This year's DNF pile

Here is where I "review" (more like just share my thoughts on) the books I simply couldn't finish. While reading my thoughts, please remember that I didn't read the whole novel so these are just my thoughts on the first 50% or so.

Born of Illusion by Anna Van Housen

Anna Van Housen has a secret. 

A gifted illusionist, Anna assists her mother, the renowned medium Marguerite Van Housen, in her stage show and séances, easily navigating the underground world of magicians, mediums, and mentalists in 1920’s New York. As the illegitimate daughter of Harry Houdini—or so Marguerite claims—sleight of hand illusions have never been a challenge for Anna. The real trick is keeping her own gifts secret from her opportunistic mother. Because while Marguerite’s own powers may be a sham, Anna possesses a true ability to sense people’s feelings and foretell the future.

But as Anna’s powers intensify, she begins to experience frightening visions of her mother in peril, which leads her to explore the powers she’s tried so long to hide. And when a mysterious young man named Cole moves into the flat downstairs, introducing Anna to a secret society that studies people with gifts like hers, she is forced to confront her past and rethink everything she’s ever known. Is her mother truly in danger, or are Anna’s visions merely illusion? And could the great Houdini really be her father, or is it just another of Marguerite’s tricks?

From Teri Brown comes a world bursting with magic, with romance, and the temptations of Jazz Age New York—and the story of a girl about to become the mistress of her own destiny.

Why did I not finish Born of Illusion?

This book just could not hold my interest! I found myself staring into space and I was never fully engaged so I finally just quit reading. Also, I read a lot of good reviews so I was very disappointed I could not get into it.

I think the big reason I did not finish Born of Illusion is thanks to the characters. I felt no connection to the characters, even Anna was kind of transparent to me, and the romance was "bleh".  Overall, this was not a hit with me!

The Time Fetch by Amy Herrick

Edward picks up what he thinks is a rock. He doesn’t know it is a sleeping Time Fetch—and touching it will release its foragers too soon and alter the entire fabric of time and space. Soon the bell rings to end class just as it has begun. Buses race down streets, too far behind schedule to stop for passengers. Buildings and sidewalks begin to disappear as the whole fabric of the universe starts to unravel. To try to stop the foragers, Edward must depend on the help of his classmates Feenix, Danton, and Brigit—whether he likes it or not. They all have touched the Fetch, and it has drawn them together in a strange and thrilling adventure. The boundaries between worlds and dimensions are blurred, and places and creatures on the other side are much like the ones they’ve always known—but slightly twisted, a little darker, and much more dangerous.

A fast-paced tale filled with mythology, danger, friendship, and a shocking centuries-old secret, The Time Fetch is sure to delight fans of fantasy adventure with its tale of ordinary kids who tumble into a magical situation.

For ages 10 and up, grades 5 and up.

Why did I not finish The Time Fetch?

The reason I stopped reading The Time Fetch is that I felt the characters were flat... and two things just got on my nerves.

1. The main character knocks over a girl's purse because everyone knows that allgirls hate it when their purse's contents are spilled onto the floor. And of course, "girly junk" comes flying out. And then the girl continues to growl in fury at him. UGH! There are so many things wrong with that scene. First, hmm, a bit stereotypical? Hmm? I know that this won't bother most people, but... I don't know, it just got on my nerves. (As I have stated above already.)

2. The author uses annoying phrases left and right. Probably because this is MG... but I am a middle-schooler and I know that back in 3rd-5th grade these childish phrases would still get on my nerves. (Note: These are from an ARC. So, they may be different in the hardbound copy.) Here are the examples: "A bee up her butt", "As if a bird had just pooped on his desk", "Wowie Zowie", and "Sunshiny Smile" 

In other words, this book was just not for me. So, bye! And if you TRULY think you would like this book, check out the positive reviews along with the negatives to make your decision. Also, ask friends for thier opinions!

Thanks for Reading!

-Emily

Have there been any books you just couldn't finish this year?