Mini-Reviews: Trilogies that are finished at last!

I have been following several trilogies that ended this spring. While some of the finales were satisfying and some were not, I love being able to cross them off my list!

The Goddess Inheritance by Aimee Carter (The Goddess Test series)

I lost steam with this series. Initially, I was very excited about this retelling of the Persephone myth, but the plot of each story seemed to become more and more muddled. I found Kate's attraction to Henry to be far-fetched, and the world building also felt somewhat scattered and disorganized. While I enjoyed seeing a new imagining of a myth, ultimately this series did not deliver for me. I think the main highlight for me was Kate's love for her son, something that doesn't often come up in young adult fiction.

2.5 stars

Warnings: Violence, mild innuendo, possibly some mild language

Sever by Lauren DeStefano (The Chemical Garden series)

I think The Chemical Garden trilogy has long stood out for its lovely covers. I also found the subject matter intriguing on multiple levels -- the human race is dying out early due to a failed attempt to genetically engineer a disease-free world. Rhine has been kidnapped and married to a wealthy young man, along with two other "brides," to continue the human race. However, her husband Linden's father, Vaughan, has some sinister intentions.

I think this series is well-done. Lauren Destefano writes vividly. The plot is interesting and fast-paced. The book causes discomfort and introspection with the odd situation of three young women sharing a husband. I definitely enjoyed Sever the most of all the books -- it is lighter, and I feel that we finally have the chance to really understand some of the main characters (especially Cecily). However, for some reason the plot points of these books do not last long in my mind. I definitely enjoy them while I am reading, but they aren't especially memorable for me after the fact.

3.5 stars

Warnings: Mild innuendo, some language, disturbing themes

Reached by Ally Condie (Matched series)

Reached was a final book that I wasn't sure would be satisfying. While I'd enjoyed Matched, Crossed had left me very dissatisfied, and I wasn't sure where Condie was going with the series. I think Reached was better than Crossed. It evaluated some important themes, such as how your heart can exist in two places at once, and whether a revolution will actually bring peace. I also enjoyed the medical aspect of this novel -- it was interesting to read about the research, the mutations of the disease that dominates most of the plot, and the way Cassia's ability to sort plays into everything. I definitely liked it. Again, like Sever, it hasn't really lasted with me, but it was an enjoyable read, and I think the ending was satisfying.

3.5 stars

Warnings: Mildly disturbing themes and violence

Requiem by Lauren Oliver (Delirium series)

The ending to the Delirium trilogy, Requiem, has been heartily disliked by most of the reviewers I know. I approached reading the last book with trepidation. Delirium and Pandemonium had both been powerful and completely devastating, and I wanted some kind of satisfaction at the end of Requiem. I will say that in some ways that resolution is frustrating, but I do think that the ending is right for the trilogy. I won't say more -- I don't want to spoil it -- but I think the end illustrates the entire message of the trilogy.  

Ending aside, Requiem was probably my least favorite of the trilogy. Much of the book was spent on the run and strategizing, which generally doesn't hold my interest well. However, I enjoyed the different tensions between all of the characters -- romantic, familial, political, friendships -- they are what truly made this book. I also really loved having Hana's perspective. I loved her character in Delirium and was gratified at her return in Requiem. I certainly loved the trilogy and will probably reread it at some point. (Anyone know if the TV show is going to take off?)

4 stars

Warnings: Violence, language, innuendo

Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare (Infernal Devices series)

You guys. I can't be rational about this trilogy. I can't even attempt it. It began with Clockwork Angel, which I thought sounded extremely weird but which enough people encouraged me to read that I gave it a chance. I was shocked at how much I loved it. It continued with Clockwork Prince, where my heartstrings were tugged to the breaking point. I have been so antsy for Clockwork Princess, and I have to say it surpassed all my expectations. It was incredible. The way everything worked out was so satisfying, and yet there were no cop-outs. The characters had to make sacrifices and suffer intense, emotional and physical pain, but the way things worked out ultimately had me regaling my husband with the entire plot (he is a very patient man). I also love the way Cassandra Clare worked in so much literature. The quotes at the beginning of each chapter were perfect, and I also love the way literature defines Will and Tessa's relationship. In some ways, this book is a guilty pleasure, with all of its love triangle drama and gratuitous demon destruction (um, Mr. Lightwood, anyone?), but there is definitely intelligence behind the thrills. And honestly, any book that makes one so full of squee is worth reading, in my opinion. I purposely have held off on The Mortal Instruments until I finished this series, and now I must say that I am dying to dive in (although I will definitely miss the steampunk element of The Infernal Devices). 

5 stars

Warnings: Gratuitous demon destruction, some of it gory; a non-explicit bedroom scene, mild language

Mini-Reviews: Fantasy and Dystopian

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

I'm giving Fahrenheit 451 away for World Book Night this year, and since it has been many, many years since I first read it, I thought it was time for a reread. I would imagine most people are familiar with the story because it is required reading in so many schools, but just in case you aren't -- it is set in the future, in a world where books are outlawed and firemen burn down the houses where they are discovered. People are obsessed with their "parlor wall" TVs and go to sleep with "seashells" burrowed in their ears -- sound at all familiar? It definitely rang a little too true for comfort for me the first time I read it.

Fahrenheit 451 isn't really an enjoyable book to read, but it has an important message. And of course, book lovers will all agree that it is important to keep books, to keep the ideas alive, to not succumb to the mindlessness of  meaningless pleasure-seeking.

4 stars

Warnings: Some language

Child of the Prophecy by Juliet Marillier

Okay, so I've loved all the Sevenwaters books so far, but Child of the Prophecy might be my very favorite one. (Although it is hard to beat Daughter of the Forest, if only because it was first and it was so near perfection). Juliet Marillier's writing is so beautiful and satisfying, and I love the world she has created/channeled (because it is ancient Ireland, with some magic thrown in). Reading her books feels like I am literally transported into the story -- I know that is a cliche way to describe a reading experience, but it became a cliche because it described the feeling so well.

Of course, all of these things refer generally to the trilogy. What specifically made me love this book so much was the fact that every character has two faces. Everyone is so complex, and the characters are forced to make difficult, difficult decisions. The protagonist, Fainne, makes some very serious, awful mistakes. Characters that are pretty universally seen as "the good guys" have some dark actions in their pasts. And even one of the slimiest characters in the novel does something so honorable and tragic that I  felt guilty for thinking he was a sleazy guy. So basically, go read it. But read the first two books first.

5 stars

Warnings: Rapey scene, violence

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

If you thought the last review was gushy, you should probably go ahead and just skip this one. Except don't, because I want to convince everyone in the world to read this book. 

My first experience with Maggie Stiefvater was The Scorpio Races. And I loved it, despite the extremely bizarre subject matter. (Sean Kendrick may or may not have had more than a little something to do with that). After reading The Raven Boys, it is now official -- I will read anything that woman writes. 

I finished The Raven Boys in a 24-hour period, mainly while rocking my son to sleep. And during that 24 hour period, I almost wanted him to wake up and fuss so I had an excuse to go back in and rock him some more. Honestly, The Raven Boys was a perfect book for me. The atmosphere was exquisitely created, this perfect mix of haunting, chilling eeriness and beauty. The characters were all so poignant and alive, despite the fact that the book really isn't that long. The leaped from the page (another cliche that I am using unabashedly, because after all, this is supposed to be a mini-review, so it's not like I'm trying to write epic literature here). And the plot was so unique and so awesome that I was dying to find out what happens next. Bring me The Dream Thieves, please. 

5 stars

Warnings: Language, violence

The Girl With the Iron Touch by Kady Cross

I can't get enough of the Steampunk Chronicles. They are honestly just some of the most fun books that I have ever read. There are bizarre gadgets and menacing, creepy otherworld influences and dashing heroes and spunky, fierce heroines and it is just full of awesome. Is it brilliant literature? No. Is the dialogue sometimes cheesy? Oh yes. But I dare you to not enjoy The Girl With the Iron Touch.

4 stars

Warnings: Violence, rated PG fantasizing

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

I read this because there was a huge billboard of the movie right by where I live (gotta love LA) and because it was cheap on Amazon (so, so many book purchases happen because of this. They know what they are doing, those monopolizers). Anyway, I had no idea what this was about, so I'll summarize it for you in a brief fashion: Boy meets girl. Girl belongs to a family of witches. Witches are cursed and are "Claimed" for good or evil on their sixteenth birthday. Girl is sure she is going to be evil, but boy really likes her, so they decide to figure out how to change her fate.

I liked this -- I pretty much devoured it (and it is pretty beastly long). I have the sequel waiting at the top of my stack of library books. It has a unique setting, awesome atmosphere, and fun characters. At times it dragged, and Lena's constant freaking out grew old (which sounds harsh... I'd be freaking out too. But sometimes I got tired of reading about it). But for the most part, I really liked it, and I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.

3.75 stars

Warnings: Language maybe? A little violence. It's pretty clean overall.

Super Series Saturday: The Steampunk Chronicles by Kady Cross

Guys, I have a geeky confession -- I totally, completely adore the steampunk genre. So far, I've only had one negative experience with any steampunk book. In general, the atmosphere and the creativity of the stories I've found are completely up my alley, and the first two books in Kady Cross's Steampunk Chronicles series have been no exception.

The Girl in the Steel Corset


In the first book, we meet Finley Jayne, a servant girl who, when attacked by her lusty employer, takes him out in a matter of minutes. Finley doesn't understand why she is able to switch into a state of mind and body where her small frame is able to take on opponents much larger than she is -- or why she seems to be in a dark, evil frame of mind when it happens. But some of her questions begin to be answered when she runs in to the handsome Griffin King, Lord of Greythorne, who has some surprising insights about her past and about the evolution of the world in general. Soon Finley and Griffin, along with a supporting cast of memorable characters, are embroiled in a plot to steal the most valuable substance in the world and attack Queen Victoria.

First of all, I loved the atmosphere of this book. As I've mentioned before, something about dark, gloomy London streets and fancy gowns mixed with bizarre technologies and machines really interests me. Kady Cross does well with incorporating elements of the real Victorian world with the imaginary technologies she has created. The main components of that world are Organites, small creatures that enhance healing, give machines sentient powers, and cause those who are exposed to them to evolve new abilities, and the Aether, the mystical world beyond that which is seen and the final resting place of dead spirits. Both elements, while mysterious, are consistent in the story and allow for many interesting occurrences and objects.

I also completely enjoy the characters. Griffin's misfit band are all possessed of interesting abilities, and they are all fascinating and endearing in their own way, from Emily, the tiny, fiery Irish genius whose inventions power all of the group's exploits, to the large and brooding Sam, who is bitter about the parts of his body that are mechanical, to the quick-witted (and moving), handsome Jasper, an American with a mysterious past. The characters are placed in a plot that is complementary to their awesomeness -- the action is well-paced and interesting.

My one quibble with the book is at times the writing, particularly the dialogue. The characters often seem as if they are trying to hard to explain things, and the dialogue can be stilted. However, other than this the tale is exciting and well-done, and I could hardly put it down until I finished.

The Girl in the Clockwork Collar


The Girl in the Clockwork Collar picks up where The Girl in the Steel Corset leaves off, with Griffin, Finley, Emily and Sam worrying about Jasper and headed to America to help him. Once they reach America, they learn about some of the issues from Jasper's past that have been haunting him, including a beautiful Chinese girl named Mei (Mei Xing, in full -- say that together and you'll get it) who is imprisoned in a clockwork collar that tightens to suffocate her if she leaves the house where she is imprisoned. Jasper is required by some old "friends" to find the pieces of a machine and reassemble it, or Mei's life is on the line. Meanwhile, Griffin's crew begin spending time with the genius Tesla, trying to learn more about his machines and their connection with the Aether. All the pieces come together with a shocking finish at the end.

Honestly, The Girl in the Clockwork Collar follows very consistently from the first book in the series. It too has a captivating plot, and may even one-up the first book in the series by incorporating more heart-wrenching moments of tragedy and emotion. Kady Cross continues to incorporate fascinating new characters, like Wildcat, the feisty, long-canined outlaw who harbors a flame for Jasper, and Dalton, the handsome and devilish leader of the gang Jasper used to belong to. We also are exposed to new inventions, including those belonging to Emily as well as new inventions from Tesla. We are further enmeshed in the questions of just what the organites can do and how they affect those exposed to them. The Girl in the Clockwork Collar was, in short, a very satisfying second book, which is a difficult feat to accomplish. It's main flaw is the same as that of The Girl in the Steel Corset -- at times it suffers from cheesy and somewhat forced dialogue.

However, in general I found this read to be thoroughly satisfying, and I am definitely looking forward to the next installment in the series.

3.75 stars

YA Friday: Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

Title: Clockwork Prince
Author: Cassandra Clare
Series: The Infernal Devices #2
Genre: YA, fantasy, paranormal, steampunk
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2011
Source: Library
Read for: fun

***SPOILERS FOR CLOCKWORK ANGEL ARE FAIR GAME***

Tessa and the London Institute survived Mortmain's attack, but now, they must deal with the aftermath. Tessa deals with the pain of Will's rejection, while Jem seems to grow more and more affectionate. She also attempts to uncover the secret of her past, and what exactly she is. Meanwhile, Will is finding that old wounds haven't healed nearly as well as he likes to pretend, so he goes about finding a way to heal them once and for all. At the Institute, Charlotte's role as leader is threatened, and the Enclave gives the Shadowhunters an ultimatum that seems almost impossible. And, of course, Mortmain is lurking around the edges, disrupting life in myriad ways. 

I have very mixed experiences with second books. The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien? Not favorite. Crossed by Ally Condie? All right, but way less enjoyable to me than Matched. In fact, the only second book I can think of off the top of my head is New Moon by Stephenie Meyer, and that is because I am Team Jacob all the way. Even before he got abs. But let's not talk about Twilight here. 

Clockwork Prince, while unable to escape completely from second book syndrome, was stellar, in my opinion. Not a literary masterpiece, not going to change the world, perhaps, but for what it was -- a chunky, thrilling, entertainer of an adventure -- it was great. While many questions from the first book are left unresolved, we do get closure on some questions, giving some satisfaction. And while it does leave with a cliffhanger, I've come to expect that. It doesn't even bother me anymore (thank you, YA literature, for always coming in threes and teaching me a lesson that I never heed -- don't read the trilogy until all books are available). I think I can comfortably say Clockwork Prince was certainly one of the more satisfying second novels I've read in a long time. 

Shall we delve? Let's talk about the plot first, because I have an anecdote. And we all know that is what professional reviewers include in their reviews (if you are here looking for a professional review, you should already know that you've come to the wrong place). The plot was exciting, feeding me just enough information to keep me from throwing the book down in frustration, but not much more. The day after I began this book, my nursing class was practicing IVs on each other (you thought I was kidding when I said nursing school is sadistic?) and for whatever reason, I was not having it. I'm usually okay about needle sticks, but I was literally about to throw up from nervousness. I think I must not have gotten enough sleep. I asked if I could read my book while they poked me, and I hardly felt a thing. Thus, the power of entertainment. But I digress. I have heard many say that this book is too wordy, and at 528 pages, they certainly have evidence to support that. I didn't find all the verbage too heavy, however -- I still moved through at a fast pace and didn't find myself too bogged down. There are certainly some passages that could have been clipped down, but I think Cassandra Clare was trying to have her characters speak in a more old-fashioned, ornate style. And I think it worked just fine. 

Next, the romance. Love triangle haters, steer clear -- but I think if we all are honest, there is a reason they seem to be present in every novel these days. While the device may be overused these days, I still enjoy the drama it presents. In Clockwork Angel, we see the beginnings of a love triangle with Tessa, Will, and Jem, but Will pretty obviously takes center stage in Tessa's affections. However, in Clockwork Prince, Jem starts to edge more firmly into the picture, and I loved it. Jem is the perfect man, (other than the frustrating fact that he is dying and stays alive by taking an addictive drug) with his silver hair, musical ability, sensitivity, and mad-fighting ability, and I felt that I became much better acquainted with him in Clockwork Prince. Although, we also get much better acquainted with Will, and he continues to be frustratingly attractive in this book. And the drama builds... and builds... and builds. While in Clockwork Angel, the situation was basically angst, angst, angst, kissing, and then infinite angst, in Clockwork Prince, the situation is angst, angst, angst, plot, revelation, kissing, pondering, kissing, plot, angst. There is a bit more depth smattered amongst all of the angst. 

I had a slightly difficult time believing in their absolute passion for Tessa, considering that she may or may not be a warlock, and doesn't actually do that much other than almost die a few times. However, Cassandra Clare does try to fit her into another stereotype by having her learn some bad-a heroine fighting skills, along with Sophie. I like Tessa, don't get me wrong, but I do think her suitors are slightly  above her caliber. But maybe I'm just jealous. 

We also get to know Magnus Bane much, much better. I have heard that he is a prominent figure in the series following this one. I have not read that one yet, because the idea reading both at once while both are unfinished is too much for me to fathom. 

I also adore the juxtaposition of Sidney Carton with Will. Little known fact: when I read Clockwork Angel, I had started A Tale of Two Cities and didn't know how it ended. I was reading them simultaneously, but finished Clockwork Angel first. Going into Clockwork Prince with a better understanding of the character of Sidney made Will a much more intriguing and powerful character to me. I thought it was well done and fascinating.

One final gushing comment. The steampunk atmosphere of Clockwork Angel continues to deliver in Clockwork Prince, and, if you can believe it, may be my favorite part of the whole novel. If you enjoy steampunk, I think you will find something to love in Clockwork Prince. The series was the introduction to the genre for me, and I am very happy to have found it. If you are looking for an emotional, entertaining adventure, you should love Clockwork Prince.

4.25 stars

Warnings: Violence, some heavy making out

YA Friday: Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Title: Clockwork Angel

Author: Cassandra Clare

Genre: YA, steampunk, fantasy

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry, 2010

Source: Library

Tessa never thought she had magic powers - not until, upon leaving her home in America to go to London, she is kidnapped by two twisted women who force her to change shape. Confused about why she is there and from whence her power stems, Tessa becomes caught up in a complicated underworld of vampires, warlocks, werewolves, and, more than anything, the Nephilim - mysterious demon-hunters with angelic lineage who fight to rid the world of demons.

I have to be honest - I read this book a month ago. I am grievously behind in my YA reviews, as I post them only once a week but occasionally read them more frequently than that. Hopefully I will still be able to do this book justice.

To be honest, when I started out, I was concerned about where this would go. Yes, I read Twilight, and I enjoy the occasional medieval fantasy, but this dark, demon-infested world is territory I don't usually traverse. However, I stuck with it and soon became completely swept up in Ms. Clare's fascinating world. I think one of the unwritten rules for writing a good fantasy is to create the whole world, complete with rules, geography, and customs. While all of this may not find its way into the story, it has to be there for it to be believable and consistent. Clockwork Angel had this world, fully realized. Ms. Clare held secrets about the world tantalizingly over my head, making my eager to read more and find out what would happen next.

I also thought the characters were excellent, which is usually the deciding factor for me. If I were to pick a favorite, it would have to be Jessamine, the spoiled, prissy girl that hates violence and wants nothing more than a life of beautiful dresses and adoration. She is obnoxious and patronizing but beneath it all, the girl has a backbone, and I enjoyed her reluctant fighting scenes. I also thought Ms. Clare did an excellent job with the requisite paranormal romance love triangle - the boys were very different, and each compelling in their own way. Will is handsome, angry, and passionate - the perfect "bad boy." Jem is sensitive, understanding, and tragic - the "good guy" that we can't help but hope will get the girl (although we don't find out who will win out in this installment). They both have secrets of their own, some which are revealed and others which are held off until the next book.

I do have a complaint with the relationships in the book - they were predictable. Even the minor characters' inclinations were very obvious, leaving little room for suspense. Other aspects of the plot, such as the characters' secrets and certain plot twists, were surprising to me, but I did wish that the romances had a little more suspense.

Clockwork Angel also had the "bookish factor" - characters that were in love with books. Tessa was a bookworm, and Will also revealed bookish tendencies, saying that his favorite character is Sidney Carton, a statement I'm only now beginning to understand as I slowly work my way through A Tale of Two Cities. Each chapter was prefaced with some poetry, giving a feel for the Victorian era.

Overall, this was an exciting read. It is definitely not my usual fare, but I am looking forward to the next book in the series. Cassandra Clare is also writing a companion series to "The Infernal Devices," "The Mortal Instruments," which has four books already published. At this point, I am thinking of waiting to read it until I've finished "The Infernal Devices," just because when I have too many series up in the air I start to feel stressed out. Fans of fantasy and the paranormal should definitely check out this dark fantasy. This will also appeal to steampunk fans.

4 stars

Warnings for the sensitive reader: Gory fantasy violence.

YA Friday: Leviathan by (Mr.) Scott Westerfield

Title: Leviathan
Author: Mr. Scott Westerfield
Genre: Steampunk*, YA
Publisher: Simon & Schuster, 2009
Source: Public library

*Steampunk: Steampunk is a sub-gnre of science fiction, alternate history, and speculative fiction that came into prominence during the 1980s and early 1990s. Specifically, steampunk involves an era or world where steam power is still widely used - usually the 19th century and often Victorian era Britain - that incorporates prominent elements of either science fiction or fantasy. (Thanks, Wikipedia)

Leviathan contrasts two different groups of technology - the Clankers, who use elaborate machines, and the Darwinists, who genetically engineer animals (called fabs, short for fabrications) for all kinds of different uses, including the Leviathan, a giant whale that is also an airship and a whole ecosystem of species, including glow worms for light, six-legged dog-like creatures who sniff the creature's skin for hydrogen leaks, and flechette bats, which eat darts and then poop them out on attackers with a red light as a signal. World War I (a slightly different version of World War I) breaks out, pitting the German and Austro-Hungarian Clankers against the British Darwinists. Caught in the middle of it all are Prince Aleksander, the son of the Duke but unable to inherit the Austro-Hungarian throne due to his mother's common blood, and Deryn, a witty Scottish pilot who is disguising herself as a boy to serve on the Leviathan.

This book was very different from anything I have ever read. I had hardly heard of steampunk, and when I did read the definition, I thought it sounded so nerdy. Forgetting, of course, that I am the queen of all nerds. And once I got started, I absolutely loved the steampunk aspect of the novel, particularly the Darwinist creatures. Ok, fabricating a whale that floats through the sky as a hydrogen blimp (the hydrogen is produced by bacteria that excrete hydrogen in the whale's gut) is completely improbable. But it's also really cool. My favorite part of the machine/animal was the signaling tissue supplied by cuttlefish nervous tissue (something neuroscientists often use to study nerve conduction) -

He pointed at the signal patch on the airship's membrane. It was made of cuttlefish skiin, the master engineer had explained, connected by fabricated nervous tissue to receptors down on the bridge.

I don't think I would have enjoyed the machines as much had the book not contained the exceptional illustrations by Keith Thompson. I'm not mechanically minded at all, so seeing pictures made the machines come alive in a way that I probably couldn't have imagined myself.
I also enjoyed the characters. Deryn is about as hard-core as can be. This girl is thrown into all kinds of difficult situations, and her finesse as a pilot and her solid common sense save her (and often others) every time. I also enjoyed the contrast between Deryn and Alek - Deryn is rough around the edges, knowledgeable, a survivor, but she is a girl, usually stereotyped as weaker than boys. However, Alek is a slightly pampered, sensitive prince who doesn't know how to deal with the real world. Don't get me wrong - I loved Alek. But it was interesting to read a story where the girl was so much more competent than the boy, not because the boy was a jerk or a bad person, but just because he was ill-equipped to deal with life at war. I also greatly enjoyed Dr. Nora Barlow - she is so fussy and all-knowing, and I found myself shaking the book at her because despite her annoying personality, she was always right. That kind of emotional reaction to a character usually shows a well-developed character.

I was a bit surprised by the writing. I have heard a lot of hype for Scott Westerfield's books, and I was expecting to be blown away. However, the writing was a little juvenile for me. I felt like the book was aimed toward the much younger side of YA - I would have enjoyed smarter, more evocative writing. I have read many YA books that, despite being marketed to a younger audience, had powerful and beautiful sentences (Delirium by Lauren Oliver is what immediately comes to mind). Don't get me wrong - there was nothing wrong with the writing - I was just expecting more with all the excitement I've heard about Mr. Westerfield's book.

Overall, this was a highly enjoyable book. The machines and fabricated animals were original, and it was fascinating to be swept up to Alek and Deryn's world. The characters were fun to read about. The writing underwhelmed me a bit, but was fine. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to explore a strange but fun new genre. Also, be aware that the story is aimed to younger audiences (but can still be enjoyable for those who are "a little less Y and a little more A").

Readability - Easy read
Plot - 4
Characters - 4
Writing - 3
Personal Response - 3.5
Overall: 3.5