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The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

margaretskipper, December 14, 2009

Quote. When I'm at the highest point in our village I look out at the Forest. I strain to see if I can find the edge of it, find where the rest of the world begins. But all I can see is darkness. My entire life has been about the world outside the fence line, has been about the Forest. -Mary
Summary

Through twists and turns of fate, orphaned Mary seeks knowledge of life, love, and especially what lies beyond her walled village and the surrounding forest, where dwell the Unconsecrated, aggressive flesh-eating people who were once dead.

My Opinion

Characters. I have read a few reviews saying that the characters in this book were undeveloped and didn't feel "important". While i read books, i mostly picture what I'm reading from what I'm given from the author. I'm happy to say that i had no problem visualizing any part of this book. The characters all had a certain personality and was easy for me to like. I think the character development is very good without be too much. In some books, you just get way too much stuff. This book seems level and even.

Theme. The theme of this book is centered around free will. Mary's village is controlled by the "Sisterhood." Mary doesn't want to be forced to conform. It's not that she wants to go crazy and do illegal or immoral things, she just wants to be able to choose her own path. Instead, the sisterhood determines what is best, then everyone does what they want to achieve that.

Plot. This story has various elements of suspense. There were times where I couldn't stop reading because i needed to know what was going to happen! There is a huge journey throughout the book; not just literally but emotionally as well. There is also some mystery because there is a speculation that the sisterhood may know more then they let on too.

Style. This story evoked many emotions from me including fear, sadness and brief happiness (very, very brief). It was simple to read and understand. Some simile/comparisons but not too much to cause it to be too confusing. The dialog was somewhat brief but i found it effective.

Setting. The setting of this book occurs in an isolated village. This village is surrounded on all sides by a fences and a forest beyond the fence. The unconsecrated zombies are in the forest preventing escape. There are also abandoned trails lead away from the village, but the villagers are prohibited from exploring these trails. The trails seem to be a huge maze! The atmosphere is developed great.

Comparison. Similar to Resident Evil & The Village (that movie) but written for a younger audience.

Overall. Defiantly 5 stars because it was written well, had great characters and cover a topic i have seen much in young adult books. I really really enjoyed this book. I may even go out on a limb and say it was the best one i have read in a while. This reason for this i think is because it really made me think. It some YA books, there is a girl and a boy and the whole story is about there love or relationship. While that kinds of book are good, i think i really like this too. In this book, the whole villages' wellbeing was considered. There was more issues then just that "mysterious new guy at school" one that so often comes up. Family, friendship, duty, and loose are all covered in this book. And I'm not ashamed to admitted that i almost cried (ok, maybe more then almost.)

The Bottom-Line

Mary lives in a secluded village surrounded my people eating zombies, protected only by a fence. She wants to find a way out of the village..out of that life.

margaretsbookstbr dot blogspot dot com

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Wings (Aprilynne Pike) by Aprilynne Pike

margaretskipper, December 14, 2009

Quote. There is always someone who secretly believes in myths and legends. Those are the people who look beyond the obvious and see things in this world that are truly wonderful. -David
Summary

"Fifteen-year-old Laurel has led a sheltered, homeschooled life in a very small town, so when her parents decide to move and enroll her in high school, she has trouble getting used to her new life. A life, as it turns out, that's not at all like those of other kids. One clear sign is a winglike blossom that blooms on her back. Oh, and her new best friend, the scientifically minded David, reveals under a microscope that her cells are more plant than animal. But it takes an encounter at her old home with the handsome but decidedly different Tamani to convince her that she is a faerie. She also learns it's up to her to save her land from the evil influences that are trying to take it away from her and her family." -Ilene Cooper

My Opinion

Characters. I love the characters in this book. Laurel, the main character, seems like a very typical teenagers, but I like her. The author does a really good job building her and the other's in this book. The characters seemed "true" to themselves throughout the book, which I find important. You get a very good sense of who they are! My favorite is Tamani, of course. I love mythological men!! :D

Theme. The theme of this book is growth and discovery. The protag learns some secrets about her past and needs to learn more about it and herself. It's almost a coming-of-age story. Then you throw in the love factor. The theme is similar to others in the young adult fantasy genre. I would think the next books will focus more on the love factor. There is also a theme of acceptance from others and accepting yourself.

Plot. The plot in this book starts as easy going learning and discovery and cycles to a suspenseful fight. One plot element of this book does includes mild suspense. Towards the end Laurel has to fight for her Fairy-ness.

Style. There is some mild humor in the book and some symbolism. The writing style is very clear and concise. Very easy to read, understand and like.

Setting. The settings in this book is the forest and in school in a small-town.

Comparison. This book is similar to others in the genre. I think it also stands out because the choice is a little different. In book one, the choice-phase hasn't quite come to past yet, but in the next books, Laurel will have to choose between her fairy life and her human life. The difference is that she's already a fair..unlike in Twilight, where the main character has to be changed.

Overall. I really enjoyed this book. I am older (ahem, ahem..lol), but i still enjoyed this book. It sends a positive message. Very good overall.

The Bottom-Line

Laurel discovers she is a fairy. She finds herself stuck between two worlds..and two guys. She will end up having to choose.

margaretsbookstbr dot blogspot dot com

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