Our family oriented blog

kids'n'books

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NOAH ZARC

blog tour.

The book is written by D. Robert Pease.

It is an amazing book worth checking out.

Kids'n'books: We are proud to be part of the NOAH ZARC book blo...

Kids'n'books:
We are proud to be part of the NOAH ZARC book blo...: We are proud to be part of the NOAH ZARC book blog tour. An excerpt of the book is included along with information about the author ...

The Way We Fall

by Megan Crewe

published by Disney Hyperion

available 1/24/2012

ebook received from NetGalley for review

synopsis (fromGoodreads)

It starts with an itch you just can't shake. Then comes a fever and a tickle in your throat. A few days later, you'll be blabbing your secrets and chatting with strangers like they’re old friends. Three more, and the paranoid hallucinations kick in.

And then you're dead.

When a deadly virus begins to sweep through sixteen-year-old Kaelyn’s community, the government quarantines her island—no one can leave, and no one can come back.

Those still healthy must fight for dwindling supplies, or lose all chance of survival. As everything familiar comes crashing down, Kaelyn joins forces with a former rival and discovers a new love in the midst of heartbreak. When the virus starts to rob her of friends and family, she clings to the belief that there must be a way to save the people she holds dearest.

Because how will she go on if there isn't?

Megan Crewe crafts a powerful and gripping exploration of self-preservation, first love, and hope. Poignant and dizzying, this heart-wrenching story of one girl’s bravery and unbeatable spirit will leave readers fervently awaiting the next book in this standout new series.

(MY REVIEW)

Depressing, morbid, and oddly fascinating. I had a difficult time with this book. 

The story is told in journal form written by Kaelyn, a 16 year old girl. She is writing to her estranged friend Leo. The setting is an island off coast of Canada. 

Kae is attempting to turn around her life, she is a shy girl trying to become more outgoing. Then disaster strikes. In the form of a virulent plague/virus. The book follows Kae and her family through the epidemic. We see people dying left and right. Not just nameless, faceless people, but people close to Kae. Friends, and family. She herself gets the virus but is one of a very few spared death. We come to know Kae very well via her writings in her journal. We see the raw emotion as she watches the horror around her. The death, destruction and lawlessness that erupts in the aftermath of the virus. A bright shining star in all this is her friend Gav. A fellow student who tirelessly works to aid others during the epidemic. 

The story is well written and easy to follow. I was able to 'feel' the emotions as Kae felt them. The characters had depth and strength, especially Kae's parents. The ending was unfulfilling, but I hope the author will clear things up in a second book. So much was left unsaid, so many of my questions left unanswered. How could an entire community rebuild after such a devastating loss? Guess I'll just have to wait and see.

I originally gave this book three stars, but after consideration I've increased my rating to 4 stars.  Any book that makes me think as much as this one did deserves a great rating.  I gave 4 stars because I was left feeling depressed despite the 'light at the end of the tunnel' ending of the book.

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Dreaming of Mr. Darcy

by Victoria Connelly

Published by Sourcebooks

available January 2012
received from NetGalley for review

synopsis (from Goodreads)

Fledgling illustrator and Darcy fanatic Kay Ashton settles in the seaside town of Lyme to finish her book, The Illustrated Mr. Darcy, when a film company arrives to make a new adaptation of Persuasion. Kay is soon falling for the handsome bad boy actor playing Captain Wentworth, but it's the quiet screenwriter Adam Craig who has more in common with her beloved Mr. Darcy. Though still healing from a broken heart, Adam finds himself unexpectedly in love with Kay, but it will take more than good intentions to convince her that her real happy ending is with him.

MY REVIEW

Victoria Connelly does it again. Her second novel in the Austenesque trio of books is a winner. The story revolves around an Austen loving illustrator named Kay who opens a bed and breakfast in Lyme Regis. She is literally invaded by a group of actors/actresses and directors filming a version of Persuasion. The book is a roller coaster ride of interactions between the characters. Kay learns the hard way that just because someone is playing an Austen character, doesn't mean they are similar to the character. 

The individuals of this story were very diverse. Some were likable, some were incredibly unlikable. I think my favorite character is Nana Craig. Who is Nana, you ask? Read the book. You'll love her and her grandson. The book itself was somewhat slow moving. I spent a great deal of time rolling my eyes at Kay and laughing at her matchmaking incompetence.

The end was as I had hoped. 

A thought to leave you with- from the book- "Does Jane Austen ruin lives by giving people false expectations about love? Were her heroes just too good to be true?"

I would recommend this book to any Austen lover. I think anyone who doesn't appreciate Jane Austen would perhaps not enjoy this novel.

3.5/5 stars