REVIEW: The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

The Summer I Turned Pretty
(Summer #1)
Author: Jenny Han
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Published: May 5, 2009
Genre: Young Adult, Romance
Contemporary
My Rating:

Belly measures her life in summers. Everything good, everything magical happens between the months of June and August. Winters are simply a time to count the weeks until the next summer, a place away from the beach house, away from Susannah, and most importantly, away from Jeremiah and Conrad. They are the boys that Belly has known since her very first summer–they have been her brother figures, her crushes, and everything in between. But one summer, one terrible and wonderful summer, the more everything changes, the more it all ends up just the way it should have been all along.

MY THOUGHTS…

“It’s the imperfections that make things beautiful.”

It’s my first Jenny Han read so I couldn’t help but feel relieved and happy to find out that I love her work. The Summer I Turned Pretty is indeed a pretty one. It’s actually my weakness-kind-of-book to be honest, because I love summer-themed romantic stories and this– this simply never fails. It has the summer lovin’ that I’ve been looking!

By reading this, I found myself reminiscing We Were Liars by E. Lockhart. It pretty has the same concept with that book when it comes to family dramas, romance, and all. The difference is that this book emphasizes more about love triangle thingy, which I don’t mind. Because who wouldn’t want to read a book that has two gorgeous and interesting guys who are both quite attracted to a girl?

I love everything in this book. I am also surprised to find out that Belly is not at all annoying because hey, most YA female characters tend to annoy me, but Belly? Nope. I like her spirit, her vivacity, and how sweet she simply is to everyone around her, especially to Susannah.

Jeremiah and Conrad also did not fail to fascinate me. All throughout the book I was struck by how attractive and intriguing the brothers are. To the point where I could not exactly decide who’s going to be my bet for Belly between the two of them. Whoa! The love triangle is perfectly executed here.

As a whole, this book is really promising. I love it and I think you guys should check this out if you haven’t read this yet.

Rating: 5 Stars

REVIEW: Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo

Shadow and Bone
(The Grisha #2)
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Publisher: Square Fish
Published: June 17, 2014
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance
My Rating:

Darkness never dies.

Hunted across the True Sea, haunted by the lives she took on the Fold, Alina must try to make a life with Mal in an unfamiliar land, all while keeping her identity as the Sun Summoner a secret. But she can’t outrun her past or her destiny for long.

The Darkling has emerged from the Shadow Fold with a terrifying new power and a dangerous plan that will test the very boundaries of the natural world. With the help of a notorious privateer, Alina returns to the country she abandoned, determined to fight the forces gathering against Ravka. But as her power grows, Alina slips deeper into the Darkling’s game of forbidden magic, and farther away from Mal. Somehow, she will have to choose between her country, her power, and the love she always thought would guide her–or risk losing everything to the oncoming storm.

Siege and Storm is the second book in The Grisha Trilogy by Leigh Bardugo.

MY THOUGHTS…

“We are alike, as no one else is, as no one else will ever be.”

This book only describes one thing– INTENSE! From the very beginning, I already enjoyed it because there was already some action going on. It got me feeling exhilarated and thrilled.

What I love about this second installment of The Grisha series is that Leigh Bardugo never fails to execute a kind of sequel that responds well to the first book. She also made a challenging deal by introducing new characters who eventually became remarkable in this book. Speaking of new characters, I was sooo fascinated with Nikolai Lantsov! Ladies, brace yourselves because it’s time for you to meet a royal blood hotness incarnate!

This book is really damn good, though I was honestly looking for more scenes that involves the Darkling. However, the ending left me feeling more and more curious of what’s about to happen in the third and final installment of the series. Looking forward for more intensifying scenes!

Rating: 4 Stars

REVIEW: After the Bridge by Cassandra Clare

Clockwork Angel
(The Infernal Devices #3.1)
Author: Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Simon & Schuster, Margaret K. McElderry
Published: March 19, 2013
Genre: Paranormal, Historical Fiction, Young Adult
My Rating:

Short Story about Tessa, Jem and what happened after that meeting at Blackfriar’s Bridge at the Epilogue of Clockwork Princess.

MY THOUGHTS…

Thank you Carol and Sandy for introducing this to me! xoxoxo

I won’t be making this review long because it will spoil those who haven’t yet read the final book of The Infernal Devices.

So here’s my opinion…

This short story is somewhat a continuation to what happened during the epilogue of the Clockwork Princess. I have to say that  this one is satisfying, though it’s not at all necessary (for me) because I am quite satisfied with the Clockwork Princess’ ending. But because I was still hangover with the book, I didn’t hesitate to read this short story because I was too curious and I think I can’t sit still without finding out more about the characters.

The short story did not disappoint me as it entertained me and well, made me feel in love all over again. Still, I don’t know how to move on with this series. Ugh. It’s hard, you know.

So if you guys have already read the Clockwork Princess, you might as well proceed with this short story after reading the book, to extend the feels. 😀

(NOTE: Don’t read this short story if you haven’t completed The Infernal Devices series yet. Okay?) 😀

Rating: 4 Stars

REVIEW: Lovely Vicious by Sara Wolf

Lovely Vicious
(Lovely Vicious #1)
Author: Sara Wolf
Published: November 4, 2013
Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary
My Rating:

Fire meets ice. Love meets hate.

Seventeen-year-old Isis Blake hasn’t fallen in love in three years, nine weeks, and five days, and after what happened last time, she intends to keep it that way. Since then she’s lost eighty-five pounds, gotten four streaks of purple in her hair, and moved to the Buttcrack-of-Nowhere Ohio to help her mom escape a bad relationship.

All the girls in her new school want one thing – Jack Hunter, the Ice Prince of East Summit High. Hot as an Armani ad, smart enough to get into Yale, and colder than the Arctic, Jack Hunter’s never gone out with anyone. Sure, people have seen him downtown with beautiful women, but he’s never given high school girls the time of day. Until Isis punches him in the face.

Jack’s met his match. Suddenly everything is a game.

The goal: Make the other beg for mercy.

The game board: East Summit High.

The reward: Something neither of them expected.

**This book contains language, some of which may be unsuitable for younger readers.

**This is the first book in the LOVELY VICIOUS series.

 

MY THOUGHTS…

DNF at 46%.

I’m so sorry, guys. And I’m so sorry, AJ, my friend, who recommended this to me. :((

It’s just that… I really, really wanted to like this. But I just can’t. I mean, I’m not the type of reader who does this DNF-ing thing, but I was forced because I can’t tolerate the immaturity of this book. Yes, there was a ton of it and it was getting annoying every single second and it was already getting on my nerves to the point that I could no longer take it.

When I first met Isis at the beginning chapter, I thought she was cool, funny, and brave– a little sarcastic and snarky but tolerable, but as the story progressed, I realized she’s difficult to like and get along with. She was no longer making any sense and she kept on whining about how bad she looks and how fat she was and how shaken she was when she was ditched by her ex and how insecure she is every time she encounters her chic school mates. Ugh! Isis is one of those characters that really pull the bitch out of me and make me roll my eyes every time.

Jack, on the other hand, is– I dunno. He’s a likeable character but definitely not the one who could be labeled as a book boyfriend. He’s always too passive and I think his character development is so poor I could not really connect with him.

At some point I was trying to convince myself to continue it and read it up to the very final chapter to find out how it ends. I’ve read from reviews that it has a cliffhanger ending and I love cliffhangers because they’re challenging but I no longer have the interest to continue.

So yeah, this book unfortunately did not get me. Again, I’m sorry especially for the guys who loved this book. I really am. 😦

 

REVIEW: The Retribution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

The Retribution of Mara Dyer
(Mara Dyer #3)
Author: Michelle Hodkin
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Published: November 4, 2014
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Mystery
My Rating:

Mara Dyer wants to believe there’s more to the lies she’s been told.
There is.

She doesn’t stop to think about where her quest for the truth might lead.
She should.

She never had to imagine how far she would go for vengeance.
She will now.

Loyalties are betrayed, guilt and innocence tangle, and fate and chance collide in this shocking conclusion to Mara Dyer’s story.
Retribution has arrived.

Mara Dyer wants to believe there’s more to the lies she’s been told.
There is.

She doesn’t stop to think about where her quest for the truth might lead.
She should.

She never had to imagine how far she would go for vengeance.
She will now.

Loyalties are betrayed, guilt and innocence tangle, and fate and chance collide in this shocking conclusion to Mara Dyer’s story.
Retribution has arrived.

MY THOUGHTS…

Most people are like sand, the impact of their lives washed away by years. They cause no lasting damage, no lasting benefit. You are not most people. You are like fire; you will burn wherever you go. If you contained, channeled, you can bring light, but you will also always cast a shadow.

What a very wonderful way to end a series! The Retribution of Mara is (*sigh*) just too perfect for a conclusion. I’ve never been so satisfied, so happy, so amazed. The whole book conveys a lot of twists and turns and it’s unstoppably thrilling you just want to not put it down!

How can I say this– Noah is too good and Mara keeps on freaking me out! This couple– they just simply belong to each other. I love the way they’re very attached to each other. Seriously, they’re becoming one of the book couples that are unforgettable.

You can be seen and not be loved, or loved and not seen. Noah loved me, and saw me. But more than that, he chose me.

This book just keeps on getting better and better in every chapter. There are a lot of revelations and the way Michelle Hodkin unsealed the secrets bit by bit is stunning. It’s pure art! It’s lovely and it’s way emotional and yes, it’s flawless. It’s not hurriedly done just to complete a series. Very exceptional!

I did have fun reading this book. No dull moments and definitely worth every second of your time. You guys should not miss this!

My Rating: 5 Stars! (Once again, I’d like to rate it 10 because it’s just simply amazing!)

REVIEW: The Evolution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

The Evolution of Mara Dyer
(Mara Dyer #2)
Author: Michelle Hodkin
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Published: October 29, 2013
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Mystery
My Rating:

Mara Dyer doesn’t think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there.
It can.

She believes there must be more to the accident she can’t remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed.
There is.

She doesn’t believe that after everything she’s been through, she can fall in love.
She’s wrong.

MY THOUGHTS…

“You have me. You inhabit me.”

If I could rate it with 10 stars, I would! The sequel is just too wonderful I could not gasp for any other word to describe it! Once again, after The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer, I was awed. This second book of the Mara Dyer series had me in a roller coaster feels!

The intrigue continues as Mara Dyer and Noah Shaw try to figure out about their unusual abilities but everything that happened here is all f*cked up– in an all-consuming way. I’ve never been more curious, surprised, emotional, and carried away by a thriller book and this book just made it possible for me to feel all those emotions.

This book becomes more intense, more revealing, and more intriguing that it drew me and totally held my interest all throughout. Michelle Hodkin, oh boy, I’m already a fan! Her writing style is what every reader looks for in a mysterious book. She makes it really, really creepy that you just want to stay put and anticipate what’s going to happen next.

What I also love about this book is the romance between Noah and Mara. Aaah what can I say? This couple is perfect and I greatly admire the way they stood up for each other no matter how distressing the situation was for them. But their connection, their deep attachment, and trust– they’re simply one of the couples that you can’t basically resist!

The plot is resilient, and I’m no longer surprised since this book gathers high ratings in goodreads. Every chapter brings so much thrill will bring you dread and anxiety. This book totally buys me!

“If I were to live a thousand years, I would belong to you for all of them. If I were to live a thousand lives, I would want to make you mine in each one.”

My Rating for this Book: 5 Stars (In my heart, it’s actually 10 Stars) 😉

REVIEW: The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer
(Mara Dyer #1)
Author: Michelle Hodkin
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Published: October 23, 2012
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Mystery
My Rating:

Mara Dyer doesn’t think life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there.
It can.

She believes there must be more to the accident she can’t remember that killed her friends and left her mysteriously unharmed.
There is.

She doesn’t believe that after everything she’s been through, she can fall in love.
She’s wrong.

MY THOUGHTS…

I was a poison, and Noah was the drug that would make me forget it.

Holy smokes! What was that??! This book is absolutely surreal! The intrigue can really draw a reader in, as what Cassandra Clare testified in the cover. I love it! I love Noah Shaw and Mara Dyer and the mystery that this book is exuding.

I did have fun reading The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer. It’s a kind of a paranormal thriller that makes you feel shaky inside. It’s absolutely creepy and suspenseful. What I really thought about this book is that it’s a certified page-turner! The way it intrigues you all throughout is outstanding. I even found myself raising a lot of questions as I read it because there are a lot of unclear things that just need to be answered.

The plot is irresistibly amazing. (Not  to mention that Noah Shaw is so damn hot. Yay!) No dull moments in this book to be honest. I love Michelle Hodkin’s writing style. She has that ability to convince you not to put the book down! Aaaah what more can I say? This book is really interesting and I highly recommend you guys to start reading this if you haven’t yet. 😀

My Rating for this Book: 5 Stars

REVIEW: Pure by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Pure
(Covenant #2)
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Published: January 1, 2012
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance
My Rating:

There is need. And then there is Fate.

Being destined to become some kind of supernatural electrical outlet isn’t exactly awesome–especially when Alexandria’s “other half” is everywhere she goes. Seth’s in her training room, outside her classes, and keeps showing up in her bedroom–so not cool. Their connection does have some benefits, like staving off her nightmares of the tragic showdown with her mother, but it has no effect on what Alex feels for the forbidden, pure-blooded Aiden. Or what he will do–and sacrifice–for her. When daimons infiltrate the Covenants and attack students, the gods send furies–lesser gods determined to eradicate any threat to the Covenants and to the gods, and that includes the Apollyon–and Alex. And if that and hordes of aether-sucking monsters didn’t blow bad enough, a mysterious threat seems willing to do anything to neutralize Seth, even if that means forcing Alex into servitude–or killing her. When the gods are involved, some decisions can never, ever be undone.

MY THOUGHTS…

“You’ll become the center of someone’s world one day. And he’ll be the luckiest son of a bitch on this earth.”

This sequel is awesome and it’s well worth the read. I love everything that happened here. I love the full-paced action, the mystery that surrounds the Council especially the intriguing politics and the rules that make everything complicated for the main characters, the romance, and of course, the pack of witty humor JLA always and never fails to incorporate.

In this book, there are revelations revealed, but not enough– and it left me hanging and made me crave for the next book. I still don’t have any clue who’s behind all the crap that happened to Alex while she was staying at the New York Covenant. Actually there are a lot of things to be discovered that only the next books can answer.

Also, I still don’t know who’s meant to be Alex’s love interest here. Damn, JLA is confusing my heart! Aiden and Seth are both intriguing characters. I love them both (Although I admit I’m more smitten with Seth this time around. Dayum! He’s so sexy!). Both Aiden and Seth have admirable traits. They share the same passion when it comes to protecting Alex. And man, the never-ending testosterone battle between the two is really entertaining.

Anyway, the book gives me a hard time to guess who’s who behind what the oracle described. Who’s bad, and who’s not. I don’t really have an idea and I have to give JLA enough credits for messing up with my mind. LOL.

Overall, the book is insanely fantastic and well, this series is seriously my new obsession. JLA, no doubt, is a masterful author and I cannot say much.

Note to JLA: Thank you so much for the Seth POV over there. ❤ I seriously wanna hug you!

My Rating for this book: 5 Stars

REVIEW: Zomburbia by Adam Gallardo

Zomburbia
Author: Adam Gallardo
Publisher: K-Teen
Expected Publication: August 26, 2014
Genre: Horror, Young Adult
My Rating:

“Scary, freaky, and original. Get this book!” -Nancy Holder Lifeless. Slow-moving. Brain-dead.
“Welcome To Zomburbia.”

My name is Courtney Hart, and I’m here to tell you about things that suck. Being born in a podunk town like Salem, Oregon, for one. Living in a world infested with zombies? That, too. And the meat heads I go to school with? I think I’d actually take the undead over them most days. But I have a plan to get out of here and move to New York. I just have to keep selling Vitamin Z along with your fries at The Bully Burger. The secret ingredient? Zombie brains.

I’ve noticed things are getting even worse lately, if that’s even possible. The zombies seem to be getting smarter and faster. If I can avoid being arrested, eaten by shufflers, or catching the eye of some stupid boy, I should be able to make it through finals week still breathing. . .

“Gallardo’s world-building is innovative and fascinating, sick and twisted and unexpectedly touching. You’ll want to check that your zombie apocalypse closet is well stocked.” -Molly Harper White

“Readers are guaranteed plenty of mayhem and romance, laughter and heartbreak.” -James Patrick Kelly

MY THOUGHTS…

I received an ARC of this book free from the author and netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I didn’t expect anything in this book, and I’m just glad because honestly, it wasn’t a good read for me. The book didn’t have anything to tickle my interest. No excitement, no thrill, nothing but bouts of pure boringness.

There isn’t any terrifying scene and I wasn’t even scared, to think that it’s a horror genre. Added the fact that the main character, Courtney, is one mean, selfish, rude, and annoying character. She literally ruined my reading mood she’s getting on my nerves all the time!

The plot is generally dull. Not even those zombie attacks made the entire book interesting. There are also lots of characters in this book– characters that don’t even help. The only good thing about this book is that the author is witty and funny, but that didn’t make the story engaging at all. 😦

My Rate for this Book: 1 Star

REVIEW: Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge

Cruel Beauty
(Cruel Beauty Universe)
Author: Rosamund Hodge
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
Published: January 28, 2014
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance
My Rating:

Graceling meets Beauty and the Beast in this sweeping fantasy about one girl’s journey to fulfill her destiny and the monster who gets in her way-by stealing her heart.

Based on the classic fairy tale Beauty and the Beast, Cruel Beauty is a dazzling love story about our deepest desires and their power to change our destiny.

Since birth, Nyx has been betrothed to the evil ruler of her kingdom-all because of a foolish bargain struck by her father. And since birth, she has been in training to kill him.

With no choice but to fulfill her duty, Nyx resents her family for never trying to save her and hates herself for wanting to escape her fate. Still, on her seventeenth birthday, Nyx abandons everything she’s ever known to marry the all-powerful, immortal Ignifex. Her plan? Seduce him, destroy his enchanted castle, and break the nine-hundred-year-old curse he put on her people.

But Ignifex is not at all what Nyx expected. The strangely charming lord beguiles her, and his castle-a shifting maze of magical rooms-enthralls her.

As Nyx searches for a way to free her homeland by uncovering Ignifex’s secrets, she finds herself unwillingly drawn to him. Even if she could bring herself to love her sworn enemy, how can she refuse her duty to kill him? With time running out, Nyx must decide what is more important: the future of her kingdom, or the man she was never supposed to love.

MY THOUGHTS…

“Tomorrow I will marry a monster…”

Cruel Beauty is one of the most beautiful tales I’ve ever read. It’s a wonderful retelling of Beauty and the Beast. To be honest, I do not consider myself a fan of Beauty and the Beast but this book has made me love it.

Cruel Beauty highlights the character Nyx Triskelion, a seventeen year old girl who was destined to marry the Gentle Lord (lord of demons) before she was even born. She grew up beautiful, but what’s even beautiful about her is her imperfections. She was born as a pawn, sent by his father to marry an enemy– a demon, so as to kill him and save their people. But how can she accomplish such a thing when she herself, is fighting her inner demons?

What I love about this book is that it totally doesn’t define a perfect, flawless character. Nyx is a beautiful girl, but true to its title, she has a poison in her heart– a cruel beauty that she is constantly battling. And that is something that makes this tale really fascinating.

“I love you more than any other creature, because you are cruel, and kind, and alive.”

This quote is probably one of the best and unforgettable lines I’ve read in a book. It’s so deep and beyond passionate.

The story itself is something you will not consider ordinary. The Gentle Lord, Ignifex, is a beguiling character. He is full of mystery and he is beautiful in a cryptic way. The plot is also beautifully written. Rosamund Hodge chooses a writing style that is classy and all-consuming that it draws me perfectly.

And what’s even more interesting is how she incorporates Greek mythology in her plot. It’s really out of the ordinary, the author had me speechless all throughout.

And not only that. This book also teaches life lessons. Good things in life are not easily and not instantly achieved through bargains without some painful exchange. I think the book delivers that beyond measure.

The romance thing is also lovely. Nyx and Ignifex shares feelings that are utterly deep in an imperfect, mystifying way.

“I think I’m wicked enough to love a demon.”

“That’s what makes you my favorite.” He reached up and wiped a tear off my cheek with his thumb. “Every wicked bit of you.”

The story is totally unpredictable. I think I could not easily get this book off my mind, to be honest. It has a twist that is mind-blowing! And the ending? Superb and phenomenal! This book is totally worth reading!

My rating for this Book: 5 stars

Review: Opposition by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Opposition
(Lux,#5)
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Published: August 5, 2014
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Science Fiction
My Rating:

Katy knows the world changed the night the Luxen came.

She can’t believe Daemon welcomed his race or stood by as his kind threatened to obliterate every last human and hybrid on Earth. But the lines between good and bad have blurred, and love has become an emotion that could destroy her—could destroy them all.

Daemon will do anything to save those he loves, even if it means betrayal.

They must team with an unlikely enemy if there is any chance of surviving the invasion. But when it quickly becomes impossible to tell friend from foe, and the world is crumbling around them, they may lose everything— even what they cherish most—to ensure the survival of their friends…and mankind.

War has come to Earth. And no matter the outcome, the future will never be the same for those left standing.

MY THOUGHTS…

Everything had started with Dawson and Beth.

And everything ended with Daemon and me.

I still can’t believe it, but the Lux series has finally ended, and it ended in a seriously freaking awesome way!

The Opposition is one of the most anticipated closures in book series. It brings out epic, soul-crashing, adrenaline-rushing action scenes that are seriously what I’ve expected in the book.

Every scene in Opposition sends goosebumps on my skin. And of course, Katy and Daemon’s relationship never really gets boring, as ever! And it’s pretty impressive because given that this series is composed of five books in total, I should’ve got used to their sweet moments, but honestly, that’s not what I’ve felt the entire time they’re together. It seems like their relationship is growing more and more interesting… and comforting at the same time. They’re simply the most adorable book couple I’ve come across, I could cry!

It didn’t matter how many hours, days, months, or years we had stretched out in front of us; we’d always be together. This kind of love was the real deal, stronger than a whole planet full of psycho aliens and an entire government.

I also love how Daemon and Katy got through all these situations. Their painful experiences all the way made them become stronger. I love their character development– how Katy deals with everything and how she learns to combat the enemies with her striking, undiscovered powers.

“Damn, Kitten, you’re badass, almost scary, and yet so freaking hot.”

And Daemon– well, he’s Daemon. And you already know how hot and awesome he is!

What I also love about this book is that it keeps me going on and on right from the start. At the first chapters, there’s already enough action that seems to come straight out of a movie.

I also love the twist. The Arum! Oh my God. I seriously didn’t think that the Arum are going to make a huge part in this book. *clap clap clap*!

Everything in Opposition is phenomenal and all-consuming. It’s absolutely full of awesomeness! And Jennifer L. Armentrout’s writing? Freaking beautiful and flawless! Not to mention the humor that really makes me LOL all over. Hands down! I couldn’t say anything else but I really admire how great she is in drawing her readers to the world she is creating.

Right now, I’m in a book hangover. Literally. And it sucks. I know I can’t get over with this for a real long time. I, for sure, am going to miss Daemon and Katy. 😦

Will there be any book better than this? Right now, I guess there’s none. Yet. I seriously don’t want to let go! It’s like Daemon is breaking up with me. Alright, I think I’m getting crazy already. Lol.

My Rating for this Book: As usual, 5 Awesome Daemon stars! (It’s the best book conclusion in a series, positively 100%)

Review: A Break of Day by Bella Forrest

A Break of Day
(A Shade of Vampire #7)
Author: Bella Forrest
Publisher: CreateSpace
Published: July 11, 2014
Genre: Paranormal, Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance
My Rating:

The greatly anticipated conclusion to Derek and Sofia’s journey!

Everything Sofia believed to be true has crumbled before her very eyes…

In this explosive finale, secrets will be revealed, loyalties tested and trust broken.

Are you ready to return to The Shade?

MY THOUGHTS…

A Break of Day is the finale of one of my favorite series, A Shade of Vampire. Finally it has come to a conclusion. I have to admit, after reading the book, I kind of miss the whole series. I miss the characters that I have grown to love since last year. I miss the beauty of The Shade, the all-consuming and magical world of the vampires, and of course, the beautiful characters. Okay, now I’m getting all sentimental.

Stay strong, Sofia. You’re no stranger to storms. The waves may rage, but you can rise above them.

Anyway, the book is good. I admit that I have greater expectations since I was totally imagining a different plot, twist, and ending. But although it didn’t exactly meet my expectations, I was relieved because of its happy ending.

What I admire about this book, despite the tormenting events and situations that happened to the characters all throughout the book, is how Derek and Sofia’s love became even stronger. I can’t help but fall in love with them all over again!

And oh, the way Derek describes Sofia– it’s deep and emotional!

Sofia. The love of my life. The person without whom all would be for nothing. My ever-burning light. My break of day.

I think the characters deserve the good things that happen to them in the end and I’m really happy for them. This book is memorable and it’s the series that will totally stay on my mind. 🙂

My Rating for this Book: 4 Stars (It wasn’t a perfect book but its ending is satisfying and unforgettable.)

Review: We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

We Were Liars
Author: E. Lockhart
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Published: May 13, 2014
Genre: Mystery, Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult
My Rating:

A beautiful and distinguished family.
A private island.
A brilliant, damaged girl; a passionate, political boy.
A group of four friends—the Liars—whose friendship turns destructive.
A revolution. An accident. A secret.
Lies upon lies.
True love.
The truth.

We Were Liars is a modern, sophisticated suspense novel from National Book Award finalist and Printz Award honoree E. Lockhart…

MY THOUGHTS…

(Spoiler-Free)

The island is ours. Here, in some way, we are young forever…

Wow, just freakin’ wow! This book is impossible to put down. I love it! I love the character-building and the way the author wrote it in a really mysterious way. At first, I didn’t have any idea what the fuss is about and I found the first few chapters really vague but that’s what made me persevere to continue reading it and yes, I didn’t regret it because it was such an engaging read!

My favorite parts of this book are of course, the surprising twist of events and the insanely shocking and absorbing ending. It literally sent goosebumps on my skin! LITERALLY! This book is absolutely hard to forget.

My Rating for this book: 5 Stars

Favorite Quote from this book

“It is good to be loved, even though it will not last.”

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.

 

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: 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!)

 

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.”