Spirits in the Park by Scott Mebus Review

Oh my gosh! I am so sorry for the long wait for my next review! I've been having major computer problems lately and on top of that, I've had a ton of homework every night! Anyone, I hope you forgive me.

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Spirits in the Park by Scott Mebus

A month has passed since Mannahatta-the spirit city that coexists alongside Manhattan-was revealed to Rory, when an earthquake rocks New York. The island itself is attempting to shake off the Trap around Central Park, and only Rory has the power to open it before even greater catastrophe strikes. But centuries-old wounds must be healed before Rory turns the key. With New York's most notorious figures-including Captain Kidd and Bill the Butcher-at his side and on his trail, Rory discovers that the answer to peace lies with the one man he never wants to see again: his father.

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Spirits in the Park is the sequel to the last review I did, Gods of Manhattan. This book lives up to the glory of the first. It's just as action-packed, exciting, and amazing as it's prequel. Scott Mebus certainly does not disappoint.

Like the summary says, this book takes place a month after Rory's first adventure with Mannahatta. Manhattan is trying to get rid of the Trap that is around Central Park keeping Soka and all her friends and family inside, but if Rory manages to let them out, a war would occur between the Gods of Mannahatta and the Munsees. Rory must first attempt to make peace between the two with help from his friends and little sister.

I had to get this book as soon as it came out just because of how much I loved the first one. I still would have to say the first one in this trilogy is my favorite, but this book doesn't fall far behind. The characters remain true and lovable, while the plot is still just as gripping and will keep you turning the pages. This book is a must read for anyone! Especially if you liked Gods of Manhattan as much as I did.

Like it's predecessor, this book gets a five out five!

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Gods of Manhattan by Scott Mebus Review

Gods Of Manhattan by Scott Mebus

Look. What do you see? Sidewalks, skyscrapers, pigeons? But there’s more. More that only twelve-year-old Rory Hennessey can see. More that only Rory can reveal to others. So, look again. What do you see? Layered on our own New York is a spirit city inhabited by warrior cockroaches, malevolent subway trains, kung fu rodents, hungry gargoyles, and children made entirely of papier-mache. Built by history and legend, it’s ruled by the Gods of Manhattan, lions of New York like Peter Stuyvesant and Babe Ruth. Now everyone is racing to find Rory—the boy who can see. The boy who can change the destiny of New York.

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This is probably my favorite book series of all time. This book is what made me start reading, and I mean really read. After I read this book, it was impossible for me to put others down. So I give my big thanks to you, Scott Mebus!

Gods of Manhattan is a about a boy named Rory who is what's called a "light". A light is someone who can see the "spirit city" that overlays New York City. This "spirit city" is called Mannahatta. Despite how magical and amazing it may seem to be, there is a big problem going on in Mannahatta. The gods (who are famous New York figures such as Babe Ruth and Zelda Fitzgerald) are dying. Not to mention the fact that all the Munsee Indians are trapped in Central Park. The plot will definitely keep you turning the pages.

The characters in this book are unforgettable. The main character Rory is the perfect hero. His little sister Bridget is adorable. And then there's Hex, the mysterious magician who opens Rory's eyes to Mannahatta. The relationships between the characters are wonderful and in some cases, heartwarming. The personalities of the characters will have you laughing, gasping, and all around loving the book.

If you're a fan of Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson or Suzanne Collins The Underland Chronicles, you'll love Gods of Manhattan. I highly recommend it. It's a great read.

I easily give this book a five out of five! I just love it too much to give it anything else!

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Paris, My Sweet by Amy Thomas Review

Paris, My Sweet by Amy Thomas

Forever a girl obsessed with all things French, sweet freak Amy Thomas landed a gig as rich as the purest dark chocolate: leave Manhattan for Paris to write ad copy for Louis Vuitton. Working on the Champs-Élysées, strolling the charming streets, and exploring the best patisseries and boulangeries, Amy marveled at the magnificence of the City of Light.

But does falling in love with one city mean turning your back on another? As much as Amy adored Paris, there was part of her that felt like a humble chocolate chip cookie in a sea of pristine macarons. PARIS, MY SWEET explores how the search for happiness can be as fleeting as a salted caramel souffle's rise, as intensely satisfying as molten chocolate cake, and about how the life you're meant to live doesn't always taste like the one you envisioned.

Part love letter to Paris, part love letter to New York, and total devotion to all things sweet, PARIS, MY SWEET is a treasure map for anyone with a hunger for life.

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This book will make you very hungry. I don't think I got through a page without craving something sweet. Amy Thomas is simply brilliant when it comes to describing delicious, tasty sweets. If this book doesn't make you want to move to New York or Paris just for the food, I don't know what will.

Like Amy, I am really obsessed with anything French (and in fact, that was the whole reason I bought this book). I can relate to her being a major Francophile. This book does a great job of detailing the average French life and all the differences between it and the average American life. There are a lot more differences than one would think, and, as Thomas says in her book, it's very hard to switch lifestyles. I really enjoyed reading this and I liked learning about French culture. It was also nice to be able to pick up a few new French words.

This book is a memoir, so there isn't really a set plot, but I still found myself unable to stop turning the pages. Although Amy's life does seem a little too amazing at times and makes you question how truthful this book really is, it's still a good read, provided you have plenty of chocolate on hand to satisfy the cravings you're sure to get.

I loved this book. It gets a 4 out of 5.

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Goddess Interrupted by Aimee Carter Review

Hello again! This weeks review is for Goddess Interrupted. The sequel to the book in last week's review, The Goddess Test. Feel free to share your opinions in the comments. Enjoy!

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Goddess Interrupted by Aimée Carter

Kate Winters has won immortality. But if she wants a life with Henry in the Underworld, she'll have to fight for it.

Becoming immortal wasn't supposed to be the easy part. Though Kate is about to be crowned Queen of the Underworld, she's as isolated as ever. And despite her growing love for Henry, ruler of the Underworld, he's becoming ever more distant and secretive. Then, in the midst of Kate's coronation, Henry is abducted by the only being powerful enough to kill him: the King of the Titans.

As the other gods prepare for a war that could end them all, it is up to Kate to save Henry from the depths of Tartarus. But in order to navigate the endless caverns of the Underworld, Kate must enlist the help of the one person who is the greatest threat to her future.

Henry's first wife, Persephone.

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I received an ARC copy of this book not that long ago. After reading it's prequel ("The Goddess Test"), I immediately picked it up, eager to find out what happened next in Kate's life. This book did not disappoint!

Because this was an ARC copy, there were a few mistakes, but I'm going to assume that most, if not all, were fixed in the final edition.

The story starts with Kate returning from her Summer vacation in Greece with her best friend James, who also happens to be the Greek god Hermes. As soon as they return, the action and excitement begins. Kate's new husband- known as the ruler of the Underworld, Hades- along with the other gods are in the middle of a fight with their maker, Cronus, the big, bad titan. Though most of the conflict in this book is internal- and does get a little repetitive at times-, I was still turning the pages as fast as I could. The plot was interesting- a little slow at times, but still enjoyable.

Though some may question the originality of the 'evil-titan-seeking-revenge-on-the-gods' plot, the book does a great job of standing on its own and really giving the plot a nice twist.

The characters remain like they did in the original book, no sudden personality changes at all. {slight spoiler >>} My only problem that I had with character personality was Dylan- Ares, god of war- and how he doesn't want to fight in the upcoming battle. It just seems to me that the god of war would want to fight more than anybody else, you know? But other than that, the characters are still just as likeable as they were in the first book.

As to which book I like best ("The Goddess Test" or "Goddess Interrupted"), I have to say this one is my favorite so far. While reading the book, I felt that the first one was still better, but the ending to "Goddess Interrupted" changed that. The ending was amazing and will leave you begging for more! The next book ("The Goddess Inheritance") doesn't come out until next year though, but I will be eagerly awaiting for it!

I give this book a 4 out of 5! If you loved the first book, I would definitely pick this up! And if you haven't read the first book, what are you waiting for?

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The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter Review

Hello everyone! This is my first review that I am posting on this blog. I read this book not that long ago and thought it would be perfect for a first review. Enjoy!

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The Goddess Test by Aimée Carter

It's always been just Kate and her mom—and her mother is dying. Her last wish? To move back to her childhood home. So Kate's going to start at a new school with no friends, no other family and the fear her mother won't live past the fall.

Then she meets Henry. Dark. Tortured. And mesmerizing. He claims to be Hades, god of the Underworld—and if she accepts his bargain, he'll keep her mother alive while Kate tries to pass seven tests.

Kate is sure he's crazy—until she sees him bring a girl back from the dead. Now saving her mother seems crazily possible. If she succeeds, she'll become Henry's future bride, and a goddess.

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Let me start by saying, I read this book in two days. That being said, it is not perfect, but it is still good enough that you're bound to like it. If you're familiar with Greek mythology, the book can come off as a little predictable, but there are still plenty of surprises to keep it interesting and captivating.

So yes, this is another modern Greek mythology tale, however, it manages to set itself apart from  other books like it (ie. Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson or Tera Lynn Childs' Oh. My. Gods.). Kate, the main character, is not a demigod or part of some big prophecy. Rather, she is just a normal girl who really cares for those around her and gets sucked into the Greek gods' world because of that. She is then forced to take seven tests to try to save her mom. There is plenty more going on with the plot while the tests are occurring  as well, and it really keeps things moving and gives the story more depth. Overall, I thought the plot was well-paced, entertaining, and great!

Carter's version of the gods is an interesting one. They do not act how other authors have made them act, and I love that. At the end of the book, she lists a “Guide to the Gods”, saying which character is which god. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that a couple of the guesses I had initially made, were incorrect. The character development was smooth and actually noticeable. I found Kate to be very relatable and fun to read about. You care for her and really want her to pass the tests, be with Henry, and save her mom.

All in all, I give this book a four out of five. I highly recommend you check it out. Also, look out for it's sequel, Goddess Interrupted (which I may review next), and all the other books in the series.

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