Expert Book Reviews

WARNING: This is not the actual book Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card. Do not buy this Review if you are looking for a full copy of this great book.This review offers a detailed look at the positives and negatives of Ender's Game: While Card's use of empathy as a central theme in the novel is interesting, it's overshadowed by the dated feel of the world he created. You'll also read about the novel's most memorable scene, its eye openers, and an alternative outcome. A character reference sheet is included to help you keep track of the many characters. This review of Enders Game also addresses the issue of critical reception, covering what both the readers and the experts like and dislike about the book. You'll also find additional resources if you want to know more about the book or become part of the discussion.Ender's Game is a speculative look at a world where the Cold War never really ended and the entire planet lives in fear of another alien invasion. The military relies on legions of extremely gifted children to plan battles and envision new ways to defeat the enemy. Ender is whisked away to battle school in hopes that he will be the one to save the human race, but what he finds instead is a treacherous world where he can trust no one. He must learn to adapt to the rules of an unspoken, ever-changing game. This comprehensive review covers everything you should know about this beloved children's sci-fi novel, from who would like the book to similar novels you may enjoy.

Expert Book Reviews review of Ender's Game

Review Ender's Game

Find out what you can expect from Catching Fire with the help of this comprehensive review. In Catching Fire, Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark have survived the Hunger Games, but they now must face stronger challengers as rebellion breaks out across Panem. This inspirational novel Catching Fire, is the sequel to The Hunger Games and the second part in Suzanne Collins' trilogy. The Capitol faces the start of a revolution and an impending civil war as it struggles to maintain control over its 12 districts. Katniss narrates her story and shows readers what it means to be a survivor fighting for freedom and independence.With quotes from well-known critics and descriptions of the novel's strengths and faults, this review helps you dive into this engaging sequel with a broader perspective. Collins snares her readers' attention with action scenes and romantic undertones in a post-apocalyptic setting. Catching Fire offers lessons about revolution and encourages readers to question the impact of modern-day media, including reality TV and the news. Learn about the author's inspirations for the trilogy before you continue the engrossing story of Katniss, a girl who invoked a rebellion with her passion and survival tactics.

Catching Fire: the Hungar Games by Suzanne Collins -- Review

J. D. Robb

WARNING: This is not the actual book Concealed in Death by J.D. Robb. Do not buy this Review if you are looking for a full copy of this great book. Check out our in-depth, expert review of this suspense novel Concealed in Death for everything you need to know before you pick up the book. Tucked within the review you'll find an analysis of the most memorable scene, an alternative outcome that may have worked better, and plenty of eye-openers to take away. J.D. Robb's latest installment in her In Death series, Concealed in Death delves deep into Lieutenant Eve Dallas' past while she unravels the mystery surrounding the bodies of 12 girls, hidden behind a wall 15 years ago. J.D. Robb is one of several pseudonyms that famed romance novelist Nora Roberts publishes under. Although Concealed in Death is a fast-paced suspense novel set in a futuristic New York City, it has plenty of steamy scenes and enjoyable characters to appeal to fans of Roberts' other work. In this review, you'll find interesting facts about the author and recommendations for similar books. This review deftly points out where the author succeeded, as well as where she fell short. Readers will love the cast of strong but diverse female characters. Lastly, discover what "those in the know" think about this book, as you read quotes from expert critics and reviewers. Despite its shortcomings, Concealed in Death is still a wonderful installment in a series that seems to get more popular each day.

Review

Concealed in Death

Takedown Twenty

WARNING: This is not the actual book Frostbite by Richelle Mead. Do not buy this Review if you are looking for a full copy of this great book.Included in this review of Frostbite are both reader and critical opinions about the novel, as well as an alternative outcome suggestion. While some genre-savvy readers may find the book a bit too straightforward, Mead has succeeded in creating believable characters and an interesting world. Fans of the first Vampire Academy book, the vampire genre in general, and anyone looking for a fun read should consider picking up Frostbite.In Richelle Mead's second book in the Vampire Academy series, Frostbite, life at St. Vladimir's Academy heats up for Rose Hathaway, a Dhampir Guardian-in-training. A Strigoi attack on a prominent Moroi family complicates life for both Rose and her best friend/vampire royalty, Lissa, and it brings parents flocking to the school, including Rose's estranged mother, and Tasha, another vampire royal with her eyes set on making Dimitri, Rose's mentor, her Guardian. This in-depth review of Frostbite gives you a complete look at the book, from the positives and negatives of the plot to a breakdown of the novel's most memorable scene.Frostbite tells a tale of a teenager struggling to accept her responsibilities and make sense of the often-complicated world that is high school, not to mention vampire politics.

Frostbite: a Vampire Academy Novel by Richelle Mead -- Review

WARNING: This is not the actual book Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. Do not buy this Review if you are looking for a full copy of this great book.This literary review of Flynn's novel Gone Girl covers the good and the bad to give you a comprehensive view of the story. Readers enjoy a suspenseful mystery while witnessing the complications of marriage from the two narratives of husband and wife. This review explains what you can gain from reading Gone Girl, and describes the type of reader who will enjoy this novel. Discover secrets kept by Amy Dunne as you encounter unexpected plot twists and surprising outcomes in Flynn's latest novel.Gillian Flynn succeeds at creating a psychological thriller with her third novel, Gone Girl. After losing their writing jobs in New York City, Nick and Amy Dunne discover that their perfect relationship is not as solid as it seems. Nick decides to move to Carthage, Missouri to care for his ill parents, and Amy figures out that her parents have been depleting her trust account to recover from their own financial hardships. Despite her resentment, Amy purchases a bar for her husband and his twin sister with the remaining money from her trust fund. The suspense in Gone Girl revolves around the disappearance of Amy Dunne and the accusations against her husband.

Gone Girl

Book Review

WARNING: This is not the actual book Me Before You by Jojo Moyes. Do not buy this Review if you are looking for a full copy of this great book.This review of British author Jojo Moyes' Me Before You gives you some fun facts about Moyes and her works, including the fact that the inspiration for this novel was a quadriplegic rugby player who committed suicide at the same Dignitas clinic mentioned in the novel. Me Before You is the story of a woman who discovers herself, and love, while caring for Will Traynor, a bitter quadriplegic. It also delves deeper into the psyche of Louisa: a young woman who already has a boyfriend, albeit a dull one. She is forced to leave her café job, leading her to a job caring for Will, and a love she never saw coming.Me Before You is a compelling tale that analyzes the right to die debate in a way you never considered. Louisa's job description is as "caregiver," but it's clear that Will's mother just wants her there to watch over him. Will was once a powerful, successful, and handsome hunk of a man, yet now he feels like a shell of his former self, ready to give up. Lou still sees that hunk, and she is ready to do everything she can to give him the courage to go on and make the most of life. Lou's charm works, as she even manages to cheer him up on occasion. Everything changes when she overhears his intention to commit suicide in six months. The author's choice of ending for Me Before You is controversial, and this review offers an alternative outcome that might have kept a few more tissues in the box.

Review of Jojo Moyes' Me Before You

Missing You by Harlan Coben -- Review

WARNING: This is not the actual book Single by Saturday by Catherine Bybee. Do not buy this Review if you are looking for a full copy of this great book.This review of Single by Saturday offers insightful opinions from experts, critics, and readers like you. Learn more about the author and her inspirations while determining if this story will meet your expectations.If you have followed Catherine Bybee's Weekday Brides series, then you've eagerly awaited Single by Saturday. As the fourth entry in the series, this contemporary romance follows the same premise while adding new intrigue. The strong protagonist, Karen Jones, has been married to Hollywood superstar Michael Wolfe for a year. A seemingly happy couple to the eyes of the public, their marriage is just a publicity stunt to hide Michael's secret gay lifestyle. Before Karen and her husband can go through with the amicable divorce they planned, her brother-in-law shows up with an ultimatum. Michael's family is demanding to meet his wife, and they are willing to make the trip to Hollywood from Utah if necessary.Zach Gardner, Michael's brother, wins the heart of readers and offers an interesting yet unexpected love interest for Karen. Bybee superbly illustrates her characters with believable strengths and flaws while weaving themes of family throughout the plot in Single by Saturday. Gain more from this uplifting romance as you read this review alongside Single by Saturday for character revelations and alternative concepts you never considered.

Single by Saturday: by Catherine Bybee - IEW

Nora Roberts

WARNING: This is not the actual book Dark Witch by Nora Roberts. Do not buy this Review if you are looking for a full copy of this great book.Supplement your reading of Dark Witch with this critical insight into the well-traveled premise of good vs. evil. Consider expert opinion on the positive and negative rendering of Nora Roberts' latest characters and love story. This review is a critical study of Dark Witch's characters, relevant plot points, writing style, themes, and more. Fans of the prolific Nora Roberts will be delighted to find the author once again returning to Ireland and familiar themes of the paranormal and family relationships in her newest work Dark Witch, the first book of the new Cousins O'Dwyer Trilogy. Recently arrived in Ireland from America, Iona Sheehan is welcomed into a fold of cousins and begins to unravel the mysteries of her family's past, which include magical powers and a centuries-old grudge held by an evil sorcerer named Cabhan.Roberts skillfully textures the tale with intertwining themes of legend, tradition, and the enduring relationships of family. With her engaging, appealing characters and a magical storyline, Roberts' Dark Witch sets a beautiful stage on which the rest of the Cousins O'Dwyer Trilogy will play out, certain to enchant her loyal readers.

Dark Witch

A. G. Riddle

WARNING: This is not the actual book The Atlantis Gene by Nelle Harper Lee. Do not buy this Review if you are looking for a full copy of this great book.Read mixed reviews from critics and fans while learning about the book's high and low points in this comprehensive companion guide to The Atlantis Gene. With links to the Riddle's website and critics' opinions, this expert review offers great insight into The Atlantis Gene to broaden your expectations and enhance your overall reading experience.Protagonists Kate Warner and David Vale embark on a mission to rescue autistic children and stop a terrorist from destroying the world in The Atlantis Gene. This mission yields new truths about the world, as the heroes learn of conspiracy theories involving Nazis, aliens, time travel, and an impending apocalypse. A.G. Riddle is an independent author who provides an engaging action thriller in his debut novel. The familiar setting in modern times offers unexpected surprises and urges readers to employ skepticism. A.G. Riddle appeals to a range of audiences with historical concepts, supernatural topics, and intriguing views on genetics and evolution. The Immari Group is a terrorist organization with weapons of mass destruction that threaten the entire human race. Kate quickly learns that the lives of autistic children are not the only ones at stake in The Atlantis Gene.

The Atlantis Gene

WARNING: This is not the actual book Sycamore Row by John Grisham. Do not buy this Review if you are looking for a full copy of this great book.Is this Grisham novel worth your time? This review provides some answers by discussing its historical significance and the excitement of the characters' tension. With expert ratings, you will learn exactly how Sycamore Row scores based on style, reading experience, meaning, and overall story. Gain insight into the author and what inspired him to extend the story behind A Time to Kill. The review covers positive aspects of the book along with its drawbacks. Examine the unique details that engage and surprise the reader to learn the true value of this read. With hand-picked resources to further information, you will gain everything you need to know to determine whether Sycamore Row is right for you. Three years after his victory in the Carl Lee Hailey case, Jake Brigance believes his glory days as a trial lawyer are gone. Jake's commitment to his profession is revived when he is called on to defend Seth Hubbard's seemingly incredible decision to disinherit his family and name his black housekeeper as his beneficiary. Why? In Sycamore Row, Jake searches for an answer as he returns to the courtroom arena in a legal battle against larger, well-financed law firms. As Jake pursues justice at all costs, the prejudices, racial tensions, and southern social structures of 1950s Mississippi are once again explored under John Grisham's pen.

A Review of John Grisham's Sycamore Row

Sue Monk Kidd

WARNING: This is not the actual book The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd. Do not buy this Review if you are looking for a full copy of this great book.The New York Times bestselling author Sue Monk Kidd does not disappoint with her latest piece of historical fiction The Invention of Wings, and you can read what the critics have to say in this comprehensive review. Find out who would like this novel and why it is a worthwhile read with the help of this companion review.Are you looking to improve your knowledge of slavery in America within a non-academic setting? Sue Monk Kidd's latest novel, The Invention of Wings, offers just that with detailed depictions of the South and North during the early 19th century. Kidd has selected two real women from America's history and fictionalized them as protagonists in her third novel. Sarah Grimké comes from a wealthy white family and struggles with the justifications of slavery from the young age of 11. She befriends a slave named Handful who was presented to her as a gift, and together they form convictions and strive for freedom. Readers gain an insider's view of slavery, the abolitionist movement, and women's rights in The Invention of Wings. The book offers an ideal balance of emotional moments and action to entice any reader, while offering educational appeal within an engaging story of two historical women.

Book Review of the The Invention of Wings

WARNING: This is not the actual book Winter's Tale by Mark Helprin. Do not buy this Review if you are looking for a full copy of this great book.Winter's Tale has 748 pages, divided into four sections and an epilogue, so reading this in-depth review before reading the book will provide valuable insight into the plot, setting, and the multiple characters' lives. Use this review to determine who would like Winter's Tale, and why. Learn a bit more about the author, and read an expert's opinion of Winter's Tale positive and negative aspects.Winter's Tale spans a century in New York City, from 1900 until the millennium in 2000. With comprehensive and vivid descriptions, the city of New York becomes one of the leading characters in the book. Helprin's believable, yet fictional world provides a foundation for the enjoyable contemplation of justice, love, and the afterlife. The characters are those Peter comes in contact with and those who impact his life in one way or another. Helprin knows just how to introduce conflict and create a sense of anticipation as he weaves his story. His characters disappear into the cloud wall, and then reappear, but why? Their conflicts with each other and the events in their lives are portrayed in such a way that the reader is constantly surprised.

Winter's Tale: by Mark Helprin -- Iew

WARNING: This is not the actual book Timebound by Rysa Walker. Do not buy this Review if you are looking for a full copy of this great book.This comprehensive review of Timebound includes information about the author, as well as a comparison of the book's high points and faults. Follow Kate Keller's story as she battles serial killers, finds romance, and struggles to maintain the correct timeline in Rysa Walker's debut novel. This review offers expert opinions of Timebound while explaining why Walker's creation is a worthwhile read.In her first young-adult science fiction novel, Rysa Walker explores the complications of time travel with Kate Keller as the 16-year-old protagonist. Timebound is the first of a series called The "CHRONOS Chronicles," and it features aspects of science fiction, American history, and romance. After Kate learns of her inherited ability to time travel, she must jump through temporal dimensions to rescue her grandmother from fatal events. Through the eyes of Kate Keller, travel back to the American Civil War and the Chicago World's Fair of 1893 to experience historical changes of government and society. Walker indulges a broad audience with time paradoxes, historical figures, action scenes, and an engaging love triangle. Witness the socio-economic disparity of the late 1800s, and how the suffragettes paved the way for women's rights.

Timebound by Rysa Walker

WARNING: This is not the actual book The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. Do not buy this Review if you are looking for a full copy of this great book.This review of The Fault in Our Stars presents a comprehensive overview of the book's powerful themes and surprising plot, while offering in-depth character analysis. Relatable, intelligently written teenage characters caught between love and death are what set The Fault in Our Stars apart from formulaic love stories. Supplement your reading with this knowledgeable exploration of the book's characters, symbolism, use of humor, and writing style. Learn more about John Green's critically acclaimed past works while you discover his inspiration for this bestselling novel that appeals to readers beyond the young adult genre. Well-drawn characters in a complex, emotionally driven plot make The Fault in Our Stars a touching novel that reaches beyond the heartbreaking limits of terminal illness into the realm of eternal love.In The Fault in Our Stars, the fourth novel from award winning YA author John Green, Hazel Lancaster and August Waters are teenagers living with terminal cancer. Follow their relationship as they meet, fall in love, and grapple with life's universal touchstones of love, loss, and meaning. Green's modern twist on a classic tale of star-crossed lovers is reminiscent of Shakespearian tragedy and draws the reader into the story of Hazel and Gus, treating its heavy themes with a mix of both thoughtful and comical writing.

By John Green - Review

The Fault in Our Stars

WARNING: This is not the actual book The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty. Do not buy this Review if you are looking for a full copy of this great book.Everyone has secrets, and The Husband's Secret explores three typical Australian couples who experience revelations but never learn other key secrets. Your secret might be that you came up with clever questions and insights for your book club meeting by using Expert Book Reviews to help you interpret the plot and suggest literary devices, like the book's consistent use of the fall of the Berlin Wall as a metaphor.The story unfolds with consummate skill as each of three women discover heartbreaking betrayal. Cecilia finds an envelope hidden in the attic with the legend that it should only be opened after husband John-Paul's death. Meanwhile, Tess discovers that her husband and best friend have fallen in love. Rachel, who lost her teen-aged daughter in an unsolved murder case, frets that her remaining son and his wife are moving away to New York for two years with her grandson, a child that Rachel adores.AN INSTANT BOOK CLUB PARTY!The stage is set for suspense as readers ponder whether Cecilia will open the letter that her husband surely never expected her to read while he lived. Tess faces the complete devastation of losing her husband, business partner and friend. If you liked Liane Moriarty's What Alice Forgot or The Hypnotist's Love Story, you'll love The Husbands Secret.This review conveniently lays out the hidden gems: plot points you might miss, symbols that only become obvious on a second or third read-through, and themes that affect your understanding of the story.It's like discussing The Husbands Secret with your friends or going to a book club meeting. But you don't need to drive anywhere!Packaged together in a fun and entertaining format, the entire discussion is delivered instantly to your device. If you haven't read The Husband's Secret yet, we'll let you know what to expect with savvy analysis and an honest review. If you're already reading the novel, then we'll be your tour guide through every chapter, heightening your enjoyment at every moment of intrigue, suspense, and humor. Regardless, this is your map when you're deep in the intricate sub-plots and fascinating imagery of Liane Moriarty's novel. You'll see the book in a whole new way.

By Liane Moriarty -- Analysis

The Husband's Secret

WARNING: This is not the actual book Doctor Sleep by Stephen King. Do not buy this Review if you are looking for a full copy of this great book.Check out this comprehensive review of Doctor Sleep for a complete look at the plot, the characters, and of course, King's writing style. Doctor Sleep explores themes of innocence and redemption as Dan struggles to come to terms with the horrors of his past. This review includes critical opinions of the novel and breaks down the ways in which Stephen King excels, as well as where he falls short. Doctor Sleep offers compelling, sympathetic characters and a satisfactory conclusion to the story begun in The Shining, though some may feel that the sequel does not live up to the original work. Fans of Stephen King's previous works, including The Shining, Salem's Lot, and the Dark Tower series will enjoy the Easter eggs hidden in the pages of Doctor Sleep.Stephen King's sequel to The Shining follows Jack Torrance's son, Dan, who is haunted by his past in more ways than one. A recovering alcoholic, he struggles both with his gift, "the shining," and the events at the Outlook Hotel. He finds himself drawn to a charismatic and precocious girl, Abra, who has the gift as well. Dan must help Abra survive a secret society, the True Knot, which preys upon gifted children like her.

Doctor Sleep: (The Shining)

WARNING: This is not the actual book The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. Do not buy this Analysis if you are looking for a full copy of this great book.The comprehensive review & analysis gives buyers and potential buyers a complete synopsis (with spoiler alerts!), analysis of literary themes, background information about the author, and an easy-to-read discussion of the questions and issues that the novel raises. A great choice for book club discussions, the novel explores classic themes regarding the value of youth and friendship and getting the most out of life. The Fault in Our Stars tells a bittersweet tale of love, and its renowned status and plans for movie adaptation foretell that the book is destined to become a classic for young adults. Green artfully builds the relationship between 16-year-old Hazel, whose cancer leaves her permanently tethered to an oxygen cart, and Augustus, a charismatic boy who lost a leg to bone cancer. The review helps readers place the couple's story in context and explore the nature of transcendent experiences. AN INSTANT BOOK CLUB PARTY!As the book states, you can find the infinite within a finite period. John Green tells a story of relationships and the things that matter most. Read the review to decide whether to buy the book for yourself, your kids or as a gift. Don't worry about spoiling the surprise. Each Review & Analysis has a spoiler-alert section that you can skip if you prefer. If you liked John Green's Looking for Alaska or Paper Towns, you'll love The Fault in Our Stars.This Book Review & Story Analysis conveniently lays out the hidden gems: plot points you might miss, symbols that only become obvious on a second or third read-through, and themes that affect your understanding of the story.It's like discussing the novel with your friends or going to a book club meeting. But you don't need to drive anywhere!

By John Green -- Analysis

WARNING: This is not the actual book The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt. Do not buy this Review if you are looking for a full copy of this great book.Learn what the experts are saying about Donna Tartt's The Goldfinch with this literary review. Dark themes prevail throughout the novel as protagonist Theo Decker copes with the violent and untimely death of his mother. As a 13-year-old boy, Theo's grasp of reality is limited, and the tragic event forces despair and self-defeating behavior. With sophisticated themes like death, abuse and sex, this book is better suited for a mature audience. If you are looking for an intellectually stimulating novel that keeps you guessing, then The Goldfinch may be just what you need.See how Donna Tartt's novel scores with expert ratings and quotes from popular publications. The Goldfinch is an exemplary book filled with vivid imagery and superb character development. Each cast member in the play of Theo's life has a mixture of positive traits and flaws that make up a believable character. A comparison of the good and bad aspects of the book help you determine the book's value. Compare this book to Greek tragedies to see how death portrays a universal theme that has great impacts on any protagonist. This comprehensive review of The Goldfinch gives you the big picture of what to expect from your reading.

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