Book Review: Halo

By: Alexandra Adornetto
Pages: 484
Published In: 2010

Summary:
Three angels are sent by Heaven to bring good to a world falling under the influence of Darkness: Gabriel, the warrior; Ivy, the healer; and Bethany, the youngest and most human. They work hard to conceal there luminous glow, there superhuman powers, and there wings. Then Bethany meets Xavier Woods, and the two are unable to resist there attraction to one another. But the angels' mission is urgent, and dark forces are threatening. Will love ruin Bethany or save her?

Rating: 2

Review:
The Storyline: I actually read half of this book last summer but I stopped reading it and I couldn't remember why. Now I remember. It isn't like the book is awful it just isn't my thing. So basically three angles come to Earth to promote goodness and get rid of forces of darkness. It sounds interesting right? Well along the way Bethany falls in love and does other things from pure pressure from her friends. Maybe it is just me but I would have thought that angles were more perfect and knew right from wrong since they were from Heaven. Once Bethany does fall in love with Xavier, and he loves her, he is kind of the stereotypical boyfriend. He play lots of sports, he is the school vice president and he is over protective of Bethany. It got annoying. I couldn't even find the real plot because I thought they were supposed to be helping the people and trying to bring goodness to the Earth. I don't think Bethany was doing that, plus the only thing they ever talked about was her and Xavier. That was practically the plot with mentions of things like church and goodness.

The Writing Style: It was fine nothing spectacular but it didn't have grammar mistakes from what I could tell. 

The Pace of the Book: The beginning is kind of interesting, but then she starts going to school and she falls in love and to me it got annoying and boring. 

The Girls: Bethany is annoying and not a heroine she depends way to much on either her older brother or Xavier. She is Clingy. Her friends are stereotypical high school girls. They gossip, they talk about boys and clothes, nothing special. 

The Boys: Xavier is the stereotypical boyfriend and they only guy bedsides Gabriel the first half of the book. Later they introduce a new guy Jake and he makes all the wronge choices and brakes all the school rules. 

Other Stuff: Ok I am sorry if I am making the book sound really bad. It wasn't the worst book I have ever read. I just don't need to read more romance books. If you like romance books you would enjoy this, It is just not my kind of book.

Hope everyone is having a good weekend!!
-Jane

Book Review: Bad Girls Don't Die

By: Katie Alender
Pages: 346
Published In: 2009

Summary: 
Alexis thought she led a typically dysfunctional high school experience. Dysfunctional like like her parents' marriage: her doll-crazy thirteen-year-old sister, Kasey; and even her own anti-social, anti-cheerleader attitude.
When a family fight results in some tearful sister bonding, Alexis realizes her life is creeping from Dysfunctional to danger. Kasey is acting stranger than ever: her blue eyes go green sometimes; she uses old-fashioned language; and she even looses track of chunks of time, claiming to know nothing of her strange behaviour. Their house is changing, too. Doors open and close by themselves, water boils on an unlit stove, and an unplugged air conditioner turns the house cold enough to see their breath.
Alexis wants to think it's all in her head, but soon, what she liked to think of as silly parlour tricks are becoming life-threatening -- to her, to her family, and to her budding relationtionshipwith the class vice president. Alexis knows she is the only person who can stop Kasey -- but what if that green-eyed girl isn't even Kasey anymore?

Rating: 4

Review:
I got this book from my friend as a gift about two years ago because it was one of her favourites.

The Writing Style: The whole book is from Alexis' point of view. The writing style was good but it could have been better with a larger vocabulary. I think it is written this way because it was meant for younger middle-school kids. I did enjoy it even if it was meant for younger kids, it was possibly because it is nice to read a really simple book once in while that is still good but you don't have to think about as much to give your brain a break.

The Storyline: I thought the storyline was creative and well put together. It was simple yet the storyline had a lot of depth because you get the history of not only the doll but the house and a bit of the neighbourhood and the all tie together quite nicely. I thought it was just a tad creepy at times because I was reading at night and I get freaked out easy even if this book really isn't scary, oh well.

The Girls: The three main girls are Alexis (obviously), Kasey and Megan. Alexis is the main character and is a rule breaker. She has pink hair, skips class and is kinda anti-social (in the beginning). As the book progresses you get to learn more about why she does some of things she does. Kasey is Alexis doll-crazy younger sister. I thought she was completely weird and insane, but she is possessed and can't control it but she kept trying to blame Alexis on things she did. Megan is the cheerleader and is the girl Alexis hated the most at the beginning of the book. I just find it interesting that the person she hates has such a big role in a book like this.

The Boys: There is really only one guy in this book Carter. His background is really interesting and it is so sad at the same time. I like who he is important to the story but love doesn't dominate this book at all and it is totally just a background story, there are a number of chapters he is not even mentioned. Part of me wanted him to be in more of the chapters, but  I liked the break from a book that is predominately about some sort of love.

Other Stuff: I gave this book a 4 out of 5 because it didn't make my favourites list but it is still very good. There are two more books in this series but this book had an epilogue and what I consider and awesomely perfect ending. Personally it seems like the author first wanted it to be just one book but then discovered it was kinda popular so she must have written two more. If this is the reason there are two more book I think it is a stupid reason. I don't want anything to change with characters and I want to leave it at the epilogue since it was perfect, I won't even read the next two books. Personally I do recommend this book if you want an easy simple read that can go fast (I finished it in four days).

Everyone have a good weekend!
-Jane

I Figured Out How to Change My Blog

Yeah I am so excited that I discovered how to change my blog some. So now it is more of a blue theme colour instead of the previous orangy colour. I also changed the background image. 

So... what do you guys/gals think I really want you opinion so this blog will be good, so please comment and say what you think :D

I am super happy now :D
-Jane

Book Review: The Giver

I have been thinking about not including the Book review banner from now on so you can see the book itself first, what do you think. Please tell me if I should keep the banner or get rid of it.

Summary On Back: Jonas's world is perfect. Everything is under control. There is no war or fear or pain. There are no choices. Every person id assigned a role in the community.

When Jonas turns twelve, he is singled out to receive special training from The Giver. The Giver alone holds the memories of the true pain and pleasures of life. Now it is time for Jonas to receive the truth. There is no turning back. 

Reason for Reading: I have had this book since fifth grade. I am trying to go through my bookshelves to read what I haven't read yet but have. Plus I have heard a lot of great things about it, so I was like sure I'll give it a try.

Rating: 5

Review:
The Storyline- Ok so it was very creative how the author came up with "sameness" and the assignments (jobs). It is awesome how this book is a dystopia before it was even a genera. In the beginning the society seemed good and nice, like a utopia. Then once Jonas starts his training with  the giver, you realize things about the community that just seem sad and awful. The people in this community have no emotions, they see in black and white, and they can't feel pain. 
The Writing- It is extremely well written. It is meant for children but the story has deeper meanings that is perfect for any age, even if you are fourteen like me. It is rich with lots of detail that tells you so much about the way the people in the community live. Some people might find all the detail boring but I find really interesting.
The Ending- It seemed finished but yet you want to know more. It wouldn't fit the story in the same way if it keeps on talking about Jonas after this but it ends kin of abruptly. All the readers can hope is that Jonas finds what he was looking for. 

Do you like my new way of doing reviews please tell me your thoughts so I can keep improving my blog.
Hope everyone is having a good week :D
-Jane

New Book: InuYasha Affections Touching Across Time Ani-Manga

Yea, New Manga! It is for the Inuyasha Movie so I am really excited to read it! 
I have watched all the episodes of the anime but I have never read the manga, so I really look foreword to reading some this. This also isn't just any manga it is the movie ani-manga in colour, which it is quite hard to find.


Summary On Back of Book: Transported back in time to Japan's feudal era, fifteen-year-old Kagome is drawn into an arduous quest to reclaim the shards of the sacred Shikon Jewel. With the reluctant help of the dog-like, half-demon Inuyasha, she must battle demon's and mortals alike, all bent on possessing the jewel's staggering power!


Two hundred years ago, Inuyasha's father sealed away a ruthless Chinese demon named Hyoga. Now a Shikon Jewel shard has freed Hyoga's son, Menomaru, who wants to break the seal placed on his fathers remains and absorb his terrifying power. But to do so, he must first steal Inuyasha's sword, Tetsusaiga.


I wish everyone a good week!
-Jane

As Life Goes On: School Continues

This was an AWESOME week, no school, lots of reading, what could be better :D
Since the week is over I will have school again tomorrow :( Oh well I guess that is just life 
I hope everyone is had a good week even if you did have school this week. I am kinda' excited to go back to school I get to see my friends for the first time in a week and I actually love school and learning and my teachers (I am a huge nerd, but I love it <3)

i have posted more books reviews and normal post in this one week than I a have sometime sin an entire month, but I did only start bloging four months ago.

Here is the new song by One Direction that came out a while ago, that I love :D

How is everyone, anyone on break this week or excited for school?
-Jane

Book Review: The Mark of Athena

Annabeth is terrified. Just when she’s about to be reunited with Percy—after six months of being apart, thanks to Hera—it looks like Camp Jupiter is preparing for war. As Annabeth and her friends Jason, Piper, and Leo fly in on the Argo II, she can’t blame the Roman demigods for thinking the ship is a Greek weapon. With its steaming bronze dragon masthead, Leo’s fantastical creation doesn’t appear friendly. Annabeth hopes that the sight of their praetor Jason on deck will reassure the Romans that the visitors from Camp Half-Blood are coming in peace.

And that’s only one of her worries. In her pocket Annabeth carries a gift from her mother that came with an unnerving demand: Follow the Mark of Athena. Avenge me. Annabeth already feels weighed down by the prophecy that will send seven demigods on a quest to find—and close— the Doors of Death. What more does Athena want from her?

Annabeth’s biggest fear, though, is that Percy might have changed. What if he’s now attached to Roman ways? Does he still need his old friends? As the daughter of the goddess of war and wisdom, Annabeth knows she was born to be a leader, but never again does she want to be without Seaweed Brain by her side.

Narrated by four different demigods, The Mark of Athena is an unforgettable journey across land and sea to Rome, where important discoveries, surprising sacrifices, and unspeakable horrors await. Climb aboard the Argo II, if you dare. . . .

In The Son of Neptune, Percy, Hazel, and Frank met in Camp Jupiter, the Roman equivalent of Camp Halfblood, and traveled to the land beyond the gods to complete a dangerous quest. The third book in the Heroes of Olympus series will unite them with Jason, Piper, and Leo. But they number only six--who will complete the Prophecy of Seven? 


The Greek and Roman demigods will have to cooperate in order to defeat the giants released by the Earth Mother, Gaea. Then they will have to sail together to the ancient land to find the Doors of Death. What exactly are the Doors of Death? Much of the prophesy remains a mystery. . . . With old friends and new friends joining forces, a marvelous ship, fearsome foes, and an exotic setting, The Mark of Athena promises to be another unforgettable adventure by master storyteller Rick Riordan.

My Rating: 5
My Review: Awesome-ness! I am discovering I think I am really bad at reviews or maybe it is something else, but oh well. it brings people from opposing sides together and it is wonderful that some people can along even though chaos. I don't like how every book in this series has some sort of cliff hanger. Ok maybe this one is more like I loved the book soo much that I want to read the next one so bad but it doesn't come out for a year. I love how it combined Greek and Roman mythology, it shows that they are different but have similarities. 

This is finally my last book review for today, I hope you guys enjoyed :D
-Jane 

Book Review: The Son of Neptune

Seven half-bloods shall answer the call,
To storm or fire the world must fall.
An oath to keep with a final breath,
And foes bear arms to the Doors of Death.

Percy is confused. When he awoke from his long sleep, he didn't know much more than his name. His brain fuzz is lingering, even after the wolf Lupa told him he is a demigod and trained him to fight with the pen/sword in his pocket. Somehow Percy manages to make it to a camp for half-bloods, despite the fact that he has to keep killing monsters along the way. But the camp doesn't ring any bells with him. The only thing he can recall from his past is another name: Annabeth 

Hazel is supposed to be dead. When she lived before, she didn't do a very good job of it. Sure, she was an obedient daughter, even when her mother was possessed by greed. But that was the problem - when the Voice took over her mother and commanded Hazel to use her "gift" for and evil purpose, Hazel couldn't say no. Now because of her mistake, the future of the world is at risk. Hazel wished she could ride away from it all on the stallion that appears in her dreams. 

Frank is a klutz. His grandmother says he is descended from heroes and can be anything he wants to be, but he doesn't see it. He doesn't even know who his father is. He keeps hoping Apollo will claim him, because the only thing he is good at is archery - although not good enough to win camp war games. His bulky physique makes him feel like an ox, especially infront of Hazel, his closest friend at camp. He trusts her completely - enough to share the secret he holds close to his heart. 

Beginning at the "other" camp for half-bloods and extending as far as the land beyond the gods, this breathtaking second installment of the Heroes of Olympus series introduces new demigods, revives fearsome monsters, and features other remarkable creatures, all destined to play a part in the Prophesy of Seven

My Rating: 5

My Review: This is my second time reading this book. I really enjoyed this book because after reading the first one you start wondering about the person who is missing and the other camp that they finally learn exists in the end. It explains things different things and has new characters. I find it amazing that the author can put this much information in a book and make it so you don't want to set it down.

-Jane

Book Review: The Lost Hero

Jason has a problem. He doesn’t remember anything before waking up on a school bus holding hands with a girl. Apparently he has a girlfriend named Piper. His best friend is a kid named Leo, and they’re all students in the Wilderness School, a boarding school for “bad kids”, as Leo puts it. What he did to end up here, Jason has no idea — except that everything seems very wrong.

Piper has a secret. Her father, a famous actor, has been missing for three days, and her vivid nightmares reveal that he’s in terrible danger. Now her boyfriend doesn’t recognize her, and when a freak storm and strange creatures attack during a school field trip, she, Jason, and Leo are whisked away to someplace called Camp Half-Blood. What is going on? 

Leo has a way with tools. His new cabin at Camp Half-Blood is filled with them. Seriously, the place beats Wilderness School hands down, with its weapons training, monsters, and fine-looking girls. What’s troubling is the curse everyone keeps talking about, and that a camper’s gone missing. Weirdest of all, his bunkmates insist they are all—including Leo—related to a god.

My Rating: 5

My Review: This is the third time I have read this book, because I re-read the earlier books in a series before I read the new book, to refresh my memory. Sometimes you don't realize how much you love a book until you re-read it after you read a different and remember just how awesome it is! Ok I admit I forgot how much I loved this book and series, it is amazing! I love learning all the things about Greek mythology, it is extremely entertaining from a story prospective, but you still learn lots. It is a cliff hanger which drove me insane until I read the next book (or the next two really), so be warned.

-Jane

Book Review: Crescent Moon

Mahiru Shiraishi is haunted by images of the Descendent of the Princess in a disturbing recurring dream. There, she meets members of the Lunar Race, a group of vampires, werewolves and vixens who need Mahiru's help to recover their power source that was stolen a thousand years ago in an incident involving the princess. In this howling sci-fi adventure, Mahiru will forge a camaraderie that will determine the fate and of the Lunar Race for all of the dream world!

My Rating: 5
My Review: I really enjoyed this manga, it was a very creative story and I hadn't read any other manga like it (not saying there isn't I just haven't read on like it personally). I like that Mahiru isn't poor and helpless she speaks her mind. She meets new race altogether and she is willing to except them and help them better them any other human. I have read though manga three, but I won't say anything. I look foreword to reading the rest of the books in this series :D
-Jane

Book Review: Hana-Kimi

Japanese-American track-and-field star Mizuki has gotten herself a transfer to a high school in Japan...but not just any school! To be close to her idol, high jumper Izumi Sano, she's going to an all-guys' high school...and disguising herself as a boy! But as fate would have it, they're more than classmates...they're roommates! Now, Mizuki must keep her secret in the classroom, the locker room, and her own bedroom. And her classmates--and the school nurse--must cope with a new transfer student who may make them question their own orientation...

My rating: 4

My review: It is a hilarious story and so creative. I think it is soo funny how everything plays of in the Manga(s). Things happen that you don't expect and people find out Mizuki's secret. My one problem is that one person that finds out Mizuki's secret doesn't tell her and it bothers me. It would probably be awkward if he told her but still she has a right to know, that he knows (I won't say names). I would definatetly recommend this book if someone wants a good laugh :D

-Jane

Book Review: Billy Budd, Sailor

This is the first of like five other book reviews today, hope you enjoy :D

Ok Goodreads does not have a plot summary so oh well.

Rating: 1
Review: Ok so I had to read this book for school but I thought I should post school book as well as recreational books so oh well, here it goes. It has to be pretty boring or reeaallyy poorly written to get a one star rating (yes I consider my rating stars even if I don't have a rating scale that has stars on it). If I had chosen to read this book on my own, which would have been highly unlikely, there is almost no way in a million years I would have finished it. The ending gets a little more interesting but still it didn't grab my attention. I am sure there are people who think the way I do about the book, but I am sure there are also people who love this  book. I don't personally recommend this book, but it is up to you.
-Jane

As Life Goes On: My Week

Ok so as I posted at the begging of this week I am on fall break *woo-hoo*, so I have had tons of time to read *another woo-hoo*. It is sad I have read more books this week than I did over summer break but then again I was being stupid of summer break and only read six book (two of which were manga's).
The other problem was I have this thing where I like posting the book review for the book before I read the next one (except for manga's, they get reviewed whenever). This week I realized how much I missed reading such awesome books that I couldn't put down, so instead of doing the book reviews I just started the next book. 
This week I have read seven books (four of which were Manga's, but they absolutely still count as books). I have read Crescent Moon 1-3(manga), Hana Kimi 4(manga) and The Hero's of Olympus 1-3(the only ones that have come out so far).
I am apologizing in advance if you think I am annoying or weird because tomorrow I will most likely be posting six book reviews (one is a book I read in school that we finished last week and manga series all count as one review). 
Hope everyone is enjoying there week as much as I am :D
-Jane

New Book: Harry Potter #1 in French

I have a best friend (pen pal) in France. We did a book exchange and I sent her a book in English and she sent me a book in French. Since Harry potter is my absolute Favourite book, I asked for Harry potter in French. So I now have a copy of Harry Potter in French and I am very excited.

I am taking French in school, so I hope in a few years I will be able to read it almost fluently. As of now I have only had eight weeks of French, so my French is very basic still and I can't read more than the first line but it makes me want to learn more French. 

So, Yeah I have Harry Potter in French and I am so excited :D 
Hope everyone is well :D
-Jane

Random Thoughts: Fall Break

Ya, no school today or for the next week! I love fall break, no school, no homework, time to read, what could be better? (well I guess summer break is better since it is longer but this will have to do for now)

I find it funny that it is 'fall' break because even though it is technically fall, it is still hot where I live, but it is like this every year so I can't be surprised.
Is anyone else on Break right now? 
I LOVE the fact that I have time for reading!! I can finally catch up and read the the new Hero's of Olympus release from last week :D
The may be the shortest post i have ever written but I will make up for it this week by posting a lot :)

Hope everyone is either having a good break or enjoying school :D
-Jane