Dayna LorentzRecensioni

Kk This book was fun! Great premise. About 1/4 of the way Imin I got bored, set it down, and didn’t return for years.

By then I had forgotten there were four different perspectives. It was a bit of a jolt to get back on the train. However, once ai did I remembered why I had set it down in the first place.

The characters are shallow. It’s almost as if the author is trying to hard to make them “real”, but fails in trying so hard. The characters are unrealistic, lame and VERY stereotypical. “Cabin in the Woods” stereotypical. Cringe-worthy.

That being said, if you can get past that, read a little faster and just enjoy the ride…it’s fun! You know the animatronics in Disneyland will never truly attack you, so you pretend and scream for fun. Treat this book like that and you can enjoy it.

I did.

Stories involving a child’s bond with an animal seem to almost always make for a heartwarming and tear inducing read for me and Of A Feather did not disappoint.

With some birds of prey in this one, there is a hunting aspect that may be too difficult for some readers, but it doesn’t get overly graphic where that is concerned.

Even though I don’t envision myself participating in falconry, I still found it an interesting topic to read about, the relationship formed between bird and human, the trust that develops and also the great work done in rehabilitating birds and getting them back out into the wild, all of that held my interest and then some.

I know there are readers who prefer human POV’s only, but Rufus’s thoughts added so much to this story emotionally as well as by conveying a sense of what life as an owl might be like beyond our somewhat dry textbook understanding of their existence. I also enjoyed his personality, he’s a bit on the haughty side yet also contends with self-esteem issues and you really see him evolve and experience a satisfying character arc.

I adored Reenie, too, with a mom in and out of mental health facilities, there’s such a sense of upheaval in Reenie’s life that trusting others, letting them in feels like a huge risk to her early on in the book and you will most definitely feel invested in this girl possibly reaching a place where she’ll feel secure and less alone in the world.

I loved this one, especially the gradual emotional connections between the characters, whether blood relations, animal and human, or friends Reenie and Rufus find in one another and others, there was something of a found family feel to the support system formed in this story that gave this a genuinely uplifting quality.

excellent - Katrina

[July 19, 2012] This novel is basically a variation on "isolate everyone under dire circumstances and watch society break down." I could comment on the implausibility of the story, or the lack of a satisfying resolution, but my main problem with this novel has to do with how the story is presented to its intended audience - teenagers.

Most stories of this type are very clear in what is acceptable and unacceptable behavior by the characters and what drives them to take matters in their own hands. The best stories of this type depict the regret and remorse of those whose actions don't truly reflect their true nature. In this novel, however, while the dire circumstances under which people find themselves is shown to influence their behavior, the inappropriate behavior by the adolescents in the story (for example, bullying, sexual innuendo, shoplifting, disrespect for authority) is glossed over as if "that's just the way kids are these days." While this may or may not reflect teenagers in real life, the lack of consequences for unacceptable behavior suggests that this behavior is "okay." Even aside from consequences, the very descriptions of these actions suggest no ethical standards.

The purpose of the novel may not be to moralize, but should we suggest, by not drawing a line between right and wrong, that "anything goes"? The bottom line is, I'm a pretty liberal-thinking adult, but I wouldn't want my teenage kids reading this. There are so many better YA novels for them to read, none of which is marred as I feel this novel is.

Oof, this one tugs at the heart strings. This was a beautiful story about Gabe who gets himself into trouble trying to impress his friends and that trouble has some large consequences. This story made me ugly cry, Gabe does such a tremendous job of growing and learning throughout this story. I love how all of his actions have a ripple effect.

I think this book would be a great addition to any library and I have already told my colleagues and customers about how amazing this story was. I cannot wait to read more books by Dayna Lorentz.

This was such a great story featuring a unique young girl Reenie, and Rufus, a great horned owl she and her aunt rehabilitate. Of a Feather features a subject that I find quite interesting – falconry. In addition to being a falconer, Reenie’s aunt is also able to rehabilitate injured birds of prey. While Reenie and her aunt had their hopes set on rehabilitating a passage hawk over the winter they wound up with Rufus – a great horned owl who isn’t doing quite so great on his own in the wild.

The family dynamic in this book is both heartbreaking and heartwarming all at once. As a result of her situation Reenie has become more mature than most children her age. Bit by bit her aunt, her newly found friends and Rufus himself chip away at the armor she’s created to protect herself. The friendships that Reenie unexpectedly forges bring light to the fact that you don’t always know what someone’s life is like based solely on appearances. This book was definitely worthy of a “who saved who” sticker and I just love tales like this.

The chapters told from Rufus’ perspective are comical and lighthearted but still draw from the dangers that fierce birds of prey face in today’s world. I thoroughly enjoyed the dialogue between Rufus and Red the hawk. We also see Rufus struggle with becoming content in the safety of rehabilitation and his desire to return to the wild – finally the great horned owl he was always meant to be.

Of a Feather is a beautiful middle grade book about found family, tough subjects for kids, and being brave enough to trust others. I would highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy birds, falconry, rehabilitation/rescue, found family, middle grade, and tough subjects for kids to process (divorce, unavailable parents, depression and anxiety). This is one book that I will be saving in hopes of sharing it with my daughter once she is old enough to read it. I would like to thank Amazon Vine and HMH Books for Young Readers for the opportunity to read a gifted copy of this book – all opinions are my own.

A part of me wants to say that this one resembles My Side of the Mountain, but it really has very little in common with that story...outside of the relationship with the bird and maybe a broader sense of learning how to deal with the feeling of being alone. Still, it had me thinking of that story.

This story takes two very different creatures, who've been left to feel alone. One is six grade Reenie, who's being passed around homes until (and if) her mother is able to heal from her own psychological problems, and the other is a young owl, whose mother was injured and taken away. The story alternates between the two, making for an interesting mix between bird and human. It's intriguing to see both views as they grow closer and develop a bond, which surpasses simple friendship...and find their own healing along the way.

When I picked this up, I was a bit afraid it might become too preachy, and I was pleasantly surprised that this doesn't happen. It stays on the tale and shows the relationship between the two, while allowing them to still struggle in their own worlds and ways. It's great to get to know both of the characters, both being relatable and sympathetic. I'm not normally a huge fan of talking animals, but this one is entertaining and offers the needed insight to make the story endearing and hit home. Rufus, the owl, never truly speaks but this one mirrors his thoughts in a way readers can easily understand and relate to. And he has tons of personality.

Owl lovers are going to really enjoy this tale. While diving into the world of falconry, it takes an unexpected twist into the world of owls, and allows the real problems of owls and general facts surrounding them to come through. Of course, this owl is more than that, since it tells half of the story, but real traits, living habits and such are explained along the way. So, the reader does learn a quite a bit.

Middle graders will connect with these characters and see their own problems reflected. Not only does Reenie face the issue of going from one foster home to the next, but, more universally, the state of feeling alone and being hesitant to reach out is something many readers can identify at one point or another. Then, there are the usual troubles of fitting in at school and finding new friends, when no one seems to understand. I'm glad to say that this one doesn't rest on bullying...which was refreshing...but tackles the problem of learning to open up and building trust.

Summed up, this one surprised me and was even better than I thought it might be. I can see middle graders enjoying this one quite a bit.

I received an ARC copy.

I liked the idea so it gets one star. That's all I liked. So so implausible. The fact that each of the characters stories lasted about 10 pages each day they were locked in amazed me. So much more would have been happening with their days and yet we just get a short glimpse. This book takes place over 7 days yet it could have been condensed into 2 days with all the same action and plot points. Maybe stretch it to 3 days. It would have been much better paced then, slightly more believable. Also the characters and style of writing... Just didn't like it. Sorry. Will probably not ever get around to reading the rest of the trilogy.

I liked the idea so it gets one star. That's all I liked. So so implausible. The fact that each of the characters stories lasted about 10 pages each day they were locked in amazed me. So much more would have been happening with their days and yet we just get a short glimpse. This book takes place over 7 days yet it could have been condensed into 2 days with all the same action and plot points. Maybe stretch it to 3 days. It would have been much better paced then, slightly more believable. Also the characters and style of writing... Just didn't like it. Sorry. Will probably not ever get around to reading the rest of the trilogy.

I had a harder time getting through this then I did with the first book. The characters became selfish and whiny and by the end I didn't care if they all died or not. I hope the last book is better.

Amber already wrote exactly what I would say so ill just say You Go girl- awful writing - I read thru a lot of crappy books because I hate not finishing but this one I just couldn't bear to keep reading.

PopSugar '15 #17--A book a friend recommended

The first two books in this series were third person, this book is written in first person. Each chapter is devoted to one of the characters who tells their story. It is very confusing.½

The bully and the bullied begin working together and rampage through the mall. The flu is now only attacking only teens. The guards have taken over and the senator is nowhere to be found.

A 'bomb' is set off in a mall and now the shoppers are quarentened, including a US senator and her family. People are dying by the thousands and the truth is being kept from those inside and outside.½

I liked this book. It felt rushed at times but it was a fast read and was enjoyable. I particularly liked the fact that none of the characters were written as being purely good or purely bad, they were just written as being human. Looking forward to the next book in the series!

***DNF at 62%***

I can't. I literally can not force myself to finish this book. 171/263 pages in and nothing. Nothing at all happens. No action. No.. anything. Want to know what this book is about? A bunch of people locked in a mall. That is it. You can skip 30 pages at a time and not miss a single thing.

This whole story was just monotone. It literally put me to sleep. I have never in my life had a book that as soon as I start reading, would knock me right out.

There are a few things that really bugged me about this book, (other than it being boring)

1) The overuse of the term "space suits". This isn't the 60's. Everyone knows a hazmat suit when they see one.

2) The fact there was a "bomb" and they didn't evacuate the mall. Yeah no. Nowhere would they keep civilians in the store while they mess with a possible bomb.

3) The fact that the grandmother got sick and was taken back to be "treated" the granddaughter then sneaks in and takes her out to lay in a bed in a home store. No one even looks for granny. Yet anytime someone coughs, they are being swept away to be "treated" yeah, just doesn't make any sense. I would think they would be looking for her.

4) Going off of 3, staying with the Granny topic, after she gets to the store, she's pretty much just left there. Granddaughter is busy hanging out with "friends" so we don't hear about granny after she gets to bed. Again, makes to sense. Especially since her granddaughter was soooooo "worried" about her. You'd think she wouldn't leave her side then.
Kinda reminds me of Dawn of the Dead, actually.

A suspenseful novel about a bomb, victims, and the government.

Four teens among many people at a mall are not allowed to leave when a black box is discovered by the air system. What could be disseminated by air? Is it harmful? Is it terrorism? At first only the Senator eating at the mall, the government, and Marco (the teen who discovered the box) know about the box. The mall patrons are only told that they cannot leave. Days pass. Bathrooms stink. Food becomes scarce.

If you like thrillers, this one isn’t too bad. It is a book one, which surprised me because I think it could have been taken care of in one book. Nonetheless, it’s interesting to watch how people lose their humanity and start abusing other people in a survival situation. There are some who can hold on to their humanity and care for people, but it always seems like these are the minority. There’s a nice cliff-hanger at the end.

As Shep and Callie continue their story together, things become increasingly tough. The pack is always on the move, constantly shifting from one place to the next, unable to rest for too long. The pack has grown so big, Shep doesn't even know every dog! Most are unable to hunt; Shep had to regretfully reduce his pack to searching for live kibble instead bagged kibble. They even found a dog, Honey, with a cat-friend, Fuzz, who can bark! Hesitantly, and unwilling to leave a dog behind, Shep let the duo in. As he and the pack move out once more to find a new den, however, they come across an over-turned bus. The door is open, the windows are closed, and all holes are blocked with garbage. Only one entrance to guard - and with the seats on their sides, it forms the perfect sized cave-like structure for every dog. Yet there is one problem - a female dog, known as Blaze, has made her home inside, refuses to go, and is ready to defend her new home with her dying breath. As they spur on an agreement to allow Blaze into Shep's pack, things are settled, and they are allowed to stay. As Shep and Blaze further introduce themselves, Shep realizes there is something he adores about Blaze - he likes her. The two go out hunting the next day, and find a massive, over-turned ship. It's even better than the bus! The pack moves in, and begin their search for organization. As they settle, moods shift. Callie practically hates Blaze, the food must be rationed, even though there isn't nearly enough, and the dogs are growing wild. Shep tries everything in his power to stop the madness, and every corner he turns leads to a dead end. Oscar, the young pup who absolutely adores Shep, has begun to spur on stories of Shep being the Great Wolf's Champion, the Storm Shaker. Shep hates these lies - the Great Wolf is special, his story should never be tainted. As these lies spread, so does unwilling loyalty. Finally, Shep puts an end to these lies. The dogs, however, are still wild - and infuriated with the kibble stolen by cats. As rumors spread, Blaze takes control, and throws Honey and Fuzz out. No cat can be trusted, but Shep knows Fuzz had nothing to with it. To make matters worse, Callie ate a strange herb and became horribly ill, Oscar ran away in fury at the stopping of his stories, and Blaze is the new Alpha - and Zeus is alive. He survived, and is coming for Shep - he already took out half Shep's pack with his new pack of Wild dogs. Higgins is dead, Virgil is dead, everyone Shep cares about practically. When he journeyed separately to find Honey, he found her dying - soon, she passed, and Fuzz was found - he joined the pack once more, only because Honey wished him to with her dying breath. Fuzz has a new found honor for Shep, though - he now sees Shep acting with honor. Shep has grown tired of all this, and finally stands up for what he believes is right. As the wild dogs attack, Zeus is almost dead, when suddenly the men in black arrive. They dart all the dogs they can, and the remainders scurry away. Only Shep and seven others made it - time to go rescue his friends.
I absolutely loved the story line behind this book. I personally sided with Blaze and the others at certain points, because I had to agree - Shep needed to step up. I was so, so proud of him when he finally began to make strong decisions. However, I think the end to this story came a bit too suddenly. The ending popped up out of nowhere - I was surprised to see I only had one page left in the book. Maybe the author could have dragged out the end of the battle a little longer to an enjoyable amount? Not saying I don't like the ending, but just maybe it could be been slightly longer, but not long enough that you being to think, 'when does this book end?'. The story was fantastic, though. I am so excited to read the third and final book of this trilogy! :)

This series of books is all the rage at my son's middle school, with many kids (not him) finishing the series last year.

I finally got to this one (his request). I found it quite good, and definitely with more mature themes and vocabulary than he usually chooses, so yay!

Rather dystopian in nature, this book follows 4 teens who are trapped in a mall after a flu is sent into the ventilation system. They have been sealed in by the authorities, and the book follows the fights, the relationships, the fun, the fear, and the flu as it spreads.

There are some gaping holes (with so many exits, public and not, it is hard to believe that no one ran when they announced the event); how could they be running out of food after 3 days; how could there be no communications, etc etc. Perhaps some will be addressed in book 2? We shall see.

Shep is an older German Shepard with a tough pup-hood. He grew up in a fighting kennel, being challenged by many bigger dogs and being forced to fight for his life. That was, until he was rescued by a young boy and given a new home. He and his boy loved each other dearly, and always walked to the park each morning. However, one day of Shep's life changes how he'll live forever. As large coal-grey clouds hang in the sky and a strange man enters Shep's house, his family is forced to leave and flee the storm. Without him. Shep is left at his den abandoned by his family, trapped behind doors, and out of kibble. That is, until a young yapper dog climbs onto his windowsill, showing him how to escape through the opened glass panes. He is grateful for the small young dog who's greeted herself as Cassie. The two journey throughout the city, meeting many new dogs, including finding Shep's best friend, Zeus. Yet, as they continue to journey, and more ferocious building-breaking storms rage through the city, Shep grows weary and tired. These small dogs don't know when to rest; and he can tell Zeus is on his last nerve as well. Shep tries his best to help, he really does, but all he ever gets in return is anger or grief. All his plans haven't been working well, and when his pack in attacked by wild street-dogs, Zeus proves he's finally had enough. Abandoning Shep, Zeus joins to the wild dog pack. The two depart their own ways, Shep still with his own new friends. He's devastated, and feeling as useless as ever. That is, until the wild dogs attack Shep and his friends, just as a flood hits. Zeus challenges Shep; but Shep can't fight his best friend! As the wild goose close in, the said flood hits, and Shep's pack is forced back onto higher ground. The wild dogs are swept away, including Zeus. However heartbroken Shep feels, he knows he must accept the fact the Zeus had chosen his new life. Shep's friends survived. His pack survived. He survived. They all survived to see what tomorrow will hold.
I adored this book. How the author interpreted the door knobs as silver paws and so many other aspects amazed me. I could've never thought that up. I've read The Storm twice now, and cannot wait to read The Pack and The Return. All the dogs personalities were created perfectly, the hope, the sarcasm, the angry arguments. Even the Great Wolf story was incredible. If I had the time, I'd read this book over a third time. I truly recommend it to anyone who has read the Warriors book series. It fits right in to the story of how animals must survive in a wild environment, Urban or Forest. :)

This is the conclusion to the No Safety in Numbers trilogy. The time in the mall has changed all of our main characters in some fundamental way. Those who survive will have a difficult time if they are able to leave the mall. With the threat of nuclear bombing over their heads, those who know there time is limited try to find someway to save everyone. The Senator has lost all control of the mall and has locked herself in a store with a few adults and the children. Her own daughter is missing. A new flu mutation is now rampant but only affects teenagers. Fights over territory and food, riots and killings make the mall a maze of dangers. The ending is appropriate (I don't want to spoil it) for this type of story. Overall, a very enjoyable series.

This sequel has our characters still trapped in the mall with the fatal flu still in their midst. On top of that, gangs of teens are rioting and destroying everything in their path. The government has pulled out and left everyone to fend for themselves. No more medical care, supplies or food is coming into the mall. The suspense is built up nicely. I can see the "Lord of the Flies" situation really happening when their is no structure or assistance for them. People are scared, hungry and tired. Sleep is difficult for all when you have to keep one eye open at all times. Some of the main characters change throughout the story in good and bad ways.

Dog-loving kids might enjoy this series about dogs surviving a major storm/hurricane without their humans. There's suspense and a bit of internal strife for Shep as he weighs his abilities to be a leader in crisis, as well as managing his previous instincts as a dog fighter. I myself found it confusing determining who was who among all the different dog descriptions.

I picked this YA novel up by chance at my local library. I really enjoyed it. There are 4 main characters that criss-cross throughout the book: Shay, Marco, Ryan and Lexi. The story is about a biological bomb set off in a mall and everyone in the mall becomes quarantined indefinitely. Panic sets in as time goes by, people become sick and people try to escape. Very good book and I will be reading the second in the trilogy soon.