hunger Games. It's just my opinion. No offense. When there's someone going to die, prepare to get blown away from this world and to that world.
-Be prepared to encounter some frightening and gory scenes. Each student die from different cases. I wouldn't give too much information for it'll be spoiler-ish. Just be prepared.
-If you want something mild and light, do not, I repeat DO NOT ever think of reading this book. This book is everything except mild and light. It is strong and heavy.
-You should also prepare to feel different kinds of emotions like admiration, sympathy, anxious, thriller and suspense (do I keep on saying those two words?), hatred, annoyance and a lot more. Like I said before this is everything except mild and light.
-And a lot more. I have a last final warning: Be prepared on the ending. I tell you now that it's very cliffhanger-y that'll make you bang your head (at least that was what happened to me).
Conclusion:
Battle Royale by Koushun Takami is one of the best books ever written and in my humble opinion is a gazillion times better than Hunger Games. This book is everything except mild and light so be prepared for some gory, frightening and scenes not appropriate for ages below 15. I strongly suggest only readers 15 and above should read this.
This is one of the best ever written and am glad it was published (I guess) on the year I was born. It is a pity Sir Koushun didn't write a sequel.
I love everything about this book and my first time reading a Japanese book is a really great experience for me. And because of this, I'll be giving this five stars.
Oh and I'm very thankful my friend, Katee Hinamori recommended this to me. If you're reading this Kate, thanks a lot! You just introduced me one of the best books ever! You were right all along, this is better than every survival game book I've ever read! Thank you! :)
I'm going to watch the movie now. :) Be sure to watch it too after reading the book. Thanks for reading! :)
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