Reading at Dawn - Book Review Blog

The Higher Institute of Villainous Education (H.I.V.E)

This is a middle grade book that caught my attention in the bookstore years ago. Then I noticed the first book I purchased was actually book 2 in the series, so I had to wait and get book 1. After years, I have actually read book 1 in the series and can post about it here.

From Goodreads: "Otto Malpense may only be thirteen years old, but so far he has managed to run the orphanage where he lives, and he has come up with a plan clever enough to trick the most powerful man in the country. He is the perfect candidate to become the world's next supervillain.

That is why he ends up at H.I.V.E., handpicked to become a member of the incoming class.... But what Otto soon comes to realize is that this is a six-year program, and leaving is not an option.

With the help of his new friends: an athletic martial-arts expert; a world-famous, beautiful diamond thief; and a spunky computer genius -- the only other people who seem to want to leave -- can Otto achieve what has never been done before and break out of H.I.V.E.?"


 An interesting book in general. I will admit that it might have helped a little to catch book one first, because there is a little less affect to the whole "will they escape" question if you know how much about the rest of the series. So, looking over the future books on Goodreads didn't help that factor either. But let's talk about the book and I might add a few fun images. Trying out a different format for some of the book reviews. May contain minor spoilers to the first half of the book, but I won't mention what happens later on.

Main character is an orphan boy named Otto Malpense. Last name picked, I'm guessing, for obvious reasons. At the start of the novel we get him and another boy, Wing who later becomes the roommate and friend, waking up to a strange discovery. The introduction to the academy comes first, which I wasn't sure about because the back of the book discussed how Otto was this big man of his orphanage but we got that information shown to us a little later on in the tale. They discover they have been kidnapped/hand-selected to join an elite school for villains. *cue evil music*

The school has much to offer with its evil classes, high tech facilities and computer mind overseeing everything (known as H.I.V.E. Mind). Even a class exists for the handy role of "henchmen" though those in that role don't seem fond of the new class of villains. Many instructors which all show personal strengths in villainous activities show up during the novel too. Despite all this, Otto wants no part. So, he plans to do the unthinkable and escape.

However, he doesn't know someone else has an interest in his education. It is a man known only as Number One:


"Hey, Number Two got promoted! Wonder what happened to Dr. Evil." Yeah, I couldn't help myself. Sorry Mr. Walden but thanks to Austin Powers franchise, this was all I could think about every time we get a scene where Number One in his shadowy presence showed up or when Dr. Nero (the head of the school who reported to Number One) even thought about him.  But back to the book in question.


Teaming up with a few classmates, all of whom have their own special villainous skills, Otto plans to escape H.I.V.E. and return to his life. And once it got to the escape, things did escalate. The beginning, I will admit, was hard for me to get through. I got a tad bored and the whole awesome kid character running orphanage was only interesting when we got to the act he did to get attention from the villain school. But once we get to the escape attempt, things pick up and it becomes a book that is hard to put down because there is action and stuff going on where you want to know what will happen next. It's not my favorite middle grade book but I may give book 2 a read in the future. Might even send the books to my younger cousins if they would like to read, though I'll probably recommend a couple others first.


Who would like this one? Recommendation for which readers? I think anyone who is looking for a middle grade, boy action-y book with a bit of humor, this would be a good option to try out. The novelty aspect of the school for villains is fun and I can see how there is potential for quite a long series though I don't recommend looking up information on the other books beforehand. Just pick up book one and start from there. Have fun reading.

I'll admit I'm behind. I read this Young Adult novel back in August, and there are a few books that I finished months before it that I haven't blogged yet. But I'm determined to keep Reading at Dawn open so here is a good start. Paranormal YA has many interesting books available and the Soul Screamers series, in my mind, falls under that category: it was interesting. Here is my review:

About the novel from Goodreads:


She doesn't see dead people. She senses when someone near her is about to die. And when that happens, a force beyond her control compels her to scream bloody murder. Literally.

Kaylee just wants to enjoy having caught the attention of the hottest guy in school. But a normal date is hard to come by when Nash seems to know more about her need to scream than she does. And when classmates start dropping dead for no apparent reason, only Kaylee knows who'll be next.




Overall: Okay, I have to admit that I struggled a little in the beginning of this story because I'd read a couple female main character YA novels with paranormal elements and the crush on certain boy type had already gotten old for me. It redeems itself, but at first I was hesitant even though there was a different paranormal element. The soul screaming had my attention but based on the novel description I was almost disappointed at the start because she manages to have more control of her voice than I would have expected considering the initial set up. But that was easy enough to get over and once the plot thickened, I was hooked. And I didn't expect what came at the end, in the good way. I can see the hints when looking back so it wasn't out of nowhere but definitely not what I quite thought it would go. I liked the book by the end.

Characters: I'm a bit picky when it comes to YA main characters and I think it's part of reading several certain types in a row. But this one at least isn't the 'woe is me' things happen and she needs saved, but she was a little more boy focused than I care for at times but I'm not the character. What I like is that she has a lot she doesn't understand and that is her focus, getting answers. There is the often in trouble best friend, the relatives that are so different than the main character (cheerleader versus non-cheerleader in real ways and other ways too) and there is the boy who happens to have answers for the girl. Even with the typical, the characters managed to pull their weight in the end.

Plot: This is what caught my attention from the beginning, beyond the pretty girl on the cover. It's my first siren-like story and had some creative elements for me in how the system is built up. The author put in consequences for messing with the role death has on the world and I liked those elements in particular because it's not just random powers, the knowing when someone will die, but there is more. When she does get information, the story becomes what can she do and will she be able to save anyone... that kept me reading.

Recommendation: If you like YA paranormal with female characters with slight love interest but the focus is on the growth of the main character, check this one out. It's a whole series, so this is just book one and I hope to some day read book 2.

Since I'd read the first book in A World Without Heroes, I thought that I would check out one of the author's earlier series. I ended up with Fablehaven, which is another middle grade fantasy series. And I actually finished reading this book by using time during lunch breaks at work, getting the last pages read back at the end of August. Kept meaning to post but work distracts me, so here is my review of Fablehaven, book 1 in the Fablehaven series, by Brandon Mull

About the Book:  For centuries, mystical creatures of all description were gathered to a hidden refuge called Fablehaven to prevent their extinction. The sanctuary survives today as one of the last strongholds of true magic in a cynical world. Enchanting? Absolutely. Exciting? You bet. Safe? Well, actually, quite the opposite ... Kendra and her brother Seth have no idea their grandfather is the current caretaker of Fablehaven. Inside the gated woods, ancient laws give relative order among greedy trolls, mischievous satyrs, plotting witches, spiteful imps, and jealous fairies. However, when the rules get broken, an arcane evil is unleashed, forcing Kendra and Seth to face the greatest challenge of their lives. To save her family, Fablehaven, and perhaps the world, Kendra must find the courage to do what she fears most.



Overall: I liked this book. It was an easy but interesting read. The beginning started a bit typical. There were many parts I expected, like the kids going to their grandparents and how things first seemed a bit normal but they started to discover that there is something secret going on there. But that was needed for the story to work. Made me think of the Spiderwick Chronicles movie just a bit, but only the commercial for it cause I haven't actually even seen the move or read that book. It's a two POV story, with both the cautious older sister (Kendra) and her not cautious younger brother (Seth). And this one did definitely have a more Middle Grade feel to it, at least in comparison to parts of the other book I read by the author.

Characters: Both characters are likeable in their own way. It's interesting to go back and forth in this case between the two siblings but together the point of views create the story as a whole because we get to see what is behind the surface of each character. We get to see what is behind the adventurous boy's approach and get in on some of the action from the decisions he makes. On the other hand, we also get to see the cautious steps taken and how she finds out answers and when needed whether she will be able to let her fear down enough to act brave for her family. Both work well and I hope to see them in other stories of the series.

Setting: I don't often talk about setting much because I don't notice it too often nor write it in great detail but Mull does a good job in setting up the Fablehaven location, which will be involved for the whole series I would imagine based on the series title. He does an excellent job in both first books I have read in setting up the world for the series without letting it overpower the first story. There are hints that will come in useful later, I can tell, and in general the Fablehaven is a fun place that I want to learn more about. I'm sure others will find it interesting too, of all ages.


Recommendation:  I recommend anyone really who likes fantasy and is up for a little middle grade reading to try out this book. Whether for a middle grade reader or beyond, it's a pretty fun read overall.

After the couple paranormal romance-y books in a row, I decided to go for something different and picked up a "boy" looking book that  I purchased about 3 or so years ago. The cover alone has that appearance: guy running from something with an explosion in the background. And it did not disappoint. Here is my review:

About the book: Charlie West just woke up in someone else's nightmare.

He's strapped to a chair. He's covered in blood and bruises. He hurts all over. And a strange voice outside the door just ordered his death.

The last thing he can remember, he was a normal high-school kid doing normal things--working on his homework, practicing karate, daydreaming of becoming an air force pilot, writing a pretty girl's number on his hand. How long ago was that? Where is he now? Who is he really?

And more to the point . . . how is he going to get out of this room alive? - Goodreads

This is a book I heard about on twitter and purchased a few years ago. But I didn't read it till a couple months ago (review is a bit late compared to when I finished it).

About the book: Hatred never dies...

Destiny has finally found the life that she has always wanted. She is about to finish college, has a fiance that loves her, and a great summer on the West Coast planned with her friend, Stephanie. But her world is turned upside down when an antique clock mysteriously chimes thirteen times and someone attacks them, sending Stephanie and her mother to the hospital.

Alone, and without any help from the police, Destiny has no choice but to turn to the one man she had left behind a year ago - her ex-boyfriend, David. Together, they must solve the riddle of the thirteenth chime before the clock strikes thirteen again. Yet as they face their own past and hearts, a trap over half a century old is waiting for them to become its prey.

For revenge, fifty years is never too long...

The Thirteenth Chime (A Sense of Truth)



There are some books you know from the beginning sort of what to expect because it's similar to other types of books you've read before. This one wasn't one of those for me. I liked the title and thought I'd give it a read, not really knowing what the story would entail when I opened the pages. Overall, it was a good read. The story had very interesting twists and the plot kept me going. I wanted to find out what happened in the house with the clock when it chimed thirteen.

Character wise... I have a few things both good and not so good to mention. This is one of those times where advice I have given other amateur writers looks questionable because to me this book did something often said as a no-no. This book had a bit of head hopping in it. The main two points of view are Destiny and David. Most of the time there is a pause or a chapter change for the differing viewpoints. However, that isn't always the case. Some of the chapters jump in viewpoint between Destiny, David and the friend Stephanie. And speaking of point of view and character... I have to admit that while the story started focusing on Destiny, I was glad when David came into the picture and focus. I liked him a whole lot more.

At first I had trouble getting into the story. Something about Destiny annoyed me a little. But the more I read, the more I became interested in the story. David's viewpoint helped a lot though I felt really bad for him at the end (won't say anything more though cause you'd have to read the book to understand why).

Those interested in supernatural stories with a little bit of a strange mystery to solve who don't mind a little head hop every now and then will enjoy this book. It's decently written, has a good plot and some interesting characters and the twists will come as enough of a surprise without coming off as too out of left field. Check it out.

“Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky is interesting for a teen book because it is quiet. There is no sparkly undead, there is no dooming apocalypse, and the kids aren’t all driving beemers and ruining each other’s lives with twisted games of intrigue. It simply follows a boy name Charlie through his first year of high school. He meets friends, has a crush, and even goes to a school dance or two. The book very much like the main character Charlie himself: introverted and shy. But once you get to know Charlie/Perks you feel this intense sense of loneliness and desire to belong that really makes you think. He comes off a little odd at first but once you get inside his head you can see a bit of yourself in him. If you can’t relate to the struggling outsider there are plenty of other characters in the story to relate to. 

― Stephen Chbosky, The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Recommendation: I think Perks of Being a Wallflower is a must read. It’s hauntingly beautiful and a pleasant read. It was a nice change of pace in a genre that doesn’t always slow down for the small stories. 

This is a book I got from the library and is one of the rare instances where I watched the movie first. The reason I watched it first is more because I was watching over my little 5 and 7 year old cousins and it was their favorite movie at the time. Had to fast forward at a part near the end cause it scared them but other than that, they wanted to watch that movie over and over and over again. It's a good movie too so I decided to check out the book.

About the book: Hopelessly crossed in love, a boy of half-fairy parentage leaves his mundane Victorian-English village on a quest for a fallen star in the magical realm. The star proves to be an attractive woman with a hot temper, who plunges with our hero into adventures featuring witches, the lion and the unicorn, plotting elf-lords, ships that sail the sky, magical transformations, curses whose effects rebound, binding conditions with hidden loopholes and all the rest.


[STARDUST] BY Gaiman, Neil (Author) Harper Teen (publisher) Paperback

Verdict: It was a good book. Though I will admit that it's one of the few times where I liked the movie a little more than the actual book. I can see what they did, what they emphasized different or changed to a degree and they made some really good calls when making that movie. I read the story on my lunch breaks at work so took me a while. At first I wasn't sure on the book as the chapter one reminded me of a prologue and then had to get to know a different focus character in the next one. But I got through it in part because I knew to certain degrees what would happen having seen the movie. It's definitely different than some of his other works. Not quite at the level of American Gods but still a well written story. While I didn't think it was the greatest story (compared to movie) but I did notice how well Gaiman writes. He is just good.

There are several different viewpoints. A good portion of it is from the boy character's view, the one trying to find the star to please a girl he likes. But we also get into the star's pov along with witches, brothers fighting for a crown, boy's father and something else I can't remember at this point as I finished reading the book over a month ago. Setting is sort of a typical fantasy but has its own characteristics and the creatures/characters have their own spin, which makes the story fun to read.

I won't spoil the end but I will say that the end is a part that didn't work the most for me in comparison to the movie. Though the characters came to life a little more in the movie but it's different seeing them than reading about so that's understandable. However, the end of the movie and the end of the book is different. The book ends on a less dramatic note so it's almost anti-climatic feeling. I liked the end of the movie better.

However, I do recommend this book to others because it's well written and overall a good read.
Like Fantasy? Have read other books by Neil Gaiman? Haven't read any of his books? Either way, check it out. It's a good library option (or own for those that want to do so). Also, check out the movie.