Alright y'all, last review of the day :) Lets get to it!
Keeping the Moon is by Sarah Dessen. Goodreads says:
Fifteen-year-old Colie is spending the summer with her eccentric Aunt Mira while her mother travels. Formerly chubby and still insecure, Colie has built a shell around herself. But her summer with her aunt, her aunt's tenant Norman, and her friends at the Last Chance Diner teaches her some important lessons about friendship and learning to love yourself.
I love this book :) My second Dessen book and so far nothing at all to complain about! Wahoo!!! :) But seriously, this book is wonderful. I can especially relate to this book because I've struggled with my weight my entire life, just like Colie. I know what it's like to be teased and bullied in school, and it is horrible. I'll get to it more when I talk about writing style, back to my thoughts on the plot. I loved this story. I loved watching Colie's journey of self love/acceptance, as well as finding friends and romance along the way. This whole story was full of realness, raw emotion, and pure loveliness. I enjoyed every second of Colie's summer in Colby.
Colie was a great character. Like I said, I can relate to her with the weight and bullying issues. I loved watching her learn to accept herself, as well as having a good time at the Last Chance Diner and being around Norman, Morgan, Isabel and Mira. You root for her to be happy, have friends, and just have a good life free from bullying. Norman was so damn sweet. I love him and his quirkiness, odd habits, intelligence, etc. I think I fell in love with him. He was perfect for Colie. Morgan and Isabel were definitely the highlights of this book. As characters they stood on their own, while being even better together. I loved their loving and volatile relationship. You can see how much they care for each other, how close they are. I also love how they make each other better people. Morgan is the more loving, sweeter, more encouraging and naive of the duo. She befriends Colie first, and is the one who gets her the job at Last Chance. I loved reading her journey with her fiance. Isabel is the more cynical, nastier of the two, but I ended up liking her. She showed her softer side as the book went on, and you see her past and she explains why she thinks some of the things she thinks. Plus she gave the blunt truth, and I love that. She really guides Colie on her road to self acceptance. I ended up loving her as a character, bluntness and all. I also adored Mira, and her ability to ignore what people said about her. I wish she was my aunt.
Again, Ms. Dessen is an excellent as hell writer. Her style is just so fluid and brilliant. I loved how well she portrayed someone who had deep scars from bullying. She is a freaking master at creating little corners of the universe where you are so totally invested in the story no matter what. Yup, I am a fan of Sarah Dessen now. And I couldn't be happier.
I'll next be reviewing The Fine Art of Truth or Dare by Melissa Jensen.
Until next time, viva la literature!
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Review #150: Someone Like You by Sarah Dessen
Someone Like You is by Sarah Dessen. Goodreads says:
Halley has always followed in the wake of her best friend, Scarlett. But when Scarlett learns that her boyfriend has been killed in a motorcycle accident, and that she's carrying his baby, she's devastated. For the first time ever, Scarlett really needs Halley. Though their friendship may be tested by the strain, like a true friendship, it will endure.
This book was my introduction to Ms. Sarah Dessen, who is known all around as basically the Queen of Contemporary YA. She's a superstar in this genre, and I couldn't wait to read something by her. I am so glad I startted with Someone Like You. It is a freaking fantastic and lovely and heart wrentching read. I was captivated by Halley's story, her friendship with Scarlett, and her journey of self discovery. I loved reading this book, it literally felt like it was happening in real life. I kept reading and reading, wanting everything to turn out alright. This story was so raw and real and lovely, from page one to the final page, I was enraptured and addicted.
Halley is a wonderful character. She is naive and sarcastic, witty and smart. I loved reading her journey of becoming who she was meant to be, having little revelations along the way. It was honestly a joy watching her grown up, because she felt like my sister. Her love with Macon, her friendship with Scarlett, and her relationship with her parents all were part of her, slowly unfolding before my eyes. Scarlett was also wonderful. Bolder than her best friend, I was also rooting for her as well, wanting her to simply be happy and make it out ok. I felt for her so much, due to everything that happened. I definitely think Scarlett and Halley's relationship was the strongest part/emotional center of this novel. They were so close, I literally felt like it was me and my best friend Jessica. Their conversations felt like ones Jessica and I have had, me in the role of Scarlett and Jessica in the role of Halley. You could see just how much these best friends cared for each other, and no matter what happened, they were always there for one another. I loved that. Macon was interesting. He's one of those characters whose true colors are revealed as the story goes on. I liked him at first, but hated him in the end. I do think he was good for Halley in the sense that their relationship helped her to grow up. Characters like Halley's mom and Scarlett's mom were interesting. Every single character, no matter how much they were in this novel, shone. They had their faults, virtues, everything, and were just three dimensional.
Ms. Dessen has an excellent writing style. She brings you into her world with ease and comfort. She makes you feel like you live in Lakeview, go to school with these characters, know everyone. I loved how she created such real and raw and honest characters and situations. I can't believe I haven't read anything by her before, I am now an instant fan, and can see why she is the Queen of ContempYA. I can't wait to read more by her in the future!
I'll next be reading Keeping the Moon, also by Sarah Dessen.
Until next time, viva la literature!
Review #149: A Little Wanting Song by Cath Crowley
A Little Wanting Song is by Cath Crowley. The synopsis is:
CHARLIE DUSKIN loves music, and she knows she's good at it. But she only sings when she's alone, on themoonlit porch or in the back room at Old Gus's Secondhand Record and CD Store. Charlie's mom and grandmother have both died, and this summer she's visiting her grandpa in the country, surrounded by ghosts and grievingfamily, and serving burgers to the local kids at the milk bar. She's got her iPod, her guitar, and all her recording equipment, but she wants more: A friend. A dad who notices her. The chance to show Dave Robbie that she'snot entirely unspectacular.
ROSE BUTLER lives next door to Charlie's grandfather and spends her days watching cars pass on the freeway and hanging out with her troublemaker boyfriend. She loves Luke butcan't wait to leave their small country town. And she's figured out a way: she's won a scholarship to a science school in the city, and now she has to convince her parents to let her go. This is where Charlie comes in.Charlie, who lives in the city, and whom Rose has ignored for years. Charlie, who just might be Rose's ticket out.
It's quite strange. I loved Ms. Crowley's Graffiti Moon, but I detest this book. I could not, no matter how hard I tried, finish this book. The story itself was fine, it was the characters and the execution that made me quit. I thought this book was poorly written, I could not connect to the writing whatsoever. I also disliked Charlie and Rose. Charlie was so bland, she had almost no personality at all. There was nothing original about her, the stereotypical intellectual outcast who is alienated and ignored by everyone. Rose was a superficial bi()(), and I just did not like her vapid personality.
I don't know what went wrong, but I'm sorry I couldn't like this novel, because I really wanted to. I just couldn't
I'll next be reviewing Someone Like You by Sarah Dessen.
Until next time, viva la literature!
CHARLIE DUSKIN loves music, and she knows she's good at it. But she only sings when she's alone, on themoonlit porch or in the back room at Old Gus's Secondhand Record and CD Store. Charlie's mom and grandmother have both died, and this summer she's visiting her grandpa in the country, surrounded by ghosts and grievingfamily, and serving burgers to the local kids at the milk bar. She's got her iPod, her guitar, and all her recording equipment, but she wants more: A friend. A dad who notices her. The chance to show Dave Robbie that she'snot entirely unspectacular.
ROSE BUTLER lives next door to Charlie's grandfather and spends her days watching cars pass on the freeway and hanging out with her troublemaker boyfriend. She loves Luke butcan't wait to leave their small country town. And she's figured out a way: she's won a scholarship to a science school in the city, and now she has to convince her parents to let her go. This is where Charlie comes in.Charlie, who lives in the city, and whom Rose has ignored for years. Charlie, who just might be Rose's ticket out.
It's quite strange. I loved Ms. Crowley's Graffiti Moon, but I detest this book. I could not, no matter how hard I tried, finish this book. The story itself was fine, it was the characters and the execution that made me quit. I thought this book was poorly written, I could not connect to the writing whatsoever. I also disliked Charlie and Rose. Charlie was so bland, she had almost no personality at all. There was nothing original about her, the stereotypical intellectual outcast who is alienated and ignored by everyone. Rose was a superficial bi()(), and I just did not like her vapid personality.
I don't know what went wrong, but I'm sorry I couldn't like this novel, because I really wanted to. I just couldn't
I'll next be reviewing Someone Like You by Sarah Dessen.
Until next time, viva la literature!
Review #148: Graffiti Moon by Cath Crowley
Graffiti Moon is by Cath Crowley. The synopsis is:
It’s the end of Year 12. Lucy’s looking for Shadow, the graffiti artist everyone talks about.
His work is all over the city, but he is nowhere.
Ed, the last guy she wants to see at the moment, says he knows where to find him. He takes Lucy on an all-night search to places where Shadow’s thoughts about heartbreak and escape echo around the city walls.
But the one thing Lucy can’t see is the one thing that’s right before her eyes.
This book was utterly excellent. I adored it in all it's cute, sweet, complicated glory. I thought this book was so sweet and pure in its essense, I couldn't help but fall in love with it. I loved the story of Lucy and Ed, chasing Shadow all over town, all the while falling in love and learning so much about each other in the course of one night. I loved watching them run around, having insight into who the protagonists are, while dealing with some issues that could also scare you.
I thought Lucy was a great heroine. She was odd, a bit naive, determined and hopeful, also a bit bossy. I thought she wasn't all that terribly likeable, but I loved being in her head, simply because her thoughts have this beautiful lyrical quality to them. Ed was probably my favorite character. He was so sweet, cynical, lovely and just amazing. My heart broke as I read his story, his past. I just wanted him to be happy, and have a good life. I also wanted him to finally get the girl, and do the right thing. He is this gorgeously flawed character, whom I fell in love with as I continued reading on. Leo, Ed's best friend, was alright. I thought he was a bit too much of a jokester, but you really see him shine as the novel goes on. I also loved how his poetry was added sporadically in between Lucy and Ed's POV's, it was beautiful, as well as commentary of the story as it progressed. Others such as Jazz, Ed and Lucy's parents, all of them were wonderful and fully fleshed out. I especially loved Jazz and Lucy's parents.
Ms. Crowley has a beautiful writing style. Like I said, it's incredibly lyrical and beautiful. I love how the story just glowed like a waterfal, from one point to another. She also made Lucy and Ed's journey's so real, as well as their love story. I can't wait to read more from her!
I'll next be reading A Little Wanting Song, also by Cath Crowley.
Until next time, viva la literature!
It’s the end of Year 12. Lucy’s looking for Shadow, the graffiti artist everyone talks about.
His work is all over the city, but he is nowhere.
Ed, the last guy she wants to see at the moment, says he knows where to find him. He takes Lucy on an all-night search to places where Shadow’s thoughts about heartbreak and escape echo around the city walls.
But the one thing Lucy can’t see is the one thing that’s right before her eyes.
This book was utterly excellent. I adored it in all it's cute, sweet, complicated glory. I thought this book was so sweet and pure in its essense, I couldn't help but fall in love with it. I loved the story of Lucy and Ed, chasing Shadow all over town, all the while falling in love and learning so much about each other in the course of one night. I loved watching them run around, having insight into who the protagonists are, while dealing with some issues that could also scare you.
I thought Lucy was a great heroine. She was odd, a bit naive, determined and hopeful, also a bit bossy. I thought she wasn't all that terribly likeable, but I loved being in her head, simply because her thoughts have this beautiful lyrical quality to them. Ed was probably my favorite character. He was so sweet, cynical, lovely and just amazing. My heart broke as I read his story, his past. I just wanted him to be happy, and have a good life. I also wanted him to finally get the girl, and do the right thing. He is this gorgeously flawed character, whom I fell in love with as I continued reading on. Leo, Ed's best friend, was alright. I thought he was a bit too much of a jokester, but you really see him shine as the novel goes on. I also loved how his poetry was added sporadically in between Lucy and Ed's POV's, it was beautiful, as well as commentary of the story as it progressed. Others such as Jazz, Ed and Lucy's parents, all of them were wonderful and fully fleshed out. I especially loved Jazz and Lucy's parents.
Ms. Crowley has a beautiful writing style. Like I said, it's incredibly lyrical and beautiful. I love how the story just glowed like a waterfal, from one point to another. She also made Lucy and Ed's journey's so real, as well as their love story. I can't wait to read more from her!
I'll next be reading A Little Wanting Song, also by Cath Crowley.
Until next time, viva la literature!
Currently Reading #15
Well friends, the time of the steampunk-tastic CR list has ended, and a new time has arisen. This lastest list is once again Contemporary YA. Also there is a sub-theme of author mini-marathons in ther there are multiple books by the same author on here. Without further ado, here are the books!
1. Graffiti Moon - Cath Crowley
2. A Little Wanting Song - Cath Crowley
3. Someone Like You - Sarah Dessen
4. Keeping the Moon - Sarah Dessen
5. The Fine Art of Truth Or Dare - Melissa Jensen
6. Ten Miles Past Normal - Frances O'Roark Dowell
7. Shrinking Violet - Danielle Joseph
8. The Daughters (The Daughters #1) - Joanna Philbin
9. Confessions of the Sullivan Sisters - Natalie Standiford
10. The Miseducation of Cameron Post - emily m. danforth
Well there ya have it folks! Can't wait to dive into these wonderful sounding books! Especially the ones by Sarah Dessen, since this is my first time reading any of her books, and she is a huge deal in the Contemporary YA genre.
Until next time, viva la literature!
1. Graffiti Moon - Cath Crowley
2. A Little Wanting Song - Cath Crowley
3. Someone Like You - Sarah Dessen
4. Keeping the Moon - Sarah Dessen
5. The Fine Art of Truth Or Dare - Melissa Jensen
6. Ten Miles Past Normal - Frances O'Roark Dowell
7. Shrinking Violet - Danielle Joseph
8. The Daughters (The Daughters #1) - Joanna Philbin
9. Confessions of the Sullivan Sisters - Natalie Standiford
10. The Miseducation of Cameron Post - emily m. danforth
Well there ya have it folks! Can't wait to dive into these wonderful sounding books! Especially the ones by Sarah Dessen, since this is my first time reading any of her books, and she is a huge deal in the Contemporary YA genre.
Until next time, viva la literature!
Review #147: Lady of Devices by Shelley Adina
Lady of Devices is the first in the Magnificent Devices series by Shelley Adina. Goodreads states:
London, 1889. Victoria is Queen. Charles Darwin's son is Prime Minister. And steam is the power that runs the world.
At 17, Claire Trevelyan, daughter of Viscount St. Ives, was expected to do nothing more than pour an elegant cup of tea, sew a fine seam, and catch a rich husband. Unfortunately, Claire's talents lie not in the ballroom, but in the chemistry lab, where things have a regrettable habit of blowing up. When her father gambles the estate on the combustion engine and loses, Claire finds herself down and out on the mean streets of London. But being a young woman of resources and intellect, she turns fortune on its head. It's not long before a new leader rises in the underworld, known only as the Lady of Devices.
When she meets Andrew Malvern, a member of the Royal Society of Engineers, she realizes her talents may encompass more than the invention of explosive devices. They may help her realize her dreams and his . . . if they can both stay alive long enough to see that sometimes the closest friendships can trigger the greatest betrayals . . .
I just literally could not finish this book. I do find it ironic though that in the book, it says "For fans of Gail Carriger and (I forget the other author's name xD)" I just read Soulless before I started this book, and for the life of me I could not find any similarities at all. I could not get into this story. I didn't understand anything that was going on, and was just skipping pages whilst confused.
Claire was not a good heroine. I was unable to connect with her as a character, and could not follow her in the story.
Seems that once again, I have finished a Currently Reading List. I shall post the next one in a bit.
Until next time, viva la literature!
London, 1889. Victoria is Queen. Charles Darwin's son is Prime Minister. And steam is the power that runs the world.
At 17, Claire Trevelyan, daughter of Viscount St. Ives, was expected to do nothing more than pour an elegant cup of tea, sew a fine seam, and catch a rich husband. Unfortunately, Claire's talents lie not in the ballroom, but in the chemistry lab, where things have a regrettable habit of blowing up. When her father gambles the estate on the combustion engine and loses, Claire finds herself down and out on the mean streets of London. But being a young woman of resources and intellect, she turns fortune on its head. It's not long before a new leader rises in the underworld, known only as the Lady of Devices.
When she meets Andrew Malvern, a member of the Royal Society of Engineers, she realizes her talents may encompass more than the invention of explosive devices. They may help her realize her dreams and his . . . if they can both stay alive long enough to see that sometimes the closest friendships can trigger the greatest betrayals . . .
I just literally could not finish this book. I do find it ironic though that in the book, it says "For fans of Gail Carriger and (I forget the other author's name xD)" I just read Soulless before I started this book, and for the life of me I could not find any similarities at all. I could not get into this story. I didn't understand anything that was going on, and was just skipping pages whilst confused.
Claire was not a good heroine. I was unable to connect with her as a character, and could not follow her in the story.
Seems that once again, I have finished a Currently Reading List. I shall post the next one in a bit.
Until next time, viva la literature!
Review #146: Soulless by Gail Carriger
Greetings everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful President's Week break :) Well, back to the grind, and I'm going to start it off (second day back xD) with a bunch of reviews for y'all :) Away we go! *A cool breeze spirits me away*
Soulless is the first in the Parasol Protectorate series by Gail Carriger. Goodreads says:
Alexia Tarabotti is laboring under a great many social tribulations. First, she has no soul. Second, she's a spinster whose father is both Italian and dead. Third, she was rudely attacked by a vampire, breaking all standards of social etiquette.
Where to go from there? From bad to worse apparently, for Alexia accidentally kills the vampire -- and then the appalling Lord Maccon (loud, messy, gorgeous, and werewolf) is sent by Queen Victoria to investigate.
With unexpected vampires appearing and expected vampires disappearing, everyone seems to believe Alexia responsible. Can she figure out what is actually happening to London's high society? Will her soulless ability to negate supernatural powers prove useful or just plain embarrassing? Finally, who is the real enemy, and do they have treacle tart?
I'd like to give a shout out to Wendy Darling from The Midnight Garden. If it wasn't for seeing her review on Goodreads, I don't think I would have picked this book up. Thanks Wendy for introducing me to this freaking amazing series! :)
Holy bleeping hell you guys. This book was AMAZAZING! I can't even describe how much I love this book, because it would have a lot of profanity added to "this book is so good this book is so good this book is sooooooooooooooo goooooood." You get my drift. This book, I can't even. It is so refreshing on its take on the paranormal, has some excellent steampunk, and a kick-ass romance. Plus strong and colorful characters whom attach themselves to you like gum on your show, but in a good way. I literally stayed up until 5 in the morining because I refused to sleep until I found out what happened in the end. I'm telling you, Soulless is boss, man. I was utterly addicted to this book from page one. I love the melding of steampunk and Paranormal Romance/alternative history. Alexia's journey of solving the mystery, along with Lord Maccon, was exceptional. I was trying to solve the mystery with them along the way, while rooting for them to succeed. Plus this book was just good, pure fun. I couldn't stop smiling at certain points, this novel is contagiously fun. I don't think I have read this fun of a paranormal book since I last read the Sabina Kane series.
Alexia is a BOSS y'all. She is blunt, sharp, witty and wickedly smart, plus she doesn't take anyone's crap. I felt an instant connection to our soulless heroine. I really truly think we'd be close friends in real life, because we both share the same traits. I loved being in her head, with her funny and sarcastic thoughts. I also loved reading her journey, emotional and plot driven journey. She is definitely a character to be reckoned with for sure. I felt for her when her family treated her horrendously. I wanted to shake them all and show them how wonderful Alexia was, and shame on them for thinking otherwise. Plus, she is a boss with a parasol! Lord Maccon, holy crap. He is a sexy sexy guy. I loved his white hot chemistry with Alexia. Their banter is just wonderful to read, and had me giggling and storing away some of their words to use in real life. I love how their romance started accidentally, because it came out of nowhere. Yet, when going back to the part before the romance started, you could see that their love made perfect sense. Maccon was strong willed, sharp, arrogant, and sweet. I loved watching his journey of wanting to solve the mystery with Alexia, also his journey of realizing his feelings for her. Apart from our two leads, without a doubt my second favorite character was Lord Akeldama. Holy crap, he is fabulous! I love love love love love Lord Akeldama! He is so sweet and witty and just purely awesome. I loved his conversations with Alexia, how he cared for her and wanted her to be happy, while also being snarkily wonderful. He is fabulousness incarnate, and I can't wait to see him again in the next book! I also adored Professor Lyall and Miss Hisselpenny, Alexia's best friend. Both were excellent best friends to our leads, while standing on their own as vibrant and three-dimensional characters. Especially Miss Hisselpenny, and her awesome friendship with Alexia. It felt like me and my best friend just talking and rolling our eyes at each other. Every character in this book shone on their own, even the villains. No one was cardboard, and I loved how fleshed out the side characters were, no matter who they were.
I worship the ground Ms. Carriger walks on. She has one of the best writing styles I have ever read in my life. She truly gets in the Victorian mindset, setting it all up perfectly and did not make her syle hokey or out of whack with the time period. Plus her world is just fascinating, entirely fleshed out with room for more to come out of the woodwork. She paints such a vivid picture of Alexia's world, I just wanted to get lost in it. Plus her take on typical paranormal creatures was utterly original and fascinating. I can not wait to further explore her world and her characters in Changeless.
I'll next be reviewing Lady of Devices by Shelley Adina.
Until next time, viva la literature!
Soulless is the first in the Parasol Protectorate series by Gail Carriger. Goodreads says:
Alexia Tarabotti is laboring under a great many social tribulations. First, she has no soul. Second, she's a spinster whose father is both Italian and dead. Third, she was rudely attacked by a vampire, breaking all standards of social etiquette.
Where to go from there? From bad to worse apparently, for Alexia accidentally kills the vampire -- and then the appalling Lord Maccon (loud, messy, gorgeous, and werewolf) is sent by Queen Victoria to investigate.
With unexpected vampires appearing and expected vampires disappearing, everyone seems to believe Alexia responsible. Can she figure out what is actually happening to London's high society? Will her soulless ability to negate supernatural powers prove useful or just plain embarrassing? Finally, who is the real enemy, and do they have treacle tart?
I'd like to give a shout out to Wendy Darling from The Midnight Garden. If it wasn't for seeing her review on Goodreads, I don't think I would have picked this book up. Thanks Wendy for introducing me to this freaking amazing series! :)
Holy bleeping hell you guys. This book was AMAZAZING! I can't even describe how much I love this book, because it would have a lot of profanity added to "this book is so good this book is so good this book is sooooooooooooooo goooooood." You get my drift. This book, I can't even. It is so refreshing on its take on the paranormal, has some excellent steampunk, and a kick-ass romance. Plus strong and colorful characters whom attach themselves to you like gum on your show, but in a good way. I literally stayed up until 5 in the morining because I refused to sleep until I found out what happened in the end. I'm telling you, Soulless is boss, man. I was utterly addicted to this book from page one. I love the melding of steampunk and Paranormal Romance/alternative history. Alexia's journey of solving the mystery, along with Lord Maccon, was exceptional. I was trying to solve the mystery with them along the way, while rooting for them to succeed. Plus this book was just good, pure fun. I couldn't stop smiling at certain points, this novel is contagiously fun. I don't think I have read this fun of a paranormal book since I last read the Sabina Kane series.
Alexia is a BOSS y'all. She is blunt, sharp, witty and wickedly smart, plus she doesn't take anyone's crap. I felt an instant connection to our soulless heroine. I really truly think we'd be close friends in real life, because we both share the same traits. I loved being in her head, with her funny and sarcastic thoughts. I also loved reading her journey, emotional and plot driven journey. She is definitely a character to be reckoned with for sure. I felt for her when her family treated her horrendously. I wanted to shake them all and show them how wonderful Alexia was, and shame on them for thinking otherwise. Plus, she is a boss with a parasol! Lord Maccon, holy crap. He is a sexy sexy guy. I loved his white hot chemistry with Alexia. Their banter is just wonderful to read, and had me giggling and storing away some of their words to use in real life. I love how their romance started accidentally, because it came out of nowhere. Yet, when going back to the part before the romance started, you could see that their love made perfect sense. Maccon was strong willed, sharp, arrogant, and sweet. I loved watching his journey of wanting to solve the mystery with Alexia, also his journey of realizing his feelings for her. Apart from our two leads, without a doubt my second favorite character was Lord Akeldama. Holy crap, he is fabulous! I love love love love love Lord Akeldama! He is so sweet and witty and just purely awesome. I loved his conversations with Alexia, how he cared for her and wanted her to be happy, while also being snarkily wonderful. He is fabulousness incarnate, and I can't wait to see him again in the next book! I also adored Professor Lyall and Miss Hisselpenny, Alexia's best friend. Both were excellent best friends to our leads, while standing on their own as vibrant and three-dimensional characters. Especially Miss Hisselpenny, and her awesome friendship with Alexia. It felt like me and my best friend just talking and rolling our eyes at each other. Every character in this book shone on their own, even the villains. No one was cardboard, and I loved how fleshed out the side characters were, no matter who they were.
I worship the ground Ms. Carriger walks on. She has one of the best writing styles I have ever read in my life. She truly gets in the Victorian mindset, setting it all up perfectly and did not make her syle hokey or out of whack with the time period. Plus her world is just fascinating, entirely fleshed out with room for more to come out of the woodwork. She paints such a vivid picture of Alexia's world, I just wanted to get lost in it. Plus her take on typical paranormal creatures was utterly original and fascinating. I can not wait to further explore her world and her characters in Changeless.
I'll next be reviewing Lady of Devices by Shelley Adina.
Until next time, viva la literature!
Monday, February 20, 2012
Review #145: Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare
Greetings friends! I hope your weekends were full of fabulousity and crazy hijinks :) I've got this gush-fest of a review for y'all at this moment, so let the review commence!
Clockwork Angel is the first in the Infernal Devices Trilogy by Cassandra Clare. The ID is the prequel trilogy to her wildly popular Mortal Instruments series. Goodreads says:
In a time when Shadowhunters are barely winning the fight against the forces of darkness, one battle will change the course of history forever. Welcome to The Infernal Devices trilogy, a stunning and dangerous prequel to the New York Times bestselling Mortal Instruments series. The year is 1878. Searching for her missing brother, sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray descends into London's dark supernatural underworld and finds herself up against the Pandemonium Club, a secret organization of vampires, demons, warlocks, and humans. Equipped with a magical army of unstoppable clockwork demons, the Club is out to rule the British Empire, and only Tessa and her Shadowhunter allies can stop them....
Oh my god, this book was AMAZING!!!! Yup, broke out the four exclamation points and everything. I was GAlued to this book every moment I could get back to my Nook. I mean it, this is a seriously addictive book. I love it even more than I loved City of Bones. I was utterly sucked in by this story, the interactions between the characters, the historical aspect, and the purely amazingly awesome action. This whole book shines, I can almost see my nook glowing xD. The story was fabulous. I loved reading Tessa's journey of finding her brother, figuring out who/what she is, and all of the delicious drama going on in the London Institute. The tension could have been cut with a knife. I couldn't wait to find everything out. Admittedly, I did figure out who the villain was early on, but for a while I thought it just might be someone else, and for that, I applaud Ms. Clare. I wanted to know more and more about the London Institute, and everyone who inhabited it.
Speaking of characters, there's Tessa, our protagonist. She was excellent. I loved watching her journey, hoping for her to overcome her demons and struggles in order to find happiness. I felt for her, I loved her fiery attitude, and how she wanted to help, despite the social conventions. I loved her relationships with the two main love interests, Will and Jem (although Jem isn't necessarily a love interest yet, at least it didn't seem that way to me) Tessa and Will's relationship was fantastic, I loved reading their awesomely wonderful banter. I could survive off of their banter for at least a week and a half, it was that awesome. I could literally see them falling in love, and I was rooting for them all the way. Will as a character was fascinating. I loved him, yet at times I hated him and wanted to shake him for how he treated everyone around him. His dual nature was infuriating, and yet I still love him as a love interest for Tessa. Jem, the second love interest, I utterly adore. While I'm more fascinated by Will, I just love/adore Jem. He was so damn sweet! I feel like the only way to describe my feelings about Jem is to say I love him I love him I love him on repeat, being that's all I can think of right now while trying to describe my feelings towards Jem. He's so sweet, understanding, and endearing. I also feel for him due to his past, which broke my heart. Even though I love both characters, I think I'm leaning towards Team Jem. Love you Jem!!! Jessamine was also fascinating. All she wanted was to fit the conventional Victorian woman, married, demure and dainty. Yet despite all that, she is also a Shadowhunter, capable of as much violence as her male counterparts. As a person, I hated her, although she had her (very brief) moments. I loved reading about the pull in her between being a perfect dainty lady, with being a good Shadowhunter. I also adored Charlotte, and by extension Henry. They were just wonderful, and I loved their relationship, as well as how much they cared about everyone in the house. The villain scared the living hell out of me, as did the Dark Sisters. I mean holy shit (pardon), I literally shivered every single time either the Dark Sisters or the Magister spoke. I actually just shivered. How calm they were about it all was unsettling as all get out.
Dayum Ms. Clare, you are kick-ass. I was a bit shaky on your writing with COB, but you have made me fall in deep love with your writing. I love love love your steampunk world, and how you built it up. I also loved all of the winks to TMI. You could see all of the interconnections forming, having various aha! moments when recognizing something from TMI. Like I said in my review of City of Bones, I'm not always too keen on 3rd person omniscient POV, but Ms. Clare made it so enjoyable, I barely noticed.
In my opinion, this series is so far is definitely better than The Mortal Instruments, so much so that I've already acquired Clockwork Prince and can not wait to read it :)
I'll next be reviewing Soulless by Gail Carriger.
Until next time, viva la literature!
Clockwork Angel is the first in the Infernal Devices Trilogy by Cassandra Clare. The ID is the prequel trilogy to her wildly popular Mortal Instruments series. Goodreads says:
In a time when Shadowhunters are barely winning the fight against the forces of darkness, one battle will change the course of history forever. Welcome to The Infernal Devices trilogy, a stunning and dangerous prequel to the New York Times bestselling Mortal Instruments series. The year is 1878. Searching for her missing brother, sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray descends into London's dark supernatural underworld and finds herself up against the Pandemonium Club, a secret organization of vampires, demons, warlocks, and humans. Equipped with a magical army of unstoppable clockwork demons, the Club is out to rule the British Empire, and only Tessa and her Shadowhunter allies can stop them....
Oh my god, this book was AMAZING!!!! Yup, broke out the four exclamation points and everything. I was GAlued to this book every moment I could get back to my Nook. I mean it, this is a seriously addictive book. I love it even more than I loved City of Bones. I was utterly sucked in by this story, the interactions between the characters, the historical aspect, and the purely amazingly awesome action. This whole book shines, I can almost see my nook glowing xD. The story was fabulous. I loved reading Tessa's journey of finding her brother, figuring out who/what she is, and all of the delicious drama going on in the London Institute. The tension could have been cut with a knife. I couldn't wait to find everything out. Admittedly, I did figure out who the villain was early on, but for a while I thought it just might be someone else, and for that, I applaud Ms. Clare. I wanted to know more and more about the London Institute, and everyone who inhabited it.
Speaking of characters, there's Tessa, our protagonist. She was excellent. I loved watching her journey, hoping for her to overcome her demons and struggles in order to find happiness. I felt for her, I loved her fiery attitude, and how she wanted to help, despite the social conventions. I loved her relationships with the two main love interests, Will and Jem (although Jem isn't necessarily a love interest yet, at least it didn't seem that way to me) Tessa and Will's relationship was fantastic, I loved reading their awesomely wonderful banter. I could survive off of their banter for at least a week and a half, it was that awesome. I could literally see them falling in love, and I was rooting for them all the way. Will as a character was fascinating. I loved him, yet at times I hated him and wanted to shake him for how he treated everyone around him. His dual nature was infuriating, and yet I still love him as a love interest for Tessa. Jem, the second love interest, I utterly adore. While I'm more fascinated by Will, I just love/adore Jem. He was so damn sweet! I feel like the only way to describe my feelings about Jem is to say I love him I love him I love him on repeat, being that's all I can think of right now while trying to describe my feelings towards Jem. He's so sweet, understanding, and endearing. I also feel for him due to his past, which broke my heart. Even though I love both characters, I think I'm leaning towards Team Jem. Love you Jem!!! Jessamine was also fascinating. All she wanted was to fit the conventional Victorian woman, married, demure and dainty. Yet despite all that, she is also a Shadowhunter, capable of as much violence as her male counterparts. As a person, I hated her, although she had her (very brief) moments. I loved reading about the pull in her between being a perfect dainty lady, with being a good Shadowhunter. I also adored Charlotte, and by extension Henry. They were just wonderful, and I loved their relationship, as well as how much they cared about everyone in the house. The villain scared the living hell out of me, as did the Dark Sisters. I mean holy shit (pardon), I literally shivered every single time either the Dark Sisters or the Magister spoke. I actually just shivered. How calm they were about it all was unsettling as all get out.
Dayum Ms. Clare, you are kick-ass. I was a bit shaky on your writing with COB, but you have made me fall in deep love with your writing. I love love love your steampunk world, and how you built it up. I also loved all of the winks to TMI. You could see all of the interconnections forming, having various aha! moments when recognizing something from TMI. Like I said in my review of City of Bones, I'm not always too keen on 3rd person omniscient POV, but Ms. Clare made it so enjoyable, I barely noticed.
In my opinion, this series is so far is definitely better than The Mortal Instruments, so much so that I've already acquired Clockwork Prince and can not wait to read it :)
I'll next be reviewing Soulless by Gail Carriger.
Until next time, viva la literature!
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Review #144: Worldshaker by Richard Harland
Hello friends! I hope you're all well. Have this here review, so lets get down to brass tacks then!
Worldshaker is a steampunk thriller, the first in a duology by Richard Harland. The synopsis is this:
Col Porpentine understands how society works: The elite families enjoy a comfortable life on the Upper Decks of the great juggernaut Worldshaker, and the Filthies toil Below Decks. Col's grandfather, the Supreme Commander of Worldshaker, is grooming Col as his successor.
Used to keep Worldshaker moving, Filthies are like animals, unable to understand language or think for themselves. Or so Col believes before he meets Riff, a Filthy girl on the run who is clever and quick. If Riff is telling the truth, then everything Col has been told is a lie. And Col has the power to do something about it--even if it means risking his whole future.
Honestly, I'm a bit conflicted about this book. On one hand, it had some excellent character development, with villains that angered me in a good way (nearly making me want to chuck my Nook at the nearest wall), and some sweet action. On the other hand, the story sagged a LOT half of the time, and I just was not interested at those momements. The characters and dialogue did not live up to snuff in that half of the book I disliked. Also there was a bit of stereotyping which I hated. But I do like the story overall, and like I said, great character development, with allegories to racism, in general using imperialism, etc.
Col was a decent character. I liked how he developed from a sheltered, self-superior kid to a more mature, kick ass revolutionizer who stands up for what he believes in and won't back down. I loved seeing this world from his eyes, although I do admit her personality overall was pretty bland. Also, his side of the romance felt too quickly developed. I mean he went from being totally disgusted by Riff to liking her to loving her EXTREMELY quick in my opinion. I know that love can happen and develop quickly, like I said in my review of The Statisical Probablility of Love at First Sight, but that relationship had wonderful development, despite the time frame. Col's romantic timeline felt like whiplash. Then there's Riff. I loved Riff. She was kick ass, funny and snarky, yet had a sweet side to her. She is definitely a character you root for, wanting her to succeed and kick more butt. I wonder what would happen if this book was told from Riff's point of view. It would definitely have been interesting. Now onto Col's sister, Gillabeth. Ugh, remember that stereotyping I mentioned earlier? Well she is it, she's that stereotype I hated in this book. I won't go into spoilers, but her whole character, her actions and motivations bothered the hell out of me. She felt like a stick in villain, that's all I'll say about her. I did really like Septimus a lot, he was wonderful and I wish he was in this book more than he was. The villains, other than Gillabeth, were completely interesting and touched a nerve in me that made me want to join Riff and Col in their quest.
I feel like Mr. Harland has a mish-mash style of writing. On one hand, he knows how to build his world, and fill it with interesting fact/details that bring you in. He knows how to write, for the most part, great characters and give them good growth. On the other hand, it felt like he wasn't even trying with some characters and plotlines, and just stuck them in there to pad out the novel. That was just a shame. I know there's a sequel, Liberator, but I doubt I'll read it, because despite the good parts, the bad parts far outweighed this time :(
I'll next be reviewing Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare.
Until next time, viva la literature!
Worldshaker is a steampunk thriller, the first in a duology by Richard Harland. The synopsis is this:
Col Porpentine understands how society works: The elite families enjoy a comfortable life on the Upper Decks of the great juggernaut Worldshaker, and the Filthies toil Below Decks. Col's grandfather, the Supreme Commander of Worldshaker, is grooming Col as his successor.
Used to keep Worldshaker moving, Filthies are like animals, unable to understand language or think for themselves. Or so Col believes before he meets Riff, a Filthy girl on the run who is clever and quick. If Riff is telling the truth, then everything Col has been told is a lie. And Col has the power to do something about it--even if it means risking his whole future.
Honestly, I'm a bit conflicted about this book. On one hand, it had some excellent character development, with villains that angered me in a good way (nearly making me want to chuck my Nook at the nearest wall), and some sweet action. On the other hand, the story sagged a LOT half of the time, and I just was not interested at those momements. The characters and dialogue did not live up to snuff in that half of the book I disliked. Also there was a bit of stereotyping which I hated. But I do like the story overall, and like I said, great character development, with allegories to racism, in general using imperialism, etc.
Col was a decent character. I liked how he developed from a sheltered, self-superior kid to a more mature, kick ass revolutionizer who stands up for what he believes in and won't back down. I loved seeing this world from his eyes, although I do admit her personality overall was pretty bland. Also, his side of the romance felt too quickly developed. I mean he went from being totally disgusted by Riff to liking her to loving her EXTREMELY quick in my opinion. I know that love can happen and develop quickly, like I said in my review of The Statisical Probablility of Love at First Sight, but that relationship had wonderful development, despite the time frame. Col's romantic timeline felt like whiplash. Then there's Riff. I loved Riff. She was kick ass, funny and snarky, yet had a sweet side to her. She is definitely a character you root for, wanting her to succeed and kick more butt. I wonder what would happen if this book was told from Riff's point of view. It would definitely have been interesting. Now onto Col's sister, Gillabeth. Ugh, remember that stereotyping I mentioned earlier? Well she is it, she's that stereotype I hated in this book. I won't go into spoilers, but her whole character, her actions and motivations bothered the hell out of me. She felt like a stick in villain, that's all I'll say about her. I did really like Septimus a lot, he was wonderful and I wish he was in this book more than he was. The villains, other than Gillabeth, were completely interesting and touched a nerve in me that made me want to join Riff and Col in their quest.
I feel like Mr. Harland has a mish-mash style of writing. On one hand, he knows how to build his world, and fill it with interesting fact/details that bring you in. He knows how to write, for the most part, great characters and give them good growth. On the other hand, it felt like he wasn't even trying with some characters and plotlines, and just stuck them in there to pad out the novel. That was just a shame. I know there's a sequel, Liberator, but I doubt I'll read it, because despite the good parts, the bad parts far outweighed this time :(
I'll next be reviewing Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare.
Until next time, viva la literature!
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Bad Book Round-Up
Well guys, it's time for another Bad Book Round-Up. To be fair though, this is the first one in almost two months, which is pretty good I think :) Alas, the happiness was short lived. With that in mind, let's get started:
Viridis by Calista Taylor:
I just hated the writing. Ms. Taylor did not build her world up at all in my opinion. Plus the writing was just not good, it felt wooden and hard to swallow. Plus I didn't like the characters.
The Steampunk Detective by Darrell Pitt:
Basically, everything I just said for the book above applies to this book. X_X
So there you have it. I hope there can be a streak of not writing these again. Here's to hoping.
I'll next be reviewing Worldshaker by Richard Harland.
Until next time, viva la literature!
Viridis by Calista Taylor:
I just hated the writing. Ms. Taylor did not build her world up at all in my opinion. Plus the writing was just not good, it felt wooden and hard to swallow. Plus I didn't like the characters.
The Steampunk Detective by Darrell Pitt:
Basically, everything I just said for the book above applies to this book. X_X
So there you have it. I hope there can be a streak of not writing these again. Here's to hoping.
I'll next be reviewing Worldshaker by Richard Harland.
Until next time, viva la literature!
Review #143: Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld
Hey everyone! Happy Valentines Day! I hope you're all celebrating this love-filled day with those you love :) Unfortunately, this review has nothing to do with romance xD, but I hope y'all enjoy it nonetheless.
Leviathan is the first in the Leviathan trilogy by Scott Westerfeld. Goodreads says:
It is the cusp of World War I, and all the European powers are arming up. The Austro-Hungarians and Germans have their Clankers, steam-driven iron machines loaded with guns and ammunition. The British Darwinists employ fabricated animals as their weaponry. Their "Leviathan" is a whale airship, and the most masterful beast in the British fleet.
Aleksandar Ferdinand, prince of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, is on the run. His own people have turned on him. His title is worthless. All he has is a battle-torn Stormwalker and a loyal crew of men.
Deryn Sharp is a commoner, a girl disguised as a boy in the British Air Service. She's a brilliant airman. But her secret is in constant danger of being discovered.
With the Great War brewing, Alek's and Deryn's paths cross in the most unexpected way...taking them both aboard the "Leviathan" on a fantastical, around-the-world adventure. One that will change both their lives forever.
This book was pretty excellent. For the most part, it kicked ass, had excellent character development, this book has it all. Well, mostly. There was one issue that I had with Leviathan, which I'll get to in the character section. But other than that one issue, I LOVED this book! It was all steampunk and sciency, had great character development, this book has it all. I was GAlued to this book whenever I had time to read. I loved how there was also the addition of Darwin in the novel. You see, besides the countries/empires involved in WWI, those countries are also divided into two groups, Darwinists and Clankers. Darwinists make machines inside of animals. Genetic engineering in essence. The clankers are basically the steampunk side, using automatons and such. I loved how the Darwinist aspect was done, plus it was utterly fascinating. Imagine if that happened in real life. Although with that concept this book was also loaded with the whole argument against it that also spills into real life: That the Darwinists are "godless" as the book says. I won't get into that, but it did make for some interesting thinking. I loved how this story took place in an alternate history, yet somehow felt plausible. I loved the journeys both Alek and Deryn went on. That ending also had some epicausity going on!
Deryn, oh Deryn. All I have to say when it comes to her is: You go Deryn, you go! Man, she was awesome. She kicked ass, had a wicked sharp tongue, but you could also see her depth, her vulnerability. You see how despite everything she puts as a front, she's basically just a girl who wants to be accepted for who she is, and is forced to hide her gender in order to live her dream. I related to her, I rooted for her, I wanted her to succeed and be able to be a pilot. Alek on the other hand, is the cause of my issue with this book. For some reason, I could not get into his chapters of the book. His POV did not gel with me, and just felt off. I just did not like him as a character, although I felt bad for him due to what happens to him. I do appreciate his growth, going from snobbish to not as superior and being able to see past appearances and stereotypes. Then again, that also applies to Deryn. I loved it when Deryn and Alek met. Their banter was probably the best part of the book for me. Their back and forth conversations had me cracking up, but also welling up with emotion for both of them. Volger had some great lines, and you could really see he cared for Alek. But I think my second favorite character would have to be Dr. Nora (I forget her last name). She was a boss. I loved it every time she appeared. Her dialogue, her character in general, everything screamed "awesome".
Mr. Westerfeld is a good writer. I can see why so many people adore him. He knows how to write, establish character and his world, everything you need to be a good author. Like I said, I love how he incorporated Darwin and put a twist on him/his discoveries. He created such a fantastic world that I just wanted to know more and more. Also, special mention to Keith Thompson, the illustrator. Mr. Thompson sir, you ROCK. I'm telling you guys, he is a BOSS as an illustrator. His drawings were gorgeous! Totally amazing and wonderful, even on my Nook. It was as if the drawings came to life, coming at me like a 3D movie. Plus they were so detailed and just full of awesome. I can safely say he is now one of my favorite illustrators.
My next review will be a Bad Book Round Up. *Sigh* So watch out for that.
Until next time, viva la literature!
Leviathan is the first in the Leviathan trilogy by Scott Westerfeld. Goodreads says:
It is the cusp of World War I, and all the European powers are arming up. The Austro-Hungarians and Germans have their Clankers, steam-driven iron machines loaded with guns and ammunition. The British Darwinists employ fabricated animals as their weaponry. Their "Leviathan" is a whale airship, and the most masterful beast in the British fleet.
Aleksandar Ferdinand, prince of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, is on the run. His own people have turned on him. His title is worthless. All he has is a battle-torn Stormwalker and a loyal crew of men.
Deryn Sharp is a commoner, a girl disguised as a boy in the British Air Service. She's a brilliant airman. But her secret is in constant danger of being discovered.
With the Great War brewing, Alek's and Deryn's paths cross in the most unexpected way...taking them both aboard the "Leviathan" on a fantastical, around-the-world adventure. One that will change both their lives forever.
This book was pretty excellent. For the most part, it kicked ass, had excellent character development, this book has it all. Well, mostly. There was one issue that I had with Leviathan, which I'll get to in the character section. But other than that one issue, I LOVED this book! It was all steampunk and sciency, had great character development, this book has it all. I was GAlued to this book whenever I had time to read. I loved how there was also the addition of Darwin in the novel. You see, besides the countries/empires involved in WWI, those countries are also divided into two groups, Darwinists and Clankers. Darwinists make machines inside of animals. Genetic engineering in essence. The clankers are basically the steampunk side, using automatons and such. I loved how the Darwinist aspect was done, plus it was utterly fascinating. Imagine if that happened in real life. Although with that concept this book was also loaded with the whole argument against it that also spills into real life: That the Darwinists are "godless" as the book says. I won't get into that, but it did make for some interesting thinking. I loved how this story took place in an alternate history, yet somehow felt plausible. I loved the journeys both Alek and Deryn went on. That ending also had some epicausity going on!
Deryn, oh Deryn. All I have to say when it comes to her is: You go Deryn, you go! Man, she was awesome. She kicked ass, had a wicked sharp tongue, but you could also see her depth, her vulnerability. You see how despite everything she puts as a front, she's basically just a girl who wants to be accepted for who she is, and is forced to hide her gender in order to live her dream. I related to her, I rooted for her, I wanted her to succeed and be able to be a pilot. Alek on the other hand, is the cause of my issue with this book. For some reason, I could not get into his chapters of the book. His POV did not gel with me, and just felt off. I just did not like him as a character, although I felt bad for him due to what happens to him. I do appreciate his growth, going from snobbish to not as superior and being able to see past appearances and stereotypes. Then again, that also applies to Deryn. I loved it when Deryn and Alek met. Their banter was probably the best part of the book for me. Their back and forth conversations had me cracking up, but also welling up with emotion for both of them. Volger had some great lines, and you could really see he cared for Alek. But I think my second favorite character would have to be Dr. Nora (I forget her last name). She was a boss. I loved it every time she appeared. Her dialogue, her character in general, everything screamed "awesome".
Mr. Westerfeld is a good writer. I can see why so many people adore him. He knows how to write, establish character and his world, everything you need to be a good author. Like I said, I love how he incorporated Darwin and put a twist on him/his discoveries. He created such a fantastic world that I just wanted to know more and more. Also, special mention to Keith Thompson, the illustrator. Mr. Thompson sir, you ROCK. I'm telling you guys, he is a BOSS as an illustrator. His drawings were gorgeous! Totally amazing and wonderful, even on my Nook. It was as if the drawings came to life, coming at me like a 3D movie. Plus they were so detailed and just full of awesome. I can safely say he is now one of my favorite illustrators.
My next review will be a Bad Book Round Up. *Sigh* So watch out for that.
Until next time, viva la literature!
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Review #142: Badlands by Seleste deLaney
Badlands is by Seleste deLaney. Goodreads speaks:
After a brutal Civil War, America is a land divided. As commander of her nation's border guards, Ever is a warrior sworn to protect her country and her queen. When an airship attacks and kills the monarch, Ever must infiltrate enemy territory to bring home the heir to the throne, and the dirigible Dark Hawk is her fastest way to the Union.
Captain Spencer Pierce just wants to pay off the debt he owes on the Dark Hawk and make a life for himself trading across the border. When the queen's assassination puts the shipping routes at risk, he finds himself Ever's reluctant ally.
As they fly into danger, Ever and Spencer must battle not only the enemy but also their growing attraction. She refuses to place her heart before duty, and he has always put the needs of his ship and crew above his own desires. Once the princess is rescued, perhaps they can find love in the Badlands— if death doesn't find them first...
This book was just not good. I tried, I really did. I promise I did. Sadly, this book and I were just not meant to be. I did not like the characters at all. Especially Ever. I thought she was a caricature, poorly written. The same goes for the other characters. The story all around just bugged me.
I'll next be reviewing Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld.
Until next time, viva la literature!
After a brutal Civil War, America is a land divided. As commander of her nation's border guards, Ever is a warrior sworn to protect her country and her queen. When an airship attacks and kills the monarch, Ever must infiltrate enemy territory to bring home the heir to the throne, and the dirigible Dark Hawk is her fastest way to the Union.
Captain Spencer Pierce just wants to pay off the debt he owes on the Dark Hawk and make a life for himself trading across the border. When the queen's assassination puts the shipping routes at risk, he finds himself Ever's reluctant ally.
As they fly into danger, Ever and Spencer must battle not only the enemy but also their growing attraction. She refuses to place her heart before duty, and he has always put the needs of his ship and crew above his own desires. Once the princess is rescued, perhaps they can find love in the Badlands— if death doesn't find them first...
This book was just not good. I tried, I really did. I promise I did. Sadly, this book and I were just not meant to be. I did not like the characters at all. Especially Ever. I thought she was a caricature, poorly written. The same goes for the other characters. The story all around just bugged me.
I'll next be reviewing Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld.
Until next time, viva la literature!
Currently Reading #14
Well my friends, the most current CR list has come to a close, a new one rising up in its wake. This newest one is one I've been waiting to do until I had enough books in order to do it. Without further ado!
This list's theme is: Steampunk! I have a huge fascination with steampunk, and I can't wait to dive into these stories of alternate history. :) Here are the stars of this list:
1. Badlands - Seleste deLaney
2. Leviathan (Leviathan #1) - Scott Westerfeld
3. Viridis - Calista Taylor
4. The Steampunk Detective - Darrell Pitt
5. Worldshaker (Worldshaker #1) - Richard Harland
6. Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices #1) - Cassandra Clare
7. Soulless (Parasol Protectorate #1) - Gail Carriger
8. Lady of Devices (Magnificent Devices #1) - Shelly Adina
There ya have it folks! I'll actually be posting my review for Badlands in a moment, so look out for that!
Until next time, viva la literature!
This list's theme is: Steampunk! I have a huge fascination with steampunk, and I can't wait to dive into these stories of alternate history. :) Here are the stars of this list:
1. Badlands - Seleste deLaney
2. Leviathan (Leviathan #1) - Scott Westerfeld
3. Viridis - Calista Taylor
4. The Steampunk Detective - Darrell Pitt
5. Worldshaker (Worldshaker #1) - Richard Harland
6. Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices #1) - Cassandra Clare
7. Soulless (Parasol Protectorate #1) - Gail Carriger
8. Lady of Devices (Magnificent Devices #1) - Shelly Adina
There ya have it folks! I'll actually be posting my review for Badlands in a moment, so look out for that!
Until next time, viva la literature!
Review #141: Incarnate by Jodi Meadows
Incarnate is the first in the Newsoul Trilogy by Jodi Meadows. Goodreads says:
New soul
Ana is new. For thousands of years in Range, a million souls have been reincarnated over and over, keeping their memories and experiences from previous lifetimes. When Ana was born, another soul vanished, and no one knows why.
No soul
Even Ana's own mother thinks she's a nosoul, an omen of worse things to come, and has kept her away from society. To escape her seclusion and learn whether she'll be reincarnated, Ana travels to the city of Heart, but its citizens are afraid of what her presence means. When dragons and sylph attack the city, is Ana to blame?
Heart
Sam believes Ana's new soul is good and worthwhile. When he stands up for her, their relationship blooms. But can he love someone who may live only once, and will Ana's enemies--human and creature alike--let them be together? Ana needs to uncover the mistake that gave her someone else's life, but will her quest threaten the peace of Heart and destroy the promise of reincarnation for all?
Jodi Meadows expertly weaves soul-deep romance, fantasy, and danger into an extraordinary tale of new life.
Holy fucking shit (pardon my language), this book was amazing! Amazing I tell you, amazing! I would shout it from the rooftops if I could. No, really. I was scared sh**less as I started this book, because I had been hyper-excited for it, waiting on my heels excited. Thankfully, Incarnate fully exceeded my expectations and more. I love love love this concept, it is totally unique in YA right now. I also love how it's a blend of different genres, and they're well blended too. I loved Ana's journey into Heart, learning more about herself, and learning the implications of various actions. There were epic twists and turns, mixed with some subtle social commentary as well as going deep into the idea of reincarnation. One of the things I liked about the world was that is sort of mirrored our history, from the beginning up until now, only with some differences. Plus that ending threw me for an epic loop, and I can NOT wait for the second book. Dammit why is it not here yet. *Puts on pouty face*
Ana rocked. She was a perfect protagonist for this book. She was naive enough to learn, grow and develop throughout the novel, but shrewd and strong enough to take care of some shiz on her own, especially at the end. I love her development, and was rooting for her to succeed, and to flourish in the city of Heart. Plus she loved music, which made me like her even more :) Sam, the love interest/guide of the world was wonderful. He was smart, sweet, caring and loyal. Plus he was sexy as hell and would have done anything for Ana. Yup, can you guess that he's been added to my fictional character crush list? I also adored Stef. Stef was funny and made of awesome. She was a perfect best friend for Sam, as well as Ana. Li, Ana's mother, made me want to punch a wall. Damn, she was a horrifying human being. I was literally disgusted every time she appeared. I mean you could see how badly she terrorized Ana every time Ana mentioned her. Ugh, she was horrible. The other characters were wonderful, each having personality and vibrancy.
Damn Jodi Meadows, are you made of talent? No seriously, are you? I adore your writing style! It was excellent. I also love how you built your world, and how unique it was. I haven't read a book so wholly unique in a while. You wrote such an amazing book, and I have nothing book good things to say about you and this book/series. I can not wait for book 2 to come out!!!!
Was it worth the hype? Hell to the YES it was!!!!!
It seems that's the end of the now previous list. I will put the new one up shortly.
Until next time, viva la literature!
New soul
Ana is new. For thousands of years in Range, a million souls have been reincarnated over and over, keeping their memories and experiences from previous lifetimes. When Ana was born, another soul vanished, and no one knows why.
No soul
Even Ana's own mother thinks she's a nosoul, an omen of worse things to come, and has kept her away from society. To escape her seclusion and learn whether she'll be reincarnated, Ana travels to the city of Heart, but its citizens are afraid of what her presence means. When dragons and sylph attack the city, is Ana to blame?
Heart
Sam believes Ana's new soul is good and worthwhile. When he stands up for her, their relationship blooms. But can he love someone who may live only once, and will Ana's enemies--human and creature alike--let them be together? Ana needs to uncover the mistake that gave her someone else's life, but will her quest threaten the peace of Heart and destroy the promise of reincarnation for all?
Jodi Meadows expertly weaves soul-deep romance, fantasy, and danger into an extraordinary tale of new life.
Holy fucking shit (pardon my language), this book was amazing! Amazing I tell you, amazing! I would shout it from the rooftops if I could. No, really. I was scared sh**less as I started this book, because I had been hyper-excited for it, waiting on my heels excited. Thankfully, Incarnate fully exceeded my expectations and more. I love love love this concept, it is totally unique in YA right now. I also love how it's a blend of different genres, and they're well blended too. I loved Ana's journey into Heart, learning more about herself, and learning the implications of various actions. There were epic twists and turns, mixed with some subtle social commentary as well as going deep into the idea of reincarnation. One of the things I liked about the world was that is sort of mirrored our history, from the beginning up until now, only with some differences. Plus that ending threw me for an epic loop, and I can NOT wait for the second book. Dammit why is it not here yet. *Puts on pouty face*
Ana rocked. She was a perfect protagonist for this book. She was naive enough to learn, grow and develop throughout the novel, but shrewd and strong enough to take care of some shiz on her own, especially at the end. I love her development, and was rooting for her to succeed, and to flourish in the city of Heart. Plus she loved music, which made me like her even more :) Sam, the love interest/guide of the world was wonderful. He was smart, sweet, caring and loyal. Plus he was sexy as hell and would have done anything for Ana. Yup, can you guess that he's been added to my fictional character crush list? I also adored Stef. Stef was funny and made of awesome. She was a perfect best friend for Sam, as well as Ana. Li, Ana's mother, made me want to punch a wall. Damn, she was a horrifying human being. I was literally disgusted every time she appeared. I mean you could see how badly she terrorized Ana every time Ana mentioned her. Ugh, she was horrible. The other characters were wonderful, each having personality and vibrancy.
Damn Jodi Meadows, are you made of talent? No seriously, are you? I adore your writing style! It was excellent. I also love how you built your world, and how unique it was. I haven't read a book so wholly unique in a while. You wrote such an amazing book, and I have nothing book good things to say about you and this book/series. I can not wait for book 2 to come out!!!!
Was it worth the hype? Hell to the YES it was!!!!!
It seems that's the end of the now previous list. I will put the new one up shortly.
Until next time, viva la literature!
Review #140: Everneath by Brodi Ashton
Everneath is the first in a series by Brodi Ashton. Goodreads states:
Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she's returned- to her old life, her family, her friends- before being banished back to the underworld... this time forever.
She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.
Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there's a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back- this time as his queen.
As Nikki's time grows short and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she's forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole's...
Another book I could not finish. The story is a loose retelling of a Greek myth, that of Persephone and Hades. Now, I'm a huge Greek Mythos geek, so I was excited to see how this retelling did. Sadly, it did not. Regardless of the retelling, I was not invested in the novel, the characters, none of it. Nikki was a shell of a character. I know that that's part of her character, and how she got to be that way and how she comes back from it, but she was also a shell in that she was a cardboard character. She had no substance, which is never good. Jack wasn't good either, and I hated him as a person. Cole was pretty awesome, but not enough to keep me interested.
I despised Ms. Ashton's writing style. It didn't fit the story, and I didn't like how she developed her world.
Was it worth the hype? No way, uh uh.
I'll next be reviewing Incarnate by Jodi Meadows.
Until next time, viva la literature!
Last spring, Nikki Beckett vanished, sucked into an underworld known as the Everneath, where immortals Feed on the emotions of despairing humans. Now she's returned- to her old life, her family, her friends- before being banished back to the underworld... this time forever.
She has six months before the Everneath comes to claim her, six months for good-byes she can't find the words for, six months to find redemption, if it exists.
Nikki longs to spend these months reconnecting with her boyfriend, Jack, the one person she loves more than anything. But there's a problem: Cole, the smoldering immortal who first enticed her to the Everneath, has followed Nikki to the mortal world. And he'll do whatever it takes to bring her back- this time as his queen.
As Nikki's time grows short and her relationships begin slipping from her grasp, she's forced to make the hardest decision of her life: find a way to cheat fate and remain on the Surface with Jack or return to the Everneath and become Cole's...
Another book I could not finish. The story is a loose retelling of a Greek myth, that of Persephone and Hades. Now, I'm a huge Greek Mythos geek, so I was excited to see how this retelling did. Sadly, it did not. Regardless of the retelling, I was not invested in the novel, the characters, none of it. Nikki was a shell of a character. I know that that's part of her character, and how she got to be that way and how she comes back from it, but she was also a shell in that she was a cardboard character. She had no substance, which is never good. Jack wasn't good either, and I hated him as a person. Cole was pretty awesome, but not enough to keep me interested.
I despised Ms. Ashton's writing style. It didn't fit the story, and I didn't like how she developed her world.
Was it worth the hype? No way, uh uh.
I'll next be reviewing Incarnate by Jodi Meadows.
Until next time, viva la literature!
Review #139: Article 5 by Kristen Simmons
Article 5 is the first in a series by Kristen Simmons. Goodreads states:
New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., have been abandoned.
The Bill of Rights has been revoked, and replaced with the Moral Statutes.
There are no more police—instead, there are soldiers. There are no more fines for bad behavior—instead, there are arrests, trials, and maybe worse. People who get arrested usually don't come back.
Seventeen-year-old Ember Miller is old enough to remember that things weren’t always this way. Living with her rebellious single mother, it’s hard for her to forget that people weren’t always arrested for reading the wrong books or staying out after dark. It’s hard to forget that life in the United States used to be different.
Ember has perfected the art of keeping a low profile. She knows how to get the things she needs, like food stamps and hand-me-down clothes, and how to pass the random home inspections by the military. Her life is as close to peaceful as circumstances allow.
That is, until her mother is arrested for noncompliance with Article 5 of the Moral Statutes. And one of the arresting officers is none other than Chase Jennings…the only boy Ember has ever loved.
I gotta be honest, I almost gave up on this novel. For the first half, I just wasn't interested. Then I decided to not give up, and Article 5 turned out pretty decent. I found the concept incredibly scary, as well as interesting as a dystopia. I can't explain why, but that first half just threw me off, and I was utterly bored. Thankfully, the second half picked up, and I was completely hooked. The pace picked up, the romance developed more, it was all so freaking good. Definitely made me want to continue this series.
Ember was awesome. I loved how she went from subtly subverting the new regime to outright fighting back, it was glorious. I rooted for her the whole time, wanting to succeed. Her growth was perfect for this novel. Chase............I don't know how to feel about him. For a good chunk of the novel, despite his intentions/actions, was a huge asshole. I'm sorry, but he was. he got better during the second half, and grew on me. I will make my final ruling on him when I read the second book. Characters like Sean made the novel better, and I loved the wide cast of different but vibrant side characters.
Ms. Simmons' style is touch and go for me. Like I said, I hated the first half of the novel, so there's the touch and go part. I did like how she built her world, it was extremely interesting and frightening. I just hope she explains more on why the War occurred and why the country ended up the way it did.
Was it worth the hype? Eh, sort of.
I'll next be reviewing Everneath by Brodi Ashton.
Until next time, viva la literature!
New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., have been abandoned.
The Bill of Rights has been revoked, and replaced with the Moral Statutes.
There are no more police—instead, there are soldiers. There are no more fines for bad behavior—instead, there are arrests, trials, and maybe worse. People who get arrested usually don't come back.
Seventeen-year-old Ember Miller is old enough to remember that things weren’t always this way. Living with her rebellious single mother, it’s hard for her to forget that people weren’t always arrested for reading the wrong books or staying out after dark. It’s hard to forget that life in the United States used to be different.
Ember has perfected the art of keeping a low profile. She knows how to get the things she needs, like food stamps and hand-me-down clothes, and how to pass the random home inspections by the military. Her life is as close to peaceful as circumstances allow.
That is, until her mother is arrested for noncompliance with Article 5 of the Moral Statutes. And one of the arresting officers is none other than Chase Jennings…the only boy Ember has ever loved.
I gotta be honest, I almost gave up on this novel. For the first half, I just wasn't interested. Then I decided to not give up, and Article 5 turned out pretty decent. I found the concept incredibly scary, as well as interesting as a dystopia. I can't explain why, but that first half just threw me off, and I was utterly bored. Thankfully, the second half picked up, and I was completely hooked. The pace picked up, the romance developed more, it was all so freaking good. Definitely made me want to continue this series.
Ember was awesome. I loved how she went from subtly subverting the new regime to outright fighting back, it was glorious. I rooted for her the whole time, wanting to succeed. Her growth was perfect for this novel. Chase............I don't know how to feel about him. For a good chunk of the novel, despite his intentions/actions, was a huge asshole. I'm sorry, but he was. he got better during the second half, and grew on me. I will make my final ruling on him when I read the second book. Characters like Sean made the novel better, and I loved the wide cast of different but vibrant side characters.
Ms. Simmons' style is touch and go for me. Like I said, I hated the first half of the novel, so there's the touch and go part. I did like how she built her world, it was extremely interesting and frightening. I just hope she explains more on why the War occurred and why the country ended up the way it did.
Was it worth the hype? Eh, sort of.
I'll next be reviewing Everneath by Brodi Ashton.
Until next time, viva la literature!
Review #138: Hallowed by Cynthia Hand
Hallowed is the second book in the Unearthly series by Cynthia Hand. Goodreads says:
For months Clara Gardner trained to face the fire from her visions,in the aftermath, she discovered that nothing about being part angel is as straightforward as she thought.
Now, torn between her love for Tucker and her complicated feelings about the roles she and Christian seem destined to play in a world that is both dangerous and beautiful, Clara struggles with a shocking revelation: Someone she loves will die in a matter of months. With her future uncertain, the only thing Clara knows for sure is that the fire was just the beginning.
For my review of the first book, Unearthly, click here.
Damn, this was a good sequel. I loved every minute of it. From the first sentence, I was pulled in, lapping up the action, romance, relationship drama, everything. I loved the story, especially since it took me through the full spectrum of emotion. The idea of Clara's purpose not being over fascinated me, and I kept trying to figure out who it was that was going to die. I was utterly intrigued the entire time, and the ending wrenched my freaking heart.
Clara was fabulous in this novel. I liked how Ms. Hand showed her flaws, yet kept her likable and had me rooting/sympathizing with her. Her development was great, she really grew which I loved. She was also still herself, which I also loved. Tucker, I still adore you! He was also still excellent in this installment. I so wish he were real, so I could kiss him. I hope somehow in the final book he will have the ending he deserves. Then there's Christian, the third part of the triangle. I love how Ms. Hand did not make this love triangle a stereotypical one. Although, admittedly while learning more about Christian was cool, I wish he wasn't as prominent as he was, because I am still firmly Team Tucker, despite the course of events from the novel. Angela also got some great development, staying her awesome self. She was funny and wickedly awesome. Jeffery was not as much in the periphery again, but I still felt so bad for him. He was overlooked in favor of Clara for so long, I can understand his anger. I hope he gets a happy ending in the final book. Samjeeza still creeped the hell out of me, and I loved every minute.
Ms. Hand kept up the awesome. She expanded her world well, had the characters develop well, and still has an awesome writing style. Keep it up Ms. Hand!
Was it worth the hype? For sure :)
I'll next e reviewing Article 5 by Kristen Simmons.
Until next time, viva la literature!
For months Clara Gardner trained to face the fire from her visions,in the aftermath, she discovered that nothing about being part angel is as straightforward as she thought.
Now, torn between her love for Tucker and her complicated feelings about the roles she and Christian seem destined to play in a world that is both dangerous and beautiful, Clara struggles with a shocking revelation: Someone she loves will die in a matter of months. With her future uncertain, the only thing Clara knows for sure is that the fire was just the beginning.
For my review of the first book, Unearthly, click here.
Damn, this was a good sequel. I loved every minute of it. From the first sentence, I was pulled in, lapping up the action, romance, relationship drama, everything. I loved the story, especially since it took me through the full spectrum of emotion. The idea of Clara's purpose not being over fascinated me, and I kept trying to figure out who it was that was going to die. I was utterly intrigued the entire time, and the ending wrenched my freaking heart.
Clara was fabulous in this novel. I liked how Ms. Hand showed her flaws, yet kept her likable and had me rooting/sympathizing with her. Her development was great, she really grew which I loved. She was also still herself, which I also loved. Tucker, I still adore you! He was also still excellent in this installment. I so wish he were real, so I could kiss him. I hope somehow in the final book he will have the ending he deserves. Then there's Christian, the third part of the triangle. I love how Ms. Hand did not make this love triangle a stereotypical one. Although, admittedly while learning more about Christian was cool, I wish he wasn't as prominent as he was, because I am still firmly Team Tucker, despite the course of events from the novel. Angela also got some great development, staying her awesome self. She was funny and wickedly awesome. Jeffery was not as much in the periphery again, but I still felt so bad for him. He was overlooked in favor of Clara for so long, I can understand his anger. I hope he gets a happy ending in the final book. Samjeeza still creeped the hell out of me, and I loved every minute.
Ms. Hand kept up the awesome. She expanded her world well, had the characters develop well, and still has an awesome writing style. Keep it up Ms. Hand!
Was it worth the hype? For sure :)
I'll next e reviewing Article 5 by Kristen Simmons.
Until next time, viva la literature!
Review #137: Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi
Under the Never Sky is the first in a trilogy by Veronica Rossi. The synopsis is:
Since she’d been on the outside, she’d survived an Aether storm, she’d had a knife held to her throat, and she’d seen men murdered. This was worse.
Exiled from her home, the enclosed city of Reverie, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland—known as The Death Shop—are slim. If the cannibals don’t get her, the violent, electrified energy storms will. She’s been taught that the very air she breathes can kill her. Then Aria meets an Outsider named Perry. He’s wild—a savage—and her only hope of staying alive.
A hunter for his tribe in a merciless landscape, Perry views Aria as sheltered and fragile—everything he would expect from a Dweller. But he needs Aria’s help too; she alone holds the key to his redemption. Opposites in nearly every way, Aria and Perry must accept each other to survive. Their unlikely alliance forges a bond that will determine the fate of all who live under the never sky.
I could not stand this book. Which is unfortunate, because I was immediately pulled in by the synopsis. But when actually reading UtNS, I couldn't stomach it. The story did not live up to expectations, and was just awful.
I couldn't connect to Aria much at all. She felt like a typical YA character, which lost me instantly. Perry wasn't much better, also a stereotypical YA male character. No one else was memorable.
I hated the world building and writing style. Both were like paper and just not good. X_X
Was it worth the hype? No, not at all.
I'll next be reviewing Hallowed by Cynthia Hand.
Until next time, viva la literature!
Since she’d been on the outside, she’d survived an Aether storm, she’d had a knife held to her throat, and she’d seen men murdered. This was worse.
Exiled from her home, the enclosed city of Reverie, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland—known as The Death Shop—are slim. If the cannibals don’t get her, the violent, electrified energy storms will. She’s been taught that the very air she breathes can kill her. Then Aria meets an Outsider named Perry. He’s wild—a savage—and her only hope of staying alive.
A hunter for his tribe in a merciless landscape, Perry views Aria as sheltered and fragile—everything he would expect from a Dweller. But he needs Aria’s help too; she alone holds the key to his redemption. Opposites in nearly every way, Aria and Perry must accept each other to survive. Their unlikely alliance forges a bond that will determine the fate of all who live under the never sky.
I could not stand this book. Which is unfortunate, because I was immediately pulled in by the synopsis. But when actually reading UtNS, I couldn't stomach it. The story did not live up to expectations, and was just awful.
I couldn't connect to Aria much at all. She felt like a typical YA character, which lost me instantly. Perry wasn't much better, also a stereotypical YA male character. No one else was memorable.
I hated the world building and writing style. Both were like paper and just not good. X_X
Was it worth the hype? No, not at all.
I'll next be reviewing Hallowed by Cynthia Hand.
Until next time, viva la literature!
Review #136: Cinder by Marissa Meyer
Cinder is the first book in the Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer. The synopsis is:
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.
Cinder was a meh for me. It was pretty great, an entertaining as hell book. But there is one factor that put me off in a major way. Like other reviewers/bloggers that have read this book, I figured out the major plot twist early on. While I normally don't mind speculating early and getting it right, HUGE "hints" that basically gave it away were peppered throughout the novel. Said twist ends up being revealed at the very end, but when that occurred, I sighed, because I already knew that information. That took major points from this book for me, because while speculation is all good, dropping huge gimme's are not. But, the rest of the novel was pretty enjoyable, kept me on edge, and gripped me. I was really invested in Cinder's story, rooting her on. The love story felt real, and all in all an excellent story.
Cinder was a great protagonist :) She had me rooting for her instantly, and I bonded with her (chalk that up to another fictional BFF on my list xD) I felt for her, and wanted her to get the hell away from her stepfamily. I loved her arc, wanting to find out what was going on, and using her kick-ass mechanic and cyborg skills to figure things out. I hated how she was treated, by everyone, especially her stepfamily. Speaking of her stepmother, X_X I wanted to punch her in the damn face. She was such a putrid character, and just disgusted me with her behavior. If she were real, I'd probably curse her out xD. But as the wicked stepmother, she was perfect. And of course, what's a Cinderella story without talking about the prince? I loved Prince Kai. I loved him all around, from his sweetness, to his loyalty, to his determination. Yet another fictional guy added to my crush list. And of course, I think my favorite character was Iko. She was hilarious, but also crazy loyal to Cinder. I loved her dearly. The main villain scared the hell out of me. She was legitimately evil, and I wanted her to be defeated so badly. She made me shiver, but she was definitely well written.
Ms. Meyer has a good writing style. I love how she built her world, and the technology fascinated me. The only exception is that one issue I talked about earlier in my review. Ms Meyer, if you ever read this while writing Scarlet, I hope you don't repeat the same mistake twice, because it ruined a lot of the mystery for me and lots of others.
Was it worth the hype? I'd say yes, for the most part.
I'll next be reviewing Under the Never Sky be Veronica Rossi.
Until next time, viva la literature!
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.
Cinder was a meh for me. It was pretty great, an entertaining as hell book. But there is one factor that put me off in a major way. Like other reviewers/bloggers that have read this book, I figured out the major plot twist early on. While I normally don't mind speculating early and getting it right, HUGE "hints" that basically gave it away were peppered throughout the novel. Said twist ends up being revealed at the very end, but when that occurred, I sighed, because I already knew that information. That took major points from this book for me, because while speculation is all good, dropping huge gimme's are not. But, the rest of the novel was pretty enjoyable, kept me on edge, and gripped me. I was really invested in Cinder's story, rooting her on. The love story felt real, and all in all an excellent story.
Cinder was a great protagonist :) She had me rooting for her instantly, and I bonded with her (chalk that up to another fictional BFF on my list xD) I felt for her, and wanted her to get the hell away from her stepfamily. I loved her arc, wanting to find out what was going on, and using her kick-ass mechanic and cyborg skills to figure things out. I hated how she was treated, by everyone, especially her stepfamily. Speaking of her stepmother, X_X I wanted to punch her in the damn face. She was such a putrid character, and just disgusted me with her behavior. If she were real, I'd probably curse her out xD. But as the wicked stepmother, she was perfect. And of course, what's a Cinderella story without talking about the prince? I loved Prince Kai. I loved him all around, from his sweetness, to his loyalty, to his determination. Yet another fictional guy added to my crush list. And of course, I think my favorite character was Iko. She was hilarious, but also crazy loyal to Cinder. I loved her dearly. The main villain scared the hell out of me. She was legitimately evil, and I wanted her to be defeated so badly. She made me shiver, but she was definitely well written.
Ms. Meyer has a good writing style. I love how she built her world, and the technology fascinated me. The only exception is that one issue I talked about earlier in my review. Ms Meyer, if you ever read this while writing Scarlet, I hope you don't repeat the same mistake twice, because it ruined a lot of the mystery for me and lots of others.
Was it worth the hype? I'd say yes, for the most part.
I'll next be reviewing Under the Never Sky be Veronica Rossi.
Until next time, viva la literature!
Review #135: The Statistical Probablility of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith
The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight is by Jennifer E. Smith. Goodreads says:
Who would have guessed that four minutes could change everything?
Today should be one of the worst days of seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan's life. She's stuck at JFK, late to her father's second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon to be step-mother that Hadley's never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport's cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver, he's British, and he's in seat 18C. Hadley's in 18A.
Twists of fate and quirks of timing play out in this thoughtful novel about family connections, second chances and first loves. Set over a 24-hour-period, Hadley and Oliver's story will make you believe that true love finds you when you're least expecting it.
This book was utterly, completely and totally amazing. After the disaster that was Supernaturally, reading this was like getting an amazing night's sleep after having horrible nightmares the night before. The story was fantastic, the love story fabulous, everything was purely awesome. I do have one issue though: the POV was just odd to me. It was present tense, from a third person view of Hadley's thoughts. I can't really explain it withought seeing stars, but it was just odd to me. I feel like it would have been better if it was straight up 1st person POV. Otherwise, this book rocked my freaking world. I loved how it took place over the course of a day. I adored the way everything developed, and how I was just filled with emotion reading every single page. I laughed, cried, got angry, the whole spectrum. That ending also made me smile, a whole lot :)
Hadley was an excellent protagonist. Her inner monologue was fantastical. Because of this I've added her to my list of fictional best friends. She was insightful, funny, and had some excellent growth. I genuinely wanted her to patch up her relationship with her father, and wanted her to be happy. Her arc made me root for her in the best sense possibe. *Sigh* Oh Oliver darling, you made me swoon like a f()()king madwoman. I mean it, Oliver is super freaking sexy as hell. He was sweet, funny, smart, and wonderfully complicated. I also enjoyed his personal growth, along with the development of his relationship with Hadley. I so wish I had an Oliver of my own. Speaking of, I loved Oliver and Hadley's relationship. It was sweet, and I love how after only knowing each other for a day, they came to know and care about each other so much. Their relationship made me believe in love at first sight. They were so perfect for each other. Other characters like Hadley's dad were excellent, having vibrant personalities and stood on their own.
Damn, Ms. Smith is talented as hell. Apart from my issue with how she wrote Hadley's point of view I think Ms. Smith is an excellent author who made me completely fall in love with her book. She wrote excellent characters, great situations and relationships. But most importantly, she made me believe true love can truly happen at first sight. Thank you Ms. Smith, thank you :)
Was it worth the hype? Most definitely hell to the yes :)
I'll next be reviewing Cinder by Marissa Meyer.
Until next time, viva la literature!
Who would have guessed that four minutes could change everything?
Today should be one of the worst days of seventeen-year-old Hadley Sullivan's life. She's stuck at JFK, late to her father's second wedding, which is taking place in London and involves a soon to be step-mother that Hadley's never even met. Then she meets the perfect boy in the airport's cramped waiting area. His name is Oliver, he's British, and he's in seat 18C. Hadley's in 18A.
Twists of fate and quirks of timing play out in this thoughtful novel about family connections, second chances and first loves. Set over a 24-hour-period, Hadley and Oliver's story will make you believe that true love finds you when you're least expecting it.
This book was utterly, completely and totally amazing. After the disaster that was Supernaturally, reading this was like getting an amazing night's sleep after having horrible nightmares the night before. The story was fantastic, the love story fabulous, everything was purely awesome. I do have one issue though: the POV was just odd to me. It was present tense, from a third person view of Hadley's thoughts. I can't really explain it withought seeing stars, but it was just odd to me. I feel like it would have been better if it was straight up 1st person POV. Otherwise, this book rocked my freaking world. I loved how it took place over the course of a day. I adored the way everything developed, and how I was just filled with emotion reading every single page. I laughed, cried, got angry, the whole spectrum. That ending also made me smile, a whole lot :)
Hadley was an excellent protagonist. Her inner monologue was fantastical. Because of this I've added her to my list of fictional best friends. She was insightful, funny, and had some excellent growth. I genuinely wanted her to patch up her relationship with her father, and wanted her to be happy. Her arc made me root for her in the best sense possibe. *Sigh* Oh Oliver darling, you made me swoon like a f()()king madwoman. I mean it, Oliver is super freaking sexy as hell. He was sweet, funny, smart, and wonderfully complicated. I also enjoyed his personal growth, along with the development of his relationship with Hadley. I so wish I had an Oliver of my own. Speaking of, I loved Oliver and Hadley's relationship. It was sweet, and I love how after only knowing each other for a day, they came to know and care about each other so much. Their relationship made me believe in love at first sight. They were so perfect for each other. Other characters like Hadley's dad were excellent, having vibrant personalities and stood on their own.
Damn, Ms. Smith is talented as hell. Apart from my issue with how she wrote Hadley's point of view I think Ms. Smith is an excellent author who made me completely fall in love with her book. She wrote excellent characters, great situations and relationships. But most importantly, she made me believe true love can truly happen at first sight. Thank you Ms. Smith, thank you :)
Was it worth the hype? Most definitely hell to the yes :)
I'll next be reviewing Cinder by Marissa Meyer.
Until next time, viva la literature!
Review #134: Supernaturally by Kiersten White
Hello my dearest compadres! I'm sorry I have not been consistent in my reviews, but like I said I like to write my reviews early in the day so I have enough time, especially since I procrastinate a great deal xD. Luckily I have time before I leave my college campus to write up some of the reviews I have for y'all, then the rest will come later in the evening :) So lets away :)
Supernatrually is the second book in the Paranormalcy trilogy by Kiersten White. Goodreads states:
Evie finally has the normal life she's always longed for. But she's shocked to discover that being ordinary can be . . . kind of boring. Just when Evie starts to long for her days at the International Paranormal Containment Agency, she's given a chance to work for them again. Desperate for a break from all the normalcy, she agrees.
But as one disastrous mission leads to another, Evie starts to wonder if she made the right choice. And when Evie's faerie ex-boyfriend Reth appears with devastating revelations about her past, she discovers that there's a battle brewing between the faerie courts that could throw the whole supernatural world into chaos. The prize in question? Evie herself.
So much for normal.
For my review of the first book, Paranormalcy, click here.
Ugh, this book gave me a headache. It felt like pulling teeth while I was reading this. Just not enjoyable, especially after the super-amazing book that preceded it. I feel like Supernaturally lacked the spark Paranormalcy crackled with. I will admit I liked the idea of Evie having a pseudo-Michael Corleone moment ("Just when I thought I was out they pulled me back in." One of the best quotes ever ^^) with returning to the IPCA. That and learning more about Evie's (and by extension, Vivian's) past. That was probably one of my favorite parts of this whole novel. And the implications of her past on not only herself, but everyone around her. Other than that, I was not interested in this novel at all. Admittedly, I enjoyed the ending quite a lot. I don't know if I will read the final book, Endlessly, when it comes out. Probably not, I'll probably read everyone elses reviews to see how it ended. I just don't think I'm interested enough in this series anymore to want to pay for the final book.
Evie was just not as strong a character to me in this novel. I don't really think she had much character growth, apart from learning who she really was, and maturing a tiny bit. She felt like a stunted character, like a close friend who you're frustrated with because they will probably never mature/grow up. That's a shame, because I was so looking forward to her growing/developing as a character. Then Lend. Oh Lend, I wish you were in this book more than you were. You were one of the best characters. I still like Lend a lot, I just wish he and Evie didn't take the relationship dive they did, which seems to always happen in the second book of a LOT of series, especially in YA/Paranormal YA. Then there's Jack. UGH I HATED Jack. I hated reading every stupid, inspid word that came out of his mouth. Jack just f**king disgusted me, especially at the end. And Reth came back, and I actually enjoyed his return. He was a freaking walk in the park compared to Jack, although I still don't like him. Vivian definitely won my sympathies in this novel, and I loved the rapport she and Evie had. I think their conversations were the most enjoyable ones in this book.
I'm sorry Ms. White, but I feel you really lost the ball with this book. Your writing style took a dive, and you didn't take Evie anywhere in my opinion. I'm sorry, but I won't be reading the next book.
Was this worth the hype? No, hell no.
I'll next be reviewing The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith.
Until next time, viva la literature!
Supernatrually is the second book in the Paranormalcy trilogy by Kiersten White. Goodreads states:
Evie finally has the normal life she's always longed for. But she's shocked to discover that being ordinary can be . . . kind of boring. Just when Evie starts to long for her days at the International Paranormal Containment Agency, she's given a chance to work for them again. Desperate for a break from all the normalcy, she agrees.
But as one disastrous mission leads to another, Evie starts to wonder if she made the right choice. And when Evie's faerie ex-boyfriend Reth appears with devastating revelations about her past, she discovers that there's a battle brewing between the faerie courts that could throw the whole supernatural world into chaos. The prize in question? Evie herself.
So much for normal.
For my review of the first book, Paranormalcy, click here.
Ugh, this book gave me a headache. It felt like pulling teeth while I was reading this. Just not enjoyable, especially after the super-amazing book that preceded it. I feel like Supernaturally lacked the spark Paranormalcy crackled with. I will admit I liked the idea of Evie having a pseudo-Michael Corleone moment ("Just when I thought I was out they pulled me back in." One of the best quotes ever ^^) with returning to the IPCA. That and learning more about Evie's (and by extension, Vivian's) past. That was probably one of my favorite parts of this whole novel. And the implications of her past on not only herself, but everyone around her. Other than that, I was not interested in this novel at all. Admittedly, I enjoyed the ending quite a lot. I don't know if I will read the final book, Endlessly, when it comes out. Probably not, I'll probably read everyone elses reviews to see how it ended. I just don't think I'm interested enough in this series anymore to want to pay for the final book.
Evie was just not as strong a character to me in this novel. I don't really think she had much character growth, apart from learning who she really was, and maturing a tiny bit. She felt like a stunted character, like a close friend who you're frustrated with because they will probably never mature/grow up. That's a shame, because I was so looking forward to her growing/developing as a character. Then Lend. Oh Lend, I wish you were in this book more than you were. You were one of the best characters. I still like Lend a lot, I just wish he and Evie didn't take the relationship dive they did, which seems to always happen in the second book of a LOT of series, especially in YA/Paranormal YA. Then there's Jack. UGH I HATED Jack. I hated reading every stupid, inspid word that came out of his mouth. Jack just f**king disgusted me, especially at the end. And Reth came back, and I actually enjoyed his return. He was a freaking walk in the park compared to Jack, although I still don't like him. Vivian definitely won my sympathies in this novel, and I loved the rapport she and Evie had. I think their conversations were the most enjoyable ones in this book.
I'm sorry Ms. White, but I feel you really lost the ball with this book. Your writing style took a dive, and you didn't take Evie anywhere in my opinion. I'm sorry, but I won't be reading the next book.
Was this worth the hype? No, hell no.
I'll next be reviewing The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith.
Until next time, viva la literature!
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Review #133: A Million Suns by Beth Revis
A Million Suns is the second book in the Across the Universe trilogy. Goodreads states:
For my review of the first book, Across the Universe, click here.
Oh hot damn, I did not expect this book to turn out as it did. All I could think while reading was "Wooooooow, this book is good." Well, there were more expletives in my thoughts, but that's the watered down version. I mean holy f()()k, I was literally hooked on each frexing page. I never wanted to put this book down for a second, except for when I had class. I love love loved everything, from all the twists (boy there were a LOT of them), to Amy and Elder's ever-evolving relationship, to the growing discord on Godspeed. Everything was just brilliant. And from reading the acknowledgments, Ms. Revis had a whole different version of the novel in mind, a few I think. I'm so frexing glad she went with this one. The mystery was extremely suspenseful, and I was scrambling along with the characters to find out whodunit. And holy hell the ending got me so freaking pumped for the next/final book!
Amy for sure grew a lot in this book, while retaining her questioning nature and her desire to hold on to her Sol-Earth memories, as well as Sol-Earth itself. I love her as a character, as she grows stronger and stronger, and more solid in her beliefs. I also still feel bad that she was treated so poorly by everyone except Elder and a rare few others on the ship. While I understand why it happened, I still dislike it because no one should be treated like that, regardless of circumstances. Elder also showed some significant growth and development. You get to see a new side of him, witnessing how the events of AtU affected him, impacting his new role as leader, or Eldest. I enjoyed reading about his struggle with wanting to let everyone keep their new freedom or slide into the very behavior he wanted to avoid. His relationship with Amy was one of my favorite parts of the novel. I relished reading them figure out new things about each other, growing up simultaneously, and discovering their feelings for one another. I also loved reading about characters like Marae, who kicked some butt as a character. And Doc, I just have to say that I have mixed feelings about him, mostly leaning towards hate. And of course, Orion permeated through this novel, which came as a shock to me, but it was enjoyable.
Ms. Revis keeps up the awesome in this book. She built upon the ideas she planted in AtU, showing us different facets of the ship, its inhabitants, while questioning ideals and making you think, all the while writing an excellent thriller. Her writing style sucked me in once again, and I still love how easily she gets into Amy and Elder's heads. Like I said, I am PUMPED for the final book (why oh why is it a year away? ): )
So was this worth the hype? Absolutely! All the hype was definitely deserved.
I'll next be reviewing Supernaturally by Kiersten White.
Until next time, viva la literature!
Godspeed was fueled by lies. Now it is ruled by chaos.
It's been three months since Amy was unplugged. The life she always knew is over. And everywhere she looks, she sees the walls of the spaceship Godspeed. But there may just be hope: Elder has assumed leadership of the ship. He's finally free to enact his vision - no more Phydus, no more lies.
But when Elder discovers shocking news about the ship, he and Amy race to discover the truth behind life on Godspeed. They must work together to unlock a puzzle that was set in motion hundreds of years earlier, unable to fight the romance that's growing between them and the chaos that threatens to tear them apart.
In book two of the Across the Universe trilogy, New York Times bestselling author Beth Revis mesmerizes us again with a brilliantly crafted mystery filled with action, suspense, romance, and deep philosophical questions. And this time it all builds to one mind-bending conclusion: They have to get off this ship.But when Elder discovers shocking news about the ship, he and Amy race to discover the truth behind life on Godspeed. They must work together to unlock a puzzle that was set in motion hundreds of years earlier, unable to fight the romance that's growing between them and the chaos that threatens to tear them apart.
For my review of the first book, Across the Universe, click here.
Oh hot damn, I did not expect this book to turn out as it did. All I could think while reading was "Wooooooow, this book is good." Well, there were more expletives in my thoughts, but that's the watered down version. I mean holy f()()k, I was literally hooked on each frexing page. I never wanted to put this book down for a second, except for when I had class. I love love loved everything, from all the twists (boy there were a LOT of them), to Amy and Elder's ever-evolving relationship, to the growing discord on Godspeed. Everything was just brilliant. And from reading the acknowledgments, Ms. Revis had a whole different version of the novel in mind, a few I think. I'm so frexing glad she went with this one. The mystery was extremely suspenseful, and I was scrambling along with the characters to find out whodunit. And holy hell the ending got me so freaking pumped for the next/final book!
Amy for sure grew a lot in this book, while retaining her questioning nature and her desire to hold on to her Sol-Earth memories, as well as Sol-Earth itself. I love her as a character, as she grows stronger and stronger, and more solid in her beliefs. I also still feel bad that she was treated so poorly by everyone except Elder and a rare few others on the ship. While I understand why it happened, I still dislike it because no one should be treated like that, regardless of circumstances. Elder also showed some significant growth and development. You get to see a new side of him, witnessing how the events of AtU affected him, impacting his new role as leader, or Eldest. I enjoyed reading about his struggle with wanting to let everyone keep their new freedom or slide into the very behavior he wanted to avoid. His relationship with Amy was one of my favorite parts of the novel. I relished reading them figure out new things about each other, growing up simultaneously, and discovering their feelings for one another. I also loved reading about characters like Marae, who kicked some butt as a character. And Doc, I just have to say that I have mixed feelings about him, mostly leaning towards hate. And of course, Orion permeated through this novel, which came as a shock to me, but it was enjoyable.
Ms. Revis keeps up the awesome in this book. She built upon the ideas she planted in AtU, showing us different facets of the ship, its inhabitants, while questioning ideals and making you think, all the while writing an excellent thriller. Her writing style sucked me in once again, and I still love how easily she gets into Amy and Elder's heads. Like I said, I am PUMPED for the final book (why oh why is it a year away? ): )
So was this worth the hype? Absolutely! All the hype was definitely deserved.
I'll next be reviewing Supernaturally by Kiersten White.
Until next time, viva la literature!
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