Monday, February 28, 2011

Review : Iron Queen

WARNING MAY CONTAIN SPOILER – THIRD BOOK OF THIS SERIES


Title: Iron Queen
Author: Julie Kagawa
Number of Pages: 358
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
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My name is Meghan Chase.
I thought it was over. That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who's sworn to stand by my side. Drag me into the core of conflict so powerful, I'm not sure anyone can survive it.
This time, there will be no turning back.
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Can I say I’m completely in love with Kagawa’s wonderful series? I love everything about it. The cover, the pages, the words, the details… (Okay, now I’m turning into a groupie.)

The story is simply amazingly perfect. It took my breath away by moments, made me want to cry and made me cheer for Meghan. The plot is so well created; I just couldn’t put it down. I don’t even have enough words to describe how much I loved it.

The characters have grown so much through the three books, Ash most of all. I fell in love all over again with them. Still, I don’t want to spoil the story for those who haven’t read it, so I won’t give that many details. All I can say is that if you liked the Iron King, you will love this one. It gets better and better. Kagawa is the queen of sequel for me. I haven’t seen sequels that were better than the first book in a while.

Overall, I love, I love, and I love! I would totally give it an 11/10, because it was better than the Iron King and The Iron Daughter.

If you haven’t read it, go get it now!

Review : Iron Daughter



WARNING MAY CONTAIN SPOILER – SECOND BOOK OF THIS SERIES

Title: Iron Daughter
Author: Julie Kagawa
Number of Pages: 359
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
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Half Summer faery princess, half human, Meghan has never fit in anywhere. Deserted by the Winter prince she thought loved her, she is prisoner to the Winter faery queen. As war looms between Summer and Winter, Meghan knows that the real danger comes from the Iron fey—ironbound faeries that only she and her absent prince have seen. But no one believes her.
Worse, Meghan's own fey powers have been cut off. She's stuck in Faery with only her wits for help. Trusting anyone would be foolish. Trusting a seeming traitor could be deadly. But even as she grows a backbone of iron, Meghan can't help but hear the whispers of longing in her all-too-human heart.
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I'm so happy my class was cancelled this morning, it gave me time to go at Indigo to buy this wonderful book, and to read it. 

Well, let just say that this review will be extremely short. Why? Because this is a sequel, and it is as amazing as the first one was. I’m in love with the story, with Julie Kagawa and of course Ash. Kagawa doesn’t let us down in this sequel, it s simply marvelous. If you liked the first you, you will love this one. A perfect mix of Love, action and drama.

(I wouldn’t really consider that a real review… But I’m The Iron Queen review will probably by up by tonight. It was making a big review for this book and not being able to finish Iron Queen today, or this short review, but Iron Queen tonight… Well, you can guess what I chose.)

10/10!

P.s. By the way, if you have an Indigo near you, they have a 20% off sale on every YA and children's book. I don't know how long it will last, but I had to tell you!
            

Music Monday 2: The Academy Is

Here is my second Music Monday, where I share with you what I'm currently listening to. So this week, I've been listening to this amazing band called The Acedemy is. I absolutely love them. I discovered them in 2005, at the Vans Warped Tour here in Montreal. I saw them playing, and I knew I had to buy their albums. Since then, I've been listening to them.

Here is one of their song, Skeptics and True Believers, from their first album Almost here.
Enjoy!




And you, what are you listening to?

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Review 30: Iron King



Title: Iron King
Author: Julie Kagawa
Number of Pages: 363
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
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Meghan Chase has a secret destiny—one she could never have imagined…
Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan's life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school…or at home.
When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she's known is about to change.
But she could never have guessed the truth—that she is the daughter of a mythical faery king and is a pawn in a deadly war. Now Meghan will learn just how far she'll go to save someone she cares about, to stop a mysterious evil no faery creature dare face…and to find love with a young prince who might rather see her dead than let her touch his icy heart.
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I had heard so many great comments about the Iron Fey series that I couldn’t wait to get my hand on the first book, the Iron King.  But first of all, how pretty is that cover! I love how they have put details at the beginning of each chapter; it adds a little something more.

Let’s now talk about the content. Can I say absolutely amazing? I love the story line. I just couldn’t put this book down, as it was just that good. Kagawa created a captivating story, in which only reading the next page can satisfy your craving for more. (Does it make sense?) I love how there is an ending for the main story line, which completely satisfied me, and a couple of pages more, to connect with the sequel. I hate it when authors prefer not completing the main plot, just to be able to write a sequel. So uncool. But Kagawa knows how to satisfy her readers. And I can’t wait to pick The Iron Daughter up, to read what will happen to Meghan (and I have to talk myself out of another trip to Indigo, because of a stupid invention call budget. Damn you budget, I hate you.)

I really liked the characters. Meghan is a great character, Puck is such a funny one, but I must say that I am utterly in love with Ash (Fictional Crush coming). Yes he can be coldhearted sometimes, but come on, isn’t just sexy enough? I am completely team Ash, if I dare say. Other than Ash, the characters just work well together, which really makes the book amazingly good.

I love Kagawa’s style of writing, and I can’t wait to read more from her, Iron Fey series or not. Do I really need to say more?

Overall, I absolutely adored this book. I would recommend it to anyone who likes fantasy, and of course YA. 10/10!

In My Mailbox 1

I’ve decided to try to do my first In My Mailbox, hosted by Kristi from the Story Siren. Why? Well, let just that I bought a couple of books on Tuesday, as my wonderful English class was cancelled.


First, I finally was able to buy The Iron King by Julie Kagawa. I’ve been searching for this book for a while, but every time I went to Indigo, they didn’t have any.I also bought The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson. I had heard many great comments about this book, so I had to buy it. And I bought After by Amy Efaw, because the cover kind of made me curious about this book.




 I also bought a couple of book on sale, simply because they were really cheap and seemed good.

First, I bought Heist Society by Ally Carter. It was only 6.29 instead of 18 or 20.Second, I bought Violet on the Runway by Melissa Walker. It was 3.99 instead of 12.50. It looked like it could be good. Why not? At that price, it’s not going to make me really poorer. Third, I bought Wings by Aprilynne Pike, and this one was 6.99 instead of 19.99. I had heard good comments about it, so why not give it a shot?


 

I also bought Switch by Carol Snow, which were 4.99 instead of 11.99. I don’t really know why I pick this one, except I was curious.Finally, I bought Alice in Wonderland and through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll, simply because I couldn’t not buy it, as it was only 3.99. After all, this is one of my favorite classics.

So, here is what I got this week! What did YOU get?

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Review 29: Stargazer



Title: Stargazer
Author: Claudia Gray
Number of Pages: 329
Publisher: Harper Teen
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Evernight Academy: an exclusive boarding school for the most beautiful, dangerous students of all—vampires. Bianca, born to two vampires, has always been told her destiny is to become one of them.

But Bianca fell in love with Lucas—a vampire hunter sworn to destroy her kind. They were torn apart when his true identity was revealed, forcing him to flee the school.

Although they may be separated, Bianca and Lucas will not give each other up. She will risk anything for the chance to see him again, even if it means coming face-to-face with the vampire hunters of Black Cross—or deceiving the powerful vampires of Evernight. Bianca's secrets will force her to live a life of lies.

Yet Bianca isn't the only one keeping secrets. When Evernight is attacked by an evil force that seems to target her, she discovers the truth she thought she knew is only the beginning....
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I picked this book up, because I had read Evernight, and I wanted to read the rest of the series. The cover wasn’t really the reason why I wanted this book, because to be honest, I didn’t really think it looked that good.

The plot was better that the one from the first book. There was this kind of Romeo and Juliet feeling about this book, but at some point it annoyed me.  Yet, it got better as the book went on. The ending wasn’t really great, but it made me want to read the third novel of this series.

The characters are starting to annoy me. Bianca acts so stupid sometimes, and Lucas makes me hope that he will get kill by a vampire. I spent the whole books hoping that she would at some point get with Balthazar, because I really like him.

The writing was okay. I’ve seen better, but I can’t really say that it was a negative point of the book. The rhythm of the story was good, as there weren’t too many slow moments.

Overall, I would give it a 7/10.

Peace, love and lots of books!

Friday, February 25, 2011

Review 28: Remember Me



Title: Remember me (+ The Return and The Last Story)
Author: Christopher Pike
Number of Pages: 789
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
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Shari Cooper wakes up dead. The last thing she can remember is falling from a balcony during her friend’s party. Her death has been ruled a suicide, but Shari knows she was murdered. All of her closest friends are now suspects. As she tries to find her killer from the other side, she discovers her friends may not have been so loyal to her after all. Now, Shari is not just out for justice, she’s out for revenge….
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I picked the Bind up for Remember Me because I had heard good comments about Christopher Pike’s work. When I picked it up, I thought I look good. I like the feeling the cover gave me. To be honest, I’m on the fence with this one.

The plot of the first book really got me interested. I really enjoyed it. When I started to read the second and third one, there was just something off for me. Maybe it was the religious aspect and the way reincarnation was presented (saying that someone is brought back as a cripple because he committed suicide just doesn’t go that well with me. I would honestly have been satisfied with just the first book.

The characters were okay. I liked Shari, but the rest of the characters just seemed to be complete idiots or complete stereotypes.

Pike’s style is excellent, but I’m just not so sure about were he wanted to go with The Return (the second book) and The Last Story (the third). I just had trouble with all the religious aspect.

If I had to rate this book as one, I would give it a 6.5/10. Separately, I would give Remember me a 7.5/10, and the other twos a 6/10 

Review 27: Fallen



Title: Fallen
Author: Lauren Kate
Number of Pages: 452
Publisher: Delacorte Press
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There’s something achingly familiar about Daniel Grigori.

Mysterious and aloof, he captures Luce Price’s attention from the moment she sees him on her first day at the Sword & Cross boarding school in sultry Savannah, Georgia. He’s the one bright spot in a place where cell phones are forbidden, the other students are all screw-ups, and security cameras watch every move.

Even though Daniel wants nothing to do with Luce–and goes out of his way to make that very clear–she can’t let it go. Drawn to him like a moth to a flame, she has to find out what Daniel is so desperate to keep secret . . . even if it kills her
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I loved Fallen. I picked it up because of its beautiful cover (How pretty is it?) and I never regretted it. I didn’t really know what to expect form it, because I hadn’t read anything about it. It was just there at the Indigo store downtown. It was one of those day were I can’t seem to control myself in a book store (which happens way to often... My credit card is about to divorce me…) Once I started to read it, I couldn’t put it down

First of all, I love the story. There is so much stuff going on that it never ends up being boring. The rhythm was really perfect for me: not too fast, not too slow. The ending was really well written, even if the ending clearly shows that there will be a sequel. She gives us just enough to satisfy us until the sequel Torment, but not enough to not to makes us crave for the sequel. I remember longing for the sequel for months after reading it.

I love the characters. I find them to be really well written. It would have been so easy to make Luce a Mary-Sue, but she is so far from that. Daniel and Cam are great characters. At some point, I couldn’t decide whom I like best. They are amazing in their own separate way, as they are two completely different characters. I don’t think there was one character that annoyed me for the wrong reasons.

Lauren Kate style is so good. I love the way she writes, I just feel like everything that was written needed to be in the book. I love how she describes things that matter.

I would give this book a good 8.5/10!

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Review 26: Evermore



Title: Evermore
Author: Alyson Noël
Number of Pages: 301
Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin
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Since a horrible accident claimed the lives of her family, sixteen-year-old Ever can see auras, hear people’s thoughts, and know a person’s life story by touch.   Going out of her way to shield herself from human contact to suppress her abilities has branded her as a freak at her new high school—but everything changes when she meets Damen Auguste…

Ever sees Damen and feels an instant recognition.  He is gorgeous, exotic and wealthy, and he holds many secrets.  Damen is able to make things appear and disappear, he always seems to know what she’s thinking—and he’s the only one who can silence the noise and the random energy in her head.  She doesn’t know who he really is—or what he is.  Damen equal parts light and darkness, and he belongs to an enchanted new world where no one ever dies.
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I got Evermore by Alyson Noël for Christmas. My father bought me the box set with the first three books. The first thing I though when I saw Evermore is that the cover is really nice. First, it was simply because I love purple. Then, because I like the image (and yes, in that order. I feel so superficial sometime.).

I read it on Christmas Day, simply because I couldn’t put it down. The plot is good and the ending was okay. Evermore was really one of those books that you just adore, but when someone asks you why, you’re not sure what to answer. Yeah, the plot is good. Amazingly excellent? Not really. Was the ending mind-blowing? No, but it was okay.

Even the characters are just okay. I really liked Ever, but she was the only one that didn’t make me wonder if something wasn’t missing. I felt like I didn’t have enough about Damien (okay, maybe that was pat of the story, but still). Haven annoyed the hell out of me, and Miles is too stereotypical.

Noël’s writing was good. Yet, the real reason why I couldn’t put this book down was that the story just kept me engaged. I really enjoyed reading it, and couldn’t wait for Blue Moon, which I read directly after.

Still, I would give this book a 7/10. It was captivating, but I still feel like something was missing.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday (1)


This is my first Waiting on Wednesday. It is a Meme hosted by Jill from breakingthespine I chose this book because I absolutely loved If I Stay, and I just can’t wait to read the sequel from Adam’s point of view. I love Forman’s style. I really wanted to read more from her, and I can’t be happier than to be able to know what happened to Mia after the horrible accident. A book I will run to the bookstore for.

Title: Where She Went
Author: Gayle Forman
Expected Publication: April 5th 2011
Number of Pages: 258
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It's been three years since the devastating accident ... three years since Mia walked out of Adam's life forever.
Now living on opposite coasts, Mia is Julliard's rising star and Adam is LA tabloid fodder, thanks to his new rock star status and celebrity girlfriend. When Adam gets stuck in New York by himself, chance brings the couple together again, for one last night. As they explore the city that has become Mia's home, Adam and Mia revisit the past and open their hearts to the future - and each other.
Told from Adam's point of view in the spare, lyrical prose that defined If I Stay, Where She Went explores the devastation of grief, the promise of new hope, and the flame of rekindled romance.
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Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Review 25: If I Stay



Title: If I Stay
Author: Gayle Forman
Number of Pages: 234
Publisher: Speak
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In a single moment, everything changes. Seventeen-year-old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall riding along the snow-wet Oregon road with her family. Then, in a blink, she finds herself watching as her own damaged body is taken from the wreck...
A sophisticated, layered, and heartachingly beautiful story about the power of family and friends, the choices we all make—and the ultimate choice Mia commands.
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I picked this book on an impulse. I saw it on the shelf, and I just said to myself “Why not?” The cover made me wonder, what it was about. When I read the summary, I had to read it. I read it for the first time last summer. I was at my father’s house, and I spent my day reading it. I couldn’t put it down.

The story was more than captivating to me. I felt as if I knew her. I felt like her pain was mine, and I started thinking about what I would do in her place. The ending made me almost cried. I wasn’t sure at that time If Forman would write a sequel, but I was hoping.

Mia made me feel so vulnerable. You read her story, as she lives it. In the end, you ask yourself what would have been your choice. I think her character was so well written. I think you can’t help but connect with her. The supporting characters were also really well written.

I love the way Gayle Forman writes. I have nothing to say. I found this book so hard to review; because I think what matters here is the emotions that Forman shares through her words. And honestly, she does a beautiful job for that.

I love this book. 9.5/10.

Review 24: Deadly little secret


Title: Deadly Little Secret
Author: Laurie Faria Stolarz
Number of Pages: 252
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
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Some secrets shouldn't be kept...
Up until three months ago, everything in sixteen-year-old Camelia's life had been fairly ordinary: decent grades; an okay relationship with her parents; and a pretty cool part-time job at the art studio downtown. But when Ben, the mysterious new guy, starts junior year at her high school, Camelia's life becomes anything but ordinary.
Rumored to be somehow responsible for his ex-girlfriend's accidental death, Ben is immediately ostracized by everyone on campus. Except for Camelia. She's reluctant to believe the rumors, even when her friends try to convince her otherwise. She's inexplicably drawn to Ben...and to his touch. But soon, Camelia is receiving eerie phone calls and strange packages with threatening notes. Ben insists she is in danger, and that he can help--but can he be trusted? She knows he's hiding something... but he's not the only one with a secret.
From the best-selling author of Blue is for Nightmares comes a story of paranormal romance that's sure to be a thrilling and chilling teen favorite.
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Deadly Little Secret has a beautiful cover. I love the way the book looks. It’s one of the reasons I first picked it up.

The plot didn’t really captivate me that much. The story is really slow. I wish the action could have started earlier. I felt like nothing was happening during the first half of the book. Then, everything felt rushed, and the ending didn’t satisfy me. It just screams “sequel!”, which I don’t like.

The style of the author is good. I like how she writes and describes what is going on. I like Camilia and Ben, but the other supporting characters annoyed me. I felt like they were a little too stereotypical for my taste.

Overall, it was an okay book, entertaining and nicely written. Yet, it is not the most captivating book I’ve read, which is why I give it a 6/10.

Still, I’ll probably read the sequel.

Monday, February 21, 2011

Review 23: Prophecy of the Sisters

Title: Prophecy of the Sisters
Author: Michelle Zink
Number of Pages: 343
Publisher: Little Brown
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Sixteen-year-old Lia Milthorpe and her twin sister Alice have just become orphans, and, as Lia discovers, they have also become enemies. The twins are part of an ancient prophecy that has turned generations of sisters against each other. To escape from a dark fate and to remain in the arms of her beloved boyfriend James, Lia must end the prophecy before her sister does. Only then will she understand the mysterious circumstances of her parents' deaths, the true meaning of the strange mark branded on her wrist, and the lengths to which her sister will go to defeat her.
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First, the cover was average for me. It isn’t the most beautiful one I’ve seen, but not the worst. I like the details at the beginning of each chapter and at the bottom of every page.

The plot is okay. I like the rhythm of the story, as I don’t feel like Zink is trying to add things that aren’t needed, just to make the story longer. The Ending is okay, but it’s clear that it was written to open the door for a sequel, because the story isn’t finished.

I love the settings. It is situated at the end of the nineteenth century, in New York. It adds a good atmosphere to the story. I like how it adds something to the story, as people weren’t as open about witchcraft and prophecy as they are today (okay, maybe people today wouldn’t really believe in it too, but at least they wouldn’t be accused of blasphemy or that kind of things).

I really liked the characters. The twins are real opposite. Alice is a character you love the hate, where Lia is such a strong character. I also like that Luisa and Sonia aren’t just there to be there. They are actually there to help Lia. I also like that the feelings between James and Lia didn’t take to much space in the story line.

Overall, I would give this book a 7/10.

Music Monday: Good Life by One Republic

I have three addictions. My first addiction, as you can probably guess, is books. Reading takes a big part of my life.

My second addiction is chocolate. Do I really need to explain why?

Finally, my third addiction is music. When I’m not reading (or at work or in school) I’m usually plugged on my Ipod. This is why I’ve decided to post every Monday what I’m listening to.

Here it is!

This week, I’ve been completely obsessed with One Republic. Most of you probably now them from the single Apologize featuring Timberland. But, it is not their greatest song. I feel in love in them, when I was in Germany two years ago. Apologize was feature in the movie KeinOhrHasen, and later the song Secret was featured in ZweiOhrKüken. After that, I was addicted.

Here is one of my favorite song form them, Good Life



When you're happy like a fool 
Let it take you over 
When everything is out 



You gotta take it in 
Their Website: HERE

And you, what are you listening to?

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Review 22: The Water Wars



Title: The Water Wars
Author: Cameron Stracher
Number of Pages: 240
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Buy Here
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Welcome to a future where water is more precious than gold or oil-and worth killing for
Vera and her brother, Will, live in the shadow of the Great Panic, in a country that has collapsed from environmental catastrophe. Water is hoarded by governments, rivers are dammed, and clouds are sucked from the sky. But then Vera befriends Kai, who seems to have limitless access to fresh water. When Kai suddenly disappears, Vera and Will set off on a dangerous journey in search of him-pursued by pirates, a paramilitary group, and greedy corporations. Timely and eerily familiar, acclaimed author Cameron Stracher makes a stunning YA debut that's impossible to forget. 

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The Water Wars was a good book, entertaining and interesting. It makes you think about what the world could become, as we waste way too much water now. I really like the cover. I think it fits the story really well.

The plot is good. Stracher makes you wonder what will happen next to Vera and will. The rhythm of the story is perfect, not to slow, nor to fast like some of the books I’ve read not long ago. The ending is okay, but makes me wonder if there will be a sequel. I hope so, because I think there are many questions that haven’t been answered in the end.

The characters area realistic to me, and I find myself able to identify myself with Vera. She is what I would expect of a girl her age in her situation. She is strong, but still has her weakness. She is such a loyal character to those she considers her friends. Will is the perfect big brother for her, as he is always there with her, supporting her with his own strength.

I enjoyed Stracher style, and I find myself hoping for more. I don’t think it will be the best book of 2011, but I think that people will find it enjoyable. I also hope that it will make people wonder about what the future may be for us.

I would give it a 7.5/10

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Review 21: Shiver



Title: Shiver
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Number of Pages: 390
Publisher: Scholastic

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the cold.
Grace has spent years watching the wolves in the woods behind her house. One yellow-eyed wolf—her wolf—watches back. He feels deeply familiar to her, but she doesn't know why.

the heat.
Sam has lived two lives. As a wolf, he keeps the silent company of the girl he loves. And then, for a short time each year, he is human, never daring to talk to Grace...until now.

the shiver.
For Grace and Sam, love has always been kept at a distance. But once it's spoken, it cannot be denied. Sam must fight to stay human—and Grace must fight to keep him—even if it means taking on the scars of the past, the fragility of the present, and the impossibility of the future.
(from goodreads.com)
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Ah, Shiver. The first reason why I picked it up is because the book is beautiful. Did I regret picking it up? No. Was it good? Yes.

First of all, this book doesn’t have the best plot ever. Yet, I couldn’t seem to care. There are some points in the book where nothing seems to be really going on, except live with Sam and Grace. Yet, I love the interaction between both of them, so I didn’t mind.

Stiefvater writes beautifully. I was captivated by the way she writes her characters, how she describes everything; the smell, the emotions… The changing point of view may annoy some readers, but it didn’t annoy me. It think it helps understand why they act the way they do.

I have read that many feels like it is Twilight: Team Jacob version, because they feel the characters are similar. I don’t really think so. Sam isn’t as old-fashioned as Edward, or as impulsive as Jacob. Grace isn’t as helpless as Bella. I like Grace. Yes, she is slightly obsessed with wolves, but wouldn’t anyone be in a way if they were attack by some when they were young?

The ending could’ve been a little better for me, because I feel like there was something missing in the last chapters. Maybe it is because everything will be answered in Linger (or not as there is a third, Forever, coming soon.), but I feel like she could have given a little more, or even a little less.

Overall, I enjoyed it. I can’t wait to go to Chapter to pick Linger up.

I give Shiver an 8.5/10.

Peace, love and lots of books!

Review 20: Dead Girls Dance



WARNING–BOOK TWO OF THE SERIE-MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS

Title: Dead Girls Dance
Author: Rachel Caine
Number of Pages: 238
Publisher: New American Library
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Claire has her share of challenges. Like being a genius in a school that favors beauty over brains; homicidal girls in her dorm, and finding out that her college town is overrun with the living dead. On the up side, she has a new boyfriend with a vampire-hunting dad. But when a local fraternity throws the Dead Girls' Dance, hell is really going to break loose.
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The second book of the Morganville Vampires series is the perfect continuation of the first one. The characters are as good as they were in the first. And in this series, the characters are a major factor to why this book is that good.

The book starts right where it left out in Glass Houses. More problems are coming for Claire, Shane, Eve and Michael, brought to them by new characters, including Shane’s father. We start to understand more about the ways and rules of Morganville. Of course, you need to have read Glass Houses to enjoy this book; After all, they don’t remind you of what happened in the first book. You need to have the story of Glass houses still fresh in your mind to be able to really appreciate this one.

The plot is captivating, again. Caine really doesn’t want us to give up on Claire and company. You just can’t put the book down, as you can’t go on without knowing what will happen to the characters.

The story still ends with a cliffhanger. Yet, it is not as mean as the one in Glass Houses was. The main story line is tied up, but some new things leave you expecting the worst for Claire and her friends. I already can’t wait to pick the third one, to know what will happen.

I would give it a good 8.5/10, because it isn’t exactly as good as the first. Still, it is pretty close.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Review 19: Captivate

Title: Captivate
Author: Carrie Jones
Number of Pages: 273
Publisher: Bloomsbury
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Zara and her friends knew they hadn't solved the pixie problem for good. Far from it. The king's needs grow deeper every day he's stuck in captivity, while his control over his people gets weaker. It's made him vulnerable. And now there's a new king in town.

A turf war is imminent, since the new pixie king, Astley, is moving in quickly. Nick nearly killed him in the woods on day one, but Zara came to his rescue. Astley swears that he and Zara are destined to be together, that he's one of the good guys. Nick isn't buying it, though Zara isn't as sure -- despite herself, she wants to trust the new king. But it's a lot more than her relationship with Nick that is at stake. It's her life -- and his.
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I had read Need a couple of weeks ago, and I must say I was disappointed by the sequel Captivate. The first half of the book is all about the importance of the relationship of Nick and Zara. Not in a good way. I got bored of reading how much they couldn’t live without each other, and how they would die without the other. Honestly, the beginning made me question what I remembered from Need. The first book had really captivated me, and I had really enjoyed it. But the second one is far from being as good as the first.

The plot was really a negative aspect of the book for me. It was too slow. I needed action, but all she gave me at first was boring love talk. The kind of talk that makes you want to avoid your two friends who just started their new relationship and are soooo in love with each other. 

Then, the characters really annoyed me, which they hadn’t done in Need. Issie and Devyn just can’t seem to get together, and Nick and Zara are just too in love. That ends up being annoying after a while, because it makes the character empty for me. Why? Because everything they do seem to revolve around their “soul mate”.

The ending doesn’t really satisfy me. It’s okay, but there’s something missing to create a really good ending. Yet, I can’t say what it is. You know how we sometimes don’t know why we like or dislike something. Well, this is one of those times.

I still hope Entice will be better, because I don’t want to give up on this series yet. I would give Captivate a 6/10, but I hope I will be able to give Entice more!

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Review 18: Here Lies Bridget



Title: Here Lies Bridget
Author: Paige Harbison
Number of pages: 219
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Buy Here
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Bridget Duke is the uncontested ruler of her school. The meanest girl with the biggest secret insecurities. And when new girl Anna Judge arrives, things start to fall apart for Bridget: friends don't worship as attentively, teachers don't fall for her wide-eyed "who me?" look, expulsion looms ahead and the one boy she's always loved—Liam Ward—can barely even look at her anymore.

When a desperate Bridget drives too fast and crashes her car, she ends up in limbo, facing everyone she's wronged and walking a few uncomfortable miles in their shoes. Now she has only one chance to make a last impression. Though she might end up dead, she has one last shot at redemption and the chance to right the wrongs she's inflicted on the people who mean the most to her.

And Bridget's about to learn that, sometimes, saying you're sorry just isn't enough….

(from goodreads.com)
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Where do I start? I honestly just didn’t enjoy this book. I couldn’t get into the story, the characters were painfully annoying and the plot really boring. Half the book is about the bitchiness of the main character Bridget. Then, you see her learn about the real impact of her actions. Than in a couple of pages, she goes to those she wronged to be forgiven. How much times does she need to be forgiven by the five main people she wronged? Not even a day.

There were a couple of scene that was cute or funny, but honestly, Bridget really killed the book for me. With her as the main character, I could enjoy it, because I really don’t like her.

Probably one of the worst books I’ve read in 2011. Didn’t enjoy it at all

Not worth more than a 2/10 

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Review 17: Hex Hall



Title: Hex Hall
Author: Rachel Hawkins
Number of Pages: 323
Publisher: Hyperion
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Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father--an elusive European warlock--only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters.

By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tagalong ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire student on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect.

As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her.
(from Goodreads.com)
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This novel is probably the chick lit version of Harry Potter. Witches, warlock, shifter and werewolves, there is everything in there to satisfy any fan of chick lit and fantasy. Did I enjoy it? Yes I did. I ended up really wanting to know what would happen next for Sophie. Was it the best novel ever written? Definitely not. The story is catchy, but the style was just okay.

The characters were good, as I ended up liking the innocence and naivety in Sophie, the sexiness and badass ness of Acher, and of course the bitchiness of Elodie. The

It is a fun book, but not anything more. It is enjoyable and entertaining. Easy to read, which is fun when you just want to disconnect from your stressful life (and work…. And schoolwork… and everything else that can stress you…)

I would give this book a 7.5/10, because even if it is far from being a masterpiece, it is entertaining.