The Neverending Story by Michael Ende

The Neverending Story by Michael Ende
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

In this classic fantasy novel from author Michael Ende, small and insignificant Bastian Balthazar Bux is nobody's idea of a hero, least of all his own. Then, through the pages of an ancient, mysterious book, he discovers the enchanted world of Fantastica, and only Bastian himself can save the fairy people who live there.

Shy, awkward Bastian is amazed to discover that he has become a character in the mysterious book he is reading and that he has an important mission to fulfill.

My Review:

What can I say? I really enjoyed the first half of the book. The second half was boring and so completely random, that I lost interest. The ending was decent, it wrapped things up nicely, but I felt it took too long to get to the end goal. At points, I really did feel that this story would never end!

The writing was decent, but not spectacular. I'm sure there was some moral to this story, I could feel it just beneath the surface, but because my interest had waned, I didn't bother to absorb it.

Bastian was a whiny little twit who didn't receive much sympathy from me to begin with, but turned into an idiotic twat later on. I had a hard time caring for his journey and at points wished someone would chop off his head (I know that isn't decent thing to think). I'm glad he went back to being a twit instead of a twat in the end. I really liked Atreyu and Falkor, and thought they were the true heroes of the story.

I have been hanging onto the DVD for sometime, I think out of childhood fondness since I haven't watched it since I was a kid. Maybe I'll watch it with my nephew in the near future.

Favorite Quotes:

“Strange as it may seem, horror loses its power to frighten when repeated too often.”

“Every real story is a never ending story.”

“Without a past you can't have a future.”

Top 5 Genres*: Fantasy, Classics, Fiction, Young Adult, Childrens
*According to Goodreads
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★★★★★ - I absolutely loved it
★★★★ - Good book and would recommend
★★★ - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
★★ - Not good, but was able to finish it
★ - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

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Carry On by Rainbow Rowell

Carry On by Rainbow Rowell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Goodreads Synopsis:

Simon Snow is the worst chosen one who’s ever been chosen.

That’s what his roommate, Baz, says. And Baz might be evil and a vampire and a complete git, but he’s probably right.

Half the time, Simon can’t even make his wand work, and the other half, he sets something on fire. His mentor’s avoiding him, his girlfriend broke up with him, and there’s a magic-eating monster running around wearing Simon’s face. Baz would be having a field day with all this, if he were here—it’s their last year at the Watford School of Magicks, and Simon’s infuriating nemesis didn’t even bother to show up.

Carry On is a ghost story, a love story, a mystery and a melodrama. It has just as much kissing and talking as you’d expect from a Rainbow Rowell story—but far, far more monsters.

My Review:



I this book! Like I mentioned in a previous status, I don't care if I with or against the crowd. I know what I like, I'll read what I like, and I loved this story. I'm very grateful that Rainbow Rowell did not disappoint. I had a yearning for this story before she ever mentioned this was going to be a real thing. The first time I heard the news, my excitement could barely be contained. So, even with my high expectations, I was thoroughly impressed.

As with all of Rowell's books, the writing was laid back and easy to follow. The story itself was quick paced and eventful. I fell for many of the characters immediately, and some never quite piqued my interest, Agatha, although she was an intricate part of the story. I cared way too much for what would happen to them. The ending, although not perfect, was perfect - does that make sense?

I was so excited when my book arrived in the mail, I couldn't wipe the stupid grin off my face. While reading this book, I was so engrossed that it consumed my life. I didn't want to do anything but read the book, and I dreamt about Simon and Baz all throughout the night. I wouldn't stop talking about what happened next to all my friends and family (sorry guys), and there was not one, but two references to Doctor Who.



Like an addict, I want more, but this story did wrap up nicely, so I'll learn to deal. This was a hard review to write without spilling any spoilers, but I will say, if you have an inkling to read this, DO IT!

Favorite Quotes: (Sure to add on)

“He smiles, and he's made of trouble.”

“You were the sun, and I was crashing into you.”

Read from October 16 to 23, 2015

Top 5 Genres*: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance, Fiction, GLBT
*According to Goodreads
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My ratings system
5 stars - I absolutely loved it
4 stars - Good book and would recommend
3 stars - Decent book, but wasn't spectacular
2 stars - Not good, but was able to finish it
1 stars - Did not finish (DNF) and I don't usually rate a book I haven't finished (just to be fair to the author)

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