Book Reviews by Genre: Fantasy

"One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel García Márquez is a novel that spans generations, blending magical realism with themes of love, family, and the cyclical nature of history. Set in the fictional town of Macondo, the novel follows the Buendía family through triumphs, tragedies, and the passage of time. García Márquez's prose and vivid imagery create a picture of Colombian culture and folklore, immersing readers in a world where the extraordinary is commonplace. As the Buendía family grapples with their destinies and the ghosts of the past, García Márquez creates a narrative that transcends time and place, offering insights into the human condition. "One Hundred Years of Solitude" is a masterpiece of literature that enchants, leaving a mark on all who read it.

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes is a prequel to the first book The Hunger Games. This book shines a new light on how you see the overall world of the Hunger Games. The main protagonist in this book is Coriolanus Snow the ruler over the Capitol in the original Hunger Games. It was an odd spin on the book, but it works out perfectly. The number of characters from the original book that are in this book helps it feel more connected to the original series. It also shows how in this world the richest stay the richest and hardly anyone new climbs up the ranks to become wealthy and powerful. In The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, the Hunger Games are also viewed a different way. It is viewed as a way of power over the districts, so they don't have any of the tributes perform, unlike the 74th Hunger Games. I picked this book because I wanted to know what happened before the original Hunger Games. I enjoyed the world-building the most in this book. This book surprised me quite a bit because I didn't think I would like it as much as I did. This is definitely one of my favorite books I've read this year.

Mockingjay is the third book in The Hunger Games series. After the events of the 75th Hunger Games District 12 was destroyed, leading to even more uprisings across the districts. In the book Katniss and her allies try to recruit districts to their cause with the help of the newly rediscovered District 13. After everything is planned out the districts start an all-out war with the capitol. With both sides fighting fiercely, it could go any way. I chose to review this book because it is the 3rd book in The Hunger Games series. I enjoyed the war between the Capitol and the Districts the most in this book. This book is fairly predictable. I could relate to Katniss Everdeen in this book because she stands up for what's right even if it's not the easiest route to take like I do.

The Hunger Games Catching Fire is a sequel to the first book in the series The Hunger Games. The book takes place after the 74th Hunger Games where Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark from District Twelve unexpectedly won the Hunger Games. Katniss, Peeta, and their loved ones were far from safe even after The Hunger Games due to their defiance against the Capitol. The districts were starting to rebel against the Capitol because of what happened in the 74th Hunger Games. President Snow (the leader of the Capitol) forces Katniss and Peetah to make the districts as well as himself believe that they weren't trying to defy the Capitol. After several failed attempts to calm the districts down President Snow took action when the Third Quarter Quell (75th Hunger Games) took place. I picked this book because it is a prequel to The Hunger Games. I enjoyed getting to know the aftermath of the 74th Hunger Games the most. My least favorite part of the book is how they handled The Hunger Games. I didn't feel like it was nearly as intense or interesting as the 74th Hunger Games. This book is also fairly predictable. I could relate to Katniss Everdeen in this book because she didn't know her allies from her enemies in the book, and I'm not too good at reading people in real life. This isn't one of my favorite books but it's definitely a solid book.

The Hunger Games is set in a dystopian world where the Capitol controls 12 districts. Every year each district is required to send in 2 tributes to compete in the Hunger Games. One female and one male between the ages of 12-18 are drawn at random to compete in the hunger games. The Hunger Games takes place in an arena where all tributes fight to the death until one tribute is last standing and crowned the winner. Tributes can also earn an advantage over other tributes before the games even begin by becoming liked by the general audience of the Hunger Games. If the audience likes a tribute in the Hunger Games, they are more likely to get a sponsor to send them supplies while they are in the arena. I read this book because of the dystopian genre. I enjoyed reading about the tributes in the arena the most in this book. This book is fairly predictable but that doesn't make it any less good to read. This is probably my favorite book of all time.

This book is about a young girl named Coraline. When Coraline moves into her new house, she finds a weird door in her house that is supposedly bricked off. Later she revisits the door to find out that the bricks are randomly gone. She goes through the door which leads her to an alternate life where everything seems creepily perfect. Everything seems much better in the other world. One weird detail is that everyone in the other world, except for Coraline has button eyes. Is the other world as good as it seems? I picked this book because of the genre. I enjoyed how creative and creepy the book was the most. This book surprised me when I found out about what the other world was. This is one of the best books I've read this year and recommend it.

At the start of the book, we are introduced to the character Harry Potter. Harry Potter was an orphan who was adopted by an abusive family. We soon discover that Harry Potter is a wizard and is invited to a school for wizards like himself called Hogwarts. During Harry's time at Hogwarts, he learned more about magic and befriended some of the students attending the school. Throughout Harry's time at Hogwarts, he finds out more about how his biological parents died. I picked this book because it is extremely popular, and I've heard a lot of good things about the book. I enjoyed the world-building the most from this book. This book was fairly predictable for me because I've already seen the movies. This is definitely one of the best books I've read this year.

Orwell wrote this book to examine the early years of the Soviet Union and the real result of the Russian Revolution. He uses Manor Farm as the setting and uses the farm animals as characters to convince the reader how the leaders of a country could put in place a system that would not be the utopia they promise. These promises may turn out to create a situation much worse than existed before. Orwell wanted a farm where “All Animals Are Equal.” Unfortunately, “Some Are More Equal Than Others.” The reader will recognize some of the characters as representing historical figures such as Stalin, Marx, Lenin, and Trotsky. If you are interested in economic and political systems and how they impact the citizens, you will not be able to put this book down! Animal Farm is one of my favorite books.

"Restore Me" by Tahereh Mafi is a breathtaking continuation of the Shatter Me series, deserving a perfect 5 out of 5 stars. Mafi's prose is as mesmerizing as ever, drawing readers into Juliette's tumultuous world with its vivid imagery and emotional depth. The character development is superb, as Juliette grapples with the weight of her newfound power and the responsibilities that come with it. The dynamic between Juliette and Warner crackles with intensity, adding a layer of complexity to their relationship that is both compelling and heart-wrenching. Mafi expertly balances action and introspection, keeping readers on the edge of their seats while delving into the inner workings of her characters' minds. The plot twists and turns with unpredictable ferocity, culminating in a jaw-dropping cliffhanger that will leave readers clamoring for more. "Restore Me" is a masterful addition to the series, showcasing Mafi's talent for storytelling and cementing her status as a powerhouse in the YA genre.

"You've Reached Sam" by Dustin Thao is a heart-wrenching contemporary romance that earns a solid 4 out of 5 stars from me. Thao's writing is emotionally resonant, capturing the complexities of grief and healing with sensitivity and depth. The protagonist, Julie, navigates the aftermath of losing her boyfriend, Sam, with authenticity and grace, allowing readers to empathize with her journey of self-discovery. Thao's exploration of love and loss is both profound and thought-provoking, reminding us of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. The themes of forgiveness and letting go are woven seamlessly into the narrative, adding layers of emotional depth to the story. The pacing is steady, immersing readers in Julie's world as she grapples with her grief and finds solace in unexpected places. Overall, "You've Reached Sam" is a beautifully written debut novel that will tug at your heartstrings and linger in your thoughts long after you've finished reading.

"Ignite Me" by Tahereh Mafi is an electrifying conclusion to the Shatter Me series, earning a well-deserved 5 out of 5 stars. Mafi's poetic prose and raw emotion ignite the pages, drawing readers into the tumultuous world of Juliette Ferrars. The character development is exceptional, as Juliette evolves from a fragile girl into a fierce and empowered leader. The chemistry between Juliette and Warner sizzles with intensity, adding an extra layer of tension to the narrative. Mafi's exploration of power, identity, and love is profound, resonating long after the final page is turned. The action-packed plot is relentless, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with each twist and turn. Overall, "Ignite Me" is a breathtaking conclusion that will leave fans of the series completely satisfied.

"The Inheritance Games" by Jennifer Lynn Barnes is a captivating rollercoaster of mystery and intrigue. Barnes masterfully weaves together a tangled web of secrets, puzzles, and unexpected twists that kept me guessing until the very end. The protagonist, Avery Kylie Grambs, is a complex character whose journey from obscurity to inheriting a billionaire's fortune is both thrilling and thought-provoking. The dynamic between Avery and the Hawthorne family is filled with tension and suspicion, adding layers of depth to the plot. Barnes's writing style is engaging, with vivid descriptions and sharp dialogue that bring the story to life. The pacing is brisk, ensuring that there's never a dull moment as Avery navigates the treacherous waters of the Hawthorne estate. Overall, "The Inheritance Games" is a gripping read that will leave you eagerly anticipating the next installment in this thrilling series.

Fourth Wing is about twenty-year-old Violent Sorrengail and her time as a first year at Basgiath War College, where she trains to be a dragon rider. I
chose to read the book due to its popularity, and how it appealed with my interests in dragons and fantasy, as well as its relatable romance.
enjoyed the loveable characters and the interesting plot that kept me hooked in and invested. I didn't like some of the side-characters who seemed flat, I feel some of these characters could have been flushed out and developed more.
This is an enjoyable fantasy romance for young adult readers who prefer a more drawn out story and romance.

I picked up this book because it was on a list of Pulitzer Prize winners and I figured that was a good enough metric to give it a shot. I was not disappointed. Told from a few different perspectives, The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao is a fantastic look into the lives of Dominican Americans. I could tell the author was writing from deeply personal experiences, and the result was riveting.

There's a lot I don't know about the Dominican culture, but I felt this book was an eye-opening look into their history. Told as personal anecdotes from the characters, it was wild to see the effects of living under a dictator. However, even once someone escaped from that oppression, life in America wasn't an easy walk in the park either. The effects of racism might not be as bad as having your daughters sold to a dictator, but they still aren't pretty. Using these point-of-view stories to convey all this made the experience of reading this book feel more authentic.

This audiobook also included a short story by the same author, "Drown." While this story wasn't quite up to the quality of The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, a lot of the author's style was still present. Of course, this style felt a little rougher than his Pulitzer Prize-winning work, but it was interesting to see how it evolved between the two. Ultimately, the Pulitzer Prize can be a somewhat subjective metric for whether a book is good or not. Here, it's spot-on and I think people should read it because of its award-winning status.

An excellent and authentic examination of the life of a Dominican American, I give The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao 4.0 stars out of 5.

Eldest is a five-star book because of the amazing amount of fun I had reading it trying to figure out where they are based on the map in the front. Also, the ending was super satisfying because if you’ve read the first one you know Eragon had no father at the end you learn who it is.
I chose this book because I like to finish a series to the end and this is the second one and it was as good or better than the first.
Also, Paolini is an amazing author, and he is especially good at painting a picture in your mind with nothing but words especially when he comes to describing the elves and their main city Elesmera. All in all this book is great so don’t let its length stop you from enjoying the amazing books of Paolini.

A piece of advice given to most writers is to make their characters suffer, then document how they grow. In Summer Knight, Jim Butcher puts Harry Dresden through the ringer. Not only is Dresden on the edge of being homeless and dead from starvation, but he finds himself tangled up in the politics of the wizards and faeries. As usual, the world-building in the Dresden Files is fantastic and multi-layered. Sure, there are still the problems that keep popping up in this series, but they seemed less when Dresden was focused on merely staying alive.

With each book in the Dresden Files, I find the deepening lore fascinating. In Summer Knight, we finally learn about the council of wizards and see how unique Harry is when compared to others from the organization. In learning about more of his past, it’s easy to see how Dresden has come to this impasse with the council. Furthermore, Grave Peril had mere hints of the faerie world and workings that Summer Knight fully expanded upon. While a lot of the world-building looks like mere politics, that it’s as well thought out as this shows to Butcher’s talent here.

While there are still bad examples of “men writing women” in this book (which is the case throughout the series), at least it seemed a bit toned down from the previous books. Dresden’s backstory made him a bit more likable in this book, as there were at least explanations why he is the way he is. I enjoy his somewhat unorthodox way of handling magic battles and can’t wait until he’s truly trained to be a more precise magic user to really see his talent emerge.

Some great world-building and main character exposition for the Dresden Files, I give Summer Knight 4.5 stars out of 5.

Eragon is a 5-star book because though it is long and hard to understand to the right reader it is wonderful. If you think you have a big vocabulary read this book as a test and get absorbed into the inheritance trilogy. I chose this book because it was long, and I like long books but though it is long don’t let that stop you from exploring with Eragon the newest dragon rider all throughout Alegaesia 15 leagues (51 miles) from Carvahall his hometown deep in the dwarf city of Farthen Dur. This book had plot twists all around the corner, it was not at all super predictable and all throughout Eragon's final battle you will be sitting on the edge of your seat. If you want something to do over the summer that isn’t just sitting down, playing video games try reading this book, it is a great summer read.

"Fracture Me" is a novella that delves into the depths of despair and resilience with intense emotional impact, earning its place as a pivotal addition to the Shatter Me series. Tahereh Mafi crafts a raw through the eyes of Adam Kent, offering readers a glimpse into his inner turmoil and shattered heart. As Adam grapples with loss and betrayal, his journey becomes a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Mafi's prose is hauntingly beautiful, capturing the essence of pain and longing with exquisite precision. The exploration of Adam's relationships, particularly his complex dynamic with Juliette, adds layers of complexity to the story, enriching the reader's understanding of the characters' motivations and struggles. "Fracture Me" is a masterful portrayal of love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit that leaves an indelible mark on the soul.

"Unravel Me" is an electrifying sequel that not only lives up to its predecessor but surpasses it in every aspect. Tahereh Mafi's writing is as intoxicating as ever, pulling readers into a world of chaos, romance, and inner turmoil. Juliette's journey of self-discovery continues to unfold with breathtaking intensity, as she grapples with her newfound powers and the weight of her past. The dynamic between Juliette and Warner sizzles with undeniable chemistry, adding layers of complexity to an already gripping narrative. Mafi masterfully explores themes of identity, love, and sacrifice, making every page a visceral experience that resonates long after the book is finished. The plot twists and turns with relentless momentum, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. "Unravel Me" is a triumph of young adult literature, a rollercoaster ride of emotions that leaves you eagerly anticipating the next installment!

"Where the Forest Meets the Stars" by Glendy Vanderah is a mesmerizing blend of heart-wrenching reality and whimsical fantasy that left me utterly captivated. Set against the backdrop of a serene forest, the story weaves a tale of grief, healing, and unexpected connections that transcend the ordinary. The characters, Joanna, Ursa, and Gabriel, form an unlikely trio whose interactions are enchanting. As they unravel the mysteries of the stars and confront their own inner demons, the line between reality and fantasy blurs beautifully, inviting readers into a world where anything seems possible. The author's prose is both lyrical and evocative, painting vivid scenes that linger in the mind long after the final page. With its rich narrative and emotionally resonant themes, "Where the Forest Meets the Stars" is a masterpiece that reminds us of the magic inherent in everyday life. It's a book that stays with you, stirring your soul and igniting your imagination with every turn of the page.

I like this book a lot because of how cute and funny it is. The way this book is written makes it very exciting to read. Link is shown how he can positively interact with any type of living creature. His cute companion Peeko that's been with him since a chick is adorable and such a fun character to have in the book. The way the art is drawn makes the whole thing cuter and more adorable than to how it could have been if it wasn’t drawn in this style.

The second part of the Ocarina of Time is a well drawn and written book. It was interesting seeing all the changes that happened in seven years after Ganon won and got the triforce. There are funny moments in it when Link with a child's mentality and an adult's body confuses people with how he does things. It’s cute when Link meets people and animals he made friends with seven years ago where he remembers it so well. The bonus story with the entirely new character Rouro was an interesting way to see Link help animals/people when it doesn’t involve fighting a monster.

"Never a Hero" is the second book in the gripping series "Only a Monster"
that revolves around the life of the main character, Joan. The series follows Joan,
a monster, as she tries to find her way in a world where monsters roam around
without notice. This series is a perfect blend of romance, fantasy, adventure, and
drama, making it an ideal pick for readers of all ages.

The book begins with Joan's return to the Hunt house, where she and her
"family" face even more danger than before as the new villain, Eleanor, attempts
to change the timeline, just as Joan did in the past book. The book is a thrilling
ride, packed with numerous twists and turns, and features appearances from
several characters from the first book.

Readers who enjoyed the first book will undoubtedly be engrossed in the
sequel as the story builds upon the previous book's foundation. The author has
beautifully crafted the plot, and the characters' development is amazing. With
each page, the story progresses towards an intense climax as the fate of the
timeline hangs in the balance of Joan and her friends once again.
Overall, "Never a Hero" is a must-read for anyone who loves an engaging
and immersive story. Whether you are a fan of romance, fantasy, adventure, or
drama, this book has something for everyone. So, dive into this heart-wrenching
series and experience the thrill of this fantastic world full of monsters, heroes,
and adventure.

Animal Farm is an allegorical story about farm animals that manage to overthrow the humans and run the farm by themselves. However, the pigs slowly take more and more power, until it’s no better than it was before.

The plot is simple and easy to follow. Even a child could easily understand it. However, this is a very compact story. Every page has a new development that moves the story along. The characters are likewise simple, yet effective. Boxer and Benjamin are the standouts in this story. Boxer because of his lovable nature and Benjamin for being one of the few characters in the book to hold some complexity.

The reason for this story’s simplicity is that it is an allegorical story. Every element is designed to mirror the Russian Revolution (though it could easily be applied to many worldwide revolutions). Since they have to represent broad groups of people, the characters can seem a bit flat at times. The same goes for the plot. It’s great for those who want a quick and thought provoking story, but could be disappointing for those looking for in depth analysis.

I would recommend this book to fans of symbolism and allegory, or even the run of the mill dystopia fan.

Mockingjay is the third book to the Hunger Games trilogy. Katniss finds herself stuck in between a rebellion and the future of Panem. It is discovered that Katniss was rescued by District 13, which is an underground district that joined the rebellion against the capitol. Katniss is fighting for her loved ones yet again, and against the capitol directly. She is chosen as the symbol for the rebellion, but she doesn’t know if that is what she wants.
This book wasn’t my favorite out of all three, but I recommend reading it because it is still a good book. Definitely read the other two books before this one, so you can understand what is going on. Mockingjay is one of the more emotional books from this trilogy, but it still keeps you on edge like the other two.

Reviewer Grade: 8th

Catching Fire is the second book in the Hunger Games trilogy. After Katniss and Peeta return home from the games, they both go on the victor tour to all the districts. Before they left President Snows visits Katniss and says she still needs to be in love with Peeta so there won’t be an uprising in the districts. After that, the Quarter Quell (the 75th Hunger Games) comes along and everything changes. Katniss needs to fight for the ones she loves, and to stay alive. If you’re interested about reading Catching Fire make sure you read the first book of the trilogy, The Hunger Games. This book has a lot of good twists and turns, and kept me wanting to flip to the page to see what happens next. It was an emotional book, which keeps you on the edge. If you liked the first book I recommend reading the second!

Reviewer Grade: 8th

The Hunger Games follows a girl named Katniss Everdeen. She lives in a world where there is 12 districts, which are controlled by the capitol. This nation is called Panem. A very long time ago, the districts rebelled against the capitol, so the capitol created the Hungry Games. The Hunger Games is a game played each year, and one boy and girl from each district is sent to fight to the death. When Katniss’ younger sister Prim is chosen as the tribute for district 12, Katniss couldn’t let her sister go, so she volunteered to go in for her as the female tribute for district 12. Katniss and the male tribute of district 12, Peeta Mellark, are sent to the capitol to train for the games.
This was an amazing book that I recommend to everyone including new readers like myself. I’m not a big reader, but this book really had me stuck to the pages. I was up all night and couldn’t stop thinking about what is going to happen next! The Hunger Games is definitely one of my favorite books!

Reviewer Grade: 8

Fairies are terrifying, violent creatures; they haunt the humans’ worst nightmares. A wall and a twisted treaty are the only barriers between these terrifying creatures and the vulnerable, weak humans. However, the wall is weakening, fairies are venturing through the cracks, and the humans have long forgotten the treaty's terms.

Ferye’s family relies on her hunts, but over time, she has to venture deeper into the woods toward the wall dividing the fairies and the humans. These hunts are risky and dangerous, and it’s only a matter of time before she might have to confront a fairy. When Ferye accidentally breaks the treaty's terms, she has no choice but to follow Tamlin, a fairy, into his lands, the Spring Court. Ferye can never return to the human world and will live out her days in the fairylands, away from her family and home. She expects cruelty but finds beautiful, stunning lands and kind, generous fairies. As she adapts to her new home and overcomes her original opinions, she falls in love with the mysterious Tamlin and the fairies.

The plot is immaculate, the world-building is absolutely stunning, and the characters are enthralling; A Court of Thorns and Roses is a must-read for anyone who loves high fantasy and romance. It is one hundred percent a page-turner and will keep you enthralled until the last word.

“Before the Coffee Gets Cold” is a story about a cafe that can send you back in time, so long as you drink your coffee in a particular seat. A variety of customers come to the cafe to meet with people they’d otherwise have no chance to see. However, there are several rules. The two most important are that the present will never be changed and that the time traveler must return before the coffee gets cold.

Each story is interesting and heartfelt in its own right. My personal favorite was Hirai’s story about her sister, particularly because of how it was up in the previous stories. That’s another aspect of this book. These stories are all interconnected. Aside from the first woman, each main character is shown beforehand. This book also keeps the stories from being repetitive. There’s enough of a twist on each story, one woman wants to meet her husband who’s losing his memory. Another wants to express her feelings to her ex-boyfriend. All the reasons are different enough to keep the story fresh.

The characters are all likable too, although there are a few strange moments in the beginning. All of them are given a little backstory, but not much. All in all, it’s nice without being extraordinary.

This is a quick and cozy read that I’d recommend to almost anyone. Especially if you’re interested in speculative fiction.

"The Song of Achilles" by Madeline Miller is a stunning and deeply moving retelling of the Iliad that captivates from beginning to end, earning a solid 5 stars. Miller skillfully weaves a tale of love, friendship, and heroism, focusing on the relationship between Patroclus and Achilles. The narrative beautifully explores the complexities of their bond, providing a fresh perspective on the legendary characters. Miller's prose is both lyrical and evocative, effortlessly transporting readers to the ancient world. The emotional depth and nuance she brings to the characters make this retelling a triumph, resonating with readers on a profound level. "The Song of Achilles" is a masterpiece that seamlessly combines rich storytelling with timeless themes, earning its well-deserved 5-star rating.