Soman Chainani [writer]

      Between the pages of a book is a lovely place to be"
              ~Unknown

Hey all! It's Aria here. I just wanted to give a shoutout to Soman Chainani, author of one of my favorite books: The School for Good and Evil. He is a great and talented writer. 

I emailed him a few weeks ago with a link to this blog in the hopes that he would check it out, and I am extremely happy to say that I have received an email in reply! Chainani wrote that this blog was quite well formatted, and that is was helpful that I recommended similar books as well.

I definitely look up to and admire Soman Chainani and am so grateful that he took his time and looked at my blog!

The School for Good and Evil [series]

     "Becoming fearless isn't the point. That's impossible. It's learning how to control your fear and how to be free from it, that's the point."
       ~Four [Divergent]


Title: The School for Good and Evil

#1. The School for Good and Evil
#2. The School for Good and Evil: a world without princes

Genre: Fantasy

Age group: 11-15

Author: Soman Chainani

My opinion: I absolutely adore this book! It is a great example of terrific fantasy, the plot twisting and turning at every corner. Chainani did an amazing job at getting the reader hooked in the story, and I could barely put the book down. Without a doubt this is on of my favorite books to read, and I have reread it several times. At first glance this book might seem like any other story, but after taking away the surface, it is apparent that this book is a masterpiece of artwork, cleverly sculpted by an amazing and extremely talented writer. On the first page this compelling story catches your interest, and will lead you through a world entirely not your own. I love the world that Chainani has created!
          This story is about two young girls, each others only friends who are whisked away to a place far away, where they are taught and trained to defeat one another in a fairytale happy ever after way - though only one will get to go home alive. To get home they must survive their own fairytale [and each other] long enough to realize who they really are inside. Its fantastic how much time and effort went into the other world, and is a great read!
         I really suggest this book to anyone who likes reading fantasy. This is truly a magnificent book!

- Soman Chainani is a talented writer and I hope that he continues to share his talent with the world.

The School for Good and Evil

                                                   

The School for Good and Evil: a world without princes

If you enjoyed reading this, you may also like:

The Land of Stories [series]

Canterwood Crest [series]

"I'd rather spend my money on books than unnecessary electricity"
        ~Elinor (Inkheart)



Title: Canterwood Crest [series]

#1. Canterwood Crest: take the reins

#2. Canterwood Crest: chasing blue

#3. Canterwood Crest: triple fault

#4. Canterwood Crest: best enemies

#5. Canterwood Crest: little white lies

#6. Canterwood Crest: home sweet drama

#7. Canterwood Crest: city secrets

#8. Canterwood Crest: elite ambition

#9. Canterwood Crest: scandals, rumors, lies

#10. Canterwood Crest: unfriendly competition


Genre: teenage drama as well as gives information about horseback riding

Age Group: 11 - 15

Author: Jessica Burkhart

My Opinion:

                I really enjoyed reading this series. It is about the drama that goes on between teenage girls while at boarding school. There is also a ton of horseback riding information and scenes, for the main character has a passion horseback riding. She goes to a prestigious boarding school in the hopes to qualify for a special horseback riding team, and along the way encounters many obstacles; friend problems and mean queen bees. I especially love how much main character Sasha Silver is bonded with her horse, Charm. The affection shown between the two is a main theme in the story and is admirable. I believe that people who enjoy the drama genre would really enjoy reading this series, and watching Sasha's character evolve as the series progresses. I had a fantastic time reading  this incredibly immense and fun - filled series and I hope that you will as well!

If you enjoyed Canterwood Crest, then you may also like reading: 

Princess Diaries [series]

Goodreads

" A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies"
      ~ George R. R. Martin


       Hey! I just wanted to let everyone know that I there is this incredible book site called Goodreads! It helps you find and tag new and interesting books that may catch your eye, and is a great way to connect with others and find friends who like the same books as you. You also get to read other peoples' stories. I really enjoy this site, and will use it as an active resource to find new amazing books to read and write about, and I hope that you take a chance and look at it sometime.

Here's the link -   https://www.goodreads.com

Spilling Ink, a young writer's handbook

" It's our choices, Harry, that show us who we truly are,
far more than our abilities."
          ~Albus Dumbledore


Title: Spilling Ink, a young writer's handbook

Genre: How-to 

Age group: Any who are interested in writing, whether it be to sharpen your mind or make a career

Author: Anne Mazer and Ellen Potter

My Opinion: 

       I really had a fun time reading this book. I myself have a passion for writing, and have began countless stories never to be finished. There really is an art to writing, and everyone has to figure out how they write best. This book is all about writing and how to write, and teaches young adults and kids all they need to know to get immersed in a story of their own. When I was reading the book, I jumped around a bunch, discovering hidden gems of wisdom. Each chapter is about a different component that writers use as tools to help them - little tricks that make their overall outcome better. Inside of each chapter are activities, tips, and more helpful information to make your story even better. If you want your story to be refined, professional, and amazing, then this book is a great tool to help you get to where you want to be.
       One of the reasons why I enjoyed this book so much was that it was not only lighthearted while portraying crucial information to becoming a writer, it inspired me to write more stories as well. This book is great for kids of all ages who wish to become aspiring and talented writers, or for those who just want to try something new and see where it gets them. To me this book was really helpful, for it walked me through step by step the making of a story. This book went above and beyond, exceeded my expectations, and helping me improve a little bit more each day. 

If you enjoyed Spilling Ink, you may also find interesting:

What If? Writing Exercises for Fiction Writers

I hope that this post helped inspire and possibly spark some creativity inside of you!

All Four Stars

"But there are much worse games to play"
        ~Hunger Games


Title: All Four Stars

Sequel: The second book in this series will be coming soon in 2015! Get ready!

Genre: Fiction with a childlike sense of curiosity

Age Group: 10 -14

Author: Tara Dairman

My Opinion: This is a very captivating book, full of excitement and the most enticing of situations. It keeps the mind on a moving roller coaster, the ups and downs of a young girl trying to express her creative side through cooking. I personally enjoy cooking and baking, and my parents are chefs, so for me this book was something I could relate to.
         The book itself is about an eleven year old girl with a passion and talent for cooking. Her parents however are fiercely against any use of the kitchen, sending main character Gladys on a frenzy around New York. Her need to cook has her sneaking out of the theater to secretly taste cupcakes for a fancy food reviewer, hiding her identity from everyone, and making new friends. Those who enjoy food, secret missions, and crazy kid cleverness will totally love this book, as I did. This was a really fun read, with a hint of wittiness about it! Tara Dairman's writing is a joy to read and I am anticipating the sequel.

If you enjoyed All Four Stars, you may also like:

What's Cooking, Jenny Archer?

                                                 

Bliss

The Land of Stories [series]

"We believe in ordinary acts of bravery
in the courage that drives one person to stand up for another"
             ~Dauntless Faction Manifesto [Divergent]


Title: The Land of Stories [series]

#1. The Land of Stories: The Wishing Spell
#2. The Land of Stories: The Enchantress Returns
#3. The Land of Stories: A Grimm Warning
#4. The Land of Stories: Beyond the Kingdoms


Genre: Fantasy Fiction

Age group: 10 and up

Author: Chris Colfer

My Opinion:

         Amazing! Absolutely stunning. A complete masterpiece and one of my favorite series. I definitely recommend this series to those who crave fantasy and magic, talking animals, and a truck load of creativity. At first I thought that this book would be better for younger kids, due to the fairyland simplicity of first glance. Boy was I wrong! This is one of the most magical, mystical, and imaginative books I've ever read, and it left me wanting more. Every page is filled full of adventure and wonder. The plot has been intricately layed out, and is so unlike any other that I could barely put the book down long enough to eat. Chris Colfer does a terrific job at keeping an overlying theme throughout the series, linking the books together. This is a truly incredible book series so different from all others. What makes these books so great is that they are fun and easy to read, and can be read over and over again without boredom, each time, discovering something new to the story. This is one of my favorite books, and will always be. Chris Colfer's an extremely talented writer, and I'm so happy and grateful that he's putting his talent out into the world for others to enjoy as well!

If you liked the Land of Stories series, you may also enjoy:






                                           








The School for Good and Evil [series]                                         The Sisters Grimm [series]

My Prologue

"Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times
if one only remembers to turn on the light."
           ~Albus Dumbledore

   
       Hi! I'm Aria, and I'm super excited to start this blog. I am fifteen years old (as of 2017), though when this blog started I was twelve. This blog is going to be about one of my favorite things to do - reading. I'm an avid reader and love fantasy with all my heart. I love getting immersed in the wonderful stories and lands that books can create, and have a hard time putting a book down. One of the things I also have fun doing is recommending books to friends, which is a great way to connect and share common interests. This is a review blog of books that I have read, as well as I will recommend books that I have really enjoyed. It's a great way to find some new good reads to enjoy. I also have a passion for writing, and am currently working on my own book! Writing and reading are of great interest to me, and I would love to share that love and enjoyment with you.