SALT to the SEA by Ruta Sepetys

by TPS reads bangle19

In Ruta Sepetys’ amazing works of historical fiction, we dive into the ever present, shoulder-shaking, truth of the gruesome past which she spins up neatly in a beautiful writing style which reads like poetry. The struggles are agonizingly truthful for every one of her characters and the power she jams into so few words reverberates throughout the story. Every character was respectable as a unique hero – each one trying to shake off their dark past as if it were rain on their coat and still it’s what keeps them determined to hold on to the few strands of hope there are. Joana was a brave beacon of hope and her love touched everyone from behind her fortified heart. She was easy to cheer for and sympathize with. Emilia was the central source of innocence flitting in the harsh winds of war, forced to harden. It’s easy to love her more and more as you continue to read. Florian embraced the gallant warrior persona but we got to see the softer side of him and how he hardened through his years of past betrayal. Florian had a hidden agenda and selfish mindset for awhile but he was softened by love, a dying force in the war – He quickly became easy to root for. Alfred was a terrifying experiment in Hitler’s brainwash and it was fascinating to see how the philosophies he held true unfolded and how they/he was seen through the different lenses of every character. Ruta Sepetys is a master at building the harsh environment and lifestyle of the time – even with crude or minimal wording. Characters who didn’t even narrate pulled on the heartstrings. Every death was painful and tear-jerking and somehow, even though they never narrated, you already loved them. Ruta Sepetys is a master at what she does and her work, like Salt to the Sea, should forever be revered.

ASTRAY by Amy Christine Parker

 

By TPS reader iobstc19

The novel Astray by Amy Christine Parker
was a phenomenal sequel to Gated. It showed the new world which the main character, Lyla, was now in. There was distrust, turmoil, paranoia, and all things which showed the fear that she had constantly inside of her. People around her were feeding her with lies and she didn’t know who to believe anymore. Should she open herself up for the new world with Cody and the sheriff? Or should she return to the fold of the community with the rest of them? This is the question which rages throughout the entire story and makes for a chilling read. The author managed to incorporate all emotions into this writing. Fear, bliss, anger, empathy, and sadness all made it into the story, and they each had a recurring theme throughout. One word to describe the book must be: independence. Lyla had to learn how to fight her demons and make the most of her current situation. She also had to learn how to choose. Making decisions would be extremely beneficial to her. She needed to learn that she can’t please everyone and she needs to live one way and not in a multitude of ways. This piece of literature managed to really capture her journey through herself. The conflict in this book is not external, but internal, as she struggles to be free and happy. Her main objective in this novel was to become her true self and not what the community encouraged her to be. She wanted to let her spirits go and be free.

VAMPIRE ACADEMY by Richelle Mead

by TPS reader vijayvargiyac19

Vampire Academy, by Richelle Mead, is the first novel in a series of six books. The story takes place at St. Vladimir’s Academy, which is a school where vampires train with their half-human and half-vampire guardians (who are called Dhampirs). The story revolves around Rose Hathaway, the protector of Lissa Dragomir, who is a Moroi vampire princess and also her best friend. At the academy, the Moroi and Dhampirs are trained to fight Strigoi. Unlike Moroi vampires who only drink blood from humans who willingly donated it, the immortal Strigoi are evil vampires who drink the blood of humans in order to kill. Lissa and Rose had escaped from the academy to live in the real world, but they were recently captured and brought back. However, being out there with Strigoi everywhere, Lissa and Rose had to learn to protect themselves. Now, even being behind the secure gates of St. Vladimir’s, are they really safe? This book was filled with action, romance, and comedic moments. One thing I didn’t like were the way Rose’s romances were portrayed. I would’ve liked one, long-lasting relationship for Rose, rather than her being portrayed as a Dragomir slut. The genre of this novel, and the whole series, is Young Adult. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in YA fiction, dark/mysterious fantasies, and paranormal romances. Vampire Academy got me hooked on Rose and Lissa’s story, and time flew by while reading this novel. The next book in the series is called Frostbite, and it’s impossible to not want to read it after finishing Vampire Academy.