The Storm Makers (by Jennifer E. Smith)

The Storm Makers
by Jennifer E. Smith
Release date : April 3rd, 2012

Enter the world of The Storm Makers, where there's magic behind every forecast.
What starts as an ordinary summer turns exciting and perilous for twins Ruby and Simon when strange occurrences begin happening on their farm -- sudden gusts of wind, rainstorms, and even tornado warnings -- that seem eerily timed to Simon's emotions.Then a stranger arrives and tells the twins that Simon is a Storm Maker -- part of a clandestine group of people entrusted with controlling and taming the weather -- and that he is in great danger. Soon Simon and Ruby must race against the clock as they try to master Simon's powers in time to stop a rogue Storm Maker's treacherous -- and potentially deadly -- plans.
In this thrilling new adventure, loyalties can shift as quickly as the wind . . . and the ordinary can turn extraordinary in the blink of an eye. (from Goodreads)

MY THOUGHTS : My feelings about this book are kinda mixed... I read THE STORM MAKERS after having read THE STATISTICAL PROBABILITY OF LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT (by the same author - review here) which I'd loved! It's not the same kind of book at all, and I knew it, but my expectations were quite high...

The writing itself and the whole story treatment really are enjoyable. The plot's basis is interesting and intriguing. Ruby, the main character, is endearing, and I loved that she didn't have the special powers that her brother had. It's unusual that the hero of a book lacks the power that makes the plot.

But unfortunately the whole story is extremely predictable. I won't share any spoilers as examples, but let's just say the last part of the book was foreseeable since earlier on. What started of as an exciting plot became a bit basic for me. And I didn't find the adventure in itself very thrilling. The simple fact that the story revolves around the ability to change the weather could've brought on more unusual and surprising situations,  and also more "meteorologic". But we're more focused on the characters than on the magic itself. I didn't like how sugary certains scenes were either... Too Disney-like for my taste, and I thought they were breaking the realistic roots of the story.

All in all, THE STORM MAKERS was a pleasant read, I had a nice time, but I think it lacked more development and that it was a bit too "simple".

You can check out my review of THE STATISTICAL PROBABILITY OF LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT by the same author.

French Friday (41)

Bonjour everyone!

Here is another round of French covers! Enjoy!

THE PROBABILITY OF MIRACLES by Wendy Wunder
Translated as LA FILLE QUI NE CROYAIT PAS AUX MIRACLES ("The Girl who Didn't Believe in Miracles")

I'LL BE THERE by Holly Goldberg Sloan
Translated as CAVALE ("Lam")

DAUGHTER OF SMOKE AND BONE by Laini Taylor
Translated as FILLE DES CHIMERES ("Daughter of Chimeras")

This week my favorites are all the original ones.
What do YOU think?

Skin Deep (by Laura Jarratt)

Skin Deep
by Laura Jarratt
Release date : March 5th, 2012

Ugly people don't have feelings. They're not like everyone else. They don't notice if you stare at them and turn away. And if they did notice, it wouldn't hurt them. They're not like real people. Or that's what I used to think. Before I learned...
After the car crash that leaves her best friend dead, Jenna is permanently scarred. She struggles to rebuild her life, but every stare in the street, every time she looks in the mirror, makes her want to retreat further from the world. Until she meets Ryan. Ryan's a traveller. When he and his mother moor their narrow boat on the outskirts of a village, she tells him this time it will be different. He doesn't believe her; he can't imagine why this place shouldn't be as unwelcoming as the rest. Until he meets Jenna. But as Jenna and Ryan grow closer, repercussions from the crash continue to reverberate through the community. And then a body is found... (from Goodreads)

MY THOUGHTS : I thought SKIN DEEP was a real page-turner, not because of it being action-packed, but because of it being emotion-packed! That's the beauty of the book : everything is based on the characters' relationships, flaws and strenghts, and on their real problems and how they're going to face them. No superficiality here. On a side note : too bad the cover doesn't show this book's depth, I think the catch-line is cheesy compared to how profound the book actually is. I loved Jenna from the very first pages. Ryan and Jenna's characters are very richly developped, they have weight and seem real. I like that.

Everything is written with such freshness and honesty. The message is strong, without being moralist. Even if the theme is sad and hard, it doesn't lack humour either, and the love story never becomes syrupy.

I've enjoyed every second of it and was moved by this touching and inspiring story! A promising debut!

Irises (by Francisco X. Stork)

Irises
by Francisco X. Stork
Release date : January 1st, 2012

TWO SISTERS: Kate is bound for Stanford and an M.D. -- if her family will let her go. Mary wants only to stay home and paint. When their loving but repressive father dies, they must figure out how to support themselves and their mother, who is in a permanent vegetative state, and how to get along in all their uneasy sisterhood.
THREE YOUNG MEN: Then three men sway their lives: Kate's boyfriend Simon offers to marry her, providing much-needed stability. Mary is drawn to Marcos, though she fears his violent past. And Andy tempts Kate with more than romance, recognizing her ambition because it matches his own.
ONE AGONIZING CHOICE: Kate and Mary each find new possibilities and darknesses in their sudden freedom. But it's Mama's life that might divide them for good -- the question of *if* she lives, and what's worth living for.
(from Goodreads)

MY THOUGHTS : This touching book is based on the two sisters' psychology, which is both fascinating and frustrating because I thought it wasn't pushed far enough. It felt shy. The theme is quite heavy, both girls have got very difficult choices to make at a point in their lives where they discover themselves on their own and also together. So there is quite a lot to develop, which is great. But, here, I felt like we were half way between a "realistic", classic plot and a psychologic and theological one. Which ended up, for me, with both aspects not quite pushed like they could've been on their own, and that's too bad because both were interesting!

I felt like all the secondary characters were thrown into the sisters' lives to give the plot some sort of consistancy, and I didn't think that was necessary. All the more so as these characters weren't given an importance that they could've deserved.

Kate and Mary were brought up by a conservative and strict father, so they're both living out of their time, far from modernity, from the way they talk to their daily habits. This lead to me having a bit of trouble figuring out that the book took place nowadays. Ok, maybe I'm stupid. But I really asked myself the question! There are many little things like that which I found incoherent, and which didn't help me getting into the book like I would've wanted to.

But I must say that IRISES was written with finesse and subtility, and it's a very moving read (some parts really made my eyes water). The narrator's omniscience gives peps to the plot and helps us understand the girls. There's a fragility and a real respect in the writing which makes the reading soft and addictive. So it's an introspective but interesting read nonetheless!

French Friday (40)

Bonjour!

My last French Friday was posted in october 2010, so this 40th one is officially THE comeback of this meme! I even changed its button to celebrate and start anew.

So, this month is kind of a Titanic month : on april 15th, it was the sad 100th "anniversary" of the sinking... So, this important event brought together every single smart author and director who had anticipated it all and who wrote books/directed movies and series about the famous ship so that they came out NOW. Clever. :)

So today is COVER-TIME with the original-vs-French covers of Gordon Korman's Titanic trilogy, which came out last year.

I've read #1 and #2, you can check out my reviews here!

Now, let's take a look at these covers!

ORIGINAL COVERS:

FRENCH COVERS:

My favorites are the French covers, without hesitation!
Firstly, they represent the books better than the other ones.
Also I think they're more fun and appealing, cuter and less "serious".
The one thing I like about the original ones is how, when the three of them are put together, it represents the whole ship.

What do you think? 

Oh, and let me leave you with this funny trailer for Titanic in SUPER 3D!
I laughed. A lot.

Titanic : #1 Unsinkable and #2 Collision Course (by Gordon Korman)

TITANIC #1 : Unsinkable
by Gordon Korman
Release date : May 1st, 2011

The ultimate action/adventure trilogy begins, with #1 bestselling author Gordon Korman plunging readers into the heart of the Titanic.
The Titanic is meant to be unsinkable, but as it begins its maiden voyage, there's plenty of danger waiting for four of its young passengers. Paddy is a stowaway, escaping a deadly past. Sophie's mother is delivered to the ship by police - after she and Sophie have been arrested. Juliana's father is an eccentric whose riches can barely hide his madness. And Alfie is hiding a secret that could get him kicked off the ship immediately. The lives of these four passengers will be forever linked with the fate of Titanic. And the farther they get from shore, the more the danger looms... (from Goodreads)

MY THOUGHTS : What doesn't fail with the "Titanic" recipe is that we KNOW how it's all going to end. The big picture, at least. Which makes us cling to the characters even more (Who will survive? Who will not?) and gives suspense and tension to what would be ordinary situations.
In this trilogy's installment, the main plot works quite well. We're able to visit the Titanic "backstage", so I was quite curious and satisfied with it. The characters take us everywhere. The chapters alternate from one to another, which gives a nice dynamic to the story.

But this book really is an installment, meaning that not much happens, but the whole plot is in place and ready to begin. I would've liked a bit more action. But I couldn't wait to read the second book!

TITANIC #2 : Collision Course

by Gordon Korman
Release date : August 1st, 2011

From bestselling author Gordon Korman, a second heart-stopping adventure aboard the unluckiest ship of all.
The Titanic has hit the high seas--and moves steadily toward its doom. Within the luxury of the cabins and the dark underbelly of the ship, mysteries unfold--a secret killer who may be on board, a legacy that may be jeopardized, and a vital truth that will soon be revealed. For Paddy, Sophie, Juliana, and Alfie, life on the Titanic brings both hiding and seeking, as their lives become irrevocably intertwined.And then, of course, an iceberg appears, and the stage is set for the final scene.  (from Goodreads)

MY THOUGHTS : A nice sequel, more thrilling than its predecessor. We continue to discover the ship and its many places with interest, and the narration and chapters are even more effective and dynamic. It's a really nice series, and it's too bad that the books are so short! The tension grows little by little, and I think the third book will be the peak of it! But I thought there was a lack of emotion between the characters. There is some, but not enough. For instance, I wouldn't have said no to a little love story... Anyway, the plot is well lead, thanks to good descriptions and perfect timing.

All in all, a enjoyable and touching read, which answers a lot of questions that we ask ourselves about the famous Titanic. I haven't read the third book, so I can't say if it's the same, but I guess it should be. :)

Cordially Uninvited (by Jennifer Roy)

Cordially Uninvited
by Jennifer Roy
Release date : April 3rd, 2012

Every girl wishes she was a princess—and Claire’s cousin is living the dream!
But will this  royal romance end in disaster?Eleven-year-old Claire Gross is fascinated by all things royal—especially because her very own cousin Belle is engaged to the Prince of England! Even though Claire is going to be a junior bridesmaid, she’s not as excited about the wedding as you might think. For one thing, she can’t tell anyone—not even her best friend. And for another, Claire’s parents are divorced, so she’s not so sure that “happily ever after” even exists. But when Claire gets to England and meets mean-girl Pandora—also a junior bridesmaid—she quickly realizes that whether or not she believes in true love, if she doesn’t take action, Pandora could break up Belle’s relationship! It may be the royal party of the century—but between the mishaps, the mayhem, and an awful social-climbing princess-wannabe, will there still be wedding bells for the happy couple?

MY THOUGHTS : After the excitement madness caused by Kate and William's wedding, who wouldn't dream of taking a trip behind the scenes of the event? (by sheer curiosity of course, not to bump accidentally into Harry or, say, Alan Rickman, or, I don't know Colin Firth!)*. I thought it was a brilliant idea for a book!

CORDIALLY UNINVITED takes us into the (almost) intimacy of the Royal family through the eyes of a very friendly 11 year old American girl. It's cute, it's catchy, the small plot nested in the big one works perfectly (even though I would've liked a little more "threat" and suspense with the Pandora story).

The most interesting things in the book remain our journey through royal life, the love story between Belle and the Prince, and the touching relationship between Belle and Claire. But, concerning the first point, I would've liked many more details! Call me paparazzi, but I felt like we could've witnessed so much more! Not so much of a problem during the weeks of preparation, but on the wedding day? I wanted descriptions, I wanted to know what people were wearing, I wanted to hear the crowd shouting, to feel the jubilation. I wanted to know what it felt like to enter the church, how everyone acted and felt... I understand that we're focused on Claire, who is not the bride, but a few anecdotes would've been welcome.

Some tiny inconsistencies sometimes got my attention (Would Belle and the Prince really have had the time to eat home-made hamburgers with a group of teens three days before the wedding? Oh, well, maybe I'm wrong!). But I was captivated nonetheless, by the characters, Claire's enthusiasm and personality, and by her old and new friends who were endearing and funny.

CORDIALLY UNINVITED will, I am sure, conquer girls' hearts! The tiny issues that I mentionned are not enough to dislike this book, which is very pleasant and fun!


*I know, it's not because they're British that they attended, but I was just making a point.

The Phoenix and Frankenstein Post

Because phoenixes rise from the ashes with renewed youth, to live through another cycle.
Because, as Frankenstein once said : "Look! It's moving. It's alive. It's alive. It's alive, it's moving, it's alive, it's alive, it's alive, it's alive, IT'S ALIVE!"


A year went by since my last post, and I'm happy to say that my long blog-break is ending TODAY!
And may the odds be ever in my favor. :)

I'm going to  take things slow though.
I've decided to focus (like, really focus) on book reviews : the last months before my break, I spent so much time working on the Book Blogging Around The World and French Friday features that I put book reviews aside. And that's silly since the purpose of this blog is, and has always been, sharing my reviews. These hundreds of sound-asleep-and-waiting-to-be-translated-since-2007 reviews that I want to share with you, dear readers!

Talking about you guys, HOW ARE YOU?! (if you're still here!) I've missed the blogosphere so much!

Gosh, time flies but life goes on, right?

So, while I dust the ashes off my plumage, shall we celebrate The Book on the Hill's comeback with the 2011 rendition of My Life as a Book?
To put 2011 aside and start 2012 with happy things?
For those of you who don't know what that is, the point is to answer some personal questions using titles of books that were read during the past year. Here it goes!

Describe yourself: The outlaw

How do you feel: Unraveling

Describe where you currently live: Tuesdays at the castle

If you could go anywhere, where would you go: Under the green hill

Your best friend is: The girl is murder

You and your friends are: Storm makers

What's the weather like: August

Favourite time of day: When the sea is rising red

What is life to you: Summer camp

You fear: Dark passages

What is the best advice you have to give: Keep holding on

Thought for the Day: The golden day

How I would like to die: Heart-shaped bruise

My soul’s present condition: Struck

Here we go, lovelies, Charlotte is back in the arena blogosphere!
It's a new dawn, it's a new day, it's a new life foooor me!

Talk to you soon here and on your blogs, that I've missed reading soooo much!

Love from the Hill.
xxx

PS: I hope you like the new look!