Hi there, guys!
This is the last post I'll be uploading on this blog!
I'm done with the difficult editing that will never stay the way I want here at Blogspot.
If you're interested in what I'll be reading in the future, check out my new blog over at wordpress
Thank you, guys!
Franzi
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
Sunday, November 8, 2015
The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin
Hi there, guys! Sorry, for being quite inactive but I've been transferring the reviews from this blog to my new one over at: Wordpress
BASICS
Title: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer
Series: The Mara Dyer Trilogy #1
Author: Michelle Hodkin
Release Date: September 27th 2011
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
ISBN: 1442421762
Number of Pages: 452
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal, Romance
MY OPINION
“Thinking something does not make it true. Wanting something does not make it real.”
While I did enjoy the mystery and Mara's madness, I really disliked the whole romance (and in the end the paranormal aspect too). When I was reading the book I actually forgot that its genre was paranormal. And to be honest, I'd have liked the book more if it had been "realistic".
This book revolves around Mara Dyer. A girl who has lost her friends and her boyfriend in a mysterious accident which she can't remember. Traumatized by the events she starts to hallucinate. And soon other people turn up dead...
Anyway, as I've already said: I didn't like the love story. Honestely, I thought it was terrible. Mara and Noah had no romantic tension between them and Noah's sudden obsession with Mara was weakly explained in the end.
Especially in the first half of the book he's the typical cheap YA love interest. He's "too hot for his own good", is smirking and winking constantly and every girl swoons over him. Except for Mara of course. She's different. She's the special snowflake. While literally every other girl in this book is a slut in Mara's eyes, she obviously doesn't care for love at all. At least that's what she's telling herself.
She's oh so uninterested and different from all the other girls and that's the reason why Noah's so obsessed with her. He simply can't allow a girl that's not fainting when he walks past.
And because the author wants to show us that his life hasn't always been easy, she gives Noah a childhood were he wasn't hot. What a poor boy. It's like "he was unattractive but suddenly became hot and didn't know how to deal with all the female attention". Excuse me, while I puke.
He is ridiculously perfect. He has the perfect looks, smile, body, the obligatory British accent, he speaks multiple languages and is able to quote classics ad-lib. Like, how old is he? 17, I guess? Has Michelle Hodking ever met a 17-year-old boy?
You know what I call that? Wish fullfillment.
Noah's actually just an annoying and pretentious asshole, at least in the first half of the book. But suddenly he turns around 180 degree and appears as extremely kind and caring. I didn't know what to make of this sudden change.
This book spreads a really problematic view of women. Anna acts like a "bitch" because Mara talked to her ex-boyfriend once. Give your "villains" a good backstory, guys! Heartbreak isn't sufficient! Please, do not use an unrequired love as your go-to excuse for creating an antagonist.
Mara is marketed as the "good one" because she's our main character and we are supposed to root for her. Meanwhile Anna is the bad one (= "slutty one"). God help us all, in the end the amount of sex one has is all that matters.
There's this one line that goes like (I'm pharaphrasing): "She should probably punch Noah in the name of feminism but then he starts touching her". And her anger is like - poof - gone.
To hell with feminism! A hot boy is touching her face!
Just like Christian Grey, love interests like Noah give girls the wrong impression of a good boyfriend.
They are in no way supposed to be controlling or making fun of you. They imply that that type of boy/man is attractive or sexy - which is.not.true.
Another line that made me furious was somewhere at the beginning: Jessie tells Mara that he has slept with girls only to drop them right after (he even refers to Noah's ex-girlfriends as condoms - they're used one time and then thrown away, like wtf) Anyway, Jessie refers to a girl that got depressed and tried to kill herself after Noah broke up with her. Mara's reply is basically that the girl was obviously overreacting.
So, the girl was the unreasonable one?! She overreacted 'cause it's no big deal if you get dumped by someone you love?
But there's not a word about Noah's part in the whole affair.
Noah pushes the boundaries of being an asshole too often for my comfort.
As much as I disliked the afore-mentioned paranormal aspect of the story, I disliked even more that had to make way for the "romance". If you can even call it a romance. There's no romantic tension (or sexual for that matter). It consists out of cringe-worthy sexual innuendos and douchbaggery from Noah. As soon as the hot dude enters the picture, Mara forgets all her problems, which is not realistic. Like, there are people dying, girl. She doesn't only forget her problem, she forgets the plot too.
Mara's thoughts and interactions with others (if there are any because she's probably the most self-centered person in the world), basically her whole behaviour doesn't feel natural or in any way realistic. Hodkin's writing in general is pretty uneven.
This book is part of the type of YA book with mediocre writing, overly sexy main characters and no deeper meaning. The characters are portrayed flat and shallow and consist out of stereotypes.
There's the "bitchy" popular girl who hates the protagonist for some vain reason.
The mean girl's side kick.
The bad boy love interest.
And then there's Jamie. I love diverse characters. But here's it: Plural. I'd have loved several diverse characters in the story, instead we got it all summarized in one character. There could have been so many interesting and complex characters! Don't get me wrong I'm happy that we have even one (sometimes there is not a single one) but couldn't there have been more?
This book a clear case of cover fraud.
RATING
1 out of 5 stars
BASICS
Title: The Unbecoming of Mara DyerSeries: The Mara Dyer Trilogy #1
Author: Michelle Hodkin
Release Date: September 27th 2011
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing
ISBN: 1442421762
Number of Pages: 452
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal, Romance
MY OPINION
“Thinking something does not make it true. Wanting something does not make it real.”
While I did enjoy the mystery and Mara's madness, I really disliked the whole romance (and in the end the paranormal aspect too). When I was reading the book I actually forgot that its genre was paranormal. And to be honest, I'd have liked the book more if it had been "realistic".
This book revolves around Mara Dyer. A girl who has lost her friends and her boyfriend in a mysterious accident which she can't remember. Traumatized by the events she starts to hallucinate. And soon other people turn up dead...
Anyway, as I've already said: I didn't like the love story. Honestely, I thought it was terrible. Mara and Noah had no romantic tension between them and Noah's sudden obsession with Mara was weakly explained in the end.
Especially in the first half of the book he's the typical cheap YA love interest. He's "too hot for his own good", is smirking and winking constantly and every girl swoons over him. Except for Mara of course. She's different. She's the special snowflake. While literally every other girl in this book is a slut in Mara's eyes, she obviously doesn't care for love at all. At least that's what she's telling herself.
She's oh so uninterested and different from all the other girls and that's the reason why Noah's so obsessed with her. He simply can't allow a girl that's not fainting when he walks past.
And because the author wants to show us that his life hasn't always been easy, she gives Noah a childhood were he wasn't hot. What a poor boy. It's like "he was unattractive but suddenly became hot and didn't know how to deal with all the female attention". Excuse me, while I puke.
He is ridiculously perfect. He has the perfect looks, smile, body, the obligatory British accent, he speaks multiple languages and is able to quote classics ad-lib. Like, how old is he? 17, I guess? Has Michelle Hodking ever met a 17-year-old boy?
You know what I call that? Wish fullfillment.
Noah's actually just an annoying and pretentious asshole, at least in the first half of the book. But suddenly he turns around 180 degree and appears as extremely kind and caring. I didn't know what to make of this sudden change.
This book spreads a really problematic view of women. Anna acts like a "bitch" because Mara talked to her ex-boyfriend once. Give your "villains" a good backstory, guys! Heartbreak isn't sufficient! Please, do not use an unrequired love as your go-to excuse for creating an antagonist.
Mara is marketed as the "good one" because she's our main character and we are supposed to root for her. Meanwhile Anna is the bad one (= "slutty one"). God help us all, in the end the amount of sex one has is all that matters.
There's this one line that goes like (I'm pharaphrasing): "She should probably punch Noah in the name of feminism but then he starts touching her". And her anger is like - poof - gone.
To hell with feminism! A hot boy is touching her face!
Just like Christian Grey, love interests like Noah give girls the wrong impression of a good boyfriend.
They are in no way supposed to be controlling or making fun of you. They imply that that type of boy/man is attractive or sexy - which is.not.true.
Another line that made me furious was somewhere at the beginning: Jessie tells Mara that he has slept with girls only to drop them right after (he even refers to Noah's ex-girlfriends as condoms - they're used one time and then thrown away, like wtf) Anyway, Jessie refers to a girl that got depressed and tried to kill herself after Noah broke up with her. Mara's reply is basically that the girl was obviously overreacting.
So, the girl was the unreasonable one?! She overreacted 'cause it's no big deal if you get dumped by someone you love?
But there's not a word about Noah's part in the whole affair.
Noah pushes the boundaries of being an asshole too often for my comfort.
As much as I disliked the afore-mentioned paranormal aspect of the story, I disliked even more that had to make way for the "romance". If you can even call it a romance. There's no romantic tension (or sexual for that matter). It consists out of cringe-worthy sexual innuendos and douchbaggery from Noah. As soon as the hot dude enters the picture, Mara forgets all her problems, which is not realistic. Like, there are people dying, girl. She doesn't only forget her problem, she forgets the plot too.
Mara's thoughts and interactions with others (if there are any because she's probably the most self-centered person in the world), basically her whole behaviour doesn't feel natural or in any way realistic. Hodkin's writing in general is pretty uneven.
This book is part of the type of YA book with mediocre writing, overly sexy main characters and no deeper meaning. The characters are portrayed flat and shallow and consist out of stereotypes.
There's the "bitchy" popular girl who hates the protagonist for some vain reason.
The mean girl's side kick.
The bad boy love interest.
And then there's Jamie. I love diverse characters. But here's it: Plural. I'd have loved several diverse characters in the story, instead we got it all summarized in one character. There could have been so many interesting and complex characters! Don't get me wrong I'm happy that we have even one (sometimes there is not a single one) but couldn't there have been more?
This book a clear case of cover fraud.
RATING
1 out of 5 stars
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
October Wrap-Up
Hi, there guys!
Today I'll show you which books I've read in the month of October.
Enjoy!
Today I'll show you which books I've read in the month of October.
Enjoy!
I've had a pretty good month reading-wise. Not only regarding the quantity but also the quality!
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
I think I've already said it in my October Book Haul but I've anticipated this book so, so much.
and I really wasn't disappointed.
Everything, from characterizations to world building was at its peak.
I can't wait until Empire of Crows will be released next year!
5 out of 5 stars
The Assassin's Curse by Cassandra Rose Clarke
It's the book with the "worst" rating.
I gave it 3 out of 5 stars. The character interactions felt off and unnatural but I do see the potential of the author and the story, so maybe book #2 in the duology will be better! I'll definitely give it a try at some point in the future!
Carry On by Rainbow Rowell
Rainbow is and will forever be my go-to author whenever I need to be cheered up or comforted.
She writes lovely and entertaining stories about characters you can relate to.
Carry On was a wonderful mixture of cry-worthy and laugh-worthy situations.
4 out of 5 stars
Very Good Lives by J.K.Rowling
Truly inspiring.
5 out of 5 stars
Egghead, or You Can't Survive On Ideas Alone by Bo Burnham
Even though I didn't get some of the poems, I really enjoyed most of them!
I've been a fan of Bo's songs and shows for a while and he didn't disappoint!
Here's one of my favourites:
Little Ashley hung magazine spreads on her wall,
after picking the magazines out in the mall.
Models and actresses, singers and more,
with cleavage and makeup and glamour galore!
All her heroes were finally nearer.
Her whole room looked perfect — except for the mirror.
4 out of 5 stars
The Martian by Andy Weir
The Martian and I, we had some difficulties at the beginning but it turned out to be amazing!
I've seen the movie, too, by now and I have to say that the producers did really good work!
4.5 out of 5 stars
Emma by Jane Austen
It may not be my favourite novel by Jane but it definitely was an enjoyable read!
I enjoyed the fact that Jane Austen tried to write a main character who had obvious faults
and didn't fit the role of a perfect heroine!
4 out of 5 stars
The Knife of Never Letting Go & The New World by Patrick Ness
After reading so many good reviews on this book, I just had to give it a try.
And I wasn't disappointed! I cried several times while reading and I really enjoyed Ness' writing style!
5 out of 5 stars & 4 out of 5 stars
What did you read during October? Tell me in the comments!
-Franzi
4 out of 5 stars
Very Good Lives by J.K.Rowling
Truly inspiring.
5 out of 5 stars
Egghead, or You Can't Survive On Ideas Alone by Bo Burnham
Even though I didn't get some of the poems, I really enjoyed most of them!
I've been a fan of Bo's songs and shows for a while and he didn't disappoint!
Here's one of my favourites:
Little Ashley hung magazine spreads on her wall,
after picking the magazines out in the mall.
Models and actresses, singers and more,
with cleavage and makeup and glamour galore!
All her heroes were finally nearer.
Her whole room looked perfect — except for the mirror.
4 out of 5 stars
The Martian by Andy Weir
The Martian and I, we had some difficulties at the beginning but it turned out to be amazing!
I've seen the movie, too, by now and I have to say that the producers did really good work!
4.5 out of 5 stars
Emma by Jane Austen
It may not be my favourite novel by Jane but it definitely was an enjoyable read!
I enjoyed the fact that Jane Austen tried to write a main character who had obvious faults
and didn't fit the role of a perfect heroine!
4 out of 5 stars
The Knife of Never Letting Go & The New World by Patrick Ness
After reading so many good reviews on this book, I just had to give it a try.
And I wasn't disappointed! I cried several times while reading and I really enjoyed Ness' writing style!
5 out of 5 stars & 4 out of 5 stars
What did you read during October? Tell me in the comments!
-Franzi
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
Top Ten Tuesday #11
Hi there, guys!
Welcome back to another Top Ten Tuesday!
This week's theme is:
10) Isabel Culpeper from the The Wolves of Mercy Falls series by Maggie Stiefvater
She may not be as talented with the sword as the other heroines but she has a sharp mind and an even sharper tongue.
9) Ruby Daly from the The Darkest Minds trilogy by Alexandra Bracken
She has one of the most frightening abilities I've ever come across!
Art by taratjah
8) Arya Stark from the The Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R.Martin
I can't wait to see where the last two books will take her!
I wish we had at least a release date for Winds of Winter.
Art by Teilku
7) Penryn Young from the Penryn and the End of Days trilogy by Susan Ee
Penryn didn't want to be anything "heroic", all she wanted was saving her family. Even if that meant working together with the enemy. I loved the first two books but the last one was a disappointment.
Art again by tarajah
6) Eona from Eon: Dragoneye Reborn by Alison Goodman
I loved the first book in this duology! I hope I'll continue it soon.
Eona was a really unique and skillfully written character with a lot of not only physical but also mental strenght.
Art done by Zabchan
5) Rose Hathaway from the Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead
I loved the hell out of this character - until book five and six happened. If you have read my reviews, you know my issues with the last two installments of Vampire Academy.
But I still adore Rose for her badass fighting skills in books #1-3.
Art by lallychan
4) Hermione Granger from the Harry Potter series by J.K.Rowling
One of my all-time favourite heroines.
Remember the time she punched Malfoy in the face? Aaah, those were the days.
Art by ?
3) Katniss Everdeen from the The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins
The Hunger Games was one of the very first YA books I've ever read and I felt extremely intimidated by the brutality in it. But at the same time Iworshipped adored Katniss for being such a strong character who's dealing with PTSD.
Art by flominowa
2) Aelin Galathynius from the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J.Maas
I doubt that there's any list of the most kick-ass YA heroines out there without Aelin included.
Her powers grow from book to book, it's amazing! I always get goosebumps when she's fighting!
1) Lady Katsa of the Middluns from Graceling by Kristin Cashore
Graceling was the very first YA book I've ever read - and I absolutely adored it!
I loved everything about it, the setting, the characters and the way the plot developed!
I think I even cried at the ending?
Anyway, Katsa is graced with the art of killing, which means she is supernaturally skilled in taking lives.
That's it for today, guys! Who's your favourite kick-ass heroine? Tell me in the comments!
Welcome back to another Top Ten Tuesday!
This week's theme is:
Kick-Ass Heroines
Enjoy!10) Isabel Culpeper from the The Wolves of Mercy Falls series by Maggie Stiefvater
She may not be as talented with the sword as the other heroines but she has a sharp mind and an even sharper tongue.
Art by luhander
9) Ruby Daly from the The Darkest Minds trilogy by Alexandra Bracken
She has one of the most frightening abilities I've ever come across!
Art by taratjah
8) Arya Stark from the The Song of Ice and Fire series by George R.R.Martin
I can't wait to see where the last two books will take her!
I wish we had at least a release date for Winds of Winter.
Art by Teilku
7) Penryn Young from the Penryn and the End of Days trilogy by Susan Ee
Penryn didn't want to be anything "heroic", all she wanted was saving her family. Even if that meant working together with the enemy. I loved the first two books but the last one was a disappointment.
Art again by tarajah
6) Eona from Eon: Dragoneye Reborn by Alison Goodman
I loved the first book in this duology! I hope I'll continue it soon.
Eona was a really unique and skillfully written character with a lot of not only physical but also mental strenght.
Art done by Zabchan
5) Rose Hathaway from the Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead
I loved the hell out of this character - until book five and six happened. If you have read my reviews, you know my issues with the last two installments of Vampire Academy.
But I still adore Rose for her badass fighting skills in books #1-3.
Art by lallychan
4) Hermione Granger from the Harry Potter series by J.K.Rowling
One of my all-time favourite heroines.
Remember the time she punched Malfoy in the face? Aaah, those were the days.
Art by ?
3) Katniss Everdeen from the The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins
The Hunger Games was one of the very first YA books I've ever read and I felt extremely intimidated by the brutality in it. But at the same time I
Art by flominowa
2) Aelin Galathynius from the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J.Maas
I doubt that there's any list of the most kick-ass YA heroines out there without Aelin included.
Her powers grow from book to book, it's amazing! I always get goosebumps when she's fighting!
1) Lady Katsa of the Middluns from Graceling by Kristin Cashore
Graceling was the very first YA book I've ever read - and I absolutely adored it!
I loved everything about it, the setting, the characters and the way the plot developed!
I think I even cried at the ending?
Anyway, Katsa is graced with the art of killing, which means she is supernaturally skilled in taking lives.
That's it for today, guys! Who's your favourite kick-ass heroine? Tell me in the comments!
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