Literature Young Adult Fiction » If You Love

42 Books to Read if You Love Harry Potter

First Mate Keira — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 07:47:33 +0000

by First Mate Keira

If you haven't yet read the Harry Potter Series you should. All 7 books are out. This is their order:

These are the companion books to Harry Potter:

If you’re a Harry Potter fan...

You should check out these trilogies and series. There are 42 books in all! (All links listed go to the book review.) The recommendations are in no particular order.

A * means it's been read but not reviewed yet.

Percy Jackson Series by Rick Riordan:

A boy with ADD and dyslexia finds out his handicaps are in fact signs of his powers. He learns that he's a demigod, son of the Greek god Poseidon, one of the main three gods. Trouble is looming and he's the only one who can save the world. The first book has been made into a major motion picture. The series in order is:

Companion novels: The Demigod Files.

New Series based on Percy Jackson: The Heroes of Olympus, Book One: The Lost Hero.

Artemis Fowl Series by Eoin Colfer:

A boy genius is a criminal mastermind and the greatest recent enemy of fairies worldwide. He plans to rebuild his family's finances by stealing it from "imaginary" beings. The books in order are:

Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer:

A girl discovers a boy in her class is a vampire and it's love at first smell... er sight. The series listed in order is:

Twilight
New Moon
Eclipse
*Breaking Dawn

The companion novel for this series is The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner.

Septimus Heap Series by Angie Sage:

A boy soldier finds out he has magical abilities and is considered by one and all to be one of most magical beings around as the 7th son of a 7th son. He's going to be powerful, very powerful, but until then, he's got to be trained. The books in order are:

Magyk
Flyte
Physik
Queste
Syren
Darke (June 7, 2011)

Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins:

Two of the three books for this trilogy are published. The first book is currently in the process of being made into a movie. The trilogy in order is as follows:

His Dark Materials Trilogy by Philip Pullman:

This trilogy is published for young adults, but like Harry Potter is meant to reach a wider audience. The first in the trilogy has been made into a major motion picture. The trilogy in order is:

The Golden Compass
The Subtle Knife
The Amber Spyglass

The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis:

This series is comprised of seven books. It has been adapted several times over. The latest adaptions have been 3 full length featured motion pictures by Disney on books 2, 4, and 5. The books in reading order are different than their published order. The chronological reading order is as follows:

*The Magician's Nephew
*The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
The Horse and His Boy
Prince Caspian: The Return to Narnia
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
The Silver Chair
The Last Battle

The Spiderwick Chronicles by Tony Diterlizzi and Holly Black:

This series is wonderful for the younger reader. It is not really aimed toward adults as the books are super short. The five books comprising the series have been turned into one major film. In order, they are:

The Inheritance Trilogy by Christopher Paolini:

I've read the first two of these a while back. I should definitely make sure to read the third. The first book in the series has been turned into a motion picture film.

Eragon
*Eldest
Brisingr

So there you have it! I've certainly got some rereading to do in order to get book reviews up for you guys! Happy reading.

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If You Love Suzanne Collins: A Comparison of Hunger Games and Gregor the Overlander

CaptainYarr — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 06:31:13 +0000

by Captain Yarr

My two books for this comparison essay are Gregor The Overlander and The Hunger Games, both by Suzanne Collins. Gregor the Overlander is about Gregor and his little sister Boots falling into the underworld and trying to get out, but not knowing how. This book ends with Gregor finding his lost-since-he-was-little father and the two of them getting out of the Underland, knowing that they'll never be the same. Hunger Games is about Katniss taking her sister’s place when she's called into the Hunger Games and trying to survive in the arena with Peeta (the boy called into the Hunger Games for district 12). This book ends with her and Peeta winning the Hunger Games and the two of them happily returning to District 12 to their families and having an unforgettable experience.

There are many similarities between these two books. Such as: they both have mind blowing experiences. Gregor was in the Underworld and fighting to search for his father, and Katniss was fighting for survival in the arena. They also have similar plots, for they both are fighting and searching for their life. They both have someone as their sidekick/companion. For Gregor it was Boots, and for Katniss it was Peeta. These two books are alike because the main characters both cared for their friends and family and didn't want them to suffer. Katniss didn't want Prim to suffer, and Gregor didn't want his Mother and Boots to suffer. Gregor and Katniss both had similar solutions. They both return home safe and secure, and they're both not sure what's going to happen next.

There were also many differences between these two books. At first Gregor didn't know what he was getting into, when he was falling to the Underworld, but when Katniss volunteered to take Prim's place in the Hunger Games, she knew that she was risking her life. Gregor wasn't prepared for fighting and what he going to do in the Underworld, whereas Katniss was put into training and could defend herself, if she were attacked. These two books are different because Hunger Games is more of a young adult book, but Gregor the Overlander is a children's fantasy. The settings of these two books are different, because Hunger Games mainly takes place in the arena, and Gregor the Overlander takes place in the Underworld. In Gregor the Overlander there's no romance, but in Hunger Games Katniss and Peeta are shown to the world as a couple.

The author, Suzanne Collins wrote both Hunger Games and Gregor the Overlander. She became a writer for children books, when she met James Proimos and decided to write children books herself. Gregor the Overlander was inspired by Alice In Wonderland. Gregor falls down into the Underworld just like Alice falls down the hole. Hunger Games was partly inspired by the Greek myth Theseus and the Minotaur. Besides the two series (Hunger Games and Underland) she has written Fire Proof in 1999 and When Charlie McButton Lost Power in 2005.

While I was reading these books, I used useful strategies such as visualizing and inferring. Using these skills made reading the books a lot better than just reading alone. I could taste what the characters tasted, smell what they smelled, see what they saw, feel what they felt, and I could hear what they heard. Predicting what would happen also made the book a lot better. Either the books could be read to find out what happens, or the reader could begin the books by predicting what will happen and making predictions along the way. The second way makes the books a whole lot more interesting, because it makes them interactive. After I finished each book, I thought about my predictions and how some of them were right, and some were wrong. I also thought how the story would change, if all of my predictions came true.

I would recommend both of these books. They were very enjoyable, and not one page did I think I would fall asleep. At first when I heard of Hunger Games, I wasn't sure if I'd like it, because I wasn't a fan of war. But everyone started reading it and saying that they loved it, so I decided that I would try it, and I loved it too! A friend also recommended I read Gregor the Overlander and I did, and I also enjoyed it. I would recommend Hunger Games to someone who didn't mind gory chapters and war-like books, but who also liked a hint of romance. I would recommend Gregor the Overlander to someone who likes bugs, rats, and bats. Even if they didn't, someone who'd enjoy a adventurous search with a adorable little sister who isn't afraid of anything would likely enjoy this book for it is both adventurous and humorous.

In conclusion I enjoyed reading both of these books, and I'm planning to read both sequels! The writing was terrific, and once I got into the book, I devoured it whole. I think that Suzanne Collins is a great author and want to read more of her books as they get published. I'm also planning to see the Hunger Games once it comes out in 2011!

4 Book Series to Read if You Loved Hunger Games or Gregor the Overlander:

Harry Potter: Sorcerer's Stone, Chamber of Secrets, Prisoner of Azkaban, Goblet of Fire, Order of the Phoenix, Half-Blood Prince, Deathly Hallows
Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief, The Sea of Monsters, The Titan’s Curse, The Battle of the Labyrinth, The Last Olympian
Artemis Fowl: Artemis Fowl, Arctic Incident, Eternity Code, Opal Deception, Lost Colony, Time Paradox
Spiderwick Chronicles: The Field Guide, The Seeing Stone, Lucinda’s Secret, The Ironwood Tree, The Wrath of Mulgarath

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40 Books to Read if You Love Twilight

First Mate Keira — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 06:27:40 +0000

by First Mate Keira

If you haven't yet read the Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer, you should. All 4 books are out. This is their order:

Plus there’s a companion piece to Eclipse entitled The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner. Wondering who is Bree Tanner and why does she get a novella? There's also a guide to the world, The Twilight Saga: The Official Guide.

If you’re a Twilight fan...

And are itching for more books to read that give off a similar flavor check out these trilogies, series, classics, and stand alones. There are 40 books in all!

All links provided go straight to book reviews, except for links for upcoming books and companion novels. The rest of the buy links are on review pages.

The recommendations are in no particular order. A * means it's been read but the review isn't posted yet.

Blueblood Series by Melissa de la Cruz:

Love Triangle. Check. Vampires. Check.

Five books are published so far. Ten are predicted. The next is coming out later this year. Here is the reading order:

Plus there are two fun series related books to check out: Keys to the Repository and Bloody Valentine (December release).

Theater Illuminata Trilogy by Lisa Mantchev:

Love Triangle. Check. Paranormal/Fantasy. Check. Fairies? Theater? Drama! Check! Check! Check! Here is the reading order:

Vampire Academy Series by Richelle Mead

Five books published so far. Last book in the series on Rose will come out December of this year. Here is the reading order:

A spin off series set in the same world, taking side characters and turning them into main characters with a whole new storyline and plot believed to start releasing in 2012.

If You Love the Vampire Academy Series: Dimitri or Adrian? (Poll & Discussion)

House of Night Series by P.C. and Kristin Cast:

Vampires. Check. Love Triangle. Check.

Seven books published so far. Twelve books predicted for the series in total. Here is the reading order:

There will also be a companion piece that gives the 411 on the book series called The Fledgling Handbook 101. It will be released in October.

The Wolves of Mercy Falls Trilogy by Maggie Stiefvater:

Werewolves. Check. Young Adult Romance. Check.

One published. One about to be published. One to be published summer of 2011. Here is the reading order:

Shiver
Linger
Forever

Fallen Angels by Becca Fitzpatrick:

Paranormal Romance. Check. Love Triangle. Check.

Here is the reading order:

Hush, Hush
Crescendo – October release

Fallen Series by Lauren Kate:

Paranormal Romance. Check. Love Triangle. Check.

One book published. One about to be released. Rumored two more to come. Here is the reading order:

Fallen
Torment – September release

Classics and Single Titles:

The first three classics were mentioned and inspired Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight Saga. Won’t your English teacher be proud!

*Pride and Prejudice – Edward as Mr. Darcy? Featured in Twilight.
*Romeo and Juliet – Featured in New Moon.
*Wuthering Heights – Featured in Eclipse.
Jane Eyre – Gothic romance. It’s what people read before vampires.
Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen – Love Triangle.
Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt – Fantasy romance with an immortal theme.
Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine – Fantasy romance with a curse.
Beastly by Alex Flinn – Paranormal romance with a curse.

As you can see we have a lot more reviews to put up, but you can’t go wrong with any of the books on this list. Are there any books or series we’ve missed that you’d add? Tell us in a comment!

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If You Love the Iron Fey Trilogy: Puck or Ash? (Poll & Discussion)

First Mate Keira — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 09:09:46 +0000

This discussion assumes you’ve read Iron King and Iron Daughter and Midwinter’s Passage (the novella in between the two books).

Pros for Puck:

He’s her best friend and an argument could be made he is her only true friend. Prior to the series starting, Meghan was invisible to many because of her fairy blood.
Puck has been her protector for years keeping her safe from the Never Never realm and all the lovelies therein. Pretty tough job. Once in Never Never Puck doesn’t need Meghan to strike a deal with him to follow her into the trouble coming. He goes willingly and because he cares.
He’s the darling of the Summer Court. As jester to Oberon, Puck can get away with much and ask for favors and allowances to smooth things over for Meghan.
He’s Robin Goodfellow from Shakespeare’s play A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and is thus nearly indestructible. The more humans know who you are the more powerful and immortal you can be.
His fighting style is hardcore with a hint of hilarity with sticks becoming bears. His style is heavy on magics which could be very useful in the upcoming war against the Iron Fey, as I believe magic to be the antithesis of technology.
The Weasley twins and Sirius Black would love him for his pranks and his wit. They’d all be thick as thieves if they ever appeared in the same book series.

Biggest Con for Puck:

Puck had plenty of time to make a move and instead remained silent. As far as I’m concerned Meghan being with Ash is his own fault. His lack of action practically threw Meghan at Ash. If Puck and Meghan are going to be together he’s got an uphill battle to fight now because her feelings are firmly settled on Ash. He could have been with her, but he chose not to pursue until somebody else had done it first. When his declaration finally came was it too late? It’s a sad last laugh on Puck, the guy stuck perhaps permanently in the friend zone.

Pros for Team Ash:

Ash is royal where Puck is not. As the youngest Unseelie prince it is unlikely he will ever be king of his own court and have total control, but his position gives him privileges Puck can’t hope to achieve.
He’s a 1000 + years old which means he’s as powerful as or more powerful than Puck to have lasted this long. Immortality is his and he is equally hard to destroy.
Ash is a great dancer and swordfighter. Skills he has honed to perfection making him limber and graceful. As such Ash cuts a dashing figure and is mesmerizing in battle. He's protective and determined to see Meghan safe. So much so that he's willing to take on the biggest bad Never Never ever saw.
He is there when Puck isn’t. He goes to the Iron Kingdom when Puck is trapped in a tree healing from severe wounds.
The Winter Court is harsh and cruel to those who show weakness. Over time this has meant that Ash has become a hard, cold, ruthless opponent. But he wasn’t always that way. He used to be best friends with Puck. He had loved. And while it terrifies him, while he knows it is wrong, he’s fallen in love again with Meghan. Around her you get this feeling he’s rediscovering his true self, the person he has to hide away at court.
Speaking of knowing it is wrong to fall in love with Meghan… Ash and Meghan are the ultimate starcrossed lovers. He’s of the Winter Court. She is of the Summer Court. From time to time members of both courts have fallen for one another, but it is forbidden. Oberon and Mab demand such couples to renounce their love forever or suffer banishment forever from Never Never. He risks fading away into nothing and mortality from permanent banishment to be with her.

Biggest Con for Ash:

Meghan has a hard time reading him. He’s that aloof hero whose motives are hard to figure out. Ash is constantly struggling with himself. He knows he should push Meghan away and does time and again, but then flips and pulls her closer because he loves her, to hell with the Courts’ rules about their relationship. But instead of being straight with her he keeps things silent. Because of this consistent level of miscommunication and his earlier courting methods Meghan is sometimes unsure of him. She had questioned his love for her in Mab’s Court when he seemed like a stranger to her.

Conclusion: There’s still one last book to tell and I have a feeling being stuck outside of Never Never will become a major problem for Ash and Meghan. Nobody is going to let it rest. Not yet at least and the two could be easily split apart. With Robbie on the inside what’s a Prince to do?

As for me I’m firmly Team Ash. I hope when all hell breaks loose Ash isn’t left behind the way Puck was in Iron King. I need my Ash like a smoker needs their next shot of Nicotine. I’m that addicted and that obsessed. So here’s to following Puck’s footsteps and having Ash break all the rules.

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

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If You Love the Vampire Academy Series: Dimitri or Adrian? (Poll & Discussion)

First Mate Keira — Sat, 09 Oct 2010 09:19:14 +0000

by First Mate Keira

This discussion and poll assumes you have read up to the end of Spirit Bound, book five in the Vampire Academy series.

Pros for Team Adrian

He’s consistent in his affections and aid. Even when she rejects him he’s patient and always there for her. He clearly loves her and it might be the first time he’s really cared for somebody in a long while. Like Rose I doubted him, but his behavior shows that his intentions are pretty honest. He just wants a chance.
Adrian can be there for her (in her dreams) when and where nobody else could be. Even after several arguments and severe frostiness from Rose, he’s there. He gives her the kick in the pants she needs in Blood Promise to wake up and get herself safe.
He’s a good foil for Rose. He keeps her from getting too serious about duty and obligations and ensures that she has fun or at least tries to have fun. The two of them can banter like nobody’s business.
He’s a troubled hero with an interesting combination of social awkwardness and confidence.
In Spirit Bound, he’s understanding and loyal. When the sh*t hits the fan he’s the first to declare her innocent and demands his family to help her by getting the best lawyer possible.
He calls her Little Dhampir affectionately.
They could have kids together if Rose wanted because he’s Moroi.

Cons for Team Adrian

Even though he’s only three years younger than Dimitri, Adrian comes across a bit immature and cocky. It’s part of his charm, yes, but it makes him look like a boy playing as a man.
Moroi men do not marry dhampirs. The social classes are night and day. There would also be talk of Rose being a blood whore.
His aunt wants him to marry Lissa or at the very least to stay the hell away from Rose.
Until he masters spirit, Adrian drinks and smokes too much. Two activities that really drive Rose nuts. They would me too! He’s trying very hard to quit full stop but slips occasionally and then Dimitri returns and shakes his confidence.
If he never masters spirit, Adrian could just be another person Rose has to take care of and still try to stay sane around. He admits this fully in Spirit Bound, but at the same time lets her know that he wants and needs her.

Pros for Team Dimitri

Dimitri is a good foil for Rose’s impetuousness and hotheadedness. He soothes her, understands her, and strives to be there for her.
Russian accent. Enough said. Roza is so much hotter than Rose.
Dimitri is capable, strong, and protective. He can take care of himself and others. He is level headed, affectionate, and truly is a smart and savvy fighter. This by default makes him well built.
He’s darn near indestructible. As a Strigoi, Dimitri manages to escape final death more by luck (author’s whims) than anything else. How else could he survive a stake through the heart? Unless it glanced off the side, but Rose was pretty certain she got him.
Dimitri endures. He doesn’t complain. He’s quiet to Adrian’s loudness.
He takes care of Rose; is willing to die to protect her.

Cons for Team Dimitri

His relationship with Rose started before she turned eighteen years old. It was very much teacher/student which is forbidden in today’s culture. It sets a wrong example for young girls. If it had started later or if he’d been closer in age and perhaps a teacher’s aid or assistant teacher it might have sat better with me.
Rose holds Dimitri to an impossibly high standard because he was her mentor. She views him as a god, unparalleled by any man. When Dimitri can’t live up to it they both get hurt.
Even before he turned Strigoi, Dimitri and Rose would have to overcome the complications of being bodyguards to Moroi. As dhampirs, they’re practically slaves, and can not have lives of their own. They would have problems if they both guarded Lissa or if they had separate assignments.
Dhampirs can’t have kids with other dhampirs. They need to mate with Moroi.
After being return to his dhampir state, Dimitri’s a bit of a jerk, reverting to his original form by constantly pushing her away. He’s willing to serve Lissa for life because she saved him, but learning Rose was the reason says he’ll leave her alone for life.
He tells her his love for her has faded.

Rose Needs:

Someone to stabilize her as she and Lissa figure out what it means to be bound by spirit. Someone who can sense when her bad moods are her own and when they are reflections of the darkness she’s pulling from Lissa. Someone who understands and is willing to stick around despite that. Who do you think is better for that? Dimitri or Adrian? Why/Why not?

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

My personal opinion is that she should get together with Adrian.

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