Review: Water so Deep by Nichole Giles

Synopsis:

Seventeen-year-old Emma Harris is drowning on dry land.

No one knows what’s happening to her, and she’d like to keep her evolution from human to mermaid a secret, but the truth is getting harder and harder to hide. From her adoptive family, from her friends, and especially from the irresistible James Phelps.

Her time in the ocean is spent dodging a possessive merman, while her time on land is split between caring for her special-needs brother and squeezing in every last possible moment of human life. She soon realizes falling for James is unavoidable when he constantly comes to Emma’s rescue and somehow manages to see through her carefully constructed icy facade to the vulnerability she lives with every day. Everything about James makes Emma yearn for a life on land she just can't have.

When Emma’s brother disappears on her watch, James is the only person she trusts to help her save him. But even if they can save her brother, nothing can prevent her return to the sea. Whether she likes it or not, Emma is changing—unable to breathe without yielding to the tide—and it's only a matter of time before she's forced to surrender forever.

Review: Rating- 4.5
What did I just read?! Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful story!

I take notes while I read so that I can write my reviews. I started out with this little note:
I love reading young adult books. I feel like they're about teenagers, but most of them are still relatable for adults. This was one of those books I thought was more geared towards the younger readers especially with lines like, "The sight of his flexed biceps made her insides go melty." Her insides went melty? Melty? I'm going to try and over look that.

Then I didn't make another note until this:
At 97% through the book I couldn't believe how much it changed. It was full on adult situations such as the problem with marrying the Merman, her missing brother, and figuring out huge life altering situations. I couldn't help shedding a couple of tears for the predicament Emma found herself in and how torn her heart was. I felt so bad for her. I felt bad for James, her family, everyone.

Now I've finished the book and had to take a bit to calm down. There were more than a couple tears shed. There might have been some ugly crying. What kind of ending was that? That was not a nice ending.

I know a lot of people are asking if there will be a book two and my guess is yes. There has to be. There are way, way, way too many questions unanswered. The story is really just the beginning. This book took the plot, the characters, everything and tied it over a tank of piranhas. We'll have to wait for the next book to see how they escape that predicament.

Overall, it was an excellent read! I absolutely can not wait to get my scaly hands on the next book!

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

Leviathan by Scott Westerfield

  

Synopsis:

It is the cusp of World War I. The Austro-Hungarians and Germans have their Clankers, steam-driven iron machines loaded with guns and ammunition. The British Darwinists employ genetically fabricated animals as their weaponry. Their Leviathan is a whale airship, and the most masterful beast in the British fleet.

Aleksandar Ferdinand, a Clanker, and Deryn Sharp, a Darwinist, are on opposite sides of the war. But their paths cross in the most unexpected way, taking them both aboard the Leviathan on a fantastical, around-the-world adventure….One that will change both their lives forever.

Review by Patrick:

Wow. This book... the world the story lives in, is phenomenal. I can't even fathom how Scott Westerfeld came up with such an invention. He's written some pretty crazy stuff (nothing I haven't liked), but this might take the cake.

So jumping into this book without reading the gist of the story might leave you a little dazed. This book is an alternate history book in the time of World War I. Instead of the Allies and the Central Powers, you have the Darwinists and the Clankers. The Darwinists are in the belief that creatures can be 'fabricated' to do the bidding of their human creators. These creatures are fantastical creations with abilities that can only come with imagination, but everything is explained within the reasonably possible, so it feels very real. The Clankers are "Steam Punk," and way more advanced than the present day (presumably because they have to keep up with the creations of the animals, but anyways). These guys have machines that can do incredible things. Ever read or played Mech Warrior? These machines are in this book; the only difference is that they run on kerosene.

Not quite this, but animals do fight (in their own way)

And not quite this either (no lasers)

So that paragraph should help you with some of the terminology before getting into the books. Now for the story. This book is told from really two points of view, one on either side of the war. A lowly girl (who shouldn't be allowed into the British ranks), and the son of Archduke Franz Ferdinad (who you may have heard before). The two stories are both very interesting and keep you on your toes, but eventually they both merge together.

My only complaint with this book, is that it gives you lots of questions, and the last page comes too soon. This is part of a trilogy, and you will want to finish the other books. The questions must be answered. I can't wait to keep reading. Fantastic book. Worth it's weight in gold on an airship.

Magician's Nephew by C. S. Lewis

Synopsis:

Narnia. . .where the woods are thick and cool, where Talking Beasts are called to life. . .a new world where the adventure begins.

Digory and Polly meet and become friends one cold, wet summer in London. Their lives burst into adventure when Digory's Uncle Andrew, who thinks he is a magician, sends them hurtling to. . .somewhere else. They find their way to Narnia, newborn from the Lion's song, and encounter the evil sorceress Jadis, before they finally return home.

Digory and Polly discover a secret passage that links their houses and are tricked into vanishing out of this world and into the World of Charn, where they wake up the evil Queen Jadis. There, they witness the creation of the Land of Narnia as it is sung into being by the Great Lion, Aslan.

When Digory and Polly try to return the wicked witch Jadis to her own world, the magic gets mixed up and they all land in Narnia where they witness Aslan blessing the animals with human speech.

Review by Patrick:

 

The Chronicles of Narnia: It's been a long time since I've first read these books. I decided to pick them up again, partly to review here, partly to enjoy the magic of the world of Narnia again, and partly... dare I say it... I haven't finished the series yet. I don't know why I never got through, but I stopped somewhere in book six, I think. The realization of this fact shamed me so much, that I must read the series again.

The next book, The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, was one of those books that introduced magic and fantasy into my life. I think I read that right before The Lord of the Rings, which has set me upon this track for most likely the rest of my life.

With this being the first book of the series, you get the background of the rest. The foundation, quite literally, of the world that becomes Narnia. It is, in some ways, like the great mythologies of old. The stories here lead to explain why things occurs later or in the present. Of course, this book isn't the mythology of Narnia, but rather the canonical beginning.

This is, ultimately, a children's book. It doesn't have the detail of a Tolkien, or the drama of an Austin, but it does have the magic of Lewis. We learn the origins of "the professor" in The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, as well as the wardrobe itself. One of the most fascinating things is the thought that there could be other worlds out there, as beautiful and as rich as Narnia, as plain as our own, or as dusty and evil as Charn. As readers, we are only exposed to the three pools in the space between, but there are more pools in that space than you could explore in a lifetime. But I think I know where most of those pools lead anyways. One probably leads to district twelve, one leads to the maze, one leads to Forks, one leads to 221B... you get the idea.

All in all, I love this book. It's story and magic are wonderful, the pace is quick (kids book), and the characters are unique and interesting. Definitely a must read for young readers at the appropriate level. Who knows, they may become a fantasy lover like me. 4.5 stars.

To Dance with the White Dog by Terry Kay

Synopsis:

Sam Peek's children are worried. Since that "saddest day" when Cora, his beloved wife of fifty-seven good years, died, no one knows how he will survive. How can this elderly man live alone on his farm? How can he keep driving his dilapidated truck down to the fields to care for his few rows of pecan trees? And when Sam begins telling his children about a dog as white as the pure driven snow -- that seems invisible to everyone but him -- his children think that grief and old age have finally taken their toll. 

But whether the dog is real or not, Sam Peek -- "one of the smartest men in the South when it comes to trees" -- outsmarts them all. Sam and the White Dog will dance from the pages of this bittersweet novel and into your heart, as they share the mystery of life, and begin together a warm and moving final rite of passage. 

 Review by Patrick:

 To be honest, I only read this book based off of my wife's suggestion. I wouldn't have picked out this book to read by myself, but I trusted her judgement and put this on my list. I read it, but it just wasn't my thing.

It started off down right depressing. I mean Sam's long loved wife had just died. Then it continues telling the story of this old man as he lives without her companionship.

The story did have a ring of truth to it. It felt like this was a real story. I could see that Sam would've done all of those things. It was a glimpse into the future for many of us. I know I'm in my twenties, but maybe one day (heaven forbid) I'm going to have to be old and widowed. What will happen? This book opens the eyes of those who just doesn't have any experience in this sort of thing.

Overall, I can't say I enjoyed this book. It's not a book you enjoy to read. It's a book you read that tells a sad story, one that makes you feel and wish you could make life better. But also exposes that life sucks sometimes, and is great other times. You have to live in the moment, cherish your loved ones, make every day count. You only have so many to live, just like everyone else. I'm rating it a 3.

Next up:

I'm going to read Archer's Voice, which will be posted on our sister blog: Across the Sheets, then start the Chronicles of Narnia.

Dracula by Bram Stoker

Synopsis:

A junior solicitor [real estate broker] travels to Transylvania to meet with an important client, the mysterious Count Dracula. Ignoring the dire warnings of local townsfolk, he allows himself to be seduced by the count’s courtly manners and erudite charm. Too late, the solicitor realizes that he is a prisoner of Castle Dracula, his guards a trio of voluptuous young women with sharp white teeth and a taste for blood.

Soon thereafter, the solicitor’s fiancée, Mina, visits a friend on the English coast. The town is full of speculation over a Russian ship run aground nearby, its crew missing, the dead body of its captain, crucifix in hand, lashed to the wheel. A giant dog was seen leaping from the deck before disappearing into the countryside. The ship’s cargo: fifty boxes of Transylvanian dirt. As the beautiful Mina will soon learn, Count Dracula has arrived.

Review by Patrick:

 It sucked. I mean I still have blood in my veins, but it sucked the reality from all around me as I was reading this book. I was not expecting a classic like this to be so intense.

As long as you could get by some of the format of this book, it really was interesting. The book was written mostly in a diary format, with some news article clippings, letters, and telegraphs... I guess that was interesting too. I was really amazed with the efficiency of the London telegram service in 1891. You were forced to read this book with the setting in mind, as timing and travel were essential to the book. Horses, carriages, steam and sail boats... all must be kept in mind when considering the time it takes to get anywhere.

We all know about vampires, right. They can't go out in the sun; they must drink blood to survive; they sleep like bats; etc. But it was really intriguing reading about the first vampire. This is where it all started. And it was really interesting. For example, the vampire was able to control the nearby weather, get in really tight places, must be welcomed into a building before entering, control nearby animals, and many more wonderful things. I was also amazed at some of the similarities to more contemporary vampire fiction.

The story (which, let's face it, is what it is all about) was amazing though. It pulled me close and I felt the fear, terror, hope, panic, bravery, and passion of the characters. The story was slow at first, and by slow I mean the main character going willingly to Count Dracula's castle and immediately becoming a prisoner and dinner. The story just kept on and on. It was suspenseful, tragic, epic, horrifying, thrilling, and ... well I'll let you find out the rest.
 

Overall, surprisingly good. I know I am a little out of the norm when it comes to a desire to reading classic books, but I think this would be a good read for many readers in the present day. I'm going to rate it a 4.
 

Up Next:

To Dance with the White Dog.

Review: My Own Mr. Darcy by Karey White

Synopsis:

 After being dragged to the 2005 movie Pride and Prejudice by her mother, sixteen-year-old Elizabeth’s life changes when Matthew Macfadyen’s Mr. Darcy appears on the screen. Lizzie falls hard and makes a promise to herself that she will settle for nothing less than her own Mr. Darcy. This ill-advised pledge threatens to ruin any chance of finding true love. During the six intervening years, she has refused to give any interested suitors a chance. They weren’t Mr. Darcy enough.

Coerced by her roommate, Elizabeth agrees to give the next interested guy ten dates before she dumps him. That guy is Chad, a kind and thoughtful science teacher and swim coach. While she’s dating Chad, her dream comes true in the form of a wealthy bookstore owner named Matt Dawson, who looks and acts like her Mr. Darcy. Of course she has to follow her dream. But as Elizabeth simultaneously dates a regular guy and the dazzling Mr. Dawson, she’s forced to re-evaluate what it was she loved about Mr. Darcy in the first place.

Review: Rating- 4.5
This book sucked. It sucked my heart right into it and wouldn't give it back. When I started reading it I was under the assumption from the synopsis that it would be a good light read. It went above that. It was a great sweet clean read.

I adored this story, I love all books that have some kind of Pride and Prejudice theme to them. My Own Mr. Darcy didn't let me down. I am so much like the Lizzie in this book! I also obsess over Mr. Darcy. Not to the extent she did, but I have my moments. A lot of women ogled Mr. Darcy after watching Matthew Macfadyen portray him. He's so... gorgeous!

 The story was perfect. Each character had depth and was unique. Chad was the unlucky guy that was strung along for a 10 date rule Lizzie's best friend, Janessa, forced her into. He was so adorable. Matt, who was Lizzie's perfect Mr. Darcy down to his arrogant attitude with occasional sweet moments.
I had one minor problem and one major problem with this book. The minor problem was I kept skipping over all the details about her interior design. That's more my fault than anything. I wanted to get to the relationships, not be bogged down with details about a her remodeling. It was sort of important to show it so that we could see she was good at what she does. My major problem with the book is that it ended way too soon. Way, way too soon. I got to the last page, Kindle told me I still had 11 minutes left of reading so I thought there would be an epilogue. I turned the page and it was the acknowledgment page. To say I was upset is a complete understatement. I wanted more so freaking mad I let out a scream of frustration.

I received this book to read for an honest review and I'm so happy I got this opportunity.
It was truly a great read. Now, Karey White, write me an epilogue please.

Moby Dick or the Whale by Herman Melville

Synopsis:

This story tells the adventures of wandering sailor Ishmael, and his voyage on the whaleship Pequod, commanded by Captain Ahab. Ishmael soon learns that Ahab has one purpose on this voyage: to seek out Moby Dick, a ferocious, enigmatic white sperm whale. In a previous encounter, the whale destroyed Ahab's boat and bit off his leg, which now drives Ahab to take revenge.

Review by Patrick:

I finished this book today, thank goodness. I'm glad I checked this one out from the library and checked it out as an audio book, because I could see this book being another Silmarillion (in other words, takes-seven-years-to-finish book). 

The whole book was long and drawn out, but interesting. I enjoyed learning about how the ship works, and the vernacular that was used in sailing. I would love to go sailing myself some day, so I could really appreciate the detail that went in to explaining everything.

But the details were too much. I didn't expect to read the encyclopedia entries for whale, sperm oil, sailing, and the like. This book just really went overboard with the anatomy of the whale (which, I'm guessing, is not that accurate anyways). The book could have been three or four times shorter and still had all of the narrative content.

I can only say I was disappointed in the ending. The story had been building since we were introduced to Captin Ahab, and then the story ends. There was no satisfactory resolution.

**Spoiler** We don't know what happened to the whale and the whole crew sunk to their death. From Starbuck to Pip to Tashtego to Queequeg to Flask to the carpenter to the cook; they all drowned. All save one, and

call him Ishmael.

This had the tragic ending of a Shakespearean play, without the comic relief.**Spoiler (highlight to see)**

I know this book is a classic and "one of the great American Romanticized tales," but I don't give a darn. I'm rating this book a 1. I'm sorry for anyone who is forced to read it. Maybe with some discussion I would learn more about the book and the metaphors throughout, but I hated this book and wish it to go with it's captain. I have no desire to ever read it again, and I'm not sure I appreciated spending the time to read it in the first place.

Up next:

Dracula.