Review: LUXE by Anna Godberson

The story was set in the Old New York, where Elizabeth Holland fell for Will Keller. And young Miss Diana Holland has a heart for future brother in law, Henry Schoonmaker. But when Penelope Hayes has a word for it, nobody except her is getting things they want.

Beautifully crafted, Luxe has me yearning for more. With a few surpising scenes and a (not so) surprising ending, I have only one word for it : Scandalous!

With a cover like that, who doesn't want to be in the middle of the sandal?

Ratings : 4 stars

For more info about the book or author, please click here

Review: TORMENT by Lauren Kate

Since Lucinda Price has fallen in love with a fallen angel, and an angelic war was happening for her, she was to move to Shoreline High. There she met Shelby, Miles and a few others. When her teacher sshowed the class how to manipulate an Announcer, Luce began to play with fire, and discovered a secret along the way.

I'm sorry to say that I'm disappointed with this sequel. The beginning was a little slow, and things only began to heat up halfway through the book. I loved the ending though, it's a cliff hanger, and I am aching for the next book.

The cover is fabulous- dark, sad and atmospheric.

Ratings : 4 stars

For more info about the book or author, please click here

Review : CRESCENDO by Becca Fitzpatrick

Nora is back, this time with more fights than ever with Patch. Her old friend, Scott Parnell came back, and so was her father's ghost. Even more confusing was Patch's presence at Nora's arch-enemy, Marcie Miller's house. When Nora questioned Patch, she was told that the visit was simply business, yet it doesn't sound very convincing. Will the two lovebird's already fragile relationship crack? Or will they survive the odds?

WOW! Crescendo is better than Hush, Hush! Fast and exhilarating, the story will not let you go. With the unexpected twist, heavy atmosphere of suspense, and a total cliff hanger at the end, Crescendo is a must read of the YA genre, especially if you're already in love with Hush, Hush (though the fights between Nora and Patch are a little-only a little- ridiculous).

The cover is shiny, like Hush, Hush, though it is not as eye catching as the book before.

Ratings: 4.5 stars

For more info about the book or author, please click here

Review : HUSH, HUSH by Becca Fitzpatrick

Nora Grey wasn't planning of getting involved in a romance, but when Patch appeared, everything changed. Dark and dangerous Patch seemed to know how to push Nora's button, and she was drawn to him, against her better judgment. But when Nora started hallucinating, things went south. Watch Nora as she struggles whether to trust her own judgment - and leave Patch alone - or trust Patch - and get into trouble.

Hush Hush starts in the voice of Nora, fully revealing her struggles. Like Fallen, this is a story about fallen angels, and those who fall for them, though this novel has a dangerous and mysterious edge to it. Layered and skilled, Fitzpatrick gave us a book worth reading.

Shiny and simple cover, even though I would choose Fallen over it.

Ratings : 4 stars

For more info about the book or author, please click here

Review: FALLEN by Lauren Kate

Seeing shadows all her life, Lucinda Price's parents finally had it, and off she went to Swords and Cross. There, she met Penn, and was mysteriously attracted by Daniel Grigori. Yet Daniel didn't seem to be interested in her, though another boy, Cam is. As Penn digs up an old book written by Daniel's ancestor. As the "shadows" keep disturbing her, Luce was about to find the shocking truth about her and Daniel, and the battle between the heavenly creatures she's in the middle of.

Fallen is a enchanting story with a decent pace, grabbing you with its unexpected twists. For the fans of angel and romance, this is a must on your reading list. 

And the dark and moody cover fits perfectly well with the story. Who doesn't love it?

Ratings : 4 star  

For more info about the book or author, please click here

Book Blogger Hop

In the spirit of the Twitter Friday Follow, the Book Blogger Hop is a place just for book bloggers and readers to connect and share our love of the written word!  This weekly BOOK PARTY is an awesome opportunity for book bloggers to 

connect with other book lovers, make new friends, support each other,

and generally just share our love of books!  

Book Blogger Hop (11/12-11/15)    

"If you find a book that looks interesting but is part of a series, do you always start with the first title?"

My answer : no. It's always very hard to find the first title, so I' d rather not read than have a story with no beginning.

Book Blogger Hop (11/26-11/29)    

"What is your favorite book cover?"

        Definitely Fallen

 Or maybe Brighid' Quest                         

Or was it Hush, Hush...

Teaser Tuesdays

Welcome to my post for Teaser Tuesdays, it  is a weekly bookish meme, 
hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

 

Here's my teaser from Dear John, a work by Nicholas Sparks (Nov 2) :

I reflect on thoese things, and as always, our time together comes back to me. 

I find myself remembering how it began, for now these 

memories are all I have left.

Here's my teaser from Envy - A Luxe Novel, a work by Anna Godberson (Nov 16) :

Her old coat was drawn tight to shield her from the cold, and her hat was pulled 

over her ears. It was too late, or too early, for any human being to note the 

absolute determination in her stride, but the little sparrow's black eyes 

followed her as she disappeared into the brand-new day.

Library Books

For signing up for the 2010 Support Your Local Library Reading at  

Home Girl's Book Blog, this is my list of books.

My List

1. Crystal Mask - Katherine Roberts

2. Thanks For the Memories - Cecelia Ahern
3. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo - Stieg Larsson
4. The Girl Who Played With Fire - Stieg Larsson
5. Kissed by an Angel - Elizabeth Chandler
6. Moonlight - Rachel Hawthorne
7. Full Moon - Rachel Hawthorne
8. Dark of the Moon - Rachel Hawthorne
9. Lisey's Story - Stephen King
10. Vamps - Nancy A. Collins
11. Night Life -Nancy A. Collins
12. After Dark - Nancy A. Collins
13. Princess Diaries - Meg Cabot
14. All -American Girl - Meg Cabot
15. The Summoning - Kelley Armstrong
16. Have to wait...

Review: THE LAST SONG by Nicholas Sparks

Seventeen-year-old Ronnie went to live with her father on Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina three years later after her parents' divorce. She resented her father, and refused to play the piano, the only thing that linked her father to her. In North Carolina, between ignores and fights, Ronnie met Will Blakelee, and fell for him. Ronnie was having a wonderful summer with Will, but the rocks shook when she found that her father has cancer, and has only months to live.

Sparks brings us a deeply moving story of love and pain, writes brilliantly about a young girl's first love and her love-hate relationship with her father. It was a exceptionally well crafted story, I was so moved that I'd actually cried several times when I was reading the book.

Starlet Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth take on the duty as cover models. Oh, so sweet!

Ratings : 4 stars

For more info about the book or author, please click here

For more info about the movie, please click here 

Book Blogger Hop

This is my first time at  Book Blogger Hop . Book Blogger Hop is a place just for book bloggers and readers to connect and share our love of the written word!  This weekly BOOK PARTY is an awesome opportunity for book bloggers to connect with other book lovers, make new friends, support each other, 

and generally just share our love of books!  It will also give blog readers a chance to find other 

book blogs to read!

 

To answer the question : (Oct 22-25) " Where is your favorite place to read? Curled up on the sofa, in bed, in the garden?"

 I like to curl up on the sofa when I read. Sometimes I' ll even lie on the floor (but I will fall asleep when I do this).

To answer the question (Oct 29-Nov 1) "What is the one bookish thing you would love to have, no matter the cost?"
 I will kill (not really) to have a room where all the walls are filled with books, and a glass window on the top of the room so that I can stargaze when I'm done reading.

Rebiew : HOW TO BE POPULAR by Meg Cabot

How To Be Popular starts in the voice of high school student Stephanie Landry. An accident that occurred five years ago involving cherry Super Big Gulp marked her destiny to be unpopular until now. But poor Steph's life is about to change when she found an old book " How To Be Popular". And so she strikes, gaining popularity while getting the attention of the the school's most popular guy. In the end, she realizes that being popular is not all, but being true to yourself is.

Cabot's work is delightfully funny and enjoyable, highlighting what most teenagers want today-to be in the "It Crowd". The plot is set in a decent pace, slowly unfolding Steph's unknown feelings for best friend, Jason. Cabot writes about friendship, loyalty, being true to yourself and a very bitchy popular girl in the book. If you like teenage drama, this is a book you will love.

When I saw it on the racks, I have to buy it, even if I have to beg. The cover is simple, but the story is great.

Ratings : 3.5 stars

 For more info about the book or author, please click here

Teaser Tuesdays

Welcome to my post for Teaser Tuesdays, it  is a weekly bookish meme, 

hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

Teaser from My Sister's Keeper, by Jodi Picoult (19/10)

 " In the end though, I did not kill my sister. She did it all on her own. 

Or at least this is what I told myself. "

Teaser from Beautiful Darkness, by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl. (26/10)

" I was in the Great Barrier, between universes,and for one second I didn't feel like a Caster or Mortal. All I felt was magic. "

Review: THE LAST LECTURE by Randy Pausch

The Last Lecture is a book written by a dying professor named Randy Pausch. He writes about the lessons he learnt, such as be brave to chase your dreams and never be afraid to ask.

Pausch writes in his own language, bringing you to tears in some parts and makes you nod in other. You will benefit from this book, whether you're 16 or 60. Most of all, this is a book of love, written for Pausch's 3 children and his wife.

The cover is definitely cute, and I couldn't say why I'd picked this book because I don't! My mama did!

Ratings : 4 stars

If you want more info about the author or the book, please click here

Review: FROSTBITE by Richelle Mead

The sequel continues in the voice of Rose. This time, she's going to take her Qualifier when she and Dimitri discovered that a house of Morois were killed with the help of humans. Concerned about the Morois' safety, the whole Academy was to take their vacation at a ski lounge where Rose met Adrian Idashkov, another Spirit user. Another murder occurred and Rose's friends, Mia, Eddie, Mason went to kill the Strigois and Rose and Christian Ozera (Lissa's boyfriend) followed. They killed some Strigois, but Mason was sacrificed in the process.

Mead did a good job of  Frost Bite, she continued to build on the characters of Vampire Academy. The story was set in a decent pace, not boring anyone, with a few unexpected twists. Just like Vampire Academy, the story leaves you wanting for more.

The cover yells : Frost Bite!

Ratings : 4 stars

For more info about the book or author, please click here

For an interview with the author on Spine Breakers, click here

Review: VAMPIRE ACADEMY by Richelle Mead

The book starts in Rosemarie Hathaway's voice.She was a dhampir, best friend of royal Moroi,Vasilisa Dragomir. The two best buds were sent back to the Academy after two years of running. At the Academy, Rose formed a bond with badass Guardian Dimitri Belikov, plus learning more about Lissa's ability to control Spirit. But when Victor Dashkov kidnapped Lissa, Rose and Dimitri were forced to confront their feelings towards each other and rescue Lissa together.

Vampire Academy is a fresh YA novel regarding vampires. What's so different about this book is that Mead builds her story around folklore -  dhampirs, Morois, Strigois and Guardians. Mead sculpts Rose as a tough, witty heroin with an always ready comeback. The action packed story haven't any lack of humorous moments, though it has its fair share of tense moments. Rose's friendship with Lissa, and most of all, Rose's relationship with Dimitri will make you hungry for the sequel.

The beautiful girl makes a good portrayal of Rose, though I think her hair should be darker.

Ratings : 4 stars 

For more info about the book or author, please click here 

For an interview with the author at Spine Breakers, please click here 

Review: MOCKINGJAY by Suzanne Collins

Katniss has survived the Capitol for the third time. Now she's at District 13, with her friends and family, and a whole lot of scars and heartache. She thought she had freedom, but District 13 were only using her to take down the Capitol. When the Capitol sent a destroyed Peeta home, Katniss broke down. Then they attacked the Capitol, and finally the Capitol was taken down. Katniss finally had her own life, though sore and broken.

The highly anticipated end to the Hunger Games trilogy doesn't disappoints. Collins continue to build suspense and action, giving you this page turner. The ending though, leaves both Katniss and the readers crying and smiling. Thumbs up for Collins.

The cover is fiery red, selling the image of girl on fire, Katniss. Simple and nice, but I couldn't say I fell in love with it on first sight.

Ratings : 4.5 stars

For more info about the book or author, please click here

Review: CATCHING FIRE by Suzanne Collins

Katniss Everdeen had escaped the Hunger Games once, and now she's to save herself from the Capitol's wrath. Now the Capitol's held a new Game, requiring two of the former Hunger Games winner from each district to participate. Last time Peeta was to sacrifice himself for Katniss, but this time Katniss wanted to save him. They continue to play their star crossed lovers' part and form allies with a few of the former winners. But Katniss was seperated with Peeta when a blow went off and hot Katniss unconscious.

Collins did a great job, as usual, and had me reading the book for several hours non-stop. The suspense was thick and actions incredible. A lively portrayal of survival and a cliff hanger at the end of the book. Perfect!

The cover of my version of paperback is light colored with a mockingjay at the front. Plain, but eye catching nontheless.

Ratings : 4.5 stars

 For more info about the book or author, click here

Review : THE HUNGER GAMES by Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games is set in the perspective of  Katniss Everdeen, the main character of the book. The story took place at North America, where the Capitol holds the Hunger Games every year, choosing 24 contestants from 12 districts, the only rule is you lose, you die, and only one is to be the winner. 16-year-old Katniss from District 12 was chosen, along with Peeta Mellark. They were shipped to the arena, fighting to survive. Survival was second nature to Katniss, but she still couldn.t escape the terrible aftermath of killing people and seeing people getting killed. During the games, Katniss teamed up with wounded Peeta and played the part of two star crossed lovers. Finally, when it was down to the two of them, Katniss took two poisonous berries out, one for Peeta and one for her. The capitol lets two of them off of the hook, knowing that the games had to have a winner.

The Hunger Games is a breathtaking thriller that will keep you awake in the night. The plot is fast and thrilling, going from one scene to another. Collins' writing fully conveys the life and feelings of the 16-year-old Katniss. As Stephen King had said " Constant suspense and couldn't stop reading. "

The cover is in line with the adventurous story within.

Ratings : 4.5 stars

For more info about the book or author, click here

Review : BRIGHID'S QUEST by P.C Cast

The story happens three months after Cuchulainn leaving MacCallen Castle. Brighid, a centaur with High Shaman's blood in her veins, went to the Wasteland to bring back Cuchulainn. When she arrived, she found nothing as expected. The New Fomorians were lively and joyous, no trace of  darkness lurking inside them, but Cuchulainn's soul was shattered, wandering in the Spirit Realm.  So Brighid, Cuchulainn and the New Fomorians began a journey back to Partholon. Along the journey, Brighid and Cuchulainn had bonded, and developed a love they'd never acknowledge. Brighid's sister, Niam, brought a message that their mother had died of  one of the MacCallen soldiers' trap, and their brother was about to wage a war against them. Along with Cuchulainn, Brighid went to Centaur Plains. After overcoming a few obstacles, Brighid finally found who she is.

Brighid's Quest is the sequel to Elphame's Choice. It tells the story of Brighid, how she faced difficulties and choices, and found love along the way. Cast portrayed Brighid as a strong, stunning centaur, running away from her corrupted mother. In the core, Brighid's Quest has the same theme as Elphame's Choice- finding yourself. To me, the language was lively and colorful, fully describing the struggles and choices the characters faced. Perfect for fantasy and romance lovers.
* Mature reader required

The cover is a eye catcher, definitely! Love it!

Rating : 4 stars

 For more info about the book or author, please click here

Review : ELPHAME'S CHOICE by P.C Cast

The story took place in Partholon, where magic and miracle happens. Elphame, a young maiden whose lower body was fashioned like a centaur, went to rebuild MacCallen Castle, her ancestor’s living place. There, she found her ability to connect with stones, loads of followers, Dhianna Herd’s Brighid, and a sense of belonging. In a hunt, Elphame injured herself, and was bleeding to death, until a winged man with talons stopped her bleeding. The winged man was Lochlan, and he was a New Fomorian from the Wasteland beyond the mountains. Regardless of his dark heritage, Elphame sworn herself to Lochlan and him her. Elphame, MacCallen’s chieftain, had found love, so does Cuchulainn. He had won over little Brenna, a Healer who was scarred. Elphame cut her own wrist to let Lochlan’s tainted blood to flow in her veins to save the New Foorians. After that, the people at MacCallen Castle were learning to accept Lochlan, while broken hearted Cuchulainn went to the Wasteland to bring back the other Fomorian hybrids.

Elphame's Choice is a good read about choices and struggles. Cast's words crafted Partholon as a lively, serene place. Descriptions of scenes were solid and colorful, thus making the reading enjoyable. The book reveals how main character of the book, Elphame struggled to find a sense of belonging  She brought herself to MacCallen Castle, and finally found what she's been craving for. And she's not the only one to find her desires, Brenna, a scarred maiden found belonging and , yes, love at MacCallen Castle. Brighid, a centaur also went to MacCallen to find a place she would be accepted. The story also reveals Lochlan's struggles of whether or not to fulfill the Prophecy to save his people. As the plot builds, the author threw in an unexpected twist when Elphame cut her wrist to save the New Fomorians. The New Fomorians were saved, and Elphame had finally found what she's looking for- belonging and love. It's a lovely story of finding yourself, and about sacrifices and love.
 * Mature readers required

The cover portrays Elphame perfectly, though it isn't what I'd  expect after reading the book.

Ratings : 4 stars

For more info about the book or author, please click here

Self Intro

Hi everyone! I’m Jezebel, call me Jez. Thanks for reading my blog. I live in a small small country, 03°09'N 101°41'E.

Please forgive me if :<div class="MsoNormal">
- I made any grammatical /spelling mistakes ( my English still needs a lot of improvement)

- the books I reviewed isn't up to date
- my blog is too monotonous and dull

Please send me a mail at jezbookcase@hotmail.com if :
- you have any comment or suggestions
- you have any book to recommend
- you're bored

Lastly, I hope you
- have a nice read
- find the book you're looking for

Sincerely,

Jez