The Goose Girl (The Books of Bayern #1) by Shannon Hale

Wow. I'm not really a fan of Fantasy books and I tend to get bored easily when I read them, but this one is just plain awesome. I'm telling you right here right now that this is not your usual fairytale-princess-prince charming-happy endings-kind-of-book! I was totally surprised by the turn of events of the story.
In the first part, you'll read about how Ani's so different from her mother, the queen. Instead of being regal and superior, Ani is reserved, shy and well... weak. But when you keep reading you'll see how she transformed into something that her countrymen didn't believed or didn't trust her to be.
The second part of the book is where you'll see Ani's new adventures in Bayern as Isi. How she met her new friends and Geric. How she finally understood what her aunt was telling her when she was just a child.
The reason why it's not your ordinary fairytale book is because it's full of action and suspense that will keep you on your toes and will want to read more. Instead of seeing a princess-turned-goose-girl as weak and needy of a knight-in-shining-armor that will come to her defense, you'll see that Ani is doing her best to be brave and to fight for herself.
I know that this is also for kids so I'm not really expecting a lot of lovey-dovey scenes between Geric and Ani although at the back of my mind I am wishing for more (harhar). Geric's presence was a little lacking but since this (once again I'm telling you) is not your usual fairytale, the story revolves around Ani 90% of the time.
And of course, the third part is where you'll get to see Ani finally standing up and claiming what by right is hers. The battle between the Kildenreans and Bayerns (or Ani's animal keeper friends) is great and the ending as well.
So for kids (and adults as well) who're looking for a fantastic read, grab a copy of The Goose Girl and read one now! Kudos to Shannon Hale! :-bd


Rating:

A+

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

I can say that I enjoyed this better than the first one. I guess I'm not most people because as I've seen in Goodreads, most readers like the first serving better.

One thing that I don't like about love triangles is that the female protagonist tends to make it harder for everyone, especially to the two males that are attracted to her. And I think that's the reason why I kept reading this trilogy, I want to find out who will Katniss choose between Gale and Peeta.

The first few chapters of the book were hard for me because I'm a Peeta fan and Gale had more spotlight in those parts. But when the Quarter Quell begun, I became enthusiastic and wanted to finish the book in one seating.

I really loved the Games in this book compared to the 74th Hunger Games. The characters were great and I find Katniss easier to deal with. She's beginning to open up to Peeta and I loved it!

I won't say more to keep the suspense going (although I know most people have read the trilogy already). It's a great book so it's a must read everyone!

Rating:

A+

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

I never, ever read a book that was so emotionally draining. But in a good way. I'm not a fan of YA novels that are popular all over the world (anymore) and I am also not a fan of this genre. I've been reading Realistic Fiction books for so long that I forgot what it feels to read an unrealistic one.  I really refused to read this series, until one day I ran out of books to read.

To be honest, when I was reading the book there were those times when I want to put it down, especially on the first parts. I'm having difficulties to get myself inspired, and the whole message or meaning of the Hunger Games didn't got to me at all. But I still keep on reading. And then finally, I began to enjoy it and began embracing the change.

These are my views on the main characters:

    Katniss. Although I find her hard to like, I did understand her situation. Being the breadwinner and protector of her family since her father died, I know it's very hard for her age to fend for her mother and her sister, Prim.
    I know that Gale's an essential for the series, being the best friend of Katniss and all, but I don't like him. From the start, I know he loves her and has a strong bond with her but there's this part of me that don't want him for Katniss.
    And then Peeta came. He's the reason why I kept reading. I love him. He's always there for Katniss even though he knew that she doesn't have feelings for him.
    Haymitch. I love characters like him. The mentor, the brain. And I love how he gives a touch of fun in the book.
    Cinna. I know he's not a major character but I love him! (Just saying.)

About the Games.. my head is working double-time while reading it. There's so much that's happening. I have to pause for a bit then continue because I'm imagining this scene to another and another.

I love the writing of the book. Although it's a little heavy for me. I really can say that I enjoyed it and was amazed by the author's imagination. I love the story and the other characters. I also finished reading Catching Fire (The Hunger Games #2) yesterday, so I'm going to post a review later. So now, I can't wait to read Mockingjay (The Hunger Games #3)!

It's a wonderful book and I gave it a rating of 5 stars in Goodreads, but it's not one of my favorites. To those who haven't read it yet, I highly recommend this, especially to those who love Adventure books! :-)

Rating:

A+