Thursday, July 16, 2015

Book Review: Mockingjay (Hunger Games, #3)

Mockingjay is the final book of the Hunger Games trilogy. While the final book in some series can be a letdown, I felt that Mockingjay maintained and continued to increase the tension laid in the first two books. The plot continued to twist and take many unexpected turns as it continued and finally concluded the series.

I liked continued conflict in Katniss, which stayed right up until the last page. Throughout the whole series, I felt that Katniss was a relatable character who struggled with more than simplistic romance issues. Rather, she struggled through knowing and understanding the difference between right and wrong, discovering who she was, putting the pieces together on a situation that felt as if it could have been real for any of us, and so much more. While I'm a bit disgruntled at her final decision considering the love triangle between Katniss, Peeta, and Gale, I at least appreciated that she had a logical reason for making the decision that she eventually did.

Overall I thought it was a well written, well laid out plot. It was a bit more violent at times than I would have liked, but it also consisted of a war. I would recommend it to an older audience, due to the violence, and more intricate themes. I bought this book, and therefore was not asked nor required to write a review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.

Book Review: Catching Fire (Hunger Games, #2)

Catching Fire was a great addition to the Hunger Games series. The book begins with Katniss and Peeta going through the victory tour, only to fail to accomplish anything that could possibly continue to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. The top it off, the two receive news which rocks both their worlds far more than either could ever imagine.

I really like the point of view the book takes--going right into Katniss' head and telling the story as she sees it. It's so easy to get into the story when you feel like you're right there living with her. I liked that this way of relating the story allowed the reader to gather pieces of the puzzle and put some together, but still end up just as confused as Katniss, or whatever other emotion she was experiencing at any given scene.

While the violence continues in the book, I do believe Collins does a remarkable job in relating what can happen when people become callous to violence. I would recommend the book and the series to young adults and adults. I bought this book, and therefore was not asked nor required to write a review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.

Book Review: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (Chronicles of Narnia, Book #1)

The first book of the series The Chronicles of Narnia, as well as the rest of the books in the series, is simply a classic, and always will be. I love the story of four children finding their way into Narnia through a magic wardrobe, and all the adventurous which they face.

The allegory in the story is impeccable. From the locations to scenes to characters, and particularly Aslan's sacrifice at the stone table and following events at the close of the story, Lewis has crafted a fantastic, interesting story which mirror's Biblical truths.

I have read this book countless times, both growing up and in my adult years, and have always enjoyed it immensely. I would certainly recommend it to anyway, at any age. I bought this book, and therefore was not asked nor required to write a review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.

Book Review: Refining Fire

Refining Fire was a book which intrigued me based on the back cover description of the plot--the summary pricked an area of interest in my life, and so I was interested to read it. My only real complaint with the book is that the back cover led me to believe the book was primarily about Militine and Thane...however, I felt that Militine's friend, Abrianna and her friend Wade were actually the main characters of the story.

The story between Abrianna and Wade was interesting, and was totally fine for the main thrust of the story. I was just very confused through the whole book over who was the main characters. The part of the book which did deal with Militine and Thane didn't hold my interest very well. I felt it wasn't as deep as it could have been.

The plot of the book wasn't bad; it just wasn't what I was personally expecting or hoping for. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for this review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Book Review: The One

The One is a great book for those who are in a relationship, or single and preparing for a future relationship. The book begins by enlightening the reader to the love story of Ryan and Amanda Leak, who got engaged and married in the same day. After their super big day, they posted a documentary on youtube about their surprise wedding, and the video went viral.

After the initial introduction to the authors' story, the book moves on to talk about singleness and how to prepare during that time period of life, relationship obstacles, leading and submitting, expectations, culture, creatively loving, and much more. One of the chapters that I particularly appreciated was one on sexuality, particularly relating to ones who have had premarital sex or who struggle with sexual temptations in some way or another. With so many people struggle with this issue, I thought the Leak's take on it was great, and a much needed address both to those who have failed in this area and to those who look down on those who have.

Overall I thought this book was a great resource for those looking to lead a Godly, fulfilling, intentional relationship with their significant other, future or present. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for this review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.