Author Archives: Michaela

About Michaela

An exuberant 20 year old redhead// I am grateful for God, my crazy family of 5, my beautiful friends, darn delicious food, being a UC Berkeley student, and the adventures I pursue in my books.

Book Review: Legend, by Marie Lu

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legend_coverAre you a Hunger Games or Divergent fan? Do you seek suspense and romance? If yes, Legend is just the book for you!

In this action-packed novel, the author takes you to a time when the Western Coast of the United States is now the Republic, and they are at war with their neighbors, the Colonies.

Born into an elite family in one of the Republic’s wealthiest districts, fifteen-year old June is a military prodigy. She is an intelligent, smart, quick-witted, and stealthy girl, scoring a 1500/1500 on the Trial that every ten-year old must face on his/her birthday. Passionate and committed to her country, she is groomed to be a success in her Republic’s highest circles.

Born into the slums of the Republic’s Lake Sector, fifteen-year old Day is the country’s most wanted criminal. With his long, blonde hair, piercing blue-eyes, and striking features, Day is definitely the most handsome criminal ever heard of. But his criminal-like motives may not be as malicious as they seem…

One day, June’s brother, Metias, is murdered, and instantly, Day is the prime suspect. From two very different worlds, one never would have thought their paths would cross. But now, caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family’s survival, while June struggles to take vengeance on her brother’s death.

But will June and Day come to discover the biggest secret that their country has gone to sinister lengths to cover? In this exhilarating novel, the reader will come to find that the truth itself can save and also kill.

My P.O.V: Legend is an incredible story of two lives coming together, but for a terrible reason. I am a huge fan of the Hunger Games and Divergent series, and Legend definitely fits in with these types of novels, due to their similarity in dystopian society and a sudden romance. This book is definitely recommended for kids ages 12+ due to the mature language and violence. I totally recommend this book to any of you thrill-seekers, adventure-lovers, and of course, you hopeless romantics! 😉

-Michaela B., 12th grade

Book Review: Divergent, by Veronica Roth

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divergent_coverAbsent from reality and consumed by the pages, Divergent introduces you to a dystopian world, where society is separated into five Factions. The five Factions are: Candor (the honest), Erudite (the intelligent), Abnegation (the selfless), Amity (the peaceful), and lastly, Dauntless (the brave). One on special day of the year, all 16-year olds must choose which faction they will devote the rest of their lives to.

Beatrice Prior, our main character, has grown up in the Abnegation faction. Yet, as the time arrives for her to choose her faction, which she must dedicate her life to, she is torn over her what her final decision may be. Most importantly, Beatrice fears the outcome if she chooses to stay or abandon her faction and how her family will react to her decision. From this point in the novel, the rest is left for the reader to find out.

Book reviewers such as BookPage and Publishers Weekly state “You’ll be up all night with Divergent…” and call it “A memorable, unpredictable journey…” I agree to no end that Divergent is a brilliant novel about making choices that will transform you, defining your beliefs, and determining who your loyalties are. Of course, like any good novel, a secretive romance reveals itself throughout the novel, creating an appeal for the readers who seek a thrill novel along with their hidden passion for some, ah… amour.

Blatantly speaking, Divergent has overthrown The Hunger Games due to its twists, unpredictability, and especially the way the characters are brought out. Props to Veronica Roth for writing an incredible novel, captivating the hearts and minds of all Divergent readers!

-Michaela B., 11th grade