Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly

 

Title: Revolution

Author: Jennifer Donnelly

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: October 12, 2010

Rating: 3.5 Stars

BROOKLYN: Andi Alpers is on the edge. She’s angry at her father for leaving, angry at her mother for not being able to cope, and heartbroken by the loss of her younger brother, Truman. Rage and grief are destroying her. And she’s about to be expelled from Brooklyn Heights’ most prestigious private school when her father intervenes. Now Andi must accompany him to Paris for winter break.

PARIS: Alexandrine Paradis lived over two centuries ago. She dreamed of making her mark on the Paris stage, but a fateful encounter with a doomed prince of France cast her in a tragic role she didn’t want—and couldn’t escape.

Two girls, two centuries apart. One never knowing the other. But when Andi finds Alexandrine’s diary, she recognizes something in her words and is moved to the point of obsession. There’s comfort and distraction for Andi in the journal’s antique pages—until, on a midnight journey through the catacombs of Paris, Alexandrine’s words transcend paper and time, and the past becomes suddenly, terrifyingly present.-Goodreads

 The voices of the main characters in this book were strong and real and they pull you into their worlds. Andi especially felt real, despite being a jerk a lot of the time you can't help but hope that she'll make it out of the story alive. Her whole life fell apart when her brother died and when her father takes her to Paris she finds Alaxandrine's dairy and it becomes and her obsession. Even though they lived centuries apart their lives are connect and there's the feeling that if something happened to Alex, Andi would feel the effects just as deeply as the girl who lived through it.While Alex's story was interesting Andi's story was what I really cared about.

It was a well written book. I imagine it must be difficult to write characters that are from two different time periods but Jennifer Donnelly made it look easy. The way Alex's diary was written felt appropriate for the time period while Andi's first person was fitting for the 21st century. Each character had their own styles and distinct voice.

I really enjoyed this book but the last hundred pages were...odd. It was too big of a change too late in the story for me. It just felt odd and completely out of place. It was interesting, no doubt, but weird and shocking despite it being told that it would happen in the summery. Sadly, it's what made me decide to give it 3 stars instead of 4. Overall it was an interesting book with characters that make you invested in their outcome.

Cleopatra's Daughter

 

Title: Cleopatra's Daughter

Author: Michelle Moran

Publisher: Crown Publishing Group

Publication Date: September 15, 2009

Rating: 3 1/2 Stars

The marriage of Marc Antony and Cleopatra is one of the greatest love stories of all time, a tale of unbridled passion with earth-shaking political consequences. Feared and hunted by the powers in Rome, the lovers choose to die by their own hands as the triumphant armies of Antony’s revengeful rival, Octavian, sweep into Egypt. Their three orphaned children are taken in chains to Rome; only two– the ten-year-old twins Selene and Alexander–survive the journey. Delivered to the household of Octavian’s sister, the siblings cling to each other and to the hope that they will return one day to their rightful place on the throne of Egypt. As they come of age, they are buffeted by the personal ambitions of Octavian’s family and court, by the ever-present threat of slave rebellion, and by the longings and desires deep within their own hearts.

The fateful tale of Selene and Alexander is brought brilliantly to life in Cleopatra’s Daughter. Recounted in Selene’s youthful and engaging voice, it introduces a compelling cast of historical characters: Octavia, the emperor Octavian’s kind and compassionate sister, abandoned by Marc Antony for Cleopatra; Livia, Octavian's bitter and jealous wife; Marcellus, Octavian’s handsome, flirtatious nephew and heir apparent; Tiberius, Livia’s sardonic son and Marcellus’s great rival for power; and Juba, Octavian’s watchful aide, whose honored position at court has far-reaching effects on the lives of the young Egyptian royals. (Goodreads)

I really enjoyed reading this book, right from the first chapter I felt that it would be good and that does not happen to me often. There was so much historical detail and everything was described and explained, I felt like I had walked into Ancient Rome. Another great thing about this book is that the author did not shy away from the horrible and gruesome things that happened, that is one of the reasons this book felt so real. It also showed both the good and bad on each side. Even though the main character was Egyptian she did acknowledge that slaves were not treated any better in Egypt, she just had a different perspective now that she was in the power of an enemy in Rome. Likewise, Octavian was not always villainized, he did save some slaves from severe punishment for reason's only he knows.
 
The main storyline in Cleopatra's Daughter is supposed to be about The Red Eagle. That's where the mystery and excitement is supposed to come from but in my opinion it fell kind of flat. I'll be honest, the book is mainly just about day to day life for Selene and Alexander in Ancient Rome. Sometimes that did make it a little dull, I was hoping for more of a storyline but it was still an enjoyable and interesting read. The reason I read historical fiction is not only to be transported in time but also to learn. History is so exciting and interesting and there's so much of it that I don't know. Historical fictions are a way for me to learn without being bored to tears. I will definitely be checking out some of Michelle Moran's other books.

Scarlet

Title: Scarlet

Author: A.C. Gaughen
Publisher: Walker Childrens
Publication Date: February 14, 2012
Rating: 4 Stars

Posing as one of Robin Hood’s thieves to avoid the wrath of the evil Thief Taker Lord Gisbourne, Scarlet has kept her identity secret from all of Nottinghamshire. Only the Hood and his band know the truth: the agile thief posing as a whip of a boy is actually a fearless young woman with a secret past. Helping the people of Nottingham outwit the corrupt Sheriff of Nottingham could cost Scarlet her life as Gisbourne closes in. It’s only her fierce loyalty to Robin—whose quick smiles and sharp temper have the rare power to unsettle her—that keeps Scarlet going and makes this fight worth dying for.-Goodreads

If you like Robin Hood, broody thieves with hearts of gold, or guys who can shoot a bows and arrows you'll love this book. Krazy Elf described it as a 'fangirl' book, I didn't fully understand what she meant until I read the book. It's not the greatest book in the whole wide world but it is FUN. It really is a fun read.

I didn't always like the characters but the characters actions never once seemed out of place so I didn't really mind. Scarlet is the type of MC that I love reading, not only does she have a bad attitude but she can kick butt! I loved it when she punched that guy in the face! Little John was a fun character, he provided most of the humor in the book. Rob is how you would expect, brooding and has the weight of the world on his shoulders. Surprisingly, my favorite character was the one mostly unseen. I really liked Much, he may have seemed like the weak link in the group but he was a great friend to Scarlet and he's such a sweetie.

One thing this book sometimes lacked was believability. The fighting in this book seemed unreal, especially given some of the injuries, although since it can be compared to the unreal fighting in the BBC Robin Hood it is another thing that did not bother me much.

Overall this was a loveable book, I read it all in one day. You may not think it's the best book or whatever but it is very likely you will have a blast reading it. So give it a chance.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

Title: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
Author: Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
Pages: 278

" “I wonder how the book got to Guernsey? Perhaps there is some sort of secret homing instinct in books that brings them to their perfect readers.” January 1946: London is emerging from the shadow of the Second World War, and writer Juliet Ashton is looking for her next book subject. Who could imagine that she would find it in a letter from a man she’s never met, a native of the island of Guernsey, who has come across her name written inside a book by Charles Lamb….

As Juliet and her new correspondent exchange letters, Juliet is drawn into the world of this man and his friends—and what a wonderfully eccentric world it is. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society—born as a spur-of-the-moment alibi when its members were discovered breaking curfew by the Germans occupying their island—boasts a charming, funny, deeply human cast of characters, from pig farmers to phrenologists, literature lovers all.

Juliet begins a remarkable correspondence with the society’s members, learning about their island, their taste in books, and the impact the recent German occupation has had on their lives. Captivated by their stories, she sets sail for Guernsey, and what she finds will change her forever."

I read a few reviews for this book awhile back, and heard that it was the type of book that book-lovers connect with, because of the characters love of books.

I showed my dad the cover of the book and he asked 'Do you know what Guernsey is?'
'An island in the English Channel?' I had looked at the map inside the cover of the book already
'Well, that and also the guernsey cow.' of course my dad would think of agriculture :)

I didn't really expect to like the book since it was written as a series of letters sent from this person, to that person, and back again etc. etc.... I wrong.

The first half of the book was good, the second half of the book was fantastic! I have never laughed so much while reading before. The characters are odd, witty (I love the word 'witty', I think I'll start using it more often), and absolutely lovable. Although the book was funny, it was also serious. I was near tears twice while reading Remy's letter.

I found this novel immensely enjoyable. Have you read it? If so, what are you're thoughts on the book? Who were you're favorite characters?

Ruby in the Smoke- By Philip Pullman

This is the first book in the Sally Lockhart Mysteries Trilogy, the second is The Shadow in the North, the third The Tiger in the Well, and a related mystery The Tin Princess. I found it a bit difficult to follow at times, but I’m not used to reading mysteries and keeping track all the different names. It is a great book, the side characters are great, but Sally doesn’t have much of a personality in this book, although the villain, Mrs. Holland, has enough to make up for it, she exactly the type of villain you love to hate. The book is not that long, so you don’t have much of an excuse not to read it.

IMPORTANT:
Do NOT read the summery for the Tiger in the Well if you haven’t read The Shadow in the North, it gives a big spoiler and I was really disappointed.