Les Miserables Valentines Day Midway Mention: An Open Letter to Jean Valjean

Hey Blogger Buds,
Happy Valentine's Day! Well, if that's how you roll, at least. Don't forget that your valentine isn't limited to your SO. On the day of love, you can settle down with Blue Bunny, and Ben an Jerry's. Or a sappy romance novel. Or Merlin. Or a book about people killing each other.
Whatever floats your boat.

Anyways, for the occasion, I've got a Midway Mention, Valentine-style!
First, a reminder of what Midway Mention is:

Midway Mention is a feature here at Riv Reads in which I say a few words on the book I'm in middle of reading, and let you know my thoughts when I'm around halfway through. I ask that you please don't use my idea without explicit permission first.

Now that that's out of the way:

Les Miserables by Victor Hugo
Abridged version, translated from the French by Charles E. Wilbour

Up to: Page 131 of 321, Marius: The Grandfather and the Grandson: End of the Brigand

An Open Letter to Jean Valjean:

Dear Jean Valjean,
When we first met, I really expected to dislike you. Sure, you're not as long-winded as usual, and you speak fluent English, but you're also ancient, bent on reminiscing your days as a convict and Holy Man.
But when you started speaking, I was captivated. Your story is a tragic one, a noble one, and you are amazingly, dazzlingly (and not like a sparklepire) eloquent.
You started off as a recently freed man, scorned by everyone for your status, and then you turned into a good person, only met with unfortunate circumstances, invoking my pity only pages into your tale. You are wise, and noble, and generous. You're a martyr who completely embodies charity and goodness.
And, most importantly, you're a likable and still flawed protagonist. Your story is one I enjoy hearing, as much as I expected to hate it. It is no wonder that you are responsible for turning many people onto the joys of reading.
I may be less that halfway through your life's story, but I wholeheartedly expect to enjoy the rest.

Yours,
Riv

A Tale Of Two Cities Midway Mention

Hey Blogger Buds,
I know, I'm giving you two MMs in a row. Sorry to disappoint! I haven't been reading much lately, except for A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens. So, in the spirit of giving you guys something, here's my MM.
Warning, I'm feeling snarky today.
First a reminder:
Midway Mention is a feature here on Riv Reads, in which I talk about a book I'm currently reading. Usually, I'm about halfway through the book. Feel free to use this feature. Please (1)credit me, (2) use it sparingly and (3) let me know somehow, so I can check it out!

Most of you've got the gist of A Tale Of Two Cities. French prince Charles denounces his title, moves to England, and--surprise!--falls in love with young Lucie. Also in love with the lovely girl is Sydney, the drunkard and Chuck's double. And while they're all living, happy and infatuated with each in England....France is bloodying her hands...and her very large knife on a stick. The peasants are revolting, and all the noble people are getting--how should I say this? They're getting....pwned.

MM:

As you all know A Tale of Two Cities is just a tad old. And the writing style? The same. I've never been a fan of classics, they were always hard for me to get through, and this book is no different. Sure, it has an original plot-line, billions of fans, and the fact that it survived 150 years has to mean something, but I'm not enjoying.

For one thing, the pacing is just weird and slow. This book could be shortened to, say, 75,000 words, which is about a 300 page YA book. I was reading a particularly descriptive paragraph and thinking, 'Who cares? What good is this doing? How is it helping me picture the scene better?'

Also, this book is about a lot of characters, many of whom are pretty much pointless. There's a dude, Jerry Cruncher, and his son, Jerry Cruncher (um, yeah. about that...). So far, Jerry has done very little except beat his wife up. (Jerry senior, that is. Junior is, like, 12.) The movie managed to do very well without Jerry squared, except for one "blink and you miss it" scene. I can't say I'm on the edge of my seat in anticipation, though.

On the plus side, this book is great if you have insomnia!

I give A Tale of Two Cities 0 stars so far.

I'm on page 170 out of 386 (of story. With the end pages, afterword etc. it's 397.)

Part 2 Chapter 15

If you're interested, add A Tale Of Two Cities on Goodreads.

Like Mandarin Midway Mention

Hey Blogger Buds,
I haven't had an MM in a while, so let me refresh your memory.
Midway Mention is a feature here on Riv Reads, in which I talk about a book I'm currently reading. Usually, I'm about halfway through the book.

Today's MM is for Like Mandarin by Kirsten Hubbard. It's about Grace Carpenter, a average girl who wants to break free and leave Nowheresville, Wyoming. Grace has another goal that focuses around wild, beautiful, carefree Mandarin Ramey. Grace wants to be Like Mandarin.

MM:
I'm absolutely LOVING this book. As cheesy as it may sound, I see myself in Grace. Sure, I live in the city that never sleeps, not in the badlands of Wyoming, but Grace wants to leave, and see something besides what she's seen all her life; she wants to meet new people, find someplace different.
The book is written really well, and I can understand and feel Grace's emotions, her frustration, her anger, her sadness, her elation, and everything in between.

So far, I give Like Mandarin 5 stars. I would give it more, except I haven't finished it yet, and I want to wait until I'm done to rate it off the charts.
I'm on page 177 out of 305 (more, if you count the acknowledgments.)
Add Like Mandarin on Goodreads.

Peace and oranges,
Riv

Triskaidek MM

Hey Blogger Buds,
Today I've got the Midway Mention for the Triskaidek, book 1 in the Camp Fae series, by Basil Sprig. I'm short on time, so it's just going to be a few lines, but enjoy!
Oh, and I still haven't had time to e-mail the winners, but don't worry! I will soon!


MM:
The Triskaidek started out a bit slow, for me. I had to force myself to get through the beginning. It was brilliantly plotted, but the beginning just didn't work for me. Leading among the reasons is the fact that much of it is plot-driven. But of course, that's a necessity.
The book's voice also seemed quite interesting and unique and I managed to give it a name about 50 pages in. It's told more like a story. For example, the narrator voices opinions, even though the whole thing is 3rd person limited to just Alley. It was-and continues to be-an interesting experience.
Around 75 pages in, the book picked up though, leaving me on the edge of my seat with anticipation. Now, at around 150 pages in, I'm excited for more.

****4 stars so far: very good.

The Camp Fae site is here.

Midway Mention is a mini-meme hosted by me, in which I talk about my opinion of a book halfway through. You must receive permission if you wish to use MM on your blog.

Peace,
RR

Current Music: Potential Breakup Song by Aly and AJ
Current Mood: Tired

PS: I updated the Shelfari lists, so look below and to the right for books!

Iron Daughter Review

Hey Blogger Buds,
Today I've got my review for the Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa, the sequel to the Iron King. The final book in the trilogy, titled the Iron Queen (surprise!) comes out in February. I bought the book in Borders while I was away, and it drew me in whenever I had a spare moment. As it took me almost a month to read it, I don't have a full review. I did write a Midway Mention though, and I'll be adding on what I thought of it as a whole.
Remember, Midway Mention is a not-quite meme I made up, in which I say what I thought of a book halfway through it. You can use MM if you wish, but please let me know and link back to me.

Blurby:
Half Summer faery princess, half human, Meghan has never fit in anywhere. Deserted by the Winter prince she thought loved her, she is prisoner to the Winter faery queen. As war looms between Summer and Winter, Meghan knows that the real danger comes from the Iron fey—ironbound faeries that only she and her absent prince have seen. But no one believes her.
Worse, Meghan's own fey powers have been cut off. She's stuck in Faery with only her wits for help. Trusting anyone would be foolish. Trusting a seeming traitor could be deadly. But even as she grows a backbone of iron, Meghan can't help but hear the whispers of longing in her all-too-human heart.

Midway Mention:
Thus far into the book, the Iron Daughter shares the same fate as many other sequels; coming nowhere near meeting the high standards set by the previous book. To start with, the summary was wrong. Most of the summary talks about Meghan's stay in the Winter court, which ends early on. Then there are her conflicting feelings for Ash. She keeps wondering if he loves her or was playing her, but the answer is quite obvious. Wrongly emphasized summaries are one of the things that always gets on my nerves.
I really felt for Meghan when she learnt more about Ariella, Ash's  first love. Puck said something to Meghan, and it was predictable and cliche`, but she should have accepted it anyways.
The book takes some unexpected twists, forcing me to stop at an intense moment. It's been a bit predicable but very climactic. I'm excited to continue reading.
Rating So Far: *** 3 stars
Stopped At: Part 2, Chapter 13, Charles and the Redcaps, Page 183

Continued Review:
After the first half, the book took a turn for the better. It became brilliant and intense, always leaving you on the edge of your seat, glued to the pages as you waited for the rest. Though there were slow parts in the beginning, the second half was brilliant.
Characters: Meghan was strong and tough, but smart. She knew better than to charge into battle like a weakling. And she's also capable of emotions, so she's not just a hard shell. Puck comes back after his little disappearance, and he's his usual awesome, fearless self. And then we have Ash. Oh, man, Ash. He's also really awesome, except he was a bit too angsty for my taste. He was all about "I want to but I can't" and "It's my duty alone" and "I'm too much of an idiot to accept help". Okay, maybe he'd didn't say the last one, but it was implied.
Team Ash vs Puck: In terms of who I like better, I'm in love with Puck. He's sooo awesome!! As for who Meghan should pick, Team Ash. But, she already picks at the end of this book.
The ending. Oh, wow, the ending. I was sitting there for a moment, stunned. It's sooo awesome!! I love the ending, and I'm soooo excited for the next book! I was rocking back and forth moaning for a bit as I got over the aftershock. Any complaints I had about the book were obliterated with that ending.

Julie Kagawa's blog. She's totally awesome!

Catchup Week: Percy Jackson Midway Mention

Hey bloggy buds,
Well, I didn't plan on doing PJ, but I'm not halfway through any other book at present, so I'm doing this one.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief
I mentioned this yesterday, I think, but I hate plot-driven books. They get on my nerves. I like a book with an active character. Yes, I understand, certain things have to be plot-driven, but I think a lot of it should be done by Percy. And I'm just not seeing it.
PJ seems to be doing stupid things and getting on my nerves. Besides for accepting everything and taking it all in stride (something I noticed in Tyger, Tyger, too), he's acting dumb. Someone died early on and now, without a second thought, Percy has decided he's going to go to the Underworld and rescue this dead character. Never mind that they're dead, he wants them out. Very irritating.
Yeah, I get it, he's upset and 12, but think. Plus, I feel like he's going about things the wrong way.
But I do like the basic idea. Rick Riordan is brilliant, but he could put it together better.
So far, 3*

Peace,
RR

Current Music: The Minstrel's Prayer by Cartel
Current Mood: Tired Exhausted

Break-Midway Mention And Did You Notice My Avatar?

Hello my bloggy friends,
So to start off, did you notice my new avatar? If you take a look-sy to your right-y, you'll see my new picture; me reading Linger.

Now, on to the post.

Midway Mention

It's a new thing I'm starting, as part of a book review. Around halfway through a book, I'll give you a sort of mini-review; what I think of it so far, what my current rating is, etc.
If you want, you can participate in MM too! All you have to do is leave a comment here telling me you're using MM, and link back to me whenever you do it!

To start off, I'm reviewing Break, by Hannah Moscowitz. I'm about 15 pages away from the halfway, so here it goes.

The plot of Break is really interesting. I was interested when I first saw it. Why would a boy break all of his bones? Why does he need to be stronger.
Jonah, the MC, is growing up in a messed up family. His brother is allergic to everything. His other brother cries all the time. Like, never stopping. And his parents argue. always.
Whatever. So, I was intrigued by his messed up family, and the breaking his body part. Obviously. There was a lot of swearing in the book. This can mean different things. It can give you an idea as to who the characters are, for example. Angst-ridden teens? Rebel teens? Angst-ridden rebel teens? Regular teens, which is the same as angst-ridden rebel teens?
In my opinion, a lot of swearing in a book is pointless. A few times has an impact, a lot just makes the words as plain as the other words-except certain readers will put the book down. If I swear in my writing, it's few and far between. Because every time you do, it's BAM! My character is angry, and the reader knows it. Break had too much swearing for my taste. It seemed pointless; swearing for the sake of swearing.

Visit Hannah's blog.

***3 stars so far. I wonder how it'll turn out.

Peace,
RR

Current Music: Thunder by Boys Like Girls
Current Mood: Hungry. What initially made me hungry was Shannon Whitney Messenger attempting to make pirate ducky cupcakes.

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