Reviews written by Alanna Shaw

I can safely say that the third book in this series is my favorite so far! It has risen above all my expectations. My minor annoyance with the constant repeating of previous information continues, but I endured. I just scanned those pages...

This was a fun read--nothing too serious or complicated. If you’re a fan of mythology, you’ll really enjoy this series. It’s so full of mythology, you’ll overdose. The plot isn’t overly complicated with this one. There were a few twists that I enjoyed along the way, but most...

Two words: complicated and intense. The great care that was taken to develop the setting in this book was amazing. It completely sucks you in. The story takes place in Salem in the early 1900s, which makes it the perfect setting for a super creepy story....

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started reading Amelia Anne Is Dead and Gone, but I can honestly say I was pleasantly surprised with what I read. For some reason I thought there was a paranormal element to this book. I have no idea why that...

This is probably the hardest review I have ever written. I really don’t know where to start. I was giving this book awhile back for review, but I put it off until I was in the right emotional mindset to read such a difficult topic. As fate would have it,...

Innovation – Most people are familiar with the story of Anne Frank. I thought this was an interesting spin on a well-known story. Peter shared the annex with the Frank family, and this is his (imagined) journal of the events during hiding. A great story told from a boy’s point...

What I think about this book in one word: Hilarious. Two words: Absolutely brilliant. As a whole: one of THE best fractured fairytales ever. Seriously. Let’s start with the plot. Bumbling heroes, an evil witch, a diplomatic giant, vegetarian trolls, and princesses that don’t need rescuing—a perfect combination...

First off, do not start a series without reading the first book. Just don’t do it. As I read this book, it became painfully obvious that I was missing a lot of emotions because I didn’t read Legacy. I had no idea about the passion and depth behind Alera and...

When I originally finished The Hunger Games trilogy, I had mixed feelings. I was a little disgruntled by the quick wrap up in Mockingjay. But now, after reading Katniss the Cattail by Valerie E. Frankel, I realize how brilliant Suzanne Collins really is. Oh. My. Goodness. ...

In one word, this book is “cute.” It was a fun beach worthy read. Nothing too complicated. I knew I would like this book when I read that the witches that use self-serving potions to shed a few pounds or grab the attention of the local hottie would “suffer” (i.e....

As much as I hate to admit it, I actually enjoyed this one. Alright, don’t beat me down yet… let me explain my previous statement. Usually, books with super mushy characters that are all “in love forever” at the tender age of 16-17 irk me. There is just something about...

In one word, this book is “cute.” It was a fun beach worthy read. Nothing too complicated. I knew I would like this book when I read that the witches that use self-serving potions to shed a few pounds or grab the attention of the local hottie would “suffer” (i.e....

If I had to describe this book with just one word, it would be: intense. The dystopian world that Roth has created is truly intense. I couldn’t imagine having to pick a “faction” that would require the dedication of the rest of my, especially the factions in Divergent. I think...

It’s hard to describe exactly what I felt while reading this book. Elation at the speed and ease of navigating 600+ pages? Burning biceps as I held the book to read (it weighs like 10 pounds—no lie!)? The thing that sticks with me most is the pictures. I...

Where to start… I devoured this book as quickly as possible. I had to know what happened after the cliffhanger ending in Catching Fire. However, I was mildly disappointed. When the actual Hunger Games ended, there seemed to be something lacking from the plot. I had a hard time getting...