Code Name Verity

Summary
Oct. 11th, 1943-A British spy plane crashes in Nazi-occupied France. Its pilot and passenger are best friends. One of the girls has a chance at survival. The other has lost the game before it's barely begun.
When "Verity" is arrested by the Gestapo, she's sure she doesn't stand a chance. As a secret agent captured in enemy territory, she's living a spy's worst nightmare. Her Nazi interrogators give her a simple choice: reveal her mission or face a grisly execution.

As she intricately weaves her confession, Verity uncovers her past, how she became friends with the pilot Maddie, and why she left Maddie in the wrecked fuselage of their plane. On each new scrap of paper, Verity battles for her life, confronting her views on courage, failure and her desperate hope to make it home. But will trading her secrets be enough to save her from the enemy?

Afterthoughts
Wow. I am blown away by the beauty and emotional journey this book took me through. Initially, I hated the main character. This was a completely foreign feeling for me, as I had never felt such dislike for a main character before. Verity's cowardice disgusted me, partially, I think, because cowardice is a fear of mine. The story was intriguing but confusing, because I couldn't see the point to it.
Then, it picked up pace and blew me away. Once I reached the end and everything came together made sense, I was appalled at my initial feelings. But, enough about that before I give stuff away.
The relationship between the protagonists is beautiful, warming and breaking my heart at the same time. The twist in the story was completely unexpected and I spent the last pages in tears.
Please read this book, it will never be something you regret.

Warnings
Violence (including torture) and language (including a few F-words).

Extras
Author's Site

Adjusting

Hello Readers!!

I have recently finished my past semester of college, and the class that required me to have this blog, and I am contemplating adjustments to this blog. I didn't think I would enjoy blogging, but, to my surprise, I did!
So, I've decided to keep blogging to see what becomes of it. But, instead of just doing Children's and Young Adult books and trying to blog once a week, I'm going to blog about the books I read this summer as I finish them.
Here's a preview of some of the books I'm planning to read:

• The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
• The Fault in Our Stars by John Green (My first John Green read-super excited!)
• Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (A read inspired by BBC's Sherlock. A great show, you should check it out!)
• And many, many more...

So, dear readers, if you have enjoyed my reviews so far, please stay tuned and let me know what you like and don't like. I'm new at this, and know I probably have few readers, but I want to cater to those involved. Comment on anything you want: constructive criticism, memories sparked by reads, suggestions for other books, the current weather in your city, or the color of the mug you're drinking from. I welcome it all.

Adieu and God bless!
Emily

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