Book Review: The Girl Who Could Fly by Victoria Forester

The Girl Who Could Fly by Victoria Forester

Piper McCloud is learning to fly. She has been able to float since she was a baby, but "flying doesn't come easy, even if you're a natural-born floater. Raw talent only gets you so far in this old world and the rest is a whole lot of practice, persistence, and perspiration."

The townspeople of Lowland County aren't too fond of Piper's new skill. Like Piper's mother, Betty, they believe that "If the good Lord wanted things to keep changing all the time, the the sun wouldn't rise up the same way every blessed morning."

Despite her parents wishes, Piper can't stay on the ground. She loves to fly. She was born to fly.

Government officials, Agent A. Agent and Letitia Hellion, come to take her away. They pretend there is a school for special people like Piper, called I.N.S.A.N.E. Unfortunately, the 'school' isn't all it's cracked up to be. It's all about making people (and other organisms) normal.

During her adventures, Piper learns a thing or two. She makes friends for the first time, learns to appreciate her parents, and chooses to fly no matter who is trying to hold her down. Most importantly, she discovers where she belongs. After all, "A person likes to feel like they belong somewhere."

This was an entertaining read, full of interesting insights and metaphors. I recommend it for teens and pre-teens. Toward the end, the 'dang' word is used twice. Other than that, I believe the book was completely clean.

On the cover, Stephenie Meyer is quoted saying, "It's the oddest/sweetest mix of Little House on the Prairie and X-Men. I was smiling the whole time (except for the part where I cried)....Prepare to have your heart warmed."  This quote gave Robby endless amounts of amusement...asking if I was enjoying X-Men on the Prairie...and yes, as a matter of fact, I was.

Matched by Ally Condie

Matched by Ally Condie

Society is in control of everything. And Cassia has always been okay with that. The officials choose what she'll eat, what she'll do in society, and who she'll marry.

When her best friend comes up as her match at her matching ceremony, she couldn't be happier. After all, the officials know who you are most likely to be happy and successful with.

Later, during some time alone, Cassia puts a chip into her computer that  will tell her more about her match.

And her whole world turns upside down.

A different boy's face appears on the screen. Is it possible that the officials make mistakes? Is her society less than perfect?

As she gets to know the other boy, she starts to wonder if he should be her match.

This is a dystopian novel about learning to make choices and falling in love.

Cassia is a great character, and her internal dialogue brings the reader into her story and into her head.

I can't wait to watch this series build!

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

Book Review: The Maze Runner by James Dashner

Boy, do I have an exciting (if a bit violent) book to share with you today!

When Thomas wakes up, he finds that he has been placed in the center of a giant maze. He's not alone. About 50 or 60 other boys are there along with him in the Glade. None of the boys remember anything about their lives previous to entering the maze.

For two years, one new boy has been placed in the maze every thirty days, so they were expecting a new arrival when Thomas came through the Box. However, the day after Thomas showed up, a girl comes through the Lift, half dead, and bearing a strange message.

This book will appeal to fans of The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card, and Uglies by Scott Westerfeld.

As for cleanliness, like I said, this book is a bit violent. You'll probably want to preview it before handing it to your kids. If you've read The Hunger Games or Ender's Game, the violence level is similar to those. There is also a lot of fake swearing. The boys are always using their made-up curses (klunk, shank, slinthead....)

Anyway, I really enjoyed this book...couldn't put it down until I'd read the last word....and now I'm hungry for book 2!

 

The Time Travelers, The Gideon Trilogy, by Linda Buckley-Archer

The Time Travelers by Linda Buckley-Archer (previously published as Gideon the Cutpurse)

Review by Katy, What K Reads

This book follows Peter and Kate children of the 21st century who are accidentally sent back to July 1763. Before they are able to get their wits about them, the horrible Tar Man takes off with the anti-gravity machine and their only way home. Peter and Kate meet up with Gideon Seymour and make their way across the English country side in attempt to get home.

I liked this book. A lot. Gideon may be my new favorite character. He is clever, funny, and most importantly a moral man. He really seems to want to do what's right, even though it seems like life is against him at times. I read a review on Amazon that thought Gideon was really flat, so maybe I read more into him than was there, but I thought he was a well developed, likable character.

As to the two main characters, I liked Kate a lot. She was a fairly fleshed out character and was a strong leader throughout. Her little temper tantrums got a little old, and it bothered me that she had so little confidence in Peter. But, as the story progressed, she did seem to grow up, and I liked her overall. Peter wasn't as well developed. He had a pretty big chip on his shoulder (why don't my parents love me?) and he didn't seem to develop as much. That being said, based on the ending, I think there is a good chance that Peter will grow a lot in the second book.The Tar Man was also really interesting. He seems to have a very developed back story, and I look forward to learning more about him. I suspect there is a lot more to him than meets the eye.

It appears that the author did a lot of research into the lifestyles of people in 1763 England. She included it in a way that was funny and entertaining as opposed to "educational" feeling. For example the word "bottom" was used for courage in those days. Throughout the story phrases like "I want you all to show some bottom on this adventure" popped up. It might be the 10 year old boy in me, but I thought it was hilarious. I do wish the King's Evil (or Scrofula) had been explained a little better. I finally looked it up online; (according to wikipedia) it usually refers to a form of TB that people in the middle ages thought could be cured by a royal touch.

This is the first book in a trilogy. The ending makes it clear that a second book will be written (it's out now, called The Time Thief), so it might not be satisfying to all readers. It wasn't a true cliffhanger, but it definitely made me want to get my hands on the sequel. I look forward to more adventures from Kate, Peter, and Gideon.

The Host by Stephenie Meyer

THE HOST by Stephenie Meyer (Due out May 6th. Pre-order here.)
Review by Emily, head mama of DCR and yes, lucky dog.

I never thought an author could make me cry over a dying alien...but that's Stephenie Meyer for you. I mean really, how many authors do you know who could capture the heart of the world through a vampire romance? Well, The Host's plot is every bit as cheesy-sounding. Yet, there I was, crying...enthralled...unable to put it down.

The Host started out a little rough for me. It is written from the perspective of a parasitic alien who has just entered into a human body. At first, I couldn't help but be a little turned off by the sci-fi aspect of the plot...but by about page 40, I was completely sucked in. Stephenie Meyer is talented at taking an out-there plot and making it ridiculously compelling and romantic.


As it says on the back of the book, this could very well be the first-ever love triangle that involves only two bodies.

Wanderer has lived on 9 different worlds and never found anything or anyone that would tie her down. She finds Earth to be the hardest, yet most intriguing, place she has ever lived. The hosts are so individualized. So emotional. They are strong. They fight. Wanderer feels weak because she can't completely get rid of her host body's original spirit...Melanie.

Wanderer remembers Melanie's memories, feels Melanie's emotions...and loves the man Melanie loves. But loving him means betraying her own species and way of life.

Many readers probably want to know if The Host is as good as Twilight. Well, probably not. Is it worth reading, though? Absolutely. It's full of adventure, mystery, romance, pain, family love, and turmoil.

A couple things I didn't love about The Host. First of all, I was disappointed with all the typos. Of course, it was an ARC, so hopefully they'll get most of those smoothed out before the release date.

Secondly, I'm not totally convinced that Wanderer ends up with the right guy. Of course, I'm not going to give anything away. Besides, The Host is reportedly the first in a trilogy, so anything could happen, right?

And, finally, be warned, Stephenie Meyer continues to use her smattering of "dang" words. Other than that, this book is a clean read.

On her website, Stephenie Meyer says this of The Host...."Despite its genre, The Host is a very human story. There aren't any gadgets, ray guns, time warps, black holes, spaceships (okay, there are a few spaceships mentioned), or any of the other sci-fi standards. It all takes place on the planet earth in the present day and is, at its core, a love story (I can't stay away from the romance, I'm a sap)."

I agree with this assessment, although I had my doubts at first. I mean, really, who would cry over an alien unless it was a pretty human story, right?

Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Haddix, Margaret Peterson. 1998. AMONG THE HIDDEN.

Among the Hidden is the first in a seven book science fiction series entitled the Shadow Children. Luke is a third child. That alone sets him apart. Makes his very existence a threat to the status quo. In a world where the Population Police have not only ruled that each family is only allowed two children...but where they enforce the law with deadly force, Luke’s existence puts his whole family at risk. Before his twelfth birthday party, Luke’s life was restricted but not unbearable. For a child who’s never known the joy of going shopping, going to school, having friends outside his immediate family, he cannot miss these things. But when his family’s farm’s neighboring land (woods, farmlands, etc) becomes prime real estate development...then his world does change. Suddenly, he’s not allowed outside even in the backyard. No longer can he run and play in the yard. To help in the garden. He can’t even be allowed near any windows--whether the blinds are drawn or not--for fear someone might see his shadow. Restricted almost exclusively to the attic, Luke’s life seems one of lonely despair. But when he sees another face in the window of a neighbor’s house--one who shouldn't be there because she has two older brothers--he begins to realize that he might not be alone after all. He then has to weigh the risks. Is it worth finding a friend if it jeopardizes his life in hiding? What if he’s caught? What if they’re both caught? Is it better to be safe and hidden? Or is there another way to live--a better way to live?

Review by Becky Laney, frequent contributor.

Becky's Book Reviews: http://blbooks.blogspot.com/

Becky's Christian Reviews: http://stand-firm-then.blogspot.com/

Reading With Becky: http://readingwithbecky.blogspot.com/

Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

What would you do to be drop-dead gorgeous? Tally is an ugly whose hopes and dreams for the future all center on becoming exactly this. At the age of 16, everyone undergoes a dramatic surgery that molds bodies into physical masterpieces. As Tally counts down the days until her ugly face becomes breathtakingly perfect, she meets an ugly who makes her stop and think. Unlike every other ugly, Tally’s friend is not so sure she wants to go through with the operation that will thrust her into the world of new pretties. Tally learns things about being pretty that will suddenly make her question everything she’s ever known, wanted, and planned for. Will she do what it takes to become pretty in the end?

Uglies, by Scott Westerfeld, is the first book in a trilogy that introduces a fascinating new world. It takes place in the future, where a different kind of society lives: a society where perfection is the goal that may come with a price.

This series was the first that I truly and thoroughly enjoyed after reading such books as the Harry Potter and Stephenie Meyer series. Uglies not only had me sitting on the edge of my seat, but forced me to think outside the box. I think the whole premise of the series is absolutely fascinating! This novel really had it all too: action, suspense, romance, and drama. I won’t say anything more because I don’t want to spoil it; you just have to read it!

Recommended for ages 14 and up because of a cutting theme that appears later in the series.

Review by Sarah, occasional reviewer

Horse Passages by Jennifer Macaire and a Clean Reads Giveaway!

A Horse is a Horse, Of Course… Or Is It?

HORSE PASSAGES by Jennifer Macaire

I’ll admit it. At first I hesitated to read this book. I’ve never been a huge, Horses Rule gal. But guess what—it’s the human characters who rule this book (although the horses do make wonderful companions and add a necessary thrill to the story).
Jennifer Macaire seamlessly weaves in factual details about horses—riding them and their care—without ever losing focus of the story itself. Not knowing a thing about horses, I found I really enjoyed feeling a part of the herders’ lifestyle. I never once felt as if I were an outsider looking in. Now, that’s good storytelling. And hey, if you ARE a Horses Rule gal or guy, you’ll find even more pleasure from this book!
Orphaned twins, Meagan and Carl Cadet, share an honored path—they’re horse herders. But the horses they herd are unique, for each horse grows beautiful clusters of unicorn-like horns made of living quartz. Like fingerprints, each is dazzlingly different from the other. The horses use these horns to travel through mystic passages, finding new planets for humans to colonize. Meagan and Carl are teenaged equestrians who make perfect caregivers for these unusual horses—if they can avoid the merciless Raiders.
Raiders stalk horse herders; capturing them to work their mines, using them until death finally takes the poor humans away from their endless misery. Once taken, no human has been able to escape the brutal grasp of these mysterious aliens.
HORSE PASSAGES is divided into two books with intertwining stories. Book I follows Meagan as she faces the same terror that took both of her parents and little sister—the Raiders. Carl is left behind, fearing the worst. He can’t save her. Meagan must save herself.
Book II follows Carl as he faces his own frightening reality—falling off a horse during mid-passage. He will die, unless he follows the light.
Each twin’s story in HORSE PASSAGES sends the reader into a whirlwind of emotions—just what I like! The main characters are well defined, written to be accessible and intimate with the reader.
HORSE PASSAGES is an exciting young adult read I highly recommend!
P.S. There’s a twist at the end of Book II. It’s left a strong impression with me. I feel both anxious and exuberant. Explore the book, and you’ll see what I mean!
P.S. P.S. Jennifer Macaire—I want more!!!!

Review by Kelsey E. Johnson Defatte, guest reviewer

GUESS WHAT? I have a copy of this book in my hands! And it's for YOU! This is how you can become the owner of this new copy of HORSE PASSAGES by Jennifer Macaire...Simply leave a comment on any Deliciously Clean Reads post between now and Monday, April 30th. Comments can be about anything, but I would appreciate if they were relevant to the book reviewed or your feelings about Clean Reads in general. Your comment must include your name (of course, it can be just a first name, or if you're really shy, just an online alias). Names of commenters will be tossed into a hat, and I'll announce a winner one week from today on Tuesday, May 1st.

Please let your friends know about the Clean Reads Giveaway! Thanks and good luck!

-Emily

Review and Free Book generously provided by the author, Jennifer Macaire.