Look, pretty covers!

I gave the online Waterstone's site a visit today and found these two new and interesting covers. I wasn't particularly drawn to the US covers but this - oh my!

The UK cover of The Forest of Hands and Teeth (FoHaT) and The Dead Tossed Waves (DTW) by Carrie Ryan are both really pretty, don't you think? They cater to my simplistic preference and the cream (or beige?) background contrasts with the red so beautifully. And to note, before I saved the images the DTW actually has the same background with The FoHaT but so suddenly they turned it black. I hope it comes out in the original creamy beige background because I'd love these two matching covers on our inexistent bookshelf under my bed. I wasn't so interested in reading this but I changed my mind :)

Book Review: Need (Carrie Jones)

Zara collects phobias the way other high school girls collect lipsticks. Little wonder, since life’s been pretty rough so far. Her father left, her stepfather just died, and her mother’s pretty much checked out. Now Zara’s living with her grandmother in sleepy, cold Maine so that she stays “safe.” Zara doesn’t think she’s in danger; she thinks her mother can’t deal.

Wrong. Turns out that guy she sees everywhere, the one leaving trails of gold glitter, isn’t a figment of her imagination. He’s a pixie—and not the cute, lovable kind with wings. He’s the kind who has dreadful, uncontrollable needs. And he’s trailing Zara.

Need is my first pixie read in such a long time - which is why I ought to be excited about this one. The blurb was okay, but not totally intriguing. Need was not in my to-read list until it was on buy one get one free offer on Waterstone's. I gave it a chance.

Sadly, I didn't like this book. I mean, sure, I'm not a total pixie fan, but I thought the mystery of the book may be its saving grace. Expecting that was a let down too. I think it's only the cover that I actually like - and maybe three of the few characters in the book. That's all.

Seriously, I didn't think the characters were drawn well enough. Zara seems to be written inconsistently - she doesn't have a fluid, distinguishable personality. Other characters did, but Zara being the lead and all should have been solidified better. On the other hand, I think Issie and Devyn are probably one of the, if not the cutest couple I have so far read. Like really - if only Zara and Nick were half as interesting.

This book should have had potential. Sadly, the plot lacks life. Twists were not highlighted well, let alone delivered with the strong 'surprise' impact that I was looking for. There wasn't much emotion in the book - Zara talks about her stepfather many times, yes, but the grief was not effective. The romance lacks weight and the resolution I found totally poor. It lacks actions, lacks romance, lacks emotions. Bland.

I'm so not buying the sequel (Captivate). Though, I might maybe reconsider if I miss reading about Issie and Devyn.

Two stars.

Book Review: Beastly (Alex Flinn)

I am a beast. A beast. Not quite wolf or bear, gorilla or dog, but a horrible new creature who walks upright – a creature with fangs and claws and hair springing from every pore. I am a monster.

You think I’m talking fairy tales? No way. The place is New York City. The time is now. It’s no deformity, no disease. And I’ll stay this way forever – ruined – unless I can break the spell.

Yes, the spell, the one the witch in my English class cast on me. Why did she turn me into a beast who hides by day and prowls by night? I’ll tell you. I’ll tell you how I used to be Kyle Kingsbury, the guy you wished you were, with money, perfect looks, and a perfect life. And then, I’ll tell you how I became perfectly beastly.

Calling all fairy tale lovers! Beastly is the classic fairy tale with a modern twist - and a good one at that! I was firstly drawn to the blurb. It is exceptionally frank, and seems to give a solid perspective from 'the beast'. I really don't know how to feel about the modern twist this book promises, but in the end it all tied up pretty well. Like, really well.


Beastly is a quick, easy and reflective read. The pace isn't too fast or too slow, and the characters are humourous and very individualistic. I loved the little chatroom snippets all throughout the books - it opens up to new characters who were just hilarious! My favourite would be Froggie - who coudn't type well with webbed feet - how cute was that? :)


As for the romantic aspect, I found that the pace helped established the romantic connection between the girl (let's not say who) and Kyle Kingsbury (later Adrian). Unlike most books, this focuses on emotional connection, not physical, and I adore that. Plus, the romantic gestures that Adrian does, including the little 'cautions' that he reminds himself to do to not scare the girl was just sweet. And let's not forget, Adrian himself is a pretty funny beast boy.


The best thing about the whole book is the fact that you really see Kyle's transformation. Every single little change for the better is well depicted and highlighted, and very well founded.


Beastly is a book of humour, fairy-tale romance, with a pinch of sadness and pain, and ultimately of selflessness. I love it!


Five stars.

Book Review: Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief (Rick Riordan)

LOOK, I DIDN'T WANT TO BE A HALF BLOOD. I NEVER ASKED TO BE THE SON OF A GREEK GOD.

I was just a normal kid, going to school, playing basketball, skateboarding. The usual. Until I accidentally vaporized my maths teacher. That's when thing really started going wrong. now I spend my time fighting with swords, battling monsters with my friends and generally trying to stay alive.


Well, this book I must say is very interesting and fascinating compared to the movie. It's a lot more detailed and the plot is so far away from the movie. When I watched the movie, I knew that I must get this book. I love how Rick Riordan (The author) includes mythical creatures, unique weapons and etc.


Percy Jackson: He is the son of Poseidon, God of the seas. I would have to say that at the beginning Percy Jackson's character didn't really impress me that much, but as I carried on reading the book, I was getting fascinated because of his quest and definitely about the oracle that was telling him his future.

Annabeth Chase: Daughter of Athena, Goddess of Wisdom. I was really really hooked on Annabeth's character. She always have a plan on mind and also really good at sword fighting since her mother is the God of wisdom.

Grover Underwood: He is a Satyr, half human half goat. He is Percy Jackson's best friend and has his own quest. To find Pan. Pan is the Satyr's master and God. They believe he is still alive and I think every year one of the strongest satyrs sacrifice their lives to find the great Pan, but no one came back alive. I love Grover Underwood's character based on how he cared for Percy and did whatever he can just to protect percy.

Overall, I think this book is just awesome and fantastic. It is a worthy book to read and I would strongly recommend it to everyone.

Five Stars.

Click HERE to view trailer

Click HERE to visit Percy Jackson website

Book Review: Beautiful Creatures (Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl)

In Ethan Wate’s hometown there lies the darkest of secrets . . . There is a girl. Slowly, she pulled the hood from her head. Green eyes, black hair. Lena Duchannes. There is a curse. On the Sixteenth Moon, the Sixteenth Year, the Book will take what it’s been promised. And no one can stop it. In the end, there is a grave. Lena and Ethan become bound together by a deep, powerful love. But Lena is cursed and on her sixteenth birthday, her fate will be decided. Ethan never even saw it coming...

From the very beginning I knew that the thickness of the book meant that it could be either one, too draggy, or two, intricately woven.In the end it was a bit of both. I was not too keen - the first few chapters seemed to be paced really slow, almost like the life in Gatlin. Monotonous, boring, someplace which you only have to get out and not come in. Understandly it underscores the plot, and is an introduction to the whole setting. Unfortunately I would have much preffered narrator Ethan to have narrated so much more faster. Despite me feeling like there was too much of unimportant things included, I read every word and didn't skip.

Speaking of unimportant things, I thought the fact that half the book seemed to be about Ethan moaning about his town and the civil war was a waste, though not completely. For someone like me who has the most basic albeit repetitive concept about the American Civil War, it was an okay lesson. Sort of. Boring as hell, so I can't blame Ethan for despising it. Though I have always wondered if some towns really still do that those kinds of things (ie, re-enactments) or if it was just one of the many stereotypes.

Moving on, I believe the characters were believable. Well, as believable as a spell caster like Lena could be, that is. Reading from Ethan's POV was refreshing and original. Compared to mostly heroine naratted texts, I could distinguish the lack of focus on certain feminine things on Ethan's perspective. He wasn't exactly to-die-for gorgeous, or I-can-take-a-fire-breathing-dragon brave, and at times I could not understand what he was thinking, but he's made average and so normal that I just loved him anyway. I think Ethan was a good blend in terms of characterisation.  

Lena - well, I don't really understand her stance mostly, but I think that's what the book might have wanted to convey. She's different, but unique. She's pretty much worried, paranoid, afraid - surely if anyone was in her shoes, with all the burden she has, they prolly would come across exactly like Lena. Like Ethan, it's these flaws that make her loveable as a character. I fell for her, especially in the end.

The other annoying characters were ... well, annoying. Others, like Amma and Marian, I absolutely adoooore! And how cute was Boo Radley? :D 

I love how the book wasn't exactly only about romance. Nor was it specifically mystery, fantasy or anything else - everything is so intricately woven that it's just so well-blended. The dialogue used wasn't too mushy as one would expect from a romance book, but all the same it comes across as powerful. It's easy to get lost in the mystery of the plot and forget that it is actually romance that propels Ethan and Lena towards the ultimate ending - which by the way, never guessed and never would have even if I tried. Brownie points for that! Overall, it's such a worthy read. 

If ever the long-winded narration of inconsequential matters deter you, I suggest skimming, maybe, but it's a hard game as I found some of those narration appeared to be useful at some later part. But, I definitely don't think you should put the book down because the end was really really captivating. It speeds through and leaves you breathless and you're never really sure how it ends. It's just the way a book should be. The resolution wasn't too brief, and leaves open-ended questions and nurtures your interest, though it doesn't leave you hanging painfully (which I hate). The book itself can stand alone, and it's very worthy of that too. Can't wait for the sequel!

Four stars.

Book Review: Fallen (Lauren Kate)

What if the person you were meant to be with could never be yours?

After the mysterious fire, 17 year-old Luce's parents send her away to reform school. The grim, harsh, run-down Sword and Cross is a world away from her previous wealthy school, full of high-flyers & socialites.

Luce finds herself instantly & inexplicably drawn to Daniel - gorgeous and intelligent - but she can't help thinking he hates her half the time. Meanwhile there's the charming Cam, who can't do enough for her...

Without realising, Luce is being lured into grave danger. She has no idea of the world which exists in parallel to her own, but is about to find out...

When I saw the cover of Fallen I knew I just had to get this book. And that was just the cover - the blurb was promising, intriguing and definitely falls under my cup of tea. I have been spending too much on books so I decided to borrow this from the local library instead of buying it. So with a lot of expectations already on board, I started, and was teeny-weeny bit disappointed.

Firstly, I loved the prologue. It was very captivating and was for me the most exciting part of the book. It is probably one of, if not the best prologue I have ever read. Brief, romantic and very enthralling.

I didn't particularly enjoy the setting - I cannot relate to Swords and Cross at all. I think it was a brave choice of setting for the author and I applaud the originality. I also think it underscores much of Luce's characters and the fact that she is different. However, although it was easy to delve into the setting I didn't really feel it. The grimness of the whole setting contributed - together with the element of darkness surrounding the fallen angel theme I thought it was a little too much. 

However, I did greatly enjoy the characters. Most of them. I loved Penn personally, Arriane and Roland Sparks. I thought they were all well-developed characters even if you don't see them in every page. The only flaw I found was in Daniel and a little in Luce. Daniel seemed so dead in the book - for me comes alive only after the fight with Cam in the library. He hardly shows emotions and the moments when he does, I don't feel it's enough. I almost screamed for more interactions between Luce and Daniel. Easily explained at the end though, because being distant is in fact Daniel's way of saving Luce from an inescapable fate. Still, I would have liked him to show more emotion throughout the book - that would have made the ending, when he was explaining everything a little more gripping. I was just so used to Daniel Grigori being too distant that when he did feel close towards the end, it still felt distanced. 

As for Luce - well, I would have done exactly the same thing. I fell for Luce throughout the book because she was so clueless. Alone in a new place, and she hardly even knew herself. It was complicated for her, but she was a really strong character. Lauren Kate has moulded Lucinda Price very well.

Overall, Fallen is a worthy book to read. The plot may seem draggy at times but it weaves together at the end and everything eventually clears. The action sequences were well crafted and believable. The emotions in the book are so raw they seem to lift off the page. The train of thoughts and narration were very consistent and the romance, one-of-a-kind. The whole mystery and concept of fallen angels, wars and secrets were very very strong. Although the twists and climax of the story could have been better, the 'Is-that-it?' factor regarding the whole plot was ignorable. Some may even find it intriguing.

The book stays true to forbidden romance and destiny. The ending makes you crave for more - I, for one, would certainly grab the sequel on its launch day.

Three stars.

Book Reviews: Love Bites (Lynsay Sands)

Etienne Argeneau can turn one human into a vampire in his lifetime - an honour his kind usually reserved for their life mates, to let their love life forever.

But it's all a bit more complicated than that. Rachel Garrett, a beautiful coroner, has just saved his life and now she's about to lose hers. Etienne has a choice: he can save her life in turn, and thus doom himself to an eternity alone, unable to create his own life mate. Or he can watch his saviour die in the name of a love he has yet to meet.
Her life and his love weigh in the balance, and whatever Etienne does he may live to regret for eternity . . .


The first book in the Argeneau series introduces the Argeneau family, and features a chaotic romance you can really sink your teeth into.

I bought this because I was so drawn into the blurb. Lately, I've been attracted to books which in part deals with difficult choices, and this one incorporates romance into that. Couldn't be bad right?

Love Bites is the book that got me back into reading. After Twilight I went into a total fan-girl (also known as bitchy) mode and closed my doors to any YA or paranormal romance books. Love Bites was so promising it just flung those closed doors open.

I absolutely fell for the really really cute humour that is the whole book. Rachel is such a funny character - she's strong and naive at the same time, whiny and independent and she's such a girl-next-door type that anyone can relate to. Etienne - and the rest of the Argeneaus for that matter - I found rather immature for their age, which is an element that I never would have thought I would like.

Technically, Etienne's decision is made pretty early in the book, so I was slightly disappointed by that. Most of the actions and the humour however, occur after that decision, and I hugely enjoyed it. The resolution was slight quick for my taste but that is ignorable, and besides, there are always those other characters that would help - cliche, yes, but in Love Bites, the way those other characters help was honestly funny.

A great read for any romance lover.

Four stars.

Book Review: Hush, hush (Becca Fitzpatrick)

Romance was not part of Nora Grey's plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how hard her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her. Not until Patch comes along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Patch draws Nora to him against her better judgment.

But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is and seems to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is way more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.

For she is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those who have fallen -- and, when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost Nora her life.

Oh Patch!

Yeah, that pretty much sums up what I sighed after I read the book. And probably what I was sighing throughout my entire read. Really, Patch is the character. The one. My literary boyfriend.

So now it's obvious I'm hooked to this book, I'll try to write a not-so-bias review.

The concept of fallen angels is currently the new trend in YA fiction. I love how Hush, hush rides the wave and tweaks it to really get into the badass nature of fallen angels. Afterall, they have fallen for a reason - this book does not make you forget that. Becca Fitzpatrick manages to convey the alienation of these fallen angels while effectively giving them their humanity. By doing so, she has highlighted their weakness and the distance that makes Nora and Patch's love story very difficult, at the same time very enticing. Now, who doesn't love forbidden love?]

And I luuuurve the sexy interactions between Nora and Patch and the whole concept of fallen angels Becca created. Gripping, thrilling, and tucks you in the story as if you're part of it.

I won't gush over the super sexy, amazingly laid out, drool-worthy falling Drew Doyon Patch Cipriano cover. Instead I'd rather cut this review short before I ended up spoiling the plot to those who haven't read it yet (like my sister *evil laugh*).

So, if, like me, you're into YA fiction with a sexy, dangerous romance, complete with the seductive-perfect-bad-boy love/lust interest and a fast-paced, plot that will have you turning the pages until you're breathless and exhilirated and screaming for more, get Hush, hush!

Crescendo (which by the way will reveal Patch's real name) tops my can't-wait-to-read books of 2010, and I think I might actually beg Becca Fitzpatrick for an ARC soon.

Definitely five stars!

Book Review: I Heart You, You Haunt Me (Lisa Schroeder)

Girl meets boy.

Girl loses boy.

Girl gets boy back...

Sort of.

Ava can't see or touch him, unless she's dreaming. She can't hear his voice, except for the faint whispers in her mind. Most would think she's crazy, but she knows he's here.

Jackson. The boy Ava thought she'd spend the rest of her life with. He's back from the dead, as proof that love truly knows no bounds.

I read this book for an hour and bawled my eyes out for the next two. Mostly, my reading experience was tear-filled. Lisa Schroeder's I Heart You, You Haunt Me is a very emotional narrative. It takes you with Ava in her journey of grieving over Jackson, meeting his ghost, and understanding and accepting why.

I loved this book. The writing style is very refreshing - it's almost poetic. It really reflects Ava's fragmented character. Somehow despite the briefness of the narration I feel that the book provided the most important foundation for Ava's grief, which is her history with Jackson. It doesn't leave out Ava's other friends, and the friendship element of the plot is also very touching.

I loved the ending too - I won't spoil for those who haven't read it yet, but it's a reminder of the love you have to spare for yourself. I think for those who have or who are still mourning the loss of a love one, this is the perfect book to read and reflect on.

A terrific tear-jerker. Would really recommend this to those who can relate to Ava's grief, but really everyone can learn a thing or two from this.

Five stars.

Book Review: Evernight (Claudia Gray)

When the story begins in Evernight, Bianca has just left the small town where she's spent her whole life. She's a new student at Evernight Academy, a creepily Gothic boarding school where her classmates are somehow too perfect: smart, sleek and almost predatory. Bianca knows she doesn't fit in.

Then she meets Lucas, another loner, who seems fiercely determined not to be the "Evernight type." There's a connection between Bianca and Lucas that can't be denied. She would risk anything to be with him—but dark secrets are fated to tear them apart... and to make Bianca question everything she's ever believed to be true.

When I saw Evernight on the library shelf I literarally pounced on it - the blurb was so promising! Maybe I'm just a sucker for mysterious, loner maybe-bad-boy type love interests but put that in a creepy boarding school setting that just reeks mystery?

 

I'm all in!

 

That was me, before I finished the book. Frankly, I'm slightly disappointed about Evernight. I thought the romance, which I would have wanted to gush about, was too fast, too intense. Bianca seemed to have fallen in love at first sight with Lucas - although sometimes this work, it just didn't work this time.

 

Althuogh I must say that the twists really surprised me. I couldn't have guessed - it has a very good role reversal and it ties elements mentioned on previous occassions to the twists and turns towards the end of the novel, the Oh-my-God-so-that's-why moment that I always look forward to in a mystery novel. What I didn't like was how the true nature of a character was unveiled in the middle of the book and then it carries on as if it was blatantly obvious. It wasn't, and it's not very enlightening. It confused me.

 

I would have wanted more humour in this novel, but it was an okay read anyhow. I'm going to read the sequel and the forthcoming Hourglass, but it's not in my priority lists.

 

Three stars.

Hello, Hello, Hellooo!

First post - is there a tradition of what one is supposed to write here? :) I'm not so certain, so I'll just squeal...We've started a blog!

Well, to begin with, shall we introduce ourselves?

*Dwayne

Please, I am a girl.

I know, I know. My name - but yeah, I am a girl.

I'm Nineteen, an amateur economist and aspiring writer (at times), and extremely privy. I have a mad fascination about books especially those in the YA genre. 'Cause hey, we are all kids at heart, afterall.

I'm not mental, but I have these episodes of obsessiveness and they currently revolve around books and reading. I hope to extend not the obsessiveness but this interest at the very least beyond the one-year lifespan of my usual episodes. Right. Okay, I sound mental.

I try to read whenever I have any spare time - be it five or fifty-five minutes - but apart from the blessed in-between-class breaks, and before-bedtime minutes, my reading time is pretty limited. Which is why I love weekends. 

Finally, I'm quite picky with the books I read, but I hardly say no to YA, fantasy (or paranormal romance), mystery and thriller novels. There are also some non-fiction books I would love to read, but mostly, I tend to shy away from them.

*Hanna

I'm Hanna. Eleven and still in my first year of secondary school. I love books, especially books that includes mystery, adventures, and greek mythology (read: Percy Jackson Series)!

***

Mostly, we review for the pleasure of doing so. Not only does this blog serve as an outlet of our gushings, rantings and disappointments over the books we love and like, it also provides an effective log of our reading experiences. If our reviews help anyone who happens to come across our little blog, the better it is! :)

PS. We need bookshelf. Seriously.