Review: Bully by Penelope Douglas

Bully
(Fall Away #1)
Author: Penelope Douglas
Publisher: Intermix (Penguin Group (USA) LLC)
Published: February 18, 2014
Genre: New Adult, Romance, Contemporary
My Rating:

My name is Tate. He doesn’t call me that, though. He would never refer to me so informally, if he referred to me at all. No, he’ll barely even speak to me.

But he still won’t leave me alone.

We were best friends once. Then he turned on me and made it his mission to ruin my life. I’ve been humiliated, shut out, and gossiped about all through high school. His pranks and rumors got more sadistic as time wore on, and I made myself sick trying to stay out of his way. I even went to France for a year, just to avoid him.

But I’m done hiding from him now, and there’s no way in hell I’ll allow him to ruin my senior year. He might not have changed, but I have. It’s time to fight back.

I’m not going to let him bully me anymore.

***This novel contains adult/mature young adult situations. It is only suitable for ages 18+ due to language, violence, and sexual situations.

MY THOUGHTS…

I have a love-hate relationship with this book.

I hated Jared in the beginning because he’s a natural jerk who’s really a perfect description of BULLY. He was arrogant and so full of himself that at first, I didn’t think I could stand him. I have to admit that I did struggle adjusting with his attitude. No matter how sexy he is, still he’s a bully. But surprisingly my feelings toward him changed when I got to know the real him and the real reasons why he acted that way.

The best thing about this book is the female protag Tate. Hot damn, she’s a kick-ass woman! For someone who was bullied for over how many years in school, how she manages her situation being the victim is really admirable. I love her ferocity and the way she fought Jared tooth and nail, to the point that I found everything in this book quite hilarious and very entertaining.

I could not believe it myself but in the end, I found myself loving this book, despite my annoyance from the beginning up to the middle part. I think what made it all up was the romance because it was really intense . Ha! Just what I was looking for. *smirks I love their sexy scenes. The chemistry is undeniable and it just tickles all the right boxes for me. Mehehe

All the feels!

Rating: 4 Stars

READ ALL MY REVIEWS HERE 🙂

Review: The Edge of Never by J.A. Redmerski

The Edge of Never
(The Edge of Never #1)
Author: J.A. Redmerski
Publisher: Createspace
Published: November 15, 2012
Genre: New Adult, Romance, Contemporary
My Rating:

Twenty-year-old Camryn Bennett had always been one to think out-of-the-box, who knew she wanted something more in life than following the same repetitive patterns and growing old with the same repetitive life story. And she thought that her life was going in the right direction until everything fell apart.

Determined not to dwell on the negative and push forward, Camryn is set to move in with her best friend and plans to start a new job. But after an unexpected night at the hottest club in downtown North Carolina, she makes the ultimate decision to leave the only life she’s ever known, far behind.

With a purse, a cell phone and a small bag with a few necessities, Camryn, with absolutely no direction or purpose boards a Greyhound bus alone and sets out to find herself. What she finds is a guy named Andrew Parrish, someone not so very different from her and who harbors his own dark secrets. But Camryn swore never to let down her walls again. And she vowed never to fall in love.

But with Andrew, Camryn finds herself doing a lot of things she never thought she’d do. He shows her what it’s really like to live out-of-the-box and to give in to her deepest, darkest desires. On their sporadic road-trip he becomes the center of her exciting and daring new life, pulling love and lust and emotion out of her in ways she never imagined possible. But will Andrew’s dark secret push them inseparably together, or tear them completely apart?

MY THOUGHTS…

This book has a lot of potentials. I love how J.A. Redmerski created something different compared to other romantic and contemporary novels. At first, I expected the story to be quite dull and boring. Two strangers traveling together? It sounds cool but I don’t think it encourages romance between the two characters, yet I was wrong because all the while, the romantic development between Camry and Andrew was fascinating.

The first portions of the book was quite slow and a bit tedious but during the middle part, the real picture of the love story was clearer, so somehow I was able to determine the real sense of the plot.

The interesting part of the story is how the author introduced the characters. Camryn, a 20 year-old girl, is in a soul-searching mission and she needed to get away from home and travel alone to find her share of happiness after dealing with difficult circumstances of her life. Andrew, on the other hand, is also in the same boat with Camryn. So it’s not at all difficult to make a connection for the two characters.

Actually, I love Camryn and Andrew. Their chemistry is very evident and I think they’re perfect together. They share the same passion most especially when it comes to music. Their story isn’t also an “insta-love” kind of thing since they first got along each other before they actually fell in love.

What serves as a drawback here is that there are scenes that are way too hard to believe. I understand that this is a work of fiction but I also get the point that it’s also based on reality. But I rather found some scenes quite overly exaggerated. It’s also hard to believe that Andrew or Camryn will instantly trust each other after what, two days of being together at the bus?

Their friendship-turned-into-relationship thing is special, yet their emotional and sexual dependence to each didn’t sit well on me. I also think there’s an emotional obsession between them and for me, it’s not at all healthy. I can’t imagine how Camryn could not breathe without Andrew. It seems to me like she really can’t survive the rest of her trip without him. I don’t think that’s a good character development.

Anyways, the book is great. One thing I do appreciate about it is the fact that it’s VERY WELL WRITTEN. There’s humor to it and most parts are entertaining. And also, the romance is scorching hot you will definitely be carried away. I also didn’t expect the twist at the near-end chapter. Whoa, didn’t expect that coming!

This book, by the way, is the first book of the sequel so there’s a second book waiting, The Edge of Always – which is the thing that I’m going to read anytime real soon. 🙂

My Rating for the Book: 4 Stars (It’s an amazing read!)

Favorite Quotes from this Book

“I can’t think of anything in this world I’d rather do than to see it with you. We belong on the road. Together. It’s where I want to be.”

“Just because one person’s problem is less trraumatic than another’s doesn’t mean they’re required to hurt less.”

REVIEW: Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Cinder
(The Lunar Chronicles #1)
Author: Marissa Meyer
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Published: January 3, 2012
Genre: Fantasy, Science Fiction,
Young Adult, Dystopia, Romance
My Rating:

Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl.

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.

MY THOUGHTS…

I have high expectations with Cinder, especially that most of my goodreads friends really love it. I found this book really promising since I’ve never encountered a cyborg character before and for me, it’s something that I won’t ever forget. But then, I guess I expected way too much. I tried. Honestly. But it didn’t really meet my expectations. *sigh*

However, there are factors that also make this book wonderful. I love Marissa Meyer’s imagination. I love how she created a lively concept of a dystopian world. Cybors. Androids. Insanely high technology. Lunars. New world after world war IV. Wow! I mean, the concept is really impressive.

But in the long run, I was a bit disappointed. I didn’t expect myself to develop annoyance with the main character Cinder. I love her character, I love how unique she is as a cyborg, but when it comes to the way she acts, I kind of dislike her. There is no consistency with her emotions. I’m upset how vulnerable she is whenever her stepmother and stepsister is around. But whenever she’s with the Prince, she’s so firm with her decisions to say ‘NO’ every time. She always declines the prince’s invitation and she’s acting so difficult like ugh! I also don’t like the way she’s acting like a brat to Dr. Erland when this man is the only person who can give her much information about her past. There are also times when she jokes around and for me it sounds like a sarcasm. No, I don’t like her personality at all.

Prince Kai, however, is a nice character. I love how tough he is when it comes to decision-making. He doesn’t even feel scared with the Lunar Queen. So, yeah, thank goodness he’s not annoying.

During the first chapters, I really hoped that something great will happen in the long run. Um, I don’t know but the twist– that wasn’t what I’ve expected. Well, maybe on the second book everything will turn out great. And hopefully Cinder’s character will improve by then. 🙂

 

 

 

REVIEW: A Gate of Night by Bella Forrest

A Gate of Night
(A Shade of Vampire #6)
Author: Bella Forrrest
Publisher: CreateSpace
Published: March 7, 2014
Genre: Paranormal, Fantasy,
Young Adult, Romance
My Rating:

Welcome back to The Shade…

Derek and Sofia are finally enjoying a well-deserved break. Staying at a resort with good food, sun and sea, Sofia is thrilled to witness Derek’s re-introduction to the human world.

They would almost be mistaken for a normal young couple, if it were not for the red-eyed monster lurking in the shadows and watching their every move, waiting for his signal to pounce…

MY THOUGHTS…

Although I enjoyed the first installments of this series, I find it hard to have the same feeling with this 6th book. I mean, What. Was. That?! Holy crap. Why end such a book like that?

Anyway, this book is basically ugh, I don’t know what to think about. All the while, the book kind of annoyed me because I didn’t see any progress at all. The events were cruel and the characters were put into misery that I guess, is way too much for them to handle. The upper hand was obviously on their enemies– no question about that. I understand that it’s part of Bella’s scheme in order to continue the story but I guess it’s a worse thing to do. You can’t possibly torture your characters like that, especially at the ending. No just no!

I hate how the story went. It’s too disappointing. 😦 However, I am looking forward to read the 7th (the final book) of this series and hoping that the ending is worth it all.

 

Friday’s Feisty, Fabulous, and Fierce Female (#2) – July 18, 2014

Friday’s Feisty, Fabulous, and Fierce Female is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Kristin of Romance Bound. Anyone can participate! To play along:

• Grab any of your favorite books.
• Choose a female character whom you think is a feisty, fabulous, and fierce woman.
• Describe the reason why you think she is feisty, fabulous, and fierce.
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!
  (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

  • Share the title & author, too, so that other participants can add the book to their TBR Lists.

  • Share a link to your own Friday’s Feisty, Fabulous, and Fierce Female in the Comments and I’ll be checking it out!

  —————————————————————————–

  This week’s Feisty, Fabulous, and Fierce Female is Lillian Bowman of It Happened One Autumn (Wallflowers #2) by Lisa Kleypas

  

  Most of the historical romance female characters possess these qualities but Lilian Bowman, I guess, has it all. She’s not that beautiful according to the author but she has the fierceness that will make every royal man in London bow on her. In the book, Ms. Lisa described her as a woman with stubbornness. A daughter of a rich businessman in America, she was expected to behave in a womanly way. That means, she has to stay modest, shy, sweet, and with good manners to the ton. But what she did in the book were the opposite. Instead, she was seen doing horseback riding, playing boyish sports, and even joining men’s conversations at balls– which at first, didn’t please her love interest Marcus, Lord Westcliff. But don’t you know that being feisty, fabulous, and fierce in her own way eventually took the heart of Marcus? That’s the perfect thing about this heroine. 🙂

  Now share your thoughts and bring out your favorite favorite Feisty, Fabulous, and Fierce Female character! 🙂

  

   

REVIEW: City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

Clary Fray just wishes that her life would go back to normal. But what’s normal when you’re a demon-slaying Shadowhunter, your mother is in a magically induced coma, and you can suddenly see Downworlders like werewolves, vampires, and faeries? If Clary left the world of the Shadowhunters behind, it would mean more time with her best friend, Simon, who’s becoming more than a friend. But the Shadowhunting world isn’t ready to let her go — especially her handsome, infuriating, newfound brother, Jace. And Clary’s only chance to help her mother is to track down rogue Shadowhunter Valentine, who is probably insane, certainly evil — and also her father.

To complicate matters, someone in New York City is murdering Downworlder children. Is Valentine behind the killings — and if he is, what is he trying to do? When the second of the Mortal Instruments, the Soul-Sword, is stolen, the terrifying Inquisitor arrives to investigate and zooms right in on Jace. How can Clary stop Valentine if Jace is willing to betray everything he believes in to help their father?

In this breathtaking sequel to City of Bones, Cassandra Clare lures her readers back into the dark grip of New York City’s Downworld, where love is never safe and power becomes the deadliest temptation.

MY THOUGHTS…

(Spoilers ahead…) 🙂

This book is insanely amazing! I must say it’s just as good, or better than the City of Bones. It didn’t let me put it down easily, especially when I was at the last remaining chapters. I didn’t really mind how lengthy those chapters were to be honest because I thoroughly enjoyed every single moment of the book.

It kept my adrenaline going. It’s such a thrilly, freaking amazing flight! I love how the characters developed more in this book. Simon turning into a vampire, the introduction of the new werewolf kid Maia, and the hot-damn shadowhunter Malik (although he wasn’t completely highlighted in this sequel), the digging out of Luke’s real feelings towards Clary’s mom, Jace’s struggle to keep his feelings for his ‘sister’, Imogen Herondale’s mysterious words to Jace at the end, Magnus and Alec (oh my God, Magnus and Alec??!), and especially– my most favorite scene– the kissing scene at the Seelie Court when they met the Queen! What was that?! This book is making me insane!

It also has lots of funny moments. I found myself literally lolling like an idiot while reading those parts, especially the part where Simon and Jace continued their annoying yet amusing banter. And that Magnus and Alec’s confusing ‘thing’ over there. This book is such an entertaining one!

I didn’t really regret diving into the world of Mortal Instruments. As I’ve said, this second installment is quite better than the first book. But while it’s an awesome continuation of the City of Bones, I’m a bit upset.  It could have gotten more than 4 stars but then, I thought I wanted more. There are still questions that are hanging, but of course, that’s part of Cassandra Clare’s scheme to make us lured into the next book, but I was really, really desperate to find out the answers to my questions. This book didn’t provide me those, so I was kinda sad. 😦 I guess I really have to extend my patience and read the next book to be able to know what’s really Jace and Clary’s real relationship because I really don’t believe they’re siblings. Seriously! I also didn’t like how Jace and Clary’s conversation ended during the last part of the book. It’s heart-shattering I literally cried. Why, I feel for Clary. 😦

The ending was also a cliffhanger. I don’t blame the author for doing that though. Maybe I’m already quite immune to those kinds of endings. In fact, I’m already expecting cliffhanger endings every time I delve into a series. Well, well, life’s just like that. Right now, I’m itching for the next book City of Glass. I want to see where all these goes. 🙂

My Rating for this Book: 4 Stars (This book is totally worth reading!)

Favorite Quote from this Book

“If you really love something, you never try to keep it the way it is forever. You have to let it be free to change.”

REVIEW: Queen of Someday by Sherry D. Ficklin

ONE GIRL WILL BRING AN EMPIRE TO ITS KNEES…

Before she can become the greatest empress in history, fifteen-year-old Sophie will have to survive her social-climbing mother’s quest to put her on the throne of Russia—at any cost.

Imperial Court holds dangers like nothing Sophie has ever faced before. In the heart of St. Petersburg, surviving means navigating the political, romantic, and religious demands of the bitter Empress Elizabeth and her handsome, but sadistic nephew, Peter. Determined to save her impoverished family—and herself—Sophie vows to do whatever is necessary to thrive in her new surroundings. But an attempt on her life and an unexpected attraction threatens to derail her plans.

Alone in a new and dangerous world, learning who to trust and who to charm may mean the difference between becoming queen and being sent home in shame to marry her lecherous uncle. With traitors and murderers lurking around every corner, her very life hangs in the balance. Betrothed to one man but falling in love with another, Sophie will need to decide how much she’s willing to sacrifice in order to become the empress she is destined to be.

In a battle for the soul of a nation, will love or destiny reign supreme?

MY THOUGHTS…

I received an ARC of this book free from the author and netgalley in exchange for an honest review. First, I was really smitten by the book’s cover. Isn’t it so stunning?

I was even surprised to find out that the book does not only tell a typical, plain story but it outlines the life of the Russian leader Catherine the Great. Honestly my knowledge about history is so poor so I paused reading it for a while and review the background of Catherine the Great so as to have a better idea about the main character. Then I returned to reading and found it even more interesting.

I have to admit that the book is utterly brilliant. Ms. Sherry D. Ficklin has the wit to write down solid descriptions of the characters and put extra charm to them.

I love Sophia (Catherine the Great). This woman is true to her name. She’s great in every sense of a word. I admire her courage and intelligence. She’s a headstrong character who makes striking and great decisions and she has the inner power that will make women really proud. I also love her selflessness and the way she prioritizes her family rather than her own happiness. I just felt awed by the fact that she craves the feeling of being loved.

“Is it so wrong to dream of romance and tenderness? Of love?”

I also admire Alexander. I am so thankful for his existence in this book. He’s the character that’s too perfect to describe.

“There are many beautiful and wonderful things to see at court.”

“Like what?” I ask playfully.

He looks right into my eye and smiles. “Well, there’s you for one.”

“Are you flirting with me?”

Sergei. I can’t decide if he’s better than Alexander or the other way around. All I know is, he’s equally admirable.

“Be careful Princess. When waging a war of the heart, you must only fight if you are absolutely sure you can win.”

The plot is also impressive. I was honestly taken aback especially in the last remaining chapters. Goodness, that was such a twist!

As a whole, I didn’t regret reading this book. I enjoyed it and learned a lot about history, too so it’s like killing two birds with one stone. The greatest thing I also liked about this book is the profound messages of the story beyond what are written. It teaches you something about life and it simply gives you the encouragement to live and accept life’s challenges with bravery. One thing I also learned after reading it is to never trust anyone so easily.

And yes, the essence of love above all things. This book very well accentuates the true meaning of love.

No matter how many romantic poems you recite, no matter how many glorious tales of love you read, how can you really understand the condition if you’ve never found yourself in it?

My Rating for the Book: 4 Stars (For those who love historical fiction with a touch of drama, romance, and intrigue, this story will not disappoint you.) 🙂

Teaser Tuesday (#3): July 15, 2014

Teaser Tuesdays (TT) is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read.
• Randomly open a page.
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page.
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!
  (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

  • Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

  • Share a link to your own Teaser Tuesday in the Comments and I’ll be checking it out! 🙂

  ——————————————————————————————————————

  My teaser for this week: 🙂

  

  “And then he does the most dangerous, reckless thing he could have ever done. He kisses me.”

  — Queen of Someday (Stolen Empire #1) by Sherry D. Ficklin

   

  What are you currently reading? Join the fun and share your book’s interesting teasers below! 🙂

  xo,

  

REVIEW: The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

Meghan Chase has a secret destiny; one she could never have imagined.

Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan’s life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school or at home.

When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she’s known is about to change.

But she could never have guessed the truth – that she is the daughter of a mythical faery king and is a pawn in a deadly war. Now Meghan will learn just how far she’ll go to save someone she cares about, to stop a mysterious evil, no faery creature dare face; and to find love with a young prince who might rather see her dead than let her touch his icy heart.

MY THOUGHTS…

So I finished reading this book last night and I have to say that it’s surprisingly amazing. To be honest, I didn’t have any great expectations with this book ‘coz I imagine faery stories sort of boring, but since its book description was quite intriguing, I decided to give it a try. I have to say that I was really glad I picked this book as my first faery-theme read. I had never encountered faery books and I say that The Iron King, without a doubt, made me believe that these stories are spectacular.

Although it relates a typical faery story, it had me smitten straight away. It started out slow, and bit by bit it became a thrilly, adrenaline-rushing adventure that got really exciting!

The plot is pretty impressive. Julie Kagawa draw the series of scenarios in an exhilarating approach. I love the adventure Meghan Chase experienced in this book. The episodes where she met different faerie creatures that are spellbinding and amusing at the same time. The way she had her death-defying moments that had me gasped and feeling nervous. Well, that was a stirring ride!

And oh, let me tell you that I love every character in this book. I love Meghan. She’s so strong-minded and very determined to get her brother back. And what I love about her is her selflessness. She doesn’t want to kill ‘coz guilt is always in her system. At first, she’s a bit irritating because she’s so helpless and she doesn’t know what to do and how to deal with dangerous situations, but she eventually improved, especially in the last chapters. She became braver and braver.

Sorry to disappoint you, I thought, seeing their brown knit with confusion. But after facing the homicidal goblins, knights, and evil faeries, you aren’t that scary anymore.

Prince Ash. Well, well, well– This guy. Is. Just. Irresistible. What more can I say? He’s a cold, quiet, and dangerous guy but it can’t be denied that when it comes to Meghan, he’s a different person. He’s a protective guy, although he doesn’t want to admit it. And yes, he’s beautiful, in a dark, mysterious way.

He was devastatingly gorgeous, dressed all in black, his pale face seeming to float over the ground. I remembered the way he smiled, the look in his silver eyes as we danced. He wasn’t smiling now, and his eyes were cold. This wasn’t the prince I’d danced with Elysium night; this wasn’t anything but a predator.

Puck. Well, this character is surprisingly stunning. At first, I didn’t expect anything from him. I even thought about the usual, bestfriend-of-the-main-character-love-triangle-thingy-that-sucks but oh my God, for the first time in my life, I felt thrilled about the “love triangle” potential which involved Puck. Puck is just so amazing and I love him. I love his funny, witty comments and the way he exchanges banters with Ash. He really amuses me.

“Hi, Princess. Sorry I’m late. Traffic was a bitch.” He winked at me, then shot a glance at the winter sidhe, standing in the doorway. “Hey, Shard.” He waved. “Nice place you’ve got here. I’ll have to remember it, so I can give it the special ‘Puck touch’.”

Grimalkin. Oh, dear– this character is already listed on my favorite book characters. He’s a smart a** pet. I also imagine him as an attractive, boyish cat. His cleverness really makes him just adorable!

“Bravo,” said Grimalkin, peering down from Cold Tom’s chest. “The Winter prince and Oberon’s jester agreeing on something. The world must be ending.”

Another thing that I really love about this book is the mystery. All throughout the book I found myself thinking and producing wild guesses. Every chapter leaves me hanging with questions!

And the romance–well, Meghan and Ash. These characters have chemistry. And the sexual tension is so resilient I just can’t! One thing I just don’t like is that it keeps me wanting more. I want more of them together.

“Sorry, your Highness, I didn’t know she was yours, My apologies. No harm done, okay?”

“No one touches her,” Ash said, his voice coated with frost. “Touch her, and I’ll freeze your testicles and put them in a jar. Understand?”

Sorry to flood you with quotes. I can’t help it. I love those scenes! ❤

Anyway, the ending of the book was also outstanding. It simply left me craving for the second installment which is The Iron Daughter. Well, well, Julie Kagawa. I’m already a fan!

My Rating for this book: 5 Faery Stars! (I love everything in this book!)

Friday’s Feisty, Fabulous, and Fierce Female (#1) – July 11, 2014

Friday’s Feisty, Fabulous, and Fierce Female is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Kristin of Romance Bound. Anyone can participate! To play along:

• Grab any of your favorite books.
• Choose a female character whom you think is a feisty, fabulous, and fierce woman.
• Describe the reason why you think she is feisty, fabulous, and fierce.
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!
  (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

  • Share the title & author, too, so that other participants can add the book to their TBR Lists.

  • Share a link to your own Friday’s Feisty, Fabulous, and Fierce Female in the Comments and I’ll be checking it out!

  —————————————————————————–

  Hello and welcome to my first ever feature of Friday’s Feisty, Fabulous, and Fierce Female! As mentioned above, I will be featuring the female character that I find feisty, fabulous, and fierce.

  And she’s no other than:

  

  America Singer of The Selection Series by Kiera Cass

  I chose her to be this week’s Feisty, Fabulous, and Fierce Female because these characteristics really describe her. She’s totally a spirited character. Among other girls who competed for The Selection, she’s the best woman who presented the real features of a princess. Although she was not described as a regally beautiful girl, her kindness, natural wit, and cleverness are what makes her really appealing. She’s fabulous because she just is! Just thinking about how the other girls typically imitated her style is a proof that she’s fab! And yes, she’s fierce. This woman knows how to defend herself. She even defies and opposes the King and doesn’t even give him the satisfaction to hurt her pride. That’s why I kind of love this girl! Despite her silliness sometimes, I think she’s really feisty, fabulous, and fierce!

  Now share your thoughts and bring out your favorite favorite Feisty, Fabulous, and Fierce Female character! 🙂

  

REVIEW: Divergent by Veronica Roth

In Beatrice Prior’s dystopian Chicago world, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue–Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is–she can’t have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles alongside her fellow initiates to live out the choice they have made. Together they must undergo extreme physical tests of endurance and intense psychological simulations, some with devastating consequences. As initiation transforms them all, Tris must determine who her friends really are–and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes exasperating boy fits into the life she’s chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she’s kept hidden from everyone because she’s been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers unrest and growing conflict that threaten to unravel her seemingly perfect society, Tris also learns that her secret might help her save the ones she loves . . . or it might destroy her.

MY THOUGHTS…

I grabbed this book out of curiosity when I heard all the fuss about how great the movie is. And my verdict?

Well, it’s absolutely a great book. I love how Veronica Roth gave such a sensible plot to this one. I admire the different factions and because I am a huge fan of dystopian literature, I guess this one’s really hard to forget and is really worth reading. Apart from the entertaining and action-packed scenes this book offers, it also teaches a great deal about life. It makes you realize that important choices and decisions really matter– and they could even change your life forever. That’s why you need to think it over and when you’ve fully decided about something, do not regret about your choice in the future and prove that it’s worth it. 🙂

The characters are also well-described here. I love Tris’ fighting spirit and her will to defend herself and never give up. She’s not a weakling here, and she doesn’t even depend on anyone else that’s why it makes her a very admirable character.

Four or Tobias, on the other hand, is such a nice guy. He’s strong but when it comes to Tris, you could feel how vulnerable he is. Tris and Four really make a perfect match here. I love their partnership and their determination to survive everything that comes their way.

This book is also witty and creative. Although it lacks wow factors on some parts, I still think it’s a praise-worthy book. I’m looking forward to read its next book Insurgent. 🙂

“I might be in love with you.” He smiles a little. “I’m waiting until I’m sure to tell you, though.”

For me, this is the sweetest line from Four. 🙂

My Rating for this Book: 4 Stars (If I would be asked what faction I will choose, personally I will be joining the Amity team. I dunno, I just don’t want to fight or ague with anyone. I know, I know, it’s boring. Lol)

Favorite Quotes from this Book

“Becoming fearless isn’t the point. That’s impossible. It’s learning how to control your fear, and how to be free from it.”

“Sometimes crying or laughing are the only options left, and laughing feels better right now.”

“I am selfish. I am brave.”

REVIEW: City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder― much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It’s hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing―not even a smear of blood―to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?

This is Clary’s first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It’s also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace’s world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know…

Exotic and gritty, exhilarating and utterly gripping, Cassandra Clare’s ferociously entertaining fantasy takes readers on a wild ride that they will never want to end.

MY THOUGHTS…

(Minor spoilers ahead…)

Whoa, so that was the introduction of The Mortal Instruments! That was such a pretty ride. Mind-blown!

Alright, so I’ve finished this book last night, around 2:00 A.M. Crazy, I couldn’t it put down. I can’t help it, Cassandra Clare is driving me crazy! Anyway, The City of Bones is the first book of The Mortal Instruments series. It’s an urban fantasy book that introduces an uncanny world that is far beyond your imagination. If you guys think vampire stories are cool, and if you’re much into fairies and werewolves and witches, then you will absolutely find them all here. Exactly! And hey, that’s not all. This book mainly introduces a secretive race of human beings known as Nephilim or Shadowhunters. They have a special role by the way– they just simply slay and clash demons that unknowingly exist in this world.

Well, this book’s really interesting. No wonder why it became really popular. It’s a book that describes a well-constructed, fantastic, supernatural world with clever characters that fascinate you all throughout. What I also love about this book is how Cassandra didn’t complicate the whole plot. Everything is in place and well-thought out. I even love how she made everything in the Shadow world in total order through the rules and laws that the Clave had set. So, it’s kind of revealing that these paranormal beings don’t instantly clash together when they bump against each other somewhere in the streets of Brooklyn.

I just have some issues about this book though. First is the world-building process. I admit I was confused at the beginning chapters and that confusion eventually continued until the middle part of the book. It was like I’m reading more of a puzzle than the story. There are terms that are not well-explained, so I had to go to Shadowhunters wiki where I can find the definitions of those terms. But in the end, this issue was resolved. I fully understood those things.

Another thing is the editing of the book? I was really confused ‘coz there are clerical errors in some parts. One example is Clary’s father who was named Jonathan Clark at the first chapters. I was surprised to find out that he’s no longer Jonathan at the last chapters but instead, John Clark. So, yeah, that was really confusing.

And yeah, something happened in the few remaining chapters that didn’t sit well on me. I was kind of annoyed with our dear Jace. What happened to the brute, sarcastic, brooding guy from the beginning? He suddenly turned out confused and emotionally flimsy. So yeah, I was disappointed with him there. But it’s okay, I still love him. Lol. 😀

And Clary– well, I like her. She doesn’t know how to fight and use weapons, but this girl is a smart a**! She can think and handle a stressful and nerve-wracking situation. But! Sometimes she annoys me, I don’t know why. Maybe because of her insecurities? — which is kind of unnerving.

And oh–one more thing, that BIG revelation! I don’t know what to say. I was shocked. It was such a devastating twist, one I could not easily handle and accept ugh– No, just no! After all?! C’mon, *spoiler alert* they already kissed! 😦 I hate it. I actually yelled out in protest in the middle of the night!

But of course, there are more positive things in this book. It also has funny scenes that had me laughing.

“Stay away from my blades. In fact, don’t touch any of my weapons without my permission.” (Jace)

“Well, there goes my plan for selling them all on eBay,” Clary muttered.

“Selling them on what?”

Clary smiled blandly at him. “A mythical place of great magical power.”

And the romantic scene of Jace and Clary at the greenhouse? Darn asdfghjklmnb! I want more of them! More more more! But that seems impossible already. 😦

The ending of the book…

I kind of don’t like the ending, to be honest. There’s already some sort of gap between Jace and Clary. But it’s okay, it left me longing to find out the things that will be happening on the second book. I’d definitely read it. Swear by the Angel Raziel!

My Rating for this book: 4 Stars (I love the creativity of the book. It’s a book that begs you not to put it down.)

Favorite Quotes from this Book

“Only people with no purpose are unhappy. I’ve got a purpose.”

“Most people don’t cry when they’re upset or frightened, but rather when they’re frustrated.”

REVIEW: A Shade of Vampire by Bella Forrest

On the evening of Sofia Claremont’s seventeenth birthday, she is sucked into a nightmare from which she cannot wake.

A quiet evening walk along a beach brings her face to face with a dangerous pale creature that craves much more than her blood.

She is kidnapped to an island where the sun is eternally forbidden to shine. An island uncharted by any map and ruled by the most powerful vampire coven on the planet. She wakes here as a slave, a captive in chains.

Sofia’s life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn when she is the one selected out of hundreds of girls to join the harem of Derek Novak, the dark royal Prince.

Despite his addiction to power and obsessive thirst for her blood, Sofia soon realizes that the safest place on the island is within his quarters, and she must do all within her power to win him over if she is to survive even one more night.

Will she succeed? …or is she destined to the same fate that all other girls have met at the hands of the Novaks?

MY THOUGHTS…

After reading this book’s description, it instantly hooked me. Always a vampire-themed book fan myself, I decided to give it a try since I’ve always hoped that there’s a better series than Twilight and Vampire Diaries. And I wasn’t disappointed. This book started really well. Its main POVs centered more on the main characters Sofia and Derek.

Sofia is an ordinary girl and a human, while Derek is a Vampire– not just an ordinary vampire but someone everyone in the vampire community looks up as a ruler and a great influence– a dark royal Prince. On the eve of Sofia’s birthday, she was captured by a stranger and ended up in an exotic island called The Shade. She eventually found out that the island is completely resided by vampires. There she met Prince Novak and his siblings. Now I’m not going to tell the whole story ‘coz it will spoil a lot.

This book, anyway, is a charmer. What I appreciate most is the way Ms. Bella Forrest painted beautiful details about the setting. The Shade, although completely conquered with darkness, is a beautiful place. I think it’s a great factor when you’re reading a vampire book. I also love the way the author made it quite unique among other vampire stories.

In this sequel, vampires are set in a different world. They don’t mix with humans like any other vampires in other books. They have their own niche and sanctuary and they hunt humans outside the island, giving a little mystery as of how those humans suddenly disappear.

“What’s on your mind, Derek?” she whispered.

“You…” I saw no reason to lie. “How I can’t imagine life without you.”

I also love the romance between Sofia and Derek, too. How their first encounter developed into a strange attraction that is so adorable! Also, the ending– it’s unique and unexpected. It simply promises so many things that will happen on the second book.

Pros

Heart-melting and interesting, with characters that are well-described. It’s an engaging book especially since it has an extraordinary fast and intriguing plot.

Con

It has a number of POVs. It may cause a little confusion at first.

What I Think About the Characters

Sofia Claremont

I love how strong-willed she is. She’s also not annoying. She makes good decisions and she’s not a stupid, angsty character like any other characters in a book.

Derek Novak

Well, ladies… Meet your new book boyfriend! Derek Novak is a dangerously a HAWT vampire Prince. But apart from being a cold-hearted specimen, this guy has a soft spot. And the way he cares about Sofia and protects her? Ah, he’s simply more than just likeable character!

“I found myself intrigued by Derek – even more so than I was before. He was a paradox, a walking contradiction. How he could perform such a violent act with no hesitation in one moment and be as gentle as he was with me right afterwards, was something that left me completely unnerved.” – Sofia

My Rating for this Book: 4 Stars (A piece of reminder: Prepare to be swooned!)

 

Teaser Tuesday (#2): July 8, 2014

Teaser Tuesdays (TT) is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read.
• Randomly open a page.
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page.
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!
  (Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

  • Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

  • Share a link to your own Teaser Tuesday in the Comments and I’ll be checking it out! 🙂

  ——————————————————————————————————————

  Here’s my Teaser Tuesday for the week 🙂

  

  “There,” he said, straightening up. Clary fixed her arm in wonder– though the blood was still there, the wound was gone, as were the pain and stiffness. “And the next time you’re planning to injure yourself to get my attention, just remember that a little sweet talk works wonders.”

  — City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments, #1) by Cassandra Clare

  What are you currently reading? Join the fun and share your book’s interesting teasers below! 🙂

  xo,

  

REVIEW: Almost Heaven by Judith McNaught

In this classic novel of two willful lovers caught in a breathless adventure of deception and betrayal, #1 New York Times bestselling author Judith McNaught has created a powerful and unforgettable masterpiece.

ELIZABETH CAMERON

The Countess of Havenhurst possessed a rare gentleness and fierce courage to match her exquisite beauty. But her reputation is shattered when she is discovered in the arms of Ian Thornton, a notorious gambler and social outcast.

IAN THORNTON

A dangerously handsome man of secret wealth and mysterious lineage, his voyage to Elizabeth’s heart is fraught with intrigue, scandal, and a venomous revenge.

Destined for each other, yet wary of each other’s motives, Elizabeth and Ian engage in a dance of suspicion and passion that tests the very soul of their star-crossed love. As a twisting path of secrets takes them from London’s drawing rooms to the mysterious Scottish Highlands, Elizabeth must learn the truth: is Ian merely a ruthless fortune hunter at heart?

MY THOUGHTS…

Okay, I know it’s a bit late to write a review for this book, but since this is one of my favorite books up to date, I thought I’d share how I felt about this wonderful tale and how it made me think about a perfect, true love.

For me, this book is McNaught’s ultimate masterpiece next to Whitney, My Love. I’m glad it’s the first historical romance book that I’ve read since I found it really unforgettable. This book has everything. It has an A-factor storyline. It’s classy. It’s bewitching and truly a book that historical romance lovers can’t dare to put down.

“Look, Elizabeth, isn’t he divine in a sort of mysterious, wicked way?”

The characters here are remarkable. Ian Thornton, the unacknowledged son of a Duke, met Lady Elizabeth Cameron few years ago at a London ball. Their first meeting was a whirlwind romance. Unfortunately, it didn’t end well but instead, their ‘affair’ turned into a memory both of them didn’t want to remember at all. After few years, fate led them back together but this time, Elizabeth needed him for marriage. And so their romantic past was eventually rekindled in some sort of wicked way.

I know it’s a typical romance plot, but how can I ever explain how wonderful their dialogues were? The witty banter, the undeniable chemistry both characters exude, and the romantic twist Judith is famous for. And of course, the way McNaught makes you feel as though she’s taking you on a roller coaster ride of emotions. All of these are what everyone will expect from this book.

The Book Is…

Pros

Extremely romantic. A fascinating and compelling read, with beautiful settings that are well-defined.

Con

It has events that will make you feel anxious and heart-broken at the same time.

What I Think about the Characters

Elizabeth Cameron

I love this character. She possesses a rare gentleness which Ian fell in love with. I also love how McNaught defined her physical features. I can imagine that she’s really beautiful inside and out.

Ian Thornton

He appears to be a dangerously handsome man. I also admire how he became wealthy not because he is the son of a Duke but because he attained it on his own. He’s also a guy every woman dreams of.

My Rating for this book: 5 Stars (It’s worth re-reading!)

Favorite Quote from this Book

“Why did happy memories fade and blur until one could scarcely recall them at all, while horrible memories seemed to retain their blinding clarity and painful sharpness?”

REVIEW: The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel’s story is about to be completely rewritten.

MY THOUGHTS…

This book has a beautiful story. I love how John Green created a theme that introduces the readers to the concept of Cancer and the truth about dying. It is actually a reality-based novel that doesn’t fail to capture the interest of the readers, teenagers or not. I love how I can actually relate to the medical stuffs being mentioned here, except for the Phalanxifor which was entirely a fictional drug (which I also wish would truly exist in real life to help Cancer patients) and how the author painted a better picture about the stages of grief — from denial to acceptance all throughout the book.

Anyway, John Green is no doubt, a great author. This book is well-written. There’s humor and there are witty conversations from the characters that are really sensible. It greatly taught me about life, about hope, about being able to cherish the moment while you are still alive, and about being able to love someone and show it without any limitation. Yes, because life is too short and everyone is lucky to even live up to this day. It also made me appreciate life even more. You know, it’s like this book is making me realize the importance of being healthy and alive. But of course, that’s not entirely about that. This book tells us something. That some infinities are bigger than other infinities. I just love how John Green made an abstract explanation about this during the last chapters of the book. It’s a perfect reminder to everyone that fate is not against a person, but a person makes his own fate.

There are just some things about the book that don’t sit well on me. I think I wasn’t entirely convinced about the characters’ love for each other. I mean, it’s about the storyline which was a bit hurried. I wasn’t completely taken by the way they showed how deeply in love they were. I think I just see them as people who are attracted to each other rather than being in love. And the intimate scene they had at the Amsterdam– I think it lacked emotions especially from Augustus. Well, I’m a cheezy kind of person so maybe I was just expecting some sort of romantic exchange of conversations between the two. I think they were really just more focused about how depressing their lives as cancer patients– which is understandable because this book is not entirely all about romance.

I have to admit that I did really cry while reading this book, especially when I got to the part where heartbreaking scenes already approach. I pretty much knew what’s going to happen from the beginning but still, it shredded my heart just the same. This book just ripped my heart, put it back together, and then ripped it apart again.

The Book Is…

Pros

Amazing, with heart-tugging scenes that will truly touch the readers. It’s also reality-based. It teaches a lot of lessons.

Cons

It’s with a sad concept and a tragic ending. And characters’ voices seem to sound like adults rather than teenagers.

What I Think About the Characters

Hazel Grace Lancaster

She’s one with a terminal illness. She’s depressed and the way she feels angsty about her condition and her road to oblivion kind of really wretch me. But I love her intelligence in this book.

Augustus Waters

Also with a terminal cancer who instantly felt the attraction towards Hazel from day 1. He’s a very intellectual guy and truly adorable.

My Rating for this Book: 3 Stars (I enjoyed reading this book. It’s well-written and really wholesome. It’s just that it has some flaws that give me reasons to rate it with 3/5 stars. Excited to watch the movie, though.) 🙂

Favorite Quotes from this Book

“The marks humans leave are too often scars.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t mind, Hazel Grace. It would be a privilege to have my heart broken by you.”

“That’s the thing about pain… It demands to be felt.”

“Without pain, we couldn’t know joy.”

TBR’s: Excited for my Next Reads!

Since I’ve already finished Origin, I’m now ready for my next read. *grinning like an idiot*

I’ve already started reading the ever-famous The Fault in Our Stars, but since I paused it for some reasons, I am now ready to get involved again with Augustus Waters and Hazel Grace. So, it will be my next read.

I’m pretty sure many of you are familiar or already have read this book, but for those who didn’t, here’s the description of the book from Goodreads:

Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel’s story is about to be completely rewritten.

—————————————————————————————

Once I finish The Fault in Our Stars, I will be welcoming another bunch of books to indulge with. So here’s my list of To-Be-Reads:

I’ve heard from a fellow blogger (http://seducedbypaperback.wordpress.com) that the City of Bones, which is the first installment of The Mortal Instruments, is cool. I’ve checked it on goodreads and found out that it has great remarks. So, I decided to place it on top of my TBR’s. I haven’t read any of Cassandra Clare’s novels so I guess it will be a great start for me. Hopefully I’ll get to enjoy the journey towards the world of TMI.

The Edge of Never is categorized in a New Adult genre. New Adult? I guess I’m basically new to this ‘coz I haven’t known that there’s this kind of genre. But why not? This book had me feeling curious because of its intriguing description. It is, by the way, also recommended by a fellow blogger (http://seducedbypaperback.wordpress.com). 🙂

This book caught my attention. I think The Iron King intrigues me, and because of that, I placed this on my list. Anybody who already had a taste of this book? Please drop your reviews or something. 🙂

Okay, so I found myself smitten with Beautiful Disaster‘s description. I think it’s promising. And with great reviews on goodreads, I trust that this one will be enthralling.

According to its description, Fallen is dangerously exciting and darkly romantic. Whoa, that speaks a lot of mystery. I’ve also seen this book from my friend’s facebook account, and she’s currently reading it. She told me she can’t get enough of it. Well, why not? Guess I have to really read this soon. ❤

REVIEW: Origin by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Daemon will do anything to get Katy back.

After the successful but disastrous raid on Mount Weather, he’s facing the impossible. Katy is gone. Taken. Everything becomes about finding her. Taking out anyone who stands in his way? Done. Burning down the whole world to save her? Gladly. Exposing his alien race to the world? With pleasure.

All Katy can do is survive.

Surrounded by enemies, the only way she can come out of this is to adapt. After all, there are sides of Daedalus that don’t seem entirely crazy, but the group’s goals are frightening and the truths they speak even more disturbing. Who are the real bad guys? Daedalus? Mankind? Or the Luxen?

Together, they can face anything.

But the most dangerous foe has been there all along, and when the truths are exposed and the lies come crumbling down, which side will Daemon and Katy be standing on?

And will they even be together?

MY THOUGHTS…

“Well then, it’s time to introduce the world to a little bit of extraterrestrial awesomeness.” – Luc

First, let me extend my big congratulations to Jennifer L. Armentrout for being able to bring out a series that has a constant, amazing delivery. This book is the latest installment of Lux Series. When I completed this yesterday, I have to admit that I got real crazy. I WANT THE NEXT BOOK! Like, RIGHT NOW!

This book is not making things easy for me. In Opal, I thought I was reading the best action scenes in this series, but I was wrong because in Origin, the action scenes were much even scarier, more electrifying, and absolutely breathtaking! It’s like watching a movie, only the difference is you’re doing it in your imagination. And only Jennifer Armentrout can do that effortlessly.

And let me warn you guys to prepare yourself for some difficult situations here in this book. There are a lot of unexpected things to happen, especially deaths of some characters that will shock the nuts out of you. There are also some scenes that are insanely cruel and gruesome but beautifully crafted. Amazing, Jennifer, amazing!

Now let’s get to my favorite parts of this book. I love everything here, especially when it comes to the newly introduced character like Archer. Heck, you guys shouldn’t miss this incredibly defined man. I think this character stood out the best here, next to Luc who also made an impression during the exhilarating, action-packed scenes. I didn’t expect that there are characters here that are equally as impressive as Daemon. I just love the character-building in this book. Each of them were introduced in a thoroughly spectacular way.

I also love how Daemon and Katy’s relationship grew more and more intense here. Daemon is willing to risk his life and his kind just to save her. And yes, he’s not even kidding.

“There’s only one thing I want.”
“And that is?”
“I want to see Kat.”
Nancy’s smile didn’t fade. “And what are you willing to do to accomplish that?”
“Anything,” I said without hesitation, and I meant it. “I will do anything, but I want to see Kat first and I want to see her now.”

This book also has many surprising twists. And Matthew– oh my God, I didn’t see that coming! I couldn’t even believe that my suspicion about Bethany is indeed true. I’ve guessed it right, I’ve guessed it right!

The plot is too good it will absolutely have you sitting on your heels at the same time drawing a deep, anxious breath in full anticipation on what’s to come next. It’s a grab-you-quick and hold-you-fast book with numerous climaxes. No dull moments in this book. Positive. It’s the book that I can’t really get enough. I. JUST. CAN’T.

And the ending… Yes, expect a cliffhanger ending from Ms. Jennifer. That’s her trademark. But I love her for that. 🙂 Now, I can’t wait to grab the next book called Opposition which will be released next month. It will surely be worth the wait!

The Book Is…

Pros

An excellent blending of action, fantasy, and romance. The desire to find out what happens next keeps you turning pages.

Con

None, I’m very sure of it.

What I Think About the Characters

Katy Swartz

Katy here in this book has greatly improved. We know that she’s brave in previous books, but in Origin, she’s incredibly daring and fearless. I admire her for always asserting her need to fight and be of use and not depending on Daemon at all times.

Daemon Black

I love Daemon’s determination to get Katy back. But there are times that he annoys me, especially when he makes stupid decisions. But, it doesn’t make me like him less.

Archer

Alright, I have to include Archer here since I therefore conclude that he’s already one of my favorite characters. From the moment he was first introduced in this book, I knew exactly that he has a great part here. And I was right. I love his cool, fully-composed attitude. And yes, he’s stronger that expected and can really equal any character’s strength here.

Luc

I also have to include him because I just simply love him. Yes, he’s a clever guy. I love how strong, cool, and wise he is. He’s one of the characters that will simply enthrall you.

My Rating for this Book: 5 Stars (If I could give 6 stars, I will.)

Favorite Quotes from this Book

“I want a years-worth of seconds and minutes with you. I want a decade’s worth of hours, so many that I can’t add them up.”

“We all do crazy things to protect the ones we love.”

“I don’t expect a normal life, Daemon. I just expect a life with you.”

REVIEW: Opal by Jennifer L. Armentrout

 

No one is like Daemon Black.

When he set out to prove his feelings for me, he wasn’t fooling around. Doubting him isn’t something I’ll do again, and now that we’ve made it through the rough patches, well… There’s a lot of spontaneous combustion going on.

But even he can’t protect his family from the danger of trying to free those they love.

After everything, I’m no longer the same Katy. I’m different… And I’m not sure what that will mean in the end. When each step we take in discovering the truth puts us in the path of the secret organization responsible for torturing and testing hybrids, the more I realize there is no end to what I’m capable of. The death of someone close still lingers, help comes from the most unlikely source, and friends will become the deadliest of enemies, but we won’t turn back. Even if the outcome will shatter our worlds forever.

Together we’re stronger… and they know it.

MY THOUGHTS…

(There’s a bit of spoiler in this review so please be warned.)

After reading the Onyx, I immediately grabbed this. It’s because I was so excited about Dawson’s reappearance and I became curious as of how the Blacks are going to deal with some changes now that their brother is back. I was really happy about their reunion, but at the same time I felt awed when Dawson was no longer the guy he used to be. He was longing for Bethany to be freed from Daedalus knowing that she’s still alive.

In this book, I found a great deal of action. The choice between trusting Blake for the second time after betraying Katy in Onyx and pushing the idea of giving their trust aside is very crucial. I became really anxious the moment Blake returned. It’s like they were visited again by some sort of nightmare.

This book, without a doubt, is different from the previous Lux books. It had my full attention from start to finish. There were a lot of nerve-wreaking scenes and even intriguing parts that will make everything unsettling. In my part, I became really, really anxious the moment the Luxen gang, Katy, and Blake attacked Mount Weather to rescue Bethany and Chris. Seriously, and I’m not even kidding, my heartbeat ran so fast with those scenes. Oh, Jennifer– this author really has the power to bring out this kind of emotion to her readers. I love her for that!

And Daemon and Katy? Well, their chemistry continues to grow in this installment. It even in fact, deepens. I love how protective Daemon is to Katy, especially whenever Blake is around. He’s just too good to be true!

Here’s one of the funniest scenes I couldn’t forget:

Dawson shifted, dropping his head into his hand. “Do you ever stop talking?”

“When I’m sleeping,” Blake replied.

“And when you’re dead,” Daemon threw back. “You’ll stop talking when you’re dead.”

Lol. As usual, the humor Jennifer Armetrout brings in the story is always present. Another thing that also made this book interesting is the appearance of Luc. Oh. My. God. This kid is really something. He’s intriguing and I can sense that he’s a lot more powerful. I knew then that I need to keep track of him and read the next book, hoping that Luc will be highlighted more.

This book is such a roller coaster ride for me. I just love the the twist it brings. There’s so much build up to what you hope the events will be. And the ending? Oh my… I found myself hanging on a cliff. You know what I mean. But all in all, the story was excellent. It really got better and better.

The Book Is…

Pros

Undeniably a page-turner. It’s one with a compelling plot. It has witty characters and clever turn of events. You will find yourself fully entertained up to the very end.

Con

None.

My Rating for this book: 5 Freakin’ Stars! (There’s so much to expect in this book, and you will never be disappointed.)

Favorite Quotes from this Book

“He was such an asshole, and I loved him.”

“You really shouldn’t trust a soul in this game. Not when everyone has something to gain or lose.”

“I love you, Katy. Always have. Always will.”

REVIEW: Onyx by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Being connected to Daemon Black sucks…

Thanks to his alien mojo, Daemon’s determined to prove what he feels for me is more than a product of our bizarro connection. So I’ve sworn him off, even though he’s running more hot than cold these days. But we’ve got bigger problems.

Something worse than the Arum has come to town…

The Department of Defense are here. If they ever find out what Daemon can do and that we’re linked, I’m a goner. So is he. And there’s this new boy in school who’s got a secret of his own. He knows what’s happened to me and he can help, but to do so, I have to lie to Daemon and stay away from him. Like that’s possible. Against all common sense, I’m falling for Daemon. Hard.

But then everything changes…

I’ve seen someone who shouldn’t be alive. And I have to tell Daemon, even though I know he’s never going to stop searching until he gets the truth. What happened to his brother? Who betrayed him? And what does the DOD want from them—from me?

No one is who they seem. And not everyone will survive the lies…

MY THOUGHTS…

It’s official! I’m now a 100% certified fan of Jennifer L. Armentrout, and I’m so proud to say it. This author never fails to give me goosebumps, and this book– well, it had my mind seriously blown up! If you have read Obsidian, reading this book will even get you more thrilled you can’t just resist it and stop craving for more.

This book introduces more about Daemon and the Luxens — and the hybrid. It also introduces the new character named Blake– a hottie who became Katy’s new friend and well, Daemon’s rival? The earlier chapters of this book is lighter, so you can’t expect something thrilling to happen. But I tell you, as the story progresses, it becomes more and more interesting.

There are flirtations (as usual) between Daemon and Katy that will make you smile all the way.

“Cookie?” he offered, holding a cookie full of chocolate chips.

Upset tummy or not, there was no way I could refuse that. “Sure.”

His lips tipped up on one side and he leaned toward me, his mouth inches from mine. “Come and get it.”

Come and get…? Daemon placed half of the cookie between those full, totally kissable lips.

Oh, holy alien babies everywhere…

I know. I just love this scene. Lol. (I hope it’s not spoilery, though). But c’mon, these two undeniably have a thing or two for each other. You can feel it!

Honesty, this book didn’t bore me. In fact, it just kept my adrenaline going. It promises a lot of things. There are also parts that will make you feel antsy, especially every time the DOD enters the scene. You can also expect to experience strange twist of events that will absolutely make your spine tingle. As a whole, I found this book really fascinating I ended up craving for moooore!

The book Is…

Pros

Clean and well-written. It has engaging storyline and it’s an adrenaline-boosting book with plenty of humor that will make the reading experience very entertaining.

Con

None.

What I Think About the Characters

Katy Swartz

In this book, I was surprised to find out that she’s tough. I didn’t expect it. She easily adapted to her newly discovered “self” and she didn’t even whine about it. The only thing I hate about her is the bad decisions she has made in this book.

Daemon Black

He’s flirty in Obsidian, and now he becomes even more. And as usual, he’s an alien hotness who’s brave and strong enough to protect Katy.

My Rating for this book: 5 Stars (If you loved Obsidian, you will love Onyx more!)

Favorite Quotes from this Book

“Some things are best left…unknown, you know? People search for answers and they don’t always like what they get. Sometimes the truth is worse than the lie.”

“Strange how something good can come from something horrible.”