Book Views is an idea that Kate over at The Neverending Shelf created. Basically, I give you a picture, the summary and a review (in less than 75 words).
The Midnight Charterby David Whitley
Summary (via Goodreads): Agora is an insular city-state where anything can be bought and sold. Everything is a commodity; goods, services, people, thoughts, concepts and even emotions are bartered on the open market. It’s an economy without money, where trade is the only way of life and debt is death. The successful elite rule, plague festers in the pitiless slums, and children are possessions until their twelfth birthdays.
In the ancient tower of Count Stelli, the city’s greatest astrologer, two children meet, both of whom have been sold into servitude. Mark is an emotional, imaginative boy who is sold by his father to the Count’s grandson in return for medical treatment. The other child, Lily, is reserved and thoughtful; an orphan now owned by the Count. At first, threatened with being thrown out to die on the disease-ridden streets if they displease their masters, Mark and Lily’s only goal is to work and survive. However, as they begin to understand that they can shape their own destinies, they each find their own path — Mark within the system, angling for power and the security it brings; and Lily beyond it, determined to change the city forever. Unbeknownst to them both, however, Mark and Lily are watched by the mysterious ruler of Agora, the Director of Receipts, whose interest in the apparently insignificant pair is more than a passing one.
Review: A fantastic adventure novel that involves fantasy and historical elements. It was quite a tale that I won't be forgetting any time soon. I highly recommend reading this novel because there are so many elements to the plot and characters that you will be taken by the story being told and not want to put it down.
Final Verdict: Definitely read this book, the audio was fantastic if you like to listen to books.
In the ancient tower of Count Stelli, the city’s greatest astrologer, two children meet, both of whom have been sold into servitude. Mark is an emotional, imaginative boy who is sold by his father to the Count’s grandson in return for medical treatment. The other child, Lily, is reserved and thoughtful; an orphan now owned by the Count. At first, threatened with being thrown out to die on the disease-ridden streets if they displease their masters, Mark and Lily’s only goal is to work and survive. However, as they begin to understand that they can shape their own destinies, they each find their own path — Mark within the system, angling for power and the security it brings; and Lily beyond it, determined to change the city forever. Unbeknownst to them both, however, Mark and Lily are watched by the mysterious ruler of Agora, the Director of Receipts, whose interest in the apparently insignificant pair is more than a passing one.
Review: A fantastic adventure novel that involves fantasy and historical elements. It was quite a tale that I won't be forgetting any time soon. I highly recommend reading this novel because there are so many elements to the plot and characters that you will be taken by the story being told and not want to put it down.
Final Verdict: Definitely read this book, the audio was fantastic if you like to listen to books.
The Dark Days of Hamburger Halpin
by Josh Berk
Summary (via Goodreads): Being a hefty, deaf newcomer almost makes Will Halpin the least popular guy at Coaler High. But when he befriends the only guy less popular than him, the dork-namic duo has the smarts and guts to figure out who knocked off the star quarterback. Will can’t hear what’s going on, but he’s a great observer. So, who did it? And why does that guy talk to his fingers? And will the beautiful girl ever notice him? (Okay, so Will’s interested in more than just murder . . .)
Those who prefer their heroes to be not-so-usual and with a side of wiseguy will gobble up this witty, geeks-rule debut.
Review: A hilarious mystery involving a humorous and sardonic narrator - one who is both deaf and fat and nowhere close to being popular. This book will make you laugh and I really couldn't stop reading it. Will makes a fantastic narrator for this fabulous story.
Final Verdict: If you want to laugh, read this book. If you don't want to laugh - you NEED to read this book...
Those who prefer their heroes to be not-so-usual and with a side of wiseguy will gobble up this witty, geeks-rule debut.
Review: A hilarious mystery involving a humorous and sardonic narrator - one who is both deaf and fat and nowhere close to being popular. This book will make you laugh and I really couldn't stop reading it. Will makes a fantastic narrator for this fabulous story.
Final Verdict: If you want to laugh, read this book. If you don't want to laugh - you NEED to read this book...
The Monstrumologistby Rick Yancy
Summary (via Goodreads): A monster-hunting doctor and his apprentice face off against a plague of monsters in the first book of Rick Yancey's new series, The Monstrumologist.
Review: A terrifying and suspenseful novel that I could only listen to during the day, for fear of nightmares. Will Henry is probably the bravest and humblest lad you've ever meet and really is one of the best seriously male characters I've read in a while. Definitely a story that is dark and full of horror!
Final Verdict: I highly recommend reading this novel! (Not for the faint of heart...)
Review: A terrifying and suspenseful novel that I could only listen to during the day, for fear of nightmares. Will Henry is probably the bravest and humblest lad you've ever meet and really is one of the best seriously male characters I've read in a while. Definitely a story that is dark and full of horror!
Final Verdict: I highly recommend reading this novel! (Not for the faint of heart...)
I loved the Monstrumologist. I'll have to check out the others!
ReplyDeleteWow, I'm adding all 3 on my list! Thanks for the recommendations :)
ReplyDeleteGreat recommendations!
ReplyDeleteDark Days of Hamburger Halpin was a wonderful book, one that I recommend (especially to boys) all the time!
Great thoughts! I have The Dark Days of Hamburger Halpin by Josh Berk sitting on my shelf, I should probably go read it soon! I wanna laugh :)
ReplyDeleteLove the title of The Monstrumologist!! That had me laughing my butt off this morning lol
ReplyDeleteAll three of these sound excellent! The Midnight Charter sounds exactly like my favorite type of adventure/intrigue book & it is going on my wishlist immediately. The Dark Days of Hamburger Halpin sounds like it has such a unique and hilarious narrator. I look forward to checking that one out. And the idea of The Monstrumologist kind of scares me, but I've been trying to read more books with awesome male protagonists lately & it sounds like that one fits the bill. Thank you for sharing your book views. :)
ReplyDeleteOhh I love this idea. Not sure I could sum up The Monstrumologist in under 75 words. One of my favorite books from last year, cant wait to see what happens next.
ReplyDeleteThe summary of Hamburger Halpin looks really funny!
ReplyDeleteI really think I'd like the Dark Days of Hamburger Halpin. I'm tired of pretty boys and girls. So this offbeat duo sounds great.
ReplyDeleteThe Midnight Charter sounds complicated. I'd definitely have to read it as opposed to listen to it. I'm sure I'd have to reread parts.
The Monstumologist. Thank you for confirming that I don't want to read that series. I jump and sounds and see things out of the corner of my eyes already when I read mysteries. I don't need to terrify my whole family at night with nightmares! LOL Thanks for the reviews.
Where did you find such obscure books? Goodreads?
Heather
I'm adding the Monstrumologist and The Midnight Charter to my list of books to hunt down at the library- thanks!
ReplyDelete