My Book Reviews

The Scorch Trials by James Dashner
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

First of all let me just say that I wasn't aware of how different the books and movies were until I read the book. Initially, I started with Scorch Trials, thinking that since I've seen the first movie I didn't want to waste time re-reading the first book. But about 3 chapters in, I realised the stark difference between the movie (I saw the first AND second movie before reading the books) and the book. I was confused with the book at first because I hadn't remembered such a scene in the movie.

So I went back to read the first book first.

Long story short, I think I much prefer the books. There were more 'actions', per se. A LOT of details had been left out in the movie that it could've been a completely different movie with similar characters.

At the beginning of the book, there isn't too much action. Made me wonder about what Rat Man said about the Trials being much harder than the Maze. But when the action started, it literally never stopped until the last page. And even that was left in a cliffhanger.

The part that got to me most had to be the last bit with Thomas & Teresa. I couldn't help but agree with Thomas, and sided him in his justifications (without giving too much away!) I liked how Dashner had me in a constant dilemma as to if we could trust this character or not. It was playing in my head, and I could relate to Thomas' emotion at that time.

Overall this was a much 'heavier' read than the first book, as I think this was because it had more happenings rather than when they were in the Maze, where their main concern had been the Grievers and solving the maze.

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The Shining by Stephen King
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I just finished the book and I'm in a daze. It felt like I had personally lived everything with every page I turned.

I must admit that I hated Jack though. I hated how he blamed everyone else but himself for his drinking problem. I hated how he always felt sorry for himself. Oh boo hoo, everyone's mean to Jack and they don't understand him. He has anger issues and most of the time releases it on Wendy.
Which also brings me to my next point: Wendy also annoys me sometimes. Jack has mistreated her for almost as long as their marriage, yet she still loves him and allows herself to be manipulated by him. Yet, she hates him at the same time. Like WTF.

In the beginning of the book, I admit that I initially couldn't see what all the hype about The Shining was. Sure it did have it's suspenseful moments, but nothing out of the ordinary or akin from other such thrillers.

AND THEN IT GOT INTERESTING.

King definitely has a knack for describing scenes in such detail that it actually plays with your head (I know it did mine). Jack's insanity and the fine line between reality and hallucination was gripping. The moment it engulfed him, I swear I was literally flying through the pages in anticipation. The scenes were described in such a way that I was completely absorbed in the book and my surroundings (in this case, my room,) seemed distant.

when the hedges attacked Dick, I was frantically searching my mind as to how the nightmare could possibly end. It seemed hopeless.
Even as I type this, my heart is still racing in my chest in the aftermath of the climax scene.

NOW I see what the hype is all about.

And I must say that I quite like how the last few chapters messed with my mind. It was something new for me in that sense, and it made the reading experience even more real.



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