Review: The Host by Stephenie Meyer

The Host by Stephenie Meyer
Publisher: Little Brown
Publication date: May 6th, 2008
Number of pages: 619
Format: Hardcover
Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository

Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away. The earth has been invaded by a species that take over the minds of human hosts while leaving their bodies intact. Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, didn't expect to find its former tenant refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.

As Melanie fills Wanderer's thoughts with visions of Jared, a human who still lives in hiding, Wanderer begins to yearn for a man she's never met. Reluctant allies, Wanderer and Melanie set off to search for the man they both love.

Featuring one of the most unusual love triangles in literature, THE HOST is a riveting and unforgettable novel about the persistence of love and the essence of what it means to be human.

I first read this book just after it came out. I was over in Nashville at the time on one of my few trips to the U.S and discovered the book at Barnes and Noble. I had heard about the book through Stephenie's website and I felt it sounded interesting.
I was fascinated by the idea of aliens aka Souls invading earth and seeing things from one of those Souls perspective and how one would deal with, not only a resistant Host, but also how the world worked in this book.

This is so unlike her Twilight series. Don't get me wrong --- I liked her Twilight series like a lot of people, but this book. Wow. It totally sets it apart from anything else. The world building, the characters and relationships. The world in itself was so... magical. So real and honest. Mature and addicting. Enticing and breath-taking.
While originally it took me a little bit to get into the book, but mainly because I was a little confused in the beginning. The moment that Wanda found herself amongst the caves, now that was the moment everything began to click into place. From that moment on I was obsessed with this book.

Maybe we were meant to be connecting with Melanie more than Wanda. Maybe we were meant to be caring more about Melanie and Jared, or her relationships with others, but for me... this whole book, I connected with Wanda more than I did Melanie (not to say I didn't love Mel, too) but I don't know ---- Maybe it was because we were in Wanda's POV. Maybe it was because we were hearing and seeing her thoughts and experiences (apart from the flashbacks) that I connected with her the most.  I loved how sensitive, compassionate, vulnerable and honest she was. I loved how she didn't want to be the bad guy in this situation, even though most people treated her like one. There were so many things I loved about her. She was the sort of character you could connect and bond with. Someone who you could see from a different perspective. We were used to seeing an alien who started to understand the human race, and sympathized with them.

Melanie is also someone who you feel for. She is a human who has been on the run for years until she meets Jared, another human who takes her and her little brother, Jamie in. Before they are able to find santuary or others like them, Melanie is then forced to do something she hoped she never would have to: leave her brother and Jared. It's survival for the fittest, and she does indeed survive. She is lucky that she had a Soul such as Wanderer who felt things for the human race and for her, Jared and Jamie. Together they discover the true meaning of humanity. Not only does Melanie come to understand who Wanda is, and love her like a sister --- but Wanda also comes to understand more about humans and humanity than they were led to believe. Not all humans are destructive and vicious. Sometimes, they just are there to survive.

There are many characters Stephenie introduces us to in this book. Not all survive, but each and every one of the human has purpose and end up meaning something to Wanda one way or another. Some of them bad. And a lot of them are good. They too begin to understand that not all Souls are there to take away.. some of them are there to give.. and to understand. To love.

Wanda too finds herself falling in love..with a human no less. While she may be confused given the body she is in and the memories that come with that, but too, the Soul comes to care and fall in love with one of the human survivors who may be the only person who understands who SHE is, and not just appreciate her because of whose body she wears.
Ian O'Shea is someone who gains a new understanding of what it really means to be a Soul. What she has been through, where she has been. That she may be more human than some of them are. This relationship between them is my otp of the book.  I don't know, but I just fell in love with them because the sort of love that they have... that Ian feels for her is something that does not come across everyday. A love that crosses all boundaries, all laws of nature.. of everything they thought they knew or were told. He didn't care.
Ladies and Gents, this is a true love story that will warm your heart. I know it did mine.

All in all, this was such a fantastic novel that I would recommend to anyone who loves Sci Fi, Romance, or even just want to read something different. Don't let the fact that SM wrote it put you off, because this is one of a kind, rare sort of story that I think everyone should bare witness to. The story where you would have no idea that it is written by the same author as the best-selling Twilight series if you didn't already know her name.

Stephenie, write quickly, eh? I need to sequel STAT, especially after recently seeing the movie.  I'll say something quickly about the movie.
It was everything I could have wanted (sure, there was some scenes I wished could have been in the movie) and the best adaption I have seen of a book for such a long time.

Rating: 5 out of 5

Review: Reached by Ally Condie

Reached (Matched #3) by Ally Condie
Publisher: Penguin
Publication date: November 30th, 2012
Number of pages: 528
Format: Paperback
Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository

After leaving Society and desperately searching for the Rising—and each other—Cassia and Ky have found what they were looking for, but at the cost of losing each other yet again: Cassia has been assigned to work for the Rising from within Society, while Ky has been stationed outside its borders. But nothing is as predicted, and all too soon the veil lifts and things shift once again.

In this gripping conclusion to the #1 New York Times-bestselling Matched Trilogy, Cassia will reconcile the difficulties of challenging a life too confining, seeking a freedom she never dreamed possible, and honoring a love she cannot live without.

Reached is the end of a trilogy that brings us to the conclusive end for three beloved characters: Cassia, Xander and Ky.
Throughout the previous two books, these characters have been through it all --- but their last journey has yet to come, that is where this last part of their story comes in.
Not only do we get Cassia and Ky's POV, but for the first time ever, we get Xander. We get his thoughts, his journey as he discovers who it is that he truly belongs with, and where in fact he belongs.

While I wasn't all that impressed with Crossed, I felt this book came back to its roots and was just as good as Matched, which I really adored. Ally has really made some great character progression, and led them into places I never thought they would reach.
By the end of this novel I really felt satisfied with the series on a whole. Reached shows us different and new things for our characters. Each chapter represents a different POV for our main characters as they deal with their own things, their own journey.

This exciting conclusion brings in the rebellion, new atmospheres and relationships and answers the question whether Xander will be able to move on from Cassia or not.

Props to Ally Condie for exceeding my expectations when it came to this book. I look forward to what she does next.

Rating: 4.5 / 5

Review: Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Delirium (Delirium #1) by Lauren Oliver
Publication Date: February 3, 2011
Publisher: Harper Teen
Number of Pages: 441
Format: Hardback
Buy: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Add to Goodreads

They say that the cure for Love will make me happy and safe forever.

And I've always believed them.

Until now.

Now everything has changed.

Now, I'd rather be infected with love for the tiniest sliver of a second than live a hundred years smothered by a lie.

Lena looks forward to receiving the government-mandated cure that prevents the delirium of love and leads to a safe, predictable, and happy life, until ninety-five days before her eighteenth birthday and her treatment, when she falls in love.

I know I'm doing this backwards. I should of re read Delirium, before I read the final book Requiem. I didn't really plan on re reading it or even the second book. And some may even ask why I would want to re read Delirium after that last book. And honestly, I feel like for a series about love, romance was missing in Requiem. I wanted to remember the beautiful story about love and sacrifice that Oliver created in the first book.

The premise of the world in this series is unique and creative. The US government has claimed love is a terrible disease. Each city is surrounded by a boarder, and they have created a cure. Once you've had the cure you don't feel pain, and you are almost a completely different person. Each person is given the cure close to their 18th birthday. Lena has been counting down the day until her procedure. Her mother had been infected with love, and after having the procedure three separate times, she commits suicide. Lena believes the cure will save her and keep her safe.

Lena has one last summer before she and her best friend, Hana, are cured and everything changes forever. Hana is very rebellious, listening to illegal music and even going to illegal parties and socializing with boys. While Lena follows the rules, Hana starts to question everything. Until Lena meets Alex. All of a sudden she is bumping into him everywhere. And when he saves her life, she knows she can't stay away.

The whole books is a page turner. Even the second time reading the book I was just intrigued as the first time. There's even a few surprises along the way. Even though I'm disappointed in how the series turned out I will always love this one. It teaches us there's nothing can take away love. The ending! Oh it's a tear jerker. The ultimate sacrifice for love is paid. The book as a whole is just beautiful.

Rating: 5/5

 

 

Stacking the Shelves [06]

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews where you can share books obtained via the bookstore, the library, online, through trade, borrowed from friends, gifted and/or received for review that you're adding to your shelf.

The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty (For Review from Macmillian)
Requiem by Lauren Oliver (Bought)

Spellcaster by Claudia Gray
Sever by Lauren DeStefano
Blood-Kissed Sky by J.A London

Once by Anna Carey
Natural Born Angel by Scott Speer
Ascension by Caris Roane

Review: Rogue Rider by Larissa Ione

Rogue Rider (Lords of Deliverance #4) by Larissa Ione
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Publication date: November 20th, 2012
Number of pages: 391
Format: Mass-Market Paperback
Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository

Jillian Cardiff came to this remote mountain town to forget the demon attack that almost killed her. Instead, she rescues-and falls for-a gorgeous stranger who has no memory of anything other than his name. Handsome, charming, and protective, Reseph seems like the kind of man whom Jillian can trust. But with hints of a troubling history of his own, he's also the kind of man who can be very dangerous . . .

Reseph may not know why he mysteriously appeared in Jillian's life, but he knows he wants to stay. Yet when Jillian's neighbors are killed, and demon hunters arrive on the scene, Reseph fears that he's putting Jillian in danger. And once it's revealed that Reseph is also Pestilence, the Horseman responsible for ravaging the world, he and Jillian must face the greatest challenge of all: Can they forget the horrors of a chilling past to save the future they both desire?

For a story/book that I could never pictured any kind of redemption or even a happy happy for, Rogue Rider did such an amazing job of making the guy who was THE villian for the past 4 books into someone I rooted for.

It was so odd. After the first book or two; when it was revealed that Reseph would be getting his own book (expected though), I couldn't gather or conjure the possible thoughts that someone who has caused so much horrible things in this series would find the kind of happiness that usually comes with having a love interest and his own book.
I was clearly mistaken. After the cliffhanger ending that we were left with at Lethal Rider, I was intrigued on where things would take us, and him.
I was told beforehand that this book was unlike any of the others; that it read like more of a romance book. It was very true, the very beginning you wouldn't have known it was pnr book at all. It felt like one of those classic, typical romance books you'd find with harlequin that I used at cringe at. But it worked for this... I think mainly because since Reseph didn't remember who he was, and he was no longer the villian he had been for the past year (or four books). He was back to being the guy he was before his seal broke, and from what his brothers had said... that guy would not be able to handle the kind of grief and torment that would come with knowing all the things he did.

The relationship between Reseph and Jillian came naturally. It was beautiful. But man... Reseph sure has an ego.. I guess no wonder why Pestilence was so sure of himself, because Reseph was like that to begin with. Cocky to boot.. sometimes I found myself laughing or blushing. He wasn't the type to hold back on anything no matter what it may be.
But I found myself falling for this man just as Jillian did. I felt bad for when when he discovered who he was and the guilt that followed with. It was natural, unless you were stone-cold that discovering you weren't an angel but a horrible monster; it would get to you.

There were scenes... especially with the brothers that made me feel , but in the end I felt his story came to a nice conclusion.

Jillian was also not an ordinary girl. She knew about the paranormal... in an unexpected way that goes back to a time that was not pretty for her.. she has strong and honest. She also had her own secrets that she held close to her heart. But as she and Reseph got closer, the cracks began to show.

Since I knew that the next book will be Reavers, I began to really understand him and Harvester a lot more than I did. Early in the series I didn't really like either of them, then I came to adore Reaver in the last book or two. It wasn't until Rogue Rider that  began to like Havester as we saw she wasn't always who she made herself out to be.
And boy. The revelation between Reaver and the siblings? DID NOT see that coming at all. But I guess it does make sense.

Something else I totally forgot was that Reaver originally appeared in the Demonica series. I don't know why I didn't remember this, but now I do... I may have to re-read parts of that series again.

Now.. what a wait until Reaver's book, which I don't believe we even have a title for right now.

5 out of 5 stars

Review: Lethal Rider by Larissa Ione

Lethal Rider (Lords of Deliverance #3) by Larissa Ione
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Publication date: May 22nd, 2012
Number of pages: 433
Format: Mass-Market Paperback
Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository

Thanatos, the most deadly Horseman of the Apocalypse, has endured thousands of years of celibacy to prevent the end of days. But just one night with the wickedly sexy Aegis Guardian, ReganCooper, shatters centuries of resolve. Yet their passion comes with a price. And Thanatos must face a truth more terrifying than an apocalypse-he's about to become a father.

Demon-slayer Regan Cooper never imagined herself the maternal type, but with the fate of the world hanging in the balance she had no choice but to seduce Thanatos and bear his child. Now, as the final battle draws closer and his rage at being betrayed is overshadowed by an undeniable passion for the mother of his child, Thanatos has a life-shattering realization: To save the world, he must sacrifice the only thing he's ever wanted-a family.

In the third story in this enticing series, we follow the story of Thanatos, a sexy horseman of the apolcyapse.
During the last book, the story between Than and Regan had been foreshadowed and even started when Regan decided to 'take one for the team' and sleep with Than, not understanding the consequences of that very action.  While for centuries Thanatos assumed his virginity was the seal he had been trying to protect from breaking, not knowing that it was not, and something else was.
This very act forces both of them to understand certain things, and suffer the consequences.

As we break into this novel, Regan finds herself pregnant after discovering that the child of Than would be the key to either saving the world, or damning it, and nobody knows which one is true until the child is born.
Soon enough, Thanatos discovers the truth and even though he wishes to kill her, he refuses to harm the baby. Family means everything to him, and he can't bring himself to harm her, or the baby.

The longer these two spent together, the more the baby begins to bond them together to a point where there is no return. With an upcoming battle up ahead thanks to Pestilence, they all will need to be prepared on the outcome of what is to come.

I really adored Thanatos and Regan's relationship. I did in the previous book too, but when this one is featured on them it made me love them even more. They are more a like than they think. They are also very different. Soon they begin to understand there are things about one another than they had no idea about.

This was a fantastic book. We also get to see what Pestilence has been up to, and also Reaver, who does something quite unexpected that nobody would see coming.
The end of the book makes you want to pick up the next one quick smart, and boy did I ever.

Larissa just seems to get better and better. I loved her Demonica series, and fell in this with these boys, and girl right away.

 5 out of 5 stars

Teaser Tuesday 20

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Want to play along?

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share 2 "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
• Be careful not to include spoilers
• Share the title and author

Just finished reading Requiem by Lauren Oliver. Where overall I was disappointed with the book, there were some great moments.

“I don’t love you, Lena. Do you hear me? I never loved you.”

Review: Requiem by Lauren Oliver

Requiem (Delirium #3) by Lauren Oliver
Publication Date: March 5, 2013
Publisher: Harper Collins
Format: Hardback
Number of Pages: 391
Buy: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Add to Goodreads

They have tried to squeeze us out, to stamp us into the past.

But we are still here.

And there are more of us every day.

Now an active member of the resistance, Lena has been transformed. The nascent rebellion that was under way in Pandemonium has ignited into an all-out revolution in Requiem, and Lena is at the center of the fight.

After rescuing Julian from a death sentence, Lena and her friends fled to the Wilds. But the Wilds are no longer a safe haven—pockets of rebellion have opened throughout the country, and the government cannot deny the existence of Invalids. Regulators now infiltrate the borderlands to stamp out the rebels, and as Lena navigates the increasingly dangerous terrain, her best friend, Hana, lives a safe, loveless life in Portland as the fiancée of the young mayor.

Maybe we are driven crazy by our feelings.

Maybe love is a disease, and we would be better off without it.

But we have chosen a different road.

And in the end, that is the point of escaping the cure: We are free to choose.

We are even free to choose the wrong thing.

Requiem is told from both Lena’s and Hana’s points of view. The two girls live side by side in a world that divides them until, at last, their stories converge.

I've been dying for this book ever since the end of Pandemonium. The third and final book in the series, picks up three days after book two ends. I'm a little disappointed in this. I really wished it picked up right at that last scene. I would of loved to see the outcome of Alex just popping up out of nowhere. From the beginning you can feel the tension between Julian and Alex. Not to mention they won't even look or speak to one another. Or the fact that Alex won't even acknowledge Lena. The first scene we get in between Alex and Lena broke my heart.

I do love how each chapter alternates between Hana and Lena. For about the first half of the book oddly I was more interested in Hana. Even though she has been cured, I don't think it actually worked on her. If you haven't read the first short story, Hana, you don't really need to since the big revelation is revealed in this book. Hana feels guilty about what she did to Lena, and worries about her family. She sets out to find them and help however she can. Not to mention that she has second thoughts about her match, Fred, whom since his dad was killed is about to become mayor. Curiosity gets the best of her, and she is determined to find out what happened to Fred's first wife, Cassandra.

One of the things I love about the book is Lena is finally reunited with her mother. I feel like those parts were passed over. I would of loved to see more in dept, and see Lena telling her about Alex and even Julian. Which speaking of, I never really wanted him and Lena together. But I felt bad for him in this book. Lena kind of strings him along. Which she thinks Alex doesn't love her anymore, but that I wanted to slap her. Alex tells her that he had never loved her, and she actually believes him!

There's quite a few deaths in the book. One was a big shocker and I couldn't believe it happened! I just wanted to yell and cry. There were certain plots in the book that I thought was pointless. All the trouble Hana went through to find Cassandra, and to seems for nothing. All that came from it was her telling Hana what an evil man Fred is. And Lena and Hana finally coming face to face. So disappointed! I expected more. They did end up saving each other. But through out the whole book it seemed so obvious that she wasn't cured, and then when Lena was there she was acting almost completely cure! For how Hana acted and though through the whole book she was acting kind of ooc.

I thought the first half of the book was amazing. But the ending almost felt rushed. Not just rushed, but I turn the page expecting more and that was the end! I think it's obvious who Lena chooses to be with in the end, but it was left open ended. I know Lauren had said she did that she the reader can decide for themselves how things turned out. But I think it was a cowardly war to end the book. Especially on Hana part. It just left her wandering around on the streets. I had expected so much more from this book. It really didn't feel like an ending to the series.

Rating: 3.5/5

Review: Everbound by Brodi Ashton

Everbound (Everneath #2) by Brodi Ashton
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Publication date: February 14th, 2013
Number of pages: 368
Format: Paperback
Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository

Nikki Beckett could only watch as her boyfriend, Jack, sacrificed himself to save her, taking her place in the Tunnels of the Everneath for eternity — a debt that should’ve been hers. She’s living a borrowed life, and she doesn’t know what to do with the guilt. And every night Jack appears in her dreams, lost and confused and wasting away.

Desperate for answers, Nikki turns to Cole, the immortal bad boy who wants to make her his queen — and the one person least likely to help. But his heart has been touched by everything about Nikki, and he agrees to assist her in the only way he can: by taking her to the Everneath himself.

Nikki and Cole descend into the Everneath, only to discover that their journey will be more difficult than they’d anticipated — and more deadly. But Nikki vows to stop at nothing to save Jack — even if it means making an incredible sacrifice of her own.

Nikki Beckett has been to hell and back, literally. She has loved and lost. This time it's the love of her life, Jack who is now trapped in Hell, aka The Eveneath and she will do whatever possible to get him back.

The cliffhanger to Brodi Ashton's 'Everneath' was one of the most talked about endings to a debut book I have seen in a while. The true meaning of sacrifice. The true meaning of love. There isn't anything these two teenagers would not do for one another, and during the course of this novel, Everbound -- that is true more than ever.
The story picks up not too soon after the end of Everneath, as Nikki gets questioned about the whereabouts to where Jack could be since she was the last person to ever see or hear from him last. Nobody knows the full story, except Cole, Nikki and Jack's brother.
Nikki begins to understand that the only way for her to get Jack back is to gain the help of Cole. He would be the last person she would turn to, but since he is an everliving, he seems to be the only one that could and would help her.

As Cole and Nikki descend into the Everneath, Nikki has to hold onto her dreams of Jack as that seems to be the only thing keeping him alive, and the closer she gets to Jack, she starts to fear that she might be too late.

I felt the love triangle in Everbound was tolerable, but that was until the end... until certain things were revealed that made me hate Cole yet again.
During a good portion of the book, I begun to think that Cole wasn't such a bad guy... that he might love Nikki, but now I just see it as obsession. I have been Team Jack since the beginning of the prologue in Everneath, and my stance on that has not changed one bit.
I have felt since the start one clear winner in this triangle, where one pairing stands out more than the other. I don't believe that a triangle has to be on equal footing to be classified as one, as always in these sort of situations that's clearly the case.

Cole really disapppointed me. I really had some hopes he would change and be someone respectable. To be someone I could understand, and that started out... but then, of course his true motives came through and I was disgusted once more.
Jack. Even though we don't see much of him.. we do see flashbacks and dreams where we understand more about their past, which was nice to see.

We also have a cliffhanger that makes you want to pull out your hair, but it also it gives you hope and understanding on where the final book might take us.

Brodi goes beyond expectations. She has built up this world of Greek mythology, and goes further than one thought possible.
I can't wait until the final book in this compelling trilogy comes to a head.

5 Stars

Review: Prodigy by Marie Lu

Prodigy (Legend #2) by Marie Lu
Publisher: Penguin
Publication date: January 29th, 2013
Number of pages: 356
Format: Paperback
Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository

June and Day arrive in Vegas just as the unthinkable happens: the Elector Primo dies, and his son Anden takes his place. With the Republic edging closer to chaos, the two join a group of Patriot rebels eager to help Day rescue his brother and offer passage to the Colonies. They have only one request—June and Day must assassinate the new Elector.

It’s their chance to change the nation, to give voice to a people silenced for too long.

But as June realizes this Elector is nothing like his father, she’s haunted by the choice ahead. What if Anden is a new beginning? What if revolution must be more than loss and vengeance, anger and blood—what if the Patriots are wrong?

The highly captivating sequel to Marie Lu's "Legend" is everything that was promised to us and more.
We are back to Day and June's adventures as they have left Los Angeles and arrive in Vegas where the Patriots have taken camp and there isn't many places they are safe. They are hoping they will be able to get some help from those which are hunting them.

After being taken in by the Patriots, June and Day get some-what welcomed into the fold as they get told of their purpose and assignment. They must eliminate the newest Elector, Anden. The question is whether they'll be able to do it, or will they discover that two wrongs do not make a right.

We discover that who we assumed were the good guys may not be as clear as we thought they were to begin with.
In Legend, it was assumed that the Republic was the group everyone should fear, and the republic were the saving grace, but during Prodigy, things start to become a tad complicated when Anden takes over as the Republic's Elector and the Patriots are determined to assassinate him no matter the cost. But as time goes on, Day and June respectively start to understand that the lines between what you think and what are real are two real different things.


We seems to come to witness love-triangles in so many books these days. One of the things I loved about Legend was that there wasn't one, and I hoped that would continue. I guess things were too good to be true, but even though two separate triangles start to take shape. Even though I believe the end result will be the same, but to have the tension that lies between June and Day is so heartbreaking that it tears my heart in two.
At the end of the day, it is obvious the true feelings that reside in each of our main characters, and maybe these experiences will make the relationship between our core couple even stronger by the end of this trilogy.

If you thought the ending of Legend was shocking enough, the biggest shock of all is what comes at the end of Prodigy. I guarantee tears and heartbreak. revelations and shocking admissions. The end is near, and I look forward to the final piece of this trilogy. Can 2014 come soon enough?

Marie Lu has built up this strong and compelling world, characters and relationships. This is a book series which will stick with you for a long time after you have turned the last page of the book.

4.5 Stars

Revew: Unravel Me (Shatter Me #2) by Tahereh Mafi

Unravel Me (Shatter Me #2) by Tahereh Mafi
Publisher: Allen & Unwin
Publication date: February 1st, 2013
Number of pages: 480
Format: Paperback
Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository

Our lips touch and I know I'm going to split at the seams. He kisses me softly then strongly like he's lost me and he's found me and I'm slipping away and he's never going to let me go.

Juliette has escaped to Omega Point. A place for people like her - people with gifts - and it is also the headquarters of the rebel resistance.

She's finally free from the Reestablishment, free from their plan to use her as a weapon, and free to love Adam. But Juliette will never be free from her lethal touch. Or from Warner, who wants Juliette more than she ever thought possible.

Haunted by her past, terrified of her future, Juliette knows that in her present, she will have to make some life-changing choices.
Choices that may include choosing between her heart - and Adam's life

It has been two weeks since Adam, Juliette and Kenji arrived at santuary. A place that does not agree with the re-establishment. Juliette soon begins training to make herself stronger, and while Adam is there, she doesn't get to spend much time with him since he is off doing things and keeping his own secrets. Those secrets are too heartbreaking with such consequences attached to them once the truth becomes revealed.

I fell in love with this story in Shatter Me, and the relationship between Adam and Juliette. This book does make my stance on Team Adam even stronger, but the things they have to deal with and overcome that has caused a rift between them.
There is one major point in this book that I was disappointed with. Warner. I really detested that Tahereh made him become a kind of potential love interest. I just do not think that was needed at all. I was perfectly fine with him being a villian, or a love to hate character. But even in this book, I feel he is just someone coming in between the main otp: Adam and Juliette. He is still too obsessive for my liking, and I just don't like that in guys. I may understand him a little more, but doesn't make me like him at all.
This does not need to be a triangle, okay, Tahereh? mmktnks

One of the things I did love about this was Kenji. While we didn't see a lot of him in Shatter Me, things changed and he is such a breath of fresh hair. Not only is he funny, but his friendship with Adam and Juliette is such a fun thing to see. He is flirty, but he currently isn't the settling down sort right now. I do wish he would find someone to love, but maybe he was hurt in the past?
I also adore Adam's little brother.

Things get revealed in this book that were speculated by fans before the release, and while it made me sense.. I wasn't sure if it would happen at all. There is much character progression during the course of this book. And I liked that Juliette became someone so strong and powerful that anyone that gets in her way should watch out. She is protective toward those she loves and cares about. She will also do anything to those that harm her, and she is sick of pretending that her ability is evil.

I really liked how the fight against the re-establishment started in this book, and I expect that to progress into the final book, coming out next year.

I have some hopes for the last book, which I hope come true... but you just never know with some unknown authors if you have no prior knowledge of any of their other work, and since this is Tahereh's first book series.. I can be a little worried at times. 

4.5 / 5

Review: Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare

Clockwork Princess (The Infernal Devices #3) by Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Walker Books
Publication date: March 19th, 2013
Number of pages: 598
Format: Paperback
Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository

THE INFERNAL DEVICES WILL NEVER STOP COMING

A net of shadows begins to tighten around the Shadowhunters of the London Institute. Mortmain plans to use his Infernal Devices, an army of pitiless automatons, to destroy the Shadowhunters. He needs only one last item to complete his plan: he needs Tessa Gray.

Charlotte Branwell, head of the London Institute, is desperate to find Mortmain before he strikes. But when Mortmain abducts Tessa, the boys who lay equal claim to her heart, Jem and Will, will do anything to save her. For though Tessa and Jem are now engaged, Will is as much in love with her as ever.

As those who love Tessa rally to rescue her from Mortmain’s clutches, Tessa realizes that the only person who can save her is herself. But can a single girl, even one who can command the power of angels, face down an entire army?

Danger and betrayal, secrets and enchantment, and the tangled threads of love and loss intertwine as the Shadowhunters are pushed to the very brink of destruction in the breathtaking conclusion to the Infernal Devices trilogy

It all started with a girl from New York as she arrives into London....

The final book in the magnificent, amazing, breath-taking epic trilogy comes a conclusion we all have been waiting for. This might even be THE most anticipated, the most talked-about yet-to-be-released book over the past year or so.
After Clockwork Prince, which raised so many stakes in this thrilling world we find ourselves in, so many questions left up in the air --- I knew that the final book would be one massive adventure which would rock our world.
I was right..

This rocking conclusive book takes place just a few weeks after the end of Clockwork Prince. Everyone is dealing with their own things. Will's secret --- no longer a secret, and Tessa has been planning her wedding. Not everything seems to go to plan especially once it is evident that Jem's drug is running out and there is no more left to buy. Soon enough there is a race against time to find a cure for something that seems impossible. But in the end.... will it be too late?
Mortmain comes back into the story very quick and fast. He has a plan, and he needs Tessa for it. She will realize that she will have to be the one to save herself, even if it means leaving those she loves behind.

There was so much that happens in this book. I read it within the first 8 hours on the very first day of its release. I waited 2 hours at the bookstore. It baffles me that sometimes their books, like this one, don't come in until the afternoon.
Anyway.. I flew through this book like it was oxygen that I needed to survive. I flipped each page like it was hot coal. Read every word as it was burning the depths of my soul.
These kind of characters don't come around very often. They are one of a kind that challenge you. Inspire you and make you believe in many things. From love to faith to being who you are.
Tessa is such a strong heroine. For someone who just came into this world less than a year ago, who knew nothing beforehand about who she really was or what kind of world there was out there apart from what she thought she knew --- she turns into someone so completely selfless, strong, independent and someone you can admire.

William Herondale will always live on forever. Seriously. There is nothing I don't love about this boy. He is so flawed. He loves so passionately and intensely. He hurts just as much. And there is nothing he wouldn't do for those he loves.
We get so much character growth for our characters. And it's not just our main characters that we see a lot of. We also see the progressing relationships. Sophie & Gideon will surprise you.. and there is one other you just might adore by the end of the book. I shall not speak it as I am trying to make this as spoiler-free as possible. But let me say this... whomever you like, you shall not end up disappointed.

There are some expected, or unexpected things that happen. It all depends if you had been listening to theories and speculations over the past year. Some are true. Some are not. But in which the way it happens... will definitely take you by surprise.
We have heartbreak. Love. Sadness. Happiness, and an ending which will satisfy just about everyone  I would imagine.

While I am passionately TEAM WILL... the relationship between the three of them is something so complicated and deep that no matter who ended up with who... its such a situation where they all loved each other to a degree that nothing else would have made sense.
I admit... this is probably the best written love triangle I have read and even watched in ever. I'd suggest other authors of triangles in their books should take note.. THIS is how you write a realistic triangle.

Such a sad, bittersweet end of an amazing trilogy. There are many reasons why I love this series, even more than The Mortal Instruments, but it does go out with a bang and answers all the questions we have, and maybe even more. There is nothing that gets left unturned or unanswered. The wait between books has certainly been worth it. No doubt about that.

I would like to congratulate Cassie for writing a book series that can tear up your heart. For making
me for feeling for a bunch of characters who I didn't think I would care for. To make me love this genre. This era and everything about the series.
These characters will forever live on in my heart. Especially Will Herondale. 

5 thousand stars out of 5.

Review: Wicked Nights by Gena Showalter

Wicked Nights (Angels of the Dark #1) by Gena Showalter
Publication Date: June 26, 2012
Publisher: HQN Books
Number of Pages: 411
Format: Paperback
Buy: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Add to Goodreads

Leader of the most powerful army in the heavens, Zacharel has been deemed nearly too dangerous, too ruthless -- and if he isn't careful, he'll lose his wings. But this warrior with a heart of ice will not be deterred from his missions at any cost…until a vulnerable human tempts him with a carnal pleasure he's never known before.

Accused of a crime she did not commit, Annabelle Miller has spent four years in an institution for the criminally insane. Demons track her every move, and their king will stop at nothing to have her. Zacharel is her only hope for survival, but is the brutal angel with a touch as hot as hell her salvation -- or her ultimate damnation?

I have had this book for about six months now and kept putting off reading it. Zacharel had appear in a few of the Lord of the Underworld books, which is no secret is one of my favorite series. It had me interested, but only enough that I would get to it eventually. For the last few months I've been saying I'm going to read it next and then kept putting it off. Now I just want to slap myself for not reading it right away. AMAZING! It had me from the first page.

Zacharel doesn't like to follow the rules. His job is to slay demons and he doesn't care about the human lives that ends up as collateral damage. He's on his last chance with his Deity. His punishment? He is put in charge of a leader of other dangerous angels whose are on their last chance too. Every human that is killed by him or anyone in his army, Zacharel must bare the whippings for them. When he comes across Annabelle in an asylum, he can't bring himself to leave her there with demons coming after her.

I fell in love with both characters immediately. Zacharel is very broody, has cut himself off from emotion, but at the same times he does have some hilarious lines. And Annabelle is right off the bad witty, and won't let anyone walk all over her. Not your typical damsel in distress. And of course this is Gena Showalter you know there's steamy scenes. I was needing a cold shower during several scenes and they weren't even sex scenes. Ms. Showalter doesn't disappoints.

Some of my favorite quotes from the book:

 “Look, Winged Wonder. Get me out of here, then we'll hammer out the details about where I'm staying. Okay?"
"Winged Wonder," he said, nodding. "I find that I do not mind that one. It fits."
"Captain Modesty fits better," she muttered.
"I disagree. Winged Wonder is clearly the better choice for a man such as me."

 “You know, you’re pretty when you smile,” she said, patting the side of his cheek.
“Fierce, woman. I am fierce.”
“If you say so.”

 "I don't--Argh." She raised a fist at him. "So maybe I do ask a lot of questions. So what. Anyone in my position would do the same. Besides, I'm a girl and that's my job. You're a boy. You're supposed to pound your chest with your fists and grunt, then do everything in your power to please me."
"Hardly. The man you just described is more likely to knock you over the head with a club and drag you away by the hair."

"You said your men were not here," Burden gritted out.
Zacharel smiled the cruelest of his grins. "And they are not. Yet. I told you I brought no angels with me, and unlike you, I'm a man of my word. But I didn't make any promises about demons, did I? Allow me to introduce you to the Lords of the Underworld."

"Below. I will not leave the club without you, and no one in the room will attack you," he said loudly, so that everyone could hear. "They will keep you safe, putting their lives at risk if necessary. Even if they do no trust you. Won't they?"
Silence.
"Won't they?" he shouted.
Wow. She never heard him raise his voice like that.
Murmurs of agreement echoed. 

And being a spin off from LotU, several of them makes appearances in this book. Probably has to be one of my favorite parts in the book. There were two twists in the story, one was a minor one which deals with another character, Koldo. Which I love how she starts to next only set up the next book, but future books. The other twist is a huge one. It will make your jaw drop and go WTF. I had to re read it a few times to make sure I didn't read it wrong.

The spin off is set in the same world as the LotU series. You don't necessary need to read LotU to start this series. But it would make more sense on the world. Plus with the Lords having cameos, it's nice to know who exactly they are. But I would say if you are a fan of LotU definitely check the spin off series out. Especially since the feeling I got is that both series are moving towards the same plot, and I'm sure at one point these two are going to collide.

Rating: 5/5

 

From Words to Screen [02]: Casting news update.

Welcome to the 2nd edition of 'From Words to Screen', a original book to TV or Movie adaption feature.  We'll talk about the newest news in relation to upcoming book adaptions, whether its for television or for the big screen.

Television adaption news:

•  Delirium had their first pilot read through, so I'd imagine they will begin shooting any day now. Photo thanks to Lauren Oliver.
  The cast includes:  Emma Roberts as Lena Holloway, Gregg Sulkin as Julian,  Jeanine Mason as Hana, Daren Kagasoff as Alex, Billy Campbell as Thomas Fineman, Corey Reynolds as Lawrence Task
  

• The Selection has cast Yael Grobglas as it's female lead "America Singer". Michael Malarkey as 'Prince Maxon', Lucien Laviscount as 'Aspen',  Peta Sergeant returning as 'Gaia',  Louise Lombard as Queen Amberly, From Merlin, Anthony Stewart Head as "King Clarkson", Sean Patrick Thomas has reprised his original role of "Sylvan Santos," Sarah Winter as "Ashlee", a contestant.

•  From Stephen King, "Under the Dome," recently started into production late last month and will premiere it's 13-episode order this summer.
  It will also be promoted at Wondercon over Easter weekend -- March 29-31, where there will be a Q&A with the actors.

Movie Adaption news:

• Divergent has added Maggie Q (Nikita), Zoë Kravitz (Mad Max: Fury Road), and Ansel Elgort (Carrie), to the cast.

Review: One Grave at a Time by Jeaniene Frost

One Grave at a Time (Night Huntress #6) by Jeaniene Frost
Publication Date: August 30, 2011
Publisher: Avon Books
Number of Pages: 358
Format: Paperback
Buy: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Add to Goodreads

Having narrowly averted an (under)world war, Cat Crawfield wants nothing more than a little downtime with her vampire husband, Bones. Unfortunately, her gift from New Orleans' voodoo queen just keeps on giving--leading to a personal favor that sends them into battle once again, this time against a villainous spirit.

Centuries ago, Heinrich Kramer was a witch hunter. Now, every All Hallows Eve, he takes physical form to torture innocent women before burning them alive. This year, however, a determined Cat and Bones must risk all to send him back to the other side of eternity--forever. But how do you kill a killer who's already long dead?

This book felt very different from the rest in the series. For once it doesn't seem like anyone is out to kill Cat. Seems like Bones and Cat may be able to have that over due vacation. But just like you would expect things don't say quiet for long.

Cat's attention is brought to Heinrich Kramer, a ghost who is able to take physical form every Halloween and continue his torture of innocent women accused of witchcraft. With Cat's borrowed powers this should be a piece of cake right? Kramer proves not only to be smart but to be very tricky. But it turns out that Kramer wants Cat, and will do anything and everything to burn her along with his other intended victims.

Cat and Bones initially seek help but a medium Spade recommends, Tyler. I immediately fell in love with Tyler. He's hilarious. And I love how he tries to hit on Bones, Spade, and Ian. Yes, Ian shows up in this book. And both him and Spade are in the book a ton. This was actually the first book that I found myself liking Ian. I was a little sad that Vlad or Mencheres didn't show up in the book. But I would of thought it would of been awesome if Tyler tried to make a move on Ian, just to see Ian's reaction. But then again it seems like there were hints of Ian and Cat's mom getting together. Now wouldn't that be something? They could all be one big happy family.

I'm not sure if I've never noticed or pay that much attention before, but I've noticed a lot of pop culture references in this book. Which it could go either way, but loved it in here. Especially the references to Harry Potter. No surprised that Ian likes Snape.

Then there's the fact that Cat's Uncle Don that died in the last book comes back as a ghost and is unable to cross over. To make matters worst, a new government officer demoted Tate and as taken over running Cat's old team. And Don seems to know him very well, even if he's not revealing anything to Cat or Bones. Not much happens in the book with them, except we can tell he is fixated on Cat. Seems to be setting up for future books.

Overall the book was interesting and good. I enjoyed it even though it's obviously a filler.

Rating: 4/5

  

Teaser Tuesday 19

Teaser Tuesday is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Want to play along?

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share 2 "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
• Be careful not to include spoilers
• Share the title and author

This week's teaser comes from  One Grave at a Time by Jeaniene Frost.

Actually, I had, thinking that Tyler would do better with my mom here to protect him if by chance Kramer showed up. Hell, if the ghost attacked during the climactic scene with Snape, Harry, and Dumbledore, Ian might not even stop watching the movie to heal any mortal injuries the medium received.

Review: Scarlet by Marissa Meyer

 

Scarlet (Lunar Chronicles #2) by Marissa Meyer
Publisher: Puffin
Publication date: February 7th, 2013
Number of pages: 452
Format: Paperback
Purchase: Amazon | The Book Depository
The fates of Cinder and Scarlet collide as a Lunar threat spreads across the Earth...
Cinder, the cyborg mechanic, returns in the second thrilling installment of the bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She's trying to break out of prison—even though if she succeeds, she'll be the Commonwealth's most wanted fugitive.
Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit's grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn't know about her grandmother or the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother's whereabouts, she is loath to trust this stranger, but is inexplicably drawn to him, and he to her. As Scarlet and Wolf unravel one mystery, they encounter another when they meet Cinder. Now, all of them must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen Levana, who will do anything for the handsome Prince Kai to become her husband, her king, her prisoner.

Just when you didn’t think Marissa Meyer’s “Lunar Chronicles” cannot get any better, well think again boys and girls. This VERY high anticipated sequel to the breath-taking “Cinder” not only lives up to expectations, but exceeds them to the utter most degree.
After the events, realisations and revelations that came about in book 1, Scarlet starts right off the back to where we left off.
While we do get multiple POVS, including what is happening with Cinder and where she is off to know she was told to escape her prison, but this is much more of a Scarlet aka Red Riding Hood story.
There are so many things that happen in such a short amount of time, and I was clued to every single page. I could not flip fast enough it seems.
Cinder, as she tries to fight her way out of her cell, gets introduced to a new character. Captain Thorne. He is someone who helps Cinder on her way, and also finds a way to escape the prison himself since he believes he should not be there to begin with, yes, well.. and off Cinder makes a new friend.
We also get to see what Prince, Emperor Kai is now up to. His decisions, emotions and actions are all boiled down in one. He doesn’t have the easiest time of things. He has no much people expect of him. Things he wants for himself and what is best for the country are two separate things. When everyone is counting on you to do the right thing…. is the right thing something you wouldn’t wish on your greatest enemy?
Queen Levena is out to settle a score. To take over and she doesn’t care who gets in her way. It’s just a matter of if Kai will be her ally or enemy, and at this point, she doesn’t care which.

We quickly meet Scarlet, who is in search of her grandmother, who suddenly went missing out of the blue. After her leads go dead, she meets newcomer, street-fighter ‘Wolf’ who seems like he knows more about things than he should.
After discovering that he might have information on her grandmother’s whereabouts, Scarlet decides she has to trust him because she really doesn’t have much choice at this point. The journey they go on leads them to some interesting discoveries. Not only about why her grandmother was taken, but also about who they are, Scarlet and Wolf included. The stakes are raised in this mind blowing sequel.

I really loved this book. After my stupid hestitation on the first, I got this book as quickly as it came out, and I was not disappointed. We begin to realize that not everything is as it seems. The world that Marissa has created just grows even more so, as you discover so much about the lunars, and how there are more out there, and close to home than you realize.
I love how Scarlet and Cinder find themselves connecting, as their stories bridge together. Each knowing something about the other, searching for the same thing, as their worlds collide.

If you haven’t read this series yet. I suggest you go and pick up Cinder, because this is a story you should not miss.

5 out of 5.

Review: Storm Born by Richelle Mead

Storm Born (Dark Swan #1) by Richelle Mead
Publication Date: August 1, 2008
Publisher: Zebra
Number of Pages: 361
Format: Paperback
Buy: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Add to Goodreads


Just typical. No love life to speak of for months, then all at once, every horny creature in the Otherworld wants to get in your pants. . .
Eugenie Markham is a powerful shaman who does a brisk trade banishing spirits and fey who cross into the mortal world. Mercenary, yes, but a girl's got to eat. Her most recent case, however, is enough to ruin her appetite. Hired to find a teenager who has been taken to the Otherworld, Eugenie comes face to face with a startling prophecy—one that uncovers dark secrets about her past and claims that Eugenie's first-born will threaten the future of the world as she knows it.
Now Eugenie is a hot target for every ambitious demon and Otherworldy ne'er-do-well, and the ones who don't want to knock her up want her dead. Eugenie handles a Glock as smoothly as she wields a wand, but she needs some formidable allies for a job like this. She finds them in Dorian, a seductive fairy king with a taste for bondage, and Kiyo, a gorgeous shape-shifter who redefines animal attraction. But with enemies growing bolder and time running out, Eugenie realizes that the greatest danger is yet to come, and it lies in the dark powers that are stirring to life within her...

I know a few fans of Richelle Mead didn't like this series, and while trying to persuade a friend to give the first book another shot, in almost reverse it made me want to re read the series.

Meet Eugenie Markham, shaman that goes by the name Odile. She's was raised by her mom and her step father, and was taught that everything Otherworldy is evil and to hate everything.  The book starts off with a scene with a haunted shoe. Yes a shoe. I knew right from the beginning I would fall in love with this series, we see the same humor we've come to love and expect in a Mead book. All of a sudden the Otherwordly creatures knows Eugenie identity and are trying to get into her pants. Odd, but Eugenie ignores it for moment. Then Eugenie meets Kiyo, whom she believe is human. But after one night together she realizes he's much more than that. It's not long until she realizes he's half kitsune, giving him the ability to shift into a fox.

When Eugenie takes on a job to find a 15 year old girl, who has been kidnapped by a fey King, she ventures into the Otherworld with her body for the first time. There she meets King Dorian, who tells her a story about the Storm King. It's not long till Eugenie uncovers that not only is really half fey, but she's the Storm King's daughter. And there's a prophecy that says her first born will continue where Storm King left off and conquer the human world.

I think this is the first book, where who I ended up shifting took me by surprised. I didn't trust Kiyo from the first moment. There was just something untrustworthy about him, and you could tell he was hiding things from Eugenie. I just wished that she gave Dorian more of a chance in this book. All of the characters are awesome. Especially Volusian, even though he does want to kill Eugenie.

A few awesome quotes:

 “Yeah? What'd you name all those cats?"

Death, Famine, Pestilence, War, and Mr. Whiskers."

You named your cats after the riders of the apocal--wait. Mr. Whiskers?"

Well, there are only four horsemen.”

 “Oh, God. I’m trapped in the fucking Chronicles of Narnia."
"I’m sure that would be an amusing reference, if I understood it.”

 “You used your power to toss one rock at me?" he exclaimed, an almost comic note of incredulity in his voice.
"On the contrary," I heard Dorian say pleasantly. "I didn't use magic for that. I just threw it.”

 “I looked around at us all: me in my nightgown, Kiyo bare-chested, Dorian in his extravagant robes, and Tim in his Native getup. God, I muttered, standing up, we all look like the village people.”

 “Is he having a party?" "Dorian is a sociable king. He likes keeping people around him, mostly so he can mock them.”

 “Hey, Volusian, you haven't been checking me out, have you?"

He gave me his trademark bland stare. "I assure you, mistress, the only allure your bare flesh has for me is to remind me how easy it will be to slice open."

I laughed. If not for the fact he was actually serious, he'd be so much fun.”

 Honestly, I don't see how any fan of Mead could not love this series. It is an adult series, but the subject of rape is brought home numerous times. I know I've seen reviews where they say rape isn't handled right in the book. It's the eye of the beholder. You have to remember this is a different world than ours. And what Eugenie does, she knows that rape is a big possibility for her.

Rating: 5/5

 

Waiting on Wednesday [11]: The Fiery Heart....

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.

In The Indigo Spell, Sydney was torn between the Alchemist way of life and what her heart and gut were telling her to do. And in one breathtaking moment that Richelle Mead fans will never forget, she made a decision that shocked even her. . . .

But the struggle isn't over for Sydney. As she navigates the aftermath of her life-changing decision, she still finds herself pulled in too many directions at once. Her sister Zoe has arrived, and while Sydney longs to grow closer to her, there's still so much she must keep secret. Working with Marcus has changed the way she views the Alchemists, and Sydney must tread a careful path as she harnesses her profound magical ability to undermine the way of life she was raised to defend. Consumed by passion and vengeance, Sydney struggles to keep her secret life under wraps as the threat of exposure—and re-education—looms larger than ever.

Expected release: November 19th, 2013


 Can I say that this needs to get into my hands ASAP? yes? I think we pretty much have the same thought, am I right?
I have a feeling this book is going to give me everything I want, and yet.. will break my heart. I think this will be the typical "third" book of the series, but the fourth.. and by that, I mean a dreaded cliffhanger and break my heart. Because, of course Richelle doesn't have her pairings too happy for very long until the very end.