Catching Fire by Suzanna Collins

Synopsis:
(***spoiler alert*** If you have not read the first one stop reading now!)

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge.

My Review:
Talk about a cliff hanger! This book had me on the edge of my seat wondering how it was all going to end. Collins knows how to tell a story that is both fascinating and disturbing. She is very in touch with the physical aspect of the game and makes you feel like you are really in the arena battling for your life. I can’t wait to see how it is all going to end when the third book in the trilogy comes out!

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Synopsis:
Katniss is a 16-year-old girl living with her mother and younger sister in the poorest district of Panem, the remains of what used be the United States. Long ago the districts waged war on the Capitol and were defeated. As part of the surrender terms, each district agreed to send one boy and one girl to appear in an annual televised event called, "The Hunger Games." The terrain, rules, and level of audience participation may change but one thing is constant: kill or be killed. When Kat's sister is chosen by lottery, Kat steps up to go in her place.

My Review:
(Right After I read it I thought...I liked this book, but I did not love it like I was hoping I would. I thought the story and the world the author created were really interesting but I did not feel like I could relate that well to the main character. I will go on to read book two because I have high hopes that the plot will become more complex and in turn the characters will become more developed.)

(After thinking about the book...I changed my mind. This is one of my favorites. I think when I finished reading the book for the first time I was expecting something different than what I read. After reading the second book I finally got it and understood where the characters were coming from. In the future I need to wait before I review a book because I am always in "post-book mood" and I have not had enough time to digest the story. This really is a moving tale and I am sure I will re-read it in the future, which in my book(no pun intended) means it is a keeper!)

City of Glass by Cassandre Clare

Synopsis:
(***spoiler alert*** If you have not read the first two books stop reading now!)

As Clary uncovers more about her family's past, she finds an ally in mysterious Shadow-hunter Sebastian. With Valentine mustering the full force of his power to destroy all Shadow-hunters forever, their only chance to defeat him is to fight alongside their eternal enemies. But can Downworlders and Shadowhunters put aside their hatred to work together? While Jace realizes exactly how much he's willing to risk for Clary, can she harness her newfound powers to help save the Glass City -- whatever the cost?

My Review:
I really liked the third book the best! I love the characters and there were so many funny moments that made me laugh out loud. These books kept me up well past my bed time and I would wake up early to read more. I did not realized how much they had sucked me in until I was finished reading them a little over a week 1/2- which almost beat my Twilight record! I can’t believe I am going to have to wait until fall 2010 for the forth book-I am so ready for it now!

City of Ashes by Cassandre Clare

Synopsis:
(***spoiler alert*** If you have not read the first one stop reading now!)

Clary Fray just wishes that her life would go back to normal. But what's normal when you're a demon-slaying Shadowhunter, your mother is in a magically induced coma, and you can suddenly see Downworlders like werewolves, vampires, and faeries? If Clary left the world of the Shadowhunters behind, it would mean more time with her best friend, Simon, who's becoming more than a friend. But the Shadowhunting world isn't ready to let her go -- especially her handsome, infuriating, newfound brother, Jace. And Clary's only chance to help her mother is to track down rogue Shadowhunter Valentine, who is probably insane, certainly evil -- and also her father.

My Review:
I liked this book just as much as the first! I did not want to go to sleep because I wanted to find out what would happen. I enjoy the characters and the story is very action filled. It has a little bit of everything: romance, action, and suspense. Looking forward to moving on to the next one!

City of Bones by Cassandre Clare

Synopsis:
This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know. . . .
Exotic and gritty, exhilarating and utterly gripping, Cassandra Clare's ferociously entertaining fantasy takes readers on a wild ride that they will never want to end.

My Review:
I enjoyed the book! I always like it when an author can mix our world (something familiar) with another world that’s completely different. Some parts I expected, others kept me guessing about what would happen next. I wish there had been a little more character development because I felt like I did not know them well enough and I wanted to grow to love them. But I like the characters overall and there were some funny moments. I am excited for the next book which I will start reading right away!

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

Synopsis:
Intense is the word for Ender's Game. Aliens have attacked Earth twice and almost destroyed the human species. To make sure humans win the next encounter, the world government has taken to breeding military geniuses -- and then training them in the arts of war... The early training, not surprisingly, takes the form of 'games'... Ender Wiggin is a genius among geniuses; he wins all the games... He is smart enough to know that time is running out. But is he smart enough to save the planet?

My Review:
I enjoyed this book immensely! At first I thought the language would be too robotic since this book is termed science fiction but it took on a completely different tone. I did not expect to love the characters as much as I did and I was also surprised how compelling a story this was. For me to love a book, the author has to make me believe I have left the room I am reading and I am in the story with the characters and feeling what they are feeling. Orson Scott Card did that for me so this story is a winner!