Author Archives: Sarah J.

The Incredible Charlotte Sycamore by Kate Maddision

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incrediblecharlotte_katemaddisonThe sixteen-year-old daughter of Queen Victoria’s surgeon should be a mild-mannered and polite. That is what everyone in Her Majesty court’s thinks. Even so, Charlotte Sycamore has a price on her head and labeled the Robin Hood Surgeon for stealing medicine for the poor. One day, she is bitten by rabid dogs but not just any type of dogs. Mechanical dogs. Then starts the race against time to find a cure for this disease and the master of the dogs.

The Incredible Charlotte Sycamore is classified as an alternative history and steampunk story. It was this fact that instantly drew me to the story. There is a love story, which I think was not very well combined with the main conflict. The love story does take away some of the excitement presented in the book. One good thing is it does contain a very strong female main character, who goes beyond the norms of a “Victorian heroine”. This fact adds a lot to the story. Most of the story seems to have the theme of Charlotte trying to decide what she should do with her life. It is a choose between following her heart or conforming to the court. In her heart, she wants to be wild and free but the court expects her to marry who they choose and lead a quiet life. There are moments where Charlottes makes decisions that do not lead to great results and she learns from them.

To give this book a score, it would be 8/10. There could have been some changes that could have positively added to the story’s plot but overall it is still a very good read. I would recommend it to those trying to find a good steampunk novel.

– Sarah J.,

Book Review: The Bar Code Tattoo by Suzanne Weyn

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bar_code_tattooIndividuality Vs, Conformity

Identity Vs. Access

Freedom Vs. Control

These are things that Kayla will have to choose. Her entire world is changed with the bar code tattoo that is supposed to make your life easier and become your identity. She refuses to get one thinking how weird it is to be able to be scanned like a box of cereal and just be a bar code. She thinks nothing of it. Slowly, the bar code tattoo turns her into an outcast and her family falls apart. Both are linked to the bar code. She learns of the secrets of the tattoo and why it is so dangerous. Soon she has no choice but to run.

This is a book that is hard to explain. I found it easy to read but it has lots of meaning hidden in the lines of this book. It talks a lot about being like others and conforming to be like others and how people can be controlled. There is also the theme of trying to find oneself. There is not much development in the characters, which I wished for more of, but the main characters is portrayed as well. There is some more mature themes presented in the book so I would recommend it to older readers. If I had to give it a rating it would be 7/10. The Bar Code Tattoo is written quite well but lacks in several areas, including description and originality of plot.

This is only what I think, so read for yourself to decide.

– Sarah J., 9th grade

 

Book Review: The Kite Fighters By Linda Sue Park

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kite_fightersFlying wind, fighting kites, floating line.

1473, in Seoul, Korea, two brothers are excited for the New Year kite celebration, which means kite fighting. Both have the passion, but each has different skills. The elder, Kee-sup, can build a kite fit for a king but cannot handle a kite much less fight with it. The younger, Young-sup, knows how to “speak” to the wind and kite, which allows him to control kites with ease. Unfortunately, with a new year comes growing up and Kee-sup officially becomes an “adult,” which strains the brother’s relationship. During this time, Young-sup befriends the king of Korea, which brings a new conflict between the boys and their loyalty to their father and the king. Yet this doesn’t stop the boys from doing what they truly want to do for the kite festival.

The Kite Fighters is one of my favorite books that I have read over and over again. There is a huge theme about the relationship between brothers. Unfortunately, to fully understand the story main conflict, it is necessary to have  knowledge of the strict honoring system in Asian culture. Despite this, I love how the author manages to write a captivating story combined with the uncommonly written Asian history. There is also a great theme of how very different people can become the most unlikely of friends. This is a perfect book for any age. It’s not a high action fierce or  fighting story, but it brings a good tale of family and friendship. This, of course, is only what I think, so decide for yourself if it’s a book for you!

If you would like to read my review of another book by Linda Sue Park, A Single Shard, click here: https://mvlteenvoice.com/2014/06/19/book-review-a-single-shard-by-linda-sue-park/

-Sarah J., 9th grade

Book Review: Taken, by David Massey

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takenSix teenagers on a trip across the ocean. Four are military veterans disabled in combat. The other two are “able” sea hands to help along the way. Things are cut short when they become prisoners of war of a man called Moses Mwemba.

Rio Cruz, is one of the two “able bodied” crew that was hired to help four teenage veterans, Ash, Marcus, Charis, and Izzy, who have been disabled in combat sail around the world for charity. Even before the six start the voyage, tension starts building between Rio and the other “able bodied” crew member, Jen. The tension only grows when Rio’s fondness for Ash emerges and when she finds a hidden letter. But all the tension and strife that was building gets cut short when they are captured to become political pawns.

This was a rather strange story. Unfortunately, I found it a bit too rushed. There were also some things that I would have like have a bit more explained. It is written in a first person point of view which does limit what explained in the story. Even so the plot was interesting. It is one of the types of plot that I have not read very much of. The characters were okay. I do believed they could have been a little more developed or described but the fact that they were disabled veterans, who were determined to show that they were not helpless, made up for some of it. I some times mixed up the characters due to the lack of explanation at the beginning of the book.

One of the themes of this book does make you think a lot about what people are. This is a book I would only recommend to at least high-school or older. There is quite a bit of violence in the story and there is many themes in this book that are hard to explain and hard to understand. To give this book a rating: 5/10

This is only what I think so read it for yourself and decide.

– Sarah J., 10th grade

Manga Introduction: Fullmetal Alchemist by Hiromu Arakawa

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fullmetal_alchemist“There’s no such thing as a painless lesson-they just don’t exist. Sacrifices are necessary. You can’t gain anything without losing something first. Although if you can endure that pain and walk away from it, you’ll find that you now have a heart strong enough to overcome any obstacle. Yeah… a heart made Fullmetal.”- Edward Elric from Fullmetal Alchemist by Hiromu Arakawa.

Edward Elric and his younger brother Alphonse are in search of the sorcerer’s stone in order to restore their bodies after a fail human transmutation. Human transmutation is one of the forms of alchemy, but the brothers are determined to have their full bodies back . They might seem like a odd pair with the elder at 4’8″ with a automail arm and leg and the younger twice the height trapped in a suit of armor yet even with these odd fact, the brothers fight to gain what they want.

Here are some fact about Fullmetal Alchemist by Hiromu Arakawa:

  • It was published in July of 2001 and ended 9 years later in July of 2010
  • There are 27 tankobon volumes (manga books) with 4-5 chapters in each.
  • It was published monthly by Square Enix in the magazine Monthly Shōnen Gangan
  • The Fullmetal Alchemist manga has sold approximately 61 million volumes as of 2013.
  • The English release of the manga’s first volume was the top-selling graphic novel during 2005.
  • In two TV Asahi web polls, the anime was voted the most popular anime of all time in Japan. At the American Anime Awards in February 2007, it was eligible for eight awards, nominated for six, and won five
  • There is an ongoing light novel series.
  • It has two anime series. The first one is called Fullmetal Alchemist and does not follow the original plot of the manga. The second series is called Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood and follows most of the manga’s plot. Each series has a full-length anime film, Fullmetal Alchemist the Movie: Conqueror of Shamballa and Fullmetal Alchemist: The Sacred Star of Milos respectively, to complete the series.

This is such an amazing series that I could go on with the facts but instead I will write about what I think of this manga. This is truly one of the best I have seen or read. It has a near perfect mix of characters and themes to spin a wonderful tale of adventure and excitement. One of my favorite things about this manga is that each characters each have their own quirks. Such as the main character, Edward Elric, sensitivity about his height and his habit of exploding and uttering comical lines of frustration.

“Shorty?! Could a shorty do this?! What else you want to call me: a half-pint bean-sprout midget?! I’m still growing you backwater desert idiots!” – An example of Edward Elric “short rants”

Another thing to admire about this manga is the many important themes it brings. Yes, this is set in another universe but there are many themes that could be applied to daily life. Such as the importance of a family and how they can make a difference in someone. There are many quotes in the manga that are worth memorizing. This is a very complex manga to explain in words. It easier to just read it and decide what you think. So why don’t you?

– Sarah J., 10th grade

Book Review: The Invaders by John Flanagan

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invadersThe Invaders is the second installment of the Brotherband Chronicles written by John Flanagan. Check an introduction to this series by Kyle H.

“Oh, it’s going to be such and interesting voyage,” – An excerpt from The Invaders by John Flanagan.

Eight boys and an older warrior have set out to sea and their journey has just begun in the book The Invaders. After failing to fulfill the mission of protecting the Skandians’ sacred artifact, the boys try to redeem themselves by tracking down the thief and recovering the treasure with the help of and a rather reclusive warrior. With Hal as the skirl (captain) of their wolfship, they set out on their voyage. Each boy faces his problems as they travel farther and farther from the home they knew best. The warrior, Thorn, an old friend of Hal, becomes their trainer and helps they develop new skills and abilities. They encounter a female hunter who leads them to a town taken over by the very pirates they were seeking. This starts the biggest challenge they had yet retaking a town full of hardened sea pirates with band of farmers, themselves, and a few others.

The Invaders has an amazing cast of characters that weave together a tale of adventure, danger, and teenage mischief. This is a perfect fit for those who like sea adventure coupled with teenage characters. This book deals a lot with working together as a team and following a trustworthy leader. It does go over rougher times they face together. The characters learn more about their warrior friend and each other, making their relationship grow deeper and stronger.

This is only what I think– read for yourself and decide.

-Sarah J., 9th grade

Book Review: The Mysterious Benedict Society, By Trenton Lee Stewart

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mysterious_benedict_coverFour kids,an old professor, his two, slightly quirky assistants, a school for the “gifted” that is run by the professor’s brother, and a diabolical machine that could take over the world– this is just an outline of what happens in The Mysterious Benedict Society written by Trenton Lee Stewart

The story starts out with Reynie Muldoon, an eleven-year-old boy who is gifted with more knowledge than most adults. An advertisement is placed in the newspaper. Reynie, being highly unusual for a child his age, reads the newspaper and happens to read the advertisement:

ARE YOU A GIFTED CHILD LOOKING FOR SPECIAL OPPORTUNITIES?

Intrigued by the fact that is was addressed to children and not the parents, Reynie decides to answer the ad. In return, he is sent to take a series of test where he meets three other children all very smart and with their own quirks and habits. The four are then sent to a school for the “gifted”  and have to find a diabolical machine that could take over the world before it is too late.

The Mysterious Benedict Society  is a book good for all ages with a cast of characters from young to old. This is a mystery story with child protagonist and a dash of adventure. Each character has their quirks that makes them seem more on the nerdy side but makes them more real to the reader. In this story, there is also the theme that everyone one has a talent or an ability that is needed somewhere. It says that no one is not important.

This is the first of a series of amazing mysteries by Trenton Lee Stewart. If you enjoy mysteries, this is a book for you, though very different from your normal Sherlock Holmes.

-Sarah J., 9th grade

Book Review: Dragon of Silk by Laurence Yep

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dragon_silk“Silk is in our blood” – An excerpt from Dragon of Silk by Laurence Yep

Four Chinese girls from different generations each given the name Swallow. Each living in a different era with different difficulties. The one thing tying them together is their heritage and bond with silk. This book spans over seventy-five years, from 1835-2011, in both China and America. Each girl shows the strength and courage of a dragon through the the thick and thin. They fight and sacrifices to keep the family together and pursue her passion.

Dragon of Silk was published in 2011 and is the 10th book in the Golden Mountain Chronicles. This book can be considered a stand-alone book.

Dragon of the Silk is a story of courage and strength but at the same time it brings the theme of the importance of family and how one person can have a huge affect on another. There is also the theme of giving up something to help someone else. Due to the setting of the story, it allows the reader an insight on how Chinese people and immigrants lived during those times. There are also many mentions of the Chinese legend of the Weaving Maid, as well as some of the many festivals celebrated in the Chinese Culture. The characters are well written and have a quality that makes them more real to the reader.

This is a perfect read for anyone. This doesn’t have hardcore action and adventure but it has a wonderful tale for those willing to take the time and read it. This is certainly one of the tops in my book lists.

-Sarah J., 9th grade

Manga Introduction: Black Butler, by Yana Toboso

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black_butlerBlack Butler (aka Kuroshitsuji in the original Japanese) is a tale of a contract between a demon butler and a child in Victorian-era London…

After a dangerous happening in his childhood, Ciel Phantomhive is left an orphan with a demon contracted to him as a butler. The demon, named Sebastian Michaelis by Ciel, will take Ciel’s soul when Ciel’s goal is reached. Known as the “Queen’s Watchdog,” 12-year-old Ciel Phantomhive solves crimes at the Queens orders from mysterious deaths to insane nobles, while trying to reach is goal of avenging his family murder.

Black Butler is an simply amazing manga with wonderful drawings. Here are a few facts about this manga:

  • Published in September of 2006, it rose in popularity and is still popular today. It is also still being produced.
  • There are 19  tankobon volumes (manga books) with 4-5 chapters each. All of which are titled: “That Butler,_______”
  • The title Black Butler is used for the America, Germany, France, Italy and Spain releases while the original Japanese title Kuroshitsuji is used in the Japan, Poland, and Finland releases.
  • Published once a month by Square Enix in a magazine called Monthly GFantasy.
  • Has two seasons of animes as well as a OVA (original video animation). A live action movie was also produced and released this year. It also has had three two musical productions and a third run as a reprise of the second musical.

This is one of my favorites among the many mangas around. For one, this has simply incredible drawings.  The main character’s development during helps to bring much of the story together with a mix of trying to solve mysteries and the emotions and feeling that come with being a human.

This does contain demons, shinigami (death reapers), as well as many other mystical elements. It also contains many deaths and some other more gruesome happening due to some of the more insane characters included in the story. It also has a lot that deals with how human being act and why, which many be hard to understand. This is best for a slightly more mature audience.

I can’t decide everything so read it yourself and find the adventure waiting for you.

-Sarah J, 9th grade

Book Review: Terrier by Tamora Pierce

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terrier“Rebekah Cooper. Your six-times-great-grandmother. Famed in her day for her service as a Provost’s Guard. She was fierce and law-abiding and loyal…”- An excerpt from Terrier by Tamora Pierce

Terrier, which is the first book of the Provost’s Dog series, is the fifteenth book of the many series set in the Kingdom of Tortall. Though this story starts many years before the first book, Alanna: First Adventure.

Rebakah “Beka” Cooper writes in her journal relaying the her tale of her training to become a Dog in the Provost’s Guard also known as the Provost’s Dog. In this era of Tortall, the city is divided into districts with the Provost’s Guards and the lawkeeper. She chose to train in the worst part of the city, the Lower City.  She is assigned to be Puppy(Dog in training) to the most renowned pair of Dogs in the city, Clara “Clary” Goodwin and Matthias “Mattes” Tunstall. She encounters many friends and foes in the Lower City as well as many crimes and mysteries. Beka come to discover a series of crime spread over years connected to an old bedtime tale about the Shadow Snake along with the mysterious appearance of the rare opals and the disappearance to the ones connected to it. Along with her help of her friend ghost carrying pigeons, and dust spinners, Beka pursues the answers to the mysteries.

Terrier is another wonderful tale by Tamora Pierce with a strong female protagonist. Compared to her other books this contains more of a mystery side to it. It also has less focused on what are the changes that come when growing up. Another difference is that this book is written in a journal style with different days being each chapter. Also due to the fact that it is a journal and Beka does come from a different time it has a special terminology. These terminology might be hard to understand at first but added to the character of the book. Beka is a well written character. With sharp senses and magic Gift, Beka seems to be a flawless character but she struggles with talking to others and her personality tends to lead her into sticky situations. This makes her more real to the readers.

This is only what I think of course, read it to decide for yourself.

In case you missed it, my other reviews of Tamora Pierce’s books:

First Test

Battle Magic

Alanna: The First Adventure

-Sarah J., 9th grade