Bengal Reads

Title: Eleanor & Park
Author: Rainbow Rowell
Pages: 328
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Release Date: April 12, 2012
Rating: 4 Stars

Set over the course of one school year in 1986, ELEANOR AND PARK is the story of two star-crossed misfits – smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try. When Eleanor meets Park, you’ll remember your own first love – and just how hard it pulled you under.








Let me begin by stating that this review is not going to be an easy one to write, hence the reason I've patiently/impatiently waited a couple of days after reading this to attempt writing this review.

Rainbow Rowell is very respected and loved within the Young Adult literature world, and she deserves every bit of what she's received... because this woman is talented.

Contemporary romance is a genre that has gradually grown on me, and Eleanor and Park was just what I was looking for in a Contemporary Romance... well mostly. The story is great in the aspect that every chapter alternates between the views of Eleanor and Park. This way you know what each character is thinking directly, which in my opinion is a bit of a relief.  You aren't left guessing if every character is on the same page. 

This book reminded me of how rude, inconsiderate, self centered, and mean students -- high school, middle school, and elementary alike can be. Eleanor is a new student and when trying to load the bus no one would let her sit down, that is until a "perfect" Asian kid cops an attitude but then allows her to take the seat of residence beside of him. 

They continue to be silent during every bus ride although Park has developed the habit of bring Eleanor comic books and mix tapes to school. It's wordless and it's beautiful. So not to give the story away, but just to give you a glimpse into the world of Eleanor and Park.

Wordless interactions turn into mouth full conversations between both Eleanor and Park within a matter of what feels like days.

--Eleanor had and does have a very hard life that she doesn't like to share with anyone. 

-- Park is a seemingly perfect from the outside type of guy, that has a great family filled with all of his needs.

What do these two have to even offer each other you may wonder, well to state the least: honesty, happiness, and tools to heal what was once broken.

Eleanor and Park is a sweet romance that'll have and keep you gushing for hours. The only reason why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is because of the ending, and I can't spoil it for those who haven't read it... so just keep in mind that I wasn't really satisfied with the ending or conclusion. On another positive note Rowell made me feel like I was back in middle school and in love. I was rooting for Eleanor and Park throughout the whole story. 

Their story (Eleanor and Park) is something you don't want to miss. So pick it up, buy it, borrow it, check it out, or something. You just don't want to miss out on the pure sense of enjoyment coming in waves from this book. Thanks Rowell for a piece of literature that made me feel.

Title: Falcondance
Author: Amelia Atwater-Rhodes
Pages: 192
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Release Date: September 13, 2005 
Rating: 4 Stars

Nicias has never felt completely at home among the avians and serpiente in Wyvern’s Court, despite his loyalty to Oliza Shardae Cobriana, the heir to both thrones. He is a falcon, the son of two exiles from Anhmik–and images of this distant island have always haunted his dreams. 

But when Nicias’s visions become more like reality, his parents have no choice but to send him back to the homeland–and a royal falcon–they’ve tried their best to forget.

If Araceli won’t bind Nicias’s newfound magic, it could destroy him. In a place where everyone is a pawn, only one other woman has the potential to save Nicias. But she holds the keys to a dangerous power struggle that will force Nicias to choose between his duty–and his destiny.

Nicias, Nicias, Nicias-- he is one hell of a character. He reminds me so much of his father Rei that it's insane. This book, Falcondance, is his journey.

This story was quite magical and although it isn't my favorite book in this series it was still good. I really enjoyed being able to explore the land of Anhmik through the mind of Nicias, like all of the characters have said it is a wonderfully majestic, beautiful, and haunting place.

Nicias is born of two falcons, which in the land of the wyveryn (Serpiente and Avian) is looked upon as different and weird. Both of his parents have had their falcon wings and magic taken away by the Queen which is actually Nicias' grandmother. Nicias wasn't supposed to be capable of magic but since he has royal blood flowing through his veins it was made possible for his magic to manifest, and for a falcon not on the land of Anhmik that is very dangerous. Falcons are trained to hone their magic from the time of birth and even then it is too strong and kills a falcon. Nicias is full grown with no practice, so he is forced to go to the land of his grandmother to ask for help. The same grandmother who exiled his parents.

When he arrives he is treated like a king which he doesn't particularly care for. In Wyvern's Court he serves his princess Olivia as her first hand security guard, so he is usually the one doing the serving. 

Anhmik immerses Nicias into a dangerous land of lies, deception, and Echol which is an alternate realm of darkness that sucks in falcon's who can't control their magic, and it begins calling to him.

When he discovers a revolutionary secret about why the wars started in the first place, he is stuck between doing the right thing and keeping the peace. Falcondance is one hell of a rollercoaster ride, it will keep your attention until you read the very last word. For memorable characters and a kick ass storyline, uniquely told by the brilliant Rhoades go pick this one up.

Title: The Chaos of Stars
Author: Kiersten White
Pages: 288
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: September 10, 2013
Rating: 4 Stars

Isadora’s family is seriously screwed up.

Of course, as the human daughter of Egyptian gods, that pretty much comes with the territory. She’s also stuck with parents who barely notice her, and a house full of relatives who can’t be bothered to remember her name. After all, they are going to be around forever—and she’s a mere mortal.

Isadora’s sick of living a life where she’s only worthy of a passing glance, and when she has the chance to move to San Diego with her brother, she jumps on it. But Isadora’s quickly finding that a “normal” life comes with plenty of its own epic complications—and that there’s no such thing as a clean break when it comes to family. Much as she wants to leave her past behind, she can’t shake the ominous dreams that foretell destruction for her entire family. When it turns out there may be truth in her nightmares, Isadora has to decide whether she can abandon her divine heritage after all.

Entertaining, humorous, adventurous, and magical. Those are just a few choice words I will use to describe the content of this book. I went for a visit to the book store one day and when I saw this book on the shelf I knew I had to own it. The cover captured my eyes while the synopsis captured my mind. I had to wait a long week to purchase it, but it was well worth the wait.

I love books that have mythology incorporated in them. It was so delightful the way this book was set up. You get the chance to indulge in modern day happenings with the addition of flashbacks and old ancient stories to accompany the modern day stories. It was a great touch.

Our main character Isadora was a main character that while I did really like her, she was a little whinny at times. Isadora is the daughter of Isis and Osiris, every 20 years her mother has another child to keep their line going and to keep power. Isadora has grown to think that the only reason for her existence is because of her mother and father's selfish attempt to keep power, she thinks they don't love her.

When Isis announces she is pregnant 4 years ahead of schedule Isadora is furious and has her mind set on escaping; someway, somehow. The crazy thing is she actually does, her mother allows her to go live with her brother Sirus in San Diego until the birth because she senses danger.

When Isadora lands in San Diego this story picks up pace quickly. She meets Ry. If ever I could choose an actual character to have as a boyfriend it sure would be Ry. She also meets some great friends Tyler and Scott.

While discovering who she really is Isadora has time to reflect and she starts to realize that maybe her parents do love and care about her, but will she realize these things before it's too late is the question... you'll have to read to find out.

I will elaborate a little further on Ry. He writes epic poetry, he has beautiful blue eyes, and an amazing personality to match... let's not forget those good looks either.

The Chaos of Stars is an enchanting, magical tale of love and family. It will keep you reading into the wee hours of the night. 

Title: Book of Shadows
Sweep #1
Author: Cate Tiernan
Pages: 176
Publisher: Speak
Release Date: January 29, 2001
Rating: 4 Stars

Something is happening to me that I don't understand.

I see things, feel things in a new way. I can do things normal people can't do. Powerful things. Magickal things. It scares me.

I never chose to learn witchcraft. But I'm starting to wonder if witchcraft is choosing me.






Over the summer one of my best friends Kelsey happened to go to a yard sale of some sort, saw books, thought of me, and decided she would buy me a couple because they were so cheap. Among those books was Book of Shadows... when I first picked it up I judged. I thought this is too small, it looks like it would be cheesy, but Book of Shadows proved me wrong.

I've always been interested in the Wiccan religion and have actually started doing research on it to learn more. While I know this is fiction and the stuff from the book isn't real I love witchy books.

Morgan is the girl who no one really pays attention to. She's quiet, reserved, shy, and average looking... couple that with the fact that her best friend Bree looks like a super model and you understand why she is always overlooked.

When a new guy named Cal moves to town, every one's lives are taken for a loop. When Cal invites some Juniors and Seniors to a "party" to get to know people we find out that it's actually a circle. He allows everyone to have a choice to whether they want to stay or not. The people who did decided to stay were introduced to a whole new world.

Without spoiling this book involves a lot of middle school crushing, catty girl fights, and is just an all around adventure. It was a quick and easy read and I was so delighted to find out that there are many more in this series. If you are a lover of the supernatural I suggest you give this a try.

Title: Witch World
Author: Christopher Pike Witch World #1 Publisher: Simon Pulse
Release Date: November 13, 2012
Purchase Here: Amazon|Barnes & Noble

Witches are real—and each of us may be one—in this all-new paranormal suspense novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Christopher Pike.
Heading off for a weekend in Las Vegas with her friends, Jessie Ralle has only one worry—how to make it through the road trip in the same car with her Ex, Jimmy Kelter. The guy who broke her heart five months ago when he dumped her for no reason. The guy who’s finally ready to tell her why he did it, because he wants her back.

But what Jessie doesn’t realize is that Jimmy is the least of her problems.
 
In Las Vegas she meets Russ, a mesmerizing stranger who shows her how to gamble, and who never seems to lose. Curious, Jessie wants to know his secret, and in response, alone in his hotel room, he teaches her a game that opens a door to another reality.
To Witch World.

Suddenly Jessie discovers that she’s stumbled into a world where some people can do the impossible, and others may not even be human. For a time she fears she’s lost her mind. Are there really witches? Is she one of them?
#1 Bestselling author Christopher Pike offers up another classic edge-of-your-seat thrill ride that keeps you guessing right until the last page.

It has been a while since I have read a Christopher Pike book. Since Thirst No.4 I have been anticipating the release of a new book by this author and was pleasantly delighted when I received this book for Christmas. It has taken me a while to get to it because I have so many wonderful books to choose from, but I am very glad that I read this.

This book follows a girl named Jessie whom is going on a vacation with her friends to Las Vegas for the weekend. Upon arrival things start to get a little crazy. Jessie’s ex boyfriend Jimmy also came along which made things kind of awkward seeing as he rode in the same car as her the whole way there. Jimmy broke Jessie’s heart when he left her for his ex girlfriend. Typical teenage drama, right? NO. The reason why he went back to his ex is heartbreaking, and you’ll just have to read to find out. I know it blew my mind.

Jessie is captivated by this man named Russ one night while her and her friend are gambling. Jessie ends up going back to the hotel with this man after winning a lot of money, and unbelievable and impossible things start to happen. Jessie stumbles upon this unknown world and discovers many secrets about herself and the rest of her friends.

Jessie begins to question her whole life, and struggles with accepting that there are really witches and they have a whole different plane of existence than what she has known her whole life. This book is very complex and you have to give it all of your attention to be able to follow it.
While this book isn’t my favorite of Christopher Pike’s books, this is definitely a good one. I would recommend you read this if you are a Christopher Pike fan, and like complex YA. Jessie is an amazing main character, while she continues to get into heaps of unfortunate situations she still holds her own. Jimmy is also a very respectable guy and I grew to like him a lot. I look forward to reading Pike’s newest release, Thirst No. 5. I am sure that it will be a treat!

Title: Spellcaster
Author: Claudia Grey Spellcaster #1 Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: March 5, 2013
Purchase Here: Amazon|Barnes & Noble

When Nadia’s family moves to Captive’s Sound, she instantly realizes there’s more to it than meets the eye. Descended from witches, Nadia senses a dark and powerful magic at work in her new town. Mateo has lived in Captive’s Sound his entire life, trying to dodge the local legend that his family is cursed - and that curse will cause him to believe he’s seeing the future … until it drives him mad. When the strange dreams Mateo has been having of rescuing a beautiful girl—Nadia—from a car accident come true, he knows he’s doomed.

Despite the forces pulling them apart, Nadia and Mateo must work together to break the chains of his family’s terrible curse, and to prevent a disaster that threatens the lives of everyone around them. Shimmering with magic and mystery, New York Times bestselling author Claudia Gray’s new novel is sure to draw fans of the Hex Hall and Caster Chronicles series, and fans of the hit CW TV show The Secret Circle.

Spellcaster was a great, fun, refreshing read. This reminded me so much of the Secret Circle, which I am in love with. I have never read a Claudia Gray book, but have heard great things about her Evernight series so I was excited to dive into this book. In addition to how great it sounded, the book cover is also super gorgeous.

I never tire from reading about witches or anything paranormal for that matter. Come to think of it I’ve been on a witch kick lately.

Spellcaster is about a young girl named Nadia who moves to a small town called Captive Sound with her dad and little brother, after her mother leaves them. Nadia’s family is a line of witches, well the girls in her family. Her mother left her before completely training her to be a witch though, which leaves her vulnerable.

When entering the town of Captive’s Sound, there is a barrier up which causes Nadia’s family to wreck. A stranger pulls Nadia out of the car which saves her. She later finds out his name is Mateo. Things take off from this point.

To the town of Captive’s Sound Mateo is crazy just like the rest of his family, and everyone avoids him at all costs. Everyone except for Gale and Elizabeth (his friends), and of course Nadia. On Nadia’s first day she makes another unlikely friend named Verlaine. Verlaine is another outcast at school, with her long silver hair and funky style no one has anything to do with her either.
Soon Nadia discovers that this small town is not all that it seems, there is a dark evil lurking and she is determined to find out what it is with the help of Mateo and Verlaine. Will Nadia be able to figure things out and fix them without being a full witch is the question.

If you love witchy books, pick this up! It was fun, suspenseful, and creative! I can’t wait for book number two in this trilogy.