Divergent

Summary

In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves… or it might destroy her.
(Summary taken from the book.)

Afterthoughts
Hunger Games rip-off this is not, despite what some might say. Dystopians may have been given a boost after HG's success, but this book is its own.
Tris was a great character to read, giving the book a really good point-of-view. The reader is able to feel her angst over her decision and to emphasize with her struggles. I liked her relationship with Four and the mystery surrounding his character.
The ending of the this book shocked me in many ways. I felt as if each new development completely undermined my understanding of what was going on. I doubt many will anticipate the surprises at the end of this story! I really enjoyed reading it and appreciated the thought that went into this book. Definitely worth a read! (And make sure you check out the sequel, Insurgent!)

Warnings
Tris is accosted and groped at one point. It's nothing explicit and stays above the waist, but it pushes this book up to a PG-13 in my estimation.

Extras
Veronica Roth's Blog
Book Trailer:

The Book Thief

Summary

It’s just a small story really, about among other things: a girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist-fighter, and quite a lot of thievery. . . .

Set during World War II in Germany, Markus Zusak’s groundbreaking new novel is the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich. Liesel scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can’t resist–books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement before he is marched to Dachau.

This is an unforgettable story about the ability of books to feed the soul.


Afterthoughts
Most World War II books that I've read have been from the perspective of prisoners and victims of the German destruction. I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered that this book is the story of a German girl during the war. It added a new perspective and allows the reader to understand the hardships that German citizens faced.
The point-of-view for this book was my absolute favorite. Instead of a main character narrating, Death told the story through words and colors. This technique blew my mind and made the book extremely interesting.
The story, the narration, and the perspective created an enlightening and captivating story that I thoroughly enjoyed. 5 stars!

Warnings
Some language and violence.

Extras

Mark Zusak's Website

The Red Pyramid

Summary

Since their mother’s death, Carter and Sadie have become near strangers. While Sadie has lived with her grandparents in London, her brother has traveled the world with their father, the brilliant Egyptologist, Dr. Julius Kane.

One night, Dr. Kane brings the siblings together for a "research experiment" at the British Museum, where he hopes to set things right for his family. Instead, he unleashes the Egyptian god Set, who banishes him to oblivion and forces the children to flee for their lives.

Soon, Sadie and Carter discover that the gods of Egypt are waking, and the worst of them--Set--has his sights on the Kanes. To stop him, the siblings embark on a dangerous journey across the globe--a quest that brings them ever closer to the truth about their family, and their links to a secret order that has existed since the time of the pharaohs.
(Summary taken from the book.)


Afterthoughts
Egyptian mythology was a subject that I knew a little about before reading this book and subsequent series. I was able to learn a lot about Egyptians and mythology and enjoy a really action packed story, too!
I'm a huge fan of the Percy Jackson series, so I was excited to pick this book up and watch Riordan work his magic. I wasn't disappointed. This book definitely has a different feel from the Percy books, but it was still really good. The characters are relatable and enjoyable and there is plenty of humor mixed in with the adventure. The book ends with a really surprising twist, which is always welcomed. Overall, a great book.

Warnings
None.

Extras
Book trailer:

Rick Riordan's Blog

Peter and the Starcatchers

Summary

In an evocative and fast-paced adventure on the high seas and on a faraway island an orphan boy named Peter and his mysterious new friend, Molly, overcome bands of pirates and thieves in their quest to keep a fantastical secret safe and save the world from evil. Bestselling authors Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson have turned back the clock and revealed a wonderful story that precedes J. M. Barrie's beloved Peter Pan. Peter and the Starcatchers is brimming with richly developed characters from the scary but somehow familiar Black Stache and the ferocious Mister Grin to the sweet but sophisticated Molly and the fearless Peter. Page after page of riveting adventure take readers on a journey from the filthy, crime-ridden port of old England across the turbulent sea. Aboard the Never Land is a trunk that holds a magical substance that amazes—just a sprinkle and wounds heal and just a dusting and people can fly.

Roiling seas and dangerous thunderstorms are the backdrop for battles at sea. Bone-crushing waves eventually land our characters on Mollusk Island—where the action really heats up.

This impossible-to-put-down tale leads readers on an unforgettable journey fraught with danger yet filled with mystical and magical things.
(Summary taken from the book.)


Afterthoughts
Peter Pan spin-offs are a bit of a favorite of mine. I loved the background info that this book and series gave Peter and the other characters. There's adventure, daring, friendship, and laughter. I was riveted by the story and loved all of the following books. It stays pretty true to the original story and also gives it a unique flair. I highly recommend this book to young and old!

Warnings
None.

Extras
Interview with the authors:

The Runaway King

Summary
Just weeks after Jaron has taken the throne, an assassination attempt forces him into a deadly situation. Rumors of a coming war are winding their way between the castle walls, and Jaron feels the pressure quietly mounting within Carthya. Soon, it becomes clear that deserting the kingdom may be his only hope of saving it. But the further Jaron is forced to run from his identity, the more he wonders if it is possible to go too far. Will he ever be able to return home again? Or will he have to sacrifice his own life in order to save his kingdom?
(Summary taken from the book.)

***SPOILER ALERT: If you haven't read The False Prince, skip this post and come back after you have.***

Afterthoughts
GO OUT AND GET THIS BOOK!!!! You will not regret it!
I'm not one for talking about sequels (I don't want to give anything away), but, since I already blogged about The False Prince, I'm sharing this one.
The Runaway King was one of the best books I've read in a long time. Most sequels are hard for me to enjoy because they lack a true beginning and ending. This one, though, was brilliant!
I really enjoyed revisiting Jaron's character and kingdom. The story kept me guessing and kept the hero believable and relatable. I loved learning more about the young king and other characters. This is a book, and series, that I HIGHLY recommend. So, grab your keys and go get it now!!

Warnings
Some mild profanity.

Extras
The False Prince Movie!

Eragon

Summary
Fifteen-year-old Eragon believes that he is merely a poor farm boy- until his destiny as a Dragon Rider is revealed. Gifted with only an ancient sword, a loyal dragon, and sage advice from an old storyteller, Eragon is soon swept into a dangerous tapestry of magic, glory, and power. Now his choices could save - or destroy- the Empire.
(Summary taken from book.)

Afterthoughts
Eragon is and always will be one of my favorite books. Paolini, who wrote the book at 15, was my inspiration to write and I love every book in the Inheritance cycle.
The plot and setting of the story are very complex and accurate. Paolini creates a believable world with heroes that have limitations, but power, which, in my opinion, is the best kind of hero.There is plenty of action, adventure, romance, and magic, forming a fantastic experience that will prompt re-reads and nerdy discussions. Read it and you won't regret it.

Warnings
Some mild language and violence.

Extras

Marvelous fansite: shurtugal.com