Title: The Gift
Hardcover, 384 pages Author: James Patterson, Ned Rust Publisher: Little, Brown Publication Date: December 13, 2010 Source: Book Expo America Buy: Amazon
Book Summary:
When Whit & Wisty were imprisoned by the wicked forces of the totalitarian regime known as the New Order, they were barely able to escape with their lives. Now part of a hidden community of teens like themselves, Whit and Wisty have established themselves as leaders of the Resistance, willing to sacrifice anything to save kids kidnapped and brutally imprisoned by the New Order.
But the One has other plans in store for them: He needs Wisty, for she is “The One Who Has the Gift.”
Steve Review:
Blah blah blah. This will be a short review to save your and my valuable time. Whit and Wisty return for this second adventure, and it is quite an ARC; this book isn’t due out until December!
The book is fine, the adventure is fine, and the characters are okay. Whit and Wisty get into some trouble, get out of some trouble, make young adult decisions that lead them back into trouble, and then a climactic ending certain to lead to a 3rd book in the series. Such bland, mundane reviews you say? Why yes, almost kind of bland and mundane like the book.
Sorry, I really do apologize for my apathy in this review. I’m well aware that many people will enjoy the book. And once again, (like the first book; one of my very first reviews on the site, link here ) I didn’t hate it. I got through it with mild interest in the plot and feigned interest in the characters and their love lives. It just could NOT make me care about the characters or their predicaments. I honestly don’t know if I will care enough to read the next book in the series (especially if there are still a lot of great books in my TBR pile, did you see that Shanyn got us the Animorph’s series?! THE ANIMORPHS PEOPLE! lol) but who knows, I said the same thing after the first book and here we are. Let’s get to the points scale to put this short review out of its misery:
Book Cover: 4/5 – Pretty fiery bird that has nothing to do with anything.
Book Title: 4/5 – Mr. Patterson knows how to sell books assuredly.
Plot: 5/10 – Uninteresting and commonplace. Those sound like synonyms for bland and mundane?
Characters: 6/10 – This almost got a 7! So close.
Writing: 6/10 – Kind of a unique style in this series, but not one that appeals to me greatly.
Ending: 6/10 – lol, wtfrick ever.
Total: 31/50 – This is right about where the total should be, maybe just a tad lower, but I thought that both the cover and title drew the reader in and scored points with me. This isn’t the worst book ever, or even a really bad series. It is just a run of the mill YA book and something that doesn’t deserve all the hype it will get.
Hey Steve – Well as a big James Patterson fan, I am kind of disappointed that he choose to do these books. I never did read the first one "Witch and Wizard" and don't think I will. When a really great Author puts out a line of really great books then suddenly chooses to put out a couple silly ones, it just disappointments me!
Haha Kim, I won't sugar coat it, . Paperback would be an excellent idea!
I agree Wendy, I have enjoyed quite a few of Mr. Patterson's more serious novels and the whole "James Patterson and Ned Rust" author comment makes me feel like he isn't even that involved anymore. I share your disappointment.
My 10-year old just loved both the Wizard and the Gift. Couldn’t put either of them down. He also enjoyed both the Rick Riordan Percy Jackson and 39 Clues series. I read most of the Wizard just to see what the book is about. It’s a great book for middle schoolers, which is who it’s geared towards.
I’m in high school and I read both books and have enjoyed the series. While it’s not as dast- paced and exciting as the Maximum Ride or the Daniel X series, I thought it was an overall good James patterson book. Good, not great. But I must point out that the cover is not a “pretty fiery bird that has nothing to do with anything.” It is , in fact, Wisty engulfed in flames because she has “The Gift” The One Who Is the One wants- the gift of fire.
haha, well done Ashley. This is a lot more evident in the cover posted in the review and the current cover. The ARC cover was a bit different and I’m guessing that my judging of it was done quickly. Thanks for replying and I’m glad you guys enjoyed the books. I actually am part way through the Maximum Ride series and am enjoying that one a lot better than this series thus far.
hey, i really like these “silly” novels that he wrote and yes i also like the more serious novels as well but it all really depnds on where you are coming from and when you just want to let lose and read a “silly” novel as Steve said and you are just not giving him credit that he deservs cause he has made it really well know from where I come from.
I am only 12 years old and I have read all of his Maximum ride series and is waiting for the last book and I have finished the 2 witch and wizard books and is also waiting for the next book! I recommended these books to people like me, who like romance but yet adventerous trouble!
Does anybody Know if the next 2 books of the witch and wizard series are already out? Oh, and yeah, Im only 9! Sandra Fox recently posted..Review: He’s So Not Worth It by Kieran Scott
You’ve gotta be kidding me. Just because this type of book doesn’t suit you, that doesn’t mean it deserves low ratings from you. This book is absolutely great, and i only read good books. THESE and the maximum ride books are my favorite books ever, how dare you say they are confusing and shit. You’re just a bad reader.
that review stinks. i for one love these books. they are amazingly written and its descriptive qualites pull me in. to see how whit and whisty go through thier unnusual life is inspiring. im a pre teen. or tween, as some might say and i greatly enjoy these books. i think that it is a better book for young adults than adults and thats why i beleive the author of the review disliked it. the plot is too twisty and revolvitive for adults and makes perfect sense to our fresher minds. i am a big reader with a very exlusive list of favorites, and this one made it to second, in a tie with the rest of the series.
haha holy 6 months later comment explosion. Thanks for the thoughts and criticisms people, now I’m tempted just to read the 3rd book in this series for you guys. It’s all for the fans in the end, amiright?
@Cecily – I don’t see where in this review I state that the books are “confusing and shit”, bland and uninteresting sure, but not confusing … I’m glad you also enjoyed the Maximum Ride series. So did I! My review of it is a little more kind towards JP, check it out: http://chickloveslit.com/2011/07/maximum-ride-series-james-patterson.html
I started this book but couldn’t get into it so I’ve put it down for now. Your honesty is good but it doesn’t motivate me to pick up The Gift and finish it! hahaha Tim recently posted..Tell A Story on April 27th
Title: The Gift
Review: Maximum Ride Series by James Patterson
Wow tell us how you really feel haha.
I haven't read any of these books yet. Waiting on paperback sounds like a good idea though.
Hey Steve – Well as a big James Patterson fan, I am kind of disappointed that he choose to do these books. I never did read the first one "Witch and Wizard" and don't think I will.
When a really great Author puts out a line of really great books then suddenly chooses to put out a couple silly ones, it just disappointments me!
Haha Kim, I won't sugar coat it,
. Paperback would be an excellent idea!
I agree Wendy, I have enjoyed quite a few of Mr. Patterson's more serious novels and the whole "James Patterson and Ned Rust" author comment makes me feel like he isn't even that involved anymore. I share your disappointment.
I really want to read this one!
You will love this! I read about 13 times and every time I read it, I learn something new!
My 10-year old just loved both the Wizard and the Gift. Couldn’t put either of them down. He also enjoyed both the Rick Riordan Percy Jackson and 39 Clues series. I read most of the Wizard just to see what the book is about. It’s a great book for middle schoolers, which is who it’s geared towards.
I’m in high school and I read both books and have enjoyed the series. While it’s not as dast- paced and exciting as the Maximum Ride or the Daniel X series, I thought it was an overall good James patterson book. Good, not great. But I must point out that the cover is not a “pretty fiery bird that has nothing to do with anything.” It is , in fact, Wisty engulfed in flames because she has “The Gift” The One Who Is the One wants- the gift of fire.
Twitter: SteveDayOD
haha, well done Ashley. This is a lot more evident in the cover posted in the review and the current cover. The ARC cover was a bit different and I’m guessing that my judging of it was done quickly. Thanks for replying and I’m glad you guys enjoyed the books. I actually am part way through the Maximum Ride series and am enjoying that one a lot better than this series thus far.
Twitter: Keara_1994
hey, i really like these “silly” novels that he wrote and yes i also like the more serious novels as well but it all really depnds on where you are coming from and when you just want to let lose and read a “silly” novel as Steve said and you are just not giving him credit that he deservs cause he has made it really well know from where I come from.
I am only 12 years old and I have read all of his Maximum ride series and is waiting for the last book and I have finished the 2 witch and wizard books and is also waiting for the next book! I recommended these books to people like me, who like romance but yet adventerous trouble!
Does anybody Know if the next 2 books of the witch and wizard series are already out? Oh, and yeah, Im only 9!
Sandra Fox recently posted..Review: He’s So Not Worth It by Kieran Scott
He is so worth it! HIs books are amazing!
You’ve gotta be kidding me. Just because this type of book doesn’t suit you, that doesn’t mean it deserves low ratings from you. This book is absolutely great, and i only read good books. THESE and the maximum ride books are my favorite books ever, how dare you say they are confusing and shit. You’re just a bad reader.
that review stinks. i for one love these books. they are amazingly written and its descriptive qualites pull me in. to see how whit and whisty go through thier unnusual life is inspiring. im a pre teen. or tween, as some might say and i greatly enjoy these books. i think that it is a better book for young adults than adults and thats why i beleive the author of the review disliked it. the plot is too twisty and revolvitive for adults and makes perfect sense to our fresher minds. i am a big reader with a very exlusive list of favorites, and this one made it to second, in a tie with the rest of the series.
Great comments on this one!
Loved Maximum Ride.
Witch & Wizard, not so much.
Even their names drove me crazy.
I never made it to The Gift. You are a brave one.
Melina from Reading Vacation recently posted..Tempest by Julie Cross – Book Review
Twitter: SteveDayOD
haha holy 6 months later comment explosion. Thanks for the thoughts and criticisms people, now I’m tempted just to read the 3rd book in this series for you guys. It’s all for the fans in the end, amiright?
@Cecily – I don’t see where in this review I state that the books are “confusing and shit”, bland and uninteresting sure, but not confusing … I’m glad you also enjoyed the Maximum Ride series. So did I! My review of it is a little more kind towards JP, check it out: http://chickloveslit.com/2011/07/maximum-ride-series-james-patterson.html
@Sami – Glad to hear you enjoyed it.
@Melina – haha, thanks.
Twitter: quest4books
I started this book but couldn’t get into it so I’ve put it down for now. Your honesty is good but it doesn’t motivate me to pick up The Gift and finish it! hahaha
Tim recently posted..Tell A Story on April 27th