Book Review Update: University Student + Final Exams

Hello Bookish Friends!

Until the end of April I will only be posting a book review once per week (plus quote-of-the-week/other features). Why? Well, mostly to retain what sanity I still have. I'm a university student, and it is Final Exam time. I didn't want to just mysteriously disappear on you!

So, all my fellow students, I wish you luck with end-of-the-year stress. It's almost over. And then you will be able to read what you want!

TL;DR: Because of final exams I will only be reviewing books once a week until the end of April. 

What's the first book you're going to pick up this summer? Mine is "1984" by George Orwell.

Also, you can now follow YLFE's book reviews with Bloglovin, if that's your style.

Quote of the Week: Markus Zuzak

"The Book Thief" - Markus Zuzak

In honor of my most recently reviewed book comes this veiled quotation. Do you see?

[image from Google]

Book Review: "Book Thief" by Markus Zuzak

My Rating: 

Why? While this is certainly not a classic 'fantasy' book, Zuzak tells an incredibly touching story from a very unique character perspective. It's a great mix of the fantastic and history.
Cost: New $4.17/Used $1.49 (Available on Kindle and Nook.)

Buy The Book Thief at Amazon.com

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Plot Tease

It's just a small story really, about among other things: a girl, some words, an accordionist, some fanatical Germans, a Jewish fist-fighter, and quite a lot of thievery...

Set during World War II in Germany, this book is the story of Liesel Meminger, a foster girl living outside of Munich. Liesel scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can't resist—books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement before he is marched to Dachau.

Full Book Review

While "The Book Thief" is not your typical 'fantasy' book, I think it can still fall into the genre. Zuzak takes an incredibly unique narrative perspective: the point-of-view of Death in Nazi Germany. Think about that for a second.

Quote of the Week: George R. R. Martin

"A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one." - George R. R. Martin

Yet another reason to pick up a fantasy book! True words.

[image from pinterest.com]

Book Review: "Assassin's Quest" by Robin Hobb

(Farseer #3)
My Rating: 
Why? Robin Hobb writes deep, realistic characters that go on a classic fantasy fiction quest anyone can enjoy. Her writing style and themes set her apart from most other fantasy fiction authors.
Cost: New $7.19/Used $0.01 (Available on Kindle and Nook.)

Buy Assassin's Quest by Robin Hobb on Amazon.

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Plot Tease

FitzChivalry confronts his destiny as the catalyst who holds the fate of the kingdom of the Six Duchies...and the world itself. King Shrewd is dead at the hands of his son Regal. As is Fitz—or so his enemies and friends believe. But with the help of his allies and his beast magic, he emerges from the grave. The kingdom also teeters toward ruin. Only Verity's return—or the heir his princess carries—can save the Six Duchies.

But Fitz will not wait. The journey casts him into deep waters, as he discovers wild currents of magic within him—currents that will either drown him or make him something more than he was before.

Full Book Review

You guys. Robin Hobb. She is my favorite fantasy fiction author by far at this point, followed closely only by Martin and Tolkien. The last half of this book totally blew me away. All that aside, I still have a bone to pick about Assassin's Quest in this book review.