Miss Peregrine's Graphic Novel Review

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children: Graphic Novel

Written by: Ransom Riggs
Art by: Cassandra Jean
# of pages: 272

Average Rating: 4.13/5
My Rating: 4/5

Read in March 2014

Summary according to goodreads

Ransom Riggs's haunting fantasy bestseller adapted to a graphic novel! 
As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a deserted island for good reason. And somehow-impossible though it seems-they may still be alive.

My Thoughts

This book is now one of my favourite graphic novels. The art was so well done, it helped me as a reader to better see and understand what the author visualized as he was writing the original novel. 

I wasn't the biggest fan of the original book as I was disappointed, but this graphic novel made me really enjoy it and realize how good it was. Having this book to make me reflect on was a positive as it made me even more excited to read the sequel, Hollow City. I chose to pick up the graphic novel before reading Hollow City because it had been over a year since I had picked up this series. I am very glad I did because there were some details that I had forgotten about the original story. 

This book was just so well made, both as a hardcover and the pictures inside. The pages were nice and thick, but were also coloured when Jacob was at the house, which I think added a lot to the story. Having the different colours of art helped add life to the story when necessary, and tone it down when called for. Hopefully they do a graphic novel for Hollow City as well, because I think they would also do a good job on that one.

The Lens and the Looker Review

The Lens and the Looker

Written by: Lory S. Kaufman
# of pages: 322

Average Rating: 3.48/5
My Rating: 3/5

Read in May 2014

Summary according to Goodreads

It's the 24th century and humans, with the help of artificial intelligences (A.I.s), have finally created the perfect post-dystopian society. To make equally perfect citizens for this world, the elders have created History Camps, full sized recreations of cities from Earth's distant pasts. Here teens live the way their ancestors did, doing the same dirty jobs and experiencing the same degradations. History Camps teach youths not to repeat the mistakes that almost caused the planet to die. But not everything goes to plan. In this first of a trilogy, we meet three spoiled teens in the year 2347. Hansum almost 17, is good looking and athletic. Shamira, 15, is sassy, independent and an artistic genius. Lincoln, 14, is the smart-aleck. But you don't have to scratch too far beneath the surface to find his insecurities. These three "hard cases" refuse the valuable lessons History Camps teach. But when they are kidnapped and taken back in time to 1347 Verona, Italy, they only have two choices; adapt to the harsh medieval ways or die. The dangers are many, their enemies are powerful, and safety is a long way away. It's hardly the ideal environment to fall in love - but that's exactly what happens. In an attempt to survive, the trio risks introducing technology from the future. It could save them - or it could change history. The series takes readers along on the life-changing journey of three 24th century teens. While the three protagonists appear quite immature in the first half of The Lens and the Looker, this is not a series aimed exclusively at young teens. Lory Kaufman says he writes for readers 13 to 113, (and precocious 12-year-olds) This is borne out by the fact that about half the readership of the series is adult. What many readers say they love about this series is its wonderful mix of science fiction (the future) and historical fiction (the past). While there's time travel, there are also sword fights, and while there are detailed descriptions of ancient technologies, the story also includes many colorful characters who just happen to be artificial intelligences. There's allusions to a Romeo and Juliet love story and also characters who have murderous intentions toward the lovers. And the setting? Many readers are praising the accurately described historical setting of 14th century Verona Italy, where much of the story takes place.

My Thoughts

I received a copy of this book to review as part of a blog tour, but that does not influence my opinion.

This novel is the first in a triology, but it was not a series I was interested in reading back to back. It is nothing against the story, but at the beginning of this novel there was such an info dump, and so much to wrap your head around, that I felt like I needed to write something light afterward. This trilogy is a post-dystopian fiction in the young adult genre, but it also has aspects of time travel.

I really enjoyed the historical aspects of this novel, as they take these teenagers back to old life in Verona. Reading about life and culture back then was an interesting addition to the novel, and added dimension to the plot. Another good choice the author made while writing this novel was having the story be told from third person. I enjoyed this because you got a deeper look into all of the characters thoughts, and how they reacted to the changes. 

Hansum by far was my favourite character, and I am not usually one to choose a male protagonist over a female. I felt that Hansum had more character development, could be seen as more relatable, and also was just fun to read. 

Overally I thought this book was very interesting and had a unique concept, and I would recommend it to readers that are looking for something different. Although I did not marathon-read the trilogy, I do plan on reading them this summer. 

The Treatment Review

The Treatment

Written by: Susanne Young
# of pages: 340

My Rating: 5/5

Read in January 2014

Summary according to goodreads

How do you stop an epidemic?

Sloane and James are on the run after barely surviving the suicide epidemic and The Program. But they’re not out of danger. Huge pieces of their memories are still missing, and although Sloane and James have found their way back to each other, The Program isn’t ready to let them go.

Escaping with a group of troubled rebels, Sloane and James will have to figure out who they can trust, and how to take down The Program. But for as far as they’ve come, there’s still a lot Sloane and James can’t remember. The key to unlocking their past lies with the Treatment—a pill that can bring back forgotten memories, but at a high cost. And there’s only one dose.

Ultimately when the stakes are at their highest, can Sloane and James survive the many lies and secrets surrounding them, or will The Program claim them in the end?

My Thoughts 

I received a copy of this book for review, but that does not influence my opinion.

To put it briefly: AMAZING. One of the best sequels I have ever read. The Program was in the top 3 of the books I read in 2013, and The Treatment was one of most anticipated reads of 2014! So happy to say that this did not disappoint! As much as I loved this series, I liked the way it ended and don't feel that it needed another book (meaning making it a trilogy). Everything that I wanted to happen, happened and all of my questions got answered.

There were so many things that I wasn't expecting, but I did have an idea that one event would happen. Luckily, I was still surprised because it didn't happen the way that I though it would!

And another thing: James. That should speak for itself. He is one of my favourite "love interest" characters because he is funny, charming, but incredibly supportive and strong-willed.

To talk about a physical detail of the book, I loved that when you take of the dust jacket, there is a design on the actually book. This is consistent with the first novel in this series, so I appreciated that aspect. This book left me speechless, so it is hard for me to form sentences to review it. If you haven't read this duology I recommend you do, as they are fast paced novels that grab your attention and keep it the whole time. 

PS, big thanks to the author for retweeting and favouriting my fangirl tweets after I finished the book. 

Stolen Review

Stolen 

Written by: Lucy Christopher
# of pages: 300

Average Rating: 3.94/5
My Rating: 2/5

Read in March 2014

Summary according to goodreads

Sixteen year old Gemma is kidnapped from Bangkok airport and taken to the Australian Outback. This wild and desolate landscape becomes almost a character in the book, so vividly is it described. Ty, her captor, is no stereotype. He is young, fit and completely gorgeous. This new life in the wilderness has been years in the planning. He loves only her, wants only her. Under the hot glare of the Australian sun, cut off from the world outside, can the force of his love make Gemma love him back? 

The story takes the form of a letter, written by Gemma to Ty, reflecting on those strange and disturbing months in the outback. Months when the lines between love and obsession, and love and dependency, blur until they don't exist - almost.

My Thoughts

I really enjoyed how the writing style of this book helped you feel like you were there. It was so unique to read a book that was written in the form of a letter to the captor, instead of just a first-person play by play of what had happened. 

It scared me to think how easy he took her out of the airport, and how often it actually happens in our world. Being someone that has travelled alone, and will be doing more travelling, it makes me wary of strangers because you never know who is really… crazy for lack of a better word.

Ty - the main antagonist - was an interesting character as he was not what I expect out of a regular kidnapper. I have studied sociology and psycology, and have done studies on kidnappers, and he doesn't fit the average. His tactics were well thought out, but his reasonings for taking her were not the usual. Most people kidnap children mostly for their own fantasies, or other deranged reasons, but he thought he was doing it for her benefit. 

I am torn over how I feel about the ending of this book. It was kind of predictable, and maybe even realistic when compared to real life situations, but I think it could have been written better. As I was reading it, I didn't feel the emotions that Gemma was describing. 

The Freeing of Jonathon Mark Review

The Freeing of Jonathon Mark

Written by: Nathan Gross
# of pages: 320

My Rating: 4/5

Read in March 2014

Summary according to Goodreads

Jonathon is a Taker, some type of modern day psych in the growing industry of modern grief. Takers treat people for all that ails them just by listening. In session, a Taker doesn’t speak. A Taker doesn’t move. A Taker doesn’t even blink. They take till their patients have got no more negativity to give.

A chance meeting throws a new patient into Jonathon’s life. A girl whose carefree lightness of being is in complete contrast to the average patient. She makes Jonathon realise he can no longer refuse to deal with how his job makes him sick, nor his own destructive vice.

Murder is his only way out, an action that leads him towards his own death and beyond. It is a path he hopes will lead him to his freedom.

My Thoughts

I recieved a copy of this book to review as part of a blog tour, but that does not influence my opinion. 

The writing style for this novel was very different, and actually included examples of onomatopoeia (words that make sounds like "pop", "bang", "click", "buzz", etc) - which is very unique for me to read. For this being an adult novel I found that the story flowed very well, and I did not find it to be too dense or slow. 

The concept of this novel was also very unique and interesting, and thankfully executed well. It was such a different idea, that I think it could be a good and entertaining read for a lot of people. Every other chapter (more or less) is of one of Jonathon's clients, and this should a lot of character both in himself and for the clients. I found it very funny to read Jonathon's opinion of his clients, and what he really thought about them. As a Taker he isn't allowed to speak to his clients, so reading everything he wanted to say was a good addition to the story and character. 

The author did a very good job balancing the story with excerpts about the clients and their issues, as well as Jonathon and his own problems. Considering I am only a teenage girl and the protagonast was a male adult, I was able to understand the character, and I believe that is a very powerful thing for a writer to do. 

For anyone wanting to read this novel, just take into consideration that it is a adult book that includes things like swearing and sex. If that doesn't bother you, I definitely recommend you check it out!

Korean Word for Butterfly Review

Korean Word for Butterfly

Written by: James Zerndt
# of pages: 328

Average Rating: 3.63/5
My Rating: 2/5

Read in February 2013

Summary according to goodreads

Set against the backdrop of the 2002 World Cup and rising anti-American sentiment due to a deadly accident involving two young Korean girls and a U.S. tank, The Korean Word For Butterfly is told from three alternating points-of-view:

Billie, the young wanna-be poet looking for adventure with her boyfriend who soon finds herself questioning her decision to travel so far from the comforts of American life;

Moon, the ex K-pop band manager who now works at the English school struggling to maintain his sobriety in hopes of getting his family back;

And Yun-ji , a secretary at the school whose new feelings of resentment toward Americans may lead her to do something she never would have imagined possible. 

The Korean Word For Butterfly is a story about the choices we make and why we make them. 

It is a story, ultimately, about the power of love and redemption.
My Thoughts

I received a copy of this novel to review, but that does not influence my opinion on the book. 

Although this book is only slightly over 300 pages, it took me a long time to get through and I had even put it down at one point. It is very rare for me to want to give up on a book but that desire was strong while reading this. I could not relate to the characters, and that bothered me more than the actual storyline.

One of the characters, Billie, I had hoped I would relate to because she is young and artistic but I found her almost hard to read. The parts written in the perspective of Billie could almost be read like diary entries - that's how I read her. I didn't like the tone or writing style used on this character at all, as I thought it didn't show much personality. 


I had high hopes going into this book since it was something different than I am used to, but I could't seem to connect with any of the characters, and the writing didn't flow the way I prefer to read. I wish I could have enjoyed it more, but it was to slow, couldn't grasp my attention, and I couldn't get sucked into the story. 


It is nothing against the author, and the story had great potential, I just feel that is was executed poorly. I hope to reread this when I am later into my adult years to see if time will change my views on this novel.

The Naturals Review

The Naturals

Written by: Jennifer Lynn Barnes

# of pages: 308

Average Rating: 3.96/5

My Rating: 5/5

Read in January 2014

Summary according to goodreads

Seventeen-year-old Cassie is a natural at reading people. Piecing together the tiniest details, she can tell you who you are and what you want. But it’s not a skill that she’s ever taken seriously. That is, until the FBI come knocking: they’ve begun a classified program that uses exceptional teenagers to crack infamous cold cases, and they need Cassie.

What Cassie doesn’t realize is that there’s more at risk than a few unsolved homicides— especially when she’s sent to live with a group of teens whose gifts are as unusual as her own.

Sarcastic, privileged Michael has a knack for reading emotions, which he uses to get inside Cassie’s head—and under her skin. Brooding Dean shares Cassie’s gift for profiling, but keeps her at arm’s length.

Soon, it becomes clear that no one in the Naturals program is what they seem. And when a new killer strikes, danger looms closer than Cassie could ever have imagined. Caught in a lethal game of cat and mouse with a killer, the Naturals are going to have to use all of their gifts just to survive.

My Thoughts

I'm not going to lie, this is a book that I bought solely on the cover. I had heard my friend talking about it briefly, but had forgotten the summary when I decided to buy it at the bookstore one day. I am so glad that I bought it and did a read-along of it with that same friend, because otherwise I might not have picked it up for a while and that would have been quite the loss on my part.

This book is one of those rare cases where you are automatically sucked into the story and can't seem to put it down. You get a good summary of Cassie's history without getting bored, but most of what you uncover about everyone is what you learn as the story progresses. The writing style of this book was fantastic as the story flowed effortlessly, and I couldn't stop turning the pages. This was the perfect book to read during a read-a-thon because it was easy to get through, and very fast paced.

There are two love interests in this book, but romance is an aspect that was not heavily pushed - which I really appreciated. In a lot of recent young adult books, romance is a big part and at times can get very annoying. It made sense that Cassie cared more about solving the cases than flirting, and that made this situation seem more realistic. With the two boys, I had a hard time deciding whose team I was on. I still don't know! They are both awesome and totally different, and I praise the author for that because it made the story better since I was able to feel Cassie's indecision along with her. 

I think that this book is totally underrated, and I think this is something anyone can enjoy. I am highly anticipating the sequel, and I have no doubts that it will be just as good as this first one.