Jurassic Park by Michael Chrichton

 

After it is discovered that man can recreate dinosaur, a new park is being put into order. John Hammond, millionaire, mad scientist is behind the mastermind idea to make a profit off of this fantastical zoo. However, when a group of special experts come to review the island before opening, chaos breaks loose. At first, they are astonished as they watch Hammond explain how the process works and learn about the workings of the park. But, while on a tour of the park, the electricity seems to have gone out, shutting down the track as well as the electric fence in between the them and the dinosaurs. It becomes hard to trust anyone as the power outage may have not been an accident.  Stuck in the park, the group must somehow escape the island.   It comes to light that man cannot recreate something so vast and expect life to not find a way.

I know what you're thinking, you've seen this movie millions of times flipping through the channels on the TV. But, in the movie, a lot of the action is condensed. When I opened up the book, I figured that it couldn't be that much different from the book. I was wrong. It was so much better! As you read, you learn a lot more about science, chaos theory, and paleontology. In any other setting, I don't think that these topics would be particularly interesting, but when mixed with dinosaurs and the chase of a lifetime, you beg for the information. There are many twists and turns and unexpected outcomes in the novel and it's a huge page turner. Hidden behind all the rediscovered creatures and action, is an amazing insight on man and his desire for power, making it much more than just a book about dinosaurs. However, because of the all the unadulterated action and science, there doesn't seem to be enough room for powerful character development in the majority of the characters. Michael Crichton writes this novel in a way that leaves the reader almost wishing that they could experience this world, no matter how terrifying or deadly it is. If you're looking for an action-based, book to read, Jurassic Park will go above and beyond your expectations.

If You Liked This One Check Out: The Shining by Stephen King, Congo by Michael Crichton, Jaws by Peter Benchley, Rainbow Six by Tom Clancy

Storm Front: A Novel of the Dresden Files By Jim Butcher

Harry Dresden- Wizard.

Lost Items Found, Paranormal Investigations.

Consulting. Advice. Reasonable Rates. 

No Love Potions, Endless Purses,

 or other Entertainment

       Harry Dresden is the best at what he does. Well, technically, he's the only at what he does. So when the Chicago P.D. has a case that transcends mortal creativity or capability, they come to him for answers. For the "everyday" world is actually full of strange magical things.- and most of them don't play well with humans. That's where Harry comes in. Takes a wizard to catch a- well, whatever. 

       There's just one problem. Business  to put t mildly, stinks. So when the police bring him to consult on a grisly double murder committed with black magic, Harry's seeing dollar signs. But where there's black magic, there's a black mage behind it. And now that mage knows Harry's name.And that's when things start to get... Interesting. 

     The Dresden Files are a creative twist on the classic loner detective novel.  Complete with gang leaders, magic drug deals, and dark magic, this first book sets the scene Jim Butcher's highly successful mystery series. Harry has all the trademarks of the loner detective; the intense and largely complicated love life, a wreck of a car, and the authorities breathing down his neck. Storm Front carries his strong, quirky voice all the way through. The story is compelling and fascinating as the Butcher takes us through the shady underbelly of the shady underbelly of Chicago. 

    This book may not be everyone's cut of tea.This truly is a loner detective novel with some magic thrown in. There is nothing else. It is simple and formulaic. As with many detective novels, the mood and tone is quite plodding and intense. It basically operates on one, very heavy, sarcastic level. 

    If you're looking for a fun mystery with some magic and quirkiness, this book is for you. If you're looking for a completely original , thought provoking read, this is not it. 

Amy and Roger's Epic Detour by Morgan Matson

Amy Curry is having a terrible year. Her mother decided that the family should move across the country and needs Amy to bring their car from California to Connecticut. However, Amy hasn't been able to get behind the wheel since The Accident. Her mother has given the duty of driving to her friend's son, Roger, a nineteen-year-old who turns out to be unexpectedly adorable and dealing with a recent breakup with the girl he thought he loved.

Amy hadn't planned on skipping out on her mother's plans and driving wherever they wanted, meeting new people and coming to terms with her tragic past. Amy and Roger find themselves traveling the Loneliest Road in America, trekking through the Colorado mountains, crossing the Kansas plains, and visiting diners, dingy motels, and Graceland.The more they drive and the more playlists Roger makes, Amy discovers the "new" her and a possibility of something she never opened herself up to; love.





Who hasn't wanted to drive coast to coast with their friends? Or maybe going a road trip across the country with friends, homemade CD’s  fast food, and an unlimited amount of time and money? At first, I was a little thrown off by the descriptive and slow beginning  but once I got into it… I got into it. And soon I was racing through the pages wanting to know where they were going to go next, who they were going to meet and if anything would happen between Amy and Roger. There were so many twists and turns that there’s no way you could truly tell what would happen. A fun road trip and a cute boy isn't all that this book is about though. Reading this book can help you realize something about yourself and help you let go of things in your past. So buckle up and get ready for the ride!

Books Like This One: The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen, North of Beautiful by Justine Chen Headley, Going Bovine by Libba Bray

Wither by Lauren Destefano

What if you knew exactly when you would die? Rhine Ellery lives in an age where girls don’t live past the age of 20, and guys don’t see their 26th birthday. Society is trying desperately to find a cure for this “virus” that is taking their young, but in the meantime, girls are often captured and sold as young brides for the gentlemen so that the race can continue, and so that the first generation can find the ever-elusive cure.Rhine is one of the girls that has been taken, and she finds herself in the home of — and married to — Linden Ashby, along with two other young girls, close to her in age. As Rhine tries to find a way out of her “prison”, she finds herself ever more drawn to one of the house’s many attendants, and developing a bond with her sister wives. But, she must constantly remind herself of where she’s come from so as not to get too comfortable with these new surroundings, and with the charm of her new husband

Love sci-fi as well as teen fiction? Well jump into this post-apocalyptic novel that puts a new twist on the phrase 'the good die young'. You'll be on the edge of your seat, dying to know what happens next in this intoxicating page turner. And while the world of Rhine may seem be strange, Rhine couldn't be any more human. It is like you're there with her on the journey, you forget that she's actually a character. One thing that can either be considered a positive or a negative was that it was strikingly similar to the Hunger Games. A post-apocalyptic world, impending death tied in with a glamorous world... but yet it is still original.

I would recommend this book to those who have read the Hunger Games Series. It takes everything that is to love about a futuristic novel and mixes it will a story line that will keep you on your toes. Or maybe you're tired of your usual white bread book? Well this one is certainly interesting as well as imaginative. So what are you waiting for? I know you're dying to know what happens next. Already read Wither? No fear fellow book lover! Fever, the second book in The Chemical Garden trilogy is out now.  

The Outcasts by John Flanagan

*Anonymous Student Review*
Looking for an action, adventure series that will grab your by the horns and pull you into a land beyond your wildest imaginations? Well look no further than The Outcasts. Hal is a young Skandian who is about to go through Brotherband training and must overcome two bigger and stronger teams with wit and teamwork. The third book in the Ranger's Apprentice series, which follows the adventures of Will, an orphan who is taken as an apprentice Ranger, as he strives to keep the Kingdom of Araluen safe from invaders, traitors, and threats. He is joined on his adventures by his mentor Halt and his best friend Horace. This series is filled with adventure and will leave you craving for more.

This book drew me in instantaneous. I was able to see, feel and understand what it was like to go through Brotherband training. That's what truly marks a great novel. If it is able to transport you to another world and hypnotize you into believing that you're following along with the dynamic band of characters. Which the Ranger's Apprentice Series certainly does.

While I did enjoy this book I felt that it was a bit predictable. There were a few things that you just knew were going to happen. But all and all I liked reading this book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoyed the Ranger's Series or loves action adventure novels.