Thirteen Reasons Why

Review by Edan
Title: Thirteen Reasons Why
Author: Jay Asher
Published: 2007
Publisher: Razorbill

Summary:
One day Clay Jensen comes homes to find a box of cassette tapes on his porch. The cassette tapes were recorded by Hannah Baker, a classmate who committed suicide two weeks earlier. He begins listening to them, they are the thirteen reasons why she did it. Why she ended her life. Each side is about someone and each person on the list will have to listen to all of them. Clay doesn't know why he is on the list. He never did anything to harm Hannah, or at least he didn't think so. He finally sits down to a long night of wandering, crying, listening and understanding.

Review:
It is an amazing book. It makes you truly understand how all the little things can truly change or harm someone's life. As you hear Hannah talking, you also hear the thoughts going through Clay's mind. You watch him go where Hannah tells him and you hear what he has to say about Hannah. It is beautifully written. It is sad and depressing, but also inspirational and makes me want to learn more about suicide statistics. I don't really know what else to say about it, but it is a must read for any teen. It is a wonderful book that I could read again and again and never catch everything.

Rating:*****

Goose GIrl

Review by Edan
Title: Goose Girl (The Books of Bayren #1)
Author: Shannon Hale
Published: 2003
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens

Summary:
Anidori-Kiladra Talianna Isilee, or Ani for short, is the Crown Princess of Kildenree. But others cast long glances at her and act like she is an outsider, because when she was young her aunt taught her the language of animals and birds. Her mother forbid her from conversing with her animal friends, so she began working on getting ready to be queen. Soon her mother announces Ani will be marrying the prince in Bayren and she is quickly sent away. On their way to Bayren, her lady-in-waiting leads a mutiny and she and the most of the other guards take the lady-in-waiting to marry the prince. Alone, Ani goes to the king and finds a job as the goose girl for taking care of the royal geese. Ani has secrets that can't be kept for long and she is finally building a trustworthy family around her. Will the truth be enough to convince the king that she real is the princess?

Review:
I know that summary probably sounded really bad, but I didn't really know how to explain the plot. Just read the book, it all makes sense and is amazing. I like how instead of having one universal language of animals, Ani has to learn the body movements and individual sounds of each species, witch is a lot more believable than being able to talk with telepathy. There is some of that though, not to give anything away. I like Ani's character, she is shy and is nervous talking with people. She feels like she can't trust anyone and has to choose between friend and foe. The beginning is a little slow, but the rest of the story is enchanting and beautiful. It was a fun read that I really enjoyed. It is full of mystery, beauty, adventure, chance, friendship and plots. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a fun fantasy.

Rating:****

Beyonders: A World Without Heroes

Review by Edan
Title: Beyonders: A World Without Heroes (Beyonders #1)
Author: Brandon Mull
Published: 2011
Publisher: Aladdin

Quick Summary:
Jason Walker's life is turned upside down when he stumbles into the hippopotamus tank at the zoo. He is devoured by it's gaping jaws, but is not eaten. Jason soon finds himself in another world... Lyrian, where the evil wizard emperor, Maldor, rules with an iron fist. Jason accidentally happens upon the first syllable of the word to unmake Maldor and is thrown to the secret rebellion, where he meets another Beyonder from Earth, Rachel. Together they set off on a perilous quest to find the word. They must pick their friends and foes, evade the emperors destroying servants and maneuver through this strange world. And, in the end, will they ever live to find a way back home?

Review:
I really like this series. I am rereading it because I forgot what happened and need to read the third book, but it is still an awesome book. I love how creative Brandon Mull is. He created bizarre animals, plants, stories and other human-like races. Soon you really feel like you belong to Lyrian, like it is real world. Having read it before, it was easier to imagine all of the different objects. Jason is interesting. He is an average 8th grade boy who plays baseball and is a devote student. Somehow, he and Rachel manage and maneuver their way through Lyrian. Jason is stubborn at times and in the beginning, he doesn't understand the way that information is told,  people act and the main principles of Lyrian. Rachel is also stubborn and hates the way women are treated there. Jason and Rachel are alike in many ways and make a good team. They are resourceful, careful, hurried and determined. I would really recommend the Beyonders for anyone who enjoys other world, fantasies and thrilling adventures.

Rating:*****