Trust Me by Jeff Abbott

 

Trust Me by Jeff Abbott

Dutton

Published in 2009

ISBN 9780525951216

372 Pages

PLACES TO BUY FROM:

Amazon (Hardcover)
Barnes & Noble (Hardcover)

CHECKED OUT THE BOOK FROM MY PUBLIC LIBRARY.

Review/Rating:

3 out of 5



Working on his stepfather's think tank, Luke Dantry posts on forums and other online communities known for their users being extremists and reports back to his stepfather the users who he thinks are capable of doing terrorists acts. Mostly, Luke thinks the majority of them are just frustrated and aren't capable of doing the things they say they will. However, he is proven wrong when he is kidnapped and taken to a cabin hidden in the woods. What will he do when he finds out this betrayal runs deeper than he thinks?

This time the book review is over a mystery, suspense, action, thriller adult novel. I'm trying to take a break from the young adult books for a little bit. ;)

For an action and thriller novel, the plot and characters are all pretty average. Why average? Because in most action and thriller books I read it usually goes like this: The main character gets in trouble, main character escapes multiple attempts on his/her life, main character meets up with old faces and gets betrayed by someone they know, and then, the main character saves the day. That is pretty much how this book went.

Although there were a lot of details, going through and finishing the book was very tedious and sort of boring. In this case, I found it boring because of how typical it was, not because of too many details and descriptions. I liked how the author described the appearance of most of the characters in the book since not that many authors give those kind of descriptions anymore. Another thing I liked about the book is that it showed that the Internet isn't as safe as you think because people can still find out where you are --- it is something to think over when you do things online.

Those are pretty much the only things I liked about the book. The main things I didn't like about the book are the typical plot for this kind of genre, even though it is enjoyable on some levels in other books, it isn't in this book. Also, the politics in the book are very boring. Anyways, it is an okay read, if you want the typical parts and like descriptions. As for me, it was an average book with a lot of boredom in-between the action parts.

Other Reviews/Author Site:

Jeff Abbott
Goodreads: Trust Me by Jeff Abbott
Library Thing: Trust Me by Jeff Abbott
Diana Page Jordan: Stepfathers, Terrorism on the Web, and Trust Me!
Genre Go Round Reviews: Trust Me - Jeff Abbott
Trust Me by Jeff Abbott (Mystery Book Review)

The Crossroads by Chris Grabenstein

HAUNTED MYSTERY SERIES BOOK 01

The Crossroads by Chris Grabenstein

Random House

Published in 2008

ISBN 9780375846977

325 Pages

PLACES TO BUY FROM:

Amazon (Hardcover)
Barnes & Noble (Hardcover)

CHECKED OUT THE BOOK FROM MY PUBLIC LIBRARY.

Review/Rating:

4 out of 5



Zack Jennings is a normal eleven-year-old boy, except for the fact that he can see ghosts. Him, his father, and his new stepmother move from New York to Connecticut, but when they arrive there things are not what they appear to be. You see, there is the huge tree in their backyard, and Zack knows there is something evil about it. His new stepmother, Judy, has also seen ghosts near the house. Are the ghosts all connected in some way? And why does the evil spirit in the tree want to kill him?

Another supernatural book, but it is one about ghosts. Also, it's a junior fiction book. Yeah, I know, way off my level, but I like to read around. :)

Like almost all mystery books, it starts off kind of slow and boring, which is always annoying in books. Though, it starts to pick up the action, suspense, and mysteriousness after they move to Connecticut, where the haunted tree is at. And the mystery part is kind of annoying since the author doesn't leave that many clues for you to figure out what happened, instead the author lets the characters figure it out on their own. So if you want a mystery, where you can solve it from the clues, this isn't a book you want.

Another thing that is slow-moving are the characters, though they do eventually have some growth, errr... most of them anyways. I especially like how the relationship between Zack and Judy, his stepmother, grows. Why? Because you mostly only see books mention how mean the stepmothers are or how they mostly ignore the kid, but with this book, they actually get along towards the end.

Another thing that I like about this book is that it tells the story using mostly descriptions and details, instead of mostly dialogue. I tend to be more harsh on books that have more dialogue than ones that tell the story in paragraphs summarizing what most others use dialogue for. I like books like this one a lot. :)

Anyways, it is a good ghost novel, despite the slow-moving parts, so go read it. :D

Another thing, this book has a series. This book is the first one in that series. The second one is called The Hanging Hill, and the third one, which isn't released yet, is called The Smoky Corridor. I'll try to read them, if my library orders them. >.<

Other Reviews/Author Site:

Chris Grabenstein
Goodreads: The Crossroads by Chris Grabenstein
Library Thing: The Crossroads by Chris Grabenstein
BC Book Reviews: The Crossroads by Chris Grabenstein
Bookhound: The Crossroads by Chris Grabenstein
Mrs. McGriff's Reading Blog: The Crossroads by Chris Grabenstein

The Giver by Lois Lowry

THE GIVER SERIES BOOK 01

The Giver by Lois Lowry

Houghton Mifflin Company

Published in 1993

ISBN 0395645662

180 Pages

PLACES TO BUY FROM:

Amazon (Hardcover)
Barnes & Noble (Hardcover)

CHECKED OUT THE BOOK FROM MY PUBLIC LIBRARY.

Review/Rating:

5 out of 5




Picture this: a world without conflict, poverty, unemployment, divorce, injustice, inequality, and even teenage rebellion. Sounds perfect, right? But for Jonas, this world is a reality. December is a special time in this community since that is when the annual Ceremony takes place, where all the children learn their new responsibilities for their new ages. Though, Jonas is frightened because the Ceremony of Twelve will mark an important change for everyone who is twelve. At the Ceremony, they will learn what their life assignment is, as determined by the community's Elders. As he watches his friends receive their life assignment, each chosen for a job where they are most suited at, Jonas has been chosen for something more special than them. He is chosen as the Receiver --- something that Jonas might regret getting since he learns all the dark secrets that his world is based on. What will he do when he learns that the people would be better off if they received what he learned?

Okay, a science fiction book, yay! Actually, I read this book back in junior high because it was one of those "required" books we had to read. I don't know if it is still required, but I hope it is since I really like this book and what it teaches.

This is one of the few books where I don't care about how much descriptions or details are used. Why? Because I like the theme of the book. Though, there are enough descriptions where it is around the theme of the book. Like the summary says, it "questions every value we have taken for granted and reexamines our most deeply held beliefs".

The book examines things like seeing colors, feelings, holidays, and making choices, and how we take it for granted since we always had them. While in the book, the government, I guess, decided to take away those things in order to create a "perfect" world. While it might be good to have peace without conflict, no poverty, no unemployment, etc, it is still important to have choices --- no matter if they are bad or good for the person.

Go read it, the book will teach you to enjoy your free will and question and make sure the government doesn't do something like this to us. >.<

Other Reviews/Author Site:

Lois Lowry
Goodreads: The Giver by Lois Lowry
Library Thing: The Giver by Lois Lowry
Rhapsody in Book Weblog: The Giver by Lois Lowry
No Rest for the Lazy: The Giver by Lois Lowry
My Love Affair with Books: The Giver by Lois Lowry

Insatiable by Meg Cabot

INSATIABLE SERIES BOOK 01

Insatiable by Meg Cabot

William Morrow (Imprint of Harper Collins Publishers)

Published in 2010

ISBN 9780061735066

454 Pages

PLACES TO BUY FROM:

Amazon (Hardcover)
Barnes & Noble (Hardcover)

CHECKED OUT THE BOOK FROM MY PUBLIC LIBRARY.

Review/Rating:

3 out of 5



Meena Harper writes the dialogue for the popular drama, Insatiable, but when her bosses tell her that the drama she writes for will change to something she hates, vampires, she goes crazy. Although Meena is not unfamiliar with supernatural things, since she can tell how people will die, she still doesn't like it. Though, even with her small ability to tell a small part of the future, she still has problems with her love life because of her so-called "gift". However, that is, until she meets Lucien Antonescu, a modern-day prince from Romania. They both feel in love at first sight, but is Meena in love with him or with the fact she can't see his death? Also, does Lucien have any dark secrets that he is keeping from Meena?

A vampire romance book. Oh, goody, but don't worry it is kind of different from most vampire romance books out there.

Another vampire romance book, is it me, or are these vampire romance novels getting tiresome? In most of these novels, the women are wimpy and fall head over heels with the vampire. This book isn't any different in that aspect, in fact, it is worse in that area. Several times while reading how Meena reacted to Lucien, I wanted to go into the book and smack her several times. Not only is Meena's personality similar to other books featuring supernatural things, but so were the rest of the characters of the book. *SIGH* They were too stereotypical for me to really enjoy the characters. I kind of wish she ended up with Wulf, instead of no one.

Also, although the details are kind of okay, the book isn't really that enjoyable. Well, except the short parts of comedy that are in the book, which was kind of made the book a little bit more enjoyable. However, despite the fact I really didn't like the book, the ending is unexpected for a vampire romance novel. Anyways, I don't suggest reading if you don't like the stereotypical characters in supernatural books.

*SIGHS* Such disappointment. I like her young adult series The Mediator, but this book was kind of URGH.

I rated it a 3 star because of the funny parts and the unexpected ending. >.>"

Oh, I forgot to mention why it has the smut label. There isn't detailed sex scenes, like most vampire romance books, however, there are scenes leading up to sexual intercourse. The actual sex parts are not mentioned, only the parts where it leads up to sex. >.<

I just looked up information about this book, and apparently, there will be a sequel in July 2011 named Overbite. *URGH*

Other Reviews/Author Site:

Meg Cabot
Goodreads: Insatiable by Meg Cabot
Library Thing: Insatiable by Meg Cabot
Stiletto Storytime: Review: Insatiable by Meg Cabot
All the Books I Can Read: Insatiable by Meg Cabot
Words, Words, Words: Insatiable by Meg Cabot

Vampire Rising by Jason Henderson

ALEX VAN HELSING SERIES BOOK 01

Vampire Rising by Jason Henderson

Harper Teen (Imprint of Harper Collins Publishers)

Published in 2010

ISBN 9780061950995

249 Pages

PLACES TO BUY FROM:

Amazon (Hardcover)
Barnes & Noble (Hardcover)

CHECKED OUT THE BOOK FROM MY PUBLIC LIBRARY.

Review/Rating:

5 out of 5



Alex Van Helsing thought he was an ordinary fourteen-year-old, that is, until he arrives at Glenarvon Academy --- an all boys' school near Lake Geneva. He doesn't know that the legends about the famous vampire-hunter Van Helsing is true until he is confronted by two vampires. Now, vampires are coming after him, and the vampire behind all of this is called Icemaker. When Icemaker kidnaps two of his friends, Alex must locate them and rescue them, hopefully, still alive. Normal school subjects will not be the only things he learns, together with the Polidorium, a secret vampire-hunting organization, he learns how to kill vampires and other things. Though, will it be enough before Icemaker's plans fold out?

Hehe~ Surely you knew that another vampire book was in the future review. ;) Hopefully, my summary isn't too bad, I tend to make bad summaries, when the ones on the book cover are good enough. ^^;

This book is the author's first book for young adults, and let's say it's much better than most vampire books for this age-range. Mostly you get this for vampire books (no matter the range): Vampire falls in love with a human. Human and vampire have struggles with their relationship. Human and vampire (usually) find a way to be together. This book is not like that. (Yayness!) Vampire Rising goes back to the original "vampires are evil" motto. I know there are some books like this, but it always has some kind of romance in them. I'm a girl (a 22-year-old one), and I like reading romances, but not all the time.

Anyways, it takes awhile to get used to the way the book is written, but after get over the hump of the first chapter, it gets very interesting. Unlike most young adult (and adult) books I read, this book actually has details of events, scenery/places, characters, etc. I felt more engaged in this book than in most books I read. The characters feel realistic, and the action/suspense is something to look forward to.

Also, something even more interesting, the author ties-in not only Bram Stoker's Dracula, but Mary Shelley's Frankenstein as well. Why is that interesting? Because I have never seen any other vampire book tie in another horror book, and use some of the writings in it as well as use Dracula as clues for vampires and the history behind it.

Now, shoo, go read it. It is a really a great book to read. It's engaging, full of details, full of action/suspense, and it has something for everyone. Except maybe romance, but that's what makes this vampire book good. ;) I read it in all in just one day. xD Now, shoo, go read it. :D

Here's hoping the author doesn't lose the sense of details and action in the second book, like most other authors do when they do series. xD

Other Reviews/Author Site:

Jason Henderson
Alex Van Helsing Series Blog
Goodreads: Vampire Rising by Jason Henderson
Library Thing: Vampire Rising by Jason Henderson
Book Snare: Vampire Rising by Jason Henderson
Reading on the Dark Side: Vampire Rising by Jason Henderson

The Hittite by Ben Bova

 

The Hittite by Ben Bova

Tom Doherty Associates

Published in 2010

ISBN 9780765324023

317 Pages

PLACES TO BUY FROM:

Amazon (Hardcover)
Barnes & Noble (Hardcover)

CHECKED OUT THE BOOK FROM MY PUBLIC LIBRARY.

Review/Rating:

3 out of 5



After a long campaign against the Armenian army, Lukka is finally returning home to his wife and two sons. However, instead of finding peace in the capital of the Hatti empire, Hattusa, he finds nothing but chaos. The once great city is now engulfed in flames and men are terrorizing and looting the city of its goods, including any women they find. When he reaches his home, he finds it destroyed with his father dying and wife and sons missing. With the last words of his father that Lukka must find his two sons, he goes off with the men he commands to find them. However, when he reaches Troy, he finds himself in the middle of a war. Now, in order to get his children and wife back, he must prove himself to Odysseos. But by the time he proves himself greater than that of Price Hector of Troy and the swift warrior Achilles, will it be too late to save the loved ones he came for?

Finally, a non-supernatural book AND an adult one. I like young adult books too much. I'll try to get more adult books after I read the rest of the books I have. :) Oh, beware of spoilers in the review. ;)

This is my first compliant... not enough details or descriptions (of the characters, events, places) to make the book longer than it is now. This history fiction book starts with Lukka coming home and finding his house destroyed, his father dying, and his wife and children missing. However, from there, the author tries to quickly get Lukka and his men to Troy in order to find his wife. It skips some things like more details about everything it takes to get there, but it includes some (but not all) of the hardships --- like Lukka having to kill one of his men because the guy didn't want to go on. I found this a little frustrating since the author didn't go into that much detail about him arriving to Troy and finding it under siege. Then after getting there, the book almost automatically goes into the fighting between Troy, and Lukka proves himself there. It pretty much like I wrote in the summary. The book has details, but not enough to keep you satisfied. The chapters are like 2-6 pages each, and not enough details to make the book really worth-while.

My second compliant... I hated how whiny Helen is, but I let that go since it was a different time than it is now. Helen acts like how most authors put women leads: demands attention, blames themselves and gets pity from that, and pretty much gets whatever they want, which is getting frustrating because it is so common now.

My third and last compliant... the ending sucked. It doesn't even have an ending where it mentions whether or not Helen, Lukka, the little boys, and his men make it to Egypt or if Menalaos catches them. I find this more "let me choke the author" worthy than the lack of details part. -____-

Now, a few good things about the book. I like how it goes into the history of Troy and Hatti and who built the Trojan horse, which not many books really do. Though, the author kind of ruins it by not having that many details and making the book go as quickly as possible. However, it is an exciting read, and it is entertaining. Though, it is frustrating. So, go ahead and read if you can live with lack of details, fast-moving, and sucky ending. :|

Oh, a few warnings. This book mentions rape, love scenes, gore scenes, etc, however, the author doesn't go into too many details about the acts --- just kind of mentions them and moves on to something else. Also, I rated it 3 three stars because of the interesting topic, but I didn't go any higher because of the lack of details and sucky ending. ;)

Other Reviews/Author Site:

Ben Bova
Goodreads: The Hittite by Ben Bova
Library Thing: The Hittite by Ben Bova
The Merry Go Round Reviews: The Hittite by Ben Bova
Imagic Reflections: The Hittite by Ben Bova