Patrick Rothfuss - The Name of the Wind

The Name of the Wind
Like many other books, the blurb was what made me interested. Never did I know how much the blurb actually meant until I read the superb novel.
                    To begin the book, it is written in third person. Rothfuss' style of writing is very deep and meaningful - what I love are the wonderful metaphors used - hence it was difficult for me to understand what each paragraph meant. Therefore reading the book became a long and tedious process. However, I admired the style of writing so I pressed on and read page after page. After I had becomes accustomed to the style of the book, the pages couldn't turn any faster and neither could my eyes read quicker.
                    Within the novel, there are many, many characters but all of them are presented in such a way that their characteristics are all clearly distinguished and valued. Of course, I love the protagonist ad whoever Rothfuss wanted the reader to love. The personalities are varied to bring out different sides to other characters. At different places, different people are described accordingly and they enhance our understanding of the culture within the fictional world.
                    The plot... Oh, the plot. Here I am, attempting to articulate thoughts and feelings into words. The plot is absolutely amazing. It is not how the book does not tell the story that is impressive, but how the book presents the story to be told. (Those who have read it will understand.)
                    The book begins in the present in a world we know only in our imaginations. It had felt like a lifetime until the present protagonist began to tell his story in the past and in his voice. As he tells his story from when he was a little boy, it would snap back to the present. Initially, I was not interested in the present state of the protagonist, yet as the past version of him developed and progressed as a person, I struggled to comprehend how he ended up in his present life style. I yearned for the past him to be in the present him.
                    In contrast to most books, the blurb of this novel wasn't just to get potential readers interested (which it achieved well), but to keep us on the edge. As the plot built up tension and predictions were being made, I constantly referred back to the blurb for a better idea to what the next step of the story was. At the end, it only confirmed how much left of the story was to be told through additional books.
                    From the beginning, the reader was cleverly being manipulated by Rothfuss. As the tension built and the feelings of the protagonist climaxed, so did mine. Basically, the novel is set in just a way of the or present time, yet it held so much.
                    The beginning of the novel and the ending was based around the same metaphor with some alterations. It makes us think how at the beginning, we knew nothing of the life of this man named Kvothe yet at the end when the beginning is repeated, we realise the depth and change of the story and the effects it has made on us.
                    There is a sequel to this and I plan to definitely read it. I cannot wait to get my hands on it!

My Overall Rate: 4.8/5
(Personal Rate: 4.999/5)

Extra bonus! The blurb:

'I have stolen princesses back from sleeping barrow kings. I burned down the town of Trebon. I have spent the night with Felurian and left with both my sanity and my life. I was expelled from the University at a younger age than most people are allowed in. I tread paths by moonlight that others fear to speak of during day. I have talked to Gods, loved women, and written songs that make the minstrels weep.

My name is Kvothe. You may have heard of me'

^ A simple quotation from the actual novel! When you get the book, ignore the reviews - they're all complete understatements.

I can genuinely say that it is one of the best books I have ever read.

Will Hill - Department 19

Department 19
Initially, the blurb had really attracted me to read it for it held a certain element of mystery and darkness. Upon reading the book, I found it to be written in a style that suited the teenage protagonist well. However, since it was written in the third person, the descriptions weren't as well presented as other books. On the other hand, I found the structure of the chapters clever as it altered between the past and the present and at the end of each chapter I'd want to know what happens in the two after it.
                    Furthermore, the plot is interesting as it built up to the climax well and gave hints throughout in regards to the key puzzle of the story. Also, the descriptions of the action-packed scenes are quite graphic, but it adds to the tense element. However, many deaths and losses were included, yet they weren't as dramatic or impacting as they could have been. In fact, some were anti-climaxes (if that's a word). I found that a shame because the plot was ingenious and the graphic descriptions would had otherwise made a huge emotional impact on me.
                    In my opinion, the book's target readers are probably supposed to be teenage boys, therefore the lack of sentimental reference may only be ineffective to me. Anyhow, I plan to read the sequel - Department 19: The Rising - if I can get my hands upon it.

My Overall Rate: 2/5

Peter Pan (film - 2003)

For my childish rant, visit my other blog, JQ's_Thoughts/Peter_Pan

K-on!

(L-R) Mio [bass, vocals], Ritsu [drums], Yui [guitar, vocals], Mugi [keyboard]

K-on! (anime)
Full of purity and innocence, it's a really fun and relaxing anime to watch. As a guitarist myself, it really gives me a joy and dream that I could have a club like that in my own school. Don't underestimate the music provided for this anime either, as it is actually very difficult to play in real life, especially Go! Go! Maniac!

(L-R) Ritsu, Mugi, Azu-nyan, Yui, Mio

K-on! Season 2
A new guitarist joins the Light Music Club as a new year brings the next class of juniors into the school. It resolves around mini adventures as they prepare for their final year of graduation. The ending is a sentimental happy ending and of course, we all want to know of their lives after graduation, right?

K-on! (manga)
The manga had a simple structure and is very fun to read. It continues how the four girls continues to spend their time together in University. It's a brilliant story and something all friendship groups wish to have.

My Overall Rate: 3/5

Masashi Kishimoto - Naruto

Naruto (anime)
As one of my first anime, I got into it fairly easily. At the beginning, it's a fun series to watch, but you soon learn that the entire series isn't just about different adventurous arcs, but a few large conspiracies. It's amazing just to watch the characters grow stronger and you end up being able to list your favourites.

Naruto Shippuuden
After the 3 year gap, there are lots to learn about the newly refreshed Naruto, and many tragedies join as things get serious. It all becomes a dire game of life and death for the young characters who are just growing up. It's a great anime to watch, though as you wait for one episode per week, you may become confused on the new characters and what is happening, especially if you are me who reads multiple manga at once.

Naruto (manga)
The art for this manga series may appear quite simple, but it is quite complex. Although sometimes it may become confusing, the background art is impressive. Like most of the other manga-turned-anime series, the manga is much better.

I highly recommend this manga series!!

My Overall Rate: 4.5/5

L. J. Smith - Night World series

Night World
This is the second time I have read these books within a few years. Smith's writing style had never appealed to me, as I thought it wasn't detail enough, nor did it hold a sense of tension in its every word like some of my more favoured books did. However, I had rethought my opinion ever since I read The Forbidden Game.

The Chosen
From the memory of the first time I've read this book, the plot had been the bit which drew me in. Unlike the other stories including the supernatural, where the girl was constantly dependent on the boy, the girl in this was strong.
                    Initially, Rashel had aimed to kill Quinn and vice versa. Their ferocity and badass reputation really interested me into how the story would proceed. Obviously, they were going to have a happy ending, however it conjured up many exciting possibilities in my mind. Like what if they had to run away with each other as assassins and be a couple with such legendary reputation that their story could last forever? Their combined strength and determination was my personal favourite point in this book. However, I was sad when Rashel no longer had that strive for fights. It made her weak because when she showed mercy, her enemy turned back on her; her weakness made her like a typical female protagonist.
                    Conversely, on more practical matters, Smith could have included more action. I would had loved to witness a ferocious battle with Quinn and Rashel against God-knows-who? It would be perfect if they were to go against the world, but that would had conflicted with the entire storyline.
                    Anyhow, the writing style was tolerable. It wasn't tense like other books I preferred reading, but it was relaxing and I could go through three of these small stories at once. It was fun to read. The plot progressed too slowly for someone who already know what was going to happen, though it did not dwell on unnecessary matters.

My Overall Rate: 2/5

Huntress
On my search to re-read The Chosen, I stumbled across Huntress. It was another one of the plots in the Night World series which I favoured due to the simple fact that the girl was one to hunt. Jez is rebellious and had a wild side. I was disappointed to see that wild side calm down to a mature attitude towards the world when it was revealed what burden she held on her shoulders.
                    There isn't really much to comment on about this book. Everything seemed to balance out, except from my biased opinion on the writing style...
                    (There was one bit which I loved about this book. It was that at the end, it mentions Rashel and Quinn from The Chosen to take care of the mess after everything was settled.)

My Overall Rate: 2/5

Black Dawn
Personally, I'm not a big fan of this story. It begins in a real life scene, where an ordinary human girl is in her ordinary life and then the event happens. It doesn't involve much fighting at all. Just her sneaking about while her soulmate is trying to battle vampire politics and denying their link through the soulmate principle. Delos (the male protagonist) has a very cold and isolated personality as he was raised as a weapon, however that prevented him from being more understood. Even when he accepted the soulmate principle, he was cold and acted like a robot, which I disliked a lot. He was strong and powerful and one of the Wild Powers who held command over his little vampire kingdom, so it would had been nice if he showed more attitude and passion. He didn't even seem fierce for battles or have a craving for blood which would had caused excitement like Quinn had. (Yes, I am biased for The Chosen.) Anyhow, the story seemed a little too ordinary to me and held no personality of its own.

My Overall Rate: 1.3/5

I'll be re-reading more of L. J. Smith's books to produce fresh and accurate reviews of them.

Alyxandra Harvey - My Love Lies Bleeding

My Love Lies Bleeding
To read this book was never in my plan, however I was not reluctant to do so when my sister got it at a bargain price.
                    Typically, it was a teenage vampire book. Although the plot resolved around two girls instead; one saw an adapting vampire and the other one was a human girl.
                    The plot itself was about the vampire girl and her romance life in the vampire world. Usually, an action-packed storyline is what progresses the book, but this time the romance side was the main objective, it appeared. That made it incredibly predictable.
                    Even among all the action, there was very little tension. There was potential for a gripping conspiracy plot and twists in the storyline which could keep the reader on the edge, but it remained simple. It wasn't a book that left you considering all the possible ways it could go whenever you dropped it. Neither was it a book that left you in awe or disbelief once it ended. It was simply: read it, process it, forget it.
                    Additionally, the writing style did not appeal to me at all. Unlike L. J. Smith's books (which I was re-reading before and after this book), there was an awful lot to explain and Harvey had not done that well.
                    Moreover, the characters were interesting in a really typical way. You would get the rough idea that one girl was fiercer than the other and that the other girl was more gentle. However, it could have been more distinguished to show more of a variety in the characters' attitudes to draw the reader in.
                    Nonetheless, like other reviews express, it is a fun book to read. Thus, I would purchase the sequel if I stumble across it, though I do not think I would hunt for it like I would for the books of Cassandra Clare.

My Overall Rate: 1.2/5

James Patterson - The Witch & Wizard

The Witch&Wizard and The Gift
Also by Gabrielle Charbonnet and Ned Rust
Unlike Patterson's other books, this series is particularly aimed at young teens, with the straight forward language and direct storyline.
                    The first time I had read the first book, I was constantly on the edge and could not wait for what would happen next! The storyline was easy to understand, though still incredibly tense.
                    In order to read the second book, I had re-read the first book. Although it was less exciting, the book appeared to end before I even realised. That especially happened with The Gift. Even though the books are relatively small in literal size and page length, the rate at which my mind goes along with the plot is amazing.
                    It is not really a book I would like to criticize on, but to read for pure joy and relaxation. Unlike other books where I push myself to predict what may happen and I think about all the possibilities that could take place, this book guides you along to what will happen. It doesn't narrate a story and leave you guessing the inevitable end, but it tells you a story worth listening to.

I intend to read the next book and I will update when I do. Hopefully, I will not have to re-read both of these books when I finally get my hands on The Fire.

My Overall Rate: 2.6/5

Laini Taylor - The Daughter of Smoke and Bone

The Daughter of Smoke and Bone
When I first saw this book in a shop full of numerous other books, it stood out to me and intrigued me ... and still does.
                    Beginning the book, the fact that the main female character is an art student from Prague really drew me in, as I am an art student too, so to be studying in Prague would be a dream come true. Anyway, romance was included in the first part, where Karou (a Japanese name too) dealt with her ex-boyfriend.
                    At that point, the writing style had already attracted me and I was only just discovering the storyline. Reading on, I think that at some parts, the story can be a little too slow progressing and too detailed, as all I wanted to know was what was going to happen next. However, the story was in a unique world where magic was used in the form of wishes, unlike other typical teenage/young adult fantasy books of vampires and angels (though this book involves angels as well). It explained the situation with the additional fantasy species well and the twists were difficult to comprehend and catch up with, nonetheless guess! So I guess it ticks the box for unpredictability!
                    The characters are well thought out in a way that was difficult to portray within the complicated storyline, so I would had loved to know more about certain characters. It must have been difficult to fit all that in though, as it was a pretty big book too.
                    Futhermore, I had initially thought it was a one-off book, but it seems like it's the first book in a planned trilogy... I've read online that it may become a film adaptation too, which would be interesting, though inevitably a kill-joy of the book. I cannot wait for the next book to come out to see where the climax of the war will go and where the characters will lead.

It will not be the perfect book for everyone, but I hope you understand how great it is from a different aspect than the typical teenage girl view.

My Overall Rate: 4.5/5
(Personal Rating: 4.98/5)

Lauren Kate - Torment

Torment
I had only bought this book because it was on sale in a shop. Otherwise, I would not had even thought of buying this as it struck me as an incredibly typical story of a girl and a boy and the boy has some supernatural magic power... And I was right. It was slightly strange as the girl did not appear perfect. In fact, she was so "special" that she had to go to a special school where she met her "soul mate".
                   The story was fast progressing, but it was not clever in building tension or setting an atmosphere or knowing where to stretch the moment. The writing style was not special in a way that I really liked or really hated. The storyline was not my cup of tea.
                    This book is one in three and I have bought the second and third before I had even began reading this book, though I am reluctant to carry on finishing the series. However, I dislike leaving a series hanging, so I will finish it, though only when I have finished all the other books I wish to read.

My Overall Rate: 1.5/5

L. J. Smith - The Forbidden Game

The Forbidden Game

I've always had some sort of ... opinion on L. J. Smith, that she could not write well, as I had read the Vampire Diaries and thought it was poorly written, however I have accepted that she can indeed write well. The book is fast progressing in a way that provides enough detail for the imagination to go wild. The storyline is also impressive. It would hold more tension and unpredictable twists, but the storyline is unique and fun in that way.

                   The characters are well portrayed and makes the typical teenage girl excited and gripping her seat for the next move of each person. The rules of magic and the setting of the characters are clear and concise, making the understanding of the situations easy. Although I think some circumstances were a little far fetched, it was well written enough to pull it off without too much trouble.

                   The ending was terrible for me, as I much preferred the character who ultimately lost the battle of love with the main female character. However, if I am not mistaken, I believe a sequel was due to be released, following the continuity of my favourite character, therefore I would recommend this book of L. J. Smith, but none of her other ones.

Instead of Cassandra Clare's books where I needed to concentrate, this book was more relaxing and fun than anything else. It was not a book to be judged on skill or technicalities, but of plot progression. Simply to know what happens next. 

My Overall Rate: 3/5

Cassandra Clare - The Infernal Devices

The Infernal Devices
Like Clare's first series, The Immortal Instruments, the storyline, writing style and structure of the book are brilliant. It's gripping and the tension is always there, on each and every page; you never wish to let go.
                    However, one downside for me was the romance. Indeed, a little love here and there is okay, but there were some "scenes" where the love from one character to another was too much and became what I call "indecent". Additionally, the girl, Tessa became like a character like the typical character of Bella from Twilight. Devoting herself to one man and then goes along killing the other. The romance side of the book almost overpowered the main storyline of the book and at one point, I though, "oh yeah! I forgot about him, where did he go?" I had been reading the book wherever I could fit it in: in short car journeys, whilst eating, in place of sleeping, getting up in the morning... Yet the main plot somehow became lost amongst all the chaos.

One of the many things I love about this series is that the main girl and guy can communicate through quotes from old English language texts of prose and poems which contain very deep meanings and gives the amazing atmosphere of the 19th Century.

The Clockwork Angel
Having read the book twice (once when it first came out and once before I read its sequel), I still think the plot of the story was very well planned out. I was still amazed at the gripping ideas when I read it for the second time, as I had forgotten all but the ending of the story.
                    Before I touch on the cliffhanger, I must say, the love story was very much concentrated on the two main characters, Will and Tessa, which made the book very sweet and enjoyable to read, however as it neared the end, a twist was seen, making me so eager to read the next book that I could hardly hold the frustration in at the date declared so far away.
                    The book ending did not regard the plot, but mainly the romance - or more suitable by saying character developments. Jem, the second main male character had not played that big a part in the first book.

The Clockwork Prince
This book was incredibly frustrating; not just the ending-- in fact, mainly the middle! The plot was slow progressing and did not improve much from the end of the first book, instead weakened the excitement of which the "good guys" may be able to beat the "bad guys". You'll understand what I mean when you've read it.
                    In this book is when the main female character, Tessa begins to become a "Bella". Also, this is when the main mystery about William Herondale is revealed, but Clare made the potential climax of the book lose its air, though its discovery was nonetheless significant in character development. I must admit, I could easily guess that typical romance plot and I would had expected more from Clare, considering her initial series of the Shadow World.
                    The ending of the book was strange and left many mysteries open, though it was not as appealing as the end of her other books. Love ended almost tragically - depending on whose side you are on, even more similar to Twilight - and the plot had not be involved much in this book of wasted love.

Regardless, I greatly recommend this series to read and I am still looking forward to the third book as a dedicated fan of Cassandra Clare. Her writing style is one of the many I adore, though at times it a paragraph or two appear slightly tedious.

My Overall Rate: 4.5/5