Monday, November 18, 2013

Changes (Family Portrait Vol. 1) by Gillian Felix

Changes (Family Portrait, Vol. 1)
Read in: November, 2013
Format: eBook
Source: Author
Star Rating: 3 

Synopsis: (from Goodreads.com) 
Adriana Banovic’s 15th birthday sucked! She got fired after eight years of playing Shayanne Montgomery on the #1 soap in the country, found out that her family was on the verge of bankruptcy and worst of all, forced to return to Westwood Academy. Her only saving grace was a chance glance at dreamy mystery boy Haze Lyndon. Armed with only his picture and a determination to find him—even if it means turning Los Angeles over on its ass.

In this young adult novel, you’ll meet Robin Banovic, Adriana’s father; financially challenged, dealing with the death of a family member and his brother’s disappearance. You’ll meet Savannah DaCosta aka Savi, mother/manager; Savi enjoys the life her rock star daughter Leighann has provided. When Leighann makes a choice to end her career, Savi sees it as a personal attack. You’ll meet college boy Haze Lyndon; New to Los Angeles, Haze soon realizes how quickly money changes hands in the City of Angels. Will he return to questionable ways to survive or go back to the safety of his family in Wisconsin?

Prosecution: 
Honestly, I wish each of the stories had been broken up into a book each, with a little bit of a new tidbit about each story instead of having all the stories together and jumbled together. It was a little confusing having to keep track of each different character and past and how they each relate to one another. 

Defense: 
While each story was a little different each, I love love love the characters. Each one has its own secrets and different personalities and downfalls. 

Verdict: 
It was ok. I will most definitely be reading the second book, just because I HAVE to know what happens. I hope for more character interaction and development. 

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Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Much Ado About Nothing (Shakespeare for Everyone Else) by C.E. Wilson

Much Ado About Nothing (Shakespeare for Everyone Else, # 1)
Read in: November, 2013
Format: Kindle eBook
Source: Author
Star Rating: 3
Buy Here
Synopsis: (from Goodreads.com) 
Shakespeare’s work features some of the most memorable stories and characters ever created, yet for too many curious readers the combination of ultra-dense dialogue and unfamiliar historical settings make tackling the Bard’s work something between a tedious chore and a confusing mess of bird-bolts and quondam carpet-mongers.

While it’s nearly impossible to replicate or improve on these works, it is (thanks to their timeless nature) possible to make them more accessible to a wider audience.
In this Young Adult retelling of one of William Shakespeare’s most iconic plays, join C.E. Wilson as she breathes new life into Much Ado About Nothing, the first in her series 
Shakespeare for Everyone Else.

Two couples.

Clark and Heaven.

Beatriz and Bennett.

After years of friendship Clark decides that his senior year is the time to finally profess his love to his long-time crush Heaven; a sweet and simple girl who her father knows to be loyal, trustworthy and caring. She returns Clark’s love because, like him, she has also seen her feelings blossom over time. Theirs is a cute love that differs a bit from the other couple in the play.

Beatriz and Bennett at first glance seem to want nothing to do with the other. Every conversation, every remark is a withering attack which reveals their lost history and similarities. It’s not long before their friends hatch a plan to set them up because everyone is convinced they still love and care for one another. Will either of them be able to resist the strong attraction between them?
As these two couples try to make it through their senior year, their friend Donnie does what he can to keep the group happy. The problem lies in Donnie’s half-brother Jason who wants nothing more than to spoil the fun – even at the cost of Heaven’s reputation.

When both couples are pushed to the limits, whose love will endure?

Find out in this modern retelling of Shakespeare’s memorable play Much Ado About Nothing. 

Prosecution:
As with most everything Shakespeare...you really could have avoided most the issues. As an avid Shakespeare reader, I have to say, this jump to the modern retelling is something I'll need to get used to. 

Defense: 
WHOA! BENNEEETTTTEEE! I could've used a little more character developement on him (but really, how much do you have to work with on retellings?) but I could tell from the very beginning, he is the bad boy all in one great package. I love love love Bennett. 
Heaven was the usual good girl with Clark as her naive yet lovable love interest. 
Donnie was the third (fifth?) wheel. We all have one. 
Jason and his little were the cookie cutter villains, however, I do admire their scheme. 

Verdict: 
This Shakespeare retelling is most definitely worth the money as a quick winter read curled up next to the fire. The plot is interesting enough and it moved itself along pretty quickly. 
Bonus, the book is cut up into Acts, just like the play! 
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