Review: The Last Martin by Jonathan Friesen

Book Description:

ARC, 264 pages

March 29, 2011, Zonderkidz

There's always a Martin. One Martin. Martin Boyle already has plenty to worry about. His germaphobic mother keeps him home from school if she hears so much as a sneeze, and his father is always off somewhere reenacting old war battles. Julia, the most beautiful girl in school, won't even speak to Martin, and the gym teacher is officially out to get him. Which is why Martin really doesn't need this curse hanging over his head. On a trip to the family cemetery, Martin wanders among the tombstones of his ancestors and discovers a disturbing pattern: when one Martin is born, the previous Martin dies. And---just his luck---Martin's aunt is about to give birth to a baby boy, who will, according to tradition, be named Martin. Martin must find a way to break the curse, but every clue seems to lead to a dead end. And time is running out.

Source: Zondervan & Sara (Thank you!)

My Thoughts:

With the charm and humour of a cartoon, The Last Martin made me laugh, worry, paranoid and scared. Martin Boyle, a young teenager, was cursed. The countdown to his cousin’s birth was the countdown to his death. He has succumbed to the germ-free ways of his mom, hiding in his shell and keeping himself safe. To his school mates, he was the weird kid who never speaks, never gets in trouble – plain, ordinary and forgettable. Because he only had a few months left, he strived to enjoy life.

The characters were very fun and entertaining. Poole, a vagrant living in the boxcar in Martin's yard, taught him to be thankful. Poole was an orphan. He was interesting, funny, a little sarcastic, mischievous and grateful. He was a friend in hard times. Julia was the pretty girl who broke all the rules and spent most of her afternoons in detention. Charley, Martin’s best friend, used Martin’s story to impress Julia. He was what I would call dull and dumb. They all worked on OSM – Operation Save Martin. On the day of his cousin’s birth, Martin started getting weak. With the help of his friends, his prose and his hope, could he really undo the curse before it’s too late?

Martin’s parents, despite their imperfections were good and loving. His paranoid mom wanted him safe from all kinds of harm including harm that can be given by germs. His dad wanted him to be a man, to have a backbone, be strong and to face the consequences of his actions. I did not like how the adults in this novel refused to believe Martin. I know that sometimes it does happen in real life – adults ignoring the truth from their children’s mouths. It was unrealistic that they could not see the pattern of deaths when kids could see it. If I were to experience that, it would have been the most terrifying thing ever because your parents would be the first to understand and believe you.

The Last Martin was not just about Martin’s upcoming death and fate but it was also about Martin growing up and learning to live life to the fullest. Funny, entertaining and engrossing, this kept me up at night with its suspenseful race against time and death. A wonderful MG read about friendship, family, life and consequences.

Rating:

Book Blogger Hop (16)

 

Hi everyone! It’s time for another blog hop! As you all know, Book Blogger Hop is a weekly event that gives readers and bloggers the chance to get to know other people who share their passion and interests, as well as to discover blogs. Join the Hop!

This week’s question is:

"If you could physically put yourself into a book or series...which one would it be and why?"

 

There are lots of series that I would love to be in! But I'm just going to choose three series. My favorites.

#1: The Iron Fey Series by Julie Kagawa. Why? Action, romance, suspense, danger, betrayal and magic everywhere?? Why not?

 

 

#2: Caster Chronicles by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl. I would love to be a part of this magical and beautiful world - the Tunnels! 

#3: The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare. Would love to kick demon butt! Everything in TMI is exciting and heartpounding.

What's your answer? Please share the links to your posts below so I can visit too!

Welcome to Fragments of Life! Look around and if you like it, stick around. :)

Winners of In the Storm by Karen Metcalf

Hi everyone! It’s been two weeks since I posted In the Storm giveaway and for a few days no one has been entering anymore so I decided to close it early instead of March 31!

Three people will win free ebooks of In the Storm by Karen Metcalf, provided be Vagabondage Press.

Random.org has spoken…

7-10-1

7 – Carina L. Tai

10 – Smileforidk

1 – Brodie

Congrats to the winners! I will be sending you an email after posting this!
I hope you like In the Storm! 

Review: Falling Under by Gwen Hayes

Book Description:

Paperback, 324 pages

Published March 1, 2011 by New American Library

Theia Alderson has always led a sheltered life in the small California town of Serendipity Falls. But when a devastatingly handsome boy appears in the halls of her school, Theia knows she's seen Haden before- not around town, but in her dreams.

As the Haden of both the night and the day beckons her closer one moment and pushes her away the next, the only thing Theia knows for sure is that the incredible pull she feels towards him is stronger than her fear.

And when she discovers what Haden truly is, Theia's not sure if she wants to resist him, even if the cost is her soul.

Source: New American Library & Kayleigh (Thank you!)

My Thoughts:

Falling Under reminded me of Alice in Wonderland, like most books recently, especially with the maze and the merrymaking in Theia’s dreams. The world in Theia’s dreams not only looked real but it felt real. There, she encountered Haden, devastatingly gorgeous with mischief and dark promises in his eyes. But underneath that there was sadness in him that drew Theia in. The attraction she felt was genuine, she was in no way compelled, and that just made things more difficult and complicated because Haden was not safe for her. Despite all the things she and her father did to make sure that she did not follow her mother’s wild ways, will Theia give it up for Haden?

The worlds that Hayes created in Falling Under were mesmerizing. Theia’s world revolved around Serendipity falls, her school, her friend, her music, her father’s rules and her vivid dreams. There were cliques in the school as well. The Sneetches, the rich and the popular, were present. Then there were people like Theia and her friends, Amelia and Donny. Amelia was her Korean friend who was into tarot cards, crystal ball and metaphysical things. Donny was the sexy and irresistible of their trio. I admired their friendship and how they accepted each other and adjusted despite their differences. The other world, the one that Theia and Haden shared in her sleep was colorful, weird, and frightening. It was filled with surprises and horrors.

When Theia met Haden in school as the new kid, things started to spiral out of control. As the dreams with Haden continued, Theia developed a sense of confusion about him. He was hot then cold, pulling her in only to push her away the next minute. When Haden finally confesses what he really was and what his intentions for being in her world were, things started to get worse. Unpredictable, thrilling and sinister, Falling Under was a joy to read. It has humour, sarcasm, danger and romance in it.

Falling Under is romantic, mysterious, disturbing and addicting. It is a tale about making sacrifices, discerning reality and facing the consequences of actions and decisions. It was filled with twists and turns that I really enjoyed. I recommend this to fans of paranormal romance.

Rating:

Review: Purple Daze by Sherry Shahan

Book Description:

Purple Daze is a young adult novel set in suburban Los Angeles in 1965. Six high school students share their experiences and feelings in interconnected free verse and traditional poems about war, feminism, riots, love, racism, rock 'n' roll, high school, and friendship.

Although there have been verse novels published recently, none explore the changing and volatile 1960's in America-- a time when young people drove a cultural and political revolution. With themes like the costs and casualties of war, the consequences of sex, and the complex relationships between teens, their peers, and their parents, this story is still as relevant today as it was 45 years ago.

Source: Running Press & Nicole (Thank you!)

My Thoughts:

Purple Daze was a collection of a hundred moments in one book, written from six points of views, bits of poems, journal entries, letters and historical speeches. A group of friends made up of three girls, three boys were the stars of this novel: Ziggy, Cheryl, Nancy, Mickey, Don and Phil. The war and the revolution affected these people.

What I really liked about Purple Daze was that the author was able to capture my attention through her words. I was able to understand what happened in 1965-1966 and I was able to experience it. I felt for Ziggy, Cheryl, Phil and Nancy. This novel showed that despite all the changes that happened throughout the years, some things just never change. I found love, war, betrayal, pain, hesitation, sadness and rejection in this novel.

It was hard to put this down when I got into the story which was almost right away. I was intrigued with what was happening to the characters. The six characters were involved in different stages of relationships. Ziggy and Mickey were what I would say a temporary couple out for fun and sex. Cheryl and Don were in a somewhat chaste and serious relationship. Cheryl did not want to give up her virginity just yet despite the pressure. Nancy and Phil were not exactly a couple but they have feelings for each other. It got worse when Phil served in the army. Cheryl, Phil and Mickey were the ones I got to read about the most. They wrote each other. I found myself looking forward to read Phil’s letters. To read how Phil was doing, being stuck there, fighting and ducking for his life while worrying and being sad because Nancy has stopped writing him. The tension and awkwardness between Ziggy and Mickey increased when Ziggy kept asking him about their future. I found it sad and heartbreaking that she wanted to have a family with someone who did not want to.

Purple Daze is a quick read, a glimpse into the past and a realistic representation of a hundred persons, emotions, thoughts and intentions. I recommend this to people who like historical novels and to people who like novels in verse.

Rating:

 

Waiting on Wednesday: The Eleventh Plague + Juliet Immortal + Glow

This week I have a Triple Treat Waiting on Wednesday for you! There are just too many books to pick just one.

 

The Eleventh Plague by Jeff Hirsch

Publication Date: September 1, 2011

Published by: Scholastic

“With its crumbling Starbucks and rusting theme parks, The Eleventh Plague hits disturbingly close to home, vividly depicting a world that has nose-dived into a futuristic nightmare. Fifteen-year-old Stephen Quinn struggles to define his rules of survival in Jeff Hirsch’s excellent, taut debut novel.” — Suzanne Collins, author of The Hunger Games

In an America devastated by war and plague, the only way to survive is to keep moving.

In the aftermath of a war, America’s landscape has been ravaged and two thirds of the population left dead from a vicious strain of influenza. Fifteen-year-old Stephen Quinn and his family were among the few that survived and became salvagers, roaming the country in search of material to trade for food and other items essential for survival.

But when Stephen’s grandfather dies and his father falls into a coma after an accident, Stephen finds his way to Settler’s Landing, a community that seems too good to be true, where there are real houses, barbecues, a school, and even baseball games. Then Stephen meets strong, defiant, mischievous Jenny, who refuses to accept things as they are. And when they play a prank that goes horribly wrong, chaos erupts, and they find themselves in the midst of a battle that will change Settler’s Landing forever.

Why I Chose This:

I love dystopian novels! Look at the amazing blurb at the top by Suzanne Collins. She called this excellent! Wow. That is really something that will pull readers in. There’s also something with the rusting theme parks that I like. It has a creepy, abandoned vibe that I like.

Juliet Immortal by Stacey Jay

Publication Date: September 13, 2011

Published by: Delacorte Press

"These violent delights have violent ends
And in their triumph die, like fire and powder,
Which as they kiss consume."
—Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

The most tragic love story in history . . .

Juliet Capulet didn't take her own life. She was murdered by the person she trusted most, her new husband, Romeo Montague, a sacrifice made to ensure his own immortality. But what Romeo didn't anticipate was that Juliet would be granted eternity, as well, and would become an agent for the Ambassadors of Light. For 700 years, she's fought Romeo for the souls of true lovers, struggling to preserve romantic love and the lives of the innocent. Until the day she meets someone she's forbidden to love, and Romeo, oh Romeo, will do everything in his power to destroy that love.

Why I Chose This:

I’m not that crazy about Romeo & Juliet. But I did read it. Now, Stacey Jay makes everything about the classic tale exciting. Betrayal, love, destruction and rivalry? I want!

Glow by Amy Kathleen Ryan

Publication Date: September 27, 2011

Published by: St. Martin’s Griffin

What if you were bound for a new world, about to pledge your life to someone you'd been promised to since birth, and one unexpected violent attack made survival—not love—the issue?

Out in the murky nebula lurks an unseen enemy: the New Horizon. On its way to populate a distant planet in the wake of Earth's collapse, the ship's crew has been unable to conceive a generation to continue its mission. They need young girls desperately, or their zealous leader's efforts will fail. Onboard their sister ship, the Empyrean, the unsuspecting families don't know an attack is being mounted that could claim the most important among them...

Fifteen-year-old Waverly is part of the first generation to be successfully conceived in deep space; she was born on the Empyrean, and the large farming vessel is all she knows. Her concerns are those of any teenager—until Kieran Alden proposes to her. The handsome captain-to-be has everything Waverly could ever want in a husband, and with the pressure to start having children, everyone is sure he's the best choice. Except for Waverly, who wants more from life than marriage—and is secretly intrigued by the shy, darkly brilliant Seth.

But when the Empyrean faces sudden attack by their assumed allies, they quickly find out that the enemies aren't all from the outside.

Glow is the most riveting series debut since The Hunger Games, and promises to thrill and challenge readers of all ages.

Why I Chose This:

I just found out about this last Monday. A fellow blogger added it to Goodreads and I was drawn to the cover.. the “O” specifically. After I read the synopsis, I was excited. I’m not much of a sci-fi fan but there’s something in this that really attracted me. Maybe it was the hinting at the love triangle, the impending doom or the last sentence where it said that it promises to thrill and challenge readers. 

What about you? Do you have a book you’re waiting for? Leave your link below so I can see too!

Nickel Plated Blog Tour: Interview with Aric Davis

Hi everyone! I’m fortunate enough to be a part of this tour I joined Teen Book Scene a month or so ago. This tour is for Nickel Plated by Aric Davis. I have an interview for you guys. I didn’t ask my usual questions so I hope this is different from all my other interviews.

Q: Nickel seems to be a little bit of bad and good at the same time. How do you manage to balance these two sides of his personality? 

A: We’re all bad and good, and middle school aged children tend to meet these criteria better than anyone, they can be evil little creatures.  The fact that he’s so angry, so furious with the world that he wants to be fire, yet knows that going too far is wrong, is his calling card.  Nickel is mad at adults, there’s only been one that didn’t let him down and that man is dead.  To make up for it, he talks with his father’s name in his mouth and has the man’s beliefs on his sleeve.  Nickel is not perfect, far from it, but he tries his best to be fair.  As silly as it sounds, I just let the kid talk, he does well enough on his own.  

Q: What makes your thriller different aside from your character?  

A: Most writers shy away from this stuff in YA fiction.  I decided to embrace the darkness.  Nickel could live in the pages of a book that had him meet the love of his life, but there are issues...he’s not that kind of a character.  Much of modern YA has torn clear of the roots unintentionally built by Salinger and Lee, to become a breeding ground for limp wristed, gothic romance.  I believe that with Nickel I’m telling a story to young adults that does not talk down to them, and brings back real risk. 

Q: Human trafficking is a really big problem and selling of children is a part of this. Through your book, people will see this. Did you intend this? Why?   

 

A: Absolutely.  Anything I can do to get people, especially young people, thinking about these problems is a victory.  We learn as kids not to talk to strangers, to stop, drop, and roll, and to make sure a parent checks our candy on Halloween.  With all of the new avenues of introduction available to predators, our children need more, and being enraged, not afraid, is a wonderful defense.  Not trusting is fine, fighting back when all other options are exhausted is even better.  Adults who prey on children are cowards, and I’d love to hear of more kids making war when it mattered most.  There are not enough sex offenders missing an eye. 

Q: When you started writing Nickel Plated, did you really plan to explore the dark side of society? Why or why not?  

A: I did.  To me, there is nothing more interesting when writing fiction than the underbelly of modern society.   The fact of the matter is, a book about a well adjusted boy who has no problems is boring, a book about a person who walks into a battle with the world is interesting, no matter where he’s from or what his name is.  It’s the conflict that makes the characters breathe, in my opinion. 

Q: Being a victim of fate, what is the most important lesson that Nickel has learned? 

A:  Keep your hands up, chin down, and expectations low.

Thank you, Aric & Teen Book Scene!