Rick Riordan: The Ship of the Dead (2017)

    Magnus and his crew must sail to the farthest borders of Jotunheim and Niflheim in pursuit of Asgard's greatest threat. Will they succeed in their perilous journey, or is Ragnarok lurking on the horizon? (Goodreads).

    Look, Riordan writes an entertaining novel. I won't deny that. If he wrote entertaining novels with some variety, I would be really on board. YET AGAIN, we are given a predictable and overused plot, this time Riordan using his 'motley crew on board a magic ship' card that he has used before. To round it all off, the Argo III-I mean, the Big Banana-has a shapeshifter, a blonde guy, and someone who doesn't understand modern cultures. All of whom, I might add, are far more interesting than Magnus himself, making me wish that it was written from their perspective instead. There is an absolutely fantastic scene in Hearthstone's story that almost redeemed the book, but unfortunately is a small part in building up to a, frankly, cheesy climax. Maybe Percy could have redeemed it, I don't know. But whatever the case, his involvement in the plot was pointless, to say the least. To top off this cake of cliches and dull narration, there is the LITERAL CHOCOLATE SYRUP of a stupid romance subplot. Not because one character is gender-fluid, mind, but because it is stupid. 5.7/10

Stephen R. Lawhead: In the Hall of the Dragon King (1982)

    Carrying a sealed message from the war-hero Dragon King to the queen, Quentin and his outlaw companion, Theido, plunge headlong into a fantastic odyssey and mystic quest (Goodreads).

    What starts out as a cliché, slightly dull fantasy actually evolves into an entertaining and well-written novel (although still fairly cliché). The plot jumps right into the action, and although this may be a positive, it gives no background for our protagonist, and we are not able to connect with him as much as we would like. Boring exposition in the first half gives way to much more exciting and intriguing details, although the main character disappears slightly during the climax. His character development, while interesting, is slightly unrealistic and dull, although the rest of the characters are interesting enough. A well-executed and exciting climax (still cliché) is, unfortunately, followed up by a somewhat lame resolution, where the villain, living up to his unexciting and lethargic character, is put down almost as weak as movie-version Voldemort. 6.7/10

Kevin Sands: Mark of the Plague (2016)

    The Black Death has returned to London, spreading disease and fear through town. A mysterious prophet predicts the city’s ultimate doom—until an unknown apothecary arrives with a cure that actually works. Christopher’s Blackthorn shop is chosen to prepare the remedy. But when an assassin threatens the apothecary’s life, Christopher and his faithful friend Tom are back to hunting down the truth, risking their lives to untangle the heart of a dark conspiracy (Goodreads).

    Rarely is the sequel superior to the original, but the second installment of the Blackthorn Key series is just that. Instead of a simple, mildly engaging plot, readers are given a mystery that finds our protagonist (retaining his compelling and entertaining traits of the previous novel) working through a horrifyingly brilliant setting. Having two possible candidates for an antagonist throughout the story is a wonderful strategy to keep readers on their toes, and Sands is still able to shock readers with a surprising plot twist amidst an exciting and emotional climax. The characters, both good and evil alike, are interesting (although one addition to the protagonist's side falls a bit flat) and the plot is extremely entertaining, while still retaining humorous and dark aspects alike. 8.4/10

Jacqueline Rayner: Doctor Who: The Stone Rose (2006)

    A 2,000 year old statue of Rose Tyler is a mystery that the Doctor and Rose can only solve by travelling back to the time when it was made. But when they do, they find the mystery is deeper and more complicated than they ever imagined (Goodreads).

    With excellent portrayals of the beloved TV characters, both fans of the show and casual readers can enjoy this Doctor Who story. An entertaining plot is somewhat predictable, but amusing dialogue and characters make up for it. The time travel becomes a bit confusing, as are several different scenes, but the story remains entertaining, especially with the mysterious premise given at the beginning. The villain is somewhat underwhelming and basic, but a solid ending ties everything together. 6.8/10

Pittacus Lore: Generation One (2017)

    It has been over a year since the invasion of Earth was thwarted in Pittacus Lore's United as One. But in order to win, our alien allies known as the Garde unleashed their Loric energy that spread throughout the globe. Now human teenagers have begun to develop incredible powers of their own, known as Legacies (Goodreads).

    Although it has wonderful character development and an exciting plot; amusing dialogue and a diverse cast; this first installment in the Lorien Legacies sequel series is somewhat underwhelming. While all main characters are greatly developed, the issue arises of having a few too many main characters. One of the great things about the original series is that the few perspectives changed every book., but in this spinoff, readers are overwhelmed by the six backstories and six somewhat separate plotlines (although they are six good ones). The antagonists are brilliantly horrifying, however the main antagonist given to us has no real substance. The secondary group of villains is also well integrated, but overall unoriginal characters and plot get the new series off to a less-than perfect start. 7.1/10

Homer: The Odyssey (-720) - Translated by Martin Hammond (1999)

    If the Iliad is the world's greatest war epic, then the Odyssey is literature's grandest evocation of every man's journey though life. Odysseus' reliance on his wit and wiliness for survival in his encounters with divine and natural forces (Goodreads).

    While extremely descriptive and compelling, Homer's Odyssey is extremely repetitive. Once one gets over hearing 'rosy-fingered dawn' and 'princely Telemachus' and 'god-like Odysseus' repeated over and over again, the story is actually quite interesting. The tale of Odysseus is adventurous and exciting, and the development of Telemachus is brilliantly done as well. A solid cast of secondary characters follow up, while Odysseus internal struggles feature almost as bright as his obvious external ones. While extremely descriptive and compelling, Homer's Odyssey is extremely repetitive. 6.6/10

Charles Dickens: Hard Times (1854)

    Published in 1854, the story concerns one Thomas Gradgrind, a "fanatic of the demonstrable fact," who raises his children, Tom and Louisa, in a stifling and arid atmosphere of grim practicality (Goodreads).

     What Hard Times lacks in plot, it makes up for in character development. Dickens' masterful use of characterization and description enter in full tilt in this industrial age novel. Brilliant characterization, but a great lack of real plot make the story a bit too wordy, especially near the midpoint of the novel. A poignant and humorous beginning and a satisfying ending bookend the story, but the somewhat dull midsection makes it somewhat difficult to make it to the end. 6.5/10

Dante Alighieri: Inferno (1320) - Translated by Allen Mandelbaum (2004)

    Here is Dante at his ribald, shocking, and demonic best as he describes in unforgettably vivid detail his harrowing descent to the very bottom of Hell (Goodreads).

    While much of the actual plot is up for the readers' interpretation, this first installment in the Divine Comedy is certainly an enjoyable and thought-provoking read. Dante's language (and Mandelbaum's translation) give a chilling description of the circles of Hell, and use wonderful examples of contrast in narration especially, one moment using beautiful poetic language, and the next using harsh cacophonies of sentences. Dark bits of humor thrown in are a satisfying addition, and while the format is somewhat hard to understand, and often a tad full of ancient Italian people and politics that are no longer relevant, Dante's vocabulary and philosophy are nearly unmatched. Slow moving to start off with, the pace quickens later on, leading to a disorienting but satisfactory ending. 6.6/10

Rick Riordan: The Dark Prophecy (2017)

    After experiencing a series of dangerous—and frankly, humiliating—trials at Camp Half-Blood, Apollo must now leave the relative safety of the demigod training ground and embark on a hair-raising journey across North America (Goodreads).

     While definitely not the worst Riordan novel, this second installment to the Trials of Apollo series is definitely not one of the best. The author brings us, yet again, another run-of-the-mill plot, and entertaining though it may be, it is getting strikingly less enjoyable every time Riordan adds new myths and monsters. Even with the new characters, conflict progression is rather repetitive. Finally, however, readers are given, not a teenage angst narration, but a unique voice in the mortality-stricken Apollo. His narration really develops nicely in this sequel, after being introduced well previously. Apollo's internal conflict with his past crimes is also brilliantly woven into the story, along with some great new antagonists. In other Riordan news: the Hunters of Artemis remain a convenient army and Leo is not nearly as awesome anymore. 6.6/10

Eoin Colfer: The Forever Man (2015)

    Pulled two centuries into the past, Chevie and Riley find themselves in the village of Mandrake. Under siege from prowling monsters that have escaped from the wormhole, the village's only protector is the sinister Witchfinder - a man with a hidden past and deadly powers (Goodreads).

    While it both starts and ends poorly, the conclusion to the time travelling FBI series has a scrumptious middle section. Writers, when adding new characters into a universe, often fail miserably, however Colfer has succeeded excellently, as both Isles and Pointer are entertaining and dynamic new additions to the trilogy (Pointer's departure especially adds a great emotional element). Readers are once again given a brilliantly mad villain in Garrick, and Riley's bold protagonist character once again fulfills expectations. A surprisingly excellent supporting character in Woulfe brings the story to new levels, although some ridiculous plot points (some which are much too convenient), an abrupt ending and a somewhat forced romance spoil what might have been a great ending to a good trilogy. 6.8/10

Patrick Ness: A Monster Calls (2011)

    At seven minutes past midnight, thirteen-year-old Conor wakes to find a monster outside his bedroom window. But it isn't the monster Conor's been expecting-- he's been expecting the one from his nightmare, the nightmare he's had nearly every night since his mother started her treatments. The monster in his backyard is different. It's ancient. And wild. And it wants something from Conor. Something terrible and dangerous. It wants the truth (Goodreads).

    Justifiably winning both the Carnegie and the Kate Greenway medal, A Monster calls combines incredible writing and brilliant illustrations to create an incredibly emotional tale. Filled with bits of dark humor, and also including an excellent lead character, this novel is an instant classic. The monster is also well developed, although the rest of the supporting cast could use a little work. The internal stories are particularly masterful, and offer an excellent view on the main story itself. A heart-wrenching ending leaves the reader satisfied after a wonderful overall plotline. 8.6/10

Michael Crichton: Jurassic Park (1991)

    A billionaire has created a technique to clone dinosaurs. From the DNA that his crack team of scientists extract, he is able to grow the dinosaurs in his laboratories and lock them away on an island behind electric fences, creating a sort of theme park. He asks a group of scientists from several different fields to come and view the park, but something goes terribly wrong when a worker on the island turns traitor and shuts down the power (Goodreads).

    Although it is extremely entertaining and thrilling at times, Crichton's novel, "Jurassic Park," gets bogged down routinely by overly long speeches, dull science, and difficult to understand statistics and graphs, and honestly, we don't need the computer screen to be written on the page. A good cast of lead characters are followed up by a supporting cast that tries much too hard, with an extensive backstory for each one, most of these backstories being unnecessary. A somewhat pointless beginning leads to quite a good plot, but the story wraps up much too quickly, and leaves several loose ends and plot holes not dealt with. 6.7/10

Hiroshi Sakurazaka: All You Need is Kill (2004)

    When the alien Mimics invade, Keiji Kiriya is just one of many recruits shoved into a suit of battle armor called a Jacket and sent out to kill. Keiji dies on the battlefield, only to be reborn each morning to fight and die again and again (Goodreads).

    Hiroshi Sakurazaka's novel, All You Need is Kill, is definitely not your typical, run-of-the-mill war novel, with an engaging protagonist backstory and surprisingly thoughtful narration, but it lacks much in character development and overall plot itself. The dialogue is also bland, with a few too many profanities and not nearly enough actual engaging quotes, but certain scenes are truly emotionally masterful, and symbolism throughout the story is well done. With a confusing ending and weak characters throughout, this book is just barely above average. 6.6/10

Andy Weir: The Martian (2011)

    After a dust storm nearly kills him and forces his crew to evacuate the planet while thinking him dead, Mark finds himself stranded on Mars' surface, completely alone, with no way to signal Earth that he’s alive (Goodreads).

     Andy Weir's The Martian has to be one of the most well-researched science fiction novels of all time. Weir combines intriguing science with an extremely entertaining plot that, while seeming tedious at times, still adds to the suspense. Even back on Earth, readers are given interesting characters that they can't help but root for. Eventually, Watney's science jargon becomes boring, but readers are still excited as to what he is about to do, because with that much science involved, it's gonna be great! And it definitely is. A great cast of characters and a thrilling plot make this one a real page turner. 8.5/10

Mary Shelley: Frankenstein (1818)

    Obsessed with discovering the cause of generation and life and bestowing animation upon lifeless matter, Frankenstein assembles a human being from stolen body parts but upon bringing it to life, he recoils in horror at the creatures hideousness. Tormented by isolation and loneliness, the once-innocent creature turns to evil and unleashes a campaign of murderous revenge against his creator, Frankenstein (Goodreads).

    Although extremely wordy, Mary Shelley's Frankentstein is definitely well-written, showcasing an incredible level of poetic narration and diction. This diction, however, is quite overused and distracts the reader from the otherwise engaging plot. Character dynamics could also be improved upon, except in the case of Frankenstein's creation, who is extremely well developed. An emotional ending to fill out an otherwise pointless frame story adds to the depth of the overall story. 6.6/10

William Golding: Lord of the Flies (1954)

    When a plane crashes on a remote island, a small group of schoolboys are the sole survivors. From the prophetic Simon and virtuous Ralph to the lovable Piggy and brutish Jack, each of the boys attempts to establish control as the reality - and brutal savagery - of their situation sets in (Goodreads).

    Those expecting a group of boys romping around on an island should be warned: there is a fair share of romping, but mostly the savage kind. While over-the-top at times, Lord of the Flies is an extremely well-written novel with loads of symbolism throughout, but only to be picked up on by the reader if they aren't terrified enough. Although the characters are less-than-endearing, and not as developed as they perhaps should have been, they still resound as they portray the shocking ideas of humanity. Although the supporting cast may be hard to keep track of, Lord of the Flies is a disturbing tale... yet also intriguing. 8.1/10

Ray Bradbury: Fahrenheit 451 (1953)

    Guy Montag is a fireman. His job is to burn books, which are forbidden, being the source of all discord and unhappiness. Even so, Montag is unhappy; there is discord in his marriage. Are books hidden in his house? (Goodreads)

    With incredibly rich language and an entertaining enough plot, Ray Bradbury crafts what is justifiably known as a science fiction classic. Although the plot may be disjointed at times, weighed down with almost too much figurative language, it is still masterfully written. A well done protagonist with engaging internal conflict, combined with the parallel of captain Beatty make for an entertaining main conflict. While the supporting cast could be stronger, Fahrenheit 451 is still justifiably a classic. 8.0/10

Rick Riordan: The Hammer of Thor (2016)

    Thor's hammer is missing again. The thunder god has a disturbing habit of misplacing his weapon--the mightiest force in the Nine Worlds. But this time the hammer isn't just lost, it has fallen into enemy hands. If Magnus Chase and his friends can't retrieve the hammer quickly, the mortal worlds will be defenseless against an onslaught of giants (Goodreads).

    Yes, it was an amusing read. Yes, it had an engaging plot. And yes, it was deja vu all over again, as The Hammer of Thor, in reading it, is much too similar to Riordan's previous books. Granted, Riordan is good at it, but one would like to see some more dynamics in plot and protagonist, while the author seems to be more focused on adding the paradox of supporting characters with great dynamics, many of whom would likely make a more interesting protagonist than Magnus himself. Good character diversity, an amusing plotline (albeit not that original), and a surprising (for better or for worse, we'll find out soon enough) ending sum up the second book of the Norse Percy Jackson series. 6.7/10

Kevin Sands: The Blackthorn Key (2015)

    When a mysterious cult begins to prey on London’s apothecaries, the trail of murders grows closer and closer to Blackthorn’s shop. With time running out, Christopher must use every skill he’s learned to discover the key to a terrible secret with the power to tear the world apart (Goodreads).

    It's always enjoyable following the protagonist in a solve-the-clues adventure, and the Blackthorn Key does just that. With a simple plot, but well and freshly executed, The Blackthorn Key is enjoyable, but not over-the-top amazing. Somewhat dynamic characters are endearing still, and the fairly original plot idea and setting definitely add to the book's appeal. A great twist near the end (an extremely dark and bloody twist at that) add to what would have been a simple plot and raise this book from good to great. 8.0/10