Book Review: Goliath by Scott Westerfeld

Posted as part of Tween Tuesday, hosted by GreenBeanTeenQueen.

Goliath by Scott Westerfeld
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication date: September 2011
ISBN: 9781416971771
Source: e-book provided by GalleyGrab

*Possibly spoilers for the first two books - ye be warned*
Alek and Deryn are both far from home on a voyage around the world to stop World War I.  Alek, who feels duty bound to stop the war, places his hopes in a crazy scientist with a big plan.  Deryn's disguise as a boy member of the crew is getting more dangerous by the minute - especially since she's in love with Alek.  With new characters and danger lurking everywhere, the two may not end up quite where they expected.

Things I Liked:
I'm not entirely sure what my favorite thing about these books is.  Honestly, it's just so much fun to read them it's almost like being on an adventure myself.  Deryn is such a prickly, smart, sassy, vulnerable and hilarious girl that you can't help but love her.  I adore her "cussing" and the plain way she talks, especially when others are dancing around a topic.  Alek is interesting in different ways - trying to find his place, wondering if he can make a difference, torn between two worlds.  And, of course, the story is so fascinating, so unexpected, and so unique that you dive in and can't surface until the conclusion is finally reached.  I loved every minute of this book and especially the illustrations, which can make some tricky concepts come to life.  A favorite series and I'm sure it will delight tween boys and girls alike.

Things I Didn't Like:
Not much.  I think a few times I was annoyed by decisions characters made, but that doesn't make the book any less enjoyable.  I honestly can't think of other things I didn't like!

Read-alikes:
Read Leviathan and Behemoth first
Reminded me of Larklight by Philip Reeve
Airborn and sequels by Kenneth Oppel

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: ! 
maybe one or two, but most "cussing" came in the form of "bum-rag" and such like

mrg-factor: none 

v-factor: -> 
there is some action, but most of it is quite mild

Overall rating: ***** 

What do you think of steampunk: like it, hate it, don't know it?

Added bonus: Scott Westerfeld is visiting Arizona next week!  Check out the details for Oct 3rd visit at Changing Hands and the Barnes and Noble in Mesa for Oct 5th.

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: The Clockwork Three by Matthew J. Kirby

Posted as part of Tween Tuesday, hosted by GreenBeanTeenQueen.

The Clockwork Three by Matthew J. Kirby
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Publication date: October 2010
ISBN: 9780545203371
Source: Library

When Giuseppe, a street musician who was sold away from his family in Italy, finds a magical green violin, his life is about to change forever.  It leads him carefully into the lives of Hannah and Frederick.  Hannah is working as a maid to support her family and becomes friends with a mysterious and wealthy woman.  Frederick is a clockmaker's apprentice, secretly working on a clockwork man that he hopes will propel him into his own practice.  Their lives intertwine in unique and complex ways that will lead them all to a very different future than what they imagined.

Things I Liked:
I really liked the atmosphere and characters.  This book is a true genre blend with historical fiction being the most prominent, but a bit of fantasy and steampunk thrown in.  It was so beautifully crafted that the world felt real and I could picture the three kids all living their lives and watching them slowly intertwine.  Kirby has a way of making us care deeply for the characters and I found myself sucked into their struggles and triumphs.  Also, because it is fairly unique, I really had no idea what to expect or what turns the book would take next.  A surprising and very well written debut.  Here's a great quote to give you a taste:

On the far side of the room, beneath a wide window curtained with lace, a large woman reclined on a chaise longue like an Egyptian princess, but not a beautiful one.  The woman might have been attractive underneath her roundness, but her girth filled up whatever space her beauty might have occupied. p 34

Things I Didn't Like:
The ending was a little disappointing to me.  Mostly I thought that some of his initial pieces of the story had no real importance to the story, including the clockwork man.  There was a lot going on and I don't think the many plot lines were quite tied up.  It felt, in fact, like there would be a sequel, but I'm not sure what would happen in a sequel, since it sort of ended their stories.  I guess I just wanted to know more about some of the minor characters who were mysterious and didn't appear to have a purpose other than to save the kids from one disaster or another.  Still, I enjoyed reading it a lot.

Read-alikes:
Candle Man, Book 1 by Glenn Dakin
A bit like Leviathan and Behemoth by Scott Westerfeld

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none

mrg-factor: none

v-factor: ->
a little action and some frightening stuff, but nothing much

Overall rating: ****

Have you read any good genre blend books lately?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: Behemoth by Scott Westerfeld

Behemoth by Scott Westerfeld
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Publication date: October 2010
ISBN: 978-1416971757
Source: e-book available from publisher

 

During an alternate history of World War I, this book picks up after Leviathan ends.  Prince Alek is being held prisoner aboard the Leviathan.  He and his men plan an escape when the ship reaches Istanbul, with the help of Deryn, who is still hiding her identity.  Both Alek and Deryn find themselves on dangerous missions among enemies.  Can the two find one another again and help to stop the war?

Things I Liked:
I'm really starting to love steampunk.  The fun way it clothes history and especially the note at the end of the book that explained what happened and what didn't, make it one of the best ways I know to learn history while being entertained.  Westerfeld has a gift for creating characters and an alternate world that seems plausible.  His creative vocabulary for the Darwinists and the Clankers and their slang always makes me adopt new words and phrases, most notably "barking spiders" and "bum-rags."  I was so glad also that the e-book ARC had the illustrations included.  These are gorgeous and completely capture the feel of the book.  Almost my favorite part of the whole series.  The story is quick and full of adventures and will surely appeal to both boys and girls alike looking for something that's a mix of fantasy, historical fiction, and action/adventure. 

This was nothing like Buckingham Palace, where Deryn had watched the changing of the Royal Lionesque Guard her first day in London.  That was four stories tall and as square as a cake.  But here the buildings were low and surrounded by colonnades, their arches decorated with checkerboards of black and white marble, as shiny as piano keys.  Steam pipes wound across the mosaicked walls lik message lizard tubes, sweating and huffing with the energies inside them. p 181 of ARC

As she drew, the whire and clatter of the machines around her, the sounds blending like the crash of distant waves.  Deryn wondered how the Clankers had managed it, translating questions into scatterings of holes in paper.  Did every wee sliver of knowledge have its own number?  The system was probably quicker than wandering through the ceiling-high shelves, but what other books might she have found, doing it herself? p 322 of ARC

Things I Didn't Like:
I kind of wish more had been resolved at the end, but I suppose that's what the next book is for!

Read-alikes:
Airborn and sequels by Kenneth Oppel
Larklight by Philip Reeve
Dreadnought by Cherie Priest
Definitely read Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld first

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none
just some barking spiders

mrg-factor: none
one rather interesting kiss...

v-factor: ->->
there are definitely battles, though not a lot of gore

Overall rating: *****

I'm so excited for Scott Westerfeld to visit our local library this month!  Any of you fortunate enough to meet him before?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore

Magic Under Glass by Jaclyn Dolamore
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Publication date: December 2009
ISBN: 9781599904306
Source: Library

Nimira is a music-hall performer who left her home country behind for a new life.  When Hollin Parry, a sorcerer invites her to perform with a unique piano-playing automaton, she thinks it can only be an improvement to her current life.  But, Nim is surprised to discover the automaton is housing a cursed fairy prince and she is determined to save him.  Will she be able to save him in time to prevent an imminent war from erupting?

Things I Liked:
It really was a unique story.  I've never read a love story where the heroine falls in love with a fairy prince trapped in an automaton's body.  It was pretty refreshing to not have a typical paranormal love story.  I liked Nimira and Erris, though I think I liked Anni the most.  There were a lot of details about the world Dolamore created that I wanted to know more about.  I was intrigued by the different races, the different countries, and the magical elements.  Here are some interesting tidbits:

"Every person has a reason to walk the earth, Mother always said.  Sometimes the path leads in strange directions." p 93

"Some old women you can never imagine young, but you could picture Miss Rashten in an awkward sort of youth.  I guessed she had not been happy, probably the type who couldn't flirt and never seemed to dress right, who came into her power when she got past the time when such things mattered." p 167

Things I Didn't Like:
I think it could have used more details.  I thought there were unique things that she could have developed more, particularly the romance which was sweet, but not much else.  The writing was just ok for me, but I definitely will be reading more from Dolamore in the future.  I liked it and it showed lots of potential.  

Read-alikes:
It had a bit of a Beauty and the Beast feel to it, so maybe Beauty by Robin McKinley

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !
a few (I think)

mrg-factor: X
some minor implied things

v-factor: none

Overall rating: ***

Do you sometimes like to wait until all the hype about a book has died down before reading it?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage, I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: Candle Man, Book 1: The Society of Unrelenting Vigilance by Glenn Dakin

*ARC provided by publisher*

Candle Man, Book One: The Society of Unrelenting Vigilance is the tale of Theo, who has definitely not had a typical childhood.  Theo has led a very sheltered life, with excursions outside the house limited to visits to the graveyard and other places where he will never come in contact with other people.  His whole world consists of only three acquaintances, because of his mysterious "illness."  Theo's life changes drastically when he finds himself escaping his "home" and running with strangers from the only place he's ever known.  As more secrets are revealed, about himself, his former care takers, and his new friends, Theo is caught up into a dangerous and ancient rivalry that forces him to choose sides and fight for his life.

Things I Liked:

Thus begins a fun new series full of interesting adventures, clever dialog, quirky characters, and strange creatures.  I found the sarcasm at times humorous, but also annoying.  I think kids will really enjoy this series that combines superhero adventures, fantastical creatures, and an intriguing mystery all into one great story.

"A world where only the chosen few will suffer the worries of power and the burden of riches.  A world where the ordinary man will enjoy the virtues of poverty, and the bliss of slavery.  And, under our guidance, this nation will command a vast, docile Empire, as it once did!" p 50 (ARC)

Things I Didn't Like:

At times it felt rather violent for younger ages.  It also was a little odd and hard to follow what exactly was happening.  I have high hopes for the sequel, though.

Read-alikes:

The Girl Who Could Fly by Victoria Forester

A little like Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:

s-factor: none

mrg-factor: none

v-factor: ->->

quite a bit, some of it a little gory

Overall rating: ****

Do you prefer your (literary) villains to be obvious or subtle?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage,
I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld

Leviathanis an alternate history, steampunk story of World War I. Prince Aleksander is on the run from his so-called allies, when his parents are unexpectedly killed. Meanwhile, Deryn is joining the British Air Service, disguised as a boy, and ends up on the Leviathan, not your typical airship. When Alek's and Deryn's paths cross, they must learn to trust each other in order to survive.

Things I Liked:
What a fabulous story! This book is full of fun and fantastical creatures - the stuff that steampunk is made of - and wonderfully quirky characters. I became fascinated with the technology from the Austro-Hungarians and the creatures from the Britains. Deryn managed to be at once lovable and prickly, becoming one of my favorite heroines of all time. In addition, the book is filled with gorgeous and accurate (to the book's descriptions) illustrations that add so much to the text. Here are a few of my favorite humorous quotes:

"They endlessly competed to see who could spit farther, drink rum faster, or belch the loudest. It was bloody exhausting, being a boy." p 102-103

"Yes," Alek said. "A frostbitten bum would've been unfortunate." p 236

Things I Didn't Like:
I was only mildly annoyed the story didn't feel like it wrapped up much. Fortunately, this means sequels!

Read-alikes:
Reminded me very much of Airborn, Skybreaker, and Starclimber by Kenneth Oppel
Also, Airman by Eoin Colfer

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: !
a very few

mrg-factor: none

v-factor: ->
some mild fighting

Overall rating: *****

Got any favorite steampunk books?

If you buy through my Amazon linkage,
I will get a very small percentage

Book Review: Larklight by Philip Reeve

Larklight: A Rousing Tale of Dauntless Pluck in the Farthest Reaches of Spaceis the fantastical story of Arthur and his sister Myrtle's adventures chasing and being chased through the solar system by the evil white spiders. Hovering pigs, giant crabs, enormous anemones, malevolent moths, and a frightening pirate all play a part in this steampunk novel filled with fun and adventure.

Things I Liked:
I really enjoyed the humor, the sarcastic and wry humor. The footnotes were particularly enjoyable. The variety and types of odd creatures Reeve thought up for the book was also really fun. The adventure sequences and Art's take on all these things made the whole book for me.

Things I Didn't Like:
It wasn't very engaging. The adventures, while humorous and fairly fun, were not terribly interesting. I kept putting the book down and then later remembering to finish it. I guess what I am saying is that it was not a page-turner. I think middle grade and younger boys especially will enjoy it.

Read-alikes:
Reminded me of Airborn, Skybreaker, and Starclimber by Kenneth Oppel
Also The Golden Compass and sequels a little

Samples of the laughs to be had:

"...I remember thinking that there could be no fate more horrible thant to be buried alive, and wondered what type of deranged and sickly mind could have invented such a tale. But as I lay there immobilised in a jar on the wrong side of the Moon with only a ravening caterpiller for company I realised that Mr Poe was actually quite a cheery, light-hearted sort of chap, and that his story had been touchingly optimistic." p. 56

"I don't know about you, gentle reader, but when I am reading a book and people start to blub and talk about love and such I generally think it is time to skip a few pages to the next exciting story or gory battle." p. 331

BOOK CONTENT RATINGS:
s-factor: none
they are all conveniently bl---ed out.

mrg-factor: none

v-factor: ->
more of the excitement and possibly frightening to very small children variety

Overall rating:***

Book Review: Airman by Eoin Colfer

Thrust from his pleasant childhood at the hand of a traitor, Conor finds himself rotting in a dismal prison, despised by his family. Conor's burning desire to fly sustains him, shining hope on a future of freedom in the skies.

Airmanwas a thrilling, swashbuckling, high flying adventure from start to finish. I loved the minor characters with their quirks and humor, but this book is sustained almost entirely by its exciting plot. The setting is perfect, described in humorous and realistic detail. I really couldn't put it down.

Read-alikes:
This really made me think The Count of Monte Cristoby Alexandre Dumas meets Airborn by Kenneth Oppel.

RATINGS:
s-factor: !
A few mild ones.

mrg-factor: none

v-factor: ->->
Some sword fighting and fist fighting.

Overall rating: *****

Book Review: Starclimber by Kenneth Oppel

In StarclimberKate and Matt are together again flying higher than ever - to outer space. Discovering new life and dealing with their romantic feelings during life-threatening adventures are only part of this exciting adventure story.

I thought I might not be as interested in this book as in the first two, but Oppel did a great job. The story is different enough to make it interesting and the danger keeps you turning pages to see how things work out. I always love the characters, particularly Miss Karr and Sir Hugh. This is a fun and exciting story, satisfying as an ending to Kate and Matt's adventures (maybe). As evidence of the delightful humor sprinkled throughout, here is one of my favorite parts:

"When you see a fellow with his tartan underpants down around his skinny ankles, and know his bum as been sucked into a toilet bowl, it's hard not to feel a bit sorry for him, even if he is a pompous monster" (pg 286).

Read-alikes:
for the alternate history element:
The Golden Compassand The Subtle Knifeby Phillip Pullman

Also rather reminded me of the movie Apollo 13

RATINGS:
s-factor: !
I think there were about three.

mrg-factor: none

v-factor: ->
Some action, but not really violent.

Overall rating: ***

Book Review: Skybreaker by Kenneth Oppel

Skybreakercontinues the story of Matt and Kate as they take to the skies again, this time in search of a lost treasure. Teaming up with some new adventurers, they face deception, excitement, and debilitating cold to reach their destination.

This second book didn't excite me as much as the first, though the story is still pretty compelling and adventurous. I still enjoyed the characters and the alternate historical feel. A fun story for exploring/adventuring types.

RATINGS:
s-factor: !
A few.

mrg-factor: none

v-factor: ->
Some scary elements and fighting, but really mild.

Overall rating: ****

Book Review: Airborn by Kenneth Oppel

Airborn is the story of a world where airplanes were not invented and the sky was ruled by airships. Matt Cruse is a cabin boy on the same airship his father worked on. He was born in the skies (literally) and doesn't feel comfortable on the ground. During one fateful trip across the Pacificus, he and a young passenger named Kate make a remarkable discovery.

I thought this was a very fun book. The adventure and suspense were well done and kept me guessing until the end. There was also a lot of fun humor. The characters were realistic and believable. I also loved the "alternate" history feel of the story. The only problem I had was the poor editing - I was surprised at the number of mistakes made in the text (really only a handful, but still!)

RATINGS:
s-factor: !
A handful of mild words.

mrg-factor: none.

v-factor: ->
Some violence and intense parts, but definitely not graphic or gory.

Overall rating: ****