Waiting on Wednesday: Scan by Walter Jury and S.E. Fine

"Waiting on" Wednesday

"Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating." (Hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine)

October 30th

Scan by Walter Jury and S.E. Fine

Tate and his father don’t exactly get along. As Tate sees it, his father has unreasonably high expectations for Tate to be the best—at everything. Tate finally learns what he’s being prepared for when he steals one of his dad’s odd tech inventions and mercenaries ambush the school, killing his father in the process and sending Tate on the run from aliens who look just like humans. 

Expected Publication: May 1st 2014

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I am a huge fan of aliens (ever since seeing the Aliens movies which, by the way, the prequel (Prometheus) and the first Aliens movie are the best!) but I haven't read very many books that I felt pulled it off just right. I am really looking forward to seeing how this one plays out!

Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 7 by Hiromu Arakawa

Title: Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 7

Author: Hiromu Arakawa

Book #: 7th of Series


Publisher: VIZ Media LLC

Publish Date: May 16th 2006

Pages: 187

Format: Paperback


Date Read: October 29th 2013

Rating: ★★★★★  / out of 5

"If anything happens to that boy... I won't hesitate to destroy you."

Summary:

Where did Alphonse Elric go during the few short minutes he was wiped from existence, body and soul? From a secret lair in the city of Dublith, a group of outcasts kidnaps Alphonse to find the alchemical secrets of his creation! It's up to Ed (and a certain housewife) to go into the Devil's Nest and rescue his brother. But the criminals of the Devil's Nest aren't exactly human either. Now, Al must fight a homunculus - an artificial human being - and the streets of Dublith will run red with blood...
(Synopsis taken from Goodreads)

Review:

What I loved about this book the most is the more science-related side that we see of alchemy:

Greed: "What did you do to my shield...?"

Ed: "It was easy enough once I thought about it. You can't make something out of nothing. Therefore your "shield" is being created from something.

You told me yourself that you're created from the same biological material as we humans. And I thought, "what's an element in the body that could become a shield that's stronger than steel?"

The substance that makes up one third of our bodies- carbon. The hardness of carbon varies depending on how the atoms are combined. For example, compare the lead from a pencil with a diamond.

Once I understand the chemistry at work, it's a simple matter of alchemy."

All this beside, though, in this installment, with the kidnapping of Al, we are introduced to more of the same enemies that have been lurking in the background since the beginning. We also see more of the state alchemist serial killer, and what might possibly be the end of his revenge-induced killing. I like how it is still up in the air, though.

Overall, great to see such realistic use of science in the fantasy concept of alchemy! Again, would recommend this series to everyone.


On My Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/744159040

A Stranger Thing by Martin Leicht & Isla Neal

Title: A Stranger Thing

Author: Martin Leicht & Isla Neal

Book #: 2nd of Trilogy


Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Publish Date: November 12th 2013

Pages: n/a

Format: Kindle Edition


Date Read: October 29th 2013

Rating: ★★★½  / out of 5




There are still some things about this series that I don't like (including the nut-brained love-interest) but still such a great book!

Review to come!


On My Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/716764537

Top Ten Tuesday: Scariest Looking Book Covers

Top Ten Tuesday

(Hosted by Broke and Bookish)

October 29th

Top Ten Scariest Looking Book Covers

1. Adam by Ted Dekker

2. The Vivisector by Patrick White

3. History is Dead: A Zombie Anthology edited by Kim Paffenroth

4. The House of Dead Maids by Clare B. Dunkle

5. The Devouring by Simon Holt

6. Hell Whore edited by Nathan J.D.L. Rowark

7. Eternal Suffer edited by Nathan J.D.L. Rowark

8. Black Numbers by Dean Frank Lappi

9. Possessed by Kate Cann

10. Zombie Fever Book 2 by B.M. Hodges

Promise of Shadows by Justina Ireland

Title: Promise of Shadows

Author: Justina Ireland

Book #: Standalone


Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers

Publish Date: March 11th 2014

Pages: 384

Format: Kindle Edition


Date Read: October 27th 2013

Rating: ★★  / out of 5




Eh.

Review to come!!


On My Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/634276509

Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 6 by Hiromu Arakawa

Title: Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 6

Author: Hiromu Arakawa

Book #: 6th of Series


Publisher: VIZ Media LLC

Publish Date: March 21st 2006

Pages: 189

Format: Paperback


Date Read: October 18th 2013

Rating: ★★★★★  / out of 5

I saw... eyes that were burning like fire.

Summary:

The origin of the Elric Brothers! Once, Edward and Alphonse Elric were willing to do anything to become alchemists. But when they tried to use their newfound skills to resurrect their dead mother, they broke a taboo and encountered something more terrifying than death itself. Now, hardened by years of military training, Edward and Alphonse have returned to the woman who first taught them alchemy...but can she help them, or even forgive them?
(Synopsis taken from Goodreads)

Review:

I think this is, and will remain to be, my favorite book in this series. I just absolutely love how we finally get the full history on Ed and Al.

It is a beautifully tragic story, and, though it had bothered me that I needed to wait 6 books to get this information, I think it was perfect.

Overall, I completely recommend this series.

Quotes:

Page 44-45


On My Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/743723465

Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 5 by Hiromu Arakawa

Title: Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 5

Author: Hiromu Arakawa

Book #: 5th of Series


Publisher: VIZ Media LLC

Publish Date: January 10th 2006

Pages: 189

Format: Paperback


Date Read: October 17th 2013

Rating: ★★★★★  / out of 5

Everything in this world has a flow. Even human lives.

Summary:

Ed, Alphonse and their mechanic Winry go south in search of Izumi Curtis, the master alchemist who taught the brothers how to use alchemy. But in the boomtown of Rush Valley, an encounter with a pickpocket turns them down a different path in search of an auto-mail blacksmith whose handiwork is the best that Winry has ever seen. Then the action flashes back to the past to show how Ed and Alphonse first learned alchemy...

Review:

I would say that this is my favorite book in the series so far, but I have a feeling the next one is going to be based on that cliff hanger.

I really like this installment, though. We get to see a lot more of Winry, and learn more about the kind of person she is. I really hope she keeps a strong presence throughout the entire series, even though she isn't the main character, because she is a very smart, kick-ass female character. We also meet some new characters in this book, and I find it's becoming harder and harder to leave them behind. We see the possibility of a re-encounter, though, and I am looking forward to it.

As far as the story goes, Ed and Al still aren't any closer to finding the stone. However, we get to see them backtrack to visit their teacher. This invokes many emotions for both parties, and is what sparks the cliff hanger at the end. 

Overall, I will stress again how great of a series this is and would recommend it to everyone!


On My Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/743723250

Thoughts on Thursdays: The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey

Title: The Monstrumologist

Author: Rick Yancey

Book #: 1st of Series


Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers 

Publish Date: July 20th 2010

Pages: 434

Format: Paperback


Date Read: October 18th 2013

Rating: ★★★★½  / out of 5

So often the monsters that crowd our minds are nothing more than the strange and thoroughly alien progeny of our own fearful fantasies.

Summary:

So starts the diary of Will Henry, orphaned assistant to Dr. Pellinore Warthrop, a man with a most unusual specialty: monstrumology, the study of monsters. In his time with the doctor, Will has met many a mysterious late-night visitor, and seen things he never imagined were real. But when a grave robber comes calling in the middle of the night with a gruesome find, he brings with him their most deadly case yet.
(Synopsis taken from Goodreads)

Thoughts:

While this was definitely a book with a slow-to-warm-up start, mostly due to the intricate language used, about 100 pages in I was hooked.

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This story is so unique, or at least I haven't read anything like it yet. Yancey creates a world that is so obviously fictional,yet uses scientific terms and backs it up with so much information that you find yourself wondering if, in fact, he was in on this secret society. 

There haven't been too many books I have read from a male's point of view that I enjoyed, but this is indeed one. Despite his young age and tragic past, I found Will (Will Henry, as the doctor calls him) to be very relate-able. He is struggling with his existence and purpose, and yet shares a very unique bond with the doctor that I found to be touching (though, at times, it was quite troublesome).

The Doctor I found to be very unique himself. He reminds me a lot Mr. Tully from The Dark Unwinding. Both are strongly passionate about their... hobbies. However, Dr. Warthrop, in this case, has a more bizarre one. 

The stars were fading from the sky; the night's stubborn grip began to slip at last; and still the monstrumologist labored over his maps and books and newspapers, taking measurements, scribbling in his little notebook, at times whirling from the worktable in intense agitation, wringing his hands and stroking his brow, muttering under his breath and pacing back and forth. He was buoyed by the peculiar pursuit of his passion and the cups of black tea he copiously consumed, his libation of choice during this manic episodes of intense mental exertion.

There are many scenes like this one, in which the doctor finds himself in long periods of research and thinking. However, I loved the scenes in which he was so entranced in his work that he forgot about the world around him, when he would stare off into the distance with a far away look in his eyes. It is how I imagine I am, sometimes, when in the middle of reading a great book.

He does have a very seemingly narcissistic side, and it is obviously apparent that most of his actions are because of this. 

The monstrumologist's ego, as I have noted, seems to know no boundaries.

However, as we read on to the end of this book, we, as well as Will Henry himself, begin to learn that there is more to this mad, ambitious doctor than originally there is thought to be. 

"Though Varner himself might argue about his life," he mused, "it cannot be said about his death, Will Henry. His death shall not be in vain. There will be justice for Hezekiah Varner and all those who suffer inside those accursed walls. I will so to that. By God, I will see to that!"

He begins to show us a different side, one that, especially in a particular scene at the end, allows us to understand a little bit more about how he does indeed still contain some humanity. I do not deny, though, my first charge against him.

Overall, the story, like I said, was very interesting. I cannot wait to see where it goes throughout the rest of the series. 

Quotes:

These are the secrets I have kept. This is the trust I never betrayed.

Monstrosities, who, with a smile and a comforting pat on the head, are willing to sacrifice a child upon the altar of their own overweening ambition and pride.

There are times when fear is not our enemy. There are times when fear is our truest, sometimes only, friend.

Is it not the ultimate arrogance to believe we are more than is contained in our biology?

There is no loneliness more profound, in my experience, than being ignored by one's sole companion in life.

"At once, Will Henry. Snap to, snap to!" The first "snap" owed to habit; the second was snapped, if you'll forgive me, with barely contained fury, for I did not snap immediately.

How marvelously strange, how terribly tragic, the ironic twists and turns of fate!

Though by outward sign Warthrop appeared completely calm and collected, within him a fire burned, as hot as the sun.

"I have no regrets. No lungs, either, but I'd rather die honorably than dishonorably live."

What meaning has an hour when that hour is indistinguishable from any other?

"I cannot do it, Will Henry"
He laughed humorlessly and added. "I cannot decide which it is, a triumph of will or its failure. Perhaps it is both. You see why I prefer science to morals, Will Henry. What is is. What might be only might be."

With bowed back he bore the burden his father had bequeathed to him. He did not rest; he kept the vigil. Though his body was still, his mind furiously worked on.

The point of freedom, after all, is freedom itself.

Thus he stood, a living temple among ruins crushed in the literal sense of the word, and whatever he was thinking remained hidden within the hallowed halls of his conscious.

"You invited me here to slay dragons, did you not? Well, that's what I'm trying to do."

"But why do you believe that? Why do we believe such things? Because we want to?"
"I don't know," I answered honestly. "I believe because I must."

"The past doesn't promise anything, Will."

"Dr. Warthrop has engaged the services of this... person who purports to have experience..."
"Extensive experience," Kearns corrected him.
"- at killing these things. I would tell you his name, but at this point I'm not sure he even know what it is, if he has one at all."

I started, for suddenly Kearn's voice rang out. He was shouting at the top of his lungs, "Hullo, hullo, my pretties! Olly Olly oxen free! The party's over here!"

I escaped; I am bound.
I ran; I remain.

"Pellinore, Malachi, I shall see you in hell- I mean, at the bottom."

Perhaps that is our doom, our human curse, to never really know one another.

"And so all's well that ends well!" he said heartily. "Or should I say all ends well very early near the end. Perhaps 'so far so good; would be better..."

His father had named him Pellinore in honor of the mythical king who quested after a beast that could not be caught.

Discussion Questions:

1. Did you find some of the scenes to be too graphic and/or gory for your liking?

2. Did you find yourself agreeing with the Doctor, that the action of a bullet to the brain should be seen as merciful, or Will when he states that he believes "the idea that all life defending and that nothing justified surrender to the forces of destruction" (Hardcover, 74).


On My Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/725027273

Waiting on Wednesday: The Worlds We Make by Megan Crewe

"Waiting on" Wednesday

"Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating." (Hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine)

October 23rd

The Worlds We Make by Megan Crewe

In the final installment in Megan Crewe’s captivating the Fallen World trilogy, Kaelyn is on the run from her biggest adversaries yet. While she continues to face horrific loss, her resolve is still strong. But to survive this shattered world, will she have to sacrifice all that's left of the girl she was?

Expected Publication Date: Feb 11th 2014

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This is the final installment in a trilogy that I love very much, so I am extremely excited to find out what happens. What I am looking forward to most, though, is a visit to the CDC!