25th September, 2014
Wake
| Name : | TAN HOONG WEI |
| Class : | K3B |
| School Num. : | 12196 |
| Book Call Num. : | FMCM |
| Book Title : | Wake |
| Author : | Lisa McMann |
| Publication Year/(Edition) : | Simon and Schuster (2009) |
Settings:
Modern time in the United States
Characters:
Janie, is the main character. She tells us what is going on in her life, and she is the most important character. She is able to see into other peoples dreams and whenever she sees someone in class, or riding the bus sleeping, she starts to get nauseous and feels like she is sick when this happens.
Cabel Strumheller, Develops a romantic relationship with Janie and is the only one who knows her secret. He does not play a major role until late in the story. He has a covert identity and helps police with drug busting. He is also plagued with dreams of killing a man whom Janie later realizes is his father.
Carrie Brandt, Janie’s best friend, who usually hangs out with the wealthier kids. She is also Melinda’s best friend. She has recurring nightmares of the death of her younger brother, who drowned. She becomes entangled in the drug bust in the end.
Miss Stubin, an elderly woman who lives in Heather Home where Janie works. Also a dream catcher, she helps Janie realize her abilities.
Captain Fran Komiski, Cabel’s boss, and the one who is in charge of the drug busting operation.
Summary:
The book begins with multiple flashbacks,all leading to Janie’s extraordinary powers and where she stands in the present day. Janie Hannagan is an independent, 17-year-old senior at Fieldridge High School, living at home with her alcoholic mother and trying to find ways to fund her future college education. What makes Janie so different from her peers is that she has the involuntary ability to witness others’ dreams. Janie discovered this ability at 8 years old, when she was able to witness a businessman’s dream of him giving a presentation in his underwear. From that day on, she is somewhat cursed by the long struggle and suffering of being part of others’ dreams and nightmares. By taking part in others’ dreams, she can see their fears and/or desires.
After several encounters, Janie and Cabel fall for each other on a class trip to Canada, during which time Cabel becomes aware of Janie’s strange powers. Although Cabel helps Janie protect her secret, they are unable to maintain a close relationship.Even as Janie and Cabel grow apart, their desire for each other increases. Cabel seems to fall away from Janie and into the drug trade.
But all is not as it seems, for Janie soon finds out that Cabel isn’t a drug dealer and he was not involed with Shay in any way. But rather Cabel is a sort of underground cop and was on the trail of a major drug bust.
The climax of the story comes as Cabel, along with a number of other Fieldridge students and parents, are imprisoned on narcotics charges. Janie witnesses the dream of Shay’s father who was the leader in all this drug dealing business. The dream is very intense and lasts for hours and Janie soon becomes completely numb and falls out of her chair. Then Captain Fran ( Cabel’s boss) asks Janie what she saw in the dream, hoping that the dream would indicate the location of the drug dealers major stash. Janie describes the dream to Fran and concludes that the drugs are sown inside the life jackets on the drug dealer’s yacht.
Reviews:
Overall, this book was interesting. Janie gets sucked into other people’s dreams and is often overwhelmed by the. The writing is cut up and choppy. The details aren’t subtle so one has to presume by herself. However, this is a nice book to read, especially for new readers. It is easy to comprehend. New readers will definitely find this an easy read. Wake has a great blend of mystery, romance and supernatural elements. There isn’t much romancing. The thrill is meek in this book but still acceptable. I highly recommend this book for young adult readers.
Posted at 5:39 pm | Comments (5)
25th September, 2014
Sweetheart
| Name : | TAN HOONG WEI |
| Class : | K3B |
| School Num. : | 12196 |
| Book Call Num. : | FCAI |
| Book Title : | Sweetheart |
| Author : | Chelsea Cain |
| Publication Year/(Edition) : | Pan Publishing (2009) |
Settings:
Modern time in the United States.
Character:
Archie Sheridan
-A Portland detective, once held captive by Gretchen Lowell. He is currently solving the “Beauty Killer” case.
Gretchen Lowell
-A serial killer. Also known as the “Beauty Killer”. She has an appealing demeanor was once a nurse.
Susan Ward
-A reporter working for the Herald. A friend of Archie’s. Helpful but naïve at times. A rebellious multi-coloured hair woman as well.
Summary:
Portland detective Archie Sheridan, the former head of the Beauty Killer Task Force, hunted Gretchen Lowell for years before she kidnapped him, tortured him, and then let him go. Now that she is behind bars, Archie is finally piecing his life back together. He’s returned home to his ex-wife and their two children. But no matter how hard Archie tries, he just can’t stop thinking about Gretchen!
When the body of a young woman is discovered in Forest Park, Archie is reminded of the first corpse he discovered there a decade ago: it turned out to be the Beauty Killer’s first victim, and Archie’s first case. Then, the unthinkable happens: Gretchen escapes from prison, and once the news breaks, all of Portland goes on high alert; but secretly, Archie is relieved. He knows he’s the only one who can capture Gretchen and now he has a plan to get out from under her thumb once and for all. Even if it means becoming her last victim.
Reviews:
In the second book to the Gretchen Lowell series, this book is thrilling and chills you to the core. The escape of Gretchen Lowell in this novel adds a kick to the story. Even with his marriage in shambles, Archie can’t stop being attracted to Gretchen. This is unlike any romantic suspense novels. Some involves sloppy kisses and awkward hugs whereas this novel doesn’t. It revolves around a deathly addiction. Best of all, it leaves you screaming for more. It is by far the most amazing romantic suspense though some people might have different views.
Posted at 4:05 pm | Comments (5)